Thomas Nelson - Extreme Teen Study Bible, NKJV. Real Faith For Real Life-Thomas Nelson (2012)
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Study Bible
Real Faith for Real Life
New King James Version ®
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Extreme Teen Study Bible
Copyright © 2001, 2006, 2012 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
The text of the New King James Version (NKJV) may be quoted or reprinted with-
out prior written permission with the following qualifications:
(1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as
the verses quoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible
and make up less than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted;
(2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text.
Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgment as follows:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982
by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins,
orders of service, Sunday School lessons, church newsletters and similar works
in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other
religious assembly, the following notice may be used at the end of each quotation:
“NKJV.”
For quotation requests not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas
Nelson Publishers, Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville,
TN 37214-1000.
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 — 18 17 16 15 14 13 12
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Contents
Welcome to the Extreme Teen Study Bible . . . . . . . . . . v
Preface to the New King James Version . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Quick Reference Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
The Old Testament
Book Abbreviation Page
Genesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Exodus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Leviticus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lev.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Num.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Deuteronomy. . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Joshua. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judg.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Ruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
1 Samuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sam.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
2 Samuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sam.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
1 Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
2 Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
1 Chronicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
2 Chronicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511
Ezra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 554
Nehemiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
Esther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590
Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
Psalms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
Proverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prov.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 773
Ecclesiastes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eccl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822
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CONTENTS CONTENTS iv
Book Abbreviation Page
Song of Solomon. . . . . . . . . . Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 841
Isaiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Is.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850
Jeremiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 939
Lamentations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1016
Ezekiel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1026
Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1087
Hosea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1110
Joel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1126
Amos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amos. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1133
Obadiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obad.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1145
Jonah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1149
Micah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mic.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1155
Nahum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1166
Habakkuk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1171
Zephaniah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zeph.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1178
Haggai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1185
Zechariah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zech.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1189
Malachi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mal.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1206
The New Testament
Matthew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1217
Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1270
Luke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1308
John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1357
Acts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1401
Romans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1445
1 Corinthians. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1475
2 Corinthians. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1499
Galatians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gal.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1517
Ephesians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eph.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1529
Philippians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1543
Colossians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Col.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1553
1 Thessalonians. . . . . . . . . . 1 Thess. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1565
2 Thessalonians. . . . . . . . . . 2 Thess. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1573
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v CONTENTS vCONTENTS
Book Abbreviation Page
1 Timothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Tim.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1578
2 Timothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tim.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1587
Titus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Titus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1596
Philemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philem. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1601
Hebrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1605
James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1628
1 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Pet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1639
2 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1648
1 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1655
2 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1665
3 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1667
Jude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jude . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1669
Revelation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1672
Reading Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1697
Making It Real Topical Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1705
Profiles Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1715
Words to Live By Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1716
Life and World Apps Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1720
Real Truth Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1723
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Welcome
Extreme Teen Study Bible: Introduction
This is a Book of real risk-takers
This Bible is about radical devotion and revolutionary people. It is a Book that God
breathed into the hearts and minds of people who were grappling with life and rising to
the challenge of faith in the extreme.
The stories were written by and about dreamers and risk-takers—people who bet
their lives on what they could only see through faith. They were people who took a
chance on God and dared to believe that this world we live in is a virtual world compared
to the reality of who God is and how He wants to connect with us.
They didn’t pretty-up their lives. They told the truth when it was raw. They admitted
their mistakes. God inspired a Book that reveals life with all its problems and all of hu-
mankind’s frailties. He gave us a picture of the out-on-a-limb life that is the life of faith.
This Book is about a real Revolutionary
This whole Bible is really about God connecting to us through Jesus Christ. The Old
Testament is the story of Jesus’ ancestors and how they lived their lives while waiting
for the Messiah to come. The New Testament is about Jesus’ life and the universal shock
waves from His death and resurrection.
Jesus was all-the-way man and all-the-way God. He was the truest revolutionary of
all time. He wasn’t afraid to blast the hypocritical religious leaders or to cry when His
friend died. He lived through a life just like ours with its frustrations and hard times to
do something no one else has done: die as a sacrifice for our sins. The truth He spoke and
the fact that He beat death turned the world upside down.
What makes reading the Bible a challenge?
It was written for a different culture.
That’s why some of the concepts and behaviors seem foreign to us. We have to
figure out the feelings and convictions behind those concepts and behaviors and
how they might work today.
It was translated from a different language.
That’s why there are so many versions, or translations. As our language changes
we interpret the original Bible into our language again and again.
It was written in a different time.
That means different customs and attitudes. That means different names for the
same things. That means understanding how faith worked in that time and from
that figuring out how it should work today.
All of this means that we have to work a little harder to translate what the Bible
says into our day and time. That’s why we need extra notes and Bible helps. So take
the plunge into all the great stuff packed into this Bible. It’s worth it.
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vii WELCOME WELCOME
This Bible is a survival guide
The Bible is a lot of books strapped together. They are inspired by God but written by
all kinds of different people in all kinds of different circumstances and for all kinds of
different reasons. These people weren’t setting out to write a book of the Bible. They
were facing life and surviving as best they could. Their stories teach us to survive as well
by God’s power. Because God inspired them, they’re 100 percent accurate and reliable.
Some of these books are stories—relaying of events. Some of them are poetry. Some
of them are song lyrics. Some are sermons. Some are biographies. Others are letters of
introduction. One is a letter of recommendation. Another is a thank you note. Some
books were written to show God’s presence in history. One book is a passionate love
song. Another is a health manual and a textbook for priests. Still another is a war saga.
Several are heated letters written to set somebody straight. A few of them are visions of
the future.
When you read the Bible, any part of it, understand the big picture. Understand why
that book was written, what that writer was trying to accomplish. What were the people
involved struggling with? What were they trying to make sense of ? Each book has an
Introduction written specifically to help answer these kinds of questions.
There are other special features to help you get as deep inside the Bible as you can:
Character profiles give you the inside info about specific people who stood a head
above the rest to change their world.
World App and Life App articles help you examine real-world issues from a biblical
perspective.
What’s It Mean? serves up bite-sized notes about specific words or phrases in the
Bible that may not be as obvious today as they were in Bible times.
God’s Promises focus on the hundreds of reasons in Scripture that you can always
count on Him.
Make It Real articles help you apply what you’re reading to your own life, and the
Real Faith Index in the back of this Bible lists these features by subject and provides
each note’s page number.
The Quick Reference Finder is the place to turn when you need to find God’s an-
swers to your questions.
Three different Bible-reading plans in the back give you suggestions for what to
read every day to cover the Bible in a year.
It’s all here—truth, inspiration, bottom-line actual reality. It’s time to get real! Are
you up for the challenge?
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Preface to the
New King James
Version®
Purpose
I n the preface to the 1611 edition, the translators of the Authorized Version, known
popularly as the King James Bible, state that it was not their purpose “to make a new
translation . . . but to make a good one better.” Indebted to the earlier work of William
Tyndale and others, they saw their best contribution to consist in revising and enhanc-
ing the excellence of the English versions which had sprung from the Reformation of the
sixteenth century. In harmony with the purpose of the King James scholars, the transla-
tors and editors of the present work have not pursued a goal of innovation. They have
perceived the Holy Bible, New King James Version, as a continuation of the labors of the
earlier translators, thus unlocking for today’s readers the spiritual treasures found espe-
cially in the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures.
A Living Legacy
For nearly four hundred years, and throughout several revisions of its English form, the
King James Bible has been deeply revered among the English-speaking peoples of the
world. The precision of translation for which it is historically renowned, and its majesty
of style, have enabled that monumental version of the word of God to become the main-
spring of the religion, language, and legal foundations of our civilization.
Although the Elizabethan period and our own era share in zeal for technical advance,
the former period was more aggressively devoted to classical learning. Along with this
awakened concern for the classics came a flourishing companion interest in the Scrip-
tures, an interest that was enlivened by the conviction that the manuscripts were provi-
dentially handed down and were a trustworthy record of the inspired Word of God. The
King James translators were committed to producing an English Bible that would be a
precise translation, and by no means a paraphrase or a broadly approximate rendering.
On the one hand, the scholars were almost as familiar with the original languages of the
Bible as with their native English. On the other hand, their reverence for the divine Author
and His Word assured a translation of the Scriptures in which only a principle of utmost
accuracy could be accepted.
In 1786 Catholic scholar Alexander Geddes said of the King James Bible, “If accuracy
and strictest attention to the letter of the text be supposed to constitute an excellent ver-
sion, this is of all versions the most excellent.” George Bernard Shaw became a literary
legend in our century because of his severe and often humorous criticisms of our most
cherished values. Surprisingly, however, Shaw pays the following tribute to the scholars
commissioned by King James: “The translation was extraordinarily well done because to
the translators what they were translating was not merely a curious collection of ancient
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ix Preface to the New King James Version
books written by different authors in different stages of culture, but the Word of God di-
vinely revealed through His chosen and expressly inspired scribes. In this conviction they
carried out their work with boundless reverence and care and achieved a beautifully ar-
tistic result.” History agrees with these estimates. Therefore, while seeking to unveil the
excellent form of the traditional English Bible, special care has also been taken in the pres-
ent edition to preserve the work of precision which is the legacy of the 1611 translators.
Complete Equivalence in Translation
Where new translation has been necessary in the New King James Version, the most
complete representation of the original has been rendered by considering the history of
usage and etymology of words in their contexts. This principle of complete equivalence
seeks to preserve all of the information in the text, while presenting it in good literary
form. Dynamic equivalence, a recent procedure in Bible translation, commonly results in
paraphrasing where a more literal rendering is needed to reflect a specific and vital sense.
For example, complete equivalence truly renders the original text in expressions such as
“lifted her voice and wept” (Gen. 21:16); “I gave you cleanness of teeth” (Amos 4:6); “Jesus
met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ ” (Matt. 28:9); and “Woman, what does your concern have to
do with Me?” (John 2:4). Complete equivalence translates fully, in order to provide an Eng-
lish text that is both accurate and readable.
In keeping with the principle of complete equivalence, it is the policy to translate in-
terjections which are commonly omitted in modern language renderings of the Bible. As
an example, the interjection behold, in the older King James editions, continues to have a
place in English usage, especially in dramatically calling attention to a spectacular scene,
or an event of profound importance such as the Immanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. Conse-
quently, behold is retained for these occasions in the present edition. However, the Hebrew
and Greek originals for this word can be translated variously, depending on the circum-
stances in the passage. Therefore, in addition to behold, words such as indeed, look, see,
and surely are also rendered to convey the appropriate sense suggested by the context in
each case.
In faithfulness to God and to our readers, it was deemed appropriate that all participat-
ing scholars sign a statement affirming their belief in the verbal and plenary inspiration of
Scripture, and in the inerrancy of the original autographs.
Devotional Quality
The King James scholars readily appreciated the intrinsic beauty of divine revelation. They
accordingly disciplined their talents to render well-chosen English words of their time, as
well as a graceful, often musical arrangement of language, which has stirred the hearts of
Bible readers through the years. The translators, the committees, and the editors of the
present edition, while sensitive to the late-twentieth-century English idiom, and while ad-
hering faithfully to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, have sought to maintain those
lyrical and devotional qualities that are so highly regarded in the Authorized Version. This
devotional quality is especially apparent in the poetic and prophetic books, although even
the relatively plain style of the Gospels and Epistles cannot strictly be likened, as some-
times suggested, to modern newspaper style. The Koine Greek of the New Testament is
influenced by the Hebrew background of the writers, for whom even the gospel narratives
were not merely flat utterance, but often sung in various degrees of rhythm.
The Style
Students of the Bible applaud the timeless devotional character of our historic Bible. Yet it
is also universally understood that our language, like all living languages, has undergone
profound change since 1611. Subsequent revisions of the King James Bible have sought
to keep abreast of changes in English speech. The present work is a further step toward
this objective. Where obsolescence and other reading difficulties exist, present-day vo-
cabulary, punctuation, and grammar have been carefully integrated. Words representing
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Preface to the New King James Version x
ancient objects, such as chariot and phylactery, have no modern substitutes and are there-
fore retained.
A special feature of the New King James Version is its conformity to the thought flow
of the 1611 Bible. The reader discovers that the sequence and selection of words, phrases,
and clauses of the new edition, while much clearer, are so close to the traditional that
there is remarkable ease in listening to the reading of either edition while following with
the other.
In the discipline of translating biblical and other ancient languages, a standard method
of transliteration, that is, the English spelling of untranslated words, such as names of
persons and places, has never been commonly adopted. In keeping with the design of the
present work, the King James spelling of untranslated words is retained, although made
uniform throughout. For example, instead of the spellings Isaiah and Elijah in the Old Tes-
tament, and Esaias and Elias in the New Testament, Isaiah and Elijah now appear in both
Testaments.
King James doctrinal and theological terms, for example, propitiation, justification, and
sanctification, are generally familiar to English-speaking peoples. Such terms have been
retained except where the original language indicates need for a more precise translation.
Readers of the Authorized Version will immediately be struck by the absence of sev-
eral pronouns: thee, thou, and ye are replaced by the simple you, while, your and yours are
substituted for thy and thine as applicable. Thee, thou, thy, and thine were once forms of
address to express a special relationship to human as well as divine persons. These pro-
nouns are no longer part of our language. However, reverence for God in the present work
is preserved by capitalizing pronouns, including You, Your, and Yours, which refer to Him.
Additionally, capitalization of these pronouns benefits the reader by clearly distinguish-
ing divine and human persons referred to in a passage. Without such capitalization the
distinction is often obscure, because the antecedent of a pronoun is not always clear in
the English translation.
In addition to the pronoun usages of the seventeenth century, the -eth and -est verb end-
ings, so familiar in the earlier King James editions, are now obsolete. Unless a speaker is
schooled in these verb endings, there is common difficulty in selecting the correct form to
be used with a given subject of the verb in vocal prayer. That is, should we use love, loveth,
or lovest? do, doeth, doest, or dost? have, hath, or hast? Because these forms are obsolete,
contemporary English usage has been substituted for the previous verb endings.
In older editions of the King James Version, the frequency of the connective and far
exceeded the limits of present English usage. Also, biblical linguists agree that the Hebrew
and Greek original words for this conjunction may commonly be translated otherwise,
depending on the immediate context. Therefore, instead of and, alternatives such as also,
but, however, now, so, then, and thus are accordingly rendered in the present edition, when
the original language permits.
The real character of the Authorized Version does not reside in its archaic pronouns
or verbs or other grammatical forms of the seventeenth century, but rather in the care
taken by its scholars to impart the letter and spirit of the original text in a majestic and
reverent style.
The Format
The format of the New King James Version is designed to enhance the vividness and devo-
tional quality of the Holy Scriptures:
• Subject headings assist the reader to identify topics and transitions in the biblical
content.
• Words or phrases in italics indicate expressions in the original language which re-
quire clarification by additional English words, as also done throughout the history
of the King James Bible.
• Verse numbers within a paragraph are easily distinguishable.
• Oblique type in the New Testament indicates a quotation from the Old Testament.
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xi Preface to the New King James Version
• Prose is divided into paragraphs to indicate the structure of thought.
• Poetry is structured as contemporary verse to reflect the poetic form and beauty of
the passage in the original language.
• The covenant name of God was usually translated from the Hebrew as “Lord” or
“God” (using capital letters as shown) in the King James Old Testament. This tradi-
tion is maintained. In the present edition the name is so capitalized whenever the
covenant name is quoted in the New Testament from a passage in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament Text
The Hebrew Bible has come down to us through the scrupulous care of ancient scribes
who copied the original text in successive generations. By the sixth century A.D. the
scribes were succeeded by a group known as the Masoretes, who continued to preserve
the sacred Scriptures for another five hundred years in a form known as the Masoretic
Text. Babylonia, Palestine, and Tiberias were the main centers of Masoretic activity; but
by the tenth century A.D. the Masoretes of Tiberias, led by the family of ben Asher, gained
the ascendancy. Through subsequent editions, the ben Asher text became in the twelfth
century the only recognized form of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Daniel Bomberg printed the first Rabbinic Bible in 1516–17; that work was followed in
1524–25 by a second edition prepared by Jacob ben Chayyim and also published by Bom-
berg. The text of ben Chayyim was adopted in most subsequent Hebrew Bibles, including
those used by the King James translators. The ben Chayyim text was also used for the
first two editions of Rudolph Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica of 1906 and 1912. In 1937 Paul Kahle
published a third edition of Biblia Hebraica. This edition was based on the oldest dated
manuscript of the ben Asher text, the Leningrad Manuscript B19a (A.D. 1008), which
Kahle regarded as superior to that used by ben Chayyim.
For the New King James Version the text used was the 1967/1977 Stuttgart edition of
the Biblia Hebraica, with frequent comparisons being made with the Bomberg edition
of 1524–25. The Septuagint (Greek) Version of the Old Testament and the Latin Vulgate
also were consulted. In addition to referring to a variety of ancient versions of the Hebrew
Scriptures, the New King James Version draws on the resources of relevant manuscripts
from the Dead Sea caves. In the few places where the Hebrew was so obscure that the 1611
King James was compelled to follow one of the versions, but where information is now
available to resolve the problems, the New King James Version follows the Hebrew text.
The New Testament Text
There is more manuscript support for the New Testament than for any other body of
ancient literature. Over five thousand Greek, eight thousand Latin, and many more manu-
scripts in other languages attest the integrity of the New Testament. There is only one
basic New Testament used by Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox, by conserva-
tives and liberals. Minor variations in hand copying have appeared through the centuries,
before mechanical printing began about A.D. 1450.
Some variations exist in the spelling of Greek words, in word order, and in similar de-
tails. These ordinarily do not show up in translation and do not affect the sense of the text
in any way.
Other manuscript differences such as omission or inclusion of a word or a clause, and
two paragraphs in the Gospels, should not overshadow the overwhelming degree of agree-
ment which exists among the ancient records. Bible readers may be assured that the most
important differences in English New Testaments of today are due, not to manuscript di-
vergence, but to the way in which translators view the task of translation: How literally
should the text be rendered? How does the translator view the matter of biblical inspi-
ration? Does the translator adopt a paraphrase when a literal rendering would be quite
clear and more to the point? The New King James Version follows the historic precedent of
the Authorized Version in maintaining a literal approach to translation, except where the
idiom of the original language cannot be translated directly into our tongue.
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Preface to the New King James Version xii
The King James New Testament was based on the traditional text of the Greek-speaking
churches, first published in 1516, and later called the Textus Receptus or Received Text.
Although based on the relatively few available manuscripts, these were representative
of many more which existed at the time but only became known later. In the late nine-
teenth century, B. Westcott and F. Hort taught that this text had been officially edited by
the fourth-century church, but a total lack of historical evidence for this event has forced
a revision of the theory. It is now widely held that the Byzantine Text that largely sup-
ports the Textus Receptus has as much right as the Alexandrian or any other tradition to
be weighed in determining the text of the New Testament. Those readings in the Textus
Receptus which have weak support are indicated in the side reference column as being
opposed by both Critical and Majority Texts (see “Popup Notes”).
Since the 1880s most contemporary translations of the New Testament have relied
upon a relatively few manuscripts discovered chiefly in the late nineteenth and early twen-
tieth centuries. Such translations depend primarily on two manuscripts, Codex Vaticanus
and Codex Sinaiticus, because of their greater age. The Greek text obtained by using these
sources and the related papyri (our most ancient manuscripts) is known as the Alexan-
drian Text. However, some scholars have grounds for doubting the faithfulness of Vati-
canus and Sinaiticus, since they often disagree with one another, and Sinaiticus exhibits
excessive omission.
A third viewpoint of New Testament scholarship holds that the best text is based on the
consensus of the majority of existing Greek manuscripts. This text is called the Majority
Text. Most of these manuscripts are in substantial agreement. Even though many are late,
and none is earlier than the fifth century, usually their readings are verified by papyri,
ancient versions, quotations from the early church fathers, or a combination of these. The
Majority Text is similar to the Textus Receptus, but it corrects those readings which have
little or no support in the Greek manuscript tradition.
Today, scholars agree that the science of New Testament textual criticism is in a state
of flux. Very few scholars still favor the Textus Receptus as such, and then often for its
historical prestige as the text of Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, and the King James Version. For
about a century most have followed a Critical Text (so called because it is edited according
to specific principles of textual criticism) which depends heavily upon the Alexandrian
type of text. More recently many have abandoned this Critical Text (which is quite similar
to the one edited by Westcott and Hort) for one that is more eclectic. Finally, a small but
growing number of scholars prefer the Majority Text, which is close to the traditional text
except in the Revelation.
In light of these facts, and also because the New King James Version is the fifth revision
of a historic document translated from specific Greek texts, the editors decided to retain
the traditional text in the body of the New Testament and to indicate major Critical and
Majority Text variant readings in the popup notes. Although these variations are duly in-
dicated in the popup notes of the present edition, it is most important to emphasize that
fully eighty-five percent of the New Testament text is the same in the Textus Receptus, the
Alexandrian Text, and the Majority Text.
New King James Translators’ Notes
Significant explanatory notes, alternate translations, and cross-references, as well as New
Testament citations of Old Testament passages, are supplied.
Important textual variants in the Old Testament are identified in a standard form.
The textual notes in the present edition of the New Testament make no evaluation of
readings, but do clearly indicate the manuscript sources of readings. They objectively
present facts without such tendentious remarks as “the best manuscripts omit” or “the
most reliable manuscripts read.” Such notes are value judgments that differ according to
varying viewpoints on the text. By giving a clearly defined set of variants the New King
James Version benefits readers of all textual persuasions.
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xiii Preface to the New King James Version
Where significant variations occur in the New Testament Greek manuscripts, textual
notes are classified as follows:
NU-Text
These variations from the traditional text generally represent the Alexandrian or Egyp-
tian type of text described previously in “The New Testament Text.” They are found in
the Critical Text published in the twenty-seventh edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New
Testament (N) and in the United Bible Societies’ fourth edition (U), hence the acronym,
“NU-Text.”
M-Text
This symbol indicates points of variation in the Majority Text from the traditional text, as
also previously discussed in “The New Testament Text.” It should be noted that M stands
for whatever reading is printed in the published Greek New Testament According to the Ma-
jority Text, whether supported by overwhelming, strong, or only a divided majority textual
tradition.
The textual notes reflect the scholarship of the past 150 years and will assist the reader
to observe the variations between the different manuscript traditions of the New Testa-
ment. Such information is generally not available in English translations of the New Testa-
ment.
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Quick Reference Finder
Abortion
DOES GOD CARE FOR THE UNBORN?
Exodus 21:22–25
WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT KILLING CHILDREN?
2 Chronicles 33:6
HOW DOES GOD VIEW ALL CHILDREN?
Psalm 127:3–5
ARE CHILDREN FORMED BY CHANCE?
Psalm 139:13–16
DOES GOD KNOW THE UNBORN BY NAME?
Isaiah 49:1
WHAT DOES GOD KNOW ABOUT US BEFORE WE’RE BORN?
Jeremiah 1:5
Abuse
SHOULD WE PROTECT THOSE IN PHYSICAL DANGER?
2 Kings 11:1–3
Advice
WHERE SHOULD WE TURN FOR ADVICE?
Joshua 3:9
Angels
DO ANGELS WORK AMONG PEOPLE?
Genesis 32:1
WHO CARRIES OUT GOD’S JUDGMENT?
2 Samuel 24:16, 17
WHO DO ANGELS PRAISE?
Psalm 148:1, 2
WHAT DO SOME ANGELS LOOK LIKE?
Isaiah 6:2
DO ANGELS GET MARRIED?
Matthew 22:30
CAN ANGELS DIE?
Luke 20:36
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xv QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER
WHO WILL JUDGE THE ANGELS?
1 Corinthians 6:3
HOW DO ANGELS HELP CHRISTIANS?
Hebrews 1:14
Anger
HOW DID JESUS FEEL AND EXPRESS RIGHTEOUS ANGER?
John 2:13–17
Assurance
DOES GOD ALWAYS CARE FOR HIS CHILDREN?
Psalm 37:23, 24
HOW LONG DO GOD’S PROMISES LAST?
Jeremiah 32:40, 41
WHERE DO WE FIND ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE?
Luke 18:18–30
WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS ASSURED OF?
John 5:24
Attitude
WHAT AFFECT DOES A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE HAVE ON LIFE?
Numbers 14:1–4
CAN WE CONTROL OUR REACTIONS AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO OTHERS?
Ephesians 4:26–32
HOW CAN GOD’S PEOPLE MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD?
Philippians 2:14, 15
Authority
DO LAWS HELP US LIVE RIGHTLY?
Judges 21:25
FROM WHOM DO THOSE IN AUTHORITY RECEIVE THEIR RIGHT TO RULE?
Romans 13:1, 2
Baptism
WHY ARE CHRISTIANS BAPTISED?
Colossians 2:11–13
Belief
WHAT SHOULD ACCOMPANY BELIEF IN GOD?
Deuteronomy 27:9, 10
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE REJECT GOD?
1 Samuel 15:26
Bible
WHY SHOULD WE OBEY THE BIBLE?
Joshua 23:6
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QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER xvi
IS THE BIBLE TRUSTWORTHY?
2 Samuel 22:29–31
HOW HARD SHOULD WE TRY TO OBEY THE BIBLE?
2 Chronicles 34:31
IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE OTHERS HELP US UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?
Nehemiah 8:8
WHERE DID THE BIBLE COME FROM?
Nehemiah 9:14
WHAT CAN WE GAIN BY KNOWING THE BIBLE?
Psalm 119:97–100
IS GOD’S WORD RELIABLE?
Ezekiel 36:36
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REVEAL?
Acts 18:28
WHY DID GOD GIVE US THE BIBLE?
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
Blessing
WHAT TYPE OF LIFE DOES GOD BLESS?
Leviticus 26:3–5
WHAT ATTITUDE WILL OPEN A FLOW OF BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE?
2 Chronicles 7:14
WHAT IS THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Psalm 5:12
WHAT ATTITUDE TOWARD GOD WILL LEAD TO BLESSING?
Psalm 24:3–6
WHAT BRINGS US BLESSING?
James 1:25
Burdens
HOW CAN WE STAND STRONG WHEN WE ARE BURDENED?
Psalm 55:22
Caring
DOES GOD CARE FOR NEEDY PEOPLE?
Psalm 68:5
ARE WE RESPONSIBLE TO HELP OTHERS?
Ezekiel 33:1–6
HOW SHOULD WE TREAT OTHERS?
Zechariah 7:9, 10
HOW SHOULD WE TREAT OUR ENEMIES?
Luke 6:27–31
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xvii QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER
SHOULD CHRISTIANS CARE FOR THE NEEDY?
Luke 14:13, 14
Character
WHERE CAN WE GET STRENGTH OF CHARACTER?
Ezekiel 3:8
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT OUR CHARACTER?
Amos 5:24
Comfort
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN COMFORT IS HARD TO GIVE?
2 Samuel 19:7
WHO PROVIDES THE ONLY SURE FOUNDATION FOR OUR LIVES?
Isaiah 28:16
WHAT HAS JESUS OVERCOME?
John 16:33
WHAT IS GOD’S RESPONSE WHEN WE ARE HURTING?
2 Corinthians 1:3–5
Courage
WHY SHOULD WE HAVE COURAGE?
Joshua 1:9
WHERE CAN WE GET COURAGE?
Isaiah 12:2
WHY SHOULD WE BE CONFIDENT?
Haggai 2:4
Cult
HOW DOES GOD FEEL ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WRONGLY CLAIM TO BE SPEAKING FOR HIM?
Deuteronomy 18:20–22
SHOULD WE WORSHIP ANYTHING OR ANYONE BESIDES GOD?
1 Kings 14:21–28
WHAT SHOULD OUR REACTION BE TO FALSE TEACHING AND CULTS?
Psalm 119:127, 128
WHY ARE CULTS DANGEROUS?
Ezekiel 13:3–7
Death
WHO WILL FACE DEATH?
Psalm 89:46–48
SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE AFRAID OF DEATH?
Psalm 116:1–15
WHO HAS POWER OVER DEATH?
John 14:19
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QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER xviii
WHAT DOES SIN EARN US?
Romans 6:23
SHOULD A CHRISTIAN BE AFRAID OF DEATH?
2 Corinthians 5:6–8
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS VIEW THE DEATH OF A BELIEVER?
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS NOT FEAR DEATH?
Hebrews 9:27, 28
Decisions
DO BAD DECISIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES?
Judges 6:1
WHEN IS PEER PRESSURE BAD?
Ezekiel 11:12
Demons
DID JESUS HAVE POWER OVER DEMONS?
Mark 1:34
WHO DO DEMONS SUBMIT TO?
Luke 10:17
IN WHOSE NAME ARE DEMONS CAST OUT?
Acts 16:16–18
DO DEMONS HAVE POWER?
Acts 19:16
WHAT ARE DEMONS?
2 Peter 2:4
Depression
HOW CAN WE OVERCOME DEPRESSION?
Psalm 42:5–11
HOW ARE WE TO RESPOND TO DEPRESSION?
Proverbs 12:25
Devotion
HOW SHOULD WE SHOW OUR DEVOTION TO GOD?
Joshua 24:14
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU BEGIN TO FORGET GOD?
Isaiah 51:12, 13
WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF US?
Micah 6:8
WHAT LIES AHEAD AS WE FOLLOW GOD?
Malachi 3:16–18
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xix QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER
Discipline
DOES GOD CARE ENOUGH TO CORRECT US?
Deuteronomy 8:5
IS GOD’S DISCIPLINE GOOD?
Job 5:17
Discouragement
WHO ENCOURAGES US WITH VICTORIES?
Joshua 8:1
TO WHOM SHOULD WE VOICE OUR CONCERNS?
Psalm 142:1–7
Discrimination
ARE ALL PEOPLE EQUAL IN THE EYES OF GOD?
Galatians 3:26–28
Disobedience
WHERE DOES DISOBEDIENCE START?
Matthew 15:18–20
Drinking
IS DRUNKENESS WRONG?
Isaiah 5:22
HOW CAN BECOMING DRUNK BE UNWISE?
Luke 21:34
IS GETTING DRUNK APPROPRIATE FOR A CHRISTIAN?
Romans 13:11–14
IS DRUNKENNESS WRONG?
Ephesians 5:18
Education
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING CHILDREN?
Deuteronomy 6:1–9
WHAT SHOULD BE THE END RESULT OF LEARNING ABOUT GOD?
Ephesians 4:14, 15
Emotions
WHO IS THE BEST ONE TO TURN TO WHEN WE ARE SAD?
1 Samuel 1:10
SHOULD WE ADMIT OUR TRUE FEELINGS TO GOD?
Nehemiah 1:4
DOES GOD CARE WHEN WE HURT?
Nehemiah 9:27
DID JESUS EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS?
John 11:35
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QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER xx
Encouragement
SHOULD WE STAND STRONG FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP?
Nehemiah 5:7–11
ARE WE EVER HELPLESS?
Habakkuk 3:17–19
IS GOD CLOSE TO HIS PEOPLE?
Zechariah 2:10
WHO IS OUR SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT?
Acts 9:31
Enemies
WHO CAN DEFEAT OUR ENEMIES?
Joshua 10:25
SHOULD WE BE AFRAID OF OUR ENEMIES?
Nehemiah 4:14
HOW CAN WE AVOID MAKING ENEMIES?
Proverbs 17:9
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO THOSE WHO TREAT US BADLY?
Romans 12:14
Envy
RATHER THAN ENVY OTHERS, WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN ORDER TO RECEIVE GOOD THINGS?
Psalm 37:1–4
TO WHAT KIND OF ACTIONS CAN ENVY LEAD?
Acts 7:9
Eternal Life
HOW DO WE GAIN ETERNAL LIFE?
John 3:15, 16
WHO RECEIVES ETERNAL CONDEMNATION?
John 5:28, 29
WHAT KIND OF LIFE DOES JESUS GIVE?
John 11:25
WHERE CAN WE FIND ETERNAL LIFE?
John 14:6
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN’S GREATEST HOPE?
Titus 3:7
Faith
WHAT’S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF FAITH?
2 Kings 4:1–7
HOW STRONG IS EVEN THE SMALLEST FAITH?
Luke 17:6
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xxi QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ABLE TO LIVE FAITHFUL LIVES?
Galatians 2:20
IN WHOM DO CHRISTIANS TRUST AND BELIEVE?
2 Timothy 1:8–12
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF FAITH?
Hebrews 11:1
WHERE DOES FAITH COME FROM?
Hebrews 12:2
Faithfulness
TO WHOM IS GOD FAITHFUL?
Deuteronomy 7:9
Family
WHAT SHOULD THE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY DO FOR EACH OTHER?
Deuteronomy 6:1–9
HOW SHOULD A GODLY FAMILY LOOK?
Joshua 24:15
WHAT’S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF LOYALTY FOR FAMILY?
Ruth 1:16
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO HAVE CHILDREN?
Ruth 4:13
WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT GIVING ALL OUR TIME TO WORK?
1 Kings 5:13, 14
WHAT’S A GOOD LEGACY PARENTS CAN LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN?
1 Chronicles 28:8
WHAT’S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF LOVE FOR FAMILY?
Esther 2:11
CAN CHILDREN BREAK THE CHAIN OF SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE IN A FAMILY?
Ezekiel 18:14–19
CAN A CHRISTIAN’S FAMILY BECOME DIVIDED BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH?
Luke 12:51–53
WHO CAN BE CALLED GOD’S CHILDREN?
John 1:12
Fear
WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE AFRAID?
2 Chronicles 20:15
WHAT IS A HEALTHY FEAR?
Psalm 25:12–15
WHY SHOULD WE NEVER BE AFRAID?
Psalm 27:1
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QUICK REFERENCE FINDER QUICK REFERENCE FINDER xxii
WHY SHOULD WE NEVER BE AFRAID?
Psalm 91:3–10
WHAT KIND OF LIFE WILL LEAD TO A TOTAL LACK OF FEAR?
Psalm 112:4–8
WHO CAN CONQUER OUR FEARS?
Jeremiah 46:27
Following God
HOW SHOULD WE FOLLOW GOD?
Joshua 22:5
WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS LIKE?
Judges 5:31
WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE BE WHEN GOD SPEAKS?
1 Samuel 3:10
DOES OBEDIENCE HAVE A REWARD?
2 Chronicles 7:17, 18
HOW SHOULD WE FOLLOW GOD?
2 Chronicles 15:15
WHO WILL TEACH US TO FOLLOW GOD?
Nehemiah 9:20
HOW SHOULD WE FOLLOW GOD?
Job 23:11, 12
WHAT’S THE HOPE OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON?
Proverbs 10:24, 25
WHERE WILL FOLLOWING GOD LEAD US?
Isaiah 35:10
HOW CAN WE HAVE A CHANGED LIFE?
Ezekiel 11:19, 20
Forgiveness
WHAT QUALITIES ARE A PART OF GOD’S NATURE?
Nehemiah 9:17
WHAT MUST HAPPEN BEFORE WE CAN RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FROM GOD?
Psalm 32:5
DOES GOD ALWAYS FORGIVE US WHEN WE ASK FOR FORGIVENESS?
Psalm 86:5–7
IS GOD’S FORGIVENESS POSSIBLE?
Ezekiel 37:23
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I FORGIVE SOMEONE?
Matthew 18:21–35
WHO CAN RECEIVE FORGIVENESS?
Acts 13:38, 39
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WHOSE EXAMPLE MUST WE FOLLOW IN FORGIVING OTHERS?
Colossians 3:12, 13
Friendship
WHAT’S AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD FRIENDSHIP?
1 Samuel 19:1–7
HOW SHOULD WE CARE FOR OUR FRIENDS?
2 Samuel 19:33
IS IT ALWAYS BEST TO LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS?
2 Chronicles 10:1–14
WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO HELP HURTING FRIENDS?
Job 2:11
CAN STANDING UP FOR A FRIEND MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Jeremiah 26:24
HOW STRONG IS THE LOVE OF A TRUE FRIEND?
John 15:13–15
Future
HOW CAN OUR FUTURE BE BLESSED?
Deuteronomy 5:29
DOES GOD PUT US IN SITUATIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Esther 4:14
IS THE FUTURE OF GOD’S PEOPLE BRIGHT?
Jeremiah 31:6
Giving
WHAT KIND OF ATTITUDE SHOULD WE HAVE WHEN WE GIVE?
Exodus 35:22
IS MONETARY GIVING A MATTER OF PERSONAL CHOICE OR OBEDIENCE?
2 Kings 12:4, 5
HOW ARE CHURCH LEADERS PAID?
2 Chronicles 31:4
WHAT IS THE RESULT OF GIVING TO OTHERS?
Mark 9:41
HOW DOES GIVING AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY?
Acts 2:44–47
WHAT’S BETTER THAN GETTING GIFTS?
Acts 20:35
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS GIVE TO OTHERS?
2 Corinthians 9:6, 7
God
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT ME?
Genesis 8:1
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WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
Exodus 15:3, 4
IS GOD ONE?
Deuteronomy 6:4
IS GOD TRUSTWORTHY?
Deuteronomy 7:9
HOW POWERFUL IS GOD?
Joshua 4:23, 24
DOES GOD KEEP HIS PROMISES?
Joshua 23:5
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FORGET ABOUT GOD?
Judges 3:7, 8
WHO IS LIKE GOD?
1 Samuel 2:2
IS GOD SOVEREIGN?
1 Samuel 2:6–10
WHY DO WE KNEEL BEFORE GOD?
1 Samuel 6:20
IS GOD UNIQUE?
2 Samuel 7:22
HOW BIG IS GOD?
1 Kings 8:27
WHO ELSE IS LIKE GOD?
2 Kings 5:15
DOES GOD FIGHT FOR HIS PEOPLE?
2 Kings 20:6
DOES GOD SEE PEOPLE SIN?
Job 11:11
DOES GOD HAVE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE?
Job 21:22
IS GOD EVER WRONG?
Job 40:2
CAN WE TRUST GOD TO HELP US MAKE DECISIONS?
Psalm 16:7
IS GOD ETERNAL?
Isaiah 41:4
DOES GOD ACCOMPLISH HIS PLANS?
Lamentations 2:17
WILL THE WORLD EVER SEE GOD?
Ezekiel 38:23
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DOES GOD LOVE HIS PEOPLE?
Hosea 11:1
DOES GOD LOVE SOME PEOPLE MORE THAN OTHERS?
Galatians 2:6
WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE?
Revelation 4:3–5
Gospel
WHO IS THE GOSPEL MESSAGE FOR?
Luke 24:46, 47
Gossip
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT GOSSIP?
Exodus 23:1
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF TALKING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE?
Leviticus 19:16
HOW SHOULD WE TREAT GOSSIP?
Proverbs 4:24
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEGATIVE RESULTS OF GOSSIP?
Proverbs 16:28
WHAT IS ONE BENEFIT GAINED FROM NOT GOSSIPING?
Proverbs 26:20
Greed
WHAT’S THE OUTCOME OF BEING GREEDY?
Isaiah 5:8, 9
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF GREED AND LYING?
Jeremiah 8:10
Guidance
CAN WE TRUST GOD TO LEAD US?
1 Chronicles 14:10
CAN WE TRUST THE LORD TO GUIDE OUR WAY?
Psalm 48:14
Guilt
CAN WE KEEP OUR SINS SECRET FROM GOD?
Psalm 19:12, 13
Happiness
WHERE CAN WE FIND HAPPINESS?
1 Samuel 2:1
Hatred
WHAT HAPPENS FOR CHRISTIANS WHO ENDURE HATRED FROM THE WORLD?
Matthew 10:22
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WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS HATE?
Romans 12:9
Heaven
WHAT WILL BE MISSING IN HEAVEN?
Isaiah 25:8
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
Matthew 7:21
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE IN HEAVEN?
Revelation 7:15–17
WILL THERE BE SADNESS IN HEAVEN?
Revelation 21:4
Hell
WHO SAVES US FROM HELL?
Psalm 86:13
WHAT WILL HELL BE LIKE?
Matthew 8:12
Help
WHO WILL HELP ME?
Genesis 49:25
WHO SHOULD WE CALL FOR HELP?
Judges 3:9
WHY SHOULD WE BE ABLE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR?
Hebrews 13:5, 6
Holy Spirit
WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWER US TO BE?
Acts 1:8
Homosexuality
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR?
Leviticus 18:22
WHEN IS SEX PERVERTED?
Judges 19:22
WILL HOMOSEXUALS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS?
Romans 1:18–32
Honesty
IS HONESTY A COMMAND FROM GOD?
Exodus 20:16
HOW DOES GOD REQUIRE US TO CONDUCT OURSELVES?
Ezekiel 45:9–11
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Hope
WHY CAN WE BE HOPEFUL?
2 Samuel 22:7
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN THE SITUATION IS HOPELESS?
2 Kings 19:14–19
WILL GOD STILL LOVE US EVEN IF WE SIN?
Ezra 10:2
SHOULD THOSE IN POVERTY HAVE HOPE?
Psalm 9:18
WHEN IS OUR HOPE MISPLACED?
Jeremiah 23:16
CAN WE HAVE HOPE IN BAD SITUATIONS?
Lamentations 3:21, 22
Humility
HOW DO PEOPLE COMPARE TO GOD?
Job 25:5, 6
DOES GOD BLESS A HUMBLE PERSON?
Proverbs 22:4
IS HUMILITY IMPORTANT?
Zephaniah 2:3
HOW DO WE LIVE OUT TRUE HUMILITY?
Philippians 2:1–4
WHEN CAN WE BE CLOSE TO GOD?
James 4:8–10
Hypocrisy
WHAT EFFECT DOES THE HYPOCRITE HAVE ON THOSE AROUND HIM?
Proverbs 11:9
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF A PERSON WITH DOUBLE STANDARDS?
Proverbs 20:10
WHAT IS HYPOCRISY?
Isaiah 29:13
WHAT KINDS OF ACTIONS SHOW A TRUE, SINCERE FAITH?
Isaiah 58:3–7
CAN WE LIVE IN SIN AND FOOL GOD BY JUST GOING TO CHURCH?
Jeremiah 7:8–11
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE’RE TEMPTED TO JUDGE OTHERS?
Matthew 7:3–5
Idolatry
SHOULD WE BE MORE DEVOTED TO ANYTHING THAN WE ARE TO GOD?
Deuteronomy 4:23
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DOES GOD WANT TO SHARE OUR DEVOTION?
Deuteronomy 4:24
IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE WE PRONE TO GIVE IN TO IDOLATRY?
Psalm 106:19–21
WHAT IS GOD’S REACTION TO IDOL WORSHIP OR THE OCCULT?
Psalm 106:36–43
IS IDOLATRY A SIN AGAINST GOD?
Isaiah 31:6, 7
Integrity
WHAT’S BETTER: IMAGE OR INTEGRITY?
1 Samuel 16:7
WHAT’S A GREAT DEFINITION OF INTEGRITY?
2 Chronicles 26:4
WHO IS A GOOD MODEL OF INTEGRITY?
Job 1:1
IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LEADERS TO HAVE INTEGRITY?
Psalm 78:70–72
HOW DOES INTEGRITY HELP US?
Daniel 6:4, 5
Instruction
WHY IS INSTRUCTION IMPORTANT?
Proverbs 4:13
WHY SHOULD WE LISTEN TO INSTRUCTION?
Proverbs 6:20–23
Jesus
WHAT DID ISAIAH PROPHESY ABOUT JESUS’ MOTHER?
Isaiah 7:14
HOW WILL JESUS, THE MESSIAH, COME AGAIN?
Mark 14:61, 62
WHAT ROLE DOES JESUS HAVE IN THE TRINITY?
Luke 1:35
IS JESUS GOD?
John 1:1–5
IS JESUS THE MESSIAH?
John 4:21–26
OF WHAT IS JESUS THE PRINCE?
Acts 3:15
DID JESUS CREATE THE WORLD?
Colossians 1:15, 16
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HAS JESUS EVER SINNED?
Hebrews 4:15
WHAT WAS JESUS’ EXAMPLE TO US OF HOW TO RIGHTLY ENDURE INJUSTICE?
1 Peter 2:21–23
HOW CAN WE BE PREPARED FOR JESUS’ RETURN?
2 Peter 3:14–18
Joy
DOES GOD FIND JOY IN HIS PEOPLE?
Isaiah 62:5
Judgment
WHO IS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY?
Psalm 9:7, 8
DOES GOD JUDGE MOTIVES?
Jeremiah 20:12
WHO WILL JUDGE US?
Ezekiel 7:3, 4
DO WE REAP WHAT WE SOW?
Obadiah 15
WHAT DOES GOD CONDEMN?
Malachi 3:5
WILL GOD JUDGE THE WORDS WE SPEAK?
Matthew 12:36
SHOULD WE JUDGE BY OUTWARD APPEARANCES?
John 7:24
WILL CHRISTIANS BE JUDGED FOR THEIR ACTIONS?
2 Corinthians 5:10
Kindness
WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN KIND TO US?
1 Kings 2:7
Laziness
IF DILIGENCE BRINGS WEALTH, WHAT DOES LAZINESS BRING?
Proverbs 13:4
IF YOU ARE LAZY, WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Proverbs 19:15
IS LAZINESS SOMETHING THE LORD WILL TOLERATE IN HIS PEOPLE?
2 Thessalonians 3:10–12
Leadership
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER?
Exodus 18:21
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WHAT IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTY OF A LEADER?
Numbers 27:16, 17
WHY SHOULD WE RESPECT LEADERS?
1 Samuel 24:1–7
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER?
2 Samuel 8:15
DOES GOD HOLD LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR HOW THEY LEAD?
2 Kings 15:2–5
HOW CAN LEADERS INFLUENCE THEIR PEOPLE FOR GOOD?
2 Kings 23:3
WHAT AUTHORITY DO LEADERS HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS?
2 Chronicles 19:5–7
CAN LEADERS’ MORALS AFFECT THEIR PEOPLE?
Ezra 9:2
WHAT SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF A LEADER?
Esther 10:3
DO LEADERS HAVE TO SERVE OTHERS?
Matthew 20:26–28
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER?
Titus 1:7–9
Life
WHERE DO WE GET OUR STRENGTH TO LIVE?
Joshua 14:10, 11
DOES GOD CREATE EACH PERSON CAREFULLY?
Psalm 139:13, 14
WHAT DID JESUS COME TO GIVE?
John 10:10
Loneliness
ARE WE EVER ALONE?
Matthew 28:20
Love
SHOULD WE REALLY LOVE OUR ENEMIES?
Matthew 5:43, 44
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMAND THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US?
Mark 12:29
IS IT IMPORTANT FOR CHRISTIANS TO LOVE EACH OTHER?
John 13:34, 35
WHAT DOES REAL LOVE LOOK LIKE?
1 Corinthians 13:4–8
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WHAT DESTROYS FEAR?
1 John 4:18
WHAT MUST BE PRESENT IN A SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO LOVE GOD?
1 John 4:20, 21
Lust
TO WHAT CAN SEXUAL LUST LEAD?
2 Samuel 11:1–4
HOW CAN WE PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL?
Job 31:1
WHAT WILL UNCHECKED LUST GET US?
Proverbs 11:6, 7
HOW CAN WE AVOID BEING RULED BY LUSTFUL LIVING?
Galatians 5:16–22
IS SEXUAL PURITY GOD’S WILL FOR HIS PEOPLE?
1 Thessalonians 4:3–5
Marriage
WHAT ARE SOME DANGERS OF MARRYING OUTSIDE THE FAITH?
1 Kings 3:1–3
CAN A SPOUSE LEAD YOU AWAY FROM GOD?
1 Kings 11:1–4
HOW STRONG IS LOVE?
Song of Solomon 8:6, 7
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF DIVORCE?
Malachi 2:16
Mercy
HOW LONG DOES GOD’S MERCY LAST?
Ezra 3:11
WHY IS MERCY IMPORTANT?
Proverbs 3:3, 4
WHO DO WE HONOR BY BEING MERCIFUL TO THE NEEDY?
Proverbs 14:31
IS THERE A LIMIT TO GOD’S MERCY?
Isaiah 63:7
Money
WHAT’S A GOOD WAY TO SPEND SOME OF THE MONEY WE EARN?
1 Chronicles 26:27
WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD MONEY AND POSSESSIONS?
Job 1:21, 22
WHAT CAN OUR POSSESSIONS DISTRACT US FROM?
Isaiah 17:10
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WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE?
Matthew 6:19, 20
HOW CAN THE LOVE OF MONEY GET IN THE WAY OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
Mark 10:17–24
CAN CHRISTIANS SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY?
Luke 16:13
SHOULD WE SHARE THE RESOURCES GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH?
Acts 2:42–45
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF GREED?
1 Timothy 6:9, 10
Murder
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MURDER?
Deuteronomy 5:17
HOW DOES THE LORD FEEL ABOUT MURDER?
Proverbs 6:16, 17
WHAT IS THE SAME AS MURDER IN GOD’S EYES?
Matthew 5:21, 22
Music
FOR WHAT CAN MUSIC BE USED?
Exodus 15:1
ARE MUSIC AND SINGING GOOD WAYS TO PRAISE GOD?
Psalm 81:1–5
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS SING ABOUT THE LORD?
Colossians 3:16
Obedience
WHAT ARE GOD’S CHILDREN CALLED TO DO?
Deuteronomy 26:18
WHY SHOULD WE OBEY GOD?
1 Samuel 15:22, 23
WHO DOES GOD DISCIPLINE?
2 Samuel 7:14
DOES GOD REWARD OBEDIENCE?
1 Kings 17:13–16
WHAT’S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF OBEYING GOD?
1 Chronicles 6:49
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OBEY GOD?
Jeremiah 11:7
WHAT WILL OBEYING GOD GET US?
Jeremiah 42:6
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WHAT HAPPENS IF WE NEGLECT GOD’S WORD?
Hosea 4:6
WHAT WILL HAPPEN FOR PEOPLE WHO OBEY GOD’S WORD?
Luke 11:28
WHAT PROMISE DOES GOD GIVE THOSE WHO OBEY THEIR PARENTS?
Ephesians 6:1–3
WHY SHOULD WE OBEY OUR LEADERS?
Hebrews 13:17
Occult
SHOULD WE AVOID THE OCCULT?
Leviticus 19:26
SHOULD WE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE OCCULT?
1 Samuel 28:3
HOW DOES GOD FEEL ABOUT OCCULTIC PRACTICES?
2 Kings 17:17, 18
HOW SEVERELY DOES GOD JUDGE OCCULTIC PRACTICES?
1 Chronicles 10:13, 14
Pain
DOES GOD CARE WHEN HIS PEOPLE ARE HURTING?
Deuteronomy 7:9
WHO DOES GOD WATCH OVER?
Psalm 12:5
Peace
ARE GOD’S PEOPLE PROMISED PEACE?
Psalm 29:11
WHERE DO WE FIND TRUE PEACE?
Colossians 3:15
Prayer
WHO ANSWERS PRAYER?
1 Samuel 1:17
DOES GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS?
1 Kings 9:3–5
WHEN WE PRAY, SHOULD WE ALWAYS KNEEL?
Nehemiah 2:3–5
CAN WE PRAY FOR UNDERSTANDING?
Psalm 13:3
DOES GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS?
Psalm 17:6
IS IT RIGHT TO ASK THE LORD FOR HELP?
Psalm 40:13
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WHAT’S AN EXAMPLE OF ANSWERED PRAYER?
Isaiah 38:1–6
WHY SHOULD I PRAY FOR PEOPLE OR PLACES I DON’T LIKE?
Jeremiah 29:7
WHAT IS THE LORD’S PRAYER?
Matthew 6:9–13
WHAT KIND OF ATTITUDE SHOULD WE PRAY WITH?
Luke 18:9–14
IN WHOSE NAME SHOULD WE PRAY?
John 16:23, 24
DOES GOD ALWAYS ANSWER PRAYER IN THE WAY WE HOPE?
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE PRAY?
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Pride
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF ARROGANCE AND PRIDE?
2 Kings 19:27, 28
WHAT IS THE RESULT OF PRIDE?
Proverbs 29:23
WHAT IS THE REWARD OF ARROGANT PEOPLE?
Jeremiah 50:32
DOES GOD CONDEMN ARROGANCE?
Ezekiel 16:49
SHOULD WE AVOID BOASTING?
Ezekiel 35:13
Protection
WHO WILL PROTECT ME?
Genesis 15:1
WHO SHOULD PROTECT THE HELPLESS?
Psalm 82:3, 4
Purity
HOW CAN WE LIVE PURE LIVES?
Psalm 101:2–4
HOW CAN WE REMAIN PURE?
Psalm 119:1–20
CAN OUTWARD PURITY SUBSTITUTE FOR INNER PURITY?
Matthew 23:25–28
Repentance
HOW CAN WE BE CLEANSED FROM SIN?
Psalm 51:1–7
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WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO US IF WE DIDN’T REPENT OF OUR SIN?
Luke 13:3–5
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN A SINNER REPENTS?
Luke 15:7
Reputation
HOW GREAT IS GOD’S REPUTATION?
Malachi 1:11
Respect
IS GOD WORTHY OF OUR RESPECT?
Exodus 3:5
DO WE NEED TO RESPECT OUR PARENTS?
Leviticus 19:3
IS RESPECT EASILY GAINED?
Proverbs 31:10, 11, 18–23, 28
Responsibility
WHAT ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Ezekiel 9:9, 10
Resurrection
WHO DID JESUS PROMISE TO RAISE UP AT THE LAST DAY?
John 6:38–40
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN’S GREATEST HOPE?
1 Corinthians 15:12–21
Revenge
SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE SEEK REVENGE?
Leviticus 19:18
FROM WHOM SHOULD VENGENCE COME?
1 Samuel 24:12
Salvation
WHO WILL DELIVER US?
2 Samuel 22:2
WHY SHOULD WE PRAISE GOD?
2 Samuel 22:47, 48
WHO CAN BE SAVED?
Joel 2:32
DOES SALVATION INCLUDE GAINING A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
John 17:1–5
WHAT MUST WE DO WHEN WE RECEIVE SALVATION?
Acts 2:37, 38
WHO CAN RECEIVE SALVATION?
Romans 1:16
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HOW CAN WE RECEIVE SALVATION?
Romans 10:8–10
WHO DOES GOD DESIRE TO SAVE?
1 Timothy 2:3, 4
HOW WAS OUR SALVATION OBTAINED?
1 Peter 1:18, 19
Satan
IS SATAN COMPLETELY EVIL?
John 8:44
HOW DOES SATAN CONVINCE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW HIM?
2 Corinthians 11:14
WHAT IS SATAN’S DESIRE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD?
1 Peter 5:8
WITH WHOM DID SIN BEGIN?
1 John 3:7, 8
Sex
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT SEX?
Ezekiel 22:10–12
WHERE DO SEXUAL SINS BEGIN?
Matthew 5:27–30
WHY IS SEX OUTSIDE MARRIAGE WRONG?
1 Corinthians 6:13–20
HOW SERIOUS IS SEXUAL IMMORALITY?
Ephesians 5:3–5
WHEN IS SEX HONORABLE AND PURE?
Hebrews 13:4
Sickness
DOES GOD CARE FOR THE SICK?
Psalm 41:1–3
HOW CAN BELIEVERS SHOW COMPASSION?
Matthew 25:34–40
Sin
DOES SIN HAVE CONSEQUENCES?
Exodus 32:34
DOES SIN HAVE CONSEQUENCES?
Joshua 7:20–25
DOES SIN HAVE CONSEQUENCES?
2 Samuel 12:9–12
HOW SERIOUS IS SIN IN GOD’S EYES?
1 Chronicles 2:3
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HOW SHOULD WE FEEL ABOUT OUR OWN SIN?
1 Chronicles 21:7, 8
HOW DO WE RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FROM GOD?
2 Chronicles 6:24, 25
WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE WHEN WE REALIZE WE’VE SINNED?
Ezra 9:6
WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT SIN IN OUR LIVES?
Isaiah 1:16–18
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SIN OF CHRISTIANS?
Isaiah 53:6
CAN WE HIDE SIN FROM GOD?
Jeremiah 16:17
IS GOD RIGHT TO PUNISH THE DISOBEDIENT?
Lamentations 1:18
CAN WORDS BE SINFUL?
Ezekiel 35:11–13
IS IT WRONG TO MISUSE GOD’S NAME?
Ezekiel 36:20
WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF HIS PEOPLE’S SIN?
Hosea 7:13
ARE ALL PEOPLE GUILTY OF SIN?
Romans 3:9–12, 23
IS SIN ALWAYS AN ACTION?
James 4:17
IS THERE ANYONE WHO NEVER SINS?
1 John 1:8
Strength
WHERE SHOULD WE GO TO FIND STRENGTH?
Isaiah 30:15
WHERE CAN WE FIND STRENGTH WHEN WE’RE WEAK?
Isaiah 40:29–31
Success
HOW DO WE FIND SUCCESS?
Joshua 1:8
CAN WE TRUST GOD FOR OUR SUCCESS?
1 Chronicles 11:14
WHAT IS THE DANGER IN TREASURING SUCCESS MORE THAN THE LORD?
2 Chronicles 12:1
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Talents
HOW CAN OUR GIFTS WORK AGAINST US?
Ezekiel 28:5
WHO GIVES US OUR GIFTS?
Daniel 1:17
WHY SHOULD WE NEVER ENVY THE ABILITIES OF ANOTHER?
1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Temptation
WHY SHOULD WE BE CAREFUL TO RESIST TEMPTATION?
2 Kings 21:8, 9
HOW DO WE GUARD AGAINST TEMPTATION?
Proverbs 2:10–14
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN FACED WITH TEMPTATION?
2 Timothy 2:22
Thankfulness
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN GOD IS GOOD TO US?
1 Kings 8:66
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE ARE THANKFUL?
1 Chronicles 16:4–6
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST REASON WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL TO GOD?
Psalm 107:1–3
WHAT REASONS DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL TO GOD?
Psalm 138:1–8
WHO SHOULD WE THANK FOR PROVIDING FOR OUR NEEDS?
Acts 27:35
Thoughts
SHOULD A CHRISTIAN THINK LIKE THE WORLD?
Romans 12:2
CAN WE DIRECT OUR THOUGHTS IN POSITIVE WAYS?
Philippians 4:8
Trials
WHERE CAN WE FIND STRENGTH?
1 Samuel 17:45
WHO DO WE TRUST IN WHEN LIFE GETS HARD?
2 Chronicles 14:11
WILL WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS IN LIFE?
Job 14:1
HOW DOES THE LORD RESPOND TO THOSE WHO SUFFER?
Psalm 34:17–19
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WHO WILL HELP US OVERCOME OUR PROBLEMS?
Isaiah 37:20
WHAT CAUSES SOME TRIALS?
Lamentations 5:16
WHERE CAN WE FIND PROTECTION?
Nahum 1:7
WHAT DOES CHRIST PROMISE US WHEN WE’RE DEALING WITH TRIALS?
Matthew 11:25–30
CAN WE STILL TRUST GOD WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
Romans 8:28
Trust
DOES GOD KEEP HIS PROMISES?
1 Chronicles 17:26, 27
WHERE SHOULD WE PLACE OUR TRUST?
Psalm 62:7, 8
HOW ARE WE TO TRUST GOD?
Proverbs 3:5, 6
HOW DOES THE LORD BLESS THOSE WHO TRUST HIM?
Proverbs 28:25, 26
WHY CAN WE TRUST GOD?
Isaiah 40:25–28
Truth
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING TRUTH?
1 Samuel 7:3
WHY ARE WE TO SERVE GOD IN TRUTH?
1 Samuel 12:24
WHAT DOES THE TRUTH DO FOR US?
John 8:31, 32
IS GOD’S WORD TRUTH?
John 17:17
Values
ARE OUR VALUES IMPORTANT?
Jeremiah 9:7–9
Vanity
WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT VANITY?
Isaiah 3:16–18
Victory
WHEN WE FIND VICTORY IN LIFE, WHO DESERVES THE PRAISE?
Nehemiah 12:27
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Wisdom
WHERE CAN I FIND WISDOM?
Genesis 41:16
HOW CAN WE RECEIVE WISDOM?
2 Chronicles 1:9, 10
HOW CAN WISE PEOPLE INCREASE THEIR UNDERSTANDING?
Proverbs 1:5
WHAT COMES WITH WISDOM?
Proverbs 8:12–14
WHY IS WISDOM IMPORTANT?
Proverbs 24:3, 4
HOW IS GOD’S WISDOM DIFFERENT FROM HUMAN WISDOM?
1 Corinthians 2:1–16
WHO IS THE SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM?
1 Timothy 1:17
Witnessing
WHAT SHOULD WE TELL OTHERS ABOUT GOD?
1 Chronicles 16:24
WHAT WAS JESUS’ FINAL COMMAND TO HIS FOLLOWERS?
Matthew 28:16–20
WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS CALLED TO DO?
Acts 1:8
WHAT HAS GOD ENTRUSTED US WITH?
2 Corinthians 5:18–21
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS SPEAK TO OTHERS?
Colossians 4:6
WHY SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS?
2 Timothy 2:24–26
Works
CAN ETERNAL LIFE BE EARNED?
Ephesians 2:4–10
Worry
WHERE SHOULD WE FIND THE CONFIDENCE TO FACE HARD TIMES?
1 Chronicles 29:12
WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE BE IN TIMES OF STRESS?
Psalm 69
WHY SHOULD WE REFUSE TO WORRY?
2 Corinthians 4:8–12
HOW CAN CHRISTIANS FIGHT AGAINST WORRY?
Philippians 4:4–9
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Worship
SHOULD WE WORSHIP ANYONE OR ANYTHING BESIDES GOD?
Exodus 34:14
WHO SHOULD WE WORSHIP?
Judges 5:3
HOW SHOULD WE WORSHIP GOD?
2 Samuel 6:21
WHO IS WORTHY OF PRAISE?
2 Samuel 22:4
WHY SHOULD WE WORSHIP GOD?
1 Chronicles 16:34
IS WORSHIP OF GOD OPTIONAL?
Psalm 29:1, 2
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO GOD?
Isaiah 66:2
IS PURE WORSHIP IMPORTANT?
Ezekiel 5:11
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The
Old Testament
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Genesis
Date of writing: 1445–1400 B.C.
Author: Traditionally, Moses
Theme: How It All Began
Purpose: A living Being—God—is the Source of
all things. He wants a personal relationship with
us, based on our trust in His promises.
Outline
1:1—2:25 �������������The Story of Creation
3:1—4:16 �������������The First Sin and the First Murder
4:17—5:32 �����������Descendants of Adam Before the Flood
6:1—9:29 �������������Noah and the Flood
10:1—11:32 ��������The Descendants of Noah and the Tower of Babel
12:1—25:18 ��������The Story of Abraham
25:19—36:43 ������Isaac, Jacob, and Esau
37:1—50:26 ��������The Story of Joseph
Key Verse:
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who
curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be
blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
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Then /// The Book of Genesis is all about beginnings. Genesis begins
with the creation of the world, but also shows the beginning of the nation of
Israel and the beginning of God’s plan to save the whole world.
Within all these beginnings, Genesis has loads of famous stories and people: Adam,
Noah, Abraham, Joseph. It’s a who’s who of the lightly populated days of the earth. What’s
amazing about this book, though, is that, unlike a who’s who, Genesis tells us the real
scoop on these people who established the original cultures of the world. We learn about
their failures, not just their successes. They were real people living real lives in the real
world. Genesis is a bottom-line, this-is-how-it-is, no-sugarcoating kind of book.
Now /// When we ask the big question, “Where do we come from?”
Genesis gives the big answer, “We come from God. He made us and wants
to be in relationship with us.” He wants a personal relationship with us,
based on our trust in His promises. And throughout Genesis, we see God’s faithfulness in
keeping His promises to His people over and over again. From this very first book of the
Bible, God lays a foundation. We are what He created when He chose to love and be loved.
He is the God who embraces us humans, “warts” and all, and even uses us to make the
world a better place.
Reality Check /// At the beginning of Genesis, we see God
creating the world we live in. The story of this creation, as simple and
clear-cut as it is, has been the subject of a lot of dispute. Was it literally
seven days? Did God create everything as full-grown? If God created just one family,
where did all the other families come from? Exactly what fruit was it that Adam and Eve
ate that ruined paradise for all of us? No matter how much people disagree about all the
things we don’t know about how God created the world, Genesis gives us concrete
information about what we do know. God did create the world from nothing. He did it
miraculously through a process only He can understand or re-create. He did it with a plan
and a purpose that we are now living out.
The History of Creation the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and
the darkness He called Night. So the eve-
1
In the beginning God created the
ning and the morning were the first day.
heavens and the earth. 2The earth was 6Then God said, “Let there be a firma-
without form, and void; and darkness
ment in the midst of the waters, and let it
wasa on the face of the deep. And the Spirit
divide the waters from the waters.” 7Thus
of God was hovering over the face of the God made the firmament, and divided the
waters. waters which were under the firmament
from the waters which were above the fir-
mament; and it was so. 8And God called the
Genesis 1:1 firmament Heaven. So the evening and the
Do you think it seems a little odd to morning were the second day.
single out the sky and the ground for 9Then God said, “Let the waters under
mention in the first verse of the Bible? the heavens be gathered together into one
Actually, the phrase “the heavens and
place, and let the dry land appear”; and it
the earth” is a way of summarizing
was so. 10And God called the dry land Earth,
everything God made. It’s another
and the gathering together of the waters He
way of saying, “In the beginning God
called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
created the universe.” 11Then God said, “Let the earth bring
forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and
3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and
1:2 aWords in italic type have been added
there was light. 4And God saw the light, that for clarity. They are not found in the original
it was good; and God divided the light from Hebrew or Aramaic.
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3 GENESIS 1:27
Making It Real //
Genesis 1:1
Something from Nothing A common definition of the word create is “to make
something out of nothing.” That’s exactly what God did when He created this world. He
made this incredible planet out of absolutely nothing! That’s what He did when He made
you. Thirty years ago you didn’t exist. Now you do. Just because the earth and lots of
people have been created, it doesn’t mean God is finished. He’s still creating. He can cre-
ate something out of nothing. You may look for confidence in your life and see nothing.
You may look for joy in your life and see nothing. You may look for just one good thing
anywhere in your life and see nothing. When you’re looking at nothing, remember that
God is the ultimate Creator. Ask Him to make something out of nothing for you. (See
also: Neh. 9:6; Ps. 104; Is. 42:5; Col. 1:16.)
Words to Live By
Create: Translated from the ancient Hebrew word bara (baw-raw’), “create” means
“to make something from absolutely nothing.” In Scripture, this word is used only when
speaking of God. Only God can make anything exist.
the fruit tree that yields fruit according to blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and mul-
its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; tiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let
and it was so. 12And the earth brought forth birds multiply on the earth.” 23So the eve-
grass, the herb that yields seed according to ning and the morning were the fifth day.
its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose
seed is in itself according to its kind. And
God saw that it was good. 13So the evening Genesis 1:21
and the morning were the third day. Nobody knows for sure what these
14Then God said, “Let there be lights great sea creatures looked like. It’s
in the firmament of the heavens to divide possible, though, that some of the
the day from the night; and let them be for dinosaur fossils scientists have uncov-
signs and seasons, and for days and years; ered belong to the underwater giants
15and let them be for lights in the firma- described here.
ment of the heavens to give light on the
earth”; and it was so. 16Then God made two
great lights: the greater light to rule the 24Then God said, “Let the earth bring
day, and the lesser light to rule the night. forth the living creature according to its
He made the stars also. 17God set them in kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of
the firmament of the heavens to give light the earth, each according to its kind”; and
on the earth, 18and to rule over the day it was so. 25And God made the beast of the
and over the night, and to divide the light earth according to its kind, cattle accord-
from the darkness. And God saw that it ing to its kind, and everything that creeps
was good. 19So the evening and the morn- on the earth according to its kind. And God
ing were the fourth day. saw that it was good.
20Then God said, “Let the waters abound
26Then God said, “Let Us make man in
with an abundance of living creatures, and Our image, according to Our likeness; let
let birds fly above the earth across the face them have dominion over the fish of the
of the firmament of the heavens.” 21So God sea, over the birds of the air, and over the
created great sea creatures and every living cattle, over alla the earth and over every
thing that moves, with which the waters creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
abounded, according to their kind, and 27So God created man in His own image;
every winged bird according to its kind.
And God saw that it was good. 22And God 1:26 aSyriac reads all the wild animals of.
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World App
Going Green / Genesis 1:28
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).
That’s where it all began. God created everything and then made
Adam and Eve, the first people. Adam and Eve lived in a world filled
with animals, plants, crystal clear streams and rivers, and pure,
clean air. Everything operated exactly the way God planned it and
God called it all “good” (Gen. 1:31). Then God told Adam and Eve to
take dominion of (care for and rule over) the earth. God gave His
created world to mankind, trusting them to treasure His creation.
Since the world began, the population of the earth has grown
from two people to over 6.94 billion. It’s hard to find any place on the
earth that looks as it did when God created it. Mankind has defi-
nitely taken over control of the world. Unfortunately, we have not
given it very good care. There are so many people and so many
needs for the earth’s resources, we have stripped our world of the
abundant natural treasures God entrusted to us.
A lot of damage has been done; some of it is irreversible—no
matter what we do, our world will never again be the clean, pure
place God created. But we can take God’s direction to mankind seri-
ously and begin to really take care of our world. We can recycle
anything that can be reused; we can refuse to litter; we can be care-
ful of the water and air and reduce pollution; we can cut down our
use of natural resources like oil and natural gas. If we all take God’s
direction seriously and each of us tries to do our part, the beauty
and richness of the earth will continue for all the generations that
come after us. If we don’t, we may just have to explain to God why
we didn’t do as He asked.
01-Genesis.indd 4 2/14/12 11:48 AM
5 GENESIS 3:1
in the image of God He created him; male whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
and female He created them. 28Then God 12And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium
blessed them, and God said to them, “Be and the onyx stone are there. 13The name of
fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and sub- the second river is Gihon; it is the one which
due it; have dominion over the fish of the goes around the whole land of Cush. 14The
sea, over the birds of the air, and over every name of the third river is Hiddekel;a it is the
living thing that moves on the earth.” one which goes toward the east of Assyria.
29And God said, “See, I have given you The fourth river is the Euphrates.
every herb that yields seed which is on the 15Then the Lord God took the man and
face of all the earth, and every tree whose put him in the garden of Eden to tend and
fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. keep it. 16And the Lord God commanded
30Also, to every beast of the earth, to every the man, saying, “Of every tree of the gar-
bird of the air, and to everything that creeps den you may freely eat; 17but of the tree of
on the earth, in which there is life, I have the knowledge of good and evil you shall
given every green herb for food”; and it was not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you
so. 31Then God saw everything that He had shall surely die.”
made, and indeed it was very good. So the 18And the Lord God said, “It is not good
evening and the morning were the sixth day. that man should be alone; I will make
2
Thus the heavens and the earth, and him a helper comparable to him.” 19Out of
all the host of them, were finished. the ground the Lord God formed every
2And on the seventh day God ended beast of the field and every bird of the air,
His work which He had done, and He and brought them to Adam to see what
rested on the seventh day from all His work he would call them. And whatever Adam
which He had done. 3Then God blessed the called each living creature, that was its
seventh day and sanctified it, because in it name. 20So Adam gave names to all cattle,
He rested from all His work which God had to the birds of the air, and to every beast of
created and made. the field. But for Adam there was not found
4This is the historya of the heavens and a helper comparable to him.
the earth when they were created, in the 21And the Lord God caused a deep sleep
day that the Lord God made the earth and to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took
the heavens, 5before any plant of the field one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in
was in the earth and before any herb of the its place. 22Then the rib which the Lord
field had grown. For the Lord God had not God had taken from man He made into a
caused it to rain on the earth, and there was woman, and He brought her to the man.
no man to till the ground; 6but a mist went 23And Adam said:
up from the earth and watered the whole
face of the ground. “ This is now bone of my bones
7And the Lord God formed man of the
And flesh of my flesh;
dust of the ground, and breathed into his She shall be called Woman,
nostrils the breath of life; and man became Because she was taken out of Man.”
a living being.
24Therefore a man shall leave his father
Life in God’s Garden and mother and be joined to his wife, and
8The Lord God planted a garden eastward they shall become one flesh.
25And they were both naked, the man
in Eden, and there He put the man whom
He had formed. 9And out of the ground and his wife, and were not ashamed.
the Lord God made every tree grow that
is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The Temptation and Fall
The tree of life was also in the midst of the of Man
3
garden, and the tree of the knowledge of Now the serpent was more cunning
good and evil. than any beast of the field which
10Now a river went out of Eden to water
the Lord God had made. And he
the garden, and from there it parted and
became four riverheads. 11The name of the 2:4 aHebrew toledoth, literally generations
first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the 2:14 aOr Tigris
01-Genesis.indd 5 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 3:2 6
Profile
Abel
Abel compiled some unique “firsts” in his short lifetime: member of the first family, first
little brother, first rancher. Other “firsts” were more tragic than unique: part of the first
sibling rivalry; first to do something better than his big brother; first to die at his brother’s
hand.
While these facts make Abel interesting, they are not the things that actually define
him. Abel is best known for being a real worshiper of God. Because his parents (Adam and
Eve) had turned away from God, Abel had to discover a way to approach God. Cain and
Abel both offered God a sacrifice. Cain, the farmer, brought “an offering of the fruit of the
ground” (Gen. 4:3). All the produce Cain harvested looked pretty much the same, so any
old produce would do. But Abel brought the best he had. He took “the firstborn of his
flock” and gave it to God as a sacrifice (v. 4). God accepted the attitude of Abel’s worship
and, many years later, Jesus even called him righteous.
Cain’s halfhearted attitude was not acceptable to God, and this rejection (especially in
the face of his brother’s acceptance) angered Cain. He focused his rage on Abel. It doesn’t
seem as if Abel suspected his brother’s intense jealousy and anger. He followed Cain out to
a field where his older brother murdered him. Though it ended unfairly and too soon,
Abel’s life left a legacy of faith. The writer of the New Testament Book of Hebrews included
Abel as one of the most faithful men in the Old Testament, saying, “By faith Abel offered to
God a more excellent sacrifice” (Heb. 11:4).
+ Making a Difference:
If you’ve got brothers and/or sisters, here’s a warning: don’t try to make yourself look
better by competing with them. The most important things in life have nothing to do with
your own abilities or being better than someone else. The most important things in life are
all about faith, love, and obedience to God.
Cain and Abel were motivated by attitudes that were miles apart. Cain couldn’t stop
thinking about himself; Abel was all about worshiping God and loving others. Abel
understood that a real relationship with God and a true relationship with others will bring
meaning to your life. When you compete, someone must lose. When you love, everyone
wins.
Want to know more?
Read about Abel’s life in Genesis 4:1–8; Matthew 23:35; and Hebrews 11:4;
12:24.
Abel was a real son and a real brother who was betrayed in a most awful
way. But by giving wholeheartedly in worship to God, he has left us an
amazing example to follow. Even though it was short, his life made a real
difference. Yours can, too!
said to the woman, “Has God indeed is in the midst of the garden, God has said,
said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it,
garden’?” lest you die.’ ”
2And the woman said to the serpent, 4Then the serpent said to the woman,
“We may eat the fruit of the trees of the “You will not surely die. 5For God knows
garden; 3but of the fruit of the tree which that in the day you eat of it your eyes will
01-Genesis.indd 6 2/14/12 11:48 AM
7 GENESIS 4:8
be opened, and you will be like God, know- have eaten from the tree of which I com-
ing good and evil.” manded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
6So when the woman saw that the tree
was good for food, that it was pleasant “ Cursed is the ground for your sake;
to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make In toil you shall eat of it
one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring
also gave to her husband with her, and he
ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were forth for you,
opened, and they knew that they were na- And you shall eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat
ked; and they sewed fig leaves together and
made themselves coverings. bread
8And they heard the sound of the Lord Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
God walking in the garden in the cool of
For dust you are,
the day, and Adam and his wife hid them-
And to dust you shall return.”
selves from the presence of the Lord God
among the trees of the garden. 20And Adam called his wife’s name Eve,
9Then the Lord God called to Adam and
because she was the mother of all living.
said to him, “Where are you?” 21Also for Adam and his wife the Lord
10So he said, “I heard Your voice in the
God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.
garden, and I was afraid because I was na- 22Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the
ked; and I hid myself.” man has become like one of Us, to know
11And He said, “Who told you that you
good and evil. And now, lest he put out his
were naked? Have you eaten from the hand and take also of the tree of life, and
tree of which I commanded you that you eat, and live forever”—23therefore the Lord
should not eat?” God sent him out of the garden of Eden to
12Then the man said, “The woman till the ground from which he was taken.
whom You gave to be with me, she gave me 24So He drove out the man; and He placed
of the tree, and I ate.” cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden,
13And the Lord God said to the woman, and a flaming sword which turned every
“What is this you have done?” way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
The woman said, “The serpent deceived
me, and I ate.” Cain Murders Abel
4
14So the Lord God said to the serpent: Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and
she conceived and bore Cain, and
“ Because you have done this, said, “I have acquired a man from
You are cursed more than all cattle, the Lord.” 2Then she bore again, this time
And more than every beast of the field; his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of
On your belly you shall go, sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
And you shall eat dust 3And in the process of time it came to pass
All the days of your life. that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of
15 And I will put enmity
the ground to the Lord. 4Abel also brought
Between you and the woman, of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.
And between your seed and her Seed; And the Lord respected Abel and his offer-
He shall bruise your head, ing, 5but He did not respect Cain and his
And you shall bruise His heel.” offering. And Cain was very angry, and his
countenance fell.
16To the woman He said: 6So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you
angry? And why has your countenance
“ I will greatly multiply your sorrow and fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be ac-
your conception; cepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at
In pain you shall bring forth children; the door. And its desire is for you, but you
Your desire shall be for your husband, should rule over it.”
And he shall rule over you.” 8Now Cain talked with Abel his brother;a
17Then to Adam He said, “Because you 4:8 aSamaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Syriac,
have heeded the voice of your wife, and and Vulgate add “Let us go out to the field.”
01-Genesis.indd 7 2/14/12 11:48 AM
World App
Crime / Genesis 4:3–9
God gave Adam and Eve one rule to follow: “Of the tree of the knowl-
edge of good and evil you shall not eat” (Gen. 2:17); one rule, but also
one chance to disobey God. And that’s just what happened. Satan
convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit; then she convinced Adam
to do the same. At that moment, sin was born into a sinless world.
When Adam and Eve sinned, sin took up residence in their be-
ings. Sin and death, like a fatal, inherited spiritual deformity, was
passed from them to all their descendants. From the moment of the
first sin, people have acted in ways that are against God. Just like
Adam and Eve, they want control of their own lives and don’t care
what God says. When people only care about themselves and get-
ting what they want from life, crime results. As a matter of fact, the
first murder happened when Adam and Eve’s son was killed by his
brother in a fit of jealousy. Once sin took over, it didn’t take long for
crime to follow.
Crime rates grow worse every day: murder, theft, rape, and fraud
seem to be everywhere we turn. At the heart of crime lies the selfish
ambition to have desires met no matter the price others may have to
pay. Criminals don’t care about others, and they certainly don’t care
what God has to say.
When we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, He heals the spiri-
tual part of us; He brings life in place of the deadly effect of sin—we
are changed from the inside out. We begin to care what God wants
and try to obey Him. He puts His love inside our hearts and we begin
to treat others with consideration and care.
Many people try to find ways to decrease the crime rate and make
our world safer. The only sure answer is to introduce people who are
ruled by sin to the One who can change their hearts and lives.
Criminals may have made our world more difficult and dangerous,
but Jesus came to save the world and heal us from the effects of sin.
01-Genesis.indd 8 2/14/12 11:48 AM
9 GENESIS 5:16
and it came to pass, when they were in the For I have killed a man for
field, that Cain rose up against Abel his wounding me,
brother and killed him. Even a young man for hurting me.
9Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,
Abel your brother?” Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my broth-
er’s keeper?” A New Son
10And He said, “What have you done?
25And Adam knew his wife again, and she
The voice of your brother’s blood cries out bore a son and named him Seth, “For God
to Me from the ground. 11So now you are has appointed another seed for me instead
cursed from the earth, which has opened of Abel, whom Cain killed.” 26And as for
its mouth to receive your brother’s blood Seth, to him also a son was born; and he
from your hand. 12When you till the named him Enosh.a Then men began to call
ground, it shall no longer yield its strength on the name of the Lord.
to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall
be on the earth.” The Family of Adam
13And Cain said to the Lord, “My pun-
5
ishment is greater than I can bear! 14Surely This is the book of the genealogy
You have driven me out this day from the of Adam. In the day that God cre-
face of the ground; I shall be hidden from ated man, He made him in the like-
Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vaga- ness of God. 2He created them male and
bond on the earth, and it will happen that female, and blessed them and called them
anyone who finds me will kill me.” Mankind in the day they were created.
15And the Lord said to him, “There 3And Adam lived one hundred and thirty
fore,a whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall years, and begot a son in his own likeness,
be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord after his image, and named him Seth. 4Af-
set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him ter he begot Seth, the days of Adam were
should kill him. eight hundred years; and he had sons and
daughters. 5So all the days that Adam lived
The Family of Cain were nine hundred and thirty years; and he
16Then Cain went out from the presence
died.
6Seth lived one hundred and five years,
of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod
and begot Enosh. 7After he begot Enosh,
on the east of Eden. 17And Cain knew his
Seth lived eight hundred and seven years,
wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch.
and had sons and daughters. 8So all the
And he built a city, and called the name of
days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve
the city after the name of his son—Enoch.
18To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot
years; and he died.
9Enosh lived ninety years, and begot
Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, Cainan.a 10After he begot Cainan, Enosh
and Methushael begot Lamech. lived eight hundred and fifteen years, and
19Then Lamech took for himself two
had sons and daughters. 11So all the days
wives: the name of one was Adah, and the of Enosh were nine hundred and five years;
name of the second was Zillah. 20And Adah and he died.
bore Jabal. He was the father of those who 12Cainan lived seventy years, and be-
dwell in tents and have livestock. 21His got Mahalalel. 13After he begot Mahalalel,
brother’s name was Jubal. He was the fa- Cainan lived eight hundred and forty years,
ther of all those who play the harp and and had sons and daughters. 14So all the
flute. 22And as for Zillah, she also bore days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten
Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every crafts- years; and he died.
man in bronze and iron. And the sister of 15Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and be-
Tubal-Cain was Naamah. got Jared. 16After he begot Jared, Mahalalel
23Then Lamech said to his wives:
lived eight hundred and thirty years, and
“ Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; 4:15 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Wives of Lamech, listen to my Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read Not so.
speech! 4:26 aGreek Enos 5:9 aHebrew Qenan
01-Genesis.indd 9 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 5:17 10
had sons and daughters. 17So all the days of them, 2that the sons of God saw the daugh-
Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety- ters of men, that they were beautiful; and
five years; and he died. they took wives for themselves of all whom
18Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two they chose.
years, and begot Enoch. 19After he begot 3And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not
Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and strivea with man forever, for he is indeed
had sons and daughters. 20So all the days flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred
of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two and twenty years.” 4There were giants on
years; and he died. the earth in those days, and also after-
21Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot ward, when the sons of God came in to the
Methuselah. 22After he begot Methuselah, daughters of men and they bore children
Enoch walked with God three hundred to them. Those were the mighty men who
years, and had sons and daughters. 23So all were of old, men of renown.
the days of Enoch were three hundred and 5Then the Lorda saw that the wicked-
sixty-five years. 24And Enoch walked with ness of man was great in the earth, and that
God; and he was not, for God took him. every intent of the thoughts of his heart
25Methuselah lived one hundred and was only evil continually. 6And the Lord
eighty- seven years, and begot Lamech. was sorry that He had made man on the
26After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7So
seven hundred and eighty-two years, and the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom
had sons and daughters. 27So all the days of I have created from the face of the earth,
Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty- both man and beast, creeping thing and
nine years; and he died. birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have
made them.” 8But Noah found grace in the
eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 5:27
Even by early biblical standards, Noah Pleases God
where it was not unusual for people to 9This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a
live for hundreds of years, Methu-
just man, perfect in his generations. Noah
selah was an old guy. At 969 years
walked with God. 10And Noah begot three
old, he lived longer than anyone else
sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
mentioned in the Bible. Assuming his 11The earth also was corrupt before God,
descendants all had children by their
and the earth was filled with violence. 12So
thirtieth birthday, Methuselah lived
God looked upon the earth, and indeed it
long enough to see thirty generations!
was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted
their way on the earth.
28Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-
The Ark Prepared
two years, and had a son. 29And he called
13And God said to Noah, “The end of all
his name Noah, saying, “This one will com-
fort us concerning our work and the toil of flesh has come before Me, for the earth
our hands, because of the ground which the is filled with violence through them; and
Lord has cursed.” 30After he begot Noah, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14Make yourself an ark of gopherwood;
Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five
years, and had sons and daughters. 31So all make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside
the days of Lamech were seven hundred and outside with pitch. 15And this is how
and seventy-seven years; and he died. you shall make it: The length of the ark
32And Noah was five hundred years old, shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty
and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16You
shall make a window for the ark, and you
The Wickedness and Judgment shall finish it to a cubit from above; and
of Man
6:3 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
6
Now it came to pass, when men be- read abide. 6:5 aFollowing Masoretic Text and
gan to multiply on the face of the Targum; Vulgate reads God; Septuagint reads
earth, and daughters were born to Lord God.
01-Genesis.indd 10 2/14/12 11:48 AM
World App
Natural Disasters / Genesis 6:13
Floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes:
these are natural disasters and they are really frightening. The de-
structive force of nature can make real life seem as scary as a sci-fi
horror flick.
Lately, it seems one disaster follows another with no time in be-
tween to pick up the pieces. There are scars all over our world
caused by the violence that nature can produce. Does the number of
natural disasters we see everywhere mean God is angry with the
world? Is He going to use nature to bring it all to an end?
In Genesis 6, we read the story of Noah. The world was so sinful,
God decided to wipe it out and start over. So He told Noah to build
a boat (ark) to save himself, his family, and two of every animal.
Then God made it rain; for forty days and forty nights water poured
from the sky. The entire earth was flooded and all people and ani-
mals outside the ark were drowned. The Flood was the first recorded
natural disaster.
But God made a promise to Noah. He told Him the earth would
never again be destroyed by flood waters; He spoke these words,
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, win-
ter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). This
means the earth will continue to operate as God intended until the
day He decides it’s time for Jesus to return. No one knows when that
day will be; as a matter of fact, Jesus said only God the Father knows.
As a sign of the promise God made to Noah, He created the rain-
bow. Now, every generation is reminded of God’s promise. So when
it seems nature has gone crazy and scientists predict greater natural
disasters ahead, remember God’s promise—life on this earth will
continue until God decides for time to end. Until then, watch for the
rainbows and trust God to do exactly what He said.
01-Genesis.indd 11 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 6:17 12
set the door of the ark in its side. You shall of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of
make it with lower, second, and third decks. everything that creeps on the earth, 9two by
17And behold, I Myself am bringing flood- two they went into the ark to Noah, male
waters on the earth, to destroy from under and female, as God had commanded Noah.
heaven all flesh in which is the breath of 10And it came to pass after seven days that
life; everything that is on the earth shall the waters of the flood were on the earth.
die. 18But I will establish My covenant with 11In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in
you; and you shall go into the ark—you, the second month, the seventeenth day of
your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives the month, on that day all the fountains of
with you. 19And of every living thing of all the great deep were broken up, and the win-
flesh you shall bring two of every sort into dows of heaven were opened. 12And the rain
the ark, to keep them alive with you; they was on the earth forty days and forty nights.
13On the very same day Noah and Noah’s
shall be male and female. 20Of the birds af-
ter their kind, of animals after their kind, sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s
and of every creeping thing of the earth af- wife and the three wives of his sons with
ter its kind, two of every kind will come to them, entered the ark—14they and every
you to keep them alive. 21And you shall take beast after its kind, all cattle after their
for yourself of all food that is eaten, and kind, every creeping thing that creeps on
you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall the earth after its kind, and every bird after
be food for you and for them.” its kind, every bird of every sort. 15And they
went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of
all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16So
Genesis 6:14 those that entered, male and female of all
The ark Noah built was about the size flesh, went in as God had commanded
of a modern-day cruise ship—about him; and the Lord shut him in.
one-and-a-half football fields long.
The word ark does not mean “boat”; it
means “chest” or “box.” Genesis 7:2
God’s rules for animal sacrifice were
very strict. A sacrificial animal had to
22Thus Noah did; according to all that chew cud and have divided hooves.
God commanded him, so he did. Sheep, which fit both of these catego-
ries, were among the most popular
The Great Flood animals for sacrifice. Scavenging
7
Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come birds, including vultures, were unac-
into the ark, you and all your house- ceptable as sacrifices.
hold, because I have seen that you
are righteous before Me in this generation. 17Now the flood was on the earth forty
2You shall take with you seven each of ev-
ery clean animal, a male and his female; days. The waters increased and lifted up the
two each of animals that are unclean, a ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18The
male and his female; 3also seven each of waters prevailed and greatly increased
birds of the air, male and female, to keep on the earth, and the ark moved about on
the species alive on the face of all the earth. the surface of the waters. 19And the waters
4For after seven more days I will cause it prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all
to rain on the earth forty days and forty the high hills under the whole heaven were
nights, and I will destroy from the face of covered. 20The waters prevailed fifteen
the earth all living things that I have made.” cubits upward, and the mountains were
5And Noah did according to all that the covered. 21And all flesh died that moved
on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts
Lord commanded him. 6Noah was six
and every creeping thing that creeps on
hundred years old when the floodwaters
the earth, and every man. 22All in whose
were on the earth.
7So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his nostrils was the breath of the spirita of life,
all that was on the dry land, died. 23So He
sons’ wives, went into the ark because of
the waters of the flood. 8Of clean animals, 7:22 aSeptuagint and Vulgate omit of the spirit.
01-Genesis.indd 12 2/14/12 11:48 AM
13 GENESIS 9:3
destroyed all living things which were on 13And it came to pass in the six hundred
the face of the ground: both man and cat- and first year, in the first month, the first day
tle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They of the month, that the waters were dried up
were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah from the earth; and Noah removed the cov-
and those who were with him in the ark re- ering of the ark and looked, and indeed the
mained alive. 24And the waters prevailed on surface of the ground was dry. 14And in the
the earth one hundred and fifty days. second month, on the twenty-seventh day
of the month, the earth was dried.
Noah’s Deliverance 15Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16“Go
8
Then God remembered Noah, and out of the ark, you and your wife, and your
every living thing, and all the ani- sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17Bring
mals that were with him in the ark. out with you every living thing of all flesh
And God made a wind to pass over the that is with you: birds and cattle and every
earth, and the waters subsided. 2The creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so
fountains of the deep and the windows that they may abound on the earth, and
of heaven were also stopped, and the rain be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18So
from heaven was restrained. 3And the wa- Noah went out, and his sons and his wife
ters receded continually from the earth. At and his sons’ wives with him. 19Every ani-
mal, every creeping thing, every bird, and
the end of the hundred and fifty days the
whatever creeps on the earth, according to
waters decreased. 4Then the ark rested in
their families, went out of the ark.
the seventh month, the seventeenth day
of the month, on the mountains of Ararat.
5And the waters decreased continually un-
God’s Covenant
with Creation
til the tenth month. In the tenth month, on
20Then Noah built an altar to the Lord,
the first day of the month, the tops of the
mountains were seen. and took of every clean animal and of ev-
ery clean bird, and offered burnt offerings
on the altar. 21And the Lord smelled a
God soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His
Does God care about me? heart, “I will never again curse the ground
Genesis 8:1 for man’s sake, although the imagination of
man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will
I again destroy every living thing as I have
6So it came to pass, at the end of forty
done.
days, that Noah opened the window of the
ark which he had made. 7Then he sent out 22“ While the earth remains,
a raven, which kept going to and fro until Seedtime and harvest,
the waters had dried up from the earth. Cold and heat,
8He also sent out from himself a dove, to
Winter and summer,
see if the waters had receded from the face And day and night
of the ground. 9But the dove found no rest- Shall not cease.”
ing place for the sole of her foot, and she
returned into the ark to him, for the wa-
ters were on the face of the whole earth. God’s Promise to Noah
9
So he put out his hand and took her, and So God blessed Noah and his sons,
drew her into the ark to himself. 10And he and said to them: “Be fruitful and
waited yet another seven days, and again multiply, and fill the earth.a 2And the
he sent the dove out from the ark. 11Then fear of you and the dread of you shall be on
the dove came to him in the evening, and every beast of the earth, on every bird of
behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in the air, on all that move on the earth, and
her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters on all the fish of the sea. They are given into
had receded from the earth. 12So he waited your hand. 3Every moving thing that lives
yet another seven days and sent out the shall be food for you. I have given you all
dove, which did not return again to him
anymore. 9:1 aCompare Genesis 1:28
01-Genesis.indd 13 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 9:4 14
Promise
God promises the rainbow as His sign.
“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the
covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring
a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the
cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me
and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a
flood to destroy all flesh” (Gen. 9:13–15).
Just before the rainbow appeared, God had done something massive and
probably pretty scary. Because people had become sinful beyond belief, His heart
was broken and He had had enough. He cleaned out the whole world with a huge
flood. Almost every person and every animal on earth drowned. Only the people
and the animals on Noah’s ark were saved. You can imagine what they might have
been thinking. Will He ever do this again? Maybe next time we won’t live through it.
God calmed them down by promising that He would never destroy the world by
flood again. To help all people remember, He gave us something we can see. He put
the rainbow in the sky as the sign of that promise.
Did God need the rainbow so He could remember what He’d said? No, the
rainbow was for Noah and his family. It was for all his descendants who would live
after him (Gen. 9:9). Today, it’s for you. It lets you know that God keeps His
promises. After all these millions of years, God still remembers the promise He
made to that group of people on the ark. When He made that promise, He knew
that as long as the sunlight hits the raindrops, people can see the rainbow and
know that He remembers His promise.
See for yourself// Genesis 9:9
things, even as the green herbs. 4But you My covenant with you: Never again shall all
shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood;
blood. 5Surely for your lifeblood I will de- never again shall there be a flood to de-
mand a reckoning; from the hand of every stroy the earth.”
beast I will require it, and from the hand of 12And God said: “This is the sign of the
man. From the hand of every man’s brother covenant which I make between Me and
I will require the life of man. you, and every living creature that is with
you, for perpetual generations: 13I set
6“ Whoever sheds man’s blood,
My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be
By man his blood shall be shed; for the sign of the covenant between Me
For in the image of God and the earth. 14It shall be, when I bring
He made man. a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow
7 And as for you, be fruitful and shall be seen in the cloud; 15and I will re-
multiply; member My covenant which is between
Bring forth abundantly in the earth Me and you and every living creature of
And multiply in it.” all flesh; the waters shall never again be-
come a flood to destroy all flesh. 16The
8Then God spoke to Noah and to his
rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will
sons with him, saying: 9“And as for Me, be- look on it to remember the everlasting
hold, I establish My covenant with you and covenant between God and every living
with your descendantsa after you, 10and creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
with every living creature that is with you: 17And God said to Noah, “This is the sign
the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the of the covenant which I have established
earth with you, of all that go out of the ark,
every beast of the earth. 11Thus I establish 9:9 aLiterally seed
01-Genesis.indd 14 2/14/12 11:48 AM
15 GENESIS 10:26
between Me and all flesh that is on the peoples of the Gentiles were separated
earth.” into their lands, everyone according to his
language, according to their families, into
Noah and His Sons their nations.
6The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim,
18Now the sons of Noah who went out of
Put,a and Canaan. 7The sons of Cush
the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And were Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and
Ham was the father of Canaan. 19These Sabtechah; and the sons of Raamah were
three were the sons of Noah, and from Sheba and Dedan.
these the whole earth was populated. 8Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a
20And Noah began to be a farmer, and he
mighty one on the earth. 9He was a mighty
planted a vineyard. 21Then he drank of the hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said,
wine and was drunk, and became uncov- “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the
ered in his tent. 22And Ham, the father of Lord.” 10And the beginning of his kingdom
Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the
and told his two brothers outside. 23But land of Shinar. 11From that land he went to
Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir,
on both their shoulders, and went back- Calah, 12and Resen between Nineveh and
ward and covered the nakedness of their Calah (that is the principal city).
father. Their faces were turned away, and 13Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Le-
they did not see their father’s nakedness. habim, Naphtuhim, 14Pathrusim, and
24So Noah awoke from his wine, and
Casluhim (from whom came the Philis-
knew what his younger son had done to tines and Caphtorim).
him. 25Then he said: 15Canaan begot Sidon his firstborn, and
Heth; 16the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the
“ Cursed be Canaan; Girgashite; 17the Hivite, the Arkite, and the
A servant of servants Sinite; 18the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and
He shall be to his brethren.” the Hamathite. Afterward the families of
the Canaanites were dispersed. 19And the
26And he said:
border of the Canaanites was from Sidon
as you go toward Gerar, as far as Gaza; then
“ Blessed be the Lord, as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Ad-
The God of Shem, mah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. 20These
And may Canaan be his servant. were the sons of Ham, according to their
27 May God enlarge Japheth,
families, according to their languages, in
And may he dwell in the tents of Shem; their lands and in their nations.
And may Canaan be his servant.” 21And children were born also to Shem,
the father of all the children of Eber, the
28And Noah lived after the flood three
brother of Japheth the elder. 22The sons of
hundred and fifty years. 29So all the days Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud,
of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and Aram. 23The sons of Aram were Uz,
and he died. Hul, Gether, and Mash.a 24Arphaxad begot
Salah,a and Salah begot Eber. 25To Eber
Nations Descended were born two sons: the name of one was
from Noah Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided;
10
Now this is the genealogy of the and his brother’s name was Joktan. 26Joktan
sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and begot Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth,
Japheth. And sons were born to 10:3 aSpelled Diphath in 1 Chronicles 1:6
them after the flood. 10:4 aSpelled Rodanim in Samaritan Pentateuch
2The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Ma-
and 1 Chronicles 1:7 10:6 aOr Phut
gog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and 10:23 aCalled Meshech in Septuagint and
Tiras. 3The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, 1 Chronicles 1:17 10:24 aFollowing Masoretic
Riphath,a and Togarmah. 4The sons of Ja- Text, Vulgate, and Targum; Septuagint reads
van were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Arphaxad begot Cainan, and Cainan begot Salah
Dodanim.a 5From these the coastland (compare Luke 3:35, 36).
01-Genesis.indd 15 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 10:27 16
Jerah, 27Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28Obal,a phaxad lived four hundred and three years,
Abimael, Sheba, 29Ophir, Havilah, and and begot sons and daughters.
Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 14Salah lived thirty years, and begot
30And their dwelling place was from Mesha Eber. 15After he begot Eber, Salah lived four
as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of hundred and three years, and begot sons
the east. 31These were the sons of Shem, and daughters.
according to their families, according to 16Eber lived thirty-four years, and begot
their languages, in their lands, according Peleg. 17After he begot Peleg, Eber lived
to their nations. four hundred and thirty years, and begot
32These were the families of the sons of sons and daughters.
Noah, according to their generations, in 18Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Reu.
their nations; and from these the nations 19After he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hun-
were divided on the earth after the flood. dred and nine years, and begot sons and
daughters.
The Tower of Babel 20Reu lived thirty-two years, and begot
Serug. 21After he begot Serug, Reu lived two
11
Now the whole earth had one
hundred and seven years, and begot sons
language and one speech. 2And
and daughters.
it came to pass, as they jour- 22Serug lived thirty years, and begot Na-
neyed from the east, that they found a plain
in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. hor. 23After he begot Nahor, Serug lived two
3Then they said to one another, “Come, let hundred years, and begot sons and daugh-
us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” ters.
24Nahor lived twenty- nine years, and
They had brick for stone, and they had as-
phalt for mortar. 4And they said, “Come, let begot Terah. 25After he begot Terah, Nahor
us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose lived one hundred and nineteen years, and
top is in the heavens; let us make a name begot sons and daughters.
26Now Terah lived seventy years, and be-
for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad
over the face of the whole earth.” got Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
5But the Lord came down to see the
Terah’s Descendants
city and the tower which the sons of men
had built. 6And the Lord said, “Indeed 27This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah
the people are one and they all have one begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran
language, and this is what they begin to begot Lot. 28And Haran died before his fa-
do; now nothing that they propose to do ther Terah in his native land, in Ur of the
will be withheld from them. 7Come, let Chaldeans. 29Then Abram and Nahor took
Us go down and there confuse their lan- wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai,
guage, that they may not understand one and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the
another’s speech.” 8So the Lord scattered daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and
them abroad from there over the face of the father of Iscah. 30But Sarai was barren;
all the earth, and they ceased building the she had no child.
city. 9Therefore its name is called Babel,
because there the Lord confused the lan-
guage of all the earth; and from there the Genesis 11:31
Lord scattered them abroad over the face Canaan was the Promised land of the
of all the earth. Israelites. It was located east of the
Mediterranean Sea, where Syria, Leba-
Shem’s Descendants non, and Israel are today.
10This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem
was one hundred years old, and begot Ar- 31And Terah took his son Abram and
phaxad two years after the flood. 11After he his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and
begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s
years, and begot sons and daughters. wife, and they went out with them from Ur
12Arphaxad lived thirty-five years, and
begot Salah. 13After he begot Salah, Ar- 10:28 aSpelled Ebal in 1 Chronicles 1:22
01-Genesis.indd 16 2/14/12 11:48 AM
17 GENESIS 12:12
Promise
God promises that everyone on earth will
be blessed.
“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your
name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who
bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all
the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:2, 3).
God had a plan for a man named Abram. God knew that Abram would believe
Him, and that Abram would live out his faith through his actions. Because of His
plan, God promised Abram that the world would be blessed because of him.
God blessed the world through Abram in two ways. First, Abraham (the name
God gave Abram later) became the prime example for everyone who would ever
put their faith in God. His descendants were honored and proud to be called the
“children of Abraham.” Paul said that anyone who has Abraham’s kind of faith is a
child of Abraham.
But the greatest blessing God gave through Abraham—the thing God was
specifically talking about here—is Jesus. Jesus was a descendent of Abraham. God
redeemed all of the sin in your life through Jesus, a descendant of the man whose
greatest claim to fame was the simple fact that “he believed in the Lord” (Gen. 15:6).
See for yourself// Genesis 15:4, 5; 17:4–8; Luke 1:54, 55; Galatians 3:14, 29
of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Ca- gathered, and the people whom they had
naan; and they came to Haran and dwelt acquired in Haran, and they departed to go
there. 32So the days of Terah were two to the land of Canaan. So they came to the
hundred and five years, and Terah died in land of Canaan. 6Abram passed through
Haran. the land to the place of Shechem, as far as
the terebinth tree of Moreh.a And the Ca-
Promises to Abram naanites were then in the land.
12
7Then the Lord appeared to Abram and
Now the Lord had said to
Abram: said, “To your descendants I will give this
land.” And there he built an altar to the
“ Get out of your country, Lord, who had appeared to him. 8And he
From your family moved from there to the mountain east of
And from your father’s house, Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel
To a land that I will show you. on the west and Ai on the east; there he
2 I will make you a great nation; built an altar to the Lord and called on the
I will bless you name of the Lord. 9So Abram journeyed,
And make your name great; going on still toward the South.a
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, Abram in Egypt
And I will curse him who curses you; 10Now there was a famine in the land, and
And in you all the families of the earth Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there,
shall be blessed.” for the famine was severe in the land. 11And
it came to pass, when he was close to en-
4So Abram departed as the Lord had
tering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife,
spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And “Indeed I know that you are a woman of
Abram was seventy-five years old when he beautiful countenance. 12Therefore it will
departed from Haran. 5Then Abram took happen, when the Egyptians see you, that
Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son,
and all their possessions that they had 12:6 aHebrew Alon Moreh 12:9 aHebrew Negev
01-Genesis.indd 17 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 12:13 18
they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will or, if you go to the right, then I will go to
kill me, but they will let you live. 13Please the left.”
say you are my sister, that it may be well 10And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the
with me for your sake, and that Ia may live plain of Jordan, that it was well watered
because of you.” everywhere (before the Lord destroyed
14So it was, when Abram came into Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of
Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go
that she was very beautiful. 15The princes toward Zoar. 11Then Lot chose for himself
of Pharaoh also saw her and commended all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed
her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken east. And they separated from each other.
to Pharaoh’s house. 16He treated Abram 12Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and
well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and
donkeys, male and female servants, female pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. 13But
donkeys, and camels. the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked
17But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and and sinful against the Lord.
his house with great plagues because of 14And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot
Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18And Pharaoh called had separated from him: “Lift your eyes
Abram and said, “What is this you have now and look from the place where you
done to me? Why did you not tell me that are— northward, southward, eastward,
she was your wife? 19Why did you say, ‘She and westward; 15for all the land which you
is my sister’? I might have taken her as my see I give to you and your descendantsa for-
wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take ever. 16And I will make your descendants as
her and go your way.” 20So Pharaoh com- the dust of the earth; so that if a man could
manded his men concerning him; and they number the dust of the earth, then your de-
sent him away, with his wife and all that he scendants also could be numbered. 17Arise,
had. walk in the land through its length and its
width, for I give it to you.”
Abram Inherits Canaan 18Then Abram moved his tent, and went
13
Then Abram went up from and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre,a
Egypt, he and his wife and all which are in Hebron, and built an altar
that he had, and Lot with him, there to the Lord.
to the South.a 2Abram was very rich in
livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3And he Lot’s Captivity and Rescue
14
went on his journey from the South as far And it came to pass in the days
as Bethel, to the place where his tent had of Amraphel king of Shinar,
been at the beginning, between Bethel and Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedor-
Ai, 4to the place of the altar which he had laomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of
made there at first. And there Abram called nations,a 2that they made war with Bera
on the name of the Lord. king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah,
5Lot also, who went with Abram, had
Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king
flocks and herds and tents. 6Now the land of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is,
was not able to support them, that they Zoar). 3All these joined together in the Val-
might dwell together, for their possessions ley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4Twelve
were so great that they could not dwell to- years they served Chedorlaomer, and in
gether. 7And there was strife between the the thirteenth year they rebelled.
herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the 5In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer
herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaan- and the kings that were with him came
ites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth
land. Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim
8So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there
in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in
be no strife between you and me, and be-
tween my herdsmen and your herdsmen; 12:13 aLiterally my soul 13:1 aHebrew Negev
for we are brethren. 9Is not the whole land 13:15 aLiterally seed, and so throughout the
before you? Please separate from me. If book 13:18 aHebrew Alon Mamre
you take the left, then I will go to the right; 14:1 aHebrew goyim
01-Genesis.indd 18 2/14/12 11:48 AM
19 GENESIS 15:2
their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, Abram and Melchizedek
which is by the wilderness. 7Then they 18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought
turned back and came to En Mishpat (that
out bread and wine; he was the priest of
is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of God Most High. 19And he blessed him and
the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who said:
dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.
8And the king of Sodom, the king of Go-
“ Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
morrah, the king of Admah, the king of Ze-
Possessor of heaven and earth;
boiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) 20 And blessed be God Most High,
went out and joined together in battle
Who has delivered your enemies into
in the Valley of Siddim 9against Chedor-
your hand.”
laomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations,a
Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king
of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10Now And he gave him a tithe of all.
the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt
pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomor-
rah fled; some fell there, and the remainder
Genesis 14:18
Melchizedek, whose name means
fled to the mountains. 11Then they took all
“King of Righteousness,” is mentioned
the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and
only two other times in the Bible—
all their provisions, and went their way.
12They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son once in Psalms and once in Hebrews.
who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and He was from Salem which is another
departed. name for Jerusalem.
13Then one who had escaped came and
told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by 21Now the king of Sodom said to Abram,
the terebinth trees of Mamrea the Amorite,
“Give me the persons, and take the goods
brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and
for yourself.”
they were allies with Abram. 14Now when 22But Abram said to the king of Sodom,
Abram heard that his brother was taken
captive, he armed his three hundred and “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God
eighteen trained servants who were born Most High, the Possessor of heaven and
in his own house, and went in pursuit as earth, 23that I will take nothing, from a
far as Dan. 15He divided his forces against thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not
them by night, and he and his servants take anything that is yours, lest you should
attacked them and pursued them as far say, ‘I have made Abram rich’—24except
as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. only what the young men have eaten, and
16So he brought back all the goods, and the portion of the men who went with me:
also brought back his brother Lot and his Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take
goods, as well as the women and the peo- their portion.”
ple.
Protection
Genesis 14:14 Who will protect me?
Think of Abram (who later became Genesis 15:1
Abraham) as a tribal chief. The people
under his command weren’t all his im-
mediate relatives, but they were loyal God’s Covenant with Abram
15
to him. Some of the men in Abram’s After these things the word of
“tribe” were trained warriors. the Lord came to Abram in a
vision, saying, “Do not be afraid,
17And the king of Sodom went out to
Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly
great reward.”
meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, 2But Abram said, “Lord God, what will
the King’s Valley), after his return from the
defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who 14:9 aHebrew goyim 14:13 aHebrew Alon
were with him. Mamre
01-Genesis.indd 19 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 15:3 20
You give me, seeing I go childless, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites,
heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” and the Jebusites.”
3Then Abram said, “Look, You have given
me no offspring; indeed one born in my
house is my heir!” Genesis 15:17
4And behold, the word of the Lord came
God’s promise to give the land of
to him, saying, “This one shall not be your Canaan to Abram is one of the most
heir, but one who will come from your own important events in the Old Testa-
body shall be your heir.” 5Then He brought ment. Most of the modern conflicts
him outside and said, “Look now toward between middle-eastern countries
heaven, and count the stars if you are able can be traced back to this promise.
to number them.” And He said to him, “So
shall your descendants be.”
6And he believed in the Lord, and He ac-
Hagar and Ishmael
counted it to him for righteousness.
16
7Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had
who brought you out of Ur of the Chal- borne him no children. And she
deans, to give you this land to inherit it.” had an Egyptian maidservant
8And he said, “Lord God, how shall I whose name was Hagar. 2So Sarai said to
know that I will inherit it?” Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained
9So He said to him, “Bring Me a three- me from bearing children. Please, go in to
year-old heifer, a three- year-
old female my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by
goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.
3Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her
and a young pigeon.” 10Then he brought all
these to Him and cut them in two, down maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her
the middle, and placed each piece opposite husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram
the other; but he did not cut the birds in had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan.
4So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived.
two. 11And when the vultures came down
on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. And when she saw that she had conceived,
12Now when the sun was going down, a her mistress became despised in her eyes.
deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold,
horror and great darkness fell upon him.
13Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly Genesis 16:2
that your descendants will be strangers In Old Testament times, for a couple
in a land that is not theirs, and will serve to be childless was considered tragic.
them, and they will afflict them four hun- Children were seen as a sign of God’s
dred years. 14And also the nation whom blessing. Female servants were ex-
they serve I will judge; afterward they shall pected to bear their master’s children
come out with great possessions. 15Now if the master’s wife could not.
as for you, you shall go to your fathers in
peace; you shall be buried at a good old
5Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong
age. 16But in the fourth generation they
shall return here, for the iniquity of the be upon you! I gave my maid into your em-
Amorites is not yet complete.” brace; and when she saw that she had con-
17And it came to pass, when the sun ceived, I became despised in her eyes. The
went down and it was dark, that behold, Lord judge between you and me.”
there appeared a smoking oven and a 6So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your
burning torch that passed between those maid is in your hand; do to her as you
pieces. 18On the same day the Lord made please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with
a covenant with Abram, saying: her, she fled from her presence.
“To your descendants I have given this 7Now the Angel of the Lord found her by
land, from the river of Egypt to the great a spring of water in the wilderness, by the
river, the River Euphrates—19the Kenites, spring on the way to Shur. 8And He said,
the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20the Hit- “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come
tites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21the from, and where are you going?”
01-Genesis.indd 20 2/14/12 11:48 AM
21 GENESIS 17:19
She said, “I am fleeing from the presence the land of Canaan, as an everlasting pos-
of my mistress Sarai.” session; and I will be their God.”
9The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Re-
turn to your mistress, and submit yourself
under her hand.” 10Then the Angel of the Genesis 17:4, 5
Lord said to her, “I will multiply your de- Names were a very big deal in ancient
scendants exceedingly, so that they shall times. The meaning of a person’s
not be counted for multitude.” 11And the name often revealed a very important
Angel of the Lord said to her: personal characteristic. Such was
the case with Abraham. In Hebrew,
“ Behold, you are with child, Ab means “father” and raham means
And you shall bear a son. “many.”
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your
9And God said to Abraham: “As for you,
affliction.
12 He shall be a wild man; you shall keep My covenant, you and your
His hand shall be against every man, descendants after you throughout their
And every man’s hand against him. generations. 10This is My covenant which
And he shall dwell in the presence of you shall keep, between Me and you and
all his brethren.” your descendants after you: Every male
child among you shall be circumcised;
13Then she called the name of the Lord 11and you shall be circumcised in the flesh
who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who- of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of
Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen the covenant between Me and you. 12He
Him who sees me?” 14Therefore the well who is eight days old among you shall be
was called Beer Lahai Roi;a observe, it is circumcised, every male child in your gen-
between Kadesh and Bered. erations, he who is born in your house or
15So Hagar bore Abram a son; and bought with money from any foreigner
Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, who is not your descendant. 13He who is
Ishmael. 16Abram was eighty-six years old born in your house and he who is bought
when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. with your money must be circumcised, and
My covenant shall be in your flesh for an
The Sign of the Covenant everlasting covenant. 14And the uncircum-
cised male child, who is not circumcised in
17
When Abram was ninety-nine
the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall
years old, the Lord appeared
be cut off from his people; he has broken
to Abram and said to him, “I
My covenant.”
am Almighty God; walk before Me and be 15Then God said to Abraham, “As for
blameless. 2And I will make My covenant
Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name
between Me and you, and will multiply you
Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16And
exceedingly.” 3Then Abram fell on his face,
I will bless her and also give you a son by
and God talked with him, saying: 4“As for
her; then I will bless her, and she shall be
Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and
a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall
you shall be a father of many nations. 5No
be from her.”
longer shall your name be called Abram, 17Then Abraham fell on his face and
but your name shall be Abraham; for I
laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child
have made you a father of many nations.
6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and
be born to a man who is one hundred years
old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years
I will make nations of you, and kings shall
old, bear a child? ” 18And Abraham said to
come from you. 7And I will establish My
God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before
covenant between Me and you and your
You!”
descendants after you in their generations, 19Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife
for an everlasting covenant, to be God to
shall bear you a son, and you shall call his
you and your descendants after you. 8Also
I give to you and your descendants after 16:14 aLiterally Well of the One Who Lives and
you the land in which you are a stranger, all Sees Me
01-Genesis.indd 21 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 17:20 22
name Isaac; I will establish My covenant rest yourselves under the tree. 5And I will
with him for an everlasting covenant, and bring a morsel of bread, that you may re-
with his descendants after him. 20And as fresh your hearts. After that you may pass
for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I by, inasmuch as you have come to your
have blessed him, and will make him fruit- servant.”
ful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He They said, “Do as you have said.”
shall beget twelve princes, and I will make 6So Abraham hurried into the tent to
him a great nation. 21But My covenant Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three
I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah measures of fine meal; knead it and make
shall bear to you at this set time next year.” cakes.” 7And Abraham ran to the herd, took
22Then He finished talking with him, and a tender and good calf, gave it to a young
God went up from Abraham. man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8So he
23So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all took butter and milk and the calf which he
who were born in his house and all who had prepared, and set it before them; and
were bought with his money, every male he stood by them under the tree as they
among the men of Abraham’s house, and ate.
circumcised the flesh of their foreskins 9Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah
that very same day, as God had said to him. your wife?”
24Abraham was ninety-nine years old when So he said, “Here, in the tent.”
he was circumcised in the flesh of his fore- 10And He said, “I will certainly return to
skin. 25And Ishmael his son was thirteen you according to the time of life, and be-
years old when he was circumcised in the hold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”
flesh of his foreskin. 26That very same day (Sarah was listening in the tent door
Abraham was circumcised, and his son which was behind him.) 11Now Abra-
Ishmael; 27and all the men of his house, ham and Sarah were old, well advanced
born in the house or bought with money in age; and Sarah had passed the age of
from a foreigner, were circumcised with childbearing.a 12Therefore Sarah laughed
him. within herself, saying, “After I have grown
old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old
also?”
Genesis 18:1–5 13And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why
In ancient times, hospitality wasn’t a did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear
courtesy; it was a duty. People were a child, since I am old?’ 14Is anything too
expected to welcome travelers into hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I
their homes and care for their needs. will return to you, according to the time of
It was considered rude for a host to life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
ask his guests questions or carry on a 15But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not
conversation with them before they laugh,” for she was afraid.
were given a chance to clean up and And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”
eat.
Abraham Intercedes
for Sodom
The Son of Promise 16Then the men rose from there and looked
18
Then the Lord appeared to toward Sodom, and Abraham went with
him by the terebinth trees of them to send them on the way. 17And the
Mamre,a as he was sitting in Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham
the tent door in the heat of the day. 2So what I am doing, 18since Abraham shall
he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, surely become a great and mighty nation,
three men were standing by him; and and all the nations of the earth shall be
when he saw them, he ran from the tent blessed in him? 19For I have known him, in
door to meet them, and bowed himself to order that he may command his children
the ground, 3and said, “My Lord, if I have and his household after him, that they
now found favor in Your sight, do not pass
on by Your servant. 4Please let a little wa- 18:1 aHebrew Alon Mamre 18:11 aLiterally the
ter be brought, and wash your feet, and manner of women had ceased to be with Sarah
01-Genesis.indd 22 2/14/12 11:48 AM
23 GENESIS 18:33
Promise
God promises nothing is too hard for Him.
And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh,
saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is any-
thing too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will
return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall
have a son” (Gen. 18:13, 14).
Hard. You know all about hard. It’s hard to juggle school, a part-time job, and
chores at home. It’s hard when the game is tied and you miss a free throw. It’s hard
when you sit down to take a final and realize you should have paid more attention
in class all year. But some things are beyond hard, like when someone you love dies.
At times like those, it can seem there is no way to cope.
Though some things in life seem too difficult for us, nothing is too hard for God.
Sometimes He does His most amazing work when all hope seems gone. He gives
hope when all seems hopeless. He fills us with peace when we’re in the middle of
chaos. He saves the souls of people who deserve death. He makes the impossible
possible. Think about the hard times: the last second, the darkest hour, the deepest
hole. They are “mission impossible” for us. Invite Him into your hard times. Every
one of them is “mission possible” for Him.
See for yourself// Numbers 11:23; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27
keep the way of the Lord, to do righteous- have taken it upon myself to speak to the
ness and justice, that the Lord may bring Lord: 28Suppose there were five less than
to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of
20And the Lord said, “Because the outcry the city for lack of five?”
against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will
because their sin is very grave, 21I will go not destroy it.”
down now and see whether they have done 29And he spoke to Him yet again and
altogether according to the outcry against said, “Suppose there should be forty found
it that has come to Me; and if not, I will there?”
know.” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake
22Then the men turned away from of forty.”
there and went toward Sodom, but Abra- 30Then he said, “Let not the Lord be an-
ham still stood before the Lord. 23And gry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should
Abraham came near and said, “Would be found there?”
You also destroy the righteous with the So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty
wicked? 24Suppose there were fifty righ- there.”
teous within the city; would You also 31And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken
destroy the place and not spare it for the it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Sup-
fifty righteous that were in it? 25Far be it pose twenty should be found there?”
from You to do such a thing as this, to slay So He said, “I will not destroy it for the
the righteous with the wicked, so that the sake of twenty.”
righteous should be as the wicked; far be 32Then he said, “Let not the Lord be an-
it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the gry, and I will speak but once more: Sup-
earth do right?” pose ten should be found there?”
26So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom And He said, “I will not destroy it for the
fifty righteous within the city, then I will sake of ten.” 33So the Lord went His way
spare all the place for their sakes.” as soon as He had finished speaking with
27Then Abraham answered and said, Abraham; and Abraham returned to his
“Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes place.
01-Genesis.indd 23 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 19:1 24
Sodom’s Depravity and shut the door. 11And they struck the
men who were at the doorway of the
19
Now the two angels came to
house with blindness, both small and
Sodom in the evening, and Lot
great, so that they became weary trying to
was sitting in the gate of Sodom.
find the door.
When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them,
and he bowed himself with his face to-
Sodom and Gomorrah
ward the ground. 2And he said, “Here now, Destroyed
my lords, please turn in to your servant’s
12Then the men said to Lot, “Have you any-
house and spend the night, and wash your
feet; then you may rise early and go on your one else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your
way.” daughters, and whomever you have in the
city—take them out of this place! 13For we
will destroy this place, because the outcry
Genesis 19:1, 2 against them has grown great before the
The city gate was like a commerce face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us
center and a courthouse rolled into to destroy it.”
one. It’s where people conducted 14So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-
their business, judicial, and political in-law, who had married his daughters,
matters. Judging by his position at and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for
the city gate, Lot apparently was an the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his
important man in Sodom. He saw it as sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.
his responsibility to welcome the two 15When the morning dawned, the angels
strangers to the city. urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your
wife and your two daughters who are here,
lest you be consumed in the punishment of
And they said, “No, but we will spend the the city.” 16And while he lingered, the men
night in the open square.” took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and
3But he insisted strongly; so they turned the hands of his two daughters, the Lord
in to him and entered his house. Then he being merciful to him, and they brought
made them a feast, and baked unleavened him out and set him outside the city. 17So it
bread, and they ate. came to pass, when they had brought them
4Now before they lay down, the men of outside, that hea said, “Escape for your life!
the city, the men of Sodom, both old and Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere
young, all the people from every quarter, in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest
surrounded the house. 5And they called to you be destroyed.”
Lot and said to him, “Where are the men 18Then Lot said to them, “Please, no,
who came to you tonight? Bring them out my lords! 19Indeed now, your servant has
to us that we may know them carnally.” found favor in your sight, and you have in-
6So Lot went out to them through the creased your mercy which you have shown
doorway, shut the door behind him, 7and me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to
said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so the mountains, lest some evil overtake me
wickedly! 8See now, I have two daughters and I die. 20See now, this city is near enough
who have not known a man; please, let me to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me
bring them out to you, and you may do to escape there (is it not a little one?) and my
them as you wish; only do nothing to these soul shall live.”
men, since this is the reason they have 21And he said to him, “See, I have favored
come under the shadow of my roof.” you concerning this thing also, in that I will
9And they said, “Stand back!” Then they not overthrow this city for which you have
said, “This one came in to stay here, and spoken. 22Hurry, escape there. For I cannot
he keeps acting as a judge; now we will do anything until you arrive there.”
deal worse with you than with them.” So Therefore the name of the city was
they pressed hard against the man Lot, called Zoar.
and came near to break down the door. 23The sun had risen upon the earth when
10But the men reached out their hands
and pulled Lot into the house with them, 19:17 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read they.
01-Genesis.indd 24 2/14/12 11:48 AM
25 GENESIS 20:15
Lot entered Zoar. 24Then the Lord rained Abraham and Abimelech
brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomor-
20
And Abraham journeyed from
rah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25So there to the South, and dwelt
He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all between Kadesh and Shur, and
the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew stayed in Gerar. 2Now Abraham said of
on the ground. Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abim
26But his wife looked back behind him,
elech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
and she became a pillar of salt. 3But God came to Abimelech in a dream
27And Abraham went early in the morn-
by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are
ing to the place where he had stood before a dead man because of the woman whom
the Lord. 28Then he looked toward Sodom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”
and Gomorrah, and toward all the land 4But Abimelech had not come near her;
of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous
smoke of the land which went up like the nation also? 5Did he not say to me, ‘She is
smoke of a furnace. 29And it came to pass, my sister’? And she, even she herself said,
when God destroyed the cities of the plain, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my
that God remembered Abraham, and sent heart and innocence of my hands I have
Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when done this.”
He overthrew the cities in which Lot had 6And God said to him in a dream, “Yes,
dwelt. I know that you did this in the integrity of
your heart. For I also withheld you from
The Descendants of Lot sinning against Me; therefore I did not let
30Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt
you touch her. 7Now therefore, restore the
man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will
in the mountains, and his two daughters pray for you and you shall live. But if you do
were with him; for he was afraid to dwell not restore her, know that you shall surely
in Zoar. And he and his two daughters die, you and all who are yours.”
dwelt in a cave. 31Now the firstborn said to 8So Abimelech rose early in the morn-
the younger, “Our father is old, and there is ing, called all his servants, and told all
no man on the earth to come in to us as is these things in their hearing; and the men
the custom of all the earth. 32Come, let us were very much afraid. 9And Abimelech
make our father drink wine, and we will lie called Abraham and said to him, “What
with him, that we may preserve the lineage have you done to us? How have I offended
of our father.” 33So they made their father you, that you have brought on me and on
drink wine that night. And the firstborn my kingdom a great sin? You have done
went in and lay with her father, and he did deeds to me that ought not to be done.”
not know when she lay down or when she 10Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What
arose. did you have in view, that you have done
34It happened on the next day that the
this thing?”
firstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay 11And Abraham said, “Because I thought,
with my father last night; let us make him surely the fear of God is not in this place;
drink wine tonight also, and you go in and and they will kill me on account of my wife.
lie with him, that we may preserve the lin- 12But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the
eage of our father.” 35Then they made their daughter of my father, but not the daugh-
father drink wine that night also. And the ter of my mother; and she became my wife.
younger arose and lay with him, and he did 13And it came to pass, when God caused
not know when she lay down or when she me to wander from my father’s house, that
arose. I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you
36Thus both the daughters of Lot were should do for me: in every place, wherever
with child by their father. 37The firstborn we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”
bore a son and called his name Moab; he is 14Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and
the father of the Moabites to this day. 38And male and female servants, and gave them
the younger, she also bore a son and called to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife
his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the to him. 15And Abimelech said, “See, my
people of Ammon to this day. land is before you; dwell where it pleases
01-Genesis.indd 25 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 20:16 26
Profile
Isaac
Isaac was the only child of Abraham and Sarah. Growing up as an only child carries
with it certain benefits. For one thing, sharing is just a concept you learn, not a constant
struggle as in many multiple-sibling families. But being an only child also includes special
challenges. You get all the attention—sometimes too much. Isaac had the added factor
of parents who were old enough to be his great-grandparents. No wonder he had some
special problems later when he became father of twins.
Isaac was a promise as well as a person. He had to learn to live with that fact. He was
the first installment in God’s promise to create a nation through Abraham. For instance,
one day Isaac’s father told him they were going on a camping trip. The next thing he knew,
Isaac found himself tied up on an altar, about to be sacrificed as a burnt offering.
Fortunately, this was only a test—a test of Abraham’s trust in God. An alternative sacrifice
was provided and Isaac continued to live a long and fruitful life.
There’s no doubt Isaac learned that faith is serious business. His life wasn’t full of
accomplishments, but he kept the faith, and he passed it on. He gave God’s special
blessing to his son, Jacob, who continued the family line. The family of Isaac grew to
become God’s chosen people, Israel.
+ Making a Difference:
Making a difference may not lead to greatness. Perhaps you will seem to do little more
than be a diligent student, a loyal friend, or one day a faithful spouse, caring parent, and
growing disciple of Jesus—but a life well-lived in God’s kingdom has an impact that we
may never see.
The greatest accomplishment in life is to follow the example of Isaac. Isaac was a
channel of God’s blessing. Through him, the very family tree that would one day include
Jesus was firmly established. In a very real way, Isaac was a channel of the greatest
blessing the world has ever known. In God’s hands, your life can also be a channel of
blessing—seen or unseen.
Want to know more?
Read about Isaac’s life in Genesis 17:15—35:29. Romans 9:7–10; Hebrews
11:17–20; and James 2:21–24 also describe his significance.
Isaac was willing to play his role in God’s ultimate plan. Through his trust
and faith, he made a real difference. You can, too!
you.” 16Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I Isaac Is Born
have given your brother a thousand pieces
21
And the Lord visited Sarah as
of silver; indeed this vindicates youa before
He had said, and the Lord did
all who are with you and before everybody.”
for Sarah as He had spoken.
Thus she was rebuked. 2For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a
17So Abraham prayed to God; and God
son in his old age, at the set time of which
healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female
God had spoken to him. 3And Abraham
servants. Then they bore children; 18for called the name of his son who was born
the Lord had closed up all the wombs of to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.
the house of Abimelech because of Sarah,
Abraham’s wife. 20:16 aLiterally it is a covering of the eyes for you
01-Genesis.indd 26 2/14/12 11:48 AM
27 GENESIS 21:32
4Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and be-
when he was eight days old, as God had came an archer. 21He dwelt in the Wilder-
commanded him. 5Now Abraham was ness of Paran; and his mother took a wife
one hundred years old when his son Isaac for him from the land of Egypt.
was born to him. 6And Sarah said, “God
has made me laugh, and all who hear will A Covenant with Abimelech
laugh with me.” 7She also said, “Who would 22And it came to pass at that time that
have said to Abraham that Sarah would Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of
nurse children? For I have borne him a son his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God
in his old age.” is with you in all that you do. 23Now there-
fore, swear to me by God that you will not
Hagar and Ishmael Depart deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or
8So the child grew and was weaned. And with my posterity; but that according to
Abraham made a great feast on the same the kindness that I have done to you, you
day that Isaac was weaned. will do to me and to the land in which you
9And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the have dwelt.”
24And Abraham said, “I will swear.”
Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abra-
25Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech
ham, scoffing. 10Therefore she said to
Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and because of a well of water which Abime
her son; for the son of this bondwoman lech’s servants had seized. 26And Abime
shall not be heir with my son, namely with lech said, “I do not know who has done this
Isaac.” 11And the matter was very displeas- thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard
ing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. of it until today.” 27So Abraham took sheep
12But God said to Abraham, “Do not let and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and
it be displeasing in your sight because of the two of them made a covenant. 28And
the lad or because of your bondwoman. Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock
Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to by themselves.
29Then Abimelech asked Abraham,
her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be
called. 13Yet I will also make a nation of the “What is the meaning of these seven ewe
son of the bondwoman, because he is your lambs which you have set by themselves?”
30And he said, “You will take these
seed.”
14So Abraham rose early in the morning, seven ewe lambs from my hand, that
and took bread and a skin of water; and they may be my witness that I have dug
putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and this well.” 31Therefore he called that place
the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then Beersheba,a because the two of them swore
she departed and wandered in the Wilder- an oath there.
ness of Beersheba. 15And the water in the
skin was used up, and she placed the boy
under one of the shrubs. 16Then she went Genesis 21:32
and sat down across from him at a distance The Philistines, who lived along the
of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, coast of the Mediterranean Sea near
“Let me not see the death of the boy.” So she Israel, were enemies of God’s people.
sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and Abraham made an agreement with
wept. the Philistine King Abimelech that
17And God heard the voice of the lad. enabled him to live in Philistine land
Then the angel of God called to Hagar out without any problems. Later, though,
of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, the Philistines proved to be a real
Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the problem for Abraham’s descendants.
voice of the lad where he is. 18Arise, lift up
the lad and hold him with your hand, for I 32Thus they made a covenant at Beer-
will make him a great nation.” sheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol,
19Then God opened her eyes, and she
the commander of his army, and they
saw a well of water. And she went and
filled the skin with water, and gave the lad 21:31 aLiterally Well of the Oath or Well of the
a drink. 20So God was with the lad; and he Seven
01-Genesis.indd 27 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 21:33 28
returned to the land of the Philistines. altar there and placed the wood in order;
33Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on
in Beersheba, and there called on the the altar, upon the wood. 10And Abraham
name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. stretched out his hand and took the knife
34And Abraham stayed in the land of the to slay his son.
Philistines many days. 11But the Angel of the Lord called to
him from heaven and said, “Abraham,
Abraham’s Faith Confirmed Abraham!”
22
Now it came to pass after these So he said, “Here I am.”
12And He said, “Do not lay your hand
things that God tested Abraham,
and said to him, “Abraham!” on the lad, or do anything to him; for now
And he said, “Here I am.” I know that you fear God, since you have
2Then He said, “Take now your son, your not withheld your son, your only son, from
only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to Me.”
13Then Abraham lifted his eyes and
the land of Moriah, and offer him there as
a burnt offering on one of the mountains of looked, and there behind him was a ram
which I shall tell you.” caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abra-
3So Abraham rose early in the morning ham went and took the ram, and offered it
and saddled his donkey, and took two of up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
14And Abraham called the name of the
his young men with him, and Isaac his
place, The-Lord-Will-Provide;a as it is said
son; and he split the wood for the burnt
to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it
offering, and arose and went to the place
shall be provided.”
of which God had told him. 4Then on the 15Then the Angel of the Lord called to
third day Abraham lifted his eyes and
Abraham a second time out of heaven,
saw the place afar off. 5And Abraham 16and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says
said to his young men, “Stay here with
the Lord, because you have done this
the donkey; the lada and I will go yonder
thing, and have not withheld your son,
and worship, and we will come back to
your only son—17blessing I will bless you,
you.”
6So Abraham took the wood of the burnt and multiplying I will multiply your de-
scendants as the stars of the heaven and
offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he
as the sand which is on the seashore; and
took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and
your descendants shall possess the gate
the two of them went together. 7But Isaac
of their enemies. 18In your seed all the na-
spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My
tions of the earth shall be blessed, because
father!”
you have obeyed My voice.” 19So Abraham
And he said, “Here I am, my son.”
returned to his young men, and they rose
Then he said, “Look, the fire and the
and went together to Beersheba; and Abra-
wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt of-
ham dwelt at Beersheba.
fering?”
8And Abraham said, “My son, God will
The Family of Nahor
provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt
20Now it came to pass after these things
offering.” So the two of them went together.
that it was told Abraham, saying, “Indeed
Milcah also has borne children to your
Genesis 22:11 brother Nahor: 21Huz his firstborn, Buz
In ancient times, when a servant his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram,
22Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and
was called by his master, the proper
response was “Here I am.” The fact Bethuel.” 23And Bethuel begot Rebekah.a
that Abraham used these words in These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abra-
responding to God shows that he was ham’s brother. 24His concubine, whose
ready to serve. name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Ga-
ham, Thahash, and Maachah.
9Then they came to the place of which 22:5 aOr young man 22:14 aHebrew YHWH
God had told him. And Abraham built an Yireh 22:23 aSpelled Rebecca in Romans 9:10
01-Genesis.indd 28 2/14/12 11:48 AM
29 GENESIS 24:7
Sarah’s Death and Burial Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the
field and the cave which was in it, and all
23
Sarah lived one hundred and
twenty-seven years; these were the trees that were in the field, which were
the years of the life of Sarah. 2So within all the surrounding borders, were
Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) deeded 18to Abraham as a possession in the
in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came presence of the sons of Heth, before all who
to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. went in at the gate of his city.
19And after this, Abraham buried Sarah
3Then Abraham stood up from before
his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, his wife in the cave of the field of Mach-
saying, 4“I am a foreigner and a visitor pelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron) in
among you. Give me property for a burial the land of Canaan. 20So the field and the
place among you, that I may bury my dead cave that is in it were deeded to Abraham
out of my sight.” by the sons of Heth as property for a burial
5And the sons of Heth answered Abra- place.
ham, saying to him, 6“Hear us, my lord:
You are a mighty prince among us; bury A Bride for Isaac
24
your dead in the choicest of our burial Now Abraham was old, well
places. None of us will withhold from you advanced in age; and the Lord
his burial place, that you may bury your had blessed Abraham in all
dead.” things. 2So Abraham said to the oldest ser-
7Then Abraham stood up and bowed
vant of his house, who ruled over all that
himself to the people of the land, the sons he had, “Please, put your hand under my
of Heth. 8And he spoke with them, saying, thigh, 3and I will make you swear by the
“If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of Lord, the God of heaven and the God of
my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the earth, that you will not take a wife for
the son of Zohar for me, 9that he may give my son from the daughters of the Canaan-
me the cave of Machpelah which he has, ites, among whom I dwell; 4but you shall go
which is at the end of his field. Let him give to my country and to my family, and take a
it to me at the full price, as property for a wife for my son Isaac.”
burial place among you.”
10Now Ephron dwelt among the sons
of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Genesis 24:4
Abraham in the presence of the sons of In Old Testament times, the fam-
Heth, all who entered at the gate of his city, ily unit included everyone from
saying, 11“No, my lord, hear me: I give you grandparents to multiple wives, from
the field and the cave that is in it; I give it widowed daughters to servants. God
to you in the presence of the sons of my used the family structure to spread
people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!” His message from generation to
12Then Abraham bowed himself down
generation. Abraham wanted Isaac’s
before the people of the land; 13and he wife chosen from among his family in
spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the order to keep his family unified.
people of the land, saying, “If you will give
it, please hear me. I will give you money for
the field; take it from me and I will bury my 5And the servant said to him, “Perhaps
dead there.” the woman will not be willing to follow me
14And Ephron answered Abraham, say- to this land. Must I take your son back to
ing to him, 15“My lord, listen to me; the the land from which you came?”
land is worth four hundred shekels of sil- 6But Abraham said to him, “Beware that
ver. What is that between you and me? So you do not take my son back there. 7The
bury your dead.” 16And Abraham listened to Lord God of heaven, who took me from
Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the sil- my father’s house and from the land of my
ver for Ephron which he had named in the family, and who spoke to me and swore to
hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred me, saying, ‘To your descendantsa I give
shekels of silver, currency of the merchants.
17So the field of Ephron which was in 24:7 aLiterally seed
01-Genesis.indd 29 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 24:8 30
Profile
Rebekah
In Old Testament days, marriages were arranged. That is true of some cultures today
as well. In an arranged marriage, brides and grooms don’t get to choose each other. We
sometimes find it hard to imagine arranged marriages being the norm if we’ve always
seen these choices as absolute rights.
Rebekah grew up in an arranged-marriage world. She lived in a large household ruled
by her father and brother. They had the power to decide her marital fate. But God was also
working in the background in her life.
One day when she went to the city well for water she met an old man named Eliezer,
who was a servant of Abraham. Eliezer had just prayed for guidance to find a suitable wife
for Abraham’s son, Isaac. Rebekah turned out to be the answer to that prayer. Both
Rebekah’s timing and her attitude fit the servant’s expectations. She didn’t hesitate to be
helpful, even before she found out he represented a distant relative.
After Eliezer met her family and explained his mission and the events at the well,
Rebekah’s father and brother realized God was arranging these events. They gave their
consent for Rebekah to marry Isaac. Gifts were presented. Return travel arrangements
were made. Then, Rebekah was honored with final veto power when she was asked, “Will
you go with this man?” (Gen. 24:58). Her simple affirmation took God’s plan for the world
another step.
+ Making a Difference:
Rebekah had a lot to learn. She made some major mistakes as a wife and mother. But her
early and beautiful cooperation with God’s work in her life was never undone.
If we are going to make a real difference in our tomorrows, and if we are going to
cooperate with the difference God wants to make through us, it will hinge on what we do
with our nows. What decisions and opportunities are before you now? In what ways are
you seeking God’s guidance about the choices you have to make? How ready are you to
respond to His direction?
Want to know more?
Read Rebekah’s story in Genesis 24—27.
Rebekah was a real girl with real strengths and weaknesses. But she
believed in God’s plan and was willing to take a risk to play her part. Because
of her obedience to God’s plan, her life made a real difference. If you will follow
where God leads, yours can, too!
this land,’ He will send His angel before ter’s goods were in his hand. And he arose
you, and you shall take a wife for my son and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of
from there. 8And if the woman is not will- Nahor. 11And he made his camels kneel
ing to follow you, then you will be released down outside the city by a well of water
from this oath; only do not take my son at evening time, the time when women go
back there.” 9So the servant put his hand out to draw water. 12Then he said, “O Lord
under the thigh of Abraham his master, God of my master Abraham, please give
and swore to him concerning this matter. me success this day, and show kindness to
10Then the servant took ten of his mas- my master Abraham. 13Behold, here I stand
ter’s camels and departed, for all his mas- by the well of water, and the daughters
01-Genesis.indd 30 2/14/12 11:48 AM
31 GENESIS 24:45
of the men of the city are coming out to man by the well. 30So it came to pass, when
draw water. 14Now let it be that the young he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on
woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the
your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus
says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your cam- the man spoke to me,” that he went to the
els a drink’—let her be the one You have ap- man. And there he stood by the camels at
pointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this the well. 31And he said, “Come in, O blessed
I will know that You have shown kindness of the Lord! Why do you stand outside?
to my master.” For I have prepared the house, and a place
15And it happened, before he had fin- for the camels.”
ished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who 32Then the man came to the house. And
was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the he unloaded the camels, and provided
wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out straw and feed for the camels, and water to
with her pitcher on her shoulder. 16Now wash his feet and the feet of the men who
the young woman was very beautiful to were with him. 33Food was set before him to
behold, a virgin; no man had known her. eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have
And she went down to the well, filled her told about my errand.”
pitcher, and came up. 17And the servant And he said, “Speak on.”
ran to meet her and said, “Please let me 34So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant.
drink a little water from your pitcher.” 35The Lord has blessed my master greatly,
18So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she and he has become great; and He has given
quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male
and gave him a drink. 19And when she had and female servants, and camels and don-
finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will keys. 36And Sarah my master’s wife bore a
draw water for your camels also, until they son to my master when she was old; and
have finished drinking.” 20Then she quickly to him he has given all that he has. 37Now
emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran my master made me swear, saying, ‘You
back to the well to draw water, and drew shall not take a wife for my son from the
for all his camels. 21And the man, wonder- daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land
ing at her, remained silent so as to know I dwell; 38but you shall go to my father’s
whether the Lord had made his journey house and to my family, and take a wife for
prosperous or not. my son.’ 39And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps
22So it was, when the camels had fin- the woman will not follow me.’ 40But he
ished drinking, that the man took a golden said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk,
nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two will send His angel with you and prosper
bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shek- your way; and you shall take a wife for my
els of gold, 23and said, “Whose daughter are son from my family and from my father’s
you? Tell me, please, is there room in your house. 41You will be clear from this oath
father’s house for us to lodge?” when you arrive among my family; for if
24So she said to him, “I am the daughter they will not give her to you, then you will
of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to be released from my oath.’
Nahor.” 25Moreover she said to him, “We 42“And this day I came to the well and
have both straw and feed enough, and said, ‘O Lord God of my master Abraham,
room to lodge.” if You will now prosper the way in which I
26Then the man bowed down his head go, 43behold, I stand by the well of water;
and worshiped the Lord. 27And he said, and it shall come to pass that when the
“Blessed be the Lord God of my master virgin comes out to draw water, and I say
Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy to her, “Please give me a little water from
and His truth toward my master. As for me, your pitcher to drink,” 44and she says to
being on the way, the Lord led me to the me, “Drink, and I will draw for your cam-
house of my master’s brethren.” 28So the els also,”—let her be the woman whom the
young woman ran and told her mother’s Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’
household these things. 45“But before I had finished speaking in
29Now Rebekah had a brother whose my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out
name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she
01-Genesis.indd 31 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 24:46 32
went down to the well and drew water. And send me away so that I may go to my mas-
I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ 46And she ter.”
made haste and let her pitcher down from 57So they said, “We will call the young
her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will give woman and ask her personally.” 58Then
your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will
she gave the camels a drink also. 47Then you go with this man?”
I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter And she said, “I will go.”
are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of 59So they sent away Rebekah their sister
Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and
to him.’ So I put the nose ring on her nose his men. 60And they blessed Rebekah and
and the bracelets on her wrists. 48And I said to her:
bowed my head and worshiped the Lord,
and blessed the Lord God of my master “ Our sister, may you become
Abraham, who had led me in the way of The mother of thousands of ten
truth to take the daughter of my master’s thousands;
brother for his son. 49Now if you will deal And may your descendants possess
kindly and truly with my master, tell me. The gates of those who hate them.”
And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the
61Then Rebekah and her maids arose,
right hand or to the left.”
50Then Laban and Bethuel answered and they rode on the camels and followed
and said, “The thing comes from the Lord; the man. So the servant took Rebekah and
we cannot speak to you either bad or good. departed.
51Here is Rebekah before you; take her and 62Now Isaac came from the way of Beer
go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. 63And
as the Lord has spoken.” Isaac went out to meditate in the field in
52And it came to pass, when Abraham’s the evening; and he lifted his eyes and
servant heard their words, that he wor- looked, and there, the camels were com-
shiped the Lord, bowing himself to the ing. 64Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and
earth. 53Then the servant brought out jew- when she saw Isaac she dismounted from
elry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, her camel; 65for she had said to the servant,
and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave “Who is this man walking in the field to
precious things to her brother and to her meet us?”
mother. The servant said, “It is my master.” So
54And he and the men who were with she took a veil and covered herself.
66And the servant told Isaac all the
him ate and drank and stayed all night.
Then they arose in the morning, and he things that he had done. 67Then Isaac
said, “Send me away to my master.” brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent;
55But her brother and her mother said, and he took Rebekah and she became his
“Let the young woman stay with us a few wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was com-
days, at least ten; after that she may go.” forted after his mother’s death.
Abraham and Keturah
25
Genesis 24:57 Abraham again took a wife, and
Asking Rebekah’s opinion about her name was Keturah. 2And
the marriage plans was an unusual she bore him Zimran, Jokshan,
courtesy. In Old Testament times, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3Jok-
marriages were generally arranged shan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the
by young people’s families. Very few sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim,
women (and few men, for that matter) and Leummim. 4And the sons of Mid-
were allowed to give their opinion, let ian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah,
alone make their own choice. and Eldaah. All these were the children of
Keturah.
5And Abraham gave all that he had to
56And he said to them, “Do not hinder Isaac. 6But Abraham gave gifts to the sons
me, since the Lord has prospered my way; of the concubines which Abraham had;
01-Genesis.indd 32 2/14/12 11:48 AM
33 GENESIS 25:34
and while he was still living he sent them 23And the Lord said to her:
eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the
country of the east. “ Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from
Abraham’s Death and Burial your body;
7This is the sum of the years of Abra-
One people shall be stronger than the
other,
ham’s life which he lived: one hundred And the older shall serve the younger.”
and seventy- five years. 8Then Abraham
breathed his last and died in a good old 24So when her days were fulfilled for her
age, an old man and full of years, and was to give birth, indeed there were twins in her
gathered to his people. 9And his sons Isaac womb. 25And the first came out red. He was
and Ishmael buried him in the cave of like a hairy garment all over; so they called
Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the his name Esau.a 26Afterward his brother
field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hit- came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s
tite, 10the field which Abraham purchased heel; so his name was called Jacob.a Isaac
from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was was sixty years old when she bore them.
buried, and Sarah his wife. 11And it came to
pass, after the death of Abraham, that God
blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Genesis 25:23
Beer Lahai Roi. Ancient customs and laws required
that the oldest son have the first claim
The Families of Ishmael to property and the leadership role in
and Isaac the family. A younger son ruling over
12Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, his older brother was a totally foreign
Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, concept.
Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.
13And these were the names of the sons
27So the boys grew. And Esau was a skill-
of Ishmael, by their names, according to
their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, ful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was
Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, a mild man, dwelling in tents. 28And Isaac
14Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15Hadar,a Tema, loved Esau because he ate of his game, but
Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16These were Rebekah loved Jacob.
the sons of Ishmael and these were their
names, by their towns and their settle- Esau Sells His Birthright
ments, twelve princes according to their 29Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came
nations. 17These were the years of the life in from the field, and he was weary. 30And
of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with
years; and he breathed his last and died, that same red stew, for I am weary.” There-
and was gathered to his people. 18(They fore his name was called Edom.a
dwelt from Havilah as far as Shur, which is 31But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright
east of Egypt as you go toward Assyria.) He as of this day.”
died in the presence of all his brethren. 32And Esau said, “Look, I am about to
19This is the genealogy of Isaac, Abra-
die; so what is this birthright to me?”
ham’s son. Abraham begot Isaac. 20Isaac 33Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of
was forty years old when he took Rebekah this day.”
as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian So he swore to him, and sold his birth-
of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syr- right to Jacob. 34And Jacob gave Esau bread
ian. 21Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank,
his wife, because she was barren; and the arose, and went his way. Thus Esau de-
Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his spised his birthright.
wife conceived. 22But the children strug-
gled together within her; and she said, “If 25:15 aMasoretic Text reads Hadad.
all is well, why am I like this?” So she went 25:25 aLiterally Hairy 25:26 aLiterally
to inquire of the Lord. Supplanter 25:30 aLiterally Red
01-Genesis.indd 33 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 26:1 34
Isaac and Abimelech Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much
mightier than we.”
26
There was a famine in the land, 17Then Isaac departed from there and
besides the first famine that
pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and
was in the days of Abraham.
dwelt there. 18And Isaac dug again the
And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the
Philistines, in Gerar. wells of water which they had dug in the
2Then the Lord appeared to him and days of Abraham his father, for the Philis-
said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the tines had stopped them up after the death
land of which I shall tell you. 3Dwell in this of Abraham. He called them by the names
land, and I will be with you and bless you; which his father had called them.
for to you and your descendants I give all
these lands, and I will perform the oath Genesis 26:17–20
which I swore to Abraham your father.
4And I will make your descendants mul-
Wells were a big deal in this area dur-
ing biblical times. They were dug in
tiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to
solid limestone, using primitive tools.
your descendants all these lands; and in
The job was time-consuming and
your seed all the nations of the earth shall
backbreaking. With water in short
be blessed; 5because Abraham obeyed My
supply in that region, it’s no wonder
voice and kept My charge, My command-
that the diggers were eager to protect
ments, My statutes, and My laws.”
6So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 7And the men of
their well.
the place asked about his wife. And he said,
“She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, 19Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley,
“She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest and found a well of running water there.
the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, 20But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled
because she is beautiful to behold.” 8Now with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water
it came to pass, when he had been there a is ours.” So he called the name of the well
long time, that Abimelech king of the Phi-
Esek,a because they quarreled with him.
listines looked through a window, and saw, 21Then they dug another well, and they
and there was Isaac, showing endearment
quarreled over that one also. So he called
to Rebekah his wife. 9Then Abimelech
its name Sitnah.a 22And he moved from
called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she
there and dug another well, and they did
is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is
not quarrel over it. So he called its name
my sister’?”
Rehoboth,a because he said, “For now the
Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I
Lord has made room for us, and we shall
die on account of her.’ ”
10And Abimelech said, “What is this
be fruitful in the land.”
23Then he went up from there to Beer-
you have done to us? One of the people
sheba. 24And the Lord appeared to him the
might soon have lain with your wife, and
same night and said, “I am the God of your
you would have brought guilt on us.” 11So
father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with
Abimelech charged all his people, saying,
you. I will bless you and multiply your de-
“He who touches this man or his wife shall
scendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.”
surely be put to death.” 25So he built an altar there and called on
12Then Isaac sowed in that land, and
the name of the Lord, and he pitched his
reaped in the same year a hundredfold;
tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug
and the Lord blessed him. 13The man be-
a well.
gan to prosper, and continued prospering 26Then Abimelech came to him from
until he became very prosperous; 14for he
Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends,
had possessions of flocks and possessions
and Phichol the commander of his army.
of herds and a great number of servants. So 27And Isaac said to them, “Why have you
the Philistines envied him. 15Now the Phi-
come to me, since you hate me and have
listines had stopped up all the wells which
sent me away from you?”
his father’s servants had dug in the days
of Abraham his father, and they had filled 26:20 aLiterally Quarrel 26:21 aLiterally Enmity
them with earth. 16And Abimelech said to 26:22 aLiterally Spaciousness
01-Genesis.indd 34 2/14/12 11:48 AM
35 GENESIS 27:22
28But they said, “We have certainly seen 5Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac
that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to
there now be an oath between us, between the field to hunt game and to bring it. 6So
you and us; and let us make a covenant Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying,
with you, 29that you will do us no harm, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau
since we have not touched you, and since your brother, saying, 7‘Bring me game and
we have done nothing to you but good and make savory food for me, that I may eat it
have sent you away in peace. You are now and bless you in the presence of the Lord
the blessed of the Lord.’ ” before my death.’ 8Now therefore, my son,
30So he made them a feast, and they ate obey my voice according to what I com-
and drank. 31Then they arose early in the mand you. 9Go now to the flock and bring
morning and swore an oath with one an- me from there two choice kids of the goats,
other; and Isaac sent them away, and they and I will make savory food from them for
departed from him in peace. your father, such as he loves. 10Then you
32It came to pass the same day that shall take it to your father, that he may
Isaac’s servants came and told him about eat it, and that he may bless you before his
the well which they had dug, and said to death.”
11And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother,
him, “We have found water.” 33So he called
it Shebah.a Therefore the name of the city is “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and
Beershebab to this day. I am a smooth-skinned man. 12Perhaps my
34When Esau was forty years old, he father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a
took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse
the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of on myself and not a blessing.”
13But his mother said to him, “Let your
Elon the Hittite. 35And they were a grief of
mind to Isaac and Rebekah. curse be on me, my son; only obey my
voice, and go, get them for me.” 14And he
Isaac Blesses Jacob went and got them and brought them to
his mother, and his mother made savory
27
Now it came to pass, when food, such as his father loved. 15Then
Isaac was old and his eyes were Rebekah took the choice clothes of her
so dim that he could not see, elder son Esau, which were with her in
that he called Esau his older son and said the house, and put them on Jacob her
to him, “My son.” younger son. 16And she put the skins of
And he answered him, “Here I am.” the kids of the goats on his hands and
on the smooth part of his neck. 17Then
she gave the savory food and the bread,
Genesis 27:4 which she had prepared, into the hand of
Blessings were taken very seriously her son Jacob.
in Old Testament times. To bless 18So he went to his father and said, “My
someone was to request God’s favor father.”
and goodness. What’s more, the act And he said, “Here I am. Who are you,
of blessing someone somehow car- my son?”
ried with it a powerful force toward 19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau
making the blessing a reality. Once your firstborn; I have done just as you told
a blessing was spoken, it couldn’t be me; please arise, sit and eat of my game,
taken back or changed. that your soul may bless me.”
20But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that
2Then he said, “Behold now, I am old.
you have found it so quickly, my son?”
And he said, “Because the Lord your
I do not know the day of my death. 3Now
God brought it to me.”
therefore, please take your weapons, your 21Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near,
quiver and your bow, and go out to the field that I may feel you, my son, whether you
and hunt game for me. 4And make me sa- are really my son Esau or not.” 22So Jacob
vory food, such as I love, and bring it to me
that I may eat, that my soul may bless you 26:33 aLiterally Oath or Seven bLiterally Well of
before I die.” the Oath or Well of the Seven
01-Genesis.indd 35 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 27:23 36
went near to Isaac his father, and he felt and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless
him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, me—me also, O my father!”
but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23And 35But he said, “Your brother came with
he did not recognize him, because his deceit and has taken away your blessing.”
hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s 36And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named
hands; so he blessed him. Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two
24Then he said, “Are you really my son times. He took away my birthright, and
Esau?” now look, he has taken away my bless-
He said, “I am.” ing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved
25He said, “Bring it near to me, and I a blessing for me?”
will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul 37Then Isaac answered and said to Esau,
may bless you.” So he brought it near to “Indeed I have made him your master, and
him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, all his brethren I have given to him as ser-
and he drank. 26Then his father Isaac said vants; with grain and wine I have sustained
to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my him. What shall I do now for you, my son?”
son.” 27And he came near and kissed him; 38And Esau said to his father, “Have
and he smelled the smell of his clothing, you only one blessing, my father? Bless
and blessed him and said: me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted
up his voice and wept.
“ Surely, the smell of my son 39Then Isaac his father answered and
Is like the smell of a field said to him:
Which the Lord has blessed.
28 Therefore may God give you “ Behold, your dwelling shall be of the
Of the dew of heaven, fatness of the earth,
Of the fatness of the earth, And of the dew of heaven from above.
And plenty of grain and wine. 40 By your sword you shall live,
29 Let peoples serve you, And you shall serve your brother;
And nations bow down to you. And it shall come to pass, when you
Be master over your brethren, become restless,
And let your mother’s sons bow down That you shall break his yoke from
to you. your neck.”
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
And blessed be those who bless you!” Jacob Escapes from Esau
41So Esau hated Jacob because of the bless-
Esau’s Lost Hope
ing with which his father blessed him, and
30Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourn-
finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had ing for my father are at hand; then I will kill
scarcely gone out from the presence of my brother Jacob.”
Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came 42And the words of Esau her older son
in from his hunting. 31He also had made sa- were told to Rebekah. So she sent and
vory food, and brought it to his father, and called Jacob her younger son, and said to
said to his father, “Let my father arise and him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts
eat of his son’s game, that your soul may himself concerning you by intending to
bless me.” kill you. 43Now therefore, my son, obey
32And his father Isaac said to him, “Who my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban
are you?” in Haran. 44And stay with him a few days,
So he said, “I am your son, your first- until your brother’s fury turns away, 45until
born, Esau.” your brother’s anger turns away from you,
33Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and and he forgets what you have done to him;
said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted then I will send and bring you from there.
game and brought it to me? I ate all of it Why should I be bereaved also of you both
before you came, and I have blessed him— in one day?”
and indeed he shall be blessed.” 46And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary
34When Esau heard the words of his of my life because of the daughters of Heth;
father, he cried with an exceedingly great if Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of
01-Genesis.indd 36 2/14/12 11:48 AM
37 GENESIS 28:11
Promise
God promises to keep His promises.
“I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of
Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your
descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the
earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the
north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be
blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you
back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you”
(Gen. 28:13–15).
Jacob got off to a bad start in his spiritual life. First, he talked his older brother,
Esau, out of the inheritance he was supposed to get as the firstborn. Later, he
tricked his father, Isaac, into thinking he was Esau so he could get the special
blessing Isaac wanted to give Esau.
It didn’t look like Jacob had much of a chance to do anything great for God. In
fact, we might think his belief in God was kind of flimsy. But God had chosen Jacob.
In spite of the sneaky things he’d done, the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream and
said, “I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (Gen. 28:15).
There may be times when God’s promises seem really out there—way beyond
the realm of possibility—especially when you know you haven’t kept up your end of
the deal. Even when your faith is a lot stronger than Jacob’s was, there may be days
when you want to say, “No way. God isn’t going to do that—not for me.” Don’t give
in. Instead, listen with all your heart, with every ounce of your faith to hear God say,
“I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
See for yourself// 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Kings 20:9
Heth, like these who are the daughters of the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the
the land, what good will my life be to me?” mother of Jacob and Esau.
28
Then Isaac called Jacob and
blessed him, and charged him, Esau Marries Mahalath
and said to him: “You shall not 6Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob
take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. and sent him away to Padan Aram to take
2Arise, go to Padan Aram, to the house of
himself a wife from there, and that as he
Bethuel your mother’s father; and take blessed him he gave him a charge, say-
yourself a wife from there of the daughters
ing, “You shall not take a wife from the
of Laban your mother’s brother.
daughters of Canaan,” 7and that Jacob had
3“ May God Almighty bless you, obeyed his father and his mother and had
gone to Padan Aram. 8Also Esau saw that
And make you fruitful and multiply
the daughters of Canaan did not please his
you,
father Isaac. 9So Esau went to Ishmael and
That you may be an assembly of
took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael,
peoples;
4 And give you the blessing of Abraham, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to
To you and your descendants with be his wife in addition to the wives he had.
you,
Jacob’s Vow at Bethel
That you may inherit the land
In which you are a stranger, 10Now Jacob went out from Beersheba
Which God gave to Abraham.” and went toward Haran. 11So he came to
a certain place and stayed there all night,
5SoIsaac sent Jacob away, and he went to because the sun had set. And he took one
Padan Aram, to Laban the son of Bethuel of the stones of that place and put it at
01-Genesis.indd 37 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 28:12 38
his head, and he lay down in that place to And they said, “We are from Haran.”
sleep. 12Then he dreamed, and behold, a 5Then he said to them, “Do you know
ladder was set up on the earth, and its top Laban the son of Nahor?”
reached to heaven; and there the angels of And they said, “We know him.”
God were ascending and descending on it. 6So he said to them, “Is he well?”
13And behold, the Lord stood above it And they said, “He is well. And look, his
and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.”
your father and the God of Isaac; the land 7Then he said, “Look, it is still high day;
on which you lie I will give to you and your it is not time for the cattle to be gathered
descendants. 14Also your descendants together. Water the sheep, and go and feed
shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall them.”
spread abroad to the west and the east, to 8But they said, “We cannot until all the
the north and the south; and in you and in flocks are gathered together, and they have
your seed all the families of the earth shall rolled the stone from the well’s mouth;
be blessed. 15Behold, I am with you and will then we water the sheep.”
keep you wherever you go, and will bring 9Now while he was still speaking with
you back to this land; for I will not leave them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep,
you until I have done what I have spoken for she was a shepherdess. 10And it came to
to you.” pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daugh-
16Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and ter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the
said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that
I did not know it.” 17And he was afraid Jacob went near and rolled the stone from
and said, “How awesome is this place! This the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of
is none other than the house of God, and Laban his mother’s brother. 11Then Jacob
this is the gate of heaven!” kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and
18Then Jacob rose early in the morning, wept. 12And Jacob told Rachel that he was
and took the stone that he had put at his her father’s relative and that he was Re-
head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on bekah’s son. So she ran and told her father.
top of it. 19And he called the name of that 13Then it came to pass, when Laban
place Bethel;a but the name of that city had heard the report about Jacob his sister’s
been Luz previously. 20Then Jacob made a son, that he ran to meet him, and em-
vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and braced him and kissed him, and brought
keep me in this way that I am going, and him to his house. So he told Laban all these
give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, things. 14And Laban said to him, “Surely
21so that I come back to my father’s house you are my bone and my flesh.” And he
in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. stayed with him for a month.
22And this stone which I have set as a pil-
lar shall be God’s house, and of all that You Jacob Marries Leah
give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” and Rachel
15Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you
Jacob Meets Rachel
are my relative, should you therefore serve
29
So Jacob went on his journey me for nothing? Tell me, what should your
and came to the land of the wages be? ” 16Now Laban had two daugh-
people of the East. 2And he ters: the name of the elder was Leah, and
looked, and saw a well in the field; and the name of the younger was Rachel.
behold, there were three flocks of sheep ly- 17Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was
ing by it; for out of that well they watered beautiful of form and appearance.
the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s 18Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I
mouth. 3Now all the flocks would be gath- will serve you seven years for Rachel your
ered there; and they would roll the stone younger daughter.”
from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, 19And Laban said, “It is better that I give
and put the stone back in its place on the her to you than that I should give her to an-
well’s mouth. other man. Stay with me.” 20So Jacob served
4And Jacob said to them, “My brethren,
where are you from?” 28:19 aLiterally House of God
01-Genesis.indd 38 2/14/12 11:48 AM
39 GENESIS 30:15
seven years for Rachel, and they seemed time my husband will become attached to
only a few days to him because of the love me, because I have borne him three sons.”
he had for her. Therefore his name was called Levi.a 35And
she conceived again and bore a son, and
said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” There-
Genesis 29:18 fore she called his name Judah.a Then she
Jacob gave years of his life to Rachel’s stopped bearing.
30
father. But he wasn’t trying to buy Now when Rachel saw that she
Rachel. He worked seven years for bore Jacob no children, Rachel
Laban to make up for the help that envied her sister, and said to Ja-
would be lost to Laban’s family when cob, “Give me children, or else I die!”
Rachel left. 2And Jacob’s anger was aroused against
Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of
God, who has withheld from you the fruit
21Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my
of the womb?”
wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go 3So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah;
in to her.” 22And Laban gathered together go in to her, and she will bear a child on
all the men of the place and made a feast. my knees, that I also may have children
23Now it came to pass in the evening, that
by her.” 4Then she gave him Bilhah her
he took Leah his daughter and brought her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her.
to Jacob; and he went in to her. 24And La- 5And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a
ban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter son. 6Then Rachel said, “God has judged
Leah as a maid. 25So it came to pass in the my case; and He has also heard my voice
morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he and given me a son.” Therefore she called
said to Laban, “What is this you have done his name Dan.a 7And Rachel’s maid Bilhah
to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served conceived again and bore Jacob a second
you? Why then have you deceived me?” son. 8Then Rachel said, “With great wres-
26And Laban said, “It must not be done tlings I have wrestled with my sister, and
so in our country, to give the younger be- indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his
fore the firstborn. 27Fulfill her week, and we name Naphtali.a
will give you this one also for the service 9When Leah saw that she had stopped
which you will serve with me still another bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and
seven years.” gave her to Jacob as wife. 10And Leah’s
28Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11Then Leah
week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel said, “A troop comes!”a So she called his
as wife also. 29And Laban gave his maid name Gad.b 12And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore
Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid. Jacob a second son. 13Then Leah said, “I
30Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and am happy, for the daughters will call me
he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And blessed.” So she called his name Asher.a
14Now Reuben went in the days of wheat
he served with Laban still another seven
years. harvest and found mandrakes in the field,
and brought them to his mother Leah.
The Children of Jacob Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me
some of your son’s mandrakes.”
31When the Lord saw that Leah was un- 15But she said to her, “Is it a small mat-
loved, He opened her womb; but Rachel
ter that you have taken away my husband?
was barren. 32So Leah conceived and bore
Would you take away my son’s mandrakes
a son, and she called his name Reuben;a for also?”
she said, “The Lord has surely looked on
my affliction. Now therefore, my husband 29:32 aLiterally See, a Son 29:33 aLiterally
will love me.” 33Then she conceived again Heard 29:34 aLiterally Attached
and bore a son, and said, “Because the 29:35 aLiterally Praise 30:6 aLiterally Judge
Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has 30:8 aLiterally My Wrestling 30:11 aFollowing
therefore given me this son also.” And she Qere, Syriac, and Targum; Kethib, Septuagint,
called his name Simeon.a 34She conceived and Vulgate read in fortune. bLiterally Troop
again and bore a son, and said, “Now this or Fortune 30:13 aLiterally Happy
01-Genesis.indd 39 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 30:16 40
And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie fore I came was little, and it has increased
with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.” to a great amount; the Lord has blessed
16When Jacob came out of the field in you since my coming. And now, when shall
the evening, Leah went out to meet him I also provide for my own house?”
and said, “You must come in to me, for I 31So he said, “What shall I give you?”
have surely hired you with my son’s man- And Jacob said, “You shall not give me
drakes.” And he lay with her that night. anything. If you will do this thing for me, I
will again feed and keep your flocks: 32Let
me pass through all your flock today, re-
Genesis 30:14–16 moving from there all the speckled and
In Old Testament times, mandrakes, spotted sheep, and all the brown ones
also known as “love flowers,” were among the lambs, and the spotted and
prescribed to increase fertility. A speckled among the goats; and these shall
mandrake is a fruit-producing plant be my wages. 33So my righteousness will
with dark green leaves and small blue answer for me in time to come, when the
flowers. The yellow fruit of this plant subject of my wages comes before you: ev-
is small, sweet, and fragrant. ery one that is not speckled and spotted
among the goats, and brown among the
lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with
17And God listened to Leah, and she
me.”
conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 34And Laban said, “Oh, that it were ac-
18Leah said, “God has given me my wages, cording to your word!” 35So he removed
because I have given my maid to my hus- that day the male goats that were speckled
band.” So she called his name Issachar.a and spotted, all the female goats that were
19Then Leah conceived again and bore Ja- speckled and spotted, every one that had
cob a sixth son. 20And Leah said, “God has some white in it, and all the brown ones
endowed me with a good endowment; now among the lambs, and gave them into the
my husband will dwell with me, because I hand of his sons. 36Then he put three days’
have borne him six sons.” So she called his journey between himself and Jacob, and Ja-
name Zebulun.a 21Afterward she bore a cob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
daughter, and called her name Dinah. 37Now Jacob took for himself rods of
22Then God remembered Rachel, and green poplar and of the almond and chest-
God listened to her and opened her womb. nut trees, peeled white strips in them, and
23And she conceived and bore a son, and exposed the white which was in the rods.
said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 38And the rods which he had peeled, he
24So she called his name Joseph,a and said, set before the flocks in the gutters, in the
“The Lord shall add to me another son.” watering troughs where the flocks came
to drink, so that they should conceive
Jacob’s Agreement when they came to drink. 39So the flocks
with Laban conceived before the rods, and the flocks
25And it came to pass, when Rachel had brought forth streaked, speckled, and spot-
ted. 40Then Jacob separated the lambs, and
borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban,
made the flocks face toward the streaked
“Send me away, that I may go to my own
and all the brown in the flock of Laban; but
place and to my country. 26Give me my
he put his own flocks by themselves and
wives and my children for whom I have
did not put them with Laban’s flock.
served you, and let me go; for you know my 41And it came to pass, whenever the
service which I have done for you.”
27And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob
placed the rods before the eyes of the
I have found favor in your eyes, for I have
livestock in the gutters, that they might
learned by experience that the Lord has
conceive among the rods. 42But when the
blessed me for your sake.” 28Then he said,
flocks were feeble, he did not put them in;
“Name me your wages, and I will give it.” so the feebler were Laban’s and the stron-
29So Jacob said to him, “You know how
I have served you and how your livestock 30:18 aLiterally Wages 30:20 aLiterally
has been with me. 30For what you had be- Dwelling 30:24 aLiterally He Will Add
01-Genesis.indd 40 2/14/12 11:48 AM
41 GENESIS 31:33
ger Jacob’s. 43Thus the man became ex- 17Then Jacob rose and set his sons and
ceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, his wives on camels. 18And he carried away
female and male servants, and camels and all his livestock and all his possessions
donkeys. which he had gained, his acquired livestock
which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go
Jacob Flees from Laban to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.
31
19Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep,
Now Jacob heard the words of
Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob and Rachel had stolen the household idols
has taken away all that was our that were her father’s. 20And Jacob stole
father’s, and from what was our father’s he away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that
has acquired all this wealth.” 2And Jacob he did not tell him that he intended to flee.
21So he fled with all that he had. He arose
saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed
it was not favorable toward him as before. and crossed the river, and headed toward
3Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the mountains of Gilead.
the land of your fathers and to your family,
and I will be with you.” Laban Pursues Jacob
4So Jacob sent and called Rachel and 22And Laban was told on the third day that
Leah to the field, to his flock, 5and said to Jacob had fled. 23Then he took his brethren
them, “I see your father’s countenance, with him and pursued him for seven days’
that it is not favorable toward me as before; journey, and he overtook him in the moun-
but the God of my father has been with tains of Gilead. 24But God had come to
me. 6And you know that with all my might Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and
I have served your father. 7Yet your father said to him, “Be careful that you speak to
has deceived me and changed my wages Jacob neither good nor bad.”
ten times, but God did not allow him to 25So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob
hurt me. 8If he said thus: ‘The speckled had pitched his tent in the mountains,
shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore and Laban with his brethren pitched in the
speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked mountains of Gilead.
shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore 26And Laban said to Jacob: “What have
streaked. 9So God has taken away the live- you done, that you have stolen away un-
stock of your father and given them to me. known to me, and carried away my daugh-
10“And it happened, at the time when ters like captives taken with the sword?
the flocks conceived, that I lifted my 27Why did you flee away secretly, and steal
eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the away from me, and not tell me; for I might
rams which leaped upon the flocks were have sent you away with joy and songs,
streaked, speckled, and gray- spotted. with timbrel and harp? 28And you did not
11Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a allow me to kiss my sons and my daugh-
dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I ters. Now you have done foolishly in so
am.’ 12And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and doing. 29It is in my power to do you harm,
see, all the rams which leap on the flocks but the God of your father spoke to me last
are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to
for I have seen all that Laban is doing to Jacob neither good nor bad.’ 30And now you
you. 13I am the God of Bethel, where you have surely gone because you greatly long
anointed the pillar and where you made a for your father’s house, but why did you
vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, steal my gods?”
and return to the land of your family.’ ” 31Then Jacob answered and said to La-
14Then Rachel and Leah answered and ban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Per-
said to him, “Is there still any portion or haps you would take your daughters from
inheritance for us in our father’s house? me by force.’ 32With whomever you find
15Are we not considered strangers by him? your gods, do not let him live. In the pres-
For he has sold us, and also completely ence of our brethren, identify what I have
consumed our money. 16For all these riches of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did
which God has taken from our father are not know that Rachel had stolen them.
really ours and our children’s; now then, 33And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into
whatever God has said to you, do it.” Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents,
01-Genesis.indd 41 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 31:34 42
but he did not find them. Then he went out but Jacob called it Galeed.b 48And Laban
of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. said, “This heap is a witness between you
34Now Rachel had taken the household and me this day.” Therefore its name was
idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and called Galeed, 49also Mizpah,a because he
sat on them. And Laban searched all about said, “May the Lord watch between you
the tent but did not find them. 35And she and me when we are absent one from an-
said to her father, “Let it not displease my other. 50If you afflict my daughters, or if you
lord that I cannot rise before you, for the take other wives besides my daughters, al-
manner of women is with me.” And he though no man is with us—see, God is wit-
searched but did not find the household ness between you and me!”
idols. 51Then Laban said to Jacob, “Here is
36Then Jacob was angry and rebuked this heap and here is this pillar, which I
Laban, and Jacob answered and said to La- have placed between you and me. 52This
ban: “What is my trespass? What is my sin, heap is a witness, and this pillar is a wit-
that you have so hotly pursued me? 37Al- ness, that I will not pass beyond this heap
though you have searched all my things, to you, and you will not pass beyond this
what part of your household things have heap and this pillar to me, for harm. 53The
you found? Set it here before my brethren God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and
and your brethren, that they may judge the God of their father judge between us.”
between us both! 38These twenty years I And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father
have been with you; your ewes and your Isaac. 54Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on
female goats have not miscarried their the mountain, and called his brethren to
young, and I have not eaten the rams of eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed
your flock. 39That which was torn by beasts all night on the mountain. 55And early in
I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. the morning Laban arose, and kissed his
You required it from my hand, whether sto- sons and daughters and blessed them.
len by day or stolen by night. 40There I was! Then Laban departed and returned to his
In the day the drought consumed me, and place.
the frost by night, and my sleep departed
Esau Comes to Meet Jacob
from my eyes. 41Thus I have been in your
32
house twenty years; I served you fourteen So Jacob went on his way, and
years for your two daughters, and six years the angels of God met him.
for your flock, and you have changed my 2When Jacob saw them, he
wages ten times. 42Unless the God of my said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called
father, the God of Abraham and the Fear the name of that place Mahanaim.a
of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you
would have sent me away empty-handed.
God has seen my affliction and the labor of Angels
my hands, and rebuked you last night.” Do angels work among
people?
Laban’s Covenant with Jacob Genesis 32:1
43And Laban answered and said to Jacob,
“These daughters are my daughters, and 3Then Jacob sent messengers before
these children are my children, and this
flock is my flock; all that you see is mine. him to Esau his brother in the land of
But what can I do this day to these my Seir, the country of Edom. 4And he com-
daughters or to their children whom they manded them, saying, “Speak thus to my
have borne? 44Now therefore, come, let us lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says:
make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a “I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there
witness between you and me.” until now. 5I have oxen, donkeys, flocks,
45So Jacob took a stone and set it up as and male and female servants; and I have
a pillar. 46Then Jacob said to his brethren, 31:47 aLiterally, in Aramaic, Heap of Witness
“Gather stones.” And they took stones and bLiterally, in Hebrew, Heap of Witness
made a heap, and they ate there on the 31:49 aLiterally Watch 32:2 aLiterally Double
heap. 47Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha,a Camp
01-Genesis.indd 42 2/14/12 11:48 AM
43 GENESIS 33:4
sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in ent went on over before him, but he himself
your sight.” ’ ” lodged that night in the camp.
6Then the messengers returned to Jacob,
saying, “We came to your brother Esau, Wrestling with God
and he also is coming to meet you, and 22And he arose that night and took his two
four hundred men are with him.” 7So Jacob wives, his two female servants, and his
was greatly afraid and distressed; and he eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of
divided the people that were with him, and Jabbok. 23He took them, sent them over the
the flocks and herds and camels, into two brook, and sent over what he had. 24Then
companies. 8And he said, “If Esau comes to Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled
the one company and attacks it, then the with him until the breaking of day. 25Now
other company which is left will escape.” when He saw that He did not prevail
9Then Jacob said, “O God of my father
against him, He touched the socket of his
Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out
Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your of joint as He wrestled with him. 26And He
country and to your family, and I will deal said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”
well with you’: 10I am not worthy of the But he said, “I will not let You go unless
least of all the mercies and of all the truth You bless me!”
which You have shown Your servant; for 27So He said to him, “What is your name?”
I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, He said, “Jacob.”
and now I have become two companies. 28And He said, “Your name shall no lon-
11Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my
ger be called Jacob, but Israel;a for you have
brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear struggled with God and with men, and
him, lest he come and attack me and the have prevailed.”
mother with the children. 12For You said, 29Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your
‘I will surely treat you well, and make your name, I pray.”
descendants as the sand of the sea, which And He said, “Why is it that you ask about
cannot be numbered for multitude.’ ” My name?” And He blessed him there.
13So he lodged there that same night, 30So Jacob called the name of the place
and took what came to his hand as a pres- Peniel:a “For I have seen God face to face,
ent for Esau his brother: 14two hundred and my life is preserved.” 31Just as he
female goats and twenty male goats, two crossed over Penuela the sun rose on him,
hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15thirty and he limped on his hip. 32Therefore to
milk camels with their colts, forty cows this day the children of Israel do not eat
and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip
ten foals. 16Then he delivered them to the socket, because He touched the socket of
hand of his servants, every drove by itself, Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.
and said to his servants, “Pass over before
me, and put some distance between suc- Jacob and Esau Meet
cessive droves.” 17And he commanded the
33
Now Jacob lifted his eyes and
first one, saying, “When Esau my brother
looked, and there, Esau was
meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom
coming, and with him were four
do you belong, and where are you going?
hundred men. So he divided the children
Whose are these in front of you?’ 18then
among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidser-
you shall say, ‘They are your servant Ja-
vants. 2And he put the maidservants and
cob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau;
their children in front, Leah and her chil-
and behold, he also is behind us.’ ” 19So he
dren behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.
commanded the second, the third, and all 3Then he crossed over before them and
who followed the droves, saying, “In this
bowed himself to the ground seven times,
manner you shall speak to Esau when you until he came near to his brother.
find him; 20and also say, ‘Behold, your ser- 4But Esau ran to meet him, and em-
vant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said, “I will braced him, and fell on his neck and kissed
appease him with the present that goes be-
fore me, and afterward I will see his face; 32:28 aLiterally Prince with God 32:30 aLiterally
perhaps he will accept me.” 21So the pres- Face of God 32:31 aSame as Peniel, verse 30
01-Genesis.indd 43 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 33:5 44
him, and they wept. 5And he lifted his eyes pieces of money. 20Then he erected an altar
and saw the women and children, and said, there and called it El Elohe Israel.a
“Who are these with you?”
So he said, “The children whom God has The Dinah Incident
34
graciously given your servant.” 6Then the Now Dinah the daughter of
maidservants came near, they and their Leah, whom she had borne
children, and bowed down. 7And Leah to Jacob, went out to see the
also came near with her children, and they daughters of the land. 2And when Shechem
bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the
came near, and they bowed down. country, saw her, he took her and lay with
8Then Esau said, “What do you mean by
her, and violated her. 3His soul was strongly
all this company which I met?” attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob,
And he said, “These are to find favor in and he loved the young woman and spoke
the sight of my lord.” kindly to the young woman. 4So Shechem
9But Esau said, “I have enough, my
spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me
brother; keep what you have for yourself.” this young woman as a wife.”
10And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have
now found favor in your sight, then receive
my present from my hand, inasmuch as I Genesis 34:2–7
have seen your face as though I had seen In Old Testament times, should a girl
the face of God, and you were pleased lose her virginity outside marriage,
with me. 11Please, take my blessing that she faced a possible death penalty.
is brought to you, because God has dealt This punishment did not apply to
graciously with me, and because I have women who had been raped. In the
enough.” So he urged him, and he took it. case of sexual assault, the rapist was
12Then Esau said, “Let us take our jour-
required to pay the woman’s father
ney; let us go, and I will go before you.” as though he were going to marry
13But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows
the woman. The father could accept
that the children are weak, and the flocks the rapist as a son-in-law or refuse to
and herds which are nursing are with me. allow them to marry.
And if the men should drive them hard
one day, all the flock will die. 14Please let
5And Jacob heard that he had defiled Di-
my lord go on ahead before his servant. I
will lead on slowly at a pace which the live- nah his daughter. Now his sons were with
stock that go before me, and the children, his livestock in the field; so Jacob held his
are able to endure, until I come to my lord peace until they came. 6Then Hamor the fa-
in Seir.” ther of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak
15And Esau said, “Now let me leave with with him. 7And the sons of Jacob came in
you some of the people who are with me.” from the field when they heard it; and the
But he said, “What need is there? Let me men were grieved and very angry, because
find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16So Esau he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by
returned that day on his way to Seir. 17And lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which
Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a ought not to be done. 8But Hamor spoke
house, and made booths for his livestock. with them, saying, “The soul of my son
Therefore the name of the place is called Shechem longs for your daughter. Please
Succoth.a give her to him as a wife. 9And make mar-
riages with us; give your daughters to us,
Jacob Comes to Canaan and take our daughters to yourselves. 10So
18Then Jacob came safely to the city of you shall dwell with us, and the land shall
Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, be before you. Dwell and trade in it, and ac-
when he came from Padan Aram; and quire possessions for yourselves in it.”
11Then Shechem said to her father and
he pitched his tent before the city. 19And
he bought the parcel of land, where he her brothers, “Let me find favor in your
had pitched his tent, from the children of 33:17 aLiterally Booths 33:20 aLiterally God, the
Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred God of Israel
01-Genesis.indd 44 2/14/12 11:48 AM
45 GENESIS 35:6
eyes, and whatever you say to me I will had been defiled. 28They took their sheep,
give. 12Ask me ever so much dowry and their oxen, and their donkeys, what was in
gift, and I will give according to what you the city and what was in the field, 29and all
say to me; but give me the young woman their wealth. All their little ones and their
as a wife.” wives they took captive; and they plun-
13But the sons of Jacob answered dered even all that was in the houses.
Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke 30Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi,
deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah “You have troubled me by making me ob-
their sister. 14And they said to them, “We noxious among the inhabitants of the land,
cannot do this thing, to give our sister to among the Canaanites and the Perizzites;
one who is uncircumcised, for that would and since I am few in number, they will
be a reproach to us. 15But on this condition gather themselves together against me and
we will consent to you: If you will become kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household
as we are, if every male of you is circum- and I.”
cised, 16then we will give our daughters to 31But they said, “Should he treat our sis-
you, and we will take your daughters to us; ter like a harlot?”
and we will dwell with you, and we will be-
come one people. 17But if you will not heed Jacob’s Return to Bethel
35
us and be circumcised, then we will take Then God said to Jacob, “Arise,
our daughter and be gone.” go up to Bethel and dwell there;
18And their words pleased Hamor and
and make an altar there to God,
Shechem, Hamor’s son. 19So the young who appeared to you when you fled from
man did not delay to do the thing, because the face of Esau your brother.”
he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was 2And Jacob said to his household and to
more honorable than all the household of all who were with him, “Put away the for-
his father. eign gods that are among you, purify your-
20And Hamor and Shechem his son
selves, and change your garments. 3Then
came to the gate of their city, and spoke let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will
with the men of their city, saying: 21“These make an altar there to God, who answered
men are at peace with us. Therefore let me in the day of my distress and has been
them dwell in the land and trade in it. For with me in the way which I have gone.” 4So
indeed the land is large enough for them. they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which
Let us take their daughters to us as wives, were in their hands, and the earrings which
and let us give them our daughters. 22Only were in their ears; and Jacob hid them
on this condition will the men consent to under the terebinth tree which was by
dwell with us, to be one people: if every Shechem.
male among us is circumcised as they are
circumcised. 23Will not their livestock,
their property, and every animal of theirs Genesis 35:2
be ours? Only let us consent to them, and The foreign gods Jacob referred to
they will dwell with us.” 24And all who went were small idols made from wood,
out of the gate of his city heeded Hamor metal, silver, or gold. People actually
and Shechem his son; every male was cir- worshiped the imaginary being the
cumcised, all who went out of the gate of idol represented. An idol can be
his city. anything that stands in the way of a
25Now it came to pass on the third day,
personal relationship with the one
when they were in pain, that two of the sons true God.
of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s broth-
ers, each took his sword and came boldly
upon the city and killed all the males. 26And 5And they journeyed, and the terror
they killed Hamor and Shechem his son of God was upon the cities that were all
with the edge of the sword, and took Di- around them, and they did not pursue the
nah from Shechem’s house, and went out. sons of Jacob. 6So Jacob came to Luz (that
27The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan,
and plundered the city, because their sister he and all the people who were with him.
01-Genesis.indd 45 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 35:7 46
7And he built an altar there and called the and Zebulun; 24the sons of Rachel were
place El Bethel,a because there God ap- Joseph and Benjamin; 25the sons of Bil-
peared to him when he fled from the face hah, Rachel’s maidservant, were Dan and
of his brother. Naphtali; 26and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s
8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, maidservant, were Gad and Asher. These
and she was buried below Bethel under the were the sons of Jacob who were born to
terebinth tree. So the name of it was called him in Padan Aram.
Allon Bachuth.a
9Then God appeared to Jacob again, Death of Isaac
when he came from Padan Aram, and 27Then Jacob came to his father Isaac at
blessed him. 10And God said to him, “Your Mamre, or Kirjath Arbaa (that is, Hebron),
name is Jacob; your name shall not be where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt.
called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be 28Now the days of Isaac were one hundred
your name.” So He called his name Israel. and eighty years. 29So Isaac breathed his
11Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty.
last and died, and was gathered to his peo-
Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a ple, being old and full of days. And his sons
company of nations shall proceed from Esau and Jacob buried him.
you, and kings shall come from your body.
12The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac
The Family of Esau
I give to you; and to your descendants after
36
you I give this land.” 13Then God went up Now this is the genealogy of
from him in the place where He talked with Esau, who is Edom. 2Esau took
him. 14So Jacob set up a pillar in the place his wives from the daughters of
where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hit-
and he poured a drink offering on it, and tite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the
he poured oil on it. 15And Jacob called the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 3and Base-
name of the place where God spoke with math, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Neba-
him, Bethel. joth. 4Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and
Basemath bore Reuel. 5And Aholibamah
bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were
Death of Rachel
the sons of Esau who were born to him in
16Then they journeyed from Bethel. And
the land of Canaan.
when there was but a little distance to go 6Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his
to Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, daughters, and all the persons of his house-
and she had hard labor. 17Now it came to hold, his cattle and all his animals, and all
pass, when she was in hard labor, that the his goods which he had gained in the land
midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will of Canaan, and went to a country away
have this son also.” 18And so it was, as her from the presence of his brother Jacob. 7For
soul was departing (for she died), that she their possessions were too great for them
called his name Ben-Oni;a but his father to dwell together, and the land where they
called him Benjamin.b 19So Rachel died and were strangers could not support them be-
was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, cause of their livestock. 8So Esau dwelt in
Bethlehem). 20And Jacob set a pillar on her Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.
grave, which is the pillar of Rachel’s grave 9And this is the genealogy of Esau the fa-
to this day. ther of the Edomites in Mount Seir. 10These
21Then Israel journeyed and pitched his
were the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the
tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22And it hap- son of Adah the wife of Esau, and Reuel the
pened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that son of Basemath the wife of Esau. 11And
Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his fa- the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar,
ther’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Zepho,a Gatam, and Kenaz.
Jacob’s Twelve Sons 35:7 aLiterally God of the House of God
35:8 aLiterally Terebinth of Weeping
Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23the 35:18 aLiterally Son of My Sorrow bLiterally
sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s first- Son of the Right Hand 35:27 aLiterally Town of
born, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Arba 36:11 aSpelled Zephi in 1 Chronicles 1:36
01-Genesis.indd 46 2/14/12 11:48 AM
47 GENESIS 36:43
12Now Timna was the concubine of 29These were the chiefs of the Horites:
Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon,
to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Adah, Chief Anah, 30Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer,
Esau’s wife. and Chief Dishan. These were the chiefs of
13These were the sons of Reuel: Nahath, the Horites, according to their chiefs in the
Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were land of Seir.
the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
14These were the sons of Aholibamah,
The Kings of Edom
Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah, the 31Now these were the kings who reigned
daughter of Zibeon. And she bore to Esau:
in the land of Edom before any king
Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah.
reigned over the children of Israel: 32Bela
the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the
The Chiefs of Edom name of his city was Dinhabah. 33And
15These were the chiefs of the sons of Esau. when Bela died, Jobab the son of Zerah
The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of of Bozrah reigned in his place. 34When
Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Jobab died, Husham of the land of the
Zepho, Chief Kenaz, 16Chief Korah,a Chief Temanites reigned in his place. 35And
Gatam, and Chief Amalek. These were the when Husham died, Hadad the son of
chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. They Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field
were the sons of Adah. of Moab, reigned in his place. And the
17These were the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: name of his city was Avith. 36When Ha-
Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, dad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in
and Chief Mizzah. These were the chiefs of his place. 37And when Samlah died, Saul
Reuel in the land of Edom. These were the of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in his
sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. place. 38When Saul died, Baal-Hanan the
18And these were the sons of Aholiba- son of Achbor reigned in his place. 39And
mah, Esau’s wife: Chief Jeush, Chief Jaalam, when Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor died,
and Chief Korah. These were the chiefs who Hadara reigned in his place; and the name
descended from Aholibamah, Esau’s wife, of his city was Pau.b His wife’s name was
the daughter of Anah. 19These were the Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the
sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these were daughter of Mezahab.
their chiefs.
The Chiefs of Esau
The Sons of Seir 40And these were the names of the chiefs of
20These were the sons of Seir the Horite Esau, according to their families and their
who inhabited the land: Lotan, Shobal, places, by their names: Chief Timnah, Chief
Zibeon, Anah, 21Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. Alvah,a Chief Jetheth, 41Chief Aholibamah,
These were the chiefs of the Horites, the Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, 42Chief Kenaz,
sons of Seir, in the land of Edom. Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, 43Chief Mag-
22And the sons of Lotan were Hori and diel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs
Hemam.a Lotan’s sister was Timna. of Edom, according to their dwelling places
23These were the sons of Shobal: Alvan,a
Manahath, Ebal, Shepho,b and Onam. 36:16 aSamaritan Pentateuch omits Chief
24These were the sons of Zibeon: both Korah. 36:22 aSpelled Homam in 1 Chronicles
1:39 36:23 aSpelled Alian in 1 Chronicles 1:40
Ajah and Anah. This was the Anah who b Spelled Shephi in 1 Chronicles 1:40
found the watera in the wilderness as he 36:24 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate
pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon. (hot springs); Septuagint reads Jamin; Targum
25These were the children of Anah: Dishon
reads mighty men; Talmud interprets as mules.
and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah. 36:26 aHebrew Dishan bSpelled Hamran
26These were the sons of Dishon:a
in 1 Chronicles 1:41 36:27 aSpelled Jaakan
Hemdan,b Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. in 1 Chronicles 1:42 36:39 aSpelled Hadad
27These were the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaa-
in Samaritan Pentateuch, Syriac, and
van, and Akan.a 28These were the sons of 1 Chronicles 1:50 bSpelled Pai in 1 Chronicles
Dishan: Uz and Aran. 1:50 36:40 aSpelled Aliah in 1 Chronicles 1:51
01-Genesis.indd 47 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 48
Profile
Joseph
Some young people seem to know exactly where they are headed in life and exactly what
they want to accomplish. Joseph was one of those people who had his future figured out—
but God was the one who set his course.
God gave Joseph a vivid set of dreams that cast him in the role of ruler over his father
and eleven brothers. When he told them about his dream, Joseph’s older brothers, of
course, thought he was being arrogant, rude, and silly. They were already upset by the fact
that their father treated Joseph with special attention. Their jealousy and anger escalated
to the point where they considered killing him, but they decided to sell him into slavery
instead. Little did the brothers know that they were working out God’s plan.
Still a teenager, Joseph found himself a slave in Egypt. His integrity, work ethic, and
abilities earned him the trust and respect of others. No matter where life landed him,
Joseph immediately looked for and found a place to make a real difference. He made a
difference as a slave in his master’s home. Unfairly imprisoned, he made a difference in
prison. And be being faithful and honorable in all he did, Joseph became a ruler in Egypt,
over the very people who had enslaved and imprisoned him. With God’s help, he set up a
massive food storage program that saved Egypt and her neighbors during years of severe
famine.
Later, his youthful dream came true when his entire family, in need of food because of
the famine, bowed before him. They didn’t recognize him at first, but appreciated his
generosity as the governor of Egypt.
Joseph knew God’s hand was on his life. He apparently never wavered in his confi-
dence of that fact. He never let the immediate circumstances determine his view of God’s
power and ability to make a real difference through his life.
+ Making a Difference:
Your vision of your future may not be as clear as Joseph’s. Most of us can’t be sure what our
tomorrows hold, and very few of us receive vivid dreams from God to tell us what’s ahead.
But that doesn’t mean your confidence in God has to be less than Joseph’s. The key is to
remember that faith doesn’t rest on knowing the future but on trust in God. You must
realize that God is big enough to work out His plans in your life, no matter what the
obstacles. Trust in such a God, follow as He leads you down the paths He has planned for
you.
Want to know more?
Read about Joseph’s amazing riches to rags to riches life in Genesis 37—50; he
is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:21–22.
Joseph faced challenge after challenge throughout his life. But his faith in
God remained strong. Joseph not only made a real difference by saving his
family (and Egypt) from famine, but he also made a real difference by leaving
his example of faithfulness for us to follow. Joseph’s faith changed his world. Yours can,
too!
01-Genesis.indd 48 2/14/12 11:48 AM
49 GENESIS 37:28
in the land of their possession. Esau was 14Then he said to him, “Please go and see
the father of the Edomites. if it is well with your brothers and well with
the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So
Joseph Dreams of Greatness he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron,
37
Now Jacob dwelt in the land and he went to Shechem.
15Now a certain man found him, and
where his father was a stranger,
in the land of Canaan. 2This is there he was, wandering in the field. And
the history of Jacob. the man asked him, saying, “What are you
Joseph, being seventeen years old, was seeking?”
16So he said, “I am seeking my brothers.
feeding the flock with his brothers. And
the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the Please tell me where they are feeding their
sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Jo- flocks.”
17And the man said, “They have de-
seph brought a bad report of them to his
father. parted from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let
3Now Israel loved Joseph more than all us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his
his children, because he was the son of brothers and found them in Dothan.
his old age. Also he made him a tunic of 18Now when they saw him afar off, even
many colors. 4But when his brothers saw before he came near them, they conspired
that their father loved him more than all against him to kill him. 19Then they said
his brothers, they hated him and could not to one another, “Look, this dreamer is
speak peaceably to him. coming! 20Come therefore, let us now kill
5Now Joseph had a dream, and he told him and cast him into some pit; and we
it to his brothers; and they hated him even shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured
more. 6So he said to them, “Please hear him.’ We shall see what will become of his
this dream which I have dreamed: 7There dreams!”
we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then 21But Reuben heard it, and he delivered
behold, my sheaf arose and also stood up- him out of their hands, and said, “Let us
right; and indeed your sheaves stood all not kill him.” 22And Reuben said to them,
around and bowed down to my sheaf.” “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit
8And his brothers said to him, “Shall you which is in the wilderness, and do not lay
indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed a hand on him”—that he might deliver him
have dominion over us?” So they hated out of their hands, and bring him back to
him even more for his dreams and for his his father.
words. 23So it came to pass, when Joseph had
9Then he dreamed still another dream come to his brothers, that they stripped Jo-
and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, seph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors
I have dreamed another dream. And this that was on him. 24Then they took him and
time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty;
stars bowed down to me.” there was no water in it.
10So he told it to his father and his broth- 25And they sat down to eat a meal. Then
ers; and his father rebuked him and said they lifted their eyes and looked, and there
to him, “What is this dream that you have was a company of Ishmaelites, coming
dreamed? Shall your mother and I and from Gilead with their camels, bearing
your brothers indeed come to bow down spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to
to the earth before you?” 11And his broth- carry them down to Egypt. 26So Judah said
ers envied him, but his father kept the mat- to his brothers, “What profit is there if we
ter in mind. kill our brother and conceal his blood?
27Come and let us sell him to the Ishma-
Joseph Sold by His Brothers elites, and let not our hand be upon him,
12Then his brothers went to feed their fa- for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his
ther’s flock in Shechem. 13And Israel said to brothers listened. 28Then Midianite traders
Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up
flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him
them.” to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of sil-
So he said to him, “Here I am.” ver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
01-Genesis.indd 49 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 37:29 50
29Then Reuben returned to the pit, and born, and her name was Tamar. 7But Er,
indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight
tore his clothes. 30And he returned to his of the Lord, and the Lord killed him.
brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and 8And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your
I, where shall I go?” brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up
31So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid an heir to your brother.” 9But Onan knew
of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the that the heir would not be his; and it came
blood. 32Then they sent the tunic of many to pass, when he went in to his brother’s
colors, and they brought it to their father wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he
and said, “We have found this. Do you should give an heir to his brother. 10And the
know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?” thing which he did displeased the Lord;
33And he recognized it and said, “It is my therefore He killed him also.
son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him.
Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.”
34Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sack- Genesis 38:8
cloth on his waist, and mourned for his If a man died before having children, it
son many days. 35And all his sons and all was his brother’s personal responsibil-
his daughters arose to comfort him; but he ity to make sure that his widow would
refused to be comforted, and he said, “For have a child. In other words, siblings
I shall go down into the grave to my son in were required to marry their own
mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. sisters-in-law! The good news is that it
helped continue the family bloodline.
A child born of such a union was
Genesis 37:34 counted as a child of the woman and
Sackcloth was a coarse material her first husband.
made from camel or goat hair. No one
would wear such an uncomfortable
11Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-
cloth under normal conditions. It was
reserved for times of personal sorrow. in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s
It was an obvious sign of mourning. If house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he
you saw someone wearing sack- said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And
cloth, you knew that a loved one had Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
12Now in the process of time the daugh-
died or some other awful thing had
happened. ter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah
was comforted, and went up to his sheep
shearers at Timnah, he and his friend
36Now the Midianitesa had sold him in Hirah the Adullamite. 13And it was told
Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law
and captain of the guard. is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
14So she took off her widow’s garments,
Judah and Tamar covered herself with a veil and wrapped
herself, and sat in an open place which
38
It came to pass at that time that
was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that
Judah departed from his broth-
Shelah was grown, and she was not given
ers, and visited a certain Adul-
to him as a wife. 15When Judah saw her, he
lamite whose name was Hirah. 2And Judah
thought she was a harlot, because she had
saw there a daughter of a certain Canaan-
covered her face. 16Then he turned to her
ite whose name was Shua, and he married
by the way, and said, “Please let me come
her and went in to her. 3So she conceived
in to you”; for he did not know that she was
and bore a son, and he called his name Er.
4She conceived again and bore a son, and
his daughter-in-law.
So she said, “What will you give me, that
she called his name Onan. 5And she con- you may come in to me?”
ceived yet again and bore a son, and called 17And he said, “I will send a young goat
his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when from the flock.”
she bore him.
6Then Judah took a wife for Er his first- 37:36 aMasoretic Text reads Medanites.
01-Genesis.indd 50 2/14/12 11:48 AM
51 GENESIS 39:11
So she said, “Will you give me a pledge and the midwife took a scarlet thread and
till you send it?” bound it on his hand, saying, “This one
18Then he said, “What pledge shall I give came out first.” 29Then it happened, as he
you?” drew back his hand, that his brother came
So she said, “Your signet and cord, and out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did
your staff that is in your hand.” Then he you break through? This breach be upon
gave them to her, and went in to her, and you!” Therefore his name was called Perez.a
30Afterward his brother came out who had
she conceived by him. 19So she arose and
went away, and laid aside her veil and put the scarlet thread on his hand. And his
on the garments of her widowhood. name was called Zerah.
Joseph a Slave in Egypt
Genesis 38:18
39
Now Joseph had been taken
Judah’s signet, or ring, had a unique down to Egypt. And Potiphar,
design carved into it. No other ring an officer of Pharaoh, captain
was quite like it. It was like personal- of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from
ized stationery. If you received a docu- the Ishmaelites who had taken him down
ment with Judah’s ring design pressed there. 2The Lord was with Joseph, and he
into it, you knew it came from Judah. was a successful man; and he was in the
house of his master the Egyptian. 3And his
20And Judah sent the young goat by the master saw that the Lord was with him
and that the Lord made all he did to pros-
hand of his friend the Adullamite, to re-
per in his hand. 4So Joseph found favor in
ceive his pledge from the woman’s hand,
his sight, and served him. Then he made
but he did not find her. 21Then he asked
him overseer of his house, and all that he
the men of that place, saying, “Where is the had he put under his authority. 5So it was,
harlot who was openly by the roadside?” from the time that he had made him over-
And they said, “There was no harlot in seer of his house and all that he had, that
this place.” the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for
22So he returned to Judah and said, “I
Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord
cannot find her. Also, the men of the place was on all that he had in the house and in
said there was no harlot in this place.” the field. 6Thus he left all that he had in Jo-
23Then Judah said, “Let her take them for
seph’s hand, and he did not know what he
herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this had except for the bread which he ate.
young goat and you have not found her.” Now Joseph was handsome in form and
24And it came to pass, about three
appearance.
months after, that Judah was told, saying, 7And it came to pass after these things
“Tamar your daughter-in-law has played that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on
the harlot; furthermore she is with child by Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
harlotry.” 8But he refused and said to his master’s
So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her wife, “Look, my master does not know
be burned!” what is with me in the house, and he has
25When she was brought out, she sent
committed all that he has to my hand.
to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to 9There is no one greater in this house than
whom these belong, I am with child.” And I, nor has he kept back anything from me
she said, “Please determine whose these but you, because you are his wife. How
are—the signet and cord, and staff.” then can I do this great wickedness, and
26So Judah acknowledged them and said,
sin against God?”
“She has been more righteous than I, be- 10So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by
cause I did not give her to Shelah my son.” day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her
And he never knew her again. or to be with her.
27Now it came to pass, at the time for 11But it happened about this time, when
giving birth, that behold, twins were in Joseph went into the house to do his work,
her womb. 28And so it was, when she was
giving birth, that the one put out his hand; 38:29 aLiterally Breach or Breakthrough
01-Genesis.indd 51 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 39:12 52
and none of the men of the house was in- king of Egypt, who were confined in the
side, 12that she caught him by his garment, prison, had a dream, both of them, each
saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his gar- man’s dream in one night and each man’s
ment in her hand, and fled and ran out- dream with its own interpretation. 6And Jo-
side. 13And so it was, when she saw that he seph came in to them in the morning and
had left his garment in her hand and fled looked at them, and saw that they were sad.
outside, 14that she called to the men of her 7So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were
house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he with him in the custody of his lord’s house,
has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried 8And they said to him, “We each have had
out with a loud voice. 15And it happened, a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.”
when he heard that I lifted my voice and So Joseph said to them, “Do not inter-
cried out, that he left his garment with me, pretations belong to God? Tell them to me,
and fled and went outside.” please.”
16So she kept his garment with her until 9Then the chief butler told his dream
his master came home. 17Then she spoke to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my
to him with words like these, saying, “The dream a vine was before me, 10and in the
Hebrew servant whom you brought to us vine were three branches; it was as though
came in to me to mock me; 18so it hap- it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its
pened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, clusters brought forth ripe grapes. 11Then
that he left his garment with me and fled Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took
outside.” the grapes and pressed them into Pha-
19So it was, when his master heard the
raoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s
words which his wife spoke to him, saying, hand.”
“Your servant did to me after this man- 12And Joseph said to him, “This is the
ner,” that his anger was aroused. 20Then interpretation of it: The three branches are
Joseph’s master took him and put him into three days. 13Now within three days Pha-
the prison, a place where the king’s prison- raoh will lift up your head and restore you
ers were confined. And he was there in the to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s
prison. 21But the Lord was with Joseph and cup in his hand according to the former
showed him mercy, and He gave him favor manner, when you were his butler. 14But
in the sight of the keeper of the prison. remember me when it is well with you, and
22And the keeper of the prison committed
please show kindness to me; make men-
to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were tion of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of
in the prison; whatever they did there, it this house. 15For indeed I was stolen away
was his doing. 23The keeper of the prison from the land of the Hebrews; and also I
did not look into anything that was under have done nothing here that they should
Joseph’s authority,a because the Lord was put me into the dungeon.”
with him; and whatever he did, the Lord 16When the chief baker saw that the in-
made it prosper. terpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I
The Prisoners’ Dreams
also was in my dream, and there were three
white baskets on my head. 17In the upper-
40
It came to pass after these most basket were all kinds of baked goods
things that the butler and the for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of
baker of the king of Egypt of- the basket on my head.”
fended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2And 18So Joseph answered and said, “This is
Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the interpretation of it: The three baskets
the chief butler and the chief baker. 3So are three days. 19Within three days Pha-
he put them in custody in the house of raoh will lift off your head from you and
the captain of the guard, in the prison, the hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat
place where Joseph was confined. 4And the your flesh from you.”
captain of the guard charged Joseph with 20Now it came to pass on the third day,
them, and he served them; so they were in which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he
custody for a while.
5Then the butler and the baker of the 39:23 aLiterally his hand
01-Genesis.indd 52 2/14/12 11:48 AM
53 GENESIS 41:27
made a feast for all his servants; and he according to the interpretation of his own
lifted up the head of the chief butler and dream. 12Now there was a young Hebrew
of the chief baker among his servants. man with us there, a servant of the captain
21Then he restored the chief butler to his of the guard. And we told him, and he in-
butlership again, and he placed the cup in terpreted our dreams for us; to each man
Pharaoh’s hand. 22But he hanged the chief he interpreted according to his own dream.
baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 13And it came to pass, just as he interpreted
23Yet the chief butler did not remember Jo-
for us, so it happened. He restored me to
seph, but forgot him. my office, and he hanged him.”
14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph,
Pharaoh’s Dreams and they brought him quickly out of the
41
Then it came to pass, at the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his
end of two full years, that Pha- clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 15And Pha-
raoh had a dream; and behold, raoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream,
he stood by the river. 2Suddenly there came and there is no one who can interpret it.
up out of the river seven cows, fine look- But I have heard it said of you that you can
ing and fat; and they fed in the meadow. understand a dream, to interpret it.”
3Then behold, seven other cows came up 16So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying,
after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an
and stood by the other cows on the bank answer of peace.”
of the river. 4And the ugly and gaunt cows
ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows.
So Pharaoh awoke. 5He slept and dreamed Wisdom
a second time; and suddenly seven heads Where can I find wisdom?
of grain came up on one stalk, plump and Genesis 41:16
good. 6Then behold, seven thin heads,
blighted by the east wind, sprang up after
17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold,
them. 7And the seven thin heads devoured
the seven plump and full heads. So Pha- in my dream I stood on the bank of the
raoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. river. 18Suddenly seven cows came up out
8Now it came to pass in the morning that of the river, fine looking and fat; and they
his spirit was troubled, and he sent and fed in the meadow. 19Then behold, seven
called for all the magicians of Egypt and all other cows came up after them, poor
its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as
dreams, but there was no one who could I have never seen in all the land of Egypt.
20And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the
interpret them for Pharaoh.
first seven, the fat cows. 21When they had
eaten them up, no one would have known
Genesis 41:8 that they had eaten them, for they were
Ancient kings often used astrologers just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke.
and magicians as advisors to help 22Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly
them make important decisions. seven heads came up on one stalk, full and
Believe it or not, they even tried to good. 23Then behold, seven heads, with-
predict the future by “reading” the ered, thin, and blighted by the east wind,
body parts of the sacrificed animals sprang up after them. 24And the thin heads
they used in pagan worship. devoured the seven good heads. So I told
this to the magicians, but there was no one
who could explain it to me.”
9Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, 25Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The
saying: “I remember my faults this day. dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has
10When Pharaoh was angry with his ser- shown Pharaoh what He is about to do:
vants, and put me in custody in the house 26The seven good cows are seven years,
of the captain of the guard, both me and and the seven good heads are seven years;
the chief baker, 11we each had a dream in the dreams are one. 27And the seven thin
one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed and ugly cows which came up after them
01-Genesis.indd 53 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 41:28 54
are seven years, and the seven empty heads consent no man may lift his hand or foot in
blighted by the east wind are seven years all the land of Egypt.” 45And Pharaoh called
of famine. 28This is the thing which I have Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he
spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pha- gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter
raoh what He is about to do. 29Indeed seven of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went
years of great plenty will come throughout out over all the land of Egypt.
all the land of Egypt; 30but after them seven 46Joseph was thirty years old when he
years of famine will arise, and all the plenty stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And
will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and Joseph went out from the presence of Pha-
the famine will deplete the land. 31So the raoh, and went throughout all the land of
plenty will not be known in the land be- Egypt. 47Now in the seven plentiful years
cause of the famine following, for it will be the ground brought forth abundantly. 48So
very severe. 32And the dream was repeated he gathered up all the food of the seven
to Pharaoh twice because the thing is es- years which were in the land of Egypt, and
tablished by God, and God will shortly laid up the food in the cities; he laid up
bring it to pass. in every city the food of the fields which
33“Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a surrounded them. 49Joseph gathered very
discerning and wise man, and set him over much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he
the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh do this, stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.
and let him appoint officers over the land, 50And to Joseph were born two sons
to collect one-fifth of the produce of the before the years of famine came, whom
land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. Asenath, the daughter of Poti- Pherah
35And let them gather all the food of those priest of On, bore to him. 51Joseph called
good years that are coming, and store up the name of the firstborn Manasseh:a “For
grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and God has made me forget all my toil and all
let them keep food in the cities. 36Then that my father’s house.” 52And the name of the
food shall be as a reserve for the land for second he called Ephraim:a “For God has
the seven years of famine which shall be caused me to be fruitful in the land of my
in the land of Egypt, that the land may not affliction.”
perish during the famine.” 53Then the seven years of plenty which
were in the land of Egypt ended, 54and
Joseph’s Rise to Power the seven years of famine began to come,
37So the advice was good in the eyes of as Joseph had said. The famine was in all
Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was
38And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can bread. 55So when all the land of Egypt was
we find such a one as this, a man in whom famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for
is the Spirit of God?” bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyp-
39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inas- tians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to
much as God has shown you all this, there you, do.” 56The famine was over all the face
is no one as discerning and wise as you. of the earth, and Joseph opened all the
40You shall be over my house, and all my storehousesa and sold to the Egyptians.
people shall be ruled according to your And the famine became severe in the land
word; only in regard to the throne will I be of Egypt. 57So all countries came to Joseph
greater than you.” 41And Pharaoh said to in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine
Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land was severe in all lands.
of Egypt.”
42Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off Joseph’s Brothers Go
his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and to Egypt
42
he clothed him in garments of fine linen When Jacob saw that there was
and put a gold chain around his neck. grain in Egypt, Jacob said to
43And he had him ride in the second char- his sons, “Why do you look at
iot which he had; and they cried out before
him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all 41:51 aLiterally Making Forgetful
the land of Egypt. 44Pharaoh also said to 41:52 aLiterally Fruitfulness 41:56 aLiterally all
Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your that was in them
01-Genesis.indd 54 2/14/12 11:48 AM
55 GENESIS 42:35
one another?” 2And he said, “Indeed I have to me; so your words will be verified, and
heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down you shall not die.”
to that place and buy for us there, that we And they did so. 21Then they said to
may live and not die.” one another, “We are truly guilty concern-
3So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to ing our brother, for we saw the anguish of
buy grain in Egypt. 4But Jacob did not send his soul when he pleaded with us, and we
Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his broth- would not hear; therefore this distress has
ers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall come upon us.”
him.” 5And the sons of Israel went to buy 22And Reuben answered them, saying,
grain among those who journeyed, for the “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not
famine was in the land of Canaan. sin against the boy’; and you would not
6Now Joseph was governor over the land; listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now
and it was he who sold to all the people of required of us.” 23But they did not know
the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and that Joseph understood them, for he spoke
bowed down before him with their faces to to them through an interpreter. 24And he
the earth. 7Joseph saw his brothers and rec- turned himself away from them and wept.
ognized them, but he acted as a stranger to Then he returned to them again, and talked
them and spoke roughly to them. Then he with them. And he took Simeon from them
said to them, “Where do you come from?” and bound him before their eyes.
And they said, “From the land of Canaan
to buy food.” The Brothers Return
8So Joseph recognized his brothers, but to Canaan
they did not recognize him. 9Then Joseph 25Then Joseph gave a command to fill their
remembered the dreams which he had sacks with grain, to restore every man’s
dreamed about them, and said to them, money to his sack, and to give them pro-
“You are spies! You have come to see the visions for the journey. Thus he did for
nakedness of the land!” them. 26So they loaded their donkeys with
10And they said to him, “No, my lord, but
the grain and departed from there. 27But
your servants have come to buy food. 11We as one of them opened his sack to give his
are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; donkey feed at the encampment, he saw
your servants are not spies.” his money; and there it was, in the mouth
12But he said to them, “No, but you have
of his sack. 28So he said to his brothers, “My
come to see the nakedness of the land.” money has been restored, and there it is, in
13And they said, “Your servants are
my sack!” Then their hearts failed them and
twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the they were afraid, saying to one another,
land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is “What is this that God has done to us?”
with our father today, and one is no more.” 29Then they went to Jacob their father
14But Joseph said to them, “It is as I
in the land of Canaan and told him all that
spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ 15In had happened to them, saying: 30“The man
this manner you shall be tested: By the life who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us,
of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place and took us for spies of the country. 31But
unless your youngest brother comes here. we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are
16Send one of you, and let him bring your not spies. 32We are twelve brothers, sons of
brother; and you shall be kept in prison, our father; one is no more, and the youngest
that your words may be tested to see is with our father this day in the land of Ca-
whether there is any truth in you; or else, naan.’ 33Then the man, the lord of the coun-
by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” try, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you
17So he put them all together in prison are honest men: Leave one of your brothers
three days. here with me, take food for the famine of
18Then Joseph said to them the third your households, and be gone. 34And bring
day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: 19If you your youngest brother to me; so I shall
are honest men, let one of your brothers know that you are not spies, but that you
be confined to your prison house; but you, are honest men. I will grant your brother to
go and carry grain for the famine of your you, and you may trade in the land.’ ”
houses. 20And bring your youngest brother 35Then it happened as they emptied their
01-Genesis.indd 55 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 42:36 56
sacks, that surprisingly each man’s bundle 11And their father Israel said to them, “If
of money was in his sack; and when they it must be so, then do this: Take some of the
and their father saw the bundles of money, best fruits of the land in your vessels and
they were afraid. 36And Jacob their father carry down a present for the man—a little
said to them, “You have bereaved me: Jo- balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh,
seph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you pistachio nuts and almonds. 12Take double
want to take Benjamin. All these things are money in your hand, and take back in your
against me.” hand the money that was returned in the
37Then Reuben spoke to his father, say- mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an
ing, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him oversight. 13Take your brother also, and
back to you; put him in my hands, and I will arise, go back to the man. 14And may God
bring him back to you.” Almighty give you mercy before the man,
38But he said, “My son shall not go down that he may release your other brother and
with you, for his brother is dead, and he is Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!”
left alone. If any calamity should befall him 15So the men took that present and Ben-
along the way in which you go, then you jamin, and they took double money in their
would bring down my gray hair with sor- hand, and arose and went down to Egypt;
row to the grave.” and they stood before Joseph. 16When Jo-
seph saw Benjamin with them, he said to
Joseph’s Brothers Return the steward of his house, “Take these men
with Benjamin to my home, and slaughter an animal and
43
Now the famine was severe in make ready; for these men will dine with
the land. 2And it came to pass, me at noon.” 17Then the man did as Joseph
when they had eaten up the ordered, and the man brought the men
grain which they had brought from Egypt, into Joseph’s house.
18Now the men were afraid because they
that their father said to them, “Go back,
buy us a little food.” were brought into Joseph’s house; and they
3But Judah spoke to him, saying, “The said, “It is because of the money, which was
man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall returned in our sacks the first time, that we
not see my face unless your brother is with are brought in, so that he may make a case
you.’ 4If you send our brother with us, we against us and seize us, to take us as slaves
will go down and buy you food. 5But if you with our donkeys.”
19When they drew near to the steward
will not send him, we will not go down; for
the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at
face unless your brother is with you.’ ” the door of the house, 20and said, “O sir, we
6And Israel said, “Why did you deal indeed came down the first time to buy
so wrongfully with me as to tell the man food; 21but it happened, when we came
whether you had still another brother?” to the encampment, that we opened our
7But they said, “The man asked us sacks, and there, each man’s money was
pointedly about ourselves and our family, in the mouth of his sack, our money in full
saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you weight; so we have brought it back in our
another brother?’ And we told him ac- hand. 22And we have brought down other
cording to these words. Could we possibly money in our hands to buy food. We do not
have known that he would say, ‘Bring your know who put our money in our sacks.”
brother down’?” 23But he said, “Peace be with you, do not
8Then Judah said to Israel his father, be afraid. Your God and the God of your fa-
“Send the lad with me, and we will arise ther has given you treasure in your sacks; I
and go, that we may live and not die, both had your money.” Then he brought Simeon
we and you and also our little ones. 9I my- out to them.
self will be surety for him; from my hand 24So the man brought the men into Jo-
you shall require him. If I do not bring him seph’s house and gave them water, and they
back to you and set him before you, then let washed their feet; and he gave their don-
me bear the blame forever. 10For if we had keys feed. 25Then they made the present
not lingered, surely by now we would have ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they
returned this second time.” heard that they would eat bread there.
01-Genesis.indd 56 2/14/12 11:48 AM
57 GENESIS 44:18
26And when Joseph came home, they sack of the youngest, and his grain money.”
brought him the present which was in their So he did according to the word that Jo-
hand into the house, and bowed down seph had spoken. 3As soon as the morning
before him to the earth. 27Then he asked dawned, the men were sent away, they and
them about their well-being, and said, “Is their donkeys. 4When they had gone out of
your father well, the old man of whom you the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said
spoke? Is he still alive?” to his steward, “Get up, follow the men;
28And they answered, “Your servant our and when you overtake them, say to them,
father is in good health; he is still alive.” And ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5Is not
they bowed their heads down and pros- this the one from which my lord drinks, and
trated themselves. with which he indeed practices divination?
29Then he lifted his eyes and saw his You have done evil in so doing.’ ”
6So he overtook them, and he spoke to
brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and
said, “Is this your younger brother of whom them these same words. 7And they said to
you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be him, “Why does my lord say these words?
gracious to you, my son.” 30Now his heart Far be it from us that your servants should
yearned for his brother; so Joseph made do such a thing. 8Look, we brought back to
haste and sought somewhere to weep. And you from the land of Canaan the money
he went into his chamber and wept there. which we found in the mouth of our sacks.
31Then he washed his face and came out; How then could we steal silver or gold from
and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve your lord’s house? 9With whomever of your
the bread.” servants it is found, let him die, and we also
will be my lord’s slaves.”
10And he said, “Now also let it be accord-
Genesis 43:32 ing to your words; he with whom it is found
In biblical times, eating with another shall be my slave, and you shall be blame-
person was considered to be one of less.” 11Then each man speedily let down
the highest forms of hospitality. The his sack to the ground, and each opened
Egyptians, however, refused to eat his sack. 12So he searched. He began with
at the same table as the Israelites the oldest and left off with the youngest;
because they saw the Israelites as a and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
lower class of people. 13Then they tore their clothes, and each
man loaded his donkey and returned to
the city.
32So they set him a place by himself, and 14So Judah and his brothers came to
them by themselves, and the Egyptians Joseph’s house, and he was still there; and
who ate with him by themselves; because they fell before him on the ground. 15And
the Egyptians could not eat food with the Joseph said to them, “What deed is this you
Hebrews, for that is an abomination to have done? Did you not know that such a
the Egyptians. 33And they sat before him, man as I can certainly practice divination?”
the firstborn according to his birthright 16Then Judah said, “What shall we say
and the youngest according to his youth; to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how
and the men looked in astonishment at shall we clear ourselves? God has found
one another. 34Then he took servings to out the iniquity of your servants; here we
them from before him, but Benjamin’s serv- are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also
ing was five times as much as any of theirs. with whom the cup was found.”
So they drank and were merry with him. 17But he said, “Far be it from me that I
should do so; the man in whose hand the
Joseph’s Cup cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as
44
And he commanded the stew- for you, go up in peace to your father.”
ard of his house, saying, “Fill
the men’s sacks with food, as Judah Intercedes
much as they can carry, and put each man’s for Benjamin
money in the mouth of his sack. 2Also put 18Then Judah came near to him and said:
my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the “O my lord, please let your servant speak
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GENESIS 44:19 58
a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So
your anger burn against your servant; for no one stood with him while Joseph made
you are even like Pharaoh. 19My lord asked himself known to his brothers. 2And he
his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the
a brother?’ 20And we said to my lord, ‘We house of Pharaoh heard it.
have a father, an old man, and a child of his 3Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I
old age, who is young; his brother is dead, am Joseph; does my father still live?” But
and he alone is left of his mother’s children, his brothers could not answer him, for
and his father loves him.’ 21Then you said to they were dismayed in his presence. 4And
your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come
I may set my eyes on him.’ 22And we said to near to me.” So they came near. Then he
my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you
for if he should leave his father, his father sold into Egypt. 5But now, do not therefore
would die.’ 23But you said to your servants, be grieved or angry with yourselves be-
‘Unless your youngest brother comes down cause you sold me here; for God sent me
with you, you shall see my face no more.’ before you to preserve life. 6For these two
24“So it was, when we went up to your
years the famine has been in the land, and
servant my father, that we told him the there are still five years in which there will
words of my lord. 25And our father said, be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7And
‘Go back and buy us a little food.’ 26But we God sent me before you to preserve a pos-
said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest terity for you in the earth, and to save your
brother is with us, then we will go down; lives by a great deliverance. 8So now it was
for we may not see the man’s face unless not you who sent me here, but God; and He
our youngest brother is with us.’ 27Then has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord
your servant my father said to us, ‘You of all his house, and a ruler throughout all
know that my wife bore me two sons; 28and the land of Egypt.
the one went out from me, and I said, 9“Hurry and go up to my father, and say
“Surely he is torn to pieces”; and I have not to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God
seen him since. 29But if you take this one has made me lord of all Egypt; come down
also from me, and calamity befalls him, you to me, do not tarry. 10You shall dwell in the
shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow land of Goshen, and you shall be near to
to the grave.’ me, you and your children, your children’s
30“Now therefore, when I come to your
children, your flocks and your herds, and
servant my father, and the lad is not with all that you have. 11There I will provide for
us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s you, lest you and your household, and all
life, 31it will happen, when he sees that the that you have, come to poverty; for there
lad is not with us, that he will die. So your are still five years of famine.” ’
servants will bring down the gray hair of 12“And behold, your eyes and the eyes
your servant our father with sorrow to the of my brother Benjamin see that it is my
grave. 32For your servant became surety mouth that speaks to you. 13So you shall
for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and
bring him back to you, then I shall bear of all that you have seen; and you shall
the blame before my father forever.’ 33Now hurry and bring my father down here.”
therefore, please let your servant remain 14Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s
instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his
let the lad go up with his brothers. 34For neck. 15Moreover he kissed all his broth-
how shall I go up to my father if the lad is ers and wept over them, and after that his
not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that brothers talked with him.
would come upon my father?” 16Now the report of it was heard in
Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s broth-
Joseph Revealed to His ers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and
Brothers his servants well. 17And Pharaoh said to
45
Then Joseph could not restrain Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this:
himself before all those who Load your animals and depart; go to the
stood by him, and he cried land of Canaan. 18Bring your father and
01-Genesis.indd 58 2/14/12 11:48 AM
59 GENESIS 46:22
your households and come to me; I will in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to
give you the best of the land of Egypt, and carry him. 6So they took their livestock
you will eat the fat of the land. 19Now you and their goods, which they had acquired
are commanded—do this: Take carts out in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt,
of the land of Egypt for your little ones and Jacob and all his descendants with him.
your wives; bring your father and come. 7His sons and his sons’ sons, his daugh-
20Also do not be concerned about your ters and his sons’ daughters, and all his
goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt descendants he brought with him to
is yours.’ ” Egypt.
21Then the sons of Israel did so; and 8Now these were the names of the chil-
Joseph gave them carts, according to the dren of Israel, Jacob and his sons, who went
command of Pharaoh, and he gave them to Egypt: Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn.
provisions for the journey. 22He gave to 9The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu,
all of them, to each man, changes of gar- Hezron, and Carmi. 10The sons of Simeon
ments; but to Benjamin he gave three were Jemuel,a Jamin, Ohad, Jachin,b Zohar,c
hundred pieces of silver and five changes and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman.
of garments. 23And he sent to his father 11The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath,
these things: ten donkeys loaded with the and Merari. 12The sons of Judah were Er,
good things of Egypt, and ten female don- Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er
keys loaded with grain, bread, and food for and Onan died in the land of Canaan). The
his father for the journey. 24So he sent his sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.
brothers away, and they departed; and he 13The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puvah,a
said to them, “See that you do not become Job,b and Shimron. 14The sons of Zebulun
troubled along the way.” were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15These were
25Then they went up out of Egypt, and the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob
came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their in Padan Aram, with his daughter Dinah.
father. 26And they told him, saying, “Joseph All the persons, his sons and his daughters,
is still alive, and he is governor over all the were thirty-three.
land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, 16The sons of Gad were Ziphion,a Haggi,
because he did not believe them. 27But Shuni, Ezbon,b Eri, Arodi,c and Areli. 17The
when they told him all the words which sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Be-
Joseph had said to them, and when he saw riah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons
the carts which Joseph had sent to carry of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel. 18These
him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. were the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave
28Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to
son is still alive. I will go and see him before Jacob: sixteen persons.
I die.” 19The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, were
Joseph and Benjamin. 20And to Joseph in
Jacob’s Journey to Egypt the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and
46
So Israel took his journey with Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter
all that he had, and came to of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him.
21The sons of Benjamin were Belah, Becher,
Beersheba, and offered sacri-
fices to the God of his father Isaac. 2Then Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim,
God spoke to Israel in the visions of the Huppim,a and Ard. 22These were the sons of
night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” Rachel, who were born to Jacob: fourteen
And he said, “Here I am.” persons in all.
3So He said, “I am God, the God of your
46:10 aSpelled Nemuel in 1 Chronicles 4:24
father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for bCalled Jarib in 1 Chronicles 4:24 cCalled Zerah
I will make of you a great nation there. 4I in 1 Chronicles 4:24 46:13 aSpelled Puah in
will go down with you to Egypt, and I will 1 Chronicles 7:1 bSame as Jashub in Numbers
also surely bring you up again; and Joseph 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1 46:16 aSpelled
will put his hand on your eyes.” Zephon in Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint,
5Then Jacob arose from Beersheba;
and Numbers 26:15 bCalled Ozni in Numbers
and the sons of Israel carried their father 26:16 cSpelled Arod in Numbers 26:17
Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, 46:21 aCalled Hupham in Numbers 26:39
01-Genesis.indd 59 2/14/12 11:48 AM
GENESIS 46:23 60
23The son of Dan was Hushim.a 24The your servants have no pasture for their
sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel,a Guni, Jezer, flocks, for the famine is severe in the land
and Shillem.b 25These were the sons of of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your
Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
daughter, and she bore these to Jacob: 5Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying,
seven persons in all. “Your father and your brothers have come
26All the persons who went with Jacob to to you. 6The land of Egypt is before you.
Egypt, who came from his body, besides Ja- Have your father and brothers dwell in the
cob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in best of the land; let them dwell in the land
all. 27And the sons of Joseph who were born of Goshen. And if you know any competent
to him in Egypt were two persons. All the men among them, then make them chief
persons of the house of Jacob who went to herdsmen over my livestock.”
Egypt were seventy. 7Then Joseph brought in his father Ja-
cob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob
Jacob Settles in Goshen blessed Pharaoh. 8Pharaoh said to Jacob,
28Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, “How old are you?”
9And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of
to point out before him the way to Goshen.
And they came to the land of Goshen. 29So the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred
Joseph made ready his chariot and went up and thirty years; few and evil have been the
to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he days of the years of my life, and they have
presented himself to him, and fell on his not attained to the days of the years of the
neck and wept on his neck a good while. life of my fathers in the days of their pil-
30And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me grimage.” 10So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and
die, since I have seen your face, because went out from before Pharaoh.
11And Joseph situated his father and his
you are still alive.”
31Then Joseph said to his brothers and brothers, and gave them a possession in
to his father’s household, “I will go up and the land of Egypt, in the best of the land,
tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had
and those of my father’s house, who were commanded. 12Then Joseph provided his
in the land of Canaan, have come to me. father, his brothers, and all his father’s
32And the men are shepherds, for their oc- household with bread, according to the
cupation has been to feed livestock; and number in their families.
they have brought their flocks, their herds,
and all that they have.’ 33So it shall be, when Joseph Deals with the Famine
Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your 13Now there was no bread in all the land;
occupation?’ 34that you shall say, ‘Your ser- for the famine was very severe, so that
vants’ occupation has been with livestock the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan
from our youth even till now, both we and languished because of the famine. 14And
also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the Joseph gathered up all the money that was
land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an found in the land of Egypt and in the land
abomination to the Egyptians.” of Canaan, for the grain which they bought;
47
Then Joseph went and told and Joseph brought the money into Pha-
Pharaoh, and said, “My father raoh’s house.
and my brothers, their flocks 15So when the money failed in the land
and their herds and all that they possess, of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the
have come from the land of Canaan; and Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give
indeed they are in the land of Goshen.” us bread, for why should we die in your
2And he took five men from among his
presence? For the money has failed.”
brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. 16Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock,
3Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What
and I will give you bread for your livestock,
is your occupation?” if the money is gone.” 17So they brought
And they said to Pharaoh, “Your ser-
vants are shepherds, both we and also our 46:23 aCalled Shuham in Numbers 26:42
fathers.” 4And they said to Pharaoh, “We 46:24 aSpelled Jahziel in 1 Chronicles 7:13
have come to dwell in the land, because bSpelled Shallum in 1 Chronicles 7:13
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61 GENESIS 48:10
their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave said to him, “Now if I have found favor in
them bread in exchange for the horses, the your sight, please put your hand under my
flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me.
donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in Please do not bury me in Egypt, 30but let
exchange for all their livestock that year. me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me
18When that year had ended, they came out of Egypt and bury me in their burial
to him the next year and said to him, “We place.”
will not hide from my lord that our money And he said, “I will do as you have said.”
is gone; my lord also has our herds of live- 31Then he said, “Swear to me.” And he
stock. There is nothing left in the sight swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on
of my lord but our bodies and our lands. the head of the bed.
19Why should we die before your eyes, both
we and our land? Buy us and our land for Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons
48
bread, and we and our land will be servants Now it came to pass after
of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live these things that Joseph was
and not die, that the land may not be deso- told, “Indeed your father is
late.” sick”; and he took with him his two sons,
20Then Joseph bought all the land of
Manasseh and Ephraim. 2And Jacob was
Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to
Egyptians sold his field, because the fam- you”; and Israel strengthened himself and
ine was severe upon them. So the land be- sat up on the bed. 3Then Jacob said to Jo-
came Pharaoh’s. 21And as for the people, he seph: “God Almighty appeared to me at
moved them into the cities,a from one end Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
of the borders of Egypt to the other end. 4and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you
22Only the land of the priests he did not
fruitful and multiply you, and I will make
buy; for the priests had rations allotted to of you a multitude of people, and give this
them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations land to your descendants after you as an
which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they everlasting possession.’ 5And now your
did not sell their lands. two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who
23Then Joseph said to the people, “In-
were born to you in the land of Egypt be-
deed I have bought you and your land fore I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as
this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
for you, and you shall sow the land. 24And 6Your offspring whom you beget after
it shall come to pass in the harvest that you them shall be yours; they will be called by
shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths the name of their brothers in their inheri-
shall be your own, as seed for the field and tance. 7But as for me, when I came from
for your food, for those of your households Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land
and as food for your little ones.” of Canaan on the way, when there was but
25So they said, “You have saved our lives;
a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I bur-
let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and ied her there on the way to Ephrath (that
we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” 26And Jo- is, Bethlehem).”
seph made it a law over the land of Egypt 8Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said,
to this day, that Pharaoh should have one- “Who are these?”
fifth, except for the land of the priests only, 9Joseph said to his father, “They are
which did not become Pharaoh’s. my sons, whom God has given me in this
place.”
Joseph’s Vow to Jacob
And he said, “Please bring them to me,
27So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in and I will bless them.” 10Now the eyes of
the country of Goshen; and they had pos- Israel were dim with age, so that he could
sessions there and grew and multiplied not see. Then Joseph brought them near
exceedingly. 28And Jacob lived in the land of him, and he kissed them and embraced
Egypt seventeen years. So the length of Ja-
cob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven 47:21 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
years. 29When the time drew near that Is- Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Vulgate
rael must die, he called his son Joseph and read made the people virtual slaves.
01-Genesis.indd 61 3/19/12 12:05 PM
GENESIS 48:11 62
them. 11And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not Jacob’s Last Words to His
thought to see your face; but in fact, God Sons
49
has also shown me your offspring!” And Jacob called his sons and
12So Joseph brought them from beside
said, “Gather together, that I
his knees, and he bowed down with his may tell you what shall befall
face to the earth. 13And Joseph took them you in the last days:
both, Ephraim with his right hand toward
Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his 2“ Gather together and hear, you sons of
left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and Jacob,
brought them near him. 14Then Israel And listen to Israel your father.
stretched out his right hand and laid it on
Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and 3“ Reuben, you are my firstborn,
his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding My might and the beginning of my
his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was strength,
the firstborn. 15And he blessed Joseph, and The excellency of dignity and the
said: excellency of power.
4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
“ God, before whom my fathers Because you went up to your father’s
Abraham and Isaac walked, bed;
The God who has fed me all my life Then you defiled it—
long to this day, He went up to my couch.
16 The Angel who has redeemed me from
all evil, 5“ Simeon and Levi are brothers;
Bless the lads; Instruments of cruelty are in their
Let my name be named upon them, dwelling place.
And the name of my fathers Abraham 6 Let not my soul enter their council;
and Isaac; Let not my honor be united to their
And let them grow into a multitude in assembly;
the midst of the earth.” For in their anger they slew a man,
And in their self-will they hamstrung
17Now when Joseph saw that his father
an ox.
laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, 7 Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce;
it displeased him; so he took hold of his And their wrath, for it is cruel!
father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s I will divide them in Jacob
head to Manasseh’s head. 18And Joseph And scatter them in Israel.
said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this
one is the firstborn; put your right hand on 8“ Judah, you are he whom your brothers
his head.” shall praise;
19But his father refused and said, “I
Your hand shall be on the neck of your
know, my son, I know. He also shall become enemies;
a people, and he also shall be great; but Your father’s children shall bow down
truly his younger brother shall be greater before you.
than he, and his descendants shall become 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp;
a multitude of nations.” From the prey, my son, you have
20So he blessed them that day, saying, gone up.
“By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’ ” And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 10 The scepter shall not depart from
21Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, Judah,
I am dying, but God will be with you and Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
bring you back to the land of your fathers. Until Shiloh comes;
22Moreover I have given to you one portion And to Him shall be the obedience of
above your brothers, which I took from the the people.
hand of the Amorite with my sword and my 11 Binding his donkey to the vine,
bow.” And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,
01-Genesis.indd 62 2/14/12 11:48 AM
63 GENESIS 50:4
He washed his garments in wine, And by the Almighty who will bless
And his clothes in the blood of grapes. you
12 His eyes are darker than wine, With blessings of heaven above,
And his teeth whiter than milk. Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the
13“ Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of
womb.
the sea; 26 The blessings of your father
He shall become a haven for ships, Have excelled the blessings of my
And his border shall adjoin Sidon. ancestors,
Up to the utmost bound of the
14“ Issachar is a strong donkey,
everlasting hills.
Lying down between two burdens; They shall be on the head of Joseph,
15 He saw that rest was good,
And on the crown of the head of
And that the land was pleasant; him who was separate from his
He bowed his shoulder to bear a brothers.
burden,
And became a band of slaves. 27“ Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
16“ Dan shall judge his people
In the morning he shall devour the
prey,
As one of the tribes of Israel. And at night he shall divide the spoil.”
17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path, 28All these are the twelve tribes of Israel,
That bites the horse’s heels and this is what their father spoke to them.
So that its rider shall fall backward. And he blessed them; he blessed each one
18I have waited for your salvation,
according to his own blessing.
O Lord!
Jacob’s Death and Burial
19“ Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
29Then he charged them and said to them:
But he shall triumph at last.
“I am to be gathered to my people; bury
20“ Bread from Asher shall be rich, me with my fathers in the cave that is in
And he shall yield royal dainties. the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30in the cave
that is in the field of Machpelah, which is
21“ Naphtali is a deer let loose; before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which
He uses beautiful words. Abraham bought with the field of Ephron
the Hittite as a possession for a burial
22“ Joseph is a fruitful bough, place. 31There they buried Abraham and
A fruitful bough by a well; Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and
His branches run over the wall. Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah.
23 The archers have bitterly grieved him, 32The field and the cave that is there were
Shot at him and hated him. purchased from the sons of Heth.” 33And
24 But his bow remained in strength, when Jacob had finished commanding his
And the arms of his hands were made sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and
strong breathed his last, and was gathered to his
By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob people.
50
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone Then Joseph fell on his father’s
of Israel), face, and wept over him, and
kissed him. 2And Joseph com-
manded his servants the physicians to
Help embalm his father. So the physicians em-
Who will help me? balmed Israel. 3Forty days were required
Genesis 49:25 for him, for such are the days required for
those who are embalmed; and the Egyp-
tians mourned for him seventy days.
25 By the God of your father who will 4Now when the days of his mourning
help you, were past, Joseph spoke to the household
01-Genesis.indd 63 2/14/12 11:48 AM
Life App
Betrayal / Genesis 50:19–21
Benedict Arnold. Judas Iscariot. These men are so famous for some-
thing they’ve done, their very names are synonymous with the act:
betrayal. One betrayed our country. The other betrayed our Lord.
Betrayal is a horrible act with harmful consequences—for those be-
trayed and even the betrayer.
Maybe you have trusted someone with your deepest secrets or
your thoughts and feelings, or even with hard-earned money or
prized possessions. Whatever trust you placed in someone, if they
betrayed you, you were probably left devastated, hurt and angry.
But how do you handle that? In those times of betrayal, it’s easy to
let bitterness start to grow in your heart. When you’re hurt and an-
gry, it may seem impossible to forgive the one who hurt you, let
alone ever have a relationship with them again. But bitterness
doesn’t have to be the end result of betrayal.
In Genesis 50, we meet a man named Joseph. He was betrayed
but didn’t hold on to bitterness. Joseph was betrayed by his very own
brothers. They were jealous of him, threw him in a pit, and sold him
into slavery. This betrayal sent Joseph on a difficult and emotional
journey, but eventually he ended up in a powerful position in an-
other country. Years after their betrayal, his brothers came to Joseph
for help, not even recognizing him. Had bitterness been growing in
Joseph’s heart, he could have plotted his ultimate revenge for the
pain they caused him. But instead, Joseph chose forgiveness. He was
able to see that, out of their horrible act, God had done something
amazing.
When you are betrayed, it’s natural to feel hurt and even angry.
But you do not have to let that anger turn to bitterness. You can take
your pain and anger straight to God. Instead of holding on to the
pain, let Him give you a heart of forgiveness and show you how He
can make something beautiful out of even the worst circumstances.
01-Genesis.indd 64 2/14/12 11:48 AM
65 GENESIS 50:26
of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and
favor in your eyes, please speak in the hear- his brothers and all who went up with him
ing of Pharaoh, saying, 5‘My father made to bury his father.
me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in
my grave which I dug for myself in the land Joseph Reassures His
of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now Brothers
therefore, please let me go up and bury my 15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their fa-
father, and I will come back.’ ” ther was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph
will hate us, and may actually repay us for
all the evil which we did to him.” 16So they
Genesis 50:2 sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before
The Israelites had strict laws about
your father died he commanded, saying,
touching dead bodies, so they rarely 17‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you,
embalmed anyone. In fact, Jacob and
please forgive the trespass of your brothers
Joseph are the only two Old Testa-
and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now,
ment people we know of who were
please, forgive the trespass of the servants
embalmed. It may be that embalming
was necessary because of the long of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept
journey required to return their bod- when they spoke to him.
18Then his brothers also went and fell
ies to Canaan.
down before his face, and they said, “Be-
hold, we are your servants.”
19Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid,
6And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury
your father, as he made you swear.” for am I in the place of God? 20But as for
7So Joseph went up to bury his father; you, you meant evil against me; but God
and with him went up all the servants of meant it for good, in order to bring it about
Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the as it is this day, to save many people alive.
21Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will pro-
elders of the land of Egypt, 8as well as all
the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his vide for you and your little ones.” And he
father’s house. Only their little ones, their comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
flocks, and their herds they left in the land
of Goshen. 9And there went up with him Death of Joseph
both chariots and horsemen, and it was a 22So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his fa-
very great gathering. ther’s household. And Joseph lived one
10Then they came to the threshing floor
hundred and ten years. 23Joseph saw
of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and Ephraim’s children to the third genera-
they mourned there with a great and very tion. The children of Machir, the son of
solemn lamentation. He observed seven Manasseh, were also brought up on Jo-
days of mourning for his father. 11And seph’s knees.
when the inhabitants of the land, the Ca- 24And Joseph said to his brethren, “I
naanites, saw the mourning at the thresh- am dying; but God will surely visit you,
ing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep and bring you out of this land to the land
mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac,
name was called Abel Mizraim,a which is and to Jacob.” 25Then Joseph took an oath
beyond the Jordan. from the children of Israel, saying, “God
12So his sons did for him just as he had
will surely visit you, and you shall carry
commanded them. 13For his sons carried up my bones from here.” 26So Joseph died,
him to the land of Canaan, and buried him being one hundred and ten years old; and
in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before they embalmed him, and he was put in a
Mamre, which Abraham bought with the coffin in Egypt.
field from Ephron the Hittite as property
for a burial place. 14And after he had buried 50:11 aLiterally Mourning of Egypt
01-Genesis.indd 65 2/14/12 11:48 AM
Exodus
Date of writing: 1445–1440 B.C.
Author: Traditionally, Moses
Theme: Deliverance
Purpose: God breaks our chains, then draws us
to Himself by teaching us wise ways and worship.
Outline
1:1–22 ������������������The People of Israel Become Slaves
2:1–25 ������������������Moses Is Born and Grows Up
3:1—7:13 �������������God Sends Moses to Speak to the Pharaoh
7:14—10:29 ��������The First Nine Disasters
11:1—13:22 ��������The Last Disaster and the First Passover
14:1—15:21 ��������The People Cross the Red Sea
15:22—18:27 ������Moses Leads the People to Mount Sinai
19:1—24:18 ��������The Ten Commandments and Other Laws
25:1—27:21 ��������Instructions for the Ark of the Testimony, the
Tabernacle, and Its Furnishings
28:1—31:18 ��������Instructions for the Priests, Sacrifices, and the
Sabbath
32:1–35 ����������������The People Make an Idol
33:1—35:3 �����������The Lord Makes Promises, Renews His Covenant,
and Gives More Laws to Israel
35:4—36:7 �����������Offerings and Gifts for the Tabernacle and the
Priestly Garments
36:8—38:31 ��������Skilled Workers Make the Tabernacle and Its
Furnishings
39:1–31 ����������������The Priestly Garments Are Made
39:32—40:38 ������The Tabernacle Is Set Up
02-Exodus.indd 66 2/14/12 11:49 AM
Key Verse:
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and
keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure
to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you
shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”
(Exodus 19:5, 6).
Then /// If Exodus was a movie, it would be an action-adventure, full
of miracles, spectacular events, and amazing special effects. The bad guys in
this scenario are the Egyptians, particularly Pharaoh, who (for longer than
you would imagine) would not let those Hebrew people go.
The good guys—well, the favored guys—are the Hebrews (or Israelites), led by Moses.
After being enslaved by the Egyptians for generations, they were freed only to wander
around in a desert for years.
All through this adventure God does amazing things—more amazing than anything
you’ve seen in a theater. Seas split in two. Food falls like dew. Boulders sprout fountains.
The glory of God’s presence becomes visible. Moses’ face actually glows. Exodus is proof
that real life can be more amazing and action-packed than any movie script.
Now /// In Exodus, we learn that God does have a plan, even if we
can’t always understand it at the time. The same God who led the Israelites
out of slavery in Egypt can lead us out of the slavery of sin and death. The
same God who split the sea in two and sent food falling from the sky can deliver us from
perilous circumstances and provide for us when we need help.
Our lives may not look exactly like the Israelites’ at first glance, but we all do have our
own adventures to follow in life. And God will provide everything we need to live out every
adventure He has for us. So buckle your seat belts and prepare for a ride of a read.
Reality Check /// Have you heard of a Passover meal? It’s a
meal of very specific foods prepared a very specific way and eaten in a very
specific order. When people eat a Passover meal, they are actually
remembering the last plague the Egyptians experienced because Pharaoh would not let
the Hebrews leave.
On that last night of plagues, the Lord passed through Egypt and the oldest son of
each household died as He passed . . . unless the family had spread the blood of a lamb on
their doorpost. If the blood was on the doorpost, then the Lord passed over that home and
the firstborn lived.
The Passover was a picture for the Hebrews, and anyone else watching, of what
Jesus would do one day for all of us. He would spill His blood on a wooden cross to
save us from certain death.
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EXODUS 1:1 68
Israel’s Suffering in Egypt as the king of Egypt commanded them, but
saved the male children alive. 18So the king
1
Now these are the names of the chil-
of Egypt called for the midwives and said to
dren of Israel who came to Egypt;
them, “Why have you done this thing, and
each man and his household came
saved the male children alive?”
with Jacob: 2Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and 19And the midwives said to Pharaoh,
Judah; 3Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin;
4Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5All those “Because the Hebrew women are not like
the Egyptian women; for they are lively
who were descendantsa of Jacob were sev-
and give birth before the midwives come
entyb persons (for Joseph was in Egypt al-
to them.”
ready). 6And Joseph died, all his brothers, 20Therefore God dealt well with the mid-
and all that generation. 7But the children
wives, and the people multiplied and grew
of Israel were fruitful and increased abun-
very mighty. 21And so it was, because the
dantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly
midwives feared God, that He provided
mighty; and the land was filled with them.
households for them.
22So Pharaoh commanded all his people,
Exodus 1:1–5 saying, “Every son who is borna you shall
Seventy was a significant number cast into the river, and every daughter you
for Israel because it was a multiple of shall save alive.”
seven, the sacred number. To the Isra-
elites, seven symbolized completion, Moses Is Born
abundance, and rest. (Consider the
2
seven days of creation in Genesis 1.) And a man of the house of Levi went
and took as wife a daughter of Levi.
2So the woman conceived and bore a
8Now there arose a new king over son. And when she saw that he was a beau-
Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9And he tiful child, she hid him three months. 3But
said to his people, “Look, the people of the when she could no longer hide him, she
children of Israel are more and mightier took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed
than we; 10come, let us deal shrewdly with it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it,
them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.
4And his sister stood afar off, to know what
the event of war, that they also join our
enemies and fight against us, and so go up would be done to him.
5Then the daughter of Pharaoh came
out of the land.” 11Therefore they set task-
masters over them to afflict them with down to bathe at the river. And her maid-
their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh ens walked along the riverside; and when
supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12But she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent
the more they afflicted them, the more her maid to get it. 6And when she opened
they multiplied and grew. And they were it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby
in dread of the children of Israel. 13So the wept. So she had compassion on him, and
Egyptians made the children of Israel said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ chil-
serve with rigor. 14And they made their dren.”
7Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daugh-
lives bitter with hard bondage—in mor-
tar, in brick, and in all manner of service ter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from
in the field. All their service in which they the Hebrew women, that she may nurse
made them serve was with rigor. the child for you?”
8And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her,
15Then the king of Egypt spoke to the
Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of “Go.” So the maiden went and called the
one was Shiphrah and the name of the child’s mother. 9Then Pharaoh’s daugh-
other Puah; 16and he said, “When you do ter said to her, “Take this child away and
the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew 1:5 aLiterally who came from the loins of bDead
women, and see them on the birthstools, Sea Scrolls and Septuagint read seventy-
if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if five (compare Acts 7:14). 1:22 aSamaritan
it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17But Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Targum add to the
the midwives feared God, and did not do Hebrews.
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69 EXODUS 2:11
Profile
Moses
Few doubt the amazing difference Moses made in his lifetime, or in the millennia since.
His is one of the few almost universally known names in history. But what about his
youth? Were there signs of his later greatness in the events of his early years?
We don’t know when Moses discovered his unique background, but perhaps his
mother cared for him long enough to instill a strong sense of his heritage. Apparently his
training in all the wisdom and knowledge of Egypt couldn’t drive out of Moses his early
education. He knew himself to be a Hebrew, and the Book of Hebrews describes Moses as
“choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing
pleasures of sin” (11:25).
Moses was loyal to his people. When faced with an Egyptian guard beating a Hebrew
slave, Moses did not hesitate. He intervened, killing the guard. This led to his escape into
the wilderness and the second long phase of training in his life. When he eventually led his
people out of Egypt, he led them into a desert that had become his backyard in the
previous forty years.
Two big lessons from Moses’ youth formed important foundations for the events of his
life: (1) his faith in God, and (2) his ability to write. He did not record the first five books of
the Bible in his youth. They were actually more like a journal he kept during the years of
travel. But he learned to write in Egypt. He remembered his ABCs. His elementary school
tutors taught him well. And Moses made a real difference for the world with the way he
used the tools of faith and knowledge he was given as a child.
+ Making a Difference:
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking of your youthful years as marking time until you arrive
at adulthood. Much of what you accomplish as an adult will be shaped by what you learn
as a young person. You don’t know what God will use from your past when you get older.
Give Him lots to work with.
Make the most of your opportunities while you’re young. Get to know God better.
Learn from pastors and teachers in your church. Read your Bible on your own. Take your
educational opportunities seriously, but enjoy learning. Be like a sponge soaking up all the
good you can find. Then the day adulthood arrives, you will be well prepared to make a
real difference in your life and in your world.
Want to know more?
Read about Moses’ life in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Moses was chosen by God for great things, but his journey was a long one.
He was willing to follow God’s call and use the skills he had, even when it was
difficult, and his life made a real difference. Yours can, too!
nurse him for me, and I will give you your Moses Flees to Midian
wages.” So the woman took the child and 11Now it came to pass in those days, when
nursed him. 10And the child grew, and she Moses was grown, that he went out to his
brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and brethren and looked at their burdens. And
he became her son. So she called his name he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one
Moses,a saying, “Because I drew him out of
the water.” 2:10 aLiterally Drawn Out
02-Exodus.indd 69 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 2:12 70
Profile
Miriam
Older brothers or sisters find out sooner or later that they have an automatic job—watch-
ing younger brothers or sisters! That was the case with Miriam, too.
Miriam lived during a time when the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt. As if that
wasn’t bad enough, the government decided that male children were to be killed at birth.
That’s when Miriam’s little brother Moses was born.
Miriam and her mother worked out a plan they hoped would keep Moses alive. They
put the baby in a floating basket near a place in the Nile River where wealthy Egyptian
women came to bathe. As it turned out, as Miriam watched from the reeds, Moses was
fished out and adopted by a princess of Egypt. Thinking quickly, Miriam approached the
princess and offered to get a nanny for the baby. She brought her mother, of course.
Miriam was part of God’s plan to keep Moses alive. She made a difference by following
through on her responsibilities. How could she have known her little brother would turn
out to be such a large figure in history? She didn’t have to know. She only had to have the
courage and responsibility to do what she was called to do.
+ Making a Difference:
The younger you are, the less important your duties may seem sometimes. Don’t worry
about it. The shortest road to bigger jobs is doing little jobs very well. In fact, God tells us
that those who show Him they can be trusted with small things can be trusted with large
ones (Luke 16:10). Besides, like Miriam, you probably won’t know ahead of time what
tasks in your life will make the biggest difference. Your job is to carry out your responsi-
bilities—whatever their size!
Want to know more?
You can read this adventure in babysitting in Exodus 1:15—2:10.
Miriam was a big sister in a scary world. Her sense of responsibility to her
family and her willingness to go out on a limb to do what was right made
Miriam able to make a real difference. Take your responsibilities seriously and
you can, too!
of his brethren. 12So he looked this way dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat
and that way, and when he saw no one, down by a well.
he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the 16Now the priest of Midian had seven
sand. 13And when he went out the sec- daughters. And they came and drew water,
ond day, behold, two Hebrew men were and they filled the troughs to water their fa-
fighting, and he said to the one who did ther’s flock. 17Then the shepherds came and
the wrong, “Why are you striking your drove them away; but Moses stood up and
companion?” helped them, and watered their flock.
14Then he said, “Who made you a prince 18When they came to Reuel their father,
and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill he said, “How is it that you have come so
me as you killed the Egyptian?” soon today?”
So Moses feared and said, “Surely this 19And they said, “An Egyptian delivered
thing is known!” 15When Pharaoh heard us from the hand of the shepherds, and he
of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But also drew enough water for us and watered
Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and the flock.”
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71 EXODUS 3:16
Exodus 2:16 Respect
The land of Midian didn’t have defi- Is God worthy of our respect?
nite boundaries like most countries Exodus 3:5
do today. It was located in the general
area between Egypt and Canaan.
7And the Lord said: “I have surely seen
Jacob and his family called Midian
home until famine forced them to the oppression of My people who are in
head to Egypt. Egypt, and have heard their cry because
of their taskmasters, for I know their sor-
rows. 8So I have come down to deliver
20So he said to his daughters, “And where them out of the hand of the Egyptians,
is he? Why is it that you have left the man? and to bring them up from that land to a
Call him, that he may eat bread.” good and large land, to a land flowing with
21Then Moses was content to live with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaan-
the man, and he gave Zipporah his daugh- ites and the Hittites and the Amorites and
ter to Moses. 22And she bore him a son. He the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jeb
called his name Gershom,a for he said, “I usites. 9Now therefore, behold, the cry of
have been a stranger in a foreign land.” the children of Israel has come to Me, and
23Now it happened in the process of I have also seen the oppression with which
time that the king of Egypt died. Then the the Egyptians oppress them. 10Come now,
children of Israel groaned because of the therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh
bondage, and they cried out; and their cry that you may bring My people, the children
came up to God because of the bondage. of Israel, out of Egypt.”
24So God heard their groaning, and God 11But Moses said to God, “Who am I
remembered His covenant with Abraham, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I
with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25And God should bring the children of Israel out of
looked upon the children of Israel, and God Egypt?”
acknowledged them. 12So He said, “I will certainly be with
you. And this shall be a sign to you that I
Moses at the Burning Bush have sent you: When you have brought the
3
Now Moses was tending the flock of people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on
Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of this mountain.”
13Then Moses said to God, “Indeed,
Midian. And he led the flock to the
back of the desert, and came to Horeb, when I come to the children of Israel and
the mountain of God. 2And the Angel of say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has
the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What
from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”
14And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I
behold, the bush was burning with fire, but
the bush was not consumed. 3Then Moses AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to
said, “I will now turn aside and see this the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me
great sight, why the bush does not burn.” to you.’ ” 15Moreover God said to Moses,
4So when the Lord saw that he turned “Thus you shall say to the children of Is-
aside to look, God called to him from the rael: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the
midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the
And he said, “Here I am.” God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is
5Then He said, “Do not draw near this My name forever, and this is My memo-
place. Take your sandals off your feet, for rial to all generations.’ 16Go and gather the
the place where you stand is holy ground.” elders of Israel together, and say to them,
6Moreover He said, “I am the God of your ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God
father—the God of Abraham, the God of of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, ap-
peared to me, saying, “I have surely visited
Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses
you and seen what is done to you in Egypt;
hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon
God. 2:22 aLiterally Stranger There
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EXODUS 3:17 72
Promise
God promises to deliver His people out of
Egypt.
“So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the
Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and
large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8a).
The children of Israel had been delivered from Egypt, but thanks to doubting
and unbelief, they wandered in the desert for 40 years.
But you know what? Year number 41 came, and they didn’t wander anymore.
They entered into the Promised Land, the land of milk and honey God had
promised them! Maybe, for whatever reason, it seems you are in a desert period in
your life. Maybe you feel like you’ve been stumbling around for 40 years. Don’t
worry; number 41 is on its way!
Look at these examples: Noah and his family were on the ark while it rained for
40 days and 40 nights—day 41 came, and the rain stopped. For 40 days Goliath
showed up every morning and taunted Israel—41 came, and David took him down!
God has promised to bring you out of your “Egypt” as well—if you will hold on
to your faith in Him. Whatever situation you are going through right now, don’t give
up. God is on your side! So if it seems like trouble has been raining down on you,
don’t worry because 41 is on the way. The rain is going to stop. Whatever giant is in
your life, 41 is coming and that giant’s going down! You are more than a conqueror
through Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:37).
While you may not know or understand the timing, you can know that He will
deliver you out of Egypt.
See for yourself// Genesis 7; 8; 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 34:17, 19
17and I have said I will bring you up out of and clothing; and you shall put them on
the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Ca- your sons and on your daughters. So you
naanites and the Hittites and the Amorites shall plunder the Egyptians.”
and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the
Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and Miraculous Signs
honey.” ’ 18Then they will heed your voice; for Pharaoh
4
and you shall come, you and the elders of Then Moses answered and said, “But
Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall suppose they will not believe me or
say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews listen to my voice; suppose they say,
has met with us; and now, please, let us go ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”
three days’ journey into the wilderness, 2So the Lord said to him, “What is that
that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ in your hand?”
19But I am sure that the king of Egypt will
He said, “A rod.”
not let you go, no, not even by a mighty 3And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So
hand. 20So I will stretch out My hand and he cast it on the ground, and it became a
strike Egypt with all My wonders which I serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4Then the
will do in its midst; and after that he will let Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand
you go. 21And I will give this people favor in and take it by the tail” (and he reached out
the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, his hand and caught it, and it became a rod
when you go, that you shall not go empty- in his hand), 5“that they may believe that
handed. 22But every woman shall ask of her the Lord God of their fathers, the God of
neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, Jacob, has appeared to you.”
02-Exodus.indd 72 2/14/12 11:49 AM
73 EXODUS 4:31
6Furthermore the Lord said to him, ian, “Go, return to Egypt; for all the men
“Now put your hand in your bosom.” And who sought your life are dead.” 20Then Mo-
he put his hand in his bosom, and when he ses took his wife and his sons and set them
took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, on a donkey, and he returned to the land
like snow. 7And He said, “Put your hand of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God
in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his hand.
in his bosom again, and drew it out of his 21And the Lord said to Moses, “When
bosom, and behold, it was restored like his you go back to Egypt, see that you do all
other flesh. 8“Then it will be, if they do not those wonders before Pharaoh which I
believe you, nor heed the message of the have put in your hand. But I will harden
first sign, that they may believe the mes- his heart, so that he will not let the people
sage of the latter sign. 9And it shall be, if go. 22Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus
they do not believe even these two signs, says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My first-
or listen to your voice, that you shall take born. 23So I say to you, let My son go that
water from the rivera and pour it on the he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let
dry land. The water which you take from him go, indeed I will kill your son, your
the river will become blood on the dry firstborn.” ’ ”
24And it came to pass on the way, at the
land.”
10Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my encampment, that the Lord met him and
Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor sought to kill him. 25Then Zipporah took a
since You have spoken to Your servant; but sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her
I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” son and cast it at Moses’a feet, and said,
11So the Lord said to him, “Who has “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!”
26So He let him go. Then she said, “You are
made man’s mouth? Or who makes the
mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? a husband of blood!”—because of the cir-
Have not I, the Lord? 12Now therefore, go, cumcision.
and I will be with your mouth and teach
you what you shall say.”
13But he said, “O my Lord, please send by Exodus 4:27
the hand of whomever else You may send.” When friends or family members
14So the anger of the Lord was kindled hadn’t seen each other for a day or so,
against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron it was common for them to kiss when
the Levite your brother? I know that he they met. It was also a common ges-
can speak well. And look, he is also com- ture for when two acquaintances said
ing out to meet you. When he sees you, he good-bye. Rarely is romantic kissing
will be glad in his heart. 15Now you shall mentioned in the Bible.
speak to him and put the words in his
mouth. And I will be with your mouth and 27And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into
with his mouth, and I will teach you what
the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went
you shall do. 16So he shall be your spokes-
and met him on the mountain of God, and
man to the people. And he himself shall
kissed him. 28So Moses told Aaron all the
be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to
words of the Lord who had sent him, and
him as God. 17And you shall take this rod
all the signs which He had commanded
in your hand, with which you shall do the
him. 29Then Moses and Aaron went and
signs.”
gathered together all the elders of the chil-
dren of Israel. 30And Aaron spoke all the
Moses Goes to Egypt words which the Lord had spoken to Mo-
18So Moses went and returned to Jethro ses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the
people. 31So the people believed; and when
his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please
they heard that the Lord had visited the
let me go and return to my brethren who
children of Israel and that He had looked
are in Egypt, and see whether they are still
on their affliction, then they bowed their
alive.”
heads and worshiped.
And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
19Now the Lord said to Moses in Mid- 4:9 aThat is, the Nile 4:25 aLiterally his
02-Exodus.indd 73 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 5:1 74
First Encounter your daily quota, as when there was straw.”
with Pharaoh 14Also the officers of the children of Israel,
5
Afterward Moses and Aaron went whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over
in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the them, were beaten and were asked, “Why
Lord God of Israel: ‘Let My people have you not fulfilled your task in making
go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the brick both yesterday and today, as before?”
15Then the officers of the children of
wilderness.’ ”
2And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, say-
that I should obey His voice to let Israel ing, “Why are you dealing thus with your
go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let servants? 16There is no straw given to your
Israel go.” servants, and they say to us, ‘Make brick!’
3So they said, “The God of the Hebrews And indeed your servants are beaten, but
has met with us. Please, let us go three the fault is in your own people.”
17But he said, “You are idle! Idle! There-
days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice
to the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us fore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the
with pestilence or with the sword.” Lord.’ 18Therefore go now and work; for no
4Then the king of Egypt said to them, straw shall be given you, yet you shall de-
“Moses and Aaron, why do you take the liver the quota of bricks.” 19And the officers
people from their work? Get back to your of the children of Israel saw that they were
labor.” 5And Pharaoh said, “Look, the in trouble after it was said, “You shall not
people of the land are many now, and you reduce any bricks from your daily quota.”
20Then, as they came out from Pharaoh,
make them rest from their labor!”
6So the same day Pharaoh commanded they met Moses and Aaron who stood there
to meet them. 21And they said to them, “Let
the taskmasters of the people and their of-
the Lord look on you and judge, because
ficers, saying, 7“You shall no longer give the
you have made us abhorrent in the sight of
people straw to make brick as before. Let
Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to
them go and gather straw for themselves.
8And you shall lay on them the quota of put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
bricks which they made before. You shall
not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore Israel’s Deliverance Assured
they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice 22So Moses returned to the Lord and said,
to our God.’ 9Let more work be laid on the “Lord, why have You brought trouble on
men, that they may labor in it, and let them this people? Why is it You have sent me?
not regard false words.” 23For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in
Your name, he has done evil to this people;
neither have You delivered Your people at
Exodus 5:7 all.”
6
Trees were scarce in Egypt. With little Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now
wood available, Egyptian builders you shall see what I will do to Pha-
used huge stones to construct their raoh. For with a strong hand he will
pyramids and temples. For houses let them go, and with a strong hand he will
and common buildings, they used drive them out of his land.”
bricks made of straw and mud. 2And God spoke to Moses and said to
him: “I am the Lord. 3I appeared to Abra-
10And the taskmasters of the people
ham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Al-
mighty, but by My name Lorda I was not
and their officers went out and spoke to
known to them. 4I have also established
the people, saying, “Thus says Pharaoh: ‘I
My covenant with them, to give them the
will not give you straw. 11Go, get yourselves
land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrim-
straw where you can find it; yet none of
age, in which they were strangers. 5And I
your work will be reduced.’ ” 12So the peo-
have also heard the groaning of the chil-
ple were scattered abroad throughout all
dren of Israel whom the Egyptians keep
the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead
in bondage, and I have remembered My
of straw. 13And the taskmasters forced
them to hurry, saying, “Fulfill your work, 6:3 aHebrew YHWH, traditionally Jehovah
02-Exodus.indd 74 2/14/12 11:49 AM
75 EXODUS 6:25
Promise
God promises to take you as His own.
“I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you
shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out
from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Ex. 6:7).
In many ways, Israel’s history is a symbol of the journey
that all of Jesus’ followers are making. That’s one reason the Old Testament is still so
important to Christians. You can look in the Old Testament to find wisdom for
whatever you’re going through and to prepare for what’s coming next.
When God said, “I will take you as My people,” He wasn’t just talking to the
Israelites. He was also looking out through time and speaking to Christians today.
He knew you would be on earth at this moment and He wanted to be sure you
knew that He accepted you as His own. The nation of Israel was God’s own because
of the faith and obedience of their father, Abraham. Today, you are a chosen person
because of the love and obedience of your Lord and Savior, Jesus.
See for yourself// Romans 1:16, 17
covenant. 6Therefore say to the children of Carmi. These are the families of Reuben.
Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out 15And the sons of Simeon were Jemuel,a
from under the burdens of the Egyptians, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the
I will rescue you from their bondage, and I son of a Canaanite woman. These are the
will redeem you with an outstretched arm families of Simeon. 16These are the names
and with great judgments. 7I will take you of the sons of Levi according to their gen-
as My people, and I will be your God. Then erations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
you shall know that I am the Lord your And the years of the life of Levi were one
God who brings you out from under the hundred and thirty-seven. 17The sons of
burdens of the Egyptians. 8And I will bring Gershon were Libni and Shimi according
you into the land which I swore to give to to their families. 18And the sons of Kohath
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’ ” 9So And the years of the life of Kohath were
Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; one hundred and thirty-three. 19The sons
but they did not heed Moses, because of of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These
anguish of spirit and cruel bondage. are the families of Levi according to their
10And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
generations.
11“Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let 20Now Amram took for himself Joch
the children of Israel go out of his land.” ebed, his father’s sister, as wife; and she
12And Moses spoke before the Lord, say-
bore him Aaron and Moses. And the years
ing, “The children of Israel have not heeded of the life of Amram were one hundred and
me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I thirty-seven. 21The sons of Izhar were Ko-
am of uncircumcised lips?” rah, Nepheg, and Zichri. 22And the sons of
13Then the Lord spoke to Moses and
Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Zithri.
Aaron, and gave them a command for the 23Aaron took to himself Elisheba, daughter
children of Israel and for Pharaoh king of of Amminadab, sister of Nahshon, as wife;
Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar,
the land of Egypt. and Ithamar. 24And the sons of Korah were
The Family of Moses Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These are
and Aaron the families of the Korahites. 25Eleazar,
14These are the heads of their fathers’
Aaron’s son, took for himself one of the
daughters of Putiel as wife; and she bore
houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn
of Israel, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and 6:15 aSpelled Nemuel in Numbers 26:12
02-Exodus.indd 75 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 6:26 76
him Phinehas. These are the heads of the 11But Pharaoh also called the wise men
fathers’ houses of the Levites according to and the sorcerers; so the magicians of
their families. Egypt, they also did in like manner with
26These are the same Aaron and Moses their enchantments. 12For every man threw
to whom the Lord said, “Bring out the chil- down his rod, and they became serpents.
dren of Israel from the land of Egypt accord- But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
ing to their armies.” 27These are the ones 13And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he
who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to did not heed them, as the Lord had said.
bring out the children of Israel from Egypt.
These are the same Moses and Aaron. The First Plague: Waters
Become Blood
Aaron Is Moses’ Spokesman 14So the Lord said to Moses: “Pharaoh’s
28And it came to pass, on the day the Lord heart is hard; he refuses to let the people
spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29that go. 15Go to Pharaoh in the morning, when
the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “I am the he goes out to the water, and you shall
Lord. Speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all stand by the river’s bank to meet him; and
that I say to you.” the rod which was turned to a serpent you
30But Moses said before the Lord, “Be- shall take in your hand. 16And you shall say
hold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has
shall Pharaoh heed me?” sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go,
7
So the Lord said to Moses: “See, I that they may serve Me in the wilderness”;
have made you as God to Pharaoh, but indeed, until now you would not hear!
17Thus says the Lord: “By this you shall
and Aaron your brother shall be your
prophet. 2You shall speak all that I com- know that I am the Lord. Behold, I will
mand you. And Aaron your brother shall strike the waters which are in the river with
tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be
out of his land. 3And I will harden Pha- turned to blood. 18And the fish that are in
raoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My the river shall die, the river shall stink, and
wonders in the land of Egypt. 4But Pharaoh the Egyptians will loathe to drink the water
will not heed you, so that I may lay My of the river.” ’ ”
19Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say
hand on Egypt and bring My armies and
My people, the children of Israel, out of the to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out
land of Egypt by great judgments. 5And the your hand over the waters of Egypt, over
Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, their streams, over their rivers, over their
when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and ponds, and over all their pools of water,
bring out the children of Israel from among that they may become blood. And there
them.” shall be blood throughout all the land of
6Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers
the Lord commanded them, so they did. of stone.’ ” 20And Moses and Aaron did so,
7And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted
eighty-three years old when they spoke to up the rod and struck the waters that were
Pharaoh. 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.
Aaron’s Miraculous Rod 21The fish that were in the river died, the
8Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, river stank, and the Egyptians could not
saying, 9“When Pharaoh speaks to you, drink the water of the river. So there was
saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and 22Then the magicians of Egypt did so
cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a with their enchantments; and Pharaoh’s
serpent.’ ” 10So Moses and Aaron went in to heart grew hard, and he did not heed
Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the Lord them, as the Lord had said. 23And Pharaoh
commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod turned and went into his house. Neither
before Pharaoh and before his servants, was his heart moved by this. 24So all the
and it became a serpent. Egyptians dug all around the river for wa-
02-Exodus.indd 76 2/14/12 11:49 AM
77 EXODUS 8:24
ter to drink, because they could not drink and from your people. They shall remain in
the water of the river. 25And seven days the river only.”
passed after the Lord had struck the river. 12Then Moses and Aaron went out
from Pharaoh. And Moses cried out to the
The Second Plague: Frogs Lord concerning the frogs which He had
8
And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go brought against Pharaoh. 13So the Lord
to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus did according to the word of Moses. And
says the Lord: “Let My people go, the frogs died out of the houses, out of the
that they may serve Me. 2But if you refuse courtyards, and out of the fields. 14They
to let them go, behold, I will smite all your gathered them together in heaps, and the
territory with frogs. 3So the river shall bring land stank. 15But when Pharaoh saw that
forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up there was relief, he hardened his heart and
and come into your house, into your bed- did not heed them, as the Lord had said.
room, on your bed, into the houses of your
servants, on your people, into your ovens, The Third Plague: Lice
and into your kneading bowls. 4And the 16So the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron,
frogs shall come up on you, on your people, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust
and on all your servants.” ’ ” of the land, so that it may become lice
throughout all the land of Egypt.’ ” 17And
they did so. For Aaron stretched out his
Exodus 8:1–5 hand with his rod and struck the dust of
Frogs were considered sacred in an- the earth, and it became lice on man and
cient Egypt; they were symbols of fer- beast. All the dust of the land became lice
tility. Can you imagine how confused throughout all the land of Egypt.
and alarmed the people became when 18Now the magicians so worked with
they saw their land covered with the their enchantments to bring forth lice, but
amphibians?
they could not. So there were lice on man
and beast. 19Then the magicians said to
5Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But
Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not
rod over the streams, over the rivers, and heed them, just as the Lord had said.
over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up
on the land of Egypt.’ ” 6So Aaron stretched The Fourth Plague: Flies
out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and 20And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early
the frogs came up and covered the land of in the morning and stand before Pharaoh
Egypt. 7And the magicians did so with their as he comes out to the water. Then say to
enchantments, and brought up frogs on him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people
the land of Egypt. go, that they may serve Me. 21Or else, if you
8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and
will not let My people go, behold, I will send
Aaron, and said, “Entreat the Lord that He swarms of flies on you and your servants,
may take away the frogs from me and from on your people and into your houses. The
my people; and I will let the people go, that houses of the Egyptians shall be full of
they may sacrifice to the Lord.” swarms of flies, and also the ground on
9And Moses said to Pharaoh, “Accept the
which they stand. 22And in that day I will
honor of saying when I shall intercede for set apart the land of Goshen, in which My
you, for your servants, and for your people, people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall
to destroy the frogs from you and your be there, in order that you may know that
houses, that they may remain in the river I am the Lord in the midst of the land. 23I
only.” will make a differencea between My people
10So he said, “Tomorrow.” And he said,
and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall
“Let it be according to your word, that you be.” ’ ” 24And the Lord did so. Thick swarms
may know that there is no one like the Lord
our God. 11And the frogs shall depart from 8:23 aLiterally set a ransom (compare Exodus
you, from your houses, from your servants, 9:4 and 11:7)
02-Exodus.indd 77 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 8:25 78
of flies came into the house of Pharaoh, into of the livestock of the children of Israel,
his servants’ houses, and into all the land of not one died. 7Then Pharaoh sent, and in-
Egypt. The land was corrupted because of deed, not even one of the livestock of the
the swarms of flies. Israelites was dead. But the heart of Pha-
25Then Pharaoh called for Moses and raoh became hard, and he did not let the
Aaron, and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God people go.
in the land.”
26And Moses said, “It is not right to do The Sixth Plague: Boils
so, for we would be sacrificing the abomi- 8So the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
nation of the Egyptians to the Lord our
“Take for yourselves handfuls of ashes from
God. If we sacrifice the abomination of the
a furnace, and let Moses scatter it toward
Egyptians before their eyes, then will they
the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. 9And
not stone us? 27We will go three days’ jour-
it will become fine dust in all the land of
ney into the wilderness and sacrifice to the
Egypt, and it will cause boils that break out
Lord our God as He will command us.”
28So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that in sores on man and beast throughout all
the land of Egypt.” 10Then they took ashes
you may sacrifice to the Lord your God in
from the furnace and stood before Pha-
the wilderness; only you shall not go very
raoh, and Moses scattered them toward
far away. Intercede for me.”
29Then Moses said, “Indeed I am going heaven. And they caused boils that break
out from you, and I will entreat the Lord, out in sores on man and beast. 11And the
that the swarms of flies may depart tomor- magicians could not stand before Moses
row from Pharaoh, from his servants, and because of the boils, for the boils were on
from his people. But let Pharaoh not deal the magicians and on all the Egyptians.
12But the Lord hardened the heart of Pha-
deceitfully anymore in not letting the peo-
ple go to sacrifice to the Lord.” raoh; and he did not heed them, just as the
30So Moses went out from Pharaoh and Lord had spoken to Moses.
entreated the Lord. 31And the Lord did ac-
cording to the word of Moses; He removed The Seventh Plague: Hail
the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his 13Then the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early
servants, and from his people. Not one re- in the morning and stand before Pharaoh,
mained. 32But Pharaoh hardened his heart and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God
at this time also; neither would he let the of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, that
people go. they may serve Me, 14for at this time I will
send all My plagues to your very heart, and
The Fifth Plague: Livestock on your servants and on your people, that
Diseased you may know that there is none like Me in
9
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in all the earth. 15Now if I had stretched out
to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says My hand and struck you and your people
the Lord God of the Hebrews: “Let with pestilence, then you would have been
My people go, that they may serve Me. 2For cut off from the earth. 16But indeed for this
if you refuse to let them go, and still hold purpose I have raised you up, that I may
them, 3behold, the hand of the Lord will show My power in you, and that My name
be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, may be declared in all the earth. 17As yet
on the donkeys, on the camels, on the you exalt yourself against My people in
oxen, and on the sheep—a very severe pes- that you will not let them go. 18Behold, to-
tilence. 4And the Lord will make a differ- morrow about this time I will cause very
ence between the livestock of Israel and the heavy hail to rain down, such as has not
livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of been in Egypt since its founding until now.
all that belongs to the children of Israel.” ’ ” 19Therefore send now and gather your live-
5Then the Lord appointed a set time, say- stock and all that you have in the field, for
ing, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing the hail shall come down on every man
in the land.” and every animal which is found in the
6So the Lord did this thing on the next field and is not brought home; and they
day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but shall die.” ’ ”
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Life App
Righteousness / Exodus 9:27
“Righteousness” may sound like an old-fashioned word. A few de-
cades ago, it was used the way we would use “awesome” today.
Something “righteous” was sweet, great, or wonderful. And it does
have that kind of meaning. But in the Bible, it doesn’t describe some-
thing; it describes Someone.
The word “righteous” actually describes someone who is always
just, fair, and filled with integrity. Although people may sometimes
be fair, may sometimes operate with justice, and may have some in-
tegrity, all of us mess up and do things that are just not right. No
matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to live out that “righ-
teousness” in our lives. That’s why Paul says, “There is none righteous,
no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). He’s talking about all people.
Another word we use often today is “wicked.” Somehow, we’ve
taken a word that means evil and turned it into a word that de-
scribes something good. Just making that choice proves how far
away from righteousness the world really is. Far too often, the
world’s choices are anything but fair (like killing an unborn child).
Our idea of justice can actually be more like revenge. And our integ-
rity is frequently dependent on whether we will gain or lose by living
up to our word.
The only One who is truly righteous is God. He is the only One
who never operates without fairness. God is the only One who can
determine true justice; and He is the only One whose integrity is
eternal.
No matter how hard we try, we can never make ourselves righ-
teous. But when we receive salvation in Jesus, His righteousness
becomes ours. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, His Spirit actu-
ally lives within our hearts. He begins to change us from the inside
out. The blood He shed on the cross covers over our sinful selves and
when God looks at us, He sees us through the image of His sinless
Son. Through faith in Jesus, we can actually become righteous in the
sight of God. (See Phil. 3:9.)
02-Exodus.indd 79 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 9:20 80
20He who feared the word of the Lord The Eighth Plague: Locusts
among the servants of Pharaoh made
10
Now the Lord said to Moses,
his servants and his livestock flee to the
“Go in to Pharaoh; for I have
houses. 21But he who did not regard the hardened his heart and the
word of the Lord left his servants and his hearts of his servants, that I may show
livestock in the field. these signs of Mine before him, 2and that
22Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch
you may tell in the hearing of your son and
out your hand toward heaven, that there your son’s son the mighty things I have
may be hail in all the land of Egypt—on done in Egypt, and My signs which I have
man, on beast, and on every herb of done among them, that you may know that
the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” I am the Lord.”
23And Moses stretched out his rod toward
3So Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh
heaven; and the Lord sent thunder and and said to him, “Thus says the Lord God
hail, and fire darted to the ground. And the of the Hebrews: ‘How long will you refuse to
Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. 24So humble yourself before Me? Let My people
there was hail, and fire mingled with the go, that they may serve Me. 4Or else, if you
hail, so very heavy that there was none like refuse to let My people go, behold, tomor-
it in all the land of Egypt since it became row I will bring locusts into your territory.
a nation. 25And the hail struck through- 5And they shall cover the face of the earth,
out the whole land of Egypt, all that was so that no one will be able to see the earth;
in the field, both man and beast; and the and they shall eat the residue of what is left,
hail struck every herb of the field and broke which remains to you from the hail, and
every tree of the field. 26Only in the land of they shall eat every tree which grows up
Goshen, where the children of Israel were, for you out of the field. 6They shall fill your
there was no hail. houses, the houses of all your servants, and
27And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses
the houses of all the Egyptians—which nei-
and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned ther your fathers nor your fathers’ fathers
this time. The Lord is righteous, and my have seen, since the day that they were on
people and I are wicked. 28Entreat the the earth to this day.’ ” And he turned and
Lord, that there may be no more mighty went out from Pharaoh.
thundering and hail, for it is enough. I will
let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”
29So Moses said to him, “As soon as I
Exodus 10:4
have gone out of the city, I will spread out Locusts are still a major problem in
my hands to the Lord; the thunder will North Africa and the Middle East. A
cease, and there will be no more hail, that large swarm is capable of destroying
you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. entire crops. A swarm is large enough
30But as for you and your servants, I know
to block off sunlight to an entire
that you will not yet fear the Lord God.” region! Water and fire are useless
31Now the flax and the barley were
against a large swarm of locusts.
struck, for the barley was in the head and
the flax was in bud. 32But the wheat and
the spelt were not struck, for they are late 7Then Pharaoh’s servants said to him,
crops. “How long shall this man be a snare to us?
33So Moses went out of the city from Let the men go, that they may serve the
Pharaoh and spread out his hands to Lord their God. Do you not yet know that
the Lord; then the thunder and the hail Egypt is destroyed?”
ceased, and the rain was not poured on the 8So Moses and Aaron were brought
earth. 34And when Pharaoh saw that the again to Pharaoh, and he said to them,
rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased, “Go, serve the Lord your God. Who are the
he sinned yet more; and he hardened his ones that are going?”
heart, he and his servants. 35So the heart 9And Moses said, “We will go with our
of Pharaoh was hard; neither would he let young and our old; with our sons and our
the children of Israel go, as the Lord had daughters, with our flocks and our herds we
spoken by Moses. will go, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.”
02-Exodus.indd 80 2/14/12 11:49 AM
81 EXODUS 11:8
10Then he said to them, “The Lord had said, “Go, serve the Lord; only let your
better be with you when I let you and your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let
little ones go! Beware, for evil is ahead of your little ones also go with you.”
you. 11Not so! Go now, you who are men, 25But Moses said, “You must also give us
and serve the Lord, for that is what you sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may
desired.” And they were driven out from sacrifice to the Lord our God. 26Our live-
Pharaoh’s presence. stock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall
12Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch be left behind. For we must take some of
out your hand over the land of Egypt for them to serve the Lord our God, and even
the locusts, that they may come upon the we do not know with what we must serve
land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the the Lord until we arrive there.”
land—all that the hail has left.” 13So Moses 27But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s
stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, heart, and he would not let them go. 28Then
and the Lord brought an east wind on the Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me!
land all that day and all that night. When Take heed to yourself and see my face no
it was morning, the east wind brought the more! For in the day you see my face you
locusts. 14And the locusts went up over shall die!”
all the land of Egypt and rested on all the 29So Moses said, “You have spoken well. I
territory of Egypt. They were very severe; will never see your face again.”
previously there had been no such locusts
as they, nor shall there be such after them. Death of the Firstborn
15For they covered the face of the whole Announced
11
earth, so that the land was darkened; and And the Lord said to Moses, “I
they ate every herb of the land and all the will bring one more plague on
fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So Pharaoh and on Egypt. After-
there remained nothing green on the trees ward he will let you go from here. When he
or on the plants of the field throughout all lets you go, he will surely drive you out of
the land of Egypt. here altogether. 2Speak now in the hearing
16Then Pharaoh called for Moses and
of the people, and let every man ask from
Aaron in haste, and said, “I have sinned his neighbor and every woman from her
against the Lord your God and against neighbor, articles of silver and articles of
you. 17Now therefore, please forgive my sin gold.” 3And the Lord gave the people fa-
only this once, and entreat the Lord your vor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover
God, that He may take away from me this the man Moses was very great in the land
death only.” 18So he went out from Pharaoh of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants
and entreated the Lord. 19And the Lord and in the sight of the people.
turned a very strong west wind, which took 4Then Moses said, “Thus says the Lord:
the locusts away and blew them into the ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst
Red Sea. There remained not one locust of Egypt; 5and all the firstborn in the land of
in all the territory of Egypt. 20But the Lord Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pha-
hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not raoh who sits on his throne, even to the
let the children of Israel go. firstborn of the female servant who is be-
hind the handmill, and all the firstborn of
The Ninth Plague: Darkness
the animals. 6Then there shall be a great cry
21Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was
out your hand toward heaven, that there not like it before, nor shall be like it again.
may be darkness over the land of Egypt, 7But against none of the children of Israel
darkness which may even be felt.” 22So Mo- shall a dog move its tongue, against man
ses stretched out his hand toward heaven, or beast, that you may know that the Lord
and there was thick darkness in all the land does make a difference between the Egyp-
of Egypt three days. 23They did not see one tians and Israel.’ 8And all these your servants
another; nor did anyone rise from his place shall come down to me and bow down to
for three days. But all the children of Israel me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people who
had light in their dwellings. follow you!’ After that I will go out.” Then he
24Then Pharaoh called to Moses and went out from Pharaoh in great anger.
02-Exodus.indd 81 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 11:9 82
9But the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh 14‘So this day shall be to you a memo-
will not heed you, so that My wonders may rial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the
be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10So Lord throughout your generations. You
Moses and Aaron did all these wonders be- shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting
fore Pharaoh; and the Lord hardened Pha- ordinance. 15Seven days you shall eat un-
raoh’s heart, and he did not let the children leavened bread. On the first day you shall
of Israel go out of his land. remove leaven from your houses. For who-
ever eats leavened bread from the first day
The Passover Instituted until the seventh day, that person shall be
12
Now the Lord spoke to Moses cut off from Israel. 16On the first day there
and Aaron in the land of Egypt, shall be a holy convocation, and on the
saying, 2“This month shall be seventh day there shall be a holy convoca-
your beginning of months; it shall be the tion for you. No manner of work shall be
first month of the year to you. 3Speak to all done on them; but that which everyone
the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the must eat—that only may be prepared by
tenth of this month every man shall take you. 17So you shall observe the Feast of Un-
for himself a lamb, according to the house leavened Bread, for on this same day I will
of his father, a lamb for a household. 4And have brought your armies out of the land
if the household is too small for the lamb, of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this
let him and his neighbor next to his house day throughout your generations as an
take it according to the number of the per- everlasting ordinance. 18In the first month,
sons; according to each man’s need you on the fourteenth day of the month at eve-
shall make your count for the lamb. 5Your ning, you shall eat unleavened bread, until
lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the twenty-first day of the month at eve-
the first year. You may take it from the ning. 19For seven days no leaven shall be
sheep or from the goats. 6Now you shall found in your houses, since whoever eats
keep it until the fourteenth day of the what is leavened, that same person shall
same month. Then the whole assembly be cut off from the congregation of Israel,
of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at whether he is a stranger or a native of the
twilight. 7And they shall take some of the land. 20You shall eat nothing leavened; in
blood and put it on the two doorposts and all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened
on the lintel of the houses where they eat bread.’ ”
21Then Moses called for all the elders of
it. 8Then they shall eat the flesh on that
night; roasted in fire, with unleavened Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take
bread and with bitter herbs they shall lambs for yourselves according to your
eat it. 9Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all families, and kill the Passover lamb. 22And
with water, but roasted in fire—its head you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in
with its legs and its entrails. 10You shall the blood that is in the basin, and strike
let none of it remain until morning, and the lintel and the two doorposts with the
what remains of it until morning you shall blood that is in the basin. And none of
burn with fire. 11And thus you shall eat it: you shall go out of the door of his house
with a belt on your waist, your sandals on until morning. 23For the Lord will pass
your feet, and your staff in your hand. So through to strike the Egyptians; and when
you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s He sees the blood on the lintel and on the
Passover. two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the
12‘For I will pass through the land of door and not allow the destroyer to come
Egypt on that night, and will strike all the into your houses to strike you. 24And you
firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man shall observe this thing as an ordinance for
and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt you and your sons forever. 25It will come
I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. to pass when you come to the land which
13Now the blood shall be a sign for you the Lord will give you, just as He prom-
on the houses where you are. And when I ised, that you shall keep this service. 26And
see the blood, I will pass over you; and the it shall be, when your children say to you,
plague shall not be on you to destroy you ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27that
when I strike the land of Egypt. you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice
02-Exodus.indd 82 2/14/12 11:49 AM
83 EXODUS 12:51
of the Lord, who passed over the houses granted them what they requested. Thus
of the children of Israel in Egypt when He they plundered the Egyptians.
struck the Egyptians and delivered our 37Then the children of Israel journeyed
households.’ ” So the people bowed their from Rameses to Succoth, about six hun-
heads and worshiped. 28Then the children dred thousand men on foot, besides chil-
of Israel went away and did so; just as the dren. 38A mixed multitude went up with
Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, them also, and flocks and herds—a great
so they did. deal of livestock. 39And they baked un-
leavened cakes of the dough which they
had brought out of Egypt; for it was not
Exodus 12:26, 27 leavened, because they were driven out of
The Passover is one of the most im- Egypt and could not wait, nor had they pre-
portant events in Jewish history. One pared provisions for themselves.
of the key parts of modern Passover 40Now the sojourn of the children of Is-
celebrations is the retelling of the rael who lived in Egypta was four hundred
story of the Israelites’ escape from and thirty years. 41And it came to pass at
Egypt. Traditionally the story is told the end of the four hundred and thirty
as parents reply to questions asked by years—on that very same day—it came to
the youngest child in the family. pass that all the armies of the Lord went
out from the land of Egypt. 42It is a night of
solemn observance to the Lord for bring-
The Tenth Plague: Death ing them out of the land of Egypt. This is
of the Firstborn that night of the Lord, a solemn obser-
29And it came to pass at midnight that the
vance for all the children of Israel through-
out their generations.
Lord struck all the firstborn in the land
of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh Passover Regulations
who sat on his throne to the firstborn of
43And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
the captive who was in the dungeon, and
all the firstborn of livestock. 30So Pharaoh “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No
rose in the night, he, all his servants, and foreigner shall eat it. 44But every man’s
all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry servant who is bought for money, when
in Egypt, for there was not a house where you have circumcised him, then he may
there was not one dead. eat it. 45A sojourner and a hired servant
shall not eat it. 46In one house it shall be
The Exodus eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh
outside the house, nor shall you break one
31Then he called for Moses and Aaron by
of its bones. 47All the congregation of Is-
night, and said, “Rise, go out from among rael shall keep it. 48And when a stranger
my people, both you and the children of dwells with you and wants to keep the
Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have Passover to the Lord, let all his males
said. 32Also take your flocks and your be circumcised, and then let him come
herds, as you have said, and be gone; and near and keep it; and he shall be as a na-
bless me also.” tive of the land. For no uncircumcised
33And the Egyptians urged the people,
person shall eat it. 49One law shall be for
that they might send them out of the land the native-born and for the stranger who
in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dwells among you.”
dead.” 34So the people took their dough be- 50Thus all the children of Israel did; as
fore it was leavened, having their kneading the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron,
bowls bound up in their clothes on their so they did. 51And it came to pass, on that
shoulders. 35Now the children of Israel had very same day, that the Lord brought the
done according to the word of Moses, and children of Israel out of the land of Egypt
they had asked from the Egyptians articles according to their armies.
of silver, articles of gold, and clothing.
36And the Lord had given the people favor 12:40 aSamaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint
in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they read Egypt and Canaan.
02-Exodus.indd 83 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 13:1 84
The Firstborn Consecrated 15And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was
stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord
13
Then the Lord spoke to Moses,
killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,
saying, 2“Consecrate to Me all
both the firstborn of man and the firstborn
the firstborn, whatever opens
of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord
the womb among the children of Israel,
all males that open the womb, but all the
both of man and beast; it is Mine.”
firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16It shall be
The Feast of Unleavened Bread as a sign on your hand and as frontlets be-
tween your eyes, for by strength of hand the
3And Moses said to the people: “Remem-
Lord brought us out of Egypt.”
ber this day in which you went out of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by The Wilderness Way
strength of hand the Lord brought you 17Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had
out of this place. No leavened bread shall
let the people go, that God did not lead
be eaten. 4On this day you are going out, in
them by way of the land of the Philistines,
the month Abib. 5And it shall be, when the
although that was near; for God said, “Lest
Lord brings you into the land of the Ca-
perhaps the people change their minds
naanites and the Hittites and the Amorites
when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which 18So God led the people around by way of
He swore to your fathers to give you, a land
the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the chil-
flowing with milk and honey, that you shall
dren of Israel went up in orderly ranks out
keep this service in this month. 6Seven
of the land of Egypt.
days you shall eat unleavened bread, and 19And Moses took the bones of Joseph
on the seventh day there shall be a feast
with him, for he had placed the children of
to the Lord. 7Unleavened bread shall be
Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will
eaten seven days. And no leavened bread
surely visit you, and you shall carry up my
shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven
bones from here with you.”a
be seen among you in all your quarters. 20So they took their journey from Suc-
8And you shall tell your son in that day, say-
coth and camped in Etham at the edge
ing, ‘This is done because of what the Lord
of the wilderness. 21And the Lord went
did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ 9It
before them by day in a pillar of cloud to
shall be as a sign to you on your hand and
lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire
as a memorial between your eyes, that the
to give them light, so as to go by day and
Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with
night. 22He did not take away the pillar of
a strong hand the Lord has brought you
cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night
out of Egypt. 10You shall therefore keep this
from before the people.
ordinance in its season from year to year.
The Red Sea Crossing
The Law of the Firstborn
14
11“And
Now the Lord spoke to Moses,
it shall be, when the Lord brings saying: 2“Speak to the children of
you into the land of the Canaanites, as He Israel, that they turn and camp
swore to you and your fathers, and gives before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the
it to you, 12that you shall set apart to the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp
Lord all that open the womb, that is, every before it by the sea. 3For Pharaoh will say of
firstborn that comes from an animal which the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered
you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. by the land; the wilderness has closed them
13But every firstborn of a donkey you shall
in.’ 4Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so
redeem with a lamb; and if you will not re- that he will pursue them; and I will gain
deem it, then you shall break its neck. And honor over Pharaoh and over all his army,
all the firstborn of man among your sons that the Egyptians may know that I am the
you shall redeem. 14So it shall be, when Lord.” And they did so.
your son asks you in time to come, saying, 5Now it was told the king of Egypt that
‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, the people had fled, and the heart of Pha-
‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us
out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 13:19 aGenesis 50:25
02-Exodus.indd 84 2/14/12 11:49 AM
85 EXODUS 14:21
Promise
God promises to fight for you.
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace”
(Ex. 14:14).
Just as God fought for the Israelites when they were
stuck between the raging Red Sea and the advancing
Egyptian army, Jesus has fought for you. He fought and defeated the power of sin in
your life. That’s huge. It means you can do the right thing even when it’s hard.
Even the apostle Paul said that he had a hard time doing the right thing because
his selfish desires kept urging him to do something else. Everyone who wants to
please God faces this problem. But Jesus went up against all of your selfishness and
temptations. He fought the battle to clear the way for you to do all the right things.
And He won.
Moses told the Israelites, “You shall hold your peace.” That’s true for you. You
can stand firm because Jesus has already won your battle. Does that mean you just
hang around, doing nothing? No, you can determine to stay strong, stay close to
Him, and keep believing that He’s already won.
See for yourself// Deuteronomy 1:30, 31; 2 Chronicles 32:8;
Nehemiah 4:20
raoh and his servants was turned against be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation
the people; and they said, “Why have we of the Lord, which He will accomplish for
done this, that we have let Israel go from you today. For the Egyptians whom you see
serving us?” 6So he made ready his chariot today, you shall see again no more forever.
and took his people with him. 7Also, he 14The Lord will fight for you, and you shall
took six hundred choice chariots, and all hold your peace.”
the chariots of Egypt with captains over ev- 15And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do
ery one of them. 8And the Lord hardened you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel
the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he to go forward. 16But lift up your rod, and
pursued the children of Israel; and the chil- stretch out your hand over the sea and di-
dren of Israel went out with boldness. 9So vide it. And the children of Israel shall go
the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen 17And I indeed will harden the hearts of the
and his army, and overtook them camping Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I
by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all
Zephon. his army, his chariots, and his horsemen.
10And when Pharaoh drew near, the chil- 18Then the Egyptians shall know that I am
dren of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Lord, when I have gained honor for
the Egyptians marched after them. So they Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his
were very afraid, and the children of Israel horsemen.”
cried out to the Lord. 11Then they said to 19And the Angel of God, who went before
Moses, “Because there were no graves in the camp of Israel, moved and went behind
Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the them; and the pillar of cloud went from
wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, before them and stood behind them. 20So
to bring us up out of Egypt? 12Is this not the it came between the camp of the Egyptians
word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud
us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? and darkness to the one, and it gave light by
For it would have been better for us to serve night to the other, so that the one did not
the Egyptians than that we should die in come near the other all that night.
the wilderness.” 21Then Moses stretched out his hand
13And Moses said to the people, “Do not over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea
02-Exodus.indd 85 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 14:22 86
to go back by a strong east wind all that
night, and made the sea into dry land, and Music
the waters were divided. 22So the children For what can music be used?
of Israel went into the midst of the sea Exodus 15:1
on the dry ground, and the waters were a
wall to them on their right hand and on
2 The Lord is my strength and song,
their left. 23And the Egyptians pursued and
went after them into the midst of the sea, And He has become my salvation;
all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his He is my God, and I will praise Him;
horsemen. My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
24Now it came to pass, in the morning 3 The Lord is a man of war;
watch, that the Lord looked down upon The Lord is His name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He
the army of the Egyptians through the pil-
lar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the has cast into the sea;
army of the Egyptians. 25And He took offa His chosen captains also are drowned
their chariot wheels, so that they drove in the Red Sea.
them with difficulty; and the Egyptians
said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for God
the Lord fights for them against the Egyp-
tians.”
What is God like?
26Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch Exodus 15:3, 4
out your hand over the sea, that the wa-
ters may come back upon the Egyptians, 5 The depths have covered them;
on their chariots, and on their horse- They sank to the bottom like a stone.
men.” 27And Moses stretched out his hand
over the sea; and when the morning ap- 6“ Your right hand, O Lord, has become
peared, the sea returned to its full depth, glorious in power;
while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed
So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the enemy in pieces.
the midst of the sea. 28Then the waters 7 And in the greatness of Your
returned and covered the chariots, the excellence
horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh You have overthrown those who rose
that came into the sea after them. Not so against You;
much as one of them remained. 29But the You sent forth Your wrath;
children of Israel had walked on dry land It consumed them like stubble.
in the midst of the sea, and the waters 8 And with the blast of Your nostrils
were a wall to them on their right hand The waters were gathered together;
and on their left. The floods stood upright like a heap;
30So the Lord saved Israel that day out The depths congealed in the heart of
of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the sea.
the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31Thus 9 The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
Israel saw the great work which the Lord I will overtake,
had done in Egypt; so the people feared the I will divide the spoil;
Lord, and believed the Lord and His ser- My desire shall be satisfied on them.
vant Moses. I will draw my sword,
My hand shall destroy them.’
The Song of Moses 10 You blew with Your wind,
15
Then Moses and the children The sea covered them;
of Israel sang this song to the They sank like lead in the mighty
Lord, and spoke, saying: waters.
11“ Who is like You, O Lord, among the
“ I will sing to the Lord,
gods?
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider 14:25 aSamaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and
He has thrown into the sea! Syriac read bound.
02-Exodus.indd 86 2/14/12 11:49 AM
87 EXODUS 16:3
Who is like You, glorious in holiness, and all the women went out after her with
Fearful in praises, doing wonders? timbrels and with dances. 21And Miriam
12 You stretched out Your right hand; answered them:
The earth swallowed them.
13 You in Your mercy have led forth “ Sing to the Lord,
The people whom You have redeemed; For He has triumphed gloriously!
You have guided them in Your strength The horse and its rider
To Your holy habitation. He has thrown into the sea!”
14“ The people will hear and be afraid;
Bitter Waters Made Sweet
Sorrow will take hold of the 22So Moses brought Israel from the Red
inhabitants of Philistia.
15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be Sea; then they went out into the Wilder-
dismayed; ness of Shur. And they went three days in
The mighty men of Moab, the wilderness and found no water. 23Now
Trembling will take hold of them; when they came to Marah, they could not
All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt drink the waters of Marah, for they were
away. bitter. Therefore the name of it was called
Marah.a 24And the people complained
against Moses, saying, “What shall we
Exodus 15:14, 15 drink?” 25So he cried out to the Lord, and
The Philistines happened to be living the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast
in the very place God had promised it into the waters, the waters were made
to the Israelites. In order to claim sweet.
their land, the Israelites would have to There He made a statute and an ordi-
“evict” the Philistines. The job would nance for them, and there He tested them,
26and said, “If you diligently heed the voice
not be easy, though. The Philistines
were known for making advanced of the Lord your God and do what is right
weapons out of iron. in His sight, give ear to His commandments
and keep all His statutes, I will put none of
the diseases on you which I have brought
16 Fear and dread will fall on them; on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who
By the greatness of Your arm heals you.”
They will be as still as a stone, 27Then they came to Elim, where there
Till Your people pass over, O Lord, were twelve wells of water and seventy palm
Till the people pass over trees; so they camped there by the waters.
Whom You have purchased.
17 You will bring them in and plant them Bread from Heaven
16
In the mountain of Your inheritance, And they journeyed from Elim,
In the place, O Lord, which You have and all the congregation of the
made children of Israel came to the
For Your own dwelling, Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the sec-
hands have established. ond month after they departed from the
18“The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”
land of Egypt. 2Then the whole congrega-
tion of the children of Israel complained
19For the horses of Pharaoh went with his against Moses and Aaron in the wilder-
chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and ness. 3And the children of Israel said to
the Lord brought back the waters of the them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of
sea upon them. But the children of Israel the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat
went on dry land in the midst of the sea. by the pots of meat and when we ate bread
to the full! For you have brought us out into
The Song of Miriam this wilderness to kill this whole assembly
with hunger.”
20Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister
of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; 15:23 aLiterally Bitter
02-Exodus.indd 87 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 16:4 88
4Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, 17Then the children of Israel did so and
I will rain bread from heaven for you. And gathered, some more, some less. 18So when
the people shall go out and gather a cer- they measured it by omers, he who gath-
tain quota every day, that I may test them, ered much had nothing left over, and he
whether they will walk in My law or not. who gathered little had no lack. Every man
5And it shall be on the sixth day that they had gathered according to each one’s need.
shall prepare what they bring in, and it 19And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of
shall be twice as much as they gather daily.” it till morning.” 20Notwithstanding they did
6Then Moses and Aaron said to all the not heed Moses. But some of them left part
children of Israel, “At evening you shall of it until morning, and it bred worms and
know that the Lord has brought you out stank. And Moses was angry with them.
of the land of Egypt. 7And in the morning 21So they gathered it every morning, every
you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He man according to his need. And when the
hears your complaints against the Lord. sun became hot, it melted.
But what are we, that you complain against 22And so it was, on the sixth day, that
us?” 8Also Moses said, “This shall be seen they gathered twice as much bread, two
when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the omers for each one. And all the rulers of the
evening, and in the morning bread to the congregation came and told Moses. 23Then
full; for the Lord hears your complaints he said to them, “This is what the Lord has
which you make against Him. And what said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy
are we? Your complaints are not against us Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will
but against the Lord.” bake today, and boil what you will boil; and
9Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all
lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be
the congregation of the children of Israel, kept until morning.’ ” 24So they laid it up till
‘Come near before the Lord, for He has morning, as Moses commanded; and it did
heard your complaints.’ ” 10Now it came not stink, nor were there any worms in it.
to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole con- 25Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for to-
gregation of the children of Israel, that day is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will
they looked toward the wilderness, and not find it in the field. 26Six days you shall
behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sab-
the cloud. bath, there will be none.”
11And the Lord spoke to Moses, say- 27Now it happened that some of the peo-
ing, 12“I have heard the complaints of the ple went out on the seventh day to gather,
children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, but they found none. 28And the Lord said
‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep
morning you shall be filled with bread. And My commandments and My laws? 29See!
you shall know that I am the Lord your For the Lord has given you the Sabbath;
God.’ ” therefore He gives you on the sixth day
13So it was that quails came up at eve-
bread for two days. Let every man remain
ning and covered the camp, and in the in his place; let no man go out of his place
morning the dew lay all around the camp. on the seventh day.” 30So the people rested
14And when the layer of dew lifted, there,
on the seventh day.
on the surface of the wilderness, was a 31And the house of Israel called its name
small round substance, as fine as frost on Manna.a And it was like white coriander
the ground. 15So when the children of Israel seed, and the taste of it was like wafers
saw it, they said to one another, “What is made with honey.
it?” For they did not know what it was. 32Then Moses said, “This is the thing
And Moses said to them, “This is the which the Lord has commanded: ‘Fill
bread which the Lord has given you to an omer with it, to be kept for your gen-
eat. 16This is the thing which the Lord has erations, that they may see the bread with
commanded: ‘Let every man gather it ac- which I fed you in the wilderness, when
cording to each one’s need, one omer for I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’ ”
each person, according to the number of 33And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot and
persons; let every man take for those who
are in his tent.’ ” 16:31 aLiterally What? (compare Exodus 16:15)
02-Exodus.indd 88 2/14/12 11:49 AM
89 EXODUS 18:8
put an omer of manna in it, and lay it up Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the
before the Lord, to be kept for your gener- hill. 11And so it was, when Moses held up
ations.” 34As the Lord commanded Moses, his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when
so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
to be kept. 35And the children of Israel ate 12But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they
manna forty years, until they came to an took a stone and put it under him, and he
inhabited land; they ate manna until they sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his
came to the border of the land of Canaan. hands, one on one side, and the other on
36Now an omer is one-tenth of an ephah. the other side; and his hands were steady
until the going down of the sun. 13So Joshua
Water from the Rock defeated Amalek and his people with the
17
Then all the congregation of the edge of the sword.
14Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write
children of Israel set out on their
journey from the Wilderness of this for a memorial in the book and recount
Sin, according to the commandment of it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will ut-
the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but terly blot out the remembrance of Amalek
there was no water for the people to drink. from under heaven.” 15And Moses built an
2Therefore the people contended with Mo- altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-
ses, and said, “Give us water, that we may Banner;a 16for he said, “Because the Lord
drink.” has sworn: the Lord will have war with
So Moses said to them, “Why do you Amalek from generation to generation.”
contend with me? Why do you tempt the
Jethro’s Advice
Lord?”
18
3And the people thirsted there for water, And Jethro, the priest of Mid-
and the people complained against Moses, ian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard
and said, “Why is it you have brought us up of all that God had done for
out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and Moses and for Israel His people— that
our livestock with thirst?” the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.
4So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, 2Then Jethro, Moses’ father- in-
law, took
“What shall I do with this people? They are Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent
almost ready to stone me!” her back, 3with her two sons, of whom
5And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on be- the name of one was Gershom (for he
fore the people, and take with you some of said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign
the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand land”)a 4and the name of the other was
your rod with which you struck the river, Eliezera (for he said, “The God of my father
and go. 6Behold, I will stand before you was my help, and delivered me from the
there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall sword of Pharaoh”); 5and Jethro, Moses’
strike the rock, and water will come out of father-in-law, came with his sons and his
it, that the people may drink.” wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he
And Moses did so in the sight of the el- was encamped at the mountain of God.
6Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-
ders of Israel. 7So he called the name of the
place Massaha and Meribah,b because of in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your
the contention of the children of Israel, and wife and her two sons with her.”
7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-
because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is
the Lord among us or not?” law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they
asked each other about their well-being,
Victory over the Amalekites and they went into the tent. 8And Moses
8Now Amalek came and fought with Israel told his father-in-law all that the Lord had
done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for
in Rephidim. 9And Moses said to Joshua,
Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come
“Choose us some men and go out, fight
with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on 17:7 aLiterally Tempted bLiterally
the top of the hill with the rod of God in Contention 17:15 aHebrew YHWH Nissi
my hand.” 10So Joshua did as Moses said to 18:3 aCompare Exodus 2:22 18:4 aLiterally My
him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, God Is Help
02-Exodus.indd 89 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 18:9 90
upon them on the way, and how the Lord do this thing, and God so commands you,
had delivered them. 9Then Jethro rejoiced then you will be able to endure, and all this
for all the good which the Lord had done people will also go to their place in peace.”
for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the
hand of the Egyptians. 10And Jethro said,
“Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered Leadership
you out of the hand of the Egyptians and What makes a good leader?
out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has Exodus 18:21
delivered the people from under the hand
of the Egyptians. 11Now I know that the
24So Moses heeded the voice of his
Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the
very thing in which they behaved proudly, father-in-law and did all that he had said.
25And Moses chose able men out of all
He was above them.” 12Then Jethro, Moses’
father-in-law, tooka a burnt offering and Israel, and made them heads over the
other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hun-
came with all the elders of Israel to eat dreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26So they judged the people at all times; the
bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.
13And so it was, on the next day, that Mo- hard cases they brought to Moses, but they
ses sat to judge the people; and the people judged every small case themselves.
27Then Moses let his father- in-law de-
stood before Moses from morning until
evening. 14So when Moses’ father-in-law part, and he went his way to his own land.
saw all that he did for the people, he said,
“What is this thing that you are doing for Israel at Mount Sinai
19
the people? Why do you alone sit, and all In the third month after the
the people stand before you from morning children of Israel had gone out
until evening?” of the land of Egypt, on the
15And Moses said to his father- in-law, same day, they came to the Wilderness of
“Because the people come to me to inquire Sinai. 2For they had departed from Rephi-
of God. 16When they have a difficulty, they dim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai,
come to me, and I judge between one and and camped in the wilderness. So Israel
another; and I make known the statutes of camped there before the mountain.
God and His laws.” 3And Moses went up to God, and the
17So Moses’ father- in-law said to him, Lord called to him from the mountain,
“The thing that you do is not good. 18Both saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of
you and these people who are with you will Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4‘You
surely wear yourselves out. For this thing have seen what I did to the Egyptians,
is too much for you; you are not able to and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and
perform it by yourself. 19Listen now to my brought you to Myself. 5Now therefore, if
voice; I will give you counsel, and God will you will indeed obey My voice and keep
be with you: Stand before God for the peo- My covenant, then you shall be a special
ple, so that you may bring the difficulties to treasure to Me above all people; for all
God. 20And you shall teach them the stat- the earth is Mine. 6And you shall be to Me
utes and the laws, and show them the way a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
in which they must walk and the work they These are the words which you shall speak
must do. 21Moreover you shall select from to the children of Israel.”
all the people able men, such as fear God, 7So Moses came and called for the elders
men of truth, hating covetousness; and of the people, and laid before them all these
place such over them to be rulers of thou- words which the Lord commanded him.
sands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, 8Then all the people answered together and
and rulers of tens. 22And let them judge said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will
the people at all times. Then it will be that do.” So Moses brought back the words of the
every great matter they shall bring to you, people to the Lord. 9And the Lord said to
but every small matter they themselves
shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for 18:12 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Septuagint;
they will bear the burden with you. 23If you Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read offered.
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91 EXODUS 19:19
Making It Real //
Exodus 19:5, 6
God’s Special Treasure When you hear the word priest, what do you think of?
Maybe you picture a person standing before a congregation wearing a robe or a special
collar—something that identifies the person as holy. You probably think of that person
as someone who has instant access to God. You may even think that person loves God
more than you do.
Since most people have this exalted idea of what a priest is, it’s kind of a shock that
God told Moses to tell the whole nation of Israel that they would serve Him as priests.
Later God appointed men to wear special clothes and to lead religious ceremonies. But
He didn’t leave the rest of the population to be just “regular” people. In some way, God
wanted every one of the Israelites to serve Him as a priest.
Because much of what happened to Israel is a shadow, or a picture, of what God
intends for all Christians, what God told Moses applies to you, too. First Peter 2:9 says,
“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”
But don’t think you have to go to seminary just yet. Being a priest isn’t about wearing
special clothes or conducting a religious service. It’s about dedicating your whole life and
heart to God, no matter what you decide to do for a living. It’s about serving Him out of a
pure heart and knowing that, because of Jesus, you’ve got your own IM connection to
heaven—and God is always logged on! So even if you don’t become a pastor or a mission-
ary, you are still a “special treasure” in God’s sight and you have the privilege of serving
Him as a priest. (See also: 1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6.)
Words to Live By
Special treasure: The Old Testament word translated in Exodus 19:5 as “special
treasure” is cegullah (seg-ool-law’). It means “a treasured possession that is loved and
protected.” God chose you, He loves you, and He has a very important job for you to do.
He will always love and protect those who belong to Him.
Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick 14So Moses went down from the moun-
cloud, that the people may hear when I tain to the people and sanctified the peo-
speak with you, and believe you forever.” ple, and they washed their clothes. 15And
So Moses told the words of the people to he said to the people, “Be ready for the
the Lord. third day; do not come near your wives.”
10Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to 16Then it came to pass on the third day,
the people and consecrate them today and in the morning, that there were thunder-
tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. ings and lightnings, and a thick cloud
11And let them be ready for the third day.
on the mountain; and the sound of the
For on the third day the Lord will come trumpet was very loud, so that all the
down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of people who were in the camp trembled.
all the people. 12You shall set bounds for 17And Moses brought the people out of
the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed the camp to meet with God, and they
to yourselves that you do not go up to the stood at the foot of the mountain. 18Now
mountain or touch its base. Whoever Mount Sinai was completely in smoke,
touches the mountain shall surely be put because the Lord descended upon it in
to death. 13Not a hand shall touch him, but fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke
he shall surely be stoned or shot with an of a furnace, and the whole mountaina
arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not quaked greatly. 19And when the blast of
live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they
shall come near the mountain.” 19:18 aSeptuagint reads all the people.
02-Exodus.indd 91 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 19:20 92
the trumpet sounded long and became thousands, to those who love Me
louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God and keep My commandments.
answered him by voice. 20Then the Lord 7“You shall not take the name of the Lord
came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top your God in vain, for the Lord will
of the mountain. And the Lord called Mo- not hold him guiltless who takes
ses to the top of the mountain, and Moses His name in vain.
went up. 8“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep
21And the Lord said to Moses, “Go it holy. 9Six days you shall labor
down and warn the people, lest they break and do all your work, 10but the
through to gaze at the Lord, and many of seventh day is the Sabbath of the
them perish. 22Also let the priests who come Lord your God. In it you shall do
near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest no work: you, nor your son, nor
the Lord break out against them.” your daughter, nor your male
23But Moses said to the Lord, “The peo- servant, nor your female servant,
ple cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You nor your cattle, nor your stranger
warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the who is within your gates. 11For in
mountain and consecrate it.’ ” six days the Lord made the heav-
24Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get ens and the earth, the sea, and all
down and then come up, you and Aaron that is in them, and rested the
with you. But do not let the priests and the seventh day. Therefore the Lord
people break through to come up to the blessed the Sabbath day and hal-
Lord, lest He break out against them.” 25So lowed it.
Moses went down to the people and spoke 12“Honor your father and your mother, that
to them. your days may be long upon the
land which the Lord your God is
The Ten Commandments giving you.
20
13“You shall not murder.
And God spoke all these words, 14“You shall not commit adultery.
saying: 15“You shall not steal.
16“You shall not bear false witness against
your neighbor.
Exodus 20:2–17
The Ten Commandments are God’s Honesty
laws for living. They apply to us today Is honesty a command from
every bit as much as they applied to
the Israelites in the wilderness. God’s God?
morals do not change. Exodus 20:16
17“You shall not covet your neighbor’s
2“I am the Lord your God, who brought
you out of the land of Egypt, out of house; you shall not covet your
the house of bondage. neighbor’s wife, nor his male ser-
3“ You shall have no other gods before Me. vant, nor his female servant, nor
4“You shall not make for yourself a carved his ox, nor his donkey, nor any-
image—any likeness of anything thing that is your neighbor’s.”
that is in heaven above, or that is
in the earth beneath, or that is in The People Afraid of God’s
the water under the earth; 5you Presence
shall not bow down to them nor 18Now all the people witnessed the thun-
serve them. For I, the Lord your derings, the lightning flashes, the sound of
God, am a jealous God, visiting the trumpet, and the mountain smoking;
the iniquity of the fathers upon and when the people saw it, they trembled
the children to the third and and stood afar off. 19Then they said to Mo-
fourth generations of those who ses, “You speak with us, and we will hear;
hate Me, 6but showing mercy to but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
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93 EXODUS 21:6
Making It Real //
Exodus 20:12
Parent Problems Parents can really get on your last nerve. Sometimes it seems
they want you to be just like them, no matter what you think of it. What should you do if
your parents are always on your case about the way you choose to live? The answer to this
question lies in the big principle of Exodus 20:12—honor your father and your mother.
Parents aren’t in this world to make your life difficult or keep you from being the
person God created you to be. They are in your life to help you grow into the very best
version of yourself. Though it may be nearly impossible to understand their choices or
demands at times, try to trust that they only want what’s best for you.
The next time your parents decide to keep you from doing something or won’t let
you have your way, try treating them with respect instead of anger and rebellion. You
may be shocked at how rational and understanding they can be when they don’t have to
fight with you to get you to do the right thing.
Growing in your faith means that you always try to live your life according to the
truth in the Bible. Whether you like it or not, God says to honor your parents. It may be
difficult at times to obey God’s command; but anytime God says we must do something,
He will be faithful to give us the ability to do as He asks. (See also: Eph. 6:1–3; Col. 3:20.)
Words to Live By
Honor: The word translated in Exodus 20:12 as “honor” is the Hebrew word kabad
(kaw-bade’). In the original language, this word means “to consider something to have
great importance and value.” When we honor someone, we pay close attention to what
they say and put great value on their opinions. To honor a parent means to realize how
important they are in our lives, obey them, and treat them with great respect.
20And Moses said to the people, “Do not My altar, that your nakedness may not be
fear; for God has come to test you, and that exposed on it.’
His fear may be before you, so that you may
not sin.” 21So the people stood afar off, but The Law Concerning Servants
21
Moses drew near the thick darkness where “Now these are the judgments
God was. which you shall set before
them: 2If you buy a Hebrew
The Law of the Altar servant, he shall serve six years; and in the
22Then the Lord said to Moses, “Thus seventh he shall go out free and pay noth-
you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘You ing. 3If he comes in by himself, he shall
have seen that I have talked with you from go out by himself; if he comes in married,
heaven. 23You shall not make anything to then his wife shall go out with him. 4If his
be with Me—gods of silver or gods of gold master has given him a wife, and she has
you shall not make for yourselves. 24An borne him sons or daughters, the wife and
altar of earth you shall make for Me, and her children shall be her master’s, and he
you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offer- shall go out by himself. 5But if the servant
ings and your peace offerings, your sheep plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and
and your oxen. In every place where I rec my children; I will not go out free,’ 6then
ord My name I will come to you, and I will his master shall bring him to the judges.
bless you. 25And if you make Me an altar of He shall also bring him to the door, or to
stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; the doorpost, and his master shall pierce
for if you use your tool on it, you have pro- his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him
faned it. 26Nor shall you go up by steps to forever.
02-Exodus.indd 93 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 21:7 94
7“And if a man sells his daughter to be for foot, 25burn for burn, wound for wound,
a female slave, she shall not go out as the stripe for stripe.
male slaves do. 8If she does not please her
master, who has betrothed her to him-
self, then he shall let her be redeemed. He Abortion
shall have no right to sell her to a foreign Does God care for the
people, since he has dealt deceitfully with unborn?
her. 9And if he has betrothed her to his Exodus 21:22–25
son, he shall deal with her according to
the custom of daughters. 10If he takes an-
26“If a man strikes the eye of his male or
other wife, he shall not diminish her food,
her clothing, and her marriage rights. female servant, and destroys it, he shall let
11And if he does not do these three for her, him go free for the sake of his eye. 27And if
then she shall go out free, without paying he knocks out the tooth of his male or fe-
money. male servant, he shall let him go free for
the sake of his tooth.
The Law Concerning Violence
12“He who strikes a man so that he dies Animal Control Laws
shall surely be put to death. 13However, if 28“If an ox gores a man or a woman to
he did not lie in wait, but God delivered death, then the ox shall surely be stoned,
him into his hand, then I will appoint for and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the
you a place where he may flee. owner of the ox shall be acquitted. 29But
14“But if a man acts with premeditation
if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in
against his neighbor, to kill him by treach- times past, and it has been made known to
ery, you shall take him from My altar, that his owner, and he has not kept it confined,
he may die. so that it has killed a man or a woman,
15“And he who strikes his father or his
the ox shall be stoned and its owner also
mother shall surely be put to death. shall be put to death. 30If there is imposed
16“He who kidnaps a man and sells him,
on him a sum of money, then he shall pay
or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be to redeem his life, whatever is imposed on
put to death. him. 31Whether it has gored a son or gored
17“And he who curses his father or his
a daughter, according to this judgment
mother shall surely be put to death. it shall be done to him. 32If the ox gores
18“If men contend with each other, and
a male or female servant, he shall give to
one strikes the other with a stone or with their master thirty shekels of silver, and the
his fist, and he does not die but is confined ox shall be stoned.
to his bed, 19if he rises again and walks 33“And if a man opens a pit, or if a man
about outside with his staff, then he who digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox
struck him shall be acquitted. He shall only or a donkey falls in it, 34the owner of the pit
pay for the loss of his time, and shall pro- shall make it good; he shall give money to
vide for him to be thoroughly healed. their owner, but the dead animal shall be his.
20“And if a man beats his male or female
35“If one man’s ox hurts another’s, so
servant with a rod, so that he dies un- that it dies, then they shall sell the live
der his hand, he shall surely be punished. ox and divide the money from it; and the
21Notwithstanding, if he remains alive a
dead ox they shall also divide. 36Or if it was
day or two, he shall not be punished; for he known that the ox tended to thrust in time
is his property. past, and its owner has not kept it con-
22“If men fight, and hurt a woman with
fined, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the
child, so that she gives birth prematurely, dead animal shall be his own.
yet no harm follows, he shall surely be pun-
ished accordingly as the woman’s husband
Responsibility for Property
imposes on him; and he shall pay as the
22
judges determine. 23But if any harm fol- “If a man steals an ox or a
lows, then you shall give life for life, 24eye sheep, and slaughters it or sells
for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot it, he shall restore five oxen for
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95 EXODUS 22:14
an ox and four sheep for a sheep. 2If the be brought to the judges to see whether he
thief is found breaking in, and he is struck has put his hand into his neighbor’s goods.
so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for 9“For any kind of trespass, whether it
his bloodshed. 3If the sun has risen on him, concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or cloth-
there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He ing, or for any kind of lost thing which an-
should make full restitution; if he has noth- other claims to be his, the cause of both
ing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4If the parties shall come before the judges; and
theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whomever the judges condemn shall pay
whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he double to his neighbor. 10If a man delivers
shall restore double. to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep,
5“If a man causes a field or vineyard to or any animal to keep, and it dies, is hurt,
be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it or driven away, no one seeing it, 11then an
feeds in another man’s field, he shall make oath of the Lord shall be between them
restitution from the best of his own field both, that he has not put his hand into his
and the best of his own vineyard. neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall
6“If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, accept that, and he shall not make it good.
so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the 12But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he
field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall make restitution to the owner of it. 13If
shall surely make restitution. it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall
7“If a man delivers to his neighbor bring it as evidence, and he shall not make
money or articles to keep, and it is stolen good what was torn.
out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, 14“And if a man borrows anything from
he shall pay double. 8If the thief is not his neighbor, and it becomes injured or
found, then the master of the house shall dies, the owner of it not being with it, he
Making It Real //
Exodus 22:18
Enemy Territory “You shall not . . . practice divination or soothsaying”! That’s what
Leviticus 19:26 says. Don’t even think about it. The world of witchcraft and black magic
is very real, horribly powerful, and totally controlled by Satan. Experimenting with spells
and curses is asking Satan to use his power for you. He will, but not without a trade.
He’ll want something from you in exchange for his power. People who experiment with
witchcraft can really get messed up. They start out by just letting Satan have a tiny part
of them. But every time they ask Satan to use his power for them, he takes over a little
more; then before they know it he’s totally taken over and is running their entire lives.
Have nothing to do with witches, Satan worship, black magic, animal sacrifice,
even Wicca (or “white witchcraft”)—anything that promotes darkness and evil. Some of
Satan’s schemes to get our attention are easy to spot, but others are sneaky. Be on the
lookout for movies, books, music, video games, Web sites, even social media pages that
make “magic” or witchcraft seem harmless and fun, and then stay away. Witchcraft and
black magic—anything that tries to make Satan’s power seem appealing—are danger-
ous. Playing with them is like playing with fire, and you will most definitely get burned.
(See also: Lev. 19:26; 20:6; Phil. 4:8; 1 Thess. 5:21, 22; Rev. 21:8.)
Words to Live By
Satan: The name for Satan is totally recognizable even in the original languages of
the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. In the Old Testament he is called Satan, in the
New, he is called Satanas. The meaning is the same no matter where we encounter his
name; he is the enemy, the one who wants to see you lose, the adversary who never stops
trying to destroy anything or anyone that God loves.
02-Exodus.indd 95 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 22:15 96
shall surely make it good. 15If its owner was 30Likewise you shall do with your oxen
with it, he shall not make it good; if it was and your sheep. It shall be with its mother
hired, it came for its hire. seven days; on the eighth day you shall give
it to Me.
Moral and Ceremonial 31“And you shall be holy men to Me: you
Principles shall not eat meat torn by beasts in the
16“If a man entices a virgin who is not be- field; you shall throw it to the dogs.
trothed, and lies with her, he shall surely Justice for All
pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.
23
17If her father utterly refuses to give her to “You shall not circulate a false
him, he shall pay money according to the report. Do not put your hand
bride-price of virgins. with the wicked to be an un-
18“You shall not permit a sorceress to righteous witness. 2You shall not follow a
live. crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a
19“Whoever lies with an animal shall dispute so as to turn aside after many to
surely be put to death. pervert justice. 3You shall not show partial-
20“He who sacrifices to any god, except ity to a poor man in his dispute.
to the Lord only, he shall be utterly de-
stroyed. Gossip
21“You shall neither mistreat a stranger
nor oppress him, for you were strangers in What does God say about
the land of Egypt. gossip?
22“You shall not afflict any widow or fa- Exodus 23:1
therless child. 23If you afflict them in any
way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely 4“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his
hear their cry; 24and My wrath will become
hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your donkey going astray, you shall surely bring
wives shall be widows, and your children it back to him again. 5If you see the donkey
fatherless. of one who hates you lying under its bur-
den, and you would refrain from helping it,
you shall surely help him with it.
Exodus 22:21–24 6“You shall not pervert the judgment of
The law was serious business among your poor in his dispute. 7Keep yourself far
the Israelites, who considered all from a false matter; do not kill the inno-
crimes to be against God. The people cent and righteous. For I will not justify the
were responsible for treating each wicked. 8And you shall take no bribe, for a
other fairly. Those who didn’t were bribe blinds the discerning and perverts
punished publicly. the words of the righteous.
9“Also you shall not oppress a stranger,
for you know the heart of a stranger, be-
25“If you lend money to any of My people cause you were strangers in the land of
who are poor among you, you shall not be Egypt.
like a moneylender to him; you shall not
charge him interest. 26If you ever take your The Law of Sabbaths
neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall 10“Six years you shall sow your land and
return it to him before the sun goes down. gather in its produce, 11but the seventh year
27For that is his only covering, it is his gar- you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the
ment for his skin. What will he sleep in? poor of your people may eat; and what they
And it will be that when he cries to Me, I leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like
will hear, for I am gracious. manner you shall do with your vineyard
28“You shall not revile God, nor curse a and your olive grove. 12Six days you shall do
ruler of your people. your work, and on the seventh day you shall
29“You shall not delay to offer the first rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest,
of your ripe produce and your juices. The and the son of your female servant and the
firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. stranger may be refreshed.
02-Exodus.indd 96 2/14/12 11:49 AM
97 EXODUS 24:8
13“And in all that I have said to you, be cause confusion among all the people to
circumspect and make no mention of the whom you come, and will make all your
name of other gods, nor let it be heard from enemies turn their backs to you. 28And I
your mouth. will send hornets before you, which shall
drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the
Three Annual Feasts Hittite from before you. 29I will not drive
14“Three times you shall keep a feast to
them out from before you in one year, lest
the land become desolate and the beasts
Me in the year: 15You shall keep the Feast
of the field become too numerous for you.
of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleav- 30Little by little I will drive them out from
ened bread seven days, as I commanded
before you, until you have increased, and
you, at the time appointed in the month of
you inherit the land. 31And I will set your
Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none
bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philis-
shall appear before Me empty); 16and the
tia, and from the desert to the River.a For I
Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your la-
will deliver the inhabitants of the land into
bors which you have sown in the field; and
your hand, and you shall drive them out
the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the
before you. 32You shall make no covenant
year, when you have gathered in the fruit of
with them, nor with their gods. 33They shall
your labors from the field.
17“Three times in the year all your males not dwell in your land, lest they make you
sin against Me. For if you serve their gods,
shall appear before the Lord God.a
18“You shall not offer the blood of My it will surely be a snare to you.”
sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the Israel Affirms the Covenant
fat of My sacrifice remain until morning.
24
19The first of the firstfruits of your land you Now He said to Moses, “Come
shall bring into the house of the Lord your up to the Lord, you and Aaron,
God. You shall not boil a young goat in its Nadab and Abihu, and seventy
mother’s milk. of the elders of Israel, and worship from
afar. 2And Moses alone shall come near the
The Angel and the Promises Lord, but they shall not come near; nor
shall the people go up with him.”
20“Behold, I send an Angel before you to
3So Moses came and told the people all
keep you in the way and to bring you into the words of the Lord and all the judg-
the place which I have prepared. 21Beware ments. And all the people answered with
of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke one voice and said, “All the words which
Him, for He will not pardon your trans- the Lord has said we will do.” 4And Moses
gressions; for My name is in Him. 22But if wrote all the words of the Lord. And he
you indeed obey His voice and do all that I rose early in the morning, and built an altar
speak, then I will be an enemy to your ene- at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pil-
mies and an adversary to your adversaries. lars according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
23For My Angel will go before you and bring
5Then he sent young men of the children of
you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sac-
the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the rificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord.
Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut 6And Moses took half the blood and put it
them off. 24You shall not bow down to their in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled
gods, nor serve them, nor do according on the altar. 7Then he took the Book of the
to their works; but you shall utterly over- Covenant and read in the hearing of the
throw them and completely break down people. And they said, “All that the Lord
their sacred pillars. has said we will do, and be obedient.” 8And
25“So you shall serve the Lord your God,
Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the
and He will bless your bread and your wa- people, and said, “This is the blood of the
ter. And I will take sickness away from the covenant which the Lord has made with
midst of you. 26No one shall suffer miscar- you according to all these words.”
riage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill
the number of your days. 23:17 aHebrew YHWH, usually translated
27“I will send My fear before you, I will Lord 23:31 aHebrew Nahar, the Euphrates
02-Exodus.indd 97 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 24:9 98
fine linen, and goats’ hair; 5ram skins dyed
Exodus 24:8 red, badger skins, and acacia wood; 6oil for
The sprinkling of blood as a covenant the light, and spices for the anointing oil
promise was serious business. The and for the sweet incense; 7onyx stones,
people entering into the covenant and stones to be set in the ephod and in
were literally saying, “We would rather the breastplate. 8And let them make Me a
die than break our promise.” sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
9According to all that I show you, that is,
the pattern of the tabernacle and the pat-
On the Mountain with God tern of all its furnishings, just so you shall
9Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, make it.
and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Is- The Ark of the Testimony
rael, 10and they saw the God of Israel. And
10“And they shall make an ark of acacia
there was under His feet as it were a paved
work of sapphire stone, and it was like the wood; two and a half cubits shall be its
very heavens in its clarity. 11But on the length, a cubit and a half its width, and a
nobles of the children of Israel He did not cubit and a half its height. 11And you shall
lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate overlay it with pure gold, inside and out
and drank. you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a
12Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come molding of gold all around. 12You shall cast
up to Me on the mountain and be there; four rings of gold for it, and put them in
and I will give you tablets of stone, and its four corners; two rings shall be on one
the law and commandments which I have side, and two rings on the other side. 13And
written, that you may teach them.” you shall make poles of acacia wood, and
13So Moses arose with his assistant overlay them with gold. 14You shall put the
Joshua, and Moses went up to the moun- poles into the rings on the sides of the ark,
tain of God. 14And he said to the elders, that the ark may be carried by them. 15The
“Wait here for us until we come back to poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they
you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. shall not be taken from it. 16And you shall
If any man has a difficulty, let him go to put into the ark the Testimony which I will
them.” 15Then Moses went up into the give you.
mountain, and a cloud covered the moun-
tain.
16Now the glory of the Lord rested on Exodus 25:10
Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six The acacia wood used to build the ark
days. And on the seventh day He called to of the covenant was strong enough
Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17The to withstand hungry insects and pre-
sight of the glory of the Lord was like a serve the contents of the chest. These
consuming fire on the top of the mountain trees still grow in the Sinai Desert,
in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18So southern Palestine, and Egypt.
Moses went into the midst of the cloud and
went up into the mountain. And Moses 17“You shall make a mercy seat of pure
was on the mountain forty days and forty gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length
nights. and a cubit and a half its width. 18And you
shall make two cherubim of gold; of ham-
Offerings for the Sanctuary
mered work you shall make them at the
25
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, two ends of the mercy seat. 19Make one
saying: 2“Speak to the children cherub at one end, and the other cherub
of Israel, that they bring Me at the other end; you shall make the cheru-
an offering. From everyone who gives it bim at the two ends of it of one piece with
willingly with his heart you shall take My the mercy seat. 20And the cherubim shall
offering. 3And this is the offering which stretch out their wings above, covering the
you shall take from them: gold, silver, and mercy seat with their wings, and they shall
bronze; 4blue, purple, and scarlet thread, face one another; the faces of the cheru-
02-Exodus.indd 98 2/14/12 11:49 AM
99 EXODUS 26:11
bim shall be toward the mercy seat. 21You a knob under the third two branches of
shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, the same, according to the six branches
and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that extend from the lampstand. 36Their
that I will give you. 22And there I will meet knobs and their branches shall be of one
with you, and I will speak with you from piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece
above the mercy seat, from between the of pure gold. 37You shall make seven lamps
two cherubim which are on the ark of the for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so
Testimony, about everything which I will that they give light in front of it. 38And its
give you in commandment to the children wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of
of Israel. pure gold. 39It shall be made of a talent of
pure gold, with all these utensils. 40And
The Table for the Showbread see to it that you make them according to
23“You shall also make a table of acacia
the pattern which was shown you on the
mountain.
wood; two cubits shall be its length, a cubit
its width, and a cubit and a half its height. The Tabernacle
24And you shall overlay it with pure gold,
26
and make a molding of gold all around. “Moreover you shall make the
25You shall make for it a frame of a hand- tabernacle with ten curtains
breadth all around, and you shall make of fine woven linen and blue,
a gold molding for the frame all around. purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic
26And you shall make for it four rings of designs of cherubim you shall weave them.
2The length of each curtain shall be twenty-
gold, and put the rings on the four corners
that are at its four legs. 27The rings shall be eight cubits, and the width of each curtain
close to the frame, as holders for the poles four cubits. And every one of the curtains
to bear the table. 28And you shall make the shall have the same measurements. 3Five
poles of acacia wood, and overlay them curtains shall be coupled to one another,
with gold, that the table may be carried and the other five curtains shall be coupled
with them. 29You shall make its dishes, its to one another. 4And you shall make loops
pans, its pitchers, and its bowls for pour- of blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on
ing. You shall make them of pure gold. the selvedge of one set, and likewise you
30And you shall set the showbread on the shall do on the outer edge of the other cur-
table before Me always. tain of the second set. 5Fifty loops you shall
make in the one curtain, and fifty loops you
shall make on the edge of the curtain that is
The Gold Lampstand
on the end of the second set, that the loops
31“You shall also make a lampstand of pure may be clasped to one another. 6And you
gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple
work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its or- the curtains together with the clasps, so
namental knobs, and flowers shall be of one that it may be one tabernacle.
piece. 32And six branches shall come out of 7“You shall also make curtains of goats’
its sides: three branches of the lampstand hair, to be a tent over the tabernacle. You
out of one side, and three branches of the shall make eleven curtains. 8The length
lampstand out of the other side. 33Three of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and
bowls shall be made like almond blossoms the width of each curtain four cubits; and
on one branch, with an ornamental knob the eleven curtains shall all have the same
and a flower, and three bowls made like measurements. 9And you shall couple five
almond blossoms on the other branch, with curtains by themselves and six curtains by
an ornamental knob and a flower—and so themselves, and you shall double over the
for the six branches that come out of the sixth curtain at the forefront of the tent.
lampstand. 34On the lampstand itself four 10You shall make fifty loops on the edge of
bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, the curtain that is outermost in one set,
each with its ornamental knob and flower. and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of
35And there shall be a knob under the first the second set. 11And you shall make fifty
two branches of the same, a knob under bronze clasps, put the clasps into the loops,
the second two branches of the same, and and couple the tent together, that it may be
02-Exodus.indd 99 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 26:12 100
one. 12The remnant that remains of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars
curtains of the tent, the half curtain that for the boards of the side of the tabernacle,
remains, shall hang over the back of the for the far side westward. 28The middle bar
tabernacle. 13And a cubit on one side and a shall pass through the midst of the boards
cubit on the other side, of what remains of from end to end. 29You shall overlay the
the length of the curtains of the tent, shall boards with gold, make their rings of gold
hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on as holders for the bars, and overlay the bars
this side and on that side, to cover it. with gold. 30And you shall raise up the tab-
14“You shall also make a covering of ram ernacle according to its pattern which you
skins dyed red for the tent, and a covering were shown on the mountain.
of badger skins above that. 31“You shall make a veil woven of blue,
15“And for the tabernacle you shall make purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven
the boards of acacia wood, standing up- linen. It shall be woven with an artistic de-
right. 16Ten cubits shall be the length of a sign of cherubim. 32You shall hang it upon
board, and a cubit and a half shall be the the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid
width of each board. 17Two tenons shall be with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon
in each board for binding one to another. four sockets of silver. 33And you shall hang
Thus you shall make for all the boards of the veil from the clasps. Then you shall
the tabernacle. 18And you shall make the bring the ark of the Testimony in there, be-
boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards hind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for
for the south side. 19You shall make forty you between the holy place and the Most
sockets of silver under the twenty boards: Holy. 34You shall put the mercy seat upon
two sockets under each of the boards for the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy.
35You shall set the table outside the veil,
its two tenons. 20And for the second side of
the tabernacle, the north side, there shall and the lampstand across from the table
be twenty boards 21and their forty sockets on the side of the tabernacle toward the
of silver: two sockets under each of the south; and you shall put the table on the
boards. 22For the far side of the tabernacle, north side.
36“You shall make a screen for the door
westward, you shall make six boards. 23And
you shall also make two boards for the of the tabernacle, woven of blue, purple,
two back corners of the tabernacle. 24They and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen,
shall be coupled together at the bottom made by a weaver. 37And you shall make for
and they shall be coupled together at the the screen five pillars of acacia wood, and
top by one ring. Thus it shall be for both overlay them with gold; their hooks shall
of them. They shall be for the two corners. be gold, and you shall cast five sockets of
25So there shall be eight boards with their bronze for them.
sockets of silver— sixteen sockets— two
sockets under each of the boards. The Altar of Burnt Offering
27
“You shall make an altar of aca-
cia wood, five cubits long and
Exodus 26:30 five cubits wide—the altar shall
The tabernacle, or sacred tent, was the be square—and its height shall be three cu-
place where the Israelites worshiped bits. 2You shall make its horns on its four
the Lord. It had to be built to the corners; its horns shall be of one piece with
Lord’s exact instructions. God gave it. And you shall overlay it with bronze.
exact directions to construct every 3Also you shall make its pans to receive its
element of the tabernacle and each ashes, and its shovels and its basins and
article in it. The tabernacle was to its forks and its firepans; you shall make
provide a place where God could live all its utensils of bronze. 4You shall make
among His people. a grate for it, a network of bronze; and on
the network you shall make four bronze
rings at its four corners. 5You shall put it
26“And you shall make bars of acacia under the rim of the altar beneath, that the
wood: five for the boards on one side of the network may be midway up the altar. 6And
tabernacle, 27five bars for the boards on the you shall make poles for the altar, poles
02-Exodus.indd 100 2/14/12 11:49 AM
101 EXODUS 28:14
of acacia wood, and overlay them with before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever
bronze. 7The poles shall be put in the rings, to their generations on behalf of the chil-
and the poles shall be on the two sides of dren of Israel.
the altar to bear it. 8You shall make it hol-
low with boards; as it was shown you on Garments for the Priesthood
28
the mountain, so shall they make it. “Now take Aaron your brother,
and his sons with him, from
The Court of the Tabernacle among the children of Israel,
9“You shall also make the court of the that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron
tabernacle. For the south side there shall and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar,
be hangings for the court made of fine and Ithamar. 2And you shall make holy gar-
woven linen, one hundred cubits long for ments for Aaron your brother, for glory and
one side. 10And its twenty pillars and their for beauty. 3So you shall speak to all who
twenty sockets shall be bronze. The hooks are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with
of the pillars and their bands shall be silver. the spirit of wisdom, that they may make
11Likewise along the length of the north Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that
side there shall be hangings one hundred he may minister to Me as priest. 4And these
cubits long, with its twenty pillars and their are the garments which they shall make: a
twenty sockets of bronze, and the hooks of breastplate, an ephod,a a robe, a skillfully
the pillars and their bands of silver. woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they
12“And along the width of the court on shall make holy garments for Aaron your
the west side shall be hangings of fifty cu- brother and his sons, that he may minister
bits, with their ten pillars and their ten to Me as priest.
sockets. 13The width of the court on the
The Ephod
east side shall be fifty cubits. 14The hang-
ings on one side of the gate shall be fifteen 5“They shall take the gold, blue, purple,
cubits, with their three pillars and their and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, 6and
three sockets. 15And on the other side shall they shall make the ephod of gold, blue,
be hangings of fifteen cubits, with their purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven
three pillars and their three sockets. linen, artistically worked. 7It shall have two
16“For the gate of the court there shall shoulder straps joined at its two edges, and
be a screen twenty cubits long, woven of so it shall be joined together. 8And the in-
blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine tricately woven band of the ephod, which
woven linen, made by a weaver. It shall is on it, shall be of the same workmanship,
have four pillars and four sockets. 17All the made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet
pillars around the court shall have bands thread, and fine woven linen.
of silver; their hooks shall be of silver and 9“Then you shall take two onyx stones
their sockets of bronze. 18The length of and engrave on them the names of the
the court shall be one hundred cubits, the sons of Israel: 10six of their names on one
width fifty throughout, and the height five stone and six names on the other stone,
cubits, made of fine woven linen, and its in order of their birth. 11With the work of
sockets of bronze. 19All the utensils of the an engraver in stone, like the engravings of
tabernacle for all its service, all its pegs, a signet, you shall engrave the two stones
and all the pegs of the court, shall be of with the names of the sons of Israel. You
bronze. shall set them in settings of gold. 12And you
shall put the two stones on the shoulders of
The Care of the Lampstand the ephod as memorial stones for the sons
20“And you shall command the children
of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names
before the Lord on his two shoulders as a
of Israel that they bring you pure oil of memorial. 13You shall also make settings of
pressed olives for the light, to cause the gold, 14and you shall make two chains of
lamp to burn continually. 21In the taber- pure gold like braided cords, and fasten the
nacle of meeting, outside the veil which is braided chains to the settings.
before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons
shall tend it from evening until morning 28:4 aThat is, an ornamented vest
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EXODUS 28:15 102
The Breastplate children of Israel over his heart before the
15“You Lord continually.
shall make the breastplate of judg-
ment. Artistically woven according to the
Other Priestly Garments
workmanship of the ephod you shall make
it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, 31“You shall make the robe of the ephod
and fine woven linen, you shall make it. 16It all of blue. 32There shall be an opening for
shall be doubled into a square: a span shall his head in the middle of it; it shall have
be its length, and a span shall be its width. a woven binding all around its opening,
17And you shall put settings of stones in it, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that
four rows of stones: The first row shall be a it does not tear. 33And upon its hem you
sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall shall make pomegranates of blue, purple,
be the first row; 18the second row shall be and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of
a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; gold between them all around: 34a golden
19the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a
amethyst; 20and the fourth row, a beryl, an pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all
onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold around. 35And it shall be upon Aaron when
settings. 21And the stones shall have the he ministers, and its sound will be heard
names of the sons of Israel, twelve accord- when he goes into the holy place before the
ing to their names, like the engravings of a Lord and when he comes out, that he may
signet, each one with its own name; they not die.
shall be according to the twelve tribes. 36“You shall also make a plate of pure
22“You shall make chains for the breast-
gold and engrave on it, like the engraving
plate at the end, like braided cords of pure of a signet:
gold. 23And you shall make two rings of gold
for the breastplate, and put the two rings HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
on the two ends of the breastplate. 24Then
you shall put the two braided chains of gold 37And you shall put it on a blue cord, that
in the two rings which are on the ends of it may be on the turban; it shall be on
the breastplate; 25and the other two ends the front of the turban. 38So it shall be on
of the two braided chains you shall fasten Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the
to the two settings, and put them on the iniquity of the holy things which the chil-
shoulder straps of the ephod in the front. dren of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts;
26“You shall make two rings of gold, and
and it shall always be on his forehead, that
put them on the two ends of the breast- they may be accepted before the Lord.
plate, on the edge of it, which is on the in- 39“You shall skillfully weave the tunic of
ner side of the ephod. 27And two other rings fine linen thread, you shall make the tur-
of gold you shall make, and put them on ban of fine linen, and you shall make the
the two shoulder straps, underneath the sash of woven work.
ephod toward its front, right at the seam 40“For Aaron’s sons you shall make tu-
above the intricately woven band of the nics, and you shall make sashes for them.
ephod. 28They shall bind the breastplate by And you shall make hats for them, for glory
means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, and beauty. 41So you shall put them on
using a blue cord, so that it is above the in- Aaron your brother and on his sons with
tricately woven band of the ephod, and so him. You shall anoint them, consecrate
that the breastplate does not come loose them, and sanctify them, that they may
from the ephod. minister to Me as priests. 42And you shall
29“So Aaron shall bear the names of the
make for them linen trousers to cover their
sons of Israel on the breastplate of judg- nakedness; they shall reach from the waist
ment over his heart, when he goes into the to the thighs. 43They shall be on Aaron and
holy place, as a memorial before the Lord on his sons when they come into the taber-
continually. 30And you shall put in the nacle of meeting, or when they come near
breastplate of judgment the Urim and the the altar to minister in the holy place, that
Thummim,a and they shall be over Aaron’s
heart when he goes in before the Lord. 28:30 aLiterally the Lights and the Perfections
So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the (compare Leviticus 8:8)
02-Exodus.indd 102 2/14/12 11:49 AM
103 EXODUS 29:29
they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall and its legs, and put them with its pieces
be a statute forever to him and his descen- and with its head. 18And you shall burn the
dants after him. whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering
to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering
Aaron and His Sons made by fire to the Lord.
Consecrated 19“You shall also take the other ram, and
29
“And this is what you shall do Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on
to them to hallow them for the head of the ram. 20Then you shall kill
ministering to Me as priests: the ram, and take some of its blood and
Take one young bull and two rams without put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron
blemish, 2and unleavened bread, unleav- and on the tip of the right ear of his sons,
ened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened on the thumb of their right hand and on
wafers anointed with oil (you shall make the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle
them of wheat flour). 3You shall put them the blood all around on the altar. 21And you
in one basket and bring them in the basket, shall take some of the blood that is on the
with the bull and the two rams. altar, and some of the anointing oil, and
4“And Aaron and his sons you shall bring sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments,
to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, on his sons and on the garments of his sons
and you shall wash them with water. 5Then with him; and he and his garments shall be
you shall take the garments, put the tu- hallowed, and his sons and his sons’ gar-
nic on Aaron, and the robe of the ephod, ments with him.
22“Also you shall take the fat of the ram,
the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird
him with the intricately woven band of the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
the ephod. 6You shall put the turban on the fatty lobe attached to the liver, the two
his head, and put the holy crown on the kidneys and the fat on them, the right thigh
turban. 7And you shall take the anointing (for it is a ram of consecration), 23one loaf
oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him. of bread, one cake made with oil, and one
8Then you shall bring his sons and put wafer from the basket of the unleavened
tunics on them. 9And you shall gird them bread that is before the Lord; 24and you
with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and put shall put all these in the hands of Aaron
the hats on them. The priesthood shall be and in the hands of his sons, and you shall
theirs for a perpetual statute. So you shall wave them as a wave offering before the
consecrate Aaron and his sons. Lord. 25You shall receive them back from
10“You shall also have the bull brought their hands and burn them on the altar as
before the tabernacle of meeting, and a burnt offering, as a sweet aroma before
Aaron and his sons shall put their hands the Lord. It is an offering made by fire to
on the head of the bull. 11Then you shall the Lord.
26“Then you shall take the breast of the
kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of
the tabernacle of meeting. 12You shall take ram of Aaron’s consecration and wave it
some of the blood of the bull and put it on as a wave offering before the Lord; and it
the horns of the altar with your finger, and shall be your portion. 27And from the ram
pour all the blood beside the base of the of the consecration you shall consecrate
altar. 13And you shall take all the fat that the breast of the wave offering which is
covers the entrails, the fatty lobe attached waved, and the thigh of the heave offering
to the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat which is raised, of that which is for Aaron
that is on them, and burn them on the altar. and of that which is for his sons. 28It shall
14But the flesh of the bull, with its skin and be from the children of Israel for Aaron
its offal, you shall burn with fire outside the and his sons by a statute forever. For it is
camp. It is a sin offering. a heave offering; it shall be a heave offering
15“You shall also take one ram, and from the children of Israel from the sacri-
Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on fices of their peace offerings, that is, their
the head of the ram; 16and you shall kill the heave offering to the Lord.
ram, and you shall take its blood and sprin- 29“And the holy garments of Aaron shall
kle it all around on the altar. 17Then you be his sons’ after him, to be anointed in
shall cut the ram in pieces, wash its entrails them and to be consecrated in them.
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EXODUS 29:30 104
30That son who becomes priest in his place of Israel and will be their God. 46And they
shall put them on for seven days, when he shall know that I am the Lord their God,
enters the tabernacle of meeting to minis- who brought them up out of the land of
ter in the holy place. Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am
31“And you shall take the ram of the the Lord their God.
consecration and boil its flesh in the holy
place. 32Then Aaron and his sons shall eat The Altar of Incense
the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in
30
“You shall make an altar to
the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of
burn incense on; you shall
meeting. 33They shall eat those things with
make it of acacia wood. 2A cubit
which the atonement was made, to conse-
shall be its length and a cubit its width—it
crate and to sanctify them; but an outsider
shall be square—and two cubits shall be its
shall not eat them, because they are holy.
34And if any of the flesh of the consecration height. Its horns shall be of one piece with
it. 3And you shall overlay its top, its sides all
offerings, or of the bread, remains until the
around, and its horns with pure gold; and
morning, then you shall burn the remain-
you shall make for it a molding of gold all
der with fire. It shall not be eaten, because
around. 4Two gold rings you shall make for
it is holy.
35“Thus you shall do to Aaron and his it, under the molding on both its sides. You
sons, according to all that I have com- shall place them on its two sides, and they
manded you. Seven days you shall con- will be holders for the poles with which to
secrate them. 36And you shall offer a bull bear it. 5You shall make the poles of acacia
every day as a sin offering for atonement. wood, and overlay them with gold. 6And
You shall cleanse the altar when you make you shall put it before the veil that is before
atonement for it, and you shall anoint it the ark of the Testimony, before the mercy
to sanctify it. 37Seven days you shall make seat that is over the Testimony, where I will
atonement for the altar and sanctify it. meet with you.
And the altar shall be most holy. Whatever
touches the altar must be holy.a
Exodus 30:6
The Daily Offerings The mercy seat was considered to be
God’s earthly throne, where the Lord
38“Now this is what you shall offer on the spoke to the high priest. It was located
altar: two lambs of the first year, day by on the lid of the ark of the Testimony,
day continually. 39One lamb you shall offer between the two winged creatures on
in the morning, and the other lamb you each end of the lid.
shall offer at twilight. 40With the one lamb
shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour
mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed 7“Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense
oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a every morning; when he tends the lamps,
drink offering. 41And the other lamb you he shall burn incense on it. 8And when
shall offer at twilight; and you shall offer Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall
with it the grain offering and the drink burn incense on it, a perpetual incense
offering, as in the morning, for a sweet before the Lord throughout your genera-
aroma, an offering made by fire to the tions. 9You shall not offer strange incense
Lord. 42This shall be a continual burnt on it, or a burnt offering, or a grain offering;
offering throughout your generations nor shall you pour a drink offering on it.
at the door of the tabernacle of meeting 10And Aaron shall make atonement upon
before the Lord, where I will meet you to its horns once a year with the blood of the
speak with you. 43And there I will meet sin offering of atonement; once a year he
with the children of Israel, and the taber- shall make atonement upon it through-
nacle shall be sanctified by My glory. 44So I out your generations. It is most holy to the
will consecrate the tabernacle of meeting Lord.”
and the altar. I will also consecrate both
Aaron and his sons to minister to Me as 29:37 aCompare Numbers 4:15 and Haggai
priests. 45I will dwell among the children 2:11–13
02-Exodus.indd 104 2/14/12 11:49 AM
105 EXODUS 31:4
The Ransom Money these a holy anointing oil, an ointment
11Then compounded according to the art of the
the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
12“When you take the census of the chil- perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil.
26With it you shall anoint the tabernacle
dren of Israel for their number, then every
of meeting and the ark of the Testimony;
man shall give a ransom for himself to the 27the table and all its utensils, the lamp-
Lord, when you number them, that there
stand and its utensils, and the altar of
may be no plague among them when you
incense; 28the altar of burnt offering with
number them. 13This is what everyone
all its utensils, and the laver and its base.
among those who are numbered shall give: 29You shall consecrate them, that they may
half a shekel according to the shekel of the
be most holy; whatever touches them must
sanctuary (a shekel is twenty gerahs). The
be holy.a 30And you shall anoint Aaron and
half-shekel shall be an offering to the Lord.
14Everyone included among those who his sons, and consecrate them, that they
may minister to Me as priests.
are numbered, from twenty years old and 31“And you shall speak to the children of
above, shall give an offering to the Lord.
15The rich shall not give more and the poor Israel, saying: ‘This shall be a holy anoint-
ing oil to Me throughout your generations.
shall not give less than half a shekel, when 32It shall not be poured on man’s flesh; nor
you give an offering to the Lord, to make
shall you make any other like it, according
atonement for yourselves. 16And you shall
to its composition. It is holy, and it shall be
take the atonement money of the children
holy to you. 33Whoever compounds any
of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service
like it, or whoever puts any of it on an out-
of the tabernacle of meeting, that it may
sider, shall be cut off from his people.’ ”
be a memorial for the children of Israel
before the Lord, to make atonement for The Incense
yourselves.”
34And the Lord said to Moses: “Take sweet
The Bronze Laver spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum,
17Then
and pure frankincense with these sweet
the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
18“You
spices; there shall be equal amounts of
shall also make a laver of bronze,
each. 35You shall make of these an incense,
with its base also of bronze, for washing.
a compound according to the art of the
You shall put it between the tabernacle of
perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. 36And you
meeting and the altar. And you shall put
shall beat some of it very fine, and put some
water in it, 19for Aaron and his sons shall
of it before the Testimony in the tabernacle
wash their hands and their feet in water
of meeting where I will meet with you. It
from it. 20When they go into the tabernacle
shall be most holy to you. 37But as for the
of meeting, or when they come near the al-
incense which you shall make, you shall
tar to minister, to burn an offering made by
not make any for yourselves, according to
fire to the Lord, they shall wash with wa-
its composition. It shall be to you holy for
ter, lest they die. 21So they shall wash their
the Lord. 38Whoever makes any like it, to
hands and their feet, lest they die. And it
smell it, he shall be cut off from his people.”
shall be a statute forever to them—to him
and his descendants throughout their Artisans for Building
generations.” the Tabernacle
31
The Holy Anointing Oil Then the Lord spoke to Moses,
22Moreover
saying: 2“See, I have called by
the Lord spoke to Moses, name Bezalel the son of Uri, the
saying: 23“Also take for yourself quality son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3And I have
spices—five hundred shekels of liquid filled him with the Spirit of God, in wis-
myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cin- dom, in understanding, in knowledge, and
namon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two in all manner of workmanship, 4to design
hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling artistic works, to work in gold, in silver,
cane, 24five hundred shekels of cassia, ac-
cording to the shekel of the sanctuary, and 30:29 aCompare Numbers 4:15 and Haggai
a hin of olive oil. 25And you shall make from 2:11–13
02-Exodus.indd 105 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 31:5 106
in bronze, 5in cutting jewels for setting, in gathered together to Aaron, and said to
carving wood, and to work in all manner of him, “Come, make us gods that shall go be-
workmanship. fore us; for as for this Moses, the man who
6“And I, indeed I, have appointed with brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we
him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the do not know what has become of him.”
tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the 2And Aaron said to them, “Break off the
hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they golden earrings which are in the ears of
may make all that I have commanded you: your wives, your sons, and your daughters,
7the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the and bring them to me.” 3So all the people
Testimony and the mercy seat that is on broke off the golden earrings which were
it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle— in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
8the table and its utensils, the pure gold 4And he received the gold from their hand,
lampstand with all its utensils, the altar and he fashioned it with an engraving tool,
of incense, 9the altar of burnt offering and made a molded calf.
with all its utensils, and the laver and its
base— 10the garments of ministry,a the
holy garments for Aaron the priest and the Exodus 32:2–4
garments of his sons, to minister as priests, Bulls were popular worship objects
11and the anointing oil and sweet incense in the ancient world. Centuries-old
for the holy place. According to all that I images of bulls have been found
have commanded you they shall do.” everywhere from the palaces of Crete,
an island in the Mediterranean Sea, to
the temples of Egypt.
The Sabbath Law
12And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
13“Speak also to the children of Israel, say- Then they said, “This is your god, O Is-
ing: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for rael, that brought you out of the land of
it is a sign between Me and you throughout Egypt!”
your generations, that you may know that 5So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar
I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 14You before it. And Aaron made a proclamation
shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.”
holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall 6Then they rose early on the next day, of-
surely be put to death; for whoever does fered burnt offerings, and brought peace
any work on it, that person shall be cut offerings; and the people sat down to eat
off from among his people. 15Work shall and drink, and rose up to play.
be done for six days, but the seventh is the 7And the Lord said to Moses, “Go, get
Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever down! For your people whom you brought
does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall out of the land of Egypt have corrupted
surely be put to death. 16Therefore the chil- themselves. 8They have turned aside quickly
dren of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to out of the way which I commanded them.
observe the Sabbath throughout their gen- They have made themselves a molded
erations as a perpetual covenant. 17It is a calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it,
sign between Me and the children of Israel and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that
forever; for in six days the Lord made the brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ ”
9And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen
heavens and the earth, and on the seventh
day He rested and was refreshed.’ ” this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked
18And when He had made an end of people! 10Now therefore, let Me alone, that
speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave My wrath may burn hot against them and I
Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets may consume them. And I will make of you
of stone, written with the finger of God. a great nation.”
11Then Moses pleaded with the Lord
The Gold Calf his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your
wrath burn hot against Your people whom
32
Now when the people saw that You have brought out of the land of Egypt
Moses delayed coming down
from the mountain, the people 31:10 aOr woven garments
02-Exodus.indd 106 2/14/12 11:49 AM
107 EXODUS 33:1
with great power and with a mighty hand? 25Now when Moses saw that the people
12Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, were unrestrained (for Aaron had not re-
‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill strained them, to their shame among their
them in the mountains, and to consume enemies), 26then Moses stood in the en-
them from the face of the earth’? Turn from trance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is
Your fierce wrath, and relent from this on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all
harm to Your people. 13Remember Abra- the sons of Levi gathered themselves to-
ham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to gether to him. 27And he said to them, “Thus
whom You swore by Your own self, and said says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man
to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants put his sword on his side, and go in and out
as the stars of heaven; and all this land that from entrance to entrance throughout the
I have spoken of I give to your descendants, camp, and let every man kill his brother,
and they shall inherit it forever.’ ”a 14So the every man his companion, and every man
Lord relented from the harm which He his neighbor.’ ” 28So the sons of Levi did ac-
said He would do to His people. cording to the word of Moses. And about
15And Moses turned and went down three thousand men of the people fell that
from the mountain, and the two tablets of day. 29Then Moses said, “Consecrate your-
the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets selves today to the Lord, that He may be-
were written on both sides; on the one side stow on you a blessing this day, for every
and on the other they were written. 16Now man has opposed his son and his brother.”
the tablets were the work of God, and the 30Now it came to pass on the next day
writing was the writing of God engraved on that Moses said to the people, “You have
the tablets. committed a great sin. So now I will go up
17And when Joshua heard the noise of to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement
the people as they shouted, he said to Mo- for your sin.” 31Then Moses returned to the
ses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.” Lord and said, “Oh, these people have com-
18But he said: mitted a great sin, and have made for them-
selves a god of gold! 32Yet now, if You will for-
“ It is not the noise of the shout of give their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out
victory, of Your book which You have written.”
Nor the noise of the cry of defeat, 33And the Lord said to Moses, “Who-
But the sound of singing I hear.” ever has sinned against Me, I will blot him
out of My book. 34Now therefore, go, lead
19So it was, as soon as he came near the the people to the place of which I have
camp, that he saw the calf and the danc- spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go
ing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he before you. Nevertheless, in the day when
cast the tablets out of his hands and broke I visit for punishment, I will visit punish-
them at the foot of the mountain. 20Then ment upon them for their sin.”
he took the calf which they had made,
burned it in the fire, and ground it to pow-
der; and he scattered it on the water and Sin
made the children of Israel drink it. 21And Does sin have consequences?
Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people Exodus 32:34
do to you that you have brought so great a
sin upon them?”
22So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of 35So the Lord plagued the people be-
my lord become hot. You know the people, cause of what they did with the calf which
that they are set on evil. 23For they said to Aaron made.
me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us;
as for this Moses, the man who brought us The Command to Leave Sinai
33
out of the land of Egypt, we do not know Then the Lord said to Moses,
what has become of him.’ 24And I said to “Depart and go up from here,
them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them you and the people whom you
break it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I cast
it into the fire, and this calf came out.” 32:13 aGenesis 13:15 and 22:17
02-Exodus.indd 107 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 33:2 108
have brought out of the land of Egypt, to found grace in Your sight, show me now
the land of which I swore to Abraham, Your way, that I may know You and that I
Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descen- may find grace in Your sight. And consider
dants I will give it.’ 2And I will send My that this nation is Your people.”
Angel before you, and I will drive out the 14And He said, “My Presence will go with
Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hit- you, and I will give you rest.”
tite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and 15Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence
the Jebusite. 3Go up to a land flowing with does not go with us, do not bring us up from
milk and honey; for I will not go up in your here. 16For how then will it be known that
midst, lest I consume you on the way, for Your people and I have found grace in Your
you are a stiff-necked people.” sight, except You go with us? So we shall
4And when the people heard this bad be separate, Your people and I, from all the
news, they mourned, and no one put on his people who are upon the face of the earth.”
ornaments. 5For the Lord had said to Mo- 17So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also
ses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are do this thing that you have spoken; for you
a stiff-necked people. I could come up into have found grace in My sight, and I know
your midst in one moment and consume you by name.”
you. Now therefore, take off your orna- 18And he said, “Please, show me Your
ments, that I may know what to do to you.’ ” glory.”
6So the children of Israel stripped them- 19Then He said, “I will make all My good-
selves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb. ness pass before you, and I will proclaim
the name of the Lord before you. I will be
Moses Meets with the L ord gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I
7Moses took his tent and pitched it outside
will have compassion on whom I will have
compassion.” 20But He said, “You cannot
the camp, far from the camp, and called it see My face; for no man shall see Me, and
the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to live.” 21And the Lord said, “Here is a place
pass that everyone who sought the Lord by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22So
went out to the tabernacle of meeting it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I
which was outside the camp. 8So it was, will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will
whenever Moses went out to the taberna- cover you with My hand while I pass by.
cle, that all the people rose, and each man 23Then I will take away My hand, and you
stood at his tent door and watched Mo- shall see My back; but My face shall not be
ses until he had gone into the tabernacle. seen.”
9And it came to pass, when Moses entered
the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud Moses Makes New Tablets
descended and stood at the door of the
34
tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Mo- And the Lord said to Moses,
ses. 10All the people saw the pillar of cloud “Cut two tablets of stone like
standing at the tabernacle door, and all the the first ones, and I will write
people rose and worshiped, each man in on these tablets the words that were on the
his tent door. 11So the Lord spoke to Moses first tablets which you broke. 2So be ready
face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. in the morning, and come up in the morn-
And he would return to the camp, but his ing to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to
servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young Me there on the top of the mountain. 3And
no man shall come up with you, and let no
man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
man be seen throughout all the mountain;
let neither flocks nor herds feed before that
The Promise of God’s mountain.”
Presence 4So he cut two tablets of stone like the
12Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You first ones. Then Moses rose early in the
say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You morning and went up Mount Sinai, as
have not let me know whom You will send the Lord had commanded him; and he
with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
name, and you have also found grace in 5Now the Lord descended in the cloud
My sight.’ 13Now therefore, I pray, if I have and stood with him there, and proclaimed
02-Exodus.indd 108 2/14/12 11:49 AM
Life App
Goodness / Exodus 34:6
As we mature in our faith, we want to become more and more like
the God we serve. Exodus 34:6 shows us many of God’s attributes
that we should strive for as best we can, such as goodness and truth.
Paul also teaches us about goodness and truth in Romans 15:14,
noting the people in Rome “also are full of goodness, filled with all
knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”
It is interesting to note that Paul mentions they are full of
goodness before he says they are able to admonish one another.
This teaches us a pretty important lesson. We are often quick to
notice and point out the flaws or sins in someone else’s life. But if
we do this without the right spirit (being full of goodness), we will
simply pepper them with harsh words that can offend much more
than help. When we approach people with a self-righteous and
judgmental attitude, they may choose not to hear what we say
because of how we say it. If our attempts to correct others begin
with our desire to look smarter or godlier, then we are not helping
at all.
However, if we are maturing in our faith and becoming more like
God, we will be growing in goodness. And when we are full of good-
ness, our motives in helping others will be pure. The point won’t be
how smart we are; the point will be how God may use us to help the
other person. And the other person will be more likely to sense the
goodness inside of us and be open to what we have to say.
Being full of goodness means loving God with all your heart and
letting His love and mercy fill your entire life. When you’re full of
God’s goodness, it will begin to overflow and have a positive effect
on everyone around you. And when others are touched by this godly
goodness, they may want to find out where it came from. Then they
too can meet the God of goodness who can change their lives for-
ever.
02-Exodus.indd 109 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 34:6 110
Promise
God promises to do miracles.
“Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will
do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth”
(Ex. 34:10a).
God said that He would do things “such as have not been
done in all the earth.” He sure kept that promise to the Israelites. He cut a path for
them through the Jordan River (Josh. 3). He made the walls of Jericho fall down
when the priests blew their trumpets (Josh. 6). He kept the sun from going down
one day (Josh. 10:12–14). And all the miracles we read about in the Old Testament
were just the beginning.
God did a lot of miracles in New Testament times, too. Jesus and His disciples
often healed people. Jesus made blind eyes see. He made crippled legs walk. He
made lepers whole. He even raised people from the dead. (You can read about all
the miracles of Jesus in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.)
Today, a lot of people have stopped expecting to see God do miracles. Modern
technology is now able to do things that used to require a miracle. Science can
explain things that no one understood many years ago. Sometimes even people
who do believe in miracles aren’t on the lookout for them anymore. But that doesn’t
mean that they’re not happening.
We live in a day of miracles. God’s miracle-working power is alive and moving
all over the world. Be on the lookout. He can do “exceedingly abundantly above all
that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).
See for yourself// Exodus 11:9; Psalm 77:14; Daniel 6:27; Micah 7:15;
Galatians 3:5
the name of the Lord. 6And the Lord 9Then he said, “If now I have found grace
passed before him and proclaimed, “The in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray,
Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, go among us, even though we are a stiff-
longsuffering, and abounding in goodness necked people; and pardon our iniquity
and truth, 7keeping mercy for thousands, and our sin, and take us as Your inheri-
forgiving iniquity and transgression and tance.”
sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children The Covenant Renewed
and the children’s children to the third and 10And He said: “Behold, I make a covenant.
the fourth generation.” 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
Exodus 34:13 whom you are shall see the work of the
The wooden images were used in Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will
the worship of Asherah, who was do with you. 11Observe what I command
similar to Venus, the Roman goddess you this day. Behold, I am driving out from
of love. The Canaanites believed that before you the Amorite and the Canaan-
Asherah, the wife of the fertility god ite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and
Baal, had some special powers over the Hivite and the Jebusite. 12Take heed to
fertility herself. yourself, lest you make a covenant with the
inhabitants of the land where you are going,
lest it be a snare in your midst. 13But you
8So Moses made haste and bowed his shall destroy their altars, break their sacred
head toward the earth, and worshiped. pillars, and cut down their wooden images
02-Exodus.indd 110 2/14/12 11:49 AM
111 EXODUS 35:3
14(for you shall worship no other god, for you shall bring to the house of the Lord
the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jeal- your God. You shall not boil a young goat
ous God), 15lest you make a covenant with in its mother’s milk.”
the inhabitants of the land, and they play 27Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write
the harlot with their gods and make sacri- these words, for according to the tenor of
fice to their gods, and one of them invites these words I have made a covenant with
you and you eat of his sacrifice, 16and you you and with Israel.” 28So he was there with
take of his daughters for your sons, and his the Lord forty days and forty nights; he
daughters play the harlot with their gods neither ate bread nor drank water. And He
and make your sons play the harlot with wrote on the tablets the words of the cov-
their gods. enant, the Ten Commandments.a
The Shining Face of Moses
Worship 29Now it was so, when Moses came down
Should we worship anyone or from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of
anything besides God? the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when
Exodus 34:14 he came down from the mountain), that
Moses did not know that the skin of his
17“You shall make no molded gods for
face shone while he talked with Him. 30So
when Aaron and all the children of Israel
yourselves. saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face
18“The Feast of Unleavened Bread you
shone, and they were afraid to come near
shall keep. Seven days you shall eat unleav- him. 31Then Moses called to them, and
ened bread, as I commanded you, in the Aaron and all the rulers of the congrega-
appointed time of the month of Abib; for tion returned to him; and Moses talked
in the month of Abib you came out from with them. 32Afterward all the children of
Egypt. Israel came near, and he gave them as com-
19“All that open the womb are Mine, and
mandments all that the Lord had spoken
every male firstborn among your livestock, with him on Mount Sinai. 33And when
whether ox or sheep. 20But the firstborn of a Moses had finished speaking with them,
donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And he put a veil on his face. 34But whenever
if you will not redeem him, then you shall Moses went in before the Lord to speak
break his neck. All the firstborn of your with Him, he would take the veil off until
sons you shall redeem. he came out; and he would come out and
“And none shall appear before Me speak to the children of Israel whatever he
empty-handed. had been commanded. 35And whenever
21“Six days you shall work, but on the
the children of Israel saw the face of Mo-
seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time ses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then
and in harvest you shall rest. Moses would put the veil on his face again,
22“And you shall observe the Feast of
until he went in to speak with Him.
Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest,
and the Feast of Ingathering at the year’s Sabbath Regulations
35
end. Then Moses gathered all the
23“Three times in the year all your men
congregation of the children
shall appear before the Lord, the Lord of Israel together, and said to
God of Israel. 24For I will cast out the na- them, “These are the words which the
tions before you and enlarge your borders; Lord has commanded you to do: 2Work
neither will any man covet your land when shall be done for six days, but the seventh
you go up to appear before the Lord your day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of
God three times in the year. rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work
25“You shall not offer the blood of My
on it shall be put to death. 3You shall kindle
sacrifice with leaven, nor shall the sacrifice no fire throughout your dwellings on the
of the Feast of the Passover be left until Sabbath day.”
morning.
26“The first of the firstfruits of your land 34:28 aLiterally Ten Words
02-Exodus.indd 111 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 35:4 112
Offerings for the Tabernacle gold to the Lord. 23And every man, with
4And Moses spoke to all the congregation whom was found blue, purple, and scar-
let thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair, red
of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the
skins of rams, and badger skins, brought
thing which the Lord commanded, say-
them. 24Everyone who offered an offer-
ing: 5‘Take from among you an offering to
ing of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s
the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart,
offering. And everyone with whom was
let him bring it as an offering to the Lord:
found acacia wood for any work of the ser-
gold, silver, and bronze; 6blue, purple, and
vice, brought it. 25All the women who were
scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair;
7ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and aca- gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands,
and brought what they had spun, of blue,
cia wood; 8oil for the light, and spices for
purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. 26And
the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;
9onyx stones, and stones to be set in the all the women whose hearts stirred with
wisdom spun yarn of goats’ hair. 27The rul-
ephod and in the breastplate.
ers brought onyx stones, and the stones
to be set in the ephod and in the breast-
Articles of the Tabernacle
plate, 28and spices and oil for the light,
10‘All who are gifted artisans among you
for the anointing oil, and for the sweet
shall come and make all that the Lord has incense. 29The children of Israel brought a
commanded: 11the tabernacle, its tent, its freewill offering to the Lord, all the men
covering, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its and women whose hearts were willing to
pillars, and its sockets; 12the ark and its bring material for all kinds of work which
poles, with the mercy seat, and the veil of the Lord, by the hand of Moses, had com-
the covering; 13the table and its poles, all manded to be done.
its utensils, and the showbread; 14also the
lampstand for the light, its utensils, its
lamps, and the oil for the light; 15the in- Giving
cense altar, its poles, the anointing oil, the What kind of attitude should
sweet incense, and the screen for the door we have when we give?
at the entrance of the tabernacle; 16the Exodus 35:22
altar of burnt offering with its bronze grat-
ing, its poles, all its utensils, and the laver
and its base; 17the hangings of the court, its The Artisans Called by God
pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the 30And Moses said to the children of Israel,
gate of the court; 18the pegs of the taberna-
cle, the pegs of the court, and their cords; “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel
19the garments of ministry,a for ministering the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe
in the holy place—the holy garments for of Judah; 31and He has filled him with
Aaron the priest and the garments of his the Spirit of God, in wisdom and under-
sons, to minister as priests.’ ” standing, in knowledge and all manner of
workmanship, 32to design artistic works,
The Tabernacle Offerings to work in gold and silver and bronze,
33in cutting jewels for setting, in carving
Presented
wood, and to work in all manner of artistic
20And all the congregation of the children workmanship.
of Israel departed from the presence of 34“And He has put in his heart the abil-
Moses. 21Then everyone came whose heart ity to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of
was stirred, and everyone whose spirit Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35He has
was willing, and they brought the Lord’s filled them with skill to do all manner of
offering for the work of the tabernacle of work of the engraver and the designer and
meeting, for all its service, and for the holy the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and
garments. 22They came, both men and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the
women, as many as had a willing heart, weaver— those who do every work and
and brought earrings and nose rings, rings those who design artistic works.
and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that
is, every man who made an offering of 35:19 aOr woven garments
02-Exodus.indd 112 2/14/12 11:49 AM
113 EXODUS 36:35
36
“And Bezalel and Aholiab, and made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the
every gifted artisan in whom curtains to one another with the clasps,
the Lord has put wisdom and that it might be one tabernacle.
understanding, to know how to do all man- 14He made curtains of goats’ hair for the
ner of work for the service of the sanctuary, tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven
shall do according to all that the Lord has curtains. 15The length of each curtain was
commanded.” thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain
four cubits; the eleven curtains were the
The People Give More than same size. 16He coupled five curtains by
Enough themselves and six curtains by themselves.
17And he made fifty loops on the edge of the
2Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab,
and every gifted artisan in whose heart the curtain that is outermost in one set, and
Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose fifty loops he made on 18 the edge of the cur-
heart was stirred, to come and do the tain of the second set. He also made fifty
work. 3And they received from Moses all bronze clasps to couple the tent together,
the offering which the children of Israel that it might be one. Then he made a cov-
19
had brought for the work of the service of ering for the tent of ram skins dyed red, and
making the sanctuary. So they continued a covering of badger skins above that.
20For the tabernacle he made boards
bringing to him freewill offerings every
morning. 4Then all the craftsmen who of acacia wood, standing upright. The
21
were doing all the work of the sanctuary length of each board was ten cubits, and
came, each from the work he was doing, 22 the width of each board a cubit and a half.
5and they spoke to Moses, saying, “The Each board had two tenons for binding
people bring much more than enough for one to another. Thus he made for all the
the service of the work which the Lord boards of the tabernacle. And he made
23
boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards
commanded us to do.”
6So Moses gave a commandment, and for the south side. 24Forty sockets of silver
he made to go under the twenty boards:
they caused it to be proclaimed through-
two sockets under each of the boards for its
out the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor
two tenons. 25And for the other side of the
woman do any more work for the offering
tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty
of the sanctuary.” And the people were re-
boards 26and their forty sockets of silver:
strained from bringing, for the material
7
two sockets under each of the boards. 27For
they had was sufficient for all the work to
the west side of the tabernacle he made six
be done—indeed too much.
boards. 28He also made two boards for the
two back corners of the tabernacle. 29And
Building the Tabernacle
they were coupled at the bottom and cou-
8Then all the gifted artisans among them
pled together at the top by one ring. Thus
who worked on the tabernacle made ten he made both of them for the two corners.
curtains woven of fine linen, and of blue, 30So there were eight boards and their
purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic sockets— sixteen sockets of silver— two
designs of cherubim they made them. sockets under each of the boards.
9The length of each curtain was twenty- 31And he made bars of acacia wood:
eight cubits, and the width of each curtain five for the boards on one side of the tab-
four cubits; the curtains were all the same ernacle, 32five bars for the boards on the
size. 10And he coupled five curtains to one other side of the tabernacle, and five bars
another, and the other five curtains he for the boards of the tabernacle on the far
coupled to one another. 11He made loops of side westward. 33And he made the middle
blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on the bar to pass through the boards from one
selvedge of one set; likewise he did on the end to the other. 34He overlaid the boards
outer edge of the other curtain of the second with gold, made their rings of gold to be
set. 12Fifty loops he made on one curtain, holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars
and fifty loops he made on the edge of the with gold.
curtain on the end of the second set; the 35And he made a veil of blue, purple, and
loops held one curtain to another. 13And he scarlet thread, and fine woven linen; it was
02-Exodus.indd 113 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 36:36 114
worked with an artistic design of cherubim. were close to the frame, as holders for the
36He made for it four pillars of acacia wood, poles to bear the table. 15And he made the
and overlaid them with gold, with their poles of acacia wood to bear the table, and
hooks of gold; and he cast four sockets of overlaid them with gold. 16He made of pure
silver for them. gold the utensils which were on the table:
37He also made a screen for the tab- its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitch-
ernacle door, of blue, purple, and scarlet ers for pouring.
thread, and fine woven linen, made by
a weaver, 38and its five pillars with their
hooks. And he overlaid their capitals and Exodus 37:17, 18
their rings with gold, but their five sockets The lampstand had seven branches,
were bronze. with a lamp on each branch. The
lamps themselves were small cups
Making the Ark that were partially closed on top,
of the Testimony with an opening just large enough
for a wick. The lamp fuel of choice in
37
Then Bezalel made the ark of ancient days was olive oil.
acacia wood; two and a half cu-
bits was its length, a cubit and
a half its width, and a cubit and a half its
Making the Gold Lampstand
height. 2He overlaid it with pure gold inside
and outside, and made a molding of gold 17He also made the lampstand of pure gold;
all around it. 3And he cast for it four rings of hammered work he made the lamp-
of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings stand. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its
on one side, and two rings on the other side ornamental knobs, and its flowers were
of it. 4He made poles of acacia wood, and of the same piece. 18And six branches
overlaid them with gold. 5And he put the came out of its sides: three branches of
poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, the lampstand out of one side, and three
to bear the ark. 6He also made the mercy branches of the lampstand out of the other
seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits was side. 19There were three bowls made like
its length and a cubit and a half its width. almond blossoms on one branch, with an
7He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he ornamental knob and a flower, and three
made them of one piece at the two ends bowls made like almond blossoms on the
of the mercy seat: 8one cherub at one end other branch, with an ornamental knob
on this side, and the other cherub at the and a flower—and so for the six branches
other end on that side. He made the cheru- coming out of the lampstand. 20And on the
bim at the two ends of one piece with the lampstand itself were four bowls made like
mercy seat. 9The cherubim spread out their almond blossoms, each with its ornamen-
wings above, and covered the mercy seat tal knob and flower. 21There was a knob
with their wings. They faced one another; under the first two branches of the same,
the faces of the cherubim were toward the a knob under the second two branches of
mercy seat. the same, and a knob under the third two
branches of the same, according to the six
Making the Table for branches extending from it. 22Their knobs
the Showbread and their branches were of one piece; all of
10He made the table of acacia wood; two
it was one hammered piece of pure gold.
23And he made its seven lamps, its wick-
cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. 24Of a
a cubit and a half its height. 11And he over- talent of pure gold he made it, with all its
laid it with pure gold, and made a molding utensils.
of gold all around it. 12Also he made a
frame of a handbreadth all around it, and
made a molding of gold for the frame all Making the Altar of Incense
around it. 13And he cast for it four rings 25He made the incense altar of acacia
of gold, and put the rings on the four cor- wood. Its length was a cubit and its width a
ners that were at its four legs. 14The rings cubit—it was square—and two cubits was
02-Exodus.indd 114 2/14/12 11:49 AM
115 EXODUS 38:23
its height. Its horns were of one piece with it. long, with twenty pillars and their twenty
26And he overlaid it with pure gold: its top, bronze sockets. The hooks of the pillars
its sides all around, and its horns. He also and their bands were silver. 12And on the
made for it a molding of gold all around it. west side there were hangings of fifty cubits,
27He made two rings of gold for it under its with ten pillars and their ten sockets. The
molding, by its two corners on both sides, hooks of the pillars and their bands were
as holders for the poles with which to bear silver. 13For the east side the hangings were
it. 28And he made the poles of acacia wood, fifty cubits. 14The hangings of one side of
and overlaid them with gold. the gate were fifteen cubits long, with their
three pillars and their three sockets, 15and
Making the Anointing Oil the same for the other side of the court
and the Incense gate; on this side and that were hangings
29He also made the holy anointing oil and of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars
the pure incense of sweet spices, according and their three sockets. 16All the hangings
to the work of the perfumer. of the court all around were of fine woven
linen. 17The sockets for the pillars were
Making the Altar of Burnt bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their
Offering bands were silver, and the overlay of their
capitals was silver; and all the pillars of the
38
He made the altar of burnt court had bands of silver. 18The screen for
offering of acacia wood; five the gate of the court was woven of blue,
cubits was its length and five purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine wo-
cubits its width—it was square—and its ven linen. The length was twenty cubits,
height was three cubits. 2He made its and the height along its width was five
horns on its four corners; the horns were cubits, corresponding to the hangings of
of one piece with it. And he overlaid it with the court. 19And there were four pillars with
bronze. 3He made all the utensils for the their four sockets of bronze; their hooks
altar: the pans, the shovels, the basins, the were silver, and the overlay of their capitals
forks, and the firepans; all its utensils he and their bands was silver. 20All the pegs of
made of bronze. 4And he made a grate of the tabernacle, and of the court all around,
bronze network for the altar, under its rim, were bronze.
midway from the bottom. 5He cast four
rings for the four corners of the bronze
Materials of the Tabernacle
grating, as holders for the poles. 6And he
made the poles of acacia wood, and over- 21This is the inventory of the tabernacle,
laid them with bronze. 7Then he put the the tabernacle of the Testimony, which was
poles into the rings on the sides of the al- counted according to the commandment
tar, with which to bear it. He made the altar of Moses, for the service of the Levites,
hollow with boards. by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aaron the
priest.
Making the Bronze Laver
8He made the laver of bronze and its base
of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the
Exodus 38:21–31
The inner part of the tabernacle was
serving women who assembled at the door
the worship area. Only gold and silver,
of the tabernacle of meeting.
the finest and most expensive metals,
Making the Court
were good enough to be used as deco-
of the Tabernacle rations for the holy area. The outer
area of the tabernacle was decorated
9Then he made the court on the south side;
with bronze, a less expensive metal.
the hangings of the court were of fine wo-
ven linen, one hundred cubits long. 10There
were twenty pillars for them, with twenty 22Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of
bronze sockets. The hooks of the pillars the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord
and their bands were silver. 11On the north had commanded Moses. 23And with him
side the hangings were one hundred cubits was Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the
02-Exodus.indd 115 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 38:24 116
tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer, a edges. 5And the intricately woven band of
weaver of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, his ephod that was on it was of the same
and of fine linen. workmanship, woven of gold, blue, purple,
24All the gold that was used in all the and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen,
work of the holy place, that is, the gold of as the Lord had commanded Moses.
the offering, was twenty-nine talents and 6And they set onyx stones, enclosed in
seven hundred and thirty shekels, accord- settings of gold; they were engraved, as sig-
ing to the shekel of the sanctuary. 25And nets are engraved, with the names of the
the silver from those who were numbered sons of Israel. 7He put them on the shoul-
of the congregation was one hundred tal- ders of the ephod as memorial stones for
ents and one thousand seven hundred the sons of Israel, as the Lord had com-
and seventy-five shekels, according to the manded Moses.
shekel of the sanctuary: 26a bekah for each
man (that is, half a shekel, according to Making the Breastplate
the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone 8And he made the breastplate, artistically
included in the numbering from twenty woven like the workmanship of the ephod,
years old and above, for six hundred and of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread,
three thousand, five hundred and fifty men. and of fine woven linen. 9They made the
27And from the hundred talents of silver
breastplate square by doubling it; a span
were cast the sockets of the sanctuary and was its length and a span its width when
the bases of the veil: one hundred sockets doubled. 10And they set in it four rows of
from the hundred talents, one talent for stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and
each socket. 28Then from the one thousand an emerald was the first row; 11the second
seven hundred and seventy-five shekels he row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a dia-
made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their mond; 12the third row, a jacinth, an agate,
capitals, and made bands for them. and an amethyst; 13the fourth row, a beryl,
29The offering of bronze was seventy tal-
an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in
ents and two thousand four hundred shek- settings of gold in their mountings. 14There
els. 30And with it he made the sockets for were twelve stones according to the names
the door of the tabernacle of meeting, the of the sons of Israel: according to their
bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, and names, engraved like a signet, each one
all the utensils for the altar, 31the sockets with its own name according to the twelve
for the court all around, the bases for the tribes. 15And they made chains for the
court gate, all the pegs for the tabernacle, breastplate at the ends, like braided cords
and all the pegs for the court all around. of pure gold. 16They also made two settings
of gold and two gold rings, and put the two
Making the Garments rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
of the Priesthood 17And they put the two braided chains of
39
Of the blue, purple, and scarlet gold in the two rings on the ends of the
thread they made garments of breastplate. 18The two ends of the two
ministry,a for ministering in the braided chains they fastened in the two set-
holy place, and made the holy garments tings, and put them on the shoulder straps
for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded of the ephod in the front. 19And they made
Moses. two rings of gold and put them on the two
ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it,
Making the Ephod which was on the inward side of the ephod.
20They made two other gold rings and put
2He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple,
them on the two shoulder straps, under-
and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. neath the ephod toward its front, right at
3And they beat the gold into thin sheets
the seam above the intricately woven band
and cut it into threads, to work it in with of the ephod. 21And they bound the breast-
the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and plate by means of its rings to the rings of
the fine linen, into artistic designs. 4They the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would
made shoulder straps for it to couple it to-
gether; it was coupled together at its two 39:1 aOr woven garments
02-Exodus.indd 116 2/14/12 11:49 AM
117 EXODUS 40:8
be above the intricately woven band of the the Lord had commanded Moses; so they
ephod, and that the breastplate would not did. 33And they brought the tabernacle to
come loose from the ephod, as the Lord Moses, the tent and all its furnishings: its
had commanded Moses. clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its
sockets; 34the covering of ram skins dyed
Making the Other Priestly red, the covering of badger skins, and the
Garments veil of the covering; 35the ark of the Testi-
22He made the robe of the ephod of wo- mony with its poles, and the mercy seat;
36the table, all its utensils, and the show-
ven work, all of blue. 23And there was an
opening in the middle of the robe, like the bread; 37the pure gold lampstand with its
opening in a coat of mail, with a woven lamps (the lamps set in order), all its uten-
binding all around the opening, so that it sils, and the oil for light; 38the gold altar,
would not tear. 24They made on the hem of the anointing oil, and the sweet incense;
the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, and the screen for the tabernacle door; 39the
scarlet, and of fine woven linen. 25And they bronze altar, its grate of bronze, its poles,
made bells of pure gold, and put the bells and all its utensils; the laver with its base;
40the hangings of the court, its pillars and
between the pomegranates on the hem
of the robe all around between the pome- its sockets, the screen for the court gate,
granates: 26a bell and a pomegranate, a bell its cords, and its pegs; all the utensils for
and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of
the robe to minister in, as the Lord had meeting; 41and the garments of ministry,a
commanded Moses. to minister in the holy place: the holy gar-
ments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’
garments, to minister as priests.
Exodus 39:24–26 42According to all that the Lord had
In ancient times, purple was worn commanded Moses, so the children of Is-
only by the wealthy. The dye came rael did all the work. 43Then Moses looked
from a shellfish that lived in the over all the work, and indeed they had
Mediterranean Sea. Preparing it was done it; as the Lord had commanded, just
difficult and expensive. Red and blue so they had done it. And Moses blessed
dyes were also very valuable. them.
The Tabernacle Erected
27They made tunics, artistically woven and Arranged
of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28a
40
Then the Lord spoke to Moses,
turban of fine linen, exquisite hats of fine
saying: 2“On the first day of the
linen, short trousers of fine woven linen,
29and a sash of fine woven linen with first month you shall set up
the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3You
blue, purple, and scarlet thread, made by
a weaver, as the Lord had commanded shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, and
Moses. partition off the ark with the veil. 4You shall
30Then they made the plate of the holy bring in the table and arrange the things
crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an in- that are to be set in order on it; and you
scription like the engraving of a signet: shall bring in the lampstand and light its
lamps. 5You shall also set the altar of gold
HOLINESS TO THE LORD. for the incense before the ark of the Testi-
mony, and put up the screen for the door of
31And they tied to it a blue cord, to fasten the tabernacle. 6Then you shall set the altar
it above on the turban, as the Lord had of the burnt offering before the door of the
commanded Moses. tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 7And you
shall set the laver between the tabernacle
The Work Completed of meeting and the altar, and put water in
it. 8You shall set up the court all around,
32Thus all the work of the tabernacle of
and hang up the screen at the court gate.
the tent of meeting was finished. And the
children of Israel did according to all that 39:41 aOr woven garments
02-Exodus.indd 117 2/14/12 11:49 AM
EXODUS 40:9 118
9“And you shall take the anointing oil, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in 24He put the lampstand in the tabernacle
it; and you shall hallow it and all its uten- of meeting, across from the table, on the
sils, and it shall be holy. 10You shall anoint south side of the tabernacle; 25and he lit
the altar of the burnt offering and all its the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord
utensils, and consecrate the altar. The altar had commanded Moses. 26He put the gold
shall be most holy. 11And you shall anoint altar in the tabernacle of meeting in front
the laver and its base, and consecrate it. of the veil; 27and he burned sweet incense
12“Then you shall bring Aaron and on it, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
28He hung up the screen at the door of the
his sons to the door of the tabernacle of
meeting and wash them with water. 13You tabernacle. 29And he put the altar of burnt
shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and offering before the door of the tabernacle
anoint him and consecrate him, that he of the tent of meeting, and offered upon it
may minister to Me as priest. 14And you the burnt offering and the grain offering, as
shall bring his sons and clothe them with the Lord had commanded Moses. 30He set
tunics. 15You shall anoint them, as you the laver between the tabernacle of meet-
anointed their father, that they may min- ing and the altar, and put water there for
ister to Me as priests; for their anointing washing; 31and Moses, Aaron, and his sons
shall surely be an everlasting priesthood would wash their hands and their feet with
throughout their generations.” water from it. 32Whenever they went into
16Thus Moses did; according to all that the tabernacle of meeting, and when they
the Lord had commanded him, so he did. came near the altar, they washed, as the
17And it came to pass in the first month Lord had commanded Moses. 33And he
of the second year, on the first day of the raised up the court all around the taberna-
month, that the tabernacle was raised up. cle and the altar, and hung up the screen of
18So Moses raised up the tabernacle, fas- the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
tened its sockets, set up its boards, put in
its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19And he The Cloud and the Glory
spread out the tent over the tabernacle 34Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of
and put the covering of the tent on top of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled
it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. the tabernacle. 35And Moses was not able
20He took the Testimony and put it into the
to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because
ark, inserted the poles through the rings of the cloud rested above it, and the glory of
the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36When-
the ark. 21And he brought the ark into the ever the cloud was taken up from above
tabernacle, hung up the veil of the cov- the tabernacle, the children of Israel would
ering, and partitioned off the ark of the go onward in all their journeys. 37But if the
Testimony, as the Lord had commanded cloud was not taken up, then they did not
Moses. journey till the day that it was taken up.
22He put the table in the tabernacle of 38For the cloud of the Lord was above the
meeting, on the north side of the taber- tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by
nacle, outside the veil; 23and he set the night, in the sight of all the house of Israel,
bread in order upon it before the Lord, throughout all their journeys.
02-Exodus.indd 118 2/14/12 11:49 AM
Leviticus
Date of writing: 1445–1440 B.C.
Author: Traditionally, Moses
Theme: The Sanctity of God and Holiness in
Everyday Life
Purpose: We worship God by the way we live as
well as by celebrating His goodness.
Outline
1:1—7:38 �������������Laws About Offerings
8:1–36 ������������������Anointing the Priests
9:1–24 ������������������Aaron’s First Offerings
10:1–20 ����������������Two Priests Are Killed
11:1—15:33 ��������Laws About What Is Clean and Unclean
16:1–34 ����������������Laws About the Day of Atonement
17:1—20:27 ��������Laws on Various Subjects
21:1—22:33 ��������Rules for Priests to Follow
23:1—25:55 ��������Instructions for Religious Feasts
26:1–46 ����������������Blessings and Punishments
27:1–34 ����������������Laws About Promises and Offerings to the Lord
Key Verse:
“Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am
the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes,
and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you”
(Leviticus 20:7, 8).
03-Leviticus.indd 119 2/14/12 11:49 AM
Then /// When you hear someone say, “I never knew that was in the
Bible!” they could be talking about the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus was like
a “Basic Holiness & Survival Guide” for the Hebrews as they wandered
through the wilderness. It was an instruction manual for the priests. It discussed
everything from mildew to baldness to skin disease to sacrifices to holiness.
This group of people was on a forty-year camping trip. Just staying alive, clean, and
well was a huge task, not to mention maintaining their faith and a right relationship with
God.
So God introduced the concept of clean and unclean. He applied it to their lives in this
housekeeping/faith-keeping book. To us it can seem a bit nit-picky, but to them it was life
changing. God wanted them to know how to live and prosper as people set apart to Him.
And all the good results from living this way would testify to all the people around them of
God’s power and holiness.
Now /// It may seem difficult at first to wade through all the
instructions in Leviticus. But we can learn from this entire book more about
the holiness of God and how much He loves His people. We can learn about
how generous God is, and how His people can be generous as well. We can learn the
importance of living holy lives in response to this great love from God.
Because Jesus Christ has become our ultimate sacrifice, we don’t have to look to
Leviticus for each small ritual to perform. But we can look to Leviticus to show us how
amazing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was on our behalf. We can look to Leviticus to be
reminded what a great privilege it is to give our best to God.
Reality Check /// We read a lot about sacrifices in the Old
Testament books. In fact, the tabernacle and the temple were both built
around places where people slaughtered and then barbecued animals,
sacrificing them to God. Does this seem a little barbaric in our modern world? There are
two things you might consider:
First, the sacrifices in the temple were a picture of the sacrifice that Jesus eventually
made for all of us. He basically put Himself on that wooden altar (the cross) and spilled
His blood and gave His life.
Second, as gross as a sacrifice might seem to you—that’s how gross our sin is to a holy
God. We should be just that repulsed by our own sin. It’s something to think about.
The Burnt Offering
Leviticus 1:1–4
1
Now the Lord called to Moses, and
spoke to him from the tabernacle of The animal being sacrificed repre-
meeting, saying, 2“Speak to the chil- sented the person who was offering it
dren of Israel, and say to them: ‘When any to God. The death of the animal was
one of you brings an offering to the Lord, payment for the person’s sins. Touch-
you shall bring your offering of the live- ing the animal on the head was one of
stock—of the herd and of the flock. many symbolic gestures included in
3‘If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the the sacrifice.
herd, let him offer a male without blemish;
he shall offer it of his own free will at the around on the altar that is by the door of
door of the tabernacle of meeting before the tabernacle of meeting. 6And he shall
the Lord. 4Then he shall put his hand on skin the burnt offering and cut it into its
the head of the burnt offering, and it will be pieces. 7The sons of Aaron the priest shall
accepted on his behalf to make atonement put fire on the altar, and lay the wood in
for him. 5He shall kill the bull before the order on the fire. 8Then the priests, Aaron’s
Lord; and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the
bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all fat in order on the wood that is on the
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121 LEVITICUS 3:1
fire upon the altar; 9but he shall wash its leavened, mixed with oil. 6You shall break
entrails and its legs with water. And the it in pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain
priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt offering.
sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet
aroma to the Lord.
10‘If his offering is of the flocks—of the Leviticus 2:1
sheep or of the goats—as a burnt sacrifice, Blood was used only in sacrifices that
he shall bring a male without blemish. 11He were made for the forgiveness of sins.
shall kill it on the north side of the altar The sacrifices to give thanks to the
before the Lord; and the priests, Aaron’s Lord, also known as grain offerings,
sons, shall sprinkle its blood all around served as a reminder of how the Lord
on the altar. 12And he shall cut it into its cared for the Israelites as He led them
pieces, with its head and its fat; and the out of Egypt.
priest shall lay them in order on the wood
that is on the fire upon the altar; 13but he
7‘If your offering is a grain offering baked
shall wash the entrails and the legs with
water. Then the priest shall bring it all and in a covered pan, it shall be made of fine
burn it on the altar; it is a burnt sacrifice, flour with oil. 8You shall bring the grain
an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to offering that is made of these things to
the Lord. the Lord. And when it is presented to the
14‘And if the burnt sacrifice of his offer- priest, he shall bring it to the altar. 9Then
ing to the Lord is of birds, then he shall the priest shall take from the grain offer-
bring his offering of turtledoves or young ing a memorial portion, and burn it on the
pigeons. 15The priest shall bring it to the altar. It is an offering made by fire, a sweet
altar, wring off its head, and burn it on aroma to the Lord. 10And what is left of the
the altar; its blood shall be drained out at grain offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.
the side of the altar. 16And he shall remove It is most holy of the offerings to the Lord
its crop with its feathers and cast it beside made by fire.
11‘No grain offering which you bring to
the altar on the east side, into the place for
ashes. 17Then he shall split it at its wings, the Lord shall be made with leaven, for
but shall not divide it completely; and the you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in
priest shall burn it on the altar, on the any offering to the Lord made by fire. 12As
wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt sac- for the offering of the firstfruits, you shall
rifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet offer them to the Lord, but they shall not
aroma to the Lord. be burned on the altar for a sweet aroma.
13And every offering of your grain offering
The Grain Offering you shall season with salt; you shall not al-
2
‘When anyone offers a grain offering low the salt of the covenant of your God to
to the Lord, his offering shall be of be lacking from your grain offering. With
fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, all your offerings you shall offer salt.
14‘If you offer a grain offering of your first-
and put frankincense on it. 2He shall bring
it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom fruits to the Lord, you shall offer for the
shall take from it his handful of fine flour grain offering of your firstfruits green heads
and oil with all the frankincense. And the of grain roasted on the fire, grain beaten
priest shall burn it as a memorial on the al- from full heads. 15And you shall put oil on
tar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma it, and lay frankincense on it. It is a grain of-
to the Lord. 3The rest of the grain offering fering. 16Then the priest shall burn the me-
shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is most holy morial portion: part of its beaten grain and
of the offerings to the Lord made by fire. part of its oil, with all the frankincense, as
4‘And if you bring as an offering a grain an offering made by fire to the Lord.
offering baked in the oven, it shall be un-
The Peace Offering
leavened cakes of fine flour mixed with
3
oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with ‘When his offering is a sacrifice of a
oil. 5But if your offering is a grain offering peace offering, if he offers it of the
baked in a pan, it shall be of fine flour, un- herd, whether male or female, he
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LEVITICUS 3:2 122
shall offer it without blemish before the dwellings: you shall eat neither fat nor
Lord. 2And he shall lay his hand on the blood.’ ”
head of his offering, and kill it at the door
of the tabernacle of meeting; and Aaron’s The Sin Offering
4
sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood Now the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
all around on the altar. 3Then he shall offer ing, 2“Speak to the children of Israel,
from the sacrifice of the peace offering an saying: ‘If a person sins unintention-
offering made by fire to the Lord. The fat ally against any of the commandments
that covers the entrails and all the fat that is of the Lord in anything which ought not
on the entrails, 4the two kidneys and the fat to be done, and does any of them, 3if the
that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the
lobe attached to the liver above the kid- people, then let him offer to the Lord for
neys, he shall remove; 5and Aaron’s sons his sin which he has sinned a young bull
shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt without blemish as a sin offering. 4He shall
sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on bring the bull to the door of the tabernacle
the fire, as an offering made by fire, a sweet of meeting before the Lord, lay his hand on
aroma to the Lord. the bull’s head, and kill the bull before the
6‘If his offering as a sacrifice of a peace
Lord. 5Then the anointed priest shall take
offering to the Lord is of the flock, whether some of the bull’s blood and bring it to the
male or female, he shall offer it without tabernacle of meeting. 6The priest shall dip
blemish. 7If he offers a lamb as his offering, his finger in the blood and sprinkle some
then he shall offer it before the Lord. 8And of the blood seven times before the Lord,
he shall lay his hand on the head of his of- in front of the veil of the sanctuary. 7And
fering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the priest shall put some of the blood on
meeting; and Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its the horns of the altar of sweet incense be-
blood all around on the altar. fore the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of
9‘Then he shall offer from the sacrifice
meeting; and he shall pour the remaining
of the peace offering, as an offering made blood of the bull at the base of the altar of
by fire to the Lord, its fat and the whole the burnt offering, which is at the door of
fat tail which he shall remove close to the the tabernacle of meeting. 8He shall take
backbone. And the fat that covers the en- from it all the fat of the bull as the sin of-
trails and all the fat that is on the entrails, fering. The fat that covers the entrails and
10the two kidneys and the fat that is on
all the fat which is on the entrails, 9the two
them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe at- kidneys and the fat that is on them by the
tached to the liver above the kidneys, he flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the
shall remove; 11and the priest shall burn liver above the kidneys, he shall remove,
them on the altar as food, an offering made 10as it was taken from the bull of the sac-
by fire to the Lord. rifice of the peace offering; and the priest
12‘And if his offering is a goat, then he
shall burn them on the altar of the burnt
shall offer it before the Lord. 13He shall offering. 11But the bull’s hide and all its
lay his hand on its head and kill it before flesh, with its head and legs, its entrails and
the tabernacle of meeting; and the sons of offal— 12the whole bull he shall carry out-
Aaron shall sprinkle its blood all around on side the camp to a clean place, where the
the altar. 14Then he shall offer from it his ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood
offering, as an offering made by fire to the with fire; where the ashes are poured out it
Lord. The fat that covers the entrails and shall be burned.
all the fat that is on the entrails, 15the two 13‘Now if the whole congregation of Is-
kidneys and the fat that is on them by the rael sins unintentionally, and the thing is
flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and
liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; they have done something against any of the
16and the priest shall burn them on the al- commandments of the Lord in anything
tar as food, an offering made by fire for a which should not be done, and are guilty;
sweet aroma; all the fat is the Lord’s. 14when the sin which they have committed
17‘This shall be a perpetual statute becomes known, then the assembly shall
throughout your generations in all your offer a young bull for the sin, and bring it
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123 LEVITICUS 5:6
before the tabernacle of meeting. 15And the offering. 30Then the priest shall take some
elders of the congregation shall lay their of its blood with his finger, put it on the
hands on the head of the bull before the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and
Lord. Then the bull shall be killed before pour all the remaining blood at the base of
the Lord. 16The anointed priest shall bring the altar. 31He shall remove all its fat, as fat
some of the bull’s blood to the tabernacle is removed from the sacrifice of the peace
of meeting. 17Then the priest shall dip his offering; and the priest shall burn it on the
finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven altar for a sweet aroma to the Lord. So the
times before the Lord, in front of the veil. priest shall make atonement for him, and it
18And he shall put some of the blood on the shall be forgiven him.
horns of the altar which is before the Lord, 32‘If he brings a lamb as his sin offering,
which is in the tabernacle of meeting; and he shall bring a female without blemish.
he shall pour the remaining blood at the 33Then he shall lay his hand on the head
base of the altar of burnt offering, which of the sin offering, and kill it as a sin offer-
is at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ing at the place where they kill the burnt
19He shall take all the fat from it and burn offering. 34The priest shall take some of the
it on the altar. 20And he shall do with the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put
bull as he did with the bull as a sin offering; it on the horns of the altar of burnt offer-
thus he shall do with it. So the priest shall ing, and pour all the remaining blood at the
make atonement for them, and it shall be base of the altar. 35He shall remove all its
forgiven them. 21Then he shall carry the fat, as the fat of the lamb is removed from
bull outside the camp, and burn it as he the sacrifice of the peace offering. Then the
burned the first bull. It is a sin offering for priest shall burn it on the altar, according
the assembly. to the offerings made by fire to the Lord.
22‘When a ruler has sinned, and done So the priest shall make atonement for his
something unintentionally against any of sin that he has committed, and it shall be
the commandments of the Lord his God forgiven him.
in anything which should not be done, and
is guilty, 23or if his sin which he has com- The Trespass Offering
5
mitted comes to his knowledge, he shall ‘If a person sins in hearing the ut-
bring as his offering a kid of the goats, a terance of an oath, and is a witness,
male without blemish. 24And he shall lay whether he has seen or known of the
his hand on the head of the goat, and kill matter—if he does not tell it, he bears guilt.
it at the place where they kill the burnt of- 2‘Or if a person touches any unclean
fering before the Lord. It is a sin offering. thing, whether it is the carcass of an un-
25The priest shall take some of the blood
clean beast, or the carcass of unclean live-
of the sin offering with his finger, put it stock, or the carcass of unclean creeping
on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, things, and he is unaware of it, he also shall
and pour its blood at the base of the altar be unclean and guilty. 3Or if he touches hu-
of burnt offering. 26And he shall burn all its man uncleanness—whatever uncleanness
fat on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of with which a man may be defiled, and he is
the peace offering. So the priest shall make unaware of it—when he realizes it, then he
atonement for him concerning his sin, and shall be guilty.
it shall be forgiven him. 4‘Or if a person swears, speaking
27‘If anyone of the common people sins thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to
unintentionally by doing something against do good, whatever it is that a man may
any of the commandments of the Lord in pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware
anything which ought not to be done, and of it—when he realizes it, then he shall be
is guilty, 28or if his sin which he has com- guilty in any of these matters.
mitted comes to his knowledge, then he 5‘And it shall be, when he is guilty in any
shall bring as his offering a kid of the goats, of these matters, that he shall confess that
a female without blemish, for his sin which he has sinned in that thing; 6and he shall
he has committed. 29And he shall lay his bring his trespass offering to the Lord for
hand on the head of the sin offering, and his sin which he has committed, a female
kill the sin offering at the place of the burnt from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats
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LEVITICUS 5:7 124
as a sin offering. So the priest shall make though he does not know it, yet he is guilty
atonement for him concerning his sin. and shall bear his iniquity. 18And he shall
7‘If he is not able to bring a lamb, then bring to the priest a ram without blemish
he shall bring to the Lord, for his trespass from the flock, with your valuation, as a
which he has committed, two turtledoves trespass offering. So the priest shall make
or two young pigeons: one as a sin offering atonement for him regarding his ignorance
and the other as a burnt offering. 8And he in which he erred and did not know it, and
shall bring them to the priest, who shall it shall be forgiven him. 19It is a trespass of-
offer that which is for the sin offering first, fering; he has certainly trespassed against
and wring off its head from its neck, but the Lord.”
6
shall not divide it completely. 9Then he And the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin ing: 2“If a person sins and commits
offering on the side of the altar, and the a trespass against the Lord by lying
rest of the blood shall be drained out at the to his neighbor about what was delivered
base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10And to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge,
he shall offer the second as a burnt offering or about a robbery, or if he has extorted
according to the prescribed manner. So the from his neighbor, 3or if he has found what
priest shall make atonement on his behalf was lost and lies concerning it, and swears
for his sin which he has committed, and it falsely—in any one of these things that a
shall be forgiven him. man may do in which he sins: 4then it shall
11‘But if he is not able to bring two be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that
turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall restore what he has stolen, or the
he who sinned shall bring for his offering thing which he has extorted, or what was
one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost
offering. He shall put no oil on it, nor shall thing which he found, 5or all that about
he put frankincense on it, for it is a sin of- which he has sworn falsely. He shall re-
fering. 12Then he shall bring it to the priest, store its full value, add one-fifth more to it,
and the priest shall take his handful of it as and give it to whomever it belongs, on the
a memorial portion, and burn it on the al- day of his trespass offering. 6And he shall
tar according to the offerings made by fire bring his trespass offering to the Lord, a
to the Lord. It is a sin offering. 13The priest ram without blemish from the flock, with
shall make atonement for him, for his sin your valuation, as a trespass offering, to
that he has committed in any of these mat- the priest. 7So the priest shall make atone-
ters; and it shall be forgiven him. The rest ment for him before the Lord, and he shall
shall be the priest’s as a grain offering.’ ” be forgiven for any one of these things that
he may have done in which he trespasses.”
Offerings with Restitution
14Then The Law of the Burnt Offering
the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
15“If a person commits a trespass, and 8Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
sins unintentionally in regard to the holy 9“Command Aaron and his sons, saying,
things of the Lord, then he shall bring to ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: The
the Lord as his trespass offering a ram burnt offering shall be on the hearth upon
without blemish from the flocks, with your the altar all night until morning, and the
valuation in shekels of silver according to fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it.
the shekel of the sanctuary, as a trespass 10And the priest shall put on his linen gar-
offering. 16And he shall make restitution ment, and his linen trousers he shall put on
for the harm that he has done in regard to his body, and take up the ashes of the burnt
the holy thing, and shall add one-fifth to it offering which the fire has consumed on
and give it to the priest. So the priest shall the altar, and he shall put them beside the
make atonement for him with the ram of altar. 11Then he shall take off his garments,
the trespass offering, and it shall be for- put on other garments, and carry the ashes
given him. outside the camp to a clean place. 12And
17“If a person sins, and commits any the fire on the altar shall be kept burning
of these things which are forbidden to be on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest
done by the commandments of the Lord, shall burn wood on it every morning, and
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125 LEVITICUS 7:12
lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he flesh must be holy.a And when its blood is
shall burn on it the fat of the peace offer- sprinkled on any garment, you shall wash
ings. 13A fire shall always be burning on the that on which it was sprinkled, in a holy
altar; it shall never go out. place. 28But the earthen vessel in which it is
boiled shall be broken. And if it is boiled in
The Law of the Grain Offering a bronze pot, it shall be both scoured and
14‘This is the law of the grain offering: The
rinsed in water. 29All the males among the
priests may eat it. It is most holy. 30But no
sons of Aaron shall offer it on the altar be- sin offering from which any of the blood is
fore the Lord. 15He shall take from it his brought into the tabernacle of meeting, to
handful of the fine flour of the grain offer- make atonement in the holy place,a shall be
ing, with its oil, and all the frankincense eaten. It shall be burned in the fire.
which is on the grain offering, and shall
burn it on the altar for a sweet aroma, as a The Law of the Trespass
memorial to the Lord. 16And the remain- Offering
der of it Aaron and his sons shall eat; with
7
unleavened bread it shall be eaten in a ‘Likewise this is the law of the tres-
holy place; in the court of the tabernacle pass offering (it is most holy): 2In the
of meeting they shall eat it. 17It shall not place where they kill the burnt offer-
be baked with leaven. I have given it as ing they shall kill the trespass offering. And
their portion of My offerings made by fire; its blood he shall sprinkle all around on
it is most holy, like the sin offering and the the altar. 3And he shall offer from it all its
trespass offering. 18All the males among fat. The fat tail and the fat that covers the
the children of Aaron may eat it. It shall be entrails, 4the two kidneys and the fat that
a statute forever in your generations con- is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe
cerning the offerings made by fire to the attached to the liver above the kidneys, he
Lord. Everyone who touches them must shall remove; 5and the priest shall burn
be holy.’ ”a them on the altar as an offering made by
19And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, fire to the Lord. It is a trespass offering.
6Every male among the priests may eat it.
20“This is the offering of Aaron and his sons,
which they shall offer to the Lord, begin- It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most
ning on the day when he is anointed: one- holy. 7The trespass offering is like the sin
tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a daily offering; there is one law for them both: the
grain offering, half of it in the morning and priest who makes atonement with it shall
half of it at night. 21It shall be made in a pan have it. 8And the priest who offers any-
with oil. When it is mixed, you shall bring one’s burnt offering, that priest shall have
it in. The baked pieces of the grain offer- for himself the skin of the burnt offering
ing you shall offer for a sweet aroma to the which he has offered. 9Also every grain of-
Lord. 22The priest from among his sons, fering that is baked in the oven and all that
who is anointed in his place, shall offer it. is prepared in the covered pan, or in a pan,
It is a statute forever to the Lord. It shall shall be the priest’s who offers it. 10Every
be wholly burned. 23For every grain offer- grain offering, whether mixed with oil or
ing for the priest shall be wholly burned. It dry, shall belong to all the sons of Aaron, to
shall not be eaten.” one as much as the other.
The Law of Peace Offerings
The Law of the Sin Offering
11‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace of-
24Also the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
25“Speak
ferings which he shall offer to the Lord: 12If
to Aaron and to his sons, saying, he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall
‘This is the law of the sin offering: In the offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, un-
place where the burnt offering is killed, leavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened
the sin offering shall be killed before the
Lord. It is most holy. 26The priest who of- 6:18 aCompare Numbers 4:15 and Haggai 2:11–
fers it for sin shall eat it. In a holy place it 13 6:27 aCompare Numbers 4:15 and Haggai
shall be eaten, in the court of the taberna- 2:11–13 6:30 aThe Most Holy Place when
cle of meeting. 27Everyone who touches its capitalized
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LEVITICUS 7:13 126
wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of any blood, that person shall be cut off from
blended flour mixed with oil. 13Besides the his people.’ ”
cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened
bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of The Portion of Aaron
his peace offering. 14And from it he shall of- and His Sons
fer one cake from each offering as a heave 28Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
offering to the Lord. It shall belong to the 29“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘He
priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace who offers the sacrifice of his peace offering
offering. to the Lord shall bring his offering to the
15‘The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace
Lord from the sacrifice of his peace offering.
offering for thanksgiving shall be eaten the 30His own hands shall bring the offerings
same day it is offered. He shall not leave made by fire to the Lord. The fat with the
any of it until morning. 16But if the sacrifice breast he shall bring, that the breast may be
of his offering is a vow or a voluntary offer- waved as a wave offering before the Lord.
ing, it shall be eaten the same day that he 31And the priest shall burn the fat on the al-
offers his sacrifice; but on the next day the tar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his
remainder of it also may be eaten; 17the re- sons’. 32Also the right thigh you shall give to
mainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the the priest as a heave offering from the sac-
third day must be burned with fire. 18And if rifices of your peace offerings. 33He among
any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace the sons of Aaron, who offers the blood of
offering is eaten at all on the third day, it the peace offering and the fat, shall have the
shall not be accepted, nor shall it be im- right thigh for his part. 34For the breast of
puted to him; it shall be an abomination to the wave offering and the thigh of the heave
him who offers it, and the person who eats offering I have taken from the children of
of it shall bear guilt. Israel, from the sacrifices of their peace of-
19‘The flesh that touches any unclean
ferings, and I have given them to Aaron the
thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned priest and to his sons from the children of
with fire. And as for the clean flesh, all who Israel by a statute forever.’ ”
are clean may eat of it. 20But the person who 35This is the consecrated portion for
eats the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace Aaron and his sons, from the offerings
offering that belongs to the Lord, while he made by fire to the Lord, on the day when
is unclean, that person shall be cut off from Moses presented them to minister to the
his people. 21Moreover the person who Lord as priests. 36The Lord commanded
touches any unclean thing, such as human this to be given to them by the children of
uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any Israel, on the day that He anointed them,
abominable unclean thing,a and who eats by a statute forever throughout their gen-
the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace offer- erations.
ing that belongs to the Lord, that person 37This is the law of the burnt offering, the
shall be cut off from his people.’ ” grain offering, the sin offering, the trespass
offering, the consecrations, and the sacri-
Fat and Blood May Not fice of the peace offering, 38which the Lord
Be Eaten commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the
22And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, day when He commanded the children of
23“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: Israel to offer their offerings to the Lord in
‘You shall not eat any fat, of ox or sheep the Wilderness of Sinai.
or goat. 24And the fat of an animal that
dies naturally, and the fat of what is torn Aaron and His Sons
by wild beasts, may be used in any other Consecrated
8
way; but you shall by no means eat it. 25For And the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
whoever eats the fat of the animal of which ing: 2“Take Aaron and his sons with
men offer an offering made by fire to the him, and the garments, the anointing
Lord, the person who eats it shall be cut
off from his people. 26Moreover you shall 7:21 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
not eat any blood in any of your dwellings, and Vulgate; Samaritan Pentateuch, Syriac, and
whether of bird or beast. 27Whoever eats Targum read swarming thing (compare 5:2).
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127 LEVITICUS 8:31
oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and killed it. Then he sprinkled the blood all
a basket of unleavened bread; 3and gather around on the altar. 20And he cut the ram
all the congregation together at the door of into pieces; and Moses burned the head,
the tabernacle of meeting.” the pieces, and the fat. 21Then he washed
4So Moses did as the Lord commanded the entrails and the legs in water. And Mo-
him. And the congregation was gathered ses burned the whole ram on the altar. It
together at the door of the tabernacle of was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet aroma, an
meeting. 5And Moses said to the congrega- offering made by fire to the Lord, as the
tion, “This is what the Lord commanded Lord had commanded Moses.
to be done.” 22And he brought the second ram, the
6Then Moses brought Aaron and his ram of consecration. Then Aaron and his
sons and washed them with water. 7And he sons laid their hands on the head of the
put the tunic on him, girded him with the ram, 23and Moses killed it. Also he took
sash, clothed him with the robe, and put some of its blood and put it on the tip
the ephod on him; and he girded him with of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his
the intricately woven band of the ephod, right hand, and on the big toe of his right
and with it tied the ephod on him. 8Then foot. 24Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And
he put the breastplate on him, and he put Moses put some of the blood on the tips
the Urim and the Thummima in the breast- of their right ears, on the thumbs of their
plate. 9And he put the turban on his head. right hands, and on the big toes of their
Also on the turban, on its front, he put the right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood
golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord all around on the altar. 25Then he took the
had commanded Moses. fat and the fat tail, all the fat that was on the
10Also Moses took the anointing oil, and
entrails, the fatty lobe attached to the liver,
anointed the tabernacle and all that was the two kidneys and their fat, and the right
in it, and consecrated them. 11He sprin- thigh; 26and from the basket of unleavened
kled some of it on the altar seven times, bread that was before the Lord he took one
anointed the altar and all its utensils, and unleavened cake, a cake of bread anointed
the laver and its base, to consecrate them. with oil, and one wafer, and put them on
12And he poured some of the anointing oil
the fat and on the right thigh; 27and he put
on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to con- all these in Aaron’s hands and in his sons’
secrate him. hands, and waved them as a wave offering
13Then Moses brought Aaron’s sons
before the Lord. 28Then Moses took them
and put tunics on them, girded them with from their hands and burned them on the
sashes, and put hats on them, as the Lord altar, on the burnt offering. They were con-
had commanded Moses. secration offerings for a sweet aroma. That
14And he brought the bull for the sin of-
was an offering made by fire to the Lord.
fering. Then Aaron and his sons laid their 29And Moses took the breast and waved it
hands on the head of the bull for the sin of- as a wave offering before the Lord. It was
fering, 15and Moses killed it. Then he took Moses’ part of the ram of consecration, as
the blood, and put some on the horns of the the Lord had commanded Moses.
altar all around with his finger, and puri- 30Then Moses took some of the anoint-
fied the altar. And he poured the blood at ing oil and some of the blood which was
the base of the altar, and consecrated it, to on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on
make atonement for it. 16Then he took all his garments, on his sons, and on the gar-
the fat that was on the entrails, the fatty ments of his sons with him; and he conse-
lobe attached to the liver, and the two kid- crated Aaron, his garments, his sons, and
neys with their fat, and Moses burned them the garments of his sons with him.
on the altar. 17But the bull, its hide, its flesh, 31And Moses said to Aaron and his sons,
and its offal, he burned with fire outside “Boil the flesh at the door of the taber-
the camp, as the Lord had commanded nacle of meeting, and eat it there with the
Moses. bread that is in the basket of consecration
18Then he brought the ram as the burnt
offering. And Aaron and his sons laid their 8:8 aLiterally the Lights and the Perfections
hands on the head of the ram, 19and Moses (compare Exodus 28:30)
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LEVITICUS 8:32 128
offerings, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and the hide he burned with fire outside
and his sons shall eat it.’ 32What remains the camp.
of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn 12And he killed the burnt offering; and
with fire. 33And you shall not go outside the Aaron’s sons presented to him the blood,
door of the tabernacle of meeting for seven which he sprinkled all around on the altar.
days, until the days of your consecration are 13Then they presented the burnt offering
ended. For seven days he shall consecrate to him, with its pieces and head, and he
you. 34As he has done this day, so the Lord burned them on the altar. 14And he washed
has commanded to do, to make atonement the entrails and the legs, and burned them
for you. 35Therefore you shall stay at the with the burnt offering on the altar.
door of the tabernacle of meeting day and 15Then he brought the people’s offer-
night for seven days, and keep the charge of ing, and took the goat, which was the sin
the Lord, so that you may not die; for so I offering for the people, and killed it and
have been commanded.” 36So Aaron and his offered it for sin, like the first one. 16And
sons did all the things that the Lord had he brought the burnt offering and offered
commanded by the hand of Moses. it according to the prescribed manner.
17Then he brought the grain offering, took
The Priestly Ministry Begins a handful of it, and burned it on the altar,
9
It came to pass on the eighth day besides the burnt sacrifice of the morn-
that Moses called Aaron and his ing.
18He also killed the bull and the ram as
sons and the elders of Israel. 2And he
said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young sacrifices of peace offerings, which were
bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt for the people. And Aaron’s sons presented
offering, without blemish, and offer them to him the blood, which he sprinkled all
before the Lord. 3And to the children of around on the altar, 19and the fat from the
Israel you shall speak, saying, ‘Take a kid of bull and the ram—the fatty tail, what cov-
the goats as a sin offering, and a calf and a ers the entrails and the kidneys, and the
lamb, both of the first year, without blem- fatty lobe attached to the liver; 20and they
ish, as a burnt offering, 4also a bull and a put the fat on the breasts. Then he burned
ram as peace offerings, to sacrifice before the fat on the altar; 21but the breasts and
the Lord, and a grain offering mixed with the right thigh Aaron waved as a wave of-
oil; for today the Lord will appear to you.’ ” fering before the Lord, as Moses had com-
5So they brought what Moses com- manded.
22Then Aaron lifted his hand toward the
manded before the tabernacle of meeting.
And all the congregation drew near and people, blessed them, and came down from
stood before the Lord. 6Then Moses said, offering the sin offering, the burnt offer-
“This is the thing which the Lord com- ing, and peace offerings. 23And Moses and
manded you to do, and the glory of the Aaron went into the tabernacle of meet-
Lord will appear to you.” 7And Moses said ing, and came out and blessed the people.
to Aaron, “Go to the altar, offer your sin of- Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all
fering and your burnt offering, and make the people, 24and fire came out from before
atonement for yourself and for the people. the Lord and consumed the burnt offer-
Offer the offering of the people, and make ing and the fat on the altar. When all the
atonement for them, as the Lord com- people saw it, they shouted and fell on their
manded.” faces.
8Aaron therefore went to the altar and
killed the calf of the sin offering, which The Profane Fire of Nadab
was for himself. 9Then the sons of Aaron and Abihu
10
brought the blood to him. And he dipped Then Nadab and Abihu, the
his finger in the blood, put it on the horns sons of Aaron, each took his
of the altar, and poured the blood at the censer and put fire in it, put in-
base of the altar. 10But the fat, the kidneys, cense on it, and offered profane fire before
and the fatty lobe from the liver of the sin the Lord, which He had not commanded
offering he burned on the altar, as the them. 2So fire went out from the Lord and
Lord had commanded Moses. 11The flesh devoured them, and they died before the
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129 LEVITICUS 11:4
Lord. 3And Moses said to Aaron, “This is “Take the grain offering that remains of the
what the Lord spoke, saying: offerings made by fire to the Lord, and eat
it without leaven beside the altar; for it is
‘By those who come near Me most holy. 13You shall eat it in a holy place,
I must be regarded as holy; because it is your due and your sons’ due,
And before all the people of the sacrifices made by fire to the Lord;
I must be glorified.’ ” for so I have been commanded. 14The
breast of the wave offering and the thigh of
So Aaron held his peace. the heave offering you shall eat in a clean
4Then Moses called Mishael and Elza- place, you, your sons, and your daughters
phan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, with you; for they are your due and your
and said to them, “Come near, carry your sons’ due, which are given from the sacri-
brethren from before the sanctuary out of fices of peace offerings of the children of
the camp.” 5So they went near and carried Israel. 15The thigh of the heave offering and
them by their tunics out of the camp, as the breast of the wave offering they shall
Moses had said. bring with the offerings of fat made by fire,
to offer as a wave offering before the Lord.
And it shall be yours and your sons’ with
Leviticus 10:6 you, by a statute forever, as the Lord has
Uncovered heads and torn clothes commanded.”
were signs of mourning in ancient 16Then Moses made careful inquiry
Israel. The mourning began as soon about the goat of the sin offering, and there
as a loved one died and continued it was—burned up. And he was angry with
indefinitely. Both family members and Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron who
neighbors alike joined in expressing were left, saying, 17“Why have you not eaten
their grief and sorrow. the sin offering in a holy place, since it is
most holy, and God has given it to you to
bear the guilt of the congregation, to make
6And Moses said to Aaron, and to Elea-
atonement for them before the Lord?
zar and Ithamar, his sons, “Do not uncover 18See! Its blood was not brought inside the
your heads nor tear your clothes, lest you holy place;a indeed you should have eaten it
die, and wrath come upon all the people. in a holy place, as I commanded.”
But let your brethren, the whole house of 19And Aaron said to Moses, “Look, this
Israel, bewail the burning which the Lord day they have offered their sin offering and
has kindled. 7You shall not go out from their burnt offering before the Lord, and
the door of the tabernacle of meeting, lest such things have befallen me! If I had eaten
you die, for the anointing oil of the Lord is the sin offering today, would it have been
upon you.” And they did according to the accepted in the sight of the Lord?” 20So
word of Moses. when Moses heard that, he was content.
Conduct Prescribed Foods Permitted
for Priests and Forbidden
11
8Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: Now the Lord spoke to Mo-
9“Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, ses and Aaron, saying to them,
you, nor your sons with you, when you go 2“Speak to the children of Israel,
into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. saying, ‘These are the animals which you
It shall be a statute forever throughout your may eat among all the animals that are on
generations, 10that you may distinguish the earth: 3Among the animals, whatever
between holy and unholy, and between un- divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and
clean and clean, 11and that you may teach chewing the cud—that you may eat. 4Nev-
the children of Israel all the statutes which ertheless these you shall not eat among
the Lord has spoken to them by the hand those that chew the cud or those that have
of Moses.” cloven hooves: the camel, because it chews
12And Moses spoke to Aaron, and to El-
eazar and Ithamar, his sons who were left: 10:18 aThe Most Holy Place when capitalized
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LEVITICUS 11:5 130
the cud but does not have cloven hooves, or does not chew the cud, is unclean to
is unclean to you; 5the rock hyrax, because you. Everyone who touches it shall be un-
it chews the cud but does not have cloven clean. 27And whatever goes on its paws,
hooves, is unclean to you; 6the hare, be- among all kinds of animals that go on all
cause it chews the cud but does not have fours, those are unclean to you. Whoever
cloven hooves, is unclean to you; 7and the touches any such carcass shall be unclean
swine, though it divides the hoof, having until evening. 28Whoever carries any such
cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, carcass shall wash his clothes and be un-
is unclean to you. 8Their flesh you shall clean until evening. It is unclean to you.
not eat, and their carcasses you shall not 29‘These also shall be unclean to you
touch. They are unclean to you. among the creeping things that creep on
9‘These you may eat of all that are in the earth: the mole, the mouse, and the
the water: whatever in the water has fins large lizard after its kind; 30the gecko, the
and scales, whether in the seas or in the monitor lizard, the sand reptile, the sand
rivers—that you may eat. 10But all in the lizard, and the chameleon. 31These are
seas or in the rivers that do not have fins unclean to you among all that creep. Who-
and scales, all that move in the water or ever touches them when they are dead
any living thing which is in the water, they shall be unclean until evening. 32Anything
are an abomination to you. 11They shall on which any of them falls, when they are
be an abomination to you; you shall not dead shall be unclean, whether it is any
eat their flesh, but you shall regard their item of wood or clothing or skin or sack,
carcasses as an abomination. 12Whatever whatever item it is, in which any work is
in the water does not have fins or scales— done, it must be put in water. And it shall
that shall be an abomination to you. be unclean until evening; then it shall be
13‘And these you shall regard as an abom-
clean. 33Any earthen vessel into which any
ination among the birds; they shall not be of them falls you shall break; and whatever
eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, is in it shall be unclean: 34in such a vessel,
the vulture, the buzzard, 14the kite, and the any edible food upon which water falls
falcon after its kind; 15every raven after its becomes unclean, and any drink that may
kind, 16the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the be drunk from it becomes unclean. 35And
sea gull, and the hawk after its kind; 17the everything on which a part of any such car-
little owl, the fisher owl, and the screech cass falls shall be unclean; whether it is an
owl; 18the white owl, the jackdaw, and the oven or cooking stove, it shall be broken
carrion vulture; 19the stork, the heron after down; for they are unclean, and shall be
its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. unclean to you. 36Nevertheless a spring or
20‘All flying insects that creep on all
a cistern, in which there is plenty of water,
fours shall be an abomination to you. 21Yet shall be clean, but whatever touches any
these you may eat of every flying insect such carcass becomes unclean. 37And if a
that creeps on all fours: those which have part of any such carcass falls on any plant-
jointed legs above their feet with which to ing seed which is to be sown, it remains
leap on the earth. 22These you may eat: the clean. 38But if water is put on the seed, and
locust after its kind, the destroying locust if a part of any such carcass falls on it, it be-
after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and comes unclean to you.
the grasshopper after its kind. 23But all 39‘And if any animal which you may eat
other flying insects which have four feet dies, he who touches its carcass shall be
shall be an abomination to you. unclean until evening. 40He who eats of its
carcass shall wash his clothes and be un-
Unclean Animals clean until evening. He also who carries its
24‘By these you shall become unclean; who- carcass shall wash his clothes and be un-
ever touches the carcass of any of them clean until evening.
shall be unclean until evening; 25whoever 41‘And every creeping thing that creeps
carries part of the carcass of any of them on the earth shall be an abomination. It
shall wash his clothes and be unclean until shall not be eaten. 42Whatever crawls on its
evening: 26The carcass of any animal which belly, whatever goes on all fours, or what-
divides the foot, but is not cloven-hoofed ever has many feet among all creeping
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131 LEVITICUS 12:8
Promise
God promises that He is holy.
“I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate your-
selves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44a).
It’s the bottom of the ninth inning, bases loaded, and
your team’s down 4–1. The best hitter’s at bat with two outs
and two strikes. The pitch . . . grand slam! Your team wins 5–4. “HOLY COW!”
screams the announcer. “Holy cow!”
The word holy is taken lightly by a lot of people—not just sports announcers.
Let’s find out what God says about being holy.
We must realize that we serve a holy God. Psalm 111:9 says, “He has sent
redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and
awesome is His name.” Psalm 99:5 tells us that the Lord is a God of holiness.
God wants us to strive to be holy as well, so we can be like Him (Eph. 5:1). Do
you want to be like Jesus? Live like Him? Talk like Him? Act like Him? Think like
Him? That’s what being holy is: being devoted to God and obeying His Word.
As you spend time with God, He will make Himself known to you. There’s
nothing greater than spending time in the presence of Almighty God! Spend time
today praising Him because He is the One who is holy (Ps. 71:22).
See for yourself// Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15, 16
things that creep on the earth—these you days of her customary impurity she shall
shall not eat, for they are an abomination. be unclean. 3And on the eighth day the
43You shall not make yourselves abomina- flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
ble with any creeping thing that creeps; nor 4She shall then continue in the blood of her
shall you make yourselves unclean with purification thirty-three days. She shall not
them, lest you be defiled by them. 44For I touch any hallowed thing, nor come into
am the Lord your God. You shall therefore the sanctuary until the days of her purifi-
consecrate yourselves, and you shall be cation are fulfilled.
5‘But if she bears a female child, then she
holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile
yourselves with any creeping thing that shall be unclean two weeks, as in her cus-
creeps on the earth. 45For I am the Lord tomary impurity, and she shall continue in
who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, the blood of her purification sixty-six days.
6‘When the days of her purification are
to be your God. You shall therefore be holy,
for I am holy. fulfilled, whether for a son or a daughter,
46‘This is the law of the animals and the she shall bring to the priest a lamb of the
birds and every living creature that moves first year as a burnt offering, and a young
in the waters, and of every creature that pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering,
creeps on the earth, 47to distinguish be- to the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
7Then he shall offer it before the Lord, and
tween the unclean and the clean, and be-
tween the animal that may be eaten and make atonement for her. And she shall be
the animal that may not be eaten.’ ” clean from the flow of her blood. This is
the law for her who has borne a male or a
female.
The Ritual After Childbirth 8‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb,
12
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, then she may bring two turtledoves or two
saying, 2“Speak to the children young pigeons—one as a burnt offering
of Israel, saying: ‘If a woman has and the other as a sin offering. So the priest
conceived, and borne a male child, then shall make atonement for her, and she will
she shall be unclean seven days; as in the be clean.’ ”
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LEVITICUS 13:1 132
The Law Concerning Leprosy the raw flesh and pronounce him to be un-
clean; for the raw flesh is unclean. It is lep-
13
And the Lord spoke to Moses
rosy. 16Or if the raw flesh changes and turns
and Aaron, saying: 2“When a
white again, he shall come to the priest.
man has on the skin of his body 17And the priest shall examine him; and in-
a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it
deed if the sore has turned white, then the
becomes on the skin of his body like a
priest shall pronounce him clean who has
leprousa sore, then he shall be brought to
the sore. He is clean.
Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the 18“If the body develops a boil in the
priests. 3The priest shall examine the sore
skin, and it is healed, 19and in the place of
on the skin of the body; and if the hair on
the boil there comes a white swelling or
the sore has turned white, and the sore
a bright spot, reddish-white, then it shall
appears to be deeper than the skin of his
be shown to the priest; 20and if, when the
body, it is a leprous sore. Then the priest
priest sees it, it indeed appears deeper than
shall examine him, and pronounce him
the skin, and its hair has turned white, the
unclean. 4But if the bright spot is white on
priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a
the skin of his body, and does not appear
leprous sore which has broken out of the
to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has
boil. 21But if the priest examines it, and
not turned white, then the priest shall iso-
indeed there are no white hairs in it, and it
late the one who has the sore seven days.
5And the priest shall examine him on the
is not deeper than the skin, but has faded,
then the priest shall isolate him seven days;
seventh day; and indeed if the sore appears 22and if it should at all spread over the skin,
to be as it was, and the sore has not spread
then the priest shall pronounce him un-
on the skin, then the priest shall isolate clean. It is a leprous sore. 23But if the bright
him another seven days. 6Then the priest spot stays in one place, and has not spread,
shall examine him again on the seventh it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall
day; and indeed if the sore has faded, and pronounce him clean.
the sore has not spread on the skin, then 24“Or if the body receives a burn on its
the priest shall pronounce him clean; it is skin by fire, and the raw flesh of the burn
only a scab, and he shall wash his clothes becomes a bright spot, reddish-white or
and be clean. 7But if the scab should at all white, 25then the priest shall examine it;
spread over the skin, after he has been seen and indeed if the hair of the bright spot
by the priest for his cleansing, he shall be has turned white, and it appears deeper
seen by the priest again. 8And if the priest than the skin, it is leprosy broken out in the
sees that the scab has indeed spread on the burn. Therefore the priest shall pronounce
skin, then the priest shall pronounce him him unclean. It is a leprous sore. 26But if the
unclean. It is leprosy. priest examines it, and indeed there are no
9“When the leprous sore is on a per-
white hairs in the bright spot, and it is not
son, then he shall be brought to the priest. deeper than the skin, but has faded, then
10And the priest shall examine him; and
the priest shall isolate him seven days.
indeed if the swelling on the skin is white, 27And the priest shall examine him on the
and it has turned the hair white, and there seventh day. If it has at all spread over the
is a spot of raw flesh in the swelling, 11it is skin, then the priest shall pronounce him
an old leprosy on the skin of his body. The unclean. It is a leprous sore. 28But if the
priest shall pronounce him unclean, and bright spot stays in one place, and has
shall not isolate him, for he is unclean. not spread on the skin, but has faded, it is
12“And if leprosy breaks out all over the
a swelling from the burn. The priest shall
skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from
the one who has the sore, from his head to the burn.
his foot, wherever the priest looks, 13then 29“If a man or woman has a sore on the
the priest shall consider; and indeed if the head or the beard, 30then the priest shall
leprosy has covered all his body, he shall examine the sore; and indeed if it appears
pronounce him clean who has the sore.
It has all turned white. He is clean. 14But 13:2 aHebrew saraath, disfiguring skin diseases,
when raw flesh appears on him, he shall including leprosy, and so in verses 2–46 and
be unclean. 15And the priest shall examine 14:2–32
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133 LEVITICUS 13:58
deeper than the skin, and there is in it thin All the days he has the sore he shall be
yellow hair, then the priest shall pronounce unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell
him unclean. It is a scaly leprosy of the alone; his dwelling shall be outside the
head or beard. 31But if the priest examines camp.
the scaly sore, and indeed it does not ap-
pear deeper than the skin, and there is no The Law Concerning Leprous
black hair in it, then the priest shall iso- Garments
late the one who has the scale seven days. 47“Also, if a garment has a leprous plaguea
32And on the seventh day the priest shall
in it, whether it is a woolen garment or a
examine the sore; and indeed if the scale linen garment, 48whether it is in the warp
has not spread, and there is no yellow hair or woof of linen or wool, whether in leather
in it, and the scale does not appear deeper or in anything made of leather, 49and if
than the skin, 33he shall shave himself, but the plague is greenish or reddish in the
the scale he shall not shave. And the priest garment or in the leather, whether in the
shall isolate the one who has the scale an- warp or in the woof, or in anything made
other seven days. 34On the seventh day the of leather, it is a leprous plague and shall
priest shall examine the scale; and indeed if be shown to the priest. 50The priest shall
the scale has not spread over the skin, and examine the plague and isolate that which
does not appear deeper than the skin, then has the plague seven days. 51And he shall
the priest shall pronounce him clean. He examine the plague on the seventh day.
shall wash his clothes and be clean. 35But if If the plague has spread in the garment,
the scale should at all spread over the skin either in the warp or in the woof, in the
after his cleansing, 36then the priest shall leather or in anything made of leather, the
examine him; and indeed if the scale has plague is an active leprosy. It is unclean.
spread over the skin, the priest need not 52He shall therefore burn that garment in
seek for yellow hair. He is unclean. 37But if which is the plague, whether warp or woof,
the scale appears to be at a standstill, and
in wool or in linen, or anything of leather,
there is black hair grown up in it, the scale
for it is an active leprosy; the garment shall
has healed. He is clean, and the priest shall
be burned in the fire.
pronounce him clean. 53“But if the priest examines it, and in-
38“If a man or a woman has bright spots
deed the plague has not spread in the gar-
on the skin of the body, specifically white
ment, either in the warp or in the woof,
bright spots, 39then the priest shall look;
or in anything made of leather, 54then the
and indeed if the bright spots on the skin priest shall command that they wash the
of the body are dull white, it is a white spot thing in which is the plague; and he shall
that grows on the skin. He is clean. isolate it another seven days. 55Then the
40“As for the man whose hair has fallen
priest shall examine the plague after it has
from his head, he is bald, but he is clean. been washed; and indeed if the plague has
41He whose hair has fallen from his fore-
not changed its color, though the plague
head, he is bald on the forehead, but he is has not spread, it is unclean, and you shall
clean. 42And if there is on the bald head or burn it in the fire; it continues eating away,
bald forehead a reddish-white sore, it is whether the damage is outside or inside.
leprosy breaking out on his bald head or 56If the priest examines it, and indeed the
his bald forehead. 43Then the priest shall plague has faded after washing it, then he
examine it; and indeed if the swelling of the shall tear it out of the garment, whether
sore is reddish-white on his bald head or out of the warp or out of the woof, or out
on his bald forehead, as the appearance of of the leather. 57But if it appears again in
leprosy on the skin of the body, 44he is a lep- the garment, either in the warp or in the
rous man. He is unclean. The priest shall woof, or in anything made of leather, it is
surely pronounce him unclean; his sore is a spreading plague; you shall burn with fire
on his head. that in which is the plague. 58And if you
45“Now the leper on whom the sore is,
wash the garment, either warp or woof, or
his clothes shall be torn and his head bare;
and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, 13:47 aA mold, fungus, or similar infestation,
‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46He shall be unclean. and so in verses 47–59
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LEVITICUS 13:59 134
whatever is made of leather, if the plague offering and the burnt offering, in a holy
has disappeared from it, then it shall be place; for as the sin offering is the priest’s,
washed a second time, and shall be clean. so is the trespass offering. It is most holy.
59“This is the law of the leprous plague 14The priest shall take some of the blood of
in a garment of wool or linen, either in the trespass offering, and the priest shall
the warp or woof, or in anything made of put it on the tip of the right ear of him who
leather, to pronounce it clean or to pro- is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right
nounce it unclean.” hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.
15And the priest shall take some of the log of
The Ritual for Cleansing oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left
Healed Lepers hand. 16Then the priest shall dip his right
14
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and
saying, 2“This shall be the law shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger
of the leper for the day of his seven times before the Lord. 17And of the
cleansing: He shall be brought to the priest. rest of the oil in his hand, the priest shall
3And the priest shall go out of the camp, and put some on the tip of the right ear of him
the priest shall examine him; and indeed, if who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his
the leprosy is healed in the leper, 4then the right hand, and on the big toe of his right
priest shall command to take for him who foot, on the blood of the trespass offering.
is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, 18The rest of the oil that is in the priest’s
cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. 5And the hand he shall put on the head of him who
priest shall command that one of the birds is to be cleansed. So the priest shall make
be killed in an earthen vessel over running atonement for him before the Lord.
water. 6As for the living bird, he shall take
it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the
hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in Leviticus 14:14
the blood of the bird that was killed over After making his sacrifice, the unclean
the running water. 7And he shall sprinkle it person received a dab of blood on
seven times on him who is to be cleansed his ear, his thumb, and his toe. These
from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him three places symbolized the three
clean, and shall let the living bird loose in main activities of life: thinking, work-
the open field. 8He who is to be cleansed ing, and walking.
shall wash his clothes, shave off all his hair,
and wash himself in water, that he may
19“Then the priest shall offer the sin of-
be clean. After that he shall come into the
camp, and shall stay outside his tent seven fering, and make atonement for him who is
days. 9But on the seventh day he shall shave to be cleansed from his uncleanness. After-
all the hair off his head and his beard and ward he shall kill the burnt offering. 20And
his eyebrows—all his hair he shall shave the priest shall offer the burnt offering and
off. He shall wash his clothes and wash his the grain offering on the altar. So the priest
body in water, and he shall be clean. shall make atonement for him, and he shall
10“And on the eighth day he shall take be clean.
21“But if he is poor and cannot afford
two male lambs without blemish, one ewe
lamb of the first year without blemish, it, then he shall take one male lamb as a
three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed trespass offering to be waved, to make
with oil as a grain offering, and one log of atonement for him, one-tenth of an ephah
oil. 11Then the priest who makes him clean of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain of-
shall present the man who is to be made fering, a log of oil, 22and two turtledoves
clean, and those things, before the Lord, or two young pigeons, such as he is able
at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. to afford: one shall be a sin offering and
12And the priest shall take one male lamb the other a burnt offering. 23He shall bring
and offer it as a trespass offering, and the them to the priest on the eighth day for his
log of oil, and wave them as a wave offer- cleansing, to the door of the tabernacle of
ing before the Lord. 13Then he shall kill meeting, before the Lord. 24And the priest
the lamb in the place where he kills the sin shall take the lamb of the trespass offering
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135 LEVITICUS 14:57
and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave the plague has spread on the walls of the
them as a wave offering before the Lord. house, 40then the priest shall command
25Then he shall kill the lamb of the trespass that they take away the stones in which is
offering, and the priest shall take some of the plague, and they shall cast them into
the blood of the trespass offering and put an unclean place outside the city. 41And he
it on the tip of the right ear of him who is shall cause the house to be scraped inside,
to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right all around, and the dust that they scrape
hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. off they shall pour out in an unclean place
26And the priest shall pour some of the oil outside the city. 42Then they shall take
into the palm of his own left hand. 27Then other stones and put them in the place of
the priest shall sprinkle with his right fin- those stones, and he shall take other mor-
ger some of the oil that is in his left hand tar and plaster the house.
43“Now if the plague comes back and
seven times before the Lord. 28And the
priest shall put some of the oil that is in his breaks out in the house, after he has taken
hand on the tip of the right ear of him who away the stones, after he has scraped the
is to be cleansed, on the thumb of the right house, and after it is plastered, 44then the
hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on priest shall come and look; and indeed if
the place of the blood of the trespass offer- the plague has spread in the house, it is an
ing. 29The rest of the oil that is in the priest’s active leprosy in the house. It is unclean.
45And he shall break down the house, its
hand he shall put on the head of him who
is to be cleansed, to make atonement for stones, its timber, and all the plaster of
him before the Lord. 30And he shall offer the house, and he shall carry them outside
one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, the city to an unclean place. 46Moreover
such as he can afford—31such as he is able he who goes into the house at all while it
to afford, the one as a sin offering and the is shut up shall be unclean until evening.
47And he who lies down in the house shall
other as a burnt offering, with the grain of-
fering. So the priest shall make atonement wash his clothes, and he who eats in the
for him who is to be cleansed before the house shall wash his clothes.
48“But if the priest comes in and ex-
Lord. 32This is the law for one who had a
leprous sore, who cannot afford the usual amines it, and indeed the plague has not
cleansing.” spread in the house after the house was
plastered, then the priest shall pronounce
The Law Concerning Leprous the house clean, because the plague is
Houses healed. 49And he shall take, to cleanse the
33And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron,
house, two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and
hyssop. 50Then he shall kill one of the birds
saying: 34“When you have come into the in an earthen vessel over running water;
land of Canaan, which I give you as a pos- 51and he shall take the cedar wood, the
session, and I put the leprous plaguea in a hyssop, the scarlet, and the living bird,
house in the land of your possession, 35and and dip them in the blood of the slain bird
he who owns the house comes and tells the and in the running water, and sprinkle the
priest, saying, ‘It seems to me that there is house seven times. 52And he shall cleanse
some plague in the house,’ 36then the priest the house with the blood of the bird and
shall command that they empty the house, the running water and the living bird,
before the priest goes into it to examine the with the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the
plague, that all that is in the house may not scarlet. 53Then he shall let the living bird
be made unclean; and afterward the priest loose outside the city in the open field, and
shall go in to examine the house. 37And he make atonement for the house, and it shall
shall examine the plague; and indeed if the be clean.
plague is on the walls of the house with in- 54“This is the law for any leprous sore
grained streaks, greenish or reddish, which and scale, 55for the leprosy of a garment
appear to be deep in the wall, 38then the and of a house, 56for a swelling and a
priest shall go out of the house, to the door scab and a bright spot, 57to teach when it
of the house, and shut up the house seven
days. 39And the priest shall come again on 14:34 aDecomposition by mildew, mold, dry rot,
the seventh day and look; and indeed if etc., and so in verses 34–53
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LEVITICUS 15:1 136
is unclean and when it is clean. This is the make atonement for him before the Lord
law of leprosy.” because of his discharge.
16‘If any man has an emission of semen,
The Law Concerning Bodily then he shall wash all his body in water,
Discharges and be unclean until evening. 17And any
15
And the Lord spoke to Moses garment and any leather on which there
and Aaron, saying, 2“Speak to is semen, it shall be washed with water,
the children of Israel, and say and be unclean until evening. 18Also, when
to them: ‘When any man has a discharge a woman lies with a man, and there is an
from his body, his discharge is unclean. emission of semen, they shall bathe in wa-
3And this shall be his uncleanness in regard ter, and be unclean until evening.
19‘If a woman has a discharge, and the
to his discharge—whether his body runs
with his discharge, or his body is stopped discharge from her body is blood, she
up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness. shall be set apart seven days; and whoever
4Every bed is unclean on which he who has touches her shall be unclean until evening.
20Everything that she lies on during her
the discharge lies, and everything on which
he sits shall be unclean. 5And whoever impurity shall be unclean; also everything
touches his bed shall wash his clothes and that she sits on shall be unclean. 21Who-
bathe in water, and be unclean until eve- ever touches her bed shall wash his clothes
ning. 6He who sits on anything on which and bathe in water, and be unclean until
he who has the discharge sat shall wash his evening. 22And whoever touches anything
clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean that she sat on shall wash his clothes and
until evening. 7And he who touches the bathe in water, and be unclean until eve-
body of him who has the discharge shall ning. 23If anything is on her bed or on any-
wash his clothes and bathe in water, and thing on which she sits, when he touches it,
be unclean until evening. 8If he who has he shall be unclean until evening. 24And if
the discharge spits on him who is clean, any man lies with her at all, so that her im-
then he shall wash his clothes and bathe in purity is on him, he shall be unclean seven
water, and be unclean until evening. 9Any days; and every bed on which he lies shall
saddle on which he who has the discharge be unclean.
25‘If a woman has a discharge of blood
rides shall be unclean. 10Whoever touches
anything that was under him shall be un- for many days, other than at the time of her
clean until evening. He who carries any customary impurity, or if it runs beyond
of those things shall wash his clothes and her usual time of impurity, all the days of
bathe in water, and be unclean until eve- her unclean discharge shall be as the days
ning. 11And whomever the one who has the of her customary impurity. She shall be un-
discharge touches, and has not rinsed his clean. 26Every bed on which she lies all the
hands in water, he shall wash his clothes days of her discharge shall be to her as the
and bathe in water, and be unclean until bed of her impurity; and whatever she sits
evening. 12The vessel of earth that he who on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness
has the discharge touches shall be broken, of her impurity. 27Whoever touches those
and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in things shall be unclean; he shall wash his
water. clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean
13‘And when he who has a discharge is until evening.
cleansed of his discharge, then he shall 28‘But if she is cleansed of her discharge,
count for himself seven days for his cleans- then she shall count for herself seven days,
ing, wash his clothes, and bathe his body and after that she shall be clean. 29And on
in running water; then he shall be clean. the eighth day she shall take for herself
14On the eighth day he shall take for him- two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and
self two turtledoves or two young pigeons, bring them to the priest, to the door of the
and come before the Lord, to the door of tabernacle of meeting. 30Then the priest
the tabernacle of meeting, and give them shall offer the one as a sin offering and the
to the priest. 15Then the priest shall of- other as a burnt offering, and the priest
fer them, the one as a sin offering and the shall make atonement for her before the
other as a burnt offering. So the priest shall Lord for the discharge of her uncleanness.
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137 LEVITICUS 16:20
31‘Thus you shall separate the children cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the
of Israel from their uncleanness, lest they Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat.
die in their uncleanness when they defile 9And Aaron shall bring the goat on which
My tabernacle that is among them. 32This the Lord’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin of-
is the law for one who has a discharge, and fering. 10But the goat on which the lot fell
for him who emits semen and is unclean to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive
thereby, 33and for her who is indisposed before the Lord, to make atonement upon
because of her customary impurity, and it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the
for one who has a discharge, either man or wilderness.
woman, and for him who lies with her who 11“And Aaron shall bring the bull of the
is unclean.’ ” sin offering, which is for himself, and make
atonement for himself and for his house,
The Day of Atonement and shall kill the bull as the sin offering
16
Now the Lord spoke to Moses which is for himself. 12Then he shall take
after the death of the two sons a censer full of burning coals of fire from
of Aaron, when they offered the altar before the Lord, with his hands
profane fire before the Lord, and died; full of sweet incense beaten fine, and bring
2and the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron it inside the veil. 13And he shall put the in-
your brother not to come at just any time cense on the fire before the Lord, that the
into the Holy Place inside the veil, before cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat
the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he that is on the Testimony, lest he die. 14He
die; for I will appear in the cloud above the shall take some of the blood of the bull and
mercy seat. sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat
3“Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy on the east side; and before the mercy seat
Place: with the blood of a young bull as a he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his
sin offering, and of a ram as a burnt offer- finger seven times.
15“Then he shall kill the goat of the sin
ing. 4He shall put the holy linen tunic and
the linen trousers on his body; he shall be offering, which is for the people, bring its
girded with a linen sash, and with the linen blood inside the veil, do with that blood
turban he shall be attired. These are holy as he did with the blood of the bull, and
garments. Therefore he shall wash his body sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the
in water, and put them on. 5And he shall mercy seat. 16So he shall make atonement
take from the congregation of the children for the Holy Place, because of the unclean-
of Israel two kids of the goats as a sin offer- ness of the children of Israel, and because
ing, and one ram as a burnt offering. of their transgressions, for all their sins;
and so he shall do for the tabernacle of
meeting which remains among them in the
Leviticus 16:7–10 midst of their uncleanness. 17There shall be
Goats were all-purpose animals, no man in the tabernacle of meeting when
as far as the ancient Israelites were he goes in to make atonement in the Holy
concerned. The milk the Israelites Place, until he comes out, that he may
drank, the clothes they wore, and the make atonement for himself, for his house-
containers they used to hold their wa- hold, and for all the assembly of Israel.
18And he shall go out to the altar that is
ter and wine all came from goats. And
if that weren’t enough, goats were also before the Lord, and make atonement for
used as sacrifices in burnt offerings it, and shall take some of the blood of the
and in sin offerings. bull and some of the blood of the goat, and
put it on the horns of the altar all around.
19Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood
6“Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin of- on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it,
fering, which is for himself, and make and consecrate it from the uncleanness of
atonement for himself and for his house. the children of Israel.
7He shall take the two goats and present 20“And when he has made an end of
them before the Lord at the door of the atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle
tabernacle of meeting. 8Then Aaron shall of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the
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LEVITICUS 16:21 138
live goat. 21Aaron shall lay both his hands for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as
on the head of the live goat, confess over the Lord commanded Moses.
it all the iniquities of the children of Israel,
and all their transgressions, concerning all The Sanctity of Blood
17
their sins, putting them on the head of the And the Lord spoke to Moses,
goat, and shall send it away into the wilder- saying, 2“Speak to Aaron, to his
ness by the hand of a suitable man. 22The sons, and to all the children of
goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities Israel, and say to them, ‘This is the thing
to an uninhabited land; and he shall re- which the Lord has commanded, saying:
lease the goat in the wilderness. 3“Whatever man of the house of Israel who
23“Then Aaron shall come into the tab-
kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or
ernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen who kills it outside the camp, 4and does
garments which he put on when he went not bring it to the door of the tabernacle
into the Holy Place, and shall leave them of meeting to offer an offering to the Lord
there. 24And he shall wash his body with before the tabernacle of the Lord, the guilt
water in a holy place, put on his garments, of bloodshed shall be imputed to that man.
come out and offer his burnt offering He has shed blood; and that man shall be
and the burnt offering of the people, and cut off from among his people, 5to the end
make atonement for himself and for the that the children of Israel may bring their
people. 25The fat of the sin offering he shall sacrifices which they offer in the open field,
burn on the altar. 26And he who released that they may bring them to the Lord at
the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his the door of the tabernacle of meeting, to the
clothes and bathe his body in water, and priest, and offer them as peace offerings to
afterward he may come into the camp. the Lord. 6And the priest shall sprinkle the
27The bull for the sin offering and the
blood on the altar of the Lord at the door of
goat for the sin offering, whose blood was the tabernacle of meeting, and burn the fat
brought in to make atonement in the Holy for a sweet aroma to the Lord. 7They shall
Place, shall be carried outside the camp. no more offer their sacrifices to demons, af-
And they shall burn in the fire their skins, ter whom they have played the harlot. This
their flesh, and their offal. 28Then he who shall be a statute forever for them through-
burns them shall wash his clothes and out their generations.” ’
bathe his body in water, and afterward he 8“Also you shall say to them: ‘Whatever
may come into the camp. man of the house of Israel, or of the strang-
29“This shall be a statute forever for you:
ers who dwell among you, who offers a
In the seventh month, on the tenth day burnt offering or sacrifice, 9and does not
of the month, you shall afflict your souls, bring it to the door of the tabernacle of
and do no work at all, whether a native of meeting, to offer it to the Lord, that man
your own country or a stranger who dwells shall be cut off from among his people.
among you. 30For on that day the priest 10‘And whatever man of the house of Is-
shall make atonement for you, to cleanse rael, or of the strangers who dwell among
you, that you may be clean from all your you, who eats any blood, I will set My face
sins before the Lord. 31It is a sabbath of against that person who eats blood, and
solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict will cut him off from among his people.
your souls. It is a statute forever. 32And the 11For the life of the flesh is in the blood,
priest, who is anointed and consecrated to and I have given it to you upon the altar to
minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement for your souls; for it is the
make atonement, and put on the linen blood that makes atonement for the soul.’
clothes, the holy garments; 33then he shall 12Therefore I said to the children of Israel,
make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary,a ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor
and he shall make atonement for the tab- shall any stranger who dwells among you
ernacle of meeting and for the altar, and he eat blood.’
shall make atonement for the priests and 13“Whatever man of the children of Is-
for all the people of the assembly. 34This rael, or of the strangers who dwell among
shall be an everlasting statute for you, to
make atonement for the children of Israel, 16:33 aThat is, the Most Holy Place
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139 LEVITICUS 18:24
you, who hunts and catches any animal or nakedness. 9The nakedness of your sister,
bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out the daughter of your father, or the daugh-
its blood and cover it with dust; 14for it is ter of your mother, whether born at home
the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. or elsewhere, their nakedness you shall
Therefore I said to the children of Israel, not uncover. 10The nakedness of your son’s
‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, daughter or your daughter’s daughter, their
for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever nakedness you shall not uncover; for theirs
eats it shall be cut off.’ is your own nakedness. 11The nakedness of
15“And every person who eats what your father’s wife’s daughter, begotten by
died naturally or what was torn by beasts, your father—she is your sister—you shall
whether he is a native of your own country not uncover her nakedness. 12You shall not
or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes uncover the nakedness of your father’s sis-
and bathe in water, and be unclean until ter; she is near of kin to your father. 13You
evening. Then he shall be clean. 16But if he shall not uncover the nakedness of your
does not wash them or bathe his body, then mother’s sister, for she is near of kin to your
he shall bear his guilt.” mother. 14You shall not uncover the naked-
ness of your father’s brother. You shall not
Laws of Sexual Morality approach his wife; she is your aunt. 15You
18
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, shall not uncover the nakedness of your
saying, 2“Speak to the children daughter-in-law—she is your son’s wife—
of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am you shall not uncover her nakedness. 16You
the Lord your God. 3According to the do- shall not uncover the nakedness of your
ings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, brother’s wife; it is your brother’s naked-
you shall not do; and according to the ness. 17You shall not uncover the naked-
doings of the land of Canaan, where I am ness of a woman and her daughter, nor
bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall shall you take her son’s daughter or her
you walk in their ordinances. 4You shall daughter’s daughter, to uncover her na-
observe My judgments and keep My or- kedness. They are near of kin to her. It is
dinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord wickedness. 18Nor shall you take a woman
your God. 5You shall therefore keep My as a rival to her sister, to uncover her na-
statutes and My judgments, which if a man kedness while the other is alive.
19‘Also you shall not approach a woman
does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.
to uncover her nakedness as long as she is
in her customary impurity. 20Moreover you
Leviticus 18:3 shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s
The Canaanites worshiped a fertility wife, to defile yourself with her. 21And you
god named Baal. Male and female shall not let any of your descendants pass
prostitutes lived in Baal’s temple. through the fire to Molech, nor shall you
Both the Egyptians and Canaanites profane the name of your God: I am the
believed that if they had sex with the Lord. 22You shall not lie with a male as with
temple prostitutes, they would be a woman. It is an abomination. 23Nor shall
blessed with more children, animals, you mate with any animal, to defile yourself
and crops. God wanted His people to with it. Nor shall any woman stand before
have nothing to do with those kinds of an animal to mate with it. It is perversion.
practices.
Homosexuality
6‘None of you shall approach anyone What does God say about
who is near of kin to him, to uncover his homosexual behavior?
nakedness: I am the Lord. 7The nakedness Leviticus 18:22
of your father or the nakedness of your
mother you shall not uncover. She is your
mother; you shall not uncover her naked- 24‘Do not defile yourselves with any of
ness. 8The nakedness of your father’s wife these things; for by all these the nations are
you shall not uncover; it is your father’s defiled, which I am casting out before you.
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LEVITICUS 18:25 140
25For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the land, you shall not wholly reap the corners
punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the of your field, nor shall you gather the glean-
land vomits out its inhabitants. 26You shall ings of your harvest. 10And you shall not
therefore keep My statutes and My judg- glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather
ments, and shall not commit any of these every grape of your vineyard; you shall
abominations, either any of your own nation leave them for the poor and the stranger: I
or any stranger who dwells among you 27(for am the Lord your God.
all these abominations the men of the land 11‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely,
have done, who were before you, and thus nor lie to one another. 12And you shall not
the land is defiled), 28lest the land vomit you swear by My name falsely, nor shall you pro-
out also when you defile it, as it vomited out fane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
the nations that were before you. 29For who- 13‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor
ever commits any of these abominations, rob him. The wages of him who is hired
the persons who commit them shall be cut shall not remain with you all night until
off from among their people. morning. 14You shall not curse the deaf, nor
30‘Therefore you shall keep My ordi-
put a stumbling block before the blind, but
nance, so that you do not commit any of shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
these abominable customs which were 15‘You shall do no injustice in judgment.
committed before you, and that you do not You shall not be partial to the poor, nor
defile yourselves by them: I am the Lord honor the person of the mighty. In righ-
your God.’ ” teousness you shall judge your neighbor.
16You shall not go about as a talebearer
Moral and Ceremonial Laws among your people; nor shall you take a
19
And the Lord spoke to Moses, stand against the life of your neighbor: I
saying, 2“Speak to all the con- am the Lord.
gregation of the children of Is-
rael, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for
I the Lord your God am holy. Gossip
3‘Every one of you shall revere his What does God think of
mother and his father, and keep My Sab- talking about other people?
baths: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:16
Respect 17‘You shall not hate your brother in
Do we need to respect our your heart. You shall surely rebuke your
parents? neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.
18You shall not take vengeance, nor bear
Leviticus 19:3
any grudge against the children of your
people, but you shall love your neighbor as
4‘Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourself: I am the Lord.
yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord
your God.
5‘And if you offer a sacrifice of a peace of- Revenge
fering to the Lord, you shall offer it of your Should God’s people seek
own free will. 6It shall be eaten the same revenge?
day you offer it, and on the next day. And Leviticus 19:18
if any remains until the third day, it shall
be burned in the fire. 7And if it is eaten at
all on the third day, it is an abomination. It 19‘You shall keep My statutes. You shall
shall not be accepted. 8Therefore everyone not let your livestock breed with another
who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because kind. You shall not sow your field with
he has profaned the hallowed offering of mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed
the Lord; and that person shall be cut off linen and wool come upon you.
from his people. 20‘Whoever lies carnally with a woman
9‘When you reap the harvest of your who is betrothed to a man as a concubine,
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141 LEVITICUS 19:34
Making It Real //
Leviticus 19:18
What’s Really “In”? Relationships can be tricky sometimes. People can seem one
way today and totally different tomorrow. You might be BFFs with someone today, and
tomorrow they’ll ignore your texts and block your posts online. High schools are infa-
mous for cliques and clubs and exclusive groups. Sometimes even when you’re “in” you
get treated like you’re “out.”
God knows about high school. He knows what it’s like to be tight with a group and
have your back stabbed. Don’t play those games. He says not to be angry and not to take
revenge. Stuff hurts. So hurt, but don’t be angry and don’t start thinking about how you’re
going to get back at someone. The Lord says love. That means you have to love the haters,
too—not with just any kind of love, either. God says to love them as much as you love
yourself. Whoa! Is that even possible? You may not be able to muster up one ounce of
love on your own, but ask God to help you love and He will. Be slow to get angry and
quick to forgive. That’s God’s good advice, His way of always being “in” with Him. You’ll be
much happier and others will be less able to ruin your day if you take His advice and love
even the ones who seem unlovable. It will take away their power to hurt you, and they’ll
most likely stop trying. (See also: John 15:12; 2 Cor. 2:6–8; Eph. 4:31, 32.)
Words to Live By
Love: The Old Testament word translated in Leviticus 19:18 as “love” is ahab (aw-
habe’). It means “to have affection for someone and care for them as you would care for
family.” This kind of love is loyal and always wants the best for the one loved. Without
God, we can’t give this kind of love to anyone, especially not our enemies. With God, we
can give love to anyone and everyone. God is love, so He is perfectly capable of loving
others through us.
and who has not at all been redeemed ure the edges of your beard. 28You shall not
nor given her freedom, for this there shall make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
be scourging; but they shall not be put to nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.
death, because she was not free. 21And he
shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord, Occult
to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, a Should we avoid the occult?
ram as a trespass offering. 22The priest shall
make atonement for him with the ram of the Leviticus 19:26
trespass offering before the Lord for his sin
which he has committed. And the sin which 29‘Do not prostitute your daughter, to
he has committed shall be forgiven him. cause her to be a harlot, lest the land fall
23‘When you come into the land, and into harlotry, and the land become full of
have planted all kinds of trees for food, wickedness.
then you shall count their fruit as uncir- 30‘You shall keep My Sabbaths and rev-
cumcised. Three years it shall be as uncir- erence My sanctuary: I am the Lord.
cumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. 24But 31‘Give no regard to mediums and fa-
in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, miliar spirits; do not seek after them, to be
a praise to the Lord. 25And in the fifth year defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to 32‘You shall rise before the gray headed
you its increase: I am the Lord your God. and honor the presence of an old man, and
26‘You shall not eat anything with the fear your God: I am the Lord.
blood, nor shall you practice divination or 33‘And if a stranger dwells with you in
soothsaying. 27You shall not shave around your land, you shall not mistreat him.
the sides of your head, nor shall you disfig- 34The stranger who dwells among you
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World App
Business / Leviticus 19:36, 37
These days, it seems like every time we turn on the TV or pull up
our home page, we are bombarded by stories about unfair busi-
ness dealings. Someone has cheated investors out of millions of
dollars in a Ponzi scheme. A CEO gives himself a raise while em-
ployees are losing their jobs and retirement funds. A global com-
pany borders on bankruptcy because an executive embezzled a
majority of the profits. It seems the desire for wealth and power
has turned the business world into an environment of “survival of
the greediest.” Enough is never enough when greed has taken root
in the heart.
But is this how it has to be? Is this just the price of doing busi-
ness? No, it’s not! In Leviticus 19:36, 37, God describes the way all
business dealings should be done: “You shall have honest scales,
honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the
Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Therefore you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments,
and perform them: I am the Lord.” The command God gave to the
Israelites still goes for us. He is still God, and He still desires hon-
est dealings.
Modern businesses may not literally weigh things out on a scale
for every business deal, but they should conduct every transaction
with that same honesty. The Lord is not blind to shady business
practices anywhere in the world. He does not miss it when the in-
nocent are double-crossed by the greedy. He is not looking
somewhere else when the proud declare their authority to do as
they please. They may believe they are free and clear, but Galatians
6:7 tells us: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a
man sows, that he will also reap.”
If one day God calls you into the business world, don’t fall for the
lie that the greediest one wins. Conduct every deal with honesty and
integrity. That is godly business.
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143 LEVITICUS 20:23
shall be to you as one born among you, and 9‘For everyone who curses his father or
you shall love him as yourself; for you were his mother shall surely be put to death. He
strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the has cursed his father or his mother. His
Lord your God. blood shall be upon him.
35‘You shall do no injustice in judgment, 10‘The man who commits adultery with
in measurement of length, weight, or vol- another man’s wife, he who commits adul-
ume. 36You shall have honest scales, honest tery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer
weights, an honest ephah, and an honest and the adulteress, shall surely be put to
hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought death. 11The man who lies with his father’s
you out of the land of Egypt. wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness;
37‘Therefore you shall observe all My both of them shall surely be put to death.
statutes and all My judgments, and per- Their blood shall be upon them. 12If a man
form them: I am the Lord.’ ” lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them
shall surely be put to death. They have
Penalties for Breaking committed perversion. Their blood shall be
the Law upon them. 13If a man lies with a male as he
20
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, lies with a woman, both of them have com-
saying, 2“Again, you shall say to mitted an abomination. They shall surely
the children of Israel: ‘Whoever be put to death. Their blood shall be upon
of the children of Israel, or of the strangers them. 14If a man marries a woman and
who dwell in Israel, who gives any of his her mother, it is wickedness. They shall
descendants to Molech, he shall surely be be burned with fire, both he and they, that
put to death. The people of the land shall there may be no wickedness among you.
15If a man mates with an animal, he shall
stone him with stones. 3I will set My face
against that man, and will cut him off from surely be put to death, and you shall kill
his people, because he has given some of the animal. 16If a woman approaches any
his descendants to Molech, to defile My animal and mates with it, you shall kill the
sanctuary and profane My holy name. woman and the animal. They shall surely
4And if the people of the land should in any be put to death. Their blood is upon them.
17‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s
way hide their eyes from the man, when he
gives some of his descendants to Molech, daughter or his mother’s daughter, and
and they do not kill him, 5then I will set My sees her nakedness and she sees his naked-
face against that man and against his fam- ness, it is a wicked thing. And they shall be
ily; and I will cut him off from his people, cut off in the sight of their people. He has
and all who prostitute themselves with uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall
him to commit harlotry with Molech. bear his guilt. 18If a man lies with a woman
during her sickness and uncovers her na-
kedness, he has exposed her flow, and she
Leviticus 20:2 has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both
Intentionally disobeying God was a of them shall be cut off from their people.
19‘You shall not uncover the nakedness
capital offense in ancient Israel. Death
by stoning was the normal sentence. of your mother’s sister nor of your father’s
Offenders were taken outside the sister, for that would uncover his near of
camp where the men of the commu- kin. They shall bear their guilt. 20If a man
nity threw rocks at them until they lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered
died. his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their
sin; they shall die childless. 21If a man takes
his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing.
6‘And the person who turns to mediums He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness.
and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself They shall be childless.
with them, I will set My face against that 22‘You shall therefore keep all My stat-
person and cut him off from his people. utes and all My judgments, and perform
7Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be them, that the land where I am bringing
holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8And you you to dwell may not vomit you out. 23And
shall keep My statutes, and perform them: you shall not walk in the statutes of the na-
I am the Lord who sanctifies you. tion which I am casting out before you; for
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LEVITICUS 20:24 144
Making It Real //
Leviticus 20:6
Finding the Answers How many times have you flipped through the channels
and seen television shows about witchcraft or wizardry, or seen an advertisement trying
to convince you to call a 1-900 number that will put you in touch with your very own
psychic? How often have you been surfing the Internet and found sites that make horo-
scopes, witchcraft, or other forms of the occult sound exciting and tempting?
We live in a world that is fascinated with the occult. Rather than turning to God or
His Word for answers, many people turn to “mediums and familiar spirits,” that is, to
psychics, astrologists, fortune-tellers, witches, channelers, and others who receive their
power from Satan, not God. God’s Word calls this kind of stuff an abomination; and in
this particular verse, God says that He is against (or the enemy of) those who even visit
someone who practices this kind of evil. Don’t associate with such people or allow your
curiosity to lead you into experimenting with the occult. Instead, turn to Jesus. He really
is the only One who can give you answers; He’s the One who controls your future.
When you need answers, go to God. He will speak to you through His Word and by
His Holy Spirit. Listen to what God says and follow where He leads. He will always make
sure you are in the right place at the right time and your future is a winning one. In fact,
the Bible says you’re more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37), and God is on your side. (See
also: 2 Chr. 33:6; Gal. 5:19–21.)
Words to Live By
Set My face against: This phrase may be a bit difficult to understand, but it’s not
hard to get the idea God is not pleased when He sets His “face against” a person. The
whole idea here is that God is extremely displeased and His holy, powerful presence is in
opposition to those who turn to occult practices. For a person to put themselves in a
position where Almighty God is an enemy is dangerous and foolish. Whether or not we
recognize His power and authority, God is always in control. Looking to anything or any-
one else to find answers about life will never lead to anything good.
they commit all these things, and therefore Regulations for Conduct
I abhor them. 24But I have said to you, “You of Priests
shall inherit their land, and I will give it to
21
And the Lord said to Moses,
you to possess, a land flowing with milk
“Speak to the priests, the sons
and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who
of Aaron, and say to them:
has separated you from the peoples. 25You
‘None shall defile himself for the dead
shall therefore distinguish between clean
animals and unclean, between unclean among his people, 2except for his relatives
birds and clean, and you shall not make who are nearest to him: his mother, his fa-
yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, ther, his son, his daughter, and his brother;
3also his virgin sister who is near to him,
or by any kind of living thing that creeps on
the ground, which I have separated from who has had no husband, for her he may
you as unclean. 26And you shall be holy defile himself. 4Otherwise he shall not de-
to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have file himself, being a chief man among his
separated you from the peoples, that you people, to profane himself.
should be Mine. 5‘They shall not make any bald place on
27‘A man or a woman who is a medium, their heads, nor shall they shave the edges
or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be of their beards nor make any cuttings in
put to death; they shall stone them with their flesh. 6They shall be holy to their God
stones. Their blood shall be upon them.’ ” and not profane the name of their God, for
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145 LEVITICUS 22:16
22
they offer the offerings of the Lord made Then the Lord spoke to Moses,
by fire, and the bread of their God; there- saying, 2“Speak to Aaron and
fore they shall be holy. 7They shall not take his sons, that they separate
a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, themselves from the holy things of the chil-
nor shall they take a woman divorced from dren of Israel, and that they do not profane
her husband; for the priesta is holy to his My holy name by what they dedicate to
God. 8Therefore you shall consecrate him, Me: I am the Lord. 3Say to them: ‘Whoever
for he offers the bread of your God. He shall of all your descendants throughout your
be holy to you, for I the Lord, who sanctify generations, who goes near the holy things
you, am holy. 9The daughter of any priest, which the children of Israel dedicate to the
if she profanes herself by playing the har- Lord, while he has uncleanness upon him,
lot, she profanes her father. She shall be that person shall be cut off from My pres-
burned with fire. ence: I am the Lord.
10‘He who is the high priest among his 4‘Whatever man of the descendants of
brethren, on whose head the anointing Aaron, who is a leper or has a discharge,
oil was poured and who is consecrated to shall not eat the holy offerings until he is
wear the garments, shall not uncover his clean. And whoever touches anything made
head nor tear his clothes; 11nor shall he unclean by a corpse, or a man who has had
go near any dead body, nor defile himself an emission of semen, 5or whoever touches
for his father or his mother; 12nor shall any creeping thing by which he would be
he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane made unclean, or any person by whom he
the sanctuary of his God; for the conse- would become unclean, whatever his un-
cration of the anointing oil of his God is cleanness may be—6the person who has
upon him: I am the Lord. 13And he shall touched any such thing shall be unclean un-
take a wife in her virginity. 14A widow or a til evening, and shall not eat the holy offer-
divorced woman or a defiled woman or a ings unless he washes his body with water.
harlot—these he shall not marry; but he 7And when the sun goes down he shall be
shall take a virgin of his own people as clean; and afterward he may eat the holy of-
wife. 15Nor shall he profane his posterity ferings, because it is his food. 8Whatever dies
among his people, for I the Lord sanctify naturally or is torn by beasts he shall not eat,
him.’ ” to defile himself with it: I am the Lord.
16And the Lord spoke to Moses, say- 9‘They shall therefore keep My ordi-
ing, 17“Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘No man of nance, lest they bear sin for it and die
your descendants in succeeding genera- thereby, if they profane it: I the Lord sanc-
tions, who has any defect, may approach tify them.
to offer the bread of his God. 18For any 10‘No outsider shall eat the holy offering;
man who has a defect shall not approach: one who dwells with the priest, or a hired
a man blind or lame, who has a marred servant, shall not eat the holy thing. 11But if
face or any limb too long, 19a man who the priest buys a person with his money, he
has a broken foot or broken hand, 20or is may eat it; and one who is born in his house
a hunchback or a dwarf, or a man who has may eat his food. 12If the priest’s daughter
a defect in his eye, or eczema or scab, or is married to an outsider, she may not eat
is a eunuch. 21No man of the descendants of the holy offerings. 13But if the priest’s
of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, shall daughter is a widow or divorced, and has
come near to offer the offerings made by no child, and has returned to her father’s
fire to the Lord. He has a defect; he shall house as in her youth, she may eat her fa-
not come near to offer the bread of his ther’s food; but no outsider shall eat it.
God. 22He may eat the bread of his God, 14‘And if a man eats the holy offering un-
both the most holy and the holy; 23only he intentionally, then he shall restore a holy
shall not go near the veil or approach the offering to the priest, and add one-fifth to it.
altar, because he has a defect, lest he pro- 15They shall not profane the holy offerings
fane My sanctuaries; for I the Lord sanc- of the children of Israel, which they offer to
tify them.’ ” the Lord, 16or allow them to bear the guilt
24And Moses told it to Aaron and his
sons, and to all the children of Israel. 21:7 aLiterally he
03-Leviticus.indd 145 2/14/12 11:49 AM
LEVITICUS 22:17 146
of trespass when they eat their holy offer- tifies you, 33who brought you out of the land
ings; for I the Lord sanctify them.’ ” of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord.”
Offerings Accepted Feasts of the L ord
and Not Accepted
23
And the Lord spoke to Moses,
17And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, saying, 2“Speak to the children
18“Speak to Aaron and his sons, and to of Israel, and say to them: ‘The
all the children of Israel, and say to them: feasts of the Lord, which you shall pro-
‘Whatever man of the house of Israel, or claim to be holy convocations, these are My
of the strangers in Israel, who offers his feasts.
sacrifice for any of his vows or for any of
his freewill offerings, which they offer to The Sabbath
the Lord as a burnt offering—19you shall 3‘Six days shall work be done, but the sev-
offer of your own free will a male without enth day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a
blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, holy convocation. You shall do no work on
or from the goats. 20Whatever has a de- it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your
fect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be dwellings.
acceptable on your behalf. 21And whoever
offers a sacrifice of a peace offering to the The Passover and Unleavened
Lord, to fulfill his vow, or a freewill offer- Bread
ing from the cattle or the sheep, it must be 4‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy con-
perfect to be accepted; there shall be no
defect in it. 22Those that are blind or bro- vocations which you shall proclaim at their
ken or maimed, or have an ulcer or eczema appointed times. 5On the fourteenth day
or scabs, you shall not offer to the Lord, of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s
nor make an offering by fire of them on the Passover. 6And on the fifteenth day of the
altar to the Lord. 23Either a bull or a lamb same month is the Feast of Unleavened
that has any limb too long or too short you Bread to the Lord; seven days you must
may offer as a freewill offering, but for a eat unleavened bread. 7On the first day you
vow it shall not be accepted. shall have a holy convocation; you shall do
24‘You shall not offer to the Lord what is no customary work on it. 8But you shall of-
bruised or crushed, or torn or cut; nor shall fer an offering made by fire to the Lord for
you make any offering of them in your land. seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy
25Nor from a foreigner’s hand shall you of- convocation; you shall do no customary
fer any of these as the bread of your God, work on it.’ ”
because their corruption is in them, and
defects are in them. They shall not be ac-
cepted on your behalf.’ ”
Leviticus 23:4, 5
26And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: When the angel of death came for
27“When a bull or a sheep or a goat is born, every firstborn son in Egypt, he
passed over those houses that had
it shall be seven days with its mother; and
been marked with the blood of a lamb.
from the eighth day and thereafter it shall
The Israelites celebrated this event by
be accepted as an offering made by fire
eating a special Passover meal that
to the Lord. 28Whether it is a cow or ewe,
included bread made without leaven-
do not kill both her and her young on the
ing. Jews still celebrate Passover every
same day. 29And when you offer a sacrifice
spring as a reminder of how God
of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your
rescued their people from slavery.
own free will. 30On the same day it shall be
eaten; you shall leave none of it until morn-
ing: I am the Lord.
31“Therefore you shall keep My com- The Feast of Firstfruits
mandments, and perform them: I am the 9And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
Lord. 32You shall not profane My holy 10“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to
name, but I will be hallowed among the them: ‘When you come into the land which
children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanc- I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you
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147 LEVITICUS 23:38
shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your The Feast of Trumpets
harvest to the priest. 11He shall wave the 23Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on 24“Speak to the children of Israel, saying:
your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath
‘In the seventh month, on the first day of
the priest shall wave it. 12And you shall of-
the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest,
fer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a
a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy
male lamb of the first year, without blem-
convocation. 25You shall do no customary
ish, as a burnt offering to the Lord. 13Its
work on it; and you shall offer an offering
grain offering shall be two-tenths of an
made by fire to the Lord.’ ”
ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offer-
ing made by fire to the Lord, for a sweet The Day of Atonement
aroma; and its drink offering shall be of
26And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
wine, one-fourth of a hin. 14You shall eat
27“Also the tenth day of this seventh month
neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh
grain until the same day that you have shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be
brought an offering to your God; it shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall af-
a statute forever throughout your genera- flict your souls, and offer an offering made
tions in all your dwellings. by fire to the Lord. 28And you shall do no
work on that same day, for it is the Day of
The Feast of Weeks Atonement, to make atonement for you
15‘And you shall count for yourselves from before the Lord your God. 29For any per-
the day after the Sabbath, from the day son who is not afflicted in soul on that
that you brought the sheaf of the wave of- same day shall be cut off from his people.
30And any person who does any work on
fering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed.
16Count fifty days to the day after the sev- that same day, that person I will destroy
enth Sabbath; then you shall offer a new from among his people. 31You shall do no
grain offering to the Lord. 17You shall manner of work; it shall be a statute forever
bring from your dwellings two wave loaves throughout your generations in all your
of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of dwellings. 32It shall be to you a sabbath of
fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls;
They are the firstfruits to the Lord. 18And on the ninth day of the month at evening,
you shall offer with the bread seven lambs from evening to evening, you shall cel-
of the first year, without blemish, one ebrate your sabbath.”
young bull, and two rams. They shall be
The Feast of Tabernacles
as a burnt offering to the Lord, with their
grain offering and their drink offerings, an 33Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to 34“Speak to the children of Israel, saying:
the Lord. 19Then you shall sacrifice one ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month
kid of the goats as a sin offering, and two shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven
male lambs of the first year as a sacrifice days to the Lord. 35On the first day there
of a peace offering. 20The priest shall wave shall be a holy convocation. You shall do
them with the bread of the firstfruits as a no customary work on it. 36For seven days
wave offering before the Lord, with the you shall offer an offering made by fire to
two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have
for the priest. 21And you shall proclaim on a holy convocation, and you shall offer an
the same day that it is a holy convocation offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a
to you. You shall do no customary work sacred assembly, and you shall do no cus-
on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your tomary work on it.
dwellings throughout your generations. 37‘These are the feasts of the Lord which
22‘When you reap the harvest of your you shall proclaim to be holy convocations,
land, you shall not wholly reap the corners to offer an offering made by fire to the
of your field when you reap, nor shall you Lord, a burnt offering and a grain offering,
gather any gleaning from your harvest. You a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything
shall leave them for the poor and for the on its day—38besides the Sabbaths of the
stranger: I am the Lord your God.’ ” Lord, besides your gifts, besides all your
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LEVITICUS 23:39 148
vows, and besides all your freewill offerings of the Lord made by fire, by a perpetual
which you give to the Lord. statute.”
39‘Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh
month, when you have gathered in the fruit The Penalty for Blasphemy
of the land, you shall keep the feast of the 10Now the son of an Israelite woman,
Lord for seven days; on the first day there whose father was an Egyptian, went out
shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth among the children of Israel; and this Is-
day a sabbath-rest. 40And you shall take raelite woman’s son and a man of Israel
for yourselves on the first day the fruit of fought each other in the camp. 11And the
beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the
the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of name of the Lord and cursed; and so they
the brook; and you shall rejoice before the brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name
Lord your God for seven days. 41You shall was Shelomith the daughter of Dibri, of the
keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven tribe of Dan.) 12Then they put him in cus-
days in the year. It shall be a statute forever tody, that the mind of the Lord might be
in your generations. You shall celebrate shown to them.
it in the seventh month. 42You shall dwell 13And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
in booths for seven days. All who are na- 14“Take outside the camp him who has
tive Israelites shall dwell in booths, 43that cursed; then let all who heard him lay their
your generations may know that I made hands on his head, and let all the congrega-
the children of Israel dwell in booths when tion stone him.
I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I 15“Then you shall speak to the children
am the Lord your God.’ ” of Israel, saying: ‘Whoever curses his God
44So Moses declared to the children of
shall bear his sin. 16And whoever blas-
Israel the feasts of the Lord. phemes the name of the Lord shall surely
be put to death. All the congregation shall
Care of the Tabernacle Lamps
certainly stone him, the stranger as well as
24
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, him who is born in the land. When he blas-
saying: 2“Command the chil- phemes the name of the Lord, he shall be
dren of Israel that they bring to put to death.
you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, 17‘Whoever kills any man shall surely
to make the lamps burn continually. 3Out- be put to death. 18Whoever kills an animal
side the veil of the Testimony, in the taber- shall make it good, animal for animal.
nacle of meeting, Aaron shall be in charge 19‘If a man causes disfigurement of his
of it from evening until morning before neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done
the Lord continually; it shall be a statute to him— 20fracture for fracture, eye for eye,
forever in your generations. 4He shall be in tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigure-
charge of the lamps on the pure gold lamp- ment of a man, so shall it be done to him.
stand before the Lord continually. 21And whoever kills an animal shall restore
it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to
The Bread of the Tabernacle death. 22You shall have the same law for the
5“And you shall take fine flour and bake stranger and for one from your own coun-
twelve cakes with it. Two- tenths of an try; for I am the Lord your God.’ ”
23Then Moses spoke to the children of
ephah shall be in each cake. 6You shall set
them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure Israel; and they took outside the camp
gold table before the Lord. 7And you shall him who had cursed, and stoned him with
put pure frankincense on each row, that stones. So the children of Israel did as the
it may be on the bread for a memorial, an Lord commanded Moses.
offering made by fire to the Lord. 8Every
Sabbath he shall set it in order before the The Sabbath of the Seventh
Year
Lord continually, being taken from the
25
children of Israel by an everlasting cov- And the Lord spoke to Moses
enant. 9And it shall be for Aaron and his on Mount Sinai, saying, 2“Speak
sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place; to the children of Israel, and
for it is most holy to him from the offerings say to them: ‘When you come into the
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149 LEVITICUS 25:30
land which I give you, then the land shall
keep a sabbath to the Lord. 3Six years you Leviticus 25:14, 15
shall sow your field, and six years you shall The Year of Jubilee was a time to start
prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; over again economically and socially!
4but in the seventh year there shall be a
God wanted His people to be free—
sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sab- including free from debt. The Year of
bath to the Lord. You shall neither sow Jubilee was a way of reminding the
your field nor prune your vineyard. 5What Israelites of this.
grows of its own accord of your harvest
you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of
your untended vine, for it is a year of rest Provisions for the Seventh
for the land. 6And the sabbath produce of Year
the land shall be food for you: for you, your 18‘So you shall observe My statutes and
male and female servants, your hired man,
and the stranger who dwells with you, 7for keep My judgments, and perform them;
your livestock and the beasts that are in and you will dwell in the land in safety.
19Then the land will yield its fruit, and you
your land—all its produce shall be for food.
will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.
20‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in
The Year of Jubilee
8‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of
the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor
gather in our produce?” 21Then I will com-
years for yourself, seven times seven years; mand My blessing on you in the sixth year,
and the time of the seven sabbaths of years and it will bring forth produce enough
shall be to you forty- nine years. 9Then for three years. 22And you shall sow in the
you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee eighth year, and eat old produce until the
to sound on the tenth day of the seventh ninth year; until its produce comes in, you
month; on the Day of Atonement you shall shall eat of the old harvest.
make the trumpet to sound throughout all
your land. 10And you shall consecrate the Redemption of Property
fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty through-
23‘The land shall not be sold permanently,
out all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall
be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall for the land is Mine; for you are strangers
return to his possession, and each of you and sojourners with Me. 24And in all the
shall return to his family. 11That fiftieth land of your possession you shall grant re-
year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall demption of the land.
25‘If one of your brethren becomes poor,
neither sow nor reap what grows of its own
accord, nor gather the grapes of your un- and has sold some of his possession, and
tended vine. 12For it is the Jubilee; it shall if his redeeming relative comes to redeem
be holy to you; you shall eat its produce it, then he may redeem what his brother
from the field. sold. 26Or if the man has no one to redeem
13‘In this Year of Jubilee, each of you it, but he himself becomes able to redeem
shall return to his possession. 14And if it, 27then let him count the years since its
you sell anything to your neighbor or buy sale, and restore the remainder to the man
from your neighbor’s hand, you shall not to whom he sold it, that he may return to
oppress one another. 15According to the his possession. 28But if he is not able to
number of years after the Jubilee you shall have it restored to himself, then what was
buy from your neighbor, and according to sold shall remain in the hand of him who
the number of years of crops he shall sell to bought it until the Year of Jubilee; and in
you. 16According to the multitude of years the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall
you shall increase its price, and according return to his possession.
to the fewer number of years you shall di- 29‘If a man sells a house in a walled city,
minish its price; for he sells to you accord- then he may redeem it within a whole year
ing to the number of the years of the crops. after it is sold; within a full year he may re-
17Therefore you shall not oppress one an- deem it. 30But if it is not redeemed within
other, but you shall fear your God; for I am the space of a full year, then the house in
the Lord your God. the walled city shall belong permanently to
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LEVITICUS 25:31 150
him who bought it, throughout his genera- for your children after you, to inherit them
tions. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. as a possession; they shall be your perma-
31However the houses of villages which nent slaves. But regarding your brethren,
have no wall around them shall be counted the children of Israel, you shall not rule
as the fields of the country. They may be over one another with rigor.
redeemed, and they shall be released in 47‘Now if a sojourner or stranger close to
the Jubilee. 32Nevertheless the cities of the you becomes rich, and one of your brethren
Levites, and the houses in the cities of their who dwells by him becomes poor, and sells
possession, the Levites may redeem at any himself to the stranger or sojourner close to
time. 33And if a man purchases a house you, or to a member of the stranger’s family,
from the Levites, then the house that was 48after he is sold he may be redeemed again.
sold in the city of his possession shall be One of his brothers may redeem him; 49or
released in the Jubilee; for the houses in the his uncle or his uncle’s son may redeem him;
cities of the Levites are their possession or anyone who is near of kin to him in his
among the children of Israel. 34But the field family may redeem him; or if he is able he
of the common-land of their cities may not may redeem himself. 50Thus he shall reckon
be sold, for it is their perpetual possession. with him who bought him: The price of his
release shall be according to the number of
Lending to the Poor years, from the year that he was sold to him
35‘If one of your brethren becomes poor,
until the Year of Jubilee; it shall be according
to the time of a hired servant for him. 51If
and falls into poverty among you, then there are still many years remaining, accord-
you shall help him, like a stranger or a so- ing to them he shall repay the price of his
journer, that he may live with you. 36Take redemption from the money with which he
no usury or interest from him; but fear your was bought. 52And if there remain but a few
God, that your brother may live with you. years until the Year of Jubilee, then he shall
37You shall not lend him your money for
reckon with him, and according to his years
usury, nor lend him your food at a profit. he shall repay him the price of his redemp-
38I am the Lord your God, who brought
tion. 53He shall be with him as a yearly hired
you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the servant, and he shall not rule with rigor
land of Canaan and to be your God. over him in your sight. 54And if he is not
redeemed in these years, then he shall be
The Law Concerning Slavery released in the Year of Jubilee—he and his
39‘And if one of your brethren who dwells children with him. 55For the children of Is-
by you becomes poor, and sells himself to rael are servants to Me; they are My servants
you, you shall not compel him to serve as a whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I
slave. 40As a hired servant and a sojourner am the Lord your God.
he shall be with you, and shall serve you
until the Year of Jubilee. 41And then he shall Promise of Blessing
depart from you—he and his children with and Retribution
26
him—and shall return to his own family. He ‘You shall not make idols for
shall return to the possession of his fathers. yourselves;
42For they are My servants, whom I brought neither a carved image nor a
out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sacred pillar shall you
sold as slaves. 43You shall not rule over him rear up for yourselves;
with rigor, but you shall fear your God. nor shall you set up an engraved stone in
44And as for your male and female slaves your land, to bow down to it;
whom you may have—from the nations for I am the Lord your God.
that are around you, from them you may 2You shall keep My Sabbaths and rever-
buy male and female slaves. 45Moreover ence My sanctuary:
you may buy the children of the strangers I am the Lord.
who dwell among you, and their families
who are with you, which they beget in your 3‘If you walk in My statutes and keep
land; and they shall become your property. My commandments, and perform
46And you may take them as an inheritance them,
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151 LEVITICUS 26:28
4then I will give you rain in its season, the consume the eyes and cause sor-
land shall yield its produce, and row of heart.
the trees of the field shall yield And you shall sow your seed in vain, for
their fruit. your enemies shall eat it.
5Your threshing shall last till the time of 17I will set My face against you, and you
vintage, and the vintage shall last shall be defeated by your enemies.
till the time of sowing; Those who hate you shall reign over you,
you shall eat your bread to the full, and and you shall flee when no one
dwell in your land safely. pursues you.
18‘ And after all this, if you do not obey Me,
Blessing then I will punish you seven times
What type of life does God more for your sins.
bless? 19I will break the pride of your power;
Leviticus 26:3–5 I will make your heavens like iron and
your earth like bronze.
20And your strength shall be spent in
6I will give peace in the land, and you vain;
shall lie down, and none will for your land shall not yield its produce,
make you afraid; nor shall the trees of the land yield
I will rid the land of evil beasts, their fruit.
and the sword will not go through your
land. 21‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are
7You will chase your enemies, and they
not willing to obey Me, I will bring
shall fall by the sword before you. on you seven times more plagues,
8Five of you shall chase a hundred, and
according to your sins.
a hundred of you shall put ten 22I will also send wild beasts among you,
thousand to flight; which shall rob you of your chil-
your enemies shall fall by the sword be- dren, destroy your livestock, and
fore you. make you few in number;
9‘For I will look on you favorably and make
and your highways shall be desolate.
you fruitful, multiply you and con- 23‘
And if by these things you are not re-
firm My covenant with you. formed by Me, but walk contrary
10You shall eat the old harvest, and clear
to Me,
out the old because of the new. 24then I also will walk contrary to you, and
11I will set My tabernacle among you, and
I will punish you yet seven times
My soul shall not abhor you. for your sins.
12I will walk among you and be your God, 25And I will bring a sword against you that
and you shall be My people. will execute the vengeance of the
13I am the Lord your God, who brought
covenant;
you out of the land of Egypt, that when you are gathered together within
you should not be their slaves; your cities I will send pestilence
I have broken the bands of your yoke among you;
and made you walk upright. and you shall be delivered into the hand
of the enemy.
14‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not ob- 26When I have cut off your supply of bread,
serve all these commandments, ten women shall bake your bread
15and if you despise My statutes, or if your
in one oven, and they shall bring
soul abhors My judgments, so back your bread by weight, and
that you do not perform all My you shall eat and not be satisfied.
commandments, but break My
covenant, 27‘ And
after all this, if you do not obey Me,
16I also will do this to you: but walk contrary to Me,
I will even appoint terror over you, wast- 28then I also will walk contrary to you in
ing disease and fever which shall fury;
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LEVITICUS 26:29 152
Promise
God promises to punish sin.
“But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these com-
mandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul
abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My com-
mandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you:
I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the
eyes and cause sorrow of heart . . . And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will
punish you seven times more for your sins” (Lev. 26:14–16a, 18).
Wow! God really means business. He intends for us to obey His laws; and it’s
for our own good. He gave us laws in order to give us guidance and boundaries.
God designed our lives, so He knows better than anyone how they need to
operate. Think of Him as the “manufacturer.” The manufacturer has set the specs,
knowing how everything functions at its best and at what point the whole system
will crash and burn. When we don’t follow the specs God has given us for life (His
laws), we will find our lives out of order and, sooner or later, we, too, will crash
and burn.
Breaking God’s law is sin, and God punishes sin for the same reason a parent
disciplines a child for disobedience. He wants us to live fully productive,
successful lives because He loves us. So sin brings discipline in order for us to
learn to live as God wants—the only way we will ever know real success.
Sometimes, the consequence of the sin is the punishment. Other times,
punishment may come in another form. The promise of punishment is enough to
encourage some people to try to stay out of sin. However, our motivation for
living right and avoiding sin should not be to simply avoid punishment. Rather,
our motivation should be our love for God and our desire to serve Him and be
like Him. Even if we forget or fail to be motivated by our love for and desire to
please God, He will give us reminders that are hard to ignore. And He knows that
once we’ve had to face the consequences of our sin, or once we’ve been punished,
we won’t be quick to make the same mistake again. God’s discipline helps us
remember to say to temptation: “Been there, done that, no thanks.”
See for yourself// Psalm 89:32, 33; Lamentations 4:22; Hosea 9:9
and I, even I, will chastise you seven 33I will scatter you among the nations and
times for your sins. draw out a sword after you;
29You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and your land shall be desolate and your cit-
you shall eat the flesh of your ies waste.
34Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as
daughters.
30I will destroy your high places, cut down long as it lies desolate and you are
your incense altars, and cast your in your enemies’ land;
carcasses on the lifeless forms of then the land shall rest and enjoy its sab-
your idols; baths.
35As long as it lies desolate it shall rest—
and My soul shall abhor you.
31I will lay your cities waste and bring your for the time it did not rest on your sab-
baths when you dwelt in it.
sanctuaries to desolation, and
I will not smell the fragrance of 36‘ And as for those of you who are left, I will
your sweet aromas. send faintness into their hearts in
32I will bring the land to desolation, and
the lands of their enemies;
your enemies who dwell in it shall the sound of a shaken leaf shall cause
be astonished at it. them to flee;
03-Leviticus.indd 152 2/14/12 11:49 AM
153 LEVITICUS 27:16
they shall flee as though fleeing from a Redeeming Persons
sword, and they shall fall when no and Property Dedicated
one pursues. to God
27
37They shall stumble over one another, as
Now the Lord spoke to Mo-
it were before a sword, when no ses, saying, 2“Speak to the chil-
one pursues; dren of Israel, and say to them:
and you shall have no power to stand be- ‘When a man consecrates by a vow certain
fore your enemies. persons to the Lord, according to your val-
38You shall perish among the nations, and
uation, 3if your valuation is of a male from
the land of your enemies shall eat twenty years old up to sixty years old, then
you up. your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver,
39And those of you who are left shall waste
according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 4If
away in their iniquity in your en-
it is a female, then your valuation shall be
emies’ lands;
thirty shekels; 5and if from five years old up
also in their fathers’ iniquities, which are
to twenty years old, then your valuation for
with them, they shall waste away.
a male shall be twenty shekels, and for a fe-
40‘But if they confess their iniquity and the male ten shekels; 6and if from a month old
iniquity of their fathers, with their up to five years old, then your valuation for
unfaithfulness in which they were a male shall be five shekels of silver, and for
unfaithful to Me, and that they a female your valuation shall be three shek-
also have walked contrary to Me, els of silver; 7and if from sixty years old and
41and that I also have walked contrary to above, if it is a male, then your valuation
them and have brought them into shall be fifteen shekels, and for a female
the land of their enemies; ten shekels.
8‘But if he is too poor to pay your valu-
if their uncircumcised hearts are hum-
bled, and they accept their guilt— ation, then he shall present himself before
42then I will remember My covenant with the priest, and the priest shall set a value
Jacob, and My covenant with for him; according to the ability of him who
Isaac and My covenant with Abra- vowed, the priest shall value him.
9‘If it is an animal that men may bring
ham I will remember;
I will remember the land. as an offering to the Lord, all that anyone
43The land also shall be left empty by them, gives to the Lord shall be holy. 10He shall
and will enjoy its sabbaths while it not substitute it or exchange it, good for
lies desolate without them; bad or bad for good; and if he at all ex-
they will accept their guilt, because changes animal for animal, then both it
they despised My judgments and and the one exchanged for it shall be holy.
11If it is an unclean animal which they do
because their soul abhorred My
statutes. not offer as a sacrifice to the Lord, then he
44Yet for all that, when they are in the shall present the animal before the priest;
12and the priest shall set a value for it,
land of their enemies, I will not
cast them away, nor shall I abhor whether it is good or bad; as you, the priest,
them, to utterly destroy them and value it, so it shall be. 13But if he wants at all
break My covenant with them; to redeem it, then he must add one-fifth to
for I am the Lord their God. your valuation.
45But for their sake I will remember the 14‘And when a man dedicates his house
covenant of their ancestors, whom to be holy to the Lord, then the priest shall
I brought out of the land of Egypt set a value for it, whether it is good or bad;
in the sight of the nations, that I as the priest values it, so it shall stand. 15If
might be their God: he who dedicated it wants to redeem his
I am the Lord.’ ” house, then he must add one-fifth of the
money of your valuation to it, and it shall
46These are the statutes and judgments be his.
and laws which the Lord made between 16‘If a man dedicates to the Lord part of
Himself and the children of Israel on a field of his possession, then your valua-
Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses. tion shall be according to the seed for it. A
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LEVITICUS 27:17 154
homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty should be the Lord’s firstborn, no man
shekels of silver. 17If he dedicates his field shall dedicate; whether it is an ox or sheep,
from the Year of Jubilee, according to your it is the Lord’s. 27And if it is an unclean ani-
valuation it shall stand. 18But if he dedicates mal, then he shall redeem it according to
his field after the Jubilee, then the priest your valuation, and shall add one-fifth to it;
shall reckon to him the money due accord- or if it is not redeemed, then it shall be sold
ing to the years that remain till the Year of according to your valuation.
Jubilee, and it shall be deducted from your 28‘Nevertheless no devoted offering that
valuation. 19And if he who dedicates the a man may devote to the Lord of all that
field ever wishes to redeem it, then he must he has, both man and beast, or the field of
add one-fifth of the money of your valua- his possession, shall be sold or redeemed;
tion to it, and it shall belong to him. 20But every devoted offering is most holy to the
if he does not want to redeem the field, or if Lord. 29No person under the ban, who may
he has sold the field to another man, it shall become doomed to destruction among
not be redeemed anymore; 21but the field, men, shall be redeemed, but shall surely
when it is released in the Jubilee, shall be be put to death. 30And all the tithe of the
holy to the Lord, as a devoted field; it shall land, whether of the seed of the land or of
be the possession of the priest. the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy
22‘And if a man dedicates to the Lord to the Lord. 31If a man wants at all to re-
a field which he has bought, which is not deem any of his tithes, he shall add one-
the field of his possession, 23then the priest fifth to it. 32And concerning the tithe of the
shall reckon to him the worth of your valu- herd or the flock, of whatever passes under
ation, up to the Year of Jubilee, and he shall the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the
give your valuation on that day as a holy of- Lord. 33He shall not inquire whether it is
fering to the Lord. 24In the Year of Jubilee good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if
the field shall return to him from whom it he exchanges it at all, then both it and the
was bought, to the one who owned the land one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall
as a possession. 25And all your valuations not be redeemed.’ ”
shall be according to the shekel of the sanc- 34These are the commandments which
tuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. the Lord commanded Moses for the chil-
26‘But the firstborn of the animals, which dren of Israel on Mount Sinai.
03-Leviticus.indd 154 2/14/12 11:49 AM
Numbers
Date of writing: 1445–1440 B.C.
Author: Traditionally, Moses
Theme: God’s Guiding Presence
Purpose: Actions have consequences that even
the forgiven cannot escape.
Outline
1:1—4:49 �������������The People of Israel Are Counted
5:1—8:26 �������������Various Laws and the Cleansing of the Levites
9:1–23 ������������������Passover Is Celebrated and a Cloud Covers the
Tabernacle
10:1–36 ����������������The People Begin Their Journey
11:1–35 ����������������The People Complain
12:1–16 ����������������Miriam and Aaron Are Jealous of Moses
13:1–33 ����������������Twelve Men Are Sent into Canaan
14:1–45 ����������������The People Rebel and Are Punished
15:1–41 ����������������Laws and Punishments
16:1—17:13 ��������The People Rebel
18:1–32 ����������������Priests and Levites
19:1–22 ����������������Becoming Clean
20:1—21:35 ��������On the Way to Moab
22:1—24:25 ��������The Messages of Balaam
25:1–18 ����������������The People Are Unfaithful
26:1–65 ����������������The People of Israel Are Counted a Second Time
27:1–11 ����������������The Daughters of Zelophehad Are Given Land
27:12–23 �������������Joshua Is Appointed Israel’s Leader
28:1—30:16 ��������Various Laws and Sacrifices for Israel’s Feasts
31:1—36:13 ��������Israel Defeats Midian and Prepares to Cross the
Jordan River
04-Numbers.indd 155 2/14/12 11:50 AM
Key Verse:
Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did
not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of
Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the
land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12).
Then /// The title, Numbers, refers to the two times that Moses took a
census of (or counted) the people. The book itself is really about the time
period in between the two censuses.
After God miraculously brought the Hebrews out of Egypt, they traveled for about
twenty-four months on a journey to the border of the Promised Land, and now they were
about to collect their long-awaited heritage. There was just one catch: they would first
have to drive out the Canaanites who lived there. Moses had taken the first census to see
how many fighting men the Hebrews had, and it was time to finally conquer the Promised
Land. However, instead of going in, the people freaked out with fear, even after all God
had done to get them there. The consequence for their lack of faith was that they put the
camels in reverse and cruised the wilderness for almost forty long, hot, dry years.
Now /// The Book of Numbers is about the nasty parts of life that we
bring on ourselves when we refuse to believe that God will come through
for us. It’s about the weak parts of us that don’t believe even when God has
been faithful. It’s about the part of us that grumbles because we want God’s blessings the
easy way; we don’t want to work to keep our part of our agreement to worship Him. It’s
about us learning from the Hebrews’ mistakes so that maybe we won’t make the same
ones.
Reality Check /// The desert wandering isn’t the end of the
story in Numbers. After those forty years, it was time for the next genera-
tion’s chance to enter the Holy Land. Would they succeed where their
parents had failed? The Book of Numbers, which relays the sad story of fear and conse-
quences and wandering, actually ends with some positive expectations that the new
generation would, in fact, finally enter the Promised Land.
God had not abandoned His people, and His plan was not ultimately overcome by
their fear and complaining. So we can take heart that even if we have given in to the temp-
tation to fear the future and grumble about our lives, that doesn’t have to be the end of the
story. God does not abandon us; there is always hope for the future.
The First Census of Israel number of names, every male individu-
1
Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the ally, 3from twenty years old and above—all
Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle who are able to go to war in Israel. You and
of meeting, on the first day of the sec- Aaron shall number them by their armies.
4And with you there shall be a man from
ond month, in the second year after they
had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: every tribe, each one the head of his fa-
2“Take a census of all the congregation of ther’s house.
the children of Israel, by their families, 5“These are the names of the men
by their fathers’ houses, according to the who shall stand with you: from Reuben,
04-Numbers.indd 156 2/14/12 11:50 AM
157 NUMBERS 1:38
Elizur the son of Shedeur; 6from Simeon, 24From the children of Gad, their gene-
Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; 7from alogies by their families, by their fathers’
Judah, Nahshon the son of Ammina house, according to the number of names,
dab; 8from Issachar, Nethanel the son from twenty years old and above, all who
of Zuar; 9from Zebulun, Eliab the son of were able to go to war: 25those who were
Helon; 10from the sons of Joseph: from numbered of the tribe of Gad were forty-
Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; five thousand six hundred and fifty.
26From the children of Judah, their
from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pe
dahzur; 11from Benjamin, Abidan the son genealogies by their families, by their fa-
of Gideoni; 12from Dan, Ahiezer the son thers’ house, according to the number of
of Ammishaddai; 13from Asher, Pagiel the names, from twenty years old and above,
son of Ocran; 14from Gad, Eliasaph the son all who were able to go to war: 27those who
of Deuel;a 15from Naphtali, Ahira the son of were numbered of the tribe of Judah were
Enan.” 16These were chosen from the con- seventy-four thousand six hundred.
28From the children of Issachar, their ge-
gregation, leaders of their fathers’ tribes,
heads of the divisions in Israel. nealogies by their families, by their fathers’
17Then Moses and Aaron took these house, according to the number of names,
men who had been mentioned by name, from twenty years old and above, all who
18and they assembled all the congregation were able to go to war: 29those who were
together on the first day of the second numbered of the tribe of Issachar were
month; and they recited their ancestry by fifty-four thousand four hundred.
30From the children of Zebulun, their ge-
families, by their fathers’ houses, accord-
nealogies by their families, by their fathers’
ing to the number of names, from twenty
house, according to the number of names,
years old and above, each one individu-
from twenty years old and above, all who
ally. 19As the Lord commanded Moses,
were able to go to war: 31those who were
so he numbered them in the Wilderness
numbered of the tribe of Zebulun were
of Sinai. fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
20Now the children of Reuben, Israel’s
32From the sons of Joseph, the children
oldest son, their genealogies by their fami- of Ephraim, their genealogies by their
lies, by their fathers’ house, according to families, by their fathers’ house, accord-
the number of names, every male individu- ing to the number of names, from twenty
ally, from twenty years old and above, all years old and above, all who were able to go
who were able to go to war: 21those who to war: 33those who were numbered of the
were numbered of the tribe of Reuben were tribe of Ephraim were forty thousand five
forty-six thousand five hundred. hundred.
34From the children of Manasseh, their
genealogies by their families, by their fa-
Numbers 1:20–46 thers’ house, according to the number of
Don’t underestimate the size of the names, from twenty years old and above,
Israelite nation. The 603,550 people all who were able to go to war: 35those who
counted in the census were all men. were numbered of the tribe of Manasseh
Throw in the women and children, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.
and you probably had a total popula- 36From the children of Benjamin, their
tion of two million or more! genealogies by their families, by their fa-
thers’ house, according to the number of
22From the children of Simeon, their
names, from twenty years old and above,
all who were able to go to war: 37those who
genealogies by their families, by their fa- were numbered of the tribe of Benjamin
thers’ house, of those who were numbered, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.
according to the number of names, every 38From the children of Dan, their gene-
male individually, from twenty years old alogies by their families, by their fathers’
and above, all who were able to go to war: house, according to the number of names,
23those who were numbered of the tribe
from twenty years old and above, all who
of Simeon were fifty-nine thousand three
hundred. 1:14 aSpelled Reuel in 2:14
04-Numbers.indd 157 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 1:39 158
were able to go to war: 39those who were The Tribes and Leaders
numbered of the tribe of Dan were sixty- by Armies
2
two thousand seven hundred. And the Lord spoke to Moses and
40From the children of Asher, their ge-
Aaron, saying: 2“Everyone of the
nealogies by their families, by their fathers’ children of Israel shall camp by his
house, according to the number of names, own standard, beside the emblems of his
from twenty years old and above, all who father’s house; they shall camp some dis-
were able to go to war: 41those who were tance from the tabernacle of meeting. 3On
numbered of the tribe of Asher were forty- the east side, toward the rising of the sun,
one thousand five hundred. those of the standard of the forces with Ju-
42From the children of Naphtali, their ge-
dah shall camp according to their armies;
nealogies by their families, by their fathers’ and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall
house, according to the number of names, be the leader of the children of Judah.” 4And
from twenty years old and above, all who his army was numbered at seventy-four
were able to go to war: 43those who were thousand six hundred.
numbered of the tribe of Naphtali were 5“Those who camp next to him shall be
fifty-three thousand four hundred. the tribe of Issachar, and Nethanel the son
44These are the ones who were num- of Zuar shall be the leader of the children of
bered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, Issachar.” 6And his army was numbered at
with the leaders of Israel, twelve men, each fifty-four thousand four hundred.
one representing his father’s house. 45So all 7“Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and
who were numbered of the children of Is- Eliab the son of Helon shall be the leader
rael, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty of the children of Zebulun.” 8And his army
years old and above, all who were able to go was numbered at fifty-seven thousand four
to war in Israel—46all who were numbered hundred. 9“All who were numbered accord-
were six hundred and three thousand five ing to their armies of the forces with Judah,
hundred and fifty. one hundred and eighty-six thousand four
47But the Levites were not numbered hundred—these shall break camp first.
10“On the south side shall be the stan-
among them by their fathers’ tribe; 48for
the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying: dard of the forces with Reuben according
49“Only the tribe of Levi you shall not num- to their armies, and the leader of the chil-
ber, nor take a census of them among the dren of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of
children of Israel; 50but you shall appoint Shedeur.” 11And his army was numbered at
the Levites over the tabernacle of the Tes- forty-six thousand five hundred.
12“Those who camp next to him shall be
timony, over all its furnishings, and over
all things that belong to it; they shall carry the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the
the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the
shall attend to it and camp around the son of Zurishaddai.” 13And his army was
tabernacle. 51And when the tabernacle numbered at fifty- nine thousand three
is to go forward, the Levites shall take hundred.
14“Then comes the tribe of Gad, and
it down; and when the tabernacle is to
be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The the leader of the children of Gad shall be
outsider who comes near shall be put to Eliasaph the son of Reuel.”a 15And his army
death. 52The children of Israel shall pitch was numbered at forty-five thousand six
their tents, everyone by his own camp, ev- hundred and fifty. 16“All who were num-
eryone by his own standard, according to bered according to their armies of the
their armies; 53but the Levites shall camp forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-
around the tabernacle of the Testimony, one thousand four hundred and fifty—they
that there may be no wrath on the con- shall be the second to break camp.
17“And the tabernacle of meeting shall
gregation of the children of Israel; and the
Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle move out with the camp of the Levites in
the middle of the camps; as they camp, so
of the Testimony.”
54Thus the children of Israel did; accord- they shall move out, everyone in his place,
by their standards.
ing to all that the Lord commanded Mo-
ses, so they did. 2:14 aSpelled Deuel in 1:14 and 7:42
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159 NUMBERS 3:15
18“On the west side shall be the stan- The Sons of Aaron
dard of the forces with Ephraim accord-
3
Now these are the records of Aaron
ing to their armies, and the leader of the
and Moses when the Lord spoke
children of Ephraim shall be Elishama
with Moses on Mount Sinai. 2And
the son of Ammihud.” 19And his army was
these are the names of the sons of Aaron:
numbered at forty thousand five hun-
Nadab, the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar,
dred.
20“Next to him comes the tribe of
and Ithamar. 3These are the names of the
sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom
Manasseh, and the leader of the children
he consecrated to minister as priests.
of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of 4Nadab and Abihu had died before the
Pedahzur.” 21And his army was numbered
Lord when they offered profane fire be-
at thirty-two thousand two hundred.
22“Then comes the tribe of Benjamin, fore the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai;
and they had no children. So Eleazar and
and the leader of the children of Benja-
Ithamar ministered as priests in the pres-
min shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.”
23And his army was numbered at thirty- ence of Aaron their father.
five thousand four hundred. 24“All who
The Levites Serve in
were numbered according to their armies the Tabernacle
of the forces with Ephraim, one hundred
5And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
and eight thousand one hundred—they
6“Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present
shall be the third to break camp.
25“The standard of the forces with them before Aaron the priest, that they
Dan shall be on the north side accord- may serve him. 7And they shall attend to
ing to their armies, and the leader of the his needs and the needs of the whole con-
children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son gregation before the tabernacle of meeting,
of Ammishaddai.” 26And his army was to do the work of the tabernacle. 8Also they
numbered at sixty-two thousand seven shall attend to all the furnishings of the
hundred. tabernacle of meeting, and to the needs of
27“Those who camp next to him shall the children of Israel, to do the work of the
be the tribe of Asher, and the leader of the tabernacle. 9And you shall give the Levites
children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of to Aaron and his sons; they are given en-
Ocran.” 28And his army was numbered at tirely to hima from among the children of
forty-one thousand five hundred. Israel. 10So you shall appoint Aaron and his
29“Then comes the tribe of Naphtali, sons, and they shall attend to their priest-
and the leader of the children of Naph- hood; but the outsider who comes near
tali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.” 30And shall be put to death.”
11Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
his army was numbered at fifty- three
thousand four hundred. 31“All who were ing: 12“Now behold, I Myself have taken the
numbered of the forces with Dan, one Levites from among the children of Israel
hundred and fifty- seven thousand six instead of every firstborn who opens the
hundred— they shall break camp last, womb among the children of Israel. There-
with their standards.” fore the Levites shall be Mine, 13because all
32These are the ones who were num- the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I
bered of the children of Israel by their struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,
fathers’ houses. All who were numbered I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in
according to their armies of the forces Israel, both man and beast. They shall be
were six hundred and three thousand five Mine: I am the Lord.”
hundred and fifty. 33But the Levites were
not numbered among the children of Is- Census of the Levites
rael, just as the Lord commanded Moses. Commanded
34Thus the children of Israel did ac- 14Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the
cording to all that the Lord commanded Wilderness of Sinai, saying: 15“Number the
Moses; so they camped by their standards
and so they broke camp, each one by his 3:9 aSamaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint
family, according to their fathers’ houses. read Me.
04-Numbers.indd 159 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 3:16 160
children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by 33From Merari came the family of the
their families; you shall number every male Mahlites and the family of the Mushites;
from a month old and above.” these were the families of Merari. 34And
16So Moses numbered them according those who were numbered, according to
to the word of the Lord, as he was com- the number of all the males from a month
manded. 17These were the sons of Levi by old and above, were six thousand two hun-
their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. dred. 35The leader of the fathers’ house of
18And these are the names of the sons the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of
of Gershon by their families: Libni and Abihail. These were to camp on the north
Shimei. 19And the sons of Kohath by their side of the tabernacle. 36And the appointed
families: Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uz duty of the children of Merari included the
ziel. 20And the sons of Merari by their fami- boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pil-
lies: Mahli and Mushi. These are the fami- lars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work
lies of the Levites by their fathers’ houses. relating to them, 37and the pillars of the
21From Gershon came the family of the court all around, with their sockets, their
Libnites and the family of the Shimites; pegs, and their cords.
these were the families of the Gershonites. 38Moreover those who were to camp
22Those who were numbered, accord- before the tabernacle on the east, before
ing to the number of all the males from a the tabernacle of meeting, were Moses,
month old and above—of those who were Aaron, and his sons, keeping charge of the
numbered there were seven thousand five sanctuary, to meet the needs of the chil-
hundred. 23The families of the Gershonites dren of Israel; but the outsider who came
were to camp behind the tabernacle west- near was to be put to death. 39All who were
ward. 24And the leader of the father’s house numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and
of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Aaron numbered at the commandment of
Lael. 25The duties of the children of Ger- the Lord, by their families, all the males
shon in the tabernacle of meeting included from a month old and above, were twenty-
the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, two thousand.
the screen for the door of the tabernacle
of meeting, 26the screen for the door of the Levites Dedicated Instead
court, the hangings of the court which are of the Firstborn
around the tabernacle and the altar, and 40Then the Lord said to Moses: “Number
their cords, according to all the work relat- all the firstborn males of the children of Is-
ing to them. rael from a month old and above, and take
27From Kohath came the family of the
the number of their names. 41And you shall
Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the take the Levites for Me—I am the Lord—
family of the Hebronites, and the family of instead of all the firstborn among the
the Uzzielites; these were the families of children of Israel, and the livestock of the
the Kohathites. 28According to the num- Levites instead of all the firstborn among
ber of all the males, from a month old and the livestock of the children of Israel.” 42So
above, there were eight thousand sixa hun- Moses numbered all the firstborn among
dred keeping charge of the sanctuary. 29The the children of Israel, as the Lord com-
families of the children of Kohath were to manded him. 43And all the firstborn males,
camp on the south side of the tabernacle. according to the number of names from a
30And the leader of the fathers’ house of the
month old and above, of those who were
families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan numbered of them, were twenty-two thou-
the son of Uzziel. 31Their duty included the sand two hundred and seventy-three.
ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the 44Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
utensils of the sanctuary with which they ing: 45“Take the Levites instead of all the
ministered, the screen, and all the work re- firstborn among the children of Israel, and
lating to them. the livestock of the Levites instead of their
32And Eleazar the son of Aaron the
livestock. The Levites shall be Mine: I am
priest was to be chief over the leaders of the
Levites, with oversight of those who kept 3:28 aSome manuscripts of the Septuagint read
charge of the sanctuary. three.
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161 NUMBERS 4:25
the Lord. 46And for the redemption of the spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a
two hundred and seventy-three of the first- covering of badger skins; and they shall in-
born of the children of Israel, who are more sert its poles. 12Then they shall take all the
than the number of the Levites, 47you shall utensils of service with which they min-
take five shekels for each one individu- ister in the sanctuary, put them in a blue
ally; you shall take them in the currency cloth, cover them with a covering of bad-
of the shekel of the sanctuary, the shekel ger skins, and put them on a carrying beam.
of twenty gerahs. 48And you shall give the 13Also they shall take away the ashes from
money, with which the excess number of the altar, and spread a purple cloth over
them is redeemed, to Aaron and his sons.” it. 14They shall put on it all its implements
49So Moses took the redemption money with which they minister there—the fire-
from those who were over and above those pans, the forks, the shovels, the basins, and
who were redeemed by the Levites. 50From all the utensils of the altar—and they shall
the firstborn of the children of Israel he spread on it a covering of badger skins, and
took the money, one thousand three hun- insert its poles. 15And when Aaron and his
dred and sixty-five shekels, according to the sons have finished covering the sanctuary
shekel of the sanctuary. 51And Moses gave and all the furnishings of the sanctuary,
their redemption money to Aaron and his when the camp is set to go, then the sons of
sons, according to the word of the Lord, as Kohath shall come to carry them; but they
the Lord commanded Moses. shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.
“These are the things in the tabernacle
Duties of the Sons of Kohath of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to
4
Then the Lord spoke to Moses and carry.
16“The appointed duty of Eleazar the son
Aaron, saying: 2“Take a census of
the sons of Kohath from among the of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light,
children of Levi, by their families, by their the sweet incense, the daily grain offering,
fathers’ house, 3from thirty years old and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the
above, even to fifty years old, all who enter tabernacle, of all that is in it, with the sanc-
the service to do the work in the tabernacle tuary and its furnishings.”
17Then the Lord spoke to Moses and
of meeting.
4“This is the service of the sons of Ko- Aaron, saying: 18“Do not cut off the tribe of
hath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating the families of the Kohathites from among
to the most holy things: 5When the camp the Levites; 19but do this in regard to them,
prepares to journey, Aaron and his sons that they may live and not die when they
shall come, and they shall take down the approach the most holy things: Aaron
covering veil and cover the ark of the Tes- and his sons shall go in and appoint each
timony with it. 6Then they shall put on it a of them to his service and his task. 20But
covering of badger skins, and spread over they shall not go in to watch while the holy
that a cloth entirely of blue; and they shall things are being covered, lest they die.”
insert its poles.
7“On the table of showbread they shall Duties of the Sons
spread a blue cloth, and put on it the of Gershon
dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitch- 21Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
ers for pouring; and the showbreada shall 22“Also take a census of the sons of Gershon,
be on it. 8They shall spread over them a by their fathers’ house, by their families.
scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a 23From thirty years old and above, even to
covering of badger skins; and they shall fifty years old, you shall number them, all
insert its poles. 9And they shall take a blue who enter to perform the service, to do the
cloth and cover the lampstand of the light, work in the tabernacle of meeting. 24This is
with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, the service of the families of the Gershon-
and all its oil vessels, with which they ser- ites, in serving and carrying: 25They shall
vice it. 10Then they shall put it with all its carry the curtains of the tabernacle and
utensils in a covering of badger skins, and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering,
put it on a carrying beam.
11“Over the golden altar they shall 4:7 aLiterally the continual bread
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NUMBERS 4:26 162
the covering of badger skins that is on it, 38And those who were numbered of the
the screen for the door of the tabernacle sons of Gershon, by their families and by
of meeting, 26the screen for the door of the their fathers’ house, 39from thirty years old
gate of the court, the hangings of the court and above, even to fifty years old, every-
which are around the tabernacle and al- one who entered the service for work in
tar, and their cords, all the furnishings for the tabernacle of meeting—40those who
their service and all that is made for these were numbered by their families, by their
things: so shall they serve. fathers’ house, were two thousand six hun-
27“Aaron and his sons shall assign all the dred and thirty. 41These are the ones who
service of the sons of the Gershonites, all were numbered of the families of the sons
their tasks and all their service. And you of Gershon, of all who might serve in the
shall appoint to them all their tasks as their tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and
duty. 28This is the service of the families of Aaron numbered according to the com-
the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of mandment of the Lord.
42Those of the families of the sons of
meeting. And their duties shall be under
the authoritya of Ithamar the son of Aaron Merari who were numbered, by their fami-
the priest. lies, by their fathers’ house, 43from thirty
years old and above, even to fifty years old,
Duties of the Sons of Merari everyone who entered the service for work
in the tabernacle of meeting—44those
29“As for the sons of Merari, you shall num-
who were numbered by their families were
ber them by their families and by their
three thousand two hundred. 45These are
fathers’ house. 30From thirty years old and
the ones who were numbered of the fami-
above, even to fifty years old, you shall
lies of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and
number them, everyone who enters the
Aaron numbered according to the word of
service to do the work of the tabernacle
the Lord by the hand of Moses.
of meeting. 31And this is what they must 46All who were numbered of the Levites,
carry as all their service for the tabernacle
whom Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of
of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle,
Israel numbered, by their families and by
its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 32and the
their fathers’ houses, 47from thirty years old
pillars around the court with their sockets,
and above, even to fifty years old, everyone
pegs, and cords, with all their furnishings
who came to do the work of service and the
and all their service; and you shall assign to
work of bearing burdens in the tabernacle
each man by name the items he must carry.
33This is the service of the families of the
of meeting— 48those who were numbered
were eight thousand five hundred and
sons of Merari, as all their service for the
eighty.
tabernacle of meeting, under the author- 49According to the commandment of
itya of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” the Lord they were numbered by the hand
of Moses, each according to his service and
Census of the Levites
according to his task; thus were they num-
34And Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the bered by him, as the Lord commanded
congregation numbered the sons of the Moses.
Kohathites by their families and by their
fathers’ house, 35from thirty years old and Ceremonially Unclean
above, even to fifty years old, everyone Persons Isolated
5
who entered the service for work in the And the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
tabernacle of meeting; 36and those who ing: 2“Command the children of Is-
were numbered by their families were two rael that they put out of the camp
thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37These every leper, everyone who has a discharge,
were the ones who were numbered of the and whoever becomes defiled by a corpse.
families of the Kohathites, all who might 3You shall put out both male and female;
serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom you shall put them outside the camp, that
Moses and Aaron numbered according they may not defile their camps in the
to the commandment of the Lord by the
hand of Moses. 4:28 aLiterally hand
4:33 aLiterally hand
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163 NUMBERS 5:30
midst of which I dwell.” 4And the children before the Lord, uncover the woman’s
of Israel did so, and put them outside the head, and put the offering for remember-
camp; as the Lord spoke to Moses, so the ing in her hands, which is the grain offering
children of Israel did. of jealousy. And the priest shall have in his
hand the bitter water that brings a curse.
Confession and Restitution 19And the priest shall put her under oath,
5Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, and say to the woman, “If no man has lain
6“Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When with you, and if you have not gone astray
a man or woman commits any sin that to uncleanness while under your husband’s
men commit in unfaithfulness against the authority, be free from this bitter water
Lord, and that person is guilty, 7then he that brings a curse. But if you have gone
20
shall confess the sin which he has com- astray while under your husband’s author-
mitted. He shall make restitution for his ity, and if you have defiled yourself and
trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give some man other21than your husband has
it to the one he has wronged. 8But if the lain with you”— then the priest shall put
man has no relative to whom restitution the woman under the oath of the curse,
may be made for the wrong, the restitution and he shall say to the woman—“the Lord
make you a curse and an oath among your
for the wrong must go to the Lord for the
people, when the Lord makes your thigh
priest, in addition to the ram of the atone-
rot and your belly swell; 22and may this
ment with which atonement is made for
water that causes the curse go into your
him. 9Every offering of all the holy things
stomach, and make your belly swell and
of the children of Israel, which they bring
your thigh rot.”
to the priest, shall be his. 10And every man’s
‘Then the woman shall say, “Amen, so
holy things shall be his; whatever any man
be it.”
gives the priest shall be his.’ ” 23‘Then the priest shall write these
Concerning Unfaithful Wives
curses in a book, and he shall scrape them
off into the bitter water. 24And he shall
11And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
make the woman drink the bitter water
12“Speak to the children of Israel, and say
that brings a curse, and the water that
to them: ‘If any man’s wife goes astray and brings the curse shall enter her to become
behaves unfaithfully toward him, 13and bitter. 25Then the priest shall take the grain
a man lies with her carnally, and it is hid- offering of jealousy from the woman’s
den from the eyes of her husband, and it hand, shall wave the offering before the
is concealed that she has defiled herself, Lord, and bring it to the altar; 26and the
and there was no witness against her, nor priest shall take a handful of the offering,
was she caught—14if the spirit of jealousy as its memorial portion, burn it on the al-
comes upon him and he becomes jealous tar, and afterward make the woman drink
of his wife, who has defiled herself; or if the the water. 27When he has made her drink
spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he the water, then it shall be, if she has defiled
becomes jealous of his wife, although she herself and behaved unfaithfully toward
has not defiled herself—15then the man her husband, that the water that brings a
shall bring his wife to the priest. He shall curse will enter her and become bitter, and
bring the offering required for her, one- her belly will swell, her thigh will rot, and
tenth of an ephah of barley meal; he shall the woman will become a curse among her
pour no oil on it and put no frankincense people. 28But if the woman has not defiled
on it, because it is a grain offering of jeal- herself, and is clean, then she shall be free
ousy, an offering for remembering, for and may conceive children.
bringing iniquity to remembrance. 29‘This is the law of jealousy, when a
16‘And the priest shall bring her near, and wife, while under her husband’s author-
set her before the Lord. 17The priest shall ity, goes astray and defiles herself, 30or
take holy water in an earthen vessel, and when the spirit of jealousy comes upon a
take some of the dust that is on the floor man, and he becomes jealous of his wife;
of the tabernacle and put it into the water. then he shall stand the woman before the
18Then the priest shall stand the woman Lord, and the priest shall execute all this
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NUMBERS 5:31 164
law upon her. 31Then the man shall be free for him, because he sinned in regard to
from iniquity, but that woman shall bear the corpse; and he shall sanctify his head
her guilt.’ ” that same day. 12He shall consecrate to the
Lord the days of his separation, and bring
The Law of the Nazirite a male lamb in its first year as a trespass
6
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say- offering; but the former days shall be lost,
ing, 2“Speak to the children of Israel, because his separation was defiled.
13‘Now this is the law of the Nazirite:
and say to them: ‘When either a man
or woman consecrates an offering to take When the days of his separation are ful-
the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to filled, he shall be brought to the door of
the Lord, 3he shall separate himself from the tabernacle of meeting. 14And he shall
wine and similar drink; he shall drink nei- present his offering to the Lord: one male
ther vinegar made from wine nor vinegar lamb in its first year without blemish as
made from similar drink; neither shall he a burnt offering, one ewe lamb in its first
drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes year without blemish as a sin offering, one
or raisins. 4All the days of his separation he ram without blemish as a peace offering,
15a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of
shall eat nothing that is produced by the
grapevine, from seed to skin. fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened wa-
fers anointed with oil, and their grain offer-
ing with their drink offerings.
Numbers 6:2–12 16Then the priest shall bring them be-
The vow to become a Nazirite was like fore the Lord and offer his sin offering and
a contract to dedicate a portion of his burnt offering; 17and he shall offer the
one’s life specifically to serving God. ram as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the
All Israelites were free to make the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread;
vow. The only people we know of in the priest shall also offer its grain offering
the Bible who were lifelong Nazirites and its drink offering. 18Then the Nazirite
were Samson (and he did not always shall shave his consecrated head at the
live up to the vow’s requirements), door of the tabernacle of meeting, and
Samuel, and John the Baptist. shall take the hair from his consecrated
head and put it on the fire which is under
the sacrifice of the peace offering.
5‘All the days of the vow of his separation 19‘And the priest shall take the boiled
no razor shall come upon his head; until shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake
the days are fulfilled for which he sepa- from the basket, and one unleavened wafer,
rated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. and put them upon the hands of the Naz
Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his irite after he has shaved his consecrated
head grow. 6All the days that he separates hair, 20and the priest shall wave them as
himself to the Lord he shall not go near a a wave offering before the Lord; they are
dead body. 7He shall not make himself un- holy for the priest, together with the breast
clean even for his father or his mother, for of the wave offering and the thigh of the
his brother or his sister, when they die, be- heave offering. After that the Nazirite may
cause his separation to God is on his head. drink wine.’
8All the days of his separation he shall be 21“This is the law of the Nazirite who
holy to the Lord. vows to the Lord the offering for his sepa-
9‘And if anyone dies very suddenly be- ration, and besides that, whatever else his
side him, and he defiles his consecrated hand is able to provide; according to the
head, then he shall shave his head on the vow which he takes, so he must do accord-
day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he ing to the law of his separation.”
shall shave it. 10Then on the eighth day he
shall bring two turtledoves or two young The Priestly Blessing
pigeons to the priest, to the door of the tab- 22And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
ernacle of meeting; 11and the priest shall 23“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying,
offer one as a sin offering and the other ‘This is the way you shall bless the children
as a burnt offering, and make atonement of Israel. Say to them:
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165 NUMBERS 7:33
24“ The Lord bless you and keep you; of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a
25 The Lord make His face shine upon grain offering; 14one gold pan of ten shekels,
you, full of incense; 15one young bull, one ram,
And be gracious to you; and one male lamb in its first year, as a
26 The Lord lift up His countenance burnt offering; 16one kid of the goats as a
upon you, sin offering; 17and for the sacrifice of peace
And give you peace.” ’ offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male
goats, and five male lambs in their first
27“So they shall put My name on the chil-
year. This was the offering of Nahshon the
dren of Israel, and I will bless them.” son of Amminadab.
18On the second day Nethanel the son
Offerings of the Leaders of Zuar, leader of Issachar, presented an
7
Now it came to pass, when Moses offering. 19For his offering he offered one
had finished setting up the taber- silver platter, the weight of which was one
nacle, that he anointed it and conse- hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver
crated it and all its furnishings, and the al- bowl of seventy shekels, according to the
tar and all its utensils; so he anointed them shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full
and consecrated them. 2Then the leaders of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offer-
of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, ing; 20one gold pan of ten shekels, full of in-
who were the leaders of the tribes and over cense; 21one young bull, one ram, and one
those who were numbered, made an offer- male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offer-
ing. 3And they brought their offering before ing; 22one kid of the goats as a sin offering;
the Lord, six covered carts and twelve 23and as the sacrifice of peace offerings:
oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and
and for each one an ox; and they presented five male lambs in their first year. This was
them before the tabernacle. the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.
4Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24On the third day Eliab the son of He-
5“Accept these from them, that they may be lon, leader of the children of Zebulun, pre-
used in doing the work of the tabernacle sented an offering. 25His offering was one
of meeting; and you shall give them to silver platter, the weight of which was one
the Levites, to every man according to his hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver
service.” 6So Moses took the carts and the bowl of seventy shekels, according to the
oxen, and gave them to the Levites. 7Two shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full
carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain of-
Gershon, according to their service; 8and fering; 26one gold pan of ten shekels, full
four carts and eight oxen he gave to the of incense; 27one young bull, one ram, and
sons of Merari, according to their service, one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt
under the authoritya of Ithamar the son of offering; 28one kid of the goats as a sin of-
Aaron the priest. 9But to the sons of Kohath fering; 29and for the sacrifice of peace offer-
he gave none, because theirs was the ser- ings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats,
vice of the holy things, which they carried and five male lambs in their first year. This
on their shoulders. was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
10Now the leaders offered the dedication 30On the fourth day Elizur the son of
offering for the altar when it was anointed; Shedeur, leader of the children of Reuben,
so the leaders offered their offering before presented an offering. 31His offering was one
the altar. 11For the Lord said to Moses, silver platter, the weight of which was one
“They shall offer their offering, one leader hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver
each day, for the dedication of the altar.” bowl of seventy shekels, according to the
12And the one who offered his offering
shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of
on the first day was Nahshon the son of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;
Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah. 13His 32one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;
offering was one silver platter, the weight of 33one young bull, one ram, and one male
which was one hundred and thirty shekels, lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering;
and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, ac-
cording to the shekel of the sanctuary, both 7:8 aLiterally hand
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NUMBERS 7:34 166
34one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 54On the eighth day Gamaliel the son
35and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: of Pedahzur, leader of the children of
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and Manasseh, presented an offering. 55His of-
five male lambs in their first year. This was fering was one silver platter, the weight of
the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur. which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
36On the fifth day Shelumiel the son and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, ac-
of Zurishaddai, leader of the children of cording to the shekel of the sanctuary, both
Simeon, presented an offering. 37His offer- of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a
ing was one silver platter, the weight of grain offering; 56one gold pan of ten shekels,
which was one hundred and thirty shekels, full of incense; 57one young bull, one ram,
and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, ac- and one male lamb in its first year, as a
cording to the shekel of the sanctuary, both burnt offering; 58one kid of the goats as a
of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a sin offering; 59and as the sacrifice of peace
grain offering; 38one gold pan of ten shekels, offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male
full of incense; 39one young bull, one ram, goats, and five male lambs in their first
and one male lamb in its first year, as a year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the
burnt offering; 40one kid of the goats as a son of Pedahzur.
sin offering; 41and as the sacrifice of peace 60On the ninth day Abidan the son of
offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male Gideoni, leader of the children of Benja-
goats, and five male lambs in their first min, presented an offering. 61His offering
year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the was one silver platter, the weight of which
son of Zurishaddai. was one hundred and thirty shekels, and
42On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, accord-
Deuel,a leader of the children of Gad, pre- ing to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
sented an offering. 43His offering was one them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a
silver platter, the weight of which was one grain offering; 62one gold pan of ten shekels,
hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver full of incense; 63one young bull, one ram,
bowl of seventy shekels, according to the and one male lamb in its first year, as a
shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full burnt offering; 64one kid of the goats as a
of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offer- sin offering; 65and as the sacrifice of peace
ing; 44one gold pan of ten shekels, full of in- offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male
cense; 45one young bull, one ram, and one goats, and five male lambs in their first
male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offer- year. This was the offering of Abidan the
ing; 46one kid of the goats as a sin offering; son of Gideoni.
47and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: 66On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of
two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and Ammishaddai, leader of the children of
five male lambs in their first year. This was Dan, presented an offering. 67His offering
the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel. was one silver platter, the weight of which
48On the seventh day Elishama the son
was one hundred and thirty shekels, and
of Ammihud, leader of the children of one silver bowl of seventy shekels, accord-
Ephraim, presented an offering. 49His of- ing to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of
fering was one silver platter, the weight of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a
which was one hundred and thirty shekels, grain offering; 68one gold pan of ten shekels,
and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, ac- full of incense; 69one young bull, one ram,
cording to the shekel of the sanctuary, both and one male lamb in its first year, as a
of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a burnt offering; 70one kid of the goats as a
grain offering; 50one gold pan of ten shekels, sin offering; 71and as the sacrifice of peace
full of incense; 51one young bull, one ram, offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male
and one male lamb in its first year, as a goats, and five male lambs in their first
burnt offering; 52one kid of the goats as a year. This was the offering of Ahiezer the
sin offering; 53and as the sacrifice of peace son of Ammishaddai.
offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male 72On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of
goats, and five male lambs in their first Ocran, leader of the children of Asher, pre-
year. This was the offering of Elishama the
son of Ammihud. 7:42 aSpelled Reuel in 2:14
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167 NUMBERS 8:15
sented an offering. 73His offering was one heard the voice of One speaking to him
silver platter, the weight of which was one from above the mercy seat that was on the
hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver ark of the Testimony, from between the two
bowl of seventy shekels, according to the cherubim; thus He spoke to him.
shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full
of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain of- Arrangement of the Lamps
8
fering; 74one gold pan of ten shekels, full And the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
of incense; 75one young bull, one ram, and ing: 2“Speak to Aaron, and say to
one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt him, ‘When you arrange the lamps,
offering; 76one kid of the goats as a sin of- the seven lamps shall give light in front
fering; 77and as the sacrifice of peace offer- of the lampstand.’ ” 3And Aaron did so; he
ings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, arranged the lamps to face toward the
and five male lambs in their first year. This front of the lampstand, as the Lord com-
was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran. manded Moses. 4Now this workmanship of
78On the twelfth day Ahira the son of
the lampstand was hammered gold; from
Enan, leader of the children of Naphtali, its shaft to its flowers it was hammered
presented an offering. 79His offering was one work. According to the pattern which the
silver platter, the weight of which was one
Lord had shown Moses, so he made the
hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver
lampstand.
bowl of seventy shekels, according to the
shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full Cleansing and Dedication
of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain of- of the Levites
fering; 80one gold pan of ten shekels, full
5Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
of incense; 81one young bull, one ram, and
one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt ing: 6“Take the Levites from among the
offering; 82one kid of the goats as a sin of- children of Israel and cleanse them cer-
fering; 83and as the sacrifice of peace offer- emonially. 7Thus you shall do to them to
ings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifica-
and five male lambs in their first year. This tion on them, and let them shave all their
was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan. body, and let them wash their clothes, and
84This was the dedication offering for so make themselves clean. 8Then let them
the altar from the leaders of Israel, when it take a young bull with its grain offering
was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve of fine flour mixed with oil, and you shall
silver bowls, and twelve gold pans. 85Each take another young bull as a sin offering.
9And you shall bring the Levites before
silver platter weighed one hundred and
thirty shekels and each bowl seventy shek- the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall
els. All the silver of the vessels weighed two gather together the whole congregation of
thousand four hundred shekels, according the children of Israel. 10So you shall bring
to the shekel of the sanctuary. 86The twelve the Levites before the Lord, and the chil-
gold pans full of incense weighed ten shek- dren of Israel shall lay their hands on the
els apiece, according to the shekel of the Levites; 11and Aaron shall offer the Le
sanctuary; all the gold of the pans weighed vites before the Lord like a wave offering
one hundred and twenty shekels. 87All the from the children of Israel, that they may
oxen for the burnt offering were twelve perform the work of the Lord. 12Then the
young bulls, the rams twelve, the male Levites shall lay their hands on the heads
lambs in their first year twelve, with their of the young bulls, and you shall offer one
grain offering, and the kids of the goats as a sin offering and the other as a burnt
as a sin offering twelve. 88And all the oxen offering to the Lord, to make atonement
for the sacrifice of peace offerings were for the Levites.
twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male 13“And you shall stand the Levites before
goats sixty, and the lambs in their first year Aaron and his sons, and then offer them
sixty. This was the dedication offering for like a wave offering to the Lord. 14Thus
the altar after it was anointed. you shall separate the Levites from among
89Now when Moses went into the tab- the children of Israel, and the Levites shall
ernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he be Mine. 15After that the Levites shall go
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in to service the tabernacle of meeting. fourteenth day of this month, at twilight,
So you shall cleanse them and offer them you shall keep it at its appointed time. Ac-
like a wave offering. 16For they are wholly cording to all its rites and ceremonies you
given to Me from among the children of shall keep it.” 4So Moses told the children of
Israel; I have taken them for Myself in- Israel that they should keep the Passover.
stead of all who open the womb, the first- 5And they kept the Passover on the four-
born of all the children of Israel. 17For all teenth day of the first month, at twilight,
the firstborn among the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Sinai; according to all
are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that the Lord commanded Moses, so the
that I struck all the firstborn in the land of children of Israel did.
Egypt I sanctified them to Myself. 18I have 6Now there were certain men who were
taken the Levites instead of all the first- defiled by a human corpse, so that they
born of the children of Israel. 19And I have could not keep the Passover on that day;
given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his and they came before Moses and Aaron
sons from among the children of Israel, to that day. 7And those men said to him, “We
do the work for the children of Israel in the became defiled by a human corpse. Why
tabernacle of meeting, and to make atone- are we kept from presenting the offering of
ment for the children of Israel, that there the Lord at its appointed time among the
be no plague among the children of Israel children of Israel?”
when the children of Israel come near the 8And Moses said to them, “Stand still,
sanctuary.” that I may hear what the Lord will com-
20Thus Moses and Aaron and all the mand concerning you.”
congregation of the children of Israel did to 9Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
the Levites; according to all that the Lord ing, 10“Speak to the children of Israel, say-
commanded Moses concerning the Le ing: ‘If anyone of you or your posterity is
vites, so the children of Israel did to them. unclean because of a corpse, or is far away
21And the Levites purified themselves and on a journey, he may still keep the Lord’s
washed their clothes; then Aaron pre- Passover. 11On the fourteenth day of the
sented them like a wave offering before second month, at twilight, they may keep
the Lord, and Aaron made atonement for it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread
them to cleanse them. 22After that the Le and bitter herbs. 12They shall leave none of
vites went in to do their work in the tab- it until morning, nor break one of its bones.
ernacle of meeting before Aaron and his According to all the ordinances of the Pass-
sons; as the Lord commanded Moses con- over they shall keep it. 13But the man who
cerning the Levites, so they did to them. is clean and is not on a journey, and ceases
23Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say- to keep the Passover, that same person
ing, 24“This is what pertains to the Levites: shall be cut off from among his people, be-
From twenty-five years old and above one cause he did not bring the offering of the
may enter to perform service in the work of Lord at its appointed time; that man shall
the tabernacle of meeting; 25and at the age bear his sin.
of fifty years they must cease performing 14‘And if a stranger dwells among you,
this work, and shall work no more. 26They and would keep the Lord’s Passover, he
may minister with their brethren in the must do so according to the rite of the
tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs, Passover and according to its ceremony;
but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall have one ordinance, both for the
you shall do to the Levites regarding their stranger and the native of the land.’ ”
duties.”
The Cloud and the Fire
The Second Passover 15Now on the day that the tabernacle was
9
Now the Lord spoke to Moses in raised up, the cloud covered the taberna-
the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first cle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening
month of the second year after they until morning it was above the tabernacle
had come out of the land of Egypt, say- like the appearance of fire. 16So it was al-
ing: 2“Let the children of Israel keep the ways: the cloud covered it by day, and the
Passover at its appointed time. 3On the appearance of fire by night. 17Whenever
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169 NUMBERS 10:23
the cloud was taken up from above the 8The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow
tabernacle, after that the children of Israel the trumpets; and these shall be to you
would journey; and in the place where the as an ordinance forever throughout your
cloud settled, there the children of Israel generations.
would pitch their tents. 18At the command 9“When you go to war in your land
of the Lord the children of Israel would against the enemy who oppresses you,
journey, and at the command of the Lord then you shall sound an alarm with the
they would camp; as long as the cloud trumpets, and you will be remembered
stayed above the tabernacle they remained before the Lord your God, and you will be
encamped. 19Even when the cloud contin- saved from your enemies. 10Also in the day
ued long, many days above the tabernacle, of your gladness, in your appointed feasts,
the children of Israel kept the charge of and at the beginning of your months, you
the Lord and did not journey. 20So it was, shall blow the trumpets over your burnt
when the cloud was above the tabernacle a offerings and over the sacrifices of your
few days: according to the command of the peace offerings; and they shall be a memo-
Lord they would remain encamped, and rial for you before your God: I am the Lord
according to the command of the Lord your God.”
they would journey. 21So it was, when the
cloud remained only from evening until Departure from Sinai
morning: when the cloud was taken up 11Now it came to pass on the twentieth day
in the morning, then they would journey; of the second month, in the second year,
whether by day or by night, whenever the that the cloud was taken up from above the
cloud was taken up, they would journey. tabernacle of the Testimony. 12And the chil-
22Whether it was two days, a month, or a
dren of Israel set out from the Wilderness
year that the cloud remained above the of Sinai on their journeys; then the cloud
tabernacle, the children of Israel would settled down in the Wilderness of Paran.
remain encamped and not journey; but 13So they started out for the first time ac-
when it was taken up, they would journey. cording to the command of the Lord by
23At the command of the Lord they re-
the hand of Moses.
mained encamped, and at the command 14The standard of the camp of the chil-
of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the dren of Judah set out first according to
charge of the Lord, at the command of the their armies; over their army was Nahshon
Lord by the hand of Moses. the son of Amminadab. 15Over the army
of the tribe of the children of Issachar was
Two Silver Trumpets Nethanel the son of Zuar. 16And over the
10
And the Lord spoke to Mo- army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun
ses, saying: 2“Make two silver was Eliab the son of Helon.
trumpets for yourself; you shall 17Then the tabernacle was taken down;
make them of hammered work; you shall and the sons of Gershon and the sons of
use them for calling the congregation and Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.
for directing the movement of the camps. 18And the standard of the camp of Reu-
3When they blow both of them, all the con- ben set out according to their armies; over
gregation shall gather before you at the their army was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
door of the tabernacle of meeting. 4But if 19Over the army of the tribe of the children
they blow only one, then the leaders, the of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zuri-
heads of the divisions of Israel, shall gather shaddai. 20And over the army of the tribe of
to you. 5When you sound the advance, the the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of
camps that lie on the east side shall then Deuel.
begin their journey. 6When you sound the 21Then the Kohathites set out, carrying
advance the second time, then the camps the holy things. (The tabernacle would be
that lie on the south side shall begin their prepared for their arrival.)
journey; they shall sound the call for them 22And the standard of the camp of the
to begin their journeys. 7And when the children of Ephraim set out according to
assembly is to be gathered together, you their armies; over their army was Elishama
shall blow, but not sound the advance. the son of Ammihud. 23Over the army of
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NUMBERS 10:24 170
the tribe of the children of Manasseh was anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord
Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24And over burned among them, and consumed some
the army of the tribe of the children of Ben- in the outskirts of the camp. 2Then the
jamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. people cried out to Moses, and when Moses
25Then the standard of the camp of the prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched.
children of Dan (the rear guard of all the 3So he called the name of the place
camps) set out according to their armies; Taberah,a because the fire of the Lord had
over their army was Ahiezer the son of Am- burned among them.
mishaddai. 26Over the army of the tribe of 4Now the mixed multitude who were
the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of among them yielded to intense craving; so
Ocran. 27And over the army of the tribe of the children of Israel also wept again and
the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5We
of Enan. remember the fish which we ate freely in
28Thus was the order of march of the
Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the
children of Israel, according to their leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6but now
armies, when they began their journey. our whole being is dried up; there is noth-
29Now Moses said to Hobab the son of
ing at all except this manna before our
Reuela the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, eyes!”
“We are setting out for the place of which 7Now the manna was like coriander
the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come seed, and its color like the color of bdel-
with us, and we will treat you well; for the lium. 8The people went about and gathered
Lord has promised good things to Israel.” it, ground it on millstones or beat it in the
30And he said to him, “I will not go, but I
mortar, cooked it in pans, and made cakes
will depart to my own land and to my rela- of it; and its taste was like the taste of pas-
tives.” try prepared with oil. 9And when the dew
31So Moses said, “Please do not leave, in-
fell on the camp in the night, the manna
asmuch as you know how we are to camp fell on it.
in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 10Then Moses heard the people weep-
32And it shall be, if you go with us—indeed
ing throughout their families, everyone at
it shall be—that whatever good the Lord the door of his tent; and the anger of the
will do to us, the same we will do to you.” Lord was greatly aroused; Moses also was
33So they departed from the mountain
displeased. 11So Moses said to the Lord,
of the Lord on a journey of three days; and “Why have You afflicted Your servant? And
the ark of the covenant of the Lord went why have I not found favor in Your sight,
before them for the three days’ journey, to that You have laid the burden of all these
search out a resting place for them. 34And people on me? 12Did I conceive all these
the cloud of the Lord was above them by people? Did I beget them, that You should
day when they went out from the camp. say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as
35So it was, whenever the ark set out,
a guardian carries a nursing child,’ to the
that Moses said: land which You swore to their fathers?
13Where am I to get meat to give to all these
“ Rise up, O Lord! people? For they weep all over me, saying,
Let Your enemies be scattered, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14I am not
And let those who hate You flee before able to bear all these people alone, because
You.” the burden is too heavy for me. 15If You
treat me like this, please kill me here and
36And when it rested, he said: now—if I have found favor in Your sight—
and do not let me see my wretchedness!”
“ Return, O Lord,
To the many thousands of Israel.” The Seventy Elders
16So the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me
The People Complain
seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom
11
Now when the people com-
plained, it displeased the Lord; 10:29 aSeptuagint reads Raguel (compare
for the Lord heard it, and His Exodus 2:18). 11:3 aLiterally Burning
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171 NUMBERS 11:25
Promise
God promises that He can do anything.
And the Lord said to Moses, “Has the Lord’s arm been short-
ened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you
or not” (Num. 11:23).
The eleventh chapter of Numbers is powerful! It starts
out with a report of all the Israelites’ complaints. They grumbled to Moses about
the lack of food. They complained that they were sick of having only manna to eat
and reminded Moses they had all the fish they wanted when they were slaves in
Egypt. God heard the Israelites’ complaints and told Moses to tell them to purify
themselves because He was going to send meat. Moses replied by asking God how
such a feat was possible because there were six hundred thousand men to feed, not
to mention all the women and children. Moses knew that the meat from their
animals wouldn’t be enough to feed all of them. That’s when the Lord replied, “Has
the Lord’s arm been shortened?” In other words, “I can do anything!”
Let this verse encourage you today. Nothing is beyond reach with God on your
side, because He is the One who can do anything. What’s your need today? Do you
need a miracle? God is just waiting for you to bring that need to Him.
In 2 Peter 1:3 we read God’s promise to give us “all things that pertain to life and
godliness.” That includes all our needs: spiritual, physical, emotional, financial—
whatever the need, God will supply. His name given in Scripture is El Shaddai,
which means the God who is more than enough! He is bigger than any problem you
can encounter. Begin to seek Him first and watch Him give you everything you
need. He promises that He can do anything!
See for yourself// Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27; Luke 18:27;
Romans 8:32
you know to be the elders of the people and am among are six hundred thousand men
officers over them; bring them to the taber- on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them
nacle of meeting, that they may stand there meat, that they may eat for a whole month.’
with you. 17Then I will come down and talk 22Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for
with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is them, to provide enough for them? Or shall
upon you and will put the same upon them; all the fish of the sea be gathered together
and they shall bear the burden of the people for them, to provide enough for them?”
with you, that you may not bear it yourself 23And the Lord said to Moses, “Has the
alone. 18Then you shall say to the people, Lord’s arm been shortened? Now you shall
‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and see whether what I say will happen to you
you shall eat meat; for you have wept in or not.”
the hearing of the Lord, saying, “Who will 24So Moses went out and told the people
give us meat to eat? For it was well with us the words of the Lord, and he gathered the
in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you seventy men of the elders of the people and
meat, and you shall eat. 19You shall eat, not placed them around the tabernacle. 25Then
one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor the Lord came down in the cloud, and
ten days, nor twenty days, 20but for a whole spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was
month, until it comes out of your nostrils upon him, and placed the same upon the
and becomes loathsome to you, because seventy elders; and it happened, when the
you have despised the Lord who is among Spirit rested upon them, that they proph-
you, and have wept before Him, saying, esied, although they never did so again.a
“Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?” ’ ”
21And Moses said, “The people whom I 11:25 aTargum and Vulgate read did not cease.
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NUMBERS 11:26 172
26But two men had remained in the 4Suddenly the Lord said to Moses,
camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three,
name of the other Medad. And the Spirit to the tabernacle of meeting!” So the three
rested upon them. Now they were among came out. 5Then the Lord came down in
those listed, but who had not gone out to the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of
the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Mir-
camp. 27And a young man ran and told Mo- iam. And they both went forward. 6Then
ses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are proph- He said,
esying in the camp.”
28So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assis-
“ Hear now My words:
tant, one of his choice men, answered and If there is a prophet among you,
said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!” I, the Lord, make Myself known to
29Then Moses said to him, “Are you zeal-
him in a vision;
ous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s I speak to him in a dream.
people were prophets and that the Lord 7 Not so with My servant Moses;
would put His Spirit upon them!” 30And He is faithful in all My house.
Moses returned to the camp, he and the 8 I speak with him face to face,
elders of Israel. Even plainly, and not in dark sayings;
The L ord Sends Quail And he sees the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid
31Now a wind went out from the Lord, To speak against My servant Moses?”
and it brought quail from the sea and left
them fluttering near the camp, about a 9So the anger of the Lord was aroused
day’s journey on this side and about a day’s against them, and He departed. 10And
journey on the other side, all around the when the cloud departed from above the
camp, and about two cubits above the sur- tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became lep-
face of the ground. 32And the people stayed rous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned
up all that day, all night, and all the next toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper.
day, and gathered the quail (he who gath- 11So Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord!
ered least gathered ten homers); and they Please do not lay this sin on us, in which
spread them out for themselves all around we have done foolishly and in which
the camp. 33But while the meat was still we have sinned. 12Please do not let her
between their teeth, before it was chewed, be as one dead, whose flesh is half con-
the wrath of the Lord was aroused against sumed when he comes out of his mother’s
the people, and the Lord struck the people womb!”
with a very great plague. 34So he called the 13So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying,
name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah,a “Please heal her, O God, I pray!”
because there they buried the people who 14Then the Lord said to Moses, “If her
had yielded to craving. father had but spit in her face, would she
35From Kibroth Hattaavah the people
not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut
moved to Hazeroth, and camped at Ha out of the camp seven days, and afterward
zeroth. she may be received again.” 15So Miriam
was shut out of the camp seven days, and
Dissension of Aaron the people did not journey till Miriam was
and Miriam
brought in again. 16And afterward the peo-
12
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke ple moved from Hazeroth and camped in
against Moses because of the the Wilderness of Paran.
Ethiopian woman whom he
had married; for he had married an Ethio- Spies Sent into Canaan
13
pian woman. 2So they said, “Has the Lord And the Lord spoke to Moses,
indeed spoken only through Moses? Has saying, 2“Send men to spy out
He not spoken through us also?” And the the land of Canaan, which I am
Lord heard it. 3(Now the man Moses was giving to the children of Israel; from each
very humble, more than all men who were
on the face of the earth.) 11:34 aLiterally Graves of Craving
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173 NUMBERS 13:8
Profile
Caleb
Caleb would make anyone’s Top Ten list of people who have successfully resisted peer
pressure. He served on a special twelve-man unit sent into the Promised Land by Moses
to spy and bring back a report. When the unit returned, they had a unanimous report;
but they were seriously divided in their recommendations. They all agreed that the land
was fertile, wonderful, and settled by powerful peoples. Ten of the spies concluded the
invasion should be called off immediately. The enemy was simply too powerful to defeat.
Caleb, along with Joshua, offered a minority opinion: “Let us go up at once and take pos-
session, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30).
In the short term, majorities often get their way. Such was the case when the people of
Israel rejected Caleb and Joshua’s confidence. They accepted the fearful opinion of the
majority. However, they soon discovered that God’s plan included Caleb’s perspective. The
people’s lack of trust led directly to forty years of wilderness wandering. Because he spoke
the truth under intense pressure, Caleb was rewarded by God. From their generation, only
Joshua and Caleb crossed the Jordan. The rest died in the desert.
Although they were right and were rewarded for their consistency, Caleb and Joshua
shared forty years in the desert with everyone else. Even that disappointment didn’t wear
Caleb down. When he did receive his portion in the Promised Land (at age eighty-five!), he
was as fit, able, and as trusting in God as he had been as a young man.
+ Making a Difference:
One of the important lessons from Caleb’s life deals with the purpose of standing alone.
You can probably think of several people in your life who are willing to stand alone for
clothing styles, haircuts, or negative attitudes. Caleb’s purpose wasn’t to stand alone; it
was to stand with God. Because Caleb wanted God’s way, any other way didn’t have much
appeal to him.
Trusting in God and living for Him will create minority situations. Taking God
seriously in your life will quickly show you where the majority stands. Like Caleb’s, your
words may not seem to make a difference to those around you. But God hears. And
eventually you will find that standing with God does make a difference!
Want to know more?
Read about Caleb’s adventures and his faithful attitude in Numbers 13 and 14
and in Joshua 14 and 15.
Caleb’s trust in God was real; even when it meant standing alone against
the majority. No matter what anyone else said, Caleb trusted God. Even
though others refused to listen to him, his faith and courage made a huge
difference in his own life. That can be true of you, too!
tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, ben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5from
every one a leader among them.” the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of
3So Moses sent them from the Wilder- Hori; 6from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the
ness of Paran according to the command son of Jephunneh; 7from the tribe of Is-
of the Lord, all of them men who were sachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8from the
heads of the children of Israel. 4Now these tribe of Ephraim, Hosheaa the son of Nun;
were their names: from the tribe of Reu- 13:8 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Oshea.
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NUMBERS 13:9 174
9from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son descendants of Anak there. 29The Amalek
of Raphu; 10from the tribe of Zebulun, Gad- ites dwell in the land of the South; the
diel the son of Sodi; 11from the tribe of Jo- Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites
seph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, dwell in the mountains; and the Canaan-
Gaddi the son of Susi; 12from the tribe of ites dwell by the sea and along the banks
Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13from the of the Jordan.”
tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 30Then Caleb quieted the people before
14from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and
of Vophsi; 15from the tribe of Gad, Geuel take possession, for we are well able to
the son of Machi. overcome it.”
16These are the names of the men whom 31But the men who had gone up with
Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses him said, “We are not able to go up against
called Hosheaa the son of Nun, Joshua. the people, for they are stronger than we.”
17Then Moses sent them to spy out the 32And they gave the children of Israel a bad
land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up report of the land which they had spied
this way into the South, and go up to the out, saying, “The land through which we
mountains, 18and see what the land is like: have gone as spies is a land that devours its
whether the people who dwell in it are inhabitants, and all the people whom we
strong or weak, few or many; 19whether the saw in it are men of great stature. 33There
land they dwell in is good or bad; whether we saw the giantsa (the descendants of
the cities they inhabit are like camps or Anak came from the giants); and we were
strongholds; 20whether the land is rich or like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so
poor; and whether there are forests there we were in their sight.”
or not. Be of good courage. And bring some
of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was Israel Refuses to Enter
the season of the first ripe grapes. Canaan
21So they went up and spied out the
14
land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as So all the congregation lifted
Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath. 22And up their voices and cried, and
they went up through the South and came the people wept that night.
2And all the children of Israel complained
to Hebron; Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai,
the descendants of Anak, were there. (Now against Moses and Aaron, and the whole
Hebron was built seven years before Zoan congregation said to them, “If only we had
in Egypt.) 23Then they came to the Valley died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we
of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch had died in this wilderness! 3Why has the
with one cluster of grapes; they carried it Lord brought us to this land to fall by the
between two of them on a pole. They also sword, that our wives and children should
brought some of the pomegranates and become victims? Would it not be better for
figs. 24The place was called the Valley of us to return to Egypt?” 4So they said to one
Eshcol,a because of the cluster which the another, “Let us select a leader and return
to Egypt.”
men of Israel cut down there. 25And they
returned from spying out the land after
forty days. Attitude
26Now they departed and came back to
What affect does a negative
Moses and Aaron and all the congregation
of the children of Israel in the Wilderness
attitude have on life?
of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back Numbers 14:1–4
word to them and to all the congregation,
and showed them the fruit of the land. 5Then Moses and Aaron fell on their
27Then they told him, and said: “We went
faces before all the assembly of the congre-
to the land where you sent us. It truly gation of the children of Israel.
flows with milk and honey, and this is its
fruit. 28Nevertheless the people who dwell 13:16 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Oshea.
in the land are strong; the cities are forti- 13:24 aLiterally Cluster
13:33 aHebrew
fied and very large; moreover we saw the nephilim
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175 NUMBERS 14:36
6But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb 20Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned,
the son of Jephunneh, who were among according to your word; 21but truly, as I live,
those who had spied out the land, tore their all the earth shall be filled with the glory of
clothes; 7and they spoke to all the congre- the Lord— 22because all these men who
gation of the children of Israel, saying: “The have seen My glory and the signs which I
land we passed through to spy out is an ex- did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have
ceedingly good land. 8If the Lord delights put Me to the test now these ten times, and
in us, then He will bring us into this land have not heeded My voice, 23they certainly
and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with shall not see the land of which I swore to
milk and honey.’a 9Only do not rebel against their fathers, nor shall any of those who
the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, rejected Me see it. 24But My servant Caleb,
for they are our bread; their protection has because he has a different spirit in him and
departed from them, and the Lord is with has followed Me fully, I will bring into the
us. Do not fear them.” land where he went, and his descendants
10And all the congregation said to stone shall inherit it. 25Now the Amalekites and
them with stones. Now the glory of the the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomor-
Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meet- row turn and move out into the wilderness
ing before all the children of Israel. by the Way of the Red Sea.”
Moses Intercedes for Death Sentence on the Rebels
the People 26And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron,
11Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long saying, 27“How long shall I bear with this
will these people reject Me? And how long evil congregation who complain against
will they not believe Me, with all the signs Me? I have heard the complaints which
which I have performed among them? 12I the children of Israel make against Me.
will strike them with the pestilence and 28Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord,
disinherit them, and I will make of you a ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so
nation greater and mightier than they.” I will do to you: 29The carcasses of you who
13And Moses said to the Lord: “Then
have complained against Me shall fall in
the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might this wilderness, all of you who were num-
You brought these people up from among bered, according to your entire number,
them, 14and they will tell it to the inhabit- from twenty years old and above. 30Except
ants of this land. They have heard that for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua
You, Lord, are among these people; that the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter
You, Lord, are seen face to face and Your the land which I swore I would make you
cloud stands above them, and You go be- dwell in. 31But your little ones, whom you
fore them in a pillar of cloud by day and said would be victims, I will bring in, and
in a pillar of fire by night. 15Now if You kill they shall know the land which you have
these people as one man, then the nations despised. 32But as for you, your carcasses
which have heard of Your fame will speak, shall fall in this wilderness. 33And your sons
saying, 16‘Because the Lord was not able shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty
to bring this people to the land which He years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity,
swore to give them, therefore He killed until your carcasses are consumed in the
them in the wilderness.’ 17And now, I pray, wilderness. 34According to the number of
let the power of my Lord be great, just as the days in which you spied out the land,
You have spoken, saying, 18‘The Lord is forty days, for each day you shall bear your
longsuffering and abundant in mercy, for- guilt one year, namely forty years, and you
giving iniquity and transgression; but He shall know My rejection. 35I the Lord have
by no means clears the guilty, visiting the spoken this. I will surely do so to all this evil
iniquity of the fathers on the children to congregation who are gathered together
the third and fourth generation.’a 19Pardon against Me. In this wilderness they shall be
the iniquity of this people, I pray, according consumed, and there they shall die.’ ”
to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You 36Now the men whom Moses sent to spy
have forgiven this people, from Egypt even
until now.” 14:8 aExodus 3:8 14:18 aExodus 34:6, 7
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NUMBERS 14:37 176
out the land, who returned and made all ephah of fine flour mixed with one-third
the congregation complain against him by of a hin of oil; 7and as a drink offering you
bringing a bad report of the land, 37those shall offer one-third of a hin of wine as a
very men who brought the evil report sweet aroma to the Lord. 8And when you
about the land, died by the plague before prepare a young bull as a burnt offering, or
the Lord. 38But Joshua the son of Nun and as a sacrifice to fulfill a vow, or as a peace
Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, offering to the Lord, 9then shall be offered
of the men who went to spy out the land. with the young bull a grain offering of
three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed
A Futile Invasion Attempt with half a hin of oil; 10and you shall bring
39Then Moses told these words to all the
as the drink offering half a hin of wine as
an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to
children of Israel, and the people mourned the Lord.
greatly. 40And they rose early in the morn- 11‘Thus it shall be done for each young
ing and went up to the top of the mountain, bull, for each ram, or for each lamb or
saying, “Here we are, and we will go up to young goat. 12According to the number
the place which the Lord has promised, that you prepare, so you shall do with ev-
for we have sinned!” eryone according to their number. 13All
41And Moses said, “Now why do you
who are native-born shall do these things
transgress the command of the Lord? For in this manner, in presenting an offering
this will not succeed. 42Do not go up, lest made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.
you be defeated by your enemies, for the 14And if a stranger dwells with you, or who-
Lord is not among you. 43For the Ama ever is among you throughout your genera-
lekites and the Canaanites are there be- tions, and would present an offering made
fore you, and you shall fall by the sword; by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord, just as
because you have turned away from the you do, so shall he do. 15One ordinance
Lord, the Lord will not be with you.” shall be for you of the assembly and for the
44But they presumed to go up to the
stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance
mountaintop. Nevertheless, neither the ark forever throughout your generations; as
of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses de- you are, so shall the stranger be before the
parted from the camp. 45Then the Amalek Lord. 16One law and one custom shall be
ites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that for you and for the stranger who dwells
mountain came down and attacked them, with you.’ ”a
and drove them back as far as Hormah. 17Again the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
ing, 18“Speak to the children of Israel, and
Laws of Grain and Drink say to them: ‘When you come into the land
Offerings to which I bring you, 19then it will be, when
15
And the Lord spoke to Moses, you eat of the bread of the land, that you
saying, 2“Speak to the chil- shall offer up a heave offering to the Lord.
20You shall offer up a cake of the first of
dren of Israel, and say to them:
‘When you have come into the land you are your ground meal as a heave offering; as
to inhabit, which I am giving to you, 3and a heave offering of the threshing floor, so
you make an offering by fire to the Lord, shall you offer it up. 21Of the first of your
a burnt offering or a sacrifice, to fulfill a ground meal you shall give to the Lord a
vow or as a freewill offering or in your ap- heave offering throughout your genera-
pointed feasts, to make a sweet aroma to tions.
the Lord, from the herd or the flock, 4then
he who presents his offering to the Lord Laws Concerning
shall bring a grain offering of one-tenth Unintentional Sin
of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one- 22‘If you sin unintentionally, and do not
fourth of a hin of oil; 5and one-fourth of observe all these commandments which
a hin of wine as a drink offering you shall the Lord has spoken to Moses—23all that
prepare with the burnt offering or the sac- the Lord has commanded you by the hand
rifice, for each lamb. 6Or for a ram you shall
prepare as a grain offering two-tenths of an 15:16 aCompare Exodus 12:49
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177 NUMBERS 16:7
of Moses, from the day the Lord gave 35Then the Lord said to Moses, “The
commandment and onward throughout man must surely be put to death; all the
your generations— 24then it will be, if it is congregation shall stone him with stones
unintentionally committed, without the outside the camp.” 36So, as the Lord com-
knowledge of the congregation, that the manded Moses, all the congregation
whole congregation shall offer one young brought him outside the camp and stoned
bull as a burnt offering, as a sweet aroma him with stones, and he died.
to the Lord, with its grain offering and its
drink offering, according to the ordinance, Tassels on Garments
and one kid of the goats as a sin offering. 37Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
25So the priest shall make atonement for
38“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them
the whole congregation of the children of to make tassels on the corners of their gar-
Israel, and it shall be forgiven them, for it ments throughout their generations, and
was unintentional; they shall bring their of- to put a blue thread in the tassels of the
fering, an offering made by fire to the Lord, corners. 39And you shall have the tassel,
and their sin offering before the Lord, for that you may look upon it and remember
their unintended sin. 26It shall be forgiven all the commandments of the Lord and
the whole congregation of the children do them, and that you may not follow the
of Israel and the stranger who dwells harlotry to which your own heart and your
among them, because all the people did it own eyes are inclined, 40and that you may
unintentionally. remember and do all My commandments,
27‘And if a person sins unintentionally,
and be holy for your God. 41I am the Lord
then he shall bring a female goat in its first your God, who brought you out of the land
year as a sin offering. 28So the priest shall of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord
make atonement for the person who sins your God.”
unintentionally, when he sins unintention-
ally before the Lord, to make atonement Rebellion Against Moses
for him; and it shall be forgiven him. 29You and Aaron
shall have one law for him who sins un-
16
intentionally, for him who is native-born Now Korah the son of Izhar, the
among the children of Israel and for the son of Kohath, the son of Levi,
stranger who dwells among them. with Dathan and Abiram the
sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth,
Law Concerning sons of Reuben, took men; 2and they rose
Presumptuous Sin up before Moses with some of the children
of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of
30‘But the person who does anything pre-
the congregation, representatives of the
sumptuously, whether he is native-born or congregation, men of renown. 3They gath-
a stranger, that one brings reproach on the ered together against Moses and Aaron,
Lord, and he shall be cut off from among and said to them, “You take too much upon
his people. 31Because he has despised the yourselves, for all the congregation is holy,
word of the Lord, and has broken His every one of them, and the Lord is among
commandment, that person shall be com- them. Why then do you exalt yourselves
pletely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.’ ” above the assembly of the Lord?”
4So when Moses heard it, he fell on his
Penalty for Violating face; 5and he spoke to Korah and all his
the Sabbath
company, saying, “Tomorrow morning
32Now while the children of Israel were in the Lord will show who is His and who is
the wilderness, they found a man gather- holy, and will cause him to come near to
ing sticks on the Sabbath day. 33And those Him. That one whom He chooses He will
who found him gathering sticks brought cause to come near to Him. 6Do this: Take
him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the censers, Korah and all your company; 7put
congregation. 34They put him under guard, fire in them and put incense in them before
because it had not been explained what the Lord tomorrow, and it shall be that the
should be done to him. man whom the Lord chooses is the holy
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NUMBERS 16:8 178
one. You take too much upon yourselves, 24“Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get
you sons of Levi!” away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and
8Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, Abiram.’ ”
you sons of Levi: 9Is it a small thing to you 25Then Moses rose and went to Dathan
that the God of Israel has separated you and Abiram, and the elders of Israel fol-
from the congregation of Israel, to bring lowed him. 26And he spoke to the congrega-
you near to Himself, to do the work of the tion, saying, “Depart now from the tents of
tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand be- these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs,
fore the congregation to serve them; 10and lest you be consumed in all their sins.” 27So
that He has brought you near to Himself, they got away from around the tents of Ko-
you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, rah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and
with you? And are you seeking the priest- Abiram came out and stood at the door of
hood also? 11Therefore you and all your their tents, with their wives, their sons, and
company are gathered together against the their little children.
Lord. And what is Aaron that you com- 28And Moses said: “By this you shall
plain against him?” know that the Lord has sent me to do all
12And Moses sent to call Dathan and these works, for I have not done them of my
Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, own will. 29If these men die naturally like
“We will not come up! 13Is it a small thing all men, or if they are visited by the com-
that you have brought us up out of a land mon fate of all men, then the Lord has not
flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in sent me. 30But if the Lord creates a new
the wilderness, that you should keep acting thing, and the earth opens its mouth and
like a prince over us? 14Moreover you have swallows them up with all that belongs to
not brought us into a land flowing with them, and they go down alive into the pit,
milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of then you will understand that these men
fields and vineyards. Will you put out the have rejected the Lord.”
eyes of these men? We will not come up!” 31Now it came to pass, as he finished
15Then Moses was very angry, and said speaking all these words, that the ground
to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. split apart under them, 32and the earth
I have not taken one donkey from them, opened its mouth and swallowed them up,
nor have I hurt one of them.” with their households and all the men with
16And Moses said to Korah, “Tomor- Korah, with all their goods. 33So they and all
row, you and all your company be present those with them went down alive into the
before the Lord—you and they, as well as pit; the earth closed over them, and they
Aaron. 17Let each take his censer and put perished from among the assembly. 34Then
incense in it, and each of you bring his cen- all Israel who were around them fled at
ser before the Lord, two hundred and fifty their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swal-
censers; both you and Aaron, each with his low us up also! ”
censer.” 18So every man took his censer, put 35And a fire came out from the Lord and
fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at consumed the two hundred and fifty men
the door of the tabernacle of meeting with who were offering incense.
Moses and Aaron. 19And Korah gathered 36Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
all the congregation against them at the ing: 37“Tell Eleazar, the son of Aaron the
door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then priest, to pick up the censers out of the
the glory of the Lord appeared to all the blaze, for they are holy, and scatter the fire
congregation. some distance away. 38The censers of these
20And the Lord spoke to Moses and men who sinned against their own souls,
Aaron, saying, 21“Separate yourselves from let them be made into hammered plates
among this congregation, that I may con- as a covering for the altar. Because they
sume them in a moment.” presented them before the Lord, therefore
22Then they fell on their faces, and said, they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the
“O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, children of Israel.” 39So Eleazar the priest
shall one man sin, and You be angry with took the bronze censers, which those who
all the congregation?” were burned up had presented, and they
23So the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, were hammered out as a covering on the
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179 NUMBERS 18:2
altar, 40to be a memorial to the children of meeting before the Testimony, where I
Israel that no outsider, who is not a descen- meet with you. 5And it shall be that the rod
dant of Aaron, should come near to offer of the man whom I choose will blossom;
incense before the Lord, that he might not thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of
become like Korah and his companions, the children of Israel, which they make
just as the Lord had said to him through against you.”
Moses. 6So Moses spoke to the children of Israel,
and each of their leaders gave him a rod
Complaints of the People apiece, for each leader according to their
41On the next day all the congregation of fathers’ houses, twelve rods; and the rod of
the children of Israel complained against Aaron was among their rods. 7And Moses
Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have placed the rods before the Lord in the tab-
killed the people of the Lord.” 42Now it ernacle of witness.
8Now it came to pass on the next day
happened, when the congregation had
gathered against Moses and Aaron, that that Moses went into the tabernacle of wit-
ness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the
they turned toward the tabernacle of meet-
house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth
ing; and suddenly the cloud covered it, and
buds, had produced blossoms and yielded
the glory of the Lord appeared. 43Then
ripe almonds. 9Then Moses brought out all
Moses and Aaron came before the taber-
the rods from before the Lord to all the
nacle of meeting.
44And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, children of Israel; and they looked, and
45“Get away from among this congregation, each man took his rod.
that I may consume them in a moment.”
And they fell on their faces. Numbers 17:8
46So Moses said to Aaron, “Take a censer
Almond trees were popular with the
and put fire in it from the altar, put incense Israelites because almonds were used
on it, and take it quickly to the congrega- to make medicine. The Hebrew word
tion and make atonement for them; for for almond means “awakening,” prob-
wrath has gone out from the Lord. The ably due to the fact that the almond
plague has begun.” 47Then Aaron took it as tree is the first to bloom in the spring.
Moses commanded, and ran into the midst For the Israelites, the almond was a
of the assembly; and already the plague symbol of God’s dependability.
had begun among the people. So he put in
the incense and made atonement for the
people. 48And he stood between the dead 10And the Lord said to Moses, “Bring
and the living; so the plague was stopped. Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to
49Now those who died in the plague were
be kept as a sign against the rebels, that
fourteen thousand seven hundred, besides you may put their complaints away from
those who died in the Korah incident. 50So Me, lest they die.” 11Thus did Moses; just as
Aaron returned to Moses at the door of the the Lord had commanded him, so he did.
tabernacle of meeting, for the plague had 12So the children of Israel spoke to Mo-
stopped. ses, saying, “Surely we die, we perish, we
all perish! 13Whoever even comes near the
The Budding of Aaron’s Rod tabernacle of the Lord must die. Shall we
17
And the Lord spoke to Moses, all utterly die?”
saying: 2“Speak to the children
of Israel, and get from them a Duties of Priests and Levites
18
rod from each father’s house, all their lead- Then the Lord said to Aaron:
ers according to their fathers’ houses— “You and your sons and your fa-
twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his ther’s house with you shall bear
rod. 3And you shall write Aaron’s name on the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and
the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod you and your sons with you shall bear the
for the head of each father’s house. 4Then iniquity associated with your priesthood.
you shall place them in the tabernacle of 2Also bring with you your brethren of the
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NUMBERS 18:3 180
Promise
God promises to give you everything you
need.
“I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of
Israel” (Num. 18:20b).
When God told Aaron that He would be his portion, God
meant that He would provide everything Aaron needed. And just as He provided
for Aaron, God will provide for us—everything we need.
God is faithful. You can count on Him to keep His Word. When He promises to
provide for your needs, you can believe Him. But it’s important that you recognize
the difference between needs and wants. We all need clothes, but none of us need
the hippest, coolest, most expensive gear. We all need to eat lunch every day, but
going to expensive restaurants with friends is only a want.
We live in abundant times. A lot of people have a lot of stuff, and they want
more. Think about your needs. Learn to separate them from your wants. What do
you really need in order to live? Has God provided? Take some time to thank Him.
He’s given you all you need.
See for yourself// Matthew 6:31–33; Luke 12:29, 30; Philippians 4:19
tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that offerings, all the holy gifts of the children
they may be joined with you and serve you of Israel; I have given them as a portion to
while you and your sons are with you be- you and your sons, as an ordinance for-
fore the tabernacle of witness. 3They shall ever. 9This shall be yours of the most holy
attend to your needs and all the needs of things reserved from the fire: every offering
the tabernacle; but they shall not come of theirs, every grain offering and every sin
near the articles of the sanctuary and the offering and every trespass offering which
altar, lest they die— they and you also. they render to Me, shall be most holy for
4They shall be joined with you and attend
you and your sons. 10In a most holy place
to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, you shall eat it; every male shall eat it. It
for all the work of the tabernacle; but an shall be holy to you.
outsider shall not come near you. 5And 11“This also is yours: the heave offering
you shall attend to the duties of the sanc- of their gift, with all the wave offerings of
tuary and the duties of the altar, that there the children of Israel; I have given them
may be no more wrath on the children of to you, and your sons and daughters with
Israel. 6Behold, I Myself have taken your you, as an ordinance forever. Everyone
brethren the Levites from among the chil- who is clean in your house may eat it.
dren of Israel; they are a gift to you, given by 12“All the best of the oil, all the best of
the Lord, to do the work of the tabernacle the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits
of meeting. 7Therefore you and your sons which they offer to the Lord, I have given
with you shall attend to your priesthood them to you. 13Whatever first ripe fruit is
for everything at the altar and behind the in their land, which they bring to the Lord,
veil; and you shall serve. I give your priest- shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in
hood to you as a gift for service, but the your house may eat it.
outsider who comes near shall be put to 14“Every devoted thing in Israel shall be
death.” yours.
15“Everything that first opens the womb
Offerings for Support of all flesh, which they bring to the Lord,
of the Priests whether man or beast, shall be yours; nev-
8And the Lord spoke to Aaron: “Here, I My- ertheless the firstborn of man you shall
self have also given you charge of My heave surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean
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181 NUMBERS 19:9
animals you shall redeem. 16And those shall offer up a heave offering of it to the
redeemed of the devoted things you shall Lord, a tenth of the tithe. 27And your heave
redeem when one month old, according offering shall be reckoned to you as though
to your valuation, for five shekels of silver, it were the grain of the threshing floor and
according to the shekel of the sanctuary, as the fullness of the winepress. 28Thus you
which is twenty gerahs. 17But the firstborn shall also offer a heave offering to the Lord
of a cow, the firstborn of a sheep, or the from all your tithes which you receive from
firstborn of a goat you shall not redeem; the children of Israel, and you shall give the
they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood Lord’s heave offering from it to Aaron the
on the altar, and burn their fat as an offer- priest. 29Of all your gifts you shall offer up
ing made by fire for a sweet aroma to the every heave offering due to the Lord, from
Lord. 18And their flesh shall be yours, just all the best of them, the consecrated part
as the wave breast and the right thigh are of them.’ 30Therefore you shall say to them:
yours. ‘When you have lifted up the best of it, then
19“All the heave offerings of the holy the rest shall be accounted to the Levites as
things, which the children of Israel offer to the produce of the threshing floor and as
the Lord, I have given to you and your sons the produce of the winepress. 31You may
and daughters with you as an ordinance eat it in any place, you and your house-
forever; it is a covenant of salt forever be- holds, for it is your reward for your work
fore the Lord with you and your descen- in the tabernacle of meeting. 32And you
dants with you.” shall bear no sin because of it, when you
20Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You have lifted up the best of it. But you shall
shall have no inheritance in their land, nor not profane the holy gifts of the children of
shall you have any portion among them; Israel, lest you die.’ ”
I am your portion and your inheritance
among the children of Israel. Laws of Purification
19
Now the Lord spoke to Moses
Tithes for Support and Aaron, saying, 2“This is the
of the Levites ordinance of the law which the
21“Behold, I have given the children of Levi Lord has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to
all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in the children of Israel, that they bring you
return for the work which they perform, a red heifer without blemish, in which
the work of the tabernacle of meeting. there is no defect and on which a yoke has
22Hereafter the children of Israel shall not never come. 3You shall give it to Eleazar
come near the tabernacle of meeting, lest the priest, that he may take it outside the
they bear sin and die. 23But the Levites camp, and it shall be slaughtered before
shall perform the work of the tabernacle of him; 4and Eleazar the priest shall take
meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity; some of its blood with his finger, and sprin-
it shall be a statute forever, throughout kle some of its blood seven times directly
your generations, that among the children in front of the tabernacle of meeting. 5Then
of Israel they shall have no inheritance. the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its
24For the tithes of the children of Israel, hide, its flesh, its blood, and its offal shall
which they offer up as a heave offering to be burned. 6And the priest shall take ce-
the Lord, I have given to the Levites as an dar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and
inheritance; therefore I have said to them, cast them into the midst of the fire burn-
‘Among the children of Israel they shall ing the heifer. 7Then the priest shall wash
have no inheritance.’ ” his clothes, he shall bathe in water, and
afterward he shall come into the camp;
the priest shall be unclean until evening.
The Tithe of the Levites 8And the one who burns it shall wash his
25Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, clothes in water, bathe in water, and shall
26“Speak thus to the Levites, and say to be unclean until evening. 9Then a man who
them: ‘When you take from the children is clean shall gather up the ashes of the
of Israel the tithes which I have given you heifer, and store them outside the camp in
from them as your inheritance, then you a clean place; and they shall be kept for the
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NUMBERS 19:10 182
congregation of the children of Israel for off from among the assembly, because he
the water of purification;a it is for purifying has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The
from sin. 10And the one who gathers the water of purification has not been sprin-
ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, kled on him; he is unclean. 21It shall be a
and be unclean until evening. It shall be a perpetual statute for them. He who sprin-
statute forever to the children of Israel and kles the water of purification shall wash his
to the stranger who dwells among them. clothes; and he who touches the water of
11‘He who touches the dead body of any-
purification shall be unclean until evening.
one shall be unclean seven days. 12He shall 22Whatever the unclean person touches
purify himself with the water on the third shall be unclean; and the person who
day and on the seventh day; then he will touches it shall be unclean until evening.’ ”
be clean. But if he does not purify himself
on the third day and on the seventh day, Moses’ Error at Kadesh
he will not be clean. 13Whoever touches
20
the body of anyone who has died, and does Then the children of Israel,
not purify himself, defiles the tabernacle of the whole congregation, came
the Lord. That person shall be cut off from into the Wilderness of Zin in
Israel. He shall be unclean, because the the first month, and the people stayed in
water of purification was not sprinkled on Kadesh; and Miriam died there and was
him; his uncleanness is still on him. buried there.
2Now there was no water for the congre-
gation; so they gathered together against
Numbers 19:11 Moses and Aaron. 3And the people con-
An unclean person was not allowed tended with Moses and spoke, saying: “If
to participate in the Israelites’ normal only we had died when our brethren died
religious activities and worship ser- before the Lord! 4Why have you brought
vices. One of the most extreme forms up the assembly of the Lord into this wil-
of uncleanness came from touching a derness, that we and our animals should
dead body. die here? 5And why have you made us
come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this
evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs
14‘This is the law when a man dies in a
or vines or pomegranates; nor is there
tent: All who come into the tent and all any water to drink.” 6So Moses and Aaron
who are in the tent shall be unclean seven went from the presence of the assembly to
days; 15and every open vessel, which has no the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and
cover fastened on it, is unclean. 16Whoever they fell on their faces. And the glory of the
in the open field touches one who is slain Lord appeared to them.
by a sword or who has died, or a bone of 7Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven 8“Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron
days. gather the congregation together. Speak to
17‘And for an unclean person they shall
the rock before their eyes, and it will yield
take some of the ashes of the heifer burnt its water; thus you shall bring water for
for purification from sin, and running wa- them out of the rock, and give drink to the
ter shall be put on them in a vessel. 18A congregation and their animals.” 9So Moses
clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in took the rod from before the Lord as He
the water, sprinkle it on the tent, on all the commanded him.
vessels, on the persons who were there, or 10And Moses and Aaron gathered the
on the one who touched a bone, the slain, assembly together before the rock; and he
the dead, or a grave. 19The clean person said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must
shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day we bring water for you out of this rock?”
and on the seventh day; and on the sev- 11Then Moses lifted his hand and struck
enth day he shall purify himself, wash his the rock twice with his rod; and water
clothes, and bathe in water; and at evening came out abundantly, and the congrega-
he shall be clean. tion and their animals drank.
20‘But the man who is unclean and does
not purify himself, that person shall be cut 19:9 aLiterally impurity
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183 NUMBERS 21:5
12Then the Lord spoke to Moses and rebelled against My word at the water of
Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, Meribah. 25Take Aaron and Eleazar his son,
to hallow Me in the eyes of the children and bring them up to Mount Hor; 26and
of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this strip Aaron of his garments and put them
assembly into the land which I have given on Eleazar his son; for Aaron shall be gath-
them.” ered to his people and die there.” 27So Moses
13This was the water of Meribah,a be- did just as the Lord commanded, and they
cause the children of Israel contended with went up to Mount Hor in the sight of all the
the Lord, and He was hallowed among congregation. 28Moses stripped Aaron of
them. his garments and put them on Eleazar his
son; and Aaron died there on the top of the
Passage Through Edom mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came
Refused down from the mountain. 29Now when all
14Now Moses sent messengers from the congregation saw that Aaron was dead,
all the house of Israel mourned for Aaron
Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says
thirty days.
your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hard-
ship that has befallen us, 15how our fathers Canaanites Defeated at
went down to Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt Hormah
a long time, and the Egyptians afflicted us
21
and our fathers. 16When we cried out to The king of Arad, the Canaan-
the Lord, He heard our voice and sent the ite, who dwelt in the South,
Angel and brought us up out of Egypt; now heard that Israel was coming
here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge on the road to Atharim. Then he fought
of your border. 17Please let us pass through against Israel and took some of them pris-
your country. We will not pass through oners. 2So Israel made a vow to the Lord,
fields or vineyards, nor will we drink wa- and said, “If You will indeed deliver this
ter from wells; we will go along the King’s people into my hand, then I will utterly de-
Highway; we will not turn aside to the right stroy their cities.” 3And the Lord listened
hand or to the left until we have passed to the voice of Israel and delivered up the
through your territory.’ ” Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed
18Then Edom said to him, “You shall them and their cities. So the name of that
not pass through my land, lest I come out place was called Hormah.a
against you with the sword.”
19So the children of Israel said to him,
“We will go by the Highway, and if I or my
Numbers 21:6
The Israelites had a deep dislike of
livestock drink any of your water, then I
snakes. It didn’t matter whether they
will pay for it; let me only pass through on were poisonous (“fiery serpents”) or
foot, nothing more.” not. To them, all snakes represented
20Then he said, “You shall not pass
evil and sin. In other cultures of the
through.” So Edom came out against them time, the snake was a symbol of life
with many men and with a strong hand. and health.
21Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage
through his territory; so Israel turned away
from him. The Bronze Serpent
4Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by
Death of Aaron
22Now the children of Israel, the whole
the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the
land of Edom; and the soul of the people
congregation, journeyed from Kadesh became very discouraged on the way. 5And
and came to Mount Hor. 23And the Lord the people spoke against God and against
spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of
by the border of the land of Edom, saying: Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is
24“Aaron shall be gathered to his people,
for he shall not enter the land which I have 20:13 aLiterally Contention
21:3 aLiterally Utter
given to the children of Israel, because you Destruction
04-Numbers.indd 183 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 21:6 184
no food and no water, and our soul loathes of Moab, to the top of Pisgah which looks
this worthless bread.” 6So the Lord sent down on the wasteland.a
fiery serpents among the people, and they
bit the people; and many of the people of King Sihon Defeated
Israel died. 21Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon
7Therefore the people came to Moses,
king of the Amorites, saying, 22“Let me pass
and said, “We have sinned, for we have through your land. We will not turn aside
spoken against the Lord and against you; into fields or vineyards; we will not drink
pray to the Lord that He take away the water from wells. We will go by the King’s
serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the Highway until we have passed through
people. your territory.” 23But Sihon would not al-
8Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make
low Israel to pass through his territory. So
a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it Sihon gathered all his people together and
shall be that everyone who is bitten, when went out against Israel in the wilderness,
he looks at it, shall live.” 9So Moses made a and he came to Jahaz and fought against
bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so Israel. 24Then Israel defeated him with the
it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when edge of the sword, and took possession of
he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as
far as the people of Ammon; for the border
From Mount Hor to Moab of the people of Ammon was fortified. 25So
10Now the children of Israel moved on and Israel took all these cities, and Israel dwelt
camped in Oboth. 11And they journeyed in all the cities of the Amorites, in Hesh-
from Oboth and camped at Ije Abarim, in bon and in all its villages. 26For Heshbon
the wilderness which is east of Moab, to- was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites,
ward the sunrise. 12From there they moved who had fought against the former king of
and camped in the Valley of Zered. 13From Moab, and had taken all his land from his
there they moved and camped on the other hand as far as the Arnon. 27Therefore those
side of the Arnon, which is in the wilder- who speak in proverbs say:
ness that extends from the border of the
Amorites; for the Arnon is the border of “ Come to Heshbon, let it be built;
Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. Let the city of Sihon be repaired.
14Therefore it is said in the Book of the
28“ For fire went out from Heshbon,
Wars of the Lord:
A flame from the city of Sihon;
It consumed Ar of Moab,
“ Waheb in Suphah,a
The lords of the heights of the Arnon.
The brooks of the Arnon, 29 Woe to you, Moab!
15 And the slope of the brooks
You have perished, O people of
That reaches to the dwelling of Ar,
Chemosh!
And lies on the border of Moab.”
He has given his sons as fugitives,
16From there they went to Beer, which And his daughters into captivity,
To Sihon king of the Amorites.
is the well where the Lord said to Moses,
“Gather the people together, and I will give 30“ But we have shot at them;
them water.” 17Then Israel sang this song:
Heshbon has perished as far as Dibon.
Then we laid waste as far as Nophah,
“ Spring up, O well! Which reaches to Medeba.”
All of you sing to it—
18 The well the leaders sank,
31Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the
Dug by the nation’s nobles, Amorites. 32Then Moses sent to spy out
By the lawgiver, with their staves.” Jazer; and they took its villages and drove
out the Amorites who were there.
And from the wilderness they went to
Mattanah, 19from Mattanah to Nahal 21:14 aAncient unknown places; Vulgate reads
iel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 20and from What He did in the Red Sea.
21:20 aHebrew
Bamoth, in the valley that is in the country Jeshimon
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185 NUMBERS 22:24
King Og Defeated Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth.
33And Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I
they turned and went up by the way
shall be able to overpower them and drive
to Bashan. So Og king of Bashan went out
them out.’ ”
against them, he and all his people, to bat- 12And God said to Balaam, “You shall
tle at Edrei. 34Then the Lord said to Moses,
not go with them; you shall not curse the
“Do not fear him, for I have delivered him
people, for they are blessed.”
into your hand, with all his people and his 13So Balaam rose in the morning and
land; and you shall do to him as you did to
said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to
Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at
your land, for the Lord has refused to give
Heshbon.” 35So they defeated him, his sons,
me permission to go with you.”
and all his people, until there was no sur- 14And the princes of Moab rose and
vivor left him; and they took possession of
went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to
his land.
come with us.”
15Then Balak again sent princes, more
Balak Sends for Balaam
numerous and more honorable than they.
22
Then the children of Israel 16And they came to Balaam and said to
moved, and camped in the him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor:
plains of Moab on the side of ‘Please let nothing hinder you from com-
the Jordan across from Jericho. ing to me; 17for I will certainly honor you
2Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all
greatly, and I will do whatever you say to
that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3And me. Therefore please come, curse this peo-
Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people ple for me.’ ”
because they were many, and Moab was 18Then Balaam answered and said to the
sick with dread because of the children servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to
of Israel. 4So Moab said to the elders of give me his house full of silver and gold, I
Midian, “Now this company will lick up could not go beyond the word of the Lord
everything around us, as an ox licks up my God, to do less or more. 19Now there-
the grass of the field.” And Balak the son fore, please, you also stay here tonight, that
of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that I may know what more the Lord will say
time. 5Then he sent messengers to Balaam to me.”
the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the 20And God came to Balaam at night and
Rivera in the land of the sons of his people,b said to him, “If the men come to call you,
to call him, saying: “Look, a people has rise and go with them; but only the word
come from Egypt. See, they cover the face which I speak to you—that you shall do.”
of the earth, and are settling next to me! 21So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled
6Therefore please come at once, curse this his donkey, and went with the princes of
people for me, for they are too mighty for Moab.
me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them
and drive them out of the land, for I know Balaam, the Donkey, and
that he whom you bless is blessed, and he the Angel
whom you curse is cursed.” 22Then God’s anger was aroused because
7So the elders of Moab and the elders of
he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His
Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in stand in the way as an adversary against
their hand, and they came to Balaam and him. And he was riding on his donkey, and
spoke to him the words of Balak. 8And he his two servants were with him. 23Now the
said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I donkey saw the Angel of the Lord stand-
will bring back word to you, as the Lord ing in the way with His drawn sword in His
speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab hand, and the donkey turned aside out of
stayed with Balaam. the way and went into the field. So Balaam
9Then God came to Balaam and said,
struck the donkey to turn her back onto the
“Who are these men with you?” road. 24Then the Angel of the Lord stood in
10So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son
of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, 22:5 aThat is, the Euphrates bOr the people of
saying, 11‘Look, a people has come out of Amau
04-Numbers.indd 185 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 22:25 186
a narrow path between the vineyards, with did you not come to me? Am I not able to
a wall on this side and a wall on that side. honor you?”
25And when the donkey saw the Angel of 38And Balaam said to Balak, “Look, I
the Lord, she pushed herself against the have come to you! Now, have I any power
wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the at all to say anything? The word that God
wall; so he struck her again. 26Then the An- puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” 39So
gel of the Lord went further, and stood in Balaam went with Balak, and they came to
a narrow place where there was no way to Kirjath Huzoth. 40Then Balak offered oxen
turn either to the right hand or to the left. and sheep, and he sent some to Balaam and
27And when the donkey saw the Angel of to the princes who were with him.
the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so
Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck Balaam’s First Prophecy
the donkey with his staff. 41So it was, the next day, that Balak took
28Then the Lord opened the mouth of
Balaam and brought him up to the high
the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What places of Baal, that from there he might
have I done to you, that you have struck me observe the extent of the people.
23
these three times?” Then Balaam said to Balak,
29And Balaam said to the donkey, “Be-
“Build seven altars for me here,
cause you have abused me. I wish there and prepare for me here seven
were a sword in my hand, for now I would bulls and seven rams.”
kill you!” 2And Balak did just as Balaam had spo-
30So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I
ken, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull
not your donkey on which you have ridden, and a ram on each altar. 3Then Balaam
ever since I became yours, to this day? Was said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offer-
I ever disposed to do this to you?” ing, and I will go; perhaps the Lord will
And he said, “No.” come to meet me, and whatever He shows
31Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes,
me I will tell you.” So he went to a desolate
and he saw the Angel of the Lord stand- height. 4And God met Balaam, and he said
ing in the way with His drawn sword in His to Him, “I have prepared the seven altars,
hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat and I have offered on each altar a bull and
on his face. 32And the Angel of the Lord a ram.”
said to him, “Why have you struck your 5Then the Lord put a word in Balaam’s
donkey these three times? Behold, I have mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and
come out to stand against you, because thus you shall speak.” 6So he returned to
your way is perverse before Me. 33The him, and there he was, standing by his
donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me burnt offering, he and all the princes of
these three times. If she had not turned Moab.
aside from Me, surely I would also have 7And he took up his oracle and said:
killed you by now, and let her live.”
34And Balaam said to the Angel of the
“ Balak the king of Moab has brought
Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know me from Aram,
You stood in the way against me. Now From the mountains of the east.
therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn ‘Come, curse Jacob for me,
back.” And come, denounce Israel!’
35Then the Angel of the Lord said to
Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the 8“ How shall I curse whom God has not
word that I speak to you, that you shall cursed?
speak.” So Balaam went with the princes And how shall I denounce whom the
of Balak. Lord has not denounced?
36Now when Balak heard that Balaam 9 For from the top of the rocks I see
was coming, he went out to meet him at him,
the city of Moab, which is on the border at And from the hills I behold him;
the Arnon, the boundary of the territory. There! A people dwelling alone,
37Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not Not reckoning itself among the
earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why nations.
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187 NUMBERS 23:23
Promise
God promises to be faithful to His Word.
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that
He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He
spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19).
Do you know anyone who has never broken a promise?
It’s a fact: somewhere along the line, everyone is going to break a promise. We may
be terribly sorry when we don’t keep our word, but we are all faulty people who
sometimes do wrong things.
The Bible tells us that God is not like people. He always keeps His promises. In
fact, God’s Word tells us that Christ says yes to all His promises for you. And all we
have to do is say amen (or, literally, “Let it be”) to that promise. If God said it, He’ll
do it. If He spoke it, He’ll bring it to pass. God cannot lie.
So what does all this mean to you? All the promises of the Bible are for you.
God’s not going to forget one of them. You’ve been promised not only eternal life
but also “all things that pertain to life and godliness” here on earth (2 Pet. 1:3).
Accept every one of God’s promises for yourself because He is the One who always
keeps His Word!
See for yourself// 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20
10“ Who can count the dusta of Jacob, were with him. And Balak said to him,
Or number one-fourth of Israel? “What has the Lord spoken?”
Let me die the death of the righteous, 18Then he took up his oracle and said:
And let my end be like his!”
“ Rise up, Balak, and hear!
11Then Balak said to Balaam, “What Listen to me, son of Zippor!
have you done to me? I took you to curse
my enemies, and look, you have blessed 19“ God is not a man, that He should lie,
them bountifully!” Nor a son of man, that He should
12So he answered and said, “Must I not repent.
take heed to speak what the Lord has put Has He said, and will He not do?
in my mouth?” Or has He spoken, and will He not
make it good?
Balaam’s Second Prophecy 20 Behold, I have received a command
13Then Balak said to him, “Please come to bless;
He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
with me to another place from which you
may see them; you shall see only the outer 21“ He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
part of them, and shall not see them all;
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
curse them for me from there.” 14So he
The Lord his God is with him,
brought him to the field of Zophim, to the
And the shout of a King is among
top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and
them.
offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 22 God brings them out of Egypt;
15And he said to Balak, “Stand here by
He has strength like a wild ox.
your burnt offering while I meeta the Lord
over there.” 23“ For there is no sorcery against Jacob,
16Then the Lord met Balaam, and put a
Nor any divination against Israel.
word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to
Balak, and thus you shall speak.” 17So he 23:10 aOr dust cloud 23:15 aFollowing
came to him, and there he was, standing by Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate; Syriac
his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab reads call; Septuagint reads go and ask God.
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NUMBERS 23:24 188
It now must be said of Jacob 8“ God brings him out of Egypt;
And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’ He has strength like a wild ox;
24 Look, a people rises like a lioness, He shall consume the nations, his
And lifts itself up like a lion; enemies;
It shall not lie down until it devours He shall break their bones
the prey, And pierce them with his arrows.
And drinks the blood of the slain.” 9‘ He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’a
25Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither
curse them at all, nor bless them at all!” “ Blessed is he who blesses you,
26So Balaam answered and said to Balak, And cursed is he who curses you.”
“Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord
speaks, that I must do’?” 10Then Balak’s anger was aroused
against Balaam, and he struck his hands
Balaam’s Third Prophecy together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I
27Then Balak said to Balaam, “Please called you to curse my enemies, and look,
come, I will take you to another place; per- you have bountifully blessed them these
haps it will please God that you may curse three times! 11Now therefore, flee to your
them for me from there.” 28So Balak took place. I said I would greatly honor you, but
Balaam to the top of Peor, that overlooks in fact, the Lord has kept you back from
the wasteland.a 29Then Balaam said to honor.”
12So Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not
Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and
prepare for me here seven bulls and seven also speak to your messengers whom you
rams.” 30And Balak did as Balaam had said, sent to me, saying, 13‘If Balak were to give
and offered a bull and a ram on every altar. me his house full of silver and gold, I could
24
Now when Balaam saw that it not go beyond the word of the Lord, to do
pleased the Lord to bless Is- good or bad of my own will. What the Lord
rael, he did not go as at other says, that I must speak’? 14And now, indeed,
times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his I am going to my people. Come, I will ad-
face toward the wilderness. 2And Balaam vise you what this people will do to your
raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped people in the latter days.”
according to their tribes; and the Spirit of
God came upon him. Balaam’s Fourth Prophecy
3Then he took up his oracle and said: 15So he took up his oracle and said:
“ The utterance of Balaam the son of “ The utterance of Balaam the son of
Beor, Beor,
The utterance of the man whose eyes And the utterance of the man whose
are opened, eyes are opened;
4 The utterance of him who hears the 16 The utterance of him who hears the
words of God, words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty, And has the knowledge of the Most
Who falls down, with eyes wide open: High,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
5“ How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Who falls down, with eyes wide open:
Your dwellings, O Israel!
6 Like valleys that stretch out,
17“ I see Him, but not now;
Like gardens by the riverside, I behold Him, but not near;
Like aloes planted by the Lord, A Star shall come out of Jacob;
Like cedars beside the waters. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,
7 He shall pour water from his buckets,
And batter the brow of Moab,
And his seed shall be in many waters. And destroy all the sons of tumult.a
“ His king shall be higher than Agag, 23:28 aHebrew Jeshimon 24:9 aGenesis 49:9
And his kingdom shall be exalted. 24:17 aHebrew Sheth (compare Jeremiah 48:45)
04-Numbers.indd 188 2/14/12 11:50 AM
189 NUMBERS 25:18
18“ And Edom shall be a possession; people ate and bowed down to their gods.
Seir also, his enemies, shall be a 3So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and
possession, the anger of the Lord was aroused against
While Israel does valiantly. Israel.
19 Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, 4Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take
And destroy the remains of the city.” all the leaders of the people and hang the
offenders before the Lord, out in the sun,
20Then he looked on Amalek, and he
that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn
took up his oracle and said: away from Israel.”
5So Moses said to the judges of Israel,
“ Amalek was first among the nations, “Every one of you kill his men who were
But shall be last until he perishes.” joined to Baal of Peor.”
6And indeed, one of the children of Is-
21Then he looked on the Kenites, and he
rael came and presented to his brethren
took up his oracle and said: a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses
and in the sight of all the congregation of
“ Firm is your dwelling place, the children of Israel, who were weeping
And your nest is set in the rock; at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
22 Nevertheless Kain shall be burned. 7Now when Phinehas the son of Eleazar,
How long until Asshur carries you the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose
away captive?” from among the congregation and took a
javelin in his hand; 8and he went after the
23Then he took up his oracle and said:
man of Israel into the tent and thrust both
of them through, the man of Israel, and the
“ Alas! Who shall live when God does woman through her body. So the plague
this? was stopped among the children of Israel.
24 But ships shall come from the coasts of
9And those who died in the plague were
Cyprus,a twenty-four thousand.
And they shall afflict Asshur and afflict 10Then the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
Eber, ing: 11“Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son
And so shall Amalek,b until he of Aaron the priest, has turned back My
perishes.” wrath from the children of Israel, because
25So Balaam rose and departed and re-
he was zealous with My zeal among them,
so that I did not consume the children of
turned to his place; Balak also went his Israel in My zeal. 12Therefore say, ‘Behold,
way. I give to him My covenant of peace; 13and
it shall be to him and his descendants after
him a covenant of an everlasting priest-
Numbers 25:3–5 hood, because he was zealous for his God,
Baal, whose name means “lord” or
“master,” was a fertility god worshiped and made atonement for the children of
by the Canaanites. The Canaanites Israel.’ ”
14Now the name of the Israelite who was
had an odd way of “personalizing”
Baal. Because Baal was worshiped killed, who was killed with the Midianite
throughout Canaan, the Canaanites woman, was Zimri the son of Salu, a leader
added the names of their towns to his of a father’s house among the Simeonites.
15And the name of the Midianite woman
name. Baal-Peor is an example of this.
who was killed was Cozbi the daughter of
Zur; he was head of the people of a father’s
Israel’s Harlotry in Moab house in Midian.
16Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
25
Now Israel remained in Acacia 17“Harass the Midianites, and attack them;
Grove,a and the people began 18for they harassed you with their schemes
to commit harlotry with the
women of Moab. 2They invited the people 24:24 aHebrew Kittim
bLiterally he or that one
to the sacrifices of their gods, and the 25:1 aHebrew Shittim
04-Numbers.indd 189 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 26:1 190
by which they seduced you in the matter of the family of the Erites; 17of Arod,a the fam-
Peor and in the matter of Cozbi, the daugh- ily of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of
ter of a leader of Midian, their sister, who the Arelites. 18These are the families of the
was killed in the day of the plague because sons of Gad according to those who were
of Peor.” numbered of them: forty thousand five
hundred.
The Second Census of Israel 19The sons of Judah were Er and Onan;
26
And it came to pass, after the and Er and Onan died in the land of Ca-
plague, that the Lord spoke naan. 20And the sons of Judah according
to Moses and Eleazar the son to their families were: of Shelah, the fam-
of Aaron the priest, saying: 2“Take a cen- ily of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family
sus of all the congregation of the children of the Parzites; of Zerah, the family of the
of Israel from twenty years old and above, Zarhites. 21And the sons of Perez were:
by their fathers’ houses, all who are able to of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites;
go to war in Israel.” 3So Moses and Eleazar of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.
22These are the families of Judah accord-
the priest spoke with them in the plains of
Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, ing to those who were numbered of them:
saying: 4“Take a census of the people from seventy-six thousand five hundred.
23The sons of Issachar according to their
twenty years old and above, just as the
Lord commanded Moses and the children families were: of Tola, the family of the To-
of Israel who came out of the land of Egypt.” laites; of Puah,a the family of the Punites;b
5Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. The 24of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites;
children of Reuben were: of Hanoch, the of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
25These are the families of Issachar accord-
family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the fam-
ily of the Palluites; 6of Hezron, the family ing to those who were numbered of them:
of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of sixty-four thousand three hundred.
26The sons of Zebulun according to their
the Carmites. 7These are the families of
the Reubenites: those who were numbered families were: of Sered, the family of the
of them were forty-three thousand seven Sardites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites;
hundred and thirty. 8And the son of Pallu of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.
27These are the families of the Zebulunites
was Eliab. 9The sons of Eliab were Nemuel,
Dathan, and Abiram. These are the Dathan according to those who were numbered of
and Abiram, representatives of the con- them: sixty thousand five hundred.
28The sons of Joseph according to their
gregation, who contended against Moses
and Aaron in the company of Korah, when families, by Manasseh and Ephraim, were:
29The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the
they contended against the Lord; 10and
the earth opened its mouth and swallowed family of the Machirites; and Machir begot
them up together with Korah when that Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gile-
company died, when the fire devoured two adites. 30These are the sons of Gilead: of
hundred and fifty men; and they became a Jeezer,a the family of the Jeezerites; of He-
sign. 11Nevertheless the children of Korah lek, the family of the Helekites; 31of Asriel,
did not die. the family of the Asrielites; of Shechem, the
12The sons of Simeon according to their family of the Shechemites; 32of Shemida,
families were: of Nemuel,a the family of the
26:12 aSpelled Jemuel in Genesis 46:10 and
Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Ja
Exodus 6:15 bCalled Jarib in 1 Chronicles 4:24
minites; of Jachin,b the family of the Jachin
26:13 aCalled Zohar in Genesis 46:10
ites; 13of Zerah,a the family of the Zarhites; 26:15 aCalled Ziphion in Genesis 46:16
of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14These 26:16 aCalled Ezbon in Genesis 46:16
are the families of the Simeonites: twenty- 26:17 aSpelled Arodi in Samaritan Pentateuch,
two thousand two hundred. Syriac, and Genesis 46:16 26:23 aHebrew
15The sons of Gad according to their
Puvah (compare Genesis 46:13 and 1 Chronicles
families were: of Zephon,a the family of the 7:1); Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint,
Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Hag- Syriac, and Vulgate read Puah. bSamaritan
gites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; Pentateuch, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read
16of Ozni,a the family of the Oznites; of Eri, Puaites. 26:30 aCalled Abiezer in Joshua 17:2
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191 NUMBERS 26:62
the family of the Shemidaites; of Hepher, Gunites; 49of Jezer, the family of the Jezer
the family of the Hepherites. 33Now Ze ites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillem-
lophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, ites. 50These are the families of Naphtali
but daughters; and the names of the according to their families; and those who
daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, were numbered of them were forty-five
Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34These thousand four hundred.
are the families of Manasseh; and those 51These are those who were numbered
who were numbered of them were fifty-two of the children of Israel: six hundred and
thousand seven hundred. one thousand seven hundred and thirty.
35These are the sons of Ephraim accord- 52Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
ing to their families: of Shuthelah, the fam- 53“To these the land shall be divided as an
ily of the Shuthalhites; of Becher,a the fam- inheritance, according to the number of
ily of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the family of names. 54To a large tribe you shall give a
the Tahanites. 36And these are the sons of larger inheritance, and to a small tribe you
Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eran shall give a smaller inheritance. Each shall
ites. 37These are the families of the sons be given its inheritance according to those
of Ephraim according to those who were who were numbered of them. 55But the
numbered of them: thirty-two thousand land shall be divided by lot; they shall in-
five hundred. herit according to the names of the tribes
These are the sons of Joseph according of their fathers. 56According to the lot their
to their families. inheritance shall be divided between the
38The sons of Benjamin according to
larger and the smaller.”
their families were: of Bela, the family of 57And these are those who were num-
the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the bered of the Levites according to their
Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the families: of Gershon, the family of the
Ahiramites; 39of Shupham,a the family of Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of
the Shuphamites; of Hupham,b the family the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of
of the Huphamites. 40And the sons of Bela the Merarites. 58These are the families
were Arda and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Levites: the family of the Libnites,
of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the the family of the Hebronites, the family of
Naamites. 41These are the sons of Benja- the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites,
min according to their families; and those and the family of the Korathites. And Ko-
who were numbered of them were forty- hath begot Amram. 59The name of Am-
five thousand six hundred. ram’s wife was Jochebed the daughter of
42These are the sons of Dan according to
Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and
their families: of Shuham,a the family of the
to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and
Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan
their sister Miriam. 60To Aaron were born
according to their families. 43All the fami-
Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
lies of the Shuhamites, according to those 61And Nadab and Abihu died when they
who were numbered of them, were sixty-
offered profane fire before the Lord.
four thousand four hundred. 62Now those who were numbered of
44The sons of Asher according to their
them were twenty-three thousand, every
families were: of Jimna, the family of the
male from a month old and above; for they
Jimnites; of Jesui, the family of the Jesu-
were not numbered among the other chil-
ites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
45Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the fam- dren of Israel, because there was no inheri-
ily of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family tance given to them among the children of
of the Malchielites. 46And the name of the Israel.
daughter of Asher was Serah. 47These are 26:35 aCalled Bered in 1 Chronicles 7:20
the families of the sons of Asher according 26:39 aMasoretic Text reads Shephupham,
to those who were numbered of them: fifty- spelled Shephuphan in 1 Chronicles 8:5.
three thousand four hundred. bCalled Huppim in Genesis 46:21 26:40 aCalled
48The sons of Naphtali according to
Addar in 1 Chronicles 8:3 26:42 aCalled
their families were: of Jahzeel,a the family Hushim in Genesis 46:23 26:48 aSpelled Jahziel
of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the in 1 Chronicles 7:13
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NUMBERS 26:63 192
63These are those who were numbered their father to pass to them. 8And you shall
by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who num- speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a
bered the children of Israel in the plains of man dies and has no son, then you shall
Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. cause his inheritance to pass to his daugh-
64But among these there was not a man of ter. 9If he has no daughter, then you shall
those who were numbered by Moses and give his inheritance to his brothers. 10If he
Aaron the priest when they numbered the has no brothers, then you shall give his in-
children of Israel in the Wilderness of Si- heritance to his father’s brothers. 11And if
nai. 65For the Lord had said of them, “They his father has no brothers, then you shall
shall surely die in the wilderness.” So there give his inheritance to the relative closest
was not left a man of them, except Caleb to him in his family, and he shall possess
the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son it.’ ” And it shall be to the children of Israel a
of Nun. statute of judgment, just as the Lord com-
manded Moses.
Inheritance Laws
Joshua the Next Leader
27
Then came the daughters of
of Israel
Zelophehad the son of He
12Now the Lord said to Moses: “Go up
pher, the son of Gilead, the son
of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the into this Mount Abarim, and see the land
families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; which I have given to the children of Is-
and these were the names of his daughters: rael. 13And when you have seen it, you
Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. also shall be gathered to your people, as
2And they stood before Moses, before Elea- Aaron your brother was gathered. 14For
zar the priest, and before the leaders and in the Wilderness of Zin, during the strife
all the congregation, by the doorway of the of the congregation, you rebelled against
tabernacle of meeting, saying: 3“Our father My command to hallow Me at the waters
died in the wilderness; but he was not in before their eyes.” (These are the waters of
the company of those who gathered to- Meribah, at Kadesh in the Wilderness of
gether against the Lord, in company with Zin.)
15Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying:
Korah, but he died in his own sin; and he
16“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of
had no sons. 4Why should the name of our
father be removed from among his family all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
17who may go out before them and go in
because he had no son? Give us a posses-
sion among our father’s brothers.” before them, who may lead them out and
bring them in, that the congregation of the
Lord may not be like sheep which have no
Numbers 27:3, 4 shepherd.”
Women were not allowed to inherit
land in ancient Israelite society.
The only exceptions were situations
Leadership
like the one facing Zelophehad’s What is the primary
daughters. With no male in the family responsibilty of a leader?
to take over their father’s responsi- Numbers 27:16, 17
bilities, they were faced with the pos-
sibility of losing their land—and their
18And the Lord said to Moses: “Take
means of supporting themselves.
Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in
whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on
5So Moses brought their case before the him; 19set him before Eleazar the priest
Lord. and before all the congregation, and inau-
6And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: gurate him in their sight. 20And you shall
7“The daughters of Zelophehad speak what give some of your authority to him, that all
is right; you shall surely give them a pos- the congregation of the children of Israel
session of inheritance among their father’s may be obedient. 21He shall stand before
brothers, and cause the inheritance of Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before
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193 NUMBERS 28:27
the Lord for him by the judgment of the 12three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as
Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at a grain offering, mixed with oil, for each
his word they shall come in, he and all the bull; two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as
children of Israel with him—all the congre- a grain offering, mixed with oil, for the one
gation.” ram; 13and one-tenth of an ephah of fine
22So Moses did as the Lord commanded flour, mixed with oil, as a grain offering
him. He took Joshua and set him before El- for each lamb, as a burnt offering of sweet
eazar the priest and before all the congre- aroma, an offering made by fire to the
gation. 23And he laid his hands on him and Lord. 14Their drink offering shall be half a
inaugurated him, just as the Lord com- hin of wine for a bull, one-third of a hin for
manded by the hand of Moses. a ram, and one-fourth of a hin for a lamb;
this is the burnt offering for each month
Daily Offerings throughout the months of the year. 15Also
28
Now the Lord spoke to Moses, one kid of the goats as a sin offering to the
saying, 2“Command the chil- Lord shall be offered, besides the regular
dren of Israel, and say to them, burnt offering and its drink offering.
‘My offering, My food for My offerings
made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you Offerings at Passover
shall be careful to offer to Me at their ap- 16‘On the fourteenth day of the first month
pointed time.’ is the Passover of the Lord. 17And on the
3“And you shall say to them, ‘This is the
fifteenth day of this month is the feast;
offering made by fire which you shall offer to unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven
the Lord: two male lambs in their first year days. 18On the first day you shall have a holy
without blemish, day by day, as a regular convocation. You shall do no customary
burnt offering. 4The one lamb you shall of- work. 19And you shall present an offer-
fer in the morning, the other lamb you shall ing made by fire as a burnt offering to the
offer in the evening, 5and one-tenth of an Lord: two young bulls, one ram, and seven
ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed lambs in their first year. Be sure they are
with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil. 6It is without blemish. 20Their grain offering
a regular burnt offering which was ordained shall be of fine flour mixed with oil: three-
at Mount Sinai for a sweet aroma, an offer- tenths of an ephah you shall offer for a bull,
ing made by fire to the Lord. 7And its drink and two-tenths for a ram; 21you shall offer
offering shall be one-fourth of a hin for each one-tenth of an ephah for each of the seven
lamb; in a holy place you shall pour out the lambs; 22also one goat as a sin offering, to
drink to the Lord as an offering. 8The other make atonement for you. 23You shall of-
lamb you shall offer in the evening; as the fer these besides the burnt offering of the
morning grain offering and its drink offer- morning, which is for a regular burnt of-
ing, you shall offer it as an offering made by fering. 24In this manner you shall offer the
fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. food of the offering made by fire daily for
seven days, as a sweet aroma to the Lord;
Sabbath Offerings it shall be offered besides the regular burnt
9‘And on the Sabbath day two lambs in offering and its drink offering. 25And on the
their first year, without blemish, and two- seventh day you shall have a holy convoca-
tenths of an ephah of fine flour as a grain tion. You shall do no customary work.
offering, mixed with oil, with its drink
offering—10this is the burnt offering for Offerings at the Feast
every Sabbath, besides the regular burnt of Weeks
offering with its drink offering. 26‘Also on the day of the firstfruits, when
you bring a new grain offering to the Lord
Monthly Offerings at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a
11‘At the beginnings of your months you holy convocation. You shall do no cus-
shall present a burnt offering to the Lord: tomary work. 27You shall present a burnt
two young bulls, one ram, and seven offering as a sweet aroma to the Lord: two
lambs in their first year, without blemish; young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs in
04-Numbers.indd 193 2/14/12 11:50 AM
NUMBERS 28:28 194
their first year, 28with their grain offering of You shall do no customary work, and you
fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an shall keep a feast to the Lord seven days.
ephah for each bull, two-tenths for the one 13You shall present a burnt offering, an of-
ram, 29and one-tenth for each of the seven fering made by fire as a sweet aroma to the
lambs; 30also one kid of the goats, to make Lord: thirteen young bulls, two rams, and
atonement for you. 31Be sure they are with- fourteen lambs in their first year. They shall
out blemish. You shall present them with be without blemish. 14Their grain offering
their drink offerings, besides the regular shall be of fine flour mixed with oil: three-
burnt offering with its grain offering. tenths of an ephah for each of the thirteen
bulls, two-tenths for each of the two rams,
Offerings at the Feast 15and one- tenth for each of the fourteen
of Trumpets lambs; 16also one kid of the goats as a sin
29
‘And in the seventh month, on offering, besides the regular burnt offering,
the first day of the month, you its grain offering, and its drink offering.
17‘On the second day present twelve
shall have a holy convocation.
You shall do no customary work. For you it young bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs in
is a day of blowing the trumpets. 2You shall their first year without blemish, 18and their
offer a burnt offering as a sweet aroma to grain offering and their drink offerings for
the Lord: one young bull, one ram, and the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs,
seven lambs in their first year, without by their number, according to the ordi-
blemish. 3Their grain offering shall be fine nance; 19also one kid of the goats as a sin
flour mixed with oil: three- tenths of an offering, besides the regular burnt offering
ephah for the bull, two-tenths for the ram, with its grain offering, and their drink of-
4and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; ferings.
20‘On the third day present eleven bulls,
5also one kid of the goats as a sin offering,
to make atonement for you; 6besides the two rams, fourteen lambs in their first year
burnt offering with its grain offering for the without blemish, 21and their grain offering
New Moon, the regular burnt offering with and their drink offerings for the bulls, for
its grain offering, and their drink offerings, the rams, and for the lambs, by their num-
according to their ordinance, as a sweet ber, according to the ordinance; 22also one
aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. goat as a sin offering, besides the regular
burnt offering, its grain offering, and its
Offerings on the Day drink offering.
23‘On the fourth day present ten bulls,
of Atonement
two rams, and fourteen lambs in their first
7‘On the tenth day of this seventh month year, without blemish, 24and their grain
you shall have a holy convocation. You offering and their drink offerings for the
shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, by
work. 8You shall present a burnt offering their number, according to the ordinance;
to the Lord as a sweet aroma: one young 25also one kid of the goats as a sin offering,
bull, one ram, and seven lambs in their besides the regular burnt offering, its grain
first year. Be sure they are without blemish. offering, and its drink offering.
9Their grain offering shall be of fine flour
26‘On the fifth day present nine bulls, two
mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for rams, and fourteen lambs in their first year
the bull, two-tenths for the one ram, 10and without blemish, 27and their grain offering
one- tenth for each of the seven lambs; and their drink offerings for the bulls, for
11also one kid of the goats as a sin offering,
the rams, and for the lambs, by their num-
besides the sin offering for atonement, the ber, according to the ordinance; 28also one
regular burnt offering with its grain offer- goat as a sin offering, besides the regular
ing, and their drink offerings. burnt offering, its grain offering, and its
drink offering.
Offerings at the Feast 29‘On the sixth day present eight bulls,
of Tabernacles
two rams, and fourteen lambs in their first
12‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh year without blemish, 30and their grain
month you shall have a holy convocation. offering and their drink offerings for the
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195 NUMBERS 31:3
bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, by her on the day that he hears, then none
their number, according to the ordinance; of her vows nor her agreements by which
31also one goat as a sin offering, besides the she has bound herself shall stand; and the
regular burnt offering, its grain offering, Lord will release her, because her father
and its drink offering. overruled her.
32‘On the seventh day present seven 6“If indeed she takes a husband, while
bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs in bound by her vows or by a rash utterance
their first year without blemish, 33and from her lips by which she bound herself,
their grain offering and their drink offer- 7and her husband hears it, and makes no
ings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the response to her on the day that he hears,
lambs, by their number, according to the then her vows shall stand, and her agree-
ordinance; 34also one goat as a sin offering, ments by which she bound herself shall
besides the regular burnt offering, its grain stand. 8But if her husband overrules her
offering, and its drink offering. on the day that he hears it, he shall make
35‘On the eighth day you shall have a sa- void her vow which she took and what she
cred assembly. You shall do no customary uttered with her lips, by which she bound
work. 36You shall present a burnt offering, herself, and the Lord will release her.
an offering made by fire as a sweet aroma 9“Also any vow of a widow or a divorced
to the Lord: one bull, one ram, seven woman, by which she has bound herself,
lambs in their first year without blemish, shall stand against her.
37and their grain offering and their drink 10“If she vowed in her husband’s house,
offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for or bound herself by an agreement with
the lambs, by their number, according to an oath, 11and her husband heard it, and
the ordinance; 38also one goat as a sin of- made no response to her and did not over-
fering, besides the regular burnt offering, rule her, then all her vows shall stand, and
its grain offering, and its drink offering. every agreement by which she bound her-
39‘These you shall present to the Lord at self shall stand. 12But if her husband truly
your appointed feasts (besides your vowed made them void on the day he heard them,
offerings and your freewill offerings) as then whatever proceeded from her lips
your burnt offerings and your grain of- concerning her vows or concerning the
ferings, as your drink offerings and your agreement binding her, it shall not stand;
peace offerings.’ ” her husband has made them void, and the
40So Moses told the children of Israel Lord will release her. 13Every vow and ev-
everything, just as the Lord commanded ery binding oath to afflict her soul, her hus-
Moses. band may confirm it, or her husband may
make it void. 14Now if her husband makes
The Law Concerning Vows no response whatever to her from day to
30
Then Moses spoke to the day, then he confirms all her vows or all
heads of the tribes concern- the agreements that bind her; he confirms
ing the children of Israel, say- them, because he made no response to her
ing, “This is the thing which the Lord has on the day that he heard them. 15But if he
commanded: 2If a man makes a vow to the does make them void after he has heard
Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself them, then he shall bear her guilt.”
16These are the statutes which the Lord
by some agreement, he shall not break his
word; he shall do according to all that pro- commanded Moses, between a man and
ceeds out of his mouth. his wife, and between a father and his
3“Or if a woman makes a vow to the daughter in her youth in her father’s house.
Lord, and binds herself by some agree-
ment while in her father’s house in her Vengeance on the Midianites
31
youth, 4and her father hears her vow and And the Lord spoke to Moses,
the agreement by which she has bound saying: 2“Take vengeance on
herself, and her father holds his peace, the Midianites for the children
then all her vows shall stand, and every of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered
agreement with which she has bound her- to your people.”
self shall stand. 5But if her father overrules 3So Moses spoke to the people, saying,
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NUMBERS 31:4 196
“Arm some of yourselves for war, and let slain, purify yourselves and your captives
them go against the Midianites to take on the third day and on the seventh day.
vengeance for the Lord on Midian. 4A 20Purify every garment, everything made
thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of leather, everything woven of goats’ hair,
of Israel you shall send to the war.” and everything made of wood.”
5So there were recruited from the divi-
sions of Israel one thousand from each
tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. Numbers 31:17, 18
6Then Moses sent them to the war, one God’s orders to kill any woman who
thousand from each tribe; he sent them to was not a virgin may seem extreme,
the war with Phinehas the son of Eleazar but remember, the Midianites used
the priest, with the holy articles and the sex as part of their idol worship. The
signal trumpets in his hand. 7And they people who had been exposed to this
warred against the Midianites, just as the type of “religious” ceremony might
Lord commanded Moses, and they killed have brought those influences to the
all the males. 8They killed the kings of Mid- Israelites’ worship of God.
ian with the rest of those who were killed—
Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five
21Then Eleazar the priest said to the
kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor
they also killed with the sword. men of war who had gone to the battle,
9And the children of Israel took the “This is the ordinance of the law which the
women of Midian captive, with their little Lord commanded Moses: 22Only the gold,
ones, and took as spoil all their cattle, all the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and
their flocks, and all their goods. 10They also the lead, 23everything that can endure fire,
burned with fire all the cities where they you shall put through the fire, and it shall
dwelt, and all their forts. 11And they took be clean; and it shall be purified with the
all the spoil and all the booty—of man and water of purification. But all that cannot
beast. endure fire you shall put through water.
24And you shall wash your clothes on the
Return from the War seventh day and be clean, and afterward
12Then they brought the captives, the you may come into the camp.”
booty, and the spoil to Moses, to Eleazar
Division of the Plunder
the priest, and to the congregation of the
25Now the Lord spoke to Moses, say-
children of Israel, to the camp in the plains
of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. ing: 26“Count up the plunder that was
13And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the taken—of man and beast—you and Elea-
leaders of the congregation, went to meet zar the priest and the chief fathers of the
them outside the camp. 14But Moses was congregation; 27and divide the plunder into
angry with the officers of the army, with the two parts, between those who took part in
captains over thousands and captains over the war, who went out to battle, and all the
hundreds, who had come from the battle. congregation. 28And levy a tribute for the
15And Moses said to them: “Have you Lord on the men of war who went out
kept all the women alive? 16Look, these to battle: one of every five hundred of the
women caused the children of Israel, persons, the cattle, the donkeys, and the
through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass sheep; 29take it from their half, and give it to
against the Lord in the incident of Peor, Eleazar the priest as a heave offering to the
and there was a plague among the con- Lord. 30And from the children of Israel’s
gregation of the Lord. 17Now therefore, kill half you shall take one of every fifty, drawn
every male among the little ones, and kill from the persons, the cattle, the donkeys,
every woman who has known a man inti- and the sheep, from all the livestock, and
mately. 18But keep alive for yourselves all give them to the Levites who keep charge
the young girls who have not known a man of the tabernacle of the Lord.” 31So Moses
intimately. 19And as for you, remain outside and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord
the camp seven days; whoever has killed commanded Moses.
any person, and whoever has touched any 32The booty remaining from the plunder,
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197 NUMBERS 32:15
which the men of war had taken, was six and brought it into the tabernacle of meet-
hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep, ing as a memorial for the children of Israel
33seventy- two thousand cattle, 34sixty-one before the Lord.
thousand donkeys, 35and thirty-two thou-
sand persons in all, of women who had not The Tribes Settling East
known a man intimately. 36And the half, of the Jordan
32
the portion for those who had gone out Now the children of Reuben
to war, was in number three hundred and and the children of Gad had
thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep; a very great multitude of live-
37and the Lord’s tribute of the sheep was
stock; and when they saw the land of Jazer
six hundred and seventy-five. 38The cattle and the land of Gilead, that indeed the re-
were thirty- six thousand, of which the gion was a place for livestock, 2the children
Lord’s tribute was seventy-two. 39The don- of Gad and the children of Reuben came
keys were thirty thousand five hundred, and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest,
of which the Lord’s tribute was sixty-one. and to the leaders of the congregation, say-
40The persons were sixteen thousand, of
ing, 3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Hesh
which the Lord’s tribute was thirty-two bon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon,
persons. 41So Moses gave the tribute which 4the country which the Lord defeated
was the Lord’s heave offering to Eleazar before the congregation of Israel, is a land
the priest, as the Lord commanded Moses. for livestock, and your servants have live-
42And from the children of Israel’s half,
stock.” 5Therefore they said, “If we have
which Moses separated from the men found favor in your sight, let this land be
who fought— 43now the half belonging to given to your servants as a possession. Do
the congregation was three hundred and not take us over the Jordan.”
thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 6And Moses said to the children of Gad
44thirty-six thousand cattle, 45thirty thou- and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your
sand five hundred donkeys, 46and sixteen brethren go to war while you sit here?
thousand persons— 47and from the chil- 7Now why will you discourage the heart
dren of Israel’s half Moses took one of every of the children of Israel from going over
fifty, drawn from man and beast, and gave into the land which the Lord has given
them to the Levites, who kept charge of the them? 8Thus your fathers did when I sent
tabernacle of the Lord, as the Lord com- them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the
manded Moses. land. 9For when they went up to the Valley
48Then the officers who were over thou-
of Eshcol and saw the land, they discour-
sands of the army, the captains of thou- aged the heart of the children of Israel, so
sands and captains of hundreds, came near that they did not go into the land which
to Moses; 49and they said to Moses, “Your the Lord had given them. 10So the Lord’s
servants have taken a count of the men of anger was aroused on that day, and He
war who are under our command, and not swore an oath, saying, 11‘Surely none of the
a man of us is missing. 50Therefore we have men who came up from Egypt, from twenty
brought an offering for the Lord, what ev- years old and above, shall see the land of
ery man found of ornaments of gold: arm- which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Ja-
lets and bracelets and signet rings and ear- cob, because they have not wholly followed
rings and necklaces, to make atonement Me, 12except Caleb the son of Jephunneh,
for ourselves before the Lord.” 51So Moses the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun,
and Eleazar the priest received the gold for they have wholly followed the Lord.’
from them, all the fashioned ornaments. 13So the Lord’s anger was aroused against
52And all the gold of the offering that they Israel, and He made them wander in the
offered to the Lord, from the captains of wilderness forty years, until all the genera-
thousands and captains of hundreds, was tion that had done evil in the sight of the
sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty Lord was gone. 14And look! You have risen
shekels. 53(The men of war had taken spoil, in your fathers’ place, a brood of sinful
every man for himself.) 54And Moses and men, to increase still more the fierce anger
Eleazar the priest received the gold from of the Lord against Israel. 15For if you turn
the captains of thousands and of hundreds, away from following Him, He will once
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NUMBERS 32:16 198
again leave them in the wilderness, and the Lord has said to your servants, so we
you will destroy all these people.” will do. 32We will cross over armed before
16Then they came near to him and said: the Lord into the land of Canaan, but the
“We will build sheepfolds here for our live- possession of our inheritance shall remain
stock, and cities for our little ones, 17but we with us on this side of the Jordan.”
ourselves will be armed, ready to go before 33So Moses gave to the children of Gad,
the children of Israel until we have brought to the children of Reuben, and to half the
them to their place; and our little ones will tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the
dwell in the fortified cities because of the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and
inhabitants of the land. 18We will not re- the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land
turn to our homes until every one of the with its cities within the borders, the cities
children of Israel has received his inheri- of the surrounding country. 34And the chil-
tance. 19For we will not inherit with them dren of Gad built Dibon and Ataroth and
on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, Aroer, 35Atroth and Shophan and Jazer and
because our inheritance has fallen to us on Jogbehah, 36Beth Nimrah and Beth Haran,
this eastern side of the Jordan.” fortified cities, and folds for sheep. 37And
20Then Moses said to them: “If you do the children of Reuben built Heshbon and
this thing, if you arm yourselves before the Elealeh and Kirjathaim, 38Nebo and Baal
Lord for the war, 21and all your armed men Meon (their names being changed) and
cross over the Jordan before the Lord until Shibmah; and they gave other names to the
He has driven out His enemies from before cities which they built.
Him, 22and the land is subdued before the 39And the children of Machir the son of
Lord, then afterward you may return and Manasseh went to Gilead and took it, and
be blameless before the Lord and before dispossessed the Amorites who were in it.
Israel; and this land shall be your posses- 40So Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son
sion before the Lord. 23But if you do not do of Manasseh, and he dwelt in it. 41Also Jair
so, then take note, you have sinned against the son of Manasseh went and took its
the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you small towns, and called them Havoth Jair.a
out. 24Build cities for your little ones and 42Then Nobah went and took Kenath and
folds for your sheep, and do what has pro- its villages, and he called it Nobah, after his
ceeded out of your mouth.” own name.
25And the children of Gad and the chil-
dren of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: Israel’s Journey from Egypt
“Your servants will do as my lord com- Reviewed
33
mands. 26Our little ones, our wives, our These are the journeys of the
flocks, and all our livestock will be there children of Israel, who went
in the cities of Gilead; 27but your servants out of the land of Egypt by
will cross over, every man armed for war, their armies under the hand of Moses and
before the Lord to battle, just as my lord Aaron. 2Now Moses wrote down the start-
says.” ing points of their journeys at the com-
28So Moses gave command concerning
mand of the Lord. And these are their
them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the journeys according to their starting points:
son of Nun, and to the chief fathers of the 3They departed from Rameses in the
tribes of the children of Israel. 29And Moses first month, on the fifteenth day of the first
said to them: “If the children of Gad and month; on the day after the Passover the
the children of Reuben cross over the Jor- children of Israel went out with boldness
dan with you, every man armed for battle in the sight of all the Egyptians. 4For the
before the Lord, and the land is subdued Egyptians were burying all their firstborn,
before you, then you shall give them the whom the Lord had killed among them.
land of Gilead as a possession. 30But if they Also on their gods the Lord had executed
do not cross over armed with you, they judgments.
shall have possessions among you in the 5Then the children of Israel moved from
land of Canaan.” Rameses and camped at Succoth. 6They
31Then the children of Gad and the
children of Reuben answered, saying: “As 32:41 aLiterally Towns of Jair
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199 NUMBERS 33:54
departed from Succoth and camped at Kadesh. 37They moved from Kadesh and
Etham, which is on the edge of the wilder- camped at Mount Hor, on the boundary of
ness. 7They moved from Etham and turned the land of Edom.
back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal 38Then Aaron the priest went up to
Zephon; and they camped near Migdol. Mount Hor at the command of the Lord,
8They departed from before Hahirotha and and died there in the fortieth year after the
passed through the midst of the sea into children of Israel had come out of the land
the wilderness, went three days’ journey of Egypt, on the first day of the fifth month.
in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped 39Aaron was one hundred and twenty-three
at Marah. 9They moved from Marah and years old when he died on Mount Hor.
came to Elim. At Elim were twelve springs 40Now the king of Arad, the Canaanite,
of water and seventy palm trees; so they who dwelt in the South in the land of Ca-
camped there. naan, heard of the coming of the children
10They moved from Elim and camped of Israel.
by the Red Sea. 11They moved from the 41So they departed from Mount Hor and
Red Sea and camped in the Wilderness of camped at Zalmonah. 42They departed
Sin. 12They journeyed from the Wilderness from Zalmonah and camped at Punon.
of Sin and camped at Dophkah. 13They 43They departed from Punon and camped
departed from Dophkah and camped at Oboth. 44They departed from Oboth
at Alush. 14They moved from Alush and and camped at Ije Abarim, at the border
camped at Rephidim, where there was no of Moab. 45They departed from Ijima and
water for the people to drink. camped at Dibon Gad. 46They moved
15They departed from Rephidim and
from Dibon Gad and camped at Almon
camped in the Wilderness of Sinai. 16They Diblathaim. 47They moved from Almon
moved from the Wilderness of Sinai and Diblathaim and camped in the moun-
camped at Kibroth Hattaavah. 17They tains of Abarim, before Nebo. 48They de-
departed from Kibroth Hattaavah and parted from the mountains of Abarim and
camped at Hazeroth. 18They departed from camped in the plains of Moab by the Jor-
Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. 19They dan, across from Jericho. 49They camped by
departed from Rithmah and camped at the Jordan, from Beth Jesimoth as far as the
Rimmon Perez. 20They departed from Rim- Abel Acacia Grovea in the plains of Moab.
mon Perez and camped at Libnah. 21They
moved from Libnah and camped at Rissah. Instructions for
22They journeyed from Rissah and camped the Conquest of Canaan
at Kehelathah. 23They went from Kehe- 50Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the
lathah and camped at Mount Shepher.
24They moved from Mount Shepher and
plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from
Jericho, saying, 51“Speak to the children of
camped at Haradah. 25They moved from
Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have
Haradah and camped at Makheloth. 26They
crossed the Jordan into the land of Ca-
moved from Makheloth and camped at
naan, 52then you shall drive out all the
Tahath. 27They departed from Tahath
inhabitants of the land from before you,
and camped at Terah. 28They moved from
destroy all their engraved stones, destroy
Terah and camped at Mithkah. 29They
all their molded images, and demolish all
went from Mithkah and camped at Hash-
their high places; 53you shall dispossess
monah. 30They departed from Hashmonah
the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it,
and camped at Moseroth. 31They departed
for I have given you the land to possess.
from Moseroth and camped at Bene 54And you shall divide the land by lot as
Jaakan. 32They moved from Bene Jaakan
an inheritance among your families; to the
and camped at Hor Hagidgad. 33They
larger you shall give a larger inheritance,
went from Hor Hagidgad and camped at
Jotbathah. 34They moved from Jotbathah 33:8 aMany Hebrew manuscripts, Samaritan
and camped at Abronah. 35They departed Pentateuch, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read
from Abronah and camped at Ezion Ge- from Pi Hahiroth (compare verse 7).
ber. 36They moved from Ezion Geber and 33:45 aSame as Ije Abarim, verse 44
camped in the Wilderness of Zin, which is 33:49 aHebrew Abel Shittim
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NUMBERS 33:55 200
and to the smaller you shall give a smaller you shall inherit by lot, which the Lord has
inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance commanded to give to the nine tribes and
shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You to the half-tribe. 14For the tribe of the chil-
shall inherit according to the tribes of your dren of Reuben according to the house of
fathers. 55But if you do not drive out the in- their fathers, and the tribe of the children
habitants of the land from before you, then of Gad according to the house of their fa-
it shall be that those whom you let remain thers, have received their inheritance; and
shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in the half-tribe of Manasseh has received its
your sides, and they shall harass you in the inheritance. 15The two tribes and the half-
land where you dwell. 56Moreover it shall tribe have received their inheritance on
be that I will do to you as I thought to do this side of the Jordan, across from Jericho
to them.’ ” eastward, toward the sunrise.”
The Appointed Boundaries The Leaders Appointed
of Canaan to Divide the Land
34
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, 16And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
saying, 2“Command the chil- 17“These are the names of the men who
dren of Israel, and say to them: shall divide the land among you as an in-
‘When you come into the land of Canaan, heritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua
this is the land that shall fall to you as an the son of Nun. 18And you shall take one
inheritance— the land of Canaan to its leader of every tribe to divide the land for
boundaries. 3Your southern border shall the inheritance. 19These are the names
be from the Wilderness of Zin along the of the men: from the tribe of Judah, Caleb
border of Edom; then your southern bor- the son of Jephunneh; 20from the tribe of
der shall extend eastward to the end of the the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son
Salt Sea; 4your border shall turn from the of Ammihud; 21from the tribe of Benjamin,
southern side of the Ascent of Akrabbim, Elidad the son of Chislon; 22a leader from
continue to Zin, and be on the south of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the
Kadesh Barnea; then it shall go on to Hazar son of Jogli; 23from the sons of Joseph: a
Addar, and continue to Azmon; 5the bor- leader from the tribe of the children of
der shall turn from Azmon to the Brook of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod, 24and
Egypt, and it shall end at the Sea. a leader from the tribe of the children of
6‘As for the western border, you shall
Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan; 25a
have the Great Sea for a border; this shall leader from the tribe of the children of
be your western border. Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach; 26a
7‘And this shall be your northern bor-
leader from the tribe of the children of Is-
der: From the Great Sea you shall mark
sachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan; 27a leader
out your border line to Mount Hor; 8from
from the tribe of the children of Asher,
Mount Hor you shall mark out your border
Ahihud the son of Shelomi; 28and a leader
to the entrance of Hamath; then the direc-
from the tribe of the children of Naphtali,
tion of the border shall be toward Zedad;
9the border shall proceed to Ziphron, and Pedahel the son of Ammihud.”
29These are the ones the Lord com-
it shall end at Hazar Enan. This shall be
manded to divide the inheritance among
your northern border.
10‘You shall mark out your eastern bor- the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.
der from Hazar Enan to Shepham; 11the
Cities for the Levites
border shall go down from Shepham to
35
Riblah on the east side of Ain; the border And the Lord spoke to Moses
shall go down and reach to the eastern side in the plains of Moab by the
of the Sea of Chinnereth; 12the border shall Jordan across from Jericho, say-
go down along the Jordan, and it shall end ing: 2“Command the children of Israel that
at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land with they give the Levites cities to dwell in from
its surrounding boundaries.’ ” the inheritance of their possession, and
13Then Moses commanded the children you shall also give the Levites common-
of Israel, saying: “This is the land which land around the cities. 3They shall have the
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201 NUMBERS 35:33
cities to dwell in; and their common-land with a wooden hand weapon, by which
shall be for their cattle, for their herds, and one could die, and he does die, he is a mur-
for all their animals. 4The common-land of derer; the murderer shall surely be put
the cities which you will give the Levites to death. 19The avenger of blood himself
shall extend from the wall of the city out- shall put the murderer to death; when he
ward a thousand cubits all around. 5And meets him, he shall put him to death. 20If
you shall measure outside the city on the he pushes him out of hatred or, while lying
east side two thousand cubits, on the south in wait, hurls something at him so that he
side two thousand cubits, on the west side dies, 21or in enmity he strikes him with his
two thousand cubits, and on the north side hand so that he dies, the one who struck
two thousand cubits. The city shall be in him shall surely be put to death. He is a
the middle. This shall belong to them as murderer. The avenger of blood shall put
common-land for the cities. the murderer to death when he meets him.
6“Now among the cities which you will 22‘However, if he pushes him suddenly
give to the Levites you shall appoint six cit- without enmity, or throws anything at him
ies of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. without lying in wait, 23or uses a stone,
And to these you shall add forty-two cities. by which a man could die, throwing it at
7So all the cities you will give to the Levites
him without seeing him, so that he dies,
shall be forty-eight; these you shall give with while he was not his enemy or seeking his
their common-land. 8And the cities which harm, 24then the congregation shall judge
you will give shall be from the possession of between the manslayer and the avenger
the children of Israel; from the larger tribe of blood according to these judgments.
you shall give many, from the smaller you 25So the congregation shall deliver the
shall give few. Each shall give some of its manslayer from the hand of the avenger of
cities to the Levites, in proportion to the blood, and the congregation shall return
inheritance that each receives.” him to the city of refuge where he had fled,
and he shall remain there until the death of
Cities of Refuge the high priest who was anointed with the
9Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, holy oil. 26But if the manslayer at any time
10“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to goes outside the limits of the city of refuge
them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into the where he fled, 27and the avenger of blood
land of Canaan, 11then you shall appoint finds him outside the limits of his city of
cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the
manslayer who kills any person acciden- manslayer, he shall not be guilty of blood,
28because he should have remained in his
tally may flee there. 12They shall be cities
of refuge for you from the avenger, that the city of refuge until the death of the high
manslayer may not die until he stands be- priest. But after the death of the high priest
fore the congregation in judgment. 13And the manslayer may return to the land of his
of the cities which you give, you shall have possession.
29‘And these things shall be a statute of
six cities of refuge. 14You shall appoint
three cities on this side of the Jordan, and judgment to you throughout your genera-
three cities you shall appoint in the land tions in all your dwellings. 30Whoever kills a
of Canaan, which will be cities of refuge. person, the murderer shall be put to death
15These six cities shall be for refuge for the on the testimony of witnesses; but one wit-
children of Israel, for the stranger, and for ness is not sufficient testimony against a
the sojourner among them, that anyone person for the death penalty. 31Moreover
who kills a person accidentally may flee you shall take no ransom for the life of
there. a murderer who is guilty of death, but he
16‘But if he strikes him with an iron im- shall surely be put to death. 32And you shall
plement, so that he dies, he is a murderer; take no ransom for him who has fled to his
the murderer shall surely be put to death. city of refuge, that he may return to dwell
17And if he strikes him with a stone in the in the land before the death of the priest.
hand, by which one could die, and he does 33So you shall not pollute the land where
die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall you are; for blood defiles the land, and no
surely be put to death. 18Or if he strikes him atonement can be made for the land, for
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NUMBERS 35:34 202
the blood that is shed on it, except by the of Israel according to the word of the Lord,
blood of him who shed it. 34Therefore do saying: “What the tribe of the sons of Jo-
not defile the land which you inhabit, in seph speaks is right. 6This is what the Lord
the midst of which I dwell; for I the Lord commands concerning the daughters
dwell among the children of Israel.’ ” of Zelophehad, saying, ‘Let them marry
whom they think best, but they may marry
Marriage of Female Heirs only within the family of their father’s tribe.’
7So the inheritance of the children of Israel
36
Now the chief fathers of the shall not change hands from tribe to tribe,
families of the children of Gil- for every one of the children of Israel shall
ead the son of Machir, the son keep the inheritance of the tribe of his fa-
of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of thers. 8And every daughter who possesses
Joseph, came near and spoke before Moses an inheritance in any tribe of the children
and before the leaders, the chief fathers of Israel shall be the wife of one of the fam-
of the children of Israel. 2And they said: ily of her father’s tribe, so that the children
“The Lord commanded my lord Moses of Israel each may possess the inheritance
to give the land as an inheritance by lot of his fathers. 9Thus no inheritance shall
to the children of Israel, and my lord was change hands from one tribe to another,
commanded by the Lord to give the in- but every tribe of the children of Israel shall
heritance of our brother Zelophehad to his keep its own inheritance.”
daughters. 3Now if they are married to any 10Just as the Lord commanded Moses,
of the sons of the other tribes of the chil- so did the daughters of Zelophehad; 11for
dren of Israel, then their inheritance will be Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah,
taken from the inheritance of our fathers, the daughters of Zelophehad, were mar-
and it will be added to the inheritance of ried to the sons of their father’s brothers.
the tribe into which they marry; so it will 12They were married into the families of
be taken from the lot of our inheritance. the children of Manasseh the son of Joseph,
4And when the Jubilee of the children of and their inheritance remained in the tribe
Israel comes, then their inheritance will be of their father’s family.
added to the inheritance of the tribe into 13These are the commandments and the
which they marry; so their inheritance will judgments which the Lord commanded
be taken away from the inheritance of the the children of Israel by the hand of Moses
tribe of our fathers.” in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across
5Then Moses commanded the children from Jericho.
04-Numbers.indd 202 2/14/12 11:50 AM
Deuteronomy
Date of writing: 1445–1440 B.C.
Author: Traditionally, Moses
Theme: Obedience Brings Blessing; Disobedience
Brings Cursing
Purpose: Remembering God’s past love and
faithfulness to you can encourage your love
and faithfulness to God in the future.
Outline
1:1—4:43 �������������The First Speech: Moses Reviews the Past
4:44—28:68 ��������The Second Speech: Moses Tells What the Lord
Requires
29:1—30:20 ��������The Third Speech: Israel Must Keep Its Covenant
with the Lord
31:1–14 ����������������Joshua Is Appointed Leader of Israel
31:15–29 �������������Israel Will Reject the Lord
31:30—32:47 ������The Song of Moses
32:48—33:29 ������Moses Sees the Land and Blesses the Tribes of
Israel
34:1–12 ����������������The Death of Moses
05-Deuteronomy.indd 203 2/14/12 11:51 AM
Key Verse:
“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, to serve the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments
of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for
your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13).
Then /// You don’t really understand Deuteronomy unless you
understand that this book is really a dying man’s last words. Let’s recap.
Moses had just led the Hebrews out of Egypt. Then they wandered around
the desert for forty years, trying to get up the courage and the faith to cross the border
into the Promised Land.
By the time they finally got to the border, only three of the people who were adults
when the Hebrews had left Egypt were still living. To make it worse, one of them was
about to die—Moses.
So Moses did what any good leader would do. He gathered the people together and he
told them the story all over again. But he didn’t just tell them the story; he told them why
the story mattered and what they should do about it. It was his last chance, so he talked
to them about real stuff, the real-est. Moses talked to them about their past, present, and
future. This was his last chance to encourage the people to be faithful to God, and Moses
made the most of it.
Now /// Imagine that your country had had the same president your
whole life and he was a great and wonderful leader who had led the entire
nation through some really challenging times. Imagine this trusted leader
said, “I have to go now. But before I leave, let me tell you one last thing . . .”
You’d listen to him, wouldn’t you? That’s how we should listen to Deuteronomy. Moses’
powerful call to the Israelites to be faithful can reach through thousands of years and call
us to be faithful as well. Just as the Israelites had experienced deliverance through God’s
love and faithfulness, we too have experienced deliverance from sin through God’s love
and faithfulness.
Deuteronomy can help us remember—remember how God has shown up in the past,
and remember to be faithful ourselves in the future, even in challenging times. Let Moses’
last words to the Israelites encourage and motivate you to faithfully reach the future God
has for you.
Reality Check /// There are a lot of directions in Deuteron
omy about taking care of people who have less than we do.
Deuteronomy doesn’t let us off the hook by passing people’s needs over
to a church or an agency. Instead, Deuteronomy teaches us that if we meet someone in
need we’re responsible to help. Deuteronomy also has practical tips for helping people
help themselves.
We may think the whole idea of living together as a community is a modern concept.
But it’s not new. We just forgot that God taught that lesson long ago.
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205 DEUTERONOMY 1:24
The Previous Command 16“Then I commanded your judges at
to Enter Canaan that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between
1
These are the words which Moses your brethren, and judge righteously
spoke to all Israel on this side of the between a man and his brother or the
Jordan in the wilderness, in the plaina stranger who is with him. 17You shall not
opposite Suph,b between Paran, Tophel, show partiality in judgment; you shall hear
Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2It is eleven the small as well as the great; you shall
days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount not be afraid in any man’s presence, for
Seir to Kadesh Barnea. 3Now it came to the judgment is God’s. The case that is too
pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.’
18And I commanded you at that time all the
month, on the first day of the month, that
Moses spoke to the children of Israel ac things which you should do.
cording to all that the Lord had given him
as commandments to them, 4after he had
killed Sihon king of the Amorites, who
Deuteronomy 1:16
In most places in the ancient world,
dwelt in Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan,
a foreigner (“stranger”) had no legal
who dwelt at Ashtaroth ina Edrei.
5On this side of the Jordan in the land rights. The land of the Israelites,
however, was different. God’s people
of Moab, Moses began to explain this law,
were expected to treat foreigners just
saying, 6“The Lord our God spoke to us
as they would treat each other. They
in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long
were to show that God’s law applied
enough at this mountain. 7Turn and take
to everyone.
your journey, and go to the mountains of
the Amorites, to all the neighboring places
in the plain,a in the mountains and in the
lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, Israel’s Refusal to Enter
to the land of the Canaanites and to Leba the Land
non, as far as the great river, the River Eu 19“So we departed from Horeb, and went
phrates. 8See, I have set the land before through all that great and terrible wilder
you; go in and possess the land which the ness which you saw on the way to the
Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, mountains of the Amorites, as the Lord
Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their our God had commanded us. Then we
descendants after them.’ came to Kadesh Barnea. 20And I said to
you, ‘You have come to the mountains of
Tribal Leaders Appointed the Amorites, which the Lord our God
9“And I spoke to you at that time, saying: ‘I
is giving us. 21Look, the Lord your God
has set the land before you; go up and
alone am not able to bear you. 10The Lord
possess it, as the Lord God of your fa
your God has multiplied you, and here you
thers has spoken to you; do not fear or be
are today, as the stars of heaven in multi
discouraged.’
tude. 11May the Lord God of your fathers 22“And every one of you came near to me
make you a thousand times more numer
and said, ‘Let us send men before us, and
ous than you are, and bless you as He has
let them search out the land for us, and
promised you! 12How can I alone bear your
bring back word to us of the way by which
problems and your burdens and your com
we should go up, and of the cities into
plaints? 13Choose wise, understanding,
which we shall come.’
and knowledgeable men from among your 23“The plan pleased me well; so I took
tribes, and I will make them heads over
twelve of your men, one man from each
you.’ 14And you answered me and said, ‘The
tribe. 24And they departed and went up
thing which you have told us to do is good.’
15So I took the heads of your tribes, wise
1:1 aHebrew arabah bOne manuscript of the
and knowledgeable men, and made them Septuagint, also Targum and Vulgate, read
heads over you, leaders of thousands, lead Red Sea. 1:4 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate
ers of hundreds, leaders of fifties, leaders of read and (compare Joshua 12:4). 1:7 aHebrew
tens, and officers for your tribes. arabah
05-Deuteronomy.indd 205 2/14/12 11:51 AM
DEUTERONOMY 1:25 206
into the mountains, and came to the Val and they shall possess it. 40But as for you,
ley of Eshcol, and spied it out. 25They also turn and take your journey into the wilder
took some of the fruit of the land in their ness by the Way of the Red Sea.’
hands and brought it down to us; and they 41“Then you answered and said to me,
brought back word to us, saying, ‘It is a ‘We have sinned against the Lord; we will
good land which the Lord our God is giv go up and fight, just as the Lord our God
ing us.’ commanded us.’ And when everyone of you
26“Nevertheless you would not go up, had girded on his weapons of war, you were
but rebelled against the command of the ready to go up into the mountain.
Lord your God; 27and you complained in 42“And the Lord said to me, ‘Tell them,
your tents, and said, ‘Because the Lord “Do not go up nor fight, for I am not among
hates us, He has brought us out of the land you; lest you be defeated before your en
of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the emies.” ’ 43So I spoke to you; yet you would
Amorites, to destroy us. 28Where can we not listen, but rebelled against the com
go up? Our brethren have discouraged our mand of the Lord, and presumptuously
hearts, saying, “The people are greater and went up into the mountain. 44And the
taller than we; the cities are great and forti Amorites who dwelt in that mountain
fied up to heaven; moreover we have seen came out against you and chased you as
the sons of the Anakim there.” ’ bees do, and drove you back from Seir to
29“Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terri Hormah. 45Then you returned and wept
fied, or afraid of them. 30The Lord your before the Lord, but the Lord would not
God, who goes before you, He will fight listen to your voice nor give ear to you.
for you, according to all He did for you in 46“So you remained in Kadesh many
Egypt before your eyes, 31and in the wilder days, according to the days that you spent
ness where you saw how the Lord your there.
God carried you, as a man carries his son,
in all the way that you went until you came The Desert Years
2
to this place.’ 32Yet, for all that, you did not “Then we turned and journeyed into
believe the Lord your God, 33who went in the wilderness of the Way of the Red
the way before you to search out a place Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and we
for you to pitch your tents, to show you the skirted Mount Seir for many days.
way you should go, in the fire by night and 2“And the Lord spoke to me, saying:
in the cloud by day. 3‘You have skirted this mountain long
enough; turn northward. 4And command
The Penalty for Israel’s the people, saying, “You are about to pass
Rebellion through the territory of your brethren, the
34“And the Lord heard the sound of your descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; and
words, and was angry, and took an oath, they will be afraid of you. Therefore watch
saying, 35‘Surely not one of these men of yourselves carefully. 5Do not meddle with
this evil generation shall see that good them, for I will not give you any of their
land of which I swore to give to your land, no, not so much as one footstep,
fathers, 36except Caleb the son of Jephun because I have given Mount Seir to Esau
neh; he shall see it, and to him and his as a possession. 6You shall buy food from
children I am giving the land on which he them with money, that you may eat; and
walked, because he wholly followed the you shall also buy water from them with
Lord.’ 37The Lord was also angry with me money, that you may drink.
for your sakes, saying, ‘Even you shall not 7“For the Lord your God has blessed
go in there. 38Joshua the son of Nun, who you in all the work of your hand. He knows
stands before you, he shall go in there. En your trudging through this great wilder
courage him, for he shall cause Israel to ness. These forty years the Lord your God
inherit it. has been with you; you have lacked noth
39‘Moreover your little ones and your ing.” ’
children, who you say will be victims, who 8“And when we passed beyond our breth
today have no knowledge of good and evil, ren, the descendants of Esau who dwell in
they shall go in there; to them I will give it, Seir, away from the road of the plain, away
05-Deuteronomy.indd 206 2/14/12 11:51 AM
207 DEUTERONOMY 2:37
from Elath and Ezion Geber, we turned and 24“ ‘Rise,take your journey, and cross
passed by way of the Wilderness of Moab. over the River Arnon. Look, I have given
9Then the Lord said to me, ‘Do not harass into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king
Moab, nor contend with them in battle, of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to pos
for I will not give you any of their land as a sess it, and engage him in battle. 25This
possession, because I have given Ar to the day I will begin to put the dread and fear
descendants of Lot as a possession.’ ” of you upon the nations under the whole
10(The Emim had dwelt there in times heaven, who shall hear the report of you,
past, a people as great and numerous and and shall tremble and be in anguish be
tall as the Anakim. 11They were also re cause of you.’
garded as giants,a like the Anakim, but the
Moabites call them Emim. 12The Horites King Sihon Defeated
formerly dwelt in Seir, but the descendants 26“And I sent messengers from the Wil
of Esau dispossessed them and destroyed derness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of
them from before them, and dwelt in their Heshbon, with words of peace, saying,
place, just as Israel did to the land of their 27‘Let me pass through your land; I will
possession which the Lord gave them.) keep strictly to the road, and I will turn nei
13“ ‘Now rise and cross over the Valley of
ther to the right nor to the left. 28You shall
the Zered.’ So we crossed over the Valley of sell me food for money, that I may eat, and
the Zered. 14And the time we took to come give me water for money, that I may drink;
from Kadesh Barnea until we crossed over only let me pass through on foot, 29just as
the Valley of the Zered was thirty-eight the descendants of Esau who dwell in Seir
years, until all the generation of the men and the Moabites who dwell in Ar did for
of war was consumed from the midst of me, until I cross the Jordan to the land
the camp, just as the Lord had sworn to which the Lord our God is giving us.’
them. 15For indeed the hand of the Lord 30“But Sihon king of Heshbon would not
was against them, to destroy them from let us pass through, for the Lord your God
the midst of the camp until they were con hardened his spirit and made his heart ob
sumed. stinate, that He might deliver him into your
16“So it was, when all the men of war
hand, as it is this day.
had finally perished from among the peo 31“And the Lord said to me, ‘See, I have
ple, 17that the Lord spoke to me, saying: begun to give Sihon and his land over
18‘This day you are to cross over at Ar, the
to you. Begin to possess it, that you may
boundary of Moab. 19And when you come inherit his land.’ 32Then Sihon and all
near the people of Ammon, do not harass his people came out against us to fight
them or meddle with them, for I will not at Jahaz. 33And the Lord our God deliv
give you any of the land of the people of ered him over to us; so we defeated him,
Ammon as a possession, because I have his sons, and all his people. 34We took all
given it to the descendants of Lot as a pos his cities at that time, and we utterly de
session.’ ” stroyed the men, women, and little ones
20(That was also regarded as a land of
of every city; we left none remaining.
giants;a giants formerly dwelt there. But 35We took only the livestock as plunder
the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, for ourselves, with the spoil of the cities
21a people as great and numerous and tall
which we took. 36From Aroer, which is
as the Anakim. But the Lord destroyed on the bank of the River Arnon, and from
them before them, and they dispossessed the city that is in the ravine, as far as Gil
them and dwelt in their place, 22just as He ead, there was not one city too strong for
had done for the descendants of Esau, who us; the Lord our God delivered all to us.
dwelt in Seir, when He destroyed the Hor 37Only you did not go near the land of the
ites from before them. They dispossessed people of Ammon—anywhere along the
them and dwelt in their place, even to this River Jabbok, or to the cities of the moun
day. 23And the Avim, who dwelt in villages tains, or wherever the Lord our God had
as far as Gaza—the Caphtorim, who came forbidden us.
from Caphtor, destroyed them and dwelt in
their place.) 2:11 aHebrew rephaim
2:20 aHebrew rephaim
05-Deuteronomy.indd 207 2/14/12 11:51 AM
DEUTERONOMY 3:1 208
King Og Defeated and called Bashan after his own name,
Havoth Jair,a to this day.)
3
“Then we turned and went up the
road to Bashan; and Og king of
Bashan came out against us, he and
all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2And the Deuteronomy 3:12–17
Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I The land that each tribe received was
have delivered him and all his people and supposed to be held by that tribe for
his land into your hand; you shall do to him always. Each tribe was responsible for
as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, protecting its territory, maintaining
who dwelt at Heshbon.’ control over its region, and passing
3“So the Lord our God also delivered the land down from generation to
into our hands Og king of Bashan, with all generation.
his people, and we attacked him until he
had no survivors remaining. 4And we took 15“Also I gave Gilead to Machir. 16And
all his cities at that time; there was not a to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave
city which we did not take from them: sixty from Gilead as far as the River Arnon, the
cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom middle of the river as the border, as far as
of Og in Bashan. 5All these cities were for the River Jabbok, the border of the people
tified with high walls, gates, and bars, be of Ammon; 17the plain also, with the Jordan
sides a great many rural towns. 6And we as the border, from Chinnereth as far as the
utterly destroyed them, as we did to Sihon east side of the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt
king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the Sea), below the slopes of Pisgah.
men, women, and children of every city. 18“Then I commanded you at that time,
7But all the livestock and the spoil of the
saying: ‘The Lord your God has given you
cities we took as booty for ourselves. this land to possess. All you men of valor
8“And at that time we took the land from
shall cross over armed before your breth
the hand of the two kings of the Amorites ren, the children of Israel. 19But your wives,
who were on this side of the Jordan, from your little ones, and your livestock (I know
the River Arnon to Mount Hermon 9(the that you have much livestock) shall stay in
Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, and the your cities which I have given you, 20until
Amorites call it Senir), 10all the cities of the the Lord has given rest to your brethren
plain, all Gilead, and all Bashan, as far as as to you, and they also possess the land
Salcah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of which the Lord your God is giving them
Og in Bashan. beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may
11“For only Og king of Bashan remained
return to his possession which I have given
of the remnant of the giants.a Indeed his you.’
bedstead was an iron bedstead. (Is it not in 21“And I commanded Joshua at that
Rabbah of the people of Ammon?) Nine cu time, saying, ‘Your eyes have seen all that
bits is its length and four cubits its width, the Lord your God has done to these two
according to the standard cubit. kings; so will the Lord do to all the king
doms through which you pass. 22You must
The Land East of the Jordan not fear them, for the Lord your God Him
Divided self fights for you.’
12“And this land, which we possessed at
that time, from Aroer, which is by the River Moses Forbidden to Enter
Arnon, and half the mountains of Gilead the Land
and its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and 23“Then I pleaded with the Lord at that
the Gadites. 13The rest of Gilead, and all time, saying: 24‘O Lord God, You have
Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to half begun to show Your servant Your great
the tribe of Manasseh. (All the region of Ar ness and Your mighty hand, for what god
gob, with all Bashan, was called the land of is there in heaven or on earth who can do
the giants.a 14Jair the son of Manasseh took
all the region of Argob, as far as the border 3:11 aHebrew rephaim 3:13 aHebrew rephaim
of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, 3:14 aLiterally Towns of Jair
05-Deuteronomy.indd 208 2/14/12 11:51 AM
209 DEUTERONOMY 4:19
anything like Your works and Your mighty your grandchildren, 10especially concern-
deeds? 25I pray, let me cross over and see ing the day you stood before the Lord your
the good land beyond the Jordan, those God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me,
pleasant mountains, and Lebanon.’ ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them
26“But the Lord was angry with me on hear My words, that they may learn to fear
your account, and would not listen to me. Me all the days they live on the earth, and
So the Lord said to me: ‘Enough of that! that they may teach their children.’
Speak no more to Me of this matter. 27Go 11“Then you came near and stood at the
up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes foot of the mountain, and the mountain
toward the west, the north, the south, burned with fire to the midst of heaven,
and the east; behold it with your eyes, for with darkness, cloud, and thick dark
you shall not cross over this Jordan. 28But ness. 12And the Lord spoke to you out of
command Joshua, and encourage him and the midst of the fire. You heard the sound
strengthen him; for he shall go over before of the words, but saw no form; you only
this people, and he shall cause them to in heard a voice. 13So He declared to you His
herit the land which you will see.’ covenant which He commanded you to
29“So we stayed in the valley opposite perform, the Ten Commandments; and He
Beth Peor. wrote them on two tablets of stone. 14And
the Lord commanded me at that time to
Moses Commands Obedience teach you statutes and judgments, that you
4
“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes might observe them in the land which you
and the judgments which I teach cross over to possess.
you to observe, that you may live,
Beware of Idolatry
and go in and possess the land which the
Lord God of your fathers is giving you. 15“Take careful heed to yourselves, for you
2You shall not add to the word which I saw no form when the Lord spoke to you
command you, nor take from it, that you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16lest
may keep the commandments of the Lord you act corruptly and make for yourselves
your God which I command you. 3Your a carved image in the form of any figure: the
eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal likeness of male or female, 17the likeness of
Peor; for the Lord your God has destroyed any animal that is on the earth or the like
from among you all the men who followed ness of any winged bird that flies in the air,
Baal of Peor. 4But you who held fast to the 18the likeness of anything that creeps on
Lord your God are alive today, every one the ground or the likeness of any fish that
of you. is in the water beneath the earth. 19And
5“Surely I have taught you statutes and take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven,
judgments, just as the Lord my God com and when you see the sun, the moon, and
manded me, that you should act according the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel
to them in the land which you go to possess. driven to worship them and serve them,
6Therefore be careful to observe them; for which the Lord your God has given to all
this is your wisdom and your understand the peoples under the whole heaven as a
ing in the sight of the peoples who will hear
all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great
nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Deuteronomy 4:16–18
7“For what great nation is there that has The Egyptians, Greeks, and Babylo
God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to nians all had false gods. Craftsmen
us, for whatever reason we may call upon created idols (statues or figures), often
Him? 8And what great nation is there that in the form of a bird or animal, to
has such statutes and righteous judgments represent their gods. Strangely, people
as are in all this law which I set before you started worshiping the idols, rather
this day? 9Only take heed to yourself, and than the gods they represented. The
diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the Lord knew that if the Israelites started
things your eyes have seen, and lest they making and worshiping idols, they
depart from your heart all the days of your would stop worshiping Him.
life. And teach them to your children and
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DEUTERONOMY 4:20 210
Promise
God promises to remember His covenant.
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will not forsake
you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers
which He swore to them” (Deut. 4:31).
A covenant is a very strong, unbreakable promise. And
God considers His promises to you to be completely without question—He will
always do as He says.
You could think of it like this: You promised to meet your friend for breakfast on
Saturday. A family emergency took her out of town until late Friday night. You
remember that you’ve got a breakfast date, but will your friend remember? You
decide to chance it and show up. Pulling into the restaurant parking lot, you see
her. She remembered! Wow. It wasn’t even necessary to remind her. You are so
important to her that she couldn’t forget, even though circumstances could have
gotten in the way. Her commitment to you and your friendship makes you feel
loved and special.
You’re even more important to God. Trust Him when He promises to remember
His promises. He won’t lose His calendar or forget your phone number. He will
never stand you up. It’s a promise.
See for yourself// 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Kings 8:56; Nehemiah 1:5
heritage. 20But the Lord has taken you and scatter you among the peoples, and you
brought you out of the iron furnace, out of will be left few in number among the na
Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as tions where the Lord will drive you. 28And
you are this day. 21Furthermore the Lord there you will serve gods, the work of men’s
was angry with me for your sakes, and hands, wood and stone, which neither see
swore that I would not cross over the Jor nor hear nor eat nor smell. 29But from there
dan, and that I would not enter the good you will seek the Lord your God, and you
land which the Lord your God is giving will find Him if you seek Him with all your
you as an inheritance. 22But I must die in heart and with all your soul. 30When you
this land, I must not cross over the Jordan; are in distress, and all these things come
but you shall cross over and possess that upon you in the latter days, when you turn
good land. 23Take heed to yourselves, lest to the Lord your God and obey His voice
you forget the covenant of the Lord your 31(for the Lord your God is a merciful
God which He made with you, and make God), He will not forsake you nor destroy
for yourselves a carved image in the form
of anything which the Lord your God has
forbidden you. 24For the Lord your God is
Idolatry
a consuming fire, a jealous God. Should we be more devoted
25“When you beget children and grand to anything than we are to
children and have grown old in the land, God?
and act corruptly and make a carved im Deuteronomy 4:23
age in the form of anything, and do evil in
the sight of the Lord your God to provoke
Him to anger, 26I call heaven and earth to Idolatry
witness against you this day, that you will
soon utterly perish from the land which Does God want to share our
you cross over the Jordan to possess; you devotion?
will not prolong your days in it, but will Deuteronomy 4:24
be utterly destroyed. 27And the Lord will
05-Deuteronomy.indd 210 2/14/12 11:51 AM
211 DEUTERONOMY 5:5
you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers Introduction to God’s Law
which He swore to them. 44Now this is the law which Moses set be
32“For ask now concerning the days
fore the children of Israel. 45These are the
that are past, which were before you,
testimonies, the statutes, and the judg
since the day that God created man on
ments which Moses spoke to the children
the earth, and ask from one end of heaven
of Israel after they came out of Egypt, 46on
to the other, whether any great thing like
this side of the Jordan, in the valley oppo
this has happened, or anything like it has
site Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king
been heard. 33Did any people ever hear the
of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon,
voice of God speaking out of the midst of
whom Moses and the children of Israel de
the fire, as you have heard, and live? 34Or
feated after they came out of Egypt. 47And
did God ever try to go and take for Himself
they took possession of his land and the
a nation from the midst of another nation,
land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of
by trials, by signs, by wonders, by war, by
the Amorites, who were on this side of the
a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
Jordan, toward the rising of the sun, 48from
and by great terrors, according to all that
Aroer, which is on the bank of the River
the Lord your God did for you in Egypt
Arnon, even to Mount Siona (that is, Her
before your eyes? 35To you it was shown,
mon), 49and all the plain on the east side of
that you might know that the Lord Him
the Jordan as far as the Sea of the Arabah,
self is God; there is none other besides
below the slopes of Pisgah.
Him. 36Out of heaven He let you hear His
voice, that He might instruct you; on earth
He showed you His great fire, and you Deuteronomy 5:2
heard His words out of the midst of the The covenant, or agreement, between
fire. 37And because He loved your fathers, God and His people was very similar
therefore He chose their descendants af to a treaty between two political lead
ter them; and He brought you out of Egypt ers. In ancient times, a leader seeking
with His Presence, with His mighty power, a treaty would identify himself,
38driving out from before you nations
describe some of the things he had
greater and mightier than you, to bring done, and then present a list of regula
you in, to give you their land as an inheri tions to be followed. After a treaty
tance, as it is this day. 39Therefore know had been established, the two leaders
this day, and consider it in your heart, would establish a written agreement
that the Lord Himself is God in heaven and decide where copies of it would
above and on the earth beneath; there is be kept.
no other. 40You shall therefore keep His
statutes and His commandments which I
command you today, that it may go well The Ten Commandments
with you and with your children after you, Reviewed
and that you may prolong your days in the
5
land which the Lord your God is giving And Moses called all Israel, and said
you for all time.” to them: “Hear, O Israel, the stat
utes and judgments which I speak
Cities of Refuge East in your hearing today, that you may learn
of the Jordan them and be careful to observe them. 2The
41Then Moses set apart three cities on this
Lord our God made a covenant with us in
Horeb. 3The Lord did not make this cov
side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the enant with our fathers, but with us, those
sun, 42that the manslayer might flee there, who are here today, all of us who are alive.
who kills his neighbor unintentionally, 4The Lord talked with you face to face on
without having hated him in time past, the mountain from the midst of the fire. 5I
and that by fleeing to one of these cities he stood between the Lord and you at that
might live: 43Bezer in the wilderness on the time, to declare to you the word of the
plateau for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gil Lord; for you were afraid because of the
ead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan
for the Manassites. 4:48 aSyriac reads Sirion (compare 3:9).
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DEUTERONOMY 5:6 212
Promise
God promises to be jealous for you.
“You shall not bow down to [carved images] nor serve them.
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth
generations of those who hate Me” (Deut. 5:9).
God is a jealous God—that’s the bottom line. He wants to be number one in
your life above everything: your boyfriend/girlfriend, your job, your family, TV,
music, friends—the list goes on.
There’s nothing wrong with having things, but don’t allow things to have you!
You may not bow down and worship a physical idol you’ve constructed in your
bedroom, but once you’ve placed someone or something above God, that person,
place, or thing becomes something you worship—an idol. Be careful. That idol will
eventually let you down. There’s no other person or no other thing that can fill the
place of God in your life.
Where is God on your priority list? Check your heart and make Him first in your
life today. He wants to be close to you. In fact, He created you to have fellowship
with Him. And His Word says that if you seek Him first, He’ll bless you. Be blessed
today!
See for yourself// Deuteronomy 4:24; Joshua 24:19, 20; Matthew 6:33;
Mark 12:30
fire, and you did not go up the mountain. labor and do all your work,14but
He said: the seventh day is the Sabbath of
the Lord your God. In it you shall
6‘I am the Lord your God who brought do no work: you, nor your son, nor
you out of the land of Egypt, out of your daughter, nor your male ser
the house of bondage. vant, nor your female servant, nor
7‘ You shall have no other gods before Me. your ox, nor your donkey, nor any
8‘ You shall not make for yourself a of your cattle, nor your stranger
carved image— any likeness of who is within your gates, that your
anything that is in heaven above, male servant and your female ser
or that is in the earth beneath, vant may rest as well as you.15And
or that is in the water under the remember that you were a slave
earth; 9you shall not bow down in the land of Egypt, and the Lord
to them nor serve them. For I, your God brought you out from
the Lord your God, am a jealous there by a mighty hand and by an
God, visiting the iniquity of the outstretched arm; therefore the
fathers upon the children to the Lord your God commanded you
third and fourth generations of to keep the Sabbath day.
those who hate Me,10but show 16‘ Honor your father and your mother,
ing mercy to thousands, to those as the Lord your God has com
who love Me and keep My com manded you, that your days may
mandments. be long, and that it may be well
11‘ You shall not take the name of the Lord with you in the land which the
your God in vain, for the Lord will Lord your God is giving you.
not hold him guiltless who takes 17‘ You shall not murder.
His name in vain. 18‘ You shall not commit adultery.
12‘ Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it 19‘ You shall not steal.
holy, as the Lord your God com 20‘ You shall not bear false witness against
manded you.13Six days you shall your neighbor.
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213 DEUTERONOMY 6:5
them, that they may observe them in the
Murder land which I am giving them to possess.’
What does the Bible say
about murder? Future
Deuteronomy 5:17 How can our future be
blessed?
21‘ You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; Deuteronomy 5:29
and you shall not desire your
neighbor’s house, his field, his
32“Therefore you shall be careful to do as
male servant, his female servant,
his ox, his donkey, or anything the Lord your God has commanded you;
that is your neighbor’s.’ you shall not turn aside to the right hand
22“These words the Lord spoke to all or to the left. 33You shall walk in all the ways
your assembly, in the mountain from the which the Lord your God has commanded
midst of the fire, the cloud, and the thick you, that you may live and that it may be well
darkness, with a loud voice; and He added with you, and that you may prolong your
no more. And He wrote them on two tab days in the land which you shall possess.
lets of stone and gave them to me.
The People Afraid of God’s Education
Presence Who is responsible for
23“So it was, when you heard the voice from teaching children?
the midst of the darkness, while the moun Deuteronomy 6:1–9
tain was burning with fire, that you came
near to me, all the heads of your tribes
and your elders. 24And you said: ‘Surely the The Greatest Commandment
6
Lord our God has shown us His glory and “Now this is the commandment,
His greatness, and we have heard His voice and these are the statutes and judg
from the midst of the fire. We have seen ments which the Lord your God
this day that God speaks with man; yet he has commanded to teach you, that you
still lives. 25Now therefore, why should we may observe them in the land which you
die? For this great fire will consume us; if are crossing over to possess, 2that you may
we hear the voice of the Lord our God any fear the Lord your God, to keep all His
more, then we shall die. 26For who is there statutes and His commandments which I
of all flesh who has heard the voice of the command you, you and your son and your
living God speaking from the midst of the grandson, all the days of your life, and that
fire, as we have, and lived? 27You go near
your days may be prolonged. 3Therefore
and hear all that the Lord our God may
hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it,
say, and tell us all that the Lord our God
that it may be well with you, and that you
says to you, and we will hear and do it.’
28“Then the Lord heard the voice of may multiply greatly as the Lord God of
your fathers has promised you—‘a land
your words when you spoke to me, and
flowing with milk and honey.’a
the Lord said to me: ‘I have heard the
voice of the words of this people which
they have spoken to you. They are right in God
all that they have spoken. 29Oh, that they Is God one?
had such a heart in them that they would
fear Me and always keep all My command Deuteronomy 6:4
ments, that it might be well with them and
with their children forever! 30Go and say to 4“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the
them, “Return to your tents.” 31But as for Lord is one!a 5You shall love the Lord your
you, stand here by Me, and I will speak to
you all the commandments, the statutes, 6:3 aExodus 3:8 6:4 aOr The Lord is our God,
and the judgments which you shall teach the Lord alone (that is, the only one)
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DEUTERONOMY 6:6 214
Promise
God promises to punish those who worship
false gods.
“You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who
are all around you ( for the Lord your God is a jealous God
among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused
against you and destroy you from the face of the earth” (Deut. 6:14, 15).
There are a lot of other religions out there and a lot of people who worship
other gods, but you worship the only true God! You serve the Great I Am. You
have something that isn’t a fairy tale, that isn’t phony, that isn’t fake. You have
the truth that will cause blinders to fall from the eyes of those who don’t know
God.
Why are so many people wrapped up in false religions and worshiping false
gods? One reason may be that they want to live for a cause. They are searching for
power. Because you are living for Jesus, you have the same power living in you that
raised Him from the dead (Rom. 8:11). Now that’s power! That’s someone and
something to live for! Don’t settle for boring religion with a bunch of rules and
regulations. You can have a radical relationship with Christ. You want to do the
right thing because of your relationship with Him. It’s a relationship that brings
freedom, a relationship that brings life, a relationship that brings power, and a
relationship that brings every other good thing. You can’t find this truth in anything
or anyone else; it’s only in Jesus Christ.
Through Him, you’ll have everything you need, and you’ll escape the punish
ment of those who worship false gods.
See for yourself// Ezekiel 14:4–6; 23:49; 2 Corinthians 6:16
God with all your heart, with all your soul, to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Ja
and with all your strength. cob, to give you large and beautiful cities
6“And these words which I command which you did not build, 11houses full of all
you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall good things, which you did not fill, hewn-
teach them diligently to your children, and out wells which you did not dig, vineyards
shall talk of them when you sit in your and olive trees which you did not plant—
house, when you walk by the way, when when you have eaten and are full—12then
you lie down, and when you rise up. 8You beware, lest you forget the Lord who
shall bind them as a sign on your hand, brought you out of the land of Egypt, from
and they shall be as frontlets between your the house of bondage. 13You shall fear the
eyes. 9You shall write them on the door Lord your God and serve Him, and shall
posts of your house and on your gates. take oaths in His name. 14You shall not go
after other gods, the gods of the peoples
Family who are all around you 15(for the Lord
your God is a jealous God among you), lest
What should the members of the anger of the Lord your God be aroused
a family do for each other? against you and destroy you from the face
Deuteronomy 6:1–9 of the earth.
16“You shall not tempt the Lord your
God as you tempted Him in Massah. 17You
Caution Against shall diligently keep the commandments
Disobedience of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and
10“So it shall be, when the Lord your God His statutes which He has commanded
brings you into the land of which He swore you. 18And you shall do what is right and
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215 DEUTERONOMY 7:13
good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be treasure above all the peoples on the face
well with you, and that you may go in and of the earth. 7The Lord did not set His love
possess the good land of which the Lord on you nor choose you because you were
swore to your fathers, 19to cast out all your more in number than any other people,
enemies from before you, as the Lord has for you were the least of all peoples; 8but
spoken. because the Lord loves you, and because
20“When your son asks you in time to He would keep the oath which He swore
come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the to your fathers, the Lord has brought you
testimonies, the statutes, and the judg out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you
ments which the Lord our God has com from the house of bondage, from the hand
manded you?’ 21then you shall say to your of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt,
and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with Faithfulness
a mighty hand; 22and the Lord showed
signs and wonders before our eyes, great To whom is God faithful?
and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and Deuteronomy 7:9
all his household. 23Then He brought us
out from there, that He might bring us in,
to give us the land of which He swore to God
our fathers. 24And the Lord commanded Is God trustworthy?
us to observe all these statutes, to fear the
Lord our God, for our good always, that Deuteronomy 7:9
He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.
25Then it will be righteousness for us, if we
are careful to observe all these command Pain
ments before the Lord our God, as He has Does God care when His
commanded us.’ people are hurting?
A Chosen People Deuteronomy 7:9
7
“When the Lord your God brings
you into the land which you go to 9“Therefore know that the Lord your
possess, and has cast out many na God, He is God, the faithful God who
tions before you, the Hittites and the Gir keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand
gashites and the Amorites and the Canaan generations with those who love Him and
ites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and keep His commandments; 10and He repays
the Jebusites, seven nations greater and those who hate Him to their face, to de
mightier than you, 2and when the Lord stroy them. He will not be slack with him
your God delivers them over to you, you who hates Him; He will repay him to his
shall conquer them and utterly destroy face. 11Therefore you shall keep the com
them. You shall make no covenant with mandment, the statutes, and the judg
them nor show mercy to them. 3Nor shall ments which I command you today, to
you make marriages with them. You shall observe them.
not give your daughter to their son, nor
take their daughter for your son. 4For they Blessings of Obedience
will turn your sons away from following 12“Then it shall come to pass, because you
Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the listen to these judgments, and keep and
Lord will be aroused against you and de do them, that the Lord your God will keep
stroy you suddenly. 5But thus you shall deal with you the covenant and the mercy which
with them: you shall destroy their altars, He swore to your fathers. 13And He will love
and break down their sacred pillars, and you and bless you and multiply you; He
cut down their wooden images,a and burn will also bless the fruit of your womb and
their carved images with fire. the fruit of your land, your grain and your
6“For you are a holy people to the Lord
new wine and your oil, the increase of your
your God; the Lord your God has chosen
you to be a people for Himself, a special 7:5 aHebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities
05-Deuteronomy.indd 215 2/14/12 11:51 AM
DEUTERONOMY 7:14 216
cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the multiply, and go in and possess the land
land of which He swore to your fathers to of which the Lord swore to your fathers.
give you. 14You shall be blessed above all 2And you shall remember that the Lord
peoples; there shall not be a male or female your God led you all the way these forty
barren among you or among your livestock. years in the wilderness, to humble you and
15And the Lord will take away from you test you, to know what was in your heart,
all sickness, and will afflict you with none whether you would keep His command
of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you ments or not. 3So He humbled you, allowed
have known, but will lay them on all those you to hunger, and fed you with manna
who hate you. 16Also you shall destroy all which you did not know nor did your fa
the peoples whom the Lord your God de thers know, that He might make you know
livers over to you; your eye shall have no that man shall not live by bread alone; but
pity on them; nor shall you serve their gods, man lives by every word that proceeds from
for that will be a snare to you. the mouth of the Lord. 4Your garments
17“If you should say in your heart, ‘These
did not wear out on you, nor did your foot
nations are greater than I; how can I dispos swell these forty years. 5You should know in
sess them?’— 18you shall not be afraid of your heart that as a man chastens his son,
them, but you shall remember well what so the Lord your God chastens you.
the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to
all Egypt: 19the great trials which your eyes
saw, the signs and the wonders, the mighty Discipline
hand and the outstretched arm, by which Does God care enough to
the Lord your God brought you out. So correct us?
shall the Lord your God do to all the peo Deuteronomy 8:5
ples of whom you are afraid. 20Moreover the
Lord your God will send the hornet among
them until those who are left, who hide 6“Therefore you shall keep the com
themselves from you, are destroyed. 21You mandments of the Lord your God, to walk
shall not be terrified of them; for the Lord in His ways and to fear Him. 7For the Lord
your God, the great and awesome God, is your God is bringing you into a good land,
among you. 22And the Lord your God will a land of brooks of water, of fountains and
drive out those nations before you little by springs, that flow out of valleys and hills;
little; you will be unable to destroy them at 8a land of wheat and barley, of vines and
once, lest the beasts of the field become too fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive
numerous for you. 23But the Lord your God oil and honey; 9a land in which you will eat
will deliver them over to you, and will inflict bread without scarcity, in which you will
defeat upon them until they are destroyed. lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron
24And He will deliver their kings into your
and out of whose hills you can dig copper.
hand, and you will destroy their name from 10When you have eaten and are full, then
under heaven; no one shall be able to stand you shall bless the Lord your God for the
against you until you have destroyed them. good land which He has given you.
25You shall burn the carved images of their 11“Beware that you do not forget the
gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver Lord your God by not keeping His com
or gold that is on them, nor take it for your mandments, His judgments, and His
selves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an statutes which I command you today,
abomination to the Lord your God. 26Nor 12lest—when you have eaten and are full,
shall you bring an abomination into your and have built beautiful houses and dwell
house, lest you be doomed to destruction in them; 13and when your herds and your
like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly flocks multiply, and your silver and your
abhor it, for it is an accursed thing. gold are multiplied, and all that you have
is multiplied; 14when your heart is lifted
Remember the L ord Your God up, and you forget the Lord your God
8
“Every commandment which I com who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
mand you today you must be careful from the house of bondage; 15who led you
to observe, that you may live and through that great and terrible wilderness,
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217 DEUTERONOMY 9:4
Making It Real //
Deuteronomy 8:18
Blessed to Be a Blessing We serve an awesome God! He is so practical. There’s
nothing that He will not or cannot do for you. It’s a fact. God is concerned with every area
of your life, even your finances. He has given you abilities and talents that will enable you
to earn money and bring blessing into your life. If anybody should be blessed, it should
be God’s children. Remember, God wants to bring good things into your life so you can
be a blessing to others!
While money is necessary in this life, we can’t let it become a reason for living. And
we can’t ever let ourselves forget that it is God who provides for us; He will bring oppor
tunities our way to use the talents and abilities He gave us. Although most of us receive
paychecks from an employer, God is the One who provides for us; He just normally uses
human supply lines to pour blessing into our lives.
You may be asking yourself, Then why doesn’t God provide for the people in third-
world countries who struggle just to find food and water? Doesn’t God care about them?
Those are very good questions. In answer, consider what would happen if all wealthy
people would give even a small part of all their fortunes to help those in need. That’s what
God wants His people to do. If everyone lived as God wants and always tried to bless oth
ers, it wouldn’t be long before hunger and want came to an end. But because of sin,
people usually think only of themselves and allow selfishness and greed to rule their lives.
(See also: Ps. 35:27; Matt. 6:25–33; Phil. 4:19.)
Words to Live By
Establish His covenant: God made a solemn promise—an absolute vow—to bless
His people (Deut. 7:12–14). That covenant has not come to an end. God continues to
bless His people in the same way. The word translated in Deuteronomy 8:18 as “establish”
is from the original word quwm (koom), which means “to rise up and accomplish.” In
other words, God’s covenant is a guaranteed performance. There is no doubt that God
will do as He has promised; He will bless His people!
in which were fiery serpents and scorpions so you shall perish, because you would not
and thirsty land where there was no water; be obedient to the voice of the Lord your
who brought water for you out of the flinty God.
rock; 16who fed you in the wilderness with
manna, which your fathers did not know, Israel’s Rebellions Reviewed
9
that He might humble you and that He “Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over
might test you, to do you good in the end— the Jordan today, and go in to dispos
17then you say in your heart, ‘My power and
sess nations greater and mightier
the might of my hand have gained me this than yourself, cities great and fortified up
wealth.’ to heaven, 2a people great and tall, the de
18“And you shall remember the Lord
scendants of the Anakim, whom you know,
your God, for it is He who gives you power and of whom you heard it said, ‘Who can
to get wealth, that He may establish His stand before the descendants of Anak?’
covenant which He swore to your fathers, 3Therefore understand today that the
as it is this day. 19Then it shall be, if you by Lord your God is He who goes over before
any means forget the Lord your God, and you as a consuming fire. He will destroy
follow other gods, and serve them and them and bring them down before you; so
worship them, I testify against you this day you shall drive them out and destroy them
that you shall surely perish. 20As the na quickly, as the Lord has said to you.
tions which the Lord destroys before you, 4“Do not think in your heart, after the
05-Deuteronomy.indd 217 2/14/12 11:51 AM
DEUTERONOMY 9:5 218
Lord your God has cast them out before mountain, and the mountain burned with
you, saying, ‘Because of my righteousness fire; and the two tablets of the covenant
the Lord has brought me in to possess this were in my two hands. 16And I looked, and
land’; but it is because of the wickedness behold, you had sinned against the Lord
of these nations that the Lord is driving your God— had made for yourselves a
them out from before you. 5It is not be molded calf ! You had turned aside quickly
cause of your righteousness or the upright from the way which the Lord had com
ness of your heart that you go in to possess manded you. 17Then I took the two tablets
their land, but because of the wickedness and threw them out of my two hands and
of these nations that the Lord your God broke them before your eyes. 18And I fell
drives them out from before you, and that down before the Lord, as at the first, forty
He may fulfill the word which the Lord days and forty nights; I neither ate bread
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, nor drank water, because of all your sin
and Jacob. 6Therefore understand that the which you committed in doing wickedly
Lord your God is not giving you this good in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him
land to possess because of your righteous to anger. 19For I was afraid of the anger
ness, for you are a stiff-necked people. and hot displeasure with which the Lord
7“Remember! Do not forget how you was angry with you, to destroy you. But
provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the Lord listened to me at that time also.
the wilderness. From the day that you de 20And the Lord was very angry with Aaron
parted from the land of Egypt until you and would have destroyed him; so I prayed
came to this place, you have been rebel for Aaron also at the same time. 21Then I
lious against the Lord. 8Also in Horeb you took your sin, the calf which you had made,
provoked the Lord to wrath, so that the and burned it with fire and crushed it and
Lord was angry enough with you to have ground it very small, until it was as fine as
destroyed you. 9When I went up into the dust; and I threw its dust into the brook
mountain to receive the tablets of stone, that descended from the mountain.
the tablets of the covenant which the 22“Also at Taberah and Massah and
Lord made with you, then I stayed on the Kibroth Hattaavah you provoked the Lord
mountain forty days and forty nights. I nei to wrath. 23Likewise, when the Lord sent
ther ate bread nor drank water. 10Then the you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, ‘Go up
Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone and possess the land which I have given
written with the finger of God, and on you,’ then you rebelled against the com
them were all the words which the Lord mandment of the Lord your God, and you
had spoken to you on the mountain from did not believe Him nor obey His voice.
the midst of the fire in the day of the assem 24You have been rebellious against the
bly. 11And it came to pass, at the end of forty Lord from the day that I knew you.
days and forty nights, that the Lord gave 25“Thus I prostrated myself before the
me the two tablets of stone, the tablets of Lord; forty days and forty nights I kept
the covenant. prostrating myself, because the Lord had
12“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, go said He would destroy you. 26Therefore I
down quickly from here, for your people prayed to the Lord, and said: ‘O Lord God,
whom you brought out of Egypt have acted do not destroy Your people and Your inher
corruptly; they have quickly turned aside itance whom You have redeemed through
from the way which I commanded them; Your greatness, whom You have brought
they have made themselves a molded im out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 27Remem
age.’ ber Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and
13“Furthermore the Lord spoke to me, Jacob; do not look on the stubbornness of
saying, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed this people, or on their wickedness or their
they are a stiff-necked people. 14Let Me sin, 28lest the land from which You brought
alone, that I may destroy them and blot out us should say, “Because the Lord was not
their name from under heaven; and I will able to bring them to the land which He
make of you a nation mightier and greater promised them, and because He hated
than they.’ them, He has brought them out to kill
15“So I turned and came down from the them in the wilderness.” 29Yet they are Your
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219 DEUTERONOMY 10:11
Making It Real //
Deuteronomy 10:12, 13
Expectations Have you ever felt like nothing you do is right? Do you try your best
only to have others expect more? Life can be so frustrating. Sometimes it can seem you
can never live up to the expectations and requirements; and sometimes you may think
you’re just not capable of pleasing others, especially the ones in charge.
But God makes it very clear what He expects. Not only does He tell us over and over
again in His Word, but He gave us His Spirit to remind us when we forget. He also realizes
that, left on our own, we can never do all He requires. So He promises to always be with
us, helping us to make right choices and live lives that please Him.
If you want to live your life the way God desires, read and practice Deuteronomy
10:12 and 13. If you live as God expects, you’ll see major results in your life. When you live
your life in a way that pleases God, the way you treat others will change and, believe me,
they will notice. When you treat others well, they are much easier to please. (See also:
Mic. 6:8; John 13:34, 35; 16:13.)
Words to Live By
Fear: Deuteronomy 10:12 says we should “fear” God. But that doesn’t mean we
should be afraid of Him as we would be of a dangerous enemy. The word translated as
“fear” actually means “to stand in awe of ” or “to recognize the power or position of an
other and offer them the proper respect.” Although God is all powerful and there could
be reason to actually be afraid of His incredible power, God is not just powerful, He is
compassionate and loving. Because of Him, we have no reason to be fearful of anything.
He loves, protects, and defends His own.
people and Your inheritance, whom You I had made; and there they are, just as the
brought out by Your mighty power and by Lord commanded me.”
Your outstretched arm.’ 6(Now the children of Israel journeyed
from the wells of Bene Jaakan to Moserah,
where Aaron died, and where he was bur
The Second Pair of Tablets
ied; and Eleazar his son ministered as
10
“At that time the Lord said to priest in his stead. 7From there they jour
me, ‘Hew for yourself two tab neyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah
lets of stone like the first, and to Jotbathah, a land of rivers of water. 8At
come up to Me on the mountain and make that time the Lord separated the tribe of
yourself an ark of wood. 2And I will write Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the
on the tablets the words that were on the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minis
first tablets, which you broke; and you shall ter to Him and to bless in His name, to this
put them in the ark.’ day. 9Therefore Levi has no portion nor
3“So I made an ark of acacia wood, inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is
hewed two tablets of stone like the first, his inheritance, just as the Lord your God
and went up the mountain, having the two promised him.)
tablets in my hand. 4And He wrote on the 10“As at the first time, I stayed in the
tablets according to the first writing, the mountain forty days and forty nights; the
Ten Commandments, which the Lord had Lord also heard me at that time, and
spoken to you in the mountain from the the Lord chose not to destroy you. 11Then
midst of the fire in the day of the assem the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, begin your jour
bly; and the Lord gave them to me. 5Then ney before the people, that they may go in
I turned and came down from the moun and possess the land which I swore to their
tain, and put the tablets in the ark which fathers to give them.’
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DEUTERONOMY 10:12 220
The Essence of the Law children, who have not known and who
12“And have not seen the chastening of the Lord
now, Israel, what does the Lord
your God, His greatness and His mighty
your God require of you, but to fear the
hand and His outstretched arm—3His
Lord your God, to walk in all His ways
signs and His acts which He did in the
and to love Him, to serve the Lord your
midst of Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt,
God with all your heart and with all your
and to all his land; 4what He did to the
soul, 13and to keep the commandments of
army of Egypt, to their horses and their
the Lord and His statutes which I com
chariots: how He made the waters of the
mand you today for your good? 14Indeed
Red Sea overflow them as they pursued
heaven and the highest heavens belong to
you, and how the Lord has destroyed them
the Lord your God, also the earth with all
to this day; 5what He did for you in the
that is in it. 15The Lord delighted only in
wilderness until you came to this place;
your fathers, to love them; and He chose 6and what He did to Dathan and Abiram
their descendants after them, you above
the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how
all peoples, as it is this day. 16Therefore
the earth opened its mouth and swallowed
circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and
them up, their households, their tents, and
be stiff-necked no longer. 17For the Lord
all the substance that was in their posses
your God is God of gods and Lord of lords,
sion, in the midst of all Israel—7but your
the great God, mighty and awesome, who
eyes have seen every great act of the Lord
shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. 18He
which He did.
administers justice for the fatherless and 8“Therefore you shall keep every com
the widow, and loves the stranger, giving
him food and clothing. 19Therefore love the mandment which I command you today,
stranger, for you were strangers in the land that you may be strong, and go in and
of Egypt. 20You shall fear the Lord your possess the land which you cross over to
God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you possess, 9and that you may prolong your
shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. days in the land which the Lord swore to
21He is your praise, and He is your God, give your fathers, to them and their de
who has done for you these great and awe scendants, ‘a land flowing with milk and
some things which your eyes have seen. honey.’a 10For the land which you go to
22Your fathers went down to Egypt with possess is not like the land of Egypt from
seventy persons, and now the Lord your which you have come, where you sowed
God has made you as the stars of heaven your seed and watered it by foot, as a veg
in multitude. etable garden; 11but the land which you
cross over to possess is a land of hills and
valleys, which drinks water from the rain of
Deuteronomy 10:18 heaven, 12a land for which the Lord your
Women in ancient times who did not God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God
have a father or husband faced a very are always on it, from the beginning of the
difficult situation. They had no one to year to the very end of the year.
13“And it shall be that if you earnestly
protect them, no one to provide for
them, and very few rights. Fortunately obey My commandments which I com
for them, the Lord cares about the mand you today, to love the Lord your God
well-being of widows and orphans. and serve Him with all your heart and with
What’s more, He ordered His people all your soul, 14then Ia will give you the rain
to do the same. for your land in its season, the early rain
and the latter rain, that you may gather in
your grain, your new wine, and your oil.
15And I will send grass in your fields for
Love and Obedience Rewarded
your livestock, that you may eat and be
11
“Therefore you shall love the filled.’ 16Take heed to yourselves, lest your
Lord your God, and keep His
charge, His statutes, His judg 11:9 aExodus 3:8 11:14 aFollowing Masoretic
ments, and His commandments always. Text and Targum; Samaritan Pentateuch,
2Know today that I do not speak with your Septuagint, and Vulgate read He.
05-Deuteronomy.indd 220 2/14/12 11:51 AM
221 DEUTERONOMY 12:11
heart be deceived, and you turn aside and possess the land which the Lord your God
serve other gods and worship them, 17lest is giving you, and you will possess it and
the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, dwell in it. 32And you shall be careful to ob
and He shut up the heavens so that there serve all the statutes and judgments which
be no rain, and the land yield no produce, I set before you today.
and you perish quickly from the good land
which the Lord is giving you. A Prescribed Place
18“Therefore you shall lay up these words of Worship
12
of mine in your heart and in your soul, and “These are the statutes and
bind them as a sign on your hand, and they judgments which you shall be
shall be as frontlets between your eyes. careful to observe in the land
19You shall teach them to your children,
which the Lord God of your fathers is giv
speaking of them when you sit in your ing you to possess, all the days that you live
house, when you walk by the way, when on the earth. 2You shall utterly destroy all
you lie down, and when you rise up. 20And the places where the nations which you
you shall write them on the doorposts of shall dispossess served their gods, on the
your house and on your gates, 21that your high mountains and on the hills and under
days and the days of your children may be every green tree. 3And you shall destroy
multiplied in the land of which the Lord their altars, break their sacred pillars, and
swore to your fathers to give them, like the burn their wooden images with fire; you
days of the heavens above the earth. shall cut down the carved images of their
22“For if you carefully keep all these
gods and destroy their names from that
commandments which I command you place. 4You shall not worship the Lord
to do—to love the Lord your God, to walk your God with such things.
in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— 5“But you shall seek the place where
23then the Lord will drive out all these
the Lord your God chooses, out of all
nations from before you, and you will dis your tribes, to put His name for His dwell
possess greater and mightier nations than ing place; and there you shall go. 6There
yourselves. 24Every place on which the sole you shall take your burnt offerings, your
of your foot treads shall be yours: from the sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings
wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, of your hand, your vowed offerings, your
the River Euphrates, even to the Western freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your
Sea,a shall be your territory. 25No man shall herds and flocks. 7And there you shall eat
be able to stand against you; the Lord your before the Lord your God, and you shall
God will put the dread of you and the fear rejoice in all to which you have put your
of you upon all the land where you tread, hand, you and your households, in which
just as He has said to you. the Lord your God has blessed you.
26“Behold, I set before you today a bless 8“You shall not at all do as we are doing
ing and a curse: 27the blessing, if you obey here today—every man doing whatever is
the commandments of the Lord your God right in his own eyes—9for as yet you have
which I command you today; 28and the not come to the rest and the inheritance
curse, if you do not obey the command which the Lord your God is giving you.
ments of the Lord your God, but turn 10But when you cross over the Jordan and
aside from the way which I command you dwell in the land which the Lord your God
today, to go after other gods which you is giving you to inherit, and He gives you
have not known. 29Now it shall be, when rest from all your enemies round about,
the Lord your God has brought you into so that you dwell in safety, 11then there
the land which you go to possess, that you will be the place where the Lord your God
shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim chooses to make His name abide. There
and the curse on Mount Ebal. 30Are they you shall bring all that I command you:
not on the other side of the Jordan, toward your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your
the setting sun, in the land of the Canaan tithes, the heave offerings of your hand,
ites who dwell in the plain opposite Gilgal, and all your choice offerings which you
beside the terebinth trees of Moreh? 31For
you will cross over the Jordan and go in to 11:24 aThat is, the Mediterranean
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DEUTERONOMY 12:12 222
vow to the Lord. 12And you shall rejoice the sight of the Lord. 26Only the holy things
before the Lord your God, you and your which you have, and your vowed offerings,
sons and your daughters, your male and fe you shall take and go to the place which the
male servants, and the Levite who is within Lord chooses. 27And you shall offer your
your gates, since he has no portion nor in burnt offerings, the meat and the blood,
heritance with you. 13Take heed to yourself on the altar of the Lord your God; and the
that you do not offer your burnt offerings blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out
in every place that you see; 14but in the on the altar of the Lord your God, and you
place which the Lord chooses, in one of shall eat the meat. 28Observe and obey all
your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt these words which I command you, that
offerings, and there you shall do all that I it may go well with you and your children
command you. after you forever, when you do what is good
15“However, you may slaughter and eat and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
meat within all your gates, whatever your
heart desires, according to the blessing of Beware of False Gods
the Lord your God which He has given 29“When the Lord your God cuts off from
you; the unclean and the clean may eat of before you the nations which you go to dis
it, of the gazelle and the deer alike. 16Only possess, and you displace them and dwell
you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour in their land, 30take heed to yourself that
it on the earth like water. 17You may not eat you are not ensnared to follow them, after
within your gates the tithe of your grain or they are destroyed from before you, and
your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn that you do not inquire after their gods,
of your herd or your flock, of any of your saying, ‘How did these nations serve their
offerings which you vow, of your freewill gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31You shall not
offerings, or of the heave offering of your worship the Lord your God in that way; for
hand. 18But you must eat them before the every abomination to the Lord which He
Lord your God in the place which the hates they have done to their gods; for they
Lord your God chooses, you and your son burn even their sons and daughters in the
and your daughter, your male servant and fire to their gods.
your female servant, and the Levite who
is within your gates; and you shall rejoice
before the Lord your God in all to which Deuteronomy 12:31
you put your hands. 19Take heed to yourself The Canaanites, like many other
that you do not forsake the Levite as long pagan cultures in the ancient world,
as you live in your land. offered human sacrifices to their god.
20“When the Lord your God enlarges Often the required sacrifice was a
your border as He has promised you, and family’s firstborn child. The Canaan
you say, ‘Let me eat meat,’ because you long ites believed that sacrificing a human
to eat meat, you may eat as much meat as life earned them forgiveness for their
your heart desires. 21If the place where the sins and the favor of their god.
Lord your God chooses to put His name is
too far from you, then you may slaughter
32“Whatever I command you, be care
from your herd and from your flock which
the Lord has given you, just as I have com ful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor
manded you, and you may eat within your take away from it.
gates as much as your heart desires. 22Just
as the gazelle and the deer are eaten, so you Punishment of Apostates
13
may eat them; the unclean and the clean “If there arises among you a
alike may eat them. 23Only be sure that you prophet or a dreamer of dreams,
do not eat the blood, for the blood is the and he gives you a sign or a won
life; you may not eat the life with the meat. der, 2and the sign or the wonder comes to
24You shall not eat it; you shall pour it on pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let
the earth like water. 25You shall not eat it, us go after other gods’—which you have
that it may go well with you and your chil not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3you
dren after you, when you do what is right in shall not listen to the words of that prophet
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223 DEUTERONOMY 13:14
Making It Real //
Deuteronomy 13:6–9
Don’t Believe the Lies Often, people who experiment with other religions (Hin
duism, Buddhism, New Age, and so on) lack the spiritual maturity needed to recognize
false and dangerous teaching. Those who don’t know God’s Word well and don’t have a
strong faith can easily become confused, and the deception of other religions can mess
with their minds. This can be especially true when those other religions claim to believe
in Jesus or say His teachings are good.
Spiritual maturity comes from consistently walking with the Lord, communicating
with Him, growing in the knowledge of Him and of His Word, and allowing Jesus to
change you from the inside out—making you into the person He wants you to be. Some
people have fallen into false religions because they weren’t mature enough to know they
were being lied to and misled.
Religions that sound good on the surface, but don’t lead followers to Jesus, are used
by Satan (the enemy of God) to keep people from finding the salvation only Jesus can
give. Satan is the master of lies. He tries to convince people that other religions are right
and good. He’ll say and do anything to keep people from the Lord. Do not experiment
with other religions. Don’t let Satan deceive you. (See also: Ex. 20:3; 1 Kin. 9:6–9; Jer. 35:15;
John 14:6.)
Words to Live By
Serve: The Hebrew word translated in Deuteronomy 13:6 as “serve” is abad (aw-
bad’). It means “to work as a servant.” It is a word often used to designate an act of
worship or obedience toward God. God is the only One worthy of your worship or obedi
ence. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:10: “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only
you shall serve.”
or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord you, near to you or far off from you, from
your God is testing you to know whether one end of the earth to the other end of the
you love the Lord your God with all your earth, 8you shall not consent to him or lis
heart and with all your soul. 4You shall walk ten to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor
after the Lord your God and fear Him, and shall you spare him or conceal him; 9but
keep His commandments and obey His you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be
voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to first against him to put him to death, and
Him. 5But that prophet or that dreamer of afterward the hand of all the people. 10And
dreams shall be put to death, because he you shall stone him with stones until he
has spoken in order to turn you away from dies, because he sought to entice you away
the Lord your God, who brought you out from the Lord your God, who brought you
of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of
from the house of bondage, to entice you bondage. 11So all Israel shall hear and fear,
from the way in which the Lord your God and not again do such wickedness as this
commanded you to walk. So you shall put among you.
away the evil from your midst. 12“If you hear someone in one of your
6“If your brother, the son of your mother, cities, which the Lord your God gives you
your son or your daughter, the wife of your to dwell in, saying, 13‘Corrupt men have
bosom, or your friend who is as your own gone out from among you and enticed
soul, secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let
and serve other gods,’ which you have not us go and serve other gods” ’—which you
known, neither you nor your fathers, 7of have not known—14then you shall inquire,
the gods of the people which are all around search out, and ask diligently. And if it is
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DEUTERONOMY 13:15 224
indeed true and certain that such an abom 11“All clean birds you may eat. 12But
ination was committed among you, 15you these you shall not eat: the eagle, the vul
shall surely strike the inhabitants of that ture, the buzzard, 13the red kite, the falcon,
city with the edge of the sword, utterly de and the kite after their kinds; 14every raven
stroying it, all that is in it and its livestock— after its kind; 15the ostrich, the short-eared
with the edge of the sword. 16And you shall owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after their
gather all its plunder into the middle of the kinds; 16the little owl, the screech owl, the
street, and completely burn with fire the white owl, 17the jackdaw, the carrion vul
city and all its plunder, for the Lord your ture, the fisher owl, 18the stork, the heron
God. It shall be a heap forever; it shall not after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat.
be built again. 17So none of the accursed 19“Also every creeping thing that flies is
things shall remain in your hand, that the unclean for you; they shall not be eaten.
Lord may turn from the fierceness of His 20“You may eat all clean birds.
anger and show you mercy, have compas 21“You shall not eat anything that dies
sion on you and multiply you, just as He of itself; you may give it to the alien who is
swore to your fathers, 18because you have within your gates, that he may eat it, or you
listened to the voice of the Lord your God, may sell it to a foreigner; for you are a holy
to keep all His commandments which I people to the Lord your God.
command you today, to do what is right in “You shall not boil a young goat in its
the eyes of the Lord your God. mother’s milk.
Improper Mourning Tithing Principles
14
“You are the children of the 22“You shall truly tithe all the increase of
Lord your God; you shall not your grain that the field produces year by
cut yourselves nor shave the year. 23And you shall eat before the Lord
front of your head for the dead. 2For you are your God, in the place where He chooses
a holy people to the Lord your God, and to make His name abide, the tithe of your
the Lord has chosen you to be a people grain and your new wine and your oil, of
for Himself, a special treasure above all the the firstborn of your herds and your flocks,
peoples who are on the face of the earth. that you may learn to fear the Lord your
God always. 24But if the journey is too long
Clean and Unclean Meat for you, so that you are not able to carry
3“You shall not eat any detestable thing. the tithe, or if the place where the Lord
4These are the animals which you may your God chooses to put His name is too
eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, 5the deer, far from you, when the Lord your God has
the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, blessed you, 25then you shall exchange it
the mountain goat,a the antelope, and the for money, take the money in your hand,
mountain sheep. 6And you may eat every and go to the place which the Lord your
animal with cloven hooves, having the God chooses. 26And you shall spend that
hoof split into two parts, and that chews money for whatever your heart desires: for
the cud, among the animals. 7Nevertheless, oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink,
of those that chew the cud or have cloven for whatever your heart desires; you shall
hooves, you shall not eat, such as these: eat there before the Lord your God, and
the camel, the hare, and the rock hyrax; for you shall rejoice, you and your household.
they chew the cud but do not have cloven 27You shall not forsake the Levite who is
hooves; they are unclean for you. 8Also the within your gates, for he has no part nor
swine is unclean for you, because it has clo inheritance with you.
ven hooves, yet does not chew the cud; you 28“At the end of every third year you
shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead shall bring out the tithe of your produce
carcasses. of that year and store it up within your
9“These you may eat of all that are in the
gates. 29And the Levite, because he has no
waters: you may eat all that have fins and portion nor inheritance with you, and the
scales. 10And whatever does not have fins stranger and the fatherless and the widow
and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean
for you. 14:5 aOr addax
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225 DEUTERONOMY 15:11
Making It Real //
Deuteronomy 14:2
Chosen You know what it feels like to be chosen. Remember in grade school when
your gym class picked teams for sports? Remember when you were chosen pretty close
to the beginning? Or maybe you were the last one chosen and you remember that sting.
Regardless of what happened to you then, God chose you. And He chose you first. He
picked you for just one reason—He loves you. He’s crazy about you. He wants you on His
team because He doesn’t want to be apart from you.
That doesn’t mean God hasn’t chosen anyone else or that He loves them any less
than you. What it means is that God’s love is so powerful and so perfect, He can love you
exactly the same as if you were the only person in the world. He loves you so much, He
considers you His own treasure. And because of Jesus, He sees you as holy—absolutely
perfect in His sight. What an awesome thing that the God who created everything and is
totally perfect in every way actually considers you a perfect treasure. (See also: Ex. 22:31;
Is. 49:7; 1 Pet. 2:9.)
Words to Live By
Holy: The word translated as “holy” in Deuteronomy 14:2 is the Hebrew word qa-
dosh (kaw-doshe’). It means “sacred and pure.” It describes something set apart for holy
purposes. To be holy is to be completely separated from everything that is against God’s
will. We can only know God’s will by reading the Bible and listening closely as His Spirit
guides us and teaches us.
who are within your gates, may come and many nations, but they shall not reign over
eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your you.
God may bless you in all the work of your
hand which you do. Generosity to the Poor
7“If there is among you a poor man of your
Debts Canceled Every Seven brethren, within any of the gates in your
Years
land which the Lord your God is giving
15
“At the end of every seven years you, you shall not harden your heart nor
you shall grant a release of shut your hand from your poor brother,
debts. 2And this is the form of 8but you shall open your hand wide to
the release: Every creditor who has lent him and willingly lend him sufficient for
anything to his neighbor shall release it; his need, whatever he needs. 9Beware
he shall not require it of his neighbor or lest there be a wicked thought in your
his brother, because it is called the Lord’s heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year
release. 3Of a foreigner you may require it; of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil
but you shall give up your claim to what is against your poor brother and you give him
owed by your brother, 4except when there nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against
may be no poor among you; for the Lord you, and it become sin among you. 10You
will greatly bless you in the land which the shall surely give to him, and your heart
Lord your God is giving you to possess as should not be grieved when you give to
an inheritance— 5only if you carefully obey him, because for this thing the Lord your
the voice of the Lord your God, to observe God will bless you in all your works and in
with care all these commandments which all to which you put your hand. 11For the
I command you today. 6For the Lord your poor will never cease from the land; there
God will bless you just as He promised fore I command you, saying, ‘You shall
you; you shall lend to many nations, but open your hand wide to your brother, to
you shall not borrow; you shall reign over your poor and your needy, in your land.’
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DEUTERONOMY 15:12 226
The Law Concerning deer. 23Only you shall not eat its blood; you
Bondservants shall pour it on the ground like water.
12“If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a He
brew woman, is sold to you and serves you The Passover Reviewed
16
six years, then in the seventh year you shall “Observe the month of Abib,
let him go free from you. 13And when you and keep the Passover to the
send him away free from you, you shall Lord your God, for in the
not let him go away empty-handed; 14you month of Abib the Lord your God brought
shall supply him liberally from your flock, you out of Egypt by night. 2Therefore you
from your threshing floor, and from your shall sacrifice the Passover to the Lord
winepress. From what the Lord your God your God, from the flock and the herd, in
has blessed you with, you shall give to him. the place where the Lord chooses to put
15You shall remember that you were a slave His name. 3You shall eat no leavened bread
in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your with it; seven days you shall eat unleavened
God redeemed you; therefore I command bread with it, that is, the bread of affliction
you this thing today. 16And if it happens (for you came out of the land of Egypt in
that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from haste), that you may remember the day in
you,’ because he loves you and your house, which you came out of the land of Egypt all
since he prospers with you, 17then you shall the days of your life. 4And no leaven shall
take an awl and thrust it through his ear to be seen among you in all your territory for
the door, and he shall be your servant for seven days, nor shall any of the meat which
ever. Also to your female servant you shall you sacrifice the first day at twilight re
do likewise. 18It shall not seem hard to you main overnight until morning.
when you send him away free from you; for 5“You may not sacrifice the Passover
he has been worth a double hired servant within any of your gates which the Lord
in serving you six years. Then the Lord your God gives you; 6but at the place where
your God will bless you in all that you do. the Lord your God chooses to make His
name abide, there you shall sacrifice the
Passover at twilight, at the going down of
Deuteronomy 15:12 the sun, at the time you came out of Egypt.
Israelites were allowed to keep other 7And you shall roast and eat it in the place
Israelites as slaves, but only for six which the Lord your God chooses, and in
years. God’s law required that all the morning you shall turn and go to your
slaves be set free in the seventh year. tents. 8Six days you shall eat unleavened
The law was intended to prevent a bread, and on the seventh day there shall
class system from developing among be a sacred assembly to the Lord your
the Israelites. God. You shall do no work on it.
The Feast of Weeks Reviewed
The Law Concerning 9“You shall count seven weeks for your
Firstborn Animals
self; begin to count the seven weeks from
19“All the firstborn males that come from the time you begin to put the sickle to the
your herd and your flock you shall sanctify grain. 10Then you shall keep the Feast of
to the Lord your God; you shall do no work Weeks to the Lord your God with the trib
with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear ute of a freewill offering from your hand,
the firstborn of your flock. 20You and your which you shall give as the Lord your God
household shall eat it before the Lord your blesses you. 11You shall rejoice before the
God year by year in the place which the Lord your God, you and your son and your
Lord chooses. 21But if there is a defect in daughter, your male servant and your fe
it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious male servant, the Levite who is within your
defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the Lord gates, the stranger and the fatherless and
your God. 22You may eat it within your the widow who are among you, at the place
gates; the unclean and the clean person where the Lord your God chooses to make
alike may eat it, as if it were a gazelle or a His name abide. 12And you shall remember
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227 DEUTERONOMY 17:12
that you were a slave in Egypt, and you wicked in the sight of the Lord your God,
shall be careful to observe these statutes. in transgressing His covenant, 3who has
gone and served other gods and worshiped
The Feast of Tabernacles them, either the sun or moon or any of
Reviewed the host of heaven, which I have not com
13“You manded, 4and it is told you, and you hear
shall observe the Feast of Taber
of it, then you shall inquire diligently. And
nacles seven days, when you have gathered
if it is indeed true and certain that such an
from your threshing floor and from your
abomination has been committed in Israel,
winepress. 14And you shall rejoice in your 5then you shall bring out to your gates that
feast, you and your son and your daughter,
man or woman who has committed that
your male servant and your female ser
wicked thing, and shall stone to death
vant and the Levite, the stranger and the
that man or woman with stones. 6Whoever
fatherless and the widow, who are within
is deserving of death shall be put to death
your gates. 15Seven days you shall keep a
on the testimony of two or three witnesses;
sacred feast to the Lord your God in the
he shall not be put to death on the testi
place which the Lord chooses, because
mony of one witness. 7The hands of the
the Lord your God will bless you in all your
witnesses shall be the first against him to
produce and in all the work of your hands,
put him to death, and afterward the hands
so that you surely rejoice.
16“Three times a year all your males of all the people. So you shall put away the
evil from among you.
shall appear before the Lord your God in
the place which He chooses: at the Feast of
Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks,
and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they Deuteronomy 17:5–7
shall not appear before the Lord empty- Stoning was the ancient equivalent of
handed. 17Every man shall give as he is able, the electric chair or lethal injection. It
according to the blessing of the Lord your was the death penalty handed down
God which He has given you. to convicted murderers. But there was
no death row in ancient Israel. When
Justice Must Be Administered a person was convicted, he was im
mediately taken outside the camp and
18“You shall appoint judges and officers in
stoned to death.
all your gates, which the Lord your God
gives you, according to your tribes, and
they shall judge the people with just judg 8“If a matter arises which is too hard for
ment. 19You shall not pervert justice; you you to judge, between degrees of guilt for
shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, bloodshed, between one judgment or an
for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and other, or between one punishment or an
twists the words of the righteous. 20You other, matters of controversy within your
shall follow what is altogether just, that gates, then you shall arise and go up to the
you may live and inherit the land which the place which the Lord your God chooses.
Lord your God is giving you. 9And you shall come to the priests, the Le
21“You shall not plant for yourself any vites, and to the judge there in those days,
tree, as a wooden image, near the altar and inquire of them; they shall pronounce
which you build for yourself to the Lord upon you the sentence of judgment. 10You
your God. 22You shall not set up a sacred shall do according to the sentence which
pillar, which the Lord your God hates. they pronounce upon you in that place
17
“You shall not sacrifice to the which the Lord chooses. And you shall
Lord your God a bull or sheep be careful to do according to all that they
which has any blemish or de order you. 11According to the sentence of
fect, for that is an abomination to the Lord the law in which they instruct you, accord
your God. ing to the judgment which they tell you,
2“If there is found among you, within you shall do; you shall not turn aside to the
any of your gates which the Lord your God right hand or to the left from the sentence
gives you, a man or a woman who has been which they pronounce upon you. 12Now
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DEUTERONOMY 17:13 228
the man who acts presumptuously and grain and your new wine and your oil, and
will not heed the priest who stands to min the first of the fleece of your sheep, you
ister there before the Lord your God, or shall give him. 5For the Lord your God has
the judge, that man shall die. So you shall chosen him out of all your tribes to stand
put away the evil from Israel. 13And all the to minister in the name of the Lord, him
people shall hear and fear, and no longer and his sons forever.
act presumptuously. 6“So if a Levite comes from any of your
gates, from where he dwells among all Is
Principles Governing Kings rael, and comes with all the desire of his
14“When you come to the land which the mind to the place which the Lord chooses,
7then he may serve in the name of the
Lord your God is giving you, and possess
it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king Lord his God as all his brethren the Le
over me like all the nations that are around vites do, who stand there before the Lord.
8They shall have equal portions to eat, be
me,’ 15you shall surely set a king over you
whom the Lord your God chooses; one sides what comes from the sale of his in
from among your brethren you shall set as heritance.
king over you; you may not set a foreigner
over you, who is not your brother. 16But he
shall not multiply horses for himself, nor Deuteronomy 18:10, 11
cause the people to return to Egypt to mul The Israelites had some bad neigh
tiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, bors, most of whom practiced witch
‘You shall not return that way again.’ 17Nei craft and magic. Witchcraft involved
ther shall he multiply wives for himself, lest trying to see the future with the help
his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly of a pagan god. Magic involved trying
multiply silver and gold for himself. to expand one’s knowledge through
18“Also it shall be, when he sits on the mind-altering drugs. All forms of
throne of his kingdom, that he shall write witchcraft, magic, and fortune-telling
for himself a copy of this law in a book, were and are strictly forbidden by
from the one before the priests, the Levites. God.
19And it shall be with him, and he shall read
it all the days of his life, that he may learn
Avoid Wicked Customs
to fear the Lord his God and be careful to
observe all the words of this law and these 9“When you come into the land which the
statutes, 20that his heart may not be lifted Lord your God is giving you, you shall
above his brethren, that he may not turn not learn to follow the abominations of
aside from the commandment to the right those nations. 10There shall not be found
hand or to the left, and that he may prolong among you anyone who makes his son or
his days in his kingdom, he and his chil his daughter pass through the fire, or one
dren in the midst of Israel. who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer,
or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
The Portion of the Priests 11or one who conjures spells, or a medium,
and Levites or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
18
12For all who do these things are an abomi
“The priests, the Levites— all
the tribe of Levi—shall have no nation to the Lord, and because of these
part nor inheritance with Israel; abominations the Lord your God drives
they shall eat the offerings of the Lord them out from before you. 13You shall be
made by fire, and His portion. 2Therefore blameless before the Lord your God. 14For
they shall have no inheritance among their these nations which you will dispossess
brethren; the Lord is their inheritance, as listened to soothsayers and diviners; but
He said to them. as for you, the Lord your God has not ap
3“And this shall be the priest’s due from pointed such for you.
the people, from those who offer a sacri
fice, whether it is bull or sheep: they shall A New Prophet Like Moses
give to the priest the shoulder, the cheeks, 15“TheLord your God will raise up for you
and the stomach. 4The firstfruits of your a Prophet like me from your midst, from
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229 DEUTERONOMY 19:18
your brethren. Him you shall hear, 16ac with the ax to cut down the tree, and the
cording to all you desired of the Lord your head slips from the handle and strikes his
God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, neighbor so that he dies—he shall flee to
saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of one of these cities and live; 6lest the avenger
the Lord my God, nor let me see this great of blood, while his anger is hot, pursue the
fire anymore, lest I die.’ manslayer and overtake him, because the
17“And the Lord said to me: ‘What way is long, and kill him, though he was not
they have spoken is good. 18I will raise up deserving of death, since he had not hated
for them a Prophet like you from among the victim in time past. 7Therefore I com
their brethren, and will put My words in mand you, saying, ‘You shall separate three
His mouth, and He shall speak to them all cities for yourself.’
that I command Him. 19And it shall be that 8“Now if the Lord your God enlarges
whoever will not hear My words, which He your territory, as He swore to your fathers,
speaks in My name, I will require it of him. and gives you the land which He promised
20But the prophet who presumes to speak to give to your fathers, 9and if you keep
a word in My name, which I have not com all these commandments and do them,
manded him to speak, or who speaks in the which I command you today, to love the
name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ Lord your God and to walk always in His
21And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall ways, then you shall add three more cit
we know the word which the Lord has ies for yourself besides these three, 10lest
not spoken?’— 22when a prophet speaks innocent blood be shed in the midst of
in the name of the Lord, if the thing does your land which the Lord your God is giv
not happen or come to pass, that is the ing you as an inheritance, and thus guilt of
thing which the Lord has not spoken; the bloodshed be upon you.
prophet has spoken it presumptuously; 11“But if anyone hates his neighbor,
you shall not be afraid of him. lies in wait for him, rises against him and
strikes him mortally, so that he dies, and he
flees to one of these cities, 12then the elders
Cult of his city shall send and bring him from
How does God feel about there, and deliver him over to the hand
people who wrongly claim to of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
13Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall
be speaking for Him? put away the guilt of innocent blood from
Deuteronomy 18:20–22 Israel, that it may go well with you.
Property Boundaries
Three Cities of Refuge 14“You shall not remove your neighbor’s
19
“When the Lord your God has landmark, which the men of old have set,
cut off the nations whose land in your inheritance which you will inherit
the Lord your God is giving in the land that the Lord your God is giv
you, and you dispossess them and dwell in ing you to possess.
their cities and in their houses, 2you shall
separate three cities for yourself in the The Law Concerning
midst of your land which the Lord your Witnesses
God is giving you to possess. 3You shall 15“One witness shall not rise against a man
prepare roads for yourself, and divide into concerning any iniquity or any sin that he
three parts the territory of your land which commits; by the mouth of two or three wit
the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, nesses the matter shall be established. 16If
that any manslayer may flee there. a false witness rises against any man to
4“And this is the case of the manslayer testify against him of wrongdoing, 17then
who flees there, that he may live: Whoever both men in the controversy shall stand
kills his neighbor unintentionally, not hav before the Lord, before the priests and the
ing hated him in time past—5as when a judges who serve in those days. 18And the
man goes to the woods with his neighbor judges shall make careful inquiry, and in
to cut timber, and his hand swings a stroke deed, if the witness is a false witness, who
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DEUTERONOMY 19:19 230
has testified falsely against his brother, placed under tribute to you, and serve you.
19then you shall do to him as he thought to 12Now if the city will not make peace with
have done to his brother; so you shall put you, but makes war against you, then you
away the evil from among you. 20And those shall besiege it. 13And when the Lord your
who remain shall hear and fear, and here God delivers it into your hands, you shall
after they shall not again commit such evil strike every male in it with the edge of the
among you. 21Your eye shall not pity: life sword. 14But the women, the little ones,
shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all
hand for hand, foot for foot. its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and
you shall eat the enemies’ plunder which
Principles Governing the Lord your God gives you. 15Thus you
Warfare shall do to all the cities which are very far
20
“When you go out to battle from you, which are not of the cities of
against your enemies, and see these nations.
16“But of the cities of these peoples which
horses and chariots and people
more numerous than you, do not be afraid the Lord your God gives you as an inheri
of them; for the Lord your God is with you, tance, you shall let nothing that breathes
who brought you up from the land of Egypt. remain alive, 17but you shall utterly destroy
2So it shall be, when you are on the verge of them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the
battle, that the priest shall approach and Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite
speak to the people. 3And he shall say to and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God
them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the has commanded you, 18lest they teach you
verge of battle with your enemies. Do not to do according to all their abominations
let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and which they have done for their gods, and
do not tremble or be terrified because of you sin against the Lord your God.
19“When you besiege a city for a long
them; 4for the Lord your God is He who
goes with you, to fight for you against your time, while making war against it to take it,
enemies, to save you.’ you shall not destroy its trees by wielding
5“Then the officers shall speak to the an ax against them; if you can eat of them,
people, saying: ‘What man is there who has do not cut them down to use in the siege,
built a new house and has not dedicated it? for the tree of the field is man’s food. 20Only
Let him go and return to his house, lest he the trees which you know are not trees
die in the battle and another man dedicate for food you may destroy and cut down,
it. 6Also what man is there who has planted to build siegeworks against the city that
a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him makes war with you, until it is subdued.
go and return to his house, lest he die in the
battle and another man eat of it. 7And what The Law Concerning
man is there who is betrothed to a woman Unsolved Murder
21
and has not married her? Let him go and “If anyone is found slain, lying
return to his house, lest he die in the battle in the field in the land which
and another man marry her.’ the Lord your God is giving you
8“The officers shall speak further to the
to possess, and it is not known who killed
people, and say, ‘What man is there who is him, 2then your elders and your judges
fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and shall go out and measure the distance from
return to his house, lest the heart of his the slain man to the surrounding cities.
brethren fainta like his heart.’ 9And so it 3And it shall be that the elders of the city
shall be, when the officers have finished nearest to the slain man will take a heifer
speaking to the people, that they shall which has not been worked and which
make captains of the armies to lead the has not pulled with a yoke. 4The elders of
people. that city shall bring the heifer down to a
10“When you go near a city to fight
valley with flowing water, which is neither
against it, then proclaim an offer of peace
to it. 11And it shall be that if they accept 20:8 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
your offer of peace, and open to you, then Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Syriac, and
all the people who are found in it shall be Vulgate read lest he make his brother’s heart faint.
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231 DEUTERONOMY 22:3
plowed nor sown, and they shall break the the beginning of his strength; the right of
heifer’s neck there in the valley. 5Then the the firstborn is his.
priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near,
for the Lord your God has chosen them to The Rebellious Son
minister to Him and to bless in the name of 18“If a man has a stubborn and rebel
the Lord; by their word every controversy lious son who will not obey the voice of
and every assault shall be settled. 6And all his father or the voice of his mother, and
the elders of that city nearest to the slain who, when they have chastened him, will
man shall wash their hands over the heifer not heed them, 19then his father and his
whose neck was broken in the valley. 7Then mother shall take hold of him and bring
they shall answer and say, ‘Our hands have him out to the elders of his city, to the gate
not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen of his city. 20And they shall say to the elders
it. 8Provide atonement, O Lord, for Your of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn
people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and rebellious; he will not obey our voice;
and do not lay innocent blood to the charge he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ 21Then all
of Your people Israel.’ And atonement shall the men of his city shall stone him to death
be provided on their behalf for the blood. with stones; so you shall put away the evil
9So you shall put away the guilt of innocent
from among you, and all Israel shall hear
blood from among you when you do what and fear.
is right in the sight of the Lord.
Miscellaneous Laws
Female Captives 22“If a man has committed a sin deserving
10“When you go out to war against your of death, and he is put to death, and you
enemies, and the Lord your God delivers hang him on a tree, 23his body shall not
them into your hand, and you take them remain overnight on the tree, but you shall
captive, 11and you see among the captives surely bury him that day, so that you do not
a beautiful woman, and desire her and defile the land which the Lord your God is
would take her for your wife, 12then you giving you as an inheritance; for he who is
shall bring her home to your house, and hanged is accursed of God.
she shall shave her head and trim her nails.
13She shall put off the clothes of her captiv
ity, remain in your house, and mourn her Deuteronomy 21:22, 23
father and her mother a full month; after The hanging of a dead body on a
that you may go in to her and be her hus tree was a warning to other would-
band, and she shall be your wife. 14And it be criminals. Some cultures were
shall be, if you have no delight in her, then known to leave dead bodies hanging
you shall set her free, but you certainly for several days. The Israelites were
shall not sell her for money; you shall not forbidden by God to leave a body
treat her brutally, because you have hum hanging overnight.
bled her.
22
“You shall not see your broth
Firstborn Inheritance Rights
er’s ox or his sheep going astray,
15“If a man has two wives, one loved and and hide yourself from them;
the other unloved, and they have borne you shall certainly bring them back to
him children, both the loved and the un your brother. 2And if your brother is not
loved, and if the firstborn son is of her who near you, or if you do not know him, then
is unloved, 16then it shall be, on the day he you shall bring it to your own house, and
bequeaths his possessions to his sons, that it shall remain with you until your brother
he must not bestow firstborn status on seeks it; then you shall restore it to him.
the son of the loved wife in preference to 3You shall do the same with his donkey,
the son of the unloved, the true firstborn. and so shall you do with his garment; with
17But he shall acknowledge the son of the any lost thing of your brother’s, which he
unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him has lost and you have found, you shall do
a double portion of all that he has, for he is likewise; you must not hide yourself.
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DEUTERONOMY 22:4 232
Making It Real //
Deuteronomy 22:5
God Knows Best God made two types of people—men and women. Not exactly a
revelation, right? But it seems a lot of people have tried to totally disregard that there is a
difference between the two. God made us with different body shapes, different emotional
makeups, and different strengths and weaknesses. One is not better than the other; they
are simply different. God considers both sexes good and right. But He does not consider
them interchangeable.
God is disgusted when someone tries to go against His design and pretend to be
what they are not. God has a plan and a purpose for both men and women, and it is sinful
when people try to act like the opposite of what God made them to be. Cross-dressing is
like shouting, “I know more than God does! I should have been born this way! God blew
it when He made me!”
Most often when people pretend to be the opposite sex, they are confused about
what is right. They may feel rejected, angry, or hurt by the things that have happened to
them in life. They don’t realize they are offending God or that they need His love. Read
Deuteronomy 22:5 carefully. God does not hate a cross-dresser. God hates cross-dressing.
He loves every person on this earth. It is sin that He cannot stand. Be glad that God made
you the way you are. He has a plan for you as a strong, godly man or woman. He makes
no mistakes. (See also: Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9.)
Words to Live By
Abomination: The word translated in Deuteronomy 22:5 as “abomination” is towe-
bah (to-ay-baw’). It means “something detestable, disgusting, or repulsive.” Whenever
this word is used in reference to God, it describes things that are totally unholy, such as
murder or idolatry. But, just as God does not hate people but does hate their sin, we must
also learn to separate the sin from the sinner. We must love them, even when their ac
tions are sinful.
4“You shall not see your brother’s don 9“You shall not sow your vineyard with
key or his ox fall down along the road, and different kinds of seed, lest the yield of the
hide yourself from them; you shall surely seed which you have sown and the fruit of
help him lift them up again. your vineyard be defiled.
5“A woman shall not wear anything that 10“You shall not plow with an ox and a
pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a donkey together.
woman’s garment, for all who do so are an 11“You shall not wear a garment of dif
abomination to the Lord your God. ferent sorts, such as wool and linen mixed
6“If a bird’s nest happens to be before together.
you along the way, in any tree or on the 12“You shall make tassels on the four
ground, with young ones or eggs, with the corners of the clothing with which you
mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, cover yourself.
you shall not take the mother with the
young; 7you shall surely let the mother go, Laws of Sexual Morality
and take the young for yourself, that it may 13“If any man takes a wife, and goes in to
be well with you and that you may prolong her, and detests her, 14and charges her
your days. with shameful conduct, and brings a bad
8“When you build a new house, then you name on her, and says, ‘I took this woman,
shall make a parapet for your roof, that you and when I came to her I found she was
may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your not a virgin,’ 15then the father and mother
household if anyone falls from it. of the young woman shall take and bring
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233 DEUTERONOMY 23:13
out the evidence of the young woman’s vir shall give to the young woman’s father fifty
ginity to the elders of the city at the gate. shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife
16And the young woman’s father shall say because he has humbled her; he shall not
to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this be permitted to divorce her all his days.
man as wife, and he detests her. 17Now he 30“A man shall not take his father’s wife,
has charged her with shameful conduct, nor uncover his father’s bed.
saying, “I found your daughter was not
a virgin,” and yet these are the evidences Those Excluded
of my daughter’s virginity.’ And they shall from the Congregation
23
spread the cloth before the elders of the “He who is emasculated by
city. 18Then the elders of that city shall crushing or mutilation shall
take that man and punish him; 19and they not enter the assembly of the
shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver Lord.
and give them to the father of the young 2“One of illegitimate birth shall not en
woman, because he has brought a bad ter the assembly of the Lord; even to the
name on a virgin of Israel. And she shall be tenth generation none of his descendants
his wife; he cannot divorce her all his days. shall enter the assembly of the Lord.
20“But if the thing is true, and evidences 3“An Ammonite or Moabite shall not en
of virginity are not found for the young ter the assembly of the Lord; even to the
woman, 21then they shall bring out the tenth generation none of his descendants
young woman to the door of her father’s shall enter the assembly of the Lord for
house, and the men of her city shall stone ever, 4because they did not meet you with
her to death with stones, because she has bread and water on the road when you
done a disgraceful thing in Israel, to play came out of Egypt, and because they hired
the harlot in her father’s house. So you shall against you Balaam the son of Beor from
put away the evil from among you. Pethor of Mesopotamia,a to curse you.
22“If a man is found lying with a woman 5Nevertheless the Lord your God would
married to a husband, then both of them not listen to Balaam, but the Lord your
shall die— the man that lay with the God turned the curse into a blessing for
woman, and the woman; so you shall put you, because the Lord your God loves you.
away the evil from Israel. 6You shall not seek their peace nor their
23“If a young woman who is a virgin is be prosperity all your days forever.
trothed to a husband, and a man finds her 7“You shall not abhor an Edomite, for
in the city and lies with her, 24then you shall he is your brother. You shall not abhor an
bring them both out to the gate of that city, Egyptian, because you were an alien in his
and you shall stone them to death with land. 8The children of the third generation
stones, the young woman because she did born to them may enter the assembly of
not cry out in the city, and the man because the Lord.
he humbled his neighbor’s wife; so you
shall put away the evil from among you. Cleanliness of the Campsite
25“But if a man finds a betrothed young 9“When the army goes out against your
woman in the countryside, and the man enemies, then keep yourself from every
forces her and lies with her, then only the wicked thing. 10If there is any man among
man who lay with her shall die. 26But you you who becomes unclean by some oc
shall do nothing to the young woman; there currence in the night, then he shall go
is in the young woman no sin deserving of outside the camp; he shall not come inside
death, for just as when a man rises against the camp. 11But it shall be, when evening
his neighbor and kills him, even so is this comes, that he shall wash with water; and
matter. 27For he found her in the coun when the sun sets, he may come into the
tryside, and the betrothed young woman camp.
cried out, but there was no one to save her. 12“Also you shall have a place outside
28“If a man finds a young woman who
the camp, where you may go out; 13and
is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and he you shall have an implement among your
seizes her and lies with her, and they are
found out, 29then the man who lay with her 23:4 aHebrew Aram Naharaim
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DEUTERONOMY 23:14 234
equipment, and when you sit down out in your container. 25When you come into
side, you shall dig with it and turn and your neighbor’s standing grain, you may
cover your refuse. 14For the Lord your God pluck the heads with your hand, but you
walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s
you and give your enemies over to you; standing grain.
therefore your camp shall be holy, that He
may see no unclean thing among you, and Law Concerning Divorce
24
turn away from you. “When a man takes a wife and
marries her, and it happens that
Miscellaneous Laws she finds no favor in his eyes
15“You shall not give back to his master the because he has found some uncleanness
slave who has escaped from his master to in her, and he writes her a certificate of
you. 16He may dwell with you in your midst, divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her
in the place which he chooses within one out of his house, 2when she has departed
of your gates, where it seems best to him; from his house, and goes and becomes
you shall not oppress him. another man’s wife, 3if the latter husband
detests her and writes her a certificate of
divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her
Deuteronomy 23:15 out of his house, or if the latter husband
Running away was one of the worst dies who took her as his wife, 4then her for
crimes a slave could commit. Most mer husband who divorced her must not
cultures allowed masters to kill their take her back to be his wife after she has
runaway slaves. You can see God’s re been defiled; for that is an abomination be
spect for human life in His command fore the Lord, and you shall not bring sin
to the Israelites to protect runaway on the land which the Lord your God is
slaves. giving you as an inheritance.
Miscellaneous Laws
17“There shall be no ritual harlota of the 5“When a man has taken a new wife, he
daughters of Israel, or a pervertedb one of
the sons of Israel. 18You shall not bring the shall not go out to war or be charged with
wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the any business; he shall be free at home one
house of the Lord your God for any vowed year, and bring happiness to his wife whom
he has taken.
offering, for both of these are an abomina 6“No man shall take the lower or the up
tion to the Lord your God.
19“You shall not charge interest to your per millstone in pledge, for he takes one’s
living in pledge.
brother—interest on money or food or any 7“If a man is found kidnapping any of his
thing that is lent out at interest. 20To a for
brethren of the children of Israel, and mis
eigner you may charge interest, but to your
treats him or sells him, then that kidnap
brother you shall not charge interest, that
per shall die; and you shall put away the
the Lord your God may bless you in all to
evil from among you.
which you set your hand in the land which 8“Take heed in an outbreak of leprosy,
you are entering to possess.
21“When you make a vow to the Lord that you carefully observe and do accord
ing to all that the priests, the Levites, shall
your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for
teach you; just as I commanded them, so
the Lord your God will surely require it of
you shall be careful to do. 9Remember what
you, and it would be sin to you. 22But if you
the Lord your God did to Miriam on the
abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to
way when you came out of Egypt!
you. 23That which has gone from your lips 10“When you lend your brother any
you shall keep and perform, for you volun
thing, you shall not go into his house to get
tarily vowed to the Lord your God what
you have promised with your mouth. 23:17 aHebrew qedeshah, feminine of qadesh
24“When you come into your neighbor’s
(see note b) bHebrew qadesh, that is, one
vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes at practicing sodomy and prostitution in religious
your pleasure, but you shall not put any rituals
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235 DEUTERONOMY 25:9
his pledge. 11You shall stand outside, and and your brother be humiliated in your
the man to whom you lend shall bring the sight.
pledge out to you. 12And if the man is poor,
you shall not keep his pledge overnight.
13You shall in any case return the pledge to Deuteronomy 25:3
him again when the sun goes down, that Forty lashes with a whip was the
he may sleep in his own garment and bless maximum number God allowed as
you; and it shall be righteousness to you punishment for a crime. The Israelites
before the Lord your God. were so careful not to exceed that
14“You shall not oppress a hired servant number that they stopped at thirty-
who is poor and needy, whether one of your nine lashes, just in case they made a
brethren or one of the aliens who is in your mistake in counting.
land within your gates. 15Each day you
shall give him his wages, and not let the sun 4“You shall not muzzle an ox while it
go down on it, for he is poor and has set his
heart on it; lest he cry out against you to treads out the grain.
the Lord, and it be sin to you.
16“Fathers shall not be put to death for
their children, nor shall children be put to
Deuteronomy 25:4
Wheat and other grains had to be
death for their fathers; a person shall be put
crushed so that the grain could be
to death for his own sin.
17“You shall not pervert justice due the separated from the leaves and stems
of the plant. One of the best crush
stranger or the fatherless, nor take a wid
ing methods was to spread the grain
ow’s garment as a pledge. 18But you shall
on the ground and have an ox pull a
remember that you were a slave in Egypt,
heavy piece of wood over it. As a re
and the Lord your God redeemed you
ward for its hard work, the ox’s mouth
from there; therefore I command you to do
was left unmuzzled so that the animal
this thing.
19“When you reap your harvest in your
could eat some of the grain while it
worked.
field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you
shall not go back to get it; it shall be for
the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow,
Marriage Duty
that the Lord your God may bless you in all of the Surviving Brother
the work of your hands. 20When you beat
5“If brothers dwell together, and one of
your olive trees, you shall not go over the
boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, them dies and has no son, the widow of
the fatherless, and the widow. 21When you the dead man shall not be married to a
gather the grapes of your vineyard, you stranger outside the family; her husband’s
shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for brother shall go in to her, take her as his
the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s
22And you shall remember that you were a brother to her. 6And it shall be that the first
slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I com born son which she bears will succeed to
mand you to do this thing. the name of his dead brother, that his name
25
“If there is a dispute between may not be blotted out of Israel. 7But if the
men, and they come to court, man does not want to take his brother’s
that the judges may judge wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the
them, and they justify the righteous and gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband’s
condemn the wicked, 2then it shall be, if brother refuses to raise up a name to his
the wicked man deserves to be beaten, brother in Israel; he will not perform the
that the judge will cause him to lie down duty of my husband’s brother.’ 8Then the
and be beaten in his presence, accord elders of his city shall call him and speak to
ing to his guilt, with a certain number of him. But if he stands firm and says, ‘I do not
blows. 3Forty blows he may give him and want to take her,’ 9then his brother’s wife
no more, lest he should exceed this and shall come to him in the presence of the el
beat him with many blows above these, ders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit
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DEUTERONOMY 25:10 236
in his face, and answer and say, ‘So shall it the country which the Lord swore to our
be done to the man who will not build up fathers to give us.’
his brother’s house.’ 10And his name shall 4“Then the priest shall take the basket
be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who out of your hand and set it down before
had his sandal removed.’ the altar of the Lord your God. 5And you
shall answer and say before the Lord your
Miscellaneous Laws God: ‘My father was a Syrian,a about to per
11“If two men fight together, and the wife ish, and he went down to Egypt and dwelt
of one draws near to rescue her husband there, few in number; and there he became
from the hand of the one attacking him, a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 6But
and puts out her hand and seizes him by the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us,
the genitals, 12then you shall cut off her and laid hard bondage on us. 7Then we
hand; your eye shall not pity her. cried out to the Lord God of our fathers,
13“You shall not have in your bag differ and the Lord heard our voice and looked
ing weights, a heavy and a light. 14You shall on our affliction and our labor and our op
not have in your house differing measures, pression. 8So the Lord brought us out of
a large and a small. 15You shall have a per Egypt with a mighty hand and with an out
fect and just weight, a perfect and just mea stretched arm, with great terror and with
sure, that your days may be lengthened in signs and wonders. 9He has brought us to
the land which the Lord your God is giving this place and has given us this land, “a
you. 16For all who do such things, all who land flowing with milk and honey”;a 10and
behave unrighteously, are an abomination now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits
to the Lord your God. of the land which you, O Lord, have given
me.’
Destroy the Amalekites “Then you shall set it before the Lord
17“Remember what Amalek did to you on
your God, and worship before the Lord
your God. 11So you shall rejoice in every
the way as you were coming out of Egypt,
18how he met you on the way and attacked
good thing which the Lord your God has
given to you and your house, you and the
your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your
Levite and the stranger who is among you.
rear, when you were tired and weary; and 12“When you have finished laying aside
he did not fear God. 19Therefore it shall
all the tithe of your increase in the third
be, when the Lord your God has given
year—the year of tithing—and have given
you rest from your enemies all around,
it to the Levite, the stranger, the father
in the land which the Lord your God is
less, and the widow, so that they may eat
giving you to possess as an inheritance,
within your gates and be filled, 13then you
that you will blot out the remembrance
shall say before the Lord your God: ‘I have
of Amalek from under heaven. You shall
removed the holy tithe from my house, and
not forget.
also have given them to the Levite, the
Offerings of Firstfruits stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, ac
and Tithes cording to all Your commandments which
You have commanded me; I have not trans
26
“And it shall be, when you come gressed Your commandments, nor have
into the land which the Lord I forgotten them. 14I have not eaten any of
your God is giving you as an it when in mourning, nor have I removed
inheritance, and you possess it and dwell any of it for an unclean use, nor given any
in it, 2that you shall take some of the first of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of
of all the produce of the ground, which you the Lord my God, and have done accord
shall bring from your land that the Lord ing to all that You have commanded me.
your God is giving you, and put it in a bas 15Look down from Your holy habitation,
ket and go to the place where the Lord from heaven, and bless Your people Israel
your God chooses to make His name abide. and the land which You have given us, just
3And you shall go to the one who is priest in
those days, and say to him, ‘I declare today 26:5 aOr Aramean
26:3 aSeptuagint reads my.
to the Lord youra God that I have come to 26:9 aExodus 3:8
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237 DEUTERONOMY 27:20
as You swore to our fathers, “a land flowing the Lord your God. 7You shall offer peace
with milk and honey.” ’a offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice
before the Lord your God. 8And you shall
A Special People of God write very plainly on the stones all the
16“This day the Lord your God commands words of this law.”
9Then Moses and the priests, the Le
you to observe these statutes and judg
ments; therefore you shall be careful to vites, spoke to all Israel, saying, “Take heed
observe them with all your heart and with and listen, O Israel: This day you have be
all your soul. 17Today you have proclaimed come the people of the Lord your God.
10Therefore you shall obey the voice of
the Lord to be your God, and that you will
walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His the Lord your God, and observe His com
commandments, and His judgments, and mandments and His statutes which I com
that you will obey His voice. 18Also today mand you today.”
the Lord has proclaimed you to be His spe
cial people, just as He promised you, that Belief
you should keep all His commandments, What should accompany
19and that He will set you high above all
nations which He has made, in praise, in belief in God?
name, and in honor, and that you may be Deuteronomy 27:9, 10
a holy people to the Lord your God, just as
He has spoken.”
Curses Pronounced
from Mount Ebal
Obedience 11And Moses commanded the people on
What are God’s children the same day, saying, 12“These shall stand
called to do? on Mount Gerizim to bless the people,
Deuteronomy 26:18 when you have crossed over the Jordan:
Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph,
and Benjamin; 13and these shall stand on
The Law Inscribed on Stones Mount Ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher,
Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
27
Now Moses, with the elders of 14“And the Levites shall speak with a
Israel, commanded the people, loud voice and say to all the men of Israel:
saying: “Keep all the com 15‘Cursed is the one who makes a carved
mandments which I command you to or molded image, an abomination to the
day. 2And it shall be, on the day when you Lord, the work of the hands of the crafts
cross over the Jordan to the land which man, and sets it up in secret.’
the Lord your God is giving you, that you “And all the people shall answer and say,
shall set up for yourselves large stones, ‘Amen!’
and whitewash them with lime. 3You shall 16‘Cursed is the one who treats his father
write on them all the words of this law, or his mother with contempt.’
when you have crossed over, that you may “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
enter the land which the Lord your God is 17‘Cursed is the one who moves his
giving you, ‘a land flowing with milk and neighbor’s landmark.’
honey,’a just as the Lord God of your fa “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
thers promised you. 4Therefore it shall be, 18‘Cursed is the one who makes the
when you have crossed over the Jordan, blind to wander off the road.’
that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
stones, which I command you today, and 19‘Cursed is the one who perverts the
you shall whitewash them with lime. 5And justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and
there you shall build an altar to the Lord widow.’
your God, an altar of stones; you shall not “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
use an iron tool on them. 6You shall build 20‘Cursed is the one who lies with his
with whole stones the altar of the Lord
your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to 26:15 aExodus 3:8 27:3 aExodus 3:8
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DEUTERONOMY 27:21 238
father’s wife, because he has uncovered his to you, if you keep the commandments
father’s bed.’ of the Lord your God and walk in His
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ ways. 10Then all peoples of the earth shall
21‘Cursed is the one who lies with any see that you are called by the name of the
kind of animal.’ Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11And
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ the Lord will grant you plenty of goods,
22‘Cursed is the one who lies with his sis in the fruit of your body, in the increase of
ter, the daughter of his father or the daugh your livestock, and in the produce of your
ter of his mother.’ ground, in the land of which the Lord
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ swore to your fathers to give you. 12The
23‘Cursed is the one who lies with his Lord will open to you His good treasure,
mother-in-law.’ the heavens, to give the rain to your land in
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ its season, and to bless all the work of your
24‘Cursed is the one who attacks his hand. You shall lend to many nations, but
neighbor secretly.’ you shall not borrow. 13And the Lord will
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ make you the head and not the tail; you
25‘Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to shall be above only, and not be beneath, if
slay an innocent person.’ you heed the commandments of the Lord
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ your God, which I command you today,
26‘Cursed is the one who does not con and are careful to observe them. 14So you
firm all the words of this law by observing shall not turn aside from any of the words
them.’ which I command you this day, to the right
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ or the left, to go after other gods to serve
them.
Blessings on Obedience
Curses on Disobedience
28
“Now it shall come to pass, if
you diligently obey the voice of 15“But it shall come to pass, if you do not
the Lord your God, to observe obey the voice of the Lord your God, to ob
carefully all His commandments which I serve carefully all His commandments and
command you today, that the Lord your His statutes which I command you today,
God will set you high above all nations of that all these curses will come upon you
the earth. 2And all these blessings shall and overtake you:
come upon you and overtake you, because 16“Cursed shall you be in the city, and
you obey the voice of the Lord your God: cursed shall you be in the country.
3“Blessed shall you be in the city, and 17“Cursed shall be your basket and your
blessed shall you be in the country. kneading bowl.
4“Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, 18“Cursed shall be the fruit of your body
the produce of your ground and the in and the produce of your land, the increase
crease of your herds, the increase of your of your cattle and the offspring of your
cattle and the offspring of your flocks. flocks.
5“Blessed shall be your basket and your 19“Cursed shall you be when you come
kneading bowl. in, and cursed shall you be when you go
6“Blessed shall you be when you come in, out.
and blessed shall you be when you go out. 20“The Lord will send on you cursing,
7“The Lord will cause your enemies confusion, and rebuke in all that you set
who rise against you to be defeated before your hand to do, until you are destroyed
your face; they shall come out against you and until you perish quickly, because of the
one way and flee before you seven ways. wickedness of your doings in which you
8“The Lord will command the blessing have forsaken Me. 21The Lord will make
on you in your storehouses and in all to the plague cling to you until He has con
which you set your hand, and He will bless sumed you from the land which you are
you in the land which the Lord your God going to possess. 22The Lord will strike you
is giving you. with consumption, with fever, with inflam
9“The Lord will establish you as a holy mation, with severe burning fever, with the
people to Himself, just as He has sworn sword, with scorching, and with mildew;
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239 DEUTERONOMY 28:39
Promise
God promises to make you successful in
your work.
“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you
be when you go out” (Deut. 28:6).
One of the blessings of obedience is that God will make
you successful in your work (Deut. 28:3–6). But be careful not to confuse God’s kind
of success with the world’s version of success. The world deceives us into believing
that we’re successful if we wear the right clothes, drive an expensive car, make the
varsity team, get the right prom date, and get into a top college—when we achieve
the things the world considers important. God says we are successful when we are
pleasing to Him (2 Cor. 5:9). You’ve been successful to God today if you’ve brought
glory to Him. It’s that simple. You don’t have to worry or wonder about how to
succeed in life. God will work in your life and make you successful in His eyes, and
that is true success.
See for yourself// Deuteronomy 2:7; 15:10; 1 Chronicles 28:20;
Nehemiah 2:20; Psalm 1:3
they shall pursue you until you perish. your donkey shall be violently taken away
23And your heavens which are over your from before you, and shall not be restored
head shall be bronze, and the earth which to you; your sheep shall be given to your en
is under you shall be iron. 24The Lord will emies, and you shall have no one to rescue
change the rain of your land to powder and them. 32Your sons and your daughters shall
dust; from the heaven it shall come down be given to another people, and your eyes
on you until you are destroyed. shall look and fail with longing for them all
25“The Lord will cause you to be de day long; and there shall be no strength in
feated before your enemies; you shall go your hand. 33A nation whom you have not
out one way against them and flee seven known shall eat the fruit of your land and
ways before them; and you shall become the produce of your labor, and you shall be
troublesome to all the kingdoms of the only oppressed and crushed continually.
earth. 26Your carcasses shall be food for 34So you shall be driven mad because of
all the birds of the air and the beasts of the sight which your eyes see. 35The Lord
the earth, and no one shall frighten them will strike you in the knees and on the legs
away. 27The Lord will strike you with the with severe boils which cannot be healed,
boils of Egypt, with tumors, with the scab, and from the sole of your foot to the top of
and with the itch, from which you cannot your head.
be healed. 28The Lord will strike you with 36“The Lord will bring you and the king
madness and blindness and confusion of whom you set over you to a nation which
heart. 29And you shall grope at noonday, as neither you nor your fathers have known,
a blind man gropes in darkness; you shall and there you shall serve other gods—
not prosper in your ways; you shall be only wood and stone. 37And you shall become
oppressed and plundered continually, and an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword
no one shall save you. among all nations where the Lord will
30“You shall betroth a wife, but another drive you.
man shall lie with her; you shall build a 38“You shall carry much seed out to the
house, but you shall not dwell in it; you field but gather little in, for the locust shall
shall plant a vineyard, but shall not gather consume it. 39You shall plant vineyards
its grapes. 31Your ox shall be slaughtered and tend them, but you shall neither drink
before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it; of the wine nor gather the grapes; for the
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DEUTERONOMY 28:40 240
worms shall eat them. 40You shall have ol wife of his bosom, and toward the rest of
ive trees throughout all your territory, but his children whom he leaves behind, 55so
you shall not anoint yourself with the oil; that he will not give any of them the flesh
for your olives shall drop off. 41You shall of his children whom he will eat, because
beget sons and daughters, but they shall he has nothing left in the siege and desper
not be yours; for they shall go into captiv ate straits in which your enemy shall dis
ity. 42Locusts shall consume all your trees tress you at all your gates. 56The tender and
and the produce of your land. delicate woman among you, who would
43“The alien who is among you shall rise not venture to set the sole of her foot on
higher and higher above you, and you shall the ground because of her delicateness and
come down lower and lower. 44He shall sensitivity, will refusea to the husband of
lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; her bosom, and to her son and her daugh
he shall be the head, and you shall be the ter, 57her placenta which comes out from
tail. between her feet and her children whom
45“Moreover all these curses shall come she bears; for she will eat them secretly for
upon you and pursue and overtake you, lack of everything in the siege and desper
until you are destroyed, because you did ate straits in which your enemy shall dis
not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to tress you at all your gates.
keep His commandments and His statutes 58“If you do not carefully observe all the
which He commanded you. 46And they words of this law that are written in this
shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, book, that you may fear this glorious and
and on your descendants forever. awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD,
47“Because you did not serve the Lord 59then the Lord will bring upon you and
your God with joy and gladness of heart, your descendants extraordinary plagues—
for the abundance of everything, 48there great and prolonged plagues—and serious
fore you shall serve your enemies, whom and prolonged sicknesses. 60Moreover He
the Lord will send against you, in hun will bring back on you all the diseases of
ger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they
everything; and He will put a yoke of iron shall cling to you. 61Also every sickness and
on your neck until He has destroyed you. every plague, which is not written in this
49The Lord will bring a nation against you
Book of the Law, will the Lord bring upon
from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift you until you are destroyed. 62You shall be
as the eagle flies, a nation whose language left few in number, whereas you were as
you will not understand, 50a nation of fierce the stars of heaven in multitude, because
countenance, which does not respect the you would not obey the voice of the Lord
elderly nor show favor to the young. 51And your God. 63And it shall be, that just as the
they shall eat the increase of your livestock Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and
and the produce of your land, until you are multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over
destroyed; they shall not leave you grain you to destroy you and bring you to noth
or new wine or oil, or the increase of your ing; and you shall be plucked from off the
cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until land which you go to possess.
they have destroyed you. 64“Then the Lord will scatter you
52“They shall besiege you at all your
among all peoples, from one end of the
gates until your high and fortified walls, in earth to the other, and there you shall serve
which you trust, come down throughout other gods, which neither you nor your fa
all your land; and they shall besiege you thers have known—wood and stone. 65And
at all your gates throughout all your land among those nations you shall find no rest,
which the Lord your God has given you. nor shall the sole of your foot have a rest
53You shall eat the fruit of your own body,
ing place; but there the Lord will give you
the flesh of your sons and your daughters a trembling heart, failing eyes, and anguish
whom the Lord your God has given you, of soul. 66Your life shall hang in doubt be
in the siege and desperate straits in which fore you; you shall fear day and night, and
your enemy shall distress you. 54The sensi have no assurance of life. 67In the morning
tive and very refined man among you will
be hostile toward his brother, toward the 28:56 aLiterally her eye shall be evil toward
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241 DEUTERONOMY 29:25
you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were evening!’ And Himself, and that He may be God to you,
at evening you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were just as He has spoken to you, and just as
morning!’ because of the fear which ter He has sworn to your fathers, to Abraham,
rifies your heart, and because of the sight Isaac, and Jacob.
which your eyes see. 14“I make this covenant and this oath,
68“And the Lord will take you back to not with you alone, 15but with him who
Egypt in ships, by the way of which I said stands here with us today before the Lord
to you, ‘You shall never see it again.’ And our God, as well as with him who is not
there you shall be offered for sale to your here with us today 16(for you know that
enemies as male and female slaves, but no we dwelt in the land of Egypt and that
one will buy you.” we came through the nations which you
passed by, 17and you saw their abomina
The Covenant Renewed tions and their idols which were among
in Moab them— wood and stone and silver and
29
These are the words of the cov gold); 18so that there may not be among
enant which the Lord com you man or woman or family or tribe,
manded Moses to make with whose heart turns away today from the
the children of Israel in the land of Moab, Lord our God, to go and serve the gods
besides the covenant which He made with of these nations, and that there may not
them in Horeb. be among you a root bearing bitterness
2Now Moses called all Israel and said or wormwood; 19and so it may not hap
to them: “You have seen all that the Lord pen, when he hears the words of this curse,
did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying,
to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow
all his land—3the great trials which your the dictatesa of my heart’—as though the
eyes have seen, the signs, and those great drunkard could be included with the sober.
wonders. 4Yet the Lord has not given you 20“The Lord would not spare him; for
a heart to perceive and eyes to see and then the anger of the Lord and His jeal
ears to hear, to this very day. 5And I have ousy would burn against that man, and ev
led you forty years in the wilderness. Your ery curse that is written in this book would
clothes have not worn out on you, and your settle on him, and the Lord would blot
sandals have not worn out on your feet. out his name from under heaven. 21And
6You have not eaten bread, nor have you the Lord would separate him from all the
drunk wine or similar drink, that you may tribes of Israel for adversity, according to all
know that I am the Lord your God. 7And the curses of the covenant that are written
when you came to this place, Sihon king in this Book of the Law, 22so that the com
of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan came ing generation of your children who rise
out against us to battle, and we conquered up after you, and the foreigner who comes
them. 8We took their land and gave it as from a far land, would say, when they see
an inheritance to the Reubenites, to the the plagues of that land and the sicknesses
Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh. which the Lord has laid on it:
9Therefore keep the words of this cov 23‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and
enant, and do them, that you may prosper burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor
in all that you do. does any grass grow there, like the over
10“All of you stand today before the Lord
throw of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah,
your God: your leaders and your tribes and and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew
your elders and your officers, all the men in His anger and His wrath.’ 24“All nations
of Israel, 11your little ones and your wives— would say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to
also the stranger who is in your camp, from this land? What does the heat of this great
the one who cuts your wood to the one anger mean?’ 25Then people would say: ‘Be
who draws your water—12that you may cause they have forsaken the covenant of
enter into covenant with the Lord your the Lord God of their fathers, which He
God, and into His oath, which the Lord made with them when He brought them
your God makes with you today, 13that He
may establish you today as a people for 29:19 aOr stubbornness
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DEUTERONOMY 29:26 242
out of the land of Egypt; 26for they went and rejoiced over your fathers, 10if you obey the
served other gods and worshiped them, voice of the Lord your God, to keep His
gods that they did not know and that He commandments and His statutes which
had not given to them. 27Then the anger of are written in this Book of the Law, and
the Lord was aroused against this land, if you turn to the Lord your God with all
to bring on it every curse that is written in your heart and with all your soul.
this book. 28And the Lord uprooted them
from their land in anger, in wrath, and in The Choice of Life or Death
great indignation, and cast them into an 11“For
other land, as it is this day.’ this commandment which I com
29“The secret things belong to the Lord mand you today is not too mysterious for
our God, but those things which are re you, nor is it far off. 12It is not in heaven,
vealed belong to us and to our children for that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into
ever, that we may do all the words of this heaven for us and bring it to us, that we
law. may hear it and do it?’ 13Nor is it beyond
the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go
The Blessing of Returning over the sea for us and bring it to us, that
to God we may hear it and do it?’ 14But the word is
very near you, in your mouth and in your
30
“Now it shall come to pass, heart, that you may do it.
when all these things come 15“See, I have set before you today life
upon you, the blessing and the and good, death and evil, 16in that I com
curse which I have set before you, and you mand you today to love the Lord your
call them to mind among all the nations God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His
where the Lord your God drives you, 2and commandments, His statutes, and His
you return to the Lord your God and obey judgments, that you may live and mul
His voice, according to all that I command tiply; and the Lord your God will bless
you today, you and your children, with all you in the land which you go to possess.
your heart and with all your soul, 3that the 17But if your heart turns away so that you
Lord your God will bring you back from do not hear, and are drawn away, and wor
captivity, and have compassion on you, ship other gods and serve them, 18I an
and gather you again from all the nations nounce to you today that you shall surely
where the Lord your God has scattered perish; you shall not prolong your days in
you. 4If any of you are driven out to the far the land which you cross over the Jordan
thest parts under heaven, from there the to go in and possess. 19I call heaven and
Lord your God will gather you, and from earth as witnesses today against you, that
there He will bring you. 5Then the Lord I have set before you life and death, bless
your God will bring you to the land which ing and cursing; therefore choose life, that
your fathers possessed, and you shall pos both you and your descendants may live;
sess it. He will prosper you and multiply 20that you may love the Lord your God,
you more than your fathers. 6And the Lord that you may obey His voice, and that you
your God will circumcise your heart and may cling to Him, for He is your life and
the heart of your descendants, to love the the length of your days; and that you may
Lord your God with all your heart and dwell in the land which the Lord swore to
with all your soul, that you may live. your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
7“Also the Lord your God will put all
to give them.”
these curses on your enemies and on those
who hate you, who persecuted you. 8And
you will again obey the voice of the Lord Joshua the New Leader
of Israel
and do all His commandments which I
31
command you today. 9The Lord your God Then Moses went and spoke
will make you abound in all the work of these words to all Israel. 2And
your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the he said to them: “I am one hun
increase of your livestock, and in the pro dred and twenty years old today. I can no
duce of your land for good. For the Lord longer go out and come in. Also the Lord
will again rejoice over you for good as He has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over
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243 DEUTERONOMY 31:12
Promise
God promises never to leave or forsake
you.
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be
with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor
be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8).
When you’re about to go into unfamiliar territory—a new school, your first
date, standing up for yourself for the first time—you probably feel a little shaky.
Everyone understands that new situations can be a little scary. But if God told the
Israelites not to be afraid of their enemies, you can bet He doesn’t want you to be
afraid of anything either. He certainly doesn’t want you to be afraid of something
just because you’re not used to it.
In these days of online, long-distance ”friending” and conversations that take
place through texted symbols and abbreviations taking the place of real, face-to-
face relationships, it’s easy to think that no one will ever be truly committed to you.
But God will. He is with you all the time. In the good times and the bad, in the
familiar moments and the new experiences, God is totally with you. No matter
what you do or where you go, He is there. He doesn’t take a break, and He will never
block your comments or “unfriend” you. When God says He will not leave you nor
forsake you, He is telling you He is with you all the time. You are never alone.
See for yourself// Joshua 1:5; Psalm 139:7–10; Matthew 28:19, 20;
Hebrews 13:5
this Jordan.’ 3The Lord your God Himself them; for the Lord your God, He is the One
crosses over before you; He will destroy who goes with you. He will not leave you
these nations from before you, and you nor forsake you.”
7Then Moses called Joshua and said
shall dispossess them. Joshua himself
crosses over before you, just as the Lord to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong
has said. 4And the Lord will do to them and of good courage, for you must go with
as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of this people to the land which the Lord has
the Amorites and their land, when He de sworn to their fathers to give them, and
stroyed them. 5The Lord will give them you shall cause them to inherit it. 8And the
over to you, that you may do to them ac Lord, He is the One who goes before you.
cording to every commandment which I He will be with you, He will not leave you
have commanded you. 6Be strong and of nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dis
good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of mayed.”
The Law to Be Read Every
Deuteronomy 31:7 Seven Years
Joshua was born as a slave in Egypt. 9So Moses wrote this law and delivered it
He saw God’s protection of His people to the priests, the sons of Levi, who bore
through all the plagues God brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to
on the Egyptians. He had seen the all the elders of Israel. 10And Moses com
land of Canaan—the Promised Land, manded them, saying: “At the end of every
so he knew what the Lord had wait seven years, at the appointed time in the
ing for the Israelites. Because of his year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles,
faithfulness in service to Moses and to 11when all Israel comes to appear before
God, Joshua was chosen by God as the the Lord your God in the place which He
leader of Israel. chooses, you shall read this law before all
Israel in their hearing. 12Gather the people
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Life App
School / Deuteronomy 31:8
School is a fact of life. From elementary school to high school, we
are students; no ifs, ands, or buts. It can be a wonderful experience
for some. For others, it can be like torture. Most of us fall somewhere
in between—some days are good ones, others make us want to hide
in our rooms until the world goes away.
The problem with school is that we are surrounded by people
who are still learning and growing into the people they will become.
In the early grades, no one really cares—life is all about just being a
kid. But in high school, things get a little more serious. We find our
selves growing up and more is expected from us. We start wondering
what the future holds and what kind of person we will be as an adult.
The pressure to find our own path can get a bit scary.
No matter how well-adjusted others may seem, everyone is strug
gling to find their identity and purpose. The homecoming queen
and the computer nerd are both trying to discover themselves.
Unfortunately, the search for identity can cause some people to be
gin to doubt their own worth. When that happens, they may put
others down in order to feel better about themselves. The more in
secure the person, the more likely they are to hurt others.
If you find yourself the victim of an insecure person’s attack, it
can be hard to remember they are really in pain themselves. It can
seem as if they are enemies determined to destroy you. Instead of
falling into the trap of anger or hiding away from them, try to realize
they are just a person with pain of their own. Above all, remember
that God goes with you through all your days. When the world turns
against you, you can turn to Him. He will always be there to hold you
when you hurt and help you make it through today. You will find
your true identity and purpose only through Him.
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245 DEUTERONOMY 32:4
together, men and women and little ones, dants, for I know the inclination of their
and the stranger who is within your gates, behavior today, even before I have brought
that they may hear and that they may learn them to the land of which I swore to give
to fear the Lord your God and carefully them.”
observe all the words of this law, 13and that 22Therefore Moses wrote this song the
their children, who have not known it, may same day, and taught it to the children of
hear and learn to fear the Lord your God Israel. 23Then He inaugurated Joshua the
as long as you live in the land which you son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of
cross the Jordan to possess.” good courage; for you shall bring the chil
dren of Israel into the land of which I swore
Prediction of Israel’s to them, and I will be with you.”
Rebellion 24So it was, when Moses had com
14Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, pleted writing the words of this law in
the days approach when you must die; call a book, when they were finished, 25that
Joshua, and present yourselves in the tab Moses commanded the Levites, who bore
ernacle of meeting, that I may inaugurate the ark of the covenant of the Lord, say
him.” ing: 26“Take this Book of the Law, and put
So Moses and Joshua went and pre it beside the ark of the covenant of the
sented themselves in the tabernacle of Lord your God, that it may be there as a
meeting. 15Now the Lord appeared at the witness against you; 27for I know your re
tabernacle in a pillar of cloud, and the pil bellion and your stiff neck. If today, while
lar of cloud stood above the door of the I am yet alive with you, you have been
tabernacle. rebellious against the Lord, then how
16And the Lord said to Moses: “Behold, much more after my death? 28Gather to
you will rest with your fathers; and this me all the elders of your tribes, and your
people will rise and play the harlot with the officers, that I may speak these words in
gods of the foreigners of the land, where their hearing and call heaven and earth
they go to be among them, and they will to witness against them. 29For I know
forsake Me and break My covenant which that after my death you will become ut
I have made with them. 17Then My anger terly corrupt, and turn aside from the way
shall be aroused against them in that day, which I have commanded you. And evil
and I will forsake them, and I will hide will befall you in the latter days, because
My face from them, and they shall be de you will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to
voured. And many evils and troubles shall provoke Him to anger through the work
befall them, so that they will say in that of your hands.”
day, ‘Have not these evils come upon us
The Song of Moses
because our God is not among us?’ 18And I
will surely hide My face in that day because 30Then Moses spoke in the hearing of all
of all the evil which they have done, in that the assembly of Israel the words of this
they have turned to other gods. song until they were ended:
19“Now therefore, write down this song
32
for yourselves, and teach it to the children “ Give ear, O heavens, and I will
of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this speak;
song may be a witness for Me against the And hear, O earth, the words of
children of Israel. 20When I have brought my mouth.
them to the land flowing with milk and 2 Let my teaching drop as the rain,
honey, of which I swore to their fathers, My speech distill as the dew,
and they have eaten and filled themselves As raindrops on the tender herb,
and grown fat, then they will turn to other And as showers on the grass.
gods and serve them; and they will provoke 3 For I proclaim the name of the Lord:
Me and break My covenant. 21Then it shall Ascribe greatness to our God.
be, when many evils and troubles have 4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect;
come upon them, that this song will testify For all His ways are justice,
against them as a witness; for it will not be A God of truth and without injustice;
forgotten in the mouths of their descen Righteous and upright is He.
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DEUTERONOMY 32:5 246
5“ They have corrupted themselves; With fat of lambs;
They are not His children, And rams of the breed of Bashan, and
Because of their blemish: goats,
A perverse and crooked generation. With the choicest wheat;
6 Do you thus deal with the Lord, And you drank wine, the blood of the
O foolish and unwise people? grapes.
Is He not your Father, who bought you?
Has He not made you and established 15“ But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked;
you? You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
7“ Remember the days of old, Then he forsook God who made him,
Consider the years of many And scornfully esteemed the Rock of
generations. his salvation.
Ask your father, and he will show you; 16 They provoked Him to jealousy with
Your elders, and they will tell you: foreign gods;
8 When the Most High divided their With abominations they provoked
inheritance to the nations, Him to anger.
When He separated the sons of Adam, 17 They sacrificed to demons, not to God,
He set the boundaries of the peoples To gods they did not know,
According to the number of the To new gods, new arrivals
children of Israel. That your fathers did not fear.
9 For the Lord’s portion is His people; 18 Of the Rock who begot you, you are
Jacob is the place of His inheritance. unmindful,
And have forgotten the God who
10“ He found him in a desert land fathered you.
And in the wasteland, a howling
wilderness; 19“ And when the Lord saw it, He spurned
He encircled him, He instructed him, them,
He kept him as the apple of His eye. Because of the provocation of His sons
11 As an eagle stirs up its nest, and His daughters.
Hovers over its young, 20 And He said: ‘I will hide My face from
Spreading out its wings, taking them,
them up, I will see what their end will be,
Carrying them on its wings, For they are a perverse generation,
Children in whom is no faith.
21 They have provoked Me to jealousy by
Deuteronomy 32:11 what is not God;
If a young eagle falls out of its nest, the They have moved Me to anger by their
adult swoops down and catches the foolish idols.
falling bird on its back, keeping the But I will provoke them to jealousy by
little one from falling to its death. those who are not a nation;
I will move them to anger by a foolish
nation.
12 So the Lord alone led him, 22 For a fire is kindled in My anger,
And there was no foreign god with him. And shall burn to the lowest hell;
It shall consume the earth with her
13“ He made him ride in the heights of the increase,
earth, And set on fire the foundations of the
That he might eat the produce of the mountains.
fields;
He made him draw honey from the 23‘ I will heap disasters on them;
rock, I will spend My arrows on them.
And oil from the flinty rock; 24 They shall be wasted with hunger,
14 Curds from the cattle, and milk of the Devoured by pestilence and bitter
flock, destruction;
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247 DEUTERONOMY 32:35
Promise
God promises He will judge and render
vengeance over His enemies.
“For I raise My hand to heaven, and say, ‘As I live forever, if I
whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judg-
ment, I will render vengeance to My enemies , and repay those
who hate Me’ ” (Deut. 32:40, 41).
Sometimes it seems like people can get away with anything. They cheat and
steal and lie and curse God; sometimes they even get other people to go along with
them. Often, a godless lifestyle can go on for years, and those who’ve made that
choice just seem to get richer and more powerful by the minute. It can make you
wonder what good it does to obey God. You may think: I’m over here trying to live
the Christian life, and I’m struggling day by day, and the ones who don’t serve God
seem to be doing great! But the ones who choose to live a godless life will one day
pay the price for not serving God. Whether or not you’re there to see that happen, it
will happen.
It’s important to remember that God calls us to make choices for Him,
regardless of the circumstances of others. God calls us to be responsible for living
His way. He will take care of the rest. In His great love, God can still save those who
have been His enemies. So He may tolerate stuff from His enemies for a while, but
not forever. Read the Book of Revelation. You’ll see that He will have ultimate divine
revenge on His enemies. Although it may seem that godless people sometimes live
easier lives, choosing God is the only way that makes sense. It’s the only way to find
real life that will never end.
See for yourself// Isaiah 1:24; Ezekiel 25:17; Nahum 1:2
I will also send against them the teeth 29 Oh, that they were wise, that they
of beasts, understood this,
With the poison of serpents of the dust. That they would consider their latter
25 The sword shall destroy outside; end!
There shall be terror within 30 How could one chase a thousand,
For the young man and virgin, And two put ten thousand to flight,
The nursing child with the man of gray Unless their Rock had sold them,
hairs. And the Lord had surrendered
26 I would have said, “I will dash them in them?
pieces, 31 For their rock is not like our Rock,
I will make the memory of them to Even our enemies themselves being
cease from among men,” judges.
27 Had I not feared the wrath of the 32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom
enemy, And of the fields of Gomorrah;
Lest their adversaries should Their grapes are grapes of gall,
misunderstand, Their clusters are bitter.
Lest they should say, “Our hand is 33 Their wine is the poison of serpents,
high; And the cruel venom of cobras.
And it is not the Lord who has done
all this.” ’ 34‘ Is this not laid up in store with Me,
Sealed up among My treasures?
28“ For they are a nation void of counsel, 35 Vengeance is Mine, and
Nor is there any understanding in recompense;
them. Their foot shall slip in due time;
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DEUTERONOMY 32:36 248
For the day of their calamity is at hand, this law. 47For it is not a futile thing for you,
And the things to come hasten upon because it is your life, and by this word you
them.’ shall prolong your days in the land which
you cross over the Jordan to possess.”
36“ For the Lord will judge His people
And have compassion on His servants, Moses to Die on Mount Nebo
When He sees that their power is gone, 48Then the Lord spoke to Moses that very
And there is no one remaining, bond same day, saying: 49“Go up this mountain
or free. of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the
37 He will say: ‘Where are their gods,
land of Moab, across from Jericho; view
The rock in which they sought refuge? the land of Canaan, which I give to the
38 Who ate the fat of their sacrifices,
children of Israel as a possession; 50and die
And drank the wine of their drink on the mountain which you ascend, and
offering? be gathered to your people, just as Aaron
Let them rise and help you, your brother died on Mount Hor and was
And be your refuge. gathered to his people; 51because you tres
passed against Me among the children of
39‘ Now see that I, even I, am He,
Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in
And there is no God besides Me; the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not
I kill and I make alive; hallow Me in the midst of the children of
I wound and I heal; Israel. 52Yet you shall see the land before
Nor is there any who can deliver from you, though you shall not go there, into the
My hand. land which I am giving to the children of
40 For I raise My hand to heaven,
Israel.”
And say, “As I live forever,
41 If I whet My glittering sword,
Moses’ Final Blessing
And My hand takes hold on on Israel
judgment,
33
Now this is the blessing with
I will render vengeance to My
which Moses the man of God
enemies,
blessed the children of Israel
And repay those who hate Me.
42 I will make My arrows drunk with before his death. 2And he said:
blood,
“ The Lord came from Sinai,
And My sword shall devour flesh,
And dawned on them from Seir;
With the blood of the slain and the
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
captives,
And He came with ten thousands of
From the heads of the leaders of the
saints;
enemy.” ’
From His right hand
43“ Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people;a Came a fiery law for them.
3 Yes, He loves the people;
For He will avenge the blood of His
All His saints are in Your hand;
servants,
They sit down at Your feet;
And render vengeance to His
Everyone receives Your words.
adversaries; 4 Moses commanded a law for us,
He will provide atonement for His
A heritage of the congregation of
land and His people.”
Jacob.
5 And He was King in Jeshurun,
44So Moses came with Joshuaa the son of
When the leaders of the people were
Nun and spoke all the words of this song in
gathered,
the hearing of the people. 45Moses finished
All the tribes of Israel together.
speaking all these words to all Israel, 46and
he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the 32:43 aA Dead Sea Scroll fragment adds And
words which I testify among you today, let all the gods (angels) worship Him (compare
which you shall command your children Septuagint and Hebrews 1:6). 32:44 aHebrew
to be careful to observe—all the words of Hoshea (compare Numbers 13:8, 16)
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249 DEUTERONOMY 33:21
6“ Let Reuben live, and not die, 13And of Joseph he said:
Nor let his men be few.”
“ Blessed of the Lord is his land,
7And this he said of Judah: With the precious things of heaven,
with the dew,
“ Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, And the deep lying beneath,
And bring him to his people; 14 With the precious fruits of the sun,
Let his hands be sufficient for him, With the precious produce of the
And may You be a help against his months,
enemies.” 15 With the best things of the ancient
mountains,
8And of Levi he said: With the precious things of the
everlasting hills,
“ Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be 16 With the precious things of the earth
with Your holy one, and its fullness,
Whom You tested at Massah, And the favor of Him who dwelt in the
And with whom You contended at the bush.
waters of Meribah, Let the blessing come ‘on the head of
Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of
Deuteronomy 33:8 him who was separate from his
Massah and Meribah were the places brothers.’a
where God gave the Israelites water to 17 His glory is like a firstborn bull,
stop their grumbling and complain And his horns like the horns of the
ing. They were remembered as places wild ox;
where the people of Israel had gone Together with them
too far in questioning and challeng He shall push the peoples
ing God. To the ends of the earth;
They are the ten thousands of
Ephraim,
9 Who says of his father and mother,
And they are the thousands of
‘I have not seen them’; Manasseh.”
Nor did he acknowledge his brothers,
Or know his own children; 18And of Zebulun he said:
For they have observed Your word
And kept Your covenant. “ Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
10 They shall teach Jacob Your
And Issachar in your tents!
judgments, 19 They shall call the peoples to the
And Israel Your law. mountain;
They shall put incense before You, There they shall offer sacrifices of
And a whole burnt sacrifice on Your righteousness;
altar. For they shall partake of the
11 Bless his substance, Lord,
abundance of the seas
And accept the work of his hands; And of treasures hidden in the sand.”
Strike the loins of those who rise
against him, 20And of Gad he said:
And of those who hate him, that they
rise not again.” “ Blessed is he who enlarges Gad;
He dwells as a lion,
12Of Benjamin he said:
And tears the arm and the crown of
his head.
“ The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in 21 He provided the first part for himself,
safety by Him, Because a lawgiver’s portion was
Who shelters him all the day long; reserved there.
And he shall dwell between His
shoulders.” 33:16 aGenesis 49:26
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DEUTERONOMY 33:22 250
He came with the heads of the people; Moses Dies on Mount Nebo
He administered the justice of the Lord,
34
Then Moses went up from the
And His judgments with Israel.”
plains of Moab to Mount Nebo,
22And of Dan he said:
to the top of Pisgah, which is
across from Jericho. And the Lord showed
him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan,
“ Dan is a lion’s whelp; 2all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and
He shall leap from Bashan.”
Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the
23And of Naphtali he said: Western Sea,a 3the South, and the plain of
the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees,
“ O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, as far as Zoar. 4Then the Lord said to him,
And full of the blessing of the Lord, “This is the land of which I swore to give
Possess the west and the south.” Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will
give it to your descendants.’ I have caused
24And of Asher he said: you to see it with your eyes, but you shall
not cross over there.”
5So Moses the servant of the Lord died
“ Asher is most blessed of sons;
Let him be favored by his brothers, there in the land of Moab, according to
And let him dip his foot in oil. the word of the Lord. 6And He buried him
25 Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite
As your days, so shall your strength be. Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave
to this day. 7Moses was one hundred and
26“ There is no one like the God of twenty years old when he died. His eyes
Jeshurun, were not dim nor his natural vigor dimin
Who rides the heavens to help you, ished. 8And the children of Israel wept for
And in His excellency on the clouds. Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days.
27 The eternal God is your refuge, So the days of weeping and mourning for
And underneath are the everlasting Moses ended.
arms; 9Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of
He will thrust out the enemy from the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid
before you, his hands on him; so the children of Israel
And will say, ‘Destroy!’ heeded him, and did as the Lord had com
28 Then Israel shall dwell in safety,
manded Moses.
The fountain of Jacob alone, 10But since then there has not arisen
In a land of grain and new wine; in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the
His heavens shall also drop dew. Lord knew face to face, 11in all the signs
29 Happy are you, O Israel!
and wonders which the Lord sent him to
Who is like you, a people saved by the do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh,
Lord, before all his servants, and in all his land,
The shield of your help 12and by all that mighty power and all the
And the sword of your majesty! great terror which Moses performed in the
Your enemies shall submit to you, sight of all Israel.
And you shall tread down their high
places.” 34:2 aThat is, the Mediterranean
05-Deuteronomy.indd 250 2/14/12 11:51 AM
Joshua
Date of writing: 1405–1390 B.C.
Author: Most Likely Joshua
Theme: Possessing the Inheritance
Purpose: Obedience to God is the key to a
success-filled life.
Outline
1:1–9 ��������������������Joshua Becomes the Leader of Israel
1:10—6:27 �����������Israel Crosses the Jordan River and Conquers
Jericho
7:1–26 ������������������Achan Disobeys the Lord
8:1–35 ������������������The Battle at Ai
9:1–27 ������������������The People of Gibeon Trick the Leaders of Israel
10:1–15 ����������������Joshua Commands the Sun to Stand Still
10:16—12:24 ������Israel Takes Over Much of the Land of Canaan
13:1–7 ������������������Land That Israel Did Not Take Over
13:8–33 ����������������Tribal Lands That Moses Had Assigned East of the
Jordan
14:1—19:51 ��������Tribal Lands West of the Jordan
20:1–9 ������������������Cities for Protecting People Accused of Murder
21:1–45 ����������������Cities for the Levites
22:1–34 ����������������The Eastern Tribes Return Home
23:1—24:33 ��������Joshua’s Farewell Speeches and Death
06-Joshua.indd 251 2/14/12 11:51 AM
Key Verse:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may
observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then
you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have
good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Then /// If you want to read a war epic, Joshua is a book you’ll enjoy.
It’s a “blood-and-guts” kind of story, too violent for a G-rating but too
inspiring to pass up. Basically, while the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt,
other people settled on their land. That meant their homeland was home to more than
one nation. That’s never good news. So the Hebrews had to fight to get their land back.
The Book of Joshua is the record of those battles.
Joshua was actually the name of the man who led the Hebrews into battles. He was a
soldier, a diplomat, a negotiator, and a strategist. He was a good man who believed God
even when the odds were stacked up so high against his people that almost everyone else
chickened out. He was a real hero.
Over and over God showed the Hebrews that it takes as much courage to believe in the
power of God as it does to fight under your own power. But when you believe, the results
are better every time.
Now /// The Book of Joshua still matters to us today. We still face the
same kind of battles that the Hebrews faced. We are challenged by
temptations that are too big for us to conquer alone. We come against
difficult times that feel like they are going to overwhelm us.
The lesson for us in our battles is the same as the lesson for the Hebrews. Trust God to
do your fighting for you. Keep your life clean and take it one step at a time.
Reality Check /// One of the most famous battles that Joshua
faced was the battle of Jericho. This was the battle in which the people
marched around the city of Jericho for seven days. Just marched. That’s all
they did. On the seventh day, they marched seven times and then shouted. At this point,
to everyone’s amazement, the walls of the city fell right down. In went the Hebrews and
down went the city.
God did these kinds of miracles for the Hebrews time after time. He did this because
God wanted it to be oh so obvious that it was His strength that won the battles, not the
people’s strength. Sometimes they got it and sometimes they didn’t.
We would do well to remember that it’s God’s strength that still wins our battles for us
today. Like Joshua, we can “fear not” because we know God is with us.
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253 JOSHUA 1:13
Promise
God promises to help you wherever you go.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is
with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).
Remember the last time you needed help? Not just help
with your homework, but help. You were at the end of your rope, no more options;
you’d done everything, and nothing worked. You were confused, afraid, and lonely
all at the same time.
What do you do when the answers just don’t seem to come? Joshua 1:9. God
gives two positive commands here—be strong and be of good courage. Don’t be
afraid. Don’t be discouraged. And then, the promise, “The Lord your God is with
you wherever you go.” That promise offers you the strength to obey the two
commands. You can rest in the fact that God promises to help. You are not alone.
You may not get help at the exact second you think you need it, but He will help
you. He knows exactly how much you can take. He’ll be right on time.
See for yourself// Psalm 54:4; John 14:16; Hebrews 13:6
God’s Commission to Joshua you will have good success. 9Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and of good
1
After the death of Moses the servant
of the Lord, it came to pass that the courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, for the Lord your God is with you wher-
Moses’ assistant, saying: 2“Moses My ser- ever you go.”
vant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over
this Jordan, you and all this people, to the Success
land which I am giving to them—the chil- How do we find success?
dren of Israel. 3Every place that the sole of
your foot will tread upon I have given you, Joshua 1:8
as I said to Moses. 4From the wilderness
and this Lebanon as far as the great river,
the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hit- Courage
tites, and to the Great Sea toward the go- Why should we have
ing down of the sun, shall be your territory. courage?
5No man shall be able to stand before you
all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, Joshua 1:9
so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor
forsake you. 6Be strong and of good cour-
The Order to Cross
age, for to this people you shall divide as an
the Jordan
inheritance the land which I swore to their
10Then Joshua commanded the officers
fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and
very courageous, that you may observe to of the people, saying, 11“Pass through
do according to all the law which Moses the camp and command the people, say-
My servant commanded you; do not turn ing, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves,
from it to the right hand or to the left, that for within three days you will cross over
you may prosper wherever you go. 8This this Jordan, to go in to possess the land
Book of the Law shall not depart from your which the Lord your God is giving you to
mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and possess.’ ”
night, that you may observe to do accord- 12And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and
ing to all that is written in it. For then you half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke,
will make your way prosperous, and then saying, 13“Remember the word which
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JOSHUA 1:14 254
Profile
Joshua
Some shoes seem impossible to fill! Think about the person who amazes you the most and
then imagine what it would be like to hear you have to assume their role and responsibili-
ties tomorrow. That’s just what happened to Joshua.
Joshua lived his youth in the shadow of Moses. He became Moses’ military com
mander as well as his personal assistant. Joshua was trained and mentored more than
forty years before stepping into Moses’ sandals. His development demonstrates that it’s
possible to grow into big shoes, and sometimes shoes have to be remade to fit new feet.
Joshua appears in the book of Exodus without introduction. But we know he was
already a recognized soldier and leader. Only later (Ex. 33:11) do we discover two
significant facts about Joshua: (1) he was young; and (2) he spent most of his time at the
tabernacle where Moses met with God. What shaped Joshua most were the times spent
with his mentor, Moses, and the times he spent alone with God.
When God affirmed Joshua’s role as Israel’s new leader, the Lord used a revealing
phrase to indicate His approval: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Josh. 1:5).
Joshua was also promised that “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh.
1:9). Joshua spent enough time with God to know that God would be with him in every
moment throughout his life.
+ Making a Difference:
Not a moment you spend with God is wasted.
No relationship in your life will turn out to be more significant than your relationship
with God. Every other relationship you have will be affected by the development of your
relationship with God. Here’s the big secret: What God does in you will improve every
other relationship you have. There’s no real choice between God and everyone else—no
relationship in life can be as rewarding or as fulfilling as a relationship with God. And
when you truly choose God first, everyone in your life will benefit.
Want to know more?
You can pick up hints of Joshua’s life in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
He is also the central figure in the book that bears his name.
Joshua was a faithful follower and a courageous leader. His commitment
to learning from God and Moses, and his strong leadership, based on God’s
promises, made a real difference. If you make the choice to put God first, you
can make a real difference, too!
Moses the servant of the Lord commanded sion of the land which the Lord your God
you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving is giving them. Then you shall return to the
you rest and is giving you this land.’ 14Your land of your possession and enjoy it, which
wives, your little ones, and your livestock Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this
shall remain in the land which Moses gave side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall 16So they answered Joshua, saying, “All
pass before your brethren armed, all your that you command us we will do, and
mighty men of valor, and help them, 15until wherever you send us we will go. 17Just as
the Lord has given your brethren rest, as He we heeded Moses in all things, so we will
gave you, and they also have taken posses- heed you. Only the Lord your God be with
06-Joshua.indd 254 2/14/12 11:51 AM
255 JOSHUA 2:23
you, as He was with Moses. 18Whoever reb- Egypt, and what you did to the two kings
els against your command and does not of the Amorites who were on the other side
heed your words, in all that you command of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you ut-
him, shall be put to death. Only be strong terly destroyed. 11And as soon as we heard
and of good courage.” these things, our hearts melted; neither did
there remain any more courage in anyone
Rahab Hides the Spies because of you, for the Lord your God,
He is God in heaven above and on earth
2
Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out
beneath. 12Now therefore, I beg you, swear
two men from Acacia Grovea to spy
to me by the Lord, since I have shown you
secretly, saying, “Go, view the land,
kindness, that you also will show kindness
especially Jericho.”
to my father’s house, and give me a true to-
So they went, and came to the house of
ken, 13and spare my father, my mother, my
a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there.
2And it was told the king of Jericho, say-
brothers, my sisters, and all that they have,
and deliver our lives from death.”
ing, “Behold, men have come here tonight 14So the men answered her, “Our lives
from the children of Israel to search out the for yours, if none of you tell this business
country.” of ours. And it shall be, when the Lord has
3So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, say-
given us the land, that we will deal kindly
ing, “Bring out the men who have come to and truly with you.”
you, who have entered your house, for they 15Then she let them down by a rope
have come to search out all the country.” through the window, for her house was on
4Then the woman took the two men and
the city wall; she dwelt on the wall. 16And
hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came she said to them, “Get to the mountain, lest
to me, but I did not know where they were the pursuers meet you. Hide there three
from. 5And it happened as the gate was be- days, until the pursuers have returned. Af-
ing shut, when it was dark, that the men terward you may go your way.”
went out. Where the men went I do not 17So the men said to her: “We will be
know; pursue them quickly, for you may blameless of this oath of yours which you
overtake them.” 6(But she had brought have made us swear, 18unless, when we
them up to the roof and hidden them come into the land, you bind this line of
with the stalks of flax, which she had laid scarlet cord in the window through which
in order on the roof.) 7Then the men pur- you let us down, and unless you bring your
sued them by the road to the Jordan, to the father, your mother, your brothers, and all
fords. And as soon as those who pursued your father’s household to your own home.
them had gone out, they shut the gate. 19So it shall be that whoever goes outside
the doors of your house into the street, his
blood shall be on his own head, and we will
Joshua 2:3–7 be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the
Ancient houses were built with flat house, his blood shall be on our head if a
roofs that were used like modern hand is laid on him. 20And if you tell this
decks or porches. Crops and clothes business of ours, then we will be free from
were often laid out on the roof to dry. your oath which you made us swear.”
When visitors stopped by, extra beds 21Then she said, “According to your
might have been provided on the roof words, so be it.” And she sent them away,
to accommodate them. and they departed. And she bound the
scarlet cord in the window.
22They departed and went to the moun-
8Now before they lay down, she came up
tain, and stayed there three days until the
to them on the roof, 9and said to the men: pursuers returned. The pursuers sought
“I know that the Lord has given you the them all along the way, but did not find
land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, them. 23So the two men returned, de-
and that all the inhabitants of the land are scended from the mountain, and crossed
fainthearted because of you. 10For we have over; and they came to Joshua the son of
heard how the Lord dried up the water of
the Red Sea for you when you came out of 2:1 aHebrew Shittim
06-Joshua.indd 255 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 2:24 256
Nun, and told him all that had befallen Lord your God.” 10And Joshua said, “By this
them. 24And they said to Joshua, “Truly the you shall know that the living God is among
Lord has delivered all the land into our you, and that He will without fail drive out
hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the from before you the Canaanites and the
country are fainthearted because of us.” Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites
and the Girgashites and the Amorites and
Israel Crosses the Jordan the Jebusites: 11Behold, the ark of the cov-
3
Then Joshua rose early in the morn- enant of the Lord of all the earth is cross-
ing; and they set out from Acacia ing over before you into the Jordan. 12Now
Grovea and came to the Jordan, he therefore, take for yourselves twelve men
and all the children of Israel, and lodged from the tribes of Israel, one man from
there before they crossed over. 2So it was, every tribe. 13And it shall come to pass, as
after three days, that the officers went soon as the soles of the feet of the priests
through the camp; 3and they commanded who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of
the people, saying, “When you see the ark all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the
of the covenant of the Lord your God, and Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall
the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you be cut off, the waters that come down from
shall set out from your place and go after it. upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.”
4Yet there shall be a space between you and
it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Advice
Do not come near it, that you may know
the way by which you must go, for you have
Where should we turn for
not passed this way before.” advice?
Joshua 3:9
Joshua 3:3, 4 14So it was, when the people set out from
Carrying the ark of the covenant was
no small task. It was about the size their camp to cross over the Jordan, with
of a small desk. The ark had rings on the priests bearing the ark of the covenant
its sides so that the priests could put before the people, 15and as those who bore
poles through them and carry the the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of
sacred container without actually the priests who bore the ark dipped in the
touching it. The Israelites carried it edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows
into battle because they believed it all its banks during the whole time of har-
gave them the power of God. vest), 16that the waters which came down
from upstream stood still, and rose in a
heap very far away at Adam, the city that
5And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went
yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt
wonders among you.” 6Then Joshua spoke Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people
to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of crossed over opposite Jericho. 17Then the
the covenant and cross over before the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of
people.” the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the
So they took up the ark of the covenant midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed
and went before the people. over on dry ground, until all the people
7And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day had crossed completely over the Jordan.
I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Is-
rael, that they may know that, as I was with The Memorial Stones
4
Moses, so I will be with you. 8You shall com- And it came to pass, when all the
mand the priests who bear the ark of the people had completely crossed over
covenant, saying, ‘When you have come the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to
to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you Joshua, saying: 2“Take for yourselves twelve
shall stand in the Jordan.’ ” men from the people, one man from every
9So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
“Come here, and hear the words of the 3:1 aHebrew Shittim
06-Joshua.indd 256 2/14/12 11:51 AM
257 JOSHUA 5:1
tribe, 3andcommand them, saying, ‘Take feared him, as they had feared Moses, all
for yourselves twelve stones from here, out the days of his life.
of the midst of the Jordan, from the place 15Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, say-
where the priests’ feet stood firm. You ing, 16“Command the priests who bear the
shall carry them over with you and leave ark of the Testimony to come up from the
them in the lodging place where you lodge Jordan.” 17Joshua therefore commanded
tonight.’ ” the priests, saying, “Come up from the
4Then Joshua called the twelve men Jordan.” 18And it came to pass, when the
whom he had appointed from the children priests who bore the ark of the covenant
of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5and of the Lord had come from the midst of
Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’
ark of the Lord your God into the midst feet touched the dry land, that the waters
of the Jordan, and each one of you take of the Jordan returned to their place and
up a stone on his shoulder, according to overflowed all its banks as before.
the number of the tribes of the children of 19Now the people came up from the Jor-
Israel, 6that this may be a sign among you dan on the tenth day of the first month, and
when your children ask in time to come, they camped in Gilgal on the east border of
saying, ‘What do these stones mean to Jericho. 20And those twelve stones which
you?’ 7Then you shall answer them that the they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up
waters of the Jordan were cut off before the in Gilgal. 21Then he spoke to the children
ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it of Israel, saying: “When your children ask
crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What
Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall are these stones?’ 22then you shall let your
be for a memorial to the children of Israel children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over
forever.” this Jordan on dry land’; 23for the Lord
8And the children of Israel did so, just as your God dried up the waters of the Jor-
Joshua commanded, and took up twelve dan before you until you had crossed over,
stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea,
Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to which He dried up before us until we had
the number of the tribes of the children of crossed over, 24that all the peoples of the
Israel, and carried them over with them to earth may know the hand of the Lord, that
the place where they lodged, and laid them it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord
down there. 9Then Joshua set up twelve your God forever.”
stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the
place where the feet of the priests who bore
the ark of the covenant stood; and they are God
there to this day. How powerful is God?
10So the priests who bore the ark stood Joshua 4:23, 24
in the midst of the Jordan until everything
was finished that the Lord had com-
manded Joshua to speak to the people, ac- The Second Generation
cording to all that Moses had commanded Circumcised
5
Joshua; and the people hurried and So it was, when all the kings of the
crossed over. 11Then it came to pass, when Amorites who were on the west side
all the people had completely crossed over, of the Jordan, and all the kings of the
that the ark of the Lord and the priests Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that
crossed over in the presence of the people. the Lord had dried up the waters of the
12And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad,
Jordan from before the children of Israel
and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed until wea had crossed over, that their heart
over armed before the children of Israel, as melted; and there was no spirit in them
Moses had spoken to them. 13About forty any longer because of the children of Israel.
thousand prepared for war crossed over
before the Lord for battle, to the plains 5:1 aFollowing Kethib; Qere, some Hebrew
of Jericho. 14On that day the Lord exalted manuscripts and editions, Septuagint, Syriac,
Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they Targum, and Vulgate read they.
06-Joshua.indd 257 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 5:2 258
2At that time the Lord said to Joshua, 14So He said, “No, but as Commander of
“Make flint knives for yourself, and cir- the army of the Lord I have now come.”
cumcise the sons of Israel again the sec- And Joshua fell on his face to the earth
ond time.” 3So Joshua made flint knives for and worshiped, and said to Him, “What
himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel does my Lord say to His servant?”
at the hill of the foreskins.a 4And this is the 15Then the Commander of the Lord’s
reason why Joshua circumcised them: All army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off
the people who came out of Egypt who your foot, for the place where you stand is
were males, all the men of war, had died in holy.” And Joshua did so.
the wilderness on the way, after they had
come out of Egypt. 5For all the people who
came out had been circumcised, but all Joshua 5:15
the people born in the wilderness, on the Taking off one’s shoes was a sign of
way as they came out of Egypt, had not respect, a lot like removing one’s hat
been circumcised. 6For the children of Is- in church. Moses had been told to
rael walked forty years in the wilderness, remove his shoes when God spoke to
till all the people who were men of war, him from the burning bush.
who came out of Egypt, were consumed,
because they did not obey the voice of the
Lord—to whom the Lord swore that He The Destruction of Jericho
6
would not show them the land which the Now Jericho was securely shut up
Lord had sworn to their fathers that He because of the children of Israel;
would give us, “a land flowing with milk none went out, and none came in.
and honey.”a 7Then Joshua circumcised 2And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have
their sons whom He raised up in their given Jericho into your hand, its king, and
place; for they were uncircumcised, be- the mighty men of valor. 3You shall march
cause they had not been circumcised on around the city, all you men of war; you
the way. shall go all around the city once. This you
8So it was, when they had finished cir-
shall do six days. 4And seven priests shall
cumcising all the people, that they stayed bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns be-
in their places in the camp till they were fore the ark. But the seventh day you shall
healed. 9Then the Lord said to Joshua, march around the city seven times, and
“This day I have rolled away the reproach
the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5It
of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of
shall come to pass, when they make a long
the place is called Gilgala to this day.
10Now the children of Israel camped in
blast with the ram’s horn, and when you
hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the
Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the four-
people shall shout with a great shout; then
teenth day of the month at twilight on the
the wall of the city will fall down flat. And
plains of Jericho. 11And they ate of the pro-
the people shall go up every man straight
duce of the land on the day after the Pass-
before him.”
over, unleavened bread and parched grain, 6Then Joshua the son of Nun called the
on the very same day. 12Then the manna
priests and said to them, “Take up the ark
ceased on the day after they had eaten the
of the covenant, and let seven priests bear
produce of the land; and the children of Is-
seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the
rael no longer had manna, but they ate the
ark of the Lord.” 7And he said to the peo-
food of the land of Canaan that year.
ple, “Proceed, and march around the city,
The Commander of the Army and let him who is armed advance before
of the L ord the ark of the Lord.”
8So it was, when Joshua had spoken to
13And it came to pass, when Joshua was by
the people, that the seven priests bear-
Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, ing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns
and behold, a Man stood opposite him before the Lord advanced and blew the
with His sword drawn in His hand. And
Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are 5:3 aHebrew Gibeath Haaraloth
5:6 aExodus 3:8
You for us or for our adversaries?” 5:9 aLiterally Rolling
06-Joshua.indd 258 2/14/12 11:51 AM
259 JOSHUA 6:19
Making It Real //
Joshua 6:20
Bring Down the Walls Jericho was an ungodly, corrupt city surrounded by a
massive wall for protection. God wanted to take the city away from the people who did
not serve Him, and give it to His people. So He sent Joshua to fight for the city in a very
strange way: He told Joshua to take his men and march slowly around the city in silence
once every day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around seven times,
then blow trumpets and shout loudly. God promised if they would obey, the walls of
Jericho would fall down, and Joshua’s soldiers could just walk in and take the city. The
plan worked perfectly because Joshua listened to God’s instruction and did just as God
directed.
God led Joshua into victory and He will do the same for you. No matter what you
face, when you listen to God and obey His plan, He promises to help you. He will guide
you every single day. His instructions will always lead to victory. What wall is God calling
you to conquer? Are you listening to Him? Then start marching. (See also: 2 Chr. 14:11; Ps.
47; Rom. 8:26.)
Words to Live By
Trumpet: The word translated as “trumpet” in Joshua 6:20 is shophar (sho-far’). The
word shophar is still used today but has been modernized into shofar; it is a musical in-
strument made from the horn of a male goat, a ram. God told His people to blow a shofar
(shophar) as a call to worship, as a call to repentance, as a warning, as a call to battle, as
a celebration, and as a reminder of God’s ultimate victory. Although we may not praise
God with the blast of a trumpet, or use a horn to warn others of the danger of life without
God, we can definitely make sure our voices are heard. And then we can watch as God’s
power tears down the walls of sin and brings victory into the lives of those around us.
trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the once and returned to the camp. So they did
Lord followed them. 9The armed men went six days.
before the priests who blew the trumpets, 15But it came to pass on the seventh
and the rear guard came after the ark, while day that they rose early, about the dawn-
the priests continued blowing the trumpets. ing of the day, and marched around the
10Now Joshua had commanded the people, city seven times in the same manner. On
saying, “You shall not shout or make any that day only they marched around the
noise with your voice, nor shall a word pro- city seven times. 16And the seventh time it
ceed out of your mouth, until the day I say happened, when the priests blew the trum-
to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.” 11So pets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout,
he had the ark of the Lord circle the city, for the Lord has given you the city! 17Now
going around it once. Then they came into the city shall be doomed by the Lord to de-
the camp and lodged in the camp. struction, it and all who are in it. Only Ra-
12And Joshua rose early in the morn- hab the harlot shall live, she and all who are
ing, and the priests took up the ark of the with her in the house, because she hid the
Lord. 13Then seven priests bearing seven messengers that we sent. 18And you, by all
trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of means abstain from the accursed things,
the Lord went on continually and blew lest you become accursed when you take
with the trumpets. And the armed men of the accursed things, and make the camp
went before them. But the rear guard came of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19But all the
after the ark of the Lord, while the priests silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and
continued blowing the trumpets. 14And the iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they
second day they marched around the city shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”
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JOSHUA 6:20 260
20So the people shouted when the priests for the people of Ai are few.” 4So about three
blew the trumpets. And it happened when thousand men went up there from the peo-
the people heard the sound of the trumpet, ple, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5And
and the people shouted with a great shout, the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six
that the wall fell down flat. Then the people men, for they chased them from before the
went up into the city, every man straight gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them
before him, and they took the city. 21And down on the descent; therefore the hearts
they utterly destroyed all that was in the of the people melted and became like wa-
city, both man and woman, young and old, ter.
ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of 6Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell
the sword. to the earth on his face before the ark of
22But Joshua had said to the two men the Lord until evening, he and the elders
who had spied out the country, “Go into of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.
the harlot’s house, and from there bring 7And Joshua said, “Alas, Lord God, why
out the woman and all that she has, as you have You brought this people over the Jor-
swore to her.” 23And the young men who dan at all—to deliver us into the hand of
had been spies went in and brought out the Amorites, to destroy us? Oh, that we
Rahab, her father, her mother, her broth- had been content, and dwelt on the other
ers, and all that she had. So they brought side of the Jordan! 8O Lord, what shall I
out all her relatives and left them outside say when Israel turns its back before its
the camp of Israel. 24But they burned the enemies? 9For the Canaanites and all the
city and all that was in it with fire. Only the inhabitants of the land will hear it, and sur-
silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze round us, and cut off our name from the
and iron, they put into the treasury of the earth. Then what will You do for Your great
house of the Lord. 25And Joshua spared name?”
Rahab the harlot, her father’s household,
and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel
to this day, because she hid the messengers Joshua 7:6
whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Tearing one’s clothes was a way of
26Then Joshua charged them at that mourning a tragedy or death. Joshua
time, saying, “Cursed be the man before and his soldiers expressed their grief
the Lord who rises up and builds this city over being defeated by the people of
Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his Ai by lying on the ground.
firstborn, and with his youngest he shall
set up its gates.”
27So the Lord was with Joshua, and his The Sin of Achan
fame spread throughout all the country. 10So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why
Defeat at Ai do you lie thus on your face? 11Israel has
sinned, and they have also transgressed My
7
But the children of Israel committed covenant which I commanded them. For
a trespass regarding the accursed they have even taken some of the accursed
things, for Achan the son of Carmi, things, and have both stolen and deceived;
the son of Zabdi,a the son of Zerah, of the and they have also put it among their own
tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel
so the anger of the Lord burned against could not stand before their enemies, but
the children of Israel. turned their backs before their enemies,
2Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to
because they have become doomed to
Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east destruction. Neither will I be with you
side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, anymore, unless you destroy the accursed
“Go up and spy out the country.” So the from among you. 13Get up, sanctify the
men went up and spied out Ai. 3And they people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for
returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do tomorrow, because thus says the Lord
not let all the people go up, but let about God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in
two or three thousand men go up and at-
tack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, 7:1 aCalled Zimri in 1 Chronicles 2:6
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261 JOSHUA 8:8
your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand be- silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his
fore your enemies until you take away the sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys,
accursed thing from among you.” 14In the his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and
morning therefore you shall be brought ac- they brought them to the Valley of Achor.
cording to your tribes. And it shall be that 25And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled
the tribe which the Lord takes shall come us? The Lord will trouble you this day.”
according to families; and the family which So all Israel stoned him with stones; and
the Lord takes shall come by households; they burned them with fire after they had
and the household which the Lord takes stoned them with stones.
shall come man by man. 15Then it shall 26Then they raised over him a great heap
be that he who is taken with the accursed of stones, still there to this day. So the Lord
thing shall be burned with fire, he and all turned from the fierceness of His anger.
that he has, because he has transgressed Therefore the name of that place has been
the covenant of the Lord, and because he called the Valley of Achora to this day.
has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.’ ”
16So Joshua rose early in the morning The Fall of Ai
8
and brought Israel by their tribes, and the Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do
tribe of Judah was taken. 17He brought the not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take
clan of Judah, and he took the family of all the people of war with you, and
the Zarhites; and he brought the family of arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your
the Zarhites man by man, and Zabdi was hand the king of Ai, his people, his city,
taken. 18Then he brought his household and his land. 2And you shall do to Ai and
man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, its king as you did to Jericho and its king.
the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take
tribe of Judah, was taken. as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for
19Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I
the city behind it.”
beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Is-
rael, and make confession to Him, and tell
me now what you have done; do not hide Discouragement
it from me.” Who encourages us with
20And Achan answered Joshua and said,
victories?
“Indeed I have sinned against the Lord
God of Israel, and this is what I have done: Joshua 8:1
21When I saw among the spoils a beautiful
Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels 3So Joshua arose, and all the people of
of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty war, to go up against Ai; and Joshua chose
shekels, I coveted them and took them. thirty thousand mighty men of valor and
And there they are, hidden in the earth in sent them away by night. 4And he com-
the midst of my tent, with the silver un- manded them, saying: “Behold, you shall
der it.” lie in ambush against the city, behind the
city. Do not go very far from the city, but all
Sin of you be ready. 5Then I and all the people
who are with me will approach the city;
Does sin have consequences? and it will come about, when they come
Joshua 7:20–25 out against us as at the first, that we shall
flee before them. 6For they will come out
after us till we have drawn them from the
22So Joshua sent messengers, and they
city, for they will say, ‘They are fleeing be-
ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden fore us as at the first.’ Therefore we will flee
in his tent, with the silver under it. 23And before them. 7Then you shall rise from the
they took them from the midst of the tent, ambush and seize the city, for the Lord
brought them to Joshua and to all the chil- your God will deliver it into your hand.
dren of Israel, and laid them out before the 8And it will be, when you have taken the
Lord. 24Then Joshua, and all Israel with
him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the 7:26 aLiterally Trouble
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JOSHUA 8:9 262
city, that you shall set the city on fire. Ac- that the smoke of the city ascended, they
cording to the commandment of the Lord turned back and struck down the men of
you shall do. See, I have commanded you.” Ai. 22Then the others came out of the city
9Joshua therefore sent them out; and against them; so they were caught in the
they went to lie in ambush, and stayed midst of Israel, some on this side and some
between Bethel and Ai, on the west side on that side. And they struck them down,
of Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among so that they let none of them remain or
the people. 10Then Joshua rose up early in escape. 23But the king of Ai they took alive,
the morning and mustered the people, and and brought him to Joshua.
went up, he and the elders of Israel, before 24And it came to pass when Israel had
the people to Ai. 11And all the people of war made an end of slaying all the inhabitants
who were with him went up and drew near; of Ai in the field, in the wilderness where
and they came before the city and camped they pursued them, and when they all had
on the north side of Ai. Now a valley lay be- fallen by the edge of the sword until they
tween them and Ai. 12So he took about five were consumed, that all the Israelites re-
thousand men and set them in ambush be- turned to Ai and struck it with the edge of
tween Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the the sword. 25So it was that all who fell that
city. 13And when they had set the people, day, both men and women, were twelve
all the army that was on the north of the thousand—all the people of Ai. 26For Joshua
city, and its rear guard on the west of the did not draw back his hand, with which he
city, Joshua went that night into the midst stretched out the spear, until he had utterly
of the valley. destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 27Only
14Now it happened, when the king of the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel
Ai saw it, that the men of the city hurried took as booty for themselves, according to
and rose early and went out against Is- the word of the Lord which He had com-
rael to battle, he and all his people, at an manded Joshua. 28So Joshua burned Ai and
appointed place before the plain. But he made it a heap forever, a desolation to this
did not know that there was an ambush day. 29And the king of Ai he hanged on a
against him behind the city. 15And Joshua tree until evening. And as soon as the sun
and all Israel made as if they were beaten was down, Joshua commanded that they
before them, and fled by the way of the wil- should take his corpse down from the tree,
derness. 16So all the people who were in Ai cast it at the entrance of the gate of the city,
were called together to pursue them. And and raise over it a great heap of stones that
they pursued Joshua and were drawn away remains to this day.
from the city. 17There was not a man left in
Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel.
So they left the city open and pursued Is- Joshua 8:28, 29
rael. The king’s body was hung on a tree
18Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Stretch to show that no one had escaped the
out the spear that is in your hand toward battle. Leaving the body on the tree
Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And overnight would have been against
Joshua stretched out the spear that was in God’s law. The corpse had to be buried
his hand toward the city. 19So those in am- by sunset.
bush arose quickly out of their place; they
ran as soon as he had stretched out his
hand, and they entered the city and took Joshua Renews the Covenant
it, and hurried to set the city on fire. 20And 30Now Joshua built an altar to the Lord
when the men of Ai looked behind them, God of Israel in Mount Ebal, 31as Moses
they saw, and behold, the smoke of the city the servant of the Lord had commanded
ascended to heaven. So they had no power the children of Israel, as it is written in the
to flee this way or that way, and the people Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of whole
who had fled to the wilderness turned back stones over which no man has wielded an
on the pursuers. iron tool.”a And they offered on it burnt
21Now when Joshua and all Israel saw
that the ambush had taken the city and 8:31 aDeuteronomy 27:5, 6
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263 JOSHUA 9:24
offerings to the Lord, and sacrificed peace of the name of the Lord your God; for we
offerings. 32And there, in the presence have heard of His fame, and all that He did
of the children of Israel, he wrote on the in Egypt, 10and all that He did to the two
stones a copy of the law of Moses, which kings of the Amorites who were beyond
he had written. 33Then all Israel, with their the Jordan—to Sihon king of Heshbon, and
elders and officers and judges, stood on ei- Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth.
ther side of the ark before the priests, the 11Therefore our elders and all the inhabit-
Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant ants of our country spoke to us, saying,
of the Lord, the stranger as well as he who ‘Take provisions with you for the journey,
was born among them. Half of them were and go to meet them, and say to them, “We
in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them are your servants; now therefore, make a
in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the ser- covenant with us.” ’ 12This bread of ours we
vant of the Lord had commanded before, took hot for our provision from our houses
that they should bless the people of Israel. on the day we departed to come to you. But
34And afterward he read all the words of now look, it is dry and moldy. 13And these
the law, the blessings and the cursings, ac- wineskins which we filled were new, and
cording to all that is written in the Book of see, they are torn; and these our garments
the Law. 35There was not a word of all that and our sandals have become old because
Moses had commanded which Joshua did of the very long journey.”
not read before all the assembly of Israel, 14Then the men of Israel took some of
with the women, the little ones, and the their provisions; but they did not ask coun-
strangers who were living among them. sel of the Lord. 15So Joshua made peace
with them, and made a covenant with
The Treaty with the Gibeonites them to let them live; and the rulers of the
9
And it came to pass when all the congregation swore to them.
16And it happened at the end of three
kings who were on this side of the
Jordan, in the hills and in the low- days, after they had made a covenant with
land and in all the coasts of the Great Sea them, that they heard that they were their
toward Lebanon—the Hittite, the Amorite, neighbors who dwelt near them. 17Then
the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, the children of Israel journeyed and came
and the Jebusite—heard about it, 2that they to their cities on the third day. Now their
gathered together to fight with Joshua and cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth,
Israel with one accord. and Kirjath Jearim. 18But the children of
3But when the inhabitants of Gibeon Israel did not attack them, because the rul-
heard what Joshua had done to Jericho ers of the congregation had sworn to them
and Ai, 4they worked craftily, and went and by the Lord God of Israel. And all the con-
pretended to be ambassadors. And they gregation complained against the rulers.
19Then all the rulers said to all the con-
took old sacks on their donkeys, old wine-
skins torn and mended, 5old and patched gregation, “We have sworn to them by the
sandals on their feet, and old garments on Lord God of Israel; now therefore, we may
themselves; and all the bread of their pro- not touch them. 20This we will do to them:
vision was dry and moldy. 6And they went We will let them live, lest wrath be upon
to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said us because of the oath which we swore to
to him and to the men of Israel, “We have them.” 21And the rulers said to them, “Let
come from a far country; now therefore, them live, but let them be woodcutters and
make a covenant with us.” water carriers for all the congregation, as
7Then the men of Israel said to the Hi the rulers had promised them.”
vites, “Perhaps you dwell among us; so how 22Then Joshua called for them, and he
can we make a covenant with you?” spoke to them, saying, “Why have you de-
8But they said to Joshua, “We are your ceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’
servants.” when you dwell near us? 23Now therefore,
And Joshua said to them, “Who are you, you are cursed, and none of you shall be
and where do you come from?” freed from being slaves—woodcutters and
9So they said to him: “From a very far water carriers for the house of my God.”
country your servants have come, because 24So they answered Joshua and said,
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JOSHUA 9:25 264
“Because your servants were clearly told ing marched all night from Gilgal. 10So
that the Lord your God commanded His the Lord routed them before Israel, killed
servant Moses to give you all the land, them with a great slaughter at Gibeon,
and to destroy all the inhabitants of the chased them along the road that goes to
land from before you; therefore we were Beth Horon, and struck them down as far
very much afraid for our lives because of as Azekah and Makkedah. 11And it hap-
you, and have done this thing. 25And now, pened, as they fled before Israel and were
here we are, in your hands; do with us as it on the descent of Beth Horon, that the
seems good and right to do to us.” 26So he Lord cast down large hailstones from
did to them, and delivered them out of the heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they
hand of the children of Israel, so that they died. There were more who died from the
did not kill them. 27And that day Joshua hailstones than the children of Israel killed
made them woodcutters and water carri- with the sword.
ers for the congregation and for the altar 12Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the
of the Lord, in the place which He would day when the Lord delivered up the Amo
choose, even to this day. rites before the children of Israel, and he
said in the sight of Israel:
The Sun Stands Still
10
Now it came to pass when “ Sun, stand still over Gibeon;
Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
heard how Joshua had taken Ai 13 So the sun stood still,
and had utterly destroyed it—as he had And the moon stopped,
done to Jericho and its king, so he had done Till the people had revenge
to Ai and its king—and how the inhabitants Upon their enemies.
of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and
were among them, 2that they feared greatly, Is this not written in the Book of Jasher?
because Gibeon was a great city, like one of So the sun stood still in the midst of
the royal cities, and because it was greater heaven, and did not hasten to go down for
than Ai, and all its men were mighty. about a whole day. 14And there has been
3Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem
no day like that, before it or after it, that
sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for
king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, the Lord fought for Israel.
and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4“Come 15Then Joshua returned, and all Israel
up to me and help me, that we may attack with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua
and with the children of Israel.” 5Therefore
The Amorite Kings Executed
the five kings of the Amorites, the king of
16But these five kings had fled and hidden
Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of
Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king themselves in a cave at Makkedah. 17And
of Eglon, gathered together and went up, it was told Joshua, saying, “The five kings
they and all their armies, and camped be- have been found hidden in the cave at
fore Gibeon and made war against it. Makkedah.”
6And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua 18So Joshua said, “Roll large stones
at the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not for- against the mouth of the cave, and set men
sake your servants; come up to us quickly, by it to guard them. 19And do not stay there
save us and help us, for all the kings of the yourselves, but pursue your enemies, and
Amorites who dwell in the mountains have attack their rear guard. Do not allow them
gathered together against us.” to enter their cities, for the Lord your God
7So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and has delivered them into your hand.” 20Then
all the people of war with him, and all the it happened, while Joshua and the children
mighty men of valor. 8And the Lord said of Israel made an end of slaying them with
to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have a very great slaughter, till they had finished,
delivered them into your hand; not a man that those who escaped entered fortified
of them shall stand before you.” 9Joshua cities. 21And all the people returned to the
therefore came upon them suddenly, hav- camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace.
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265 JOSHUA 10:42
No one moved his tongue against any of were in it with the edge of the sword. He let
the children of Israel. none remain in it, but did to its king as he
22Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of had done to the king of Jericho.
the cave, and bring out those five kings to 31Then Joshua passed from Libnah, and
me from the cave.” 23And they did so, and all Israel with him, to Lachish; and they
brought out those five kings to him from encamped against it and fought against it.
the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of 32And the Lord delivered Lachish into the
Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of La- hand of Israel, who took it on the second
chish, and the king of Eglon. day, and struck it and all the people who
24So it was, when they brought out those were in it with the edge of the sword, ac-
kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all cording to all that he had done to Libnah.
the men of Israel, and said to the captains 33Then Horam king of Gezer came up to
of the men of war who went with him, help Lachish; and Joshua struck him and his
“Come near, put your feet on the necks of people, until he left him none remaining.
these kings.” And they drew near and put 34From Lachish Joshua passed to Eglon,
their feet on their necks. 25Then Joshua and all Israel with him; and they encamped
said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dis- against it and fought against it. 35They took
mayed; be strong and of good courage, for it on that day and struck it with the edge of
thus the Lord will do to all your enemies the sword; all the people who were in it he
against whom you fight.” 26And afterward utterly destroyed that day, according to all
Joshua struck them and killed them, and that he had done to Lachish.
hanged them on five trees; and they were 36So Joshua went up from Eglon, and all
hanging on the trees until evening. 27So it Israel with him, to Hebron; and they fought
was at the time of the going down of the against it. 37And they took it and struck it
sun that Joshua commanded, and they with the edge of the sword—its king, all its
took them down from the trees, cast them cities, and all the people who were in it; he
into the cave where they had been hidden, left none remaining, according to all that
and laid large stones against the cave’s he had done to Eglon, but utterly destroyed
mouth, which remain until this very day. it and all the people who were in it.
38Then Joshua returned, and all Israel
Joshua 10:24 with him, to Debir; and they fought against
Stepping on the neck or body of an en- it. 39And he took it and its king and all its
emy was a way of humiliating him and cities; they struck them with the edge of
showing that you had defeated him. the sword and utterly destroyed all the
people who were in it. He left none remain-
ing; as he had done to Hebron, so he did to
Debir and its king, as he had done also to
Enemies Libnah and its king.
Who can defeat our enemies? 40So Joshua conquered all the land: the
Joshua 10:25 mountain country and the Southa and the
lowland and the wilderness slopes, and
all their kings; he left none remaining, but
Conquest of the Southland utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the
28On that day Joshua took Makkedah, and
Lord God of Israel had commanded. 41And
Joshua conquered them from Kadesh Bar-
struck it and its king with the edge of the nea as far as Gaza, and all the country of
sword. He utterly destroyed thema—all the Goshen, even as far as Gibeon. 42All these
people who were in it. He let none remain. kings and their land Joshua took at one
He also did to the king of Makkedah as he
had done to the king of Jericho. 10:28 aFollowing Masoretic Text and most
29Then Joshua passed from Makkedah,
authorities; many Hebrew manuscripts,
and all Israel with him, to Libnah; and they some manuscripts of the Septuagint, and
fought against Libnah. 30And the Lord some manuscripts of the Targum read it.
also delivered it and its king into the hand 10:40 aHebrew Negev, and so throughout this
of Israel; he struck it and all the people who book
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JOSHUA 10:43 266
time, because the Lord God of Israel fought which Joshua burned. 14And all the spoil of
for Israel. 43Then Joshua returned, and all these cities and the livestock, the children
Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal. of Israel took as booty for themselves; but
they struck every man with the edge of the
The Northern Conquest sword until they had destroyed them, and
they left none breathing. 15As the Lord had
11
And it came to pass, when Jabin commanded Moses his servant, so Moses
king of Hazor heard these things, commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He
that he sent to Jobab king of left nothing undone of all that the Lord
Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king had commanded Moses.
of Achshaph, 2and to the kings who were
from the north, in the mountains, in the Summary of Joshua’s
plain south of Chinneroth, in the lowland, Conquests
and in the heights of Dor on the west, 3to 16Thus Joshua took all this land: the moun-
the Canaanites in the east and in the west,
tain country, all the South, all the land
the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the of Goshen, the lowland, and the Jordan
Jebusite in the mountains, and the Hivite plaina—the mountains of Israel and its low-
below Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4So lands, 17from Mount Halak and the ascent
they went out, they and all their armies to Seir, even as far as Baal Gad in the Valley
with them, as many people as the sand of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He cap-
that is on the seashore in multitude, with tured all their kings, and struck them down
very many horses and chariots. 5And when and killed them. 18Joshua made war a long
all these kings had met together, they came time with all those kings. 19There was not
and camped together at the waters of a city that made peace with the children
Merom to fight against Israel. of Israel, except the Hivites, the inhabi
6But the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be
tants of Gibeon. All the others they took in
afraid because of them, for tomorrow about battle. 20For it was of the Lord to harden
this time I will deliver all of them slain be- their hearts, that they should come against
fore Israel. You shall hamstring their horses Israel in battle, that He might utterly de-
and burn their chariots with fire.” 7So stroy them, and that they might receive no
Joshua and all the people of war with him mercy, but that He might destroy them, as
came against them suddenly by the waters the Lord had commanded Moses.
of Merom, and they attacked them. 8And 21And at that time Joshua came and cut
the Lord delivered them into the hand of off the Anakim from the mountains: from
Israel, who defeated them and chased them Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all
to Greater Sidon, to the Brook Misrephoth,a the mountains of Judah, and from all the
and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward; they mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly de-
attacked them until they left none of them stroyed them with their cities. 22None of
remaining. 9So Joshua did to them as the the Anakim were left in the land of the chil-
Lord had told him: he hamstrung their dren of Israel; they remained only in Gaza,
horses and burned their chariots with fire. in Gath, and in Ashdod.
10Joshua turned back at that time and
23So Joshua took the whole land, accord-
took Hazor, and struck its king with the ing to all that the Lord had said to Moses;
sword; for Hazor was formerly the head of and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Is-
all those kingdoms. 11And they struck all rael according to their divisions by their
the people who were in it with the edge of tribes. Then the land rested from war.
the sword, utterly destroying them. There
was none left breathing. Then he burned The Kings Conquered
Hazor with fire. by Moses
12
12So all the cities of those kings, and
These are the kings of the land
all their kings, Joshua took and struck whom the children of Israel
with the edge of the sword. He utterly de- defeated, and whose land they
stroyed them, as Moses the servant of the
Lord had commanded. 13But as for the 11:8 aHebrew Misrephoth Maim 11:13 aHebrew
cities that stood on their mounds,a Israel tel, a heap of successive city ruins
burned none of them, except Hazor only, 11:16 aHebrew arabah
06-Joshua.indd 266 2/14/12 11:51 AM
267 JOSHUA 13:10
possessed on the other side of the Jordan Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph,
toward the rising of the sun, from the River one; 21the king of Taanach, one; the king of
Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the east- Megiddo, one; 22the king of Kedesh, one;
ern Jordan plain: 2One king was Sihon king the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 23the
of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon and king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the
ruled half of Gilead, from Aroer, which is on king of the people of Gilgal, one; 24the king
the bank of the River Arnon, from the mid- of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one.
dle of that river, even as far as the River Jab-
bok, which is the border of the Ammonites, Remaining Land to Be
3and the eastern Jordan plain from the Sea
Conquered
of Chinneroth as far as the Sea of the Arabah
13
(the Salt Sea), the road to Beth Jeshimoth, Now Joshua was old, advanced
and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. in years. And the Lord said to
4The other king was Og king of Bashan and him: “You are old, advanced in
his territory, who was of the remnant of years, and there remains very much land
the giants, who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at yet to be possessed. 2This is the land that
Edrei, 5and reigned over Mount Hermon, yet remains: all the territory of the Philis-
over Salcah, over all Bashan, as far as the tines and all that of the Geshurites, 3from
border of the Geshurites and the Maacha- Sihor, which is east of Egypt, as far as
thites, and over half of Gilead to the border the border of Ekron northward (which is
of Sihon king of Heshbon. counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the
6These Moses the servant of the Lord Philistines—the Gazites, the Ashdodites,
and the children of Israel had conquered; the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the
and Moses the servant of the Lord had Ekronites; also the Avites; 4from the south,
given it as a possession to the Reubenites, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah
the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. that belongs to the Sidonians as far as
Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; 5the
The Kings Conquered land of the Gebalites,a and all Lebanon,
by Joshua toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad below
7And these are the kings of the country Mount Hermon as far as the entrance to
Hamath; 6all the inhabitants of the moun-
which Joshua and the children of Israel
tains from Lebanon as far as the Brook
conquered on this side of the Jordan, on
the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Misrephoth,a and all the Sidonians—them
Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the as- I will drive out from before the children of
cent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes Israel; only divide it by lot to Israel as an in-
of Israel as a possession according to their heritance, as I have commanded you. 7Now
divisions, 8in the mountain country, in the therefore, divide this land as an inheri-
lowlands, in the Jordan plain, in the slopes, tance to the nine tribes and half the tribe
in the wilderness, and in the South—the of Manasseh.”
Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the
Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: The Land Divided East
9the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, of the Jordan
which is beside Bethel, one; 10the king of 8With the other half-tribe the Reubenites
Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; and the Gadites received their inheri-
11the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of La-
tance, which Moses had given them,
chish, one; 12the king of Eglon, one; the king beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses
of Gezer, one; 13the king of Debir, one; the the servant of the Lord had given them:
king of Geder, one; 14the king of Hormah, 9from Aroer which is on the bank of the
one; the king of Arad, one; 15the king of Lib- River Arnon, and the town that is in the
nah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 16the midst of the ravine, and all the plain of
king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, Medeba as far as Dibon; 10all the cities of
one; 17the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned
Hepher, one; 18the king of Aphek, one; the
king of Lasharon, one; 19the king of Madon, 13:5 aOr Giblites
13:6 aHebrew Misrephoth
one; the king of Hazor, one; 20the king of Maim
06-Joshua.indd 267 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 13:11 268
in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the
children of Ammon; 11Gilead, and the border of Debir, 27and in the valley Beth
border of the Geshurites and Maacha- Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Za-
thites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan phon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon
as far as Salcah; 12all the kingdom of Og king of Heshbon, with the Jordan as its
in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and border, as far as the edge of the Sea of
Edrei, who remained of the remnant of Chinnereth, on the other side of the Jor-
the giants; for Moses had defeated and dan eastward. 28This is the inheritance
cast out these. of the children of Gad according to their
13Nevertheless the children of Israel did families, the cities and their villages.
not drive out the Geshurites or the Maach
athites, but the Geshurites and the Ma Half the Tribe of Manasseh
achathites dwell among the Israelites until (East)
this day.
14Only to the tribe of Levi he had given
29Moses also had given an inheritance
to half the tribe of Manasseh; it was for
no inheritance; the sacrifices of the Lord
half the tribe of the children of Manasseh
God of Israel made by fire are their inheri-
tance, as He said to them. according to their families: 30Their terri-
tory was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all
the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and
The Land of Reuben all the towns of Jair which are in Bashan,
15And Moses had given to the tribe of the sixty cities; 31half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth
children of Reuben an inheritance accord- and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in
ing to their families. 16Their territory was Bashan, were for the children of Machir the
from Aroer, which is on the bank of the son of Manasseh, for half of the children of
River Arnon, and the city that is in the Machir according to their families.
midst of the ravine, and all the plain by 32These are the areas which Moses had
Medeba; 17Heshbon and all its cities that distributed as an inheritance in the plains
are in the plain: Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth of Moab on the other side of the Jordan, by
Baal Meon, 18Jahaza, Kedemoth, Mephaath, Jericho eastward. 33But to the tribe of Levi
19Kirjathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord
the mountain of the valley, 20Beth Peor, the God of Israel was their inheritance, as He
slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth—21all had said to them.
the cities of the plain and all the kingdom
of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned The Land Divided West
in Heshbon, whom Moses had struck with of the Jordan
the princes of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur,
14
These are the areas which the
and Reba, who were princes of Sihon dwell-
children of Israel inherited in
ing in the country. 22The children of Israel
the land of Canaan, which Elea-
also killed with the sword Balaam the son
zar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and
of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who
the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the
were killed by them. 23And the border of
children of Israel distributed as an inheri-
the children of Reuben was the bank of
tance to them. 2Their inheritance was by
the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the
lot, as the Lord had commanded by the
children of Reuben according to their fami-
hand of Moses, for the nine tribes and the
lies, the cities and their villages.
half-tribe. 3For Moses had given the inheri-
tance of the two tribes and the half-tribe
The Land of Gad on the other side of the Jordan; but to the
24Moses also had given an inheritance to Levites he had given no inheritance among
the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad them. 4For the children of Joseph were two
according to their families. 25Their terri- tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. And they
tory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, gave no part to the Levites in the land, ex-
and half the land of the Ammonites as far cept cities to dwell in, with their common-
as Aroer, which is before Rabbah, 26and lands for their livestock and their property.
from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpah and 5As the Lord had commanded Moses, so
06-Joshua.indd 268 2/14/12 11:51 AM
269 JOSHUA 15:12
the children of Israel did; and they divided The Land of Judah
the land.
15
So this was the lot of the tribe of
the children of Judah according
Caleb Inherits Hebron
to their families:
6Then the children of Judah came to Joshua
The border of Edom at the Wilderness
in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh of Zin southward was the extreme south-
the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the ern boundary. 2And their southern border
word which the Lord said to Moses the began at the shore of the Salt Sea, from the
man of God concerning you and me in bay that faces southward. 3Then it went
Kadesh Barnea. 7I was forty years old when out to the southern side of the Ascent of
Moses the servant of the Lord sent me Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, ascended
from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, on the south side of Kadesh Barnea, passed
and I brought back word to him as it was along to Hezron, went up to Adar, and went
in my heart. 8Nevertheless my brethren around to Karkaa. 4From there it passed to-
who went up with me made the heart of ward Azmon and went out to the Brook
the people melt, but I wholly followed the of Egypt; and the border ended at the sea.
Lord my God. 9So Moses swore on that This shall be your southern border.
day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your 5The east border was the Salt Sea as far
foot has trodden shall be your inheritance as the mouth of the Jordan.
and your children’s forever, because you And the border on the northern quarter
have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ began at the bay of the sea at the mouth of
10And now, behold, the Lord has kept me
the Jordan. 6The border went up to Beth
alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever Hoglah and passed north of Beth Arabah;
since the Lord spoke this word to Moses and the border went up to the stone of
while Israel wandered in the wilderness; Bohan the son of Reuben. 7Then the bor-
and now, here I am this day, eighty-five der went up toward Debir from the Valley
years old. 11As yet I am as strong this day as of Achor, and it turned northward toward
on the day that Moses sent me; just as my Gilgal, which is before the Ascent of Adum-
strength was then, so now is my strength mim, which is on the south side of the val-
for war, both for going out and for coming ley. The border continued toward the wa-
in. 12Now therefore, give me this mountain ters of En Shemesh and ended at En Rogel.
of which the Lord spoke in that day; for 8And the border went up by the Valley of
you heard in that day how the Anakim were the Son of Hinnom to the southern slope of
there, and that the cities were great and for- the Jebusite city (which is Jerusalem). The
tified. It may be that the Lord will be with border went up to the top of the mountain
me, and I shall be able to drive them out as that lies before the Valley of Hinnom west-
the Lord said.” ward, which is at the end of the Valley of
Rephaima northward. 9Then the border
Life went around from the top of the hill to the
fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and ex-
Where do we get our strength tended to the cities of Mount Ephron. And
to live? the border went around to Baalah (which
Joshua 14:10, 11 is Kirjath Jearim). 10Then the border turned
westward from Baalah to Mount Seir,
passed along to the side of Mount Jearim
13And Joshua blessed him, and gave He-
on the north (which is Chesalon), went
bron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an down to Beth Shemesh, and passed on to
inheritance. 14Hebron therefore became Timnah. 11And the border went out to the
the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephun- side of Ekron northward. Then the border
neh the Kenizzite to this day, because he went around to Shicron, passed along to
wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. Mount Baalah, and extended to Jabneel;
15And the name of Hebron formerly was
and the border ended at the sea.
Kirjath Arba (Arba was the greatest man 12The west border was the coastline of
among the Anakim).
Then the land had rest from war. 15:8 aLiterally Giants
06-Joshua.indd 269 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 15:13 270
the Great Sea. This is the boundary of the rothaim: fourteen cities with their villages;
children of Judah all around according to 37Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal Gad, 38Dilean,
their families. Mizpah, Joktheel, 39Lachish, Bozkath, Eg-
lon, 40Cabbon, Lahmas,a Kithlish, 41Gede
Caleb Occupies Hebron roth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makke-
and Debir dah: sixteen cities with their villages;
42Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43Jiphtah, Ashnah,
13Now to Caleb the son of Jephunneh he
gave a share among the children of Ju- Nezib, 44Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah:
dah, according to the commandment of nine cities with their villages; 45Ekron, with
the Lord to Joshua, namely, Kirjath Arba, its towns and villages; 46from Ekron to the
which is Hebron (Arba was the father of sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their vil-
Anak). 14Caleb drove out the three sons of lages; 47Ashdod with its towns and villages,
Anak from there: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Gaza with its towns and villages—as far as
Talmai, the children of Anak. 15Then he the Brook of Egypt and the Great Sea with
went up from there to the inhabitants of its coastline.
48And in the mountain country: Shamir,
Debir (formerly the name of Debir was Kir-
jath Sepher). Jattir, Sochoh, 49Dannah, Kirjath Sannah
16And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kir- (which is Debir), 50Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,
51Goshen, Holon, and Giloh: eleven cities
jath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give
Achsah my daughter as wife.” 17So Othniel with their villages; 52Arab, Dumah, Eshean,
53Janum, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, 54Hum-
the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took
tah, Kirjath Arba (which is Hebron), and
it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter
Zior: nine cities with their villages; 55Maon,
as wife. 18Now it was so, when she came
Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, 56Jezreel, Jokdeam,
to him, that she persuaded him to ask her
Zanoah, 57Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah: ten
father for a field. So she dismounted from
cities with their villages; 58Halhul, Beth
her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What
Zur, Gedor, 59Maarath, Beth Anoth, and
do you wish?” 19She answered, “Give me a
Eltekon: six cities with their villages; 60Kir-
blessing; since you have given me land in
jath Baal (which is Kirjath Jearim) and Rab-
the South, give me also springs of water.”
bah: two cities with their villages.
So he gave her the upper springs and the 61In the wilderness: Beth Arabah, Mid-
lower springs.
din, Secacah, 62Nibshan, the City of Salt,
and En Gedi: six cities with their villages.
The Cities of Judah 63As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of
20This was the inheritance of the tribe of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not
the children of Judah according to their drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with
families: the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
21The cities at the limits of the tribe of
the children of Judah, toward the bor- Ephraim and West Manasseh
der of Edom in the South, were Kabzeel,
16
The lot fell to the children of
Eder, Jagur, 22Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, Joseph from the Jordan, by Jeri-
23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24Ziph, Telem,
cho, to the waters of Jericho on
Bealoth, 25Hazor, Hadattah, Kerioth, Hez the east, to the wilderness that goes up
ron (which is Hazor), 26Amam, Shema, from Jericho through the mountains to
Moladah, 27Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Bethel, 2then went out from Bethel to Luz,a
Pelet, 28Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Bizjoth- passed along to the border of the Archites
jah, 29Baalah, Ijim, Ezem, 30Eltolad, Chesil, at Ataroth, 3and went down westward
Hormah, 31Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansan- to the boundary of the Japhletites, as far
nah, 32Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: as the boundary of Lower Beth Horon to
all the cities are twenty-nine, with their vil- Gezer; and it ended at the sea.
lages. 4So the children of Joseph, Manasseh
33In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ash-
and Ephraim, took their inheritance.
nah, 34Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah,
Enam, 35Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, 15:40 aOr Lahmam 16:2 aSeptuagint reads
36Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gede Bethel (that is, Luz).
06-Joshua.indd 270 2/14/12 11:51 AM
271 JOSHUA 17:16
The Land of Ephraim among their father’s brothers. 5Ten shares
5The border of the children of Ephraim, fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead
and Bashan, which were on the other side
according to their families, was thus: The
of the Jordan, 6because the daughters of
border of their inheritance on the east side
Manasseh received an inheritance among
was Ataroth Addar as far as Upper Beth
his sons; and the rest of Manasseh’s sons
Horon.
6And the border went out toward the sea had the land of Gilead.
7And the territory of Manasseh was
on the north side of Michmethath; then the
from Asher to Michmethath, that lies east
border went around eastward to Taanath
of Shechem; and the border went along
Shiloh, and passed by it on the east of Jano-
south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.
hah. 7Then it went down from Janohah to 8Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but
Ataroth and Naarah,a reached to Jericho,
Tappuah on the border of Manasseh be-
and came out at the Jordan.
8The border went out from Tappuah longed to the children of Ephraim. 9And
the border descended to the Brook Kanah,
westward to the Brook Kanah, and it ended
southward to the brook. These cities of
at the sea. This was the inheritance of the
Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh.
tribe of the children of Ephraim according
The border of Manasseh was on the north
to their families. 9The separate cities for
side of the brook; and it ended at the sea.
the children of Ephraim were among the 10Southward it was Ephraim’s, north-
inheritance of the children of Manasseh,
ward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was
all the cities with their villages.
10And they did not drive out the Canaan-
its border. Manasseh’s territory was adjoin-
ing Asher on the north and Issachar on
ites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaan-
the east. 11And in Issachar and in Asher,
ites dwell among the Ephraimites to this
Manasseh had Beth Shean and its towns,
day and have become forced laborers.
Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of
Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En
The Other Half-T ribe
Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Ta-
of Manasseh (West)
anach and its towns, and the inhabitants
17
There was also a lot for the of Megiddo and its towns—three hilly re-
tribe of Manasseh, for he was gions. 12Yet the children of Manasseh could
the firstborn of Joseph: namely not drive out the inhabitants of those cities,
for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the but the Canaanites were determined to
father of Gilead, because he was a man of dwell in that land. 13And it happened, when
war; therefore he was given Gilead and the children of Israel grew strong, that they
Bashan. 2And there was a lot for the rest put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did
of the children of Manasseh according to not utterly drive them out.
their families: for the children of Abiezer,a
the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, More Land for Ephraim
the children of Shechem, the children of and Manasseh
Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these 14Then the children of Joseph spoke to
were the male children of Manasseh the Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us
son of Joseph according to their families. only one lot and one share to inherit, since
3But Zelophehad the son of Hepher,
we are a great people, inasmuch as the
the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the Lord has blessed us until now?”
son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only 15So Joshua answered them, “If you are a
daughters. And these are the names of his great people, then go up to the forest coun-
daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, try and clear a place for yourself there in
and Tirzah. 4And they came near before the land of the Perizzites and the giants,
Eleazar the priest, before Joshua the son since the mountains of Ephraim are too
of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, “The confined for you.”
Lord commanded Moses to give us an 16But the children of Joseph said, “The
inheritance among our brothers.” There-
fore, according to the commandment of 16:7 aOr Naaran (compare 1 Chronicles 7:28)
the Lord, he gave them an inheritance 17:2 aCalled Jeezer in Numbers 26:30
06-Joshua.indd 271 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 17:17 272
mountain country is not enough for us; our God. 7But the Levites have no part
and all the Canaanites who dwell in the among you, for the priesthood of the Lord
land of the valley have chariots of iron, both is their inheritance. And Gad, Reuben, and
those who are of Beth Shean and its towns half the tribe of Manasseh have received
and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.” their inheritance beyond the Jordan on the
17And Joshua spoke to the house of east, which Moses the servant of the Lord
Joseph— to Ephraim and Manasseh— gave them.”
saying, “You are a great people and have 8Then the men arose to go away; and
great power; you shall not have only one Joshua charged those who went to sur-
lot, 18but the mountain country shall be vey the land, saying, “Go, walk through
yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut the land, survey it, and come back to me,
it down, and its farthest extent shall be that I may cast lots for you here before the
yours; for you shall drive out the Canaan- Lord in Shiloh.” 9So the men went, passed
ites, though they have iron chariots and are through the land, and wrote the survey in
strong.” a book in seven parts by cities; and they
came to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.
10Then Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh
Joshua 17:16 before the Lord, and there Joshua divided
Most ancient chariots were made of the land to the children of Israel according
wood held together by leather strips. to their divisions.
The iron chariots mentioned here
probably had iron only in strate- The Land of Benjamin
gic places on the vehicle, for extra 11Now the lot of the tribe of the children
support and durability. Chariots
of Benjamin came up according to their
were designed to carry at least two
families, and the territory of their lot
people—one person to drive and one
came out between the children of Judah
person, armed with a bow, to fight the
and the children of Joseph. 12Their border
enemy.
on the north side began at the Jordan, and
the border went up to the side of Jericho
on the north, and went up through the
The Remainder of the Land
Divided
mountains westward; it ended at the Wil-
derness of Beth Aven. 13The border went
18
Now the whole congregation of over from there toward Luz, to the side of
the children of Israel assembled Luz (which is Bethel) southward; and the
together at Shiloh, and set up border descended to Ataroth Addar, near
the tabernacle of meeting there. And the the hill that lies on the south side of Lower
land was subdued before them. 2But there Beth Horon.
remained among the children of Israel 14Then the border extended around the
seven tribes which had not yet received west side to the south, from the hill that
their inheritance. lies before Beth Horon southward; and
3Then Joshua said to the children of Is-
it ended at Kirjath Baal (which is Kirjath
rael: “How long will you neglect to go and Jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This
possess the land which the Lord God of was the west side.
your fathers has given you? 4Pick out from 15The south side began at the end of
among you three men for each tribe, and Kirjath Jearim, and the border extended
I will send them; they shall rise and go on the west and went out to the spring of
through the land, survey it according to the waters of Nephtoah. 16Then the bor-
their inheritance, and come back to me. der came down to the end of the moun-
5And they shall divide it into seven parts.
tain that lies before the Valley of the Son
Judah shall remain in their territory on the of Hinnom, which is in the Valley of the
south, and the house of Joseph shall re- Rephaima on the north, descended to the
main in their territory on the north. 6You Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jeb
shall therefore survey the land in seven usite city on the south, and descended to
parts and bring the survey here to me, that I
may cast lots for you here before the Lord 18:16 aLiterally Giants
06-Joshua.indd 272 2/14/12 11:51 AM
273 JOSHUA 19:27
En Rogel. 17And it went around from the inheritance within the inheritance of that
north, went out to En Shemesh, and ex- people.
tended toward Geliloth, which is before
the Ascent of Adummim, and descended The Land of Zebulun
to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 10The third lot came out for the children of
18Then it passed along toward the north
Zebulun according to their families, and
side of Arabah,a and went down to Ara-
the border of their inheritance was as far
bah. 19And the border passed along to the
as Sarid. 11Their border went toward the
north side of Beth Hoglah; then the border
west and to Maralah, went to Dabbasheth,
ended at the north bay at the Salt Sea, at
and extended along the brook that is east
the south end of the Jordan. This was the
of Jokneam. 12Then from Sarid it went east-
southern boundary.
20The Jordan was its border on the east
ward toward the sunrise along the border
of Chisloth Tabor, and went out toward
side. This was the inheritance of the chil-
Daberath, bypassing Japhia. 13And from
dren of Benjamin, according to its bound-
there it passed along on the east of Gath
aries all around, according to their fami-
Hepher, toward Eth Kazin, and extended to
lies.
21Now the cities of the tribe of the
Rimmon, which borders on Neah. 14Then
the border went around it on the north
children of Benjamin, according to their
side of Hannathon, and it ended in the Val-
families, were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek
ley of Jiphthah El. 15Included were Kattath,
Keziz, 22Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
23Avim, Parah, Ophrah, 24Chephar Haam-
Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem:
twelve cities with their villages. 16This was
moni, Ophni, and Gaba: twelve cities with
the inheritance of the children of Zebulun
their villages; 25Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,
26Mizpah, Chephirah, Mozah, 27Rekem, Ir-
according to their families, these cities
with their villages.
peel, Taralah, 28Zelah, Eleph, Jebus (which
is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kirjath: four-
teen cities with their villages. This was the The Land of Issachar
inheritance of the children of Benjamin ac- 17The fourth lot came out to Issachar, for
cording to their families. the children of Issachar according to their
families. 18And their territory went to Jez-
Simeon’s Inheritance reel, and included Chesulloth, Shunem,
with Judah 19Haphraim, Shion, Anaharath, 20Rabbith,
19
The second lot came out for Kishion, Abez, 21Remeth, En Gannim, En
Simeon, for the tribe of the chil- Haddah, and Beth Pazzez. 22And the bor-
dren of Simeon according to der reached to Tabor, Shahazimah, and
their families. And their inheritance was Beth Shemesh; their border ended at the
within the inheritance of the children of Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
23This was the inheritance of the tribe of
Judah. 2They had in their inheritance Beer-
sheba (Sheba), Moladah, 3Hazar Shual, the children of Issachar according to their
Balah, Ezem, 4Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, families, the cities and their villages.
5Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah,
6Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen: thirteen cit- The Land of Asher
ies and their villages; 7Ain, Rimmon, Ether, 24The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the
and Ashan: four cities and their villages; children of Asher according to their fami-
8and all the villages that were all around
lies. 25And their territory included Helkath,
these cities as far as Baalath Beer, Ramah Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26Alammelech,
of the South. This was the inheritance of Amad, and Mishal; it reached to Mount
the tribe of the children of Simeon accord- Carmel westward, along the Brook Shihor
ing to their families. Libnath. 27It turned toward the sunrise
9The inheritance of the children of
to Beth Dagon; and it reached to Zebu-
Simeon was included in the share of the lun and to the Valley of Jiphthah El, then
children of Judah, for the share of the northward beyond Beth Emek and Neiel,
children of Judah was too much for them.
Therefore the children of Simeon had their 18:18 aOr Beth Arabah (compare 15:6 and 18:22)
06-Joshua.indd 273 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 19:28 274
bypassing Cabul which was on the left, according to their families, these cities
28including Ebron,a Rehob, Hammon, and with their villages.
Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. 29And the
border turned to Ramah and to the forti- Joshua’s Inheritance
fied city of Tyre; then the border turned to 49When they had made an end of dividing
Hosah, and ended at the sea by the region the land as an inheritance according to
of Achzib. 30Also Ummah, Aphek, and Re- their borders, the children of Israel gave
hob were included: twenty-two cities with an inheritance among them to Joshua the
their villages. 31This was the inheritance of son of Nun. 50According to the word of
the tribe of the children of Asher accord- the Lord they gave him the city which he
ing to their families, these cities with their asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains
villages. of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt
in it.
The Land of Naphtali 51These were the inheritances which El-
32The sixth lot came out to the children eazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and
of Naphtali, for the children of Naphtali the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the
according to their families. 33And their children of Israel divided as an inheritance
border began at Heleph, enclosing the by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door
territory from the terebinth tree in Zaanan- of the tabernacle of meeting. So they made
nim, Adami Nekeb, and Jabneel, as far as an end of dividing the country.
Lakkum; it ended at the Jordan. 34From
The Cities of Refuge
Heleph the border extended westward to
20
Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there to- The Lord also spoke to Joshua,
ward Hukkok; it adjoined Zebulun on the saying, 2“Speak to the children
south side and Asher on the west side, and of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for
ended at Judah by the Jordan toward the yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke
sunrise. 35And the fortified cities are Zid- to you through Moses, 3that the slayer who
dim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, kills a person accidentally or unintention-
36Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37Kedesh, Edrei, ally may flee there; and they shall be your
En Hazor, 38Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth refuge from the avenger of blood. 4And
Anath, and Beth Shemesh: nineteen cit- when he flees to one of those cities, and
ies with their villages. 39This was the stands at the entrance of the gate of the
inheritance of the tribe of the children of city, and declares his case in the hearing of
Naphtali according to their families, the the elders of that city, they shall take him
cities and their villages. into the city as one of them, and give him
a place, that he may dwell among them.
5Then if the avenger of blood pursues him,
The Land of Dan
40The seventh lot came out for the tribe
they shall not deliver the slayer into his
hand, because he struck his neighbor un-
of the children of Dan according to their intentionally, but did not hate him before-
families. 41And the territory of their hand. 6And he shall dwell in that city until
inheritance was Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir Shem- he stands before the congregation for judg-
esh, 42Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Jethlah, 43Elon, ment, and until the death of the one who is
Timnah, Ekron, 44Eltekeh, Gibbethon, high priest in those days. Then the slayer
Baalath, 45Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rim- may return and come to his own city and
mon, 46Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the his own house, to the city from which he
region near Joppa. 47And the border of fled.’ ”
the children of Dan went beyond these, 7So they appointed Kedesh in Galilee, in
because the children of Dan went up to the mountains of Naphtali, Shechem in the
fight against Leshem and took it; and mountains of Ephraim, and Kirjath Arba
they struck it with the edge of the sword, (which is Hebron) in the mountains of Ju-
took possession of it, and dwelt in it.
They called Leshem, Dan, after the name 19:28 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
of Dan their father. 48This is the inheri- Vulgate; a few Hebrew manuscripts read Abdon
tance of the tribe of the children of Dan (compare 21:30 and 1 Chronicles 6:74).
06-Joshua.indd 274 2/14/12 11:51 AM
275 JOSHUA 21:30
dah. 8And
on the other side of the Jordan, the Kohathites, who were of the children
by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer of Levi; for the lot was theirs first. 11And
in the wilderness on the plain, from the they gave them Kirjath Arba (Arba was the
tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, from father of Anak), which is Hebron, in the
the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, mountains of Judah, with the common-
from the tribe of Manasseh. 9These were land surrounding it. 12But the fields of the
the cities appointed for all the children city and its villages they gave to Caleb the
of Israel and for the stranger who dwelt son of Jephunneh as his possession.
among them, that whoever killed a person 13Thus to the children of Aaron the priest
accidentally might flee there, and not die they gave Hebron with its common-land (a
by the hand of the avenger of blood until he city of refuge for the slayer), Libnah with its
stood before the congregation. common-land, 14Jattir with its common-
land, Eshtemoa with its common- land,
Cities of the Levites 15Holon with its common-land, Debir with
21
Then the heads of the fathers’ its common-land, 16Ain with its common-
houses of the Levites came near land, Juttah with its common-land, and
to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua Beth Shemesh with its common- land:
the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fa- nine cities from those two tribes; 17and
thers’ houses of the tribes of the children of from the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with
Israel. 2And they spoke to them at Shiloh its common-land, Geba with its common-
in the land of Canaan, saying, “The Lord land, 18Anathoth with its common-land,
commanded through Moses to give us cit- and Almon with its common-land: four cit-
ies to dwell in, with their common-lands ies. 19All the cities of the children of Aaron,
for our livestock.” 3So the children of Israel the priests, were thirteen cities with their
gave to the Levites from their inheritance, common-lands.
20And the families of the children of Ko-
at the commandment of the Lord, these
cities and their common-lands: hath, the Levites, the rest of the children of
4Now the lot came out for the families Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot
of the Kohathites. And the children of from the tribe of Ephraim. 21For they gave
Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, them Shechem with its common-land in
had thirteen cities by lot from the tribe of the mountains of Ephraim (a city of refuge
Judah, from the tribe of Simeon, and from for the slayer), Gezer with its common-
the tribe of Benjamin. 5The rest of the chil- land, 22Kibzaim with its common-land, and
dren of Kohath had ten cities by lot from Beth Horon with its common-land: four
the families of the tribe of Ephraim, from cities; 23and from the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh
the tribe of Dan, and from the half-tribe of with its common-land, Gibbethon with its
Manasseh. common-land, 24Aijalon with its common-
6And the children of Gershon had thir- land, and Gath Rimmon with its common-
teen cities by lot from the families of the land: four cities; 25and from the half-tribe of
tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, Manasseh, Tanach with its common-land
from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the and Gath Rimmon with its common-land:
half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. two cities. 26All the ten cities with their
7The children of Merari according to common-lands were for the rest of the fam-
their families had twelve cities from the ilies of the children of Kohath.
tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and 27Also to the children of Gershon, of the
from the tribe of Zebulun. families of the Levites, from the other half-
8And the children of Israel gave these cit- tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan
ies with their common-lands by lot to the with its common-land (a city of refuge for the
Levites, as the Lord had commanded by slayer), and Be Eshterah with its common-
the hand of Moses. land: two cities; 28and from the tribe of Is-
9So they gave from the tribe of the chil- sachar, Kishion with its common- land,
dren of Judah and from the tribe of the Daberath with its common-land, 29Jarmuth
children of Simeon these cities which are with its common-land, and En Gannim with
designated by name, 10which were for the its common-land: four cities; 30and from the
children of Aaron, one of the families of tribe of Asher, Mishal with its common-land,
06-Joshua.indd 275 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 21:31 276
Abdon with its common- land, 31Helkath said to them: “You have kept all that Moses
with its common-land, and Rehob with its the servant of the Lord commanded you,
common-land: four cities; 32and from the and have obeyed my voice in all that I com-
tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its manded you. 3You have not left your breth-
common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), ren these many days, up to this day, but
Hammoth Dor with its common-land, and have kept the charge of the commandment
Kartan with its common-land: three cities. of the Lord your God. 4And now the Lord
33All the cities of the Gershonites according your God has given rest to your brethren,
to their families were thirteen cities with as He promised them; now therefore, re-
their common-lands. turn and go to your tents and to the land of
34And to the families of the children your possession, which Moses the servant
of Merari, the rest of the Levites, from of the Lord gave you on the other side of
the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its the Jordan. 5But take careful heed to do the
common-land, Kartah with its common- commandment and the law which Moses
land, 35Dimnah with its common-land, and the servant of the Lord commanded you,
Nahalal with its common-land: four cities; to love the Lord your God, to walk in all
36and from the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with His ways, to keep His commandments, to
its common-land, Jahaz with its common- hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with
land, 37Kedemoth with its common-land, all your heart and with all your soul.” 6So
and Mephaath with its common- land: Joshua blessed them and sent them away,
four cities;a 38and from the tribe of Gad, and they went to their tents.
Ramoth in Gilead with its common-land
(a city of refuge for the slayer), Mahanaim Following God
with its common-land, 39Heshbon with its How should we follow God?
common-land, and Jazer with its common-
land: four cities in all. 40So all the cities for Joshua 22:5
the children of Merari according to their
families, the rest of the families of the Le 7Now to half the tribe of Manasseh Mo-
vites, were by their lot twelve cities. ses had given a possession in Bashan, but
41All the cities of the Levites within the
to the other half of it Joshua gave a posses-
possession of the children of Israel were sion among their brethren on this side of
forty-eight cities with their common- the Jordan, westward. And indeed, when
lands. 42Every one of these cities had its Joshua sent them away to their tents, he
common-land surrounding it; thus were blessed them, 8and spoke to them, saying,
all these cities. “Return with much riches to your tents,
with very much livestock, with silver, with
The Promise Fulfilled gold, with bronze, with iron, and with very
43So the Lord gave to Israel all the land much clothing. Divide the spoil of your en-
of which He had sworn to give to their fa- emies with your brethren.”
9So the children of Reuben, the children
thers, and they took possession of it and
dwelt in it. 44The Lord gave them rest all of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh re-
around, according to all that He had sworn turned, and departed from the children
to their fathers. And not a man of all their of Israel at Shiloh, which is in the land of
enemies stood against them; the Lord de- Canaan, to go to the country of Gilead, to
livered all their enemies into their hand. the land of their possession, which they
45Not a word failed of any good thing which had obtained according to the word of the
the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. Lord by the hand of Moses.
All came to pass.
An Altar by the Jordan
10And when they came to the region of
Eastern Tribes Return to Their
Lands the Jordan which is in the land of Canaan,
22
Then Joshua called the Reu- 21:37 aFollowing Septuagint and Vulgate
benites, the Gadites, and half (compare 1 Chronicles 6:78, 79); Masoretic Text,
the tribe of Manasseh, 2and Bomberg, and Targum omit verses 36 and 37.
06-Joshua.indd 276 2/14/12 11:51 AM
277 JOSHUA 22:29
the children of Reuben, the children of gry with the whole congregation of Israel.
Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh built 19Nevertheless, if the land of your posses-
an altar there by the Jordan—a great, im- sion is unclean, then cross over to the land
pressive altar. 11Now the children of Israel of the possession of the Lord, where the
heard someone say, “Behold, the children Lord’s tabernacle stands, and take pos-
of Reuben, the children of Gad, and half session among us; but do not rebel against
the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar the Lord, nor rebel against us, by building
on the frontier of the land of Canaan, in yourselves an altar besides the altar of the
the region of the Jordan—on the children Lord our God. 20Did not Achan the son of
of Israel’s side.” 12And when the children of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed
Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of thing, and wrath fell on all the congrega-
the children of Israel gathered together at tion of Israel? And that man did not perish
Shiloh to go to war against them. alone in his iniquity.’ ”
21Then the children of Reuben, the chil-
dren of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh
Joshua 22:16 answered and said to the heads of the divi-
The word for altar in Hebrew means “a sionsa of Israel: 22“The Lord God of gods,
place of sacrifice.” Once the tabernacle the Lord God of gods, He knows, and let
of meeting was in place, it became the Israel itself know—if it is in rebellion, or if
official place for sacrifice in Canaan. in treachery against the Lord, do not save
When a second altar was built on the us this day. 23If we have built ourselves an
east side of the Jordan River by people altar to turn from following the Lord, or if
who were tired of traveling to make to offer on it burnt offerings or grain offer-
their sacrifices, the Israelites on the ings, or if to offer peace offerings on it, let
west side of the river thought their the Lord Himself require an account. 24But
neighbors were being unfaithful to in fact we have done it for fear, for a reason,
God. saying, ‘In time to come your descendants
may speak to our descendants, saying,
“What have you to do with the Lord God
13Then the children of Israel sent Phine-
of Israel? 25For the Lord has made the Jor-
has the son of Eleazar the priest to the dan a border between you and us, you chil-
children of Reuben, to the children of Gad, dren of Reuben and children of Gad. You
and to half the tribe of Manasseh, into the have no part in the Lord.” So your descen-
land of Gilead, 14and with him ten rul- dants would make our descendants cease
ers, one ruler each from the chief house fearing the Lord.’ 26Therefore we said, ‘Let
of every tribe of Israel; and each one was us now prepare to build ourselves an al-
the head of the house of his father among tar, not for burnt offering nor for sacrifice,
the divisionsa of Israel. 15Then they came 27but that it may be a witness between you
to the children of Reuben, to the children and us and our generations after us, that
of Gad, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, we may perform the service of the Lord
to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with before Him with our burnt offerings, with
them, saying, 16“Thus says the whole con- our sacrifices, and with our peace offer-
gregation of the Lord: ‘What treachery is ings; that your descendants may not say
this that you have committed against the to our descendants in time to come, “You
God of Israel, to turn away this day from have no part in the Lord.” ’ 28Therefore we
following the Lord, in that you have built said that it will be, when they say this to
for yourselves an altar, that you might us or to our generations in time to come,
rebel this day against the Lord? 17Is the that we may say, ‘Here is the replica of the
iniquity of Peor not enough for us, from altar of the Lord which our fathers made,
which we are not cleansed till this day, al- though not for burnt offerings nor for sac-
though there was a plague in the congrega- rifices; but it is a witness between you and
tion of the Lord, 18but that you must turn us.’ 29Far be it from us that we should rebel
away this day from following the Lord?
And it shall be, if you rebel today against 22:14 aLiterally thousands
22:21 aLiterally
the Lord, that tomorrow He will be an- thousands
06-Joshua.indd 277 2/14/12 11:51 AM
JOSHUA 22:30 278
against the Lord, and turn from follow- possess their land, as the Lord your God
ing the Lord this day, to build an altar for promised you. 6Therefore be very coura-
burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for geous to keep and to do all that is written
sacrifices, besides the altar of the Lord our in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you
God which is before His tabernacle.” turn aside from it to the right hand or to the
30Now when Phinehas the priest and left, 7and lest you go among these nations,
the rulers of the congregation, the heads of these who remain among you. You shall
the divisionsa of Israel who were with him, not make mention of the name of their
heard the words that the children of Reu- gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them;
ben, the children of Gad, and the children you shall not serve them nor bow down to
of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them. 31Then them, 8but you shall hold fast to the Lord
Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said your God, as you have done to this day. 9For
to the children of Reuben, the children of the Lord has driven out from before you
Gad, and the children of Manasseh, “This great and strong nations; but as for you,
day we perceive that the Lord is among no one has been able to stand against you
us, because you have not committed this to this day. 10One man of you shall chase
treachery against the Lord. Now you have a thousand, for the Lord your God is He
delivered the children of Israel out of the who fights for you, as He promised you.
hand of the Lord.” 11Therefore take careful heed to yourselves,
32And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the that you love the Lord your God. 12Or else,
priest, and the rulers, returned from the if indeed you do go back, and cling to the
children of Reuben and the children of remnant of these nations—these that re-
Gad, from the land of Gilead to the land main among you— and make marriages
of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and with them, and go in to them and they to
brought back word to them. 33So the thing you, 13know for certain that the Lord your
pleased the children of Israel, and the chil- God will no longer drive out these nations
dren of Israel blessed God; they spoke no from before you. But they shall be snares
more of going against them in battle, to and traps to you, and scourges on your
destroy the land where the children of Reu- sides and thorns in your eyes, until you
ben and Gad dwelt. perish from this good land which the Lord
34The children of Reuben and the chil- your God has given you.
dren of Gada called the altar, Witness, “For
it is a witness between us that the Lord is
God
God.”
Does God keep His promises?
Joshua’s Farewell Address Joshua 23:5
23
Now it came to pass, a long
time after the Lord had given
rest to Israel from all their en- Bible
emies round about, that Joshua was old, Why should we obey the
advanced in age. 2And Joshua called for all Bible?
Israel, for their elders, for their heads, for
their judges, and for their officers, and said Joshua 23:6
to them:
“I am old, advanced in age. 3You have 14“Behold, this day I am going the way
seen all that the Lord your God has done of all the earth. And you know in all your
to all these nations because of you, for the hearts and in all your souls that not one
Lord your God is He who has fought for thing has failed of all the good things which
you. 4See, I have divided to you by lot these the Lord your God spoke concerning you.
nations that remain, to be an inheritance All have come to pass for you; not one
for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all word of them has failed. 15Therefore it shall
the nations that I have cut off, as far as the come to pass, that as all the good things
Great Sea westward. 5And the Lord your
God will expel them from before you and 22:30 aLiterally thousands 22:34 aSeptuagint
drive them out of your sight. So you shall adds and half the tribe of Manasseh.
06-Joshua.indd 278 2/14/12 11:51 AM
279 JOSHUA 24:12
Promise
God will do what He has promised.
“Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all the good things have
come upon you which the Lord your God promised you . . .”
(Josh. 23:15a).
All through the Bible, God models what good character
is, then calls us to be like Him. In the verse above, He promises to keep His word.
You’re a person of strong character if you do what you say you will do—if you
keep your promises. Do you normally slide in after curfew? Do you keep people
waiting for you? Do you really go where you tell your parents you’ll be? If you find
yourself always making excuses, it’s time for a character adjustment. Look at God
and imitate Him. You can be successful at almost anything if you do what you’ve
said you will do. Be dependable, trustworthy, and faithful. Those are all attributes of
God. He doesn’t need to make any excuses.
See for yourself// Genesis 28:15; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:31;
1 Kings 8:56; Nehemiah 1:5
have come upon you which the Lord your to what I did among them. Afterward I
God promised you, so the Lord will bring brought you out.
upon you all harmful things, until He has 6‘Then I brought your fathers out of
destroyed you from this good land which Egypt, and you came to the sea; and the
the Lord your God has given you. 16When Egyptians pursued your fathers with chari-
you have transgressed the covenant of the ots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7So they
Lord your God, which He commanded cried out to the Lord; and He put darkness
you, and have gone and served other gods, between you and the Egyptians, brought
and bowed down to them, then the anger the sea upon them, and covered them. And
of the Lord will burn against you, and you your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. Then you
shall perish quickly from the good land dwelt in the wilderness a long time. 8And I
which He has given you.” brought you into the land of the Amorites,
who dwelt on the other side of the Jordan,
The Covenant at Shechem and they fought with you. But I gave them
into your hand, that you might possess
24
Then Joshua gathered all the
their land, and I destroyed them from be-
tribes of Israel to Shechem and
fore you. 9Then Balak the son of Zippor,
called for the elders of Israel, for
king of Moab, arose to make war against Is-
their heads, for their judges, and for their
rael, and sent and called Balaam the son of
officers; and they presented themselves
Beor to curse you. 10But I would not listen
before God. 2And Joshua said to all the
to Balaam; therefore he continued to bless
people, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: you. So I delivered you out of his hand.
‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father 11Then you went over the Jordan and came
of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt to Jericho. And the men of Jericho fought
on the other side of the Rivera in old times; against you—also the Amorites, the Periz
and they served other gods. 3Then I took zites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Gir-
your father Abraham from the other side of gashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. But
the River, led him throughout all the land I delivered them into your hand. 12I sent
of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants the hornet before you which drove them
and gave him Isaac. 4To Isaac I gave Jacob out from before you, also the two kings of
and Esau. To Esau I gave the mountains of the Amorites, but not with your sword or
Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children
went down to Egypt. 5Also I sent Moses 24:2 aHebrew Nahar, the Euphrates, and so in
and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according verses 3, 14, and 15
06-Joshua.indd 279 2/14/12 11:51 AM
Life App
Home / Joshua 24:15
What do you think of when you hear the word “home”? Most likely
you think of your family—the people God has placed in your life to
help you become the person He wants you to be. That means your
sisters, your brothers, your parents; they are all God’s gift to you.
Don’t laugh. Just because you may not appreciate a gift, doesn’t
make it less valuable.
Your family is one of the most important parts of your life. They
know you better than anyone else and they love you in a way no one
else ever will. And they can drive you crazy better than anyone else
you know! Even a Christian, you can get totally fed up and start see-
ing your family as the enemy—the people who get in your way and
stop you from living life the way you choose. If you are feeling this
way, maybe it’s time to take an honest look at yourself.
Your family is in your life by design; God didn’t make a mistake
when He chose the family for you. Each person has a particular rea-
son to be in your life. Each member of your family has something to
give you or teach you that no one else could. Like it or not, your fam-
ily is handpicked by God for your good. He means for you all to love
and serve one another as you love and serve Him.
Instead of fighting against the people in your family, try seeing
the ways God is using them to improve your life. Instead of setting
yourself up as their enemy, why not try to discover what you can do
for them. Instead of thinking about how they are getting in your way,
try realizing how they are helping you get to where God means for
you to go. Instead of fighting them, try loving and serving them. You
may just find they will do the same for you.
06-Joshua.indd 280 2/14/12 11:51 AM
281 JOSHUA 24:33
with your bow. 13I have given you a land for 21And the people said to Joshua, “No, but
which you did not labor, and cities which we will serve the Lord!”
you did not build, and you dwell in them; 22So Joshua said to the people, “You are
you eat of the vineyards and olive groves witnesses against yourselves that you have
which you did not plant.’ chosen the Lord for yourselves, to serve
14“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him.”
Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away And they said, “We are witnesses!”
the gods which your fathers served on the 23“Now therefore,” he said, “put away the
other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve foreign gods which are among you, and in-
the Lord! 15And if it seems evil to you to cline your heart to the Lord God of Israel.”
serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this 24And the people said to Joshua, “The
day whom you will serve, whether the gods Lord our God we will serve, and His voice
which your fathers served that were on the we will obey!”
other side of the River, or the gods of the 25So Joshua made a covenant with the
Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But people that day, and made for them a stat-
as for me and my house, we will serve the ute and an ordinance in Shechem.
Lord.” 26Then Joshua wrote these words in
the Book of the Law of God. And he took
a large stone, and set it up there under
Devotion the oak that was by the sanctuary of the
How should we show our Lord. 27And Joshua said to all the people,
devotion to God? “Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us,
Joshua 24:14 for it has heard all the words of the Lord
which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be
a witness to you, lest you deny your God.”
28So Joshua let the people depart, each to
Family his own inheritance.
How should a Godly family
look? Death of Joshua and Eleazar
Joshua 24:15 29Now it came to pass after these things
that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of
16So the people answered and said: “Far the Lord, died, being one hundred and ten
be it from us that we should forsake the years old. 30And they buried him within the
Lord to serve other gods; 17for the Lord border of his inheritance at Timnath Serah,
our God is He who brought us and our which is in the mountains of Ephraim, on
fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the north side of Mount Gaash.
the house of bondage, who did those great 31Israel served the Lord all the days of
signs in our sight, and preserved us in all Joshua, and all the days of the elders who out-
the way that we went and among all the lived Joshua, who had known all the works
people through whom we passed. 18And of the Lord which He had done for Israel.
the Lord drove out from before us all the 32The bones of Joseph, which the chil-
people, including the Amorites who dwelt dren of Israel had brought up out of Egypt,
in the land. We also will serve the Lord, for they buried at Shechem, in the plot of
He is our God.” ground which Jacob had bought from the
19But Joshua said to the people, “You sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for
cannot serve the Lord, for He is a holy one hundred pieces of silver, and which
God. He is a jealous God; He will not for- had become an inheritance of the children
give your transgressions nor your sins. 20If of Joseph.
you forsake the Lord and serve foreign 33And Eleazar the son of Aaron died.
gods, then He will turn and do you harm They buried him in a hill belonging to
and consume you, after He has done you Phinehas his son, which was given to him
good.” in the mountains of Ephraim.
06-Joshua.indd 281 2/14/12 11:51 AM
Judges
Date of writing: 1043–1004 B.C.
Author: Samuel (According to Late Jewish
Tradition)
Theme: God’s Faithfulness Is Contrasted with
Israel’s Apostasy (Turning Away from God)
Purpose: What we fail to learn from history we
must often learn by painful experience.
Outline
1:1–36 ������������������Israel Captures Only Part of the Land
2:1—3:6 ���������������The Lord Chooses Judges for Israel
3:7–31 ������������������Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar
4:1—5:31 �������������Deborah, Barak, and Jael
6:1—8:35 �������������Gideon
9:1–57 ������������������Abimelech
10:1—12:7 �����������Tola, Jair, and Jephthah
12:8–15 ����������������Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
13:1—16:31 ��������Samson
17:1—18:31 ��������The Tribe of Dan and Their Place of Worship
19:1—21:25 ��������Civil War Against the Tribe of Benjamin
Key Verse:
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what
was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25).
07-Judges.indd 282 2/14/12 11:52 AM
Then /// In their earliest days the Hebrews were a family led by a dad
named Jacob who had twelve sons. Then the descendants of those twelve
sons grew to be a nation of slaves in Egypt, a country led by a Pharaoh, or
king. Then they became exiles led by Moses. Then they became an army led by Joshua.
Then came the Book of Judges.
The Book of Judges is about a time in the life of the Hebrews before they had a king.
When they needed to make decisions, they went to a judge, a national leader. A judge was
sort of like a king, but no castle or crown or bowing—just a leader.
During the time of the judges, the Hebrews went up and down like a morality yo-yo.
They would obey God if they were listening to a good judge. Then that judge would die
and the people would fall away again. In fact, the phrase you’ll most often read about in
this book is “and everyone did as he saw fit . . .” When you read that in Judges, you know
that it means, “and here they go again—doing their own thing no matter what God wants.”
Then another judge would come into leadership and they’d clean up their act for a while.
It was a vicious cycle.
Now /// While it’s easy to look at the Hebrews’ situation and point
out where they went wrong, it’s not always as easy to admit the same
mistakes in our own lives. But the truth is that we often find ourselves in the
same type of vicious cycle. It is still far too easy to get distracted by sins and temptations
while we are serving God. But we can remember what we learn from Judges. We do not
have to get caught up in the same vicious cycle. We can determine to stay focused on
serving God and worshiping Him, instead of being led into the harmful consequences of
sin.
Reality Check /// In the culture of the ancient days when the
Bible was written, women were considered second-class citizens. It’s
important to notice, though, that women were never second-class citizens
in God’s eyes. Deborah is a great example.
Deborah was a judge, a national leader. People came to her for judgments and she
was known for her wisdom and close relationship with God. She was even asked to go to
battle, and oversaw an amazing victory God brought His people. Deborah was certainly
not second-class. She was faithful to God, and He did great things with her life.
The Continuing Conquest Adoni-Bezek in Bezek, and fought against
of Canaan him; and they defeated the Canaanites and
the Perizzites. 6Then Adoni-Bezek fled, and
1
Now after the death of Joshua it came
they pursued him and caught him and cut
to pass that the children of Israel
off his thumbs and big toes. 7And Adoni-
asked the Lord, saying, “Who shall
Bezek said, “Seventy kings with their
be first to go up for us against the Canaan-
thumbs and big toes cut off used to gather
ites to fight against them?”
2And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up.
scraps under my table; as I have done, so
God has repaid me.” Then they brought
Indeed I have delivered the land into his him to Jerusalem, and there he died.
hand.” 8Now the children of Judah fought
3So Judah said to Simeon his brother,
against Jerusalem and took it; they struck
“Come up with me to my allotted territory, it with the edge of the sword and set the
that we may fight against the Canaanites; city on fire. 9And afterward the children
and I will likewise go with you to your al- of Judah went down to fight against the
lotted territory.” And Simeon went with Canaanites who dwelt in the mountains,
him. 4Then Judah went up, and the Lord in the South,a and in the lowland. 10Then
delivered the Canaanites and the Periz Judah went against the Canaanites who
zites into their hand; and they killed ten
thousand men at Bezek. 5And they found 1:9 aHebrew Negev, and so throughout this book
07-Judges.indd 283 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 1:11 284
dwelt in Hebron. (Now the name of Hebron ily go. 26And the man went to the land of
was formerly Kirjath Arba.) And they killed the Hittites, built a city, and called its name
Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. Luz, which is its name to this day.
11From there they went against the in-
habitants of Debir. (The name of Debir was Incomplete Conquest
formerly Kirjath Sepher.) of the Land
12Then Caleb said, “Whoever attacks
27However, Manasseh did not drive out
Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its vil-
give my daughter Achsah as wife.” 13And lages, or Taanach and its villages, or the
Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the
brother, took it; so he gave him his daugh- inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or
ter Achsah as wife. 14Now it happened, the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages;
when she came to him, that she urged hima for the Canaanites were determined to
to ask her father for a field. And she dis- dwell in that land. 28And it came to pass,
mounted from her donkey, and Caleb said when Israel was strong, that they put the
to her, “What do you wish?” 15So she said Canaanites under tribute, but did not com-
to him, “Give me a blessing; since you have pletely drive them out.
given me land in the South, give me also 29Nor did Ephraim drive out the Canaan-
springs of water.” ites who dwelt in Gezer; so the Canaanites
And Caleb gave her the upper springs dwelt in Gezer among them.
and the lower springs. 30Nor did Zebulun drive out the in-
16Now the children of the Kenite, Mo-
habitants of Kitron or the inhabitants of
ses’ father-in-law, went up from the City Nahalol; so the Canaanites dwelt among
of Palms with the children of Judah into them, and were put under tribute.
the Wilderness of Judah, which lies in the 31Nor did Asher drive out the inhabit-
South near Arad; and they went and dwelt ants of Acco or the inhabitants of Sidon,
among the people. 17And Judah went with or of Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, or Re-
his brother Simeon, and they attacked the hob. 32So the Asherites dwelt among the
Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for
utterly destroyed it. So the name of the they did not drive them out.
city was called Hormah. 18Also Judah took 33Nor did Naphtali drive out the inhabit-
Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its ants of Beth Shemesh or the inhabitants of
territory, and Ekron with its territory. 19So Beth Anath; but they dwelt among the Ca-
the Lord was with Judah. And they drove naanites, the inhabitants of the land. Never-
out the mountaineers, but they could not theless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and
drive out the inhabitants of the lowland, Beth Anath were put under tribute to them.
because they had chariots of iron. 20And 34And the Amorites forced the children
they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had of Dan into the mountains, for they would
said. Then he expelled from there the three not allow them to come down to the val-
sons of Anak. 21But the children of Benja- ley; 35and the Amorites were determined
min did not drive out the Jebusites who to dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and
inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell in Shaalbim;a yet when the strength of the
with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem house of Joseph became greater, they were
to this day. put under tribute.
22And the house of Joseph also went 36Now the boundary of the Amorites was
up against Bethel, and the Lord was with from the Ascent of Akrabbim, from Sela,
them. 23So the house of Joseph sent men to and upward.
spy out Bethel. (The name of the city was
formerly Luz.) 24And when the spies saw Israel’s Disobedience
2
a man coming out of the city, they said to Then the Angel of the Lord came up
him, “Please show us the entrance to the from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I
city, and we will show you mercy.” 25So he led you up from Egypt and brought
showed them the entrance to the city, and
they struck the city with the edge of the 1:14 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read he urged her.
sword; but they let the man and all his fam- 1:35 aSpelled Shaalabbin in Joshua 19:42
07-Judges.indd 284 2/14/12 11:52 AM
285 JUDGES 2:20
you to the land of which I swore to your against them for calamity, as the Lord had
fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My said, and as the Lord had sworn to them.
covenant with you. 2And you shall make no And they were greatly distressed.
covenant with the inhabitants of this land;
you shall tear down their altars.’ But you
have not obeyed My voice. Why have you Judges 2:11–13
done this? 3Therefore I also said, ‘I will not The Canaanites believed that their
drive them out before you; but they shall be god Baal was responsible for making
thorns in your side,a and their gods shall be things fertile and productive, includ-
a snare to you.’ ” 4So it was, when the Angel ing crops, animals, and humans. In
of the Lord spoke these words to all the addition to Baal, they worshiped the
children of Israel, that the people lifted up Ashtoreths, Canaanite goddesses.
their voices and wept.
5Then they called the name of that place
16Nevertheless, the Lord raised up
Bochim;a and they sacrificed there to the
Lord. 6And when Joshua had dismissed judges who delivered them out of the hand
the people, the children of Israel went each of those who plundered them. 17Yet they
to his own inheritance to possess the land. would not listen to their judges, but they
played the harlot with other gods, and
Death of Joshua bowed down to them. They turned quickly
from the way in which their fathers walked,
7So the people served the Lord all the
in obeying the commandments of the
days of Joshua, and all the days of the el- Lord; they did not do so. 18And when the
ders who outlived Joshua, who had seen Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord
all the great works of the Lord which He was with the judge and delivered them out
had done for Israel. 8Now Joshua the son of the hand of their enemies all the days
of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when of the judge; for the Lord was moved to
he was one hundred and ten years old. pity by their groaning because of those
9And they buried him within the border
who oppressed them and harassed them.
of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the 19And it came to pass, when the judge was
mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of dead, that they reverted and behaved more
Mount Gaash. 10When all that generation corruptly than their fathers, by following
had been gathered to their fathers, another other gods, to serve them and bow down
generation arose after them who did not to them. They did not cease from their own
know the Lord nor the work which He had doings nor from their stubborn way.
done for Israel.
Israel’s Unfaithfulness Judges 2:16
11Then the children of Israel did evil in the Judges were a lot more important in
sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; ancient Israel than they are today. Not
12and they forsook the Lord God of their only did they decide legal cases, they
fathers, who had brought them out of the acted as military leaders. Judges were
land of Egypt; and they followed other responsible for inspiring the Israelites
gods from among the gods of the people when they didn’t seem to care about
who were all around them, and they bowed God’s plan, leading them into battle
down to them; and they provoked the against the people who were oppress-
Lord to anger. 13They forsook the Lord ing them, and encouraging them to
worship the Lord.
and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.a 14And
the anger of the Lord was hot against Is-
rael. So He delivered them into the hands 20Then the anger of the Lord was hot
of plunderers who despoiled them; and He against Israel; and He said, “Because this
sold them into the hands of their enemies
all around, so that they could no longer 2:3 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read
stand before their enemies. 15Wherever enemies to you. 2:5 aLiterally Weeping
they went out, the hand of the Lord was 2:13 aCanaanite goddesses
07-Judges.indd 285 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 2:21 286
nation has transgressed My covenant Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia
which I commanded their fathers, and has into his hand; and his hand prevailed over
not heeded My voice, 21I also will no longer Cushan-Rishathaim. 11So the land had rest
drive out before them any of the nations for forty years. Then Othniel the son of Ke-
which Joshua left when he died, 22so that naz died.
through them I may test Israel, whether
they will keep the ways of the Lord, to walk
in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” God
23Therefore the Lord left those nations, What happens when we
without driving them out immediately; forget about God?
nor did He deliver them into the hand of Judges 3:7, 8
Joshua.
The Nations Remaining in
the Land
Help
Who should we call for help?
3
Now these are the nations which the
Judges 3:9
Lord left, that He might test Israel by
them, that is, all who had not known
any of the wars in Canaan 2(this was only Ehud
so that the generations of the children of
12And the children of Israel again did evil
Israel might be taught to know war, at least
those who had not formerly known it), in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord
3namely, five lords of the Philistines, all the strengthened Eglon king of Moab against
Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites Israel, because they had done evil in the
who dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from Mount sight of the Lord. 13Then he gathered to
Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. himself the people of Ammon and Amalek,
4And they were left, that He might test Israel went and defeated Israel, and took posses-
by them, to know whether they would obey sion of the City of Palms. 14So the children
the commandments of the Lord, which He of Israel served Eglon king of Moab eigh-
had commanded their fathers by the hand teen years.
15But when the children of Israel cried
of Moses.
5Thus the children of Israel dwelt among out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a
the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera,
the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebu the Benjamite, a left-handed man. By him
sites. 6And they took their daughters to be the children of Israel sent tribute to Eglon
their wives, and gave their daughters to king of Moab. 16Now Ehud made himself a
their sons; and they served their gods. dagger (it was double-edged and a cubit in
length) and fastened it under his clothes
Othniel on his right thigh. 17So he brought the
tribute to Eglon king of Moab. (Now Eglon
7So the children of Israel did evil in the sight
was a very fat man.) 18And when he had
of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their finished presenting the tribute, he sent
God, and served the Baals and Asherahs.a away the people who had carried the trib-
8Therefore the anger of the Lord was
ute. 19But he himself turned back from the
hot against Israel, and He sold them into stone images that were at Gilgal, and said,
the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim king of “I have a secret message for you, O king.”
Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel He said, “Keep silence!” And all who at-
served Cushan- Rishathaim eight years. tended him went out from him.
9When the children of Israel cried out to
20So Ehud came to him (now he was sit-
the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer ting upstairs in his cool private chamber).
for the children of Israel, who delivered Then Ehud said, “I have a message from
them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s God for you.” So he arose from his seat.
younger brother. 10The Spirit of the Lord 21Then Ehud reached with his left hand,
came upon him, and he judged Israel. He
went out to war, and the Lord delivered 3:7 aName or symbol for Canaanite goddesses
07-Judges.indd 286 2/14/12 11:52 AM
287 JUDGES 4:17
took the dagger from his right thigh, and Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
thrust it into his belly. 22Even the hilt went 5And she would sit under the palm tree of
in after the blade, and the fat closed over Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the
the blade, for he did not draw the dagger mountains of Ephraim. And the children of
out of his belly; and his entrails came out. Israel came up to her for judgment. 6Then
23Then Ehud went out through the porch she sent and called for Barak the son of
and shut the doors of the upper room be- Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and
hind him and locked them. said to him, “Has not the Lord God of Is-
24When he had gone out, Eglon’sa ser- rael commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at
vants came to look, and to their surprise, Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand
the doors of the upper room were locked. men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons
So they said, “He is probably attending to of Zebulun; 7and against you I will deploy
his needs in the cool chamber.” 25So they Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army,
waited till they were embarrassed, and still with his chariots and his multitude at the
he had not opened the doors of the upper River Kishon; and I will deliver him into
room. Therefore they took the key and your hand’?”
opened them. And there was their master, 8And Barak said to her, “If you will go
fallen dead on the floor. with me, then I will go; but if you will not
26But Ehud had escaped while they de- go with me, I will not go!”
layed, and passed beyond the stone images 9So she said, “I will surely go with you;
and escaped to Seirah. 27And it happened, nevertheless there will be no glory for you
when he arrived, that he blew the trumpet in the journey you are taking, for the Lord
in the mountains of Ephraim, and the chil- will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.”
dren of Israel went down with him from Then Deborah arose and went with Barak
the mountains; and he led them. 28Then to Kedesh. 10And Barak called Zebulun and
he said to them, “Follow me, for the Lord Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten
has delivered your enemies the Moabites thousand men under his command,a and
into your hand.” So they went down after Deborah went up with him.
him, seized the fords of the Jordan leading 11Now Heber the Kenite, of the children
to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, had
over. 29And at that time they killed about separated himself from the Kenites and
ten thousand men of Moab, all stout men pitched his tent near the terebinth tree at
of valor; not a man escaped. 30So Moab was Zaanaim, which is beside Kedesh.
subdued that day under the hand of Israel. 12And they reported to Sisera that Barak
And the land had rest for eighty years. the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount
Tabor. 13So Sisera gathered together all his
Shamgar chariots, nine hundred chariots of iron,
31After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, and all the people who were with him, from
who killed six hundred men of the Philis- Harosheth Hagoyim to the River Kishon.
14Then Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For
tines with an ox goad; and he also delivered
Israel. this is the day in which the Lord has de-
livered Sisera into your hand. Has not the
Deborah Lord gone out before you?” So Barak went
down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand
4
When Ehud was dead, the children men following him. 15And the Lord routed
of Israel again did evil in the sight of Sisera and all his chariots and all his army
the Lord. 2So the Lord sold them with the edge of the sword before Barak;
into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who and Sisera alighted from his chariot and
reigned in Hazor. The commander of his fled away on foot. 16But Barak pursued the
army was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth chariots and the army as far as Harosheth
Hagoyim. 3And the children of Israel cried Hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by
out to the Lord; for Jabin had nine hundred the edge of the sword; not a man was left.
chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had 17However, Sisera had fled away on foot
harshly oppressed the children of Israel.
4Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of 3:24 aLiterally his
4:10 aLiterally at his feet
07-Judges.indd 287 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 4:18 288
to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the The earth trembled and the heavens
Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin poured,
king of Hazor and the house of Heber the The clouds also poured water;
Kenite. 18And Jael went out to meet Sisera, 5 The mountains gushed before the
and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn Lord,
aside to me; do not fear.” And when he had This Sinai, before the Lord God of
turned aside with her into the tent, she Israel.
covered him with a blanket.
19Then he said to her, “Please give me a 6“ In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath,
little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she In the days of Jael,
opened a jug of milk, gave him a drink, and The highways were deserted,
covered him. 20And he said to her, “Stand at And the travelers walked along the
the door of the tent, and if any man comes byways.
and inquires of you, and says, ‘Is there any
man here?’ you shall say, ‘No.’ ”
21Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg Judges 5:6
and took a hammer in her hand, and went Conditions in Israel were terrible at
softly to him and drove the peg into his this time. As if the outrageous taxes
temple, and it went down into the ground; and evil foreign rulers weren’t enough,
for he was fast asleep and weary. So he the crime rate was so bad that it was
died. 22And then, as Barak pursued Sisera, impossible to live a normal life.
Jael came out to meet him, and said to him,
“Come, I will show you the man whom you 7 Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel,
seek.” And when he went into her tent, there Until I, Deborah, arose,
lay Sisera, dead with the peg in his temple. Arose a mother in Israel.
23So on that day God subdued Jabin king
8 They chose new gods;
of Canaan in the presence of the children Then there was war in the gates;
of Israel. 24And the hand of the children of Not a shield or spear was seen among
Israel grew stronger and stronger against forty thousand in Israel.
Jabin king of Canaan, until they had de- 9 My heart is with the rulers of Israel
stroyed Jabin king of Canaan. Who offered themselves willingly with
the people.
The Song of Deborah Bless the Lord!
5
Then Deborah and Barak the son of
10“ Speak, you who ride on white
Abinoam sang on that day, saying:
donkeys,
2“ When leaders lead in Israel, Who sit in judges’ attire,
When the people willingly offer And who walk along the road.
11 Far from the noise of the archers,
themselves,
Bless the Lord! among the watering places,
There they shall recount the righteous
3“ Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! acts of the Lord,
I, even I, will sing to the Lord; The righteous acts for His villagers in
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel;
Israel. Then the people of the Lord shall go
down to the gates.
Worship 12“ Awake, awake, Deborah!
Who should we worship? Awake, awake, sing a song!
Judges 5:3 Arise, Barak, and lead your captives
away,
O son of Abinoam!
4“ Lord, when You went out from Seir,
When You marched from the field of 13“ Then the survivors came down, the
Edom, people against the nobles;
07-Judges.indd 288 2/14/12 11:52 AM
289 JUDGES 5:30
The Lord came down for me against 25 He asked for water, she gave milk;
the mighty. She brought out cream in a lordly
14 From Ephraim were those whose roots bowl.
were in Amalek. 26 She stretched her hand to the tent
After you, Benjamin, with your peg,
peoples, Her right hand to the workmen’s
From Machir rulers came down, hammer;
And from Zebulun those who bear the She pounded Sisera, she pierced his
recruiter’s staff. head,
15 And the princes of Issachara were with She split and struck through his
Deborah; temple.
As Issachar, so was Barak 27 At her feet he sank, he fell, he lay still;
Sent into the valley under his At her feet he sank, he fell;
command;b Where he sank, there he fell dead.
Among the divisions of Reuben
There were great resolves of heart. 28“ The mother of Sisera looked through
16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, the window,
To hear the pipings for the flocks? And cried out through the lattice,
The divisions of Reuben have great ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming?
searchings of heart. Why tarries the clatter of his
17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan,
chariots?’
And why did Dan remain on ships?a 29 Her wisest ladies answered her,
Asher continued at the seashore, Yes, she answered herself,
And stayed by his inlets.
18 Zebulun is a people who jeopardized
their lives to the point of death, Judges 5:30
Naphtali also, on the heights of the Have you ever heard the expression
battlefield. “To the winners go the spoils”? The
spoils of war were whatever the
19“ The kings came and fought, victorious armies felt like taking from
Then the kings of Canaan fought the cities they conquered. Not only
In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; did they take material possessions;
They took no spoils of silver. they also captured women to be their
20 They fought from the heavens; wives, servants, or slaves.
The stars from their courses fought
against Sisera.
21 The torrent of Kishon swept them 30‘ Are they not finding and dividing the
away, spoil:
That ancient torrent, the torrent of To every man a girl or two;
Kishon. For Sisera, plunder of dyed garments,
O my soul, march on in strength! Plunder of garments embroidered and
22 Then the horses’ hooves pounded, dyed,
The galloping, galloping of his steeds. Two pieces of dyed embroidery for the
23‘ Curse Meroz,’ said the angela of the neck of the looter?’
Lord,
‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, Following God
Because they did not come to the help
of the Lord, What are Christians like?
To the help of the Lord against the Judges 5:31
mighty.’
24“ Most blessed among women is Jael,
5:15 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and
The wife of Heber the Kenite; Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads And my princes in
Blessed is she among women in Issachar. bLiterally at his feet
5:17 aOr at ease
tents. 5:23 aOr Angel
07-Judges.indd 289 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 5:31 290
Profile
Gideon
You can learn a lot from watching kids. Some sit in their playpens and randomly handle
the blocks and toys around them. Others immediately try to build a skyscraper. Those are
the resourceful ones. They grow up to be natural problem solvers. Gideon may have been
such a kid. God made good use of Gideon’s skills when he called the boy to be a judge of
Israel.
The Jewish people lived under crushing oppression by the Midianites. God had
allowed it because Israel had ignored their unique role as God’s people. But they had been
calling out to God for relief. Meanwhile, Gideon was busy providing food for his family by
using a winepress to thresh his wheat (“in order to hide it from the Midianites”) (Judg.
6:11). His plan was a difficult one, but it worked.
God then called Gideon to lead the rebellion against Midian. Gideon did not think of
himself as a naturally strong military leader; he even considered himself the weakest
person in his own family. But God chose Gideon, and Gideon’s band of three hundred—
each armed with a clay jar, a torch, and a trumpet—routed an army of over one hundred
and twenty thousand. God made a big difference! And Gideon had the wonderful honor of
participating in God’s plan.
+ Making a Difference:
You may have some unusual skills, or you may be given an unusual opportunity to use
what may seem like ordinary skills. Remember that God is behind the events of life. God
gives us what we need; then He invites us to use it in His service. When you consider and
pray about what God might want to do in your life, remember this: God’s plan will always
include tasks that you will not be able to accomplish without His help. Making a
difference isn’t just about what you can do; its even more about what God can do with
you, in you, and through you!
Want to know more?
Read about Gideon in Judges 6—8. He is also listed in the hall of faith in
Hebrews 11:32.
Gideon was a man with plenty of weaknesses, but God gave him the
strength he needed to make a real difference. God can give you that strength
to make a difference, too!
31“ Thus let all Your enemies perish, of Midian for seven years, 2and the hand of
O Lord! Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of
But let those who love Him be like the the Midianites, the children of Israel made
sun for themselves the dens, the caves, and the
When it comes out in full strength.” strongholds which are in the mountains.
3So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midi-
So the land had rest for forty years. anites would come up; also Amalekites
and the people of the East would come up
Midianites Oppress Israel against them. 4Then they would encamp
6
Then the children of Israel did evil against them and destroy the produce of
in the sight of the Lord. So the the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sus-
Lord delivered them into the hand tenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox
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291 JUDGES 6:26
nor donkey. 5For they would come up with can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the
their livestock and their tents, coming in as weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in
numerous as locusts; both they and their my father’s house.”
camels were without number; and they 16And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will
would enter the land to destroy it. 6So Is- be with you, and you shall defeat the Midi-
rael was greatly impoverished because of anites as one man.”
the Midianites, and the children of Israel 17Then he said to Him, “If now I have
cried out to the Lord. found favor in Your sight, then show me a
sign that it is You who talk with me. 18Do
not depart from here, I pray, until I come
Decisions
to You and bring out my offering and set it
Do bad decisions have before You.”
consequences? And He said, “I will wait until you come
Judges 6:1 back.”
19So Gideon went in and prepared a
young goat, and unleavened bread from
7And it came to pass, when the children
an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a
of Israel cried out to the Lord because basket, and he put the broth in a pot; and
of the Midianites, 8that the Lord sent he brought them out to Him under the
a prophet to the children of Israel, who terebinth tree and presented them. 20The
said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Angel of God said to him, “Take the meat
Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and and the unleavened bread and lay them on
brought you out of the house of bondage; this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he
9and I delivered you out of the hand of the
did so.
Egyptians and out of the hand of all who 21Then the Angel of the Lord put out
oppressed you, and drove them out before
the end of the staff that was in His hand,
you and gave you their land. 10Also I said
and touched the meat and the unleavened
to you, “I am the Lord your God; do not
bread; and fire rose out of the rock and
fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose
consumed the meat and the unleavened
land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed
bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed
My voice.’ ”
out of his sight.
22Now Gideon perceived that He was the
Gideon
Angel of the Lord. So Gideon said, “Alas,
11Now the Angel of the Lord came and
O Lord God! For I have seen the Angel of
sat under the terebinth tree which was the Lord face to face.”
in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the 23Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be
Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” 24So
wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it Gideon built an altar there to the Lord,
from the Midianites. 12And the Angel of the and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace.a To this
Lord appeared to him, and said to him, day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
“The Lord is with you, you mighty man of 25Now it came to pass the same night
valor!” that the Lord said to him, “Take your fa-
13Gideon said to Him, “O my lord,a if
ther’s young bull, the second bull of seven
the Lord is with us, why then has all this years old, and tear down the altar of Baal
happened to us? And where are all His that your father has, and cut down the
miracles which our fathers told us about, wooden imagea that is beside it; 26and
saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from build an altar to the Lord your God on top
Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken of this rock in the proper arrangement,
us and delivered us into the hands of the
and take the second bull and offer a burnt
Midianites.”
14Then the Lord turned to him and
sacrifice with the wood of the image which
said, “Go in this might of yours, and you 6:13 aHebrew adoni, used of man
shall save Israel from the hand of the Midi- 6:15 aHebrew Adonai, used of God
anites. Have I not sent you?” 6:24 aHebrew YHWH Shalom 6:25 aHebrew
15So he said to Him, “O my Lord,a how Asherah, a Canaanite goddess
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JUDGES 6:27 292
Making It Real //
Judges 6:34
An Army of Two In Judges 6:34, we read that the Holy Spirit “came upon Gideon,”
giving him the divine power he needed to carry out God’s plan. The assignment was big:
rescue Israel. It required one faithful man and supernatural help from the Holy Spirit.
One man plus God is mightier than any army and stronger than any opposition.
If God is calling you to do something you feel totally unable to do, you can bet that
He will also send you the power of the Holy Spirit. You won’t be alone. God goes before
you to clear the way for you, and He sends the Holy Spirit to take control of the situa-
tion—and of you. You’ll know what to do. You’ll know what to say. You can run to the
battle with the total confidence that the Spirit of God is in control. (See also: Judg. 14:19;
1 Sam. 10:6; Eph. 3:14–21.)
Words to Live By
Lord: The word Lord is one of the most commonly used words in the Bible. When
it appears in small capital letters as in Judges 6:34, it is the English translation of the
Hebrew word YHWH (this is known as the tetragrammaton). YHWH is the name God
gave Himself in Exodus 3:15. The exact pronunciation of God’s name is debated by Bible
scholars, but Jehovah, Yehovah, and Yahweh are the most commonly accepted.
you shall cut down.” 27So Gideon took ten “Let Baal plead against him, because he
men from among his servants and did as has torn down his altar.”
the Lord had said to him. But because he 33Then all the Midianites and Amal
feared his father’s household and the men ekites, the people of the East, gathered
of the city too much to do it by day, he did together; and they crossed over and en-
it by night. camped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34But the
Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then
Gideon Destroys the Altar he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites
of Baal gathered behind him. 35And he sent mes-
28And when the men of the city arose early sengers throughout all Manasseh, who also
in the morning, there was the altar of Baal, gathered behind him. He also sent messen-
torn down; and the wooden image that was gers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali; and
beside it was cut down, and the second bull they came up to meet them.
was being offered on the altar which had
been built. 29So they said to one another, The Sign of the Fleece
“Who has done this thing?” And when 36So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Is-
they had inquired and asked, they said, rael by my hand as You have said—37look,
“Gideon the son of Joash has done this I shall put a fleece of wool on the thresh-
thing.” 30Then the men of the city said to ing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only,
Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall
because he has torn down the altar of Baal, know that You will save Israel by my hand,
and because he has cut down the wooden as You have said.” 38And it was so. When he
image that was beside it.” rose early the next morning and squeezed
31But Joash said to all who stood against
the fleece together, he wrung the dew out
him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you of the fleece, a bowlful of water. 39Then
save him? Let the one who would plead for Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with
him be put to death by morning! If he is a me, but let me speak just once more: Let
god, let him plead for himself, because his me test, I pray, just once more with the
altar has been torn down!” 32Therefore on
that day he called him Jerubbaal,a saying, 6:32 aLiterally Let Baal Plead
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293 JUDGES 7:19
fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, hand. 10But if you are afraid to go down, go
but on all the ground let there be dew.” down to the camp with Purah your servant,
40And God did so that night. It was dry on 11and you shall hear what they say; and af-
the fleece only, but there was dew on all terward your hands shall be strengthened
the ground. to go down against the camp.” Then he
went down with Purah his servant to the
Gideon’s Valiant Three outpost of the armed men who were in the
Hundred camp. 12Now the Midianites and Amale-
7
Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and kites, all the people of the East, were lying
all the people who were with him in the valley as numerous as locusts; and
rose early and encamped beside the their camels were without number, as the
well of Harod, so that the camp of the Midi- sand by the seashore in multitude.
13And when Gideon had come, there
anites was on the north side of them by the
hill of Moreh in the valley. was a man telling a dream to his compan-
2And the Lord said to Gideon, “The ion. He said, “I have had a dream: To my
people who are with you are too many for surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled
Me to give the Midianites into their hands, into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent
lest Israel claim glory for itself against and struck it so that it fell and overturned,
Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ and the tent collapsed.”
3Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing
of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fear-
ful and afraid, let him turn and depart at Judges 7:13
once from Mount Gilead.’ ” And twenty-two In ancient times, God spoke to people
thousand of the people returned, and ten through their dreams, revealing His
thousand remained. plans for them while they slept. Not all
4But the Lord said to Gideon, “The peo- of these dreams made obvious sense
ple are still too many; bring them down to at first. Sometimes the dreamers
the water, and I will test them for you there. needed other people to help them
Then it will be, that of whom I say to you, understand what their nighttime vi-
‘This one shall go with you,’ the same shall sions meant.
go with you; and of whomever I say to you,
‘This one shall not go with you,’ the same
14Then his companion answered and
shall not go.” 5So he brought the people
down to the water. And the Lord said to said, “This is nothing else but the sword
Gideon, “Everyone who laps from the wa- of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel!
ter with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall Into his hand God has delivered Midian
set apart by himself; likewise everyone who and the whole camp.”
15And so it was, when Gideon heard
gets down on his knees to drink.” 6And the
number of those who lapped, putting their the telling of the dream and its interpre-
hand to their mouth, was three hundred tation, that he worshiped. He returned
men; but all the rest of the people got down to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for
on their knees to drink water. 7Then the the Lord has delivered the camp of Mid-
Lord said to Gideon, “By the three hun- ian into your hand.” 16Then he divided the
dred men who lapped I will save you, and three hundred men into three companies,
deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let and he put a trumpet into every man’s
all the other people go, every man to his hand, with empty pitchers, and torches
place.” 8So the people took provisions and inside the pitchers. 17And he said to them,
their trumpets in their hands. And he sent “Look at me and do likewise; watch, and
away all the rest of Israel, every man to his when I come to the edge of the camp you
tent, and retained those three hundred shall do as I do: 18When I blow the trum-
men. Now the camp of Midian was below pet, I and all who are with me, then you
him in the valley. also blow the trumpets on every side of
9It happened on the same night that the the whole camp, and say, ‘The sword of the
Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against Lord and of Gideon!’ ”
the camp, for I have delivered it into your 19So Gideon and the hundred men who
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JUDGES 7:20 294
were with him came to the outpost of the 2So he said to them, “What have I done
camp at the beginning of the middle watch, now in comparison with you? Is not the
just as they had posted the watch; and they gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better
blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers than the vintage of Abiezer? 3God has de-
that were in their hands. 20Then the three livered into your hands the princes of Mid-
companies blew the trumpets and broke ian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to
the pitchers—they held the torches in their do in comparison with you?” Then their
left hands and the trumpets in their right anger toward him subsided when he said
hands for blowing—and they cried, “The that.
4When Gideon came to the Jordan, he
sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” 21And
every man stood in his place all around and the three hundred men who were with
the camp; and the whole army ran and him crossed over, exhausted but still in pur-
cried out and fled. 22When the three hun- suit. 5Then he said to the men of Succoth,
dred blew the trumpets, the Lord set ev- “Please give loaves of bread to the people
ery man’s sword against his companion who follow me, for they are exhausted, and
throughout the whole camp; and the army I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings
fled to Beth Acacia,a toward Zererah, as far of Midian.”
6And the leaders of Succoth said, “Are
as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.
23And the men of Israel gathered to- the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now
gether from Naphtali, Asher, and all in your hand, that we should give bread to
Manasseh, and pursued the Midianites. your army?”
7So Gideon said, “For this cause, when
the Lord has delivered Zebah and Zal-
Judges 7:25 munna into my hand, then I will tear your
A winepress was a place where ripe flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and
grapes were stomped for their juice. with briers!” 8Then he went up from there
When that juice “fermented” for a to Penuel and spoke to them in the same
certain period of time, it became way. And the men of Penuel answered him
wine. Not only was wine a common as the men of Succoth had answered. 9So
drink among the Israelites, it was also he also spoke to the men of Penuel, saying,
used as medicine and as part of their “When I come back in peace, I will tear
religious ceremonies. down this tower!”
10Now Zebah and Zalmunna were at
Karkor, and their armies with them, about
24Then Gideon sent messengers through fifteen thousand, all who were left of all the
out all the mountains of Ephraim, saying, army of the people of the East; for one hun-
“Come down against the Midianites, and dred and twenty thousand men who drew
seize from them the watering places as the sword had fallen. 11Then Gideon went
far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.” Then all up by the road of those who dwell in tents
the men of Ephraim gathered together and on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah; and he
seized the watering places as far as Beth attacked the army while the camp felt se-
Barah and the Jordan. 25And they captured cure. 12When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he
two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and pursued them; and he took the two kings of
Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed
and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of the whole army.
13Then Gideon the son of Joash re-
Zeeb. They pursued Midian and brought
the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on turned from battle, from the Ascent of
the other side of the Jordan. Heres. 14And he caught a young man of
the men of Succoth and interrogated him;
Gideon Subdues the Midianites and he wrote down for him the leaders of
Succoth and its elders, seventy-seven men.
8
Now the men of Ephraim said to 15Then he came to the men of Succoth and
him, “Why have you done this to us said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna,
by not calling us when you went to about whom you ridiculed me, saying, ‘Are
fight with the Midianites?” And they repri-
manded him sharply. 7:22 aHebrew Beth Shittah
07-Judges.indd 294 2/14/12 11:52 AM
295 JUDGES 9:4
the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now from his plunder. 26Now the weight of the
in your hand, that we should give bread gold earrings that he requested was one
to your weary men?’ ” 16And he took the thousand seven hundred shekels of gold,
elders of the city, and thorns of the wilder- besides the crescent ornaments, pendants,
ness and briers, and with them he taught and purple robes which were on the kings
the men of Succoth. 17Then he tore down of Midian, and besides the chains that were
the tower of Penuel and killed the men around their camels’ necks. 27Then Gideon
of the city. made it into an ephod and set it up in
18And he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the
“What kind of men were they whom you harlot with it there. It became a snare to
killed at Tabor?” Gideon and to his house.
So they answered, “As you are, so were 28Thus Midian was subdued before the
they; each one resembled the son of a king.” children of Israel, so that they lifted their
19Then he said, “They were my brothers, heads no more. And the country was quiet
the sons of my mother. As the Lord lives, if for forty years in the days of Gideon.
you had let them live, I would not kill you.”
20And he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, Death of Gideon
kill them!” But the youth would not draw 29Then Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and
his sword; for he was afraid, because he dwelt in his own house. 30Gideon had sev-
was still a youth. enty sons who were his own offspring, for
21So Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise he had many wives. 31And his concubine
yourself, and kill us; for as a man is, so is who was in Shechem also bore him a son,
his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed whose name he called Abimelech. 32Now
Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the cres- Gideon the son of Joash died at a good old
cent ornaments that were on their camels’ age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash
necks. his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
33So it was, as soon as Gideon was dead,
Gideon’s Ephod that the children of Israel again played
22Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-
“Rule over us, both you and your son, and Berith their god. 34Thus the children of Is-
your grandson also; for you have delivered rael did not remember the Lord their God,
us from the hand of Midian.” who had delivered them from the hands of
all their enemies on every side; 35nor did
they show kindness to the house of Jerub-
Judges 8:23 baal (Gideon) in accordance with the good
From the time the Israelites left Egypt, he had done for Israel.
God had been their only King. Human
Abimelech’s Conspiracy
leaders like Moses and judges like
9
Deborah and Gideon were used sim- Then Abimelech the son of Jerub-
ply to communicate God’s will to the baal went to Shechem, to his moth-
people. Gideon recognized that only er’s brothers, and spoke with them
God had the right to be King of Israel. and with all the family of the house of his
mother’s father, saying, 2“Please speak in
the hearing of all the men of Shechem:
23But Gideon said to them, “I will not
‘Which is better for you, that all seventy
rule over you, nor shall my son rule over of the sons of Jerubbaal reign over you, or
you; the Lord shall rule over you.” 24Then that one reign over you?’ Remember that I
Gideon said to them, “I would like to make am your own flesh and bone.”
a request of you, that each of you would 3And his mother’s brothers spoke all
give me the earrings from his plunder.” For these words concerning him in the hearing
they had golden earrings, because they of all the men of Shechem; and their heart
were Ishmaelites. was inclined to follow Abimelech, for they
25So they answered, “We will gladly give said, “He is our brother.” 4So they gave him
them.” And they spread out a garment, seventy shekels of silver from the temple of
and each man threw into it the earrings Baal-Berith, with which Abimelech hired
07-Judges.indd 295 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 9:5 296
worthless and reckless men; and they fol- 14“ Then all the trees said to the bramble,
lowed him. 5Then he went to his father’s ‘You come and reign over us!’
house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, 15 And the bramble said to the trees,
the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. ‘If in truth you anoint me as king over
But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal you,
was left, because he hid himself. 6And all Then come and take shelter in my
the men of Shechem gathered together, shade;
all of Beth Millo, and they went and made But if not, let fire come out of the
Abimelech king beside the terebinth tree at bramble
the pillar that was in Shechem. And devour the cedars of Lebanon!’
Judges 9:4 Judges 9:15
Not only were temples used as places Jotham compared Abimelech to a
of worship in ancient cultures, they bramble, a tree that is practically
were also used as vaults, places to worthless. Jotham warned that
store valuables for safekeeping. Using Abimelech was powerless to protect
money from Baal-Berith’s temple the people and that making him king
made it look as though Abimelech would only lead to disaster.
was getting help from Baal and not
just from his human supporters.
16“Now therefore, if you have acted in
truth and sincerity in making Abimelech
The Parable of the Trees king, and if you have dealt well with Jerub-
7Now when they told Jotham, he went and baal and his house, and have done to him
as he deserves—17for my father fought for
stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted
you, risked his life, and delivered you out
his voice and cried out. And he said to
of the hand of Midian; 18but you have risen
them:
up against my father’s house this day, and
killed his seventy sons on one stone, and
“ Listen to me, you men of Shechem,
made Abimelech, the son of his female
That God may listen to you!
servant, king over the men of Shechem,
8“ The trees once went forth to anoint a because he is your brother—19if then you
king over them. have acted in truth and sincerity with Jer
And they said to the olive tree, ubbaal and with his house this day, then
‘Reign over us!’ rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also
9 But the olive tree said to them, rejoice in you. 20“But if not, let fire come
‘Should I cease giving my oil, from Abimelech and devour the men of
With which they honor God and Shechem and Beth Millo; and let fire come
men, from the men of Shechem and from Beth
And go to sway over trees?’ Millo and devour Abimelech!” 21And Jo-
tham ran away and fled; and he went to
10“ Then the trees said to the fig tree, Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech
‘You come and reign over us!’ his brother.
11 But the fig tree said to them,
Downfall of Abimelech
‘Should I cease my sweetness and my
good fruit, 22After Abimelech had reigned over Is-
And go to sway over trees?’ rael three years, 23God sent a spirit of ill
will between Abimelech and the men of
12“ Then the trees said to the vine, Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt
‘You come and reign over us!’ treacherously with Abimelech, 24that the
13 But the vine said to them, crime done to the seventy sons of Jerub-
‘Should I cease my new wine, baal might be settled and their blood be
Which cheers both God and men, laid on Abimelech their brother, who
And go to sway over trees?’ killed them, and on the men of Shechem,
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297 JUDGES 9:46
who aided him in the killing of his broth-
ers. 25And the men of Shechem set men Judges 9:37
in ambush against him on the tops of The “center of the land” probably
the mountains, and they robbed all who refers to Mount Gerizim. This site was
passed by them along that way; and it was well known in Israelite history as the
told Abimelech. place where both Abraham and Jacob
26Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with
had built altars. In ancient times,
his brothers and went over to Shechem; most places of worship were built on
and the men of Shechem put their con- hilltops.
fidence in him. 27So they went out into
the fields, and gathered grapes from their
38Then Zebul said to him, “Where in-
vineyards and trod them, and made merry.
And they went into the house of their god, deed is your mouth now, with which you
and ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech. said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should
28Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is serve him?’ Are not these the people whom
Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight
should serve him? Is he not the son of Jer with them now.”
39So Gaal went out, leading the men of
ubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve
the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
40And Abimelech chased him, and he fled
but why should we serve him? 29If only this
people were under my authority!a Then I from him; and many fell wounded, to the
would remove Abimelech.” So heb said to very entrance of the gate. 41Then Abime
Abimelech, “Increase your army and come lech dwelt at Arumah, and Zebul drove out
out!” Gaal and his brothers, so that they would
30When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard not dwell in Shechem.
the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his an-
ger was aroused. 31And he sent messengers
to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Take note! Judges 9:45
Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have Sowing salt was Abimelech’s way of
come to Shechem; and here they are, forti- cursing the land and destroying its
fying the city against you. 32Now therefore, ability to produce crops.
get up by night, you and the people who are
with you, and lie in wait in the field. 33And 42And it came about on the next day that
it shall be, as soon as the sun is up in the
the people went out into the field, and they
morning, that you shall rise early and rush
told Abimelech. 43So he took his people,
upon the city; and when he and the people
divided them into three companies, and
who are with him come out against you,
lay in wait in the field. And he looked, and
you may then do to them as you find op-
there were the people, coming out of the
portunity.”
34So Abimelech and all the people who
city; and he rose against them and attacked
them. 44Then Abimelech and the company
were with him rose by night, and lay in that was with him rushed forward and
wait against Shechem in four companies. stood at the entrance of the gate of the city;
35When Gaal the son of Ebed went out
and the other two companies rushed upon
and stood in the entrance to the city gate, all who were in the fields and killed them.
Abimelech and the people who were with 45So Abimelech fought against the city all
him rose from lying in wait. 36And when that day; he took the city and killed the
Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, people who were in it; and he demolished
“Look, people are coming down from the the city and sowed it with salt.
tops of the mountains!” 46Now when all the men of the tower of
But Zebul said to him, “You see the shad- Shechem had heard that, they entered the
ows of the mountains as if they were men.” stronghold of the temple of the god Berith.
37So Gaal spoke again and said, “See,
people are coming down from the center of 9:29 aLiterally hand bFollowing Masoretic
the land, and another company is coming Text and Targum; Dead Sea Scrolls read they;
from the Diviners’a Terebinth Tree.” Septuagint reads I. 9:37 aHebrew Meonenim
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JUDGES 9:47 298
47And it was told Abimelech that all the had thirty sons who rode on thirty don-
men of the tower of Shechem were gath- keys; they also had thirty towns, which are
ered together. 48Then Abimelech went up called “Havoth Jair”a to this day, which are
to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people in the land of Gilead. 5And Jair died and
who were with him. And Abimelech took was buried in Camon.
an ax in his hand and cut down a bough
from the trees, and took it and laid it on his Israel Oppressed Again
shoulder; then he said to the people who 6Then the children of Israel again did
were with him, “What you have seen me
evil in the sight of the Lord, and served
do, make haste and do as I have done.” 49So
the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the gods
each of the people likewise cut down his
of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of
own bough and followed Abimelech, put
Moab, the gods of the people of Ammon,
them against the stronghold, and set the
and the gods of the Philistines; and they
stronghold on fire above them, so that all
forsook the Lord and did not serve Him.
the people of the tower of Shechem died, 7So the anger of the Lord was hot against
about a thousand men and women.
50Then Abimelech went to Thebez, and Israel; and He sold them into the hands of
the Philistines and into the hands of the
he encamped against Thebez and took it.
51But there was a strong tower in the city,
people of Ammon. 8From that year they
harassed and oppressed the children of
and all the men and women—all the peo-
Israel for eighteen years—all the children
ple of the city—fled there and shut them-
of Israel who were on the other side of
selves in; then they went up to the top of the
the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, in
tower. 52So Abimelech came as far as the
Gilead. 9Moreover the people of Ammon
tower and fought against it; and he drew
crossed over the Jordan to fight against
near the door of the tower to burn it with
Judah also, against Benjamin, and against
fire. 53But a certain woman dropped an the house of Ephraim, so that Israel was
upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and severely distressed.
crushed his skull. 54Then he called quickly 10And the children of Israel cried out to
to the young man, his armorbearer, and the Lord, saying, “We have sinned against
said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, You, because we have both forsaken our
lest men say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ ” God and served the Baals!”
So his young man thrust him through, and 11So the Lord said to the children of Is-
he died. 55And when the men of Israel saw rael, “Did I not deliver you from the Egyp-
that Abimelech was dead, they departed, tians and from the Amorites and from the
every man to his place. people of Ammon and from the Philis-
56Thus God repaid the wickedness of
tines? 12Also the Sidonians and Amalekites
Abimelech, which he had done to his father and Maonitesa oppressed you; and you
by killing his seventy brothers. 57And all the cried out to Me, and I delivered you from
evil of the men of Shechem God returned their hand. 13Yet you have forsaken Me and
on their own heads, and on them came the served other gods. Therefore I will deliver
curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. you no more. 14Go and cry out to the gods
which you have chosen; let them deliver
Tola you in your time of distress.”
10
After Abimelech there arose to 15And the children of Israel said to the
save Israel Tola the son of Puah, Lord, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever
the son of Dodo, a man of Issa- seems best to You; only deliver us this day,
char; and he dwelt in Shamir in the moun- we pray.” 16So they put away the foreign
tains of Ephraim. 2He judged Israel twenty- gods from among them and served the
three years; and he died and was buried in Lord. And His soul could no longer endure
Shamir. the misery of Israel.
17Then the people of Ammon gathered
Jair
10:4 aLiterally Towns of Jair (compare Numbers
3Afterhim arose Jair, a Gileadite; and he 32:41 and Deuteronomy 3:14) 10:12 aSome
judged Israel twenty-two years. 4Now he Septuagint manuscripts read Midianites.
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299 JUDGES 11:5
Profile
Jephthah
Jephthah was an Old Testament hero, but he was also a dad, with a daughter he loved.
Unfortunately, Jephthah didn’t always see how his job as a hero might affect the life of
his daughter, and so he got them both into trouble with a rash promise. He publicly an-
nounced he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house if he returned from
war victorious. His great victory march came to a halt when the first thing he saw from
home was his daughter.
Some scholars believe the sacrifice Jephthah made was to actually end his only
daughter’s life, even though God did not ask for such a thing. Other scholars believe his
sacrifice was to commit her to lifelong virginity. Either way, Jephthah’s rash promise was
reckless and harmful not only to himself but also to his daughter. Though his daughter
grieved over her loss, she honored her father’s rash vow. That honor probably stung
Jephthah deeply. There is little that hurts loving parents more than when their mistakes
cause their children to suffer. But Jephthah’s daughter made a difference with her
acceptance.
The dignity Jephthah’s daughter displayed was so powerful that she is remembered.
She offers an example of a costly obedience to the fifth commandment—to honor your
father and mother. She did so even when her father had made a terrible mistake.
+ Making a Difference:
When parents make mistakes, children find out how difficult it is to honor and forgive.
But dishonor and unforgiveness do not lead to freedom. Honoring and forgiving other
people doesn’t let them off the hook; it lets us off the hook. As long as we hold hurts
against other people, we, too, are bound. Jephthah’s daughter was free to grieve and then
play for a time in the mountains because she forgave . . . because she honored. Do you
have that freedom?
Want to know more?
Read about Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11:1—12:7.
Jephthah’s daughter was a young lady in a heartbreaking situation. But her
respectfulness and honoring attitude allowed her to make a real difference.
You can, too!
together and encamped in Gilead. And the Gilead begot Jephthah. 2Gilead’s wife bore
children of Israel assembled together and sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up,
encamped in Mizpah. 18And the people, they drove Jephthah out, and said to him,
the leaders of Gilead, said to one another, “You shall have no inheritance in our fa-
“Who is the man who will begin the fight ther’s house, for you are the son of an-
against the people of Ammon? He shall be other woman.” 3Then Jephthah fled from
head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob;
and worthless men banded together with
Jephthah Jephthah and went out raiding with him.
11
Now Jephthah the Gileadite 4It came to pass after a time that the
was a mighty man of valor, but people of Ammon made war against Israel.
he was the son of a harlot; and 5And so it was, when the people of Ammon
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JUDGES 11:6 300
made war against Israel, that the elders of the border of Moab, for the Arnon was the
Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land border of Moab. 19Then Israel sent mes-
of Tob. 6Then they said to Jephthah, “Come sengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king
and be our commander, that we may fight of Heshbon; and Israel said to him, “Please
against the people of Ammon.” let us pass through your land into our
7So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, place.” 20But Sihon did not trust Israel to
“Did you not hate me, and expel me from pass through his territory. So Sihon gath-
my father’s house? Why have you come to ered all his people together, encamped in
me now when you are in distress?” Jahaz, and fought against Israel. 21And the
8And the elders of Gilead said to Jeph Lord God of Israel delivered Sihon and all
thah, “That is why we have turned again to his people into the hand of Israel, and they
you now, that you may go with us and fight defeated them. Thus Israel gained posses-
against the people of Ammon, and be our sion of all the land of the Amorites, who
head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” inhabited that country. 22They took pos-
9So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, session of all the territory of the Amorites,
“If you take me back home to fight against from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the
the people of Ammon, and the Lord deliv- wilderness to the Jordan.
23‘And now the Lord God of Israel has
ers them to me, shall I be your head?”
10And the elders of Gilead said to Jeph dispossessed the Amorites from before
thah, “The Lord will be a witness be- His people Israel; should you then pos-
tween us, if we do not do according to sess it? 24Will you not possess whatever
your words.” 11Then Jephthah went with Chemosh your god gives you to possess?
the elders of Gilead, and the people made So whatever the Lord our God takes pos-
him head and commander over them; and session of before us, we will possess. 25And
Jephthah spoke all his words before the now, are you any better than Balak the son
Lord in Mizpah. of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever strive
12Now Jephthah sent messengers to against Israel? Did he ever fight against
the king of the people of Ammon, saying, them? 26While Israel dwelt in Heshbon
“What do you have against me, that you and its villages, in Aroer and its villages,
have come to fight against me in my land?” and in all the cities along the banks of the
13And the king of the people of Ammon Arnon, for three hundred years, why did
answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Be- you not recover them within that time?
27Therefore I have not sinned against you,
cause Israel took away my land when they
came up out of Egypt, from the Arnon as but you wronged me by fighting against
far as the Jabbok, and to the Jordan. Now me. May the Lord, the Judge, render judg-
therefore, restore those lands peaceably.” ment this day between the children of
14So Jephthah again sent messengers Israel and the people of Ammon.’ ” 28How-
to the king of the people of Ammon, 15and ever, the king of the people of Ammon did
said to him, “Thus says Jephthah: ‘Israel not heed the words which Jephthah sent
did not take away the land of Moab, nor him.
the land of the people of Ammon; 16for
when Israel came up from Egypt, they Jephthah’s Vow and Victory
walked through the wilderness as far as 29Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon
the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. 17Then Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead
Israel sent messengers to the king of and Manasseh, and passed through Miz-
Edom, saying, “Please let me pass through pah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead
your land.” But the king of Edom would he advanced toward the people of Ammon.
not heed. And in like manner they sent to 30And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord,
the king of Moab, but he would not con- and said, “If You will indeed deliver the
sent. So Israel remained in Kadesh. 18And people of Ammon into my hands, 31then
they went along through the wilderness it will be that whatever comes out of the
and bypassed the land of Edom and the doors of my house to meet me, when I re-
land of Moab, came to the east side of the turn in peace from the people of Ammon,
land of Moab, and encamped on the other shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it
side of the Arnon. But they did not enter up as a burnt offering.”
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301 JUDGES 12:13
32So Jephthah advanced toward the peo- Jephthah’s Conflict
ple of Ammon to fight against them, and with Ephraim
12
the Lord delivered them into his hands. Then the men of Ephraim gath-
33And he defeated them from Aroer as far
ered together, crossed over
as Minnith— twenty cities— and to Abel toward Zaphon, and said to
Keramim,a with a very great slaughter.
Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight
Thus the people of Ammon were subdued
against the people of Ammon, and did not
before the children of Israel.
call us to go with you? We will burn your
house down on you with fire!”
Jephthah’s Daughter 2And Jephthah said to them, “My people
34When Jephthah came to his house at Miz-
and I were in a great struggle with the
pah, there was his daughter, coming out to people of Ammon; and when I called you,
meet him with timbrels and dancing; and you did not deliver me out of their hands.
she was his only child. Besides her he had 3So when I saw that you would not de-
neither son nor daughter. 35And it came liver me, I took my life in my hands and
to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his crossed over against the people of Am-
clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You mon; and the Lord delivered them into
have brought me very low! You are among my hand. Why then have you come up to
those who trouble me! For I have given my me this day to fight against me?” 4Now
word to the Lord, and I cannot go back Jephthah gathered together all the men of
on it.” Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And
the men of Gilead defeated Ephraim, be-
cause they said, “You Gileadites are fugi-
Judges 11:34–39 tives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites
Human sacrifice was forbidden by and among the Manassites.” 5The Gilead-
God’s law. Therefore, this passage may ites seized the fords of the Jordan before
suggest that Jephthah “sacrificed” his the Ephraimites arrived. And when any
daughter to the temple, meaning that Ephraimite who escaped said, “Let me
she had to spend the rest of her life cross over,” the men of Gilead would say to
serving in God’s house—never being him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said,
able to marry or have a family of her “No,” 6then they would say to him, “Then
own. say, ‘Shibboleth’!” And he would say, “Sib-
boleth,” for he could not pronounce it
36So she said to him, “My father, if you right. Then they would take him and kill
have given your word to the Lord, do to him at the fords of the Jordan. There fell at
me according to what has gone out of your that time forty-two thousand Ephraimites.
7And Jephthah judged Israel six years.
mouth, because the Lord has avenged
you of your enemies, the people of Am- Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was
mon.” 37Then she said to her father, “Let buried in among the cities of Gilead.
this thing be done for me: let me alone for
two months, that I may go and wander on Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
the mountains and bewail my virginity, my 8After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Is-
friends and I.” rael. 9He had thirty sons. And he gave away
38So he said, “Go.” And he sent her away
thirty daughters in marriage, and brought
for two months; and she went with her in thirty daughters from elsewhere for his
friends, and bewailed her virginity on the sons. He judged Israel seven years. 10Then
mountains. 39And it was so at the end of Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem.
two months that she returned to her father, 11After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged
and he carried out his vow with her which Israel. He judged Israel ten years. 12And
he had vowed. She knew no man. Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at
And it became a custom in Israel 40that Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.
the daughters of Israel went four days each 13After him, Abdon the son of Hillel the
year to lament the daughter of Jephthah
the Gileadite. 11:33 aLiterally Plain of Vineyards
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JUDGES 12:14 302
Pirathonite judged Israel. 14He had forty whom You sent come to us again and teach
sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on us what we shall do for the child who will
seventy young donkeys. He judged Israel be born.”
eight years. 15Then Abdon the son of Hil- 9And God listened to the voice of
lel the Pirathonite died and was buried Manoah, and the Angel of God came to the
in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the woman again as she was sitting in the field;
mountains of the Amalekites. but Manoah her husband was not with her.
10Then the woman ran in haste and told
The Birth of Samson her husband, and said to him, “Look, the
13
Again the children of Israel did Man who came to me the other day has just
evil in the sight of the Lord, and now appeared to me!”
11So Manoah arose and followed his
the Lord delivered them into
the hand of the Philistines for forty years. wife. When he came to the Man, he said to
2Now there was a certain man from Him, “Are You the Man who spoke to this
Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose woman?”
name was Manoah; and his wife was bar- And He said, “I am.”
12Manoah said, “Now let Your words
ren and had no children. 3And the Angel
of the Lord appeared to the woman and come to pass! What will be the boy’s rule of
said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren life, and his work?”
13So the Angel of the Lord said to
and have borne no children, but you shall
conceive and bear a son. 4Now therefore, Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman
please be careful not to drink wine or simi- let her be careful. 14She may not eat any-
lar drink, and not to eat anything unclean. thing that comes from the vine, nor may
5For behold, you shall conceive and bear she drink wine or similar drink, nor eat
a son. And no razor shall come upon his anything unclean. All that I commanded
head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to her let her observe.”
15Then Manoah said to the Angel of the
God from the womb; and he shall begin to
deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philis- Lord, “Please let us detain You, and we will
tines.” prepare a young goat for You.”
16And the Angel of the Lord said to
Manoah, “Though you detain Me, I will not
Judges 13:2–5 eat your food. But if you offer a burnt of-
Manoah and his wife agreed to fering, you must offer it to the Lord.” (For
dedicate their child (Samson, v. 24) Manoah did not know He was the Angel of
to God, and in return, God would use the Lord.)
their son to one day free the Israelites
from the control of the Philistines.
Wearing his hair long and refusing Judges 13:18
to drink wine were outward signs of Here’s an odd tradition from biblical
Samson’s dedication to God. times: knowing and using someone’s
name was believed to give you a
certain amount of power over that
6So the woman came and told her hus-
person. The fact that the angel refused
band, saying, “A Man of God came to me, to tell Manoah his name indicated
and His countenance was like the counte- that the angel had a higher rank than
nance of the Angel of God, very awesome; Manoah.
but I did not ask Him where He was from,
and He did not tell me His name. 7And He
said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and 17Then Manoah said to the Angel of the
bear a son. Now drink no wine or similar Lord, “What is Your name, that when Your
drink, nor eat anything unclean, for the words come to pass we may honor You?”
child shall be a Nazirite to God from the 18And the Angel of the Lord said to him,
womb to the day of his death.’ ” “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is
8Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, and wonderful?”
said, “O my Lord, please let the Man of God 19So Manoah took the young goat with
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303 JUDGES 13:21
Profile
Samson
Samson never wore an S on his chest, but he was probably one of the few men who could
claim the title of superman. His physical prowess astonished both friends and enemies. In
battle, Samson proved lethal. There was little question that Samson had the basic qualifi-
cations to be a champion for his people. God had promised to give Samson unique gifts.
He was designed with a special task in mind. Samson succeeded in some ways, but far less
than his potential promised.
Unfortunately, Samson made at least two errors in judgment early in his life, and they
cost him dearly. First, he never learned to control the connection between his eyes and his
heart. He failed to see his own disobedience or the dangers in his relationships with his
Philistine wife, and especially with Delilah. Not until he lost his eyes did he finally see the
mess he had made of much of his life.
Second, Sampson did not acknowledge the source of his amazing strength or take
seriously the responsibilities that came with it. Though his long hair was a reminder of the
source of his strength, Samson lost sight of God’s presence in his life. In his mind, his hair
became his strength. When he told Delilah the source of his strength, he thought he was
just revealing a secret, but he was actually revealing his failure. Once his hair was cut,
Samson was faced with his true weaknesses.
One of the consequences of Samson’s failure was that he was blinded; he never
regained his sight, but he learned to see the truth. He lost his hair, but in the end he turned
to God as the source of his strength. Samson learned from his losses, but too late. He
represents so many other lives that might have made a big difference, but fell short. By
learning from Samson’s mistakes, others can avoid his errors and gain insight from his
lessons.
+ Making a Difference:
Youthful mistakes are part of the learning cycle. Hopefully, we learn from them.
Fortunately, few of them prove to be fatal. But most of us could benefit from paying closer
attention to the lessons we learn while we’re young. We don’t have to repeat the mistakes
of others. When we see others receive painful and sometimes permanent consequences
from their behaviors, we must resist the thought that such results cannot happen to us.
The more we seek to learn from our own mistakes, as well as from others’ mistakes,
the more we will be able to make a difference with our lives. Continually acknowledge
God for the strengths He’s given you and ask for His help with your mistakes.
Want to know more?
Read about Samson’s life in Judges 13—16.
Samson was a true superman but he also possessed real flaws. He
ultimately saw beyond himself to the God who made him, and finally made a
real difference. You can, too!
the grain offering, and offered it upon the gel of the Lord ascended in the flame of
rock to the Lord. And He did a wondrous the altar! When Manoah and his wife saw
thing while Manoah and his wife looked this, they fell on their faces to the ground.
on— 20it happened as the flame went up 21When the Angel of the Lord appeared
toward heaven from the altar— the An- no more to Manoah and his wife, then
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JUDGES 13:22 304
Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the along, eating. When he came to his father
Lord. and mother, he gave some to them, and
22And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall they also ate. But he did not tell them that
surely die, because we have seen God!” he had taken the honey out of the carcass
23But his wife said to him, “If the Lord of the lion.
had desired to kill us, He would not have 10So his father went down to the woman.
accepted a burnt offering and a grain of- And Samson gave a feast there, for young
fering from our hands, nor would He have men used to do so. 11And it happened,
shown us all these things, nor would He when they saw him, that they brought
have told us such things as these at this thirty companions to be with him.
time.” 12Then Samson said to them, “Let me
24So the woman bore a son and called his pose a riddle to you. If you can correctly
name Samson; and the child grew, and the solve and explain it to me within the seven
Lord blessed him. 25And the Spirit of the days of the feast, then I will give you thirty
Lord began to move upon him at Maha linen garments and thirty changes of cloth-
neh Dana between Zorah and Eshtaol. ing. 13But if you cannot explain it to me,
then you shall give me thirty linen gar-
Samson’s Philistine Wife ments and thirty changes of clothing.”
14
Now Samson went down to
Timnah, and saw a woman in
Timnah of the daughters of the Judges 14:12
Philistines. 2So he went up and told his Riddles weren’t kids’ stuff in ancient
father and mother, saying, “I have seen a times. They were used as tests of
woman in Timnah of the daughters of the people’s wisdom. Often a great deal
Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as of pride and money rode on the out-
a wife.” come of a riddle.
3Then his father and mother said to him,
“Is there no woman among the daughters And they said to him, “Pose your riddle,
of your brethren, or among all my people, that we may hear it.”
that you must go and get a wife from the 14So he said to them:
uncircumcised Philistines?”
And Samson said to his father, “Get her “ Out of the eater came something to
for me, for she pleases me well.” eat,
4But his father and mother did not know
And out of the strong came something
that it was of the Lord—that He was seek- sweet.”
ing an occasion to move against the Philis-
tines. For at that time the Philistines had Now for three days they could not explain
dominion over Israel. the riddle.
5So Samson went down to Timnah with
15But it came to pass on the seventha
his father and mother, and came to the day that they said to Samson’s wife, “En-
vineyards of Timnah. tice your husband, that he may explain the
Now to his surprise, a young lion came riddle to us, or else we will burn you and
roaring against him. 6And the Spirit of the your father’s house with fire. Have you in-
Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore vited us in order to take what is ours? Is
the lion apart as one would have torn apart that not so? ”
a young goat, though he had nothing in his 16Then Samson’s wife wept on him, and
hand. But he did not tell his father or his said, “You only hate me! You do not love
mother what he had done. me! You have posed a riddle to the sons of
7Then he went down and talked with
my people, but you have not explained it to
the woman; and she pleased Samson well. me.”
8After some time, when he returned to
And he said to her, “Look, I have not
get her, he turned aside to see the carcass
of the lion. And behold, a swarm of bees 13:25 aLiterally Camp of Dan (compare 18:12)
and honey were in the carcass of the lion. 14:15 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
9He took some of it in his hands and went Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read fourth.
07-Judges.indd 304 2/14/12 11:52 AM
305 JUDGES 15:18
explained it to my father or my mother; So the Philistines came up and burned her
so should I explain it to you?” 17Now she and her father with fire.
had wept on him the seven days while 7Samson said to them, “Since you would
their feast lasted. And it happened on the do a thing like this, I will surely take re-
seventh day that he told her, because she venge on you, and after that I will cease.”
pressed him so much. Then she explained 8So he attacked them hip and thigh with
the riddle to the sons of her people. 18So the a great slaughter; then he went down and
men of the city said to him on the seventh dwelt in the cleft of the rock of Etam.
day before the sun went down: 9Now the Philistines went up, encamped
in Judah, and deployed themselves against
“ What is sweeter than honey? Lehi. 10And the men of Judah said, “Why
And what is stronger than a lion?” have you come up against us?”
So they answered, “We have come up to
And he said to them: arrest Samson, to do to him as he has done
to us.”
“ If you had not plowed with my heifer, 11Then three thousand men of Judah
You would not have solved my riddle!” went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam,
19Then the Spirit of the Lord came
and said to Samson, “Do you not know that
the Philistines rule over us? What is this
upon him mightily, and he went down to you have done to us?”
Ashkelon and killed thirty of their men, And he said to them, “As they did to me,
took their apparel, and gave the changes so I have done to them.”
of clothing to those who had explained the 12But they said to him, “We have come
riddle. So his anger was aroused, and he down to arrest you, that we may deliver
went back up to his father’s house. 20And you into the hand of the Philistines.”
Samson’s wife was given to his companion, Then Samson said to them, “Swear to
who had been his best man.
me that you will not kill me yourselves.”
13So they spoke to him, saying, “No, but
Samson Defeats the Philistines we will tie you securely and deliver you into
15
After a while, in the time of their hand; but we will surely not kill you.”
wheat harvest, it happened that And they bound him with two new ropes
Samson visited his wife with and brought him up from the rock.
a young goat. And he said, “Let me go in 14When he came to Lehi, the Philistines
to my wife, into her room.” But her father came shouting against him. Then the Spirit
would not permit him to go in. of the Lord came mightily upon him; and
2Her father said, “I really thought that you
the ropes that were on his arms became
thoroughly hated her; therefore I gave her to like flax that is burned with fire, and his
your companion. Is not her younger sister bonds broke loose from his hands. 15He
better than she? Please, take her instead.” found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached
3And Samson said to them, “This time
out his hand and took it, and killed a thou-
I shall be blameless regarding the Philis- sand men with it. 16Then Samson said:
tines if I harm them!” 4Then Samson went
and caught three hundred foxes; and he “ With the jawbone of a donkey,
took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, Heaps upon heaps,
and put a torch between each pair of tails. With the jawbone of a donkey
5When he had set the torches on fire, he let
I have slain a thousand men!”
the foxes go into the standing grain of the
Philistines, and burned up both the shocks 17And so it was, when he had finished
and the standing grain, as well as the vine- speaking, that he threw the jawbone from
yards and olive groves. his hand, and called that place Ramath
6Then the Philistines said, “Who has
Lehi.a
done this?” 18Then he became very thirsty; so he
And they answered, “Samson, the son- cried out to the Lord and said, “You have
in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken
his wife and given her to his companion.” 15:17 aLiterally Jawbone Height
07-Judges.indd 305 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 15:19 306
given this great deliverance by the hand of 11So he said to her, “If they bind me se-
Your servant; and now shall I die of thirst curely with new ropes that have never been
and fall into the hand of the uncircum- used, then I shall become weak, and be like
cised?” 19So God split the hollow place any other man.”
that is in Lehi,a and water came out, and 12Therefore Delilah took new ropes and
he drank; and his spirit returned, and bound him with them, and said to him,
he revived. Therefore he called its name “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!”
En Hakkore,b which is in Lehi to this day. And men were lying in wait, staying in the
20And he judged Israel twenty years in the room. But he broke them off his arms like
days of the Philistines. a thread.
13Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you
Samson and Delilah have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me
16
Now Samson went to Gaza and what you may be bound with.”
saw a harlot there, and went in And he said to her, “If you weave the
to her. 2When the Gazites were seven locks of my head into the web of the
told, “Samson has come here!” they sur- loom”—
14So she wove it tightly with the batten of
rounded the place and lay in wait for him
all night at the gate of the city. They were the loom, and said to him, “The Philistines
quiet all night, saying, “In the morning, are upon you, Samson!” But he awoke from
when it is daylight, we will kill him.” 3And his sleep, and pulled out the batten and the
Samson lay low till midnight; then he web from the loom.
15Then she said to him, “How can you
arose at midnight, took hold of the doors
of the gate of the city and the two gate- say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not
posts, pulled them up, bar and all, put with me? You have mocked me these three
them on his shoulders, and carried them times, and have not told me where your
to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. great strength lies.” 16And it came to pass,
4Afterward it happened that he loved when she pestered him daily with her
a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose words and pressed him, so that his soul
name was Delilah. 5And the lords of the was vexed to death, 17that he told her all
Philistines came up to her and said to her, his heart, and said to her, “No razor has
ever come upon my head, for I have been
“Entice him, and find out where his great
a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb.
strength lies, and by what means we may
If I am shaven, then my strength will leave
overpower him, that we may bind him to
me, and I shall become weak, and be like
afflict him; and every one of us will give you
any other man.”
eleven hundred pieces of silver.” 18When Delilah saw that he had told
6So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell
her all his heart, she sent and called for
me where your great strength lies, and with
the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come
what you may be bound to afflict you.”
7And Samson said to her, “If they bind up once more, for he has told me all his
heart.” So the lords of the Philistines came
me with seven fresh bowstrings, not yet
up to her and brought the money in their
dried, then I shall become weak, and be
hand. 19Then she lulled him to sleep on
like any other man.”
8So the lords of the Philistines brought
her knees, and called for a man and had
him shave off the seven locks of his head.
up to her seven fresh bowstrings, not yet
Then she began to torment him,a and his
dried, and she bound him with them. 9Now
strength left him. 20And she said, “The
men were lying in wait, staying with her in Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he
the room. And she said to him, “The Philis- awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go
tines are upon you, Samson!” But he broke out as before, at other times, and shake
the bowstrings as a strand of yarn breaks myself free!” But he did not know that the
when it touches fire. So the secret of his Lord had departed from him.
strength was not known.
10Then Delilah said to Samson, “Look,
15:19 aLiterally Jawbone (compare verse 14)
you have mocked me and told me lies. Now, bLiterally Spring of the Caller
16:19 aFollowing
please tell me what you may be bound Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate;
with.” Septuagint reads he began to be weak.
07-Judges.indd 306 2/14/12 11:52 AM
307 JUDGES 17:7
21Then the Philistines took him and household came down and took him, and
put out his eyes, and brought him down brought him up and buried him between
to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fet- Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his fa-
ters, and he became a grinder in the prison. ther Manoah. He had judged Israel twenty
22However, the hair of his head began to years.
grow again after it had been shaven.
Micah’s Idolatry
Samson Dies with
17
the Philistines
Now there was a man from the
mountains of Ephraim, whose
23Now the lords of the Philistines gathered
name was Micah. 2And he said
together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon to his mother, “The eleven hundred shek-
their god, and to rejoice. And they said: els of silver that were taken from you, and
on which you put a curse, even saying it
“ Our god has delivered into our hands in my ears—here is the silver with me; I
Samson our enemy!” took it.”
And his mother said, “May you be
24When the people saw him, they
blessed by the Lord, my son!” 3So when he
praised their god; for they said: had returned the eleven hundred shekels
of silver to his mother, his mother said, “I
“ Our god has delivered into our hands had wholly dedicated the silver from my
our enemy, hand to the Lord for my son, to make a
The destroyer of our land, carved image and a molded image; now
And the one who multiplied our therefore, I will return it to you.” 4Thus he
dead.” returned the silver to his mother. Then his
25So it happened, when their hearts were
mother took two hundred shekels of silver
and gave them to the silversmith, and he
merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, made it into a carved image and a molded
that he may perform for us.” So they image; and they were in the house of Mi-
called for Samson from the prison, and he cah.
performed for them. And they stationed
him between the pillars. 26Then Samson
said to the lad who held him by the hand, Judges 17:3, 4
“Let me feel the pillars which support Some offerings to God were required.
the temple, so that I can lean on them.” Other offerings were voluntary. People
27Now the temple was full of men and
chose to make them for private
women. All the lords of the Philistines reasons. The priests, who were chosen
were there—about three thousand men from the descendants of Levi, handled
and women on the roof watching while the gifts and offerings according to
Samson performed. God’s law. Micah and his family were
28Then Samson called to the Lord, say-
not descendants of Levi; so they were
ing, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! not legally qualified to handle the
Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, gifts. Not to mention the fact that
O God, that I may with one blow take ven- using the money to create an idol
geance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” violated God’s law.
29And Samson took hold of the two middle
pillars which supported the temple, and he
braced himself against them, one on his 5The man Micah had a shrine, and made
right and the other on his left. 30Then Sam- an ephod and household idols;a and he
son said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” consecrated one of his sons, who became
And he pushed with all his might, and the his priest. 6In those days there was no king
temple fell on the lords and all the people in Israel; everyone did what was right in his
who were in it. So the dead that he killed own eyes.
at his death were more than he had killed 7Now there was a young man from
in his life.
31And his brothers and all his father’s 17:5 aHebrew teraphim
07-Judges.indd 307 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 17:8 308
Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah; Laish. They saw the people who were there,
he was a Levite, and was staying there. 8The how they dwelt safely, in the manner of the
man departed from the city of Bethlehem Sidonians, quiet and secure. There were no
in Judah to stay wherever he could find a rulers in the land who might put them to
place. Then he came to the mountains of shame for anything. They were far from
Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he jour- the Sidonians, and they had no ties with
neyed. 9And Micah said to him, “Where do anyone.a
you come from?” 8Then the spies came back to their breth-
So he said to him, “I am a Levite from ren at Zorah and Eshtaol, and their breth-
Bethlehem in Judah, and I am on my way ren said to them, “What is your report?”
to find a place to stay.” 9So they said, “Arise, let us go up against
10Micah said to him, “Dwell with me,
them. For we have seen the land, and in-
and be a father and a priest to me, and I deed it is very good. Would you do nothing?
will give you ten shekels of silver per year, Do not hesitate to go, and enter to possess
a suit of clothes, and your sustenance.” So the land. 10When you go, you will come to
the Levite went in. 11Then the Levite was a secure people and a large land. For God
content to dwell with the man; and the has given it into your hands, a place where
young man became like one of his sons to there is no lack of anything that is on the
him. 12So Micah consecrated the Levite, earth.”
and the young man became his priest, 11And six hundred men of the family of
and lived in the house of Micah. 13Then the Danites went from there, from Zorah
Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war.
will be good to me, since I have a Levite 12Then they went up and encamped in
as priest!” Kirjath Jearim in Judah. (Therefore they
call that place Mahaneh Dana to this day.
The Danites Adopt Micah’s There it is, west of Kirjath Jearim.) 13And
Idolatry
they passed from there to the mountains
18
In those days there was no king of Ephraim, and came to the house of Mi-
in Israel. And in those days the cah.
tribe of the Danites was seeking 14Then the five men who had gone to
an inheritance for itself to dwell in; for until spy out the country of Laish answered and
that day their inheritance among the tribes said to their brethren, “Do you know that
of Israel had not fallen to them. 2So the there are in these houses an ephod, house-
children of Dan sent five men of their fam- hold idols, a carved image, and a molded
ily from their territory, men of valor from image? Now therefore, consider what you
Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and should do.” 15So they turned aside there,
search it. They said to them, “Go, search and came to the house of the young Levite
the land.” So they went to the mountains man—to the house of Micah—and greeted
of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, and him. 16The six hundred men armed with
lodged there. 3While they were at the house their weapons of war, who were of the chil-
of Micah, they recognized the voice of the dren of Dan, stood by the entrance of the
young Levite. They turned aside and said gate. 17Then the five men who had gone to
to him, “Who brought you here? What are spy out the land went up. Entering there,
you doing in this place? What do you have they took the carved image, the ephod, the
here?” household idols, and the molded image.
4He said to them, “Thus and so Micah
The priest stood at the entrance of the gate
did for me. He has hired me, and I have be- with the six hundred men who were armed
come his priest.” with weapons of war.
5So they said to him, “Please inquire of
18When these went into Micah’s house
God, that we may know whether the jour- and took the carved image, the ephod, the
ney on which we go will be prosperous.” household idols, and the molded image,
6And the priest said to them, “Go in
peace. The presence of the Lord be with 18:7 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum,
you on your way.” and Vulgate; Septuagint reads with Syria.
7So the five men departed and went to 18:12 aLiterally Camp of Dan
07-Judges.indd 308 2/14/12 11:52 AM
309 JUDGES 19:9
the priest said to them, “What are you do- the tribe of Dan until the day of the captiv-
ing?” ity of the land. 31So they set up for them-
19And they said to him, “Be quiet, put selves Micah’s carved image which he
your hand over your mouth, and come made, all the time that the house of God
with us; be a father and a priest to us. Is it was in Shiloh.
better for you to be a priest to the house-
hold of one man, or that you be a priest The Levite’s Concubine
19
to a tribe and a family in Israel?” 20So And it came to pass in those
the priest’s heart was glad; and he took days, when there was no king in
the ephod, the household idols, and the Israel, that there was a certain
carved image, and took his place among Levite staying in the remote mountains
the people. of Ephraim. He took for himself a concu-
21Then they turned and departed, and
bine from Bethlehem in Judah. 2But his
put the little ones, the livestock, and the concubine played the harlot against him,
goods in front of them. 22When they were and went away from him to her father’s
a good way from the house of Micah, house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was
the men who were in the houses near there four whole months. 3Then her hus-
Micah’s house gathered together and band arose and went after her, to speak
overtook the children of Dan. 23And they kindly to her and bring her back, having
called out to the children of Dan. So they his servant and a couple of donkeys with
turned around and said to Micah, “What him. So she brought him into her father’s
ails you, that you have gathered such a house; and when the father of the young
company?” woman saw him, he was glad to meet him.
24So he said, “You have taken away my
4Now his father-in-law, the young woman’s
gods which I made, and the priest, and you
father, detained him; and he stayed with
have gone away. Now what more do I have?
him three days. So they ate and drank and
How can you say to me, ‘What ails you?’ ”
25And the children of Dan said to him,
lodged there.
5Then it came to pass on the fourth day
“Do not let your voice be heard among us,
that they arose early in the morning, and
lest angry men fall upon you, and you lose
he stood to depart; but the young woman’s
your life, with the lives of your household!”
26Then the children of Dan went their way.
father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your
heart with a morsel of bread, and after-
And when Micah saw that they were too
ward go your way.”
strong for him, he turned and went back to 6So they sat down, and the two of them
his house.
ate and drank together. Then the young
Danites Settle in Laish woman’s father said to the man, “Please
be content to stay all night, and let your
27So they took the things Micah had made, heart be merry.” 7And when the man stood
and the priest who had belonged to him, to depart, his father-in-law urged him; so
and went to Laish, to a people quiet and he lodged there again. 8Then he arose early
secure; and they struck them with the in the morning on the fifth day to depart,
edge of the sword and burned the city but the young woman’s father said, “Please
with fire. 28There was no deliverer, because refresh your heart.” So they delayed until
it was far from Sidon, and they had no ties afternoon; and both of them ate.
with anyone. It was in the valley that be- 9And when the man stood to depart—he
longs to Beth Rehob. So they rebuilt the and his concubine and his servant—his
city and dwelt there. 29And they called the father-in-law, the young woman’s father,
name of the city Dan, after the name of said to him, “Look, the day is now drawing
Dan their father, who was born to Israel. toward evening; please spend the night.
However, the name of the city formerly See, the day is coming to an end; lodge
was Laish. here, that your heart may be merry. Tomor-
30Then the children of Dan set up
row go your way early, so that you may get
for themselves the carved image; and home.”
Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of
Manasseh,a and his sons were priests to 18:30 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Moses.
07-Judges.indd 309 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 19:10 310
10However, the man was not willing to wine for myself, for your female servant,
spend that night; so he rose and departed, and for the young man who is with your
and came opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusa- servant; there is no lack of anything.”
lem). With him were the two saddled don- 20And the old man said, “Peace be with
keys; his concubine was also with him. you! However, let all your needs be my re-
11They were near Jebus, and the day was sponsibility; only do not spend the night in
far spent; and the servant said to his mas- the open square.” 21So he brought him into
ter, “Come, please, and let us turn aside his house, and gave fodder to the donkeys.
into this city of the Jebusites and lodge And they washed their feet, and ate and
in it.” drank.
12But his master said to him, “We will
not turn aside here into a city of foreigners, Gibeah’s Crime
who are not of the children of Israel; we will 22As they were enjoying themselves, sud-
go on to Gibeah.” 13So he said to his servant, denly certain men of the city, perverted
“Come, let us draw near to one of these men,a surrounded the house and beat on
places, and spend the night in Gibeah or the door. They spoke to the master of the
in Ramah.” 14And they passed by and went house, the old man, saying, “Bring out the
their way; and the sun went down on them man who came to your house, that we may
near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. know him carnally! ”
15They turned aside there to go in to lodge
in Gibeah. And when he went in, he sat
down in the open square of the city, for Homosexuality
no one would take them into his house to When is sex perverted?
spend the night. Judges 19:22
16Just then an old man came in from
his work in the field at evening, who also
was from the mountains of Ephraim; he 23But the man, the master of the house,
was staying in Gibeah, whereas the men of went out to them and said to them, “No,
the place were Benjamites. 17And when he my brethren! I beg you, do not act so wick-
raised his eyes, he saw the traveler in the edly! Seeing this man has come into my
open square of the city; and the old man house, do not commit this outrage. 24Look,
said, “Where are you going, and where do here is my virgin daughter and the man’sa
you come from?” concubine; let me bring them out now.
Humble them, and do with them as you
please; but to this man do not do such a
Judges 19:20, 21 vile thing!” 25But the men would not heed
Hospitality was serious business in him. So the man took his concubine and
ancient Israel. God commanded His brought her out to them. And they knew
people to show kindness to strangers. her and abused her all night until morn-
Often this involved offering food and ing; and when the day began to break, they
shelter to travelers and their animals. let her go.
Since most travelers wore open shoes, 26Then the woman came as the day was
hosts were also expected to provide dawning, and fell down at the door of the
water so that their guests could wash man’s house where her master was, till it
their dirty feet. was light.
27When her master arose in the morn-
18So he said to him, “We are passing
ing, and opened the doors of the house
and went out to go his way, there was his
from Bethlehem in Judah toward the re- concubine, fallen at the door of the house
mote mountains of Ephraim; I am from with her hands on the threshold. 28And he
there. I went to Bethlehem in Judah; now said to her, “Get up and let us be going.” But
I am going to the house of the Lord. But there was no answer. So the man lifted her
there is no one who will take me into his
house, 19although we have both straw and 19:22 aLiterally sons of Belial
19:24 aLiterally
fodder for our donkeys, and bread and his
07-Judges.indd 310 2/14/12 11:52 AM
311 JUDGES 20:20
onto the donkey; and the man got up and repay all the vileness that they have done
went to his place. in Israel.” 11So all the men of Israel were
29When he entered his house he took a gathered against the city, united together
knife, laid hold of his concubine, and di- as one man.
vided her into twelve pieces, limb by limb,a 12Then the tribes of Israel sent men
and sent her throughout all the territory of through all the tribe of Benjamin, say-
Israel. 30And so it was that all who saw it ing, “What is this wickedness that has
said, “No such deed has been done or seen occurred among you? 13Now therefore,
from the day that the children of Israel deliver up the men, the perverted mena
came up from the land of Egypt until this who are in Gibeah, that we may put them
day. Consider it, confer, and speak up!” to death and remove the evil from Israel!”
But the children of Benjamin would not
Israel’s War with listen to the voice of their brethren, the
the Benjamites children of Israel. 14Instead, the children
20
So all the children of Israel of Benjamin gathered together from their
came out, from Dan to Beer- cities to Gibeah, to go to battle against the
sheba, as well as from the land children of Israel. 15And from their cit-
of Gilead, and the congregation gathered ies at that time the children of Benjamin
together as one man before the Lord at numbered twenty-six thousand men who
Mizpah. 2And the leaders of all the people, drew the sword, besides the inhabitants
all the tribes of Israel, presented them- of Gibeah, who numbered seven hundred
selves in the assembly of the people of God, select men. 16Among all this people were
four hundred thousand foot soldiers who seven hundred select men who were left-
drew the sword. 3(Now the children of Ben- handed; every one could sling a stone at a
jamin heard that the children of Israel had hair’s breadth and not miss. 17Now besides
gone up to Mizpah.) Benjamin, the men of Israel numbered
Then the children of Israel said, “Tell us, four hundred thousand men who drew
how did this wicked deed happen?” the sword; all of these were men of war.
4So the Levite, the husband of the
woman who was murdered, answered
and said, “My concubine and I went into
Judges 20:16
A sling was a leather strap designed
Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, to
to hold a rock. The strap was whirled
spend the night. 5And the men of Gib
around and around until the rock
eah rose against me, and surrounded
was released. Because of the whirling
the house at night because of me. They
motion, the rock flew out of the sling
intended to kill me, but instead they
with great force. Most people used
ravished my concubine so that she died.
6So I took hold of my concubine, cut her small clay pebbles in their slings.
Some warriors, though, used baseball-
in pieces, and sent her throughout all
sized limestone or flint rocks. You can
the territory of the inheritance of Israel,
imagine the damage they caused.
because they committed lewdness and
outrage in Israel. 7Look! All of you are chil-
dren of Israel; give your advice and coun- 18Then the children of Israel arose and
sel here and now!” went up to the house of Goda to inquire of
8So all the people arose as one man,
God. They said, “Which of us shall go up
saying, “None of us will go to his tent, nor first to battle against the children of Ben-
will any turn back to his house; 9but now jamin?”
this is the thing which we will do to Gib The Lord said, “Judah first!”
eah: We will go up against it by lot. 10We 19So the children of Israel rose in the
will take ten men out of every hundred morning and encamped against Gibeah.
throughout all the tribes of Israel, a hun- 20And the men of Israel went out to battle
dred out of every thousand, and a thou- against Benjamin, and the men of Israel
sand out of every ten thousand, to make
provisions for the people, that when they 19:29 aLiterally with her bones 20:13 aLiterally
come to Gibeah in Benjamin, they may sons of Belial 20:18 aOr Bethel
07-Judges.indd 311 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 20:21 312
put themselves in battle array to fight from their place and put themselves in bat-
against them at Gibeah. 21Then the chil- tle array at Baal Tamar. Then Israel’s men
dren of Benjamin came out of Gibeah, and in ambush burst forth from their position
on that day cut down to the ground twenty- in the plain of Geba. 34And ten thousand
two thousand men of the Israelites. 22And select men from all Israel came against
the people, that is, the men of Israel, en- Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the
couraged themselves and again formed the Benjamitesa did not know that disaster was
battle line at the place where they had put upon them. 35The Lord defeated Benjamin
themselves in array on the first day. 23Then before Israel. And the children of Israel de-
the children of Israel went up and wept stroyed that day twenty-five thousand one
before the Lord until evening, and asked hundred Benjamites; all these drew the
counsel of the Lord, saying, “Shall I again sword.
draw near for battle against the children of 36So the children of Benjamin saw that
my brother Benjamin?” they were defeated. The men of Israel
And the Lord said, “Go up against him.” had given ground to the Benjamites, be-
24So the children of Israel approached
cause they relied on the men in ambush
the children of Benjamin on the second whom they had set against Gibeah. 37And
day. 25And Benjamin went out against the men in ambush quickly rushed upon
them from Gibeah on the second day, and Gibeah; the men in ambush spread out
cut down to the ground eighteen thousand and struck the whole city with the edge
more of the children of Israel; all these of the sword. 38Now the appointed signal
drew the sword. between the men of Israel and the men
26Then all the children of Israel, that is,
in ambush was that they would make
all the people, went up and came to the a great cloud of smoke rise up from the
house of Goda and wept. They sat there city, 39whereupon the men of Israel would
before the Lord and fasted that day until turn in battle. Now Benjamin had begun
evening; and they offered burnt offerings to strike and kill about thirty of the men
and peace offerings before the Lord. 27So of Israel. For they said, “Surely they are
the children of Israel inquired of the Lord defeated before us, as in the first battle.”
(the ark of the covenant of God was there 40But when the cloud began to rise from
in those days, 28and Phinehas the son of El- the city in a column of smoke, the Ben-
eazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in jamites looked behind them, and there
those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out was the whole city going up in smoke to
to battle against the children of my brother heaven. 41And when the men of Israel
Benjamin, or shall I cease?” turned back, the men of Benjamin pan-
And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomor- icked, for they saw that disaster had come
row I will deliver them into your hand.” upon them. 42Therefore they turned their
29Then Israel set men in ambush all
backs before the men of Israel in the direc-
around Gibeah. 30And the children of Is- tion of the wilderness; but the battle over-
rael went up against the children of Benja- took them, and whoever came out of the
min on the third day, and put themselves cities they destroyed in their midst. 43They
in battle array against Gibeah as at the surrounded the Benjamites, chased them,
other times. 31So the children of Benjamin and easily trampled them down as far as
went out against the people, and were the front of Gibeah toward the east. 44And
drawn away from the city. They began to eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell;
strike down and kill some of the people, as all these were men of valor. 45Then theya
at the other times, in the highways (one of turned and fled toward the wilderness to
which goes up to Bethel and the other to the rock of Rimmon; and they cut down
Gibeah) and in the field, about thirty men five thousand of them on the highways.
of Israel. 32And the children of Benjamin Then they pursued them relentlessly up to
said, “They are defeated before us, as at Gidom, and killed two thousand of them.
first.” 46So all who fell of Benjamin that day were
But the children of Israel said, “Let us
flee and draw them away from the city to 20:26 aOr Bethel 20:34 aLiterally they
the highways.” 33So all the men of Israel rose 20:45 aSeptuagint reads the rest.
07-Judges.indd 312 2/14/12 11:52 AM
313 JUDGES 21:22
twenty-five thousand men who drew the Mizpah to the Lord?” And, in fact, no one
sword; all these were men of valor. had come to the camp from Jabesh Gilead
47But six hundred men turned and fled to the assembly. 9For when the people were
toward the wilderness to the rock of Rim- counted, indeed, not one of the inhabitants
mon, and they stayed at the rock of Rim- of Jabesh Gilead was there. 10So the congre-
mon for four months. 48And the men of gation sent out there twelve thousand of
Israel turned back against the children of their most valiant men, and commanded
Benjamin, and struck them down with the them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabit-
edge of the sword—from every city, men ants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the
and beasts, all who were found. They also sword, including the women and children.
set fire to all the cities they came to. 11And this is the thing that you shall do: You
shall utterly destroy every male, and every
Wives Provided for woman who has known a man intimately.”
the Benjamites 12So they found among the inhabitants of
21
Now the men of Israel had Jabesh Gilead four hundred young virgins
sworn an oath at Mizpah, say- who had not known a man intimately; and
ing, “None of us shall give his they brought them to the camp at Shiloh,
daughter to Benjamin as a wife.” 2Then the which is in the land of Canaan.
13Then the whole congregation sent
people came to the house of God,a and re-
mained there before God till evening. They word to the children of Benjamin who were
lifted up their voices and wept bitterly, at the rock of Rimmon, and announced
3and said, “O Lord God of Israel, why has peace to them. 14So Benjamin came back at
this come to pass in Israel, that today there that time, and they gave them the women
should be one tribe missing in Israel?” whom they had saved alive of the women
of Jabesh Gilead; and yet they had not
found enough for them.
Judges 21:1 15And the people grieved for Benjamin,
This was more than a promise the because the Lord had made a void in the
Israelites made. It was a vow, and tribes of Israel.
16Then the elders of the congregation
vows were unbreakable. The men of
Israel weren’t required to make this said, “What shall we do for wives for those
pledge, but once they did, they were who remain, since the women of Benjamin
bound by it. It was unthinkable for have been destroyed?” 17And they said,
people in ancient times to go back on “There must be an inheritance for the sur-
their word. vivors of Benjamin, that a tribe may not be
destroyed from Israel. 18However, we can-
not give them wives from our daughters,
4So it was, on the next morning, that the
for the children of Israel have sworn an
people rose early and built an altar there, oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the one who gives
and offered burnt offerings and peace of- a wife to Benjamin.’ ” 19Then they said, “In
ferings. 5The children of Israel said, “Who fact, there is a yearly feast of the Lord in
is there among all the tribes of Israel who Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the
did not come up with the assembly to the east side of the highway that goes up from
Lord?” For they had made a great oath Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”
concerning anyone who had not come up 20Therefore they instructed the children
to the Lord at Mizpah, saying, “He shall of Benjamin, saying, “Go, lie in wait in the
surely be put to death.” 6And the children vineyards, 21and watch; and just when the
of Israel grieved for Benjamin their brother, daughters of Shiloh come out to perform
and said, “One tribe is cut off from Israel their dances, then come out from the vine-
today. 7What shall we do for wives for yards, and every man catch a wife for him-
those who remain, seeing we have sworn self from the daughters of Shiloh; then go
by the Lord that we will not give them our to the land of Benjamin. 22Then it shall be,
daughters as wives?” when their fathers or their brothers come
8And they said, “What one is there from
the tribes of Israel who did not come up to 21:2 aOr Bethel
07-Judges.indd 313 2/14/12 11:52 AM
JUDGES 21:23 314
to us to complain, that we will say to them, every man to his tribe and family; they
‘Be kind to them for our sakes, because we went out from there, every man to his in-
did not take a wife for any of them in the heritance.
war; for it is not as though you have given
the women to them at this time, making
yourselves guilty of your oath.’ ” Authority
23And the children of Benjamin did so; Do laws help us live rightly?
they took enough wives for their num- Judges 21:25
ber from those who danced, whom they
caught. Then they went and returned to
their inheritance, and they rebuilt the cit- 25In those days there was no king in Is-
ies and dwelt in them. 24So the children rael; everyone did what was right in his
of Israel departed from there at that time, own eyes.
07-Judges.indd 314 2/14/12 11:52 AM
Ruth
Date of writing: Uncertain
Author: Uncertain
Theme: God’s Sovereign Intervention Brings
Universal Redemption
Purpose: Faithful people live godly lives in the
worst of times.
Outline
1:1–22 ������������������Ruth Is Loyal to Naomi
2:1–23 ������������������Ruth Meets Boaz
3:1–18 ������������������Naomi Makes Plans for Ruth
4:1–22 ������������������Ruth and Boaz Get Married
Key Verse:
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back
from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and
wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my
people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16).
08-Ruth.indd 315 2/14/12 11:52 AM
Then /// The Book of Ruth is a story about a woman and, of all
people, her mother-in-law. If it were a movie, you could call it a chick-flick.
It has all the elements: drama, tragedy, danger, loyalty, flirtation, a love
story, brave women, an honorable man, a marriage, and a baby. But this is a real story and
it speaks clearly to all who read it.
This is actually an incredible love story that shows us something about the Jewish
culture and reveals an important link in the genetic chain that led to Jesus Christ. In the
character of Ruth, we see a woman who goes the extra mile to be faithful. In Boaz, we
see a man of honor. The Book of Ruth tells us a lot about the kind of people we should
be: people who stick by their families and ask for the love they need while honoring their
cultural traditions.
Now /// The Book of Ruth is about the kind of love that draws people
together and then helps them stay connected. It’s about the kind of love you
need in your own life. The key to finding it is recognizing the kind of people
who can give it. Ruth was this type of person. So was Boaz. They not only knew how to
love, they knew how to commit to what was right even when it was hard. They both could
have taken shortcuts and tried to find the easy way around their responsibilities. But they
didn’t.
We don’t have to take shortcuts either, when it comes to love or responsibility. We can
step up and do what we know is right, simply because it is right. We know that God is the
ultimate source of love; He will help us through the difficult times and will always honor
our faithfulness.
Reality Check /// Boaz first noticed Ruth when she was
“gleaning” in his wheat fields. So what was Ruth actually doing when she
was out gleaning? Basically she was walking behind the guys who were
gathering the wheat. Because harvesting was done by hand in those days, some wheat
would be left behind. Ladies would go behind the harvesters and gather up the leftovers.
This was one of the ways society took care of its poor.
Boaz saw Ruth gleaning, got a little crush on her, and told his guys to be sure and drop
something extra for her to pick up. Boaz was impressed with Ruth’s strong work ethic and
faithfulness to her mother-in-law. This shows us that we never know who may be watch-
ing us, even in our most trying times. The faithfulness we show, especially during difficult
times, can not only encourage others but also lead to wonderful, unexpected blessings.
Elimelech’s Family Goes the one was Orpah, and the name of the
to Moab other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten
1
Now it came to pass, in the days years. 5Then both Mahlon and Chilion also
when the judges ruled, that there was died; so the woman survived her two sons
a famine in the land. And a certain and her husband.
man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell
in the country of Moab, he and his wife Ruth 1:1, 2
and his two sons. 2The name of the man Here’s what you need to know about
was Elimelech, the name of his wife was the geography of this story: Bethle-
Naomi, and the names of his two sons were hem and Jerusalem are neighboring
Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Beth- cities on the western side of the Dead
lehem, Judah. And they went to the coun- Sea. The country of Moab was an
try of Moab and remained there. 3Then enemy of Israel located about fifty
Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she miles away, on the eastern side of the
was left, and her two sons. 4Now they took Dead Sea.
wives of the women of Moab: the name of
08-Ruth.indd 316 2/14/12 11:52 AM
317 RUTH 1:12
Profile
Ruth
Moab and Israel were neighboring countries and enemies. They shared a history of con-
flicts. But hardship and famine sometimes change attitudes; and during an extreme food
shortage in Israel, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons moved from Israel to Moab.
There the boys eventually married local girls. One of those girls was Ruth.
Years later, after Naomi’s husband and both sons died, she was grief-stricken and
decided to return to her hometown in Israel, Bethlehem. Somewhat to her amazement,
Ruth insisted on returning with her. Ruth and Naomi had grown together into a close
family and even closer friends, but an even stronger bond was created when Ruth
accepted Naomi’s faith.
The events that led up to Ruth’s marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem were full of romance
and excitement. God brought goodness out of grief. God adopted a foreign daughter into
His own family. For we discover at the end of Ruth’s story that she was an ancestor of King
David. This fact also makes her part of the family tree of Jesus, the Savior and King.
In the relationship between Ruth and Naomi, we find a lovely example of the way
younger and older people make a difference in each other’s lives. Even mothers-in-law and
daughters-in-law can be friends. They can also become sisters in their shared relationship
with God. Ruth made a difference as she honored and cooperated with Naomi’s wisdom.
Her trust in God allowed Him to make a difference through her and in her life.
+ Making a Difference:
Every relationship in your life offers God an opportunity to work. Relationships are His
fertile ground. When God describes His highest purposes for us, He uses relationship
language: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength” and “Love your neighbor as you love yourself ” (Mark
12:30, 31). Relationships are where God wants to make a difference. Shouldn’t that be our
goal, too?
Want to know more?
Read Ruth’s delightful story in the book that bears her name.
Ruth was a real woman with real problems. Her faithfulness to her
mother-in-law and her God made a real difference. You can, too!
Naomi Returns with Ruth mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with
6Then you, as you have dealt with the dead and
she arose with her daughters-in-law
with me. 9The Lord grant that you may
that she might return from the country of find rest, each in the house of her husband.”
Moab, for she had heard in the country of So she kissed them, and they lifted up
Moab that the Lord had visited His peo- their voices and wept. 10And they said to
ple by giving them bread. 7Therefore she her, “Surely we will return with you to your
went out from the place where she was, people.”
and her two daughters-in-law with her; 11But Naomi said, “Turn back, my
and they went on the way to return to the daughters; why will you go with me? Are
land of Judah. 8And Naomi said to her two there still sons in my womb, that they
daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her may be your husbands? 12Turn back, my
08-Ruth.indd 317 2/14/12 11:52 AM
Life App
Loyalty / Ruth 1:16, 17
When you think of the word “loyal” you might think of a devoted
pet. Though your pet can’t talk, it definitely knows what it means to
be loyal. It loves you no matter what you do; it wants nothing more
than to make you happy; it acts like the best thing in the world hap-
pens when you simply walk through the door. Pets love you and will
go up against any enemy if they think you are in danger. And only
death can end their complete loyalty to the one they love.
For us to be loyal means we choose to be faithful to someone or
something, like a friend or our country. It means to be absolutely
devoted no matter what. It means to be just as unselfish and loving
as the most loyal pet. Loyalty considers others before it considers
itself. And true loyalty doesn’t end.
Unfortunately, loyalty is hard to come by. People are so concerned
with themselves and their own wants that they rarely give their loy-
alty to anyone but themselves. Loyalty always considers another as
more important. And that’s just not something most of the world
does very well. Instead, we are used to hearing about the end of loy-
alty: marriages and friendships come to an end, countries are
betrayed, families go their separate ways. It seems we’ve forgotten
how to commit ourselves to someone else and remain faithful even
when it’s not convenient.
As Christians, loyalty should come much more easily to us. God
teaches us in His Word that we should always choose to act in love.
He tells us how important it is that we consider others as just as
important as ourselves. God makes it clear that we should devote
our lives to serving Him and doing all we can to serve other people.
We have the perfect example of loyalty in Jesus. He devoted His life
to saving yours.
08-Ruth.indd 318 2/14/12 11:52 AM
319 RUTH 2:9
daughters, go—for I am too old to have a who returned from the country of Moab.
husband. If I should say I have hope, if I Now they came to Bethlehem at the begin-
should have a husband tonight and should ning of barley harvest.
also bear sons, 13would you wait for them
till they were grown? Would you restrain Ruth Meets Boaz
2
yourselves from having husbands? No, my There was a relative of Naomi’s
daughters; for it grieves me very much for husband, a man of great wealth, of
your sakes that the hand of the Lord has the family of Elimelech. His name
gone out against me!” was Boaz. 2So Ruth the Moabitess said to
14Then they lifted up their voices and
Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and
wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother- glean heads of grain after him in whose
in-law, but Ruth clung to her. sight I may find favor.”
Family
What’s a good example of
Ruth 2:1–3
When God gave His laws to the
loyalty for family? Israelites, He made sure that everyone
Ruth 1:16 was taken care of. For example, a
farmer was not allowed to go back to
get grain he might have missed during
15And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law
harvesting. The remaining grain was
has gone back to her people and to her left in the field so the poor could find
gods; return after your sister-in-law.” food.
16But Ruth said:
“ Entreat me not to leave you, And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Or to turn back from following after 3Then she left, and went and gleaned
you; in the field after the reapers. And she hap-
For wherever you go, I will go; pened to come to the part of the field be-
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; longing to Boaz, who was of the family of
Your people shall be my people, Elimelech.
And your God, my God. 4Now behold, Boaz came from Bethle-
17 Where you die, I will die,
hem, and said to the reapers, “The Lord be
And there will I be buried. with you!”
The Lord do so to me, and more also, And they answered him, “The Lord
If anything but death parts you and bless you!”
me.” 5Then Boaz said to his servant who was
in charge of the reapers, “Whose young
18When she saw that she was determined
woman is this?”
to go with her, she stopped speaking to 6So the servant who was in charge of the
her. reapers answered and said, “It is the young
19Now the two of them went until they
Moabite woman who came back with
came to Bethlehem. And it happened, Naomi from the country of Moab. 7And
when they had come to Bethlehem, that all she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather
the city was excited because of them; and after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So
the women said, “Is this Naomi?” she came and has continued from morn-
20But she said to them, “Do not call me
ing until now, though she rested a little in
Naomi;a call me Mara,b for the Almighty the house.”
has dealt very bitterly with me. 21I went out 8Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will lis-
full, and the Lord has brought me home ten, my daughter, will you not? Do not
again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, go to glean in another field, nor go from
since the Lord has testified against me, here, but stay close by my young women.
and the Almighty has afflicted me?” 9Let your eyes be on the field which they
22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the
Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, 1:20 aLiterally Pleasant
bLiterally Bitter
08-Ruth.indd 319 2/14/12 11:52 AM
RUTH 2:10 320
reap, and go after them. Have I not com- man is a relation of ours, one of our close
manded the young men not to touch you? relatives.”
And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels 21Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also said
and drink from what the young men have to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men
drawn.” until they have finished all my harvest.’ ”
10So she fell on her face, bowed down to 22And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-
the ground, and said to him, “Why have I in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you
found favor in your eyes, that you should go out with his young women, and that
take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” people do not meet you in any other field.”
11And Boaz answered and said to her, “It 23So she stayed close by the young women
has been fully reported to me, all that you of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley
have done for your mother-in-law since the harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt
death of your husband, and how you have with her mother-in-law.
left your father and your mother and the
land of your birth, and have come to a peo- Ruth’s Redemption Assured
3
ple whom you did not know before. 12The Then Naomi her mother-in-law said
Lord repay your work, and a full reward be to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek
given you by the Lord God of Israel, under security for you, that it may be well
whose wings you have come for refuge.” with you? 2Now Boaz, whose young women
13Then she said, “Let me find favor in
you were with, is he not our relative? In
your sight, my lord; for you have comforted fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the
me, and have spoken kindly to your maid- threshing floor. 3Therefore wash yourself
servant, though I am not like one of your and anoint yourself, put on your best gar-
maidservants.” ment and go down to the threshing floor;
14Now Boaz said to her at mealtime,
but do not make yourself known to the
“Come here, and eat of the bread, and man until he has finished eating and drink-
dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So ing. 4Then it shall be, when he lies down,
she sat beside the reapers, and he passed that you shall notice the place where he
parched grain to her; and she ate and was lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet,
satisfied, and kept some back. 15And when and lie down; and he will tell you what you
she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded should do.”
his young men, saying, “Let her glean even 5And she said to her, “All that you say to
among the sheaves, and do not reproach me I will do.”
her. 16Also let grain from the bundles fall 6So she went down to the threshing floor
purposely for her; leave it that she may and did according to all that her mother-
glean, and do not rebuke her.” in-law instructed her. 7And after Boaz had
17So she gleaned in the field until eve-
eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheer-
ning, and beat out what she had gleaned, ful, he went to lie down at the end of the
and it was about an ephah of barley. 18Then heap of grain; and she came softly, uncov-
she took it up and went into the city, and ered his feet, and lay down.
her mother- in-law saw what she had 8Now it happened at midnight that the
gleaned. So she brought out and gave to man was startled, and turned himself; and
her what she had kept back after she had there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9And
been satisfied. he said, “Who are you?”
19And her mother- in-
law said to her, So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maid-
“Where have you gleaned today? And servant. Take your maidservant under
where did you work? Blessed be the one your wing,a for you are a close relative.”
who took notice of you.” 10Then he said, “Blessed are you of the
So she told her mother- in-
law with Lord, my daughter! For you have shown
whom she had worked, and said, “The man’s more kindness at the end than at the be-
name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” ginning, in that you did not go after young
20Then Naomi said to her daughter- in- men, whether poor or rich. 11And now, my
law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has
not forsaken His kindness to the living and 3:9 aOr Spread the corner of your garment over
the dead!” And Naomi said to her, “This your maidservant
08-Ruth.indd 320 2/14/12 11:52 AM
321 RUTH 4:11
daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all
that you request, for all the people of my Ruth 4:1
town know that you are a virtuous woman. The town gate was the center of
12Now it is true that I am a close relative;
activity in ancient cities. Village elders
however, there is a relative closer than I. often gathered at the gate to discuss
13Stay this night, and in the morning it shall the things that were going on in their
be that if he will perform the duty of a close communities. It was also the place
relative for you—good; let him do it. But if where most legal proceedings took
he does not want to perform the duty for place.
you, then I will perform the duty for you,
as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.” And he said, “I will redeem it.”
14So she lay at his feet until morning, and 5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy
she arose before one could recognize an- the field from the hand of Naomi, you must
other. Then he said, “Do not let it be known also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the
that the woman came to the threshing wife of the dead, to perpetuatea the name
floor.” 15Also he said, “Bring the shawl that of the dead through his inheritance.”
is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, 6And the close relative said, “I cannot re-
he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid deem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inher-
it on her. Then shea went into the city. itance. You redeem my right of redemption
16When she came to her mother-in-law, for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
7Now this was the custom in former
she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man had times in Israel concerning redeeming and
done for her. 17And she said, “These six exchanging, to confirm anything: one man
took off his sandal and gave it to the other,
ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said
and this was a confirmation in Israel.
to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your 8Therefore the close relative said to
mother-in-law.’ ” Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his
18Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter,
sandal. 9And Boaz said to the elders and all
until you know how the matter will turn the people, “You are witnesses this day that
out; for the man will not rest until he has I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and
concluded the matter this day.” all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from
the hand of Naomi. 10Moreover, Ruth the
Boaz Redeems Ruth Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have
4
Now Boaz went up to the gate and acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the
sat down there; and behold, the name of the dead through his inheritance,
close relative of whom Boaz had that the name of the dead may not be cut
spoken came by. So Boaz said, “Come off from among his brethren and from his
aside, friend,a sit down here.” So he came position at the gate.a You are witnesses this
aside and sat down. 2And he took ten day.”
11And all the people who were at the
men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit
gate, and the elders, said, “We are wit-
down here.” So they sat down. 3Then he
nesses. The Lord make the woman who
said to the close relative, “Naomi, who is coming to your house like Rachel and
has come back from the country of Moab, Leah, the two who built the house of Israel;
sold the piece of land which belonged to and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be
our brother Elimelech. 4And I thought
to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it back in the 3:15 aMany Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, and
presence of the inhabitants and the el- Vulgate read she; Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
and Targum read he. 4:1 aHebrew peloni
ders of my people. If you will redeem it,
almoni; literally so and so 4:4 aFollowing
redeem it; but if youa will not redeem it, many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac,
then tell me, that I may know; for there Targum, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads he.
is no one but you to redeem it, and I am 4:5 aLiterally raise up 4:10 aProbably his civic
next after you.’ ” office
08-Ruth.indd 321 2/14/12 11:52 AM
RUTH 4:12 322
famous in Bethlehem. 12May your house be
like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore Family
to Judah, because of the offspring which When is the right time to
the Lord will give you from this young have children?
woman.”
Ruth 4:13
Descendants of Boaz
and Ruth nurse to him. 17Also the neighbor women
13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his gave him a name, saying, “There is a son
wife; and when he went in to her, the born to Naomi.” And they called his name
Lord gave her conception, and she bore Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father
a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi, of David.
18Now this is the genealogy of Perez:
“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left
you this day without a close relative; Perez begot Hezron; 19Hezron begot Ram,
and may his name be famous in Israel! and Ram begot Amminadab; 20Ammin
15And may he be to you a restorer of life adab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot
and a nourisher of your old age; for your Salmon;a 21Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz
daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is begot Obed; 22Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse
better to you than seven sons, has borne begot David.
him.” 16Then Naomi took the child and
laid him on her bosom, and became a 4:20 aHebrew Salmah
08-Ruth.indd 322 2/14/12 11:52 AM
1 Samuel
Date of writing: 1050–750 B.C.
Author: Tradition Suggests Samuel, Along with
the Prophet Nathan and the Seer Gad
Theme: God Is Working in History
Purpose: In leaders, character and commitment
do count.
Outline
1:1—2:10 �������������The Birth and Early Childhood of Samuel
2:11—3:21 �����������Samuel at the Tabernacle
4:1—7:2 ���������������The Ark Is Captured and Returned
7:3–17 ������������������Samuel as the Leader of Israel
8:1—11:15 �����������Saul, the First King of Israel
12:1–25 ����������������Samuel’s Farewell Speech
13:1—15:35 ��������Saul Disobeys the Lord, and the Lord Rejects Him
as King
16:1–13 ����������������The Lord Chooses David to Be the Next King
16:14–23 �������������David Plays a Harp for Saul
17:1–58 ����������������David Kills Goliath
18:1–30 ����������������Saul Tries to Kill David
19:1—21:9 �����������Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, and Ahimelech Help
David
21:10—22:5 ��������David Runs from Saul
22:6–23 ����������������Saul Kills the Priests of the Lord
23:1—26:25 ��������David Refuses to Kill Saul
27:1–12 ����������������David in Philistia
28:1–25 ����������������Saul Talks with Samuel’s Ghost
29:1—30:31 ��������David Rescues the Families of His Troops
31:1–13 ����������������Saul and His Sons Die in Battle Against the
Philistines
09-1 Samuel.indd 323 2/14/12 11:53 AM
Key Verse:
So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than
the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Then /// Reading 1 Samuel is like seeing a home video of the Hebrew
nation’s family history, with the skeletons all hanging out of the family
closets.
This history starts with one of the key players, Samuel, as a child being raised by the
church. He grows up to be a national leader, a judge, and a prophet who anoints the first
king of Israel, King Saul.
Saul was a warrior kind of king. He protected his territory and fought off the bad guys.
This time in history would have looked a little like a battle scene from an epic movie with
shields and horses, and armor.
Saul’s downfall began when he became violently jealous of an up-and-coming leader
named David. Saul eventually lost his mind and then his life while he was losing his king-
dom. He’s an example to us of someone who failed to do things God’s way and lost it all.
Now /// Before Saul, the nation of Israel had never had a king! That’s
like America never having had a president. Even though their old system of
having leaders who answered directly to God had worked well for them,
they did exactly what we sometimes do: they let themselves be filled up with envy and
jealousy. They looked at the nations around them, and said, “We want a king like they’ve
got.”
Sometimes God gives us what we want even though He knows we won’t like the con-
sequences. Wanting to be like everyone else didn’t exactly work out well for the Hebrews,
and it doesn’t often work out well for us either. We would be better off to focus on God and
what He wants specifically for us, rather than looking at others and asking God for what
they have.
Reality Check /// In First Samuel, we get a front row seat to a
heated personal conflict. David and Saul’s relationship was, at the very least,
a difficult one. Saul was intimidated by David. He felt threatened because
the people respected David.
Saul even put out a contract on David as if he were a criminal. The amazing thing was
that David didn’t strike back at Saul. David realized that God had made Saul king and so
Saul deserved respect. David also realized that in a conflict you can only control your own
attitude, not the other person’s. Pretty smart guy and a great model for us.
The Family of Elkanah Elihu,a the son of Tohu,b the son of Zuph,
an Ephraimite. 2And he had two wives: the
1
Now there was a certain man of name of one was Hannah, and the name
Ramathaim Zophim, of the moun-
tains of Ephraim, and his name was 1:1 aSpelled Eliel in 1 Chronicles 6:34 bSpelled
Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Toah in 1 Chronicles 6:34
09-1 Samuel.indd 324 2/14/12 11:53 AM
325 1 SAMUEL 1:9
Profile
Samuel
What would be your first words in response if you heard God speak to you? The first time
God spoke to Samuel, the young man didn’t even recognize the voice. Fortunately, Samuel
knew someone who steered him in the right direction. Eli told Samuel if he heard the
voice again to keep the conversation going.
That was one thing Eli got right. He didn’t explain God to Samuel at that point. He
might not even have been absolutely sure God was speaking to Samuel. But he helped
Samuel let God settle the issue. The fact that Samuel learned at a young age to give
attention to God indicates the central reason why Samuel’s life made such a difference.
Samuel bridged the time in history between the judges and the prophets in Israel. He
anointed the first two kings of Israel (Saul and David). He conveyed God’s warnings to the
people that, in begging for a king, they were not only asking for trouble, they were
separating themselves from God’s guidance. He held kings accountable in God’s name for
their behavior. Samuel listened to God and, as a result, was able to speak for God. But it all
began when he was still very young. The conversation he began with God lasted a lifetime.
+ Making a Difference:
You have a tremendous spiritual advantage over Samuel. God has not only spoken, He has
made His Word available in writing. Samuel had Moses’ inspired writings; you have God’s
complete Word. Eli’s wisdom still applies. God’s Word will make a difference in your life
only if you listen and obey. So if you want your life to make a difference for God, pay
attention to what your Creator has to say. Respond to the conversation He has begun with
you!
Want to know more?
Read the story of Samuel’s effective life in 1 Samuel 1—28. He is also listed in
the great hall of faith (Heb. 11:32).
Samuel dedicated his entire life to hearing God and communicating His
message to His people. Samuel’s faithfulness, even in difficult times, made a
real difference. Listen closely to God and act on what He says. Your life can
make a difference, too!
of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had chil- Lord had closed her womb. 7So it was, year
dren, but Hannah had no children. 3This by year, when she went up to the house of
man went up from his city yearly to wor- the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore
ship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in she wept and did not eat.
Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni
and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were Hannah’s Vow
there. 4And whenever the time came for El-
8Then Elkanah her husband said to her,
kanah to make an offering, he would give
portions to Peninnah his wife and to all “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you
her sons and daughters. 5But to Hannah he not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am
would give a double portion, for he loved I not better to you than ten sons?”
Hannah, although the Lord had closed her 9So Hannah arose after they had finished
womb. 6And her rival also provoked her se- eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the
verely, to make her miserable, because the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost
09-1 Samuel.indd 325 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 1:10 326
of the tabernaclea of the Lord. 10And she conceived and bore a son, and called his
was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the name Samuel,a saying, “Because I have
Lord and wept in anguish. 11Then she made asked for him from the Lord.”
a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will 21Now the man Elkanah and all his
indeed look on the affliction of Your maid- house went up to offer to the Lord the
servant and remember me, and not forget yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22But Hannah
Your maidservant, but will give Your maid- did not go up, for she said to her husband,
servant a male child, then I will give him to “Not until the child is weaned; then I will
the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor take him, that he may appear before the
shall come upon his head.” Lord and remain there forever.”
Emotions 1 Samuel 1:22, 23
Who is the best one to turn to In biblical days, the age of weaning
when we are sad? usually occurred somewhere between
a child’s second and third birthdays.
1 Samuel 1:10 Samuel was probably still a toddler
when his parents took him to Shiloh
12And it happened, as she continued pray- to be raised and taught by Eli the
ing before the Lord, that Eli watched her priest.
mouth. 13Now Hannah spoke in her heart;
only her lips moved, but her voice was not 23So Elkanah her husband said to her,
heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
14So Eli said to her, “How long will you be
“Do what seems best to you; wait until you
have weaned him. Only let the Lord estab-
drunk? Put your wine away from you!”
15But Hannah answered and said, “No,
lish Hisa word.” Then the woman stayed
and nursed her son until she had weaned
my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit.
him.
I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicat- 24Now when she had weaned him, she
ing drink, but have poured out my soul took him up with her, with three bulls,a
before the Lord. 16“Do not consider your one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and
maidservant a wicked woman,a for out of brought him to the house of the Lord in Shi-
the abundance of my complaint and grief I loh. And the child was young. 25Then they
have spoken until now.” slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to
17Then Eli answered and said, “Go in
Eli. 26And she said, “O my lord! As your soul
peace, and the God of Israel grant your pe- lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood
tition which you have asked of Him.” by you here, praying to the Lord. 27For this
child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me
Prayer my petition which I asked of Him. 28There-
Who answers prayer? fore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long
as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So
1 Samuel 1:17 they worshiped the Lord there.
18And she said, “Let your maidservant Hannah’s Prayer
2
find favor in your sight.” So the woman And Hannah prayed and said:
went her way and ate, and her face was no
longer sad. “ My heart rejoices in the Lord;
My horna is exalted in the Lord.
Samuel Is Born and Dedicated
1:9 aHebrew heykal, palace or temple
19Then they rose early in the morning and 1:16 aLiterally daughter of Belial 1:20 aLiterally
worshiped before the Lord, and returned Heard by God 1:23 aFollowing Masoretic
and came to their house at Ramah. And Text, Targum, and Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls,
Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Septuagint, and Syriac read your. 1:24 aDead
Lord remembered her. 20So it came to Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, and Syriac read a three-
pass in the process of time that Hannah year-old bull. 2:1 aThat is, strength
09-1 Samuel.indd 326 2/14/12 11:53 AM
Life App
Science / 1 Samuel 2:3
Most likely, you have taken many science classes in your school ca-
reer. You may have many more to go; especially if you are planning
on a career in medicine or another science-based profession. You
may have noticed that some of what you’ve covered in science
classes doesn’t seem to line up with what the Bible teaches. That
can be really confusing and can even make you wonder whether the
Bible is true.
What is important to remember is all knowledge comes from
God. He created everything and knows exactly how all of creation
works. People know some things, but we do not know everything,
and we never will.
Our minds are limited. Although the human brain is an incredi-
bly complex organ that operates like a God-designed computer, it is
still limited to acquiring knowledge based on three dimensions and
five senses. We are not capable of fully understanding the invisible,
spiritual world. And we certainly are not capable of understanding
the mind of God any more than a computer program can under-
stand the engineer who developed it.
When you come across something in a science class (or any class
for that matter) that seems to disagree with the Word of God, take
time to really search the Bible for more information. Ask God to
help you understand.
One thing you can be sure of: the Bible is always right. Any time a
supposed “truth” does not line up with the Bible, it is not really true.
If something you are taught disagrees with what God has revealed
in His Word, then the information you were given is mistaken.
When it comes to understanding the things of God, the human
mind is incapable. The invisible, spiritual world is not one that can
be explained by science, because it is above and beyond our com-
prehension.
09-1 Samuel.indd 327 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 2:2 328
I smile at my enemies, And make them inherit the throne of
Because I rejoice in Your salvation. glory.
“ For the pillars of the earth are the
Happiness Lord’s,
Where can we find And He has set the world upon them.
happiness? 9 He will guard the feet of His saints,
1 Samuel 2:1 But the wicked shall be silent in
darkness.
“ For by strength no man shall prevail.
2“ No one is holy like the Lord, 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be
For there is none besides You, broken in pieces;
Nor is there any rock like our God. From heaven He will thunder against
them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the
God earth.
Who is like God?
1 Samuel 2:2 “ He will give strength to His king,
And exalt the horn of His anointed.”
3“ Talk no more so very proudly;
11Then Elkanah went to his house at
Let no arrogance come from your Ramah. But the child ministered to the
mouth, Lord before Eli the priest.
For the Lord is the God of
knowledge; The Wicked Sons of Eli
And by Him actions are weighed.
12Now the sons of Eli were corrupt;a they
4“ The bows of the mighty men are did not know the Lord. 13And the priests’
broken, custom with the people was that when
And those who stumbled are girded any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s
with strength. servant would come with a three-pronged
5 Those who were full have hired fleshhook in his hand while the meat
themselves out for bread, was boiling. 14Then he would thrust it
And the hungry have ceased to into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot;
hunger. and the priest would take for himself all
Even the barren has borne seven, that the fleshhook brought up. So they
And she who has many children has did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came
become feeble. there. 15Also, before they burned the fat,
the priest’s servant would come and say
6“ The Lord kills and makes alive; to the man who sacrificed, “Give meat for
He brings down to the grave and roasting to the priest, for he will not take
brings up. boiled meat from you, but raw.”
16And if the man said to him, “They
should really burn the fat first; then you
God may take as much as your heart desires,” he
Is God sovereign? would then answer him, “No, but you must
1 Samuel 2:6–10 give it now; and if not, I will take it by force.”
17Therefore the sin of the young men
was very great before the Lord, for men
7 The Lord makes poor and makes abhorred the offering of the Lord.
rich;
He brings low and lifts up. Samuel’s Childhood Ministry
8 He raises the poor from the dust
18ButSamuel ministered before the Lord,
And lifts the beggar from the ash even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.
heap,
To set them among princes 2:12 aLiterally sons of Belial
09-1 Samuel.indd 328 2/14/12 11:53 AM
329 1 SAMUEL 3:7
19Moreover his mother used to make him a days are coming that I will cut off your arm
little robe, and bring it to him year by year and the arm of your father’s house, so that
when she came up with her husband to there will not be an old man in your house.
offer the yearly sacrifice. 20And Eli would 32And you will see an enemy in My dwell-
bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “The ing place, despite all the good which God
Lord give you descendants from this does for Israel. And there shall not be an
woman for the loan that was given to the old man in your house forever. 33But any of
Lord.” Then they would go to their own your men whom I do not cut off from My
home. altar shall consume your eyes and grieve
21And the Lord visited Hannah, so that your heart. And all the descendants of
she conceived and bore three sons and two your house shall die in the flower of their
daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel age. 34Now this shall be a sign to you that
grew before the Lord. will come upon your two sons, on Hophni
and Phinehas: in one day they shall die,
Prophecy Against Eli’s both of them. 35Then I will raise up for My-
Household self a faithful priest who shall do according
22Now Eli was very old; and he heard ev- to what is in My heart and in My mind. I
erything his sons did to all Israel,a and will build him a sure house, and he shall
how they lay with the women who as- walk before My anointed forever. 36And it
sembled at the door of the tabernacle of shall come to pass that everyone who is
meeting. 23So he said to them, “Why do left in your house will come and bow down
you do such things? For I hear of your to him for a piece of silver and a morsel
evil dealings from all the people. 24No, my of bread, and say, “Please, put me in one
sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. of the priestly positions, that I may eat a
You make the Lord’s people transgress. piece of bread.” ’ ”
25If one man sins against another, God
will judge him. But if a man sins against Samuel’s First Prophecy
3
the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Now the boy Samuel ministered to
Nevertheless they did not heed the voice the Lord before Eli. And the word
of their father, because the Lord desired of the Lord was rare in those days;
to kill them. there was no widespread revelation. 2And
26And the child Samuel grew in stature,
it came to pass at that time, while Eli was
and in favor both with the Lord and men. lying down in his place, and when his eyes
27Then a man of God came to Eli and
had begun to grow so dim that he could
said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Did I not see, 3and before the lamp of God went
not clearly reveal Myself to the house of out in the tabernaclea of the Lord where
your father when they were in Egypt in the ark of God was, and while Samuel was
Pharaoh’s house? 28Did I not choose him lying down, 4that the Lord called Samuel.
out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, And he answered, “Here I am!” 5So he ran to
to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”
and to wear an ephod before Me? And did And he said, “I did not call; lie down
I not give to the house of your father all the again.” And he went and lay down.
offerings of the children of Israel made by 6Then the Lord called yet again, “Sam-
fire? 29Why do you kick at My sacrifice and uel!”
My offering which I have commanded in So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and
My dwelling place, and honor your sons said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He
more than Me, to make yourselves fat answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down
with the best of all the offerings of Israel again.” 7(Now Samuel did not yet know the
My people?’ 30Therefore the Lord God of Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet re-
Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house vealed to him.)
and the house of your father would walk
before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says: 2:22 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint omit
Me I will honor, and those who despise the rest of this verse. 3:3 aHebrew heykal,
Me shall be lightly esteemed. 31Behold, the palace or temple
09-1 Samuel.indd 329 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 3:8 330
8And the Lord called Samuel again the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh
third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and by the word of the Lord.
4
said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” And the word of Samuel came to all
Then Eli perceived that the Lord had Israel.a
called the boy. 9Therefore Eli said to Sam-
uel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls
you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for The Ark of God Captured
Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and Now Israel went out to battle against the
lay down in his place. Philistines, and encamped beside Eb-
10Now the Lord came and stood and enezer; and the Philistines encamped in
called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Aphek. 2Then the Philistines put them-
selves in battle array against Israel. And
when they joined battle, Israel was de-
Following God feated by the Philistines, who killed about
What should our response be four thousand men of the army in the field.
3And when the people had come into the
when God speaks?
1 Samuel 3:10 camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has
the Lord defeated us today before the
Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the
And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us,
servant hears.” that when it comes among us it may save
11Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Be- us from the hand of our enemies.” 4So the
hold, I will do something in Israel at people sent to Shiloh, that they might
which both ears of everyone who hears bring from there the ark of the covenant of
it will tingle. 12In that day I will perform the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the
against Eli all that I have spoken con- cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni
cerning his house, from beginning to and Phinehas, were there with the ark of
end. 13For I have told him that I will judge the covenant of God.
5And when the ark of the covenant of
his house forever for the iniquity which
he knows, because his sons made them- the Lord came into the camp, all Israel
selves vile, and he did not restrain them. shouted so loudly that the earth shook.
14And therefore I have sworn to the house 6Now when the Philistines heard the noise
of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall of the shout, they said, “What does the
not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering sound of this great shout in the camp of the
forever.” Hebrews mean?” Then they understood
15So Samuel lay down until morning,a that the ark of the Lord had come into the
and opened the doors of the house of the camp. 7So the Philistines were afraid, for
Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the they said, “God has come into the camp!”
vision. 16Then Eli called Samuel and said, And they said, “Woe to us! For such a thing
“Samuel, my son!” has never happened before. 8Woe to us!
He answered, “Here I am.” Who will deliver us from the hand of these
17And he said, “What is the word that mighty gods? These are the gods who
the Lord spoke to you? Please do not hide struck the Egyptians with all the plagues
it from me. God do so to you, and more in the wilderness. 9Be strong and conduct
also, if you hide anything from me of all the yourselves like men, you Philistines, that
things that He said to you.” 18Then Samuel you do not become servants of the He-
told him everything, and hid nothing from brews, as they have been to you. Conduct
him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him yourselves like men, and fight!”
do what seems good to Him.” 3:15 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
19So Samuel grew, and the Lord was
Vulgate; Septuagint adds and he arose in the
with him and let none of his words fall to morning. 4:1 aFollowing Masoretic Text and
the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan to Targum; Septuagint and Vulgate add And it
Beersheba knew that Samuel had been es- came to pass in those days that the Philistines
tablished as a prophet of the Lord. 21Then gathered themselves together to fight; Septuagint
the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the adds further against Israel.
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331 1 SAMUEL 5:10
10So the Philistines fought, and Israel father-in-law and her husband. 22And she
was defeated, and every man fled to his said, “The glory has departed from Israel,
tent. There was a very great slaughter, and for the ark of God has been captured.”
there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot sol-
diers. 11Also the ark of God was captured; The Philistines and the Ark
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phine-
5
has, died. Then the Philistines took the ark of
God and brought it from Ebenezer
to Ashdod. 2When the Philistines
Death of Eli
took the ark of God, they brought it into
12Then a man of Benjamin ran from the the house of Dagona and set it by Dagon.
battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh 3And when the people of Ashdod arose
with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. early in the morning, there was Dagon,
13Now when he came, there was Eli, sitting fallen on its face to the earth before the ark
on a seat by the wayside watching,a for his of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it
heart trembled for the ark of God. And in its place again. 4And when they arose
when the man came into the city and told early the next morning, there was Dagon,
it, all the city cried out. 14When Eli heard fallen on its face to the ground before the
the noise of the outcry, he said, “What does ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and
the sound of this tumult mean?” And the both the palms of its hands were broken
man came quickly and told Eli. 15Eli was off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torsoa
ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were so was left of it. 5Therefore neither the priests
dim that he could not see. of Dagon nor any who come into Dagon’s
16Then the man said to Eli, “I am he who
house tread on the threshold of Dagon in
came from the battle. And I fled today from Ashdod to this day.
the battle line.” 6But the hand of the Lord was heavy on
And he said, “What happened, my son?” the people of Ashdod, and He ravaged them
17So the messenger answered and said,
and struck them with tumors,a both Ash-
“Israel has fled before the Philistines, and dod and its territory. 7And when the men
there has been a great slaughter among the of Ashdod saw how it was, they said, “The
people. Also your two sons, Hophni and ark of the God of Israel must not remain
Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has with us, for His hand is harsh toward us
been captured.” and Dagon our god.” 8Therefore they sent
18Then it happened, when he made
and gathered to themselves all the lords of
mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the Philistines, and said, “What shall we do
the seat backward by the side of the gate; with the ark of the God of Israel?”
and his neck was broken and he died, for And they answered, “Let the ark of the
the man was old and heavy. And he had God of Israel be carried away to Gath.” So
judged Israel forty years. they carried the ark of the God of Israel
away. 9So it was, after they had carried
Ichabod it away, that the hand of the Lord was
19Now his daughter- in-
law, Phinehas’s against the city with a very great destruc-
wife, was with child, due to be delivered; tion; and He struck the men of the city,
and when she heard the news that the ark both small and great, and tumors broke
of God was captured, and that her father- out on them.
10Therefore they sent the ark of God to
in-law and her husband were dead, she
bowed herself and gave birth, for her la-
4:13 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
bor pains came upon her. 20And about the Septuagint reads beside the gate watching
time of her death the women who stood by the road. 4:21 aLiterally Inglorious 5:2 aA
her said to her, “Do not fear, for you have Philistine idol 5:4 aFollowing Septuagint,
borne a son.” But she did not answer, nor Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text
did she regard it. 21Then she named the reads Dagon. 5:6 aProbably bubonic plague.
child Ichabod,a saying, “The glory has de- Septuagint and Vulgate add here And in the
parted from Israel!” because the ark of midst of their land rats sprang up, and there was
God had been captured and because of her a great death panic in the city.
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1 SAMUEL 5:11 332
Ekron. So it was, as the ark of God came has done us this great evil. But if not, then
to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, we shall know that it is not His hand that
saying, “They have brought the ark of the struck us—it happened to us by chance.”
God of Israel to us, to kill us and our peo-
ple!” 11So they sent and gathered together
all the lords of the Philistines, and said, 1 Samuel 6:7
“Send away the ark of the God of Israel, The Philistines knew that under nor-
and let it go back to its own place, so that mal circumstances, the cows would
it does not kill us and our people.” For there not leave their calves behind. They
was a deadly destruction throughout all also knew that if the cows left to carry
the city; the hand of God was very heavy the ark back to the Israelites, it would
there. 12And the men who did not die were be a sign that Israel’s God was on the
stricken with the tumors, and the cry of the job—guiding, protecting, and aveng-
city went up to heaven. ing His people.
The Ark Returned to Israel
6
10Then the men did so; they took two
Now the ark of the Lord was in the
country of the Philistines seven milk cows and hitched them to the cart,
months. 2And the Philistines called and shut up their calves at home. 11And
for the priests and the diviners, saying, they set the ark of the Lord on the cart,
“What shall we do with the ark of the and the chest with the gold rats and the
Lord? Tell us how we should send it to its images of their tumors. 12Then the cows
place.” headed straight for the road to Beth Shem-
3So they said, “If you send away the ark esh, and went along the highway, lowing
of the God of Israel, do not send it empty; as they went, and did not turn aside to the
but by all means return it to Him with a right hand or the left. And the lords of the
trespass offering. Then you will be healed, Philistines went after them to the border of
and it will be known to you why His hand is Beth Shemesh.
13Now the people of Beth Shemesh were
not removed from you.”
4Then they said, “What is the trespass reaping their wheat harvest in the valley;
offering which we shall return to Him?” and they lifted their eyes and saw the ark,
They answered, “Five golden tumors and and rejoiced to see it. 14Then the cart came
five golden rats, according to the number of into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh,
the lords of the Philistines. For the same and stood there; a large stone was there.
plague was on all of you and on your lords. So they split the wood of the cart and of-
5Therefore you shall make images of your fered the cows as a burnt offering to the
tumors and images of your rats that rav- Lord. 15The Levites took down the ark of
age the land, and you shall give glory to the the Lord and the chest that was with it,
God of Israel; perhaps He will lighten His in which were the articles of gold, and put
hand from you, from your gods, and from them on the large stone. Then the men of
your land. 6Why then do you harden your Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and
hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hard- made sacrifices the same day to the Lord.
16So when the five lords of the Philistines
ened their hearts? When He did mighty
things among them, did they not let the had seen it, they returned to Ekron the
people go, that they might depart? 7Now same day.
therefore, make a new cart, take two milk 17These are the golden tumors which
cows which have never been yoked, and the Philistines returned as a trespass of-
hitch the cows to the cart; and take their fering to the Lord: one for Ashdod, one for
calves home, away from them. 8Then take Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one
the ark of the Lord and set it on the cart; for Ekron; 18and the golden rats, according
and put the articles of gold which you are to the number of all the cities of the Philis-
returning to Him as a trespass offering in a tines belonging to the five lords, both forti-
chest by its side. Then send it away, and let fied cities and country villages, even as far
it go. 9And watch: if it goes up the road to as the large stone of Abel on which they set
its own territory, to Beth Shemesh, then He the ark of the Lord, which stone remains
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333 1 SAMUEL 8:2
to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth And they fasted that day, and said there, “We
Shemesh. have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel
19Then He struck the men of Beth Shem- judged the children of Israel at Mizpah.
esh, because they had looked into the ark 7Now when the Philistines heard that
of the Lord. He struck fifty thousand and the children of Israel had gathered together
seventy mena of the people, and the people at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went
lamented because the Lord had struck the up against Israel. And when the children
people with a great slaughter. of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the
Philistines. 8So the children of Israel said
to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the
God Lord our God for us, that He may save us
Why do we kneel before God? from the hand of the Philistines.”
1 Samuel 6:20 9And Samuel took a suckling lamb and
offered it as a whole burnt offering to the
Lord. Then Samuel cried out to the Lord
The Ark at Kirjath Jearim for Israel, and the Lord answered him.
20And the men of Beth Shemesh said, “Who 10Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt
is able to stand before this holy Lord God? offering, the Philistines drew near to battle
And to whom shall it go up from us?” 21So against Israel. But the Lord thundered
they sent messengers to the inhabitants with a loud thunder upon the Philistines
of Kirjath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines that day, and so confused them that they
have brought back the ark of the Lord; were overcome before Israel. 11And the
come down and take it up with you.” men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pur-
7
Then the men of Kirjath Jearim came sued the Philistines, and drove them back
and took the ark of the Lord, and as far as below Beth Car. 12Then Samuel
brought it into the house of Abin took a stone and set it up between Mizpah
adab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer,a
his son to keep the ark of the Lord. saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
13So the Philistines were subdued, and
Samuel Judges Israel they did not come anymore into the ter-
2So it was that the ark remained in Kirjath ritory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord
Jearim a long time; it was there twenty was against the Philistines all the days of
years. And all the house of Israel lamented Samuel. 14Then the cities which the Philis-
after the Lord. tines had taken from Israel were restored
3Then Samuel spoke to all the house of to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel re-
Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord covered its territory from the hands of the
with all your hearts, then put away the for- Philistines. Also there was peace between
eign gods and the Ashtorethsa from among Israel and the Amorites.
15And Samuel judged Israel all the days
you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord,
and serve Him only; and He will deliver you of his life. 16He went from year to year on
from the hand of the Philistines.” 4So the a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and
children of Israel put away the Baals and judged Israel in all those places. 17But he al-
the Ashtoreths,a and served the Lord only. ways returned to Ramah, for his home was
there. There he judged Israel, and there he
built an altar to the Lord.
Truth
What are the benefits of Israel Demands a King
following truth?
8
Now it came to pass when Samuel
1 Samuel 7:3 was old that he made his sons
judges over Israel. 2The name of his
5And Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to 6:19 aOr He struck seventy men of the people and
Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” fifty oxen of a man 7:3 aCanaanite goddesses
6So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew 7:4 aCanaanite goddesses 7:12 aLiterally Stone
water, and poured it out before the Lord. of Help
09-1 Samuel.indd 333 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 8:3 334
firstborn was Joel, and the name of his sec- we also may be like all the nations, and that
ond, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. our king may judge us and go out before us
3But his sons did not walk in his ways; they and fight our battles.”
turned aside after dishonest gain, took 21And Samuel heard all the words of the
bribes, and perverted justice. people, and he repeated them in the hearing
4Then all the elders of Israel gathered to- of the Lord. 22So the Lord said to Samuel,
gether and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5and “Heed their voice, and make them a king.”
said to him, “Look, you are old, and your And Samuel said to the men of Israel,
sons do not walk in your ways. Now make “Every man go to his city.”
us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
6But the thing displeased Samuel when Saul Chosen to Be King
9
they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So There was a man of Benjamin whose
Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7And the Lord name was Kish the son of Abiel, the
said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the peo- son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath,
ple in all that they say to you; for they have the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty
not rejected you, but they have rejected man of power. 2And he had a choice and
Me, that I should not reign over them. 8Ac- handsome son whose name was Saul.
cording to all the works which they have There was not a more handsome person
done since the day that I brought them up than he among the children of Israel. From
out of Egypt, even to this day—with which his shoulders upward he was taller than
they have forsaken Me and served other any of the people.
gods—so they are doing to you also. 9Now 3Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father,
therefore, heed their voice. However, you were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul,
shall solemnly forewarn them, and show “Please take one of the servants with you,
them the behavior of the king who will and arise, go and look for the donkeys.”
reign over them.” 4So he passed through the mountains of
10So Samuel told all the words of the
Ephraim and through the land of Shal
Lord to the people who asked him for a isha, but they did not find them. Then
king. 11And he said, “This will be the behav- they passed through the land of Shaalim,
ior of the king who will reign over you: He and they were not there. Then he passed
will take your sons and appoint them for through the land of the Benjamites, but
his own chariots and to be his horsemen, they did not find them.
and some will run before his chariots. 12He 5When they had come to the land of
will appoint captains over his thousands Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was
and captains over his fifties, will set some with him, “Come, let us return, lest my fa-
to plow his ground and reap his harvest, ther cease caring about the donkeys and
and some to make his weapons of war and become worried about us.”
equipment for his chariots. 13He will take 6And he said to him, “Look now, there is
your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, in this city a man of God, and he is an hon-
and bakers. 14And he will take the best of orable man; all that he says surely comes
your fields, your vineyards, and your olive to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can
groves, and give them to his servants. 15He show us the way that we should go.”
will take a tenth of your grain and your vin- 7Then Saul said to his servant, “But look,
tage, and give it to his officers and servants. if we go, what shall we bring the man? For
16And he will take your male servants, your
the bread in our vessels is all gone, and
female servants, your finest young men,a there is no present to bring to the man of
and your donkeys, and put them to his God. What do we have?”
work. 17He will take a tenth of your sheep. 8And the servant answered Saul again
And you will be his servants. 18And you will and said, “Look, I have here at hand one-
cry out in that day because of your king fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to
whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the man of God, to tell us our way.” 9(For-
the Lord will not hear you in that day.” merly in Israel, when a man went to inquire
19Nevertheless the people refused to
of God, he spoke thus: “Come, let us go to
obey the voice of Samuel; and they said,
“No, but we will have a king over us, 20that 8:16 aSeptuagint reads cattle.
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335 1 SAMUEL 10:2
the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet donkeys that were lost three days ago, do
was formerly called a seer.) not be anxious about them, for they have
10Then Saul said to his servant, “Well been found. And on whom is all the desire
said; come, let us go.” So they went to the of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your fa-
city where the man of God was. ther’s house?”
11As they went up the hill to the city, they 21And Saul answered and said, “Am I not
met some young women going out to draw a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes
water, and said to them, “Is the seer here?” of Israel, and my family the least of all the
12And they answered them and said, families of the tribea of Benjamin? Why
“Yes, there he is, just ahead of you. Hurry then do you speak like this to me?”
22Now Samuel took Saul and his servant
now; for today he came to this city, because
there is a sacrifice of the people today on and brought them into the hall, and had
the high place. 13As soon as you come into them sit in the place of honor among those
the city, you will surely find him before he who were invited; there were about thirty
goes up to the high place to eat. For the persons. 23And Samuel said to the cook,
people will not eat until he comes, because “Bring the portion which I gave you, of
he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those which I said to you, ‘Set it apart.’ ” 24So the
who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go cook took up the thigh with its upper part
up, for about this time you will find him.” and set it before Saul. And Samuel said,
14So they went up to the city. As they were “Here it is, what was kept back. It was set
coming into the city, there was Samuel, apart for you. Eat; for until this time it has
coming out toward them on his way up to been kept for you, since I said I invited the
the high place. people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
25When they had come down from the
15Now the Lord had told Samuel in
his ear the day before Saul came, saying, high place into the city, Samuel spoke with
16“Tomorrow about this time I will send Saul on the top of the house.a 26They arose
you a man from the land of Benjamin, and early; and it was about the dawning of the
you shall anoint him commander over My day that Samuel called to Saul on the top of
people Israel, that he may save My people the house, saying, “Get up, that I may send
from the hand of the Philistines; for I have you on your way.” And Saul arose, and both
looked upon My people, because their cry of them went outside, he and Samuel.
has come to Me.” Saul Anointed King
27As they were going down to the outskirts
1 Samuel 9:16 of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the
Pouring oil on a person’s head, or servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went
anointing, was a way of announcing on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may
that the Lord had chosen him for a announce to you the word of God.”
10
specific position, whether it was king, Then Samuel took a flask of oil
priest, or prophet. The oil was poured and poured it on his head, and
by a priest or prophet, acting on kissed him and said: “Is it not
orders from God Himself ! because the Lord has anointed you com-
mander over His inheritance?a 2When you
17So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord 9:21 aLiterally tribes 9:25 aFollowing Masoretic
said to him, “There he is, the man of whom Text and Targum; Septuagint omits He spoke
with Saul on the top of the house; Septuagint
I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My
and Vulgate add And he prepared a bed for
people.” 18Then Saul drew near to Samuel
Saul on the top of the house, and he slept.
in the gate, and said, “Please tell me, where 10:1 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
is the seer’s house?” Vulgate; Septuagint reads His people Israel; and
19Samuel answered Saul and said, “I
you shall rule the people of the Lord; Septuagint
am the seer. Go up before me to the high and Vulgate add And you shall deliver His people
place, for you shall eat with me today; and from the hands of their enemies all around them.
tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you And this shall be a sign to you, that God has
all that is in your heart. 20But as for your anointed you to be a prince.
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1 SAMUEL 10:3 336
have departed from me today, you will find When we saw that they were nowhere to be
two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory found, we went to Samuel.”
of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to 15And Saul’s uncle said, “Tell me, please,
you, ‘The donkeys which you went to look what Samuel said to you.”
for have been found. And now your father 16So Saul said to his uncle, “He told us
has ceased caring about the donkeys and plainly that the donkeys had been found.”
is worrying about you, saying, “What shall But about the matter of the kingdom, he
I do about my son?” ’ 3Then you shall go did not tell him what Samuel had said.
on forward from there and come to the
terebinth tree of Tabor. There three men Saul Proclaimed King
going up to God at Bethel will meet you, 17Then Samuel called the people together
one carrying three young goats, another to the Lord at Mizpah, 18and said to the
carrying three loaves of bread, and another children of Israel, “Thus says the Lord
carrying a skin of wine. 4And they will God of Israel: ‘I brought up Israel out of
greet you and give you two loaves of bread, Egypt, and delivered you from the hand
which you shall receive from their hands. of the Egyptians and from the hand of all
5After that you shall come to the hill of God
kingdoms and from those who oppressed
where the Philistine garrison is. And it will you.’ 19But you have today rejected your
happen, when you have come there to the God, who Himself saved you from all your
city, that you will meet a group of proph- adversities and your tribulations; and you
ets coming down from the high place with have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’
a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a Now therefore, present yourselves be-
flute, and a harp before them; and they fore the Lord by your tribes and by your
will be prophesying. 6Then the Spirit of clans.”a
the Lord will come upon you, and you will 20And when Samuel had caused all the
prophesy with them and be turned into an- tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of
other man. 7And let it be, when these signs Benjamin was chosen. 21When he had
come to you, that you do as the occasion caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near
demands; for God is with you. 8You shall by their families, the family of Matri was
go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was cho-
will come down to you to offer burnt offer- sen. But when they sought him, he could
ings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. not be found. 22Therefore they inquired of
Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you the Lord further, “Has the man come here
and show you what you should do.” yet?”
9So it was, when he had turned his back
And the Lord answered, “There he is,
to go from Samuel, that God gave him an- hidden among the equipment.”
other heart; and all those signs came to 23So they ran and brought him from
pass that day. 10When they came there there; and when he stood among the peo-
to the hill, there was a group of prophets ple, he was taller than any of the people
to meet him; then the Spirit of God came from his shoulders upward. 24And Samuel
upon him, and he prophesied among them. said to all the people, “Do you see him
11And it happened, when all who knew him
whom the Lord has chosen, that there is
formerly saw that he indeed prophesied no one like him among all the people?”
among the prophets, that the people said So all the people shouted and said,
to one another, “What is this that has come “Long live the king!”
upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among 25Then Samuel explained to the people
the prophets?” 12Then a man from there the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a
answered and said, “But who is their fa- book and laid it up before the Lord. And
ther?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Samuel sent all the people away, every man
Saul also among the prophets?” 13And to his house. 26And Saul also went home to
when he had finished prophesying, he Gibeah; and valiant men went with him,
went to the high place. whose hearts God had touched. 27But
14Then Saul’s uncle said to him and his
some rebels said, “How can this man save
servant, “Where did you go?”
So he said, “To look for the donkeys. 10:19 aLiterally thousands
09-1 Samuel.indd 336 2/14/12 11:53 AM
337 1 SAMUEL 12:8
us?” So they despised him, and brought 12Then the people said to Samuel, “Who
him no presents. But he held his peace. is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’
Bring the men, that we may put them to
Saul Saves Jabesh Gilead death.”
11
13But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put
Then Nahash the Ammonite
came up and encamped against to death this day, for today the Lord has
Jabesh Gilead; and all the men accomplished salvation in Israel.”
14Then Samuel said to the people,
of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant
with us, and we will serve you.” “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the
2And Nahash the Ammonite answered kingdom there.” 15So all the people went to
them, “On this condition I will make a cov- Gilgal, and there they made Saul king be-
enant with you, that I may put out all your fore the Lord in Gilgal. There they made
right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel.” sacrifices of peace offerings before the
3Then the elders of Jabesh said to him, Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Is-
“Hold off for seven days, that we may send rael rejoiced greatly.
messengers to all the territory of Israel.
And then, if there is no one to save us, we Samuel’s Address at Saul’s
will come out to you.” Coronation
12
4So the messengers came to Gibeah of
Now Samuel said to all Israel:
Saul and told the news in the hearing of “Indeed I have heeded your
the people. And all the people lifted up voice in all that you said to me,
their voices and wept. 5Now there was Saul, and have made a king over you. 2And now
coming behind the herd from the field; and here is the king, walking before you; and I
Saul said, “What troubles the people, that am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons
they weep?” And they told him the words are with you. I have walked before you from
of the men of Jabesh. 6Then the Spirit of my childhood to this day. 3Here I am. Wit-
God came upon Saul when he heard this ness against me before the Lord and be-
news, and his anger was greatly aroused. fore His anointed: Whose ox have I taken,
7So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them
or whose donkey have I taken, or whom
in pieces, and sent them throughout all have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or
the territory of Israel by the hands of mes- from whose hand have I received any bribe
sengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with which to blind my eyes? I will restore
with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall it to you.”
be done to his oxen.” 4And they said, “You have not cheated
And the fear of the Lord fell on the peo- us or oppressed us, nor have you taken
ple, and they came out with one consent. anything from any man’s hand.”
8When he numbered them in Bezek, the 5Then he said to them, “The Lord is
children of Israel were three hundred thou- witness against you, and His anointed is
sand, and the men of Judah thirty thou- witness this day, that you have not found
sand. 9And they said to the messengers anything in my hand.”
who came, “Thus you shall say to the men And they answered, “He is witness.”
of Jabesh Gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time 6Then Samuel said to the people, “It is
the sun is hot, you shall have help.’ ” Then the Lord who raised up Moses and Aaron,
the messengers came and reported it to the and who brought your fathers up from the
men of Jabesh, and they were glad. 10There- land of Egypt. 7Now therefore, stand still,
fore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we that I may reason with you before the Lord
will come out to you, and you may do with concerning all the righteous acts of the
us whatever seems good to you.” Lord which He did to you and your fathers:
11So it was, on the next day, that Saul put
8When Jacob had gone into Egypt,a and
the people in three companies; and they your fathers cried out to the Lord, then the
came into the midst of the camp in the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, who brought
morning watch, and killed Ammonites un-
til the heat of the day. And it happened that 12:8 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
those who survived were scattered, so that Vulgate; Septuagint adds and the Egyptians
no two of them were left together. afflicted them.
09-1 Samuel.indd 337 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 12:9 338
your fathers out of Egypt and made them would go after empty things which can-
dwell in this place. 9And when they forgot not profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
the Lord their God, He sold them into the 22For the Lord will not forsake His people,
hand of Sisera, commander of the army of for His great name’s sake, because it has
Hazor, into the hand of the Philistines, and pleased the Lord to make you His people.
into the hand of the king of Moab; and they 23Moreover, as for me, far be it from me
fought against them. 10Then they cried out that I should sin against the Lord in ceas-
to the Lord, and said, ‘We have sinned, ing to pray for you; but I will teach you the
because we have forsaken the Lord and good and the right way. 24Only fear the
served the Baals and Ashtoreths;a but now Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your
deliver us from the hand of our enemies, heart; for consider what great things He
and we will serve You.’ 11And the Lord sent has done for you. 25But if you still do wick-
Jerubbaal,a Bedan,b Jephthah, and Samuel,c edly, you shall be swept away, both you and
and delivered you out of the hand of your your king.”
enemies on every side; and you dwelt in
safety. 12And when you saw that Nahash
king of the Ammonites came against you, Truth
you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign Why are we to serve God in
over us,’ when the Lord your God was your truth?
king. 1 Samuel 12:24
13“Now therefore, here is the king whom
you have chosen and whom you have de-
sired. And take note, the Lord has set a Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
king over you. 14If you fear the Lord and
13
serve Him and obey His voice, and do not Saul reigned one year; and
rebel against the commandment of the when he had reigned two years
Lord, then both you and the king who over Israel,a 2Saul chose for
reigns over you will continue following himself three thousand men of Israel. Two
the Lord your God. 15However, if you do thousand were with Saul in Michmash and
not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel in the mountains of Bethel, and a thou-
against the commandment of the Lord, sand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Ben-
then the hand of the Lord will be against jamin. The rest of the people he sent away,
you, as it was against your fathers. every man to his tent.
3And Jonathan attacked the garrison of
16“Now therefore, stand and see this
great thing which the Lord will do before the Philistines that was in Geba, and the
your eyes: 17Is today not the wheat har- Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the
vest? I will call to the Lord, and He will trumpet throughout all the land, saying,
send thunder and rain, that you may per- “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4Now all Israel
ceive and see that your wickedness is great, heard it said that Saul had attacked a gar-
which you have done in the sight of the rison of the Philistines, and that Israel had
Lord, in asking a king for yourselves.” also become an abomination to the Philis-
18So Samuel called to the Lord, and the tines. And the people were called together
Lord sent thunder and rain that day; and to Saul at Gilgal.
5Then the Philistines gathered together
all the people greatly feared the Lord and
Samuel. to fight with Israel, thirtya thousand chari-
19And all the people said to Samuel, ots and six thousand horsemen, and peo-
“Pray for your servants to the Lord your
12:10 aCanaanite goddesses 12:11 aSyriac
God, that we may not die; for we have reads Deborah; Targum reads Gideon.
added to all our sins the evil of asking a bSeptuagint and Syriac read Barak; Targum
king for ourselves.” reads Simson. cSyriac reads Simson.
20Then Samuel said to the people, “Do
13:1 aThe Hebrew is difficult (compare 2 Samuel
not fear. You have done all this wicked- 5:4; 2 Kings 14:2; see also 2 Samuel 2:10; Acts
ness; yet do not turn aside from following 13:21). 13:5 aFollowing Masoretic Text,
the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your Septuagint, Targum, and Vulgate; Syriac and
heart. 21And do not turn aside; for then you some manuscripts of the Septuagint read three.
09-1 Samuel.indd 338 2/14/12 11:53 AM
339 1 SAMUEL 14:2
ple as the sand which is on the seashore to Ophrah, to the land of Shual, 18another
in multitude. And they came up and en- company turned to the road to Beth Horon,
camped in Michmash, to the east of Beth and another company turned to the road of
Aven. 6When the men of Israel saw that the border that overlooks the Valley of Ze-
they were in danger (for the people were boim toward the wilderness.
distressed), then the people hid in caves, 19Now there was no blacksmith to be
in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. found throughout all the land of Israel,
7And some of the Hebrews crossed over the
for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews
Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. make swords or spears.” 20But all the Isra-
As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and elites would go down to the Philistines to
all the people followed him trembling. sharpen each man’s plowshare, his mat-
8Then he waited seven days, according to
tock, his ax, and his sickle; 21and the charge
the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did for a sharpening was a pima for the plow-
not come to Gilgal; and the people were shares, the mattocks, the forks, and the
scattered from him. 9So Saul said, “Bring axes, and to set the points of the goads.
a burnt offering and peace offerings here 22So it came about, on the day of battle,
to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. that there was neither sword nor spear
10Now it happened, as soon as he had fin-
found in the hand of any of the people who
ished presenting the burnt offering, that were with Saul and Jonathan. But they were
Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet found with Saul and Jonathan his son.
him, that he might greet him. 23And the garrison of the Philistines
11And Samuel said, “What have you
went out to the pass of Michmash.
done?”
Saul said, “When I saw that the people
were scattered from me, and that you did 1 Samuel 14:1–3
not come within the days appointed, and Priests received answers from God
that the Philistines gathered together at in three different ways: through
Michmash, 12then I said, ‘The Philistines prayer, through visions and dreams,
will now come down on me at Gilgal, and and through the use of objects called
I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ “Urim” and “Thummim.” These were
Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a small gems or stones carried by
burnt offering.” the high priest. Many Bible experts
13And Samuel said to Saul, “You have
believe the stones were engraved
done foolishly. You have not kept the com- with symbols and thrown like dice to
mandment of the Lord your God, which determine God’s will.
He commanded you. For now the Lord
would have established your kingdom over
Israel forever. 14But now your kingdom Jonathan Defeats
shall not continue. The Lord has sought the Philistines
for Himself a man after His own heart, and
14
the Lord has commanded him to be com- Now it happened one day that
mander over His people, because you have Jonathan the son of Saul said
not kept what the Lord commanded you.” to the young man who bore his
15Then Samuel arose and went up from armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philis-
Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.a And Saul tines’ garrison that is on the other side.”
numbered the people present with him, But he did not tell his father. 2And Saul was
about six hundred men. sitting in the outskirts of Gibeah under a
pomegranate tree which is in Migron. The
No Weapons for the Army people who were with him were about six
16Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people
13:15 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
present with them remained in Gibeah of Septuagint and Vulgate add And the rest of the
Benjamin. But the Philistines encamped people went up after Saul to meet the people who
in Michmash. 17Then raiders came out of fought against them, going from Gilgal to Gibeah
the camp of the Philistines in three com- in the hill of Benjamin.
13:21 aAbout two-thirds
panies. One company turned onto the road shekel weight
09-1 Samuel.indd 339 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 14:3 340
Profile
Jonathan
Perhaps the most powerful way in which people make a difference in one another’s lives
is through true friendship—friendship like the one between Jonathan and David. For
Jonathan, this friendship wasn’t cheap. It cost him his father’s trust, though Jonathan was
not to blame.
Jonathan made a difference in David’s life because he recognized God’s hand on David.
Jonathan was an able and courageous leader in his own right. If his father hadn’t turned
from God, Jonathan would have made a good king. Instead, he accepted the role of David’s
loyal friend.
Jonathan made a difference because he understood true loyalty and he had his
priorities straight. He knew that loyalty doesn’t justify helping someone do wrong.
Jonathan’s father, King Saul, wanted to kill David. Jonathan neither helped nor prevented
his father’s plans, but he warned his friend David. Jonathan remained with, and even died
with, his father. Jonathan was able to be a loyal son and a loyal friend—to the death.
Jonathan was able to keep his loyalties straight because he had an ultimate loyalty to
God and His ways. His human loyalties were always controlled by his loyalty to his
heavenly Father. That ultimate loyalty allowed Jonathan to make a difference.
+ Making a Difference:
You have probably found that loyalties at the human level compete for attention. How do
you decide between family and friends? The choices can be heartbreaking. They can even
seem practically impossible until you establish a higher, single loyalty.
No one deserves your ultimate loyalty but God. Have you established that ultimate
loyalty?
Want to know more?
Read about Jonathan in 1 Samuel 13—31. Note also 2 Samuel 1 and 9.
Jonathan faced real, tough decisions because of circumstances and
divided loyalties. His ultimate loyalty to God allowed him to handle these
challenges successfully and become an example of true friendship and
faithfulness. Jonathan made a real difference. You can, too!
hundred men. 3Ahijah the son of Ahitub, who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over
Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it
son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh, was may be that the Lord will work for us. For
wearing an ephod. But the people did not nothing restrains the Lord from saving by
know that Jonathan had gone. many or by few.”
4Between the passes, by which Jonathan 7So his armorbearer said to him, “Do all
sought to go over to the Philistines’ gar- that is in your heart. Go then; here I am
rison, there was a sharp rock on one side with you, according to your heart.”
and a sharp rock on the other side. And 8Then Jonathan said, “Very well, let us
the name of one was Bozez, and the name cross over to these men, and we will show
of the other Seneh. 5The front of one faced ourselves to them. 9If they say thus to us,
northward opposite Michmash, and the ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will
other southward opposite Gibeah. stand still in our place and not go up to
6Then Jonathan said to the young man them. 10But if they say thus, ‘Come up to
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341 1 SAMUEL 14:34
us,’ then we will go up. For the Lord has 23So the Lord saved Israel that day, and
delivered them into our hand, and this will the battle shifted to Beth Aven.
be a sign to us.”
11So both of them showed themselves
Saul’s Rash Oath
to the garrison of the Philistines. And the 24And the men of Israel were distressed
Philistines said, “Look, the Hebrews are
coming out of the holes where they have that day, for Saul had placed the people
hidden.” 12Then the men of the garrison under oath, saying, “Cursed is the man
called to Jonathan and his armorbearer, who eats any food until evening, before
and said, “Come up to us, and we will show I have taken vengeance on my enemies.”
you something.” So none of the people tasted food. 25Now
Jonathan said to his armorbearer, all the people of the land came to a forest;
“Come up after me, for the Lord has de- and there was honey on the ground. 26And
livered them into the hand of Israel.” 13And when the people had come into the woods,
Jonathan climbed up on his hands and there was the honey, dripping; but no one
knees with his armorbearer after him; and put his hand to his mouth, for the people
they fell before Jonathan. And as he came feared the oath. 27But Jonathan had not
after him, his armorbearer killed them. heard his father charge the people with the
14That first slaughter which Jonathan and oath; therefore he stretched out the end of
his armorbearer made was about twenty the rod that was in his hand and dipped it
men within about half an acre of land.a in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his
15And there was trembling in the mouth; and his countenance brightened.
28Then one of the people said, “Your father
camp, in the field, and among all the
people. The garrison and the raiders also strictly charged the people with an oath,
trembled; and the earth quaked, so that saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food
it was a very great trembling. 16Now the this day.’ ” And the people were faint.
29But Jonathan said, “My father has trou-
watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benja-
min looked, and there was the multitude, bled the land. Look now, how my counte-
melting away; and they went here and nance has brightened because I tasted a
there. 17Then Saul said to the people who little of this honey. 30How much better if the
people had eaten freely today of the spoil of
were with him, “Now call the roll and see
their enemies which they found! For now
who has gone from us.” And when they
would there not have been a much greater
had called the roll, surprisingly, Jonathan
slaughter among the Philistines?”
and his armorbearer were not there. 18And 31Now they had driven back the Philis-
Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the arka of God
tines that day from Michmash to Aijalon.
here” (for at that time the arkb of God
So the people were very faint. 32And the
was with the children of Israel). 19Now it
people rushed on the spoil, and took sheep,
happened, while Saul talked to the priest,
oxen, and calves, and slaughtered them on
that the noise which was in the camp of
the ground; and the people ate them with
the Philistines continued to increase; so
the blood. 33Then they told Saul, saying,
Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your
“Look, the people are sinning against the
hand.” 20Then Saul and all the people who
Lord by eating with the blood!”
were with him assembled, and they went
So he said, “You have dealt treacher-
to the battle; and indeed every man’s
ously; roll a large stone to me this day.”
sword was against his neighbor, and there 34Then Saul said, “Disperse yourselves
was very great confusion. 21Moreover the
among the people, and say to them, ‘Bring
Hebrews who were with the Philistines
me here every man’s ox and every man’s
before that time, who went up with them
sheep, slaughter them here, and eat; and do
into the camp from the surrounding coun-
not sin against the Lord by eating with the
try, they also joined the Israelites who
were with Saul and Jonathan. 22Likewise 14:14 aLiterally half the area plowed by a yoke
all the men of Israel who had hidden in (of oxen in a day) 14:18 aFollowing Masoretic
the mountains of Ephraim, when they Text, Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads
heard that the Philistines fled, they also ephod. bFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum,
followed hard after them in the battle. and Vulgate; Septuagint reads ephod.
09-1 Samuel.indd 341 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 14:35 342
blood.’ ” So every one of the people brought the kings of Zobah, and against the Phi-
his ox with him that night, and slaughtered listines. Wherever he turned, he harassed
it there. 35Then Saul built an altar to the them.a 48And he gathered an army and at-
Lord. This was the first altar that he built tacked the Amalekites, and delivered Israel
to the Lord. from the hands of those who plundered
36Now Saul said, “Let us go down after them.
the Philistines by night, and plunder them 49The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Jishui,a
until the morning light; and let us not leave and Malchishua. And the names of his two
a man of them.” daughters were these: the name of the first-
And they said, “Do whatever seems born Merab, and the name of the younger
good to you.” Michal. 50The name of Saul’s wife was Ahin
Then the priest said, “Let us draw near oam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the
to God here.” name of the commander of his army was
37So Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall
Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51Kish
I go down after the Philistines? Will You was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of
deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But Abner was the son of Abiel.
He did not answer him that day. 38And Saul 52Now there was fierce war with the Phi-
said, “Come over here, all you chiefs of the listines all the days of Saul. And when Saul
people, and know and see what this sin was saw any strong man or any valiant man, he
today. 39For as the Lord lives, who saves Is- took him for himself.
rael, though it be in Jonathan my son, he
shall surely die.” But not a man among all Saul Spares King Agag
the people answered him. 40Then he said to
15
all Israel, “You be on one side, and my son Samuel also said to Saul, “The
Jonathan and I will be on the other side.” Lord sent me to anoint you
And the people said to Saul, “Do what king over His people, over Israel.
seems good to you.” Now therefore, heed the voice of the words
41Therefore Saul said to the Lord God of of the Lord. 2Thus says the Lord of hosts:
Israel, “Give a perfect lot.”a So Saul and Jon- ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to
athan were taken, but the people escaped. Israel, how he ambushed him on the way
42And Saul said, “Cast lots between my son when he came up from Egypt. 3Now go and
Jonathan and me.” So Jonathan was taken. attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that
43Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what they have, and do not spare them. But kill
you have done.” both man and woman, infant and nursing
And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”
4So Saul gathered the people together
tasted a little honey with the end of the rod
that was in my hand. So now I must die!” and numbered them in Telaim, two hun-
44Saul answered, “God do so and more dred thousand foot soldiers and ten thou-
also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.” sand men of Judah. 5And Saul came to a
45But the people said to Saul, “Shall city of Amalek, and lay in wait in the valley.
6Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go,
Jonathan die, who has accomplished this
great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! depart, get down from among the Ama
As the Lord lives, not one hair of his head lekites, lest I destroy you with them. For
shall fall to the ground, for he has worked you showed kindness to all the children
with God this day.” So the people rescued of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.”
Jonathan, and he did not die. So the Kenites departed from among the
46Then Saul returned from pursuing Amalekites. 7And Saul attacked the Ama
the Philistines, and the Philistines went to
their own place. 14:41 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Septuagint and Vulgate read Why do You not
Saul’s Continuing Wars answer Your servant today? If the injustice is with
me or Jonathan my son, O Lord God of Israel, give
47So Saul established his sovereignty over
proof; and if You say it is with Your people Israel,
Israel, and fought against all his enemies give holiness. 14:47 aSeptuagint and Vulgate
on every side, against Moab, against the read prospered. 14:49 aCalled Abinadab in
people of Ammon, against Edom, against 1 Chronicles 8:33 and 9:39
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343 1 SAMUEL 15:22
Making It Real //
1 Samuel 15:22
Hear and Obey Obeying God is always the right thing to do. In 1 Samuel 15:22,
Samuel makes it clear that you can’t just do whatever you want, even if it seems okay or
harmless. God wants you to obey Him.
If you read the story surrounding this verse, you will find that Saul, the first king of
Israel, didn’t always obey God. He thought he could revise God’s instructions to suit him-
self. God was really disappointed with Saul’s disobedience and took away his throne.
The Bible is God’s word of instruction to us. It helps us live so that we can be safe,
happy, and blessed. It is not up for revision. You can’t just pick the parts you like. God
wants you to obey Him and follow His Word—all of it, all the time. (See also: Ex. 19:5;
Deut. 10:12, 13; Is. 1:19.)
Words to Live By
Obey: The word translated in 1 Samuel 15:22 as “obey” is the Hebrew word shama
(shaw-mah’). It actually means “to hear intelligently.” When we hear what God has said,
the only intelligent response is to agree with Him and do as He says.
lekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, spared the best of the sheep and the oxen,
which is east of Egypt. 8He also took Agag to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the
king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly rest we have utterly destroyed.”
destroyed all the people with the edge of 16Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet!
the sword. 9But Saul and the people spared And I will tell you what the Lord said to
Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, me last night.”
the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was And he said to him, “Speak on.”
good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy 17So Samuel said, “When you were little
them. But everything despised and worth- in your own eyes, were you not head of
less, that they utterly destroyed. the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord
anoint you king over Israel? 18Now the
Saul Rejected as King Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go,
10Now the word of the Lord came to Sam- and utterly destroy the sinners, the Ama
uel, saying, 11“I greatly regret that I have set lekites, and fight against them until they
up Saul as king, for he has turned back from are consumed.’ 19Why then did you not
following Me, and has not performed My obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you
commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the
and he cried out to the Lord all night. 12So sight of the Lord?”
20And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have
when Samuel rose early in the morning to
meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on
went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a the mission on which the Lord sent me,
monument for himself; and he has gone on and brought back Agag king of Amalek;
around, passed by, and gone down to Gil- I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21But the people took of the plunder, sheep
gal.” 13Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul
said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I and oxen, the best of the things which
have performed the commandment of the should have been utterly destroyed, to sac-
Lord.” rifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
14But Samuel said, “What then is this 22So Samuel said:
bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the
lowing of the oxen which I hear?” “ Has the Lord as great delight in burnt
15And Saul said, “They have brought offerings and sacrifices,
them from the Amalekites; for the people As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
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1 SAMUEL 15:23 344
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, made women childless, so shall your
And to heed than the fat of rams. mother be childless among women.” And
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the
And stubbornness is as iniquity and Lord in Gilgal.
idolatry. 34Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul
Because you have rejected the word of went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul.
the Lord, 35And Samuel went no more to see Saul un-
He also has rejected you from being til the day of his death. Nevertheless Sam-
king.” uel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regret-
ted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
Obedience David Anointed King
Why should we obey God?
16
Now the Lord said to Samuel,
1 Samuel 15:22, 23 “How long will you mourn for
Saul, seeing I have rejected him
24Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn
sinned, for I have transgressed the com- with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse
mandment of the Lord and your words, the Bethlehemite. For I have provided My-
because I feared the people and obeyed self a king among his sons.”
2And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul
their voice. 25Now therefore, please pardon
my sin, and return with me, that I may wor- hears it, he will kill me.”
ship the Lord.” But the Lord said, “Take a heifer with
26But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the
return with you, for you have rejected the Lord.’ 3Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice,
word of the Lord, and the Lord has re- and I will show you what you shall do; you
jected you from being king over Israel.” shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”
4So Samuel did what the Lord said, and
went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the
Belief town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do
What happens if we reject you come peaceably?”
5And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to
God?
sacrifice to the Lord. Sanctify yourselves,
1 Samuel 15:26 and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then
he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and in-
27And as Samuel turned around to go vited them to the sacrifice.
6So it was, when they came, that he
away, Saul seized the edge of his robe,
and it tore. 28So Samuel said to him, “The looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s
Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from anointed is before Him!”
you today, and has given it to a neighbor
of yours, who is better than you. 29And also Integrity
the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent.
What’s better: image or
For He is not a man, that He should relent.”
30Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor integrity?
me now, please, before the elders of my 1 Samuel 16:7
people and before Israel, and return with
me, that I may worship the Lord your 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not
God.” 31So Samuel turned back after Saul,
look at his appearance or at his physical
and Saul worshiped the Lord.
32Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag king of
stature, because I have refused him. For the
Lord does not see as man sees;a for man
the Amalekites here to me.” So Agag came
to him cautiously. 16:7 aSeptuagint reads For God does not see
And Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of as man sees; Targum reads It is not by the
death is past.” appearance of a man; Vulgate reads Nor do I
33But Samuel said, “As your sword has judge according to the looks of a man.
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345 1 SAMUEL 16:22
Making It Real //
1 Samuel 16:7
Looks Can Be Deceiving We all know about first impressions; you look at some-
one, you check them out, and then you decide what you think. Without knowing much
of anything about them, we make snap decisions and label people; they end up in one of
only a few categories: cool, nerdy, wannabe, or loser. Based on nothing more than super-
ficial, meaningless things, we decide if others are worth knowing or not. Unfortunately,
others do that to us, too.
Thankfully, God couldn’t care less about how we look. His doesn’t look at our ap-
pearance; He looks at the inside. He doesn’t take one look and categorize us. He can see
all the reasons behind what others see. God knows the truth about people—good and
bad. He always looks past the surface and sees your heart. (See also: 1 Chr. 28:9; 2 Chr.
6:30; Jer. 20:12; Acts 15:8, 9.)
Words to Live By
Heart: In 1 Samuel 16:7, the word translated as “heart” is the Hebrew word leb
(labe). This word does not refer to the physical organ but to motives, feelings, affections,
desires, aims, principles, thoughts, and intellect. Leb refers to the deep, inner being you
really are. That’s the part of you God sees.
looks at the outward appearance, but the troubled him. 15And Saul’s servants said
Lord looks at the heart.” to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from
8So Jesse called Abinadab, and made God is troubling you. 16Let our master
him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Nei- now command your servants, who are be-
ther has the Lord chosen this one.” 9Then fore you, to seek out a man who is a skillful
Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, player on the harp. And it shall be that he
“Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” will play it with his hand when the distress-
10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass ing spirit from God is upon you, and you
before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, shall be well.”
17So Saul said to his servants, “Provide
“The Lord has not chosen these.” 11And
Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young me now a man who can play well, and
men here?” Then he said, “There remains bring him to me.”
18Then one of the servants answered
yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping
the sheep.” and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing,
bring him. For we will not sit downa till he a mighty man of valor, a man of war, pru-
comes here.” 12So he sent and brought him dent in speech, and a handsome person;
in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and and the Lord is with him.”
19Therefore Saul sent messengers to
good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise,
anoint him; for this is the one!” 13Then Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David,
Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed who is with the sheep.” 20And Jesse took a
him in the midst of his brothers; and the donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine,
Spirit of the Lord came upon David from and a young goat, and sent them by his son
that day forward. So Samuel arose and David to Saul. 21So David came to Saul and
went to Ramah. stood before him. And he loved him greatly,
and he became his armorbearer. 22Then
A Distressing Spirit Troubles Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David
Saul
16:11 aFollowing Septuagint and Vulgate;
14But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Masoretic Text reads turn around; Targum and
Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord Syriac read turn away.
09-1 Samuel.indd 345 2/14/12 11:53 AM
1 SAMUEL 16:23 346
stand before me, for he has found favor in his iron spearhead weighed six hundred
my sight.” 23And so it was, whenever the shekels; and a shield-bearer went before
spirit from God was upon Saul, that Da- him. 8Then he stood and cried out to the
vid would take a harp and play it with his armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why
hand. Then Saul would become refreshed have you come out to line up for battle?
and well, and the distressing spirit would Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants
depart from him. of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and
let him come down to me. 9If he is able to
fight with me and kill me, then we will be
1 Samuel 16:23 your servants. But if I prevail against him
The distressing spirit may have been and kill him, then you shall be our servants
some kind of mental illness or manic and serve us.” 10And the Philistine said, “I
depression. While David’s music defy the armies of Israel this day; give me
seemed to make Saul feel better for a man, that we may fight together.” 11When
a while, eventually the king’s mental Saul and all Israel heard these words of the
disorder became untreatable. Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly
afraid.
12Now David was the son of that Eph-
David and Goliath rathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name
17
Now the Philistines gathered was Jesse, and who had eight sons. And
their armies together to battle, the man was old, advanced in years, in
and were gathered at Sochoh, the days of Saul. 13The three oldest sons of
which belongs to Judah; they encamped be- Jesse had gone to follow Saul to the battle.
tween Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dam- The names of his three sons who went to
mim. 2And Saul and the men of Israel were the battle were Eliab the firstborn, next to
gathered together, and they encamped in him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14David was the youngest. And the three
the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle ar-
ray against the Philistines. 3The Philistines oldest followed Saul. 15But David occasion-
stood on a mountain on one side, and Is- ally went and returned from Saul to feed
rael stood on a mountain on the other side, his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
16And the Philistine drew near and pre-
with a valley between them.
sented himself forty days, morning and
evening.
1 Samuel 17:1–10 17Then Jesse said to his son David, “Take
Occasionally, ancient armies showed now for your brothers an ephah of this
efficiency in the way they fought dried grain and these ten loaves, and run
battles. Rather than putting all of their to your brothers at the camp. 18And carry
soldiers to risk in an all-out war, each these ten cheeses to the captain of their
side could choose its best warrior for thousand, and see how your brothers fare,
a one-on-one, winner-take-all, fight and bring back news of them.” 19Now Saul
to the death. In such cases, the army and they and all the men of Israel were in
whose representative won the fight the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philis-
won the battle. tines.
20So David rose early in the morning,
left the sheep with a keeper, and took the
4And a champion went out from the things and went as Jesse had commanded
camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, him. And he came to the camp as the army
from Gath, whose height was six cubits was going out to the fight and shouting for
and a span. 5He had a bronze helmet on the battle. 21For Israel and the Philistines
his head, and he was armed with a coat of had drawn up in battle array, army against
mail, and the weight of the coat was five army. 22And David left his supplies in the
thousand shekels of bronze. 6And he had hand of the supply keeper, ran to the army,
bronze armor on his legs and a bronze jav- and came and greeted his brothers. 23Then
elin between his shoulders. 7Now the staff as he talked with them, there was the
of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath
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347 1 SAMUEL 17:46
by name, coming up from the armies of the armies of the living God.” 37Moreover David
Philistines; and he spoke according to the said, “The Lord, who delivered me from
same words. So David heard them. 24And all the paw of the lion and from the paw of the
the men of Israel, when they saw the man, bear, He will deliver me from the hand of
fled from him and were dreadfully afraid. this Philistine.”
25So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen And Saul said to David, “Go, and the
this man who has come up? Surely he has Lord be with you!”
come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that 38So Saul clothed David with his armor,
the man who kills him the king will enrich and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he
with great riches, will give him his daugh- also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39Da-
ter, and give his father’s house exemption vid fastened his sword to his armor and
from taxes in Israel.” tried to walk, for he had not tested them.
26Then David spoke to the men who
And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with
stood by him, saying, “What shall be done these, for I have not tested them.” So David
for the man who kills this Philistine and took them off.
takes away the reproach from Israel? For 40Then he took his staff in his hand; and
who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he chose for himself five smooth stones
he should defy the armies of the living from the brook, and put them in a shep-
God?” herd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and
27And the people answered him in this
his sling was in his hand. And he drew near
manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the to the Philistine. 41So the Philistine came,
man who kills him.” and began drawing near to David, and the
28Now Eliab his oldest brother heard
man who bore the shield went before him.
when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s an- 42And when the Philistine looked about
ger was aroused against David, and he said, and saw David, he disdained him; for he
“Why did you come down here? And with was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.
whom have you left those few sheep in the 43So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a
wilderness? I know your pride and the in- dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And
solence of your heart, for you have come the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
down to see the battle.” 44And the Philistine said to David, “Come
29And David said, “What have I done
to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds
now? Is there not a cause?” 30Then he of the air and the beasts of the field!”
turned from him toward another and said
the same thing; and these people answered
him as the first ones did. 1 Samuel 17:44
31Now when the words which David
Receiving a proper burial was very
spoke were heard, they reported them to important in the Israelite culture. The
Saul; and he sent for him. 32Then David thought of one’s body not being bur-
said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail be- ied would have been humiliating and
cause of him; your servant will go and fight shameful. That’s why Goliath’s threat
with this Philistine.” to feed David’s body to the birds and
33And Saul said to David, “You are not
animals was so insulting.
able to go against this Philistine to fight
with him; for you are a youth, and he a man
45Then David said to the Philistine, “You
of war from his youth.”
34But David said to Saul, “Your servant come to me with a sword, with a spear,
used to keep his father’s sheep, and when and with a javelin. But I come to you in the
a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the
of the flock, 35I went out after it and struck armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; 46This day the Lord will deliver you into
and when it arose against me, I caught it my hand, and I will strike you and take
by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36Your your head from you. And this day I will give
servant has killed both lion and bear; the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines
and this uncircumcised Philistine will be to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of
like one of them, seeing he has defied the the earth, that all the earth may know that
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1 SAMUEL 17:47 348
there is a God in Israel. 47Then all this as- So David answered, “I am the son of your
sembly shall know that the Lord does not servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
save with sword and spear; for the battle is
the Lord’s, and He will give you into our Saul Resents David
hands.”
18
Now when he had finished
speaking to Saul, the soul of
Trials Jonathan was knit to the soul of
Where can we find strength? David, and Jonathan loved him as his own
soul. 2Saul took him that day, and would
1 Samuel 17:45 not let him go home to his father’s house
anymore. 3Then Jonathan and David made
48So it was, when the Philistine arose a covenant, because he loved him as his
and came and drew near to meet David, own soul. 4And Jonathan took off the robe
that David hurried and ran toward the that was on him and gave it to David, with
army to meet the Philistine. 49Then Da- his armor, even to his sword and his bow
vid put his hand in his bag and took out a and his belt.
stone; and he slung it and struck the Phi-
listine in his forehead, so that the stone
sank into his forehead, and he fell on his 1 Samuel 18:7
Music was an important part of
face to the earth. 50So David prevailed over
Israelite life. Songs were often used for
the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and
honoring heroes, for celebrating vic-
struck the Philistine and killed him. But
tories, and for passing on the stories
there was no sword in the hand of David.
51Therefore David ran and stood over the of those heroes and victories to future
generations.
Philistine, took his sword and drew it out
of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his
head with it. 5So David went out wherever Saul sent
And when the Philistines saw that their him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him
champion was dead, they fled. 52Now the over the men of war, and he was accepted
men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, in the sight of all the people and also in the
and pursued the Philistines as far as the sight of Saul’s servants. 6Now it had hap-
entrance of the valleya and to the gates of pened as they were coming home, when
Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines David was returning from the slaughter
fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far of the Philistine, that the women had
as Gath and Ekron. 53Then the children come out of all the cities of Israel, sing-
of Israel returned from chasing the Phi- ing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with
listines, and they plundered their tents. tambourines, with joy, and with musical
54And David took the head of the Philistine
instruments. 7So the women sang as they
and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his danced, and said:
armor in his tent.
55When Saul saw David going out
“ Saul has slain his thousands,
against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the And David his ten thousands.”
commander of the army, “Abner, whose
son is this youth?” 8Then Saul was very angry, and the saying
And Abner said, “As your soul lives, displeased him; and he said, “They have
O king, I do not know.” ascribed to David ten thousands, and to
56So the king said, “Inquire whose son
me they have ascribed only thousands.
this young man is.” Now what more can he have but the king-
57Then, as David returned from the
dom?” 9So Saul eyed David from that day
slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him forward.
and brought him before Saul with the head 10And it happened on the next day that
of the Philistine in his hand. 58And Saul
said to him, “Whose son are you, young 17:52 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac,
man?” Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads Gath.
09-1 Samuel.indd 348 2/14/12 11:53 AM
349 1 SAMUEL 19:5
the distressing spirit from God came upon to David: ‘The king does not desire any
Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. dowry but one hundred foreskins of the
So David played music with his hand, as at Philistines, to take vengeance on the king’s
other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s enemies.’ ” But Saul thought to make Da-
hand. 11And Saul cast the spear, for he said, vid fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26So
“I will pin David to the wall!” But David es- when his servants told David these words,
caped his presence twice. it pleased David well to become the king’s
12Now Saul was afraid of David, because son-in-law. Now the days had not expired;
the Lord was with him, but had departed 27therefore David arose and went, he and
from Saul. 13Therefore Saul removed him his men, and killed two hundred men of
from his presence, and made him his cap- the Philistines. And David brought their
tain over a thousand; and he went out and foreskins, and they gave them in full count
came in before the people. 14And David be- to the king, that he might become the
haved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him Mi-
was with him. 15Therefore, when Saul saw chal his daughter as a wife.
that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid 28Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord
of him. 16But all Israel and Judah loved Da- was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s
vid, because he went out and came in be- daughter, loved him; 29and Saul was still
fore them. more afraid of David. So Saul became Da-
vid’s enemy continually. 30Then the princes
David Marries Michal of the Philistines went out to war. And so
17Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older it was, whenever they went out, that David
daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a behaved more wisely than all the servants
wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the of Saul, so that his name became highly es-
Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let my teemed.
hand not be against him, but let the hand
of the Philistines be against him.” Saul Persecutes David
19
18So David said to Saul, “Who am I, and
Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his
what is my life or my father’s family in Is- son and to all his servants, that
rael, that I should be son-in-law to the they should kill David; but Jona-
king?” 19But it happened at the time when than, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.
Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been 2So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father
given to David, that she was given to Adriel Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be
the Meholathite as a wife. on your guard until morning, and stay in a
20Now Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved secret place and hide. 3And I will go out and
David. And they told Saul, and the thing stand beside my father in the field where
pleased him. 21So Saul said, “I will give her you are, and I will speak with my father
to him, that she may be a snare to him, and about you. Then what I observe, I will tell
that the hand of the Philistines may be you.”
against him.” Therefore Saul said to David
a second time, “You shall be my son-in-law
today.” Friendship
22And Saul commanded his servants, What’s an example of good
“Communicate with David secretly, and friendship?
say, ‘Look, the king has delight in you, and 1 Samuel 19:1–7
all his servants love you. Now therefore, be-
come the king’s son-in-law.’ ”
23So Saul’s servants spoke those words 4Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to
in the hearing of David. And David said, Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not
“Does it seem to you a light thing to be a the king sin against his servant, against
king’s son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and David, because he has not sinned against
lightly esteemed man?” 24And the servants you, and because his works have been very
of Saul told him, saying, “In this manner good toward you. 5For he took his life in
David spoke.” his hands and killed the Philistine, and the
25Then Saul said, “Thus you shall say Lord brought about a great deliverance
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1 SAMUEL 19:6 350
for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why Saul was told, he sent other messengers,
then will you sin against innocent blood, to and they prophesied likewise. Then Saul
kill David without a cause?” sent messengers again the third time, and
6So Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan, they prophesied also. 22Then he also went
and Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall to Ramah, and came to the great well that
not be killed.” 7Then Jonathan called David, is at Sechu. So he asked, and said, “Where
and Jonathan told him all these things. So are Samuel and David?”
Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he And someone said, “Indeed they are at
was in his presence as in times past. Naioth in Ramah.” 23So he went there to
8And there was war again; and David Naioth in Ramah. Then the Spirit of God
went out and fought with the Philistines, was upon him also, and he went on and
and struck them with a mighty blow, and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ra-
they fled from him. mah. 24And he also stripped off his clothes
9Now the distressing spirit from the and prophesied before Samuel in like man-
Lord came upon Saul as he sat in his house ner, and lay down naked all that day and all
with his spear in his hand. And David was that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also
playing music with his hand. 10Then Saul among the prophets?”a
sought to pin David to the wall with the
spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s pres- Jonathan’s Loyalty to David
20
ence; and he drove the spear into the wall. Then David fled from Naioth in
So David fled and escaped that night. Ramah, and went and said to
11Saul also sent messengers to David’s
Jonathan, “What have I done?
house to watch him and to kill him in the What is my iniquity, and what is my sin be-
morning. And Michal, David’s wife, told fore your father, that he seeks my life?”
him, saying, “If you do not save your life 2So Jonathan said to him, “By no means!
tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” 12So You shall not die! Indeed, my father will do
Michal let David down through a window. nothing either great or small without first
And he went and fled and escaped. 13And telling me. And why should my father hide
Michal took an image and laid it in the bed, this thing from me? It is not so! ”
put a cover of goats’ hair for his head, and 3Then David took an oath again, and
covered it with clothes. 14So when Saul sent said, “Your father certainly knows that I
messengers to take David, she said, “He is have found favor in your eyes, and he has
sick.” said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest
15Then Saul sent the messengers back
he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives
to see David, saying, “Bring him up to me and as your soul lives, there is but a step be-
in the bed, that I may kill him.” 16And when tween me and death.”
the messengers had come in, there was the 4So Jonathan said to David, “Whatever
image in the bed, with a cover of goats’ hair you yourself desire, I will do it for you.”
for his head. 17Then Saul said to Michal, 5And David said to Jonathan, “Indeed to-
“Why have you deceived me like this, and morrow is the New Moon, and I should not
sent my enemy away, so that he has es- fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go,
caped?” that I may hide in the field until the third
And Michal answered Saul, “He said to day at evening. 6If your father misses me at
me, ‘Let me go! Why should I kill you?’ ” all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked permis-
18So David fled and escaped, and went
sion of me that he might run over to Beth-
to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that lehem, his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice
Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel there for all the family.’ 7If he says thus: ‘It is
went and stayed in Naioth. 19Now it was well,’ your servant will be safe. But if he is
told Saul, saying, “Take note, David is at very angry, be sure that evil is determined
Naioth in Ramah!” 20Then Saul sent mes- by him. 8Therefore you shall deal kindly
sengers to take David. And when they saw with your servant, for you have brought
the group of prophets prophesying, and your servant into a covenant of the Lord
Samuel standing as leader over them, the with you. Nevertheless, if there is iniquity
Spirit of God came upon the messengers of
Saul, and they also prophesied. 21And when 19:24 aCompare 1 Samuel 10:12
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Life App
Friendship / 1 Samuel 20:17
Friends—we all need them and we all want them. Most things in life
seem much more fun when we share them with friends. And not
having friendships can make for a boring, unhappy existence.
In today’s cyberworld, the word friend can take on a meaning it
was never meant to have. You may have a list of hundreds of so-
called friends online, but how many of them are people you really
know and like? How many of them are really a part of your real life?
How many of them actually care about you?
As you learn about the Old Testament days, you will most likely
hear a lot about King David. He was a very godly man chosen by God
Himself to be Israel’s second king. The first king of Israel was Saul.
Saul hated David because people loved David more than they loved
him. So Saul tried over and over to kill David.
But Saul had a son named Jonathan. David and Jonathan became
very close friends. Jonathan continually watched out for David and
protected him from Saul’s cruel jealousy. The Bible says Jonathan
loved David “as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). What a great
definition of real friendship!
Friendship is not about popularity. It’s not about collecting “vir-
tual” friends. It’s about a real relationship based on love and respect.
A true friend is someone who loves you and wants only the best for
you. Like Jonathan and David, true friends will always have each
other’s back. If you surround yourself with people who truly want
what’s best for you, you’ll find yourself achieving things you never
thought you could because friends will always cheer you on. They
will laugh with you and cry with you. They will help you through the
hard times and lift you up when you’re down.
But even more important than having true friends is being a
good friend. Take a look at the people in your life you consider
friends. How does your friendship compare to Jonathan and David’s?
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1 SAMUEL 20:9 352
in me, kill me yourself, for why should you stone Ezel. 20Then I will shoot three arrows
bring me to your father?” to the side, as though I shot at a target;
9But Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! 21and there I will send a lad, saying, ‘Go,
For if I knew certainly that evil was deter- find the arrows.’ If I expressly say to the lad,
mined by my father to come upon you, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you;
then would I not tell you?” get them and come’—then, as the Lord
10Then David said to Jonathan, “Who lives, there is safety for you and no harm.
22But if I say thus to the young man, ‘Look,
will tell me, or what if your father answers
you roughly?” the arrows are beyond you’—go your way,
11And Jonathan said to David, “Come, for the Lord has sent you away. 23And as
let us go out into the field.” So both of them for the matter which you and I have spo-
went out into the field. 12Then Jonathan ken of, indeed the Lord be between you
said to David: “The Lord God of Israel is and me forever.”
24Then David hid in the field. And when
witness! When I have sounded out my fa-
ther sometime tomorrow, or the third day, the New Moon had come, the king sat
and indeed there is good toward David, and down to eat the feast. 25Now the king sat on
I do not send to you and tell you, 13may the his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the
Lord do so and much more to Jonathan. wall. And Jonathan arose,a and Abner sat
But if it pleases my father to do you evil, by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.
26Nevertheless Saul did not say anything
then I will report it to you and send you
away, that you may go in safety. And the that day, for he thought, “Something has
Lord be with you as He has been with my happened to him; he is unclean, surely he
father. 14And you shall not only show me is unclean.” 27And it happened the next day,
the kindness of the Lord while I still live, the second day of the month, that David’s
that I may not die; 15but you shall not cut place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan
off your kindness from my house forever, his son, “Why has the son of Jesse not come
no, not when the Lord has cut off every to eat, either yesterday or today?”
28So Jonathan answered Saul, “David
one of the enemies of David from the face
of the earth.” 16So Jonathan made a cov- earnestly asked permission of me to go to
enant with the house of David, saying, “Let Bethlehem. 29And he said, ‘Please let me
the Lord require it at the hand of David’s go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city,
enemies.” and my brother has commanded me to be
there. And now, if I have found favor in your
eyes, please let me get away and see my
brothers.’ Therefore he has not come to the
1 Samuel 20:11–16 king’s table.”
Jonathan and David made a covenant 30Then Saul’s anger was aroused against
to fulfill certain responsibilities for
Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a
each other. Not only were they bound
perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know
by this contract, their descendants
that you have chosen the son of Jesse to
were bound by it as well. This kind of your own shame and to the shame of your
promise was common in Israel. Ask- mother’s nakedness? 31For as long as the
ing God to witness the agreement and son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall
hold them to it was also a common not be established, nor your kingdom. Now
practice. therefore, send and bring him to me, for he
shall surely die.”
32And Jonathan answered Saul his fa-
17Now Jonathan again caused David to
ther, and said to him, “Why should he be
vow, because he loved him; for he loved killed? What has he done?” 33Then Saul
him as he loved his own soul. 18Then Jona- cast a spear at him to kill him, by which
than said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Jonathan knew that it was determined by
Moon; and you will be missed, because his father to kill David.
your seat will be empty. 19And when you
have stayed three days, go down quickly 20:25 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac,
and come to the place where you hid on Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads he sat
the day of the deed; and remain by the across from Jonathan.
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353 1 SAMUEL 21:9
34So Jonathan arose from the table in know anything about the business on
fierce anger, and ate no food the second which I send you, or what I have com-
day of the month, for he was grieved for manded you.’ And I have directed my young
David, because his father had treated him men to such and such a place. 3Now there-
shamefully. fore, what have you on hand? Give me five
35And so it was, in the morning, that loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever
Jonathan went out into the field at the can be found.”
time appointed with David, and a little lad 4And the priest answered David and
was with him. 36Then he said to his lad, said, “There is no common bread on hand;
“Now run, find the arrows which I shoot.” but there is holy bread, if the young men
As the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond have at least kept themselves from women.”
him. 37When the lad had come to the place 5Then David answered the priest, and
where the arrow was which Jonathan had said to him, “Truly, women have been kept
shot, Jonathan cried out after the lad and from us about three days since I came out.
said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” 38And And the vessels of the young men are holy,
Jonathan cried out after the lad, “Make and the bread is in effect common, even
haste, hurry, do not delay!” So Jonathan’s though it was consecrated in the vessel
lad gathered up the arrows and came back this day.”
to his master. 39But the lad did not know 6So the priest gave him holy bread; for
anything. Only Jonathan and David knew there was no bread there but the show-
of the matter. 40Then Jonathan gave his bread which had been taken from before
weapons to his lad, and said to him, “Go, the Lord, in order to put hot bread in its
carry them to the city.” place on the day when it was taken away.
41As soon as the lad had gone, David
arose from a place toward the south, fell
on his face to the ground, and bowed down 1 Samuel 21:1–6
three times. And they kissed one another; The bread that was used for worship
and they wept together, but David more was replaced with a fresh loaf every
so. 42Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in seven days. Usually only priests were
peace, since we have both sworn in the allowed to eat the old bread. Ahime-
name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord lech wanted to make sure that David
be between you and me, and between your and his men were “clean” (worthy and
descendants and my descendants, for- undefiled by the standard of God’s
ever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jona- law) before he gave them the worship
than went into the city. bread.
1 Samuel 20:41 7Now a certain man of the servants of
Even today in Palestine, a kiss is a Saul was there that day, detained before
common greeting between friends the Lord. And his name was Doeg, an
and relatives who haven’t seen each Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen who
other in a while. The kiss between belonged to Saul.
David and Jonathan was an indication 8And David said to Ahimelech, “Is there
of their friendship. not here on hand a spear or a sword? For
I have brought neither my sword nor my
weapons with me, because the king’s busi-
David and the Holy Bread ness required haste.”
21
Now David came to Nob, to 9So the priest said, “The sword of Goli-
Ahimelech the priest. And ath the Philistine, whom you killed in the
Ahimelech was afraid when he Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth
met David, and said to him, “Why are you behind the ephod. If you will take that, take
alone, and no one is with you?” it. For there is no other except that one
2So David said to Ahimelech the priest, here.”
“The king has ordered me on some busi- And David said, “There is none like it;
ness, and said to me, ‘Do not let anyone give it to me.”
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1 SAMUEL 21:10 354
“Please let my father and mother come
1 Samuel 21:10 here with you, till I know what God will
Gath was probably the last place do for me.” 4So he brought them before the
anyone would expect to find David. It king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all
was one of the five capital cities of the the time that David was in the stronghold.
Philistines, the enemies of Israel. 5Now the prophet Gad said to David,
“Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and
go to the land of Judah.” So David departed
David Flees to Gath and went into the forest of Hereth.
10Then David arose and fled that day from
Saul Murders the Priests
before Saul, and went to Achish the king of
6When Saul heard that David and the men
Gath. 11And the servants of Achish said to
him, “Is this not David the king of the land? who were with him had been discovered—
Did they not sing of him to one another in now Saul was staying in Gibeah under a
dances, saying: tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear
in his hand, and all his servants standing
‘ Saul has slain his thousands, about him— 7then Saul said to his servants
And David his ten thousands’?”a who stood about him, “Hear now, you Ben-
jamites! Will the son of Jesse give every
12Now David took these words to heart, one of you fields and vineyards, and make
and was very much afraid of Achish the you all captains of thousands and captains
king of Gath. 13So he changed his behavior of hundreds? 8All of you have conspired
before them, pretended madness in their against me, and there is no one who reveals
hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, to me that my son has made a covenant
and let his saliva fall down on his beard. with the son of Jesse; and there is not one
14Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, of you who is sorry for me or reveals to
you see the man is insane. Why have you me that my son has stirred up my servant
brought him to me? 15Have I need of mad- against me, to lie in wait, as it is this day.”
men, that you have brought this fellow to 9Then answered Doeg the Edomite,
play the madman in my presence? Shall who was set over the servants of Saul, and
this fellow come into my house?” said, “I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob,
to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. 10And he
David’s Four Hundred Men inquired of the Lord for him, gave him pro-
22
David therefore departed from visions, and gave him the sword of Goliath
there and escaped to the cave the Philistine.”
11So the king sent to call Ahimelech the
of Adullam. So when his broth-
ers and all his father’s house heard it, they priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s
went down there to him. 2And everyone house, the priests who were in Nob. And
who was in distress, everyone who was in they all came to the king. 12And Saul said,
debt, and everyone who was discontented “Hear now, son of Ahitub!”
gathered to him. So he became captain He answered, “Here I am, my lord.”
13Then Saul said to him, “Why have you
over them. And there were about four hun-
dred men with him. 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,
1 Samuel 22:3 that he should rise against me, to lie in
Like the Philistines, the Moabites were wait, as it is this day?”
continually at war with the Israelites. 14So Ahimelech answered the king and
David must have assumed that the said, “And who among all your servants is
safest places for him to hide were with as faithful as David, who is the king’s son-
Saul’s enemies. in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is
honorable in your house? 15Did I then be-
gin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from
3Then David went from there to Mizpah
of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, 21:11 aCompare 1 Samuel 18:7
09-1 Samuel.indd 354 2/14/12 11:53 AM
355 1 SAMUEL 23:18
me! Let not the king impute anything to his livestock. So David saved the inhabitants
servant, or to any in the house of my father. of Keilah.
For your servant knew nothing of all this, 6Now it happened, when Abiathar the son
little or much.” of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he
16And the king said, “You shall surely went down with an ephod in his hand.
die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s 7And Saul was told that David had gone
house!” 17Then the king said to the guards to Keilah. So Saul said, “God has delivered
who stood about him, “Turn and kill the him into my hand, for he has shut himself
priests of the Lord, because their hand in by entering a town that has gates and
also is with David, and because they knew bars.” 8Then Saul called all the people to-
when he fled and did not tell it to me.” But gether for war, to go down to Keilah to be-
the servants of the king would not lift their siege David and his men.
hands to strike the priests of the Lord. 9When David knew that Saul plotted evil
18And the king said to Doeg, “You turn against him, he said to Abiathar the priest,
and kill the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite “Bring the ephod here.” 10Then David said,
turned and struck the priests, and killed on “O Lord God of Israel, Your servant has
that day eighty-five men who wore a linen certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to
ephod. 19Also Nob, the city of the priests, Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. 11Will
he struck with the edge of the sword, both the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand?
men and women, children and nursing in- Will Saul come down, as Your servant has
fants, oxen and donkeys and sheep—with heard? O Lord God of Israel, I pray, tell
the edge of the sword. Your servant.”
20Now one of the sons of Ahimelech the
And the Lord said, “He will come down.”
son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped 12Then David said, “Will the men of
and fled after David. 21And Abiathar told Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand
David that Saul had killed the Lord’s of Saul?”
priests. 22So David said to Abiathar, “I knew And the Lord said, “They will deliver
that day, when Doeg the Edomite was you.”
there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have 13So David and his men, about six hun-
caused the death of all the persons of your dred, arose and departed from Keilah and
father’s house. 23Stay with me; do not fear. went wherever they could go. Then it was
For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but told Saul that David had escaped from
with me you shall be safe.” Keilah; so he halted the expedition.
David Saves the City of Keilah David in Wilderness
23
Then they told David, saying, Strongholds
“Look, the Philistines are fight- 14And David stayed in strongholds in the
ing against Keilah, and they are wilderness, and remained in the moun-
robbing the threshing floors.” tains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought
2Therefore David inquired of the Lord,
him every day, but God did not deliver him
saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philis- into his hand. 15So David saw that Saul had
tines?” come out to seek his life. And David was in
And the Lord said to David, “Go and at- the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest.a 16Then
tack the Philistines, and save Keilah.” Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to
3But David’s men said to him, “Look, we
David in the woods and strengthened his
are afraid here in Judah. How much more hand in God. 17And he said to him, “Do not
then if we go to Keilah against the armies fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not
of the Philistines?” 4Then David inquired of find you. You shall be king over Israel, and
the Lord once again. I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul
And the Lord answered him and said, knows that.” 18So the two of them made
“Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will de- a covenant before the Lord. And David
liver the Philistines into your hand.” 5And stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to
David and his men went to Keilah and his own house.
fought with the Philistines, struck them
with a mighty blow, and took away their 23:15 aOr in Horesh
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1 SAMUEL 23:19 356
19Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at David said to him, “This is the day of which
Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding with the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver
us in strongholds in the woods, in the hill your enemy into your hand, that you may
of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshi- do to him as it seems good to you.’ ” And
mon? 20Now therefore, O king, come down David arose and secretly cut off a corner
according to all the desire of your soul to of Saul’s robe. 5Now it happened afterward
come down; and our part shall be to deliver that David’s heart troubled him because
him into the king’s hand.” he had cut Saul’s robe. 6And he said to his
21And Saul said, “Blessed are you of the
men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this
Lord, for you have compassion on me. thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to
22Please go and find out for sure, and see
stretch out my hand against him, seeing
the place where his hideout is, and who he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7So David
has seen him there. For I am told he is very restrained his servants with these words,
crafty. 23See therefore, and take knowledge and did not allow them to rise against Saul.
of all the lurking places where he hides; And Saul got up from the cave and went on
and come back to me with certainty, and his way.
I will go with you. And it shall be, if he is in
the land, that I will search for him through-
out all the clansa of Judah.” Leadership
24So they arose and went to Ziph before Why should we respect
Saul. But David and his men were in the leaders?
Wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the
1 Samuel 24:1–7
south of Jeshimon. 25When Saul and his
men went to seek him, they told David.
Therefore he went down to the rock, and 8David also arose afterward, went out
stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And of the cave, and called out to Saul, say-
when Saul heard that, he pursued David in ing, “My lord the king!” And when Saul
the Wilderness of Maon. 26Then Saul went looked behind him, David stooped with his
on one side of the mountain, and David face to the earth, and bowed down. 9And
and his men on the other side of the moun- David said to Saul: “Why do you listen to
tain. So David made haste to get away from the words of men who say, ‘Indeed David
Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling seeks your harm’? 10Look, this day your
David and his men to take them. eyes have seen that the Lord delivered
27But a messenger came to Saul, say-
you today into my hand in the cave, and
ing, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines someone urged me to kill you. But my eye
have invaded the land!” 28Therefore Saul spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch
returned from pursuing David, and went out my hand against my lord, for he is the
against the Philistines; so they called that Lord’s anointed.’ 11Moreover, my father,
place the Rock of Escape.a 29Then David see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my
went up from there and dwelt in strong- hand! For in that I cut off the corner of
holds at En Gedi. your robe, and did not kill you, know and
David Spares Saul see that there is neither evil nor rebellion
in my hand, and I have not sinned against
24
Now it happened, when Saul you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. 12Let the
had returned from following Lord judge between you and me, and let
the Philistines, that it was told the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand
him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wil- shall not be against you. 13As the proverb
derness of En Gedi.” 2Then Saul took three of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds
thousand chosen men from all Israel, and from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be
went to seek David and his men on the against you. 14After whom has the king of
Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3So he came to the Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A
sheepfolds by the road, where there was a dead dog? A flea? 15Therefore let the Lord
cave; and Saul went in to attend to his
needs. (David and his men were staying in 23:23 aLiterally thousands
23:28 aHebrew Sela
the recesses of the cave.) 4Then the men of Hammahlekoth
09-1 Samuel.indd 356 2/14/12 11:53 AM
357 1 SAMUEL 25:17
be judge, and judge between you and me, 4When David heard in the wilderness
and see and plead my case, and deliver me that Nabal was shearing his sheep, 5David
out of your hand.” sent ten young men; and David said to the
young men, “Go up to Carmel, go to Nabal,
and greet him in my name. 6And thus
Revenge you shall say to him who lives in prosper-
From whom should vengence ity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house,
come? and peace to all that you have! 7Now I have
1 Samuel 24:12 heard that you have shearers. Your shep-
herds were with us, and we did not hurt
them, nor was there anything missing from
16So it was, when David had finished
them all the while they were in Carmel.
speaking these words to Saul, that Saul 8Ask your young men, and they will tell
said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” you. Therefore let my young men find favor
And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. in your eyes, for we come on a feast day.
17Then he said to David: “You are more
Please give whatever comes to your hand
righteous than I; for you have rewarded me to your servants and to your son David.’ ”
with good, whereas I have rewarded you 9So when David’s young men came,
with evil. 18And you have shown this day they spoke to Nabal according to all these
how you have dealt well with me; for when words in the name of David, and waited.
the Lord delivered me into your hand, 10Then Nabal answered David’s ser-
you did not kill me. 19For if a man finds vants, and said, “Who is David, and who is
his enemy, will he let him get away safely? the son of Jesse? There are many servants
Therefore may the Lord reward you with nowadays who break away each one from
good for what you have done to me this his master. 11Shall I then take my bread and
day. 20And now I know indeed that you my water and my meat that I have killed for
shall surely be king, and that the kingdom my shearers, and give it to men when I do
of Israel shall be established in your hand. not know where they are from?”
21Therefore swear now to me by the Lord
12So David’s young men turned on their
that you will not cut off my descendants heels and went back; and they came and
after me, and that you will not destroy my told him all these words. 13Then David said
name from my father’s house.” to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.”
22So David swore to Saul. And Saul went
So every man girded on his sword, and Da-
home, but David and his men went up to vid also girded on his sword. And about
the stronghold. four hundred men went with David, and
two hundred stayed with the supplies.
Death of Samuel 14Now one of the young men told Abi-
25
Then Samuel died; and the Is- gail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent
raelites gathered together and messengers from the wilderness to greet
lamented for him, and buried our master; and he reviled them. 15But the
him at his home in Ramah. And David arose men were very good to us, and we were not
and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.a hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as
we accompanied them, when we were in
David and the Wife of Nabal the fields. 16They were a wall to us both by
2Now there was a man in Maon whose
night and day, all the time we were with
them keeping the sheep. 17Now therefore,
business was in Carmel, and the man was know and consider what you will do, for
very rich. He had three thousand sheep harm is determined against our master
and a thousand goats. And he was shear- and against all his household. For he is
ing his sheep in Carmel. 3The name of the such a scoundrela that one cannot speak to
man was Nabal, and the name of his wife him.”
Abigail. And she was a woman of good un-
derstanding and beautiful appearance; but 25:1 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac,
the man was harsh and evil in his doings. Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads Maon.
He was of the house of Caleb. 25:17 aLiterally son of Belial
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1 SAMUEL 25:18 358
18Then Abigail made haste and took you, and has appointed you ruler over Is-
two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of rael, 31that this will be no grief to you, nor
wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs offense of heart to my lord, either that you
of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of have shed blood without cause, or that my
raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and lord has avenged himself. But when the
loaded them on donkeys. 19And she said to Lord has dealt well with my lord, then re-
her servants, “Go on before me; see, I am member your maidservant.”
coming after you.” But she did not tell her 32Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed
husband Nabal. is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you
20So it was, as she rode on the donkey, this day to meet me! 33And blessed is your
that she went down under cover of the hill; advice and blessed are you, because you
and there were David and his men, coming have kept me this day from coming to
down toward her, and she met them. 21Now bloodshed and from avenging myself with
David had said, “Surely in vain I have pro- my own hand. 34For indeed, as the Lord
tected all that this fellow has in the wilder- God of Israel lives, who has kept me back
ness, so that nothing was missed of all that from hurting you, unless you had hurried
belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil and come to meet me, surely by morning
for good. 22May God do so, and more also, light no males would have been left to
to the enemies of David, if I leave one male Nabal!” 35So David received from her hand
of all who belong to him by morning light.” what she had brought him, and said to her,
23Now when Abigail saw David, she dis-
“Go up in peace to your house. See, I have
mounted quickly from the donkey, fell on heeded your voice and respected your per-
her face before David, and bowed down son.”
to the ground. 24So she fell at his feet and 36Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there
said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniq- he was, holding a feast in his house, like
uity be! And please let your maidservant the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was
speak in your ears, and hear the words merry within him, for he was very drunk;
of your maidservant. 25Please, let not my therefore she told him nothing, little or
lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as much, until morning light. 37So it was, in
his name is, so is he: Nabala is his name, the morning, when the wine had gone from
and folly is with him! But I, your maidser- Nabal, and his wife had told him these
vant, did not see the young men of my lord things, that his heart died within him, and
whom you sent. 26Now therefore, my lord, he became like a stone. 38Then it happened,
as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, after about ten days, that the Lord struck
since the Lord has held you back from Nabal, and he died.
coming to bloodshed and from avenging 39So when David heard that Nabal was
yourself with your own hand, now then, let dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, who
your enemies and those who seek harm for has pleaded the cause of my reproach from
my lord be as Nabal. 27And now this pres- the hand of Nabal, and has kept His servant
ent which your maidservant has brought from evil! For the Lord has returned the
to my lord, let it be given to the young wickedness of Nabal on his own head.”
men who follow my lord. 28Please forgive And David sent and proposed to Abigail,
the trespass of your maidservant. For the to take her as his wife. 40When the servants
Lord will certainly make for my lord an of David had come to Abigail at Carmel,
enduring house, because my lord fights they spoke to her saying, “David sent us to
the battles of the Lord, and evil is not you, to ask you to become his wife.”
found in you throughout your days. 29Yet a 41Then she arose, bowed her face to the
man has risen to pursue you and seek your earth, and said, “Here is your maidservant,
life, but the life of my lord shall be bound a servant to wash the feet of the servants
in the bundle of the living with the Lord of my lord.” 42So Abigail rose in haste and
your God; and the lives of your enemies rode on a donkey, attended by five of her
He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a maidens; and she followed the messengers
sling. 30And it shall come to pass, when the of David, and became his wife. 43David also
Lord has done for my lord according to all
the good that He has spoken concerning 25:25 aLiterally Fool
09-1 Samuel.indd 358 2/14/12 11:53 AM
359 1 SAMUEL 26:20
took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and so both of of water by Saul’s head, and they got away;
them were his wives. and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For
44But Saul had given Michal his daugh- they were all asleep, because a deep sleep
ter, David’s wife, to Paltia the son of Laish, from the Lord had fallen on them.
who was from Gallim. 13Now David went over to the other side,
and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a
David Spares Saul a Second great distance being between them. 14And
Time David called out to the people and to Ab-
26
Now the Ziphites came to Saul ner the son of Ner, saying, “Do you not an-
at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not swer, Abner?”
hiding in the hill of Hachilah, Then Abner answered and said, “Who
opposite Jeshimon?” 2Then Saul arose and are you, calling out to the king?”
15So David said to Abner, “Are you not
went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, hav-
ing three thousand chosen men of Israel a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why
with him, to seek David in the Wilderness then have you not guarded your lord the
of Ziph. 3And Saul encamped in the hill of king? For one of the people came in to de-
Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, by stroy your lord the king. 16This thing that
the road. But David stayed in the wilder- you have done is not good. As the Lord
ness, and he saw that Saul came after him lives, you deserve to die, because you
into the wilderness. 4David therefore sent have not guarded your master, the Lord’s
out spies, and understood that Saul had anointed. And now see where the king’s
indeed come. spear is, and the jug of water that was by
5So David arose and came to the place his head.”
where Saul had encamped. And David saw 17Then Saul knew David’s voice, and
the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son said, “Is that your voice, my son David?”
of Ner, the commander of his army. Now
Saul lay within the camp, with the people
encamped all around him. 6Then David an- 1 Samuel 26:19
swered, and said to Ahimelech the Hittite Shiloh, the city where the ark of the
and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother covenant was kept, was considered
of Joab, saying, “Who will go down with me the official worship site of the Israel-
to Saul in the camp?” ites. Kicking someone out of Israel,
And Abishai said, “I will go down with then, prevented that person from
you.” officially worshiping God. Because
7So David and Abishai came to the
worship was so important to the Isra-
people by night; and there Saul lay sleep- elites, depriving someone of the op-
ing within the camp, with his spear stuck in portunity to worship was considered
the ground by his head. And Abner and the cruel punishment and was reserved
people lay all around him. 8Then Abishai for serious criminals.
said to David, “God has delivered your
enemy into your hand this day. Now there-
fore, please, let me strike him at once with David said, “It is my voice, my lord,
the spear, right to the earth; and I will not O king.” 18And he said, “Why does my lord
have to strike him a second time!” thus pursue his servant? For what have
9But David said to Abishai, “Do not de-
I done, or what evil is in my hand? 19Now
stroy him; for who can stretch out his hand therefore, please, let my lord the king hear
against the Lord’s anointed, and be guilt- the words of his servant: If the Lord has
less?” 10David said furthermore, “As the Lord stirred you up against me, let Him accept
lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day an offering. But if it is the children of men,
shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle may they be cursed before the Lord, for
and perish. 11The Lord forbid that I should they have driven me out this day from shar-
stretch out my hand against the Lord’s ing in the inheritance of the Lord, saying,
anointed. But please, take now the spear and ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20So now, do not let
the jug of water that are by his head, and let
us go.” 12So David took the spear and the jug 25:44 aSpelled Paltiel in 2 Samuel 3:15
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1 SAMUEL 26:21 360
my blood fall to the earth before the face of 8And David and his men went up and
the Lord. For the king of Israel has come raided the Geshurites, the Girzites,a and
out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a par- the Amalekites. For those nations were the
tridge in the mountains.” inhabitants of the land from of old, as you
21Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, go to Shur, even as far as the land of Egypt.
my son David. For I will harm you no more, 9Whenever David attacked the land, he left
because my life was precious in your eyes neither man nor woman alive, but took
this day. Indeed I have played the fool and away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the
erred exceedingly.” camels, and the apparel, and returned and
22And David answered and said, “Here came to Achish. 10Then Achish would say,
is the king’s spear. Let one of the young “Where have you made a raid today?” And
men come over and get it. 23May the Lord David would say, “Against the southern
repay every man for his righteousness and area of Judah, or against the southern area
his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you of the Jerahmeelites, or against the south-
into my hand today, but I would not stretch ern area of the Kenites.” 11David would save
out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. neither man nor woman alive, to bring
24And indeed, as your life was valued much
news to Gath, saying, “Lest they should
this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued inform on us, saying, ‘Thus David did.’ ”
much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him And thus was his behavior all the time he
deliver me out of all tribulation.” dwelt in the country of the Philistines. 12So
25Then Saul said to David, “May you be
Achish believed David, saying, “He has
blessed, my son David! You shall both do made his people Israel utterly abhor him;
great things and also still prevail.” therefore he will be my servant forever.”
28
So David went on his way, and Saul re- Now it happened in those days
turned to his place. that the Philistines gathered
their armies together for war, to
David Allied with fight with Israel. And Achish said to David,
the Philistines “You assuredly know that you will go out
27
And David said in his heart, with me to battle, you and your men.”
“Now I shall perish someday by 2So David said to Achish, “Surely you
the hand of Saul. There is noth- know what your servant can do.”
ing better for me than that I should speed- And Achish said to David, “Therefore I
ily escape to the land of the Philistines; and will make you one of my chief guardians
Saul will despair of me, to seek me any- forever.”
more in any part of Israel. So I shall escape
out of his hand.” 2Then David arose and Saul Consults a Medium
went over with the six hundred men who 3Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had
were with him to Achish the son of Maoch, lamented for him and buried him in Ra-
king of Gath. 3So David dwelt with Achish mah, in his own city. And Saul had put the
at Gath, he and his men, each man with his mediums and the spiritists out of the land.
household, and David with his two wives,
Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the
Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow. 4And it was Occult
told Saul that David had fled to Gath; so he Should we have anything to
sought him no more. do with the occult?
5Then David said to Achish, “If I have
now found favor in your eyes, let them give 1 Samuel 28:3
me a place in some town in the country,
that I may dwell there. For why should your 4Then the Philistines gathered together,
servant dwell in the royal city with you?” and came and encamped at Shunem. So
6So Achish gave him Ziklag that day. There-
Saul gathered all Israel together, and they
fore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Ju- encamped at Gilboa. 5When Saul saw the
dah to this day. 7Now the time that David army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and
dwelt in the country of the Philistines was
one full year and four months. 27:8 aOr Gezrites
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361 1 SAMUEL 29:3
his heart trembled greatly. 6And when Saul out of your hand and given it to your neigh-
inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not an- bor, David. 18Because you did not obey the
swer him, either by dreams or by Urim or voice of the Lord nor execute His fierce
by the prophets. wrath upon Amalek, therefore the Lord
7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me has done this thing to you this day. 19More-
a woman who is a medium, that I may go to over the Lord will also deliver Israel with
her and inquire of her.” you into the hand of the Philistines. And
And his servants said to him, “In fact, tomorrow you and your sons will be with
there is a woman who is a medium at En me. The Lord will also deliver the army of
Dor.” Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
8So Saul disguised himself and put on 20Immediately Saul fell full length on the
other clothes, and he went, and two men ground, and was dreadfully afraid because
with him; and they came to the woman by of the words of Samuel. And there was no
night. And he said, “Please conduct a sé- strength in him, for he had eaten no food
ance for me, and bring up for me the one I all day or all night.
shall name to you.” 21And the woman came to Saul and saw
9Then the woman said to him, “Look, that he was severely troubled, and said to
you know what Saul has done, how he has him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed
cut off the mediums and the spiritists from your voice, and I have put my life in my
the land. Why then do you lay a snare for hands and heeded the words which you
my life, to cause me to die?” spoke to me. 22Now therefore, please, heed
10And Saul swore to her by the Lord, also the voice of your maidservant, and let
saying, “As the Lord lives, no punishment me set a piece of bread before you; and eat,
shall come upon you for this thing.” that you may have strength when you go
11Then the woman said, “Whom shall I on your way.”
bring up for you?” 23But he refused and said, “I will not eat.”
And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” So his servants, together with the
12When the woman saw Samuel, she woman, urged him; and he heeded their
cried out with a loud voice. And the voice. Then he arose from the ground and
woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have sat on the bed. 24Now the woman had a fat-
you deceived me? For you are Saul!” ted calf in the house, and she hastened to
13And the king said to her, “Do not be kill it. And she took flour and kneaded it,
afraid. What did you see?” and baked unleavened bread from it. 25So
And the woman said to Saul, “I saw a she brought it before Saul and his servants,
spirita ascending out of the earth.” and they ate. Then they rose and went
14So he said to her, “What is his form?” away that night.
And she said, “An old man is coming
up, and he is covered with a mantle.” And The Philistines Reject David
29
Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he Then the Philistines gathered
stooped with his face to the ground and together all their armies at
bowed down. Aphek, and the Israelites en-
15Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have
camped by a fountain which is in Jezreel.
you disturbed me by bringing me up?” 2And the lords of the Philistines passed in
And Saul answered, “I am deeply dis- review by hundreds and by thousands, but
tressed; for the Philistines make war David and his men passed in review at the
against me, and God has departed from rear with Achish. 3Then the princes of the
me and does not answer me anymore, nei- Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews
ther by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore doing here?”
I have called you, that you may reveal to me And Achish said to the princes of the
what I should do.” Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant
16Then Samuel said: “So why do you ask
of Saul king of Israel, who has been with
me, seeing the Lord has departed from me these days, or these years? And to this
you and has become your enemy? 17And
the Lord has done for Himselfa as He spoke 28:13 aHebrew elohim
28:17 aOr him, that is,
by me. For the Lord has torn the kingdom David
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1 SAMUEL 29:4 362
day I have found no fault in him since he did not kill anyone, but carried them away
defected to me.” and went their way. 3So David and his men
4But the princes of the Philistines were came to the city, and there it was, burned
angry with him; so the princes of the Philis- with fire; and their wives, their sons, and
tines said to him, “Make this fellow return, their daughters had been taken captive.
that he may go back to the place which you 4Then David and the people who were with
have appointed for him, and do not let him him lifted up their voices and wept, until
go down with us to battle, lest in the battle they had no more power to weep. 5And Da-
he become our adversary. For with what vid’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess,
could he reconcile himself to his master, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Car-
if not with the heads of these men? 5Is this melite, had been taken captive. 6Now David
not David, of whom they sang to one an- was greatly distressed, for the people spoke
other in dances, saying: of stoning him, because the soul of all the
people was grieved, every man for his sons
‘ Saul has slain his thousands, and his daughters. But David strengthened
And David his ten thousands’?”a himself in the Lord his God.
7Then David said to Abiathar the priest,
6Then Achish called David and said to
Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod
him, “Surely, as the Lord lives, you have here to me.” And Abiathar brought the
been upright, and your going out and your ephod to David. 8So David inquired of the
coming in with me in the army is good in Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop?
my sight. For to this day I have not found Shall I overtake them?”
evil in you since the day of your coming And He answered him, “Pursue, for you
to me. Nevertheless the lords do not fa- shall surely overtake them and without fail
vor you. 7Therefore return now, and go in recover all.”
peace, that you may not displease the lords 9So David went, he and the six hundred
of the Philistines.”
8So David said to Achish, “But what
men who were with him, and came to the
Brook Besor, where those stayed who were
have I done? And to this day what have
left behind. 10But David pursued, he and
you found in your servant as long as I have
four hundred men; for two hundred stayed
been with you, that I may not go and fight
behind, who were so weary that they could
against the enemies of my lord the king?”
9Then Achish answered and said to not cross the Brook Besor.
11Then they found an Egyptian in the
David, “I know that you are as good in my
sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the field, and brought him to David; and they
princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He gave him bread and he ate, and they let
shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 10Now him drink water. 12And they gave him a
therefore, rise early in the morning with piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of
your master’s servants who have come raisins. So when he had eaten, his strength
with you.a And as soon as you are up early came back to him; for he had eaten no
in the morning and have light, depart.” bread nor drunk water for three days and
11So David and his men rose early to de- three nights. 13Then David said to him, “To
part in the morning, to return to the land whom do you belong, and where are you
of the Philistines. And the Philistines went from?”
up to Jezreel. And he said, “I am a young man from
Egypt, servant of an Amalekite; and my
David’s Conflict with master left me behind, because three days
the Amalekites ago I fell sick. 14We made an invasion of
the southern area of the Cherethites, in
30
Now it happened, when David
and his men came to Ziklag, on 29:5 aCompare 1 Samuel 18:7 29:10 aFollowing
the third day, that the Amalek Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate;
ites had invaded the South and Ziklag, at- Septuagint adds and go to the place which I have
tacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2and selected for you there; and set no bothersome word
had taken captive the women and those in your heart, for you are good before me. And rise
who were there, from small to great; they on your way.
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363 1 SAMUEL 31:9
the territory which belongs to Judah, and of ent for you from the spoil of the enemies of
the southern area of Caleb; and we burned the Lord”— 27to those who were in Bethel,
Ziklag with fire.” those who were in Ramoth of the South,
15And David said to him, “Can you take those who were in Jattir, 28those who were
me down to this troop?” in Aroer, those who were in Siphmoth, those
So he said, “Swear to me by God that who were in Eshtemoa, 29those who were in
you will neither kill me nor deliver me into Rachal, those who were in the cities of the
the hands of my master, and I will take you Jerahmeelites, those who were in the cities
down to this troop.” of the Kenites, 30those who were in Hor-
16And when he had brought him down, mah, those who were in Chorashan,a those
there they were, spread out over all the who were in Athach, 31those who were in
land, eating and drinking and dancing, Hebron, and to all the places where David
because of all the great spoil which they himself and his men were accustomed to
had taken from the land of the Philistines rove.
and from the land of Judah. 17Then David
attacked them from twilight until the eve- The Tragic End of Saul
ning of the next day. Not a man of them and His Sons
31
escaped, except four hundred young men Now the Philistines fought
who rode on camels and fled. 18So David against Israel; and the men
recovered all that the Amalekites had car- of Israel fled from before the
ried away, and David rescued his two wives. Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gil-
19And nothing of theirs was lacking, either
boa. 2Then the Philistines followed hard
small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines
anything which they had taken from them; killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-
David recovered all. 20Then David took all shua, Saul’s sons. 3The battle became fierce
the flocks and herds they had driven before against Saul. The archers hit him, and he
those other livestock, and said, “This is Da- was severely wounded by the archers.
vid’s spoil.” 4Then Saul said to his armorbearer,
21Now David came to the two hundred
“Draw your sword, and thrust me through
men who had been so weary that they with it, lest these uncircumcised men come
could not follow David, whom they also and thrust me through and abuse me.”
had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So But his armorbearer would not, for he
they went out to meet David and to meet was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a
the people who were with him. And when sword and fell on it. 5And when his armor-
David came near the people, he greeted bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell
them. 22Then all the wicked and worth- on his sword, and died with him. 6So Saul,
less mena of those who went with David his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his
answered and said, “Because they did not men died together that same day.
go with us, we will not give them any of the 7And when the men of Israel who were
spoil that we have recovered, except for ev- on the other side of the valley, and those
ery man’s wife and children, that they may who were on the other side of the Jor-
lead them away and depart.” dan, saw that the men of Israel had fled
23But David said, “My brethren, you shall
and that Saul and his sons were dead,
not do so with what the Lord has given us, they forsook the cities and fled; and the
who has preserved us and delivered into Philistines came and dwelt in them. 8So
our hand the troop that came against us. it happened the next day, when the Phi-
24For who will heed you in this matter? But
listines came to strip the slain, that they
as his part is who goes down to the battle, found Saul and his three sons fallen on
so shall his part be who stays by the sup- Mount Gilboa. 9And they cut off his head
plies; they shall share alike.” 25So it was, and stripped off his armor, and sent word
from that day forward; he made it a statute throughout the land of the Philistines, to
and an ordinance for Israel to this day. proclaim it in the temple of their idols and
26Now when David came to Ziklag, he
sent some of the spoil to the elders of Ju- 30:22 aLiterally men of Belial
30:30 aOr
dah, to his friends, saying, “Here is a pres- Borashan
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1 SAMUEL 31:10 364
they fastened his body to the wall of Beth
1 Samuel 31:8–13 Shan.a
11Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh
The Philistines paraded Saul’s body
about seven miles from Mount Gilboa Gilead heard what the Philistines had
to Beth Shan. Jabesh in Gilead was done to Saul, 12all the valiant men arose
about fifteen miles away, on the other and traveled all night, and took the body
side of the Jordan River. The people of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the
of Jabesh owed Saul a favor because, wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh
early in his career, Saul had defended and burned them there. 13Then they took
their town against Nahash, the king of their bones and buried them under the
the Ammonites. tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven
days.
among the people. 10Then they put his ar- 31:10 aSpelled Beth Shean in Joshua 17:11 and
mor in the temple of the Ashtoreths, and elsewhere
09-1 Samuel.indd 364 2/14/12 11:53 AM
2 Samuel
Date of writing: 1050–750 B.C.
Author: Tradition Suggests the Prophets Nathan
and Gad
Theme: King David Was a Forerunner of the
Messiah
Purpose: The most committed believer can fail
and constantly needs God’s grace.
Outline
1:1–27 ������������������David Mourns for Saul
2:1—4:12 �������������David, King of Judah
5:1—6:23 �������������David, King of All Israel
7:1–29 ������������������God’s Promise to David
8:1—10:19 �����������The Wars of King David
11:1—12:31 ��������David’s Affair with Bathsheba
13:1—14:33 ��������Violence in David’s Family: Tamar, Amnon, and
Absalom
15:1—20:26 ��������Absalom Leads a Rebellion
21:1–22 ����������������Other Events from David’s Rule
22:1—23:7 �����������Two Poems by David
23:8–39 ����������������David’s Warriors
24:1–25 ����������������David Counts the People of Israel, and Israel Is
Punished
10-2 Samuel.indd 365 2/14/12 11:53 AM
Key Verse:
“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your
fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from
your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build
a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his
kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12, 13).
Then /// If 1 Samuel is like a home video, then 2 Samuel is like the
sequel of this homegrown epic. In it, King Saul’s worst fears come true:
David replaces Saul as king. You’ve probably heard of King David. He was an
ancestor of Jesus. He built the first temple, and he wrote many of the Psalms. He was the
original Renaissance man. There are more stories in the Bible about David than about
anyone else except Jesus Himself.
God called David a man after His own heart. That’s why David’s story is such an en
couragement to us. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he loved God and God was pleased with
that.
Now /// There are plenty of sad tales and mishaps in 2 Samuel but
it’s a book that shows us that God’s concern is not that we never foul up. His
concern is that we keep coming back to Him and starting over. What a
comforting thought! Just because we mess up, it doesn’t mean God gives up on us. We
have to come to God honestly, expressing our remorse and our love, and He will forgive
and restore.
Reality Check /// The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat the truth, even
for its heroes. Look at David more closely. He was one of the best. He loved
God. He was a fantastic musician and writer. He was a good king. The Bible
could have left it at that. God could have swept all the rest of David’s faults under a rug or
into a closet.
That’s not what God does, though. He accepts us and uses us as we are with all of our
faults. David is famous for one really big blunder. He fell for a married woman. They had
an affair. He even had her husband killed to try and clean up the mess.
David’s story reminds us that we all make bad mistakes, but God never gives up on us.
Sin does not have to win; we can come to God honestly to receive forgiveness, cleansing,
and hope for the future. We can pray with David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . . Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold
me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be
converted to You” (Psalm 51:10–13).
The Report of Saul’s Death 2on the third day, behold, it happened that
1
Now it came to pass after the death a man came from Saul’s camp with his
of Saul, when David had returned clothes torn and dust on his head. So it
from the slaughter of the Amalekites, was, when he came to David, that he fell to
and David had stayed two days in Ziklag, the ground and prostrated himself.
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367 2 SAMUEL 1:24
3And David said to him, “Where have 18and he told them to teach the children of
you come from?” Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is writ
So he said to him, “I have escaped from ten in the Book of Jasher:
the camp of Israel.”
4Then David said to him, “How did the
matter go? Please tell me.” 2 Samuel 1:18
And he answered, “The people have fled Don’t bother looking for the Book
from the battle, many of the people are of Jasher in your Bible or your local
fallen and dead, and Saul and Jonathan his library or your nearest bookstore. You
son are dead also.” won’t find it. This ancient book, which
5So David said to the young man who contained everything from Joshua’s
told him, “How do you know that Saul and speech at the battle of Gibeon to Da
Jonathan his son are dead?” vid’s tribute to Saul and Jonathan, has
6Then the young man who told him been lost for centuries. In case you’re
said, “As I happened by chance to be on wondering, Jasher means “Upright” or
Mount Gilboa, there was Saul, leaning on “Righteous.”
his spear; and indeed the chariots and
horsemen followed hard after him. 7Now
19“ The beauty of Israel is slain on your
when he looked behind him, he saw me
and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I high places!
am.’ 8And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ So I How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9He said
to me again, ‘Please stand over me and kill Proclaim it not in the streets of
me, for anguish has come upon me, but my Ashkelon—
life still remains in me.’ 10So I stood over Lest the daughters of the Philistines
him and killed him, because I was sure that rejoice,
he could not live after he had fallen. And I Lest the daughters of the
took the crown that was on his head and uncircumcised triumph.
the bracelet that was on his arm, and have
21“ O mountains of Gilboa,
brought them here to my lord.”
11Therefore David took hold of his Let there be no dew nor rain upon you,
own clothes and tore them, and so did all Nor fields of offerings.
the men who were with him. 12And they For the shield of the mighty is cast
mourned and wept and fasted until eve away there!
ning for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for The shield of Saul, not anointed with
the people of the Lord and for the house oil.
of Israel, because they had fallen by the 22 From the blood of the slain,
sword. From the fat of the mighty,
13Then David said to the young man The bow of Jonathan did not turn
who told him, “Where are you from?” back,
And he answered, “I am the son of an And the sword of Saul did not return
alien, an Amalekite.” empty.
14So David said to him, “How was it you
were not afraid to put forth your hand to 23“ Saul and Jonathan were beloved and
destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15Then Da pleasant in their lives,
vid called one of the young men and said, And in their death they were not
“Go near, and execute him!” And he struck divided;
him so that he died. 16So David said to him, They were swifter than eagles,
“Your blood is on your own head, for your They were stronger than lions.
own mouth has testified against you, say
ing, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ” 24“ O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
Who clothed you in scarlet, with
The Song of the Bow luxury;
17Then David lamented with this lamenta Who put ornaments of gold on your
tion over Saul and over Jonathan his son, apparel.
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2 SAMUEL 1:25 368
25“ How the mighty have fallen in the was king in Hebron over the house of Judah
midst of the battle! was seven years and six months.
Jonathan was slain in your high places.
26 I am distressed for you, my brother Israel and Judah at War
Jonathan; 12Now Abner the son of Ner, and the ser
You have been very pleasant to me; vants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went
Your love to me was wonderful, out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13And Joab
Surpassing the love of women. the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of Da
27“ How the mighty have fallen,
vid, went out and met them by the pool of
Gibeon. So they sat down, one on one side
And the weapons of war perished!” of the pool and the other on the other side
of the pool. 14Then Abner said to Joab, “Let
David Anointed King of Judah
the young men now arise and compete be
2
It happened after this that David in fore us.”
quired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go And Joab said, “Let them arise.”
up to any of the cities of Judah?”
And the Lord said to him, “Go up.”
David said, “Where shall I go up?” 2 Samuel 2:14–17
And He said, “To Hebron.” Abner, the commander of Saul’s
2So David went up there, and his two army, was Saul’s first cousin. Joab,
wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and the commander of David’s army, was
Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. David’s nephew. The gruesome game
3And David brought up the men who were that Abner and Joab suggested was
with him, every man with his household. prompted by the rivalry between the
So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. tribe of Benjamin (Saul’s tribe), which
4Then the men of Judah came, and there wanted the throne passed on to one
they anointed David king over the house of of Saul’s descendants, and the tribe
Judah. And they told David, saying, “The of Judah (David’s tribe), which had
men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who chosen David as its king.
buried Saul.” 5So David sent messengers
to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to 15So they arose and went over by num
them, “You are blessed of the Lord, for you
have shown this kindness to your lord, to ber, twelve from Benjamin, followers of
Saul, and have buried him. 6And now may Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve
the Lord show kindness and truth to you. from the servants of David. 16And each
I also will repay you this kindness, because one grasped his opponent by the head
you have done this thing. 7Now therefore, and thrust his sword in his opponent’s
let your hands be strengthened, and be val side; so they fell down together. Therefore
iant; for your master Saul is dead, and also that place was called the Field of Sharp
the house of Judah has anointed me king Swords,a which is in Gibeon. 17So there was
over them.” a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and
the men of Israel were beaten before the
Ishbosheth Made King servants of David.
18Now the three sons of Zeruiah were
of Israel
8But Abner the son of Ner, commander of
there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And
Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle.
Saul’s army, took Ishboshetha the son of 19So Asahel pursued Abner, and in going he
Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim; did not turn to the right hand or to the left
9and he made him king over Gilead, over
from following Abner.
the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, 20Then Abner looked behind him and
over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10Ish said, “Are you Asahel?”
bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old He answered, “I am.”
when he began to reign over Israel, and he
reigned two years. Only the house of Judah 2:8 aCalled Esh-Baal in 1 Chronicles 8:33 and
followed David. 11And the time that David 9:39 2:16 aHebrew Helkath Hazzurim
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369 2 SAMUEL 3:12
21And Abner said to him, “Turn aside Sons of David
to your right hand or to your left, and lay 2Sons were born to David in Hebron: His
hold on one of the young men and take
firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the
his armor for yourself.” But Asahel would
Jezreelitess; 3his second, Chileab, by Abi
not turn aside from following him. 22So
gail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite;
Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the
from following me. Why should I strike
daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4the
you to the ground? How then could I face
your brother Joab?” 23However, he refused fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5and
in the stomach with the blunt end of the the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah.
spear, so that the spear came out of his These were born to David in Hebron.
back; and he fell down there and died on
Abner Joins Forces
the spot. So it was that as many as came to
with David
the place where Asahel fell down and died,
stood still. 6Now it was so, while there was war be
24Joab and Abishai also pursued Abner. tween the house of Saul and the house of
And the sun was going down when they David, that Abner was strengthening his
came to the hill of Ammah, which is be hold on the house of Saul.
fore Giah by the road to the Wilderness of 7And Saul had a concubine, whose name
Gibeon. 25Now the children of Benjamin was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-
gathered together behind Abner and be bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone
came a unit, and took their stand on top of in to my father’s concubine?”
a hill. 26Then Abner called to Joab and said, 8Then Abner became very angry at the
“Shall the sword devour forever? Do you words of Ishbosheth, and said, “Am I a
not know that it will be bitter in the latter dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I
end? How long will it be then until you tell show loyalty to the house of Saul your fa
the people to return from pursuing their ther, to his brothers, and to his friends, and
brethren?” have not delivered you into the hand of Da
27And Joab said, “As God lives, unless
vid; and you charge me today with a fault
you had spoken, surely then by morning all concerning this woman? 9May God do so
the people would have given up pursuing to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for
their brethren.” 28So Joab blew a trumpet; David as the Lord has sworn to him—10to
and all the people stood still and did not transfer the kingdom from the house of
pursue Israel anymore, nor did they fight Saul, and set up the throne of David over
anymore. 29Then Abner and his men went Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beer
on all that night through the plain, crossed sheba.” 11And he could not answer Abner
over the Jordan, and went through all Bith another word, because he feared him.
ron; and they came to Mahanaim.
30So Joab returned from pursuing Abner.
And when he had gathered all the people 2 Samuel 3:10
together, there were missing of David’s ser The phrase “over Israel and over
vants nineteen men and Asahel. 31But the Judah” shows the division that was
servants of David had struck down, of Ben occurring among God’s people. In this
jamin and Abner’s men, three hundred and verse, “Judah” refers to David’s tribe
sixty men who died. 32Then they took up and his followers and “Israel” refers to
Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb, the tribes who followed Saul and his
which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his descendants.
men went all night, and they came to He
bron at daybreak.
3
12Then Abner sent messengers on his
Now there was a long war between
the house of Saul and the house behalf to David, saying, “Whose is the
of David. But David grew stronger land?” saying also, “Make your covenant
and stronger, and the house of Saul grew with me, and indeed my hand shall be with
weaker and weaker. you to bring all Israel to you.”
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13And David said, “Good, I will make a who brought him back from the well of
covenant with you. But one thing I require Sirah. But David did not know it. 27Now
of you: you shall not see my face unless you when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab
first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when took him aside in the gate to speak with
you come to see my face.” 14So David sent him privately, and there stabbed him in the
messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, say stomach, so that he died for the blood of
ing, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I be Asahel his brother.
28Afterward, when David heard it, he
trothed to myself for a hundred foreskins
of the Philistines.” 15And Ishbosheth sent said, “My kingdom and I are guiltless be
and took her from her husband, from Pal fore the Lord forever of the blood of Abner
tiela the son of Laish. 16Then her husband the son of Ner. 29Let it rest on the head of
went along with her to Bahurim, weeping Joab and on all his father’s house; and let
behind her. So Abner said to him, “Go, re there never fail to be in the house of Joab
turn!” And he returned. one who has a discharge or is a leper, who
17Now Abner had communicated with leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or
the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you who lacks bread.” 30So Joab and Abishai
were seeking for David to be king over you. his brother killed Abner, because he had
18Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the
of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant battle.
David, Ia will save My people Israel from
the hand of the Philistines and the hand of
all their enemies.’ ” 19And Abner also spoke 2 Samuel 3:31
Grief was a much more public emo
in the hearing of Benjamin. Then Abner
tion in ancient times than it is today.
also went to speak in the hearing of David
People demonstrated their feelings
in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel
of loss and sadness by tearing their
and the whole house of Benjamin.
20So Abner and twenty men with him clothes, putting ashes or dust in their
hair, and wearing really uncomfort
came to David at Hebron. And David made
able clothes called sackcloth. These
a feast for Abner and the men who were
outward signs were used both for
with him. 21Then Abner said to David, “I
mourning a death and for repenting
will arise and go, and gather all Israel to my
of sin, and were often continued for
lord the king, that they may make a cove
several days.
nant with you, and that you may reign over
all that your heart desires.” So David sent
Abner away, and he went in peace. David’s Mourning for Abner
Joab Murders Abner 31Then David said to Joab and to all the
22At that moment the servants of David and people who were with him, “Tear your
Joab came from a raid and brought much clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth,
spoil with them. But Abner was not with and mourn for Abner.” And King David fol
David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, lowed the coffin. 32So they buried Abner
and he had gone in peace. 23When Joab and in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice
all the troops that were with him had come, and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the
they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner people wept. 33And the king sang a lament
came to the king, and he sent him away, over Abner and said:
and he has gone in peace.” 24Then Joab “ Should Abner die as a fool dies?
came to the king and said, “What have you 34 Your hands were not bound
done? Look, Abner came to you; why is it Nor your feet put into fetters;
that you sent him away, and he has already As a man falls before wicked men, so
gone? 25Surely you realize that Abner the you fell.”
son of Ner came to deceive you, to know
your going out and your coming in, and to 3:15 aSpelled Palti in 1 Samuel 25:44
know all that you are doing.” 3:18 aFollowing many Hebrew manuscripts,
26And when Joab had gone from David’s Septuagint, Syriac, and Targum; Masoretic Text
presence, he sent messengers after Abner, reads he.
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371 2 SAMUEL 5:8
Then all the people wept over him again. has avenged my lord the king this day of
35And when all the people came to per Saul and his descendants.”
suade David to eat food while it was still 9But David answered Rechab and Baa
day, David took an oath, saying, “God do so nah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the
to me, and more also, if I taste bread or any Beerothite, and said to them, “As the Lord
thing else till the sun goes down!” 36Now all lives, who has redeemed my life from all
the people took note of it, and it pleased adversity, 10when someone told me, say
them, since whatever the king did pleased ing, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have
all the people. 37For all the people and all brought good news, I arrested him and
Israel understood that day that it had not had him executed in Ziklag—the one who
been the king’s intent to kill Abner the son thought I would give him a reward for his
of Ner. 38Then the king said to his servants, news. 11How much more, when wicked
“Do you not know that a prince and a great men have killed a righteous person in his
man has fallen this day in Israel? 39And own house on his bed? Therefore, shall I
I am weak today, though anointed king; not now require his blood at your hand
and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are and remove you from the earth?” 12So Da
too harsh for me. The Lord shall repay the vid commanded his young men, and they
evildoer according to his wickedness.” executed them, cut off their hands and feet,
and hanged them by the pool in Hebron.
Ishbosheth Is Murdered But they took the head of Ishbosheth and
4
When Saul’s sona heard that Abner buried it in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.
had died in Hebron, he lost heart,
David Reigns over All Israel
and all Israel was troubled. 2Now
5
Saul’s son had two men who were captains Then all the tribes of Israel came
of troops. The name of one was Baanah to David at Hebron and spoke, say
and the name of the other Rechab, the sons ing, “Indeed we are your bone and
of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children your flesh. 2Also, in time past, when Saul
of Benjamin. (For Beeroth also was part of was king over us, you were the one who
Benjamin, 3because the Beerothites fled to led Israel out and brought them in; and
Gittaim and have been sojourners there the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd
until this day.) My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’ ”
4Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who 3Therefore all the elders of Israel came to
was lame in his feet. He was five years old the king at Hebron, and King David made
when the news about Saul and Jonathan a covenant with them at Hebron before the
came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him Lord. And they anointed David king over
up and fled. And it happened, as she made Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he
haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
His name was Mephibosheth.a 5In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven
5Then the sons of Rimmon the Beeroth years and six months, and in Jerusalem
ite, Rechab and Baanah, set out and came he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel
at about the heat of the day to the house and Judah.
of Ishbosheth, who was lying on his bed
at noon. 6And they came there, all the way The Conquest of Jerusalem
into the house, as though to get wheat, and 6And the king and his men went to Jerusa
they stabbed him in the stomach. Then lem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants
Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. of the land, who spoke to David, saying,
7For when they came into the house, he
“You shall not come in here; but the blind
was lying on his bed in his bedroom; then and the lame will repel you,” thinking, “Da
they struck him and killed him, beheaded vid cannot come in here.” 7Nevertheless
him and took his head, and were all night David took the stronghold of Zion (that is,
escaping through the plain. 8And they the City of David).
brought the head of Ishbosheth to David at 8Now David said on that day, “Whoever
Hebron, and said to the king, “Here is the
head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul your 4:1 aThat is, Ishbosheth 4:4 aCalled Merib-Baal
enemy, who sought your life; and the Lord in 1 Chronicles 8:34 and 9:40
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2 SAMUEL 5:9 372
climbs up by way of the water shaft and de 24And it shall be, when you hear the sound
feats the Jebusites (the lame and the blind, of marching in the tops of the mulberry
who are hated by David’s soul), he shall be trees, then you shall advance quickly. For
chief and captain.”a Therefore they say, then the Lord will go out before you to
“The blind and the lame shall not come strike the camp of the Philistines.” 25And
into the house.” David did so, as the Lord commanded
9Then David dwelt in the stronghold, him; and he drove back the Philistines
and called it the City of David. And David from Gebaa as far as Gezer.
built all around from the Milloa and inward.
10So David went on and became great, and The Ark Brought
the Lord God of hosts was with him. to Jerusalem
6
11Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messen
Again David gathered all the choice
gers to David, and cedar trees, and carpen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2And
ters and masons. And they built David a David arose and went with all the
house. 12So David knew that the Lord had people who were with him from Baale Ju
established him as king over Israel, and dah to bring up from there the ark of God,
that He had exalted His kingdom for the whose name is called by the Name,a the
sake of His people Israel. Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the
13And David took more concubines and
cherubim. 3So they set the ark of God on a
wives from Jerusalem, after he had come new cart, and brought it out of the house
from Hebron. Also more sons and daugh of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uz
ters were born to David. 14Now these are zah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove
the names of those who were born to him the new cart.a 4And they brought it out of
in Jerusalem: Shammua,a Shobab, Nathan, the house of Abinadab, which was on the
Solomon, 15Ibhar, Elishua,a Nepheg, Japhia, hill, accompanying the ark of God; and
16Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
Ahio went before the ark. 5Then David and
all the house of Israel played music before
The Philistines Defeated the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir
17Now when the Philistines heard that wood, on harps, on stringed instruments,
they had anointed David king over Israel, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on
all the Philistines went up to search for cymbals.
6And when they came to Nachon’s
David. And David heard of it and went
down to the stronghold. 18The Philistines threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand
also went and deployed themselves in the to the ark of God and took hold of it, for
Valley of Rephaim. 19So David inquired of the oxen stumbled. 7Then the anger of
the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and
Philistines? Will You deliver them into my God struck him there for his error; and
hand?” he died there by the ark of God. 8And Da
And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for vid became angry because of the Lord’s
I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the
your hand.” name of the place Perez Uzzaha to this day.
20So David went to Baal Perazim, and 9David was afraid of the Lord that day;
David defeated them there; and he said, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord
“The Lord has broken through my ene come to me?” 10So David would not move
mies before me, like a breakthrough of wa the ark of the Lord with him into the City
ter.” Therefore he called the name of that
5:8 aCompare 1 Chronicles 11:6 5:9 aLiterally
place Baal Perazim.a 21And they left their The Landfill 5:14 aSpelled Shimea in
images there, and David and his men car 1 Chronicles 3:5 5:15 aSpelled Elishama in
ried them away. 1 Chronicles 3:6 5:20 aLiterally Master of
22Then the Philistines went up once
Breakthroughs 5:25 aFollowing Masoretic Text,
again and deployed themselves in the Val Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads Gibeon.
ley of Rephaim. 23Therefore David inquired 6:2 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate omit by
of the Lord, and He said, “You shall not go the Name; many Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac
up; circle around behind them, and come read there. 6:3 aSeptuagint adds with the ark.
upon them in front of the mulberry trees. 6:8 aLiterally Outburst Against Uzzah
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373 2 SAMUEL 7:11
of David; but David took it aside into the ruler over the people of the Lord, over Is
house of Obed- Edom the Gittite. 11The rael. Therefore I will play music before the
ark of the Lord remained in the house of Lord. 22And I will be even more undigni
Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And fied than this, and will be humble in my
the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his own sight. But as for the maidservants of
household. whom you have spoken, by them I will be
12Now it was told King David, saying,
held in honor.”
“The Lord has blessed the house of Obed- 23Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul
Edom and all that belongs to him, because had no children to the day of her death.
of the ark of God.” So David went and
brought up the ark of God from the house God’s Covenant with David
of Obed-Edom to the City of David with
7
Now it came to pass when the king
gladness. 13And so it was, when those bear
was dwelling in his house, and the
ing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces,
Lord had given him rest from all his
that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
14Then David danced before the Lord enemies all around, 2that the king said to
with all his might; and David was wearing Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a
a linen ephod. 15So David and all the house house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells
of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord inside tent curtains.”
3Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do
with shouting and with the sound of the
trumpet. all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with
16Now as the ark of the Lord came into you.”
4But it happened that night that the
the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter,
looked through a window and saw King Da word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying,
5“Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says
vid leaping and whirling before the Lord;
and she despised him in her heart. 17So they the Lord: “Would you build a house for Me
brought the ark of the Lord, and set it in to dwell in? 6For I have not dwelt in a house
its place in the midst of the tabernacle that since the time that I brought the children
David had erected for it. Then David offered of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day,
burnt offerings and peace offerings before but have moved about in a tent and in a
the Lord. 18And when David had finished tabernacle. 7Wherever I have moved about
offering burnt offerings and peace offer with all the children of Israel, have I ever
ings, he blessed the people in the name of spoken a word to anyone from the tribes
the Lord of hosts. 19Then he distributed of Israel, whom I commanded to shep
among all the people, among the whole herd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have
multitude of Israel, both the women and you not built Me a house of cedar?’ ” ’ 8Now
the men, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece therefore, thus shall you say to My servant
of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the peo David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “I took
ple departed, everyone to his house. you from the sheepfold, from following the
20Then David returned to bless his sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Is
household. And Michal the daughter of rael. 9And I have been with you wherever
Saul came out to meet David, and said, you have gone, and have cut off all your en
“How glorious was the king of Israel today, emies from before you, and have made you
uncovering himself today in the eyes of the a great name, like the name of the great
maids of his servants, as one of the base fel men who are on the earth. 10Moreover I
lows shamelessly uncovers himself !” 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
Worship shall the sons of wickedness oppress them
How should we worship God? anymore, as previously, 11since the time
2 Samuel 6:21 that I commanded judges to be over My
people Israel, and have caused you to rest
from all your enemies. Also the Lord tells
21So David said to Michal, “It was before
you that He will make you a house.a
the Lord, who chose me instead of your
father and all his house, to appoint me 7:11 aThat is, a royal dynasty
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2 SAMUEL 7:12 374
12“When your days are fulfilled and you
rest with your fathers, I will set up your God
seed after you, who will come from your Is God unique?
body, and I will establish his kingdom. 2 Samuel 7:22
13He shall build a house for My name,
and I will establish the throne of his king
dom forever. 14I will be his Father, and he 25“Now, O Lord God, the word which
shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I You have spoken concerning Your servant
will chasten him with the rod of men and and concerning his house, establish it for
with the blows of the sons of men. 15But ever and do as You have said. 26So let Your
My mercy shall not depart from him, as I name be magnified forever, saying, ‘The
took it from Saul, whom I removed from Lord of hosts is the God over Israel.’ And
before you. 16And your house and your let the house of Your servant David be es
kingdom shall be established forever be tablished before You. 27For You, O Lord
fore you.a Your throne shall be established of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed this
forever.” ’ ” to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a
house.’ Therefore Your servant has found it
Obedience in his heart to pray this prayer to You.
28“And now, O Lord God, You are God,
Who does God discipline? and Your words are true, and You have
2 Samuel 7:14 promised this goodness to Your servant.
29Now therefore, let it please You to bless
17According to all these words and ac the house of Your servant, that it may con
cording to all this vision, so Nathan spoke tinue before You forever; for You, O Lord
to David. God, have spoken it, and with Your bless
ing let the house of Your servant be blessed
forever.”
David’s Thanksgiving to God
18Then King David went in and sat before David’s Further Conquests
the Lord; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord
8
After this it came to pass that David
God? And what is my house, that You have attacked the Philistines and sub
brought me this far? 19And yet this was a dued them. And David took Metheg
small thing in Your sight, O Lord God; and Ammah from the hand of the Philistines.
You have also spoken of Your servant’s 2Then he defeated Moab. Forcing them
house for a great while to come. Is this the
down to the ground, he measured them off
manner of man, O Lord God? 20Now what
with a line. With two lines he measured off
more can David say to You? For You, Lord
those to be put to death, and with one full
God, know Your servant. 21For Your word’s
line those to be kept alive. So the Moabites
sake, and according to Your own heart, You
became David’s servants, and brought
have done all these great things, to make
Your servant know them. 22Therefore You tribute.
are great, O Lord God.a For there is none
like You, nor is there any God besides You,
according to all that we have heard with
2 Samuel 8:3
When David conquered Zobah in the
our ears. 23And who is like Your people, like
northeast part of Israel, he extended
Israel, the one nation on the earth whom
his kingdom more than 150 miles
God went to redeem for Himself as a peo
north of Jerusalem.
ple, to make for Himself a name—and to
do for Yourself great and awesome deeds
for Your land—before Your people whom 3David also defeated Hadadezer the son
You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to re
nations, and their gods? 24For You have cover his territory at the River Euphrates.
made Your people Israel Your very own
people forever; and You, Lord, have be 7:16 aSeptuagint reads Me.
7:22 aTargum and
come their God. Syriac read O Lord God.
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375 2 SAMUEL 9:9
4David took from him one thousand chari- of Ahilud was recorder; 17Zadok the son of
ots, seven hundreda horsemen, and twenty Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar
thousand foot soldiers. Also David ham were the priests; Seraiaha was the scribe;
strung all the chariot horses, except that 18Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over
he spared enough of them for one hundred both the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
chariots. and David’s sons were chief ministers.
5When the Syrians of Damascus came to
help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed David’s Kindness
twenty-two thousand of the Syrians. 6Then to Mephibosheth
David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus;
9
and the Syrians became David’s servants, Now David said, “Is there still any
and brought tribute. So the Lord preserved one who is left of the house of Saul,
David wherever he went. 7And David took that I may show him kindness for
the shields of gold that had belonged to the Jonathan’s sake?”
2And there was a servant of the house of
servants of Hadadezer, and brought them
to Jerusalem. 8Also from Betaha and from Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they
Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David had called him to David, the king said to
took a large amount of bronze. him, “Are you Ziba?”
9When Toia king of Hamath heard that He said, “At your service!”
3Then the king said, “Is there not still
David had defeated all the army of Hada
dezer, 10then Toi sent Jorama his son to someone of the house of Saul, to whom I
King David, to greet him and bless him, may show the kindness of God?”
because he had fought against Hadadezer And Ziba said to the king, “There is still
and defeated him (for Hadadezer had been a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.”
4So the king said to him, “Where is he?”
at war with Toi); and Joram brought with
him articles of silver, articles of gold, and And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is
articles of bronze. 11King David also dedi in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel,
cated these to the Lord, along with the in Lo Debar.”
5Then King David sent and brought him
silver and gold that he had dedicated from
all the nations which he had subdued— out of the house of Machir the son of Am
12from Syria,a from Moab, from the people miel, from Lo Debar.
6Now when Mephibosheth the son of
of Ammon, from the Philistines, from Ama
lek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to Da
son of Rehob, king of Zobah. vid, he fell on his face and prostrated him
13And David made himself a name when self. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?”
he returned from killing eighteen thousand And he answered, “Here is your servant!”
7So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I
Syriansa in the Valley of Salt. 14He also put
garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom will surely show you kindness for Jonathan
he put garrisons, and all the Edomites be your father’s sake, and will restore to you
came David’s servants. And the Lord pre all the land of Saul your grandfather; and
served David wherever he went. you shall eat bread at my table continually.”
8Then he bowed himself, and said,
“What is your servant, that you should look
Leadership upon such a dead dog as I?”
9And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s ser
What are the qualities of a
vant, and said to him, “I have given to your
good leader?
2 Samuel 8:15 8:4 aOr seven thousand (compare 1 Chronicles
18:4) 8:8 aSpelled Tibhath in 1 Chronicles
18:8 8:9 aSpelled Tou in 1 Chronicles 18:9
David’s Administration 8:10 aSpelled Hadoram in 1 Chronicles 18:10
8:12 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and some Hebrew
15So David reigned over all Israel; and Da
manuscripts read Edom. 8:13 aSeptuagint,
vid administered judgment and justice to Syriac, and some Hebrew manuscripts read
all his people. 16Joab the son of Zeruiah Edomites (compare 1 Chronicles 18:12).
was over the army; Jehoshaphat the son 8:17 aSpelled Shavsha in 1 Chronicles 18:16
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Profile
Mephibosheth
Not long after David became king of Israel, he made inquiries about the family of Saul, the
previous king. His good friend Jonathan, Saul’s son, had died with his father in battle. The
news came back that Saul’s entire family had been killed with one exception: Jonathan’s
son Mephibosheth. A nurse hurrying to save the orphan had dropped him, and Me
phibosheth had grown up lame.
David honored and protected Mephibosheth out of respect for Jonathan. He
guaranteed Mephibosheth’s family property and welcomed the young man to the royal
table. Later, Mephibosheth was betrayed by his servant Ziba who convinced a fleeing
David that Mephibosheth still held hopes of reclaiming the crown for his family. In his
words of humble reconciliation, Mephibosheth offered as fine an example of honesty and
gratitude as found anywhere in Scripture.
Lame as he was, Mephibosheth was dependent on others. Some, like Ziba, took
advantage of him. Others, like David, respected him in spite of his limitations.
Mephibosheth understood where gratitude was due. When he was accused, he did
everything he could to make the matter right and acted with dignity and integrity.
+ Making a Difference:
You may be frustrated by the limitations in your life. We all have them. They come in all
sizes and shapes. Some are physical; others are emotional, educational, or social. It will
take self-control not to lobby for fairness or demand your own way. As with
Mephibosheth, limitations don’t have to become excuses. In the very act of persisting in
spite of your limitations, you will be an example to others. To those without limitation,
you can be an inspiration; to those with limitations, you can offer hope. Your efforts will
make a difference.
Want to know more?
Read about Mephibosheth’s life in 2 Samuel 4; 9:1–13; 16:1–4; 19:24–30.
Mephibosheth suffered some real challenges, both physical and personal.
But he did his best with what he had, and so he made a real difference. You
can, too!
master’s son all that belonged to Saul and son whose name was Micha. And all who
to all his house. 10You therefore, and your dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of
sons and your servants, shall work the land Mephibosheth. 13So Mephibosheth dwelt
for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the
that your master’s son may have food to king’s table. And he was lame in both his
eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son feet.
shall eat bread at my table always.” Now
Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. The Ammonites and Syrians
11Then Ziba said to the king, “According Defeated
10
to all that my lord the king has commanded It happened after this that the
his servant, so will your servant do.” king of the people of Ammon
“As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, died, and Hanun his son reigned
“he shall eat at my tablea like one of the
king’s sons.” 12Mephibosheth had a young 9:11 aSeptuagint reads David’s table.
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377 2 SAMUEL 11:5
in his place.2Then David said, “I will show the people of Ammon and went to Jerusa
kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as lem.
his father showed kindness to me.” 15When the Syrians saw that they had
So David sent by the hand of his servants been defeated by Israel, they gathered
to comfort him concerning his father. And together. 16Then Hadadezera sent and
David’s servants came into the land of the brought out the Syrians who were beyond
people of Ammon. 3And the princes of the the River,b and they came to Helam. And
people of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s
“Do you think that David really honors army went before them. 17When it was
your father because he has sent comforters told David, he gathered all Israel, crossed
to you? Has David not rather sent his ser over the Jordan, and came to Helam. And
vants to you to search the city, to spy it out, the Syrians set themselves in battle array
and to overthrow it?” against David and fought with him. 18Then
4Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, the Syrians fled before Israel; and David
shaved off half of their beards, cut off their killed seven hundred charioteers and forty
garments in the middle, at their buttocks, thousand horsemen of the Syrians, and
and sent them away. 5When they told Da struck Shobach the commander of their
vid, he sent to meet them, because the men army, who died there. 19And when all the
were greatly ashamed. And the king said, kings who were servants to Hadadezera
“Wait at Jericho until your beards have saw that they were defeated by Israel, they
grown, and then return.” made peace with Israel and served them.
6When the people of Ammon saw that So the Syrians were afraid to help the peo
they had made themselves repulsive to Da ple of Ammon anymore.
vid, the people of Ammon sent and hired
the Syrians of Beth Rehob and the Syrians
of Zoba, twenty thousand foot soldiers; Lust
and from the king of Maacah one thousand To what can sexual lust lead?
men, and from Ish-Tob twelve thousand 2 Samuel 11:1–4
men. 7Now when David heard of it, he sent
Joab and all the army of the mighty men.
8Then the people of Ammon came out and David, Bathsheba, and Uriah
11
put themselves in battle array at the en It happened in the spring of the
trance of the gate. And the Syrians of Zoba, year, at the time when kings go
Beth Rehob, Ish-Tob, and Maacah were by out to battle, that David sent
themselves in the field. Joab and his servants with him, and all
9When Joab saw that the battle line was
Israel; and they destroyed the people of
against him before and behind, he chose Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David
some of Israel’s best and put them in battle remained at Jerusalem.
array against the Syrians. 10And the rest of 2Then it happened one evening that Da
the people he put under the command of vid arose from his bed and walked on the
Abishai his brother, that he might set them roof of the king’s house. And from the roof
in battle array against the people of Am he saw a woman bathing, and the woman
mon. 11Then he said, “If the Syrians are too was very beautiful to behold. 3So David
strong for me, then you shall help me; but sent and inquired about the woman. And
if the people of Ammon are too strong for someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the
you, then I will come and help you. 12Be of daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the
good courage, and let us be strong for our Hittite?” 4Then David sent messengers,
people and for the cities of our God. And and took her; and she came to him, and he
may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” lay with her, for she was cleansed from her
13So Joab and the people who were with
impurity; and she returned to her house.
him drew near for the battle against the 5And the woman conceived; so she sent
Syrians, and they fled before him. 14When and told David, and said, “I am with child.”
the people of Ammon saw that the Syrians
were fleeing, they also fled before Abishai, 10:16 aHebrew Hadarezer bThat is, the
and entered the city. So Joab returned from Euphrates 10:19 aHebrew Hadarezer
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2 SAMUEL 11:6 378
the messenger, saying, “When you have
2 Samuel 11:2 finished telling the matters of the war to
The typical home in ancient Israel was the king, 20if it happens that the king’s
built with a flat roof surrounded by wrath rises, and he says to you: ‘Why did
a low wall. The roof, which could be you approach so near to the city when you
reached by an outside stairway, was fought? Did you not know that they would
used as everything from a sleeping shoot from the wall? 21Who struck Abime
area to a patio or deck. lech the son of Jerubbesheth?a Was it not a
woman who cast a piece of a millstone on
him from the wall, so that he died in The
6Then David sent to Joab, saying, “Send
bez? Why did you go near the wall?’—then
me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hit
to David. 7When Uriah had come to him, tite is dead also.’ ”
David asked how Joab was doing, and how
the people were doing, and how the war
prospered. 8And David said to Uriah, “Go 2 Samuel 11:21
down to your house and wash your feet.” So The Hittites were former enemies of
Uriah departed from the king’s house, and Israel who apparently decided to team
a gift of food from the king followed him. up with David. Unlike most Hittites,
9But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s who worshiped pagan gods, Uriah ap
house with all the servants of his lord, and parently worshiped the one true God.
did not go down to his house. 10So when Uriah’s Hebrew name means “Flame
they told David, saying, “Uriah did not go of God.”
down to his house,” David said to Uriah,
“Did you not come from a journey? Why
22So the messenger went, and came and
did you not go down to your house?”
11And Uriah said to David, “The ark and told David all that Joab had sent by him.
23And the messenger said to David, “Surely
Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and
my lord Joab and the servants of my lord the men prevailed against us and came out
are encamped in the open fields. Shall I to us in the field; then we drove them back
then go to my house to eat and drink, and as far as the entrance of the gate. 24The ar
to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your chers shot from the wall at your servants;
soul lives, I will not do this thing.” and some of the king’s servants are dead, and
12Then David said to Uriah, “Wait here your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.”
25Then David said to the messenger,
today also, and tomorrow I will let you de
part.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that “Thus you shall say to Joab: ‘Do not let this
day and the next. 13Now when David called thing displease you, for the sword devours
him, he ate and drank before him; and he one as well as another. Strengthen your at
made him drunk. And at evening he went tack against the city, and overthrow it.’ So
out to lie on his bed with the servants of his encourage him.”
lord, but he did not go down to his house. 26When the wife of Uriah heard that
14In the morning it happened that Da Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned
vid wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by for her husband. 27And when her mourn
the hand of Uriah. 15And he wrote in the ing was over, David sent and brought her
letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront to his house, and she became his wife and
of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, bore him a son. But the thing that David
that he may be struck down and die.” 16So had done displeased the Lord.
it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he
assigned Uriah to a place where he knew Nathan’s Parable and David’s
there were valiant men. 17Then the men Confession
12
of the city came out and fought with Joab. Then the Lord sent Nathan to
And some of the people of the servants of David. And he came to him, and
David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also. said to him: “There were two
18Then Joab sent and told David all the
things concerning the war, 19and charged 11:21 aSame as Jerubbaal (Gideon), Judges 6:32ff
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379 2 SAMUEL 12:24
men in one city, one rich and the other also has put away your sin; you shall not
poor. 2The rich man had exceedingly many die. 14However, because by this deed you
flocks and herds. 3But the poor man had have given great occasion to the enemies
nothing, except one little ewe lamb which of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also
he had bought and nourished; and it grew who is born to you shall surely die.” 15Then
up together with him and with his chil Nathan departed to his house.
dren. It ate of his own food and drank from
his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it The Death of David’s Son
was like a daughter to him. 4And a traveler And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s
came to the rich man, who refused to take
wife bore to David, and it became ill. 16Da
from his own flock and from his own herd
vid therefore pleaded with God for the
to prepare one for the wayfaring man who
child, and David fasted and went in and lay
had come to him; but he took the poor
all night on the ground. 17So the elders of
man’s lamb and prepared it for the man
his house arose and went to him, to raise
who had come to him.”
5So David’s anger was greatly aroused him up from the ground. But he would not,
nor did he eat food with them. 18Then on
against the man, and he said to Nathan,
the seventh day it came to pass that the
“As the Lord lives, the man who has done
child died. And the servants of David were
this shall surely die! 6And he shall restore
afraid to tell him that the child was dead.
fourfold for the lamb, because he did this
For they said, “Indeed, while the child was
thing and because he had no pity.”
7Then Nathan said to David, “You are alive, we spoke to him, and he would not
the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: heed our voice. How can we tell him that
‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I de the child is dead? He may do some harm!”
19When David saw that his servants
livered you from the hand of Saul. 8I gave
you your master’s house and your master’s were whispering, David perceived that the
wives into your keeping, and gave you the child was dead. Therefore David said to his
house of Israel and Judah. And if that had servants, “Is the child dead?”
been too little, I also would have given you And they said, “He is dead.”
20So David arose from the ground,
much more! 9Why have you despised the
commandment of the Lord, to do evil in washed and anointed himself, and changed
His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hit his clothes; and he went into the house of
tite with the sword; you have taken his the Lord and worshiped. Then he went
wife to be your wife, and have killed him to his own house; and when he requested,
with the sword of the people of Ammon. they set food before him, and he ate. 21Then
10Now therefore, the sword shall never de his servants said to him, “What is this that
part from your house, because you have you have done? You fasted and wept for the
despised Me, and have taken the wife of child while he was alive, but when the child
Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11Thus died, you arose and ate food.”
22And he said, “While the child was alive,
says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up ad
versity against you from your own house; I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell
and I will take your wives before your eyes whether the Lorda will be gracious to me,
and give them to your neighbor, and he that the child may live?’ 23But now he is
shall lie with your wives in the sight of this dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him
sun. 12For you did it secretly, but I will do back again? I shall go to him, but he shall
this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’ ” not return to me.”
Solomon Is Born
Sin 24Then David comforted Bathsheba his
Does sin have consequences? wife, and went in to her and lay with her.
2 Samuel 12:9–12 So she bore a son, and hea called his name
12:22 aA few Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac
13So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned
read God. 12:24 aFollowing Kethib, Septuagint,
against the Lord.” and Vulgate; Qere, a few Hebrew manuscripts,
And Nathan said to David, “The Lord Syriac, and Targum read she.
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2 SAMUEL 12:25 380
Solomon. Now the Lord loved him, 25and Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my
He sent word by the hand of Nathan the brother Absalom’s sister.”
prophet: So hea called his name Jedidiah,b 5So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on
because of the Lord. your bed and pretend to be ill. And when
your father comes to see you, say to him,
‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give
2 Samuel 12:25 me food, and prepare the food in my sight,
The name Jedidiah means “Loved by that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’ ”
the Lord.” Nathan gave Solomon this 6Then Amnon lay down and pretended to
name to indicate that God had for be ill; and when the king came to see him,
given David. Not only would Solomon Amnon said to the king, “Please let Tamar
live—unlike his older brother—but my sister come and make a couple of cakes
he would eventually become king of for me in my sight, that I may eat from her
Israel. hand.”
7And David sent home to Tamar, saying,
“Now go to your brother Amnon’s house,
Rabbah Is Captured and prepare food for him.” 8So Tamar went
26Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the to her brother Amnon’s house; and he
people of Ammon, and took the royal city. was lying down. Then she took flour and
27And Joab sent messengers to David, and kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and
said, “I have fought against Rabbah, and I baked the cakes. 9And she took the pan
have taken the city’s water supply. 28Now and placed them out before him, but he
therefore, gather the rest of the people to refused to eat. Then Amnon said, “Have
gether and encamp against the city and everyone go out from me.” And they all
take it, lest I take the city and it be called went out from him. 10Then Amnon said to
after my name.” 29So David gathered all Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom,
the people together and went to Rabbah, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar
fought against it, and took it. 30Then he took the cakes which she had made, and
took their king’s crown from his head. Its brought them to Amnon her brother in the
weight was a talent of gold, with precious bedroom. 11Now when she had brought
stones. And it was set on David’s head. them to him to eat, he took hold of her and
Also he brought out the spoil of the city in said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.”
12But she answered him, “No, my
great abundance. 31And he brought out the
people who were in it, and put them to work brother, do not force me, for no such thing
with saws and iron picks and iron axes, and should be done in Israel. Do not do this dis
made them cross over to the brick works. graceful thing! 13And I, where could I take
So he did to all the cities of the people of my shame? And as for you, you would be
Ammon. Then David and all the people re like one of the fools in Israel. Now there
turned to Jerusalem. fore, please speak to the king; for he will
not withhold me from you.” 14However, he
Amnon and Tamar would not heed her voice; and being stron
ger than she, he forced her and lay with her.
13
After this Absalom the son of 15Then Amnon hated her exceedingly,
David had a lovely sister, whose so that the hatred with which he hated
name was Tamar; and Amnon her was greater than the love with which
the son of David loved her. 2Amnon was he had loved her. And Amnon said to her,
so distressed over his sister Tamar that he “Arise, be gone!”
became sick; for she was a virgin. And it 16So she said to him, “No, indeed! This
was improper for Amnon to do anything to evil of sending me away is worse than the
her. 3But Amnon had a friend whose name other that you did to me.”
was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s But he would not listen to her. 17Then he
brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty
man. 4And he said to him, “Why are you, 12:25 aQere, some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac,
the king’s son, becoming thinner day after and Targum read she. bLiterally Beloved of the
day? Will you not tell me?” Lord
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381 2 SAMUEL 13:36
called his servant who attended him, and your servant has sheepshearers; please,
said, “Here! Put this woman out, away from let the king and his servants go with your
me, and bolt the door behind her.” 18Now servant.”
she had on a robe of many colors, for the 25But the king said to Absalom, “No,
king’s virgin daughters wore such apparel. my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a
And his servant put her out and bolted the burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he
door behind her. would not go; and he blessed him.
19Then Tamar put ashes on her head, 26Then Absalom said, “If not, please let
and tore her robe of many colors that was my brother Amnon go with us.”
on her, and laid her hand on her head and And the king said to him, “Why should
went away crying bitterly. 20And Absalom he go with you?” 27But Absalom urged him;
her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go
brother been with you? But now hold your with him.
peace, my sister. He is your brother; do 28Now Absalom had commanded his
not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar re servants, saying, “Watch now, when Am
mained desolate in her brother Absalom’s non’s heart is merry with wine, and when
house. I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him.
Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded
you? Be courageous and valiant.” 29So the
2 Samuel 13:19 servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Ab
In ancient times, a person’s clothing salom had commanded. Then all the king’s
told a lot about them. Apparently, the sons arose, and each one got on his mule
style, color, or design of Tamar’s robe and fled.
indicated that she was the daughter of 30And it came to pass, while they were
the king and a virgin as well. After she on the way, that news came to David, say
was raped, she tore the robe and put ing, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons,
ashes on her head to show her grief. and not one of them is left!” 31So the king
This was the same thing people did to arose and tore his garments and lay on the
mourn the death of a loved one. ground, and all his servants stood by with
their clothes torn. 32Then Jonadab the son
21But when King David heard of all these
of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and
said, “Let not my lord suppose they have
things, he was very angry. 22And Absalom killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for
spoke to his brother Amnon neither good only Amnon is dead. For by the command
nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, be of Absalom this has been determined from
cause he had forced his sister Tamar. the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
33Now therefore, let not my lord the king
take the thing to his heart, to think that all
2 Samuel 13:25 the king’s sons are dead. For only Amnon
Entertaining a king in ancient times
is dead.”
was a pretty expensive job. Not only
did the host have to feed and house
Absalom Flees to Geshur
the king himself; he had to take care
34Then Absalom fled. And the young man
of all the servants and officials who
traveled with the king. King David did who was keeping watch lifted his eyes
not want his son Absalom to have to and looked, and there, many people were
pay for such a visit. coming from the road on the hillside be
hind him.a 35And Jonadab said to the king,
“Look, the king’s sons are coming; as your
Absalom Murders Amnon servant said, so it is.” 36So it was, as soon as
23And it came to pass, after two full years,
he had finished speaking, that the king’s
that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal 13:34 aSeptuagint adds And the watchman
Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom went and told the king, and said, “I see men from
invited all the king’s sons. 24Then Absalom the way of Horonaim, from the regions of the
came to the king and said, “Kindly note, mountains.”
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2 SAMUEL 13:37 382
sons indeed came, and they lifted up their 11Then she said, “Please let the king re
voice and wept. Also the king and all his member the Lord your God, and do not
servants wept very bitterly. permit the avenger of blood to destroy any
37But Absalom fled and went to Talmai more, lest they destroy my son.”
the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And And he said, “As the Lord lives, not one
David mourned for his son every day. 38So hair of your son shall fall to the ground.”
Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was 12Therefore the woman said, “Please, let
there three years. 39And King Davida longed your maidservant speak another word to
to go tob Absalom. For he had been com my lord the king.”
forted concerning Amnon, because he was And he said, “Say on.”
dead. 13So the woman said: “Why then have
you schemed such a thing against the peo
Absalom Returns ple of God? For the king speaks this thing
to Jerusalem as one who is guilty, in that the king does
14
So Joab the son of Zeruiah per not bring his banished one home again.
14For we will surely die and become like wa
ceived that the king’s heart was
concerned about Absalom. 2And ter spilled on the ground, which cannot be
Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there gathered up again. Yet God does not take
a wise woman, and said to her, “Please pre away a life; but He devises means, so that
tend to be a mourner, and put on mourn His banished ones are not expelled from
ing apparel; do not anoint yourself with oil, Him. 15Now therefore, I have come to speak
but act like a woman who has been mourn of this thing to my lord the king because
ing a long time for the dead. 3Go to the king the people have made me afraid. And your
and speak to him in this manner.” So Joab maidservant said, ‘I will now speak to the
put the words in her mouth. king; it may be that the king will perform
4And when the woman of Tekoa spokea the request of his maidservant. 16For the
to the king, she fell on her face to the king will hear and deliver his maidservant
ground and prostrated herself, and said, from the hand of the man who would de
“Help, O king!” stroy me and my son together from the in
5Then the king said to her, “What trou heritance of God.’ 17Your maidservant said,
bles you?” ‘The word of my lord the king will now be
And she answered, “Indeed I am a comforting; for as the angel of God, so is
widow, my husband is dead. 6Now your my lord the king in discerning good and
maidservant had two sons; and the two evil. And may the Lord your God be with
fought with each other in the field, and you.’ ”
18Then the king answered and said to
there was no one to part them, but the one
struck the other and killed him. 7And now the woman, “Please do not hide from me
the whole family has risen up against your anything that I ask you.”
maidservant, and they said, ‘Deliver him And the woman said, “Please, let my lord
who struck his brother, that we may ex the king speak.”
19So the king said, “Is the hand of Joab
ecute him for the life of his brother whom
he killed; and we will destroy the heir also.’ with you in all this?” And the woman an
So they would extinguish my ember that is swered and said, “As you live, my lord the
left, and leave to my husband neither name king, no one can turn to the right hand or
nor remnant on the earth.” to the left from anything that my lord the
8Then the king said to the woman, “Go king has spoken. For your servant Joab
to your house, and I will give orders con commanded me, and he put all these
cerning you.” words in the mouth of your maidservant.
9And the woman of Tekoa said to the
13:39 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac, and
king, “My lord, O king, let the iniquity be on Vulgate; Septuagint reads the spirit of the
me and on my father’s house, and the king king; Targum reads the soul of King David.
and his throne be guiltless.” bFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
10So the king said, “Whoever says any-
Septuagint and Vulgate read ceased to pursue
thing to you, bring him to me, and he shall after. 14:4 aMany Hebrew manuscripts,
not touch you anymore.” Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read came.
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383 2 SAMUEL 15:12
20To bring about this change of affairs your And when he had called for Absalom, he
servant Joab has done this thing; but my came to the king and bowed himself on his
lord is wise, according to the wisdom of the face to the ground before the king. Then
angel of God, to know everything that is in the king kissed Absalom.
the earth.”
21And the king said to Joab, “All right, I Absalom’s Treason
15
have granted this thing. Go therefore, bring After this it happened that Ab
back the young man Absalom.” salom provided himself with
22Then Joab fell to the ground on his
chariots and horses, and fifty
face and bowed himself, and thanked the men to run before him. 2Now Absalom
king. And Joab said, “Today your servant would rise early and stand beside the way
knows that I have found favor in your to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone
sight, my lord, O king, in that the king who had a lawsuit came to the king for a
has fulfilled the request of his servant.” decision, that Absalom would call to him
23So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and
and say, “What city are you from?” And
brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24And
he would say, “Your servant is from such
the king said, “Let him return to his own
and such a tribe of Israel.” 3Then Absa
house, but do not let him see my face.” So
lom would say to him, “Look, your case is
Absalom returned to his own house, but
good and right; but there is no deputy of
did not see the king’s face.
the king to hear you.” 4Moreover Absalom
David Forgives Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in
the land, and everyone who has any suit or
25Now in all Israel there was no one who
cause would come to me; then I would give
was praised as much as Absalom for his him justice.” 5And so it was, whenever any
good looks. From the sole of his foot to one came near to bow down to him, that he
the crown of his head there was no blem would put out his hand and take him and
ish in him. 26And when he cut the hair of kiss him. 6In this manner Absalom acted
his head—at the end of every year he cut toward all Israel who came to the king for
it because it was heavy on him— when judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of
he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head the men of Israel.
at two hundred shekels according to the 7Now it came to pass after fortya years
king’s standard. 27To Absalom were born that Absalom said to the king, “Please, let
three sons, and one daughter whose name me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I
was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful made to the Lord. 8For your servant took
appearance. a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, say
28And Absalom dwelt two full years in
ing, ‘If the Lord indeed brings me back to
Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face. Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’ ”
29Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send 9And the king said to him, “Go in peace.”
him to the king, but he would not come to So he arose and went to Hebron.
him. And when he sent again the second 10Then Absalom sent spies throughout
time, he would not come. 30So he said to his all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as
servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and you hear the sound of the trumpet, then
he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ”
And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 11And with Absalom went two hundred
31Then Joab arose and came to Absa
men invited from Jerusalem, and they went
lom’s house, and said to him, “Why have along innocently and did not know any
your servants set my field on fire?” thing. 12Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel
32And Absalom answered Joab, “Look,
the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his
I sent to you, saying, ‘Come here, so that I city—from Giloh—while he offered sacri
may send you to the king, to say, “Why have fices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for
I come from Geshur? It would be better for the people with Absalom continually in
me to be there still.” ’ Now therefore, let me creased in number.
see the king’s face; but if there is iniquity in
me, let him execute me.” 15:7 aSeptuagint manuscripts, Syriac, and
33So Joab went to the king and told him. Josephus read four.
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2 SAMUEL 15:13 384
David Escapes crossed over. The king himself also crossed
from Jerusalem over the Brook Kidron, and all the people
13Now a messenger came to David, saying, crossed over toward the way of the wilder
“The hearts of the men of Israel are with ness.
24There was Zadok also, and all the Le
Absalom.”
14So David said to all his servants who vites with him, bearing the ark of the cov
were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let enant of God. And they set down the ark
us flee, or we shall not escape from Absa of God, and Abiathar went up until all the
lom. Make haste to depart, lest he over people had finished crossing over from the
take us suddenly and bring disaster upon city. 25Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry
us, and strike the city with the edge of the the ark of God back into the city. If I find
sword.” favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring
15And the king’s servants said to the me back and show me both it and His dwell
king, “We are your servants, ready to do ing place. 26But if He says thus: ‘I have no
whatever my lord the king commands.” delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me
16Then the king went out with all his as seems good to Him.” 27The king also said
household after him. But the king left ten to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Re
women, concubines, to keep the house. turn to the city in peace, and your two sons
17And the king went out with all the people with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan
after him, and stopped at the outskirts. the son of Abiathar. 28See, I will wait in the
18Then all his servants passed before him; plains of the wilderness until word comes
and all the Cherethites, all the Pelethites, from you to inform me.” 29Therefore Zadok
and all the Gittites, six hundred men who and Abiathar carried the ark of God back
had followed him from Gath, passed before to Jerusalem. And they remained there.
the king.
2 Samuel 15:24
2 Samuel 15:18 The ark of the covenant contained the
Gath was one of the five capital cities two flat stones on which God wrote
of the Philistines. The six hundred the Ten Commandments. The ark was
soldiers mentioned here had served the centerpiece of Israel’s worship of
with David while he was living with God. It had been captured once before
the Philistines to avoid the murderous in a war against the Philistines. The
King Saul. result was disaster for both the Philis
tines and the Israelites. David did not
want to risk losing it again.
19Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite,
“Why are you also going with us? Return
30So David went up by the Ascent of the
and remain with the king. For you are a
foreigner and also an exile from your own Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up;
place. 20In fact, you came only yesterday. and he had his head covered and went
Should I make you wander up and down barefoot. And all the people who were
with us today, since I go I know not where? with him covered their heads and went up,
Return, and take your brethren back. weeping as they went up. 31Then someone
Mercy and truth be with you.” told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among
21But Ittai answered the king and said, the conspirators with Absalom.” And David
“As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of
lives, surely in whatever place my lord the Ahithophel into foolishness!”
king shall be, whether in death or life, even 32Now it happened when David had
there also your servant will be.” come to the top of the mountain, where
22So David said to Ittai, “Go, and cross he worshiped God—there was Hushai the
over.” Then Ittai the Gittite and all his Archite coming to meet him with his robe
men and all the little ones who were with torn and dust on his head. 33David said to
him crossed over. 23And all the country him, “If you go on with me, then you will
wept with a loud voice, and all the people become a burden to me. 34But if you re
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turn to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will when he cursed: “Come out! Come out! You
be your servant, O king; as I was your fa bloodthirsty man, you rogue! 8The Lord
ther’s servant previously, so I will now also has brought upon you all the blood of the
be your servant,’ then you may defeat the house of Saul, in whose place you have
counsel of Ahithophel for me. 35And do you reigned; and the Lord has delivered the
not have Zadok and Abiathar the priests kingdom into the hand of Absalom your
with you there? Therefore it will be that son. So now you are caught in your own
whatever you hear from the king’s house, evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!”
9Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to
you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the
priests. 36Indeed they have there with them the king, “Why should this dead dog curse
their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and my lord the king? Please, let me go over
Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you and take off his head!”
10But the king said, “What have I to do
shall send me everything you hear.”
37So Hushai, David’s friend, went into with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him
the city. And Absalom came into Jerusa curse, because the Lord has said to him,
lem. ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why
have you done so?’ ”
11And David said to Abishai and all his
Mephibosheth’s Servant
servants, “See how my son who came from
16
When David was a little past my own body seeks my life. How much
the top of the mountain, there more now may this Benjamite? Let him
was Ziba the servant of Me alone, and let him curse; for so the Lord
phibosheth, who met him with a couple has ordered him. 12It may be that the Lord
of saddled donkeys, and on them two hun will look on my affliction,a and that the
dred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters Lord will repay me with good for his curs
of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and ing this day.” 13And as David and his men
a skin of wine. 2And the king said to Ziba, went along the road, Shimei went along
“What do you mean to do with these?” the hillside opposite him and cursed as
So Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the he went, threw stones at him and kicked
king’s household to ride on, the bread and up dust. 14Now the king and all the people
summer fruit for the young men to eat, and who were with him became weary; so they
the wine for those who are faint in the wil refreshed themselves there.
derness to drink.”
3Then the king said, “And where is your The Advice of Ahithophel
master’s son?” 15Meanwhile Absalom and all the people,
And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and
staying in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the Ahithophel was with him. 16And so it was,
house of Israel will restore the kingdom of when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend,
my father to me.’ ” came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Ab
4So the king said to Ziba, “Here, all that salom, “Long live the king! Long live the
belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.” king!”
17So Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this
And Ziba said, “I humbly bow before
you, that I may find favor in your sight, my your loyalty to your friend? Why did you
lord, O king!” not go with your friend?”
18And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but
Shimei Curses David whom the Lord and this people and all the
5Now when King David came to Bahurim,
men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with
him I will remain. 19Furthermore, whom
there was a man from the family of the should I serve? Should I not serve in the
house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the presence of his son? As I have served in
son of Gera, coming from there. He came your father’s presence, so will I be in your
out, cursing continuously as he came. 6And presence.”
he threw stones at David and at all the
servants of King David. And all the people 16:12 aFollowing Kethib, Septuagint, Syriac, and
and all the mighty men were on his right Vulgate; Qere reads my eyes; Targum reads tears
hand and on his left. 7Also Shimei said thus of my eyes.
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20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the
“Give advice as to what we should do.” field; and your father is a man of war, and
21And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go will not camp with the people. 9Surely by
in to your father’s concubines, whom he now he is hidden in some pit, or in some
has left to keep the house; and all Israel will other place. And it will be, when some of
hear that you are abhorred by your father. them are overthrown at the first, that who
Then the hands of all who are with you ever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter
will be strong.” 22So they pitched a tent for among the people who follow Absalom.’
Absalom on the top of the house, and Ab 10And even he who is valiant, whose heart
salom went in to his father’s concubines in is like the heart of a lion, will melt com
the sight of all Israel. pletely. For all Israel knows that your father
is a mighty man, and those who are with
him are valiant men. 11Therefore I advise
2 Samuel 16:21 that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from
The women David left behind to Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by
take care of the palace (concubines) the sea for multitude, and that you go to
were more like servants than wives. battle in person. 12So we will come upon
Because they “belonged” to David, him in some place where he may be found,
though, it was a tremendous insult for and we will fall on him as the dew falls on
Absalom to sleep with them. It was the ground. And of him and all the men
also a way for Absalom to show that who are with him there shall not be left so
he intended to take over his father’s much as one. 13Moreover, if he has with
throne. drawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring
ropes to that city; and we will pull it into
the river, until there is not one small stone
23Now the advice of Ahithophel, which
found there.”
he gave in those days, was as if one had in 14So Absalom and all the men of Israel
quired at the oracle of God. So was all the said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is
advice of Ahithophel both with David and better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For
with Absalom. the Lord had purposed to defeat the good
17
Moreover Ahithophel said to advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the
Absalom, “Now let me choose Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.
twelve thousand men, and I will
arise and pursue David tonight. 2I will come Hushai Warns David to Escape
upon him while he is weary and weak, and 15Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abia
make him afraid. And all the people who
thar the priests, “Thus and so Ahithophel
are with him will flee, and I will strike only
advised Absalom and the elders of Israel,
the king. 3Then I will bring back all the
and thus and so I have advised. 16Now
people to you. When all return except the
therefore, send quickly and tell David, say
man whom you seek, all the people will be
ing, ‘Do not spend this night in the plains
at peace.” 4And the saying pleased Absalom of the wilderness, but speedily cross over,
and all the elders of Israel. lest the king and all the people who are
with him be swallowed up.’ ” 17Now Jona
The Advice of Hushai
than and Ahimaaz stayed at En Rogel, for
5Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the they dared not be seen coming into the
Archite also, and let us hear what he says city; so a female servant would come and
too.” 6And when Hushai came to Absalom, tell them, and they would go and tell King
Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel David. 18Nevertheless a lad saw them, and
has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as told Absalom. But both of them went away
he says? If not, speak up.” quickly and came to a man’s house in Ba
7So Hushai said to Absalom: “The ad hurim, who had a well in his court; and
vice that Ahithophel has given is not good they went down into it. 19Then the woman
at this time. 8For,” said Hushai, “you know took and spread a covering over the well’s
your father and his men, that they are mouth, and spread ground grain on it;
mighty men, and they are enraged in their and the thing was not known. 20And when
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387 2 SAMUEL 18:12
Absalom’s servants came to the woman at and one third under the hand of Ittai the
the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I
and Jonathan?” also will surely go out with you myself.”
So the woman said to them, “They have 3But the people answered, “You shall
gone over the water brook.” not go out! For if we flee away, they will not
And when they had searched and could care about us; nor if half of us die, will they
not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. care about us. But you are worth ten thou
21Now it came to pass, after they had de
sand of us now. For you are now more help
parted, that they came up out of the well to us in the city.”
and went and told King David, and said 4Then the king said to them, “Whatever
to David, “Arise and cross over the water seems best to you I will do.” So the king
quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised stood beside the gate, and all the people
against you.” 22So David and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
who were with him arose and crossed over 5Now the king had commanded Joab,
the Jordan. By morning light not one of Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for
them was left who had not gone over the my sake with the young man Absalom.” And
Jordan. all the people heard when the king gave all
23Now when Ahithophel saw that his ad
the captains orders concerning Absalom.
vice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, 6So the people went out into the field
and arose and went home to his house, to of battle against Israel. And the battle was
his city. Then he put his household in or in the woods of Ephraim. 7The people of
der, and hanged himself, and died; and he Israel were overthrown there before the
was buried in his father’s tomb. servants of David, and a great slaughter
24Then David went to Mahanaim. And
of twenty thousand took place there that
Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and day. 8For the battle there was scattered
all the men of Israel with him. 25And Absa over the face of the whole countryside, and
lom made Amasa captain of the army in the woods devoured more people that day
stead of Joab. This Amasa was the son of a than the sword devoured.
man whose name was Jithra,a an Israelite,b 9Then Absalom met the servants of Da
who had gone in to Abigail the daughter of
vid. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule
Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother.
26So Israel and Absalom encamped in the went under the thick boughs of a great
terebinth tree, and his head caught in the
land of Gilead.
27Now it happened, when David had terebinth; so he was left hanging between
heaven and earth. And the mule which was
come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son
under him went on. 10Now a certain man
of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of
Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from saw it and told Joab, and said, “I just saw
Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite Absalom hanging in a terebinth tree!”
11So Joab said to the man who told him,
from Rogelim, 28brought beds and basins,
earthen vessels and wheat, barley and “You just saw him! And why did you not
flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and strike him there to the ground? I would
parched seeds, 29honey and curds, sheep have given you ten shekels of silver and a
and cheese of the herd, for David and the belt.”
12But the man said to Joab, “Though I
people who were with him to eat. For they
said, “The people are hungry and weary were to receive a thousand shekels of sil
and thirsty in the wilderness.” ver in my hand, I would not raise my hand
against the king’s son. For in our hearing
Absalom’s Defeat and Death the king commanded you and Abishai and
Ittai, saying, ‘Beware lest anyone touch the
18
And David numbered the peo
ple who were with him, and set 17:25 aSpelled Jether in 1 Chronicles 2:17 and
captains of thousands and cap elsewhere bFollowing Masoretic Text, some
tains of hundreds over them. 2Then David manuscripts of the Septuagint, and Targum;
sent out one third of the people under the some manuscripts of the Septuagint read
hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Ishmaelite (compare 1 Chronicles 2:17); Vulgate
Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, reads of Jezrael.
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2 SAMUEL 18:13 388
young man Absalom!’a 13Otherwise I would is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he
have dealt falsely against my own life. For came rapidly and drew near.
there is nothing hidden from the king, 26Then the watchman saw another man
and you yourself would have set yourself running, and the watchman called to the
against me.” gatekeeper and said, “There is another
14Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with man, running alone!”
you.” And he took three spears in his hand And the king said, “He also brings news.”
and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, 27So the watchman said, “I think the
while he was still alive in the midst of the running of the first is like the running of
terebinth tree. 15And ten young men who Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.”
bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, And the king said, “He is a good man,
and struck and killed him. and comes with good news.”
16So Joab blew the trumpet, and the 28So Ahimaaz called out and said to the
people returned from pursuing Israel. For king, “All is well!” Then he bowed down
Joab held back the people. 17And they took with his face to the earth before the king,
Absalom and cast him into a large pit in the and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God,
woods, and laid a very large heap of stones who has delivered up the men who raised
over him. Then all Israel fled, everyone to their hand against my lord the king!”
his tent. 29The king said, “Is the young man Ab
18Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken
salom safe?”
and set up a pillar for himself, which is in Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent
the King’s Valley. For he said, “I have no the king’s servant and me your servant,
son to keep my name in remembrance.” He I saw a great tumult, but I did not know
called the pillar after his own name. And to what it was about.”
this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. 30And the king said, “Turn aside and
stand here.” So he turned aside and stood
David Hears of Absalom’s still.
Death 31Just then the Cushite came, and the
19Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, Cushite said, “There is good news, my lord
“Let me run now and take the news to the the king! For the Lord has avenged you
king, how the Lord has avenged him of his this day of all those who rose against you.”
32And the king said to the Cushite, “Is
enemies.”
20And Joab said to him, “You shall not the young man Absalom safe?”
take the news this day, for you shall take So the Cushite answered, “May the en
the news another day. But today you shall emies of my lord the king, and all who rise
take no news, because the king’s son is against you to do harm, be like that young
dead.” 21Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, man!”
tell the king what you have seen.” So the
Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran. David’s Mourning
22And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said for Absalom
again to Joab, “But whatever happens, 33Then the king was deeply moved, and
please let me also run after the Cushite.” went up to the chamber over the gate,
So Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, and wept. And as he went, he said thus:
since you have no news ready?” “O my son Absalom— my son, my son
23“But whatever happens,” he said, “let
Absalom—if only I had died in your place!
me run.” O Absalom my son, my son!”
19
So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz And Joab was told, “Behold, the
ran by way of the plain, and outran the king is weeping and mourn
Cushite. ing for Absalom.” 2So the vic
24Now David was sitting between the
tory that day was turned into mourning
two gates. And the watchman went up to for all the people. For the people heard it
the roof over the gate, to the wall, lifted his said that day, “The king is grieved for his
eyes and looked, and there was a man, run
ning alone. 25Then the watchman cried out 18:12 aThe ancient versions read ‘Protect the
and told the king. And the king said, “If he young man Absalom for me!’
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389 2 SAMUEL 19:24
son.” 3And the people stole back into the Why then are you the last to bring back the
city that day, as people who are ashamed king?’ 13And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my
steal away when they flee in battle. 4But the bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and
king covered his face, and the king cried more also, if you are not commander of
out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! the army before me continually in place of
O Absalom, my son, my son!” Joab.’ ” 14So he swayed the hearts of all the
5Then Joab came into the house to the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man,
king, and said, “Today you have disgraced so that they sent this word to the king: “Re
all your servants who today have saved turn, you and all your servants!”
your life, the lives of your sons and daugh 15Then the king returned and came to
ters, the lives of your wives and the lives the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go
of your concubines, 6in that you love your to meet the king, to escort the king across
enemies and hate your friends. For you the Jordan. 16And Shimei the son of Gera,
have declared today that you regard nei a Benjamite, who was from Bahurim, hur
ther princes nor servants; for today I per ried and came down with the men of Judah
ceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us to meet King David. 17There were a thou
had died today, then it would have pleased sand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba
you well. 7Now therefore, arise, go out and the servant of the house of Saul, and his
speak comfort to your servants. For I swear fifteen sons and his twenty servants with
by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one him; and they went over the Jordan before
will stay with you this night. And that will the king. 18Then a ferryboat went across to
be worse for you than all the evil that has carry over the king’s household, and to do
befallen you from your youth until now.” what he thought good.
8Then the king arose and sat in the gate.
And they told all the people, saying, “There David’s Mercy to Shimei
is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down be
people came before the king. fore the king when he had crossed the
For everyone of Israel had fled to his Jordan. 19Then he said to the king, “Do
tent. not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or
remember what wrong your servant did
Comfort on the day that my lord the king left Jeru
salem, that the king should take it to heart.
What should we do when 20For I, your servant, know that I have
comfort is hard to give? sinned. Therefore here I am, the first to
2 Samuel 19:7 come today of all the house of Joseph to go
down to meet my lord the king.”
21But Abishai the son of Zeruiah an
David Returns to Jerusalem swered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put
9Now all the people were in a dispute to death for this, because he cursed the
throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, Lord’s anointed?”
22And David said, “What have I to do
“The king saved us from the hand of our
enemies, he delivered us from the hand of with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you
the Philistines, and now he has fled from should be adversaries to me today? Shall
the land because of Absalom. 10But Absa any man be put to death today in Israel?
lom, whom we anointed over us, has died For do I not know that today I am king over
in battle. Now therefore, why do you say Israel?” 23Therefore the king said to Shimei,
nothing about bringing back the king?” “You shall not die.” And the king swore to
11So King David sent to Zadok and him.
Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the
elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the David and Mephibosheth Meet
last to bring the king back to his house, 24Now Mephibosheth the son of Saul came
since the words of all Israel have come to down to meet the king. And he had not
the king, to his very house? 12You are my cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mus
brethren, you are my bone and my flesh. tache, nor washed his clothes, from the day
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2 SAMUEL 19:25 390
the king departed until the day he returned the king. And why should the king repay
in peace. 25So it was, when he had come to me with such a reward? 37Please let your
Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king servant turn back again, that I may die
said to him, “Why did you not go with me, in my own city, near the grave of my fa
Mephibosheth?” ther and mother. But here is your servant
26And he answered, “My lord, O king, Chimham; let him cross over with my lord
my servant deceived me. For your servant the king, and do for him what seems good
said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that to you.”
I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because 38And the king answered, “Chimham
your servant is lame. 27And he has slan shall cross over with me, and I will do for
dered your servant to my lord the king, but him what seems good to you. Now what
my lord the king is like the angel of God. ever you request of me, I will do for you.”
Therefore do what is good in your eyes. 39Then all the people went over the Jordan.
28For all my father’s house were but dead
And when the king had crossed over, the
men before my lord the king. Yet you set king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and
your servant among those who eat at your he returned to his own place.
own table. Therefore what right have I still
to cry out anymore to the king?” The Quarrel About the King
29So the king said to him, “Why do you
40Now the king went on to Gilgal, and
speak anymore of your matters? I have
said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’ ” Chimhama went on with him. And all the
30Then Mephibosheth said to the king, people of Judah escorted the king, and also
“Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my half the people of Israel. 41Just then all the
lord the king has come back in peace to his men of Israel came to the king, and said to
own house.” the king, “Why have our brethren, the men
of Judah, stolen you away and brought the
David’s Kindness to Barzillai king, his household, and all David’s men
31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down with him across the Jordan?”
42So all the men of Judah answered the
from Rogelim and went across the Jordan
men of Israel, “Because the king is a close
with the king, to escort him across the Jor
relative of ours. Why then are you angry
dan. 32Now Barzillai was a very aged man,
over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the
eighty years old. And he had provided the
king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?”
king with supplies while he stayed at Ma 43And the men of Israel answered the
hanaim, for he was a very rich man. 33And
men of Judah, and said, “We have ten
the king said to Barzillai, “Come across
shares in the king; therefore we also have
with me, and I will provide for you while
more right to David than you. Why then do
you are with me in Jerusalem.”
you despise us—were we not the first to ad
vise bringing back our king?”
Friendship Yet the words of the men of Judah were
How should we care for our fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
friends?
2 Samuel 19:33 The Rebellion of Sheba
20
And there happened to be
34But Barzillai said to the king, “How
there a rebel,a whose name was
Sheba the son of Bichri, a Ben
long have I to live, that I should go up with jamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said:
the king to Jerusalem? 35I am today eighty
years old. Can I discern between the good “ We have no share in David,
and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat Nor do we have inheritance in the son
or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the of Jesse;
voice of singing men and singing women? Every man to his tents, O Israel!”
Why then should your servant be a further
burden to my lord the king? 36Your servant 19:40 aMasoretic Text reads Chimhan.
will go a little way across the Jordan with 20:1 aLiterally man of Belial
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391 2 SAMUEL 21:1
2So every man of Israel deserted David, and also went after Sheba.a 15Then they
and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But came and besieged him in Abel of Beth
the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far Maachah; and they cast up a siege mound
as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king. against the city, and it stood by the ram
3Now David came to his house at Jerusa part. And all the people who were with Joab
lem. And the king took the ten women, his battered the wall to throw it down.
concubines whom he had left to keep the 16Then a wise woman cried out from the
house, and put them in seclusion and sup city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come
ported them, but did not go in to them. So nearby, that I may speak with you.’ ” 17When
they were shut up to the day of their death, he had come near to her, the woman said,
living in widowhood. “Are you Joab?”
4And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble He answered, “I am.”
the men of Judah for me within three days, Then she said to him, “Hear the words of
and be present here yourself.” 5So Amasa your maidservant.”
went to assemble the men of Judah. But he And he answered, “I am listening.”
delayed longer than the set time which Da 18So she spoke, saying, “They used to talk
vid had appointed him. 6And David said to in former times, saying, ‘They shall surely
Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will seek guidance at Abel,’ and so they would
do us more harm than Absalom. Take your end disputes. 19I am among the peaceable
lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a
for himself fortified cities, and escape us.” city and a mother in Israel. Why would you
7So Joab’s men, with the Cherethites, the
swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?”
Pelethites, and all the mighty men, went 20And Joab answered and said, “Far be
out after him. And they went out of Jeru it, far be it from me, that I should swallow
salem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. up or destroy! 21That is not so. But a man
8When they were at the large stone which is
from the mountains of Ephraim, Sheba the
in Gibeon, Amasa came before them. Now son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand
Joab was dressed in battle armor; on it was against the king, against David. Deliver
a belt with a sword fastened in its sheath at him only, and I will depart from the city.”
his hips; and as he was going forward, it fell So the woman said to Joab, “Watch, his
out. 9Then Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in head will be thrown to you over the wall.”
health, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa 22Then the woman in her wisdom went to
by the beard with his right hand to kiss all the people. And they cut off the head of
him. 10But Amasa did not notice the sword Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to
that was in Joab’s hand. And he struck him Joab. Then he blew a trumpet, and they with
with it in the stomach, and his entrails drew from the city, every man to his tent. So
poured out on the ground; and he did not Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem.
strike him again. Thus he died.
Then Joab and Abishai his brother pur David’s Government Officers
sued Sheba the son of Bichri. 11Meanwhile
23And Joab was over all the army of Israel;
one of Joab’s men stood near Amasa, and
said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the
is for David—follow Joab!” 12But Amasa Cherethites and the Pelethites; 24Adoram
wallowed in his blood in the middle of the was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat
highway. And when the man saw that all the son of Ahilud was recorder; 25Sheva
the people stood still, he moved Amasa was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the
from the highway to the field and threw a priests; 26and Ira the Jairite was a chief min
garment over him, when he saw that every ister under David.
one who came upon him halted. 13When
he was removed from the highway, all the David Avenges the Gibeonites
21
people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba Now there was a famine in the
the son of Bichri. days of David for three years, year
14And he went through all the tribes of
after year; and David inquired of
Israel to Abel and Beth Maachah and all
the Berites. So they were gathered together 20:14 aLiterally him
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the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is be his son, from the men of Jabesh Gilead
cause of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, be who had stolen them from the street of
cause he killed the Gibeonites.” 2So the king Beth Shan,a where the Philistines had hung
called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. them up, after the Philistines had struck
Now the Gibeonites were not of the children down Saul in Gilboa. 13So he brought up
of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the bones of Saul and the bones of Jona
the children of Israel had sworn protection than his son from there; and they gathered
to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in the bones of those who had been hanged.
his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. 14They buried the bones of Saul and Jona
3Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, than his son in the country of Benjamin
“What shall I do for you? And with what in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father.
shall I make atonement, that you may bless So they performed all that the king com
the inheritance of the Lord?” manded. And after that God heeded the
4And the Gibeonites said to him, “We prayer for the land.
will have no silver or gold from Saul or
from his house, nor shall you kill any man Philistine Giants Destroyed
in Israel for us.” 15When the Philistines were at war again
So he said, “Whatever you say, I will do
for you.” with Israel, David and his servants with
5Then they answered the king, “As for him went down and fought against the
the man who consumed us and plotted Philistines; and David grew faint. 16Then
against us, that we should be destroyed Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of
from remaining in any of the territories of the giant, the weight of whose bronze
Israel, 6let seven men of his descendants be spear was three hundred shekels, who was
delivered to us, and we will hang them be bearing a new sword, thought he could kill
fore the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the David. 17But Abishai the son of Zeruiah
Lord chose.” came to his aid, and struck the Philistine
And the king said, “I will give them.” and killed him. Then the men of David
7But the king spared Mephibosheth the swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no
son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because more with us to battle, lest you quench the
of the Lord’s oath that was between them, lamp of Israel.”
18Now it happened afterward that there
between David and Jonathan the son of
Saul. 8So the king took Armoni and Me was again a battle with the Philistines at
phibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the Gob. Then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed
daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Saph,a who was one of the sons of the gi
and the five sons of Michala the daughter ant. 19Again there was war at Gob with
of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of
the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; 9and Jaare-Oregima the Bethlehemite killed the
he delivered them into the hands of the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of
Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
20Yet again there was war at Gath, where
hill before the Lord. So they fell, all seven
together, and were put to death in the days there was a man of great stature, who had
of harvest, in the first days, in the begin six fingers on each hand and six toes on
ning of barley harvest. each foot, twenty-four in number; and he
10Now Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took also was born to the giant. 21So when he
sackcloth and spread it for herself on the defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea,a
rock, from the beginning of harvest until David’s brother, killed him.
22These four were born to the giant in
the late rains poured on them from heaven.
And she did not allow the birds of the air to 21:8 aOr Merab (compare 1 Samuel 18:19 and
rest on them by day nor the beasts of the 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:14 and 6:23) 21:12 aSpelled
field by night. Beth Shean in Joshua 17:11 and elsewhere
11And David was told what Rizpah the
21:18 aSpelled Sippai in 1 Chronicles
daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, 20:4 21:19 aSpelled Jair in 1 Chronicles 20:5
had done. 12Then David went and took the 21:21 aSpelled Shammah in 1 Samuel 16:9 and
bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan elsewhere
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393 2 SAMUEL 22:21
Gath, and fell by the hand of David and by Because He was angry.
the hand of his servants. 9 Smoke went up from His nostrils,
And devouring fire from His mouth;
Coals were kindled by it.
Salvation 10 He bowed the heavens also, and came
Who will deliver us? down
2 Samuel 22:2 With darkness under His feet.
11 He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
And He was seena upon the wings of
Praise for God’s Deliverance the wind.
22
Then David spoke to the Lord 12 He made darkness canopies around
the words of this song, on the Him,
day when the Lord had deliv Dark waters and thick clouds of the
ered him from the hand of all his enemies, skies.
and from the hand of Saul. 2And he said:a 13 From the brightness before Him
Coals of fire were kindled.
“ The Lord is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer; 14“ The Lord thundered from heaven,
3 The God of my strength, in whom I
And the Most High uttered His voice.
will trust; 15 He sent out arrows and scattered
My shield and the horn of my them;
salvation, Lightning bolts, and He vanquished
My stronghold and my refuge; them.
My Savior, You save me from violence. 16 Then the channels of the sea were
seen,
Worship The foundations of the world were
Who is worthy of praise? uncovered,
At the rebuke of the Lord,
2 Samuel 22:4
At the blast of the breath of His
nostrils.
4 I will call upon the Lord, who is
17“ He sent from above, He took me,
worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. He drew me out of many waters.
18 He delivered me from my strong
5“ When the waves of death enemy,
surrounded me, From those who hated me;
The floods of ungodliness made me For they were too strong for me.
afraid. 19 They confronted me in the day of my
6 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; calamity,
The snares of death confronted me. But the Lord was my support.
20 He also brought me out into a broad
Hope place;
He delivered me because He delighted
Why can we be hopeful? in me.
2 Samuel 22:7
21“ The Lord rewarded me according to
7 In my distress I called upon the Lord, my righteousness;
And cried out to my God; 22:2 aCompare Psalm 18 22:8 aFollowing
He heard my voice from His temple, Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Targum; Syriac
And my cry entered His ears. and Vulgate read hills (compare Psalm 18:7).
22:11 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Septuagint;
8“ Then the earth shook and trembled;
many Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, and Vulgate
The foundations of heavena quaked read He flew (compare Psalm 18:10); Targum
and were shaken, reads He spoke with power.
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According to the cleanness of my Your gentleness has made me great.
hands 37 You enlarged my path under me;
He has recompensed me. So my feet did not slip.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from 38“ I have pursued my enemies and
my God. destroyed them;
23 For all His judgments were before me; Neither did I turn back again till they
And as for His statutes, I did not were destroyed.
depart from them. 39 And I have destroyed them and
24 I was also blameless before Him, wounded them,
And I kept myself from my iniquity. So that they could not rise;
25 Therefore the Lord has recompensed They have fallen under my feet.
me according to my 40 For You have armed me with strength
righteousness, for the battle;
According to my cleanness in His You have subdued under me those
eyes.a who rose against me.
41 You have also given me the necks of
26“ With the merciful You will show my enemies,
Yourself merciful; So that I destroyed those who
With a blameless man You will show hated me.
Yourself blameless; 42 They looked, but there was none to
27 With the pure You will show Yourself save;
pure; Even to the Lord, but He did not
And with the devious You will show answer them.
43 Then I beat them as fine as the dust of
Yourself shrewd.
28 You will save the humble people; the earth;
But Your eyes are on the haughty, that I trod them like dirt in the streets,
You may bring them down. And I spread them out.
44“ You have also delivered me from the
Bible strivings of my people;
Is the Bible trustworthy? You have kept me as the head of the
2 Samuel 22:29–31 nations.
A people I have not known shall
serve me.
29“ For You are my lamp, O Lord; 45 The foreigners submit to me;
The Lord shall enlighten my darkness. As soon as they hear, they obey me.
30 For by You I can run against a troop; 46 The foreigners fade away,
By my God I can leap over a wall. And come frighteneda from their
31 As for God, His way is perfect;
hideouts.
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 22:25 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read the
cleanness of my hands in His sight (compare
32“ For who is God, except the Lord? Psalm 18:24); Targum reads my cleanness before
And who is a rock, except our God? His word. 22:33 aDead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint,
33 God is my strength and power,a Syriac, and Vulgate read It is God who arms me
with strength (compare Psalm 18:32); Targum
And He makes myb way perfect.
34 He makes mya feet like the feet of deer, reads It is God who sustains me with strength.
bFollowing Qere, Septuagint, Syriac, Targum,
And sets me on my high places. and Vulgate (compare Psalm 18:32); Kethib
35 He teaches my hands to make war,
reads His. 22:34 aFollowing Qere, Septuagint,
So that my arms can bend a bow of Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate (compare Psalm
bronze. 18:33); Kethib reads His. 22:46 aFollowing
Septuagint, Targum, and Vulgate (compare
36“ You have also given me the shield of Psalm 18:45); Masoretic Text reads gird
Your salvation; themselves.
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395 2 SAMUEL 23:16
6 But the sons of rebellion shall all be as
Salvation thorns thrust away,
Why should we praise God? Because they cannot be taken with
2 Samuel 22:47, 48 hands.
7 But the man who touches them
Must be armed with iron and the shaft
47“ The Lord lives! of a spear,
Blessed be my Rock! And they shall be utterly burned with
Let God be exalted, fire in their place.”
The Rock of my salvation!
48 It is God who avenges me,
And subdues the peoples under me; David’s Mighty Men
49 He delivers me from my enemies.
8These are the names of the mighty men
You also lift me up above those who
whom David had: Josheb-Basshebetha the
rise against me;
Tachmonite, chief among the captains.b
You have delivered me from the
He was called Adino the Eznite, because
violent man.
50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, he had killed eight hundred men at one
time. 9And after him was Eleazar the son
O Lord, among the Gentiles,
of Dodo,a the Ahohite, one of the three
And sing praises to Your name.
mighty men with David when they defied
51“ He is the tower of salvation to His king, the Philistines who were gathered there for
battle, and the men of Israel had retreated.
And shows mercy to His anointed, 10He arose and attacked the Philistines un
To David and his descendants
til his hand was weary, and his hand stuck
forevermore.”
to the sword. The Lord brought about a
David’s Last Words great victory that day; and the people re
turned after him only to plunder. 11And
23
Now these are the last words of after him was Shammah the son of Agee
David. the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered
together into a troop where there was a
Thus says David the son of Jesse; piece of ground full of lentils. So the people
Thus says the man raised up on high, fled from the Philistines. 12But he stationed
The anointed of the God of Jacob, himself in the middle of the field, defended
And the sweet psalmist of Israel: it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord
2“ The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me,
brought about a great victory.
13Then three of the thirty chief men went
And His word was on my tongue. down at harvest time and came to Da
3 The God of Israel said,
vid at the cave of Adullam. And the troop
The Rock of Israel spoke to me: of Philistines encamped in the Valley of
‘He who rules over men must be just, Rephaim. 14David was then in the strong
Ruling in the fear of God. hold, and the garrison of the Philistines
4 And he shall be like the light of the
was then in Bethlehem. 15And David said
morning when the sun rises, with longing, “Oh, that someone would
A morning without clouds, give me a drink of the water from the well
Like the tender grass springing out of of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16So
the earth, the three mighty men broke through the
By clear shining after rain.’ camp of the Philistines, drew water from
5“ Although my house is not so with God,
the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate,
and took it and brought it to David. Never
Yet He has made with me an
theless he would not drink it, but poured
everlasting covenant,
Ordered in all things and secure. 23:8 aLiterally One Who Sits in the Seat (compare
For this is all my salvation and all my 1 Chronicles 11:11) bFollowing Masoretic Text
desire; and Targum; Septuagint and Vulgate read the
Will He not make it increase? three. 23:9 aSpelled Dodai in 1 Chronicles 27:4
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Promise
God promises to never break His promises.
“Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made with
me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure.
For this is all my salvation and all my desire; will He not make
it increase?” (2 Sam. 23:5).
Nothing can sting more than broken promises. They tear you up and rip your
heart out. Friends who tell your deepest secrets; being stood up by the girl you
finally ask out; watching your parents fight through a divorce—promises were
made, promises were broken, and heartache follows. When someone breaks a
promise, it feels like a punch in the gut—all the wind gets knocked out of you and
all your energy is drained.
Because we’ve felt this pain so many times, we may assume God could treat us
the same way. We might think that He could back out at any turn. We may expect
Him to say He didn’t really mean it—we just misunderstood Him. Not a chance. He
promises never to break His promise. He’ll always keep your secrets, always be
there when you need Him, and always do exactly what He says He will do. You can
stake your heart on it.
See for yourself// Numbers 23:19; Joshua 23:14; 1 Kings 8:56
it out to the Lord. 17And he said, “Far be it a spear in his hand; so he went down to
from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is him with a staff, wrested the spear out of
this not the blood of the men who went in the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with
jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would his own spear. 22These things Benaiah
not drink it. the son of Jehoiada did, and won a name
among three mighty men. 23He was more
honored than the thirty, but he did not at
Angels tain to the first three. And David appointed
Who carries out God’s him over his guard.
judgment? 24Asahel the brother of Joab was one
2 Samuel 24:16, 17 of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo
of Bethlehem, 25Shammah the Harodite,
Elika the Harodite, 26Helez the Paltite, Ira
These things were done by the three the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27Abiezer
mighty men. the Ana thothite, Mebunnai the Husha
18Now Abishai the brother of Joab, the
thite, 28Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the
son of Zeruiah, was chief of another three.a Netophathite, 29Heleb the son of Baanah
He lifted his spear against three hundred (the Netophathite), Ittai the son of Ribai
men, killed them, and won a name among from Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
these three. 19Was he not the most honored 30Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai from the
of three? Therefore he became their cap brooks of Gaash, 31Abi- Albon the Arba
tain. However, he did not attain to the first thite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32Eliahba
three. the Shaalbonite (of the sons of Jashen), Jon
20Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the
athan, 33Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the
son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who son of Sharar the Hararite, 34Eliphelet the
had done many deeds. He had killed two son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite,
lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone
down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit 23:18 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
on a snowy day. 21And he killed an Egyp and Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts and
tian, a spectacular man. The Egyptian had Syriac read thirty; Targum reads the mighty men.
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397 2 SAMUEL 24:20
Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take
35Hezraia the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have
36Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the done very foolishly.”
Gadite, 37Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the 11Now when David arose in the morning,
Beerothite (armorbearer of Joab the son of the word of the Lord came to the prophet
Zeruiah), 38Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12“Go and tell Da
39and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all. vid, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I offer you three
things; choose one of them for yourself, that
David’s Census of Israel I may do it to you.” ’ ” 13So Gad came to Da
and Judah vid and told him; and he said to him, “Shall
sevena years of famine come to you in your
24
Again the anger of the Lord
land? Or shall you flee three months before
was aroused against Israel, and
He moved David against them your enemies, while they pursue you? Or
to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” shall there be three days’ plague in your
2So the king said to Joab the com land? Now consider and see what answer I
mander of the army who was with him, should take back to Him who sent me.”
14And David said to Gad, “I am in great
“Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel,
from Dan to Beersheba, and count the distress. Please let us fall into the hand of
people, that I may know the number of the the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do
people.” not let me fall into the hand of man.”
15So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel
3And Joab said to the king, “Now may
the Lord your God add to the people a from the morning till the appointed time.
hundred times more than there are, and From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand
may the eyes of my lord the king see it. men of the people died. 16And when the an
But why does my lord the king desire this gela stretched out His hand over Jerusalem
thing?” 4Nevertheless the king’s word pre to destroy it, the Lord relented from the
vailed against Joab and against the cap destruction, and said to the angel who was
tains of the army. Therefore Joab and the destroying the people, “It is enough; now
captains of the army went out from the restrain your hand.” And the angel of the
presence of the king to count the people Lord was by the threshing floor of Arau
of Israel. nahb the Jebusite.
17Then David spoke to the Lord when
5And they crossed over the Jordan and
camped in Aroer, on the right side of the he saw the angel who was striking the peo
town which is in the midst of the ravine of ple, and said, “Surely I have sinned, and I
Gad, and toward Jazer. 6Then they came have done wickedly; but these sheep, what
to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim Hod have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be
shi; they came to Dan Jaan and around to against me and against my father’s house.”
Sidon; 7and they came to the stronghold
of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites The Altar on the Threshing
and the Canaanites. Then they went out Floor
to South Judah as far as Beersheba. 8So 18And Gad came that day to David and said
when they had gone through all the land, to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the Lord
they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jeb
months and twenty days. 9Then Joab gave usite.” 19So David, according to the word
the sum of the number of the people to the of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.
king. And there were in Israel eight hun 20Now Araunah looked, and saw the king
dred thousand valiant men who drew the and his servants coming toward him. So
sword, and the men of Judah were five hun Araunah went out and bowed before the
dred thousand men. king with his face to the ground.
The Judgment on David’s Sin 23:35 aSpelled Hezro in 1 Chronicles 11:37
24:13 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac,
10And David’s heart condemned him after
Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint reads three
he had numbered the people. So David said (compare 1 Chronicles 21:12). 24:16 aOr Angel
to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what bSpelled Ornan in 1 Chronicles 21:15
10-2 Samuel.indd 397 2/14/12 11:53 AM
2 SAMUEL 24:21 398
21Then Araunah said, “Why has my lord And Araunah said to the king, “May the
the king come to his servant?” Lord your God accept you.”
And David said, “To buy the threshing 24Then the king said to Araunah, “No,
floor from you, to build an altar to the but I will surely buy it from you for a price;
Lord, that the plague may be withdrawn nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord
from the people.” my God with that which costs me nothing.”
22Now Araunah said to David, “Let my So David bought the threshing floor and
lord the king take and offer up whatever the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And
seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for David built there an altar to the Lord, and
burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements offered burnt offerings and peace offer
and the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23All ings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for
these, O king, Araunah has given to the the land, and the plague was withdrawn
king.” from Israel.
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1 Kings
Date of writing: 590–570 B.C.
Author: Uncertain, although the prophet
Jeremiah has been suggested
Theme: Lessons to Learn from the Dividing of the
Kingdom
Purpose: It is especially important for leaders to
be fully committed to the Lord.
Outline
1:1–53 ������������������Solomon Becomes King
2:1–12 ������������������David’s Final Words and His Death
2:13–46 ����������������Solomon Takes Control of the Kingdom
3:1—4:34 �������������Solomon’s Wisdom and His Officials
5:1—8:66 �������������Building and Dedication of the Jerusalem Temple
9:1—10:29 �����������Other Events During Solomon’s Rule
11:1–43 ����������������Solomon’s Unfaithfulness, Enemies, and Death
12:1–24 ����������������The Northern Tribes of Israel Rebel Against King
Rehoboam
12:25–33 �������������King Jeroboam of Israel Makes Two Gold Statues of
Calves
13:1—14:20 ��������Prophets Condemn Jeroboam
14:21—16:34 ������Kings of Judah and Israel
17:1—19:21 ��������Elijah the Prophet
20:1—22:40 ��������King Ahab and Queen Jezebel
22:41–53 �������������King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahaziah of
Israel
11-1 Kings.indd 399 2/14/12 11:54 AM
Key Verse:
Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you
have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My
statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear
the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant”
(1 Kings 11:11).
Then /// If reading 1 and 2 Samuel is like watching a couple of home
videos, then reading 1 Kings is like finding the sequel. In fact, 1 Kings picks
up right where 2 Samuel leaves off.
In the first half of 1 Kings, David’s son Solomon takes over the throne, and boy what
a throne he made of it. King Solomon was like a superstar in Israel: as rich as a rock star,
as glamorous as a movie star, and as smart as a Wall Street millionaire. He could network
and schmooze with the best.
The last half of 1 Kings tells the other side of the story. After Solomon’s reign, the king-
dom started falling to pieces. What was a united kingdom became two separate kingdoms
with their own kings and their own big mistakes.
Now /// We can look at the Golden Age of Israel under the first part
of Solomon’s reign and wonder how they managed to fall as far as they did,
even splitting into two spiritually weak kingdoms. God blessed them
tremendously but one-by-one they totally forgot about God, starting with their leaders.
We may not have to look very hard to find a similar pattern in our lives.
Often, when things are going well, we tend to forget about our commitment to God.
Taking specific time to talk with God and study His Word becomes less of a priority.
Hearing and obeying the Spirit of God throughout our everyday lives becomes more of an
afterthought. This will always lead to a spiritual downfall in our lives.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can learn the lesson of 1 Kings. We can deter-
mine that we will keep our focus on God, regardless of our circumstances.
Reality Check /// Israel never enjoyed as much wealth or
prestige as when King Solomon ruled. But Solomon forgot where his
wisdom and riches came from. He eventually became disillusioned with
“having it all” and failed to keep God in first place in his life. (See the Book of Ecclesiastes.)
He even worshiped false gods before his life was over. His country suffered for it. He is still
known throughout the world as the person who had it all and found out that, without
God, it’s not good enough.
That fact is just as true today. Every bit of fame, power, or money that the world has to
give can never fulfill our deepest longings and desires or our need for purpose and mean-
ing. Only God offers ultimate fulfillment.
11-1 Kings.indd 400 2/14/12 11:54 AM
401 1 KINGS 1:29
Adonijah Presumes to Be King to the king. (Now the king was very old,
and Abishag the Shunammite was serving
1
Now King David was old, advanced
the king.) 16And Bathsheba bowed and did
in years; and they put covers on him,
homage to the king. Then the king said,
but he could not get warm. 2There-
“What is your wish?”
fore his servants said to him, “Let a young 17Then she said to him, “My lord, you
woman, a virgin, be sought for our lord
swore by the Lord your God to your maid-
the king, and let her stand before the king,
servant, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your
and let her care for him; and let her lie in
son shall reign after me, and he shall sit
your bosom, that our lord the king may be
on my throne.’ 18So now, look! Adonijah
warm.” 3So they sought for a lovely young
has become king; and now, my lord the
woman throughout all the territory of Is-
king, you do not know about it. 19He has
rael, and found Abishag the Shunammite,
and brought her to the king. 4The young sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and
woman was very lovely; and she cared for sheep in abundance, and has invited all
the king, and served him; but the king did the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest,
not know her. and Joab the commander of the army; but
5Then Adonijah the son of Haggith Solomon your servant he has not invited.
20And as for you, my lord, O king, the eyes
exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”;
and he prepared for himself chariots and of all Israel are on you, that you should tell
horsemen, and fifty men to run before them who will sit on the throne of my lord
him. 6(And his father had not rebuked the king after him. 21Otherwise it will hap-
him at any time by saying, “Why have you pen, when my lord the king rests with his
done so?” He was also very good-looking. fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be
His mother had borne him after Absalom.) counted as offenders.”
22And just then, while she was still talk-
7Then he conferred with Joab the son of
Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and ing with the king, Nathan the prophet also
they followed and helped Adonijah. 8But came in. 23So they told the king, saying,
Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Je- “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he
hoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, came in before the king, he bowed down
and the mighty men who belonged to David before the king with his face to the ground.
24And Nathan said, “My lord, O king, have
were not with Adonijah.
9And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me,
oxen and fattened cattle by the stone of and he shall sit on my throne’? 25For he has
Zoheleth, which is by En Rogel; he also in- gone down today, and has sacrificed oxen
vited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and and fattened cattle and sheep in abun-
all the men of Judah, the king’s servants. dance, and has invited all the king’s sons,
10But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, and the commanders of the army, and
Benaiah, the mighty men, or Solomon his Abiathar the priest; and look! They are eat-
brother. ing and drinking before him; and they say,
11So Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26But he has not
mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not invited me—me your servant—nor Zadok
heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has the priest, nor Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
become king, and David our lord does not nor your servant Solomon. 27Has this thing
know it? 12Come, please, let me now give been done by my lord the king, and you
you advice, that you may save your own have not told your servant who should
life and the life of your son Solomon. 13Go sit on the throne of my lord the king after
immediately to King David and say to him, him?”
‘Did you not, my lord, O king, swear to your
maidservant, saying, “Assuredly your son David Proclaims Solomon
King
Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall
sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah 28Then King David answered and said,
become king?’ 14Then, while you are still “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into
talking there with the king, I also will come the king’s presence and stood before the
in after you and confirm your words.” king. 29And the king took an oath and said,
15So Bathsheba went into the chamber “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my
11-1 Kings.indd 401 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 1:30 402
life from every distress, 30just as I swore with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the
to you by the Lord God of Israel, saying, prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the
‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall be king Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they
after me, and he shall sit on my throne in have made him ride on the king’s mule.
my place,’ so I certainly will do this day.” 45So Zadok the priest and Nathan the
31Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to prophet have anointed him king at Gihon;
the earth, and paid homage to the king, and and they have gone up from there rejoicing,
said, “Let my lord King David live forever!” so that the city is in an uproar. This is the
32And King David said, “Call to me noise that you have heard. 46Also Solomon
Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and sits on the throne of the kingdom. 47And
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came moreover the king’s servants have gone to
before the king. 33The king also said to bless our lord King David, saying, ‘May God
them, “Take with you the servants of your make the name of Solomon better than
lord, and have Solomon my son ride on my your name, and may He make his throne
own mule, and take him down to Gihon. greater than your throne.’ Then the king
34There let Zadok the priest and Nathan the bowed himself on the bed. 48Also the king
prophet anoint him king over Israel; and said thus, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Is-
blow the horn, and say, ‘Long live King Sol rael, who has given one to sit on my throne
omon!’ 35Then you shall come up after him, this day, while my eyes see it! ’ ”
49So all the guests who were with Adoni-
and he shall come and sit on my throne,
and he shall be king in my place. For I have jah were afraid, and arose, and each one
appointed him to be ruler over Israel and went his way.
50Now Adonijah was afraid of Solomon;
Judah.”
36Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered so he arose, and went and took hold of the
the king and said, “Amen! May the Lord horns of the altar. 51And it was told Sol
God of my lord the king say so too. 37As the omon, saying, “Indeed Adonijah is afraid of
Lord has been with my lord the king, even King Solomon; for look, he has taken hold
so may He be with Solomon, and make his of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King
throne greater than the throne of my lord Solomon swear to me today that he will not
King David.” put his servant to death with the sword.’ ”
38So Zadok the priest, Nathan the 52Then Solomon said, “If he proves him-
prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, self a worthy man, not one hair of him shall
the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found
down and had Solomon ride on King Da- in him, he shall die.” 53So King Solomon
vid’s mule, and took him to Gihon. 39Then sent them to bring him down from the al-
Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tar. And he came and fell down before King
tabernacle and anointed Sol omon. And Solomon; and Solomon said to him, “Go to
they blew the horn, and all the people said, your house.”
“Long live King Solomon!” 40And all the
people went up after him; and the people David’s Instructions
played the flutes and rejoiced with great to Solomon
2
joy, so that the earth seemed to split with Now the days of David drew near that
their sound. he should die, and he charged Sol
41Now Adonijah and all the guests who omon his son, saying: 2“I go the way
were with him heard it as they finished eat- of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and
ing. And when Joab heard the sound of the prove yourself a man. 3And keep the charge
horn, he said, “Why is the city in such a of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways,
noisy uproar?” 42While he was still speak- to keep His statutes, His commandments,
ing, there came Jonathan, the son of Abia- His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is
thar the priest. And Adonijah said to him, written in the Law of Moses, that you may
“Come in, for you are a prominent man, prosper in all that you do and wherever you
and bring good news.” turn; 4that the Lord may fulfill His word
43Then Jonathan answered and said to which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If
Adonijah, “No! Our lord King David has your sons take heed to their way, to walk
made Solomon king. 44The king has sent before Me in truth with all their heart and
11-1 Kings.indd 402 2/14/12 11:54 AM
403 1 KINGS 2:20
with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not years; seven years he reigned in Hebron,
lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three
5“Moreover you know also what Joab the years. 12Then Solomon sat on the throne
son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did of his father David; and his kingdom was
to the two commanders of the armies of firmly established.
Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa
the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he Solomon Executes Adonijah
shed the blood of war in peacetime, and 13Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to
put the blood of war on his belt that was Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she
around his waist, and on his sandals that said, “Do you come peaceably?”
were on his feet. 6Therefore do according to And he said, “Peaceably.” 14Moreover he
your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair said, “I have something to say to you.”
go down to the grave in peace. And she said, “Say it.”
15Then he said, “You know that the king-
dom was mine, and all Israel had set their
1 Kings 2:5 expectations on me, that I should reign.
It didn’t matter to Joab that Abner had However, the kingdom has been turned
killed his brother in self-defense. Joab
over, and has become my brother’s; for it
wanted vengeance, so he murdered
was his from the Lord. 16Now I ask one pe-
Abner in cold blood. Years later, Joab
tition of you; do not deny me.”
continued his murderous ways by kill-
And she said to him, “Say it.”
ing Amasa, the man David had chosen 17Then he said, “Please speak to King
to replace Joab as commander of the
Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that
royal army.
he may give me Abishag the Shunammite
as wife.”
7“But show kindness to the sons of Bar-
zillai the Gileadite, and let them be among
those who eat at your table, for so they
1 Kings 2:17–22
Abishag served as a nurse and a
came to me when I fled from Absalom your
companion to David in his old age.
brother.
Part of her responsibility was to help
David stay warm at night. She slept
Kindness with David, but did not have a physi-
What should we do to those cal relationship with him. Even so, she
was considered to be one of David’s
who have been kind to us? concubines. Adonijah’s request to
1 Kings 2:7 marry Abishag was a way of claiming
what had been David’s. Solomon rec-
8“And see, you have with you Shimei the ognized Adonijah’s plan to eventually
claim something else of David’s: the
son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim,
throne of Israel.
who cursed me with a malicious curse in
the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he
came down to meet me at the Jordan, and 18So Bathsheba said, “Very well, I will
I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will speak for you to the king.”
not put you to death with the sword.’ 9Now 19Bathsheba therefore went to King Sol
therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you omon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And
are a wise man and know what you ought the king rose up to meet her and bowed
to do to him; but bring his gray hair down down to her, and sat down on his throne
to the grave with blood.” and had a throne set for the king’s mother;
so she sat at his right hand. 20Then she
Death of David
said, “I desire one small petition of you; do
10So David rested with his fathers, and was not refuse me.”
buried in the City of David. 11The period And the king said to her, “Ask it, my
that David reigned over Israel was forty mother, for I will not refuse you.”
11-1 Kings.indd 403 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 2:21 404
21So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunam- blood which Joab shed. 32So the Lord will
mite be given to Adonijah your brother as return his blood on his head, because he
wife.” struck down two men more righteous and
22And King Sol omon answered and better than he, and killed them with the
said to his mother, “Now why do you ask sword—Abner the son of Ner, the com-
Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? mander of the army of Israel, and Amasa
Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my the son of Jether, the commander of the
older brother—for him, and for Abiathar army of Judah—though my father David
the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.” did not know it. 33Their blood shall there-
23Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, fore return upon the head of Joab and upon
saying, “May God do so to me, and more the head of his descendants forever. But
also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word upon David and his descendants, upon his
against his own life! 24Now therefore, as the house and his throne, there shall be peace
Lord lives, who has confirmed me and set forever from the Lord.”
me on the throne of David my father, and 34So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went
who has established a housea for me, as He up and struck and killed him; and he was
promised, Adonijah shall be put to death buried in his own house in the wilderness.
today!” 35The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada
25So King Solomon sent by the hand of
in his place over the army, and the king put
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he struck Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.
him down, and he died.
Shimei Executed
Abiathar Exiled, Joab 36Then the king sent and called for Shimei,
Executed
and said to him, “Build yourself a house in
26And to Abiathar the priest the king said,
Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go
“Go to Anathoth, to your own fields, for out from there anywhere. 37For it shall be,
you are deserving of death; but I will not on the day you go out and cross the Brook
put you to death at this time, because you Kidron, know for certain you shall surely
carried the ark of the Lord God before my die; your blood shall be on your own head.”
father David, and because you were af- 38And Shimei said to the king, “The say-
flicted every time my father was afflicted.” ing is good. As my lord the king has said,
27So Solomon removed Abiathar from be-
so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in
ing priest to the Lord, that he might fulfill Jerusalem many days.
the word of the Lord which He spoke con- 39Now it happened at the end of three
cerning the house of Eli at Shiloh. years, that two slaves of Shimei ran away to
28Then news came to Joab, for Joab had
Achish the son of Maachah, king of Gath.
defected to Adonijah, though he had not And they told Shimei, saying, “Look, your
defected to Absalom. So Joab fled to the slaves are in Gath!” 40So Shimei arose,
tabernacle of the Lord, and took hold of saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at
the horns of the altar. 29And King Solomon Gath to seek his slaves. And Shimei went
was told, “Joab has fled to the tabernacle and brought his slaves from Gath. 41And
of the Lord; there he is, by the altar.” Then Solomon was told that Shimei had gone
Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, from Jerusalem to Gath and had come
saying, “Go, strike him down.” 30So Benaiah back. 42Then the king sent and called for
went to the tabernacle of the Lord, and Shimei, and said to him, “Did I not make
said to him, “Thus says the king, ‘Come you swear by the Lord, and warn you,
out!’ ” saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day
And he said, “No, but I will die here.” And you go out and travel anywhere, you shall
Benaiah brought back word to the king, surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word
saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he an- I have heard is good.’ 43Why then have you
swered me.” not kept the oath of the Lord and the com-
31Then the king said to him, “Do as he
mandment that I gave you?” 44The king said
has said, and strike him down and bury moreover to Shimei, “You know, as your
him, that you may take away from me and
from the house of my father the innocent 2:24 aThat is, a royal dynasty
11-1 Kings.indd 404 2/14/12 11:54 AM
405 1 KINGS 3:18
heart acknowledges, all the wickedness ings on that altar. 5At Gibeon the Lord
that you did to my father David; therefore appeared to Solomon in a dream by night;
the Lord will return your wickedness on and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
your own head. 45But King Solomon shall 6And Sol omon said: “You have shown
be blessed, and the throne of David shall be great mercy to Your servant David my
established before the Lord forever.” father, because he walked before You in
46So the king commanded Benaiah truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness
the son of Jehoiada; and he went out and of heart with You; You have continued this
struck him down, and he died. Thus the great kindness for him, and You have given
kingdom was established in the hand of him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this
Solomon. day. 7Now, O Lord my God, You have made
Your servant king instead of my father Da-
vid, but I am a little child; I do not know how
Marriage to go out or come in. 8And Your servant is
What are some dangers of in the midst of Your people whom You have
marrying outside the faith? chosen, a great people, too numerous to
1 Kings 3:1–3 be numbered or counted. 9Therefore give
to Your servant an understanding heart
to judge Your people, that I may discern
Solomon Requests Wisdom between good and evil. For who is able to
judge this great people of Yours?”
3
Now Solomon made a treaty with 10The speech pleased the Lord, that
Pharaoh king of Egypt, and mar- Solomon had asked this thing. 11Then
ried Pharaoh’s daughter; then he God said to him: “Because you have asked
brought her to the City of David until he this thing, and have not asked long life
had finished building his own house, and for yourself, nor have asked riches for
the house of the Lord, and the wall all yourself, nor have asked the life of your
around Jerusalem. 2Meanwhile the peo- enemies, but have asked for yourself un-
ple sacrificed at the high places, because derstanding to discern justice, 12behold, I
there was no house built for the name of have done according to your words; see, I
the Lord until those days. 3And Solomon have given you a wise and understanding
loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of heart, so that there has not been anyone
his father David, except that he sacrificed like you before you, nor shall any like you
and burned incense at the high places. arise after you. 13And I have also given you
what you have not asked: both riches and
honor, so that there shall not be anyone
1 Kings 3:4 like you among the kings all your days.
Solomon went to Gibeon to offer 14So if you walk in My ways, to keep My
sacrifices because that’s where the
statutes and My commandments, as your
bronze altar and tabernacle (tent) of
father David walked, then I will lengthen
meeting were. These sacred items,
your days.”
which had been made during the time 15Then Sol omon awoke; and indeed it
of Moses, were an important part of
had been a dream. And he came to Jeru-
the Israelites’ worship. Located about
salem and stood before the ark of the cov-
six miles northwest of Jerusalem,
enant of the Lord, offered up burnt offer-
Gibeon (now known as El-Jib) had
ings, offered peace offerings, and made a
been the site of several bloody battles,
feast for all his servants.
including Joshua’s victory over the
Amorites and a deadly contest Solomon’s Wise Judgment
between the soldiers of David and
16Now two women who were harlots came
Ishbosheth, Saul’s son.
to the king, and stood before him. 17And
one woman said, “O my lord, this woman
4Now the king went to Gibeon to sacri- and I dwell in the same house; and I gave
fice there, for that was the great high place: birth while she was in the house. 18Then it
Solomon offered a thousand burnt offer- happened, the third day after I had given
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Profile
Solomon
Solomon turned out to be an example of almost everything he preached for and against!
He should have listened better to himself. His wisest act was to humbly ask God for wis-
dom; his most foolish act was to live as if he were exempt from the very truths he taught
others. For example, he published many proverbs on marriage, but violated them himself.
In his unusual autobiography, Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives indications that he realized
what a mess he had made out of his life. The book reveals a man who had the unusual
circumstance of having the resources and opportunity to have and to try anything. So he
did. Years later Jesus said this about lives like Solomon’s: “What profit is it to a man if he
gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Solomon reported that such
a man ends up chasing the wind.
Solomon certainly made a difference in history. He built a great temple for God in
Jerusalem. He enlarged the borders of the kingdom of Israel. He applied wisdom to a
system of public works and foreign diplomacy. The treasury of his kingdom overflowed
with riches. From a worldly point of view, Solomon was an outstanding success. But his
internal life decayed away as he failed to faithfully follow his own advice: “Trust in the
Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6).
+ Making a Difference:
The Bible includes many examples of people who started out well but finished poorly. You
can probably think of some examples in our own times. Those who make the best kind of
difference are those who don’t give up once they begin to live for God.
We don’t know how long the race called real life will be, but we will fail and fall if we
expect it to be a short sprint. Life is more like a marathon. Will you get tired, give up, and
sit on the sidelines? Or will you keep on trying until you win the race?
Want to know more?
In order to get a perspective on Solomon, you should read not only the history
of his life and times in 2 Samuel 12:24—1 Kings 11:43, but also his own writ-
ings in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
Solomon was a wise man who ultimately saw the error of his ways. His
wisdom combined with his honest reflection helped him make a real
difference. You can, too!
birth, that this woman also gave birth. And him in the morning, indeed, he was not my
we were together; no one was with us in the son whom I had borne.”
house, except the two of us in the house. 22Then the other woman said, “No! But
19And this woman’s son died in the night, the living one is my son, and the dead one
because she lay on him. 20So she arose in is your son.”
the middle of the night and took my son And the first woman said, “No! But the
from my side, while your maidservant dead one is your son, and the living one is
slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid my son.”
her dead child in my bosom. 21And when I Thus they spoke before the king.
rose in the morning to nurse my son, there 23And the king said, “The one says, ‘This
he was, dead. But when I had examined is my son, who lives, and your son is the
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407 1 KINGS 4:28
dead one’; and the other says, ‘No! But your Bashan—sixty large cities with walls and
son is the dead one, and my son is the liv- bronze gate-bars; 14Ahinadab the son of
ing one.’ ” 24Then the king said, “Bring me a Iddo, in Mahanaim; 15Ahimaaz, in Naph-
sword.” So they brought a sword before the tali; he also took Basemath the daughter
king. 25And the king said, “Divide the living of Solomon as wife; 16Baanah the son of
child in two, and give half to one, and half Hushai, in Asher and Aloth; 17Jehoshaphat
to the other.” the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 18Shimei the
26Then the woman whose son was liv- son of Elah, in Benjamin; 19Geber the son of
ing spoke to the king, for she yearned with Uri, in the land of Gilead, in the country of
compassion for her son; and she said, Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king
“O my lord, give her the living child, and by of Bashan. He was the only governor who
no means kill him!” was in the land.
But the other said, “Let him be neither
mine nor yours, but divide him.” Prosperity and Wisdom
27So the king answered and said, “Give
of Solomon’s Reign
the first woman the living child, and by no
20Judah and Israel were as numerous as
means kill him; she is his mother.”
28And all Israel heard of the judgment the sand by the sea in multitude, eating
which the king had rendered; and they and drinking and rejoicing. 21So Solomon
feared the king, for they saw that the wis- reigned over all kingdoms from the Rivera
dom of God was in him to administer jus- to the land of the Philistines, as far as the
tice. border of Egypt. They brought tribute and
served Solomon all the days of his life.
22Now Sol omon’s provision for one day
Solomon’s Administration
was thirty kors of fine flour, sixty kors of
4
So King Solomon was king over all
meal, 23ten fatted oxen, twenty oxen from
Israel. 2And these were his officials:
the pastures, and one hundred sheep, be-
Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;
3Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, sides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted
fowl.
scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the 24For he had dominion over all the region
recorder; 4Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
on this side of the Rivera from Tiphsah even
over the army; Zadok and Abiathar, the
to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this
priests; 5Azariah the son of Nathan, over
side of the River; and he had peace on ev-
the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan, a
ery side all around him. 25And Judah and
priest and the king’s friend; 6Ahishar, over
Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine
the household; and Adoniram the son of
and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beer-
Abda, over the labor force.
7And Sol omon had twelve governors sheba, all the days of Solomon.
26Solomon had fortya thousand stalls of
over all Israel, who provided food for the
king and his household; each one made horses for his chariots, and twelve thou-
provision for one month of the year. 8These sand horsemen. 27And these governors,
are their names: Ben-Hur,a in the moun- each man in his month, provided food for
tains of Ephraim; 9Ben-Deker,a in Makaz, King Solomon and for all who came to
Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth King Solomon’s table. There was no lack
Hanan; 10Ben-Hesed,a in Arubboth; to him in their supply. 28They also brought bar-
belonged Sochoh and all the land of He ley and straw to the proper place, for the
pher; 11Ben-Abinadab,a in all the regions of horses and steeds, each man according to
Dor; he had Taphath the daughter of Sol his charge.
omon as wife; 12Baana the son of Ahilud, 4:8 aLiterally Son of Hur 4:9 aLiterally
in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth Shean, Son of Deker 4:10 aLiterally Son of Hesed
which is beside Zaretan below Jezreel, 4:11 aLiterally Son of Abinadab 4:13 aLiterally
from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as Son of Geber 4:21 aThat is, the Euphrates
the other side of Jokneam; 13Ben-Geber,a in 4:24 aThat is, the Euphrates 4:26 aFollowing
Ramoth Gilead; to him belonged the towns Masoretic Text and most other authorities;
of Jair the son of Manasseh, in Gilead; to some manuscripts of the Septuagint read four
him also belonged the region of Argob in (compare 2 Chronicles 9:25).
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1 KINGS 4:29 408
29And God gave Sol omon wisdom and Blessed be the Lord this day, for He
exceedingly great understanding, and has given David a wise son over this
largeness of heart like the sand on the great people!
seashore. 30Thus Sol omon’s wisdom ex-
celled the wisdom of all the men of the 8Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying:
East and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31For he
was wiser than all men—than Ethan the I have considered the message which
Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, you sent me, and I will do all you
the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all desire concerning the cedar and
the surrounding nations. 32He spoke three cypress logs.
9My servants shall bring them down
thousand proverbs, and his songs were
one thousand and five. 33Also he spoke of from Lebanon to the sea; I will float
trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even them in rafts by sea to the place
to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; you indicate to me, and will have
he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creep- them broken apart there; then you
ing things, and of fish. 34And men of all na- can take them away. And you shall
tions, from all the kings of the earth who fulfill my desire by giving food for my
had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the household.
wisdom of Solomon.
10Then Hiram gave Solomon cedar and
Solomon Prepares to Build cypress logs according to all his desire.
the Temple 11And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thou-
5
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his ser- sand kors of wheat as food for his house-
vants to Solomon, because he heard hold, and twentya kors of pressed oil. Thus
that they had anointed him king in Solomon gave to Hiram year by year.
12So the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as
place of his father, for Hiram had always
loved David. 2Then Solomon sent to Hiram, He had promised him; and there was peace
saying: between Hiram and Solomon, and the two
of them made a treaty together.
3You know how my father David could
not build a house for the name of the
Lord his God because of the wars 1 Kings 5:13
which were fought against him on Even though Solomon treated his
every side, until the Lord put his foesa workers well, they were still slaves.
under the soles of his feet. Following in his father’s footsteps,
4But now the Lord my God has given Solomon made slaves of foreigners
and the people he captured in war.
me rest on every side; there is neither
adversary nor evil occurrence.
5And behold, I propose to build a house
for the name of the Lord my God, as Family
the Lord spoke to my father David, What does God think about
saying, “Your son, whom I will set on giving all our time to work?
your throne in your place, he shall
build the house for My name.” 1 Kings 5:13, 14
6Now therefore, command that they cut
down cedars for me from Lebanon; 13Then King Solomon raised up a labor
and my servants will be with your force out of all Israel; and the labor force
servants, and I will pay you wages for was thirty thousand men. 14And he sent
your servants according to whatever them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month
you say. For you know there is none in shifts: they were one month in Lebanon
among us who has skill to cut timber and two months at home; Adoniram was
like the Sidonians.
5:3 aLiterally them 5:11 aFollowing Masoretic
7So it was, when Hiram heard the words Text, Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint and
of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly and said, Syriac read twenty thousand.
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409 1 KINGS 6:19
in charge of the labor force. 15Solomon bits high; they were attached to the temple
had seventy thousand who carried bur- with cedar beams.
dens, and eighty thousand who quarried 11Then the word of the Lord came to
stone in the mountains, 16besides three Solomon, saying: 12“Concerning this temple
thousand three hundreda from the chiefs which you are building, if you walk in My
of Solomon’s deputies, who supervised the statutes, execute My judgments, keep all
people who labored in the work. 17And the My commandments, and walk in them,
king commanded them to quarry large then I will perform My word with you,
stones, costly stones, and hewn stones, which I spoke to your father David. 13And I
to lay the foundation of the temple.a 18So will dwell among the children of Israel, and
Solomon’s builders, Hiram’s builders, and will not forsake My people Israel.”
the Gebalites quarried them; and they 14So Solomon built the temple and fin-
prepared timber and stones to build the ished it. 15And he built the inside walls of
temple. the temple with cedar boards; from the
floor of the temple to the ceiling he pan-
Solomon Builds the Temple
eled the inside with wood; and he covered
6
And it came to pass in the four the floor of the temple with planks of cy-
hundred and eightietha year after press. 16Then he built the twenty- cubit
the children of Israel had come out room at the rear of the temple, from floor
of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of to ceiling, with cedar boards; he built it
Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month inside as the inner sanctuary, as the Most
of Ziv, which is the second month, that Holy Place. 17And in front of it the temple
he began to build the house of the Lord. sanctuary was forty cubits long. 18The in-
2Now the house which King Solomon built
side of the temple was cedar, carved with
for the Lord, its length was sixty cubits, its ornamental buds and open flowers. All was
width twenty, and its height thirty cubits. cedar; there was no stone to be seen.
3The vestibule in front of the sanctuarya
of the house was twenty cubits long across
the width of the house, and the width of 1 Kings 6:16
the vestibuleb extended ten cubits from the The floor plan of Solomon’s temple
front of the house. 4And he made for the was identical to the one God gave
house windows with beveled frames. Moses for the tabernacle. The only
5Against the wall of the temple he built
difference was that the temple was
chambers all around, against the walls of twice the size of the tabernacle. The
the temple, all around the sanctuary and Most Holy Place was designed to be a
the inner sanctuary.a Thus he made side perfect cube, equal in length, width,
chambers all around it. 6The lowest cham- and height.
ber was five cubits wide, the middle was six
cubits wide, and the third was seven cubits
wide; for he made narrow ledges around 19And he prepared the inner sanctu-
the outside of the temple, so that the sup ary inside the temple, to set the ark of the
port beams would not be fastened into the
walls of the temple. 7And the temple, when 5:16 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum,
it was being built, was built with stone and Vulgate; Septuagint reads three
thousand six hundred. 5:17 aLiterally house,
finished at the quarry, so that no hammer
and so frequently throughout this book
or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the
6:1 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
temple while it was being built. 8The door- Vulgate; Septuagint reads fortieth. 6:3 aHebrew
way for the middle storya was on the right heykal; here the main room of the temple,
side of the temple. They went up by stairs elsewhere called the holy place (compare
to the middle story, and from the middle to Exodus 26:33 and Ezekiel 41:1) bLiterally it
the third. 6:5 aHebrew debir; here the inner room of the
9So he built the temple and finished it,
temple, elsewhere called the Most Holy Place
and he paneled the temple with beams and (compare verse 16) 6:8 aFollowing Masoretic
boards of cedar. 10And he built side cham- Text and Vulgate; Septuagint reads upper story;
bers against the entire temple, each five cu- Targum reads ground story.
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1 KINGS 6:20 410
Promise
God promises to never forsake you.
“Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk
in My statutes, execute My judgments, keep all My command
ments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with
you, which I spoke to your father David. And I will dwell
among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel” (1 Kin. 6:12, 13).
Do you remember the fears of your childhood? Monsters in the closet.
Thunder in the night. Being left alone. That just might be the biggest fear. Simply
not being able to locate mom can cause a child to go running through the house
screaming, “Mommmmm!” Fearing that she has suddenly vanished, the little one
may begin to check everywhere, look in every room. Her little heart races and her
terrified imagination runs wild. She wonders if everyone is gone and she’s been
left totally alone—deserted in a big, scary world to fend for herself. She may fear
she’ll have to learn to cook and clean and earn money. Just as tears begin to fall,
she hears a voice from the garage, “What is it, honey?” “Nothing, Mom,” the child
answers with pretend calm, “I just couldn’t find you.” “Well, I’m right here,” mom
reassures.
And God is also “right here.” He will never desert you or leave you. Even when
you’re an adult and feel afraid, rest assured that God is as close as the air you
breathe.
See for yourself// Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 37:28;
Ezekiel 11:16, 17
covenant of the Lord there. 20The inner in the middle of the room. 28Also he over-
sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty laid the cherubim with gold.
cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He 29Then he carved all the walls of the
overlaid it with pure gold, and overlaid temple all around, both the inner and outer
the altar of cedar. 21So Solomon overlaid sanctuaries, with carved figures of cheru-
the inside of the temple with pure gold. bim, palm trees, and open flowers. 30And
He stretched gold chains across the front the floor of the temple he overlaid with
of the inner sanctuary, and overlaid it with gold, both the inner and outer sanctuaries.
gold. 22The whole temple he overlaid with 31For the entrance of the inner sanctu-
gold, until he had finished all the temple; ary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel
also he overlaid with gold the entire altar and doorposts were one-fifth of the wall.
that was by the inner sanctuary. 32The two doors were of olive wood; and
23Inside the inner sanctuary he made
he carved on them figures of cherubim,
two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cu- palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid
bits high. 24One wing of the cherub was five them with gold; and he spread gold on the
cubits, and the other wing of the cherub cherubim and on the palm trees. 33So for
five cubits: ten cubits from the tip of one the door of the sanctuary he also made
wing to the tip of the other. 25And the other doorposts of olive wood, one-fourth of the
cherub was ten cubits; both cherubim were wall. 34And the two doors were of cypress
of the same size and shape. 26The height of wood; two panels comprised one folding
one cherub was ten cubits, and so was the door, and two panels comprised the other
other cherub. 27Then he set the cherubim folding door. 35Then he carved cherubim,
inside the inner room;a and they stretched palm trees, and open flowers on them, and
out the wings of the cherubim so that the overlaid them with gold applied evenly on
wing of the one touched one wall, and the the carved work.
wing of the other cherub touched the other
wall. And their wings touched each other 6:27 aLiterally house
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411 1 KINGS 7:20
36And he built the inner court with three this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he
rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar had taken as wife.
beams. 9All these were of costly stones cut to
size, trimmed with saws, inside and out,
from the foundation to the eaves, and also
1 Kings 6:37 on the outside to the great court. 10The
Here’s a brief history of the temple foundation was of costly stones, large
in Jerusalem: Solomon began work stones, some ten cubits and some eight cu-
on the first temple around 967 B.C. bits. 11And above were costly stones, hewn
and completed it seven years later. to size, and cedar wood. 12The great court
The Babylonians came along in 586 was enclosed with three rows of hewn
B.C. and destroyed the building stones and a row of cedar beams. So were
completely. The Jewish people built a the inner court of the house of the Lord
second temple, but it was no longer and the vestibule of the temple.
standing when Jesus was born. The
temple that existed during Jesus’ day Hiram the Craftsman
had been built by Herod. 13Now King Solomon sent and brought
Hurama from Tyre. 14He was the son of a
37In the fourth year the foundation of the widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his
house of the Lord was laid, in the month father was a man of Tyre, a bronze worker;
of Ziv. 38And in the eleventh year, in the he was filled with wisdom and understand-
month of Bul, which is the eighth month, ing and skill in working with all kinds of
the house was finished in all its details and bronze work. So he came to King Solomon
according to all its plans. So he was seven and did all his work.
years in building it.
The Bronze Pillars for
the Temple
Solomon’s Other Buildings
15And he cast two pillars of bronze, each
7
But Solomon took thirteen years to
one eighteen cubits high, and a line of
build his own house; so he finished
twelve cubits measured the circumfer-
all his house.
2He also built the House of the Forest ence of each. 16Then he made two capitals
of cast bronze, to set on the tops of the
of Lebanon; its length was one hundred
pillars. The height of one capital was five
cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height
cubits, and the height of the other capital
thirty cubits, with four rows of cedar pil-
was five cubits. 17He made a lattice net-
lars, and cedar beams on the pillars. 3And
work, with wreaths of chainwork, for the
it was paneled with cedar above the beams
capitals which were on top of the pillars:
that were on forty-five pillars, fifteen to
seven chains for one capital and seven for
a row. 4There were windows with beveled
the other capital. 18So he made the pillars,
frames in three rows, and window was op-
and two rows of pomegranates above the
posite window in three tiers. 5And all the
network all around to cover the capitals
doorways and doorposts had rectangular
that were on top; and thus he did for the
frames; and window was opposite window
other capital.
in three tiers. 19The capitals which were on top of the
6He also made the Hall of Pillars: its length
pillars in the hall were in the shape of lil-
was fifty cubits, and its width thirty cubits; ies, four cubits. 20The capitals on the two
and in front of them was a portico with pil- pillars also had pomegranates above, by
lars, and a canopy was in front of them. the convex surface which was next to the
7Then he made a hall for the throne, the
network; and there were two hundred such
Hall of Judgment, where he might judge; pomegranates in rows on each of the capi-
and it was paneled with cedar from floor to tals all around.
ceiling.a
8And the house where he dwelt had
7:7 aLiterally floor, that is, of the upper level
another court inside the hall, of like work- 7:13 aHebrew Hiram (compare 2 Chronicles
manship. Solomon also made a house like 2:13, 14)
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1 KINGS 7:21 412
21Then he set up the pillars by the vesti- hubs were all of cast bronze. 34And there
bule of the temple; he set up the pillar on were four supports at the four corners of
the right and called its name Jachin, and each cart; its supports were part of the cart
he set up the pillar on the left and called its itself. 35On the top of the cart, at the height
name Boaz. 22The tops of the pillars were in of half a cubit, it was perfectly round. And
the shape of lilies. So the work of the pillars on the top of the cart, its flanges and its
was finished. panels were of the same casting. 36On the
plates of its flanges and on its panels he
The Sea and the Oxen engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees,
23And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten
wherever there was a clear space on each,
with wreaths all around. 37Thus he made
cubits from one brim to the other; it was the ten carts. All of them were of the same
completely round. Its height was five cu- mold, one measure, and one shape.
bits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its 38Then he made ten lavers of bronze;
circumference. each laver contained forty baths, and each
24Below its brim were ornamental buds
laver was four cubits. On each of the ten
encircling it all around, ten to a cubit, all carts was a laver. 39And he put five carts on
the way around the Sea. The ornamental the right side of the house, and five on the
buds were cast in two rows when it was left side of the house. He set the Sea on the
cast. 25It stood on twelve oxen: three look- right side of the house, toward the south-
ing toward the north, three looking toward east.
the west, three looking toward the south,
and three looking toward the east; the Sea
was set upon them, and all their back parts Furnishings of the Temple
pointed inward. 26It was a handbreadth 40Hurama made the lavers and the shovels
thick; and its brim was shaped like the and the bowls. So Huram finished doing
brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It con- all the work that he was to do for King
tained two thousanda baths. Solomon for the house of the Lord: 41the
two pillars, the two bowl-shaped capitals
The Carts and the Lavers that were on top of the two pillars; the two
27He also made ten carts of bronze; four networks covering the two bowl-shaped
capitals which were on top of the pillars;
cubits was the length of each cart, four cu- 42four hundred pomegranates for the two
bits its width, and three cubits its height.
28And this was the design of the carts: They networks (two rows of pomegranates
for each network, to cover the two bowl-
had panels, and the panels were between
shaped capitals that were on top of the
frames; 29on the panels that were between
pillars); 43the ten carts, and ten lavers on
the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim.
the carts; 44one Sea, and twelve oxen un-
And on the frames was a pedestal on top.
der the Sea; 45the pots, the shovels, and the
Below the lions and oxen were wreaths of
bowls.
plaited work. 30Every cart had four bronze
All these articles which Hurama made
wheels and axles of bronze, and its four
for King Sol omon for the house of the
feet had supports. Under the laver were
Lord were of burnished bronze. 46In the
supports of cast bronze beside each wreath.
31Its opening inside the crown at the top plain of Jordan the king had them cast in
clay molds, between Succoth and Zare-
was one cubit in diameter; and the opening
tan. 47And Solomon did not weigh all the
was round, shaped like a pedestal, one and
articles, because there were so many; the
a half cubits in outside diameter; and also
weight of the bronze was not determined.
on the opening were engravings, but the 48Thus Solomon had all the furnishings
panels were square, not round. 32Under the
made for the house of the Lord: the altar
panels were the four wheels, and the axles
of gold, and the table of gold on which was
of the wheels were joined to the cart. The
height of a wheel was one and a half cubits. 7:26 aOr three thousand (compare 2 Chronicles
33The workmanship of the wheels was like
4:5) 7:40 aHebrew Hiram (compare
the workmanship of a chariot wheel; their 2 Chronicles 2:13, 14) 7:45 aHebrew Hiram
axle pins, their rims, their spokes, and their (compare 2 Chronicles 2:13, 14)
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413 1 KINGS 8:22
the showbread; 49the lampstands of pure children of Israel, when they came out of
gold, five on the right side and five on the the land of Egypt.
left in front of the inner sanctuary, with 10And it came to pass, when the priests
the flowers and the lamps and the wick- came out of the holy place, that the cloud
trimmers of gold; 50the basins, the trim- filled the house of the Lord, 11so that the
mers, the bowls, the ladles, and the censers priests could not continue ministering be-
of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both cause of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord
for the doors of the inner room (the Most filled the house of the Lord.
Holy Place) and for the doors of the main 12Then Solomon spoke:
hall of the temple.
51So all the work that King Solomon had “ The Lord said He would dwell in the
done for the house of the Lord was fin- dark cloud.
ished; and Solomon brought in the things 13 I have surely built You an exalted
which his father David had dedicated: the house,
silver and the gold and the furnishings. He And a place for You to dwell in forever.”
put them in the treasuries of the house of
the Lord. Solomon’s Speech at
Completion of the Work
The Ark Brought into 14Then the king turned around and blessed
the Temple
the whole assembly of Israel, while all the
8
Now Solomon assembled the elders assembly of Israel was standing. 15And he
of Israel and all the heads of the said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
tribes, the chief fathers of the chil- who spoke with His mouth to my father
dren of Israel, to King Solomon in Jerusa- David, and with His hand has fulfilled it,
lem, that they might bring up the ark of the saying, 16‘Since the day that I brought My
covenant of the Lord from the City of Da- people Israel out of Egypt, I have chosen
vid, which is Zion. 2Therefore all the men no city from any tribe of Israel in which
of Israel assembled with King Solomon at to build a house, that My name might be
the feast in the month of Ethanim, which there; but I chose David to be over My
is the seventh month. 3So all the elders of people Israel.’ 17Now it was in the heart of
Israel came, and the priests took up the my father David to build a templea for the
ark. 4Then they brought up the ark of the name of the Lord God of Israel. 18But the
Lord, the tabernacle of meeting, and all Lord said to my father David, ‘Whereas
the holy furnishings that were in the taber- it was in your heart to build a temple for
nacle. The priests and the Levites brought My name, you did well that it was in your
them up. 5Also King Solomon, and all the heart. 19Nevertheless you shall not build
congregation of Israel who were assem- the temple, but your son who will come
bled with him, were with him before the from your body, he shall build the temple
ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen that could for My name.’ 20So the Lord has fulfilled
not be counted or numbered for multi- His word which He spoke; and I have filled
tude. 6Then the priests brought in the ark the position of my father David, and sit on
of the covenant of the Lord to its place, the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised;
into the inner sanctuary of the temple, to and I have built a temple for the name of
the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the Lord God of Israel. 21And there I have
the cherubim. 7For the cherubim spread made a place for the ark, in which is the
their two wings over the place of the ark, covenant of the Lord which He made with
and the cherubim overshadowed the ark our fathers, when He brought them out of
and its poles. 8The poles extended so that the land of Egypt.”
the ends of the poles could be seen from
the holy place, in front of the inner sanctu- Solomon’s Prayer
ary; but they could not be seen from out- of Dedication
side. And they are there to this day. 9Noth- 22Then Solomon stood before the altar of
ing was in the ark except the two tablets the Lord in the presence of all the assembly
of stone which Moses put there at Horeb,
when the Lord made a covenant with the 8:17 aLiterally house, and so in verses 18–20
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1 KINGS 8:23 414
of Israel, and spread out his hands toward make supplication to You in this temple,
heaven; 23and he said: “Lord God of Israel, 34then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin
there is no God in heaven above or on earth of Your people Israel, and bring them back
below like You, who keep Your covenant to the land which You gave to their fathers.
and mercy with Your servants who walk 35“When the heavens are shut up and
before You with all their hearts. 24You have there is no rain because they have sinned
kept what You promised Your servant Da- against You, when they pray toward this
vid my father; You have both spoken with place and confess Your name, and turn
Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, from their sin because You afflict them,
as it is this day. 25Therefore, Lord God of 36then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of
Israel, now keep what You promised Your Your servants, Your people Israel, that You
servant David my father, saying, ‘You shall may teach them the good way in which
not fail to have a man sit before Me on the they should walk; and send rain on Your
throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed land which You have given to Your people
to their way, that they walk before Me as as an inheritance.
you have walked before Me.’ 26And now I 37“When there is famine in the land,
pray, O God of Israel, let Your word come pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or
true, which You have spoken to Your ser- grasshoppers; when their enemy besieges
vant David my father. them in the land of their cities; what-
27“But will God indeed dwell on the ever plague or whatever sickness there is;
earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of 38whatever prayer, whatever supplication
heavens cannot contain You. How much is made by anyone, or by all Your people
less this temple which I have built! 28Yet Israel, when each one knows the plague of
regard the prayer of Your servant and his his own heart, and spreads out his hands
supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to toward this temple: 39then hear in heaven
the cry and the prayer which Your servant Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act,
is praying before You today: 29that Your and give to everyone according to all his
eyes may be open toward this temple night ways, whose heart You know (for You alone
and day, toward the place of which You know the hearts of all the sons of men),
said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that You may 40that they may fear You all the days that
hear the prayer which Your servant makes they live in the land which You gave to our
toward this place. 30And may You hear the fathers.
41“Moreover, concerning a foreigner,
supplication of Your servant and of Your
people Israel, when they pray toward this who is not of Your people Israel, but has
place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; come from a far country for Your name’s
and when You hear, forgive. sake 42(for they will hear of Your great
name and Your strong hand and Your out-
stretched arm), when he comes and prays
God toward this temple, 43hear in heaven Your
How big is God? dwelling place, and do according to all for
1 Kings 8:27 which the foreigner calls to You, that all
peoples of the earth may know Your name
and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and
31“When anyone sins against his neigh- that they may know that this temple which
bor, and is forced to take an oath, and I have built is called by Your name.
comes and takes an oath before Your altar 44“When Your people go out to battle
in this temple, 32then hear in heaven, and against their enemy, wherever You send
act, and judge Your servants, condemning them, and when they pray to the Lord
the wicked, bringing his way on his head, toward the city which You have chosen
and justifying the righteous by giving him and the temple which I have built for Your
according to his righteousness. name, 45then hear in heaven their prayer
33“When Your people Israel are defeated and their supplication, and maintain their
before an enemy because they have sinned cause.
against You, and when they turn back to 46“When they sin against You (for there
You and confess Your name, and pray and is no one who does not sin), and You be-
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415 1 KINGS 8:65
heaven. 55Then he stood and blessed all
1 Kings 8:46 the assembly of Israel with a loud voice,
In 586 B.C., the Israelites rejected saying: 56“Blessed be the Lord, who has
Solomon’s warnings and turned their given rest to His people Israel, according to
backs on God to openly worship idols. all that He promised. There has not failed
As punishment, the Lord allowed the one word of all His good promise, which
Babylonians to invade northern Israel, He promised through His servant Moses.
57May the Lord our God be with us, as He
destroy the temple, and haul the
people away as prisoners. For seventy was with our fathers. May He not leave us
years the people of Israel were held nor forsake us, 58that He may incline our
captive in Babylon. hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways,
and to keep His commandments and His
statutes and His judgments, which He
come angry with them and deliver them
commanded our fathers. 59And may these
to the enemy, and they take them captive
words of mine, with which I have made
to the land of the enemy, far or near; 47yet
supplication before the Lord, be near the
when they come to themselves in the land Lord our God day and night, that He may
where they were carried captive, and re- maintain the cause of His servant and the
pent, and make supplication to You in the cause of His people Israel, as each day may
land of those who took them captive, say- require, 60that all the peoples of the earth
ing, ‘We have sinned and done wrong, we may know that the Lord is God; there is no
have committed wickedness’; 48and when other. 61Let your heart therefore be loyal to
they return to You with all their heart and the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes
with all their soul in the land of their en- and keep His commandments, as at this
emies who led them away captive, and day.”
pray to You toward their land which You
gave to their fathers, the city which You Solomon Dedicates the Temple
have chosen and the temple which I have
62Then the king and all Israel with him
built for Your name: 49then hear in heaven
Your dwelling place their prayer and their offered sacrifices before the Lord. 63And
supplication, and maintain their cause, Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace of-
50and forgive Your people who have sinned ferings, which he offered to the Lord,
against You, and all their transgressions twenty-two thousand bulls and one hun-
which they have transgressed against You; dred and twenty thousand sheep. So the
and grant them compassion before those king and all the children of Israel dedicated
who took them captive, that they may the house of the Lord. 64On the same day
have compassion on them 51(for they are the king consecrated the middle of the
Your people and Your inheritance, whom court that was in front of the house of the
You brought out of Egypt, out of the iron Lord; for there he offered burnt offerings,
furnace), 52that Your eyes may be open to grain offerings, and the fat of the peace of-
the supplication of Your servant and the ferings, because the bronze altar that was
before the Lord was too small to receive
supplication of Your people Israel, to lis-
the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and
ten to them whenever they call to You.
53For You separated them from among all the fat of the peace offerings.
the peoples of the earth to be Your inheri-
tance, as You spoke by Your servant Moses, Thankfulness
when You brought our fathers out of Egypt, What should we do when
O Lord God.”
God is good to us?
Solomon Blesses the Assembly 1 Kings 8:66
54And so it was, when Solomon had
finished praying all this prayer and sup- 65At that time Solomon held a feast, and
plication to the Lord, that he arose from all Israel with him, a great assembly from
before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of
on his knees with his hands spread up to Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven
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1 KINGS 8:66 416
days and seven more days—fourteen days. them; therefore the Lord has brought all
66On the eighth day he sent the people this calamity on them.’ ”
away; and they blessed the king, and went
to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all Solomon and Hiram
the good that the Lord had done for His Exchange Gifts
servant David, and for Israel His people. 10Now it happened at the end of twenty
years, when Solomon had built the two
Prayer houses, the house of the Lord and the
king’s house 11(Hiram the king of Tyre had
Does God hear our prayers? supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress
1 Kings 9:3–5 and gold, as much as he desired), that King
Solomon then gave Hiram twenty cities
in the land of Galilee. 12Then Hiram went
God’s Second Appearance from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon
to Solomon
had given him, but they did not please him.
9
And it came to pass, when Solomon 13So he said, “What kind of cities are these
had finished building the house of which you have given me, my brother?”
the Lord and the king’s house, and And he called them the land of Cabul,a as
all Solomon’s desire which he wanted to they are to this day. 14Then Hiram sent the
do, 2that the Lord appeared to Solomon king one hundred and twenty talents of
the second time, as He had appeared to gold.
him at Gibeon. 3And the Lord said to
him: “I have heard your prayer and your Solomon’s Additional
supplication that you have made before Achievements
Me; I have consecrated this house which 15And this is the reason for the labor force
you have built to put My name there which King Solomon raised: to build
forever, and My eyes and My heart will the house of the Lord, his own house,
be there perpetually. 4Now if you walk the Millo,a the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor,
before Me as your father David walked, Megiddo, and Gezer. 16(Pharaoh king of
in integrity of heart and in uprightness, Egypt had gone up and taken Gezer and
to do according to all that I have com- burned it with fire, had killed the Canaan-
manded you, and if you keep My statutes ites who dwelt in the city, and had given
and My judgments, 5then I will establish it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s
the throne of your kingdom over Israel wife.) 17And Solomon built Gezer, Lower
forever, as I promised David your father, Beth Horon, 18Baalath, and Tadmor in the
saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man wilderness, in the land of Judah, 19all the
on the throne of Israel.’ 6But if you or storage cities that Solomon had, cities for
your sons at all turn from following Me, his chariots and cities for his cavalry, and
and do not keep My commandments and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jeru-
My statutes which I have set before you, salem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his
but go and serve other gods and worship dominion.
them, 7then I will cut off Israel from the 20All the people who were left of the
land which I have given them; and this Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and
house which I have consecrated for My Jebusites, who were not of the children of
name I will cast out of My sight. Israel Israel— 21that is, their descendants who
will be a proverb and a byword among were left in the land after them, whom
all peoples. 8And as for this house, which the children of Israel had not been able to
is exalted, everyone who passes by it will destroy completely—from these Solomon
be astonished and will hiss, and say, ‘Why raised forced labor, as it is to this day. 22But
has the Lord done thus to this land and of the children of Israel Solomon made no
to this house?’ 9Then they will answer, forced laborers, because they were men of
‘Because they forsook the Lord their war and his servants: his officers, his cap-
God, who brought their fathers out of the
land of Egypt, and have embraced other 9:13 aLiterally Good for Nothing
9:15 aLiterally
gods, and worshiped them and served The Landfill
11-1 Kings.indd 416 2/14/12 11:54 AM
417 1 KINGS 10:17
tains, commanders of his chariots, and his the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.
cavalry. 6Then she said to the king: “It was a true
23Others were chiefs of the officials who report which I heard in my own land about
were over Solomon’s work: five hundred your words and your wisdom. 7However I
and fifty, who ruled over the people who did not believe the words until I came and
did the work. saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half
24But Pharaoh’s daughter came up from was not told me. Your wisdom and pros-
the City of David to her house which Sol perity exceed the fame of which I heard.
omona had built for her. Then he built the 8Happy are your men and happy are these
Millo. your servants, who stand continually be-
25Now three times a year Sol omon of- fore you and hear your wisdom! 9Blessed
fered burnt offerings and peace offerings be the Lord your God, who delighted in
on the altar which he had built for the you, setting you on the throne of Israel!
Lord, and he burned incense with them Because the Lord has loved Israel forever,
on the altar that was before the Lord. So he therefore He made you king, to do justice
finished the temple. and righteousness.”
26King Solomon also built a fleet of ships 10Then she gave the king one hundred
at Ezion Geber, which is near Elatha on the and twenty talents of gold, spices in great
shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. quantity, and precious stones. There never
27Then Hiram sent his servants with the
again came such abundance of spices as
fleet, seamen who knew the sea, to work the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
with the servants of Solomon. 28And they 11Also, the ships of Hiram, which brought
went to Ophir, and acquired four hundred gold from Ophir, brought great quanti-
and twenty talents of gold from there, and ties of almuga wood and precious stones
brought it to King Solomon. from Ophir. 12And the king made steps of
the almug wood for the house of the Lord
and for the king’s house, also harps and
1 Kings 10:1 stringed instruments for singers. There
Sheba was known as an international never again came such almug wood, nor
trading center. When countries has the like been seen to this day.
needed valuable items, such as 13Now King Solomon gave the queen of
perfumes and incense, they turned to Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked,
Sheba. besides what Solomon had given her ac-
cording to the royal generosity. So she
turned and went to her own country, she
The Queen of Sheba’s Praise and her servants.
of Solomon
10
Now when the queen of Sheba Solomon’s Great Wealth
heard of the fame of Solomon 14The weight of gold that came to Solomon
concerning the name of the yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents
Lord, she came to test him with hard ques- of gold, 15besides that from the traveling
tions. 2She came to Jerusalem with a very merchants, from the income of traders,
great retinue, with camels that bore spices, from all the kings of Arabia, and from the
very much gold, and precious stones; and governors of the country.
when she came to Solomon, she spoke 16And King Solomon made two hundred
with him about all that was in her heart. large shields of hammered gold; six hun-
3So Solomon answered all her questions;
dred shekels of gold went into each shield.
there was nothing so difficult for the king 17He also made three hundred shields of
that he could not explain it to her. 4And hammered gold; three minas of gold went
when the queen of Sheba had seen all the into each shield. The king put them in the
wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had House of the Forest of Lebanon.
built, 5the food on his table, the seating of
his servants, the service of his waiters and 9:24 aLiterally he (compare 2 Chronicles 8:11)
their apparel, his cupbearers, and his en- 9:26 aHebrew Eloth (compare 2 Kings 14:22)
tryway by which he went up to the house of 10:11 aOr algum (compare 2 Chronicles 9:10, 11)
11-1 Kings.indd 417 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 10:18 418
18Moreover the king made a great throne turn away your hearts after their gods.”
of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. Solomon clung to these in love. 3And he
19The throne had six steps, and the top of had seven hundred wives, princesses, and
the throne was round at the back; there three hundred concubines; and his wives
were armrests on either side of the place turned away his heart. 4For it was so, when
of the seat, and two lions stood beside the Solomon was old, that his wives turned his
armrests. 20Twelve lions stood there, one heart after other gods; and his heart was
on each side of the six steps; nothing like not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the
this had been made for any other kingdom. heart of his father David. 5For Solomon
21All King Sol omon’s drinking vessels went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the
were gold, and all the vessels of the House Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomina-
of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. tion of the Ammonites. 6Solomon did evil
Not one was silver, for this was accounted in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully
as nothing in the days of Solomon. 22For follow the Lord, as did his father David.
the king had merchant shipsa at sea with the 7Then Solomon built a high place for Che-
fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the mosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill
merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech
ivory, apes, and monkeys.b 23So King Sol the abomination of the people of Ammon.
omon surpassed all the kings of the earth 8And he did likewise for all his foreign
in riches and wisdom. wives, who burned incense and sacrificed
24Now all the earth sought the presence
to their gods.
of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God
had put in his heart. 25Each man brought
his present: articles of silver and gold, gar- Marriage
ments, armor, spices, horses, and mules, at Can a spouse lead you away
a set rate year by year.
26And Sol omon gathered chariots and from God?
horsemen; he had one thousand four hun- 1 Kings 11:1–4
dred chariots and twelve thousand horse-
men, whom he stationeda in the chariot 9So the Lord became angry with Sol
cities and with the king at Jerusalem. 27The
omon, because his heart had turned from
king made silver as common in Jerusalem
the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared
as stones, and he made cedar trees as
to him twice, 10and had commanded him
abundant as the sycamores which are in
concerning this thing, that he should not
the lowland.
28Also Sol go after other gods; but he did not keep
omon had horses imported
from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s mer- what the Lord had commanded. 11There-
chants bought them in Keveh at the current fore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because
price. 29Now a chariot that was imported you have done this, and have not kept
from Egypt cost six hundred shekels of sil- My covenant and My statutes, which I
ver, and a horse one hundred and fifty; and have commanded you, I will surely tear
thus, through their agents,a they exported the kingdom away from you and give it to
them to all the kings of the Hittites and the your servant. 12Nevertheless I will not do
kings of Syria. it in your days, for the sake of your father
David; I will tear it out of the hand of your
Solomon’s Heart Turns son. 13However I will not tear away the
from the L ord whole kingdom; I will give one tribe to
your son for the sake of My servant David,
11
But King Solomon loved many and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have
foreign women, as well as the chosen.”
daughter of Pharaoh: women
of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Si 10:22 aLiterally ships of Tarshish, deep-sea
donians, and Hittites— 2from the nations vessels bOr peacocks 10:26 aFollowing
of whom the Lord had said to the children Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with (compare 2 Chronicles 9:25); Masoretic Text
them, nor they with you. Surely they will reads led. 10:29 aLiterally by their hands
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419 1 KINGS 11:35
Adversaries of Solomon had fled from his lord, Hadadezer king of
14Now Zobah. 24So he gathered men to him and
the Lord raised up an adversary
became captain over a band of raiders,
against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he
when David killed those of Zobah. And they
was a descendant of the king in Edom.
15For it happened, when David was in went to Damascus and dwelt there, and
reigned in Damascus. 25He was an adver-
Edom, and Joab the commander of the
army had gone up to bury the slain, after sary of Israel all the days of Solomon (be-
he had killed every male in Edom 16(be- sides the trouble that Hadad caused); and
cause for six months Joab remained there he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
with all Israel, until he had cut down every
Jeroboam’s Rebellion
male in Edom), 17that Hadad fled to go to
26Then Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam the
Egypt, he and certain Edomites of his fa-
ther’s servants with him. Hadad was still son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zereda,
a little child. 18Then they arose from Mid- whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a
ian and came to Paran; and they took men widow, also rebelled against the king.
with them from Paran and came to Egypt, 27And this is what caused him to rebel
to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a against the king: Solomon had built the
house, apportioned food for him, and gave Millo and repaired the damages to the City
him land. 19And Hadad found great favor in of David his father. 28The man Jeroboam
the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon,
as wife the sister of his own wife, that is, seeing that the young man was industri-
the sister of Queen Tahpenes. 20Then the ous, made him the officer over all the labor
sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his force of the house of Joseph.
son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh’s 29Now it happened at that time, when
house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh’s Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the
household among the sons of Pharaoh. prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on
21So when Hadad heard in Egypt that the way; and he had clothed himself with a
David rested with his fathers, and that Joab new garment, and the two were alone in the
the commander of the army was dead, Ha- field. 30Then Ahijah took hold of the new
dad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I garment that was on him, and tore it into
may go to my own country.” twelve pieces. 31And he said to Jeroboam,
22Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says
have you lacked with me, that suddenly the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will
you seek to go to your own country?” tear the kingdom out of the hand of Sol
So he answered, “Nothing, but do let me omon and will give ten tribes to you 32(but
go anyway.” he shall have one tribe for the sake of My
servant David, and for the sake of Jerusa-
lem, the city which I have chosen out of all
1 Kings 11:24, 25 the tribes of Israel), 33because they havea
Damascus just happens to be one forsaken Me, and worshiped Ashtoreth the
of the oldest cities in the world. The goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the
city has existed continuously for over god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of
4,000 years. In Arabic, the city is called the people of Ammon, and have not walked
“The Place.” It’s easy to understand in My ways to do what is right in My eyes
why Damascus has been so popular and keep My statutes and My judgments,
for so long: three major caravan as did his father David. 34However I will not
routes pass right through it. The city, take the whole kingdom out of his hand,
which also happens to be the capital because I have made him ruler all the days
of Syria, is located northeast of the of his life for the sake of My servant David,
Sea of Galilee, about 135 miles from whom I chose because he kept My com-
Jerusalem. mandments and My statutes. 35But I will
take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and
23And God raised up another adversary 11:33 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
against him, Rezon the son of Eliadah, who Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read he has.
11-1 Kings.indd 419 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 11:36 420
give it to you—ten tribes. 36And to his son will be a servant to these people today, and
I will give one tribe, that My servant David serve them, and answer them, and speak
may always have a lamp before Me in Jeru- good words to them, then they will be your
salem, the city which I have chosen for My- servants forever.”
self, to put My name there. 37So I will take 8But he rejected the advice which the
you, and you shall reign over all your heart elders had given him, and consulted the
desires, and you shall be king over Israel. young men who had grown up with him,
38Then it shall be, if you heed all that I com- who stood before him. 9And he said to
mand you, walk in My ways, and do what is them, “What advice do you give? How
right in My sight, to keep My statutes and should we answer this people who have
My commandments, as My servant David spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke
did, then I will be with you and build for which your father put on us’?”
you an enduring house, as I built for David, 10Then the young men who had grown
and will give Israel to you. 39And I will af- up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus
flict the descendants of David because of you should speak to this people who have
this, but not forever.’ ” spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made
40Solomon therefore sought to kill Jero
our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter
boam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My
Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in little finger shall be thicker than my father’s
Egypt until the death of Solomon. waist! 11And now, whereas my father put a
heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke;
Death of Solomon my father chastised you with whips, but I
41Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, all will chastise you with scourges!’ ”a
12So Jeroboam and all the people came
that he did, and his wisdom, are they not
written in the book of the acts of Solomon? to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had
42And the period that Solomon reigned in directed, saying, “Come back to me the
Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. third day.” 13Then the king answered the
43Then Solomon rested with his fathers, and people roughly, and rejected the advice
was buried in the City of David his father. which the elders had given him; 14and he
And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place. spoke to them according to the advice of
the young men, saying, “My father made
The Revolt Against Rehoboam
your yoke heavy, but I will add to your
yoke; my father chastised you with whips,
12
And Rehoboam went to but I will chastise you with scourges!”a 15So
Shechem, for all Israel had gone the king did not listen to the people; for
to Shechem to make him king. the turn of events was from the Lord, that
2So it happened, when Jeroboam the son
He might fulfill His word, which the Lord
of Nebat heard it (he was still in Egypt, for had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jero
he had fled from the presence of King Sol boam the son of Nebat.
omon and had been dwelling in Egypt), 16Now when all Israel saw that the king
3that they sent and called him. Then Jer
did not listen to them, the people answered
oboam and the whole assembly of Israel the king, saying:
came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4“Your father made our yoke heavy; now
“ What share have we in David?
therefore, lighten the burdensome service We have no inheritance in the son of
of your father, and his heavy yoke which he Jesse.
put on us, and we will serve you.” To your tents, O Israel!
5So he said to them, “Depart for three
Now, see to your own house, O David!”
days, then come back to me.” And the peo-
ple departed. So Israel departed to their tents. 17But
6Then King Rehoboam consulted the el-
Rehoboam reigned over the children of Is-
ders who stood before his father Solomon rael who dwelt in the cities of Judah.
while he still lived, and he said, “How do
you advise me to answer these people?” 12:11 aLiterally scorpions
12:14 aLiterally
7And they spoke to him, saying, “If you scorpions
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421 1 KINGS 13:7
18Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, every class of people, who were not of the
who was in charge of the revenue; but all sons of Levi.
Israel stoned him with stones, and he died. 32Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fif-
Therefore King Rehoboam mounted his teenth day of the eighth month, like the
chariot in haste to flee to Jerusalem. 19So Is- feast that was in Judah, and offered sacri-
rael has been in rebellion against the house fices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacri-
of David to this day. ficing to the calves that he had made. And
20Now it came to pass when all Israel at Bethel he installed the priests of the high
heard that Jeroboam had come back, they places which he had made. 33So he made
sent for him and called him to the congre- offerings on the altar which he had made
gation, and made him king over all Israel. at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth
There was none who followed the house of month, in the month which he had devised
David, but the tribe of Judah only. in his own heart. And he ordained a feast
21And when Rehoboam came to Jerusa- for the children of Israel, and offered sacri-
lem, he assembled all the house of Judah fices on the altar and burned incense.
with the tribe of Benjamin, one hundred
and eighty thousand chosen men who The Message of the Man
were warriors, to fight against the house of God
13
of Israel, that he might restore the king- And behold, a man of God went
dom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. from Judah to Bethel by the
22But the word of God came to Shemaiah
word of the Lord, and Jeroboam
the man of God, saying, 23“Speak to Re- stood by the altar to burn incense. 2Then
hoboam the son of Solomon, king of Ju- he cried out against the altar by the word
dah, to all the house of Judah and Benja- of the Lord, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus
min, and to the rest of the people, saying, says the Lord: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by
24‘Thus says the Lord: “You shall not go
name, shall be born to the house of David;
up nor fight against your brethren the and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of
children of Israel. Let every man return the high places who burn incense on you,
to his house, for this thing is from Me.” ’ ” and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’ ”
Therefore they obeyed the word of the 3And he gave a sign the same day, saying,
Lord, and turned back, according to the “This is the sign which the Lord has spo-
word of the Lord. ken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and
Jeroboam’s Gold Calves the ashes on it shall be poured out.”
4So it came to pass when King Jeroboam
25Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the
heard the saying of the man of God, who
mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. cried out against the altar in Bethel, that
Also he went out from there and built he stretched out his hand from the altar,
Penuel. 26And Jeroboam said in his heart, saying, “Arrest him!” Then his hand, which
“Now the kingdom may return to the house he stretched out toward him, withered, so
of David: 27If these people go up to offer that he could not pull it back to himself.
sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Je- 5The altar also was split apart, and the
rusalem, then the heart of this people will ashes poured out from the altar, accord-
turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of ing to the sign which the man of God had
Judah, and they will kill me and go back to given by the word of the Lord. 6Then the
Rehoboam king of Judah.” king answered and said to the man of God,
28Therefore the king asked advice, made
“Please entreat the favor of the Lord your
two calves of gold, and said to the people, God, and pray for me, that my hand may be
“It is too much for you to go up to Jerusa- restored to me.”
lem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which So the man of God entreated the Lord,
brought you up from the land of Egypt!” and the king’s hand was restored to him, and
29And he set up one in Bethel, and the other
became as before. 7Then the king said to the
he put in Dan. 30Now this thing became a man of God, “Come home with me and re-
sin, for the people went to worship before fresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.”
the one as far as Dan. 31He made shrinesa
on the high places, and made priests from 12:31 aLiterally a house
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1 KINGS 13:8 422
8But the man of God said to the king, and drink no water,” your corpse shall not
“If you were to give me half your house, I come to the tomb of your fathers.’ ”
would not go in with you; nor would I eat 23So it was, after he had eaten bread and
bread nor drink water in this place. 9For after he had drunk, that he saddled the
so it was commanded me by the word of donkey for him, the prophet whom he had
the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, brought back. 24When he was gone, a lion
nor drink water, nor return by the same met him on the road and killed him. And
way you came.’ ” 10So he went another way his corpse was thrown on the road, and the
and did not return by the way he came to donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by
Bethel. the corpse. 25And there, men passed by and
saw the corpse thrown on the road, and
Death of the Man of God the lion standing by the corpse. Then they
11Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and went and told it in the city where the old
his sons came and told him all the works prophet dwelt.
26Now when the prophet who had
that the man of God had done that day in
Bethel; they also told their father the words brought him back from the way heard it,
which he had spoken to the king. 12And he said, “It is the man of God who was dis-
their father said to them, “Which way did obedient to the word of the Lord. There-
he go?” For his sons had seena which way fore the Lord has delivered him to the
the man of God went who came from Ju- lion, which has torn him and killed him,
dah. 13Then he said to his sons, “Saddle the according to the word of the Lord which
donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey He spoke to him.” 27And he spoke to his
for him; and he rode on it, 14and went after sons, saying, “Saddle the donkey for me.”
the man of God, and found him sitting un- So they saddled it. 28Then he went and
der an oak. Then he said to him, “Are you found his corpse thrown on the road, and
the man of God who came from Judah?” the donkey and the lion standing by the
And he said, “I am.” corpse. The lion had not eaten the corpse
15Then he said to him, “Come home with nor torn the donkey. 29And the prophet
me and eat bread.” took up the corpse of the man of God, laid
16And he said, “I cannot return with you it on the donkey, and brought it back. So
nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread the old prophet came to the city to mourn,
nor drink water with you in this place. 17For and to bury him. 30Then he laid the corpse
I have been told by the word of the Lord, in his own tomb; and they mourned over
‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water him, saying, “Alas, my brother!” 31So it was,
there, nor return by going the way you after he had buried him, that he spoke to
came.’ ” his sons, saying, “When I am dead, then
18He said to him, “I too am a prophet as
bury me in the tomb where the man of God
you are, and an angel spoke to me by the is buried; lay my bones beside his bones.
word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back 32For the saying which he cried out by
with you to your house, that he may eat the word of the Lord against the altar in
bread and drink water.’ ” (He was lying to Bethel, and against all the shrinesa on the
him.) high places which are in the cities of Sa-
19So he went back with him, and ate
maria, will surely come to pass.”
bread in his house, and drank water. 33After this event Jeroboam did not
20Now it happened, as they sat at the ta-
turn from his evil way, but again he made
ble, that the word of the Lord came to the priests from every class of people for the
prophet who had brought him back; 21and high places; whoever wished, he conse-
he cried out to the man of God who came crated him, and he became one of the
from Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord: priests of the high places. 34And this thing
‘Because you have disobeyed the word was the sin of the house of Jeroboam, so as
of the Lord, and have not kept the com- to exterminate and destroy it from the face
mandment which the Lord your God of the earth.
commanded you, 22but you came back,
ate bread, and drank water in the place of 13:12 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
which the Lord said to you, “Eat no bread read showed him. 13:32 aLiterally houses
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423 1 KINGS 14:21
Judgment on the House for him and bury him, for he is the only one
of Jeroboam of Jeroboam who shall come to the grave,
14
At that time Abijah the son of because in him there is found something
Jeroboam became sick. 2And good toward the Lord God of Israel in the
Jeroboam said to his wife, house of Jeroboam.
14“Moreover the Lord will raise up for
“Please arise, and disguise yourself, that
Himself a king over Israel who shall cut
they may not recognize you as the wife of
off the house of Jeroboam; this is the day.
Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Indeed, Ahijah
What? Even now! 15For the Lord will strike
the prophet is there, who told me that I
Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water.
would be king over this people. 3Also take
He will uproot Israel from this good land
with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of
which He gave to their fathers, and will
honey, and go to him; he will tell you what
scatter them beyond the River,a because
will become of the child.” 4And Jeroboam’s
they have made their wooden images,b
wife did so; she arose and went to Shiloh,
provoking the Lord to anger. 16And He
and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahi- will give Israel up because of the sins of
jah could not see, for his eyes were glazed Jeroboam, who sinned and who made
by reason of his age. Israel sin.”
5Now the Lord had said to Ahijah, “Here
is the wife of Jeroboam, coming to ask you
something about her son, for he is sick. 1 Kings 14:15
Thus and thus you shall say to her; for it The Israelites had adopted the
will be, when she comes in, that she will Sidonian goddess, Ashtoreth, as their
pretend to be another woman.” own deity. The places where people
6And so it was, when Ahijah heard
worshiped Ashtoreth were marked
the sound of her footsteps as she came with wooden poles, which may have
through the door, he said, “Come in, wife had symbols carved on them.
of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be an-
other person? For I have been sent to you
with bad news. 7Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus 17Then Jeroboam’s wife arose and de-
says the Lord God of Israel: “Because I parted, and came to Tirzah. When she
exalted you from among the people, and came to the threshold of the house, the
made you ruler over My people Israel, 8and child died. 18And they buried him; and all
tore the kingdom away from the house of Israel mourned for him, according to the
David, and gave it to you; and yet you have word of the Lord which He spoke through
not been as My servant David, who kept His servant Ahijah the prophet.
My commandments and who followed Me
with all his heart, to do only what was right Death of Jeroboam
in My eyes; 9but you have done more evil 19Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how
than all who were before you, for you have he made war and how he reigned, indeed
gone and made for yourself other gods they are written in the book of the chroni-
and molded images to provoke Me to an- cles of the kings of Israel. 20The period that
ger, and have cast Me behind your back— Jeroboam reigned was twenty-two years.
10therefore behold! I will bring disaster on
So he rested with his fathers. Then Nadab
the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off his son reigned in his place.
from Jeroboam every male in Israel, bond
and free; I will take away the remnant of Rehoboam Reigns in Judah
the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away 21And Rehoboam the son of Solomon
refuse until it is all gone. 11The dogs shall reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-
eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies one years old when he became king. He
in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the
whoever dies in the field; for the Lord has city which the Lord had chosen out of all
spoken!” ’ 12Arise therefore, go to your own
house. When your feet enter the city, the 14:15 aThat is, the Euphrates bHebrew
child shall die. 13And all Israel shall mourn Asherim, Canaanite deities
11-1 Kings.indd 423 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 14:22 424
the tribes of Israel, to put His name there. in all the sins of his father, which he had
His mother’s name was Naamah, an Am- done before him; his heart was not loyal
monitess. 22Now Judah did evil in the sight to the Lord his God, as was the heart of
of the Lord, and they provoked Him to his father David. 4Nevertheless for David’s
jealousy with their sins which they com- sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in
mitted, more than all that their fathers had Jerusalem, by setting up his son after him
done. 23For they also built for themselves and by establishing Jerusalem; 5because
high places, sacred pillars, and wooden David did what was right in the eyes of the
images on every high hill and under every Lord, and had not turned aside from any-
green tree. 24And there were also perverted thing that He commanded him all the days
personsa in the land. They did according to of his life, except in the matter of Uriah
all the abominations of the nations which the Hittite. 6And there was war between
the Lord had cast out before the children Rehoboama and Jeroboam all the days of
of Israel. his life. 7Now the rest of the acts of Abijam,
and all that he did, are they not written in
Cult the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Judah? And there was war between Abijam
Should we worship anything and Jeroboam.
or anyone besides God? 8So Abijam rested with his fathers, and
1 Kings 14:21–28 they buried him in the City of David. Then
Asa his son reigned in his place.
25It happened in the fifth year of King
Asa Reigns in Judah
Rehoboam that Shishak king of Egypt
9In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of
came up against Jerusalem. 26And he took
away the treasures of the house of the Israel, Asa became king over Judah. 10And
Lord and the treasures of the king’s house; he reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem.
he took away everything. He also took His grandmother’s name was Maachah
away all the gold shields which Solomon the granddaughter of Abishalom. 11Asa
had made. 27Then King Rehoboam made did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,
bronze shields in their place, and com- as did his father David. 12And he banished
mitted them to the hands of the captains the perverted personsa from the land, and
of the guard, who guarded the doorway of removed all the idols that his fathers had
the king’s house. 28And whenever the king made. 13Also he removed Maachah his
entered the house of the Lord, the guards grandmother from being queen mother,
carried them, then brought them back into because she had made an obscene image of
the guardroom. Asherah.a And Asa cut down her obscene
29Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, image and burned it by the Brook Kidron.
and all that he did, are they not written in 14But the high places were not removed.
the book of the chronicles of the kings of Nevertheless Asa’s heart was loyal to the
Judah? 30And there was war between Re- Lord all his days. 15He also brought into
hoboam and Jeroboam all their days. 31So the house of the Lord the things which his
Rehoboam rested with his fathers, and was father had dedicated, and the things which
buried with his fathers in the City of David. he himself had dedicated: silver and gold
His mother’s name was Naamah, an Am- and utensils.
monitess. Then Abijama his son reigned in 16Now there was war between Asa and
his place.
14:24 aHebrew qadesh, that is, one practicing
Abijam Reigns in Judah sodomy and prostitution in religious
rituals 14:31 aSpelled Abijah in 2 Chronicles
15
In the eighteenth year of King 12:16ff 15:6 aFollowing Masoretic Text,
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abi- Septuagint, Targum, and Vulgate; some
jam became king over Judah. Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac read Abijam.
2He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His
15:12 aHebrew qedeshim, that is, those
mother’s name was Maachah the grand- practicing sodomy and prostitution in religious
daughter of Abishalom. 3And he walked rituals 15:13 aA Canaanite goddess
11-1 Kings.indd 424 2/14/12 11:54 AM
425 1 KINGS 16:8
Baasha king of Israel all their days. 17And was so, when he became king, that he killed
Baasha king of Israel came up against Ju- all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave
dah, and built Ramah, that he might let to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he
none go out or come in to Asa king of Ju- had destroyed him, according to the word
dah. 18Then Asa took all the silver and gold of the Lord which He had spoken by His
that was left in the treasuries of the house servant Ahijah the Shilonite, 30because of
of the Lord and the treasuries of the king’s the sins of Jeroboam, which he had sinned
house, and delivered them into the hand and by which he had made Israel sin, be-
of his servants. And King Asa sent them cause of his provocation with which he had
to Ben-Hadad the son of Tabrimmon, the provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger.
son of Hezion, king of Syria, who dwelt in 31Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and
Damascus, saying, 19“Let there be a treaty all that he did, are they not written in the
between you and me, as there was between book of the chronicles of the kings of Is-
my father and your father. See, I have sent rael? 32And there was war between Asa and
you a present of silver and gold. Come and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
break your treaty with Baasha king of Is-
rael, so that he will withdraw from me.” Baasha Reigns in Israel
20So Ben- Hadad heeded King Asa, and 33In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baa-
sent the captains of his armies against the
cities of Israel. He attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel sha the son of Ahijah became king over all
Beth Maachah, and all Chinneroth, with all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four
the land of Naphtali. 21Now it happened, years. 34He did evil in the sight of the Lord,
when Baasha heard it, that he stopped and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in
building Ramah, and remained in Tirzah. his sin by which he had made Israel sin.
16
22Then King Asa made a proclamation Then the word of the Lord came
throughout all Judah; none was exempted. to Jehu the son of Hanani, against
And they took away the stones and tim- Baasha, saying: 2“Inasmuch as I
ber of Ramah, which Baasha had used for lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler
building; and with them King Asa built over My people Israel, and you have walked
Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah. in the way of Jeroboam, and have made My
23The rest of all the acts of Asa, all his people Israel sin, to provoke Me to anger
might, all that he did, and the cities which with their sins, 3surely I will take away the
he built, are they not written in the book posterity of Baasha and the posterity of his
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? But house, and I will make your house like the
in the time of his old age he was diseased house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 4The
in his feet. 24So Asa rested with his fathers, dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Baasha
and was buried with his fathers in the City and dies in the city, and the birds of the air
of David his father. Then Jehoshaphat his shall eat whoever dies in the fields.”
5Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, what
son reigned in his place.
he did, and his might, are they not written
Nadab Reigns in Israel in the book of the chronicles of the kings
25Now Nadab the son of Jeroboam became
of Israel? 6So Baasha rested with his fathers
and was buried in Tirzah. Then Elah his
king over Israel in the second year of Asa son reigned in his place.
king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel 7And also the word of the Lord came
two years. 26And he did evil in the sight of by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani
the Lord, and walked in the way of his fa- against Baasha and his house, because of
ther, and in his sin by which he had made all the evil that he did in the sight of the
Israel sin. Lord in provoking Him to anger with the
27Then Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the
work of his hands, in being like the house
house of Issachar, conspired against him. of Jeroboam, and because he killed them.
And Baasha killed him at Gibbethon, which
belonged to the Philistines, while Nadab
Elah Reigns in Israel
and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon. 28Baa-
sha killed him in the third year of Asa king 8In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Ju-
of Judah, and reigned in his place. 29And it dah, Elah the son of Baasha became king
11-1 Kings.indd 425 2/14/12 11:54 AM
Life App
Evil / 1 Kings 16:30
When you think of the word “evil” you might picture scenes from a
horror movie or think about things that scare you. An evil thing is
something bad or wicked. You may have heard the phrase “pure
evil.” That phrase refers to something that is completely wicked or
morally rotten. But evil is certainly never “pure.” God is the source of
all good and pure things. Satan is the source of all evil. Evil is de-
structive and hateful in any form.
Satan is God’s enemy; he hates God and wants to destroy any-
thing God loves. God loves us, so Satan wants to ruin our lives and
will try his best to destroy us. To do that, he tries to make us believe
lies about ourselves, about God, and about life. Satan takes all God’s
truth and pollutes it with his lies. Then he tries to make us believe
his distorted version of reality.
With all the hype and attention Hollywood has brought to sa-
tanic possession, you might find yourself fearful that Satan will try
to take over and cause you to live an outrageously sinful life.
Although possession does happen, it is not the way Satan normally
deals with people, so don’t get hung up there. Satan’s usual tactics
can be summed up in one word: lies. He continually tries to make us
believe things that just aren’t true. He tries to make us doubt God’s
love. Most of all, he tries to keep us from ever coming to Jesus and
worshiping God. So don’t be fearful of being possessed, but be cau-
tious of the little thoughts that come into your head that might
make you doubt the truth of God’s Word. A good way to tell whether
those thoughts are actually Satan’s lies is to pay attention to the ef-
fect they have on you. If they cause you to doubt God or question His
love, then don’t listen. It’s most likely Satan trying to ruin your life.
The best definition of evil is whatever Satan does. He is totally
and completely, absolute evil.
11-1 Kings.indd 426 2/14/12 11:54 AM
427 1 KINGS 16:32
over Israel, and reigned two years in Tirzah. Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king,
9Now his servant Zimri, commander of and half followed Omri. 22But the people
half his chariots, conspired against him as who followed Omri prevailed over the peo-
he was in Tirzah drinking himself drunk in ple who followed Tibni the son of Ginath.
the house of Arza, steward of his house in So Tibni died and Omri reigned. 23In the
Tirzah. 10And Zimri went in and struck him thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri
and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of became king over Israel, and reigned twelve
Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his place. years. Six years he reigned in Tirzah. 24And
11Then it came to pass, when he began he bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer
to reign, as soon as he was seated on his for two talents of silver; then he built on
throne, that he killed all the household of the hill, and called the name of the city
Baasha; he did not leave him one male, which he built, Samaria, after the name of
neither of his relatives nor of his friends. Shemer, owner of the hill. 25Omri did evil in
12Thus Zimri destroyed all the household the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all
of Baasha, according to the word of the who were before him. 26For he walked in all
Lord, which He spoke against Baasha by the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and
Jehu the prophet, 13for all the sins of Baa- in his sin by which he had made Israel sin,
sha and the sins of Elah his son, by which provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger
they had sinned and by which they had with their idols.
made Israel sin, in provoking the Lord
God of Israel to anger with their idols.
14Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all 1 Kings 16:24
that he did, are they not written in the book Omri, who turned out to be a power-
of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? ful, successful, but evil king, set up
his capital city in Samaria, thirty-five
Zimri Reigns in Israel miles north of Jerusalem. Of the
15In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of
twelve tribes of Israel, Omri ruled ten.
His kingdom was known as Israel or
Judah, Zimri had reigned in Tirzah seven Samaria. The other two tribes were
days. And the people were encamped ruled by David’s descendants. Their
against Gibbethon, which belonged to the kingdom was called Judah.
Philistines. 16Now the people who were
encamped heard it said, “Zimri has con-
spired and also has killed the king.” So all 27Now the rest of the acts of Omri which
Israel made Omri, the commander of the he did, and the might that he showed, are
army, king over Israel that day in the camp. they not written in the book of the chroni-
17Then Omri and all Israel with him went
cles of the kings of Israel?
up from Gibbethon, and they besieged 28So Omri rested with his fathers and
Tirzah. 18And it happened, when Zimri saw was buried in Samaria. Then Ahab his son
that the city was taken, that he went into reigned in his place.
the citadel of the king’s house and burned
the king’s house down upon himself with Ahab Reigns in Israel
fire, and died, 19because of the sins which 29In the thirty-
eighth year of Asa king of
he had committed in doing evil in the Judah, Ahab the son of Omri became king
sight of the Lord, in walking in the way over Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri
of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two
committed to make Israel sin. years. 30Now Ahab the son of Omri did
20Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and
evil in the sight of the Lord, more than
the treason he committed, are they not all who were before him. 31And it came to
written in the book of the chronicles of the pass, as though it had been a trivial thing
kings of Israel? for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the
son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel
Omri Reigns in Israel
the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Si
21Then the people of Israel were divided donians; and he went and served Baal and
into two parts: half of the people followed worshiped him. 32Then he set up an altar
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1 KINGS 16:33 428
for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he 13And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear;
had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a go and do as you have said, but make me
wooden image.a Ahab did more to provoke a small cake from it first, and bring it to me;
the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the and afterward make some for yourself and
kings of Israel who were before him. 34In his your son. 14For thus says the Lord God of
days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up,
foundation with Abiram his firstborn, and nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day
with his youngest son Segub he set up its the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”
gates, according to the word of the Lord,
which He had spoken through Joshua the
son of Nun.a Obedience
Does God reward obedience?
Elijah Proclaims a Drought 1 Kings 17:13–16
17
And Elijah the Tishbite, of the
inhabitants of Gilead, said to 15So she went away and did according to
Ahab, “As the Lord God of Is- the word of Elijah; and she and he and her
rael lives, before whom I stand, there shall household ate for many days. 16The bin of
not be dew nor rain these years, except at flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil
my word.” run dry, according to the word of the Lord
2Then the word of the Lord came to him,
which He spoke by Elijah.
saying, 3“Get away from here and turn east-
ward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which Elijah Revives the Widow’s
flows into the Jordan. 4And it will be that Son
you shall drink from the brook, and I have 17Now it happened after these things that
commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
5So he went and did according to the the son of the woman who owned the
word of the Lord, for he went and stayed house became sick. And his sickness was
by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the so serious that there was no breath left in
Jordan. 6The ravens brought him bread him. 18So she said to Elijah, “What have I
and meat in the morning, and bread and to do with you, O man of God? Have you
meat in the evening; and he drank from the come to me to bring my sin to remem-
brook. 7And it happened after a while that brance, and to kill my son?”
19And he said to her, “Give me your son.”
the brook dried up, because there had been
no rain in the land. So he took him out of her arms and carried
him to the upper room where he was stay-
Elijah and the Widow ing, and laid him on his own bed. 20Then
he cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord
8Then the word of the Lord came to him,
my God, have You also brought tragedy
saying, 9“Arise, go to Zarephath, which be on the widow with whom I lodge, by kill-
longs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have ing her son?” 21And he stretched himself
commanded a widow there to provide for out on the child three times, and cried out
you.” 10So he arose and went to Zarephath. to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, I
And when he came to the gate of the city, pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.”
indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. 22Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah;
And he called to her and said, “Please bring and the soul of the child came back to him,
me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” and he revived.
11And as she was going to get it, he called to
23And Elijah took the child and brought
her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of him down from the upper room into the
bread in your hand.” house, and gave him to his mother. And
12So she said, “As the Lord your God
Elijah said, “See, your son lives!”
lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of 24Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now
flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and by this I know that you are a man of God,
see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I
may go in and prepare it for myself and my 16:33 aHebrew Asherah, a Canaanite goddess
son, that we may eat it, and die.” 16:34 aCompare Joshua 6:26
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429 1 KINGS 18:27
and that the word of the Lord in your lives, before whom I stand, I will surely
mouth is the truth.” present myself to him today.”
16So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and
Elijah’s Message to Ahab told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
18
17Then it happened, when Ahab saw
And it came to pass after many
days that the word of the Lord Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you,
came to Elijah, in the third year, O troubler of Israel?”
18And he answered, “I have not troubled
saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I
will send rain on the earth.” Israel, but you and your father’s house
2So Elijah went to present himself to have, in that you have forsaken the com-
Ahab; and there was a severe famine in mandments of the Lord and have followed
Samaria. 3And Ahab had called Obadiah, the Baals. 19Now therefore, send and gather
who was in charge of his house. (Now all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four
Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. 4For so it hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the
was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets four hundred prophets of Asherah,a who
of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one eat at Jezebel’s table.”
hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty Elijah’s Mount Carmel
to a cave, and had fed them with bread and Victory
water.) 5And Ahab had said to Obadiah,
20So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel,
“Go into the land to all the springs of water
and to all the brooks; perhaps we may find and gathered the prophets together on
grass to keep the horses and mules alive, so Mount Carmel. 21And Elijah came to all the
that we will not have to kill any livestock.” people, and said, “How long will you falter
6So they divided the land between them to between two opinions? If the Lord is God,
explore it; Ahab went one way by himself, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the
and Obadiah went another way by himself. people answered him not a word. 22Then
7Now as Obadiah was on his way, sud- Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a
denly Elijah met him; and he recognized prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets
him, and fell on his face, and said, “Is that are four hundred and fifty men. 23There-
you, my lord Elijah?” fore let them give us two bulls; and let
8And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell them choose one bull for themselves, cut it
in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put
your master, ‘Elijah is here.’ ”
9So he said, “How have I sinned, that you no fire under it; and I will prepare the other
bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire
are delivering your servant into the hand of
under it. 24Then you call on the name of
Ahab, to kill me? 10As the Lord your God
your gods, and I will call on the name of the
lives, there is no nation or kingdom where
Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He
my master has not sent someone to hunt
is God.”
for you; and when they said, ‘He is not here,’
So all the people answered and said, “It
he took an oath from the kingdom or na-
is well spoken.”
tion that they could not find you. 11And 25Now Elijah said to the prophets of
now you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and
is here” ’! 12And it shall come to pass, as prepare it first, for you are many; and call
soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit on the name of your god, but put no fire
of the Lord will carry you to a place I do under it.”
not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and 26So they took the bull which was given
he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I them, and they prepared it, and called on
your servant have feared the Lord from the name of Baal from morning even till
my youth. 13Was it not reported to my lord noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there
what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets was no voice; no one answered. Then they
of the Lord, how I hid one hundred men leaped about the altar which they had
of the Lord’s prophets, fifty to a cave, and made.
fed them with bread and water? 14And now 27And so it was, at noon, that Elijah
you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah is mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he
here.” ’ He will kill me!”
15Then Elijah said, “As the Lord of hosts 18:19 aA Canaanite goddess
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1 KINGS 18:28 430
Profile
Elisha
As far as Elisha knew, his job that day was to take his father’s twelve yoke of oxen and
plow the family fields. He was busy. Then the old prophet Elijah walked by and tossed his
mantle (God’s call and enabling) over Elisha’s shoulders. Life was never the same again.
Elijah was following God’s direction. God told Elijah to pass on the office of prophet to
Elisha; but Elisha had to respond. He struggled. He ran after Elijah and asked for time to
say a proper good-bye to his parents. Elijah’s answer made it clear that this wasn’t about
following an old prophet but about following God’s call. So Elisha sacrificed his oxen, used
the yoke for firewood, shared the barbecue with the plowing crew, and placed the invisible
yoke of service to God on his own shoulders.
As Elijah’s helper, Elisha watched a man of God in action. And he learned well. Just
before God took Elijah up to heaven, Elisha had the opportunity to make a request. He
asked for a double helping of the Spirit of God, which had been in Elijah. He didn’t just
want to be like his mentor; he wanted to be even more available to God than his mentor
had been. For more than fifty years, Elisha demonstrated in various ways what a
difference a person can make when motivated and filled by the Spirit of God.
+ Making a Difference:
There’s a lot we don’t know about Elisha’s story. Did he walk away from important
responsibilities? He was one-twelfth of the workforce that day. His parents had a lot of
help in the field. Perhaps they heard all the commotion and joined the party. The point is
that when God’s call required Elisha to walk away from all that was familiar to him, he did.
God’s call in your life may not require you to move somewhere else. But it will change
the focus of your life. It may not change what you do, but it will definitely affect why you
do it. Use Elisha’s experience to visualize this prayer: Lord, help me know Your call when the
mantle falls on my shoulders. Help me follow You.
Want to know more?
Read about Elisha’s life in 1 Kings 19:16—2 Kings 13:20.
Elisha was a man who gave his whole life to serving God. He made a real
difference. You can, too!
is a god; either he is meditating, or he is the Lord that was broken down. 31And
busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is Elijah took twelve stones, according to the
sleeping and must be awakened.” 28So they number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob,
cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was to whom the word of the Lord had come,
their custom, with knives and lances, until saying, “Israel shall be your name.”a 32Then
the blood gushed out on them. 29And when with the stones he built an altar in the
midday was past, they prophesied until the name of the Lord; and he made a trench
time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. around the altar large enough to hold two
But there was no voice; no one answered, seahs of seed. 33And he put the wood in
no one paid attention. order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on
30Then Elijah said to all the people,
the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots
“Come near to me.” So all the people came
near to him. And he repaired the altar of 18:31 aGenesis 32:28
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431 1 KINGS 19:12
with water, and pour it on the burnt sacri- Elijah Escapes from Jezebel
fice and on the wood.” 34Then he said, “Do
19
And Ahab told Jezebel all that
it a second time,” and they did it a second
Elijah had done, also how he
time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and
had executed all the prophets
they did it a third time. 35So the water ran
with the sword. 2Then Jezebel sent a mes-
all around the altar; and he also filled the
senger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do
trench with water.
36And it came to pass, at the time of the to me, and more also, if I do not make your
life as the life of one of them by tomorrow
offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah
about this time.” 3And when he saw that, he
the prophet came near and said, “Lord
arose and ran for his life, and went to Beer-
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it
sheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his
be known this day that You are God in Is-
rael and I am Your servant, and that I have servant there.
4But he himself went a day’s journey into
done all these things at Your word. 37Hear
me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may the wilderness, and came and sat down
know that You are the Lord God, and that under a broom tree. And he prayed that
You have turned their hearts back to You he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now,
again.” Lord, take my life, for I am no better than
38Then the fire of the Lord fell and con- my fathers!”
5Then as he lay and slept under a broom
sumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood
and the stones and the dust, and it licked tree, suddenly an angela touched him,
up the water that was in the trench. 39Now and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6Then he
when all the people saw it, they fell on their looked, and there by his head was a cake
faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate
The Lord, He is God!” and drank, and lay down again. 7And the
40And Elijah said to them, “Seize the angela of the Lord came back the second
prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them time, and touched him, and said, “Arise
escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah and eat, because the journey is too great
brought them down to the Brook Kishon for you.” 8So he arose, and ate and drank;
and executed them there. and he went in the strength of that food
forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb,
The Drought Ends the mountain of God.
9And there he went into a cave, and
41Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and
spent the night in that place; and behold,
drink; for there is the sound of abundance
the word of the Lord came to him, and He
of rain.” 42So Ahab went up to eat and drink.
said to him, “What are you doing here, Eli-
And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel;
then he bowed down on the ground, and jah?”
10So he said, “I have been very zealous
put his face between his knees, 43and said
to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the for the Lord God of hosts; for the children
sea.” of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn
So he went up and looked, and said, down Your altars, and killed Your prophets
“There is nothing.” And seven times he said, with the sword. I alone am left; and they
“Go again.” seek to take my life.”
44Then it came to pass the seventh time,
that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a God’s Revelation to Elijah
man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, 11Then He said, “Go out, and stand on
“Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, the mountain before the Lord.” And be-
and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” hold, the Lord passed by, and a great and
45Now it happened in the meantime
strong wind tore into the mountains and
that the sky became black with clouds and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord,
wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab but the Lord was not in the wind; and af-
rode away and went to Jezreel. 46Then the ter the wind an earthquake, but the Lord
hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he was not in the earthquake; 12and after the
girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab
to the entrance of Jezreel. 19:5 aOr Angel
19:7 aOr Angel
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Life App
Isolation / 1 Kings 19:9, 10
Have you ever felt like just hiding out in some cave somewhere and
checking out on life? So many things can happen that just seem to-
tally hopeless and it can be tempting to just refuse to deal with
them. Too many times, people choose to run from problems. Run-
ning will never solve anything. All running away will ever do is iso-
late you from the world and the only company you’ll have is the very
reason you ran—your problem will still be with you.
But problems aren’t the only things that can isolate us from oth-
ers. Have you seen the commercials on television about the young
woman who thinks her parents don’t have a life? She is sitting at
home concerned about her parent’s social life. What she doesn’t re-
alize is her parents are off having a good time with friends while she
spends her time reading about other people’s lives on her computer.
She actually seems to think reading the posts of her virtual, cyber-
space “friends” is “really living.” How sad is that?
Not only is most of the world sitting their lives away in front of a
computer screen; they are also forgetting how to actually be with
people. Just sit for a while in a room full of people your age and see
how many of them are actually talking to the others around them
(obviously, somewhere other than school). Instead of talking, they
are texting and “chirping” on their favorite electronic gadget. You
might sit for an hour without hearing a word spoken. They are iso-
lated in a room full of people.
Isolation will end up robbing you of real life. Life is about rela-
tionships—the real ones, not virtual ones. Real life can’t be lived
without other people. If you think about it, what meaning would
anything in life have if you had no one to share it with you? Virtual
relationships are fine for what they are, but don’t mistake them for
real life. Don’t isolate yourself in cyberspace. Get out in the world
and start living!
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433 1 KINGS 20:15
earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in to him, “Thus says Ben-Hadad: 3‘Your sil-
the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. ver and your gold are mine; your loveliest
13So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wives and children are mine.’ ”
wrapped his face in his mantle and went 4And the king of Israel answered and
out and stood in the entrance of the cave. said, “My lord, O king, just as you say, I and
Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, all that I have are yours.”
“What are you doing here, Elijah?” 5Then the messengers came back and
14And he said, “I have been very zeal- said, “Thus speaks Ben-Hadad, saying, ‘In-
ous for the Lord God of hosts; because deed I have sent to you, saying, “You shall
the children of Israel have forsaken Your deliver to me your silver and your gold,
covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed your wives and your children”; 6but I will
Your prophets with the sword. I alone am send my servants to you tomorrow about
left; and they seek to take my life.” this time, and they shall search your house
15Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return and the houses of your servants. And it
on your way to the Wilderness of Damas- shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your
cus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael eyes, they will put it in their hands and take
as king over Syria. 16Also you shall anoint it.’ ”
7So the king of Israel called all the elders
Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel.
And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Me- of the land, and said, “Notice, please, and
holah you shall anoint as prophet in your see how this man seeks trouble, for he sent
place. 17It shall be that whoever escapes the to me for my wives, my children, my silver,
sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever and my gold; and I did not deny him.”
8And all the elders and all the people
escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill.
18Yet I have reserved seven thousand in said to him, “Do not listen or consent.”
9Therefore he said to the messengers of
Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to
Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed Ben-Hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that
him.” you sent for to your servant the first time I
will do, but this thing I cannot do.’ ”
Elisha Follows Elijah And the messengers departed and
19So he departed from there, and found Eli-
brought back word to him.
10Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said,
sha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing
“The gods do so to me, and more also, if
with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he
enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful
was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by
for each of the people who follow me.”
him and threw his mantle on him. 20And 11So the king of Israel answered and said,
he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and “Tell him, ‘Let not the one who puts on his
said, “Please let me kiss my father and my armor boast like the one who takes it off.’ ”
mother, and then I will follow you.” 12And it happened when Ben-Hadad
And he said to him, “Go back again, for heard this message, as he and the kings
what have I done to you?” were drinking at the command post, that
21So Elisha turned back from him, and
he said to his servants, “Get ready.” And
took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them they got ready to attack the city.
and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s 13Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab
equipment, and gave it to the people, and king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the Lord:
they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Be-
and became his servant. hold, I will deliver it into your hand today,
and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ”
Ahab Defeats the Syrians 14So Ahab said, “By whom?”
20
Now Ben- Hadad the king of And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘By
Syria gathered all his forces to- the young leaders of the provinces.’ ”
gether; thirty-two kings were Then he said, “Who will set the battle in
with him, with horses and chariots. And he order?”
went up and besieged Samaria, and made And he answered, “You.”
war against it. 2Then he sent messengers 15Then he mustered the young lead-
into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said ers of the provinces, and there were two
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1 KINGS 20:16 434
hundred and thirty-two; and after them he that Ben- Hadad mustered the Syrians
mustered all the people, all the children of and went up to Aphek to fight against
Israel—seven thousand. Israel. 27And the children of Israel were
16So they went out at noon. Meanwhile mustered and given provisions, and they
Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings help- went against them. Now the children of
ing him were getting drunk at the com- Israel encamped before them like two little
mand post. 17The young leaders of the flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the
provinces went out first. And Ben-Hadad countryside.
sent out a patrol, and they told him, saying, 28Then a man of God came and spoke
“Men are coming out of Samaria!” 18So he to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says
said, “If they have come out for peace, take the Lord: ‘Because the Syrians have said,
them alive; and if they have come out for “The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not
war, take them alive.” God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver
19Then these young leaders of the prov- all this great multitude into your hand, and
inces went out of the city with the army you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ” 29And
which followed them. 20And each one they encamped opposite each other for
killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and seven days. So it was that on the seventh
Israel pursued them; and Ben-Hadad the day the battle was joined; and the children
king of Syria escaped on a horse with the of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot
cavalry. 21Then the king of Israel went out soldiers of the Syrians in one day. 30But the
and attacked the horses and chariots, and rest fled to Aphek, into the city; then a wall
killed the Syrians with a great slaughter. fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men
22And the prophet came to the king of Is- who were left.
rael and said to him, “Go, strengthen your- And Ben-Hadad fled and went into the
self; take note, and see what you should do, city, into an inner chamber.
for in the spring of the year the king of Syria
will come up against you.” Ahab’s Treaty with Ben-Hadad
31Then his servants said to him, “Look
now, we have heard that the kings of the
1 Kings 20:23 house of Israel are merciful kings. Please,
The Canaanites believed that each of
let us put sackcloth around our waists and
their false gods controlled one specific
ropes around our heads, and go out to the
area of the physical world. Ben-
king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your
Hadad’s officials believed Israel’s God
life.” 32So they wore sackcloth around their
controlled the hills, so they figured if
waists and put ropes around their heads,
they moved the fight to flat land the
and came to the king of Israel and said,
Israelites would be helpless. No won-
“Your servant Ben-Hadad says, ‘Please let
der their plan failed miserably!
me live.’ ”
And he said, “Is he still alive? He is my
brother.”
The Syrians Again Defeated 33Now the men were watching closely to
23Then the servants of the king of Syria said see whether any sign of mercy would come
to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. from him; and they quickly grasped at this
Therefore they were stronger than we; but word and said, “Your brother Ben-Hadad.”
if we fight against them in the plain, surely So he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-
we will be stronger than they. 24So do this Hadad came out to him; and he had him
thing: Dismiss the kings, each from his come up into the chariot.
position, and put captains in their places; 34So Ben-Hadad said to him, “The cities
25and you shall muster an army like the which my father took from your father I
army that you have lost, horse for horse will restore; and you may set up market-
and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight places for yourself in Damascus, as my fa-
against them in the plain; surely we will be ther did in Samaria.”
stronger than they.” Then Ahab said, “I will send you away
And he listened to their voice and did so. with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with
26So it was, in the spring of the year, him and sent him away.
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435 1 KINGS 21:15
Ahab Condemned forbid that I should give the inheritance of
35Now my fathers to you!”
a certain man of the sons of the 4So Ahab went into his house sullen
prophets said to his neighbor by the word
and displeased because of the word which
of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” And the
Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him;
man refused to strike him. 36Then he said
for he had said, “I will not give you the in-
to him, “Because you have not obeyed the
heritance of my fathers.” And he lay down
voice of the Lord, surely, as soon as you de-
on his bed, and turned away his face, and
part from me, a lion shall kill you.” And as
would eat no food. 5But Jezebel his wife
soon as he left him, a lion found him and
came to him, and said to him, “Why is your
killed him.
37And he found another man, and spirit so sullen that you eat no food?”
6He said to her, “Because I spoke to Na-
said, “Strike me, please.” So the man
both the Jezreelite, and said to him, ‘Give
struck him, inflicting a wound. 38Then
me your vineyard for money; or else, if it
the prophet departed and waited for the
pleases you, I will give you another vine-
king by the road, and disguised himself
yard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give
with a bandage over his eyes. 39Now as
you my vineyard.’ ”
the king passed by, he cried out to the 7Then Jezebel his wife said to him, “You
king and said, “Your servant went out into
now exercise authority over Israel! Arise,
the midst of the battle; and there, a man
eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I
came over and brought a man to me, and
will give you the vineyard of Naboth the
said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he
Jezreelite.”
is missing, your life shall be for his life, or 8And she wrote letters in Ahab’s name,
else you shall pay a talent of silver.’ 40While sealed them with his seal, and sent the
your servant was busy here and there, he letters to the elders and the nobles who
was gone.” were dwelling in the city with Naboth. 9She
Then the king of Israel said to him, “So wrote in the letters, saying,
shall your judgment be; you yourself have
decided it.” Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth with
41And he hastened to take the bandage
high honor among the people; 10and
away from his eyes; and the king of Israel seat two men, scoundrels, before him
recognized him as one of the prophets. to bear witness against him, saying,
42Then he said to him, “Thus says the
“You have blasphemed God and the
Lord: ‘Because you have let slip out of your king.” Then take him out, and stone
hand a man whom I appointed to utter de- him, that he may die.
struction, therefore your life shall go for his
life, and your people for his people.’ ” 11So the men of his city, the elders and
43So the king of Israel went to his house
nobles who were inhabitants of his city,
sullen and displeased, and came to Sa- did as Jezebel had sent to them, as it was
maria. written in the letters which she had sent
to them. 12They proclaimed a fast, and
Naboth Is Murdered for His seated Naboth with high honor among the
Vineyard
people. 13And two men, scoundrels, came
21
And it came to pass after these in and sat before him; and the scoundrels
things that Naboth the Jezre witnessed against him, against Naboth, in
elite had a vineyard which was the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth
in Jezreel, next to the palace of Ahab king has blasphemed God and the king!” Then
of Samaria. 2So Ahab spoke to Naboth, they took him outside the city and stoned
saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may him with stones, so that he died. 14Then
have it for a vegetable garden, because it they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has
is near, next to my house; and for it I will been stoned and is dead.”
give you a vineyard better than it. Or, if it 15And it came to pass, when Jezebel
seems good to you, I will give you its worth heard that Naboth had been stoned and
in money.” was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise,
3But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord take possession of the vineyard of Naboth
11-1 Kings.indd 435 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 21:16 436
the Jezreelite, which he refused to give not bring the calamity in his days. In the
you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but days of his son I will bring the calamity on
dead.” 16So it was, when Ahab heard that his house.”
Naboth was dead, that Ahab got up and
went down to take possession of the vine- Micaiah Warns Ahab
22
yard of Naboth the Jezreelite. Now three years passed with-
out war between Syria and Is-
The L ord Condemns Ahab
rael. 2Then it came to pass, in
17Then the word of the Lord came to Eli- the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of
jah the Tishbite, saying, 18“Arise, go down Judah went down to visit the king of Israel.
to meet Ahab king of Israel, who lives in 3And the king of Israel said to his ser-
Samaria. There he is, in the vineyard of vants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead
Naboth, where he has gone down to take is ours, but we hesitate to take it out of the
possession of it. 19You shall speak to him, hand of the king of Syria?” 4So he said to Je-
saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Have you hoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight at
murdered and also taken possession?” ’ Ramoth Gilead?”
And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
says the Lord: “In the place where dogs “I am as you are, my people as your peo-
licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick ple, my horses as your horses.” 5Also Je-
your blood, even yours.” ’ ” hoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please
20So Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you
inquire for the word of the Lord today.”
found me, O my enemy?” 6Then the king of Israel gathered the
And he answered, “I have found you, prophets together, about four hundred
because you have sold yourself to do evil men, and said to them, “Shall I go against
in the sight of the Lord: 21‘Behold, I will Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?”
bring calamity on you. I will take away So they said, “Go up, for the Lord will de-
your posterity, and will cut off from Ahab liver it into the hand of the king.”
every male in Israel, both bond and free. 7And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still
22I will make your house like the house of
a prophet of the Lord here, that we may
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the inquire of Him?”a
house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because 8So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,
of the provocation with which you have “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of
provoked Me to anger, and made Israel sin.’ Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the
23And concerning Jezebel the Lord also
Lord; but I hate him, because he does not
spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel prophesy good concerning me, but evil.”
by the walla of Jezreel.’ 24The dogs shall eat And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king
whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the say such things!”
city, and the birds of the air shall eat who- 9Then the king of Israel called an officer
ever dies in the field.” and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of Imlah
25But there was no one like Ahab who
quickly!”
sold himself to do wickedness in the sight 10The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the
of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat
stirred him up. 26And he behaved very each on his throne, at a threshing floor at
abominably in following idols, according the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and
to all that the Amorites had done, whom all the prophets prophesied before them.
the Lord had cast out before the children 11Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had
of Israel. made horns of iron for himself; and he said,
27So it was, when Ahab heard those
“Thus says the Lord: ‘With these you shall
words, that he tore his clothes and put gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.’ ”
sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay 12And all the prophets prophesied so, say-
in sackcloth, and went about mourning.
28And the word of the Lord came to Eli-
21:23 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Septuagint;
jah the Tishbite, saying, 29“See how Ahab some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Targum, and
has humbled himself before Me? Because Vulgate read plot of ground (compare 2 Kings
he has humbled himself before Me, I will 9:36). 22:7 aOr him
11-1 Kings.indd 436 2/14/12 11:54 AM
437 1 KINGS 22:38
ing, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, 25And Micaiah said, “Indeed, you shall
for the Lord will deliver it into the king’s see on that day when you go into an inner
hand.” chamber to hide!”
13Then the messenger who had gone to 26So the king of Israel said, “Take Mi
call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now caiah, and return him to Amon the gover-
listen, the words of the prophets with one nor of the city and to Joash the king’s son;
accord encourage the king. Please, let your 27and say, ‘Thus says the king: “Put this
word be like the word of one of them, and fellow in prison, and feed him with bread
speak encouragement.” of affliction and water of affliction, until I
14And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, come in peace.” ’ ”
whatever the Lord says to me, that I will 28But Micaiah said, “If you ever return
speak.” in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.”
15Then he came to the king; and the And he said, “Take heed, all you people!”
king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to
war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall we re- Ahab Dies in Battle
frain?” 29So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat
And he answered him, “Go and prosper, the king of Judah went up to Ramoth
for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of Gilead. 30And the king of Israel said to Je-
the king!” hoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go
16So the king said to him, “How many
into battle; but you put on your robes.” So
times shall I make you swear that you tell the king of Israel disguised himself and
me nothing but the truth in the name of went into battle.
the Lord?” 31Now the king of Syria had commanded
17Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered
the thirty-two captains of his chariots, say-
on the mountains, as sheep that have no ing, “Fight with no one small or great, but
shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have only with the king of Israel.” 32So it was,
no master. Let each return to his house in when the captains of the chariots saw Je-
peace.’ ” hoshaphat, that they said, “Surely it is the
18And the king of Israel said to Je-
king of Israel!” Therefore they turned aside
hoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried
prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” out. 33And it happened, when the captains
19Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear
of the chariots saw that it was not the king
the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sit- of Israel, that they turned back from pursu-
ting on His throne, and all the host of ing him. 34Now a certain man drew a bow
heaven standing by, on His right hand and at random, and struck the king of Israel
on His left. 20And the Lord said, ‘Who will between the joints of his armor. So he said
persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around
Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this man- and take me out of the battle, for I am
ner, and another spoke in that manner. wounded.”
21Then a spirit came forward and stood
35The battle increased that day; and the
before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade king was propped up in his chariot, facing
him.’ 22The Lord said to him, ‘In what way?’ the Syrians, and died at evening. The blood
So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit ran out from the wound onto the floor of
in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the the chariot. 36Then, as the sun was going
Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and down, a shout went throughout the army,
also prevail. Go out and do so.’ 23Therefore saying, “Every man to his city, and every
look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the man to his own country!”
mouth of all these prophets of yours, and 37So the king died, and was brought to
the Lord has declared disaster against Samaria. And they buried the king in Sa-
you.” maria. 38Then someone washed the chariot
24Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaa-
at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked
nah went near and struck Micaiah on the up his blood while the harlots bathed,a
cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit
from the Lord go from me to speak to 22:38 aSyriac and Targum read they washed his
you?” armor.
11-1 Kings.indd 437 2/14/12 11:54 AM
1 KINGS 22:39 438
according to the word of the Lord which he banished from the land. 47There was
He had spoken. then no king in Edom, only a deputy of the
39Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and king.
all that he did, the ivory house which he 48Jehoshaphat made merchant shipsa to
built and all the cities that he built, are they go to Ophir for gold; but they never sailed,
not written in the book of the chronicles of for the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber.
the kings of Israel? 40So Ahab rested with 49Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Je-
his fathers. Then Ahaziah his son reigned hoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your
in his place. servants in the ships.” But Jehoshaphat
would not.
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah 50And Jehoshaphat rested with his fa-
41Jehoshaphat the son of Asa had become thers, and was buried with his fathers in
king over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab the City of David his father. Then Jehoram
king of Israel. 42Jehoshaphat was thirty-five his son reigned in his place.
years old when he became king, and he
reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His Ahaziah Reigns in Israel
mother’s name was Azubah the daughter 51Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king
of Shilhi. 43And he walked in all the ways of over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth
his father Asa. He did not turn aside from year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and
them, doing what was right in the eyes of reigned two years over Israel. 52He did evil
the Lord. Nevertheless the high places in the sight of the Lord, and walked in
were not taken away, for the people offered the way of his father and in the way of his
sacrifices and burned incense on the high mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son
places. 44Also Jehoshaphat made peace of Nebat, who had made Israel sin; 53for he
with the king of Israel. served Baal and worshiped him, and pro-
45Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat,
voked the Lord God of Israel to anger,
the might that he showed, and how he according to all that his father had done.
made war, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 22:46 aHebrew qadesh, that is, one practicing
46And the rest of the perverted persons,a sodomy and prostitution in religious rituals
who remained in the days of his father Asa, 22:48 aOr ships of Tarshish
11-1 Kings.indd 438 2/14/12 11:54 AM
2 Kings
Date of writing: 590–550 B.C.
Author: Uncertain, Although the Prophet
Jeremiah Has Been Suggested
Theme: Lessons to Learn from the Ruin of Israel
and Judah
Purpose: No nation marked by moral and
spiritual decay can survive.
Outline
1:1–18 ������������������Elijah the Prophet Condemns King Ahaziah of
Israel
2:1—8:15 �������������Elisha the Prophet
8:16—16:20 ��������Kings of Judah and Israel
17:1–41 ����������������King Hoshea of Israel and the Defeat of the
Northern Kingdom
18:1—20:21 ��������King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian Invasion
21:1–26 ����������������Two Evil Kings of Judah: Manasseh and Amon
22:1—23:30 ��������The Rule of King Josiah and The Book of God’s Law
23:31—24:20 ������The Last Kings of Judah
25:1–21 ����������������Jerusalem Is Destroyed, and the People Are Taken
to Babylon
25:22–30 �������������Gedaliah Is Made Ruler, and King Jehoiachin Is
Released from Prison
12-2 Kings.indd 439 2/14/12 11:55 AM
Key Verse:
And the Lord said, “I will also remove Judah from My
sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city
Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I
said, ‘My name shall be there’ ” (2 Kings 23:27).
Then /// Second Kings is the story of the divided kingdoms of the
Hebrews: Israel and Judah. Each kingdom had its own kings and its own
priests and its own prophets. But one thing they had in common: their
governments went from bad to worse with only a few exceptions. The people continued to
disregard God even though He sent prophets again and again to set them straight.
Through the years, each kingdom became a weakling, spiritually and morally. After
years of disobedience and struggle, they became sitting ducks for the larger nations
around them. Assyria, a nation known for its cruelty in warfare, eventually attacked Israel.
Babylon, a rich and strong nation to the south, attacked Judah. The Hebrew people were
carried away from their countries to be slaves and prisoners in a foreign place.
The Hebrew people continued to lose their land because they wouldn’t listen to God.
They wouldn’t listen to Him about how to govern their land or how to treat each other.
They wouldn’t listen to Him about how to worship and who to worship. We would do well
to pay attention to their story so we can learn from their mistakes.
Now /// Wasn’t it obvious? Wasn’t it obvious to the Hebrews that
they needed to take God seriously? Don’t you wonder sometimes what got
in their way when they should have been listening to God and obeying
Him?
It’s easy to wonder at these people who seemed to avoid the obvious: do what God
says and things will go better for you! But the truth is, we do the same thing today. God
told these people, “Worship only Me; I am the true God.” He tells us, “Worship only Me.
Don’t trust anything else to get you through this life.”
Yet they, and we, go our own way and worship and trust in other things to guide us and
to rescue us from the difficult parts of life. Our world is not so different from theirs, is it?
Reality Check /// Readers of 2 Kings have been known to get
a little confused about the different kingdoms that Israel split into. You
know how some movies skip back and forth between two story lines? Well,
that’s what 2 Kings does between kingdoms. So here’s the scoop.
Israel divided into two kingdoms (get ready; this is gonna be tough): the northern
kingdom and the southern kingdom. (Okay, not sooo tough.) What makes it confusing is
that the northern kingdom was still called Israel. The southern kingdom was called Judah.
Israel was bigger than Judah.
So when you’re reading along and a new king is introduced, just remember to notice
which kingdom he was in so you don’t get mixed up. Knowing what was happening in
each kingdom will help you better identify and learn from each of their stories.
12-2 Kings.indd 440 2/14/12 11:55 AM
441 2 KINGS 2:2
God Judges Ahaziah 10So Elijah answered and said to the cap-
tain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, then let
1
Moab rebelled against Israel after the
fire come down from heaven and consume
death of Ahab.
2Now Ahaziah fell through the lat- you and your fifty men.” And fire came
tice of his upper room in Samaria, and was down from heaven and consumed him and
injured; so he sent messengers and said to his fifty. 11Then he sent to him another cap-
them, “Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god tain of fifty with his fifty men.
of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this And he answered and said to him: “Man
injury.” 3But the angela of the Lord said to of God, thus has the king said, ‘Come down
Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet quickly!’ ”
12So Elijah answered and said to them, “If
the messengers of the king of Samaria, and
say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in I am a man of God, let fire come down from
Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal- heaven and consume you and your fifty
Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4Now therefore, men.” And the fire of God came down from
thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not come heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
13Again, he sent a third captain of fifty
down from the bed to which you have gone
up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So Elijah de- with his fifty men. And the third captain
parted. of fifty went up, and came and fell on his
knees before Elijah, and pleaded with him,
and said to him: “Man of God, please let
2 Kings 1:1, 2 my life and the life of these fifty servants of
The idol Baal was a god of many yours be precious in your sight. 14Look, fire
names. The people of Ekron, a Phi- has come down from heaven and burned
listine city, called him Baal-Zebub, up the first two captains of fifties with their
which means “Lord of Flies.” What- fifties. But let my life now be precious in
ever his name, this pagan god was a your sight.”
15And the angela of the Lord said to Eli-
stumbling block for the Israelites from
the time they first arrived in Canaan. jah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of
For some reason, they just couldn’t him.” So he arose and went down with him
stop worshiping him. to the king. 16Then he said to him, “Thus
says the Lord: ‘Because you have sent mes-
sengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of
5And when the messengers returned to Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel
him, he said to them, “Why have you come to inquire of His word? Therefore you shall
back?” not come down from the bed to which you
6So they said to him, “A man came up to have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ”
meet us, and said to us, ‘Go, return to the 17So Ahaziah died according to the word
king who sent you, and say to him, “Thus of the Lord which Elijah had spoken. Be-
says the Lord: ‘Is it because there is no God cause he had no son, Jehorama became king
in Israel that you are sending to inquire of in his place, in the second year of Jehoram
Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.
you shall not come down from the bed 18Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah
to which you have gone up, but you shall which he did, are they not written in the
surely die.’ ” ’ ” book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
7Then he said to them, “What kind of
man was it who came up to meet you and Elijah Ascends to Heaven
2
told you these words?” And it came to pass, when the Lord
8So they answered him, “A hairy man
was about to take up Elijah into
wearing a leather belt around his waist.” heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah
And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.” went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2Then Elijah
9Then the king sent to him a captain of
said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the
fifty with his fifty men. So he went up to Lord has sent me on to Bethel.”
him; and there he was, sitting on the top of
a hill. And he spoke to him: “Man of God, 1:3 aOr Angel 1:15 aOr Angel 1:17 aThe son of
the king has said, ‘Come down!’ ” Ahab king of Israel (compare 3:1)
12-2 Kings.indd 441 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 2:3 442
But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and that had fallen from him, and struck the
as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of
they went down to Bethel. Elijah?” And when he also had struck the
3Now the sons of the prophets who were water, it was divided this way and that; and
at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to Elisha crossed over.
him, “Do you know that the Lord will take 15Now when the sons of the prophets
away your master from over you today?” who were from Jericho saw him, they said,
And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!” “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And
4Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay they came to meet him, and bowed to the
here, please, for the Lord has sent me on ground before him. 16Then they said to
to Jericho.” him, “Look now, there are fifty strong men
But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as with your servants. Please let them go and
your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they search for your master, lest perhaps the
came to Jericho. Spirit of the Lord has taken him up and
5Now the sons of the prophets who were cast him upon some mountain or into
at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, some valley.”
“Do you know that the Lord will take away And he said, “You shall not send any-
your master from over you today?” one.”
So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep si- 17But when they urged him till he was
lent!” ashamed, he said, “Send them!” Therefore
6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, they sent fifty men, and they searched
please, for the Lord has sent me on to the for three days but did not find him. 18And
Jordan.” when they came back to him, for he had
But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as stayed in Jericho, he said to them, “Did I
your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the not say to you, ‘Do not go’?”
two of them went on. 7And fifty men of the
sons of the prophets went and stood facing Elisha Performs Miracles
them at a distance, while the two of them 19Then the men of the city said to Elisha,
stood by the Jordan. 8Now Elijah took his “Please notice, the situation of this city is
mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is
and it was divided this way and that, so bad, and the ground barren.”
that the two of them crossed over on dry 20And he said, “Bring me a new bowl,
ground. and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him.
9And so it was, when they had crossed
21Then he went out to the source of the
over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What water, and cast in the salt there, and said,
may I do for you, before I am taken away “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this
from you?” water; from it there shall be no more death
Elisha said, “Please let a double portion or barrenness.’ ” 22So the water remains
of your spirit be upon me.” healed to this day, according to the word of
10So he said, “You have asked a hard
Elisha which he spoke.
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.” 11Then it happened, 2 Kings 2:23
as they continued on and talked, that sud- In ancient Israel, baldness was consid-
denly a chariot of fire appeared with horses ered shameful. The fact that certain
of fire, and separated the two of them; and pagans shaved their heads as part of
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. their religion may have had some-
12And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My
thing to do with the stigma. Unlike his
father, my father, the chariot of Israel and mentor, Elijah, who was a very hairy
its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And man, Elisha was bald.
he took hold of his own clothes and tore
them into two pieces. 13He also took up the
mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, 23Then he went up from there to Bethel;
and went back and stood by the bank of the and as he was going up the road, some
Jordan. 14Then he took the mantle of Elijah youths came from the city and mocked
12-2 Kings.indd 442 2/14/12 11:55 AM
443 2 KINGS 3:21
him, and said to him, “Go up, you bald- 9So the king of Israel went with the king
head! Go up, you baldhead!” of Judah and the king of Edom, and they
24So he turned around and looked at marched on that roundabout route seven
them, and pronounced a curse on them days; and there was no water for the army,
in the name of the Lord. And two female nor for the animals that followed them.
bears came out of the woods and mauled 10And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the
forty-two of the youths. Lord has called these three kings together
25Then he went from there to Mount to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
Carmel, and from there he returned to Sa- 11But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no
maria. prophet of the Lord here, that we may in-
quire of the Lord by him?”
Moab Rebels Against Israel So one of the servants of the king of Is-
3
Now Jehoram the son of Ahab be- rael answered and said, “Elisha the son of
came king over Israel at Samaria in Shaphat is here, who poured water on the
the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat hands of Elijah.”
12And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of
king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
2And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel
but not like his father and mother; for he and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom
put away the sacred pillar of Baal that his went down to him.
13Then Elisha said to the king of Israel,
father had made. 3Nevertheless he per-
sisted in the sins of Jeroboam the son of “What have I to do with you? Go to the
Nebat, who had made Israel sin; he did not prophets of your father and the prophets
depart from them. of your mother.”
But the king of Israel said to him, “No,
for the Lord has called these three kings
2 Kings 3:1 together to deliver them into the hand of
Israel was split into two kingdoms Moab.”
14And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts
after King Solomon’s reign. The south-
ern part of the country was called lives, before whom I stand, surely were
Judah; the northern part kept the it not that I regard the presence of Je-
name Israel. Jerusalem was the capital hoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look
of Judah; Samaria was the capital at you, nor see you. 15But now bring me a
of Israel. David’s descendants ruled musician.”
Judah; a variety of kings ruled Israel. Then it happened, when the musician
played, that the hand of the Lord came
upon him. 16And he said, “Thus says the
4Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep- Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ 17For
breeder, and he regularly paid the king of thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind,
Israel one hundred thousand lambs and nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall
the wool of one hundred thousand rams. be filled with water, so that you, your cattle,
5But it happened, when Ahab died, that and your animals may drink.’ 18And this is
the king of Moab rebelled against the king a simple matter in the sight of the Lord;
of Israel. He will also deliver the Moabites into your
6So King Jehoram went out of Samaria hand. 19Also you shall attack every forti-
at that time and mustered all Israel. 7Then fied city and every choice city, and shall cut
he went and sent to Jehoshaphat king of down every good tree, and stop up every
Judah, saying, “The king of Moab has re- spring of water, and ruin every good piece
belled against me. Will you go with me to of land with stones.”
fight against Moab?” 20Now it happened in the morning,
And he said, “I will go up; I am as you when the grain offering was offered, that
are, my people as your people, my horses suddenly water came by way of Edom, and
as your horses.” 8Then he said, “Which way the land was filled with water.
shall we go up?” 21And when all the Moabites heard that
And he answered, “By way of the Wilder- the kings had come up to fight against
ness of Edom.” them, all who were able to bear arms and
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2 KINGS 3:22 444
older were gathered; and they stood at husband is dead, and you know that your
the border. 22Then they rose up early in the servant feared the Lord. And the creditor
morning, and the sun was shining on the is coming to take my two sons to be his
water; and the Moabites saw the water on slaves.”
the other side as red as blood. 23And they 2So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do
said, “This is blood; the kings have surely for you? Tell me, what do you have in the
struck swords and have killed one another; house?” And she said, “Your maidservant
now therefore, Moab, to the spoil!” has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”
24So when they came to the camp of 3Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from
Israel, Israel rose up and attacked the everywhere, from all your neighbors—
Moabites, so that they fled before them; empty vessels; do not gather just a few.
and they entered their land, killing the 4And when you have come in, you shall
Moabites. 25Then they destroyed the cities, shut the door behind you and your sons;
and each man threw a stone on every good then pour it into all those vessels, and set
piece of land and filled it; and they stopped aside the full ones.”
up all the springs of water and cut down all 5So she went from him and shut the door
the good trees. But they left the stones of behind her and her sons, who brought the
Kir Haraseth intact. However the slingers vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6Now
surrounded and attacked it. it came to pass, when the vessels were full,
that she said to her son, “Bring me another
vessel.”
2 Kings 3:27 And he said to her, “There is not another
In ancient times, idol worshipers vessel.” So the oil ceased. 7Then she came
believed sacrificing children was the and told the man of God. And he said, “Go,
way to win favor with gods. Mesha sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and
obviously believed in that idea. The your sons live on the rest.”
Moabite king was so desperate to
prevent his troops from being de- Elisha Raises
feated that he killed his own son as an the Shunammite’s Son
offering to Chemosh, the chief god of 8Now it happened one day that Elisha
his people. went to Shunem, where there was a nota-
ble woman, and she persuaded him to eat
26And when the king of Moab saw that some food. So it was, as often as he passed
the battle was too fierce for him, he took by, he would turn in there to eat some
with him seven hundred men who drew food. 9And she said to her husband, “Look
swords, to break through to the king of now, I know that this is a holy man of God,
Edom, but they could not. 27Then he took who passes by us regularly. 10Please, let us
his eldest son who would have reigned in make a small upper room on the wall; and
his place, and offered him as a burnt offer- let us put a bed for him there, and a table
ing upon the wall; and there was great in- and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be,
dignation against Israel. So they departed whenever he comes to us, he can turn in
from him and returned to their own land. there.”
11And it happened one day that he came
there, and he turned in to the upper room
Faith and lay down there. 12Then he said to Ge-
What’s a good example of hazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite
woman.” When he had called her, she stood
faith?
before him. 13And he said to him, “Say now
2 Kings 4:1–7 to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for
us with all this care. What can I do for you?
Do you want me to speak on your behalf
Elisha and the Widow’s Oil
to the king or to the commander of the
4
A certain woman of the wives of army?’ ”
the sons of the prophets cried out She answered, “I dwell among my own
to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my people.”
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445 2 KINGS 4:40
14So he said, “What then is to be done answer him; but lay my staff on the face of
for her?” the child.”
And Gehazi answered, “Actually, she has 30And the mother of the child said, “As
no son, and her husband is old.” the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will
15So he said, “Call her.” When he had not leave you.” So he arose and followed
called her, she stood in the doorway. her. 31Now Gehazi went on ahead of them,
16Then he said, “About this time next year and laid the staff on the face of the child;
you shall embrace a son.” but there was neither voice nor hearing.
And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, Therefore he went back to meet him, and
do not lie to your maidservant!” told him, saying, “The child has not awak-
17But the woman conceived, and bore a ened.”
son when the appointed time had come, of 32When Elisha came into the house,
which Elisha had told her. there was the child, lying dead on his bed.
18And the child grew. Now it happened 33He went in therefore, shut the door be-
one day that he went out to his father, to hind the two of them, and prayed to the
the reapers. 19And he said to his father, “My Lord. 34And he went up and lay on the
head, my head!” child, and put his mouth on his mouth,
So he said to a servant, “Carry him to his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his
his mother.” 20When he had taken him and hands; and he stretched himself out on the
brought him to his mother, he sat on her child, and the flesh of the child became
knees till noon, and then died. 21And she warm. 35He returned and walked back and
went up and laid him on the bed of the man forth in the house, and again went up and
of God, shut the door upon him, and went stretched himself out on him; then the
out. 22Then she called to her husband, and child sneezed seven times, and the child
said, “Please send me one of the young opened his eyes. 36And he called Gehazi
men and one of the donkeys, that I may run and said, “Call this Shunammite woman.”
to the man of God and come back.” So he called her. And when she came in to
23So he said, “Why are you going to him him, he said, “Pick up your son.” 37So she
today? It is neither the New Moon nor the went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the
Sabbath.” ground; then she picked up her son and
And she said, “It is well.” 24Then she went out.
saddled a donkey, and said to her servant,
“Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the
pace for me unless I tell you.” 25And so she 2 Kings 4:39
departed, and went to the man of God at Wild gourds were common in the
Mount Carmel. Mediterranean region. Eating them,
So it was, when the man of God saw her though, was a risky endeavor. Some
afar off, that he said to his servant Gehazi, were potentially fatal if eaten in large
“Look, the Shunammite woman! 26Please quantities.
run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it
well with you? Is it well with your husband?
Is it well with the child?’ ” Elisha Purifies the Pot of Stew
And she answered, “It is well.” 27Now 38And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there
when she came to the man of God at the was a famine in the land. Now the sons of
hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi the prophets were sitting before him; and
came near to push her away. But the man he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot,
of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is in and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”
deep distress, and the Lord has hidden it 39So one went out into the field to gather
from me, and has not told me.” herbs, and found a wild vine, and gath-
28So she said, “Did I ask a son of my lord? ered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and
Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?” came and sliced them into the pot of stew,
29Then he said to Gehazi, “Get yourself though they did not know what they were.
ready, and take my staff in your hand, and 40Then they served it to the men to eat.
be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not Now it happened, as they were eating the
greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of
12-2 Kings.indd 445 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 4:41 446
God, there is death in the pot!” And they said, “Am I God, to kill and make alive,
could not eat it. that this man sends a man to me to heal
41So he said, “Then bring some flour.” him of his leprosy? Therefore please con-
And he put it into the pot, and said, “Serve sider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with
it to the people, that they may eat.” And me.”
there was nothing harmful in the pot. 8So it was, when Elisha the man of God
heard that the king of Israel had torn his
Elisha Feeds One Hundred Men clothes, that he sent to the king, saying,
42Then a man came from Baal Shalisha, “Why have you torn your clothes? Please
and brought the man of God bread of the let him come to me, and he shall know that
firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, there is a prophet in Israel.”
9Then Naaman went with his horses
and newly ripened grain in his knapsack.
And he said, “Give it to the people, that and chariot, and he stood at the door of
they may eat.” Elisha’s house. 10And Elisha sent a mes-
43But his servant said, “What? Shall I set senger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the
this before one hundred men?” Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall
He said again, “Give it to the people, that be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”
11But Naaman became furious, and went
they may eat; for thus says the Lord: ‘They
shall eat and have some left over.’ ” 44So he away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself,
set it before them; and they ate and had ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand
some left over, according to the word of the and call on the name of the Lord his God,
Lord. and wave his hand over the place, and heal
the leprosy.’ 12Are not the Abanaha and the
Naaman’s Leprosy Healed Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better
than all the waters of Israel? Could I not
5
Now Naaman, commander of the wash in them and be clean?” So he turned
army of the king of Syria, was a great and went away in a rage. 13And his servants
and honorable man in the eyes of came near and spoke to him, and said,
his master, because by him the Lord had “My father, if the prophet had told you to
given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty do something great, would you not have
man of valor, but a leper. 2And the Syrians done it? How much more then, when he
had gone out on raids, and had brought says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14So he
back captive a young girl from the land of went down and dipped seven times in the
Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3Then Jordan, according to the saying of the man
she said to her mistress, “If only my master of God; and his flesh was restored like the
were with the prophet who is in Samaria! flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 4And 15And he returned to the man of God, he
Naaman went in and told his master, say- and all his aides, and came and stood be-
ing, “Thus and thus said the girl who is fore him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know
from the land of Israel.” that there is no God in all the earth, except
5Then the king of Syria said, “Go now,
in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift
and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” from your servant.”
So he departed and took with him ten
talents of silver, six thousand shekels of
gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6Then God
he brought the letter to the king of Israel,
Who else is like God?
which said,
2 Kings 5:15
Now be advised, when this letter
comes to you, that I have sent Naaman 16But he said, “As the Lord lives, before
my servant to you, that you may heal whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And
him of his leprosy. he urged him to take it, but he refused.
7And it happened, when the king of Israel 5:12 aFollowing Kethib, Septuagint, and Vulgate;
read the letter, that he tore his clothes and Qere, Syriac, and Targum read Amanah.
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447 2 KINGS 5:22
Profile
Naaman’s Wife’s Servant Girl
Some heroes in God’s great story make a difference while remaining anonymous. Their
nameless roles highlight God’s work. Though we may not know their names, God always
knows who they are. Naaman was a Syrian soldier during the ministry of Elisha the
prophet. He contracted a horrible skin disease. His wife’s servant was a young Jewish girl
who had been kidnapped during a Syrian raid on Israel.
The only things we know about this young woman are that both her faith and her
compassion were genuine. Instead of resenting her situation, she offered hope of healing
to Naaman by suggesting he consult with God’s prophet. Her timing was perfect. Naaman
was desperate enough to try almost anything. His pride had to be crushed, but his
decision to seek help from God eventually led to his healing.
+ Making a Difference:
That young girl represents many of God’s servants. They are, in this life, unnamed and
often overlooked. Their stories hint that God always has a lot more going on in this world
than any one of us can see. But God sees it all. No act of kindness or gesture of faith goes
unnoticed. The God who keeps track of sparrows won’t miss even the briefest suggestions
or words of wisdom offered by His followers; and those moments when a true believer
gives another person a reason to consider God will not go unnoticed. In the end, we will
find out that many more people made a bigger difference than we ever dreamed.
When you live to serve God, you will often find yourself as an anonymous participant
in His plans. If you insist on recognition, you will probably experience frustration.
However, if you choose to serve with your attention fixed on your divine Master, when you
first meet Jesus face to face you can anticipate hearing the words, “Well done, good
servant” (Luke 19:17). What a difference that will make!
Want to know more?
This young girl’s story is told in 2 Kings 5:1–27.
Naaman’s wife’s servant was a girl in a less-than-ideal situation. She chose
faith and compassion over despair and bitterness. Because she did, she was
able to make a real difference. You can, too!
17So Naaman said, “Then, if not, please Gehazi’s Greed
let your servant be given two mule-loads 20But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man
of earth; for your servant will no longer
of God, said, “Look, my master has spared
offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to
other gods, but to the Lord. 18Yet in this Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving
thing may the Lord pardon your servant: from his hands what he brought; but as
when my master goes into the temple of the Lord lives, I will run after him and take
Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on something from him.” 21So Gehazi pursued
my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Naaman. When Naaman saw him running
Rimmon—when I bow down in the temple after him, he got down from the chariot to
of Rimmon, may the Lord please pardon meet him, and said, “Is all well?”
22And he said, “All is well. My master
your servant in this thing.”
19Then he said to him, “Go in peace.” So has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two
he departed from him a short distance. young men of the sons of the prophets
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2 KINGS 5:23 448
have come to me from the mountains of and such a place.” 9And the man of God
Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware
and two changes of garments.’ ” that you do not pass this place, for the Syr-
23So Naaman said, “Please, take two ians are coming down there.” 10Then the
talents.” And he urged him, and bound king of Israel sent someone to the place of
two talents of silver in two bags, with two which the man of God had told him. Thus
changes of garments, and handed them to he warned him, and he was watchful there,
two of his servants; and they carried them not just once or twice.
on ahead of him. 24When he came to the 11Therefore the heart of the king of Syria
citadel, he took them from their hand, and was greatly troubled by this thing; and he
stored them away in the house; then he let called his servants and said to them, “Will
the men go, and they departed. 25Now he you not show me which of us is for the king
went in and stood before his master. Elisha of Israel?”
12And one of his servants said, “None,
said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?”
And he said, “Your servant did not go my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet
anywhere.” who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the
26Then he said to him, “Did not my heart words that you speak in your bedroom.”
13So he said, “Go and see where he is,
go with you when the man turned back
from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to that I may send and get him.”
receive money and to receive clothing, ol- And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is
ive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, in Dothan.”
14Therefore he sent horses and chariots
male and female servants? 27Therefore the
leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and and a great army there, and they came by
your descendants forever.” And he went night and surrounded the city. 15And when
out from his presence leprous, as white as the servant of the man of God arose early
snow. and went out, there was an army, sur-
rounding the city with horses and chariots.
The Floating Ax Head And his servant said to him, “Alas, my mas-
ter! What shall we do?”
6
And the sons of the prophets said 16So he answered, “Do not fear, for those
to Elisha, “See now, the place where
who are with us are more than those who
we dwell with you is too small for us.
2Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let ev- are with them.” 17And Elisha prayed, and
said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he
ery man take a beam from there, and let us
may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes
make there a place where we may dwell.”
of the young man, and he saw. And behold,
So he answered, “Go.”
3Then one said, “Please consent to go
the mountain was full of horses and chari-
ots of fire all around Elisha. 18So when the
with your servants.”
Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed
And he answered, “I will go.” 4So he went
to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people,
with them. And when they came to the Jor- I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them
dan, they cut down trees. 5But as one was with blindness according to the word of
cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell Elisha.
into the water; and he cried out and said, 19Now Elisha said to them, “This is not
“Alas, master! For it was borrowed.” the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and
6So the man of God said, “Where did it
I will bring you to the man whom you seek.”
fall?” And he showed him the place. So he But he led them to Samaria.
cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and 20So it was, when they had come to Sa-
he made the iron float. 7Therefore he said, maria, that Elisha said, “Lord, open the
“Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out eyes of these men, that they may see.” And
his hand and took it. the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw;
and there they were, inside Samaria!
The Blinded Syrians Captured 21Now when the king of Israel saw them,
8Now the king of Syria was making war he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill
against Israel; and he consulted with his them? Shall I kill them?”
servants, saying, “My camp will be in such 22But he answered, “You shall not kill
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449 2 KINGS 7:8
them. Would you kill those whom you have and the elders were sitting with him. And
taken captive with your sword and your the king sent a man ahead of him, but be-
bow? Set food and water before them, that fore the messenger came to him, he said
they may eat and drink and go to their to the elders, “Do you see how this son
master.” 23Then he prepared a great feast of a murderer has sent someone to take
for them; and after they ate and drank, away my head? Look, when the messenger
he sent them away and they went to their comes, shut the door, and hold him fast at
master. So the bands of Syrian raiders the door. Is not the sound of his master’s
came no more into the land of Israel. feet behind him?” 33And while he was still
talking with them, there was the messen-
Syria Besieges Samaria ger, coming down to him; and then the
in Famine king said, “Surely this calamity is from the
24And it happened after this that Ben- Lord; why should I wait for the Lord any
Hadad king of Syria gathered all his army, longer?”
7
and went up and besieged Samaria. 25And Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of
there was a great famine in Samaria; and the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘To-
indeed they besieged it until a donkey’s morrow about this time a seah of
head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two
and one-fourth of a kab of dove droppings seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of
for five shekels of silver. Samaria.’ ”
2So an officer on whose hand the king
26Then, as the king of Israel was passing
by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, leaned answered the man of God and said,
saying, “Help, my lord, O king!” “Look, if the Lord would make windows in
27And he said, “If the Lord does not help heaven, could this thing be?”
you, where can I find help for you? From And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with
the threshing floor or from the winepress?” your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
28Then the king said to her, “What is trou-
The Syrians Flee
bling you?”
And she answered, “This woman said 3Now there were four leprous men at the
to me, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him entrance of the gate; and they said to one
today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’ another, “Why are we sitting here until
29So we boiled my son, and ate him. And I we die? 4If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’
said to her on the next day, ‘Give your son, the famine is in the city, and we shall die
that we may eat him’; but she has hidden there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now
her son.” therefore, come, let us surrender to the
army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we
shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only
2 Kings 6:30 die.” 5And they rose at twilight to go to the
Sackcloth was a lot like burlap, rough camp of the Syrians; and when they had
and uncomfortable. In ancient Israel, come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp,
the cloth was usually made of goat’s to their surprise no one was there. 6For the
hair. It was also usually dark in color. Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to
A person would wear sackcloth dur- hear the noise of chariots and the noise of
ing times of extreme grief and sorrow. horses—the noise of a great army; so they
said to one another, “Look, the king of Is-
rael has hired against us the kings of the
30Now it happened, when the king heard Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to
the words of the woman, that he tore his attack us!” 7Therefore they arose and fled
clothes; and as he passed by on the wall, at twilight, and left the camp intact—their
the people looked, and there underneath tents, their horses, and their donkeys—
he had sackcloth on his body. 31Then he and they fled for their lives. 8And when
said, “God do so to me and more also, if the these lepers came to the outskirts of the
head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains camp, they went into one tent and ate and
on him today!” drank, and carried from it silver and gold
32But Elisha was sitting in his house, and clothing, and went and hid them; then
12-2 Kings.indd 449 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 7:9 450
they came back and entered another tent, 19Then that officer had answered the
and carried some from there also, and went man of God, and said, “Now look, if the
and hid it. Lord would make windows in heaven,
9Then they said to one another, “We are could such a thing be?”
not doing right. This day is a day of good And he had said, “In fact, you shall see it
news, and we remain silent. If we wait un- with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
til morning light, some punishment will 20And so it happened to him, for the people
come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us trampled him in the gate, and he died.
go and tell the king’s household.” 10So they
went and called to the gatekeepers of the The King Restores
city, and told them, saying, “We went to the the Shunammite’s Land
Syrian camp, and surprisingly no one was
8
Then Elisha spoke to the woman
there, not a human sound—only horses
whose son he had restored to life,
and donkeys tied, and the tents intact.”
11And the gatekeepers called out, and they saying, “Arise and go, you and your
household, and stay wherever you can;
told it to the king’s household inside.
12So the king arose in the night and said for the Lord has called for a famine, and
furthermore, it will come upon the land
to his servants, “Let me now tell you what
for seven years.” 2So the woman arose and
the Syrians have done to us. They know
did according to the saying of the man of
that we are hungry; therefore they have
God, and she went with her household and
gone out of the camp to hide themselves
dwelt in the land of the Philistines seven
in the field, saying, ‘When they come out of
years.
the city, we shall catch them alive, and get 3It came to pass, at the end of seven
into the city.’ ”
13And one of his servants answered and
years, that the woman returned from the
land of the Philistines; and she went to
said, “Please, let several men take five of
make an appeal to the king for her house
the remaining horses which are left in the
and for her land. 4Then the king talked
city. Look, they may either become like all
with Gehazi, the servant of the man of
the multitude of Israel that are left in it; or
God, saying, “Tell me, please, all the great
indeed, I say, they may become like all the
things Elisha has done.” 5Now it happened,
multitude of Israel left from those who are
as he was telling the king how he had re-
consumed; so let us send them and see.”
14Therefore they took two chariots with
stored the dead to life, that there was the
woman whose son he had restored to life,
horses; and the king sent them in the di-
appealing to the king for her house and for
rection of the Syrian army, saying, “Go and
her land. And Gehazi said, “My lord, O king,
see.” 15And they went after them to the Jor-
this is the woman, and this is her son whom
dan; and indeed all the road was full of gar-
Elisha restored to life.” 6And when the king
ments and weapons which the Syrians had
asked the woman, she told him.
thrown away in their haste. So the messen-
So the king appointed a certain officer
gers returned and told the king. 16Then the
for her, saying, “Restore all that was hers,
people went out and plundered the tents of
and all the proceeds of the field from the
the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold
day that she left the land until now.”
for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a
shekel, according to the word of the Lord.
17Now the king had appointed the of- Death of Ben-Hadad
ficer on whose hand he leaned to have 7Then Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-
charge of the gate. But the people trampled Hadad king of Syria was sick; and it was
him in the gate, and he died, just as the told him, saying, “The man of God has
man of God had said, who spoke when the come here.” 8And the king said to Hazael,
king came down to him. 18So it happened “Take a present in your hand, and go to
just as the man of God had spoken to the meet the man of God, and inquire of the
king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a Lord by him, saying, ‘Shall I recover from
shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, this disease?’ ” 9So Hazael went to meet
shall be sold tomorrow about this time in him and took a present with him, of every
the gate of Samaria.” good thing of Damascus, forty camel-loads;
12-2 Kings.indd 450 2/14/12 11:55 AM
451 2 KINGS 9:5
and he came and stood before him, and Judah’s authority to this day. And Libnah
said, “Your son Ben-Hadad king of Syria revolted at that time.
has sent me to you, saying, ‘Shall I recover 23Now the rest of the acts of Joram, and
from this disease?’ ” all that he did, are they not written in the
10And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, book of the chronicles of the kings of Ju-
‘You shall certainly recover.’ However the dah? 24So Joram rested with his fathers,
Lord has shown me that he will really die.” and was buried with his fathers in the City
11Then he set his countenance in a stare of David. Then Ahaziah his son reigned in
until he was ashamed; and the man of God his place.
wept. 12And Hazael said, “Why is my lord
weeping?” Ahaziah Reigns in Judah
He answered, “Because I know the evil 25In the twelfth year of Joram the son of
that you will do to the children of Israel:
Their strongholds you will set on fire, and Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah the son of
their young men you will kill with the Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign.
26Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when
sword; and you will dash their children,
and rip open their women with child.” he became king, and he reigned one year
13So Hazael said, “But what is your ser- in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was
vant—a dog, that he should do this gross Athaliah the granddaughter of Omri, king
thing?” of Israel. 27And he walked in the way of the
And Elisha answered, “The Lord has house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of
shown me that you will become king over the Lord, like the house of Ahab, for he was
Syria.” the son-in-law of the house of Ahab.
14Then he departed from Elisha, and 28Now he went with Joram the son of
came to his master, who said to him, Ahab to war against Hazael king of Syria at
“What did Elisha say to you?” And he an- Ramoth Gilead; and the Syrians wounded
swered, “He told me you would surely re- Joram. 29Then King Joram went back to
cover.” 15But it happened on the next day Jezreel to recover from the wounds which
that he took a thick cloth and dipped it in the Syrians had inflicted on him at Ra-
water, and spread it over his face so that he mah, when he fought against Hazael king
died; and Hazael reigned in his place. of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram,
king of Judah, went down to see Joram the
Jehoram Reigns in Judah son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
16Now in the fifth year of Joram the son
of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat hav- Jehu Anointed King of Israel
9
ing been king of Judah, Jehoram the son And Elisha the prophet called one
of Jehoshaphat began to reign as king of of the sons of the prophets, and said
Judah. 17He was thirty-two years old when to him, “Get yourself ready, take this
he became king, and he reigned eight years flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth
in Jerusalem. 18And he walked in the way Gilead. 2Now when you arrive at that place,
of the kings of Israel, just as the house of look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat,
Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him
was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of rise up from among his associates, and
the Lord. 19Yet the Lord would not destroy take him to an inner room. 3Then take the
Judah, for the sake of His servant David, as flask of oil, and pour it on his head, and say,
He promised him to give a lamp to him and ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have anointed you
his sons forever. king over Israel.” ’ Then open the door and
20In his days Edom revolted against
flee, and do not delay.”
Judah’s authority, and made a king over 4So the young man, the servant of the
themselves. 21So Jorama went to Zair, and prophet, went to Ramoth Gilead. 5And
all his chariots with him. Then he rose by when he arrived, there were the captains of
night and attacked the Edomites who had the army sitting; and he said, “I have a mes-
surrounded him and the captains of the sage for you, Commander.”
chariots; and the troops fled to their tents.
22Thus Edom has been in revolt against 8:21 aSpelled Jehoram in verse 16
12-2 Kings.indd 451 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 9:6 452
Jehu said, “For which one of us?” 18So the horseman went to meet him,
And he said, “For you, Commander.” and said, “Thus says the king: ‘Is it peace?’ ”
6Then he arose and went into the house. And Jehu said, “What have you to do
And he poured the oil on his head, and said with peace? Turn around and follow me.”
to him, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: So the watchman reported, saying, “The
‘I have anointed you king over the people messenger went to them, but is not com-
of the Lord, over Israel. 7You shall strike ing back.”
down the house of Ahab your master, that 19Then he sent out a second horseman
I may avenge the blood of My servants the who came to them, and said, “Thus says
prophets, and the blood of all the servants the king: ‘Is it peace?’ ”
of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel. 8For And Jehu answered, “What have you to
the whole house of Ahab shall perish; and do with peace? Turn around and follow
I will cut off from Ahab all the males in Is- me.”
rael, both bond and free. 9So I will make the 20So the watchman reported, saying, “He
house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam went up to them and is not coming back;
the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baa- and the driving is like the driving of Jehu
sha the son of Ahijah. 10The dogs shall eat the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!”
Jezebel on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and 21Then Joram said, “Make ready.” And his
there shall be none to bury her.’ ” And he chariot was made ready. Then Joram king
opened the door and fled. of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went
11Then Jehu came out to the servants of
out, each in his chariot; and they went out
his master, and one said to him, “Is all well? to meet Jehu, and met him on the prop-
Why did this madman come to you?” erty of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22Now it hap-
And he said to them, “You know the pened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said,
man and his babble.” “Is it peace, Jehu?”
12And they said, “A lie! Tell us now.”
So he answered, “What peace, as long as
So he said, “Thus and thus he spoke to the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and
me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have her witchcraft are so many?”
anointed you king over Israel.” ’ ” 23Then Joram turned around and fled,
13Then each man hastened to take his
and said to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!”
garment and put it under him on the top of 24Now Jehu drew his bow with full strength
the steps; and they blew trumpets, saying, and shot Jehoram between his arms; and
“Jehu is king!” the arrow came out at his heart, and he
sank down in his chariot. 25Then Jehu said
Joram of Israel Killed to Bidkar his captain, “Pick him up, and
14So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son throw him into the tract of the field of Na-
of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now both the Jezreelite; for remember, when
Joram had been defending Ramoth Gil- you and I were riding together behind
ead, he and all Israel, against Hazael king Ahab his father, that the Lord laid this
of Syria. 15But King Joram had returned to burden upon him: 26‘Surely I saw yesterday
Jezreel to recover from the wounds which the blood of Naboth and the blood of his
the Syrians had inflicted on him when sons,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will repay you
he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And in this plot,’ says the Lord. Now therefore,
Jehu said, “If you are so minded, let no one take and throw him on the plot of ground,
leave or escape from the city to go and tell according to the word of the Lord.”
it in Jezreel.” 16So Jehu rode in a chariot and
went to Jezreel, for Joram was laid up there; Ahaziah of Judah Killed
and Ahaziah king of Judah had come down 27But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw
to see Joram. this, he fled by the road to Beth Haggan.a
17Now a watchman stood on the tower in
So Jehu pursued him, and said, “Shoot him
Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as also in the chariot.” And they shot him at the
he came, and said, “I see a company of men.” Ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. Then
And Joram said, “Get a horseman and he fled to Megiddo, and died there. 28And
send him to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is
it peace?’ ” 9:27 aLiterally The Garden House
12-2 Kings.indd 452 2/14/12 11:55 AM
453 2 KINGS 10:11
his servants carried him in the chariot to rulers of Jezreel,a to the elders, and to those
Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb who reared Ahab’s sons, saying:
with his fathers in the City of David. 29In
the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, 2Now as soon as this letter comes to
Ahaziah had become king over Judah. you, since your master’s sons are with
you, and you have chariots and horses,
Jezebel’s Violent Death a fortified city also, and weapons,
3choose the best qualified of your
30Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jez
master’s sons, set him on his father’s
ebel heard of it; and she put paint on her
throne, and fight for your master’s
eyes and adorned her head, and looked
house.
through a window. 31Then, as Jehu entered
at the gate, she said, “Is it peace, Zimri, 4But they were exceedingly afraid, and
murderer of your master?”
32And he looked up at the window, and said, “Look, two kings could not stand up
said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So two to him; how then can we stand?” 5And he
or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33Then who was in charge of the house, and he
he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw who was in charge of the city, the elders
her down, and some of her blood spat- also, and those who reared the sons, sent
tered on the wall and on the horses; and to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, we
he trampled her underfoot. 34And when will do all you tell us; but we will not make
he had gone in, he ate and drank. Then he anyone king. Do what is good in your sight.”
6Then he wrote a second letter to them,
said, “Go now, see to this accursed woman,
and bury her, for she was a king’s daugh- saying:
ter.” 35So they went to bury her, but they
found no more of her than the skull If you are for me and will obey my
and the feet and the palms of her hands. voice, take the heads of the men, your
36Therefore they came back and told him. master’s sons, and come to me at
And he said, “This is the word of the Lord, Jezreel by this time tomorrow.
which He spoke by His servant Elijah the
Tishbite, saying, ‘On the plot of ground at Now the king’s sons, seventy persons,
Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel;a were with the great men of the city, who
37and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as re- were rearing them. 7So it was, when the let-
fuse on the surface of the field, in the plot ter came to them, that they took the king’s
at Jezreel, so that they shall not say, “Here sons and slaughtered seventy persons, put
lies Jezebel.” ’ ” their heads in baskets and sent them to
him at Jezreel.
8Then a messenger came and told him,
2 Kings 9:34–37 saying, “They have brought the heads of
The Israelites considered it a tragedy the king’s sons.”
not to be buried properly. Jehu didn’t And he said, “Lay them in two heaps at
want to insult a member of the royal the entrance of the gate until morning.”
family—even someone as wicked as 9So it was, in the morning, that he went
Jezebel—by not burying her body. out and stood, and said to all the people,
But before he could prepare a grave, “You are righteous. Indeed I conspired
Jezebel’s body was eaten by dogs. The against my master and killed him; but who
Israelites considered dogs to be filthy killed all these? 10Know now that nothing
scavengers so the way Jezebel died shall fall to the earth of the word of the
was particularly gruesome. Lord which the Lord spoke concerning
the house of Ahab; for the Lord has done
what He spoke by His servant Elijah.” 11So
Ahab’s Seventy Sons Killed Jehu killed all who remained of the house
10
Now Ahab had seventy sons in 9:36 a1 Kings 21:23 10:1 aFollowing Masoretic
Samaria. And Jehu wrote and Text, Syriac, and Targum; Septuagint reads
sent letters to Samaria, to the Samaria; Vulgate reads city.
12-2 Kings.indd 453 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 10:12 454
of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men and the temple of Baal was full from one end to
his close acquaintances and his priests, un- the other. 22And he said to the one in charge
til he left him none remaining. of the wardrobe, “Bring out vestments for
all the worshipers of Baal.” So he brought
Ahaziah’s Forty-t wo Brothers out vestments for them. 23Then Jehu and
Killed Jehonadab the son of Rechab went into the
12And he arose and departed and went to temple of Baal, and said to the worshipers
Samaria. On the way, at Beth Ekeda of the of Baal, “Search and see that no servants
Shepherds, 13Jehu met with the brothers of of the Lord are here with you, but only
Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, “Who are the worshipers of Baal.” 24So they went in
you?” to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now
So they answered, “We are the brothers Jehu had appointed for himself eighty men
of Ahaziah; we have come down to greet on the outside, and had said, “If any of the
the sons of the king and the sons of the men whom I have brought into your hands
queen mother.” escapes, whoever lets him escape, it shall be
14And he said, “Take them alive!” So they his life for the life of the other.”
25Now it happened, as soon as he had
took them alive, and killed them at the well
of Beth Eked, forty-two men; and he left made an end of offering the burnt offering,
none of them. that Jehu said to the guard and to the cap-
tains, “Go in and kill them; let no one come
The Rest of Ahab’s Family out!” And they killed them with the edge
Killed of the sword; then the guards and the of-
15Now when he departed from there, he
ficers threw them out, and went into the in-
ner room of the temple of Baal. 26And they
met Jehonadab the son of Rechab, coming brought the sacred pillars out of the tem-
to meet him; and he greeted him and said ple of Baal and burned them. 27Then they
to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is broke down the sacred pillar of Baal, and
toward your heart?” tore down the temple of Baal and made it
And Jehonadab answered, “It is.” a refuse dump to this day. 28Thus Jehu de-
Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” stroyed Baal from Israel.
So he gave him his hand, and he took him 29However Jehu did not turn away from
up to him into the chariot. 16Then he said, the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
“Come with me, and see my zeal for the who had made Israel sin, that is, from the
Lord.” So they had him ride in his chariot. golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan.
17And when he came to Samaria, he killed
30And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you
all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, till have done well in doing what is right in My
he had destroyed them, according to the sight, and have done to the house of Ahab
word of the Lord which He spoke to Elijah. all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit
on the throne of Israel to the fourth genera-
Worshipers of Baal Killed tion.” 31But Jehu took no heed to walk in the
18Then Jehu gathered all the people to- law of the Lord God of Israel with all his
gether, and said to them, “Ahab served Baal heart; for he did not depart from the sins of
a little, Jehu will serve him much. 19Now Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin.
therefore, call to me all the prophets of
Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. Death of Jehu
Let no one be missing, for I have a great 32In those days the Lord began to cut off
sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing shall parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered them
not live.” But Jehu acted deceptively, with in all the territory of Israel 33from the Jor-
the intent of destroying the worshipers of dan eastward: all the land of Gilead—Gad,
Baal. 20And Jehu said, “Proclaim a solemn Reuben, and Manasseh— from Aroer,
assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it. which is by the River Arnon, including Gil-
21Then Jehu sent throughout all Israel; and
ead and Bashan.
all the worshipers of Baal came, so that
there was not a man left who did not come. 10:12 aOr The Shearing House 10:21 aLiterally
So they came into the templea of Baal, and house, and so elsewhere in this chapter
12-2 Kings.indd 454 2/14/12 11:55 AM
455 2 KINGS 11:19
34Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, all are to be with the king as he goes out and
that he did, and all his might, are they not as he comes in.”
written in the book of the chronicles of the 9So the captains of the hundreds did
kings of Israel? 35So Jehu rested with his according to all that Jehoiada the priest
fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. commanded. Each of them took his men
Then Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place. who were to be on duty on the Sabbath,
36And the period that Jehu reigned over Is- with those who were going off duty on the
rael in Samaria was twenty-eight years. Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
10And the priest gave the captains of hun-
Athaliah Reigns in Judah dreds the spears and shields which had be-
11
When Athaliah the mother of longed to King David, that were in the tem-
Ahaziah saw that her son was ple of the Lord. 11Then the escorts stood,
dead, she arose and destroyed every man with his weapons in his hand, all
all the royal heirs. 2But Jehosheba, the around the king, from the right side of the
daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, temple to the left side of the temple, by the
took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole altar and the house. 12And he brought out
him away from among the king’s sons the king’s son, put the crown on him, and
who were being murdered; and they hid gave him the Testimony;a they made him
king and anointed him, and they clapped
him and his nurse in the bedroom, from
their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
Athaliah, so that he was not killed. 3So he
was hidden with her in the house of the
Death of Athaliah
Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned
13Now when Athaliah heard the noise of
over the land.
the escorts and the people, she came to the
people in the temple of the Lord. 14When
Abuse she looked, there was the king standing by
Should we protect those in a pillar according to custom; and the lead-
physical danger? ers and the trumpeters were by the king.
2 Kings 11:1–3 All the people of the land were rejoicing
and blowing trumpets. So Athaliah tore her
clothes and cried out, “Treason! Treason!”
15And Jehoiada the priest commanded
Joash Crowned King
of Judah the captains of the hundreds, the officers of
4In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and
the army, and said to them, “Take her out-
side under guard, and slay with the sword
brought the captains of hundreds—of the
whoever follows her.” For the priest had
bodyguards and the escorts—and brought said, “Do not let her be killed in the house
them into the house of the Lord to him. of the Lord.” 16So they seized her; and she
And he made a covenant with them and went by way of the horses’ entrance into
took an oath from them in the house of the king’s house, and there she was killed.
the Lord, and showed them the king’s 17Then Jehoiada made a covenant be-
son. 5Then he commanded them, saying, tween the Lord, the king, and the people,
“This is what you shall do: One-third of you that they should be the Lord’s people,
who come on duty on the Sabbath shall and also between the king and the peo-
be keeping watch over the king’s house, ple. 18And all the people of the land went to
6one-third shall be at the gate of Sur, and
the temple of Baal, and tore it down. They
one-third at the gate behind the escorts. thoroughly broke in pieces its altars and
You shall keep the watch of the house, lest images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal
it be broken down. 7The two contingents before the altars. And the priest appointed
of you who go off duty on the Sabbath officers over the house of the Lord.
shall keep the watch of the house of the 19Then he took the captains of hundreds,
Lord for the king. 8But you shall surround the bodyguards, the escorts, and all the
the king on all sides, every man with his
weapons in his hand; and whoever comes 11:12 aThat is, the Law (compare Exodus 25:16,
within range, let him be put to death. You 21 and Deuteronomy 31:9)
12-2 Kings.indd 455 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 11:20 456
people of the land; and they brought the repaired the damages of the temple. 7So
king down from the house of the Lord, and King Jehoash called Jehoiada the priest and
went by way of the gate of the escorts to the the other priests, and said to them, “Why
king’s house. Then he sat on the throne of have you not repaired the damages of the
the kings. 20So all the people of the land re- temple? Now therefore, do not take more
joiced; and the city was quiet, for they had money from your constituency, but deliver
slain Athaliah with the sword in the king’s it for repairing the damages of the temple.”
house. 21Jehoash was seven years old when 8And the priests agreed that they would
he became king. neither receive more money from the peo-
ple, nor repair the damages of the temple.
Jehoash Repairs the Temple 9Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest,
12
In the seventh year of Jehu, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the
Jehoasha became king, and altar, on the right side as one comes into
he reigned forty years in Jeru- the house of the Lord; and the priests
salem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of who kept the door put there all the money
Beersheba. 2Jehoash did what was right in brought into the house of the Lord. 10So
the sight of the Lord all the days in which it was, whenever they saw that there was
Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3But much money in the chest, that the king’s
the high places were not taken away; the scribe and the high priest came up and
people still sacrificed and burned incense put it in bags, and counted the money that
on the high places. was found in the house of the Lord. 11Then
they gave the money, which had been ap-
portioned, into the hands of those who
Giving did the work, who had the oversight of the
Is monetary giving a matter house of the Lord; and they paid it out to
of personal choice or the carpenters and builders who worked
on the house of the Lord, 12and to masons
obedience? and stonecutters, and for buying timber
2 Kings 12:4, 5 and hewn stone, to repair the damage of
the house of the Lord, and for all that was
4And Jehoash said to the priests, “All paid out to repair the temple. 13However
the money of the dedicated gifts that are there were not made for the house of the
brought into the house of the Lord—each Lord basins of silver, trimmers, sprinkling-
man’s census money, each man’s assess- bowls, trumpets, any articles of gold or
ment moneya—and all the money that a articles of silver, from the money brought
man purposes in his heart to bring into into the house of the Lord. 14But they gave
the house of the Lord, 5let the priests take that to the workmen, and they repaired the
it themselves, each from his constituency; house of the Lord with it. 15Moreover they
and let them repair the damages of the did not require an account from the men
temple, wherever any dilapidation is found.” into whose hand they delivered the money
to be paid to workmen, for they dealt faith-
fully. 16The money from the trespass of-
2 Kings 12:4 ferings and the money from the sin offer-
Once a year, every Israelite over ings was not brought into the house of the
the age of twenty donated a certain Lord. It belonged to the priests.
amount of money to be used for the
temple. Other people gave gold and Hazael Threatens Jerusalem
silver as gifts to show how much they 17Hazael king of Syria went up and fought
appreciated what the Lord had done against Gath, and took it; then Hazael set
for them. These gifts and other valu- his face to go up to Jerusalem. 18And Je-
ables were stored in the temple. hoash king of Judah took all the sacred
things that his fathers, Jehoshaphat and
6Now it was so, by the twenty-third year 12:1 aSpelled Joash in 11:2ff 12:4 aCompare
of King Jehoash, that the priests had not Leviticus 27:2ff
12-2 Kings.indd 456 2/14/12 11:55 AM
457 2 KINGS 13:19
Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had written in the book of the chronicles of the
dedicated, and his own sacred things, and kings of Israel? 9So Jehoahaz rested with his
all the gold found in the treasuries of the fathers, and they buried him in Samaria.
house of the Lord and in the king’s house, Then Joash his son reigned in his place.
and sent them to Hazael king of Syria. Then
he went away from Jerusalem. Jehoash Reigns in Israel
10In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king
Death of Joash of Judah, Jehoasha the son of Jehoahaz
19Now the rest of the acts of Joash,a and all became king over Israel in Samaria, and
that he did, are they not written in the book reigned sixteen years. 11And he did evil in
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? the sight of the Lord. He did not depart
20And his servants arose and formed a from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of
conspiracy, and killed Joash in the house Nebat, who made Israel sin, but walked in
of the Millo,a which goes down to Silla. them.
21For Jozachara the son of Shimeath and 12Now the rest of the acts of Joash, all
Jehozabad the son of Shomer,b his ser- that he did, and his might with which he
vants, struck him. So he died, and they fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are
buried him with his fathers in the City of they not written in the book of the chroni-
David. Then Amaziah his son reigned in cles of the kings of Israel? 13So Joash rested
his place. with his fathers. Then Jeroboam sat on his
throne. And Joash was buried in Samaria
Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel with the kings of Israel.
13
In the twenty- third year of Death of Elisha
Joasha the son of Ahaziah, king
14Elisha had become sick with the illness of
of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of
Jehu became king over Israel in Samaria, which he would die. Then Joash the king of
and reigned seventeen years. 2And he did Israel came down to him, and wept over his
evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed face, and said, “O my father, my father, the
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who chariots of Israel and their horsemen!”
15And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow
had made Israel sin. He did not depart
from them. and some arrows.” So he took himself a
3Then the anger of the Lord was bow and some arrows. 16Then he said to
aroused against Israel, and He delivered the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the
them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, bow.” So he put his hand on it, and Elisha
and into the hand of Ben-Hadad the son of put his hands on the king’s hands. 17And
Hazael, all their days. 4So Jehoahaz pleaded he said, “Open the east window”; and he
with the Lord, and the Lord listened to opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot”; and
him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, he shot. And he said, “The arrow of the
because the king of Syria oppressed them. Lord’s deliverance and the arrow of deliv-
5Then the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, so erance from Syria; for you must strike the
that they escaped from under the hand of Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed
the Syrians; and the children of Israel dwelt them.” 18Then he said, “Take the arrows”;
in their tents as before. 6Nevertheless they so he took them. And he said to the king
did not depart from the sins of the house of Israel, “Strike the ground”; so he struck
of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin, but three times, and stopped. 19And the man
walked in them; and the wooden imagea of God was angry with him, and said, “You
also remained in Samaria. 7For He left of should have struck five or six times; then
the army of Jehoahaz only fifty horsemen, you would have struck Syria till you had
ten chariots, and ten thousand foot sol- 12:19 aSpelled Jehoash in 12:1ff 12:20 aLiterally
diers; for the king of Syria had destroyed The Landfill 12:21 aCalled Zabad in
them and made them like the dust at 2 Chronicles 24:26 bCalled Shimrith in
threshing. 2 Chronicles 24:26 13:1 aSpelled Jehoash in
8Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, 12:1ff 13:6 aHebrew Asherah, a Canaanite
all that he did, and his might, are they not goddess 13:10 aSpelled Joash in verse 9
12-2 Kings.indd 457 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 13:20 458
destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria to death for their fathers; but a person shall
only three times.” be put to death for his own sin.”a
20Then Elisha died, and they buried him. 7He killed ten thousand Edomites in the
And the raiding bands from Moab invaded Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and
the land in the spring of the year. 21So it called its name Joktheel to this day.
was, as they were burying a man, that sud- 8Then Amaziah sent messengers to
denly they spied a band of raiders; and they Jehoasha the son of Jehoahaz, the son of
put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us
when the man was let down and touched face one another in battle.” 9And Jehoash
the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Ju-
on his feet. dah, saying, “The thistle that was in Leba-
non sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon,
Israel Recaptures Cities saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as
from Syria wife’; and a wild beast that was in Lebanon
22And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel passed by and trampled the thistle. 10You
have indeed defeated Edom, and your
all the days of Jehoahaz. 23But the Lord
heart has lifted you up. Glory in that, and
was gracious to them, had compassion on
stay at home; for why should you meddle
them, and regarded them, because of His
with trouble so that you fall—you and Ju-
covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
dah with you?”
and would not yet destroy them or cast
them from His presence.
24Now Hazael king of Syria died. Then
2 Kings 14:9
Ben-Hadad his son reigned in his place. The cedar trees of Lebanon might
25And Jehoasha the son of Jehoahaz recap-
be compared to the redwood trees
tured from the hand of Ben-Hadad, the son of California. Some cedars grow up
of Hazael, the cities which he had taken to one hundred feet tall, with trunks
out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by forty-five feet in diameter. Jehoash
war. Three times Joash defeated him and insulted Amaziah by comparing the
recaptured the cities of Israel. king of Judah’s power and influence
to a thistle and comparing his own
Amaziah Reigns in Judah power and influence to a cedar tree.
14
In the second year of Joash the
son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel, 11But Amaziah would not heed. There-
Amaziah the son of Joash, king
of Judah, became king. 2He was twenty- fore Jehoash king of Israel went out; so
five years old when he became king, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one
he reigned twenty- nine years in Jerusa- another at Beth Shemesh, which belongs
lem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan to Judah. 12And Judah was defeated by Is-
of Jerusalem. 3And he did what was right rael, and every man fled to his tent. 13Then
Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah
in the sight of the Lord, yet not like his fa-
king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, the son
ther David; he did everything as his father
of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh; and he went
Joash had done. 4However the high places
to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of
were not taken away, and the people still
Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the
sacrificed and burned incense on the high
Corner Gate—four hundred cubits. 14And
places.
5Now it happened, as soon as the king-
he took all the gold and silver, all the ar-
ticles that were found in the house of the
dom was established in his hand, that he
Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s
executed his servants who had murdered house, and hostages, and returned to Sa-
his father the king. 6But the children of the maria.
murderers he did not execute, according 15Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash
to what is written in the Book of the Law
of Moses, in which the Lord commanded, 13:25 aSpelled Joash in verses 12–14, 25
saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death 14:6 aDeuteronomy 24:16 14:8 aSpelled Joash
for their children, nor shall children be put in 13:12ff and 2 Chronicles 25:17ff
12-2 Kings.indd 458 2/14/12 11:55 AM
459 2 KINGS 15:12
which he did— his might, and how he Azariah Reigns in Judah
fought with Amaziah king of Judah—are
15
In the twenty- seventh year of
they not written in the book of the chron-
Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah
icles of the kings of Israel? 16So Jehoash
the son of Amaziah, king of Ju-
rested with his fathers, and was buried in
dah, became king. 2He was sixteen years
Samaria with the kings of Israel. Then Jero
old when he became king, and he reigned
boam his son reigned in his place.
17Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Ju- fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s
name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. 3And he
dah, lived fifteen years after the death of
Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. did what was right in the sight of the Lord,
18Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are according to all that his father Amaziah
they not written in the book of the chron- had done, 4except that the high places were
icles of the kings of Judah? 19And they not removed; the people still sacrificed and
formed a conspiracy against him in Jerusa- burned incense on the high places. 5Then
lem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent the Lord struck the king, so that he was a
after him to Lachish and killed him there. leper until the day of his death; so he dwelt
20Then they brought him on horses, and he in an isolated house. And Jotham the king’s
was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in son was over the royal house, judging the
the City of David. people of the land.
21And all the people of Judah took
Azariah,a who was sixteen years old, and Leadership
made him king instead of his father Ama-
ziah. 22He built Elath and restored it to Ju-
Does God hold leaders
dah, after the king rested with his fathers. accountable for how they
lead?
Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel 2 Kings 15:2–5
23In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son
of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son 6Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and
of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Sa-
maria, and reigned forty-one years. 24And all that he did, are they not written in the
he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did book of the chronicles of the kings of Ju-
not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam dah? 7So Azariah rested with his fathers,
the son of Nebat, who had made Israel and they buried him with his fathers in the
sin. 25He restored the territory of Israel City of David. Then Jotham his son reigned
from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea in his place.
of the Arabah, according to the word of
the Lord God of Israel, which He had spo- Zechariah Reigns in Israel
ken through His servant Jonah the son of 8In the thirty-
eighth year of Azariah king
Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam
Hepher. 26For the Lord saw that the afflic- reigned over Israel in Samaria six months.
tion of Israel was very bitter; and whether 9And he did evil in the sight of the Lord,
bond or free, there was no helper for Israel. as his fathers had done; he did not depart
27And the Lord did not say that He would
from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
blot out the name of Israel from under who had made Israel sin. 10Then Shallum
heaven; but He saved them by the hand of the son of Jabesh conspired against him,
Jeroboam the son of Joash. and struck and killed him in front of the
28Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam,
people; and he reigned in his place.
and all that he did—his might, how he 11Now the rest of the acts of Zechariah,
made war, and how he recaptured for Is- indeed they are written in the book of the
rael, from Damascus and Hamath, what chronicles of the kings of Israel.
had belonged to Judah—are they not writ- 12This was the word of the Lord which
ten in the book of the chronicles of the He spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons shall
kings of Israel? 29So Jeroboam rested with
his fathers, the kings of Israel. Then Zecha- 14:21 aCalled Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:1ff,
riah his son reigned in his place. Isaiah 6:1, and elsewhere
12-2 Kings.indd 459 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 15:13 460
sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth against him and killed him in Samaria, in
generation.”a And so it was. the citadel of the king’s house, along with
Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty
Shallum Reigns in Israel men of Gilead. He killed him and reigned
13Shallum the son of Jabesh became king in his place.
26Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah,
in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziaha king of
Judah; and he reigned a full month in Sa- and all that he did, indeed they are written
maria. 14For Menahem the son of Gadi in the book of the chronicles of the kings
went up from Tirzah, came to Samaria, of Israel.
and struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in
Pekah Reigns in Israel
Samaria and killed him; and he reigned in
his place. 27In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of
15Now the rest of the acts of Shallum, and Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah became
the conspiracy which he led, indeed they king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned
are written in the book of the chronicles twenty years. 28And he did evil in the sight
of the kings of Israel. 16Then from Tirzah, of the Lord; he did not depart from the
Menahem attacked Tiphsah, all who were sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had
there, and its territory. Because they did made Israel sin. 29In the days of Pekah king
not surrender, therefore he attacked it. All of Israel, Tiglath- Pileser king of Assyria
the women there who were with child he came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maachah,
ripped open. Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Gal
ilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried
Menahem Reigns in Israel them captive to Assyria. 30Then Hoshea the
17In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah
the son of Remaliah, and struck and killed
Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi became
him; so he reigned in his place in the twen-
king over Israel, and reigned ten years in
tieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.
Samaria. 18And he did evil in the sight of 31Now the rest of the acts of Pekah, and
the Lord; he did not depart all his days
all that he did, indeed they are written in
from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
the book of the chronicles of the kings of
who had made Israel sin. 19Pula king of As-
Israel.
syria came against the land; and Menahem
gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that
Jotham Reigns in Judah
his hand might be with him to strengthen
32In the second year of Pekah the son of
the kingdom under his control. 20And
Menahem exacted the money from Israel, Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham the son of
from all the very wealthy, from each man Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 33He
fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of was twenty-five years old when he became
Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, king, and he reigned sixteen years in Je-
and did not stay there in the land. rusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushaa
21Now the rest of the acts of Menahem, the daughter of Zadok. 34And he did what
and all that he did, are they not written in was right in the sight of the Lord; he did
the book of the chronicles of the kings of Is- according to all that his father Uzziah had
rael? 22So Menahem rested with his fathers. done. 35However the high places were not
Then Pekahiah his son reigned in his place. removed; the people still sacrificed and
burned incense on the high places. He built
Pekahiah Reigns in Israel the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord.
36Now the rest of the acts of Jotham,
23In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of
and all that he did, are they not written
Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem in the book of the chronicles of the kings
became king over Israel in Samaria, and of Judah? 37In those days the Lord began
reigned two years. 24And he did evil in the
sight of the Lord; he did not depart from 15:12 a2 Kings 10:30 15:13 aCalled Azariah
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who in 14:21ff and 15:1ff 15:19 aThat is, Tiglath-
had made Israel sin. 25Then Pekah the son Pileser III (compare verse 29) 15:33 aSpelled
of Remaliah, an officer of his, conspired Jerushah in 2 Chronicles 27:1
12-2 Kings.indd 460 2/14/12 11:55 AM
461 2 KINGS 17:4
to send Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the when the king came back from Damascus,
son of Remaliah against Judah. 38So Jotham the king saw the altar; and the king ap-
rested with his fathers, and was buried proached the altar and made offerings on
with his fathers in the City of David his it. 13So he burned his burnt offering and his
father. Then Ahaz his son reigned in his grain offering; and he poured his drink of-
place. fering and sprinkled the blood of his peace
offerings on the altar. 14He also brought the
Ahaz Reigns in Judah bronze altar which was before the Lord,
16
In the seventeenth year of Pe- from the front of the temple—from be-
kah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz tween the new altar and the house of the
the son of Jotham, king of Judah, Lord—and put it on the north side of the
began to reign. 2Ahaz was twenty years new altar. 15Then King Ahaz commanded
old when he became king, and he reigned Urijah the priest, saying, “On the great new
sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not altar burn the morning burnt offering, the
do what was right in the sight of the Lord evening grain offering, the king’s burnt sac-
his God, as his father David had done. 3But rifice, and his grain offering, with the burnt
he walked in the way of the kings of Israel; offering of all the people of the land, their
indeed he made his son pass through the grain offering, and their drink offerings;
fire, according to the abominations of the and sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt
nations whom the Lord had cast out from offering and all the blood of the sacrifice.
before the children of Israel. 4And he sac- And the bronze altar shall be for me to in-
rificed and burned incense on the high quire by.” 16Thus did Urijah the priest, ac-
places, on the hills, and under every green cording to all that King Ahaz commanded.
17And King Ahaz cut off the panels of the
tree.
5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the carts, and removed the lavers from them;
son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to and he took down the Sea from the bronze
Jerusalem to make war; and they besieged oxen that were under it, and put it on a
Ahaz but could not overcome him. 6At that pavement of stones. 18Also he removed
time Rezin king of Syria captured Elath for the Sabbath pavilion which they had built
Syria, and drove the men of Judah from in the temple, and he removed the king’s
Elath. Then the Edomitesa went to Elath, outer entrance from the house of the Lord,
and dwell there to this day. on account of the king of Assyria.
7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath- 19Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which
Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your he did, are they not written in the book of
servant and your son. Come up and save the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20So
me from the hand of the king of Syria and Ahaz rested with his fathers, and was bur-
from the hand of the king of Israel, who rise ied with his fathers in the City of David.
up against me.” 8And Ahaz took the silver Then Hezekiah his son reigned in his place.
and gold that was found in the house of the
Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s Hoshea Reigns in Israel
17
house, and sent it as a present to the king In the twelfth year of Ahaz king
of Assyria. 9So the king of Assyria heeded of Judah, Hoshea the son of
him; for the king of Assyria went up against Elah became king of Israel in
Damascus and took it, carried its people Samaria, and he reigned nine years. 2And
captive to Kir, and killed Rezin. he did evil in the sight of the Lord, but
10Now King Ahaz went to Damascus to
not as the kings of Israel who were before
meet Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, and him. 3Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up
saw an altar that was at Damascus; and against him; and Hoshea became his vas-
King Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the sal, and paid him tribute money. 4And the
design of the altar and its pattern, accord- king of Assyria uncovered a conspiracy by
ing to all its workmanship. 11Then Urijah Hoshea; for he had sent messengers to So,
the priest built an altar according to all king of Egypt, and brought no tribute to the
that King Ahaz had sent from Damascus. king of Assyria, as he had done year by year.
So Urijah the priest made it before King
Ahaz came back from Damascus. 12And 16:6 aSome ancient authorities read Syrians.
12-2 Kings.indd 461 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 17:5 462
Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, their God, made for themselves a molded
and bound him in prison. image and two calves, made a wooden im-
age and worshiped all the host of heaven,
Israel Carried Captive and served Baal. 17And they caused their
to Assyria sons and daughters to pass through the
5Now the king of Assyria went throughout fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsay-
all the land, and went up to Samaria and ing, and sold themselves to do evil in the
besieged it for three years. 6In the ninth sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.
18Therefore the Lord was very angry with
year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took
Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, Israel, and removed them from His sight;
and placed them in Halah and by the Ha- there was none left but the tribe of Judah
bor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of alone.
the Medes.
7For so it was that the children of Israel
Occult
had sinned against the Lord their God,
who had brought them up out of the land How does God feel about
of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh occultic practices?
king of Egypt; and they had feared other 2 Kings 17:17, 18
gods, 8and had walked in the statutes of
the nations whom the Lord had cast out
19Also Judah did not keep the com-
from before the children of Israel, and of
the kings of Israel, which they had made. mandments of the Lord their God, but
9Also the children of Israel secretly did walked in the statutes of Israel which they
against the Lord their God things that made. 20And the Lord rejected all the de-
were not right, and they built for them- scendants of Israel, afflicted them, and de-
selves high places in all their cities, from livered them into the hand of plunderers,
watchtower to fortified city. 10They set up until He had cast them from His sight. 21For
for themselves sacred pillars and wooden He tore Israel from the house of David, and
imagesa on every high hill and under every they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king.
green tree. 11There they burned incense on Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following
all the high places, like the nations whom the Lord, and made them commit a great
the Lord had carried away before them; sin. 22For the children of Israel walked in
and they did wicked things to provoke all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they
the Lord to anger, 12for they served idols, did not depart from them, 23until the Lord
of which the Lord had said to them, “You removed Israel out of His sight, as He had
shall not do this thing.” said by all His servants the prophets. So Is-
13Yet the Lord testified against Israel rael was carried away from their own land
and against Judah, by all of His prophets, to Assyria, as it is to this day.
every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil
ways, and keep My commandments and Assyria Resettles Samaria
My statutes, according to all the law which 24Then the king of Assyria brought people
I commanded your fathers, and which I from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and
sent to you by My servants the prophets.” from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the
14Nevertheless they would not hear, but
cities of Samaria instead of the children of
stiffened their necks, like the necks of their Israel; and they took possession of Samaria
fathers, who did not believe in the Lord and dwelt in its cities. 25And it was so, at
their God. 15And they rejected His statutes the beginning of their dwelling there, that
and His covenant that He had made with they did not fear the Lord; therefore the
their fathers, and His testimonies which He Lord sent lions among them, which killed
had testified against them; they followed some of them. 26So they spoke to the king
idols, became idolaters, and went after the of Assyria, saying, “The nations whom
nations who were all around them, con- you have removed and placed in the cities
cerning whom the Lord had charged them of Samaria do not know the rituals of the
that they should not do like them. 16So they
left all the commandments of the Lord 17:10 aHebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities
12-2 Kings.indd 462 2/14/12 11:55 AM
463 2 KINGS 17:41
Making It Real //
2 Kings 17:35–38
A Life of Worship Throughout the ages, God has revealed Himself in mighty ways
because He wants us to worship only Him. He wants us to know that He is all-powerful
and supremely wise. There is no one else who can even compare to God. No one else de-
serves our worship or praise. As the One who made us and saved us, only God is worthy
of a life completely devoted to Him.
Worship is not just singing songs or attending a church service. God is worshiped
when we live our daily lives for His glory. How you spoke to your parents at breakfast, the
way you acted at school, what you watched on TV—it all matters when you decide to
worship God with your life. Don’t let your friends trick you into believing that what they
think counts. What God thinks matters most. Has your life been an act of worship today?
(See also: Ex. 20:5; Josh. 4:24.)
Words to Live By
Worship: The word translated in 2 Kings 17:36 as “worship” is the Hebrew shachah
(shaw-khaw’). It means “to come before God with great reverence as before royalty.” It is
to fall at God’s feet in recognition of His holiness and authority.
God of the land; therefore He has sent lions 34To this day they continue practicing
among them, and indeed, they are killing the former rituals; they do not fear the
them because they do not know the rituals Lord, nor do they follow their statutes
of the God of the land.” 27Then the king of or their ordinances, or the law and com-
Assyria commanded, saying, “Send there mandment which the Lord had com-
one of the priests whom you brought from manded the children of Jacob, whom He
there; let him go and dwell there, and let named Israel, 35with whom the Lord had
him teach them the rituals of the God of made a covenant and charged them, say-
the land.” 28Then one of the priests whom ing: “You shall not fear other gods, nor bow
they had carried away from Samaria came down to them nor serve them nor sacrifice
and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how to them; 36but the Lord, who brought
they should fear the Lord. you up from the land of Egypt with great
29However every nation continued to power and an outstretched arm, Him you
make gods of its own, and put them in the shall fear, Him you shall worship, and to
shrines on the high places which the Sa- Him you shall offer sacrifice. 37And the
maritans had made, every nation in the cit- statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the
ies where they dwelt. 30The men of Babylon commandment which He wrote for you,
made Succoth Benoth, the men of Cuth you shall be careful to observe forever;
made Nergal, the men of Hamath made you shall not fear other gods. 38And the
Ashima, 31and the Avites made Nibhaz covenant that I have made with you, you
and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned shall not forget, nor shall you fear other
their children in fire to Adrammelech and gods. 39But the Lord your God you shall
Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32So fear; and He will deliver you from the hand
they feared the Lord, and from every class of all your enemies.” 40However they did
they appointed for themselves priests of the not obey, but they followed their former
high places, who sacrificed for them in the rituals. 41So these nations feared the Lord,
shrines of the high places. 33They feared yet served their carved images; also their
the Lord, yet served their own gods— children and their children’s children have
according to the rituals of the nations from continued doing as their fathers did, even
among whom they were carried away. to this day.
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2 KINGS 18:1 464
Hezekiah Reigns in Judah And the king of Assyria assessed Hezekiah
king of Judah three hundred talents of sil-
18
Now it came to pass in the third
year of Hoshea the son of Elah, ver and thirty talents of gold. 15So Hezekiah
king of Israel, that Hezekiah the gave him all the silver that was found in the
son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. house of the Lord and in the treasuries of
2He was twenty- five years old when he the king’s house. 16At that time Hezekiah
became king, and he reigned twenty-nine stripped the gold from the doors of the tem-
years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was ple of the Lord, and from the pillars which
Abia the daughter of Zechariah. 3And he Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and
did what was right in the sight of the Lord, gave it to the king of Assyria.
according to all that his father David had
done.
4He removed the high places and broke
2 Kings 18:14
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was
the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden so proud of his victory in Lachish that
imagea and broke in pieces the bronze ser- he had a scene of the battle recreated
pent that Moses had made; for until those on one of the walls of his palace in
days the children of Israel burned incense Nineveh. The scene showed his Assyr-
to it, and called it Nehushtan.b 5He trusted ian soldiers attacking with battering
in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him rams and other weapons while the
was none like him among all the kings of inhabitants of Lachish tried to defend
Judah, nor who were before him. 6For he themselves with bows and arrows.
held fast to the Lord; he did not depart
from following Him, but kept His com-
mandments, which the Lord had com- Sennacherib Boasts Against
manded Moses. 7The Lord was with him; the L ord
he prospered wherever he went. And he
rebelled against the king of Assyria and did
17Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan,a
not serve him. 8He subdued the Philistines, the Rabsaris,b and the Rabshakehc from
as far as Gaza and its territory, from watch- Lachish, with a great army against Jerusa-
tower to fortified city. lem, to King Hezekiah. And they went up
9Now it came to pass in the fourth year and came to Jerusalem. When they had
of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh come up, they went and stood by the aq-
year of Hoshea the son of Elah, king of ueduct from the upper pool, which was
Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria on the highway to the Fuller’s Field. 18And
came up against Samaria and besieged it. when they had called to the king, Eliakim
10And at the end of three years they took the son of Hilkiah, who was over the house-
it. In the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is, the hold, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son
ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria of Asaph, the recorder, came out to them.
19Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say
was taken. 11Then the king of Assyria car-
ried Israel away captive to Assyria, and put now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king,
them in Halah and by the Habor, the River the king of Assyria: “What confidence is
of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, this in which you trust? 20You speak of hav-
12because they did not obey the voice of the ing plans and power for war; but they are
Lord their God, but transgressed His cov- mere words. And in whom do you trust,
enant and all that Moses the servant of the that you rebel against me? 21Now look! You
Lord had commanded; and they would are trusting in the staff of this broken reed,
neither hear nor do them. Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go
13And in the fourteenth year of King Hez into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh
ekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came 18:2 aCalled Abijah in 2 Chronicles 29:1ff
up against all the fortified cities of Judah 18:4 aHebrew Asherah, a Canaanite goddess
and took them. 14Then Hezekiah king of Ju- bLiterally Bronze Thing 18:17 aA title, probably
dah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, Commander in Chief bA title, probably Chief
saying, “I have done wrong; turn away from Officer cA title, probably Chief of Staff or
me; whatever you impose on me I will pay.” Governor
12-2 Kings.indd 464 2/14/12 11:55 AM
465 2 KINGS 19:9
king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 22But Indeed, have they delivered Samaria from
if you say to me, ‘We trust in the Lord our my hand? 35Who among all the gods of the
God,’ is it not He whose high places and lands have delivered their countries from
whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, my hand, that the Lord should deliver Je-
and said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You shall rusalem from my hand?’ ”
worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?” ’ 36But the people held their peace and
23Now therefore, I urge you, give a pledge
answered him not a word; for the king’s
to my master the king of Assyria, and I will commandment was, “Do not answer him.”
give you two thousand horses—if you are 37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was
able on your part to put riders on them! over the household, Shebna the scribe, and
24How then will you repel one captain of
Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came
the least of my master’s servants, and put to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and
your trust in Egypt for chariots and horse- told him the words of the Rabshakeh.
men? 25Have I now come up without the
Lord against this place to destroy it? The Isaiah Assures Deliverance
Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land,
19
and destroy it.’ ” And so it was, when King Hez
26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, ekiah heard it, that he tore his
clothes, covered himself with
Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh,
“Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, sackcloth, and went into the house of the
for we understand it; and do not speak to Lord. 2Then he sent Eliakim, who was
us in Hebrewa in the hearing of the people over the household, Shebna the scribe,
who are on the wall.” and the elders of the priests, covered with
27But the Rabshakeh said to them, “Has sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of
my master sent me to your master and to Amoz. 3And they said to him, “Thus says
you to speak these words, and not to the Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble, and
men who sit on the wall, who will eat and rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children
drink their own waste with you?” have come to birth, but there is no strength
28Then the Rabshakeh stood and called to bring them forth. 4It may be that the
out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and spoke, Lord your God will hear all the words of
saying, “Hear the word of the great king, the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king
the king of Assyria! 29Thus says the king: of Assyria has sent to reproach the living
‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he God, and will rebuke the words which the
shall not be able to deliver you from his Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up
hand; 30nor let Hezekiah make you trust your prayer for the remnant that is left.’ ”
5So the servants of King Hezekiah came
in the Lord, saying, “The Lord will surely
deliver us; this city shall not be given into to Isaiah. 6And Isaiah said to them, “Thus
the hand of the king of Assyria.” ’ 31Do not you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the
listen to Hezekiah; for thus says the king Lord: “Do not be afraid of the words which
of Assyria: ‘Make peace with me by a pres- you have heard, with which the servants of
ent and come out to me; and every one of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.
7Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and
you eat from his own vine and every one
from his own fig tree, and every one of you he shall hear a rumor and return to his
drink the waters of his own cistern; 32until I own land; and I will cause him to fall by the
come and take you away to a land like your sword in his own land.” ’ ”
own land, a land of grain and new wine, a
land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive Sennacherib’s Threat
groves and honey, that you may live and and Hezekiah’s Prayer
not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, lest 8Then the Rabshakeh returned and found
he persuade you, saying, “The Lord will the king of Assyria warring against Libnah,
deliver us.” 33Has any of the gods of the na- for he heard that he had departed from
tions at all delivered its land from the hand Lachish. 9And the king heard concerning
of the king of Assyria? 34Where are the Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “Look, he has
gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the
gods of Sepharvaim and Hena and Ivah? 18:26 aLiterally Judean
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2 KINGS 19:10 466
come out to make war with you.” So he ‘ The virgin, the daughter of Zion,
again sent messengers to Hezekiah, say- Has despised you, laughed you to
ing, 10“Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah scorn;
king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God The daughter of Jerusalem
in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Je- Has shaken her head behind your
rusalem shall not be given into the hand of back!
the king of Assyria.” 11Look! You have heard
what the kings of Assyria have done to all 22‘ Whom have you reproached and
lands by utterly destroying them; and shall blasphemed?
you be delivered? 12Have the gods of the Against whom have you raised your
nations delivered those whom my fathers voice,
have destroyed, Gozan and Haran and Re And lifted up your eyes on high?
zeph, and the people of Eden who were in Against the Holy One of Israel.
Telassar? 13Where is the king of Hamath, 23 By your messengers you have
the king of Arpad, and the king of the city reproached the Lord,
of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?’ ” And said: “By the multitude of my
chariots
I have come up to the height of the
Hope mountains,
What should you do when the To the limits of Lebanon;
situation is hopeless? I will cut down its tall cedars
2 Kings 19:14–19 And its choice cypress trees;
I will enter the extremity of its borders,
To its fruitful forest.
14And Hezekiah received the letter from 24 I have dug and drunk strange water,
the hand of the messengers, and read And with the soles of my feet I have
it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of dried up
the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. All the brooks of defense.”
15Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord,
and said: “O Lord God of Israel, the One 25‘ Did you not hear long ago
who dwells between the cherubim, You are How I made it,
God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the From ancient times that I formed it?
earth. You have made heaven and earth. Now I have brought it to pass,
16Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open
That you should be
Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the For crushing fortified cities into heaps
words of Sennacherib, which he has sent of ruins.
to reproach the living God. 17Truly, Lord, 26 Therefore their inhabitants had little
the kings of Assyria have laid waste the power;
nations and their lands, 18and have cast They were dismayed and
their gods into the fire; for they were not confounded;
gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood They were as the grass of the field
and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. And the green herb,
19Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray,
As the grass on the housetops
save us from his hand, that all the king- And grain blighted before it is grown.
doms of the earth may know that You are
the Lord God, You alone.”
Pride
The Word of the L ord What does God think of
Concerning Sennacherib
arrogance and pride?
20Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hez
2 Kings 19:27, 28
ekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord God
of Israel: ‘Because you have prayed to Me
against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have 27‘ But I know your dwelling place,
heard.’ 21This is the word which the Lord Your going out and your coming in,
has spoken concerning him: And your rage against Me.
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467 2 KINGS 20:9
28 Because your rage against Me and was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch
your tumult his god, that his sons Adrammelech and
Have come up to My ears, Sharezer struck him down with the sword;
Therefore I will put My hook in your and they escaped into the land of Ararat.
nose Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his
And My bridle in your lips, place.
And I will turn you back
By the way which you came. Hezekiah’s Life Extended
20
29‘ This shall be a sign to you:
In those days Hezekiah was sick
and near death. And Isaiah the
prophet, the son of Amoz, went
You shall eat this year such as grows
to him and said to him, “Thus says the
of itself,
Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall
And in the second year what springs
die, and not live.’ ”
from the same; 2Then he turned his face toward the
Also in the third year sow and reap,
wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3“Re-
Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of
member now, O Lord, I pray, how I have
them.
30 And the remnant who have escaped of walked before You in truth and with a loyal
heart, and have done what was good in
the house of Judah
Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Shall again take root downward, 4And it happened, before Isaiah had
And bear fruit upward.
31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, gone out into the middle court, that the
And those who escape from Mount word of the Lord came to him, saying,
5“Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of
Zion.
The zeal of the Lord of hostsa will do My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God
this.’ of David your father: “I have heard your
prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will
32“Therefore thus says the Lord con- heal you. On the third day you shall go up
cerning the king of Assyria: to the house of the Lord. 6And I will add
to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you
‘ He shall not come into this city, and this city from the hand of the king of
Nor shoot an arrow there, Assyria; and I will defend this city for My
Nor come before it with shield, own sake, and for the sake of My servant
Nor build a siege mound against it. David.” ’ ”
33 By the way that he came,
By the same shall he return; God
And he shall not come into this city,’
Says the Lord.
Does God fight for His
34‘ For I will defend this city, to save it people?
For My own sake and for My servant 2 Kings 20:6
David’s sake.’ ”
7Then Isaiah said, “Take a lump of figs.”
Sennacherib’s Defeat So they took and laid it on the boil, and he
and Death recovered.
8And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What is
35And it came to pass on a certain night
the sign that the Lord will heal me, and
that the angela of the Lord went out, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord
killed in the camp of the Assyrians one the third day?”
hundred and eighty- five thousand; and 9Then Isaiah said, “This is the sign to
when people arose early in the morning, you from the Lord, that the Lord will do
there were the corpses— all dead. 36So
Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and 19:31 aFollowing many Hebrew manuscripts
went away, returned home, and remained and ancient versions (compare Isaiah 37:32);
at Nineveh. 37Now it came to pass, as he Masoretic Text omits of hosts.
19:35 aOr Angel
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2 KINGS 20:10 468
the thing which He has spoken: shall the tunnel and brought water into the city—are
shadow go forward ten degrees or go back- they not written in the book of the chron-
ward ten degrees?” icles of the kings of Judah? 21So Hezekiah
10And Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy rested with his fathers. Then Manasseh his
thing for the shadow to go down ten de- son reigned in his place.
grees; no, but let the shadow go backward
ten degrees.” Manasseh Reigns in Judah
21
11So Isaiah the prophet cried out to the
Manasseh was twelve years old
Lord, and He brought the shadow ten when he became king, and he
degrees backward, by which it had gone reigned fifty-five years in Jeru-
down on the sundial of Ahaz. salem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.
2And he did evil in the sight of the Lord,
The Babylonian Envoys according to the abominations of the na-
12At that time Berodach-Baladana the son tions whom the Lord had cast out before
of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters the children of Israel. 3For he rebuilt the
and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard high places which Hezekiah his father had
that Hezekiah had been sick. 13And Heze- destroyed; he raised up altars for Baal, and
kiah was attentive to them, and showed made a wooden image,a as Ahab king of
them all the house of his treasures—the Israel had done; and he worshiped all the
silver and gold, the spices and precious host of heavenb and served them. 4He also
ointment, and alla his armory— all that built altars in the house of the Lord, of
was found among his treasures. There was which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem I
nothing in his house or in all his dominion will put My name.” 5And he built altars for
that Hezekiah did not show them. all the host of heaven in the two courts of
14Then Isaiah the prophet went to King the house of the Lord. 6Also he made his
Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these son pass through the fire, practiced sooth-
men say, and from where did they come to saying, used witchcraft, and consulted
you?” spiritists and mediums. He did much evil
So Hezekiah said, “They came from a far in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him
country, from Babylon.” to anger. 7He even set a carved image of
15And he said, “What have they seen in Asheraha that he had made, in the house
your house?” of which the Lord had said to David and
So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen to Solomon his son, “In this house and in
all that is in my house; there is nothing Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all
among my treasures that I have not shown the tribes of Israel, I will put My name for-
them.” ever; 8and I will not make the feet of Israel
16Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear wander anymore from the land which I
the word of the Lord: 17‘Behold, the days gave their fathers—only if they are care-
are coming when all that is in your house, ful to do according to all that I have com-
and what your fathers have accumulated manded them, and according to all the law
until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; that My servant Moses commanded them.”
nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. 18‘And 9But they paid no attention, and Manasseh
they shall take away some of your sons who seduced them to do more evil than the na-
will descend from you, whom you will be- tions whom the Lord had destroyed be-
get; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace fore the children of Israel.
of the king of Babylon.’ ” 10And the Lord spoke by His servants
19So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word
the prophets, saying, 11“Because Manasseh
of the Lord which you have spoken is king of Judah has done these abominations
good!” For he said, “Will there not be peace
and truth at least in my days?” 20:12 aSpelled Merodach-Baladan in Isaiah 39:1
20:13 aFollowing many Hebrew manuscripts,
Syriac, and Targum; Masoretic Text omits all.
Death of Hezekiah
21:3 aHebrew Asherah, a Canaanite goddess
20Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah—all bThe gods of the Assryians 21:7 aA Canaanite
his might, and how he made a pool and a goddess
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469 2 KINGS 22:5
(he has acted more wickedly than all the own house, in the garden of Uzza. Then his
Amorites who were before him, and has son Amon reigned in his place.
also made Judah sin with his idols), 12there-
fore thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Be- Amon’s Reign and Death
hold, I am bringing such calamity upon 19Amon was twenty-two years old when he
Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears became king, and he reigned two years in
of it, both his ears will tingle. 13And I will Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshul-
stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line lemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
of Samaria and the plummet of the house 20And he did evil in the sight of the Lord,
of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes as his father Manasseh had done. 21So he
a dish, wiping it and turning it upside walked in all the ways that his father had
down. 14So I will forsake the remnant of My walked; and he served the idols that his fa-
inheritance and deliver them into the hand ther had served, and worshiped them. 22He
of their enemies; and they shall become forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and
victims of plunder to all their enemies, did not walk in the way of the Lord.
15because they have done evil in My sight, 23Then the servants of Amon conspired
and have provoked Me to anger since the against him, and killed the king in his own
day their fathers came out of Egypt, even house. 24But the people of the land exe-
to this day.’ ” cuted all those who had conspired against
King Amon. Then the people of the land
made his son Josiah king in his place.
Temptation 25Now the rest of the acts of Amon which
Why should we be careful to he did, are they not written in the book of
resist temptation? the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 26And
2 Kings 21:8, 9 he was buried in his tomb in the garden of
Uzza. Then Josiah his son reigned in his
place.
16Moreover Manasseh shed very much
innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem Josiah Reigns in Judah
from one end to another, besides his sin by
22
Josiah was eight years old when
which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in
he became king, and he reigned
the sight of the Lord.
thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
His mother’s name was Jedidah the daugh-
2 Kings 21:16 ter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2And he did what
Of all the kings who reigned in Israel was right in the sight of the Lord, and
and Judah, Manasseh held the throne walked in all the ways of his father David;
longest. That’s unfortunate, because he did not turn aside to the right hand or
Manasseh was truly evil. He built to the left.
altars to pagan gods, reintroduced
Hilkiah Finds the Book
astrology to the Israelites, and person-
of the Law
ally practiced witchcraft. Along the
3Now it came to pass, in the eighteenth year
way, he also put many innocent peo-
ple to death. As if that weren’t enough, of King Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan
Jewish tradition says Manasseh put the scribe, the son of Azaliah, the son of
Isaiah to death by ordering that the Meshullam, to the house of the Lord, say-
prophet be sawed in half. ing: 4“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that
he may count the money which has been
brought into the house of the Lord, which
17Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh—
the doorkeepers have gathered from the
all that he did, and the sin that he people. 5And let them deliver it into the
committed—are they not written in the hand of those doing the work, who are
book of the chronicles of the kings of Ju- the overseers in the house of the Lord; let
dah? 18So Manasseh rested with his fa- them give it to those who are in the house
thers, and was buried in the garden of his of the Lord doing the work, to repair the
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2 KINGS 22:6 470
Profile
Josiah
Among all the kings of Judah and Israel, including David and Solomon, God’s Word gives
a unique place to Josiah: “Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the
Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of
Moses; nor after him did any arise like him” (2 Kin. 23:25).
Josiah became king of Judah when he was eight years old, after his wicked father was
assassinated. Scripture tells us little of Josiah’s adolescence. If he had a royal hero, it was
probably his godly great-grandfather, Hezekiah. By the time Josiah reached his mid-twen-
ties, he was anxious to make a difference in his nation for God. He organized the
renovation of the temple in Jerusalem, which had been neglected. In the process, an even
greater neglect was discovered. A book containing God’s teachings was delivered to the
king. Confronted with the promises and warnings of God’s Word, Josiah humbled himself
before God. That attitude of responsiveness to God—of wanting to act wholeheartedly on
any truthful information discovered about God—made Josiah stand out.
Under Josiah’s leadership, there was a national revival of true worship. The king
aggressively removed the evidences of paganism from the land. And he reinstituted the
joyful celebration of Passover, remembering the faithfulness of God. Josiah made a
difference because he demonstrated that even a king can live by the Great
Commandment! (Mark 12:28–34).
+ Making a Difference:
What is your immediate response when you gain a new insight about God? As we learn
more about Him, not only should the new information change our view of God, it should
also affect our view of ourselves. Too often, young people will acknowledge that what they
have learned about God is true, but they won’t act on that truth until later in life. Can you
hear yourself saying, “Sure, I know God wants my undivided commitment, and someday I
plan to give Him that. But for now, I’ve just got too much going on . . . .”? Postponing or
rejecting God’s guidance will insure that your life will make the wrong kind of difference.
Josiah didn’t wait to turn his life over to God. Neither should we.
Want to know more?
Josiah’s reign is described twice in Scripture: 2 Kings 21:24—23:30; 2 Chroni-
cles 33:25—35:27. Jeremiah also mentions him in Jeremiah 1:1–3; 22:11, 18.
Josiah was a very young man with huge responsibilities. He stepped up
and made a real difference. You can, too!
damages of the house—6to carpenters and read it. 9So Shaphan the scribe went to the
builders and masons—and to buy timber king, bringing the king word, saying, “Your
and hewn stone to repair the house. 7How- servants have gathered the money that
ever there need be no accounting made was found in the house, and have delivered
with them of the money delivered into it into the hand of those who do the work,
their hand, because they deal faithfully.” who oversee the house of the Lord.” 10Then
8Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe showed the king, say-
Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book ing, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a
of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.
Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he 11Now it happened, when the king heard
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471 2 KINGS 23:8
the words of the Book of the Law, that he the prophets and all the people, both small
tore his clothes. 12Then the king com- and great. And he read in their hearing
manded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the all the words of the Book of the Covenant
son of Shaphan, Achbora the son of Mi- which had been found in the house of the
chaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a Lord.
servant of the king, saying, 13“Go, inquire of
the Lord for me, for the people and for all
Judah, concerning the words of this book
Leadership
that has been found; for great is the wrath How can leaders influence
of the Lord that is aroused against us, their people for good?
because our fathers have not obeyed the 2 Kings 23:3
words of this book, to do according to all
that is written concerning us.”
14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, 3Then the king stood by a pillar and
Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the made a covenant before the Lord, to follow
prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of the Lord and to keep His commandments
Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the and His testimonies and His statutes, with
wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the all his heart and all his soul, to perform
Second Quarter.) And they spoke with her. the words of this covenant that were writ-
15Then she said to them, “Thus says the ten in this book. And all the people took a
Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent stand for the covenant. 4And the king com-
you to Me, 16“Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, manded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests
I will bring calamity on this place and on of the second order, and the doorkeepers,
its inhabitants—all the words of the book to bring out of the temple of the Lord all
which the king of Judah has read—17be- the articles that were made for Baal, for
cause they have forsaken Me and burned Asherah,a and for all the host of heaven;b
incense to other gods, that they might and he burned them outside Jerusalem in
provoke Me to anger with all the works of the fields of Kidron, and carried their ashes
their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be to Bethel. 5Then he removed the idolatrous
aroused against this place and shall not be priests whom the kings of Judah had or-
quenched.’ ” ’ 18But as for the king of Judah, dained to burn incense on the high places
who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this in the cities of Judah and in the places all
manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says around Jerusalem, and those who burned
the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon,
words which you have heard—19because to the constellations, and to all the host of
your heart was tender, and you humbled heaven. 6And he brought out the wooden
yourself before the Lord when you heard imagea from the house of the Lord, to the
what I spoke against this place and against Brook Kidron outside Jerusalem, burned
its inhabitants, that they would become it at the Brook Kidron and ground it to
a desolation and a curse, and you tore ashes, and threw its ashes on the graves of
your clothes and wept before Me, I also the common people. 7Then he tore down
have heard you,” says the Lord. 20“Surely, the ritual booths of the perverted personsa
therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, that were in the house of the Lord, where
and you shall be gathered to your grave in the women wove hangings for the wooden
peace; and your eyes shall not see all the image. 8And he brought all the priests
calamity which I will bring on this place.” ’ ” from the cities of Judah, and defiled the
So they brought back word to the king. high places where the priests had burned
incense, from Geba to Beersheba; also he
Josiah Restores True Worship broke down the high places at the gates
23
Now the king sent them to 22:12 aAbdon the son of Micah in 2 Chronicles
gather all the elders of Judah 34:20 23:4 aA Canaanite goddess bThe
and Jerusalem to him. 2The gods of the Assyrians 23:6 aHebrew
king went up to the house of the Lord with Asherah, a Canaanite goddess 23:7 aHebrew
all the men of Judah, and with him all the qedeshim, that is, those practicing sodomy and
inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and prostitution in religious rituals
12-2 Kings.indd 471 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 23:9 472
which were at the entrance of the Gate of who proclaimed these words. 17Then he
Joshua the governor of the city, which were said, “What gravestone is this that I see?”
to the left of the city gate. 9Nevertheless the So the men of the city told him, “It is the
priests of the high places did not come up tomb of the man of God who came from
to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but Judah and proclaimed these things which
they ate unleavened bread among their you have done against the altar of Bethel.”
brethren. 18And he said, “Let him alone; let no
10And he defiled Topheth, which is in one move his bones.” So they let his bones
the Valley of the Sona of Hinnom, that no alone, with the bones of the prophet who
man might make his son or his daughter came from Samaria.
pass through the fire to Molech. 11Then 19Now Josiah also took away all the
he removed the horses that the kings of shrines of the high places that were in the
Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Is-
entrance to the house of the Lord, by the rael had made to provoke the Lorda to
chamber of Nathan- Melech, the officer anger; and he did to them according to
who was in the court; and he burned the all the deeds he had done in Bethel. 20He
chariots of the sun with fire. 12The altars executed all the priests of the high places
that were on the roof, the upper cham- who were there, on the altars, and burned
ber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had men’s bones on them; and he returned to
made, and the altars which Manasseh had Jerusalem.
21Then the king commanded all the
made in the two courts of the house of the
Lord, the king broke down and pulverized people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the
there, and threw their dust into the Brook Lord your God, as it is written in this Book
Kidron. 13Then the king defiled the high of the Covenant.” 22Such a Passover surely
places that were east of Jerusalem, which had never been held since the days of the
were on the south of the Mount of Cor- judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days
ruption, which Solomon king of Israel had of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah.
23But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah
built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the
Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination this Passover was held before the Lord
of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abom- in Jerusalem. 24Moreover Josiah put away
ination of the people of Ammon. 14And he those who consulted mediums and spirit-
broke in pieces the sacred pillars and cut ists, the household gods and idols, all the
down the wooden images, and filled their abominations that were seen in the land
places with the bones of men. of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might
perform the words of the law which were
written in the book that Hilkiah the priest
2 Kings 23:11 found in the house of the Lord. 25Now be-
Ancient people believed the sun’s fore him there was no king like him, who
rays were pulled across the sky by a turned to the Lord with all his heart, with
horse-drawn chariot driven by—who all his soul, and with all his might, accord-
else?—the sun god. ing to all the Law of Moses; nor after him
did any arise like him.
15Moreover the altar that was at Bethel,
Impending Judgment
and the high place which Jeroboam the on Judah
son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had 26Nevertheless the Lord did not turn from
made, both that altar and the high place he the fierceness of His great wrath, with
broke down; and he burned the high place which His anger was aroused against Ju-
and crushed it to powder, and burned the dah, because of all the provocations with
wooden image. 16As Josiah turned, he saw which Manasseh had provoked Him. 27And
the tombs that were there on the moun- the Lord said, “I will also remove Judah
tain. And he sent and took the bones out
of the tombs and burned them on the altar, 23:10 aKethib reads Sons. 23:19 aFollowing
and defiled it according to the word of the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text
Lord which the man of God proclaimed, and Targum omit the Lord.
12-2 Kings.indd 472 2/14/12 11:55 AM
473 2 KINGS 24:9
from My sight, as I have removed Israel, Judah Overrun by Enemies
and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I
24
In his days Nebuchadnezzar
have chosen, and the house of which I said,
king of Babylon came up, and
‘My name shall be there.’ ”a
Jehoiakim became his vassal for
three years. Then he turned and rebelled
Josiah Dies in Battle
against him. 2And the Lord sent against
28Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all
him raiding bands of Chaldeans, bands
that he did, are they not written in the book of Syrians, bands of Moabites, and bands
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 29In of the people of Ammon; He sent them
his days Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went against Judah to destroy it, according to
to the aid of the king of Assyria, to the River the word of the Lord which He had spo-
Euphrates; and King Josiah went against ken by His servants the prophets. 3Surely at
him. And Pharaoh Necho killed him at the commandment of the Lord this came
Megiddo when he confronted him. 30Then upon Judah, to remove them from His sight
his servants moved his body in a chariot because of the sins of Manasseh, according
from Megiddo, brought him to Jerusalem, to all that he had done, 4and also because
and buried him in his own tomb. And the of the innocent blood that he had shed;
people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent
Josiah, anointed him, and made him king blood, which the Lord would not pardon.
in his father’s place. 5Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim,
and all that he did, are they not written in
The Reign and Captivity the book of the chronicles of the kings of
of Jehoahaz Judah? 6So Jehoiakim rested with his fa-
31Jehoahaz was twenty- three years old thers. Then Jehoiachin his son reigned in
when he became king, and he reigned his place.
7And the king of Egypt did not come out
three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s
name was Hamutal the daughter of Jer- of his land anymore, for the king of Babylon
emiah of Libnah. 32And he did evil in the had taken all that belonged to the king of
sight of the Lord, according to all that his Egypt from the Brook of Egypt to the River
fathers had done. 33Now Pharaoh Necho Euphrates.
put him in prison at Riblah in the land of
Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusa-
lem; and he imposed on the land a tribute 2 Kings 24:11
of one hundred talents of silver and a tal- In 597 B.C., Babylon attacked and
ent of gold. 34Then Pharaoh Necho made defeated Jerusalem and carried off
Eliakim the son of Josiah king in place of thousands of people, including King
his father Josiah, and changed his name Jehoiachin himself. The captivity
to Jehoiakim. And Pharaoh took Jehoahaz lasted for seventy years, until after the
and went to Egypt, and hea died there. Persians conquered Babylon. It was
the Persian king, Cyrus, who eventu-
Jehoiakim Reigns in Judah ally allowed the Jewish people to
35So Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold return to their homeland and rebuild
to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the temple.
money according to the command of Pha-
raoh; he exacted the silver and gold from
the people of the land, from every one The Reign and Captivity
according to his assessment, to give it to of Jehoiachin
Pharaoh Necho. 36Jehoiakim was twenty- 8Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when
five years old when he became king, and he became king, and he reigned in Jerusa-
he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His lem three months. His mother’s name was
mother’s name was Zebudah the daughter Nehushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jeru-
of Pedaiah of Rumah. 37And he did evil in salem. 9And he did evil in the sight of the
the sight of the Lord, according to all that
his fathers had done. 23:27 a1 Kings 8:29 23:34 aThat is, Jehoahaz
12-2 Kings.indd 473 2/14/12 11:55 AM
2 KINGS 24:10 474
Lord, according to all that his father had of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king
done. of Babylon and all his army came against
10At that time the servants of Nebuchad- Jerusalem and encamped against it; and
nezzar king of Babylon came up against Je- they built a siege wall against it all around.
rusalem, and the city was besieged. 11And 2So the city was besieged until the eleventh
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came year of King Zedekiah. 3By the ninth day of
against the city, as his servants were be- the fourth month the famine had become
sieging it. 12Then Jehoiachin king of Judah, so severe in the city that there was no food
his mother, his servants, his princes, and for the people of the land.
his officers went out to the king of Babylon; 4Then the city wall was broken through,
and the king of Babylon, in the eighth year and all the men of war fled at night by
of his reign, took him prisoner. way of the gate between two walls, which
was by the king’s garden, even though the
The Captivity of Jerusalem Chaldeans were still encamped all around
13And he carried out from there all the against the city. And the kinga went by way
treasures of the house of the Lord and the of the plain.b 5But the army of the Chal-
treasures of the king’s house, and he cut deans pursued the king, and they overtook
in pieces all the articles of gold which Sol him in the plains of Jericho. All his army
omon king of Israel had made in the temple was scattered from him. 6So they took the
of the Lord, as the Lord had said. 14Also he king and brought him up to the king of
carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the Babylon at Riblah, and they pronounced
captains and all the mighty men of valor, judgment on him. 7Then they killed the
ten thousand captives, and all the crafts- sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out
men and smiths. None remained except the the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with
poorest people of the land. 15And he carried bronze fetters, and took him to Babylon.
Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. The king’s 8And in the fifth month, on the seventh
mother, the king’s wives, his officers, and day of the month (which was the nine-
the mighty of the land he carried into cap- teenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar king
tivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16All the of Babylon), Nebuzaradan the captain of
valiant men, seven thousand, and crafts- the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon,
men and smiths, one thousand, all who came to Jerusalem. 9He burned the house
were strong and fit for war, these the king of of the Lord and the king’s house; all the
Babylon brought captive to Babylon. houses of Jerusalem, that is, all the houses
of the great, he burned with fire. 10And all
Zedekiah Reigns in Judah the army of the Chaldeans who were with
17Then the king of Babylon made Matta- the captain of the guard broke down the
niah, Jehoiachin’sa uncle, king in his place, walls of Jerusalem all around.
11Then Nebuzaradan the captain of
and changed his name to Zedekiah.
18Zedekiah was twenty- one years old the guard carried away captive the rest
when he became king, and he reigned of the people who remained in the city
eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s and the defectors who had deserted to the
name was Hamutal the daughter of Jer- king of Babylon, with the rest of the mul-
emiah of Libnah. 19He also did evil in the titude. 12But the captain of the guard left
sight of the Lord, according to all that Je- some of the poor of the land as vinedressers
hoiakim had done. 20For because of the an- and farmers. 13The bronze pillars that were
ger of the Lord this happened in Jerusalem in the house of the Lord, and the carts and
and Judah, that He finally cast them out the bronze Sea that were in the house of the
from His presence. Then Zedekiah rebelled Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces, and
against the king of Babylon. carried their bronze to Babylon. 14They
also took away the pots, the shovels, the
The Fall and Captivity trimmers, the spoons, and all the bronze
of Judah utensils with which the priests ministered.
25
Now it came to pass in the
ninth year of his reign, in the 24:17 aLiterally his 25:4 aLiterally he
bOr
tenth month, on the tenth day Arabah, that is, the Jordan Valley
12-2 Kings.indd 474 2/14/12 11:55 AM
475 2 KINGS 25:30
15The firepans and the basins, the things of of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of
solid gold and solid silver, the captain of the Babylon had left. 23Now when all the cap-
guard took away. 16The two pillars, one Sea, tains of the armies, they and their men,
and the carts, which Solomon had made heard that the king of Babylon had made
for the house of the Lord, the bronze of all Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah
these articles was beyond measure. 17The at Mizpah—Ishmael the son of Nethaniah,
height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, Johanan the son of Careah, Seraiah the
and the capital on it was of bronze. The son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and
height of the capital was three cubits, and Jaazaniaha the son of a Maachathite, they
the network and pomegranates all around and their men. 24And Gedaliah took an
the capital were all of bronze. The second oath before them and their men, and said
pillar was the same, with a network. to them, “Do not be afraid of the servants
of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and
serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be
2 Kings 25:13 well with you.”
This was a serious moving project. 25But it happened in the seventh month
The bronze Sea alone was almost that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son
fifteen feet in diameter, more than of Elishama, of the royal family, came with
seven feet deep, and three inches ten men and struck and killed Gedaliah,
thick. It weighed more than ten tons the Jews, as well as the Chaldeans who
and could hold about ten thousand were with him at Mizpah. 26And all the
gallons of water. people, small and great, and the captains
of the armies, arose and went to Egypt; for
they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
18And the captain of the guard took
Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the Jehoiachin Released
second priest, and the three doorkeepers. from Prison
19He also took out of the city an officer who
27Now it came to pass in the thirty-seventh
had charge of the men of war, five men of
the king’s close associates who were found year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king
in the city, the chief recruiting officer of of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the
the army, who mustered the people of the twenty-seventh day of the month, that
land, and sixty men of the people of the Evil-Merodacha king of Babylon, in the
land who were found in the city. 20So Nebu- year that he began to reign, released Je-
zaradan, captain of the guard, took these hoiachin king of Judah from prison. 28He
and brought them to the king of Babylon at spoke kindly to him, and gave him a more
Riblah. 21Then the king of Babylon struck prominent seat than those of the kings
them and put them to death at Riblah in who were with him in Babylon. 29So Jehoi-
the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was car- achin changed from his prison garments,
ried away captive from its own land. and he ate bread regularly before the king
all the days of his life. 30And as for his pro-
Gedaliah Made Governor visions, there was a regular ration given
of Judah him by the king, a portion for each day, all
the days of his life.
22Then he made Gedaliah the son of
Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor 25:23 aSpelled Jezaniah in Jeremiah 40:8
over the people who remained in the land 25:27 aLiterally Man of Marduk
12-2 Kings.indd 475 2/14/12 11:55 AM
1 Chronicles
Date of writing: 430–425 B.C.
Author: Attributed to Ezra
Theme: Encouragement and Exhortation Can Be
Gained from Judah’s Spiritual Heritage
Purpose: God blesses those whose desire is to
worship and to serve Him.
Outline
1:1—9:44 �������������Descendants of Adam Until the Time of King Saul
10:1–14 ����������������The Death of Saul and His Sons
11:1–9 ������������������David Becomes King of Israel and Captures
Jerusalem
11:10—12:40 ������David’s Warriors
13:1—16:43 ��������The Ark Is Moved to Jerusalem
17:1–27 ����������������Solomon Will Build the Lord’s Temple
18:1—20:8 �����������David’s Military Victories
21:1—28:21 ��������David’s Preparations for Building the Temple
29:1–20 ����������������The People Bring Gifts for Building the Temple
29:21–25 �������������Solomon Is Crowned King
29:26–30 �������������The Death of David
Key Verse:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory,
the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in
earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are
exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
13-1 Chronicles.indd 476 2/14/12 11:55 AM
Then /// You might remember that 1 and 2 Kings were the sequels to
1 and 2 Samuel. You might assume that 1 Chronicles would then be another
sequel, but you would be wrong. First and 2 Chronicles present the same
story line as 1 and 2 Kings but from a different perspective and by a different storyteller.
The books of the Kings tell the facts of the stories: “This king was good and the people
followed God. That king was bad and the people fell away again.” But the Chronicles tell
the whys. The people fell away because they were not wholehearted about obeying God.
God did not bless them unless they became wholehearted again.
Now /// Having the benefit of another perspective is a good thing.
Knowing the facts teaches us lessons, but knowing why the facts happened
teaches us how to keep from making the same mistakes.
When you read 1 Chronicles, remember to look for the whys. Remember to ask
yourself how wholehearted you are. Remember that a person falls for the same reason a
kingdom does—letting go of God’s hand.
Reality Check /// First of all, let’s get this out of the way right
here at the beginning: yes, there are a lot of lists of genealogies in the
Chronicles. They aren’t fun to read. You are allowed to skip some verses. But
don’t give up on both books because they have some lists in them.
Because of websites where we can quickly begin to trace our family trees, we are hear-
ing more and more about genealogies these days. However, many of us still don’t know
much about our great-great-great-grandfathers. But to the Hebrews, family history was
everything. One reason for this was that the Hebrews were looking forward to the Messiah
(Jesus) being born. They knew He would be a descendant of Abraham and then of David.
If they kept those families straight, they would have a better chance of spotting the Mes-
siah when He made His appearance.
Looking backward and knowing that Jesus is the Messiah, it is encouraging to see
God’s hand working so far back through so many generations to bring His Salvation
into the world at a specific time and in a specific way. What may seem to be boring lists
of names are actually loud voices testifying to the greatness and power of God and His
perfect plan.
The Family of Adam—S eth Diphath,a and Togarmah. 7The sons of Ja-
to Abraham van were Elishah, Tarshishah,a Kittim, and
Rodanim.b
1
Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2Cainan,a Ma- 8The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim,
halalel, Jared, 3Enoch, Methuselah,
Put, and Canaan. 9The sons of Cush were
Lamech, 4Noah,a Shem, Ham, and
Seba, Havilah, Sabta,a Raama,b and Sabte-
Japheth.
cha. The sons of Raama were Sheba and
Dedan. 10Cush begot Nimrod; he began to
1 Chronicles 1:1–4 be a mighty one on the earth. 11Mizraim
Not only did the ancient people of the begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naph-
Middle East make long lists of their tuhim, 12Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom
ancestors (called genealogies); they came the Philistines and the Caphtorim).
13Canaan begot Sidon, his firstborn, and
actually memorized those lists! The
genealogies were used to determine 1:2 aHebrew Qenan 1:4 aFollowing Masoretic
the rightful heir to family property. Text and Vulgate; Septuagint adds the sons of
Noah. 1:6 aSpelled Riphath in Genesis 10:3
1:7 aSpelled Tarshish in Genesis 10:4 bSpelled
5The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Ma-
Dodanim in Genesis 10:4 1:9 aSpelled Sabtah
gog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and in Genesis 10:7 bSpelled Raamah in Genesis
Tiras. 6The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, 10:7
13-1 Chronicles.indd 477 2/14/12 11:55 AM
1 CHRONICLES 1:14 478
Heth; 14the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the Teman, Omar, Zephi,a Gatam, and Kenaz;
Girgashite; 15the Hivite, the Arkite, and the and by Timna,b Amalek. 37The sons of
Sinite; 16the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and
the Hamathite. Mizzah.
17The sons of Shem were Elam, Asshur,
Arphaxad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether, and The Family of Seir
Meshech.a 18Arphaxad begot Shelah, and 38The sons of Seir were Lotan, Shobal, Zib
Shelah begot Eber. 19To Eber were born eon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. 39And
two sons: the name of one was Peleg,a for the sons of Lotan were Hori and Homam;
in his days the earth was divided; and his Lotan’s sister was Timna. 40The sons of
brother’s name was Joktan. 20Joktan begot Shobal were Alian,a Manahath, Ebal,
Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Shephi,b and Onam. The sons of Zibeon
21Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 22Ebal,a Abimael,
were Ajah and Anah. 41The son of Anah was
Sheba, 23Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All Dishon. The sons of Dishon were Hamran,a
these were the sons of Joktan. Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 42The sons of
Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan.a The
sons of Dishan were Uz and Aran.
1 Chronicles 1:24–27
Abraham and the Israelites were The Kings of Edom
descendants of Noah’s oldest son,
43Now these were the kings who reigned
Shem. Rather than calling themselves
“Shemites,” they dropped the “h” and in the land of Edom before a king reigned
called themselves “Semites.” Today, a over the children of Israel: Bela the son
person who holds a prejudice against of Beor, and the name of his city was
Jewish people is known as an anti- Dinhabah. 44And when Bela died, Jobab
Semite or anti-Semitic. the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in
his place. 45When Jobab died, Husham of
the land of the Temanites reigned in his
24Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, 25Eber, Peleg, place. 46And when Husham died, Hadad
Reu, 26Serug, Nahor, Terah, 27and Abram, the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian
who is Abraham. 28The sons of Abraham in the field of Moab, reigned in his place.
were Isaac and Ishmael. The name of his city was Avith. 47When
Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned
The Family of Ishmael in his place. 48And when Samlah died,
29These are their genealogies: The firstborn Saul of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in
of Ishmael was Nebajoth; then Kedar, Ad- his place. 49When Saul died, Baal-Hanan
beel, Mibsam, 30Mishma, Dumah, Massa, the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
50And when Baal- Hanan died, Hadada
Hadad,a Tema, 31Jetur, Naphish, and
Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael. reigned in his place; and the name of his
city was Pai.b His wife’s name was Meheta-
The Family of Keturah bel the daughter of Matred, the daughter
of Mezahab. 51Hadad died also. And the
32Now the sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s
chiefs of Edom were Chief Timnah, Chief
concubine, were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Aliah,a Chief Jetheth, 52Chief Aholibamah,
Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of
Jokshan were Sheba and Dedan. 33The sons 1:17 aSpelled Mash in Genesis 10:23
of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, 1:19 aLiterally Division
1:22 aSpelled Obal in
Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the chil- Genesis 10:28 1:30 aSpelled Hadar in Genesis
dren of Keturah. 25:15 1:36 aSpelled Zepho in Genesis 36:11
bCompare Genesis 36:12 1:40 aSpelled Alvan
The Family of Isaac in Genesis 36:23 bSpelled Shepho in Genesis
36:23 1:41 aSpelled Hemdan in Genesis
34And Abraham begot Isaac. The sons of
36:26 1:42 aSpelled Akan in Genesis 36:27
Isaac were Esau and Israel. 35The sons of 1:50 aSpelled Hadar in Genesis 36:39 bSpelled
Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jaalam, Pau in Genesis 36:39 1:51 aSpelled Alvah in
and Korah. 36And the sons of Eliphaz were Genesis 36:40
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479 1 CHRONICLES 2:33
Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, 53Chief Kenaz, Shimeaa the third, 14Nethanel the fourth,
Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, 54Chief Mag- Raddai the fifth, 15Ozem the sixth, and Da-
diel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs vid the seventh.
of Edom. 16Now their sisters were Zeruiah and
Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah were
The Family of Israel Abishai, Joab, and Asahel—three. 17Abigail
bore Amasa; and the father of Amasa was
2
These were the sons of Israel: Reu- Jether the Ishmaelite.a
ben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar,
Zebulun, 2Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, The Family of Hezron
Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
18Caleb the son of Hezron had children by
From Judah to David Azubah, his wife, and by Jerioth. Now these
were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
3The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, and 19When Azubah died, Caleb took Ephratha
Shelah. These three were born to him by as his wife, who bore him Hur. 20And Hur
the daughter of Shua, the Canaanitess. Er, begot Uri, and Uri begot Bezalel.
the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the 21Now afterward Hezron went in to the
sight of the Lord; so He killed him. 4And daughter of Machir the father of Gilead,
Tamar, his daughter-in-law, bore him Perez whom he married when he was sixty years
and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five. old; and she bore him Segub. 22Segub begot
Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land
of Gilead. 23(Geshur and Syria took from
Sin them the towns of Jair, with Kenath and
How serious is sin in God’s its towns—sixty towns.) All these belonged
eyes? to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
24After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah,
1 Chronicles 2:3
Hezron’s wife Abijah bore him Ashhur the
father of Tekoa.
5The sons of Perez were Hezron and
Hamul. 6The sons of Zerah were Zimri, The Family of Jerahmeel
Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five of 25The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of
them in all.
7The son of Carmi was Achar,a the trou-
Hezron, were Ram, the firstborn, and Bu-
nah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. 26Jerahmeel
bler of Israel, who transgressed in the ac-
had another wife, whose name was Ata-
cursed thing.
8The son of Ethan was Azariah.
rah; she was the mother of Onam. 27The
sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel,
were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. 28The sons of
Onam were Shammai and Jada. The sons
1 Chronicles 2:13–15 of Shammai were Nadab and Abishur.
David, who was of the tribe of Judah, 29And the name of the wife of Abishur
was a direct descendant of Adam, was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and
Noah, and Abraham. As the genealo- Molid. 30The sons of Nadab were Seled and
gies of the Gospels of Matthew and Appaim; Seled died without children. 31The
Luke show, David was also a direct son of Appaim was Ishi, the son of Ishi was
ancestor of Jesus. Sheshan, and Sheshan’s son was Ahlai.
32The sons of Jada, the brother of Sham-
9Also the sons of Hezron who were mai, were Jether and Jonathan; Jether died
without children. 33The sons of Jonathan
born to him were Jerahmeel, Ram, and
Chelubai.a 10Ram begot Amminadab, and 2:7 aSpelled Achan in Joshua 7:1 and
Amminadab begot Nahshon, leader of the elsewhere 2:9 aSpelled Caleb in 2:18, 42
children of Judah; 11Nahshon begot Salma,a 2:11 aSpelled Salmon in Ruth 4:21 and Luke
and Salma begot Boaz; 12Boaz begot 3:32 2:13 aSpelled Shammah in 1 Samuel 16:9
Obed, and Obed begot Jesse; 13Jesse begot and elsewhere 2:17 aCompare 2 Samuel 17:25
Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, 2:19 aSpelled Ephrathah elsewhere
13-1 Chronicles.indd 479 2/14/12 11:55 AM
1 CHRONICLES 2:34 480
were Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons The Family of David
of Jerahmeel.
3
34Now Sheshan had no sons, only daugh-
Now these were the sons of David
who were born to him in Hebron:
ters. And Sheshan had an Egyptian servant
The firstborn was Amnon, by Ahin
whose name was Jarha. 35Sheshan gave his
oam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel,a
daughter to Jarha his servant as wife, and
by Abigail the Carmelitess; 2the third, Ab-
she bore him Attai. 36Attai begot Nathan,
salom the son of Maacah, the daughter of
and Nathan begot Zabad; 37Zabad begot
Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adoni-
Ephlal, and Ephlal begot Obed; 38Obed
jah the son of Haggith; 3the fifth, Shepha-
begot Jehu, and Jehu begot Azariah; 39Aza-
tiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his
riah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah;
40Eleasah begot Sismai, and Sismai begot
wife Eglah.
4These six were born to him in He-
Shallum; 41Shallum begot Jekamiah, and
bron. There he reigned seven years and
Jekamiah begot Elishama.
six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned
The Family of Caleb thirty-three years. 5And these were born
to him in Jerusalem: Shimea,a Shobab, Na-
42The descendants of Caleb the brother than, and Solomon—four by Bathshuab the
of Jerahmeel were Mesha, his firstborn, daughter of Ammiel.c 6Also there were Ib-
who was the father of Ziph, and the sons har, Elishama,a Eliphelet,b 7Nogah, Nepheg,
of Mareshah the father of Hebron. 43The Japhia, 8Elishama, Eliada,a and Eliphelet—
sons of Hebron were Korah, Tappuah, nine in all. 9These were all the sons of David,
Rekem, and Shema. 44Shema begot Raham besides the sons of the concubines, and
the father of Jorkoam, and Rekem begot Tamar their sister.
Shammai. 45And the son of Shammai was
Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth The Family of Solomon
Zur. 10Solomon’s son was Rehoboam; Abijaha was
46Ephah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Haran,
Moza, and Gazez; and Haran begot Gazez. his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,
11Jorama his son, Ahaziah his son, Joashb his
47And the sons of Jahdai were Regem, Jo-
tham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. son, 12Amaziah his son, Azariaha his son, Jo-
48Maachah, Caleb’s concubine, bore She- tham his son, 13Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his
ber and Tirhanah. 49She also bore Shaaph son, Manasseh his son, 14Amon his son, and
the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father Josiah his son. 15The sons of Josiah were Jo-
of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. And hanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim,
the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. the third Zedekiah, and the fourth Shallum.a
16The sons of Jehoiakim were Jeconiah his
50These were the descendants of Ca-
leb: The sons of Hur, the firstborn of Eph- son and Zedekiaha his son.
rathah, were Shobal the father of Kirjath
The Family of Jeconiah
Jearim, 51Salma the father of Bethlehem,
and Hareph the father of Beth Gader. 17And the sons of Jeconiaha were Assir,b
52And Shobal the father of Kirjath Shealtiel his son, 18and Malchiram, Pedaiah,
Jearim had descendants: Haroeh, and
half of the families of Manuhoth.a 53The 2:52 aSame as the Manahethites, verse 54
families of Kirjath Jearim were the Ithrites, 3:1 aCalled Chileab in 2 Samuel 3:3 3:5 aSpelled
Shammua in 14:4 and 2 Samuel 5:14 bSpelled
the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the
Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:3 cCalled Eliam
Mishraites. From these came the Zorath
in 2 Samuel 11:3 3:6 aSpelled Elishua in 14:5
ites and the Eshtaolites. and 2 Samuel 5:15 bSpelled Elpelet in 14:5
54The sons of Salma were Bethlehem, the
3:8 aSpelled Beeliada in 14:7 3:10 aSpelled
Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, half of the Abijam in 1 Kings 15:1 3:11 aSpelled Jehoram
Manahethites, and the Zorites. in 2 Kings 1:17 and 8:16 bSpelled Jehoash in
55And the families of the scribes who
2 Kings 12:1 3:12 aCalled Uzziah in Isaiah
dwelt at Jabez were the Tirathites, the 6:1 3:15 aCalled Jehoahaz in 2 Kings 23:31
Shimeathites, and the Suchathites. These 3:16 aCompare 2 Kings 24:17 3:17 aAlso called
were the Kenites who came from Ham- Coniah in Jeremiah 22:24 and Jehoiachin in
math, the father of the house of Rechab. 2 Kings 24:8 bOr Jeconiah the captive were
13-1 Chronicles.indd 480 2/14/12 11:55 AM
481 1 CHRONICLES 4:23
Shenazzar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Neda- 9NowJabez was more honorable than
biah. 19The sons of Pedaiah were Zerubbabel his brothers, and his mother called his
and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel were name Jabez,a saying, “Because I bore him
Meshullam, Hananiah, Shelomith their in pain.” 10And Jabez called on the God of
sister, 20and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless
Hasadiah, and Jushab-Hesed—five in all. me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that
Your hand would be with me, and that You
would keep me from evil, that I may not
1 Chronicles 3:19 cause pain!” So God granted him what he
Zerubbabel led the first group of Jew- requested.
ish exiles back to Jerusalem after they 11Chelub the brother of Shuhah begot
had spent seventy years as captives Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12And
in Babylon. (By the way, an exile is a Eshton begot Beth-Rapha, Paseah, and Te-
person who has been separated from hinnah the father of Ir-Nahash. These were
his country.) He became the governor the men of Rechah.
of Judah and started the long, slow 13The sons of Kenaz were Othniel
process of rebuilding the temple, and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel were
which had been completely destroyed. Hathath,a 14and Meonothai who begot
Haggai and Zechariah, two prophets Ophrah. Seraiah begot Joab the father of Ge
of God, encouraged Zerubbabel in his Harashim,a for they were craftsmen. 15The
work. sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh were
Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah was
21The sons of Hananiah were Pelatiah Kenaz. 16The sons of Jehallelel were Ziph,
and Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, the Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 17The sons of
sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, and the Ezrah were Jether,a Mered, Epher, and Jalon.
sons of Shechaniah. 22The son of Shecha- And Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai,
niah was Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah and Ishbah thea father of Eshtemoa. (His
18
were Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and wife Jehudijah bore Jered the father of
Shaphat—six in all. 23The sons of Neariah Gedor, Heber the father of Sochoh, and
were Elioenai, Hezekiah, and Azrikam— Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) And these
three in all. 24The sons of Elioenai were were the sons of Bithiah the daughter of
Hod aviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Jo- Pharaoh, whom Mered took.
19The sons of Hodiah’s wife, the sister of
hanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all.
Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Gar-
The Family of Judah mite and of Eshtemoa the Maachathite.
20And the sons of Shimon were Amnon,
4
The sons of Judah were Perez, Hez- Rinnah, Ben-Hanan, and Tilon. And the
ron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. And sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.
2
Reaiah the son of Shobal begot Ja- 21The sons of Shelah the son of Judah
hath, and Jahath begot Ahumai and Lahad. were Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the
These were the families of the Zorathites. father of Mareshah, and the families of
3These were the sons of the father of Etam:
the house of the linen workers of the
Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name house of Ashbea; 22also Jokim, the men
of their sister was Hazelelponi; 4and Penuel
of Chozeba, and Joash; Saraph, who ruled
was the father of Gedor, and Ezer was the
in Moab, and Jashubi- Lehem. Now the
father of Hushah.
records are ancient. 23These were the pot-
These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn
ters and those who dwell at Netaima and
of Ephrathah the father of Bethlehem.
5And Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two Gederah; b there they dwelt with the king
for his work.
wives, Helah and Naarah. Naarah bore him
6
Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahash- 4:9 aLiterally He Will Cause Pain
tari. These were the sons of Naarah. 7The 4:13 aSeptuagint and Vulgate add and
sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, and Eth- Meonothai. 4:14 aLiterally Valley of Craftsmen
nan; 8and Koz begot Anub, Zobebah, and 4:17 aLiterally she 4:18 aOr His Judean wife
the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. 4:23 aLiterally Plants bLiterally Hedges
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1 CHRONICLES 4:24 482
The Family of Simeon his father’s bed, his birthright was given
to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so
24The sons of Simeon were Nemuel, Jamin,
that the genealogy is not listed according
Jarib,a Zerah,b and Shaul, 25Shallum his
to the birthright; 2yet Judah prevailed over
son, Mibsam his son, and Mishma his son.
26And the sons of Mishma were Hamuel his his brothers, and from him came a ruler,
although the birthright was Joseph’s—3the
son, Zacchur his son, and Shimei his son.
27Shimei had sixteen sons and six daugh- sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were
Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
ters; but his brothers did not have many 4The sons of Joel were Shemaiah his
children, nor did any of their families mul-
son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5Micah
tiply as much as the children of Judah.
28They dwelt at Beersheba, Mola- his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6and
Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-Pilesera king
dah, Hazar Shual, 29Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad,
30Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31Beth Mar- of Assyria carried into captivity. He was
leader of the Reubenites. 7And his brethren
caboth, Hazar Susim, Beth Biri, and at
by their families, when the genealogy of
Shaaraim. These were their cities until the
their generations was registered: the chief,
reign of David. 32And their villages were
Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8and Bela the son of
Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—
Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel,
five cities— 33and all the villages that were
who dwelt in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal
around these cities as far as Baal.a These
Meon. 9Eastward they settled as far as the
were their dwelling places, and they main-
entrance of the wilderness this side of the
tained their genealogy: 34Meshobab, Jam-
River Euphrates, because their cattle had
lech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah; 35Joel,
multiplied in the land of Gilead.
and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Se- 10Now in the days of Saul they made war
raiah, the son of Asiel; 36Elioenai, Jaakobah,
with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand;
Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, and Be-
and they dwelt in their tents throughout
naiah; 37Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of
the entire area east of Gilead.
Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri,
the son of Shemaiah—38these mentioned The Family of Gad
by name were leaders in their families, and
11And the children of Gad dwelt next to
their father’s house increased greatly.
39So they went to the entrance of Gedor, them in the land of Bashan as far as Salcah:
12Joel was the chief, Shapham the next,
as far as the east side of the valley, to seek
pasture for their flocks. 40And they found then Jaanai and Shaphat in Bashan, 13and
rich, good pasture, and the land was broad, their brethren of their father’s house: Mi-
quiet, and peaceful; for some Hamites for- chael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan,
merly lived there. Zia, and Eber—seven in all. 14These were
41These recorded by name came in the the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the
days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and they son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son
attacked their tents and the Meunites who of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son
were found there, and utterly destroyed of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 15Ahi the son of
them, as it is to this day. So they dwelt in Abdiel, the son of Guni, was chief of their
their place, because there was pasture for father’s house. 16And the Gadites dwelt in
their flocks there. 42Now some of them, five Gilead, in Bashan and in its villages, and
hundred men of the sons of Simeon, went in all the common-lands of Sharon within
to Mount Seir, having as their captains their borders. 17All these were registered
Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, by genealogies in the days of Jotham king
the sons of Ishi. 43And they defeated the of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king
rest of the Amalekites who had escaped. of Israel.
18The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and
They have dwelt there to this day.
half the tribe of Manasseh had forty-four
The Family of Reuben
4:24 aCalled Jachin in Genesis 46:10 bCalled
5
Now the sons of Reuben the first- Zohar in Genesis 46:10 4:33 aOr Baalath
born of Israel—he was indeed the Beer (compare Joshua 19:8) 5:6 aHebrew
firstborn, but because he defiled Tilgath-Pilneser
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483 1 CHRONICLES 6:29
thousand seven hundred and sixty valiant The Family of Levi
men, men able to bear shield and sword,
6
The sons of Levi were Gershon, Ko-
to shoot with the bow, and skillful in war,
hath, and Merari. 2The sons of Ko-
who went to war. 19They made war with the
hath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and
Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 20And
Uzziel. 3The children of Amram were Aaron,
they were helped against them, and the
Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron
Hagrites were delivered into their hand,
were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
and all who were with them, for they cried 4Eleazar begot Phinehas, and Phinehas
out to God in the battle. He heeded their
begot Abishua; 5Abishua begot Bukki, and
prayer, because they put their trust in Him.
21Then they took away their livestock—fifty
Bukki begot Uzzi; 6Uzzi begot Zerahiah, and
Zerahiah begot Meraioth; 7Meraioth begot
thousand of their camels, two hundred
Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub; 8Ahi-
and fifty thousand of their sheep, and two
tub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahim
thousand of their donkeys—also one hun-
aaz; 9Ahimaaz begot Azariah, and Azariah
dred thousand of their men; 22for many fell
begot Johanan; 10Johanan begot Azariah (it
dead, because the war was God’s. And they
was he who ministered as priest in the tem-
dwelt in their place until the captivity.
ple that Solomon built in Jerusalem); 11Aza-
The Family of Manasseh (East)
riah begot Amariah, and Amariah begot
Ahitub; 12Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok
23So the children of the half- tribe of begot Shallum; 13Shallum begot Hilkiah,
Manasseh dwelt in the land. Their numbers and Hilkiah begot Azariah; 14Azariah begot
increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon, Seraiah, and Seraiah begot Jehozadak. 15Je-
that is, to Senir, or Mount Hermon. 24These hozadak went into captivity when the Lord
were the heads of their fathers’ houses: carried Judah and Jerusalem into captivity
Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hoda- by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
viah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men 16The sons of Levi were Gershon,a Ko-
of valor, famous men, and heads of their hath, and Merari. 17These are the names
fathers’ houses. of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.
18The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar,
Hebron, and Uzziel. 19The sons of Merari
1 Chronicles 5:26 were Mahli and Mushi. Now these are the
Tiglath-Pileser became king of Assyria families of the Levites according to their
in 745 B.C. Rather than killing the fathers: 20Of Gershon were Libni his son,
leaders of the countries he defeated, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21Joah his
Tiglath-Pileser took them captive and son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeath-
deported them. The conquered area erai his son. 22The sons of Kohath were Am-
then became a province of Assyria. minadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his
Halah, Habor, and Hara were located son, 23Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son,
near Nineveh, over five hundred miles Assir his son, 24Tahath his son, Uriel his son,
northeast of Jerusalem. The people of Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25The
Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were a sons of Elkanah were Amasai and Ahimoth.
long way from home. 26As for Elkanah,a the sons of Elkanah were
Zophaib his son, Nahathc his son, 27Eliaba
25And they were unfaithful to the God his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his
of their fathers, and played the harlot after son. 28The sons of Samuel were Joela the
the gods of the peoples of the land, whom firstborn, and Abijah the second.b 29The
God had destroyed before them. 26So the 5:26 aHebrew Tilgath-Pilneser 6:16 aHebrew
God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul Gershom (alternate spelling of Gershon,
king of Assyria, that is, Tiglath- Pilesera as in verses 1, 17, 20, 43, 62, and 71)
king of Assyria. He carried the Reu- 6:26 aCompare verse 35 bSpelled Zuph in
benites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of verse 35 and 1 Samuel 1:1 cCompare verse
Manasseh into captivity. He took them to 34 6:27 aCompare verse 34 6:28 aFollowing
Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic (compare
to this day. verse 33 and 1 Samuel 8:2) bHebrew Vasheni
13-1 Chronicles.indd 483 2/14/12 11:55 AM
1 CHRONICLES 6:30 484
sons of Merari were Mahli, Libni his son, son of Hilkiah, 46the son of Amzi, the son of
Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30Shimea his Bani, the son of Shamer, 47the son of Mahli,
son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son. the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son
of Levi.
Musicians in the House 48And their brethren, the Levites, were
of the L ord appointed to every kind of service of the
31Now these are the men whom David ap- tabernacle of the house of God.
pointed over the service of song in the
house of the Lord, after the ark came to The Family of Aaron
rest. 32They were ministering with music 49But Aaron and his sons offered sacri-
before the dwelling place of the tabernacle fices on the altar of burnt offering and on
of meeting, until Solomon had built the the altar of incense, for all the work of the
house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they Most Holy Place, and to make atonement
served in their office according to their for Israel, according to all that Moses the
order. servant of God had commanded. 50Now
33And these are the ones who minis-
these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his
tered with their sons: Of the sons of the son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,
Kohathites were Heman the singer, the son 51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his
of Joel, the son of Samuel, 34the son of El- son, 52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son,
kanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel,a Ahitub his son, 53Zadok his son, and Ahim
the son of Toah,b 35the son of Zuph, the son aaz his son.
of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of
Amasai, 36the son of Elkanah, the son of
Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zepha- Obedience
niah, 37the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, What’s a good example of
the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38the obeying God?
son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of
1 Chronicles 6:49
Levi, the son of Israel. 39And his brother
Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was
Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Dwelling Places of the Levites
Shimea, 40the son of Michael, the son of
54Now these are their dwelling places
Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 41the son
of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, throughout their settlements in their
42the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the territory, for they were given by lot to
son of Shimei, 43the son of Jahath, the son the sons of Aaron, of the family of the
of Gershon, the son of Levi. Kohathites: 55They gave them Hebron in
the land of Judah, with its surrounding
common-lands. 56But the fields of the city
1 Chronicles 6:48 and its villages they gave to Caleb the son
The rules and procedures for entering of Jephunneh. 57And to the sons of Aaron
the Most Holy Place were extremely they gave one of the cities of refuge, He-
strict and extremely important to fol- bron; also Libnah with its common-lands,
low. Only the high priest was allowed Jattir, Eshtemoa with its common-lands,
to enter, once a year, to ask God’s 58Hilena with its common- lands, Debir
forgiveness for Israel’s sins. The only with its common-lands, 59Ashana with its
piece of furniture allowed in the Most common-lands, and Beth Shemesh with
Holy Place was the ark of the cov- its common-lands. 60And from the tribe
enant, which the Israelites considered of Benjamin: Geba with its common-
to be God’s earthly throne. lands, Alemetha with its common-lands,
and Anathoth with its common- lands.
44Their brethren, the sons of Merari, on
6:34 aSpelled Elihu in 1 Samuel 1:1 bSpelled
the left hand, were Ethan the son of Kishi, Tohu in 1 Samuel 1:1 6:58 aSpelled Holon in
the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45the Joshua 21:15 6:59 aSpelled Ain in Joshua 21:16
son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the 6:60 aSpelled Almon in Joshua 21:18
13-1 Chronicles.indd 484 2/14/12 11:55 AM
485 1 CHRONICLES 7:5
All their cities among their families were lands. 72And from the tribe of Issachar:
thirteen. Kedesh with its common-lands, Daberath
61To the rest of the family of the tribe with its common- lands, 73Ramoth with
of the Kohathites they gave by lot ten cit- its common- lands, and Anem with its
ies from half the tribe of Manasseh. 62And common-lands. 74And from the tribe of
to the sons of Gershon, throughout their Asher: Mashal with its common- lands,
families, they gave thirteen cities from the Abdon with its common- lands, 75Hu-
tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, kok with its common-lands, and Rehob
from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the with its common-lands. 76And from the
tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 63To the sons tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with
of Merari, throughout their families, they its common- lands, Hammon with its
gave twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, common- lands, and Kirjathaim with its
from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe common-lands.
77From the tribe of Zebulun the rest
of Zebulun. 64So the children of Israel gave
these cities with their common-lands to of the children of Merari were given Rim-
the Levites. 65And they gave by lot from mona with its common-lands and Tabor
the tribe of the children of Judah, from the with its common- lands. 78And on the
tribe of the children of Simeon, and from other side of the Jordan, across from Jeri-
the tribe of the children of Benjamin these cho, on the east side of the Jordan, they
cities which are called by their names. were given from the tribe of Reuben: Be-
zer in the wilderness with its common-
lands, Jahzah with its common- lands,
1 Chronicles 6:64 79Kedemoth with its common- lands,
The Levites were the designated and Mephaath with its common-lands.
priests of Israel. They were responsible 80And from the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in
for taking care of the tabernacle of Gilead with its common- lands, Maha-
meeting, the altar, and the people’s naim with its common-lands, 81Heshbon
sacrifices. They were also responsible with its common-lands, and Jazer with its
for meeting the spiritual needs of their common-lands.
fellow Israelites. Because their job was
to take care of the various tribes, the The Family of Issachar
7
Levites did not receive a specific area The sons of Issachar were Tola,
of land when they moved to Canaan. Puah,a Jashub, and Shimron—four
Instead, they were given forty-eight in all. 2The sons of Tola were Uzzi,
cities scattered throughout Israel. Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Jibsam, and
Shem uel, heads of their father’s house.
66Now some of the families of the sons The sons of Tola were mighty men of valor
in their generations; their number in the
of Kohath were given cities as their territory
days of David was twenty-two thousand
from the tribe of Ephraim. 67And they gave
six hundred. 3The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah,
them one of the cities of refuge, Shechem
and the sons of Izrahiah were Michael,
with its common-lands, in the mountains
Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. All five of them
of Ephraim, also Gezer with its common-
were chief men. 4And with them, by their
lands, 68Jokmeam with its common-lands,
generations, according to their fathers’
Beth Horon with its common-lands, 69Ai-
houses, were thirty-six thousand troops
jalon with its common-lands, and Gath
ready for war; for they had many wives
Rimmon with its common- lands. 70And
and sons.
from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Aner with 5Now their brethren among all the fami-
its common- lands and Bileam with its
lies of Issachar were mighty men of valor,
common-lands, for the rest of the family of
listed by their genealogies, eighty- seven
the sons of Kohath.
71From the family of the half-
thousand in all.
tribe
of Manasseh the sons of Gershon were 6:77 aHebrew Rimmono, alternate spelling
given Golan in Bashan with its common- of Rimmon; see 4:32 7:1 aSpelled Puvah in
lands and Ashtaroth with its common- Genesis 46:13
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1 CHRONICLES 7:6 486
The Family of Benjamin of Ulam was Bedan.) These were the de-
6The scendants of Gilead the son of Machir, the
sons of Benjamin were Bela, Becher,
son of Manasseh.
and Jediael—three in all. 7The sons of Bela 18His sister Hammoleketh bore Ishhod,
were Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and
Iri—five in all. They were heads of their fa- Abiezer, and Mahlah.
19And the sons of Shemida were Ahian,
thers’ houses, and they were listed by their
genealogies, twenty- two thousand and Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
thirty-four mighty men of valor.
8The sons of Becher were Zemirah, The Family of Ephraim
Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jerimoth, 20The sons of Ephraim were Shuthelah,
Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eladah
are the sons of Becher. 9And they were re- his son, Tahath his son, 21Zabad his son,
corded by genealogy according to their Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead.
generations, heads of their fathers’ houses, The men of Gath who were born in that
twenty thousand two hundred mighty men land killed them because they came down
of valor. 10The son of Jediael was Bilhan, to take away their cattle. 22Then Ephraim
and the sons of Bilhan were Jeush, Benja- their father mourned many days, and his
min, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tharshish, brethren came to comfort him.
and Ahishahar. 23And when he went in to his wife, she
11All these sons of Jediael were heads conceived and bore a son; and he called his
of their fathers’ houses; there were seven- name Beriah,a because tragedy had come
teen thousand two hundred mighty men upon his house. 24Now his daughter was
of valor fit to go out for war and battle. Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth
12Shuppim and Huppima were the sons of Horon and Uzzen Sheerah; 25and Rephah
Ir, and Hushim was the son of Aher. was his son, as well as Resheph, and Telah
his son, Tahan his son, 26Laadan his son,
The Family of Naphtali Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,
27Nuna his son, and Joshua his son.
13The sons of Naphtali were Jahziel,a Guni,
28Now their possessions and dwell-
Jezer, and Shallum,b the sons of Bilhah.
ing places were Bethel and its towns: to
the east Naaran, to the west Gezer and
1 Chronicles 7:15 its towns, and Shechem and its towns, as
Usually only sons inherited their far as Ayyaha and its towns; 29and by the
father’s land. Since Zelophehad had borders of the children of Manasseh were
no sons, though, Moses allowed his Beth Shean and its towns, Taanach and its
land to be given to his daughters—on towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its
one condition. The daughters had to towns. In these dwelt the children of Jo-
marry men in their own tribe. That seph, the son of Israel.
way, Zelophehad’s land would remain
in the tribe of Manasseh. The Family of Asher
30The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah,
Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. 31The
The Family of Manasseh (West) sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel,
14The descendants of Manasseh: his Syr- who was the father of Birzaith.a 32And
ian concubine bore him Machir the father
7:12 aCalled Hupham in Numbers 26:39
of Gilead, the father of Asriel.a 15Machir 7:13 aSpelled Jahzeel in Genesis 46:24 bSpelled
took as his wife the sister of Huppim and Shillem in Genesis 46:24 7:14 aThe son
Shuppim,a whose name was Maachah. of Gilead (compare Numbers 26:30, 31)
The name of Gilead’s grandsonb was 7:15 aCompare verse 12 bLiterally the second
Zelophehad,c but Zelophehad begot only cCompare Numbers 26:30–33 7:23 aLiterally
daughters. 16(Maachah the wife of Machir In Tragedy 7:27 aHebrew Non 7:28 aMany
bore a son, and she called his name Peresh. Hebrew manuscripts, Bomberg, Septuagint,
The name of his brother was Sheresh, and Targum, and Vulgate read Gazza. 7:31 aOr
his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 17The son Birzavith or Birzoth
13-1 Chronicles.indd 486 2/14/12 11:55 AM
487 1 CHRONICLES 9:2
Heber begot Japhlet, Shomer,a Hotham,b Shimei. 22Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23Abdon,
and their sister Shua. 33The sons of Japhlet Zichri, Hanan, 24Hananiah, Elam, Anto-
were Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These thijah, 25Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the
were the children of Japhlet. 34The sons of sons of Shashak. 26Shamsherai, Shehariah,
Shemer were Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Athaliah, 27Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri
Aram. 35And the sons of his brother Helem were the sons of Jeroham.
were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 28These were heads of the fathers’ houses
36The sons of Zophah were Suah, Har- by their generations, chief men. These
nepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 37Bezer, Hod, dwelt in Jerusalem.
Shamma, Shilshah, Jithran,a and Beera. 29Now the father of Gibeon, whose
38The sons of Jether were Jephunneh, Pis wife’s name was Maacah, dwelt at
pah, and Ara. 39The sons of Ulla were Arah, Gibeon. 30And his firstborn son was Ab-
Haniel, and Rizia. don, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31Gedor,
40All these were the children of Asher, Ahio, Zecher, 32and Mikloth, who begot
heads of their fathers’ houses, choice men, Shimeah.a They also dwelt alongside
mighty men of valor, chief leaders. And their relatives in Jerusalem, with their
they were recorded by genealogies among brethren. 33Nera begot Kish, Kish begot
the army fit for battle; their number was Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan, Malchi-
twenty-six thousand. shua, Abinadab,b and Esh- Baal.c 34The
son of Jonathan was Merib-Baal,a and
The Family Tree of King Saul Merib-Baal begot Micah. 35The sons of
of Benjamin Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and
8
Now Benjamin begot Bela his first- Ahaz. 36And Ahaz begot Jehoaddah;a Je-
born, Ashbel the second, Aharaha hoaddah begot Alemeth, Azmaveth, and
the third, 2Nohah the fourth, and Ra- Zimri; and Zimri begot Moza. 37Moza be-
pha the fifth. 3The sons of Bela were Addar,a got Binea, Raphaha his son, Eleasah his
Gera, Abihud, 4Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, son, and Azel his son.
5Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 38Azel had six sons whose names were
6These are the sons of Ehud, who were these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Shea-
the heads of the fathers’ houses of the in- riah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were
habitants of Geba, and who forced them to the sons of Azel. 39And the sons of Eshek
move to Manahath: 7Naaman, Ahijah, and his brother were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush
Gera who forced them to move. He begot the second, and Eliphelet the third.
40The sons of Ulam were mighty men of
Uzza and Ahihud.
8Also Shaharaim had children in the valor—archers. They had many sons and
country of Moab, after he had sent away grandsons, one hundred and fifty in all.
Hushim and Baara his wives. 9By Hodesh These were all sons of Benjamin.
9
his wife he begot Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, So all Israel was recorded by genealo-
Malcam, 10Jeuz, Sachiah, and Mirmah. gies, and indeed, they were inscribed
These were his sons, heads of their fathers’ in the book of the kings of Israel. But
houses. Judah was carried away captive to Babylon
11And by Hushim he begot Abitub and because of their unfaithfulness. 2And the
Elpaal. 12The sons of Elpaal were Eber, first inhabitants who dwelt in their posses-
Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono sions in their cities were Israelites, priests,
and Lod with its towns; 13and Beriah and Levites, and the Nethinim.
Shema, who were heads of their fathers’
7:32 aSpelled Shemer in verse 34 bSpelled
houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who Helem in verse 35 7:37 aSpelled Jether in verse
drove out the inhabitants of Gath. 14Ahio, 38 8:1 aSpelled Ahiram in Numbers 26:38
Shashak, Jeremoth, 15Zebadiah, Arad, 8:3 aCalled Ard in Numbers 26:40 8:32 aSpelled
Eder, 16Michael, Ispah, and Joha were the Shimeam in 9:38 8:33 aAlso the son of Gibeon
sons of Beriah. 17Zebadiah, Meshullam, (compare 9:36, 39) bCalled Jishui in 1 Samuel
Hizki, Heber, 18Ishmerai, Jizliah, and Jobab 14:49 cCalled Ishbosheth in 2 Samuel 2:8
were the sons of Elpaal. 19Jakim, Zichri, and elsewhere 8:34 aCalled Mephibosheth
Zabdi, 20Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21Adaiah, in 2 Samuel 4:4 8:36 aSpelled Jarah in 9:42
Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of 8:37 aSpelled Rephaiah in 9:43
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1 CHRONICLES 9:3 488
Dwellers in Jerusalem 19Shallum the son of Kore, the son of
3Now in Jerusalem the children of Judah Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his breth-
ren, from his father’s house, the Korahites,
dwelt, and some of the children of Benja-
were in charge of the work of the service,
min, and of the children of Ephraim and
gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fa-
Manasseh: 4Uthai the son of Ammihud,
thers had been keepers of the entrance
the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son
to the camp of the Lord. 20And Phinehas
of Bani, of the descendants of Perez, the
the son of Eleazar had been the officer
son of Judah. 5Of the Shilonites: Asaiah
over them in time past; the Lord was with
the firstborn and his sons. 6Of the sons of
him. 21Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah
Zerah: Jeuel, and their brethren—six hun-
was keeper of the door of the tabernacle of
dred and ninety. 7Of the sons of Benjamin:
meeting.
Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of 22All those chosen as gatekeepers were
Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah; 8Ibneiah
two hundred and twelve. They were re-
the son of Jeroham; Elah the son of Uzzi,
corded by their genealogy, in their villages.
the son of Michri; Meshullam the son of
David and Samuel the seer had appointed
Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of
them to their trusted office. 23So they and
Ibnijah; 9and their brethren, according to
their children were in charge of the gates
their generations—nine hundred and fifty-
of the house of the Lord, the house of the
six. All these men were heads of a father’s
tabernacle, by assignment. 24The gate-
house in their fathers’ houses.
keepers were assigned to the four direc-
tions: the east, west, north, and south.
The Priests at Jerusalem 25And their brethren in their villages had
10Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and to come with them from time to time for
Jachin; 11Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the seven days. 26For in this trusted office were
son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites.
son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the of- And they had charge over the chambers
ficer over the house of God; 12Adaiah the and treasuries of the house of God. 27And
son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son they lodged all around the house of God
of Malchijah; Maasai the son of Adiel, the because they had the responsibility, and
son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the they were in charge of opening it every
son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; morning.
13and their brethren, heads of their fathers’
houses—one thousand seven hundred and Other Levite Responsibilities
sixty. They were very able men for the work 28Now some of them were in charge of the
of the service of the house of God. serving vessels, for they brought them
in and took them out by count. 29Some of
The Levites at Jerusalem them were appointed over the furnishings
14Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of and over all the implements of the sanctu-
Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of ary, and over the fine flour and the wine
Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15Bakbak- and the oil and the incense and the spices.
30And some of the sons of the priests made
kar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of
Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; the ointment of the spices.
31Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn
16Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of
Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted
the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who office over the things that were baked in
lived in the villages of the Netophathites. the pans. 32And some of their brethren of
the sons of the Kohathites were in charge
of preparing the showbread for every Sab-
The Levite Gatekeepers
bath.
17And the gatekeepers were Shallum, Ak- 33These are the singers, heads of the fa-
kub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brethren. thers’ houses of the Levites, who lodged in
Shallum was the chief. 18Until then they had the chambers, and were free from other du-
been gatekeepers for the camps of the chil- ties; for they were employed in that work
dren of Levi at the King’s Gate on the east. day and night. 34These heads of the fathers’
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489 1 CHRONICLES 10:14
houses of the Levites were heads through- 8So it happened the next day, when the
out their generations. They dwelt at Jeru- Philistines came to strip the slain, that they
salem. found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount
Gilboa. 9And they stripped him and took
The Family of King Saul his head and his armor, and sent word
35Jeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s
throughout the land of the Philistines to
proclaim the news in the temple of their
name was Maacah, dwelt at Gibeon. idols and among the people. 10Then they
36His firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur,
put his armor in the temple of their gods,
Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37Gedor, Ahio,
and fastened his head in the temple of
Zechariah,a and Mikloth. 38And Mikloth
Dagon.
begot Shimeam.a They also dwelt along-
side their relatives in Jerusalem, with their
brethren. 39Ner begot Kish, Kish begot 1 Chronicles 10:11, 12
Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan, Malchi- Receiving a proper burial was very
shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal. 40The son of important in the Israelite culture. In
Jonathan was Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal fact, it was so important that Israelite
begot Micah. 41The sons of Micah were law did not allow a body to be left out
Pithon, Melech, Tahrea,a and Ahaz.b 42And overnight. The people of Jabesh were
Ahaz begot Jarah;a Jarah begot Alemeth, insulted by the shameful and degrad-
Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begot ing way Saul’s body was being treated.
Moza; 43Moza begot Binea, Rephaiaha his Their courage and commitment to
son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. following proper burial procedures
44And Azel had six sons whose names
was rewarded by King David.
were these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael,
Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; these were
the sons of Azel. 11And when all Jabesh Gilead heard all
that the Philistines had done to Saul, 12all
Tragic End of Saul and His the valiant men arose and took the body
Sons of Saul and the bodies of his sons; and they
10
Now the Philistines fought brought them to Jabesh, and buried their
against Israel; and the men bones under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh,
of Israel fled from before the and fasted seven days.
Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gil-
boa. 2Then the Philistines followed hard Occult
after Saul and his sons. And the Philis- How severely does God judge
tines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and
Malchishua, Saul’s sons. 3The battle be- occultic practices?
came fierce against Saul. The archers hit 1 Chronicles 10:13, 14
him, and he was wounded by the archers.
4Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw
13So Saul died for his unfaithfulness
your sword, and thrust me through with
which he had committed against the
it, lest these uncircumcised men come
Lord, because he did not keep the word of
and abuse me.” But his armorbearer
the Lord, and also because he consulted a
would not, for he was greatly afraid.
medium for guidance. 14But he did not in-
Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it.
5And when his armorbearer saw that Saul quire of the Lord; therefore He killed him,
and turned the kingdom over to David the
was dead, he also fell on his sword and
son of Jesse.
died. 6So Saul and his three sons died, and
all his house died together. 7And when all 9:37 aCalled Zecher in 8:31 9:38 aSpelled
the men of Israel who were in the valley Shimeah in 8:32 9:41 aSpelled Tarea in 8:35
saw that they had fled and that Saul and bFollowing Arabic, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
his sons were dead, they forsook their cit- (compare 8:35); Masoretic Text and Septuagint
ies and fled; then the Philistines came and omit and Ahaz. 9:42 aSpelled Jehoaddah in
dwelt in them. 8:36 9:43 aSpelled Raphah in 8:37
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1 CHRONICLES 11:1 490
David Made King over All fended it, and killed the Philistines. So the
Israel Lord brought about a great victory.
11
Then all Israel came together
to David at Hebron, saying, “In- Success
deed we are your bone and your Can we trust God for our
flesh. 2Also, in time past, even when Saul
was king, you were the one who led Israel
success?
out and brought them in; and the Lord 1 Chronicles 11:14
your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd
My people Israel, and be ruler over My 15Now three of the thirty chief men went
people Israel.’ ” 3Therefore all the elders of down to the rock to David, into the cave
Israel came to the king at Hebron, and Da- of Adullam; and the army of the Philis-
vid made a covenant with them at Hebron tines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.
before the Lord. And they anointed David 16David was then in the stronghold, and
king over Israel, according to the word of the garrison of the Philistines was then in
the Lord by Samuel. Bethlehem. 17And David said with long-
ing, “Oh, that someone would give me a
The City of David drink of water from the well of Bethlehem,
4And David and all Israel went to Jerusa- which is by the gate!” 18So the three broke
lem, which is Jebus, where the Jebusites through the camp of the Philistines, drew
were, the inhabitants of the land. 5But the water from the well of Bethlehem that was
inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You by the gate, and took it and brought it to
shall not come in here!” Nevertheless Da- David. Nevertheless David would not drink
vid took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the it, but poured it out to the Lord. 19And he
City of David). 6Now David said, “Whoever said, “Far be it from me, O my God, that
attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief I should do this! Shall I drink the blood
and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah of these men who have put their lives in
went up first, and became chief. 7Then Da- jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they
vid dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink
called it the City of David. 8And he built the it. These things were done by the three
city around it, from the Milloa to the sur- mighty men.
rounding area. Joab repaired the rest of the 20Abishai the brother of Joab was chief
city. 9So David went on and became great, of another three.a He had lifted up his spear
and the Lord of hosts was with him. against three hundred men, killed them,
and won a name among these three. 21Of
The Mighty Men of David the three he was more honored than the
10Now these were the heads of the mighty other two men. Therefore he became their
captain. However he did not attain to the
men whom David had, who strengthened
first three.
themselves with him in his kingdom, with 22Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the
all Israel, to make him king, according to
son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who
the word of the Lord concerning Israel.
11And this is the number of the mighty had done many deeds. He had killed two
lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had
men whom David had: Jashobeam the son
gone down and killed a lion in the midst
of a Hachmonite, chief of the captains;a he
of a pit on a snowy day. 23And he killed
had lifted up his spear against three hun-
an Egyptian, a man of great height, five
dred, killed by him at one time.
12After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, cubits tall. In the Egyptian’s hand there
was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he
the Ahohite, who was one of the three
went down to him with a staff, wrested
mighty men. 13He was with David at Pas-
dammim. Now there the Philistines were 11:8 aLiterally The Landfill
11:11 aFollowing
gathered for battle, and there was a piece Qere; Kethib, Septuagint, and Vulgate
of ground full of barley. So the people fled read the thirty (compare 2 Samuel 23:8).
from the Philistines. 14But they stationed 11:20 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
themselves in the middle of that field, de- and Vulgate; Syriac reads thirty.
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491 1 CHRONICLES 12:18
the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berachah,
killed him with his own spear. 24These and Jehu the Anathothite; 4Ishmaiah the
things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did, Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty,
and won a name among three mighty and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel,
men. 25Indeed he was more honored than Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;
the thirty, but he did not attain to the first 5Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and
three. And David appointed him over his Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6Elkanah, Jis-
guard. shiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the
26Also the mighty warriors were Asa- Korahites; 7and Joelah and Zebadiah the
hel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son sons of Jeroham of Gedor.
of Dodo of Bethlehem, 27Shammoth the 8Some Gadites joined David at the
Harorite,a Helez the Pelonite,b 28Ira the son stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men
of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anatho- of valor, men trained for battle, who could
thite, 29Sibbechai the Hushathite, Ilai the handle shield and spear, whose faces were
Ahohite, 30Maharai the Netophathite, He- like the faces of lions, and were as swift
leda the son of Baanah the Netophathite, as gazelles on the mountains: 9Ezer the
31Ithaia the son of Ribai of Gibeah, of the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
sons of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 10Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the
32Huraia of the brooks of Gaash, Abielb the fifth, 11Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
Arbathite, 33Azmaveth the Baharumite,a 12Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 34the sons of 13Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbanai the
Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son eleventh. 14These were from the sons of
of Shageh the Hararite, 35Ahiam the son Gad, captains of the army; the least was
of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of over a hundred, and the greatest was over
Ur, 36Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the a thousand. 15These are the ones who
Pelonite, 37Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the crossed the Jordan in the first month, when
son of Ezbai, 38Joel the brother of Nathan, it had overflowed all its banks; and they
Mibhar the son of Hagri, 39Zelek the Am- put to flight all those in the valleys, to the
monite, Naharai the Berothitea (the armor- east and to the west.
bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah), 40Ira the 16Then some of the sons of Benjamin
Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 41Uriah the Hit- and Judah came to David at the strong-
tite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 42Adina the son hold. 17And David went out to meet them,
of Shiza the Reubenite (a chief of the Reu- and answered and said to them, “If you
benites) and thirty with him, 43Hanan the have come peaceably to me to help me,
son of Maachah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, my heart will be united with you; but if to
44Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel betray me to my enemies, since there is no
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 45Jediael wrong in my hands, may the God of our
the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the fathers look and bring judgment.” 18Then
Tizite, 46Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the
Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah captains, and he said:
the Moabite, 47Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the
Mezobaite. “ We are yours, O David;
We are on your side, O son of Jesse!
The Growth of David’s Army Peace, peace to you,
12
Now these were the men who And peace to your helpers!
came to David at Ziklag while For your God helps you.”
he was still a fugitive from Saul 11:27 aSpelled Harodite in 2 Samuel
the son of Kish; and they were among the 23:25 bCalled Paltite in 2 Samuel 23:26
mighty men, helpers in the war, 2armed 11:30 aSpelled Heleb in 2 Samuel 23:29 and
with bows, using both the right hand and Heldai in 1 Chronicles 27:15 11:31 aSpelled
the left in hurling stones and shooting ar- Ittai in 2 Samuel 23:29 11:32 aSpelled Hiddai in
rows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, 2 Samuel 23:30 bSpelled Abi-Albon in 2 Samuel
Saul’s brethren. 23:31 11:33 aSpelled Barhumite in 2 Samuel
3The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the 23:31 11:39 aSpelled Beerothite in 2 Samuel
sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and 23:37
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1 CHRONICLES 12:19 492
So David received them, and made them twenty- eight thousand six hundred; 36of
captains of the troop. Asher, those who could go out to war, able
19And some from Manasseh defected to to keep battle formation, forty thousand;
David when he was going with the Philis- 37of the Reubenites and the Gadites and
tines to battle against Saul; but they did not the half-tribe of Manasseh, from the other
help them, for the lords of the Philistines side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty
sent him away by agreement, saying, “He thousand armed for battle with every kind
may defect to his master Saul and endan- of weapon of war.
ger our heads.” 20When he went to Ziklag, 38All these men of war, who could keep
those of Manasseh who defected to him ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart,
were Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, to make David king over all Israel; and
Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of all the rest of Israel were of one mind to
the thousands who were from Manasseh. make David king. 39And they were there
21And they helped David against the bands with David three days, eating and drink-
of raiders, for they were all mighty men of ing, for their brethren had prepared for
valor, and they were captains in the army. them. 40Moreover those who were near
22For at that time they came to David day to them, from as far away as Issachar and
by day to help him, until it was a great Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food
army, like the army of God. on donkeys and camels, on mules and
oxen—provisions of flour and cakes of figs
David’s Army at Hebron and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen
23Now these were the numbers of the divi- and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in
sions that were equipped for war, and came Israel.
to David at Hebron to turn over the king-
dom of Saul to him, according to the word The Ark Brought
of the Lord: 24of the sons of Judah bearing from Kirjath Jearim
13
shield and spear, six thousand eight hun- Then David consulted with the
dred armed for war; 25of the sons of Simeon, captains of thousands and hun-
mighty men of valor fit for war, seven thou- dreds, and with every leader.
sand one hundred; 26of the sons of Levi 2And David said to all the assembly of Is-
four thousand six hundred; 27Jehoiada, rael, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of
the leader of the Aaronites, and with him the Lord our God, let us send out to our
three thousand seven hundred; 28Zadok, a brethren everywhere who are left in all the
young man, a valiant warrior, and from his land of Israel, and with them to the priests
father’s house twenty-two captains; 29of the and Levites who are in their cities and their
sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three common-lands, that they may gather to-
thousand (until then the greatest part of gether to us; 3and let us bring the ark of our
them had remained loyal to the house God back to us, for we have not inquired at
of Saul); 30of the sons of Ephraim twenty it since the days of Saul.” 4Then all the as-
thousand eight hundred, mighty men of sembly said that they would do so, for the
valor, famous men throughout their fa- thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
ther’s house; 31of the half-tribe of Manasseh 5So David gathered all Israel together,
eighteen thousand, who were designated from Shihor in Egypt to as far as the en-
by name to come and make David king; 32of trance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God
the sons of Issachar who had understand- from Kirjath Jearim. 6And David and all Is-
ing of the times, to know what Israel ought rael went up to Baalah,a to Kirjath Jearim,
to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and which belonged to Judah, to bring up from
all their brethren were at their command; there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells
33of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who
between the cherubim, where His name is
went out to battle, expert in war with all proclaimed. 7So they carried the ark of God
weapons of war, stouthearted men who on a new cart from the house of Abinadab,
could keep ranks; 34of Naphtali one thou- and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8Then
sand captains, and with them thirty-seven David and all Israel played music before
thousand with shield and spear; 35of the
Danites who could keep battle formation, 13:6 aCalled Baale Judah in 2 Samuel 6:2
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493 1 CHRONICLES 15:2
God with all their might, with singing, on all the Philistines went up to search for
harps, on stringed instruments, on tam- David. And David heard of it and went out
bourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets. against them. 9Then the Philistines went
9And when they came to Chidon’sa and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim.
threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to 10And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall
hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10Then I go up against the Philistines? Will You de-
the anger of the Lord was aroused against liver them into my hand?”
Uzza, and He struck him because he put his The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will
hand to the ark; and he died there before deliver them into your hand.”
God. 11And David became angry because of
the Lord’s outbreak against Uzza; therefore
that place is called Perez Uzzaa to this day.
Guidance
12David was afraid of God that day, saying, Can we trust God to lead us?
“How can I bring the ark of God to me?” 1 Chronicles 14:10
1 Chronicles 13:9, 10 11So they went up to Baal Perazim, and
David made a tragic error when he David defeated them there. Then David
decided not to follow God’s specific said, “God has broken through my enemies
instructions for moving the ark of the by my hand like a breakthrough of water.”
covenant. The descendants of Kohath, Therefore they called the name of that
the son of Levi, were supposed to place Baal Perazim.a 12And when they left
carry the ark by its poles. Everyone their gods there, David gave a command-
else was forbidden to touch it. Those ment, and they were burned with fire.
13Then the Philistines once again made
who did, like Uzza, would die.
a raid on the valley. 14Therefore David in-
quired again of God, and God said to him,
13So David would not move the ark with “You shall not go up after them; circle
him into the City of David, but took it aside around them, and come upon them in
into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. front of the mulberry trees. 15And it shall
14The ark of God remained with the family be, when you hear a sound of marching in
of Obed-Edom in his house three months. the tops of the mulberry trees, then you
And the Lord blessed the house of Obed- shall go out to battle, for God has gone out
Edom and all that he had. before you to strike the camp of the Philis-
tines.” 16So David did as God commanded
David Established at him, and they drove back the army of the
Jerusalem Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer.
14
17Then the fame of David went out into all
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent
messengers to David, and cedar lands, and the Lord brought the fear of
trees, with masons and carpen- him upon all nations.
ters, to build him a house. 2So David knew
The Ark Brought
that the Lord had established him as king to Jerusalem
over Israel, for his kingdom was highly ex-
15
alted for the sake of His people Israel. David built houses for himself
3Then David took more wives in Jeru- in the City of David; and he pre-
salem, and David begot more sons and pared a place for the ark of God,
daughters. 4And these are the names of and pitched a tent for it. 2Then David said,
his children whom he had in Jerusalem: “No one may carry the ark of God but the
Shammua,a Shobab, Nathan, Sol omon, Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to
5Ibhar, Elishua,a Elpelet,b 6Nogah, Nepheg,
Japhia, 7Elishama, Beeliada,a and Eliphelet. 13:9 aCalled Nachon in 2 Samuel 6:6
13:11 aLiterally Outburst Against Uzza
14:4 aSpelled Shimea in 3:5 14:5 aSpelled
The Philistines Defeated
Elishama in 3:6 bSpelled Eliphelet in 3:6
8Now when the Philistines heard that Da- 14:7 aSpelled Eliada in 3:8 14:11 aLiterally
vid had been anointed king over all Israel, Master of Breakthroughs
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1 CHRONICLES 15:3 494
carry the ark of God and to minister before tithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom,
Him forever.” 3And David gathered all Is- Jeiel, and Azaziah, to direct with harps on
rael together at Jerusalem, to bring up the the Sheminith; 22Chenaniah, leader of the
ark of the Lord to its place, which he had Levites, was instructor in charge of the
prepared for it. 4Then David assembled the music, because he was skillful; 23Berechiah
children of Aaron and the Levites: 5of the and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark;
sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and one 24Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Ama-
hundred and twenty of his brethren; 6of sai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the
the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and priests, were to blow the trumpets before
two hundred and twenty of his brethren; the ark of God; and Obed-Edom and Je-
7of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and hiah, doorkeepers for the ark.
one hundred and thirty of his brethren; 8of 25So David, the elders of Israel, and the
the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, captains over thousands went to bring up
and two hundred of his brethren; 9of the the ark of the covenant of the Lord from
sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and eighty the house of Obed-Edom with joy. 26And so
of his brethren; 10of the sons of Uzziel, Am- it was, when God helped the Levites who
minadab the chief, and one hundred and bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord,
twelve of his brethren. that they offered seven bulls and seven
11And David called for Zadok and Abia- rams. 27David was clothed with a robe
thar the priests, and for the Levites: for of fine linen, as were all the Levites who
Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah
Amminadab. 12He said to them, “You are the music master with the singers. David
the heads of the fathers’ houses of the also wore a linen ephod. 28Thus all Israel
Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brought up the ark of the covenant of the
brethren, that you may bring up the ark of Lord with shouting and with the sound of
the Lord God of Israel to the place I have the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals,
prepared for it. 13For because you did not making music with stringed instruments
do it the first time, the Lord our God broke and harps.
29And it happened, as the ark of the
out against us, because we did not consult
Him about the proper order.” covenant of the Lord came to the City of
14So the priests and the Levites sancti- David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked
fied themselves to bring up the ark of the through a window and saw King David
Lord God of Israel. 15And the children of whirling and playing music; and she de-
the Levites bore the ark of God on their spised him in her heart.
shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had com-
manded according to the word of the Lord. The Ark Placed in
16Then David spoke to the leaders of the the Tabernacle
16
Levites to appoint their brethren to be the So they brought the ark of God,
singers accompanied by instruments of and set it in the midst of the tab-
music, stringed instruments, harps, and ernacle that David had erected
cymbals, by raising the voice with resound- for it. Then they offered burnt offerings
ing joy. 17So the Levites appointed Heman and peace offerings before God. 2And when
the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph David had finished offering the burnt offer-
the son of Berechiah; and of their breth- ings and the peace offerings, he blessed the
ren, the sons of Merari, Ethan the son of people in the name of the Lord. 3Then he
Kushaiah; 18and with them their breth-
ren of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben,a Thankfulness
Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab,
Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphe-
What should we do when we
leh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the are thankful?
gatekeepers; 19the singers, Heman, Asaph, 1 Chronicles 16:4–6
and Ethan, were to sound the cymbals of
bronze; 20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth,
Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, 15:18 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
with strings according to Alamoth; 21Mat- Septuagint omits Ben.
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Life App
Salvation / 1 Chronicles 16:23–31
It can be really frustrating to attend a church service only to hear
words you just don’t understand. “Salvation” may be one of those
words. It means the rescue of someone in trouble.
You may or may not realize the people who don’t know Jesus
need to be rescued. You may need to be rescued yourself. Why?
Because without Jesus, we are all in the worst kind of trouble; and if
Someone doesn’t save us, we will never know all God has for us.
You’ve most likely read or heard the story about Adam and Eve.
When God created them, they had this incredible inner connection
with Him. They knew exactly who they were and why they were cre-
ated. They knew God’s love completely because He actually came to
visit them; they walked and talked with Him every day. God gave
them one rule to follow, but they chose to disobey God and sin was
born. Because of sin, sickness, pain, and death entered the world.
But not just physical death; sin caused Adam and Eve to die spiritu-
ally. The inner part of them that had once been connected completely
to God, died. Because of sin, people became totally separated from
God and His kingdom and were unable to do anything to change
what sin had done.
But God loves us and made a way for all people to be reconnected
to Him. He sent Jesus into the world to pay the price for sin. Through
His death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus rescued us from
sin and its consequences. The beginning of our salvation through
Jesus is when we accept Him as our Savior. But our salvation contin-
ues throughout our lives with the Lord as He changes us from the
inside out and helps us to become all God meant for us to be.
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1 CHRONICLES 16:4 496
distributed to everyone of Israel, both man The word which He commanded, for a
and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a thousand generations,
piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. 16 The covenant which He made with
4And he appointed some of the Levites Abraham,
to minister before the ark of the Lord, to And His oath to Isaac,
commemorate, to thank, and to praise the 17 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
Lord God of Israel: 5Asaph the chief, and To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
next to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemir 18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of
amoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Canaan
and Obed-Edom: Jeiel with stringed instru- As the allotment of your inheritance,”
ments and harps, but Asaph made music 19 When you were few in number,
with cymbals; 6Benaiah and Jahaziel the Indeed very few, and strangers in it.
priests regularly blew the trumpets before
the ark of the covenant of God. 20 When they went from one nation to
another,
David’s Song And from one kingdom to another
of Thanksgiving people,
21 He permitted no man to do them
7On that day David first delivered this psalm
into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to wrong;
thank the Lord: Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
22 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed
8 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! ones,
Call upon His name; And do My prophets no harm.”a
Make known His deeds among the 23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
peoples!
9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Proclaim the good news of His
Talk of all His wondrous works! salvation from day to day.
24 Declare His glory among the nations,
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who His wonders among all peoples.
seek the Lord!
11 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Witnessing
Seek His face evermore! What should we tell others
12 Remember His marvelous works
which He has done, about God?
His wonders, and the judgments of His 1 Chronicles 16:24
mouth,
13 O seed of Israel His servant,
25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are
1 Chronicles 16:13 idols,
Don’t get confused here. Jacob and
Israel were the same person. Israel But the Lord made the heavens.
27 Honor and majesty are before Him;
was the name given to Jacob after he
wrestled with a mysterious stranger Strength and gladness are in His place.
who turned out to be an angel of 28 Give to the Lord, O families of the
God—or perhaps even God Himself.
Later, the name Israel was given to the peoples,
nation that was made up of Jacob’s Give to the Lord glory and strength.
29 Give to the Lord the glory due His
twelve sons and their descendants.
name;
Bring an offering, and come before
14He is the Lord our God; Him.
His judgments are in all the earth.
15 Remember His covenant forever, 16:22 aCompare verses 8–22 with Psalm 105:1–15
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497 1 CHRONICLES 17:11
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of designated by name, to give thanks to the
holiness! Lord, because His mercy endures forever;
30 Tremble before Him, all the earth. 42and with them Heman and Jeduthun, to
The world also is firmly established, sound aloud with trumpets and cymbals
It shall not be moved. and the musical instruments of God. Now
the sons of Jeduthun were gatekeepers.
31 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the 43Then all the people departed, every
earth be glad; man to his house; and David returned to
And let them say among the nations, bless his house.
“The Lord reigns.”
32 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
God’s Covenant with David
Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it.
17
33 Then the trees of the woods shall Now it came to pass, when Da-
rejoice before the Lord, vid was dwelling in his house,
For He is coming to judge the earth.a that David said to Nathan the
prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of ce-
dar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord
Worship is under tent curtains.”
Why should we worship God? 2Then Nathan said to David, “Do all that
1 Chronicles 16:34 is in your heart, for God is with you.”
3But it happened that night that the word
of God came to Nathan, saying, 4“Go and
34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord:
good! “You shall not build Me a house to dwell in.
For His mercy endures forever.a 5For I have not dwelt in a house since the
35 And say, “Save us, O God of our time that I brought up Israel, even to this
salvation; day, but have gone from tent to tent, and
Gather us together, and deliver us from one tabernacle to another. 6Wherever
from the Gentiles, I have moved about with all Israel, have I
To give thanks to Your holy name, ever spoken a word to any of the judges of
To triumph in Your praise.” Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My
people, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me
36 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel a house of cedar?’ ” ’ 7Now therefore, thus
From everlasting to everlasting!a shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus
says the Lord of hosts: “I took you from
And all the people said, “Amen!” and the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to
praised the Lord. be ruler over My people Israel. 8And I have
been with you wherever you have gone,
Regular Worship Maintained and have cut off all your enemies from be-
37So
fore you, and have made you a name like
he left Asaph and his brothers there the name of the great men who are on the
before the ark of the covenant of the Lord earth. 9Moreover I will appoint a place for
to minister before the ark regularly, as every My people Israel, and will plant them, that
day’s work required; 38and Obed-Edom with they may dwell in a place of their own and
his sixty-eight brethren, including Obed- move no more; nor shall the sons of wicked-
Edom the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah, to ness oppress them anymore, as previously,
be gatekeepers; 39and Zadok the priest and 10since the time that I commanded judges
his brethren the priests, before the taber- to be over My people Israel. Also I will sub-
nacle of the Lord at the high place that due all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you
was at Gibeon, 40to offer burnt offerings that the Lord will build you a house.a 11And
to the Lord on the altar of burnt offering it shall be, when your days are fulfilled,
regularly morning and evening, and to do
according to all that is written in the Law 16:33 aCompare verses 23–33 with Psalm 96:1–
of the Lord which He commanded Israel; 13 16:34 aCompare verse 34 with Psalm 106:1
41and with them Heman and Jeduthun 16:36 aCompare verses 35, 36 with Psalm 106:47,
and the rest who were chosen, who were 48 17:10 aThat is, a royal dynasty
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1 CHRONICLES 17:12 498
Promise
God promises that Israel will be His people
forever.
“For You have made Your people Israel Your very own
people forever; and You, Lord, have become their God”
(1 Chr. 17:22).
Can you imagine belonging to someone forever—even long after you’re dead?
God has chosen Israel to belong to Him forever. As a Christian, you are a part of
Israel because of Christ (Gal. 3:13, 14, 29). One of the most awesome things about
becoming a Christian is that “forever” becomes a real part of your life. Even though
your body will eventually die, your spirit will live forever, with God. When your life
on earth is over, you will enter into a new kind of life in heaven. It’s mind-blowing to
think about, but you really will live forever with God. Even though you are a
Christian, you won’t always be perfect. You’ll make mistakes, have regrets, and wish
you’d made different choices. Through all those times, you’ll still belong to God.
When He says you belong to Him forever, He means forever—even when you do
stuff He wouldn’t be pleased with. You can seek forgiveness—He’s right there. He’s
chosen you to be a part of Israel. And you’ll belong to Him from now on. Forever
never ends.
See for yourself// Exodus 2:23–25; 1 Chronicles 16:11–13; Isaiah 43:20, 21;
1 Peter 2:9, 10
when you must go to be with your fathers, 20O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there
that I will set up your seed after you, who any God besides You, according to all that
will be of your sons; and I will establish his we have heard with our ears. 21And who is
kingdom. 12He shall build Me a house, and like Your people Israel, the one nation on
I will establish his throne forever. 13I will the earth whom God went to redeem for
be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I Himself as a people—to make for Yourself a
will not take My mercy away from him, as I name by great and awesome deeds, by driv-
took it from him who was before you. 14And ing out nations from before Your people
I will establish him in My house and in My whom You redeemed from Egypt? 22For
kingdom forever; and his throne shall be es- You have made Your people Israel Your very
tablished forever.” ’ ” own people forever; and You, Lord, have
15According to all these words and ac- become their God.
cording to all this vision, so Nathan spoke 23“And now, O Lord, the word which You
to David. have spoken concerning Your servant and
16Then King David went in and sat before concerning his house, let it be established
the Lord; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord forever, and do as You have said. 24So let
God? And what is my house, that You have it be established, that Your name may be
brought me this far? 17And yet this was a magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of
small thing in Your sight, O God; and You hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God.’ And
have also spoken of Your servant’s house for let the house of Your servant David be es-
a great while to come, and have regarded tablished before You. 25For You, O my God,
me according to the rank of a man of high have revealed to Your servant that You will
degree, O Lord God. 18What more can Da- build him a house. Therefore Your servant
vid say to You for the honor of Your servant? has found it in his heart to pray before You.
For You know Your servant. 19O Lord, for 26And now, Lord, You are God, and have
Your servant’s sake, and according to Your promised this goodness to Your servant.
own heart, You have done all this greatness, 27Now You have been pleased to bless the
in making known all these great things. house of Your servant, that it may continue
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499 1 CHRONICLES 19:3
before You forever; for You have blessed it, Hadadezer king of Zobah, 10he sent Ha
O Lord, and it shall be blessed forever.” dorama his son to King David, to greet
him and bless him, because he had fought
against Hadadezer and defeated him (for
Trust Hadadezer had been at war with Tou); and
Does God keep His promises? Hadoram brought with him all kinds of ar-
1 Chronicles 17:26, 27 ticles of gold, silver, and bronze. 11King Da-
vid also dedicated these to the Lord, along
with the silver and gold that he had brought
David’s Further Conquests from all these nations—from Edom, from
18
After this it came to pass that Moab, from the people of Ammon, from
David attacked the Philistines, the Philistines, and from Amalek.
subdued them, and took Gath 12Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah
and its towns from the hand of the Phi- killed eighteen thousand Edomitesa in
listines. 2Then he defeated Moab, and the the Valley of Salt. 13He also put garrisons
Moabites became David’s servants, and in Edom, and all the Edomites became
brought tribute. David’s servants. And the Lord preserved
3And David defeated Hadadezera king
David wherever he went.
of Zobah as far as Hamath, as he went to
establish his power by the River Euphra- David’s Administration
tes. 4David took from him one thousand 14So David reigned over all Israel, and ad-
chariots, seven thousanda horsemen, and
twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David ministered judgment and justice to all his
hamstrung all the chariot horses, except people. 15Joab the son of Zeruiah was over
that he spared enough of them for one the army; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud
hundred chariots. was recorder; 16Zadok the son of Ahitub
5When the Syrians of Damascus came and Abimelech the son of Abiathar were
to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David the priests; Shavshaa was the scribe; 17Be-
killed twenty-two thousand of the Syrians. naiah the son of Jehoiada was over the
6Then David put garrisons in Syria of Da- Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s
mascus; and the Syrians became David’s sons were chief ministers at the king’s side.
servants, and brought tribute. So the Lord
preserved David wherever he went. 7And The Ammonites and Syrians
David took the shields of gold that were Defeated
19
on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought It happened after this that Na-
them to Jerusalem. 8Also from Tibhatha hash the king of the people
and from Chun, cities of Hadadezer, David of Ammon died, and his son
brought a large amount of bronze, with reigned in his place. 2Then David said, “I
which Solomon made the bronze Sea, the will show kindness to Hanun the son of Na-
pillars, and the articles of bronze. hash, because his father showed kindness
to me.” So David sent messengers to com-
fort him concerning his father. And David’s
1 Chronicles 18:8 servants came to Hanun in the land of the
Solomon’s bronze Sea was a large, people of Ammon to comfort him.
round basin almost fifteen feet across 3And the princes of the people of Am-
and more than seven feet deep. The mon said to Hanun, “Do you think that
Sea, which could hold up to ten thou- David really honors your father because
sand gallons of water, was positioned
he has sent comforters to you? Did his
in front of the temple and was used
by the priest for ceremonial cleansing. 18:3 aHebrew Hadarezer, and so throughout
The basin was supported by metal chapters 18 and 19 18:4 aOr seven hundred
statues of twelve bulls. (compare 2 Samuel 8:4) 18:8 aSpelled Betah
in 2 Samuel 8:8 18:9 aSpelled Toi in 2 Samuel
8:9, 10 18:10 aSpelled Joram in 2 Samuel 8:10
9Now when Toua king of Hamath heard
18:12 aOr Syrians (compare 2 Samuel 8:13)
that David had defeated all the army of 18:16 aSpelled Seraiah in 2 Samuel 8:17
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1 CHRONICLES 19:4 500
servants not come to you to search and to gathered all Israel, crossed over the Jordan
overthrow and to spy out the land?” and came upon them, and set up in battle
4Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, array against them. So when David had
shaved them, and cut off their garments in set up in battle array against the Syrians,
the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them they fought with him. 18Then the Syrians
away. 5Then some went and told David fled before Israel; and David killed seven
about the men; and he sent to meet them, thousanda charioteers and forty thousand
because the men were greatly ashamed. foot soldiersb of the Syrians, and killed Sho-
And the king said, “Wait at Jericho until phach the commander of the army. 19And
your beards have grown, and then return.” when the servants of Hadadezer saw that
6When the people of Ammon saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made
they had made themselves repulsive to peace with David and became his servants.
David, Hanun and the people of Ammon So the Syrians were not willing to help the
sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for people of Ammon anymore.
themselves chariots and horsemen from
Mesopotamia,a from Syrian Maacah, and Rabbah Is Conquered
20
from Zobah.b 7So they hired for themselves It happened in the spring of
thirty-two thousand chariots, with the king the year, at the time kings go
of Maacah and his people, who came and out to battle, that Joab led out
encamped before Medeba. Also the people the armed forces and ravaged the country
of Ammon gathered together from their of the people of Ammon, and came and
cities, and came to battle. besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Je-
8Now when David heard of it, he sent
rusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and
Joab and all the army of the mighty men. overthrew it. 2Then David took their king’s
9Then the people of Ammon came out
crown from his head, and found it to weigh
and put themselves in battle array before a talent of gold, and there were precious
the gate of the city, and the kings who had stones in it. And it was set on David’s head.
come were by themselves in the field. Also he brought out the spoil of the city
10When Joab saw that the battle line was
in great abundance. 3And he brought out
against him before and behind, he chose the people who were in it, and put them to
some of Israel’s best and put them in battle worka with saws, with iron picks, and with
array against the Syrians. 11And the rest axes. So David did to all the cities of the
of the people he put under the command people of Ammon. Then David and all the
of Abishai his brother, and they set them- people returned to Jerusalem.
selves in battle array against the people of
Ammon. 12Then he said, “If the Syrians are Philistine Giants Destroyed
too strong for me, then you shall help me;
4Now it happened afterward that war
but if the people of Ammon are too strong
for you, then I will help you. 13Be of good broke out at Gezer with the Philistines, at
courage, and let us be strong for our people which time Sibbechai the Hushathite killed
and for the cities of our God. And may the Sippai,a who was one of the sons of the gi-
Lord do what is good in His sight.” ant. And they were subdued.
5Again there was war with the Philis-
14So Joab and the people who were with
him drew near for the battle against the tines, and Elhanan the son of Jaira killed
Syrians, and they fled before him. 15When Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite,
the people of Ammon saw that the Syrians the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s
were fleeing, they also fled before Abishai beam.
his brother, and entered the city. So Joab 19:6 aHebrew Aram Naharaim bSpelled
went to Jerusalem. Zoba in 2 Samuel 10:6 19:16 aThat is, the
16Now when the Syrians saw that they
Euphrates bSpelled Shobach in 2 Samuel 10:16
had been defeated by Israel, they sent 19:18 aOr seven hundred (compare 2 Samuel
messengers and brought the Syrians who 10:18) bOr horsemen (compare 2 Samuel 10:18)
were beyond the River,a and Shophachb 20:3 aSeptuagint reads cut them. 20:4 aSpelled
the commander of Hadadezer’s army went Saph in 2 Samuel 21:18 20:5 aSpelled Jaare-
before them. 17When it was told David, he Oregim in 2 Samuel 21:19
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501 1 CHRONICLES 21:18
things; choose one of them for yourself,
1 Chronicles 20:4–8 that I may do it to you.” ’ ”
The men from Gath were ancestors of
certain Philistines who lived during Sin
the time of David. Their most notable
How should we feel about our
feature was their size. Goliath, the
giant David killed, was from Gath. own sin?
1 Chronicles 21:7, 8
6Yet again there was war at Gath, where
11So Gad came to David and said to him,
there was a man of great stature, with
twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each “Thus says the Lord: ‘Choose for yourself,
12either threea years of famine, or three
hand and six on each foot; and he also was
born to the giant. 7So when he defied Is- months to be defeated by your foes with the
rael, Jonathan the son of Shimea,a David’s sword of your enemies overtaking you, or
brother, killed him. else for three days the sword of the Lord—
8These were born to the giant in Gath, the plague in the land, with the angelb of
and they fell by the hand of David and by the Lord destroying throughout all the ter-
the hand of his servants. ritory of Israel.’ Now consider what answer I
should take back to Him who sent me.”
13And David said to Gad, “I am in great
The Census of Israel
and Judah distress. Please let me fall into the hand of
the Lord, for His mercies are very great;
21
Now Satan stood up against Is- but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”
rael, and moved David to num- 14So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel,
ber Israel. 2So David said to
and seventy thousand men of Israel fell.
Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, 15And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to
number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and
destroy it. As hea was destroying, the Lord
bring the number of them to me that I may
looked and relented of the disaster, and
know it.”
3And Joab answered, “May the Lord
said to the angel who was destroying, “It is
enough; now restrain yourb hand.” And the
make His people a hundred times more
angel of the Lord stood by the threshing
than they are. But, my lord the king, are
floor of Ornanc the Jebusite.
they not all my lord’s servants? Why then 16Then David lifted his eyes and saw the
does my lord require this thing? Why
angel of the Lord standing between earth
should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?”
4Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed and heaven, having in his hand a drawn
sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So
against Joab. Therefore Joab departed
David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth,
and went throughout all Israel and came
fell on their faces. 17And David said to God,
to Jerusalem. 5Then Joab gave the sum
“Was it not I who commanded the people
of the number of the people to David. All
to be numbered? I am the one who has
Israel had one million one hundred thou-
sinned and done evil indeed; but these
sand men who drew the sword, and Judah
sheep, what have they done? Let Your
had four hundred and seventy thousand
hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against
men who drew the sword. 6But he did not
me and my father’s house, but not against
count Levi and Benjamin among them, for
Your people that they should be plagued.”
the king’s word was abominable to Joab. 18Therefore, the angel of the Lord com-
7And God was displeased with this
manded Gad to say to David that David
thing; therefore He struck Israel. 8So David
should go and erect an altar to the Lord on
said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because
the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take
away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have 20:7 aSpelled Shimeah in 2 Samuel 21:21 and
done very foolishly.” Shammah in 1 Samuel 16:9 21:12 aOr seven
9Then the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s
(compare 2 Samuel 24:13) bOr Angel, and so
seer, saying, 10“Go and tell David, saying, elsewhere in this chapter 21:15 aOr He bOr
‘Thus says the Lord: “I offer you three Your cSpelled Araunah in 2 Samuel 24:16
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1 CHRONICLES 21:19 502
19So David went up at the word of Gad, joints, and bronze in abundance beyond
which he had spoken in the name of the measure, 4and cedar trees in abundance;
Lord. 20Now Ornan turned and saw the an- for the Sidonians and those from Tyre
gel; and his four sons who were with him hid brought much cedar wood to David.
themselves, but Ornan continued thresh- 5Now David said, “Sol omon my son is
ing wheat. 21So David came to Ornan, and young and inexperienced, and the house to
Ornan looked and saw David. And he went be built for the Lord must be exceedingly
out from the threshing floor, and bowed magnificent, famous and glorious through-
before David with his face to the ground. out all countries. I will now make prepara-
22Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the tion for it.” So David made abundant prepa-
place of this threshing floor, that I may build rations before his death.
an altar on it to the Lord. You shall grant it 6Then he called for his son Solomon, and
to me at the full price, that the plague may charged him to build a house for the Lord
be withdrawn from the people.” God of Israel. 7And David said to Solomon:
23But Ornan said to David, “Take it to “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to
yourself, and let my lord the king do what build a house to the name of the Lord my
is good in his eyes. Look, I also give you the God; 8but the word of the Lord came to
oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing im- me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and
plements for wood, and the wheat for the have made great wars; you shall not build a
grain offering; I give it all.” house for My name, because you have shed
24Then King David said to Ornan, “No, much blood on the earth in My sight. 9Be-
but I will surely buy it for the full price, for hold, a son shall be born to you, who shall
I will not take what is yours for the Lord, be a man of rest; and I will give him rest
nor offer burnt offerings with that which from all his enemies all around. His name
costs me nothing.” 25So David gave Ornan shall be Solomon,a for I will give peace and
six hundred shekels of gold by weight for quietness to Israel in his days. 10He shall
the place. 26And David built there an altar build a house for My name, and he shall
to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings be My son, and I will be his Father; and I
and peace offerings, and called on the will establish the throne of his kingdom
Lord; and He answered him from heaven over Israel forever.’ 11Now, my son, may the
by fire on the altar of burnt offering. Lord be with you; and may you prosper,
27So the Lord commanded the angel, and build the house of the Lord your God,
and he returned his sword to its sheath. as He has said to you. 12Only may the Lord
28At that time, when David saw that the give you wisdom and understanding, and
Lord had answered him on the threshing give you charge concerning Israel, that you
floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed may keep the law of the Lord your God.
13Then you will prosper, if you take care
there. 29For the tabernacle of the Lord
and the altar of the burnt offering, which to fulfill the statutes and judgments with
Moses had made in the wilderness, were at which the Lord charged Moses concern-
that time at the high place in Gibeon. 30But ing Israel. Be strong and of good courage;
David could not go before it to inquire of do not fear nor be dismayed. 14Indeed I
God, for he was afraid of the sword of the have taken much trouble to prepare for the
angel of the Lord. house of the Lord one hundred thousand
talents of gold and one million talents of
David Prepares to Build silver, and bronze and iron beyond mea-
the Temple sure, for it is so abundant. I have prepared
timber and stone also, and you may add to
22
Then David said, “This is the them. 15Moreover there are workmen with
house of the Lord God, and you in abundance: woodsmen and stone-
this is the altar of burnt offering cutters, and all types of skillful men for ev-
for Israel.” 2So David commanded to gather ery kind of work. 16Of gold and silver and
the aliens who were in the land of Israel; bronze and iron there is no limit. Arise and
and he appointed masons to cut hewn begin working, and the Lord be with you.”
stones to build the house of God. 3And 17David also commanded all the leaders
David prepared iron in abundance for the
nails of the doors of the gates and for the 22:9 aLiterally Peaceful
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503 1 CHRONICLES 23:32
of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, buela was the first. 17Of the descendants of
18“Is not the Lord your God with you? And Eliezer, Rehabiah was the first. And Eliezer
has He not given you rest on every side? For had no other sons, but the sons of Reha-
He has given the inhabitants of the land biah were very many. 18Of the sons of Izhar,
into my hand, and the land is subdued be- Shelomith was the first. 19Of the sons of
fore the Lord and before His people. 19Now Hebron, Jeriah was the first, Amariah the
set your heart and your soul to seek the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam
Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the fourth. 20Of the sons of Uzziel, Michah
the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring was the first and Jesshiah the second.
the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the 21The sons of Merari were Mahli and
holy articles of God into the house that is Mushi. The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and
to be built for the name of the Lord.” Kish. 22And Eleazar died, and had no sons,
but only daughters; and their brethren, the
The Divisions of the Levites sons of Kish, took them as wives. 23The sons
23
So when David was old and full of Mushi were Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth—
of days, he made his son Sol three in all.
24These were the sons of Levi by their
omon king over Israel.
2And he gathered together all the leaders fathers’ houses—the heads of the fathers’
of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. houses as they were counted individually
3Now the Levites were numbered from the by the number of their names, who did
age of thirty years and above; and the num- the work for the service of the house of
ber of individual males was thirty-eight the Lord, from the age of twenty years and
thousand. 4Of these, twenty-four thousand above.
were to look after the work of the house of 25For David said, “The Lord God of Is-
the Lord, six thousand were officers and rael has given rest to His people, that they
judges, 5four thousand were gatekeepers, may dwell in Jerusalem forever”; 26and also
and four thousand praised the Lord with to the Levites, “They shall no longer carry
musical instruments, “which I made,” said the tabernacle, or any of the articles for its
David, “for giving praise.” service.” 27For by the last words of David
6Also David separated them into divi-
the Levites were numbered from twenty
sions among the sons of Levi: Gershon, Ko- years old and above; 28because their duty
hath, and Merari. was to help the sons of Aaron in the service
7Of the Gershonites: Laadana and
of the house of the Lord, in the courts and
Shimei. 8The sons of Laadan: the first in the chambers, in the purifying of all holy
Jehiel, then Zetham and Joel—three in all. things and the work of the service of the
9The sons of Shimei: Shelomith, Haziel, and
house of God, 29both with the showbread
Haran—three in all. These were the heads and the fine flour for the grain offering,
of the fathers’ houses of Laadan. 10And the with the unleavened cakes and what is
sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina,a Jeush, and baked in the pan, with what is mixed and
Beriah. These were the four sons of Shimei. with all kinds of measures and sizes; 30to
11Jahath was the first and Zizah the second.
stand every morning to thank and praise
But Jeush and Beriah did not have many the Lord, and likewise at evening; 31and
sons; therefore they were assigned as one at every presentation of a burnt offering
father’s house. to the Lord on the Sabbaths and on the
12The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, He-
New Moons and on the set feasts, by num-
bron, and Uzziel—four in all. 13The sons of ber according to the ordinance governing
Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was them, regularly before the Lord; 32and that
set apart, he and his sons forever, that he they should attend to the needs of the tab-
should sanctify the most holy things, to ernacle of meeting, the needs of the holy
burn incense before the Lord, to minis- place, and the needs of the sons of Aaron
ter to Him, and to give the blessing in His
name forever. 14Now the sons of Moses the 23:7 aSpelled Libni in Exodus 6:17
man of God were reckoned to the tribe of 23:10 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Zizah
Levi. 15The sons of Moses were Gershona (compare verse 11). 23:15 aHebrew Gershom
and Eliezer. 16Of the sons of Gershon, She- (compare 6:16) 23:16 aSpelled Shubael in 24:20
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1 CHRONICLES 24:1 504
their brethren in the work of the house of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 21Concerning Reha-
the Lord. biah, of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was
Isshiah. 22Of the Izharites, Shelomoth;a
The Divisions of the Priests of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. 23Of
24
Now these are the divisions of the sons of Hebron,a Jeriah was the first,b
the sons of Aaron. The sons of Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third,
Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Elea- and Jekameam the fourth. 24Of the sons
zar, and Ithamar. 2And Nadab and Abihu of Uzziel, Michah; of the sons of Michah,
died before their father, and had no chil- Shamir. 25The brother of Michah, Isshiah;
dren; therefore Eleazar and Ithamar minis- of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. 26The
tered as priests. 3Then David with Zadok of sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi; the
the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the son of Jaaziah, Beno. 27The sons of Merari
sons of Ithamar, divided them according to by Jaaziah were Beno, Shoham, Zaccur,
the schedule of their service. and Ibri. 28Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no
4There were more leaders found of the sons. 29Of Kish: the son of Kish, Jerahmeel.
sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, 30Also the sons of Mushi were Mahli,
and thus they were divided. Among the Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons
sons of Eleazar were sixteen heads of their of the Levites according to their fathers’
fathers’ houses, and eight heads of their houses.
fathers’ houses among the sons of Ithamar. 31These also cast lots just as their broth-
5Thus they were divided by lot, one group ers the sons of Aaron did, in the presence
as another, for there were officials of the of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the
sanctuary and officials of the house of God, heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests
from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons and Levites. The chief fathers did just as
of Ithamar. 6And the scribe, Shemaiah the their younger brethren.
son of Nethanel, one of the Levites, wrote
them down before the king, the leaders,
Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abi- 1 Chronicles 25:1
athar, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of Ever wonder who introduced music
the priests and Levites, one father’s house as part of a worship service? It was
taken for Eleazar and one for Ithamar. King David. David’s son, Solomon,
7Now the first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the
carried on the tradition in grand style
second to Jedaiah, 8the third to Harim, after the temple was built. Nearly
the fourth to Seorim, 9the fifth to Malchi- three hundred “master musicians”
jah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10the seventh to led the four thousand members of the
Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11the ninth choir and orchestra in carrying out
to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12the their duties.
eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
13the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth
to Jeshebeab, 14the fifteenth to Bilgah, the The Musicians
sixteenth to Immer, 15the seventeenth to
25
Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,a 16the Moreover David and the cap-
nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to tains of the army separated for
Jehezekel,a 17the twenty-first to Jachin, the the service some of the sons of
twenty-second to Gamul, 18the twenty-third Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who
to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. should prophesy with harps, stringed in-
19This was the schedule of their service struments, and cymbals. And the number
for coming into the house of the Lord ac-
cording to their ordinance by the hand of 24:15 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Aphses.
Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Is- 24:16 aMasoretic Text reads Jehezkel.
rael had commanded him. 24:20 aSpelled Shebuel in 23:16 24:22 aSpelled
Shelomith in 23:18 24:23 aSupplied from
23:19 (following some Hebrew manuscripts
Other Levites
and Septuagint manuscripts) bSupplied from
20And the rest of the sons of Levi: of the 23:19 (following some Hebrew manuscripts and
sons of Amram, Shubael;a of the sons of Septuagint manuscripts)
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505 1 CHRONICLES 26:9
of the skilled men performing their ser- sons and his brethren, twelve; 24the sev-
vice was: 2Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, enteenth for Joshbekashah, his sons and
Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah;a the his brethren, twelve; 25the eighteenth for
sons of Asaph were under the direction of Hanani, his sons and his brethren, twelve;
Asaph, who prophesied according to the 26the nineteenth for Mallothi, his sons and
order of the king. 3Of Jeduthun, the sons his brethren, twelve; 27the twentieth for
of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri,a Jeshaiah, Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;
Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six,b 28the twenty-first for Hothir, his sons and
under the direction of their father Jedu his brethren, twelve; 29the twenty-second
thun, who prophesied with a harp to give for Giddalti, his sons and his brethren,
thanks and to praise the Lord. 4Of Heman, twelve; 30the twenty-third for Mahazioth,
the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; 31the
Uzziel,a Shebuel,b Jerimoth,c Hananiah, twenty-fourth for Romamti-Ezer, his sons
Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, and his brethren, twelve.
Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Ma-
hazioth. 5All these were the sons of Heman The Gatekeepers
the king’s seer in the words of God, to exalt
26
his horn.a For God gave Heman fourteen Concerning the divisions of the
sons and three daughters. gatekeepers: of the Korahites,
6All these were under the direction of Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of
their father for the music in the house the sons of Asaph. 2And the sons of Meshel
of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed in- emiah were Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael
struments, and harps, for the service of the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel
the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and the fourth, 3Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the
Heman were under the authority of the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh.
4Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were
king. 7So the number of them, with their
brethren who were instructed in the songs Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the
of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth,
hundred and eighty-eight. Nethanel the fifth, 5Ammiel the sixth, Is-
8And they cast lots for their duty, the sachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for
small as well as the great, the teacher with God blessed him.
6Also to Shemaiah his son were sons
the student.
9Now the first lot for Asaph came out born who governed their fathers’ houses,
for Joseph; the second for Gedaliah, him because they were men of great ability.
7The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Reph
with his brethren and sons, twelve; 10the
third for Zaccur, his sons and his breth- ael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers
ren, twelve; 11the fourth for Jizri,a his sons Elihu and Semachiah were able men.
8All these were of the sons of Obed-
and his brethren, twelve; 12the fifth for
Nethaniah, his sons and his brethren, Edom, they and their sons and their breth-
twelve; 13the sixth for Bukkiah, his sons ren, able men with strength for the work:
and his brethren, twelve; 14the seventh sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
for Jesharelah,a his sons and his breth- 9And Meshelemiah had sons and breth-
ren, twelve; 15the eighth for Jeshaiah, his ren, eighteen able men.
sons and his brethren, twelve; 16the ninth
for Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, 25:2 aSpelled Jesharelah in verse 14
25:3 aSpelled Jizri in verse 11 bShimei,
twelve; 17the tenth for Shimei, his sons
appearing in one Hebrew and several
and his brethren, twelve; 18the eleventh for
Septuagint manuscripts, completes the total
Azarel,a his sons and his brethren, twelve; of six sons (compare verse 17). 25:4 aSpelled
19the twelfth for Hashabiah, his sons and
Azarel in verse 18 bSpelled Shubael in verse
his brethren, twelve; 20the thirteenth for 20 cSpelled Jeremoth in verse 22 25:5 aThat
Shubael,a his sons and his brethren, twelve; is, to increase his power or influence
21the fourteenth for Mattithiah, his sons
25:11 aSpelled Zeri in verse 3 25:14 aSpelled
and his brethren, twelve; 22the fifteenth Asharelah in verse 2 25:18 aSpelled Uzziel
for Jeremoth,a his sons and his brethren, in verse 4 25:20 aSpelled Shebuel in verse 4
twelve; 23the sixteenth for Hananiah, his 25:22 aSpelled Jerimoth in verse 4
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1 CHRONICLES 26:10 506
10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, son of Moses, was overseer of the treasur-
had sons: Shimri the first (for though he ies. 25And his brethren by Eliezer were
was not the firstborn, his father made him Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram
the first), 11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his
the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons son.
and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. 26This Shelomith and his brethren were
12Among these were the divisions of the over all the treasuries of the dedicated
gatekeepers, among the chief men, having things which King David and the heads
duties just like their brethren, to serve in of fathers’ houses, the captains over thou-
the house of the Lord. 13And they cast lots sands and hundreds, and the captains of
for each gate, the small as well as the great, the army, had dedicated. 27Some of the
according to their father’s house. 14The lot spoils won in battles they dedicated to
for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then maintain the house of the Lord. 28And all
they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish,
counselor, and his lot came out for the Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of
North Gate; 15to Obed- Edom the South Zeruiah had dedicated, every dedicated
Gate, and to his sons the storehouse.a 16To thing, was under the hand of Shelomith
Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for and his brethren.
the West Gate, with the Shallecheth Gate
on the ascending highway— watchman
opposite watchman. 17On the east were Money
six Levites, on the north four each day, on What’s a good way to spend
the south four each day, and for the store some of the money we earn?
housea two by two. 18As for the Parbara on 1 Chronicles 26:27
the west, there were four on the highway
and two at the Parbar. 19These were the di-
visions of the gatekeepers among the sons 29Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his
of Korah and among the sons of Merari. sons performed duties as officials and
judges over Israel outside Jerusalem.
30Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his
1 Chronicles 26:20 brethren, one thousand seven hundred
All money and treasures that were able men, had the oversight of Israel on the
taken in battle or dedicated to the west side of the Jordan for all the business
Lord by grateful Israelites were kept of the Lord, and in the service of the king.
in the temple for safekeeping. The 31Among the Hebronites, Jerijah was head
money was used to maintain the of the Hebronites according to his geneal-
temple and keep it properly furnished. ogy of the fathers. In the fortieth year of the
For extra security, Solomon’s temple reign of David they were sought, and there
had a courtyard with a wall and gates were found among them capable men at
around it. Jazer of Gilead. 32And his brethren were
two thousand seven hundred able men,
heads of fathers’ houses, whom King David
The Treasuries and Other made officials over the Reubenites, the
Duties
Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,
20Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the for every matter pertaining to God and the
treasuries of the house of God and over affairs of the king.
the treasuries of the dedicated things.
21The sons of Laadan, the descendants of The Military Divisions
27
the Gershonites of Laadan, heads of their And the children of Israel, ac-
fathers’ houses, of Laadan the Gershonite: cording to their number, the
Jehieli. 22The sons of Jehieli, Zetham and heads of fathers’ houses, the
Joel his brother, were over the treasuries of
the house of the Lord. 23Of the Amramites, 26:15 aHebrew asuppim 26:17 aHebrew
the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uz asuppim 26:18 aProbably a court or colonnade
zielites: 24Shebuel the son of Gershom, the extending west of the temple
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507 1 CHRONICLES 27:27
captains of thousands and hundreds and thousand. 13The tenth captain for the tenth
their officers, served the king in every mat- month was Maharai the Netophathite, of
ter of the military divisions. These divisions the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-
came in and went out month by month four thousand. 14The eleventh captain for
throughout all the months of the year, each the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pira-
division having twenty-four thousand. thonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his
division were twenty-four thousand. 15The
twelfth captain for the twelfth month was
1 Chronicles 27:1 Heldaia the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his
Even though the Hebrew calendar division were twenty-four thousand.
had twelve months, it was much
different from the one we use today. Leaders of Tribes
The Hebrew year began in spring— 16Furthermore, over the tribes of Israel: the
what would be our late March or officer over the Reubenites was Eliezer the
early April. The months followed the son of Zichri; over the Simeonites, Shepha-
cycle of the moon, from crescent to tiah the son of Maachah; 17over the Levites,
full. Later, the Israelites adopted the Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; over the
calendar of the Babylonians, which Aaronites, Zadok; 18over Judah, Elihu, one
also began in the spring. of David’s brothers; over Issachar, Omri the
son of Michael; 19over Zebulun, Ishmaiah
2Over the first division for the first the son of Obadiah; over Naphtali, Jerimoth
month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, the son of Azriel; 20over the children of
Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; over
and in his division were twenty-four thou-
the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of
sand; 3he was of the children of Perez, and
Pedaiah; 21over the half–tribe of Manasseh
the chief of all the captains of the army for
in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; over
the first month. 4Over the division of the
Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22over
second month was Dodaia an Ahohite, and
Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were
of his division Mikloth also was the leader;
the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
in his division were twenty-four thousand. 23But David did not take the number of
5The third captain of the army for the third
those twenty years old and under, because
month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada
the Lord had said He would multiply Is-
the priest, who was chief; in his division rael like the stars of the heavens. 24Joab the
were twenty-four thousand. 6This was the son of Zeruiah began a census, but he did
Benaiah who was mighty among the thirty, not finish, for wrath came upon Israel be-
and was over the thirty; in his division cause of this census; nor was the number
was Ammizabad his son. 7The fourth cap- recorded in the account of the chronicles
tain for the fourth month was Asahel the of King David.
brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after
him; in his division were twenty-four thou- Other State Officials
sand. 8The fifth captain for the fifth month
25And Azmaveth the son of Adiel was over
was Shamhutha the Izrahite; in his division
were twenty-four thousand. 9The sixth cap- the king’s treasuries; and Jehonathan the
tain for the sixth month was Ira the son son of Uzziah was over the storehouses in
of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were the field, in the cities, in the villages, and in
twenty-four thousand. 10The seventh cap- the fortresses. 26Ezri the son of Chelub was
tain for the seventh month was Helez the over those who did the work of the field for
Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his tilling the ground. 27And Shimei the Ra-
division were twenty-four thousand. 11The mathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi
eighth captain for the eighth month was the Shiphmite was over the produce of the
Sibbechai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites; 27:4 aHebrew Dodai, usually spelled Dodo
in his division were twenty-four thousand. (compare 2 Samuel 23:9) 27:8 aSpelled
12The ninth captain for the ninth month
Shammoth in 11:27 and Shammah in 2 Samuel
was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Ben- 23:11 27:15 aSpelled Heled in 11:30 and Heleb
jamites; in his division were twenty-four in 2 Samuel 23:29
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1 CHRONICLES 27:28 508
vineyards for the supply of wine. 28Baal- My courts; for I have chosen him to be My
Hanan the Gederite was over the olive son, and I will be his Father. 7Moreover I
trees and the sycamore trees that were in will establish his kingdom forever, if he is
the lowlands, and Joash was over the store steadfast to observe My commandments
of oil. 29And Shitrai the Sharonite was over and My judgments, as it is this day.’ 8Now
the herds that fed in Sharon, and Shaphat therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the as-
the son of Adlai was over the herds that sembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of
were in the valleys. 30Obil the Ishmaelite our God, be careful to seek out all the com-
was over the camels, Jehdeiah the Merono- mandments of the Lord your God, that
thite was over the donkeys, 31and Jaziz the you may possess this good land, and leave
Hagrite was over the flocks. All these were it as an inheritance for your children after
the officials over King David’s property. you forever.
32Also Jehonathan, David’s uncle, was a
counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and
Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the Family
king’s sons. 33Ahithophel was the king’s What’s a good legacy parents
counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the can leave their children?
king’s companion. 34After Ahithophel was 1 Chronicles 28:8
Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, then Abia-
thar. And the general of the king’s army
was Joab. 9“As for you, my son Solomon, know the
God of your father, and serve Him with a
Solomon Instructed to Build loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the
the Temple Lord searches all hearts and understands
28
Now David assembled at Jeru- all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek
salem all the leaders of Israel: Him, He will be found by you; but if you
the officers of the tribes and forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.
10Consider now, for the Lord has chosen
the captains of the divisions who served
the king, the captains over thousands and you to build a house for the sanctuary; be
captains over hundreds, and the stewards strong, and do it.”
11Then David gave his son Solomon the
over all the substance and possessions of
the king and of his sons, with the officials, plans for the vestibule, its houses, its trea-
the valiant men, and all the mighty men of suries, its upper chambers, its inner cham-
valor. bers, and the place of the mercy seat; 12and
2Then King David rose to his feet and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit,
said, “Hear me, my brethren and my peo- of the courts of the house of the Lord, of
ple: I had it in my heart to build a house of all the chambers all around, of the treasur-
rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, ies of the house of God, and of the treasur-
and for the footstool of our God, and had ies for the dedicated things; 13also for the
made preparations to build it. 3But God division of the priests and the Levites, for
said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for all the work of the service of the house of
My name, because you have been a man of the Lord, and for all the articles of service
war and have shed blood.’ 4However the in the house of the Lord. 14He gave gold
Lord God of Israel chose me above all the by weight for things of gold, for all articles
house of my father to be king over Israel used in every kind of service; also silver for
forever, for He has chosen Judah to be the all articles of silver by weight, for all articles
ruler. And of the house of Judah, the house used in every kind of service; 15the weight
of my father, and among the sons of my for the lampstands of gold, and their lamps
father, He was pleased with me to make of gold, by weight for each lampstand and
me king over all Israel. 5And of all my sons its lamps; for the lampstands of silver by
(for the Lord has given me many sons) He weight, for the lampstand and its lamps,
has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the according to the use of each lampstand.
throne of the kingdom of the Lord over 16And by weight he gave gold for the tables
Israel. 6Now He said to me, ‘It is your son of the showbread, for each table, and silver
Solomon who shall build My house and for the tables of silver; 17also pure gold for
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509 1 CHRONICLES 29:14
the forks, the basins, the pitchers of pure leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains
gold, and the golden bowls—he gave gold of thousands and of hundreds, with the
by weight for every bowl; and for the silver officers over the king’s work, offered will-
bowls, silver by weight for every bowl; 18and ingly. 7They gave for the work of the house
refined gold by weight for the altar of in- of God five thousand talents and ten thou-
cense, and for the construction of the char- sand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of
iot, that is, the gold cherubim that spread silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze,
their wings and overshadowed the ark of and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
the covenant of the Lord. 19“All this,” said 8And whoever had precious stones gave
David, “the Lord made me understand in them to the treasury of the house of the
writing, by His hand upon me, all the works Lord, into the hand of Jehiela the Gershon-
of these plans.” ite. 9Then the people rejoiced, for they had
20And David said to his son Sol omon, offered willingly, because with a loyal heart
“Be strong and of good courage, and do it; they had offered willingly to the Lord; and
do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord King David also rejoiced greatly.
God—my God—will be with you. He will
not leave you nor forsake you, until you David’s Praise to God
have finished all the work for the service of 10Therefore David blessed the Lord be-
the house of the Lord. 21Here are the divi- fore all the assembly; and David said:
sions of the priests and the Levites for all
the service of the house of God; and every “ Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel,
willing craftsman will be with you for all our Father, forever and ever.
manner of workmanship, for every kind of 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
service; also the leaders and all the people
The power and the glory,
will be completely at your command.”
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth
Offerings for Building
the Temple
is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
29
Furthermore King David said And You are exalted as head over all.
to all the assembly: “My son 12 Both riches and honor come from You,
Solomon, whom alone God has And You reign over all.
chosen, is young and inexperienced; and In Your hand is power and might;
the work is great, because the templea is not In Your hand it is to make great
for man but for the Lord God. 2Now for the And to give strength to all.
house of my God I have prepared with all
my might: gold for things to be made of gold,
silver for things of silver, bronze for things Worry
of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for Where should we find the
things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be confidence to face hard
set, glistening stones of various colors, all times?
kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs
in abundance. 3Moreover, because I have 1 Chronicles 29:12
set my affection on the house of my God,
I have given to the house of my God, over 13“ Now therefore, our God,
and above all that I have prepared for the We thank You
holy house, my own special treasure of And praise Your glorious name.
gold and silver: 4three thousand talents of 14 But who am I, and who are my
gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thou- people,
sand talents of refined silver, to overlay the That we should be able to offer so
walls of the houses; 5the gold for things of willingly as this?
gold and the silver for things of silver, and For all things come from You,
for all kinds of work to be done by the hands And of Your own we have given You.
of craftsmen. Who then is willing to conse-
crate himself this day to the Lord?” 29:1 aLiterally palace 29:8 aPossibly the same
6Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, as Jehieli (compare 26:21, 22)
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1 CHRONICLES 29:15 510
15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before rams, a thousand lambs, with their drink
You, offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for
As were all our fathers; all Israel. 22So they ate and drank before the
Our days on earth are as a shadow, Lord with great gladness on that day. And
And without hope. they made Solomon the son of David king
the second time, and anointed him before
16“O Lord our God, all this abundance the Lord to be the leader, and Zadok to be
that we have prepared to build You a house priest. 23Then Solomon sat on the throne
for Your holy name is from Your hand, and of the Lord as king instead of David his fa-
is all Your own. 17I know also, my God, that ther, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed
You test the heart and have pleasure in up- him. 24All the leaders and the mighty men,
rightness. As for me, in the uprightness of and also all the sons of King David, submit-
my heart I have willingly offered all these ted themselves to King Solomon. 25So the
things; and now with joy I have seen Your Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the
people, who are present here to offer will- sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him
ingly to You. 18O Lord God of Abraham, such royal majesty as had not been on any
Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this king before him in Israel.
forever in the intent of the thoughts of the
heart of Your people, and fix their heart The Close of David’s Reign
toward You. 19And give my son Solomon a 26Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over
loyal heart to keep Your commandments
all Israel. 27And the period that he reigned
and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to
over Israel was forty years; seven years he
do all these things, and to build the templea
reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years
for which I have made provision.”
20Then David said to all the assembly, he reigned in Jerusalem. 28So he died in a
good old age, full of days and riches and
“Now bless the Lord your God.” So all the
honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his
assembly blessed the Lord God of their
place. 29Now the acts of King David, first
fathers, and bowed their heads and pros-
trated themselves before the Lord and the and last, indeed they are written in the
king. book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Na-
than the prophet, and in the book of Gad
Solomon Anointed King the seer, 30with all his reign and his might,
and the events that happened to him, to
21And they made sacrifices to the Lord Israel, and to all the kingdoms of the lands.
and offered burnt offerings to the Lord on
the next day: a thousand bulls, a thousand 29:19 aLiterally palace
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2 Chronicles
Date of writing: 430–425 B.C.
Author: Attributed to Ezra
Theme: Encouragement and Exhortation Can Be
Gained from Judah’s Spiritual Heritage
Purpose: God is always faithful to those who put
Him first.
Outline
1:1–17 ������������������Solomon’s Wisdom and Wealth
2:1—7:22 �������������Building and Dedication of the Jerusalem Temple
8:1—9:28 �������������Other Events During Solomon’s Rule
9:29–31 ����������������The Death of Solomon
10:1–19 ����������������The Northern Tribes of Israel Rebel Against King
Rehoboam
11:1—28:27 ��������Kings of Judah
29:1—32:33 ��������King Hezekiah and the Assyrian Invasion
33:1–25 ����������������King Manasseh and King Amon
34:1—35:27 ��������King Josiah and The Book of God’s Law
36:1–14 ����������������The Last Kings of Judah
36:15–21 �������������Jerusalem Is Destroyed and the People Are Taken to
Babylon
36:22, 23 ��������������King Cyrus of Persia Lets the Jews Return to Judah
14-2 Chronicles.indd 511 2/14/12 11:56 AM
Key Verse:
“If My people who are called by My name will 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 heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Then /// When you read some of the previous books of the Bible, like
1 and 2 Kings and 1 Chronicles, it can feel like you’re watching a Ping-Pong
tournament the way the Hebrews fall away from God, then return to God,
then fall away from God, then return to God; especially once there are two kingdoms to
keep up with. Unfortunately, they fall away a few more times than they return.
But the Book of 2 Chronicles doesn’t tell the story of all the kings and all the people.
This book concentrates on the southern kingdom of Judah, and it often concentrates on
the stand-up kind of guys who rule. It tells the stories of kings like Josiah and Joash who
became kings when they were young, but really made a difference.
Now /// Even though we see rays of hope in 2 Chronicles, it is still the
kind of book that can prompt us to ask a lot of “why” questions. Why did
the leaders and their people keep falling away even though they saw God
take care of them over and over? Why did they worship false gods even though they
should have known they were false? Why did they ignore the obvious and fall away again
and again? We have to ask ourselves the same questions. Why do we do what is wrong
when we know what is right? Why are we afraid even though God promises to take care of
us? Why do we make friends with people who will push us farther away from God? Why
do we ignore the obvious and fall away again and again?
Although 2 Chronicles can prompt those questions, 2 Chronicles also reminds us that
when we take a chance and stand up for God, He meets us every time. He doesn’t hang us
out to dry alone. He just wants us to have the faith to stand up and do the right thing.
Reality Check /// What’s with the blood and gore? As you
read through these historical books of the Old Testament, you might
wonder after a while if all they did was fight. It really was a barbaric time in
history.
Remember that Judah had become unbelievably wealthy during Solomon’s rule and
was famous for that wealth. So as the kingdom split and as the government weakened, the
country became more of a target for invaders.
Keep in mind, too, that at this time, boundaries for land ownership were up for grabs
to the strongest bully. There weren’t any maps with black lines that showed who owned
what. That was all being formed. It was definitely a different world. Understanding this as
you read through these real historical events will help you relate more to the real people
who lived them.
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513 2 CHRONICLES 2:2
Solomon Requests Wisdom had who were before you, nor shall any af-
ter you have the like.”
1
Now Solomon the son of David was
strengthened in his kingdom, and the
Solomon’s Military
Lord his God was with him and ex- and Economic Power
alted him exceedingly.
2And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the 13So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the
captains of thousands and of hundreds, to high place that was at Gibeon, from before
the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned
the heads of the fathers’ houses. 3Then Sol over Israel. 14And Solomon gathered chari-
omon, and all the assembly with him, went ots and horsemen; he had one thousand
to the high place that was at Gibeon; for four hundred chariots and twelve thou-
the tabernacle of meeting with God was sand horsemen, whom he stationed in
there, which Moses the servant of the Lord the chariot cities and with the king in Je-
had made in the wilderness. 4But David rusalem. 15Also the king made silver and
had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath gold as common in Jerusalem as stones,
Jearim to the place David had prepared for and he made cedars as abundant as the
it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jeru- sycamores which are in the lowland. 16And
salem. 5Now the bronze altar that Bezalel Solomon had horses imported from Egypt
the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought
he puta before the tabernacle of the Lord; them in Keveh at the current price. 17They
Solomon and the assembly sought Him also acquired and imported from Egypt
there. 6And Solomon went up there to the a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver,
bronze altar before the Lord, which was and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus,
at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a through their agents,a they exported them
thousand burnt offerings on it. to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings
7On that night God appeared to Sol of Syria.
omon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I
give you?”
8And Solomon said to God: “You have 2 Chronicles 1:16, 17
shown great mercy to David my father, Solomon recognized the best way
and have made me king in his place. 9Now, to strengthen Israel’s military force
O Lord God, let Your promise to David my was to invest in chariots, the most
father be established, for You have made important piece of battle machinery
me king over a people like the dust of the available at that time. Ancient chari-
earth in multitude. 10Now give me wisdom ots came in all styles and sizes. Some
and knowledge, that I may go out and were pulled by two horses, others by
come in before this people; for who can four. Some carried two riders; others
judge this great people of Yours?” carried four.
The problem with chariots was
the expense. Building, buying, and
Wisdom maintaining a fleet of chariots was
How can we receive wisdom? costly and only the wealthiest nations
2 Chronicles 1:9, 10 could afford to keep a strong chariot
force.
11Then God said to Solomon: “Because
this was in your heart, and you have not Solomon Prepares to Build
asked riches or wealth or honor or the life the Temple
2
of your enemies, nor have you asked long Then Solomon determined to build
life—but have asked wisdom and knowl- a temple for the name of the Lord,
edge for yourself, that you may judge My and a royal house for himself. 2Sol
people over whom I have made you king— omon selected seventy thousand men to
12wisdom and knowledge are granted to
you; and I will give you riches and wealth 1:5 aSome authorities read it was there.
and honor, such as none of the kings have 1:17 aLiterally by their hands
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2 CHRONICLES 2:3 514
bear burdens, eighty thousand to quarry 12Hirama also said:
stone in the mountains, and three thou-
sand six hundred to oversee them. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who
3Then Sol omon sent to Hirama king of made heaven and earth, for He has
Tyre, saying: given King David a wise son, endowed
with prudence and understanding,
As you have dealt with David my who will build a temple for the Lord
father, and sent him cedars to build and a royal house for himself !
himself a house to dwell in, so deal
with me. 4Behold, I am building a 13 And now I have sent a skillful man,
temple for the name of the Lord my endowed with understanding, Hurama
God, to dedicate it to Him, to burn my masterb craftsman 14(the son of a
before Him sweet incense, for the woman of the daughters of Dan, and
continual showbread, for the burnt his father was a man of Tyre), skilled
offerings morning and evening, on to work in gold and silver, bronze and
the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue,
on the set feasts of the Lord our God. fine linen and crimson, and to make
This is an ordinance forever to Israel. any engraving and to accomplish any
5 And the temple which I build will be
plan which may be given to him, with
your skillful men and with the skillful
great, for our God is greater than all
men of my lord David your father.
gods. 6But who is able to build Him a
temple, since heaven and the heaven 15 Now therefore, the wheat, the barley,
of heavens cannot contain Him? Who
the oil, and the wine which my lord
am I then, that I should build Him a
has spoken of, let him send to his
temple, except to burn sacrifice before
servants. 16And we will cut wood from
Him?
Lebanon, as much as you need; we will
7Therefore send me at once a man bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa,
skillful to work in gold and silver, and you will carry it up to Jerusalem.
in bronze and iron, in purple and
17Then Solomon numbered all the aliens
crimson and blue, who has skill to
engrave with the skillful men who who were in the land of Israel, after the
are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, census in which David his father had num-
whom David my father provided. 8Also bered them; and there were found to be
send me cedar and cypress and algum one hundred and fifty-three thousand six
logs from Lebanon, for I know that hundred. 18And he made seventy thousand
your servants have skill to cut timber of them bearers of burdens, eighty thou-
in Lebanon; and indeed my servants sand stonecutters in the mountain, and
will be with your servants, 9to prepare three thousand six hundred overseers to
timber for me in abundance, for the make the people work.
temple which I am about to build shall
be great and wonderful. Solomon Builds the Temple
3
10And indeed I will give to your servants,
Now Solomon began to build the
house of the Lord at Jerusalem on
the woodsmen who cut timber, twenty Mount Moriah, where the Lorda had
thousand kors of ground wheat, appeared to his father David, at the place
twenty thousand kors of barley, twenty that David had prepared on the threshing
thousand baths of wine, and twenty
thousand baths of oil. 2:3 aHebrew Huram (compare 1 Kings 5:1)
2:12 aHebrew Huram (compare 1 Kings 5:1)
11Then Hiram king of Tyre answered in
2:13 aSpelled Hiram in 1 Kings 7:13 bLiterally
writing, which he sent to Solomon: father (compare 1 Kings 7:13, 14) 3:1 aLiterally
He, following Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
Because the Lord loves His people, He Septuagint reads the Lord; Targum reads the
has made you king over them. Angel of the Lord.
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515 2 CHRONICLES 4:4
floor of Ornanb the Jebusite. 2And he began 13The wings of these cherubim spanned
to build on the second day of the second twenty cubits overall. They stood on their
month in the fourth year of his reign. feet, and they faced inward. 14And he made
the veil of blue, purple, crimson, and fine
linen, and wove cherubim into it.
2 Chronicles 3:1, 2
God had shown Solomon’s father,
David, the spot to build the temple 2 Chronicles 3:8
by lighting David’s sacrifice with fire Six hundred talents (twenty-five
from heaven. The temple Solomon tons) of gold will go a long way in any
built was later destroyed by the building project. Solomon used it to
Babylonians. In Jesus’ day, another coat the walls of the Most Holy Place
temple—this one built by Herod the in his temple; the coating was about
Great—sat on the site. If you were to one-fifth of an inch thick.
go to Israel today, you would find a
building known as the Dome of the 15Also he made in front of the templea
Rock there.
two pillars thirty-fiveb cubits high, and
the capital that was on the top of each of
3This is the foundation which Solomon them was five cubits. 16He made wreaths
laid for building the house of God: The of chainwork, as in the inner sanctuary,
length was sixty cubits (by cubits accord- and put them on top of the pillars; and he
ing to the former measure) and the width made one hundred pomegranates, and put
twenty cubits. 4And the vestibule that was them on the wreaths of chainwork. 17Then
in front of the sanctuarya was twenty cu- he set up the pillars before the temple, one
bits long across the width of the house, on the right hand and the other on the left;
and the height was one hundred andb he called the name of the one on the right
twenty. He overlaid the inside with pure hand Jachin, and the name of the one on
gold. 5The larger rooma he paneled with the left Boaz.
cypress which he overlaid with fine gold,
Furnishings of the Temple
and he carved palm trees and chainwork
4
on it. 6And he decorated the house with Moreover he made a bronze altar:
precious stones for beauty, and the gold twenty cubits was its length, twenty
was gold from Parvaim. 7He also overlaid cubits its width, and ten cubits its
the house—the beams and doorposts, its height.
2Then he made the Sea of cast bronze,
walls and doors—with gold; and he carved
cherubim on the walls. ten cubits from one brim to the other; it
8And he made the Most Holy Place. Its was completely round. Its height was five
length was according to the width of the cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured
house, twenty cubits, and its width twenty its circumference. 3And under it was the
cubits. He overlaid it with six hundred tal- likeness of oxen encircling it all around,
ents of fine gold. 9The weight of the nails ten to a cubit, all the way around the Sea.
was fifty shekels of gold; and he overlaid The oxen were cast in two rows, when it
the upper area with gold. 10In the Most was cast. 4It stood on twelve oxen: three
Holy Place he made two cherubim, fash- looking toward the north, three looking
ioned by carving, and overlaid them with toward the west, three looking toward the
gold. 11The wings of the cherubim were
3:1 bSpelled Araunah in 2 Samuel 24:16ff
twenty cubits in overall length: one wing of 3:4 aThe main room of the temple; elsewhere
the one cherub was five cubits, touching the called the holy place (compare 1 Kings 6:3)
wall of the room, and the other wing was bFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and
five cubits, touching the wing of the other Vulgate; Arabic, some manuscripts of the
cherub; 12one wing of the other cherub was Septuagint, and Syriac omit one hundred and.
five cubits, touching the wall of the room, 3:5 aLiterally house 3:15 aLiterally house
bOr
and the other wing also was five cubits, eighteen (compare 1 Kings 7:15; 2 Kings 25:17;
touching the wing of the other cherub. and Jeremiah 52:21)
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2 CHRONICLES 4:5 516
south, and three looking toward the east; trimmers, the bowls, the ladles, and the
the Sea was set upon them, and all their censers of pure gold. As for the entry of the
back parts pointed inward. 5It was a hand- sanctuary, its inner doors to the Most Holy
breadth thick; and its brim was shaped like Place, and the doors of the main hall of the
the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It con- temple, were gold.
5
tained three thousanda baths. So all the work that Solomon had
6He also made ten lavers, and put five on done for the house of the Lord was
the right side and five on the left, to wash finished; and Solomon brought in
in them; such things as they offered for the the things which his father David had dedi-
burnt offering they would wash in them, cated: the silver and the gold and all the
but the Sea was for the priests to wash in. furnishings. And he put them in the trea-
7And he made ten lampstands of gold ac- suries of the house of God.
cording to their design, and set them in
the temple, five on the right side and five The Ark Brought into
on the left. 8He also made ten tables, and the Temple
placed them in the temple, five on the right 2Now Solomon assembled the elders of
side and five on the left. And he made one Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the
hundred bowls of gold. chief fathers of the children of Israel, in
9Furthermore he made the court of the
Jerusalem, that they might bring the ark
priests, and the great court and doors for of the covenant of the Lord up from the
the court; and he overlaid these doors with City of David, which is Zion. 3Therefore
bronze. 10He set the Sea on the right side, all the men of Israel assembled with the
toward the southeast. king at the feast, which was in the seventh
11Then Huram made the pots and the
month. 4So all the elders of Israel came,
shovels and the bowls. So Huram finished and the Levites took up the ark. 5Then they
doing the work that he was to do for King brought up the ark, the tabernacle of meet-
Solomon for the house of God: 12the two ing, and all the holy furnishings that were in
pillars and the bowl-shaped capitals that the tabernacle. The priests and the Levites
were on top of the two pillars; the two brought them up. 6Also King Solomon, and
networks covering the two bowl-shaped all the congregation of Israel who were
capitals which were on top of the pillars; assembled with him before the ark, were
13four hundred pomegranates for the two
sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not
networks (two rows of pomegranates be counted or numbered for multitude.
for each network, to cover the two bowl- 7Then the priests brought in the ark of the
shaped capitals that were on the pillars); covenant of the Lord to its place, into the
14he also made carts and the lavers on the
inner sanctuary of the temple,a to the Most
carts; 15one Sea and twelve oxen under it; Holy Place, under the wings of the cheru-
16also the pots, the shovels, the forks—and
bim. 8For the cherubim spread their wings
all their articles Huram his mastera crafts- over the place of the ark, and the cherubim
man made of burnished bronze for King overshadowed the ark and its poles. 9The
Solomon for the house of the Lord. poles extended so that the ends of the
17In the plain of Jordan the king had
poles of the ark could be seen from the holy
them cast in clay molds, between Succoth place, in front of the inner sanctuary; but
and Zeredah.a 18And Solomon had all these they could not be seen from outside. And
articles made in such great abundance they are there to this day. 10Nothing was in
that the weight of the bronze was not de- the ark except the two tablets which Moses
termined. put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a
19Thus Solomon had all the furnishings
covenant with the children of Israel, when
made for the house of God: the altar of gold they had come out of Egypt.
and the tables on which was the show- 11And it came to pass when the priests
bread; 20the lampstands with their lamps came out of the Most Holy Place (for all
of pure gold, to burn in the prescribed
manner in front of the inner sanctuary, 4:5 aOr two thousand (compare 1 Kings 7:26)
21with the flowers and the lamps and the 4:16 aLiterally father
4:17 aSpelled Zaretan in
wick-trimmers of gold, of purest gold; 22the 1 Kings 7:46 5:7 aLiterally house
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517 2 CHRONICLES 6:10
Making It Real //
2 Chronicles 5:13
Love Without End It’s hard to imagine anything that will last forever and never
change. On this earth, everything is temporary or conditional—even love. Your boy-
friend loved you yesterday, but he loves someone else today. Your friends seem to love
you more when you’re doing the things they want you to do. You know someone whose
dad just left because he doesn’t love their mom anymore. Love seems to come and go
very easily down here on earth. But there is Someone who is truly in love with you. He
can’t keep His eyes off of you. He is so proud that you belong to Him. The love of God
will never disappoint you. His commitment is forever. There will be no trial separations,
no grounds for divorce. He is good, and you are the one He loves without end. (See also:
Rom. 5:8–11; Eph. 2:4–7; 1 John 4:7–11.)
Words to Live By
Mercy: The word translated as “mercy” in 2 Chronicles 5:13 is the Hebrew word
chesed (cheh’-sed). It means “lovingkindness, unfailing love, tenderness, and faithful-
ness.” The word chesed occurs 250 times in the Old Testament. Obviously, God wanted to
make sure we would never doubt His mercy toward us.
the priests who were present had sancti- Solomon’s Speech upon
fied themselves, without keeping to their Completion of the Work
divisions), 12and the Levites who were the 3Then the king turned around and blessed
singers, all those of Asaph and Heman the whole assembly of Israel, while all the
and Jeduthun, with their sons and their assembly of Israel was standing. 4And he
brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
clothed in white linen, having cymbals, who has fulfilled with His hands what He
stringed instruments and harps, and with spoke with His mouth to my father David,
them one hundred and twenty priests saying, 5‘Since the day that I brought My
sounding with trumpets—13indeed it came people out of the land of Egypt, I have cho-
to pass, when the trumpeters and sing- sen no city from any tribe of Israel in which
ers were as one, to make one sound to be to build a house, that My name might be
heard in praising and thanking the Lord, there, nor did I choose any man to be a
and when they lifted up their voice with the ruler over My people Israel. 6Yet I have cho-
trumpets and cymbals and instruments of sen Jerusalem, that My name may be there,
music, and praised the Lord, saying: and I have chosen David to be over My
people Israel.’ 7Now it was in the heart of
“ For He is good, my father David to build a templea for the
For His mercy endures forever,”a name of the Lord God of Israel. 8But the
Lord said to my father David, ‘Whereas it
that the house, the house of the Lord, was was in your heart to build a temple for My
filled with a cloud, 14so that the priests name, you did well in that it was in your
could not continue ministering because heart. 9Nevertheless you shall not build
of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord the temple, but your son who will come
filled the house of God. from your body, he shall build the temple
6
Then Solomon spoke: for My name.’ 10So the Lord has fulfilled
His word which He spoke, and I have filled
“ The Lord said He would dwell in the position of my father David, and sit on
the dark cloud.
2 I have surely built You an exalted house, 5:13 aCompare Psalm 106:1 6:7 aLiterally
And a place for You to dwell in forever.” house, and so in verses 8–10
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2 CHRONICLES 6:11 518
the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised; temple, 23then hear from heaven, and act,
and I have built the temple for the name of and judge Your servants, bringing retribu-
the Lord God of Israel. 11And there I have tion on the wicked by bringing his way on
put the ark, in which is the covenant of the his own head, and justifying the righteous
Lord which He made with the children of by giving him according to his righteous-
Israel.” ness.
24“Or if Your people Israel are defeated
Solomon’s Prayer before an enemy because they have sinned
of Dedication against You, and return and confess Your
12Then Solomona stood before the altar of name, and pray and make supplication
the Lord in the presence of all the assem- before You in this temple, 25then hear from
bly of Israel, and spread out his hands 13(for heaven and forgive the sin of Your people
Solomon had made a bronze platform five Israel, and bring them back to the land
cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cu- which You gave to them and their fathers.
bits high, and had set it in the midst of the
court; and he stood on it, knelt down on Sin
his knees before all the assembly of Israel, How do we receive
and spread out his hands toward heaven);
14and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there forgiveness from God?
is no God in heaven or on earth like You, 2 Chronicles 6:24, 25
who keep Your covenant and mercy with
Your servants who walk before You with 26“When the heavens are shut up and
all their hearts. 15You have kept what You
there is no rain because they have sinned
promised Your servant David my father;
against You, when they pray toward this
You have both spoken with Your mouth
place and confess Your name, and turn
and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this
from their sin because You afflict them,
day. 16Therefore, Lord God of Israel, now 27then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of
keep what You promised Your servant Da-
Your servants, Your people Israel, that You
vid my father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to
may teach them the good way in which
have a man sit before Me on the throne of
they should walk; and send rain on Your
Israel, only if your sons take heed to their
land which You have given to Your people
way, that they walk in My law as you have
as an inheritance.
walked before Me.’ 17And now, O Lord God 28“When there is famine in the land,
of Israel, let Your word come true, which
pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or
You have spoken to Your servant David.
18“But will God indeed dwell with men
grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege
them in the land of their cities; what-
on the earth? Behold, heaven and the ever plague or whatever sickness there is;
heaven of heavens cannot contain You. 29whatever prayer, whatever supplication
How much less this templea which I have is made by anyone, or by all Your people
built! 19Yet regard the prayer of Your ser- Israel, when each one knows his own bur-
vant and his supplication, O Lord my God, den and his own grief, and spreads out
and listen to the cry and the prayer which his hands to this temple: 30then hear from
Your servant is praying before You: 20that heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive,
Your eyes may be open toward this temple and give to everyone according to all his
day and night, toward the place where You ways, whose heart You know (for You alone
said You would put Your name, that You know the hearts of the sons of men), 31that
may hear the prayer which Your servant they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as
makes toward this place. 21And may You long as they live in the land which You gave
hear the supplications of Your servant to our fathers.
and of Your people Israel, when they pray 32“Moreover, concerning a foreigner,
toward this place. Hear from heaven Your who is not of Your people Israel, but has
dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive. come from a far country for the sake of
22“If anyone sins against his neighbor,
and is forced to take an oath, and comes 6:12 aLiterally he (compare 1 Kings 8:22)
and takes an oath before Your altar in this 6:18 aLiterally house
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519 2 CHRONICLES 7:10
Your great name and Your mighty hand Solomon Dedicates the Temple
and Your outstretched arm, when they
7
When Solomon had finished pray-
come and pray in this temple; 33then hear
ing, fire came down from heaven and
from heaven Your dwelling place, and do
consumed the burnt offering and
according to all for which the foreigner
the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord
calls to You, that all peoples of the earth
filled the temple.a 2And the priests could
may know Your name and fear You, as do
not enter the house of the Lord, because
Your people Israel, and that they may know
that this temple which I have built is called the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s
by Your name. house. 3When all the children of Israel saw
34“When Your people go out to battle how the fire came down, and the glory of
against their enemies, wherever You send the Lord on the temple, they bowed their
them, and when they pray to You toward faces to the ground on the pavement, and
this city which You have chosen and the worshiped and praised the Lord, saying:
temple which I have built for Your name,
35then hear from heaven their prayer and “ For He is good,
their supplication, and maintain their For His mercy endures forever.”a
cause.
36“When they sin against You (for there 4Then the king and all the people of-
is no one who does not sin), and You be- fered sacrifices before the Lord. 5King
come angry with them and deliver them Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-
to the enemy, and they take them captive two thousand bulls and one hundred and
to a land far or near; 37yet when they come twenty thousand sheep. So the king and
to themselves in the land where they were all the people dedicated the house of God.
6And the priests attended to their services;
carried captive, and repent, and make sup-
plication to You in the land of their captiv- the Levites also with instruments of the
ity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done music of the Lord, which King David had
wrong, and have committed wickedness’; made to praise the Lord, saying, “For His
38and when they return to You with all their mercy endures forever,”a whenever David
heart and with all their soul in the land of offered praise by their ministry. The priests
their captivity, where they have been car- sounded trumpets opposite them, while all
ried captive, and pray toward their land Israel stood.
which You gave to their fathers, the city 7Furthermore Sol omon consecrated
which You have chosen, and toward the the middle of the court that was in front of
temple which I have built for Your name: the house of the Lord; for there he offered
39then hear from heaven Your dwelling burnt offerings and the fat of the peace
place their prayer and their supplications, offerings, because the bronze altar which
and maintain their cause, and forgive Solomon had made was not able to receive
Your people who have sinned against You. the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and
40Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open the fat.
and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer 8At that time Sol omon kept the feast
made in this place. seven days, and all Israel with him, a very
great assembly from the entrance of Ha-
41“ Now therefore,
math to the Brook of Egypt.a 9And on the
Arise, O Lord God, to Your resting eighth day they held a sacred assembly, for
place, they observed the dedication of the altar
You and the ark of Your strength. seven days, and the feast seven days. 10On
Let Your priests, O Lord God, be the twenty-third day of the seventh month
clothed with salvation, he sent the people away to their tents, joy-
And let Your saints rejoice in ful and glad of heart for the good that the
goodness. Lord had done for David, for Solomon,
42“ O Lord God, do not turn away the face
6:42 aCompare Psalm 132:8–10 7:1 aLiterally
of Your Anointed; house 7:3 aCompare Psalm 106:1
Remember the mercies of Your 7:6 aCompare Psalm 106:1 7:8 aThat is, the
servant David.”a Shihor (compare 1 Chronicles 13:5)
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2 CHRONICLES 7:11 520
and for His people Israel. 11Thus Solomon have commanded you, and if you keep My
finished the house of the Lord and the statutes and My judgments, 18then I will
king’s house; and Solomon successfully ac- establish the throne of your kingdom, as I
complished all that came into his heart to covenanted with David your father, saying,
make in the house of the Lord and in his ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in
own house. Israel.’
19“But if you turn away and forsake My
statutes and My commandments which I
2 Chronicles 7:8 have set before you, and go and serve other
The Brook of Egypt was the southern gods, and worship them, 20then I will up-
and western border of Israel and root them from My land which I have given
Egypt. Hamath was the northern them; and this house which I have sancti-
border of Israel—what we call Leba- fied for My name I will cast out of My sight,
non today. People poured in from all and will make it a proverb and a byword
directions to celebrate the completion among all peoples.
of the temple in Jerusalem and, most 21“And as for this house, which is ex-
importantly, to worship God in the alted, everyone who passes by it will be
new facility. astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord
done thus to this land and this house?’
22Then they will answer, ‘Because they for-
God’s Second Appearance sook the Lord God of their fathers, who
to Solomon brought them out of the land of Egypt, and
12Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by embraced other gods, and worshiped them
night, and said to him: “I have heard your and served them; therefore He has brought
prayer, and have chosen this place for My- all this calamity on them.’ ”
self as a house of sacrifice. 13When I shut up
heaven and there is no rain, or command Solomon’s Additional
the locusts to devour the land, or send pes- Achievements
8
tilence among My people, 14if My people It came to pass at the end of twenty
who are called by My name will humble years, when Solomon had built
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and the house of the Lord and his own
turn from their wicked ways, then I will house, 2that the cities which Hirama had
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin given to Solomon, Solomon built them;
and heal their land. 15Now My eyes will be and he settled the children of Israel there.
open and My ears attentive to prayer made 3And Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and
in this place. 16For now I have chosen and seized it. 4He also built Tadmor in the wil-
sanctified this house, that My name may derness, and all the storage cities which
be there forever; and My eyes and My heart he built in Hamath. 5He built Upper Beth
will be there perpetually. 17As for you, if Horon and Lower Beth Horon, fortified cit-
you walk before Me as your father Da- ies with walls, gates, and bars, 6also Baalath
vid walked, and do according to all that I and all the storage cities that Solomon had,
and all the chariot cities and the cities of
Blessing the cavalry, and all that Solomon desired to
What attitude will open a build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all
the land of his dominion.
flow of blessing in your life? 7All the people who were left of the Hit-
2 Chronicles 7:14 tites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and
Jebusites, who were not of Israel—8that
is, their descendants who were left in the
Following God land after them, whom the children of Is-
Does obedience have a rael did not destroy—from these Solomon
raised forced labor, as it is to this day. 9But
reward? Solomon did not make the children of Is-
2 Chronicles 7:17, 18
8:2 aHebrew Huram (compare 2 Chronicles 2:3)
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521 2 CHRONICLES 9:11
rael servants for his work. Some were men knew the sea. They went with the ser-
of war, captains of his officers, captains of vants of Solomon to Ophir, and acquired
his chariots, and his cavalry. 10And others four hundred and fifty talents of gold from
were chiefs of the officials of King Solomon: there, and brought it to King Solomon.
two hundred and fifty, who ruled over the
people. The Queen of Sheba’s Praise
11Now Solomon brought the daughter of of Solomon
9
Pharaoh up from the City of David to the Now when the queen of Sheba heard
house he had built for her, for he said, “My of the fame of Solomon, she came to
wife shall not dwell in the house of David Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard
king of Israel, because the places to which questions, having a very great retinue, cam-
the ark of the Lord has come are holy.” els that bore spices, gold in abundance,
and precious stones; and when she came
to Solomon, she spoke with him about
2 Chronicles 8:11 all that was in her heart. 2So Solomon an-
Here we see the two sides of Solomon’s swered all her questions; there was nothing
personality. For whatever reason, so difficult for Solomon that he could not
he wanted to marry the Pharaoh’s explain it to her. 3And when the queen of
daughter, so he did—not caring that Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon,
the Lord had forbidden Israelites from the house that he had built, 4the food on
marrying foreigners. At the same his table, the seating of his servants, the
time, though, he cared so much about service of his waiters and their apparel, his
the holiness of God’s temple that he cupbearers and their apparel, and his en-
moved his new wife to another house tryway by which he went up to the house of
so that her idol worship wouldn’t
the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.
cause problems. 5Then she said to the king: “It was a true
report which I heard in my own land about
12Then Solomon offered burnt offerings your words and your wisdom. 6However
to the Lord on the altar of the Lord which I did not believe their words until I came
he had built before the vestibule, 13accord- and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the
ing to the daily rate, offering according to half of the greatness of your wisdom was
the commandment of Moses, for the Sab- not told me. You exceed the fame of which I
baths, the New Moons, and the three ap- heard. 7Happy are your men and happy are
pointed yearly feasts—the Feast of Unleav- these your servants, who stand continually
ened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the before you and hear your wisdom! 8Blessed
Feast of Tabernacles. 14And, according to be the Lord your God, who delighted in
the order of David his father, he appointed you, setting you on His throne to be king
the divisions of the priests for their ser- for the Lord your God! Because your God
vice, the Levites for their duties (to praise has loved Israel, to establish them forever,
and serve before the priests) as the duty therefore He made you king over them, to
of each day required, and the gatekeepers do justice and righteousness.”
9And she gave the king one hundred and
by their divisions at each gate; for so David
the man of God had commanded. 15They twenty talents of gold, spices in great abun-
did not depart from the command of the dance, and precious stones; there never
were any spices such as those the queen of
king to the priests and Levites concerning
Sheba gave to King Solomon.
any matter or concerning the treasuries. 10Also, the servants of Hiram and the
16Now all the work of Solomon was well-
servants of Solomon, who brought gold
ordered froma the day of the foundation of
from Ophir, brought alguma wood and
the house of the Lord until it was finished.
precious stones. 11And the king made
So the house of the Lord was completed.
17Then Sol omon went to Ezion Geber 8:16 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate;
and Elatha on the seacoast, in the land of Masoretic Text reads as far as. 8:17 aHebrew
Edom. 18And Hiram sent him ships by the Eloth (compare 2 Kings 14:22) 9:10 aOr almug
hand of his servants, and servants who (compare 1 Kings 10:11, 12)
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2 CHRONICLES 9:12 522
walkways of the alguma wood for the house sand horsemen whom he stationed in the
of the Lord and for the king’s house, also chariot cities and with the king at Jerusa-
harps and stringed instruments for singers; lem.
and there were none such as these seen be- 26So he reigned over all the kings from
fore in the land of Judah. the Rivera to the land of the Philistines,
12Now King Solomon gave to the queen as far as the border of Egypt. 27The king
of Sheba all she desired, whatever she made silver as common in Jerusalem as
asked, much more than she had brought stones, and he made cedar trees as abun-
to the king. So she turned and went to her dant as the sycamores which are in the
own country, she and her servants. lowland. 28And they brought horses to
Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.
Solomon’s Great Wealth
13The weight of gold that came to Solomon Death of Solomon
yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents 29Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first
of gold, 14besides what the traveling mer- and last, are they not written in the book
chants and traders brought. And all the of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of
kings of Arabia and governors of the coun- Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of
try brought gold and silver to Solomon. Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son
15And King Solomon made two hundred
of Nebat? 30Solomon reigned in Jerusalem
large shields of hammered gold; six hun- over all Israel forty years. 31Then Solomon
dred shekels of hammered gold went into rested with his fathers, and was buried in
each shield. 16He also made three hundred the City of David his father. And Rehoboam
shields of hammered gold; three hundred his son reigned in his place.
shekelsa of gold went into each shield. The
king put them in the House of the Forest of
Lebanon. 2 Chronicles 9:29
17Moreover the king made a great The books by Nathan, Ahijah, or Iddo
throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure have been lost for centuries. Many Old
gold. 18The throne had six steps, with a Testament writers list books other
footstool of gold, which were fastened to than the Bible as sources for historical
the throne; there were armrests on either information. Most of those books,
side of the place of the seat, and two lions however, have been lost to history.
stood beside the armrests. 19Twelve lions
stood there, one on each side of the six
steps; nothing like this had been made for The Revolt Against Rehoboam
any other kingdom.
10
20All King Sol And Rehoboam went to She
omon’s drinking vessels
chem, for all Israel had gone
were gold, and all the vessels of the House
to Shechem to make him king.
of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. 2So it happened, when Jeroboam the son
Not one was silver, for this was accounted
of Nebat heard it (he was in Egypt, where
as nothing in the days of Solomon. 21For
he had fled from the presence of King
the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the
Solomon), that Jeroboam returned from
servants of Hiram.a Once every three years
Egypt. 3Then they sent for him and called
the merchant shipsb came, bringing gold,
him. And Jeroboam and all Israel came
silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.c
22So King Sol and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 4“Your fa-
omon surpassed all the
ther made our yoke heavy; now therefore,
kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23And all the kings of the earth sought the lighten the burdensome service of your fa-
ther and his heavy yoke which he put on us,
presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom,
and we will serve you.”
which God had put in his heart. 24Each
man brought his present: articles of silver 9:11 aOr almug (compare 1 Kings 10:11, 12)
and gold, garments, armor, spices, horses, 9:16 aOr three minas (compare 1 Kings 10:17)
and mules, at a set rate year by year. 9:21 aHebrew Huram (compare 1 Kings 10:22)
25Sol omon had four thousand stalls bLiterally ships of Tarshish (deep-sea vessels)
for horses and chariots, and twelve thou- cOr peacocks 9:26 aThat is, the Euphrates
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523 2 CHRONICLES 11:12
“ What share have we in David?
Friendship We have no inheritance in the son of
Is it always best to listen to Jesse.
your friends? Every man to your tents, O Israel!
Now see to your own house,
2 Chronicles 10:1–14
O David!”
5So he said to them, “Come back to me So all Israel departed to their tents. 17But
after three days.” And the people departed. Rehoboam reigned over the children of Is-
6Then King Rehoboam consulted the el- rael who dwelt in the cities of Judah.
18Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram,
ders who stood before his father Solomon
while he still lived, saying, “How do you ad- who was in charge of revenue; but the
vise me to answer these people?” children of Israel stoned him with stones,
7And they spoke to him, saying, “If you and he died. Therefore King Rehoboam
are kind to these people, and please them, mounted his chariot in haste to flee to Je-
and speak good words to them, they will be rusalem. 19So Israel has been in rebellion
your servants forever.” against the house of David to this day.
11
8But he rejected the advice which the Now when Rehoboam came to
elders had given him, and consulted the Jerusalem, he assembled from
young men who had grown up with him, the house of Judah and Ben-
who stood before him. 9And he said to jamin one hundred and eighty thousand
them, “What advice do you give? How chosen men who were warriors, to fight
should we answer this people who have against Israel, that he might restore the
spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke kingdom to Rehoboam.
which your father put on us’?” 2But the word of the Lord came to She
10Then the young men who had grown maiah the man of God, saying, 3“Speak
up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king
you should speak to the people who have of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and
spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made Benjamin, saying, 4‘Thus says the Lord:
our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter “You shall not go up or fight against
on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My your brethren! Let every man return to
little finger shall be thicker than my father’s his house, for this thing is from Me.” ’ ”
waist! 11And now, whereas my father put a Therefore they obeyed the words of the
heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; Lord, and turned back from attacking
my father chastised you with whips, but I Jeroboam.
will chastise you with scourges!’ ”a
12So Jeroboam and all the people came Rehoboam Fortifies the Cities
to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king 5So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and
had directed, saying, “Come back to me built cities for defense in Judah. 6And he
the third day.” 13Then the king answered
built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, 7Beth Zur,
them roughly. King Rehoboam rejected
Sochoh, Adullam, 8Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
the advice of the elders, 14and he spoke to 9Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, 10Zorah, Ai-
them according to the advice of the young
jalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and
men, saying, “My fathera made your yoke
Benjamin, fortified cities. 11And he fortified
heavy, but I will add to it; my father chas-
the strongholds, and put captains in them,
tised you with whips, but I will chastise you
and stores of food, oil, and wine. 12Also in
with scourges!” b 15So the king did not lis-
every city he put shields and spears, and
ten to the people; for the turn of events was
made them very strong, having Judah and
from God, that the Lord might fulfill His
Benjamin on his side.
word, which He had spoken by the hand of
Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son 10:11 aLiterally scorpions
10:14 aFollowing
of Nebat. many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac,
16Now when all Israel saw that the king
and Vulgate (compare verse 10 and 1 Kings
did not listen to them, the people an- 12:14); Masoretic Text reads I.
bLiterally
swered the king, saying: scorpions
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2 CHRONICLES 11:13 524
Priests and Levites Move 23He dealt wisely, and dispersed some of his
to Judah sons throughout all the territories of Judah
13And from all their territories the priests and Benjamin, to every fortified city; and
and the Levites who were in all Israel took he gave them provisions in abundance. He
also sought many wives for them.
their stand with him. 14For the Levites left
their common- lands and their posses-
Egypt Attacks Judah
sions and came to Judah and Jerusalem,
12
for Jeroboam and his sons had rejected Now it came to pass, when Re-
them from serving as priests to the Lord. hoboam had established the
15Then he appointed for himself priests for kingdom and had strength-
the high places, for the demons, and the ened himself, that he forsook the law of
calf idols which he had made. 16And after the Lord, and all Israel along with him.
2And it happened in the fifth year of King
the Levites left,a those from all the tribes of
Israel, such as set their heart to seek the Rehoboam that Shishak king of Egypt
Lord God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to came up against Jerusalem, because they
sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers. had transgressed against the Lord, 3with
17So they strengthened the kingdom of twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand
Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Sol- horsemen, and people without number
omon strong for three years, because they who came with him out of Egypt—the Lu-
walked in the way of David and Solomon bim and the Sukkiim and the Ethiopians.
4And he took the fortified cities of Judah
for three years.
and came to Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 11:15 Success
Jeroboam was afraid that if the people
returned to Jerusalem to worship What is the danger in
God, he would lose his control over treasuring success more than
them. To keep them away from Jerusa- the Lord?
lem, Jeroboam made two golden idols 2 Chronicles 12:1
in the shape of calves for the people to
worship in Bethel and Dan. As if that
weren’t enough, in direct disobedi- 5Then Shemaiah the prophet came to
ence to God, Jeroboam appointed Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who
priests who were not from the tribe were gathered together in Jerusalem be-
of Levi. cause of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus
says the Lord: ‘You have forsaken Me, and
therefore I also have left you in the hand of
The Family of Rehoboam Shishak.’ ”
6So the leaders of Israel and the king
18Then Rehoboam took for himself as wife
humbled themselves; and they said, “The
Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son
Lord is righteous.”
of David, and of Abihail the daughter of 7Now when the Lord saw that they
Eliah the son of Jesse. 19And she bore him
humbled themselves, the word of the Lord
children: Jeush, Shamariah, and Zaham.
20After her he took Maachah the grand- came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have
humbled themselves; therefore I will not
daughtera of Absalom; and she bore him
destroy them, but I will grant them some
Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. 21Now
deliverance. My wrath shall not be poured
Rehoboam loved Maachah the grand-
out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.
daughter of Absalom more than all his 8Nevertheless they will be his servants,
wives and his concubines; for he took eigh- that they may distinguish My service from
teen wives and sixty concubines, and begot the service of the kingdoms of the nations.”
twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.
22And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son
11:16 aLiterally after them 11:20 aLiterally
of Maachah as chief, to be leader among his daughter, but in the broader sense of
brothers; for he intended to make him king. granddaughter (compare 2 Chronicles 13:2)
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525 2 CHRONICLES 13:16
9So Shishak king of Egypt came up and all Israel: 5Should you not know that
against Jerusalem, and took away the the Lord God of Israel gave the dominion
treasures of the house of the Lord and over Israel to David forever, to him and his
the treasures of the king’s house; he took sons, by a covenant of salt? 6Yet Jeroboam
everything. He also carried away the gold the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon
shields which Solomon had made. 10Then the son of David, rose up and rebelled
King Rehoboam made bronze shields in against his lord. 7Then worthless rogues
their place, and committed them to the gathered to him, and strengthened them-
hands of the captains of the guard, who selves against Rehoboam the son of Sol
guarded the doorway of the king’s house. omon, when Rehoboam was young and
11And whenever the king entered the house inexperienced and could not withstand
of the Lord, the guard would go and bring them. 8And now you think to withstand
them out; then they would take them back the kingdom of the Lord, which is in the
into the guardroom. 12When he humbled hand of the sons of David; and you are a
himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from great multitude, and with you are the gold
him, so as not to destroy him completely; calves which Jeroboam made for you as
and things also went well in Judah. gods. 9Have you not cast out the priests of
the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Le
The End of Rehoboam’s Reign vites, and made for yourselves priests, like
13Thus King Rehoboam strengthened the peoples of other lands, so that whoever
himself in Jerusalem and reigned. Now comes to consecrate himself with a young
Rehoboam was forty-one years old when bull and seven rams may be a priest of
he became king; and he reigned seventeen things that are not gods? 10But as for us, the
years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken
had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, Him; and the priests who minister to the
to put His name there. His mother’s name Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Le
was Naamah, an Ammonitess. 14And he did vites attend to their duties. 11And they burn
evil, because he did not prepare his heart to the Lord every morning and every eve-
to seek the Lord. ning burnt sacrifices and sweet incense;
15The acts of Rehoboam, first and last, they also set the showbread in order on
are they not written in the book of She the pure gold table, and the lampstand of
maiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer gold with its lamps to burn every evening;
concerning genealogies? And there were for we keep the command of the Lord our
wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all God, but you have forsaken Him. 12Now
their days. 16So Rehoboam rested with his look, God Himself is with us as our head,
fathers, and was buried in the City of David. and His priests with sounding trumpets to
Then Abijaha his son reigned in his place. sound the alarm against you. O children of
Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of
Abijah Reigns in Judah your fathers, for you shall not prosper!”
13But Jeroboam caused an ambush to
13
In the eighteenth year of King go around behind them; so they were in
Jeroboam, Abijah became king front of Judah, and the ambush was behind
over Judah. 2He reigned three them. 14And when Judah looked around,
years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was to their surprise the battle line was at both
Michaiaha the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.
front and rear; and they cried out to the
And there was war between Abijah and
Lord, and the priests sounded the trum-
Jeroboam. 3Abijah set the battle in order
pets. 15Then the men of Judah gave a shout;
with an army of valiant warriors, four hun-
and as the men of Judah shouted, it hap-
dred thousand choice men. Jeroboam also
pened that God struck Jeroboam and all
drew up in battle formation against him
Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16And the
with eight hundred thousand choice men,
children of Israel fled before Judah, and
mighty men of valor.
4Then Abijah stood on Mount Zem
12:16 aSpelled Abijam in 1 Kings 14:31
araim, which is in the mountains of 13:2 aSpelled Maachah in 11:20, 21 and 1 Kings
Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam 15:2
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2 CHRONICLES 13:17 526
Making It Real //
2 Chronicles 13:11b, 12
God’s Team Have you ever been on a team with a coach who left a lot to be desired?
It can be really frustrating to try your best, but have a leader who is just not very good. A
team with a poor leader doesn’t win many games.
Well, when you belong to the Lord, you are on God’s team. And His team is always
the winning one. God is more than just the best coach—He doesn’t just teach you how to
win and then send you out on your own, He gives you the ability and then goes with you
into the game. And when God is your leader, there’s no question who will win. Your vic-
tory has already been decided. It’s a sure thing. So get in the game! Let God lead you into
the greatest victories of your life. (See also: 2 Chr. 32:8; Ps. 25:8, 9; Zech. 10:5.)
Words to Live By
Head: Second Chronicles 13:12 says, “God Himself is with us as our head.” The word
translated as “head” is the Hebrew word rosh (roshe). Rosh can also be translated as “cap-
tain,” “leader,” or “ruler,” and signifies a position of authority.
God delivered them into their hand. 17Then the commandment. 5He also removed the
Abijah and his people struck them with a high places and the incense altars from all
great slaughter; so five hundred thousand the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was
choice men of Israel fell slain. 18Thus the quiet under him. 6And he built fortified cit-
children of Israel were subdued at that ies in Judah, for the land had rest; he had
time; and the children of Judah prevailed, no war in those years, because the Lord
because they relied on the Lord God of had given him rest. 7Therefore he said to
their fathers. Judah, “Let us build these cities and make
19And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took walls around them, and towers, gates, and
cities from him: Bethel with its villages, Je- bars, while the land is yet before us, be-
shanah with its villages, and Ephraina with cause we have sought the Lord our God;
its villages. 20So Jeroboam did not recover we have sought Him, and He has given us
strength again in the days of Abijah; and the rest on every side.” So they built and pros-
Lord struck him, and he died. pered. 8And Asa had an army of three
21But Abijah grew mighty, married four- hundred thousand from Judah who carried
teen wives, and begot twenty-two sons and shields and spears, and from Benjamin two
sixteen daughters. 22Now the rest of the hundred and eighty thousand men who
acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are carried shields and drew bows; all these
written in the annals of the prophet Iddo. were mighty men of valor.
14
So Abijah rested with his fa-
thers, and they buried him in
the City of David. Then Asa his 2 Chronicles 14:9
son reigned in his place. In his days the In ancient times, Ethiopia was the
land was quiet for ten years. area beyond the southern part of
Egypt. The country was controlled by
Asa Reigns in Judah Egypt until after David’s death. The
2Asa did what was good and right in the
Egyptians often hired Ethiopians to
fight on their side in times of war.
eyes of the Lord his God, 3for he removed
the altars of the foreign gods and the high
places, and broke down the sacred pillars 9Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out
and cut down the wooden images. 4He against them with an army of a million
commanded Judah to seek the Lord God
of their fathers, and to observe the law and 13:19 aOr Ephron
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527 2 CHRONICLES 15:17
men and three hundred chariots, and God troubled them with every adversity.
he came to Mareshah. 10So Asa went out 7But you, be strong and do not let your
against him, and they set the troops in hands be weak, for your work shall be
battle array in the Valley of Zephathah rewarded!”
at Mareshah. 11And Asa cried out to the 8And when Asa heard these words and
Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is noth- the prophecy of Odeda the prophet, he
ing for You to help, whether with many or took courage, and removed the abomi-
with those who have no power; help us, nable idols from all the land of Judah and
O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and Benjamin and from the cities which he had
in Your name we go against this multitude. taken in the mountains of Ephraim; and
O Lord, You are our God; do not let man he restored the altar of the Lord that was
prevail against You!” before the vestibule of the Lord. 9Then
he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and
those who dwelt with them from Ephraim,
Trials Manasseh, and Simeon, for they came over
Who do we trust in when life to him in great numbers from Israel when
gets hard? they saw that the Lord his God was with
2 Chronicles 14:11 him.
10So they gathered together at Jerusalem
in the third month, in the fifteenth year of
12So the Lord struck the Ethiopians
the reign of Asa. 11And they offered to the
before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians Lord at that time seven hundred bulls and
fled. 13And Asa and the people who were seven thousand sheep from the spoil they
with him pursued them to Gerar. So the had brought. 12Then they entered into a
Ethiopians were overthrown, and they covenant to seek the Lord God of their fa-
could not recover, for they were broken thers with all their heart and with all their
before the Lord and His army. And they soul; 13and whoever would not seek the
carried away very much spoil. 14Then they Lord God of Israel was to be put to death,
defeated all the cities around Gerar, for whether small or great, whether man or
the fear of the Lord came upon them; and woman. 14Then they took an oath before
they plundered all the cities, for there was the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting
exceedingly much spoil in them. 15They and trumpets and rams’ horns. 15And all Ju-
also attacked the livestock enclosures, dah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn
and carried off sheep and camels in abun- with all their heart and sought Him with all
dance, and returned to Jerusalem. their soul; and He was found by them, and
the Lord gave them rest all around.
The Reforms of Asa
15
Now the Spirit of God came Following God
upon Azariah the son of Oded.
2And he went out to meet Asa, How should we follow God?
and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all 2 Chronicles 15:15
Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with
you while you are with Him. If you seek 16Also he removed Maachah, the
Him, He will be found by you; but if you mother of Asa the king, from being queen
forsake Him, He will forsake you. 3For mother, because she had made an ob-
a long time Israel has been without the scene image of Asherah;a and Asa cut
true God, without a teaching priest, and down her obscene image, then crushed
without law; 4but when in their trouble and burned it by the Brook Kidron. 17But
they turned to the Lord God of Israel, the high places were not removed from
and sought Him, He was found by them. Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was
5And in those times there was no peace to
loyal all his days.
the one who went out, nor to the one who
came in, but great turmoil was on all the 15:8 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Septuagint;
inhabitants of the lands. 6So nation was Syriac and Vulgate read Azariah the son of Oded
destroyed by nation, and city by city, for (compare verse 1). 15:16 aA Canaanite deity
14-2 Chronicles.indd 527 2/14/12 11:56 AM
2 CHRONICLES 15:18 528
the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge
2 Chronicles 15:16, 17 army with very many chariots and horse-
The Israelites had adopted several men? Yet, because you relied on the Lord,
different Canaanite gods and god- He delivered them into your hand. 9For the
desses as their own. Asherah was one eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout
of their favorites. Shrines to Asherah the whole earth, to show Himself strong on
were scattered throughout the land, behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
especially on hilltops and in groves of In this you have done foolishly; therefore
trees. The shrines were easy to spot from now on you shall have wars.” 10Then
because they were marked by carved Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in
wooden poles. prison, for he was enraged at him because
of this. And Asa oppressed some of the peo-
ple at that time.
18He also brought into the house of God
the things that his father had dedicated Illness and Death of Asa
and that he himself had dedicated: silver 11Note that the acts of Asa, first and last, are
and gold and utensils. 19And there was no indeed written in the book of the kings of
war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign Judah and Israel. 12And in the thirty-ninth
of Asa. year of his reign, Asa became diseased in
his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in
Asa’s Treaty with Syria his disease he did not seek the Lord, but
16
In the thirty-sixth year of the the physicians.
13So Asa rested with his fathers; he died
reign of Asa, Baasha king of Is-
rael came up against Judah and in the forty-first year of his reign. 14They
built Ramah, that he might let none go buried him in his own tomb, which he
out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 2Then had made for himself in the City of David;
Asa brought silver and gold from the trea- and they laid him in the bed which was
suries of the house of the Lord and of the filled with spices and various ingredients
king’s house, and sent to Ben-Hadad king prepared in a mixture of ointments. They
of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying, made a very great burning for him.
3“Let there be a treaty between you and me,
as there was between my father and your Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
17
father. See, I have sent you silver and gold; Then Jehoshaphat his son
come, break your treaty with Baasha king reigned in his place, and
of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” strengthened himself against
4So Ben- Hadad heeded King Asa, and Israel. 2And he placed troops in all the
sent the captains of his armies against the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons
cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, in the land of Judah and in the cities of
Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken.
Naphtali. 5Now it happened, when Baasha 3Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, be-
heard it, that he stopped building Ramah cause he walked in the former ways of his
and ceased his work. 6Then King Asa took father David; he did not seek the Baals, 4but
all Judah, and they carried away the stones sought the Goda of his father, and walked
and timber of Ramah, which Baasha had in His commandments and not according
used for building; and with them he built to the acts of Israel. 5Therefore the Lord
Geba and Mizpah. established the kingdom in his hand; and
all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and
Hanani’s Message to Asa he had riches and honor in abundance.
6And his heart took delight in the ways of
7And at that time Hanani the seer came
the Lord; moreover he removed the high
to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: places and wooden images from Judah.
“Because you have relied on the king of 7Also in the third year of his reign he sent
Syria, and have not relied on the Lord his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah,
your God, therefore the army of the king of
Syria has escaped from your hand. 8Were 17:4 aSeptuagint reads Lord God.
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529 2 CHRONICLES 18:5
Promise
God promises to keep an eye on you
constantly.
“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
loyal to Him” (2 Chr. 16:9a).
God watches you constantly. He’s not peering down from heaven so He can
whack you on the head when you blow it, but to give an extra measure of strength
to people who are being faithful. He gives strength and support to those who are
obedient—to those whose hearts belong to Him. If you’ve ever tried to be obedient,
you know that most of the time it takes more courage to do the right thing than to
follow the crowd. God promises to see you and your efforts. He will make your
weak knees strong. He will give your voice power and authority when you need it.
He will sense your fear and cast it out. Your job is to be faithful. God promises to
never miss a thing.
See for yourself// Psalms 34:15; 139:1–6; 1 Peter 3:12
Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the to the Lord, and with him two hundred
cities of Judah. 8And with them he sent thousand mighty men of valor. 17Of Ben-
Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, jamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and
Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adoni with him two hundred thousand men
jah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah— the Le armed with bow and shield; 18and next
vites; and with them Elishama and Je- to him was Jehozabad, and with him one
horam, the priests. 9So they taught in hundred and eighty thousand prepared
Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the for war. 19These served the king, besides
Lord with them; they went throughout all those the king put in the fortified cities
the cities of Judah and taught the people. throughout all Judah.
10And the fear of the Lord fell on all the
kingdoms of the lands that were around Ju- Micaiah Warns Ahab
18
dah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat had riches and
Jehoshaphat. 11Also some of the Philistines honor in abundance; and by
brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver marriage he allied himself with
as tribute; and the Arabians brought him Ahab. 2After some years he went down
flocks, seven thousand seven hundred to visit Ahab in Samaria; and Ahab killed
rams and seven thousand seven hundred sheep and oxen in abundance for him and
male goats. the people who were with him, and per-
12So Jehoshaphat became increasingly
suaded him to go up with him to Ramoth
powerful, and he built fortresses and stor- Gilead. 3So Ahab king of Israel said to Je-
age cities in Judah. 13He had much property hoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with
in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, me against Ramoth Gilead?”
mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem. And he answered him, “I am as you are,
14These are their numbers, according
and my people as your people; we will be
to their fathers’ houses. Of Judah, the cap- with you in the war.”
tains of thousands: Adnah the captain, 4Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of
and with him three hundred thousand Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the
mighty men of valor; 15and next to him Lord today.”
was Jehohanan the captain, and with 5Then the king of Israel gathered the
him two hundred and eighty thousand; prophets together, four hundred men, and
16and next to him was Amasiah the son said to them, “Shall we go to war against
of Zichri, who willingly offered himself Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?”
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2 CHRONICLES 18:6 530
So they said, “Go up, for God will deliver 18Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear
it into the king’s hand.” the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sit-
6But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still ting on His throne, and all the host of
a prophet of the Lord here, that we may heaven standing on His right hand and His
inquire of Him?”a left. 19And the Lord said, ‘Who will per-
7So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, suade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he
“There is still one man by whom we may in- may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke
quire of the Lord; but I hate him, because in this manner, and another spoke in that
he never prophesies good concerning me, manner. 20Then a spirit came forward and
but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will per-
Imla.” suade him.’ The Lord said to him, ‘In what
And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king way?’ 21So he said, ‘I will go out and be a
say such things!” lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’
8Then the king of Israel called one of his And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him
officers and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of and also prevail; go out and do so.’ 22There-
Imla quickly!” fore look! The Lord has put a lying spirit
9The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat in the mouth of these prophets of yours,
king of Judah, clothed in their robes, sat and the Lord has declared disaster against
each on his throne; and they sat at a you.”
threshing floor at the entrance of the gate 23Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaa-
of Samaria; and all the prophets prophe- nah went near and struck Micaiah on the
sied before them. 10Now Zedekiah the son cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit
of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for from the Lord go from me to speak to
himself; and he said, “Thus says the Lord: you?”
‘With these you shall gore the Syrians until 24And Micaiah said, “Indeed you shall
they are destroyed.’ ” see on that day when you go into an inner
11And all the prophets prophesied so, chamber to hide!”
saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and pros- 25Then the king of Israel said, “Take Mi
per, for the Lord will deliver it into the caiah, and return him to Amon the gover-
king’s hand.” nor of the city and to Joash the king’s son;
12Then the messenger who had gone to 26and say, ‘Thus says the king: “Put this
call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now lis- fellow in prison, and feed him with bread
ten, the words of the prophets with one ac- of affliction and water of affliction, until I
cord encourage the king. Therefore please return in peace.” ’ ”
let your word be like the word of one of 27But Micaiah said, “If you ever return
them, and speak encouragement.” in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.”
13And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, And he said, “Take heed, all you people!”
whatever my God says, that I will speak.”
14Then he came to the king; and the king Ahab Dies in Battle
said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war 28So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat
against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” the king of Judah went up to Ramoth
And he said, “Go and prosper, and they Gilead. 29And the king of Israel said to Je-
shall be delivered into your hand!” hoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go
15So the king said to him, “How many
into battle; but you put on your robes.” So
times shall I make you swear that you tell the king of Israel disguised himself, and
me nothing but the truth in the name of they went into battle.
the Lord?” 30Now the king of Syria had commanded
16Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered
the captains of the chariots who were with
on the mountains, as sheep that have no him, saying, “Fight with no one small or
shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have great, but only with the king of Israel.”
no master. Let each return to his house in 31So it was, when the captains of the
peace.’ ” chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said,
17And the king of Israel said to Je-
“It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they sur-
hoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not
prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 18:6 aOr him
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531 2 CHRONICLES 20:2
rounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat 9And he commanded them, saying, “Thus
cried out, and the Lord helped him, and you shall act in the fear of the Lord, faith-
God diverted them from him. 32For so it fully and with a loyal heart: 10Whatever
was, when the captains of the chariots saw case comes to you from your brethren who
that it was not the king of Israel, that they dwell in their cities, whether of bloodshed
turned back from pursuing him. 33Now a or offenses against law or commandment,
certain man drew a bow at random, and against statutes or ordinances, you shall
struck the king of Israel between the joints warn them, lest they trespass against the
of his armor. So he said to the driver of his Lord and wrath come upon you and your
chariot, “Turn around and take me out of brethren. Do this, and you will not be
the battle, for I am wounded.” 34The battle guilty. 11And take notice: Amariah the chief
increased that day, and the king of Israel priest is over you in all matters of the Lord;
propped himself up in his chariot facing the and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler
Syrians until evening; and about the time of the house of Judah, for all the king’s mat-
of sunset he died. ters; also the Levites will be officials before
19
Then Jehoshaphat the king of Ju- you. Behave courageously, and the Lord
dah returned safely to his house will be with the good.”
in Jerusalem. 2And Jehu the son
of Hanani the seer went out to meet him,
and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you 2 Chronicles 19:5–11
help the wicked and love those who hate Jehoshaphat wasn’t satisfied with
the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord changing the religious life of Judah. He
is upon you. 3Nevertheless good things are wanted to change the judicial system
found in you, in that you have removed the as well. He succeeded—so well, in fact,
wooden images from the land, and have that his system became a model for
prepared your heart to seek God.” Jewish society throughout the years.
Leadership
What authority do leaders 2 Chronicles 20:3
have to make decisions? Fasting—that is, going without food
2 Chronicles 19:5–7 for a certain period of time—was a
common practice in ancient Israel.
Usually it was done as part of a reli-
The Reforms of Jehoshaphat gious ceremony or as a way to show
grief or repentance. Officially, the
4So Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and
Israelites were only required to fast
he went out again among the people from on the Day of Atonement. Sometimes,
Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, though, the leaders of the country
and brought them back to the Lord God would call for a voluntary fast during
of their fathers. 5Then he set judges in the times of war.
land throughout all the fortified cities of
Judah, city by city, 6and said to the judges,
“Take heed to what you are doing, for you Ammon, Moab, and Mount
do not judge for man but for the Lord, Seir Defeated
who is with you in the judgment. 7Now
20
It happened after this that
therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon
the people of Moab with the
you; take care and do it, for there is no iniq-
people of Ammon, and others
uity with the Lord our God, no partiality,
with them besides the Ammonites,a came
nor taking of bribes.”
8Moreover in Jerusalem, for the judg-
to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2Then some
ment of the Lord and for controversies, Je- 19:8 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read for the
hoshaphat appointed some of the Levites inhabitants of Jerusalem.
20:1 aFollowing
and priests, and some of the chief fathers Masoretic Text and Vulgate; Septuagint reads
of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem.a Meunites (compare 26:7).
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2 CHRONICLES 20:3 532
came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A Ziz, and you will find them at the end of
great multitude is coming against you from the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel.
beyond the sea, from Syria;a and they are in 17You will not need to fight in this battle.
Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3And Position yourselves, stand still and see the
Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek salvation of the Lord, who is with you,
the Lord, and proclaimed a fast through- O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be
out all Judah. 4So Judah gathered together dismayed; tomorrow go out against them,
to ask help from the Lord; and from all the for the Lord is with you.”
cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assem-
bly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of
Fear
the Lord, before the new court, 6and said: Why should we not be afraid?
“O Lord God of our fathers, are You not 2 Chronicles 20:15
God in heaven, and do You not rule over all
the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your 18And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with
hand is there not power and might, so that
no one is able to withstand You? 7Are You his face to the ground, and all Judah and
not our God, who drove out the inhabi the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before
tants of this land before Your people Israel, the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19Then the
and gave it to the descendants of Abra- Levites of the children of the Kohathites
ham Your friend forever? 8And they dwell and of the children of the Korahites stood
in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it up to praise the Lord God of Israel with
for Your name, saying, 9‘If disaster comes voices loud and high.
20So they rose early in the morning and
upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or
famine—we will stand before this temple went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and
and in Your presence (for Your name is in as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and
this temple), and cry out to You in our af- said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabi
tants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord
fliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10And
your God, and you shall be established; be-
now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab,
lieve His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
and Mount Seir—whom You would not let 21And when he had consulted with the
Israel invade when they came out of the
people, he appointed those who should
land of Egypt, but they turned from them
sing to the Lord, and who should praise
and did not destroy them—11here they are,
the beauty of holiness, as they went out be-
rewarding us by coming to throw us out of
fore the army and were saying:
Your possession which You have given us
to inherit. 12O our God, will You not judge
“ Praise the Lord,
them? For we have no power against this
For His mercy endures forever.”a
great multitude that is coming against us;
nor do we know what to do, but our eyes 22Now when they began to sing and to
are upon You.”
13Now all Judah, with their little ones,
praise, the Lord set ambushes against the
people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir,
their wives, and their children, stood be-
who had come against Judah; and they
fore the Lord.
14Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon
were defeated. 23For the people of Ammon
and Moab stood up against the inhabitants
Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of
of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy
Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Matta- them. And when they had made an end of
niah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to de-
midst of the assembly. 15And he said, “Lis- stroy one another.
ten, all you of Judah and you inhabitants 24So when Judah came to a place over-
of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! looking the wilderness, they looked to-
Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be ward the multitude; and there were their
afraid nor dismayed because of this great
multitude, for the battle is not yours, but 20:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and
God’s. 16Tomorrow go down against them. Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts and Old
They will surely come up by the Ascent of Latin read Edom. 20:21 aCompare Psalm 106:1
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533 2 CHRONICLES 21:12
dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one wrecked, so that they were not able to go
had escaped. to Tarshish.
25When Jehoshaphat and his people
came to take away their spoil, they found Jehoram Reigns in Judah
21
among them an abundance of valuables And Jehoshaphat rested with
on the dead bodies,a and precious jewelry, his fathers, and was buried with
which they stripped off for themselves, his fathers in the City of David.
more than they could carry away; and Then Jehoram his son reigned in his place.
they were three days gathering the spoil 2He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat:
because there was so much. 26And on the Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azaryahu, Mi-
fourth day they assembled in the Valley of chael, and Shephatiah; all these were the
Berachah, for there they blessed the Lord; sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3Their
therefore the name of that place was called father gave them great gifts of silver and
The Valley of Berachaha until this day. gold and precious things, with fortified cit-
27Then they returned, every man of Judah
ies in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to
and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front
Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, 4Now when Jehoram was established
for the Lord had made them rejoice over
over the kingdom of his father, he strength-
their enemies. 28So they came to Jerusalem,
ened himself and killed all his brothers
with stringed instruments and harps and
with the sword, and also others of the
trumpets, to the house of the Lord. 29And
princes of Israel.
the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of 5Jehoram was thirty-two years old when
those countries when they heard that the
he became king, and he reigned eight years
Lord had fought against the enemies of Is-
in Jerusalem. 6And he walked in the way of
rael. 30Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was
the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab
quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab
The End of Jehoshaphat’s as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the
Reign Lord. 7Yet the Lord would not destroy the
house of David, because of the covenant
31So Jehoshaphat was king over Judah. He that He had made with David, and since He
was thirty-five years old when he became had promised to give a lamp to him and to
king, and he reigned twenty-five years in his sons forever.
Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah 8In his days Edom revolted against
the daughter of Shilhi. 32And he walked in Judah’s authority, and made a king over
the way of his father Asa, and did not turn themselves. 9So Jehoram went out with his
aside from it, doing what was right in the officers, and all his chariots with him. And
sight of the Lord. 33Nevertheless the high he rose by night and attacked the Edomites
places were not taken away, for as yet the who had surrounded him and the captains
people had not directed their hearts to the of the chariots. 10Thus Edom has been in
God of their fathers. revolt against Judah’s authority to this day.
34Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat,
At that time Libnah revolted against his
first and last, indeed they are written in the rule, because he had forsaken the Lord
book of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is God of his fathers. 11Moreover he made
mentioned in the book of the kings of Is- high places in the mountains of Judah,
rael. and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to
35After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah
commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.
allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, 12And a letter came to him from Elijah
who acted very wickedly. 36And he al- the prophet, saying,
lied himself with him to make ships to go
to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Thus says the Lord God of your father
Ezion Geber. 37But Eliezer the son of Do- David:
davah of Mareshah prophesied against
Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have 20:25 aA few Hebrew manuscripts, Old Latin,
allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has and Vulgate read garments; Septuagint reads
destroyed your works.” Then the ships were armor. 20:26 aLiterally Blessing
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2 CHRONICLES 21:13 534
Because you have not walked in the wickedly. 4Therefore he did evil in the sight
ways of Jehoshaphat your father, of the Lord, like the house of Ahab; for they
or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, were his counselors after the death of his
13but have walked in the way of the father, to his destruction. 5He also followed
kings of Israel, and have made Judah their advice, and went with Jehorama the
and the inhabitants of Jerusalem son of Ahab king of Israel to war against
to play the harlot like the harlotry Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead;
of the house of Ahab, and also have and the Syrians wounded Joram. 6Then
killed your brothers, those of your he returned to Jezreel to recover from the
father’s household, who were better wounds which he had received at Ramah,
than yourself, 14behold, the Lord when he fought against Hazael king of Syria.
will strike your people with a serious And Azariaha the son of Jehoram, king of Ju-
affliction—your children, your wives, dah, went down to see Jehoram the son of
and all your possessions; 15and you Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
will become very sick with a disease of
your intestines, until your intestines
come out by reason of the sickness, 2 Chronicles 22:7
day by day. The prophet Elisha had anointed Jehu
as the eleventh king of Israel and had
16Moreover the Lord stirred up against given him instructions to wipe out
Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the family of Ahab. Ahab knew about
the Arabians who were near the Ethiopi- his death sentence. Years before, the
ans. 17And they came up into Judah and prophet Elijah had warned Ahab that
invaded it, and carried away all the pos- his family would be destroyed because
sessions that were found in the king’s of the evil things he had done.
house, and also his sons and his wives, so
that there was not a son left to him except 7His going to Joram was God’s occasion
Jehoahaz,a the youngest of his sons.
18After all this the Lord struck him in for Ahaziah’s downfall; for when he arrived,
he went out with Jehoram against Jehu
his intestines with an incurable disease.
19Then it happened in the course of time, the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had
anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. 8And
after the end of two years, that his intes-
it happened, when Jehu was executing judg-
tines came out because of his sickness;
ment on the house of Ahab, and found the
so he died in severe pain. And his people
princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s
made no burning for him, like the burning
brothers who served Ahaziah, that he killed
for his fathers.
20He was thirty- them. 9Then he searched for Ahaziah; and
two years old when he
they caught him (he was hiding in Samaria),
became king. He reigned in Jerusalem eight
and brought him to Jehu. When they had
years and, to no one’s sorrow, departed.
killed him, they buried him, “because,” they
However they buried him in the City of Da-
said, “he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who
vid, but not in the tombs of the kings.
sought the Lord with all his heart.”
Ahaziah Reigns in Judah So the house of Ahaziah had no one to
assume power over the kingdom.
22
Then the inhabitants of Jerusa-
lem made Ahaziah his young- Athaliah Reigns in Judah
est son king in his place, for 10Now when Athaliah the mother of Aha-
the raiders who came with the Arabians
ziah saw that her son was dead, she arose
into the camp had killed all the older sons.
So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Ju- 21:17 aElsewhere called Ahaziah (compare
dah, reigned. 2Ahaziah was forty-twoa years 2 Chronicles 22:1) 22:2 aOr twenty-two
old when he became king, and he reigned (compare 2 Kings 8:26) 22:5 aAlso spelled
one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name Joram (compare verses 5 and 7; 2 Kings 8:28; and
was Athaliah the granddaughter of Omri. elsewhere) 22:6 aSome Hebrew manuscripts,
3He also walked in the ways of the house
Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and 2 Kings 8:29
of Ahab, for his mother advised him to do read Ahaziah.
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535 2 CHRONICLES 23:17
and destroyed all the royal heirs of the priest gave to the captains of hundreds
house of Judah. 11But Jehoshabeath,a the the spears and the large and small shields
daughter of the king, took Joash the son of which had belonged to King David, that
Ahaziah, and stole him away from among were in the temple of God. 10Then he set all
the king’s sons who were being murdered, the people, every man with his weapon in
and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. his hand, from the right side of the temple
So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King to the left side of the temple, along by the
Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest altar and by the temple, all around the
(for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid king. 11And they brought out the king’s
him from Athaliah so that she did not kill son, put the crown on him, gave him the
him. 12And he was hidden with them in the Testimony,a and made him king. Then Je-
house of God for six years, while Athaliah hoiada and his sons anointed him, and
reigned over the land. said, “Long live the king!”
Joash Crowned King
of Judah 2 Chronicles 23:9
Often, money and other valuables
23
In the seventh year Jehoiada
strengthened himself, and made were stored in the temple. David’s
a covenant with the captains weapons probably were considered
of hundreds: Azariah the son of Jeroham, historic relics and were stored in the
Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the temple for safekeeping.
son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah,
and Elishaphat the son of Zichri. 2And they
Death of Athaliah
went throughout Judah and gathered the
Levites from all the cities of Judah, and the 12Now when Athaliah heard the noise of
chief fathers of Israel, and they came to the people running and praising the king,
Jerusalem. she came to the people in the temple of
3Then all the assembly made a covenant the Lord. 13When she looked, there was
with the king in the house of God. And he the king standing by his pillar at the en-
said to them, “Behold, the king’s son shall trance; and the leaders and the trumpeters
reign, as the Lord has said of the sons of were by the king. All the people of the land
David. 4This is what you shall do: One- were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, also
third of you entering on the Sabbath, of the singers with musical instruments, and
the priests and the Levites, shall be keep- those who led in praise. So Athaliah tore
ing watch over the doors; 5one-third shall her clothes and said, “Treason! Treason!”
be at the king’s house; and one-third at the 14And Jehoiada the priest brought out
Gate of the Foundation. All the people shall the captains of hundreds who were set
be in the courts of the house of the Lord. over the army, and said to them, “Take
6But let no one come into the house of the her outside under guard, and slay with the
Lord except the priests and those of the sword whoever follows her.” For the priest
Levites who serve. They may go in, for they had said, “Do not kill her in the house of
are holy; but all the people shall keep the the Lord.”
watch of the Lord. 7And the Levites shall 15So they seized her; and she went by
surround the king on all sides, every man way of the entrance of the Horse Gate into
with his weapons in his hand; and whoever the king’s house, and they killed her there.
comes into the house, let him be put to 16Then Jehoiada made a covenant be-
death. You are to be with the king when he tween himself, the people, and the king,
comes in and when he goes out.” that they should be the Lord’s people.
8So the Levites and all Judah did ac- 17And all the people went to the templea
cording to all that Jehoiada the priest com- of Baal, and tore it down. They broke in
manded. And each man took his men who pieces its altars and images, and killed
were to be on duty on the Sabbath, with
those who were going off duty on the Sab- 22:11 aSpelled Jehosheba in 2 Kings 11:2
bath; for Jehoiada the priest had not dis- 23:11 aThat is, the Law (compare Exodus 25:16,
missed the divisions. 9And Jehoiada the 21; 31:18) 23:17 aLiterally house
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2 CHRONICLES 23:18 536
Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. salem to bring to the Lord the collection
18Also Jehoiada appointed the oversight of that Moses the servant of God had imposed
the house of the Lord to the hand of the on Israel in the wilderness. 10Then all the
priests, the Levites, whom David had as- leaders and all the people rejoiced, brought
signed in the house of the Lord, to offer their contributions, and put them into the
the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is writ- chest until all had given. 11So it was, at
ten in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and that time, when the chest was brought to
with singing, as it was established by David. the king’s official by the hand of the Le
19And he set the gatekeepers at the gates of
vites, and when they saw that there was
the house of the Lord, so that no one who much money, that the king’s scribe and
was in any way unclean should enter. the high priest’s officer came and emptied
20Then he took the captains of hun-
the chest, and took it and returned it to its
dreds, the nobles, the governors of the place. Thus they did day by day, and gath-
people, and all the people of the land, and ered money in abundance.
brought the king down from the house of 12The king and Jehoiada gave it to those
the Lord; and they went through the Up- who did the work of the service of the
per Gate to the king’s house, and set the house of the Lord; and they hired ma-
king on the throne of the kingdom. 21So sons and carpenters to repair the house
all the people of the land rejoiced; and the of the Lord, and also those who worked
city was quiet, for they had slain Athaliah in iron and bronze to restore the house of
with the sword. the Lord. 13So the workmen labored, and
the work was completed by them; they
Joash Repairs the Temple
restored the house of God to its original
24
Joash was seven years old when condition and reinforced it. 14When they
he became king, and he reigned had finished, they brought the rest of the
forty years in Jerusalem. His money before the king and Jehoiada; they
mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. made from it articles for the house of the
2Joash did what was right in the sight of the
Lord, articles for serving and offering,
Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. spoons and vessels of gold and silver. And
3And Jehoiada took two wives for him, and
they offered burnt offerings in the house
he had sons and daughters. of the Lord continually all the days of Je-
4Now it happened after this that Joash
hoiada.
set his heart on repairing the house of the
Lord. 5Then he gathered the priests and Apostasy of Joash
the Levites, and said to them, “Go out to
15But Jehoiada grew old and was full of
the cities of Judah, and gather from all Is-
rael money to repair the house of your God days, and he died; he was one hundred and
from year to year, and see that you do it thirty years old when he died. 16And they
quickly.” buried him in the City of David among the
However the Levites did not do it kings, because he had done good in Israel,
quickly. 6So the king called Jehoiada the both toward God and His house.
17Now after the death of Jehoiada the
chief priest, and said to him, “Why have you
not required the Levites to bring in from Ju- leaders of Judah came and bowed down
dah and from Jerusalem the collection, ac- to the king. And the king listened to them.
18Therefore they left the house of the Lord
cording to the commandment of Moses the
servant of the Lord and of the assembly of God of their fathers, and served wooden
Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?” 7For images and idols; and wrath came upon
the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, Judah and Jerusalem because of their
had broken into the house of God, and had trespass. 19Yet He sent prophets to them,
also presented all the dedicated things of to bring them back to the Lord; and they
the house of the Lord to the Baals. testified against them, but they would not
8Then at the king’s command they made listen.
a chest, and set it outside at the gate of 20Then the Spirit of God came upon
the house of the Lord. 9And they made a Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest,
proclamation throughout Judah and Jeru- who stood above the people, and said to
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537 2 CHRONICLES 25:13
them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you trans- father the king. 4However he did not ex-
gress the commandments of the Lord, so ecute their children, but did as it is written
that you cannot prosper? Because you have in the Law in the Book of Moses, where the
forsaken the Lord, He also has forsaken Lord commanded, saying, “The fathers
you.’ ” 21So they conspired against him, and shall not be put to death for their children,
at the command of the king they stoned nor shall the children be put to death for
him with stones in the court of the house their fathers; but a person shall die for his
of the Lord. 22Thus Joash the king did not own sin.”a
remember the kindness which Jehoiada his
father had done to him, but killed his son; The War Against Edom
and as he died, he said, “The Lord look on 5Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah to-
it, and repay!” gether and set over them captains of
thousands and captains of hundreds, ac-
Death of Joash cording to their fathers’ houses, throughout
23So it happened in the spring of the year all Judah and Benjamin; and he numbered
that the army of Syria came up against him; them from twenty years old and above, and
and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and found them to be three hundred thousand
destroyed all the leaders of the people from choice men, able to go to war, who could
among the people, and sent all their spoil handle spear and shield. 6He also hired one
to the king of Damascus. 24For the army of hundred thousand mighty men of valor
the Syrians came with a small company of from Israel for one hundred talents of sil-
men; but the Lord delivered a very great ver. 7But a man of God came to him, saying,
army into their hand, because they had “O king, do not let the army of Israel go
forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—
So they executed judgment against Joash. not with any of the children of Ephraim.
25And when they had withdrawn from him 8But if you go, be gone! Be strong in battle!
(for they left him severely wounded), his Even so, God shall make you fall before the
own servants conspired against him be- enemy; for God has power to help and to
cause of the blood of the sonsa of Jehoiada overthrow.”
the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he 9Then Amaziah said to the man of God,
died. And they buried him in the City of Da- “But what shall we do about the hundred
vid, but they did not bury him in the tombs talents which I have given to the troops of
of the kings. Israel?”
26These are the ones who conspired And the man of God answered, “The
against him: Zabada the son of Shimeath Lord is able to give you much more than
the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of this.” 10So Amaziah discharged the troops
Shimrithb the Moabitess. 27Now concerning that had come to him from Ephraim, to
his sons, and the many oracles about him, go back home. Therefore their anger was
and the repairing of the house of God, in- greatly aroused against Judah, and they re-
deed they are written in the annals of the turned home in great anger.
book of the kings. Then Amaziah his son 11Then Amaziah strengthened himself,
reigned in his place. and leading his people, he went to the Val-
ley of Salt and killed ten thousand of the
Amaziah Reigns in Judah people of Seir. 12Also the children of Judah
took captive ten thousand alive, brought
25
Amaziah was twenty-five years them to the top of the rock, and cast them
old when he became king, and down from the top of the rock, so that they
he reigned twenty- nine years
all were dashed in pieces.
in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jeho- 13But as for the soldiers of the army
addan of Jerusalem. 2And he did what was
which Amaziah had discharged, so that
right in the sight of the Lord, but not with
a loyal heart. 24:25 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read son
3Now it happened, as soon as the king-
(compare verses 20–22). 24:26 aOr Jozachar
dom was established for him, that he ex- (compare 2 Kings 12:21) bOr Shomer (compare
ecuted his servants who had murdered his 2 Kings 12:21) 25:4 aDeuteronomy 24:16
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2 CHRONICLES 25:14 538
they would not go with him to battle, they and silver, all the articles that were found
raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to in the house of God with Obed-Edom, the
Beth Horon, killed three thousand in them, treasures of the king’s house, and hostages,
and took much spoil. and returned to Samaria.
14Now it was so, after Amaziah came
from the slaughter of the Edomites, that Death of Amaziah
he brought the gods of the people of Seir, 25Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah,
set them up to be his gods, and bowed lived fifteen years after the death of Joash
down before them and burned incense to the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26Now
them. 15Therefore the anger of the Lord the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from first
was aroused against Amaziah, and He sent to last, indeed are they not written in the
him a prophet who said to him, “Why have book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 27Af-
you sought the gods of the people, which ter the time that Amaziah turned away
could not rescue their own people from from following the Lord, they made a con-
your hand?” spiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he
16So it was, as he talked with him, that
fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to
the king said to him, “Have we made you Lachish and killed him there. 28Then they
the king’s counselor? Cease! Why should brought him on horses and buried him
you be killed?” with his fathers in the City of Judah.
Then the prophet ceased, and said, “I
know that God has determined to destroy Uzziah Reigns in Judah
you, because you have done this and have
26
not heeded my advice.” Now all the people of Judah
took Uzziah,a who was sixteen
Israel Defeats Judah years old, and made him king
17Now Amaziah king of Judah asked advice instead of his father Amaziah. 2He built
Elatha and restored it to Judah, after the
and sent to Joasha the son of Jehoahaz, the
king rested with his fathers.
son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, 3Uzziah was sixteen years old when
let us face one another in battle.”
18And Joash king of Israel sent to Ama- he became king, and he reigned fifty-two
ziah king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was
was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. 4And he did what
in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to was right in the sight of the Lord, accord-
my son as wife’; and a wild beast that was in ing to all that his father Amaziah had done.
5He sought God in the days of Zechariah,
Lebanon passed by and trampled the this-
tle. 19Indeed you say that you have defeated who had understanding in the visionsa of
the Edomites, and your heart is lifted up to God; and as long as he sought the Lord,
boast. Stay at home now; why should you God made him prosper.
meddle with trouble, that you should fall—
you and Judah with you?” Integrity
20But Amaziah would not heed, for it
What’s a great definition of
came from God, that He might give them
into the hand of their enemies, because they integrity?
sought the gods of Edom. 21So Joash king of 2 Chronicles 26:4
Israel went out; and he and Amaziah king
of Judah faced one another at Beth Shem- 6Now he went out and made war against
esh, which belongs to Judah. 22And Judah
the Philistines, and broke down the wall
was defeated by Israel, and every man fled
of Gath, the wall of Jabneh, and the wall
to his tent. 23Then Joash the king of Israel
of Ashdod; and he built cities around
captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of
Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth Shem- 25:17 aSpelled Jehoash in 2 Kings 14:8ff
esh; and he brought him to Jerusalem, and 26:1 aCalled Azariah in 2 Kings 14:21ff
broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the 26:2 aHebrew Eloth 26:5 aSeveral Hebrew
Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and
hundred cubits. 24And he took all the gold Arabic read fear.
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539 2 CHRONICLES 27:4
Ashdod and among the Philistines. 7God gressed against the Lord his God by
helped him against the Philistines, against entering the temple of the Lord to burn
the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and incense on the altar of incense. 17So Aza-
against the Meunites. 8Also the Ammon riah the priest went in after him, and with
ites brought tribute to Uzziah. His fame him were eighty priests of the Lord—
spread as far as the entrance of Egypt, for valiant men. 18And they withstood King
he became exceedingly strong. Uzziah, and said to him, “It is not for you,
9And Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but
at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who
at the corner buttress of the wall; then he are consecrated to burn incense. Get out
fortified them. 10Also he built towers in of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed!
the desert. He dug many wells, for he had You shall have no honor from the Lord
much livestock, both in the lowlands and God.”
in the plains; he also had farmers and vine- 19Then Uzziah became furious; and he
dressers in the mountains and in Carmel, had a censer in his hand to burn incense.
for he loved the soil. And while he was angry with the priests,
11Moreover Uzziah had an army of fight- leprosy broke out on his forehead, before
ing men who went out to war by compa- the priests in the house of the Lord, beside
nies, according to the number on their roll the incense altar. 20And Azariah the chief
as prepared by Jeiel the scribe and Maa priest and all the priests looked at him, and
seiah the officer, under the hand of Hana- there, on his forehead, he was leprous; so
niah, one of the king’s captains. 12The total they thrust him out of that place. Indeed he
number of chief officersa of the mighty also hurried to get out, because the Lord
men of valor was two thousand six hun- had struck him.
dred. 13And under their authority was an 21King Uzziah was a leper until the day
army of three hundred and seven thousand of his death. He dwelt in an isolated house,
five hundred, that made war with mighty because he was a leper; for he was cut off
power, to help the king against the enemy. from the house of the Lord. Then Jotham
14Then Uzziah prepared for them, for the
his son was over the king’s house, judging
entire army, shields, spears, helmets, body the people of the land.
armor, bows, and slings to cast stones. 22Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from
15And he made devices in Jerusalem, in-
first to last, the prophet Isaiah the son of
vented by skillful men, to be on the towers Amoz wrote. 23So Uzziah rested with his fa-
and the corners, to shoot arrows and large thers, and they buried him with his fathers
stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for in the field of burial which belonged to the
he was marvelously helped till he became kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” Then Jo-
strong. tham his son reigned in his place.
Jotham Reigns in Judah
2 Chronicles 26:15
27
The description of these war devices Jotham was twenty- five years
seems to suggest that they were like old when he became king, and
catapults. From about 800 B.C. to A.D. he reigned sixteen years in Je-
1500, catapults were among the most rusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushaha
feared weapons of war. They were the daughter of Zadok. 2And he did what
capable of firing objects between 350 was right in the sight of the Lord, accord-
and 500 yards. Bows and arrows were ing to all that his father Uzziah had done
also dangerous weapons; when fired, (although he did not enter the temple
an arrow fired could travel up to 300 of the Lord). But still the people acted
yards. corruptly.
3He built the Upper Gate of the house of
the Lord, and he built extensively on the
The Penalty for Uzziah’s Pride wall of Ophel. 4Moreover he built cities in
16But when he was strong his heart was 26:12 aLiterally chief fathers
27:1 aSpelled
lifted up, to his destruction, for he trans- Jerusha in 2 Kings 15:33
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2 CHRONICLES 27:5 540
the mountains of Judah, and in the forests also delivered into the hand of the king
he built fortresses and towers. 5He also of Israel, who defeated him with a great
fought with the king of the Ammonites and slaughter. 6For Pekah the son of Remaliah
defeated them. And the people of Ammon killed one hundred and twenty thousand
gave him in that year one hundred tal- in Judah in one day, all valiant men, be-
ents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, cause they had forsaken the Lord God
and ten thousand of barley. The people of their fathers. 7Zichri, a mighty man of
of Ammon paid this to him in the second Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son,
and third years also. 6So Jotham became Azrikam the officer over the house, and
mighty, because he prepared his ways be- Elkanah who was second to the king. 8And
fore the Lord his God. the children of Israel carried away captive
7Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and of their brethren two hundred thousand
all his wars and his ways, indeed they are women, sons, and daughters; and they
written in the book of the kings of Israel also took away much spoil from them,
and Judah. 8He was twenty-five years old and brought the spoil to Samaria.
when he became king, and he reigned six-
teen years in Jerusalem. 9So Jotham rested Israel Returns the Captives
with his fathers, and they buried him in the 9But a prophet of the Lord was there,
City of David. Then Ahaz his son reigned in whose name was Oded; and he went out
his place. before the army that came to Samaria,
and said to them: “Look, because the Lord
Ahaz Reigns in Judah God of your fathers was angry with Judah,
28
Ahaz was twenty years old He has delivered them into your hand; but
when he became king, and he you have killed them in a rage that reaches
reigned sixteen years in Jeru- up to heaven. 10And now you propose to
salem; and he did not do what was right in force the children of Judah and Jerusalem
the sight of the Lord, as his father David to be your male and female slaves; but are
had done. 2For he walked in the ways of the you not also guilty before the Lord your
kings of Israel, and made molded images God? 11Now hear me, therefore, and return
for the Baals. 3He burned incense in the the captives, whom you have taken captive
Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned from your brethren, for the fierce wrath of
his children in the fire, according to the the Lord is upon you.”
12Then some of the heads of the chil-
abominations of the nations whom the
Lord had cast out before the children of dren of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Jo-
Israel. 4And he sacrificed and burned in- hanan, Berechiah the son of Meshille-
cense on the high places, on the hills, and moth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and
under every green tree. Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against
those who came from the war, 13and said
to them, “You shall not bring the captives
2 Chronicles 28:3 here, for we already have offended the
The Canaanites figured the best way Lord. You intend to add to our sins and
to get on the good side of their gods to our guilt; for our guilt is great, and there
was to kill a human being as an offer- is fierce wrath against Israel.” 14So the
ing to them. God wanted His people armed men left the captives and the spoil
to have nothing to do with the dis- before the leaders and all the assembly.
15Then the men who were designated by
gusting practice of human sacrifice.
name rose up and took the captives, and
from the spoil they clothed all who were
naked among them, dressed them and
Syria and Israel Defeat Judah
gave them sandals, gave them food and
5Therefore the Lord his God delivered drink, and anointed them; and they let all
him into the hand of the king of Syria. the feeble ones ride on donkeys. So they
They defeated him, and carried away a brought them to their brethren at Jericho,
great multitude of them as captives, and the city of palm trees. Then they returned
brought them to Damascus. Then he was to Samaria.
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541 2 CHRONICLES 29:15
Assyria Refuses to Help Judah did what was right in the sight of the Lord,
16At according to all that his father David had
the same time King Ahaz sent to the
done.
kingsa of Assyria to help him. 17For again
the Edomites had come, attacked Judah,
Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple
and carried away captives. 18The Philis-
3In the first year of his reign, in the first
tines also had invaded the cities of the
lowland and of the South of Judah, and had month, he opened the doors of the house
taken Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, of the Lord and repaired them. 4Then he
Sochoh with its villages, Timnah with its brought in the priests and the Levites,
villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and and gathered them in the East Square,
they dwelt there. 19For the Lord brought 5and said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now
Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel, sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of
for he had encouraged moral decline in the Lord God of your fathers, and carry
Judah and had been continually unfaithful out the rubbish from the holy place. 6For
to the Lord. 20Also Tiglath-Pilesera king of our fathers have trespassed and done evil
Assyria came to him and distressed him, in the eyes of the Lord our God; they have
and did not assist him. 21For Ahaz took forsaken Him, have turned their faces away
part of the treasures from the house of the from the dwelling place of the Lord, and
Lord, from the house of the king, and from turned their backs on Him. 7They have also
the leaders, and he gave it to the king of As- shut up the doors of the vestibule, put out
syria; but he did not help him. the lamps, and have not burned incense or
offered burnt offerings in the holy place to
Apostasy and Death of Ahaz the God of Israel. 8Therefore the wrath of
22Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz the Lord fell upon Judah and Jerusalem,
became increasingly unfaithful to the and He has given them up to trouble, to
Lord. This is that King Ahaz. 23For he sac- desolation, and to jeering, as you see with
rificed to the gods of Damascus which had your eyes. 9For indeed, because of this our
defeated him, saying, “Because the gods of fathers have fallen by the sword; and our
the kings of Syria help them, I will sacrifice sons, our daughters, and our wives are in
to them that they may help me.” But they captivity.
10“Now it is in my heart to make a cov-
were the ruin of him and of all Israel. 24So
Ahaz gathered the articles of the house of enant with the Lord God of Israel, that His
God, cut in pieces the articles of the house fierce wrath may turn away from us. 11My
of God, shut up the doors of the house of sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord
the Lord, and made for himself altars in has chosen you to stand before Him, to
every corner of Jerusalem. 25And in every serve Him, and that you should minister to
single city of Judah he made high places to Him and burn incense.”
12Then these Levites arose: Mahath the
burn incense to other gods, and provoked
to anger the Lord God of his fathers. son of Amasai and Joel the son of Azariah,
26Now the rest of his acts and all his ways, of the sons of the Kohathites; of the sons of
from first to last, indeed they are written in Merari, Kish the son of Abdi and Azariah
the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. the son of Jehallelel; of the Gershonites,
27So Ahaz rested with his fathers, and they Joah the son of Zimmah and Eden the son
buried him in the city, in Jerusalem; but of Joah; 13of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri
they did not bring him into the tombs of and Jeiel; of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah
the kings of Israel. Then Hezekiah his son and Mattaniah; 14of the sons of Heman,
reigned in his place. Jehiel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jedu
thun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.
15And they gathered their brethren,
Hezekiah Reigns in Judah
sanctified themselves, and went according
29
Hezekiah became king when he to the commandment of the king, at the
was twenty-five years old, and
he reigned twenty- nine years 28:16 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read king
in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi- (compare verse 20). 28:20 aHebrew Tilgath-
jaha the daughter of Zechariah. 2And he Pilneser 29:1 aSpelled Abi in 2 Kings 18:2
14-2 Chronicles.indd 541 2/14/12 11:56 AM
2 CHRONICLES 29:16 542
words of the Lord, to cleanse the house the king and the assembly, and they laid
of the Lord. 16Then the priests went into their hands on them. 24And the priests
the inner part of the house of the Lord to killed them; and they presented their blood
cleanse it, and brought out all the debris on the altar as a sin offering to make an
that they found in the temple of the Lord atonement for all Israel, for the king com-
to the court of the house of the Lord. And manded that the burnt offering and the sin
the Levites took it out and carried it to the offering be made for all Israel.
Brook Kidron. 25And he stationed the Levites in the
17Now they began to sanctify on the first house of the Lord with cymbals, with
day of the first month, and on the eighth stringed instruments, and with harps, ac-
day of the month they came to the vesti- cording to the commandment of David,
bule of the Lord. So they sanctified the of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the
house of the Lord in eight days, and on prophet; for thus was the commandment
the sixteenth day of the first month they of the Lord by His prophets. 26The Le
finished. vites stood with the instruments of David,
18Then they went in to King Hezekiah and the priests with the trumpets. 27Then
and said, “We have cleansed all the house Hezekiah commanded them to offer the
of the Lord, the altar of burnt offerings burnt offering on the altar. And when
with all its articles, and the table of the the burnt offering began, the song of the
showbread with all its articles. 19Moreover Lord also began, with the trumpets and
all the articles which King Ahaz in his reign with the instruments of David king of Is-
had cast aside in his transgression we have rael. 28So all the assembly worshiped, the
prepared and sanctified; and there they singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded;
are, before the altar of the Lord.” all this continued until the burnt offering
was finished. 29And when they had fin-
ished offering, the king and all who were
2 Chronicles 29:23, 24 present with him bowed and worshiped.
Each part of the sacrifice ritual had 30Moreover King Hezekiah and the leaders
an important meaning. Touching the commanded the Levites to sing praise to
sacrificial animal symbolized that the Lord with the words of David and of
the sins of the priest and the people Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with
were being transferred to the animal. gladness, and they bowed their heads and
The animal carrying the people’s sin worshiped.
was then either killed or taken away. 31Then Hezekiah answered and said,
Splattering the blood on the altar “Now that you have consecrated yourselves
represented the forgiveness of sins. to the Lord, come near, and bring sacri-
fices and thank offerings into the house
of the Lord.” So the assembly brought in
Hezekiah Restores Temple sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many
Worship as were of a willing heart brought burnt of-
20Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered ferings. 32And the number of the burnt of-
the rulers of the city, and went up to the ferings which the assembly brought was
house of the Lord. 21And they brought seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two
seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt
seven male goats for a sin offering for the offering to the Lord. 33The consecrated
kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. things were six hundred bulls and three
Then he commanded the priests, the sons thousand sheep. 34But the priests were
of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the too few, so that they could not skin all the
Lord. 22So they killed the bulls, and the burnt offerings; therefore their brethren
priests received the blood and sprinkled it the Levites helped them until the work
on the altar. Likewise they killed the rams was ended and until the other priests had
and sprinkled the blood on the altar. They sanctified themselves, for the Levites were
also killed the lambs and sprinkled the more diligent in sanctifying themselves
blood on the altar. 23Then they brought out than the priests. 35Also the burnt offer-
the male goats for the sin offering before ings were in abundance, with the fat of the
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543 2 CHRONICLES 30:20
peace offerings and with the drink offerings tuary, which He has sanctified forever, and
for every burnt offering. serve the Lord your God, that the fierce-
So the service of the house of the Lord ness of His wrath may turn away from
was set in order. 36Then Hezekiah and all you. 9For if you return to the Lord, your
the people rejoiced that God had prepared brethren and your children will be treated
the people, since the events took place so with compassion by those who lead them
suddenly. captive, so that they may come back to this
land; for the Lord your God is gracious and
Hezekiah Keeps the Passover merciful, and will not turn His face from
30
And Hezekiah sent to all Israel you if you return to Him.”
10So the runners passed from city to
and Judah, and also wrote let-
ters to Ephraim and Manasseh, city through the country of Ephraim and
that they should come to the house of the Manasseh, as far as Zebulun; but they
Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to laughed at them and mocked them. 11Nev-
the Lord God of Israel. 2For the king and ertheless some from Asher, Manasseh, and
his leaders and all the assembly in Jerusa- Zebulun humbled themselves and came
lem had agreed to keep the Passover in the to Jerusalem. 12Also the hand of God was
second month. 3For they could not keep it on Judah to give them singleness of heart
at the regular time,a because a sufficient to obey the command of the king and the
number of priests had not consecrated leaders, at the word of the Lord.
13Now many people, a very great assem-
themselves, nor had the people gathered
together at Jerusalem. 4And the matter bly, gathered at Jerusalem to keep the Feast
pleased the king and all the assembly. 5So of Unleavened Bread in the second month.
14They arose and took away the altars that
they resolved to make a proclamation
throughout all Israel, from Beersheba to were in Jerusalem, and they took away all
Dan, that they should come to keep the the incense altars and cast them into the
Passover to the Lord God of Israel at Jeru- Brook Kidron. 15Then they slaughtered the
salem, since they had not done it for a long Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of
time in the prescribed manner. the second month. The priests and the Le
vites were ashamed, and sanctified them-
selves, and brought the burnt offerings to
2 Chronicles 30:6 the house of the Lord. 16They stood in their
The Assyrians conquered Samaria, place according to their custom, according
the capital of the northern kingdom to the Law of Moses the man of God; the
of Israel, in 722 B.C. They destroyed priests sprinkled the blood received from
the city and hauled the people away the hand of the Levites. 17For there were
as captives. As a result, the ten tribes many in the assembly who had not sancti-
of the northern kingdom were never fied themselves; therefore the Levites had
reunited. charge of the slaughter of the Passover
lambs for everyone who was not clean, to
sanctify them to the Lord. 18For a multi-
6Then the runners went throughout all
tude of the people, many from Ephraim,
Israel and Judah with the letters from the Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had
king and his leaders, and spoke according not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the
to the command of the king: “Children of Passover contrary to what was written. But
Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the
Isaac, and Israel; then He will return to the good Lord provide atonement for every-
remnant of you who have escaped from one 19who prepares his heart to seek God,
the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7And do the Lord God of his fathers, though he is
not be like your fathers and your breth- not cleansed according to the purification
ren, who trespassed against the Lord God of the sanctuary.” 20And the Lord listened
of their fathers, so that He gave them up to Hezekiah and healed the people.
to desolation, as you see. 8Now do not be
stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield 30:3 aThat is, the first month (compare Leviticus
yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanc- 23:5); literally at that time
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2 CHRONICLES 30:21 544
Promise
God promises to be gracious and merciful.
“For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and
will not turn His face from you if you return to Him”
(2 Chr. 30:9b).
Kindhearted people sometimes make us suspicious. We
wonder, Is she for real? Is he like this all the time? What does she want from me?
Unfortunately, some people have learned how to use kindness to manipulate and
charm others for selfish purposes. But you don’t have to wonder about God’s
kindness. He is for real. There are no strings attached. He is truly gracious,
generous, sympathetic, and tolerant toward you. He cannot be unkind.
There’s nothing manipulative about God. He owns the whole world, so He won’t
charm you into giving Him something. He’s always got your best interest at heart.
He’s genuinely gracious, kind, and merciful. You can trust Him because He loves
you so purely and so much. And as you know Him more, get closer to Him, and
become more like Him, you will find yourself becoming more gracious, kind, and
merciful as well.
See for yourself// Psalms 111:4; 145:8; Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Timothy 2:1
21So the children of Israel who were their prayer came up to His holy dwelling
present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of place, to heaven.
Unleavened Bread seven days with great
gladness; and the Levites and the priests The Reforms of Hezekiah
31
praised the Lord day by day, singing to the Now when all this was finished,
Lord, accompanied by loud instruments. all Israel who were present went
22And Hezekiah gave encouragement to
out to the cities of Judah and
all the Levites who taught the good knowl- broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down
edge of the Lord; and they ate throughout the wooden images, and threw down the
the feast seven days, offering peace offer- high places and the altars—from all Judah,
ings and making confession to the Lord Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh—until
God of their fathers. they had utterly destroyed them all. Then
23Then the whole assembly agreed to
all the children of Israel returned to their
keep the feast another seven days, and own cities, every man to his possession.
they kept it another seven days with glad- 2And Hezekiah appointed the divisions
ness. 24For Hezekiah king of Judah gave to of the priests and the Levites according to
the assembly a thousand bulls and seven their divisions, each man according to his
thousand sheep, and the leaders gave to service, the priests and Levites for burnt
the assembly a thousand bulls and ten offerings and peace offerings, to serve, to
thousand sheep; and a great number of give thanks, and to praise in the gates of
priests sanctified themselves. 25The whole the campa of the Lord. 3The king also ap-
assembly of Judah rejoiced, also the priests pointed a portion of his possessions for the
and Levites, all the assembly that came burnt offerings: for the morning and eve-
from Israel, the sojourners who came ning burnt offerings, the burnt offerings
from the land of Israel, and those who for the Sabbaths and the New Moons and
dwelt in Judah. 26So there was great joy in the set feasts, as it is written in the Law of
Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the Lord.
the son of David, king of Israel, there had 4Moreover he commanded the people
been nothing like this in Jerusalem. 27Then who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute sup-
the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed
the people, and their voice was heard; and 31:2 aThat is, the temple
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545 2 CHRONICLES 32:3
port for the priests and the Levites, that and Shecaniah, his faithful assistants in
they might devote themselves to the Law the cities of the priests, to distribute al-
of the Lord. lotments to their brethren by divisions, to
the great as well as the small.
16Besides those males from three years
Giving old and up who were written in the gene-
How are church leaders alogy, they distributed to everyone who
paid? entered the house of the Lord his daily
2 Chronicles 31:4 portion for the work of his service, by his
division, 17and to the priests who were
written in the genealogy according to their
5As soon as the commandment was father’s house, and to the Levites from
circulated, the children of Israel brought twenty years old and up according to their
in abundance the firstfruits of grain and work, by their divisions, 18and to all who
wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce were written in the genealogy—their little
of the field; and they brought in abundantly ones and their wives, their sons and daugh-
the tithe of everything. 6And the children ters, the whole company of them—for in
of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cit- their faithfulness they sanctified them-
ies of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and selves in holiness.
sheep; also the tithe of holy things which 19Also for the sons of Aaron the priests,
were consecrated to the Lord their God who were in the fields of the common-lands
they laid in heaps. of their cities, in every single city, there were
7In the third month they began laying men who were designated by name to dis-
them in heaps, and they finished in the tribute portions to all the males among the
seventh month. 8And when Hezekiah and priests and to all who were listed by gene-
the leaders came and saw the heaps, they alogies among the Levites.
blessed the Lord and His people Israel. 20Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Ju-
9Then Hezekiah questioned the priests dah, and he did what was good and right
and the Levites concerning the heaps. and true before the Lord his God. 21And
10And Azariah the chief priest, from the in every work that he began in the service
house of Zadok, answered him and said, of the house of God, in the law and in the
“Since the people began to bring the offer- commandment, to seek his God, he did it
ings into the house of the Lord, we have with all his heart. So he prospered.
had enough to eat and have plenty left, for
the Lord has blessed His people; and what
is left is this great abundance.” 2 Chronicles 32:1
11Now Hezekiah commanded them to Sennacherib’s biggest claims to fame
prepare rooms in the house of the Lord, as king of Assyria were his conquering
and they prepared them. 12Then they of Babylon in 689 B.C., his work on his
faithfully brought in the offerings, the capital in Nineveh, and his cruel at-
tithes, and the dedicated things; Cono- tacks on Judah in which he destroyed
niah the Levite had charge of them, and forty-six towns and villages and took
Shimei his brother was the next. 13Je- many captives.
hiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth,
Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and
Benaiah were overseers under the hand Sennacherib Boasts Against
of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the L ord
32
the commandment of Hezekiah the king After these deeds of faithful-
and Azariah the ruler of the house of ness, Sennacherib king of As-
God. 14Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, syria came and entered Judah;
the keeper of the East Gate, was over the he encamped against the fortified cities,
freewill offerings to God, to distribute thinking to win them over to himself. 2And
the offerings of the Lord and the most when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had
holy things. 15And under him were Eden, come, and that his purpose was to make
Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, war against Jerusalem, 3he consulted with
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2 CHRONICLES 32:4 546
his leaders and commandersa to stop the less will your God deliver you from my
water from the springs which were outside hand?’ ”
the city; and they helped him. 4Thus many 16Furthermore, his servants spoke
people gathered together who stopped all against the Lord God and against His ser-
the springs and the brook that ran through vant Hezekiah.
the land, saying, “Why should the kingsa 17He also wrote letters to revile the Lord
of Assyria come and find much water?” God of Israel, and to speak against Him,
5And he strengthened himself, built up all saying, “As the gods of the nations of other
the wall that was broken, raised it up to lands have not delivered their people from
the towers, and built another wall outside; my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not
also he repaired the Milloa in the City of deliver His people from my hand.” 18Then
David, and made weapons and shields in they called out with a loud voice in He-
abundance. 6Then he set military captains brewa to the people of Jerusalem who were
over the people, gathered them together to on the wall, to frighten them and trouble
him in the open square of the city gate, and them, that they might take the city. 19And
gave them encouragement, saying, 7“Be they spoke against the God of Jerusalem,
strong and courageous; do not be afraid as against the gods of the people of the
nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, earth—the work of men’s hands.
nor before all the multitude that is with
him; for there are more with us than with Sennacherib’s Defeat
him. 8With him is an arm of flesh; but with and Death
us is the Lord our God, to help us and to 20Now because of this King Hezekiah and
fight our battles.” And the people were the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed
strengthened by the words of Hezekiah and cried out to heaven. 21Then the Lord
king of Judah. sent an angel who cut down every mighty
9After this Sennacherib king of Assyria
man of valor, leader, and captain in the
sent his servants to Jerusalem (but he and camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned
all the forces with him laid siege against shamefaced to his own land. And when he
Lachish), to Hezekiah king of Judah, and had gone into the temple of his god, some
to all Judah who were in Jerusalem, saying, of his own offspring struck him down with
10“Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria:
the sword there.
‘In what do you trust, that you remain un- 22Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the
der siege in Jerusalem? 11Does not Heze- inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of
kiah persuade you to give yourselves over Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from
to die by famine and by thirst, saying, “The the hand of all others, and guided thema on
Lord our God will deliver us from the hand every side. 23And many brought gifts to the
of the king of Assyria”? 12Has not the same Lord at Jerusalem, and presents to Heze-
Hezekiah taken away His high places and kiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted
His altars, and commanded Judah and Je- in the sight of all nations thereafter.
rusalem, saying, “You shall worship before
one altar and burn incense on it”? 13Do you Hezekiah Humbles Himself
not know what I and my fathers have done 24In those days Hezekiah was sick and near
to all the peoples of other lands? Were the
gods of the nations of those lands in any death, and he prayed to the Lord; and He
way able to deliver their lands out of my spoke to him and gave him a sign. 25But
hand? 14Who was there among all the gods Hezekiah did not repay according to the
of those nations that my fathers utterly de- favor shown him, for his heart was lifted
stroyed that could deliver his people from up; therefore wrath was looming over him
my hand, that your God should be able to and over Judah and Jerusalem. 26Then
deliver you from my hand? 15Now there- 32:3 aLiterally mighty men 32:4 aFollowing
fore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or Masoretic Text and Vulgate; Arabic, Septuagint,
persuade you like this, and do not believe and Syriac read king. 32:5 aLiterally
him; for no god of any nation or kingdom The Landfill 32:18 aLiterally Judean
was able to deliver his people from my 32:22 aSeptuagint reads gave them rest; Vulgate
hand or the hand of my fathers. How much reads gave them treasures.
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547 2 CHRONICLES 33:5
Promise
God promises to fight with you on your
side.
“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed
before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is
with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him
is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles”
(2 Chr. 32:7, 8a).
Have you ever had someone stick up for you? Maybe they walked right into the
middle of your conflict and took your side. Awesome! Did you ever have someone
decide to do more than watch when you were up against a challenge? They cared
enough to get involved, to actually stick their neck out and speak up for you.
It’s an incredible feeling to have someone help you fight your fight. All of a
sudden you feel stronger, the enemy seems weaker, and your confidence gets a
boost. God is ready to fight for you. He is on your side, ready to intervene and do
battle. You are not fighting alone. The God of the universe is right beside you. So
look ahead with hope and assurance that the strongest Warrior fights for you.
See for yourself// 2 Chronicles 13:10–12; Zephaniah 2:7; Zechariah 10:5
Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of
his heart, he and the inhabitants of Jerusa- Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah
lem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not and Israel. 33So Hezekiah rested with his
come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. fathers, and they buried him in the upper
tombs of the sons of David; and all Judah
Hezekiah’s Wealth and Honor and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored
27Hezekiah had very great riches and honor. him at his death. Then Manasseh his son
And he made himself treasuries for silver, reigned in his place.
for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for
Manasseh Reigns in Judah
shields, and for all kinds of desirable items;
33
28storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine, Manasseh was twelve years old
and oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock, when he became king, and he
and folds for flocks.a 29Moreover he pro- reigned fifty-five years in Jeru-
vided cities for himself, and possessions salem. 2But he did evil in the sight of the
of flocks and herds in abundance; for God Lord, according to the abominations of
had given him very much property. 30This the nations whom the Lord had cast out
same Hezekiah also stopped the water out- before the children of Israel. 3For he rebuilt
let of Upper Gihon, and brought the water the high places which Hezekiah his father
by tunnela to the west side of the City of had broken down; he raised up altars for
David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works. the Baals, and made wooden images; and
31However, regarding the ambassadors he worshiped all the host of heavena and
of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent served them. 4He also built altars in the
to him to inquire about the wonder that house of the Lord, of which the Lord had
was done in the land, God withdrew from said, “In Jerusalem shall My name be for-
him, in order to test him, that He might ever.” 5And he built altars for all the host
know all that was in his heart.
32:28 aFollowing Septuagint and Vulgate; Arabic
and Syriac omit folds for flocks; Masoretic Text
Death of Hezekiah
reads flocks for sheepfolds. 32:30 aLiterally
32Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and brought it straight (compare 2 Kings 20:20)
his goodness, indeed they are written in 33:3 aThe gods of the Assyrians
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2 CHRONICLES 33:6 548
of heaven in the two courts of the house received his entreaty, heard his supplica-
of the Lord. 6Also he caused his sons to tion, and brought him back to Jerusalem
pass through the fire in the Valley of the into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew
Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, that the Lord was God.
used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted 14After this he built a wall outside the
mediums and spiritists. He did much evil City of David on the west side of Gihon,
in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to in the valley, as far as the entrance of the
anger. 7He even set a carved image, the idol Fish Gate; and it enclosed Ophel, and he
which he had made, in the house of God, raised it to a very great height. Then he put
of which God had said to David and to military captains in all the fortified cities of
Solomon his son, “In this house and in Je- Judah. 15He took away the foreign gods and
rusalem, which I have chosen out of all the the idol from the house of the Lord, and all
tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever; the altars that he had built in the mount of
8and I will not again remove the foot of Is- the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem;
rael from the land which I have appointed and he cast them out of the city. 16He also
for your fathers—only if they are careful to repaired the altar of the Lord, sacrificed
do all that I have commanded them, ac- peace offerings and thank offerings on it,
cording to the whole law and the statutes and commanded Judah to serve the Lord
and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.” God of Israel. 17Nevertheless the people
9So Manasseh seduced Judah and the in- still sacrificed on the high places, but only
habitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than to the Lord their God.
the nations whom the Lord had destroyed
before the children of Israel. Death of Manasseh
18Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh,
Abortion his prayer to his God, and the words of
the seers who spoke to him in the name
What does God think about of the Lord God of Israel, indeed they are
killing children? written in the booka of the kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:6 19Also his prayer and how God received his
entreaty, and all his sin and trespass, and
the sites where he built high places and
set up wooden images and carved images,
2 Chronicles 33:6, 7 before he was humbled, indeed they are
Apparently, Manasseh was deter- written among the sayings of Hozai.a 20So
mined to disobey as many of God’s Manasseh rested with his fathers, and they
laws as he possibly could. Sorcery and buried him in his own house. Then his son
witchcraft had been banned since Amon reigned in his place.
the Law of Moses was handed down.
Human sacrifice was detested by God. Amon’s Reign and Death
Putting an idol in the temple was like
21Amon was twenty- two years old when
a slap in the face to the Lord.
he became king, and he reigned two years
in Jerusalem. 22But he did evil in the sight
Manasseh Restored After of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had
Repentance done; for Amon sacrificed to all the carved
10And the Lord spoke to Manasseh and his
images which his father Manasseh had
made, and served them. 23And he did not
people, but they would not listen. 11There- humble himself before the Lord, as his fa-
fore the Lord brought upon them the ther Manasseh had humbled himself; but
captains of the army of the king of Assyria, Amon trespassed more and more.
who took Manasseh with hooks,a bound 24Then his servants conspired against
him with bronze fetters, and carried him off him, and killed him in his own house. 25But
to Babylon. 12Now when he was in afflic-
tion, he implored the Lord his God, and 33:11 aThat is, nose hooks (compare
humbled himself greatly before the God 2 Kings 19:28) 33:18 aLiterally words
of his fathers, 13and prayed to Him; and He 33:19 aSeptuagint reads the seers.
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549 2 CHRONICLES 34:20
the people of the land executed all those the Lord; and they gave it to the workmen
who had conspired against King Amon. who worked in the house of the Lord, to
Then the people of the land made his son repair and restore the house. 11They gave
Josiah king in his place. it to the craftsmen and builders to buy
hewn stone and timber for beams, and to
Josiah Reigns in Judah floor the houses which the kings of Judah
34
Josiah was eight years old when had destroyed. 12And the men did the work
he became king, and he reigned faithfully. Their overseers were Jahath and
thirty-one years in Jerusalem. Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari,
2And he did what was right in the sight of and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons
of the Kohathites, to supervise. Others of
the Lord, and walked in the ways of his
the Levites, all of whom were skillful with
father David; he did not turn aside to the
instruments of music, 13were over the bur-
right hand or to the left.
3For in the eighth year of his reign, while den bearers and were overseers of all who
did work in any kind of service. And some
he was still young, he began to seek the
of the Levites were scribes, officers, and
God of his father David; and in the twelfth
gatekeepers.
year he began to purge Judah and Jerusa- 14Now when they brought out the money
lem of the high places, the wooden images,
that was brought into the house of the
the carved images, and the molded images. Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of
4They broke down the altars of the Baals
the Law of the Lord given by Moses. 15Then
in his presence, and the incense altars Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the
which were above them he cut down; and scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law
the wooden images, the carved images, in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah
and the molded images he broke in pieces, gave the book to Shaphan. 16So Shaphan
and made dust of them and scattered it carried the book to the king, bringing the
on the graves of those who had sacrificed king word, saying, “All that was committed
to them. 5He also burned the bones of the to your servants they are doing. 17And they
priests on their altars, and cleansed Judah have gathered the money that was found
and Jerusalem. 6And so he did in the cit- in the house of the Lord, and have deliv-
ies of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as ered it into the hand of the overseers and
far as Naphtali and all around, with axes.a the workmen.” 18Then Shaphan the scribe
7When he had broken down the altars and
told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has
the wooden images, had beaten the carved given me a book.” And Shaphan read it be-
images into powder, and cut down all the fore the king.
incense altars throughout all the land of
Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 34:15
Hilkiah Finds the Book The book Hilkiah found may have
of the Law been Deuteronomy or it may have
8In the eighteenth year of his reign, when been the entire Pentateuch, the first
he had purged the land and the temple,a he five books of the Bible. The book may
sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah have been hidden when earlier kings
the governor of the city, and Joah the son tried to get Israel to worship idols.
of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house
of the Lord his God. 9When they came to 19Thus it happened, when the king
Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the
heard the words of the Law, that he tore
money that was brought into the house of
his clothes. 20Then the king commanded
God, which the Levites who kept the doors
Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Ab-
had gathered from the hand of Manasseh
dona the son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe,
and Ephraim, from all the remnant of Is-
and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying,
rael, from all Judah and Benjamin, and
which they had brought back to Jerusalem. 34:6 aLiterally swords 34:8 aLiterally house
10Then they put it in the hand of the fore- 34:20 aAchbor the son of Michaiah in 2 Kings
men who had the oversight of the house of 22:12
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2 CHRONICLES 34:21 550
21“Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and covenant before the Lord, to follow the
for those who are left in Israel and Judah, Lord, and to keep His commandments
concerning the words of the book that is and His testimonies and His statutes with
found; for great is the wrath of the Lord all his heart and all his soul, to perform the
that is poured out on us, because our fa- words of the covenant that were written
thers have not kept the word of the Lord, in this book. 32And he made all who were
to do according to all that is written in this present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a
book.” stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did
22So Hilkiah and those the king had ap- according to the covenant of God, the God
pointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the of their fathers. 33Thus Josiah removed all
wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath,a the son the abominations from all the country that
of Hasrah,b keeper of the wardrobe. (She belonged to the children of Israel, and made
dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) all who were present in Israel diligently
And they spoke to her to that effect. serve the Lord their God. All his days they
23Then she answered them, “Thus says did not depart from following the Lord
the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who God of their fathers.
sent you to Me, 24“Thus says the Lord: ‘Be-
hold, I will bring calamity on this place and
on its inhabitants, all the curses that are Bible
written in the book which they have read How hard should we try to
before the king of Judah, 25because they obey the Bible?
have forsaken Me and burned incense to 2 Chronicles 34:31
other gods, that they might provoke Me
to anger with all the works of their hands.
Therefore My wrath will be poured out on Josiah Keeps the Passover
this place, and not be quenched.’ ” ’ 26But as
35
for the king of Judah, who sent you to in- Now Josiah kept a Passover to
quire of the Lord, in this manner you shall the Lord in Jerusalem, and
speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of they slaughtered the Passover
Israel: “Concerning the words which you lambs on the fourteenth day of the first
have heard— 27because your heart was month. 2And he set the priests in their du-
tender, and you humbled yourself before ties and encouraged them for the service
God when you heard His words against of the house of the Lord. 3Then he said to
this place and against its inhabitants, and the Levites who taught all Israel, who were
you humbled yourself before Me, and you holy to the Lord: “Put the holy ark in the
tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also house which Solomon the son of David,
have heard you,” says the Lord. 28“Surely king of Israel, built. It shall no longer be a
I will gather you to your fathers, and you burden on your shoulders. Now serve the
shall be gathered to your grave in peace; Lord your God and His people Israel. 4Pre-
and your eyes shall not see all the calam- pare yourselves according to your fathers’
ity which I will bring on this place and its houses, according to your divisions, fol-
inhabitants.” ’ ” So they brought back word lowing the written instruction of David
to the king. king of Israel and the written instruction
of Solomon his son. 5And stand in the holy
Josiah Restores True Worship place according to the divisions of the
29Then the king sent and gathered all the
fathers’ houses of your brethren the lay
people, and according to the division of the
elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30The king father’s house of the Levites. 6So slaughter
went up to the house of the Lord, with the Passover offerings, consecrate your-
all the men of Judah and the inhabitants selves, and prepare them for your brethren,
of Jerusalem—the priests and the Levites, that they may do according to the word of
and all the people, great and small. And the Lord by the hand of Moses.”
he read in their hearing all the words of 7Then Josiah gave the lay people lambs
the Book of the Covenant which had been
found in the house of the Lord. 31Then 34:22 aSpelled Tikvah in 2 Kings 22:14 bSpelled
the king stood in his place and made a Harhas in 2 Kings 22:14
14-2 Chronicles.indd 550 2/14/12 11:56 AM
551 2 CHRONICLES 36:2
and young goats from the flock, all for over kept in Israel like that since the days of
Passover offerings for all who were present, Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings
to the number of thirty thousand, as well of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah
as three thousand cattle; these were from kept, with the priests and the Levites, all
the king’s possessions. 8And his leaders Judah and Israel who were present, and
gave willingly to the people, to the priests, the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 19In the eigh-
and to the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and teenth year of the reign of Josiah this Pass-
Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave to over was kept.
the priests for the Passover offerings two
thousand six hundred from the flock, and Josiah Dies in Battle
three hundred cattle. 9Also Conaniah, his 20After all this, when Josiah had prepared
brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, and the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up
Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of to fight against Carchemish by the Euphra-
the Levites, gave to the Levites for Passover tes; and Josiah went out against him. 21But
offerings five thousand from the flock and he sent messengers to him, saying, “What
five hundred cattle. have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have
10So the service was prepared, and the
not come against you this day, but against
priests stood in their places, and the Le the house with which I have war; for God
vites in their divisions, according to the commanded me to make haste. Refrain
king’s command. 11And they slaughtered from meddling with God, who is with me,
the Passover offerings; and the priests lest He destroy you.” 22Nevertheless Josiah
sprinkled the blood with their hands, while would not turn his face from him, but dis-
the Levites skinned the animals. 12Then guised himself so that he might fight with
they removed the burnt offerings that him, and did not heed the words of Necho
they might give them to the divisions of from the mouth of God. So he came to fight
the fathers’ houses of the lay people, to of- in the Valley of Megiddo.
fer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book 23And the archers shot King Josiah; and
of Moses. And so they did with the cattle. the king said to his servants, “Take me
13Also they roasted the Passover offerings
away, for I am severely wounded.” 24His
with fire according to the ordinance; but servants therefore took him out of that
the other holy offerings they boiled in pots, chariot and put him in the second chariot
in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them that he had, and they brought him to Jeru-
quickly among all the lay people. 14Then salem. So he died, and was buried in one of
afterward they prepared portions for the tombs of his fathers. And all Judah and
themselves and for the priests, because Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy 25Jeremiah also lamented for Josiah.
in offering burnt offerings and fat until And to this day all the singing men and
night; therefore the Levites prepared por- the singing women speak of Josiah in their
tions for themselves and for the priests, the lamentations. They made it a custom in
sons of Aaron. 15And the singers, the sons Israel; and indeed they are written in the
of Asaph, were in their places, according Laments.
to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, 26Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and
and Jeduthun the king’s seer. Also the gate- his goodness, according to what was writ-
keepers were at each gate; they did not ten in the Law of the Lord, 27and his deeds
have to leave their position, because their from first to last, indeed they are written in
brethren the Levites prepared portions for the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
them.
16So all the service of the Lord was pre- The Reign and Captivity
pared the same day, to keep the Passover of Jehoahaz
36
and to offer burnt offerings on the altar Then the people of the land
of the Lord, according to the command took Jehoahaz the son of Jo-
of King Josiah. 17And the children of Israel siah, and made him king in his
who were present kept the Passover at that father’s place in Jerusalem. 2Jehoahaza was
time, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
for seven days. 18There had been no Pass- 36:2 aMasoretic Text reads Joahaz.
14-2 Chronicles.indd 551 2/14/12 11:56 AM
2 CHRONICLES 36:3 552
twenty-three years old when he became Zedekiah Reigns in Judah
king, and he reigned three months in Jeru- 11Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when
salem. 3Now the king of Egypt deposed him
he became king, and he reigned eleven
at Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a
years in Jerusalem. 12He did evil in the sight
tribute of one hundred talents of silver and
of the Lord his God, and did not humble
a talent of gold. 4Then the king of Egypt
himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who
made Jehoahaz’s a brother Eliakim king
spoke from the mouth of the Lord. 13And
over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed
he also rebelled against King Nebuchad-
his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took
nezzar, who had made him swear an oath
Jehoahazb his brother and carried him off
by God; but he stiffened his neck and hard-
to Egypt.
ened his heart against turning to the Lord
God of Israel. 14Moreover all the leaders
The Reign and Captivity of the priests and the people transgressed
of Jehoiakim more and more, according to all the abomi-
5Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when nations of the nations, and defiled the
he became king, and he reigned eleven house of the Lord which He had conse-
years in Jerusalem. And he did evil in the crated in Jerusalem.
sight of the Lord his God. 6Nebuchadnez-
zar king of Babylon came up against him, The Fall of Jerusalem
and bound him in bronze fetters to carry 15And the Lord God of their fathers sent
him off to Babylon. 7Nebuchadnezzar also warnings to them by His messengers, ris-
carried off some of the articles from the ing up early and sending them, because He
house of the Lord to Babylon, and put had compassion on His people and on His
them in his temple at Babylon. 8Now the dwelling place. 16But they mocked the mes-
rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abomina- sengers of God, despised His words, and
tions which he did, and what was found scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of
against him, indeed they are written in the the Lord arose against His people, till there
book of the kings of Israel and Judah. Then was no remedy.
Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.
2 Chronicles 36:22
2 Chronicles 36:6 After Cyrus’s Persian army defeated
The attack described here was the the Babylonians in 539 B.C., his nation
first of three by Nebuchadnezzar’s became the most powerful empire in
forces that eventually resulted in the the ancient world. Surprisingly, Cyrus
destruction of the temple, the city of maintained his reputation as a wise
Jerusalem, and the kingdom of Judah. and tolerant ruler. In fact, he even
Nebuchadnezzar deported scores allowed the Jewish captives to return
of Israelites to other regions of his to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.
empire, using them as slave labor for Though Cyrus may not have believed
various construction projects. in Israel’s God, he is praised in the
Bible for his role in God’s plan.
The Reign and Captivity
of Jehoiachin 17Therefore He brought against them
9Jehoiachin was eighta years old when he the king of the Chaldeans, who killed
became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem their young men with the sword in the
three months and ten days. And he did evil house of their sanctuary, and had no
in the sight of the Lord. 10At the turn of compassion on young man or virgin, on
the year King Nebuchadnezzar summoned 36:4 aLiterally his bMasoretic Text reads
him and took him to Babylon, with the Joahaz. 36:9 aSome Hebrew manuscripts,
costly articles from the house of the Lord, Septuagint, Syriac, and 2 Kings 24:8 read
and made Zedekiah, Jehoiakim’s a brother, eighteen. 36:10 aLiterally his (compare 2 Kings
king over Judah and Jerusalem. 24:17)
14-2 Chronicles.indd 552 2/14/12 11:56 AM
553 2 CHRONICLES 36:23
the aged or the weak; He gave them all The Proclamation of Cyrus
into his hand. 18And all the articles from 22Now in the first year of Cyrus king of
the house of God, great and small, the
Persia, that the word of the Lord by the
treasures of the house of the Lord, and
the treasures of the king and of his lead- mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the
ers, all these he took to Babylon. 19Then Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king
they burned the house of God, broke of Persia, so that he made a proclamation
down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all throughout all his kingdom, and also put it
its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its in writing, saying,
precious possessions. 20And those who
23Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
escaped from the sword he carried away
to Babylon, where they became servants All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord
to him and his sons until the rule of the God of heaven has given me. And He
kingdom of Persia, 21to fulfill the word of has commanded me to build Him a
the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, un- house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.
til the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As Who is among you of all His people?
long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, May the Lord his God be with him,
to fulfill seventy years. and let him go up!
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Ezra
Date of writing: 457–444 B.C.
Author: Probably Ezra
Theme: The Exiles Return to Jerusalem and Begin
Restoring the Temple
Purpose: God keeps the promises He makes to
Israel, and He keeps His promises to us.
Outline
1:1—2:70 �������������The Jews Return Home from Exile
3:1—4:5 ���������������The Altar Is Rebuilt, and Work on the Temple
Begins
4:6–24 ������������������Later Trouble Rebuilding Jerusalem
5:1—6:22 �������������The Temple Is Rebuilt
7:1—8:36 �������������Ezra Leads Many Jews Back to Jerusalem
9:1—10:44 �����������Ezra Forces Men to Divorce Their Gentile Wives
Key Verse:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the
Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in
Israel (Ezra 7:10).
15-Ezra.indd 554 2/14/12 11:56 AM
Then /// Imagine . . . seventy years ago your parents and grand
parents were dragged away from their homeland and resettled into a new
country. You were born there, grew up and raised your kids there. Now your
kids are grown and you’ve got grandchildren there. One day, you get the news that a new
king has taken over and he has offered you the opportunity to move back to the land your
parents left behind. You can move back home.
Home?
That was the dilemma that Ezra and his people faced in Babylon. Only a few of them
made the choice to actually return to their hometown, Jerusalem. When they did, they
found their city in ruins. All they could do was start over. They started rebuilding the tem
ple. They started rebuilding their homes. They started figuring out their cultural heritage.
Ezra returned to Jerusalem after the temple was rebuilt but before the people had re
newed their relationship with God. He helped them see that the condition of the place of
worship is important, but not as important as the condition of the hearts of the worship
ers.
Now /// God’s faithfulness provides the light that illuminates the
true story of the Book of Ezra. God had promised that even though great
destruction was coming to Jerusalem, one day great restoration would
come as well. In Ezra we see the fulfillment of that promise. God brought His people
home, and He was still their God.
We serve that same God today. He still keeps His promises. He will always restore His
people when they come back to Him, just like He did in Ezra’s day, and just like He does for
us.
Reality Check /// Restoring the temple was one of the biggest
tasks facing the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem. If you look back
through the history of the Hebrews, you’ll see that the way they treated the
temple almost always ran parallel with the respect they had for God. In the days before
their exile to Babylon, getting the temple back in shape after one of their irreligious
“benders” wasn’t as big of a deal. But by the time Ezra returned to Jerusalem, the temple
wasn’t just in disrepair—it had been destroyed! This mirrored the faith of Ezra’s people;
their faith had also been in disrepair, and even destroyed, and it broke his heart.
So when the people of Israel set about to rebuild the temple, they were also setting
about to restore their faith in and their relationship with God.
This can give us hope for the times when our spiritual lives seem to be in shambles. We
can rebuild our faith and our relationship with God because He is forever faithful. When
we return to Him, He will heal and restore us.
End of the Babylonian house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.
Captivity 3Who is among you of all His people?
May his God be with him, and let him
1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king
of Persia, that the word of the Lord go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah,
by the mouth of Jeremiah might be and build the house of the Lord
God of Israel (He is God), which is in
fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of
Jerusalem. 4And whoever is left in any
Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a
place where he dwells, let the men of
proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
his place help him with silver and gold,
and also put it in writing, saying,
with goods and livestock, besides the
freewill offerings for the house of God
2Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: which is in Jerusalem.
All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord
God of heaven has given me. And He 5Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of
has commanded me to build Him a Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and
15-Ezra.indd 555 2/14/12 11:56 AM
EZRA 1:6 556
the Levites, with all whose spirits God had
moved, arose to go up and build the house Ezra 2:1
of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. 6And all From 597 to 586 B.C., King Nebuchad
those who were around them encouraged nezzar of Babylon was a royal pain
them with articles of silver and gold, with to the people of Judah and its capital
goods and livestock, and with precious city of Jerusalem. The Babylonian king
things, besides all that was willingly of led several attacks on the region. He
fered. looted and burned the temple, after
stealing most of the treasures and fur
nishings inside. For an encore, he took
Ezra 1:2, 3 thousands of Jewish people captive.
King Cyrus was killed in battle around
530 B.C. after a pretty successful
two; 4the people of Shephatiah, three hun
career as ruler of Persia. Among the
dred and seventy-two; 5the people of Arah,
accomplishments that might have
been included in his obituary was his seven hundred and seventy-five; 6the peo
conquering of the Medes, the Lydians, ple of Pahath-Moab, of the people of Jeshua
and the Babylonians. Unlike other and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and
ancient kings, Cyrus allowed the twelve; 7the people of Elam, one thousand
people he defeated to worship their two hundred and fifty-four; 8the people of
own gods. Zattu, nine hundred and forty-five; 9the
people of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty;
10the people of Bani,a six hundred and forty-
7King Cyrus also brought out the articles two; 11the people of Bebai, six hundred and
of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchad twenty-three; 12the people of Azgad, one
nezzar had taken from Jerusalem and put thousand two hundred and twenty- two;
13the people of Adonikam, six hundred and
in the temple of his gods; 8and Cyrus king
of Persia brought them out by the hand sixty-six; 14the people of Bigvai, two thou
of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted sand and fifty-six; 15the people of Adin,
them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Ju four hundred and fifty-four; 16the people
dah. 9This is the number of them: thirty of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety- eight; 17the
gold platters, one thousand silver platters, people of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-
twenty-nine knives, 10thirty gold basins, three; 18the people of Jorah,a one hundred
four hundred and ten silver basins of a sim and twelve; 19the people of Hashum, two
ilar kind, and one thousand other articles. hundred and twenty-three; 20the people of
11All the articles of gold and silver were five Gibbar,a ninety-five; 21the people of Bethle
thousand four hundred. All these Shesh hem, one hundred and twenty-three; 22the
bazzar took with the captives who were men of Netophah, fifty-six; 23the men of
brought from Babylon to Jerusalem. Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;
24the people of Azmaveth,a forty-two; 25the
The Captives Who Returned people of Kirjath Arim,a Chephirah, and
to Jerusalem Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;
2
26the people of Ramah and Geba, six hun
Nowa these are the people of the
province who came back from the dred and twenty-one; 27the men of Mich
captivity, of those who had been car mas, one hundred and twenty-two; 28the
ried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred and
of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, twenty-three; 29the people of Nebo, fifty-
and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, 2:1 aCompare this chapter with Nehemiah
everyone to his own city. 7:6–73. 2:2 aSpelled Mispereth in Nehemiah 7:7
2Those who came with Zerubbabel were
bSpelled Nehum in Nehemiah 7:7 2:10 aSpelled
Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mor Binnui in Nehemiah 7:15 2:18 aCalled
decai, Bilshan, Mispar,a Bigvai, Rehum,b Hariph in Nehemiah 7:24 2:20 aCalled
and Baanah. The number of the men of Gibeon in Nehemiah 7:25 2:24 aCalled Beth
the people of Israel: 3the people of Parosh, Azmaveth in Nehemiah 7:28 2:25 aCalled
two thousand one hundred and seventy- Kirjath Jearim in Nehemiah 7:29
15-Ezra.indd 556 2/14/12 11:56 AM
557 EZRA 2:69
two; 30the people of Magbish, one hundred Addan,a and Immer; but they could
and fifty-six; 31the people of the other Elam, not identify their father’s house or their
one thousand two hundred and fifty-four; genealogy,b whether they were of Israel:
32the people of Harim, three hundred and 60the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah,
twenty; 33the people of Lod, Hadid, and and the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and
Ono, seven hundred and twenty-five; 34the fifty-two; 61and of the sons of the priests:
people of Jericho, three hundred and forty- the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Koz,a and
five; 35the people of Senaah, three thousand the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the
six hundred and thirty. daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and
36The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of was called by their name. 62These sought
the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and their listing among those who were reg
seventy-three; 37the sons of Immer, one istered by genealogy, but they were not
thousand and fifty-two; 38the sons of Pash found; therefore they were excluded from
hur, one thousand two hundred and forty- the priesthood as defiled. 63And the gover
seven; 39the sons of Harim, one thousand nora said to them that they should not eat
and seventeen. of the most holy things till a priest could
40The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and consult with the Urim and Thummim.
Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah,a seventy-
four.
41The singers: the sons of Asaph, one Ezra 2:59–63
hundred and twenty-eight. Because God had chosen the tribe of
42The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons Levi to be priests and because ancient
of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Tal priests had no need for real estate,
mon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the Levites were not able to inherit
and the sons of Shobai, one hundred and land like the other tribes. Instead,
thirty-nine in all. they were supported by the gifts they
43The Nethinim: the sons of Ziha, received at the temple.
the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tab
baoth, 44the sons of Keros, the sons of
64The whole assembly together was forty-
Siaha,a the sons of Padon, 45the sons of Le
banah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Ak two thousand three hundred and sixty,
65besides their male and female servants,
kub, 46the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shal
mai, the sons of Hanan, 47the sons of Giddel, of whom there were seven thousand three
the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah, 48the hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two
sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons hundred men and women singers. 66Their
of Gazzam, 49the sons of Uzza, the sons horses were seven hundred and thirty-six,
of Paseah, the sons of Besai, 50the sons of their mules two hundred and forty- five,
67their camels four hundred and thirty-five,
Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of
Nephusim,a 51the sons of Bakbuk, the sons and their donkeys six thousand seven hun
of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur, 52the sons dred and twenty.
68Some of the heads of the fathers’
of Bazluth,a the sons of Mehida, the sons of
Harsha, 53the sons of Barkos, the sons of houses, when they came to the house of the
Sisera, the sons of Tamah, 54the sons of Ne Lord which is in Jerusalem, offered freely
ziah, and the sons of Hatipha. for the house of God, to erect it in its place:
55The sons of Sol 69According to their ability, they gave to the
omon’s servants: the
sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the treasury for the work sixty-one thousand
sons of Peruda,a 56the sons of Jaala, the sons
2:40 aSpelled Hodevah in Nehemiah 7:43
of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, 57the sons of 2:44 aSpelled Sia in Nehemiah 7:47
Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of 2:50 aSpelled Nephishesim in Nehemiah 7:52
Pochereth of Zebaim, and the sons of Ami.a 2:52 aSpelled Bazlith in Nehemiah 7:54
58All the Nethinim and the children of Sol
2:55 aSpelled Perida in Nehemiah 7:57
omon’s servants were three hundred and 2:57 aSpelled Amon in Nehemiah 7:59
ninety-two. 2:59 aSpelled Addon in Nehemiah 7:61
59And these were the ones who came bLiterally seed 2:61 aOr Hakkoz 2:63 aHebrew
up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Tirshatha
15-Ezra.indd 557 2/14/12 11:56 AM
EZRA 2:70 558
gold drachmas, five thousand minas of sil the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar
ver, and one hundred priestly garments. logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, ac
70So the priests and the Levites, some of cording to the permission which they had
the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, from Cyrus king of Persia.
and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and
all Israel in their cities. Restoration of the Temple
Begins
8Now in the second month of the second
Ezra 3:7 year of their coming to the house of God at
Lebanon was famous for its large, Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
beautiful cedar trees. The wood Jeshua the son of Jozadak,a and the rest of
from these trees was used to build their brethren the priests and the Levites,
everything from palaces and ships and all those who had come out of the
to coffins and musical instruments. captivity to Jerusalem, began work and ap
Tyre and Sidon were Mediterranean pointed the Levites from twenty years old
port cities in Lebanon. After being cut and above to oversee the work of the house
down, the trees probably were taken of the Lord. 9Then Jeshua with his sons
to Tyre and Sidon, loaded onto rafts, and brothers, Kadmiel with his sons, and
and floated to Joppa. From there, they the sons of Judah,a arose as one to oversee
probably were hauled across land those working on the house of God: the
for the remaining thirty-five miles to sons of Henadad with their sons and their
Jerusalem. brethren the Levites.
10When the builders laid the founda
tion of the temple of the Lord, the priests
Worship Restored at stooda in their apparel with trumpets, and
Jerusalem the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cym
3
And when the seventh month had bals, to praise the Lord, according to the
come, and the children of Israel were ordinance of David king of Israel. 11And
in the cities, the people gathered they sang responsively, praising and giving
together as one man to Jerusalem. 2Then thanks to the Lord:
Jeshua the son of Jozadaka and his breth
ren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of “ For He is good,
Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built For His mercy endures forever toward
the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt Israel.”a
offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of
Moses the man of God. 3Though fear had Then all the people shouted with a great
come upon them because of the people of shout, when they praised the Lord, be
those countries, they set the altar on its cause the foundation of the house of the
bases; and they offered burnt offerings on Lord was laid.
it to the Lord, both the morning and eve
ning burnt offerings. 4They also kept the Mercy
Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and of-
How long does God’s mercy
fered the daily burnt offerings in the num
ber required by ordinance for each day. last?
5Afterwards they offered the regular burnt Ezra 3:11
offering, and those for New Moons and for
all the appointed feasts of the Lord that 12But many of the priests and Levites
were consecrated, and those of everyone
who willingly offered a freewill offering to and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men
the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh 3:2 aSpelled Jehozadak in 1 Chronicles 6:14
month they began to offer burnt offerings 3:8 aSpelled Jehozadak in 1 Chronicles 6:14
to the Lord, although the foundation of 3:9 aOr Hodaviah (compare 2:40)
the temple of the Lord had not been laid. 3:10 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate;
7They also gave money to the masons and Masoretic Text reads they stationed the priests.
the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to 3:11 aCompare Psalm 136:1
15-Ezra.indd 558 2/14/12 11:56 AM
559 EZRA 4:6
Making It Real //
Ezra 3:11
God Is Good “Good” can be a fleeting thing for us. Some days we think we have it,
and sometimes it’s hard to hold on to. A misunderstanding can turn really good friends
into enemies overnight. We can have a good attitude toward one person and be totally
rude to the next. Your favorite ice cream may taste really good, but after six scoops, it’s
gross. People can even get so confused that they believe that wrong and sinful things are
good—like drugs, premarital sex, and pornography.
But God is nothing like we are—He doesn’t change His mind, He never misunder
stands, and He never loses His goodness. He is all good, all the time. You can’t get too
much of His goodness. Let these words about God’s goodness remind you that every
thing He does is to help you, never to hurt you. If you find it hard to hold on to good
things, grab hold of God—and He’ll never let go of you. (See also: 2 Sam. 7:28; Ps. 31:19;
100:5.)
Words to Live By
Endures: The Hebrew word for “endures” is amad (aw-mad’). It means “to take a
stand and refuse to be moved.” To endure is to remain constant and never end. How in
credible is it that God’s mercy toward us is never ending. God has taken a stand on our
behalf and refuses to be moved from our side.
who had seen the first temple, wept with the people of Judah. They troubled them
a loud voice when the foundation of this in building, 5and hired counselors against
temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many them to frustrate their purpose all the days
shouted aloud for joy, 13so that the people of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign
could not discern the noise of the shout of Darius king of Persia.
of joy from the noise of the weeping of the
people, for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the sound was heard afar off. Ezra 4:2
When the northern kingdom of Israel
Resistance to Rebuilding was conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C.,
the Temple many Israelites were taken captive. At
4
Now when the adversaries of Ju the same time, foreigners from many
dah and Benjamin heard that the different regions were brought to live
descendants of the captivity were in Israel. The Israelites who remained
building the temple of the Lord God of in the land began to mingle with their
Israel, 2they came to Zerubbabel and the new neighbors, eventually marrying
them and adopting their idol worship.
heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to
As a result, they were no longer a
them, “Let us build with you, for we seek
distinct people—either physically or
your God as you do; and we have sacri
spiritually.
ficed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon
king of Assyria, who brought us here.” 3But
Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the
heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel said to Rebuilding of Jerusalem
Opposed
them, “You may do nothing with us to build
a house for our God; but we alone will build 6In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the begin
to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the ning of his reign, they wrote an accusation
king of Persia has commanded us.” 4Then against the inhabitants of Judah and
the people of the land tried to discourage Jerusalem.
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EZRA 4:7 560
city is built and the walls completed,
Ezra 4:8–10 they will not pay tax, tribute, or
The Assyrians were particularly custom, and the king’s treasury will
good at the non-violent prevention be diminished. 14Now because we
of rebellion in the territories they receive support from the palace, it
conquered. They accomplished this by was not proper for us to see the king’s
deporting most of the native citizens dishonor; therefore we have sent and
of the region and bringing in foreign informed the king, 15that search may
ers from several other countries. By be made in the book of the records of
maintaining an even mixture of ethnic your fathers. And you will find in the
groups, the Assyrians prevented any book of the records and know that
one group from becoming powerful this city is a rebellious city, harmful
enough to revolt. As it turned out, to kings and provinces, and that they
Osnapper (who reigned from 669 to have incited sedition within the city in
627 B.C.) was the last powerful king former times, for which cause this city
of Assyria. was destroyed.
16We inform the king that if this city is
7In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, rebuilt and its walls are completed,
Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their the result will be that you will have no
companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of dominion beyond the River.
Persia; and the letter was written in Ara
maic script, and translated into the Ara 17The king sent an answer:
maic language. 8Rehuma the commander
and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter To Rehum the commander, to
against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes in Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
this fashion: companions who dwell in Samaria,
and to the remainder beyond the
9Froma Rehum the commander, River:
Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of
their companions—representatives Peace, and so forth.a
of the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites,
18The letter which you sent to us has
the Tarpelites, the people of Persia
and Erech and Babylon and Shushan,b been clearly read before me. 19And
the Dehavites, the Elamites, 10and the I gave the command, and a search
rest of the nations whom the great has been made, and it was found
and noble Osnapper took captive and that this city in former times has
settled in the cities of Samaria and the revolted against kings, and rebellion
remainder beyond the Rivera—and so and sedition have been fostered in it.
20There have also been mighty kings
forth.b
over Jerusalem, who have ruled over
11(This is a copy of the letter that they all the region beyond the River; and
sent him) tax, tribute, and custom were paid
to them. 21Now give the command to
To King Artaxerxes from your make these men cease, that this city
may not be built until the command is
servants, the men of the region beyond
given by me.
the River, and so forth:a
22Take heed now that you do not fail to
12Let it be known to the king that
do this. Why should damage increase
the Jews who came up from you
to the hurt of the kings?
have come to us at Jerusalem, and
are building the rebellious and evil 4:8 aThe original language of Ezra 4:8 through
city, and are finishing its walls and 6:18 is Aramaic. 4:9 aLiterally Then bOr Susa
repairing the foundations. 13Let it 4:10 aThat is, the Euphrates bLiterally and now
now be known to the king that, if this 4:11 aLiterally and now 4:17 aLiterally and now
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561 EZRA 5:17
23Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ and this work goes on diligently and
letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the prospers in their hands.
scribe, and their companions, they went up
in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and 9Then we asked those elders, and spoke
by force of arms made them cease. 24Thus thus to them: “Who commanded you
the work of the house of God which is at to build this temple and to finish these
Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued walls?” 10We also asked them their
until the second year of the reign of Darius names to inform you, that we might
king of Persia. write the names of the men who were
chief among them.
Restoration of the Temple
Resumed 11And thus they returned us an answer,
5
Then the prophet Haggai and Zech saying: “We are the servants of the
ariah the son of Iddo, prophets, God of heaven and earth, and we are
prophesied to the Jews who were rebuilding the temple that was built
in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of many years ago, which a great king
the God of Israel, who was over them. 2So of Israel built and completed. 12But
Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua because our fathers provoked the God
the son of Jozadaka rose up and began to of heaven to wrath, He gave them into
build the house of God which is in Jeru the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of
salem; and the prophets of God were with Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed
them, helping them. this temple and carried the people
3At the same time Tattenai the governor away to Babylon. 13However, in the
of the region beyond the Rivera and Shethar- first year of Cyrus king of Babylon,
Boznai and their companions came to King Cyrus issued a decree to build
them and spoke thus to them: “Who has this house of God. 14Also, the gold
commanded you to build this temple and and silver articles of the house of
finish this wall?” 4Then, accordingly, we God, which Nebuchadnezzar had
told them the names of the men who were taken from the temple that was in
constructing this building. 5But the eye of Jerusalem and carried into the temple
their God was upon the elders of the Jews, of Babylon—those King Cyrus took
so that they could not make them cease till from the temple of Babylon, and they
a report could go to Darius. Then a written were given to one named Sheshbazzar,
answer was returned concerning this mat- whom he had made governor. 15And
ter. 6This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai he said to him, ‘Take these articles; go,
sent: carry them to the temple site that is
in Jerusalem, and let the house of God
The governor of the region beyond the be rebuilt on its former site.’ 16Then
River, and Shethar-Boznai, and his the same Sheshbazzar came and laid
companions, the Persians who were in the foundation of the house of God
the region beyond the River, to Darius which is in Jerusalem; but from that
the king. time even until now it has been under
construction, and it is not finished.”
7(They sent a letter to him, in which was
written thus) 17Now therefore, if it seems good to
the king, let a search be made in the
To Darius the king: king’s treasure house, which is there in
Babylon, whether it is so that a decree
All peace. was issued by King Cyrus to build this
house of God at Jerusalem, and let the
8Let it be known to the king that we
king send us his pleasure concerning
went into the province of Judea, to this matter.
the temple of the great God, which
is being built with heavy stones, 5:2 aSpelled Jehozadak in 1 Chronicles 6:14
and timber is being laid in the walls; 5:3 aThat is, the Euphrates
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EZRA 6:1 562
The Decree of Darius 11Also I issue a decree that whoever
alters this edict, let a timber be pulled
6
Then King Darius issued a de
cree, and a search was made in the from his house and erected, and let
archives,a where the treasures were him be hanged on it; and let his house
stored in Babylon. 2And at Achmetha,a in be made a refuse heap because of
the palace that is in the province of Media, this. 12And may the God who causes
a scroll was found, and in it a record was His name to dwell there destroy any
written thus: king or people who put their hand to
alter it, or to destroy this house of God
3In the first year of King Cyrus, King which is in Jerusalem. I Darius issue a
Cyrus issued a decree concerning the decree; let it be done diligently.
house of God at Jerusalem: “Let the
house be rebuilt, the place where
they offered sacrifices; and let the Ezra 6:15
foundations of it be firmly laid, its The new temple was completed in 516
height sixty cubits and its width B.C., seventy years after Nebuchad
sixty cubits, 4with three rows of heavy nezzar had destroyed the original.
stones and one row of new timber. Let Cyrus had given the okay to rebuild
the expenses be paid from the king’s the temple in 539 B.C., but the con
treasury. 5Also let the gold and silver struction was delayed for fifteen years
articles of the house of God, which by the Samaritans, who opposed the
Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple rebuilding project. The new temple
which is in Jerusalem and brought to was much smaller and less impressive
Babylon, be restored and taken back than the original. What’s more, many
to the temple which is in Jerusalem, of the original furnishings, including
each to its place; and deposit them in the ark of the covenant, were never
the house of God”— found.
6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor
of the region beyond the River, and The Temple Completed
Shethar-Boznai, and your companions and Dedicated
the Persians who are beyond the River, 13Then Tattenai, governor of the region be
keep yourselves far from there. 7Let yond the River, Shethar-Boznai, and their
the work of this house of God alone; companions diligently did according to
let the governor of the Jews and the what King Darius had sent. 14So the elders of
elders of the Jews build this house of the Jews built, and they prospered through
God on its site. the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and
Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built
8Moreover I issue a decree as to what
and finished it, according to the command
you shall do for the elders of these ment of the God of Israel, and according to
Jews, for the building of this house the command of Cyrus, Darius, and Arta
of God: Let the cost be paid at the xerxes king of Persia. 15Now the temple was
king’s expense from taxes on the region finished on the third day of the month of
beyond the River; this is to be given Adar, which was in the sixth year of the
immediately to these men, so that they reign of King Darius. 16Then the children
are not hindered. 9And whatever they of Israel, the priests and the Levites and
need—young bulls, rams, and lambs the rest of the descendants of the captivity,
for the burnt offerings of the God of celebrated the dedication of this house of
heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, God with joy. 17And they offered sacrifices
according to the request of the priests at the dedication of this house of God, one
who are in Jerusalem—let it be given hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four
them day by day without fail, 10that hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all
they may offer sacrifices of sweet
aroma to the God of heaven, and pray 6:1 aLiterally house of the scrolls
6:2 aProbably
for the life of the king and his sons. Ecbatana, the ancient capital of Media
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563 EZRA 7:17
Israel twelve male goats, according to the the Lord God of Israel had given. The king
number of the tribes of Israel. 18They as granted him all his request, according to
signed the priests to their divisions and the the hand of the Lord his God upon him.
Levites to their divisions, over the service 7Some of the children of Israel, the priests,
of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers,
Book of Moses. and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in
the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. 8And
The Passover Celebrated Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month,
19And the descendants of the captivity kept
which was in the seventh year of the king.
9On the first day of the first month he be
the Passover on the fourteenth day of the gan his journey from Babylon, and on the
first month. 20For the priests and the Le first day of the fifth month he came to Je
vites had purified themselves; all of them rusalem, according to the good hand of his
were ritually clean. And they slaughtered God upon him. 10For Ezra had prepared his
the Passover lambs for all the descen heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to
dants of the captivity, for their brethren do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances
the priests, and for themselves. 21Then the in Israel.
children of Israel who had returned from
the captivity ate together with all who The Letter of Artaxerxes
had separated themselves from the filth to Ezra
of the nations of the land in order to seek
the Lord God of Israel. 22And they kept
11This is a copy of the letter that King Ar
the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days taxerxes gave Ezra the priest, the scribe,
with joy; for the Lord made them joyful, expert in the words of the commandments
and turned the heart of the king of Assyria of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel:
toward them, to strengthen their hands in
12Artaxerxes,a king of kings,
the work of the house of God, the God of
Israel.
To Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law
of the God of heaven:
Ezra 7:1–6
The fact that Ezra was able to trace his Perfect peace, and so forth.b
family tree back to Aaron, the brother
13I issue a decree that all those of the
of Moses and the first high priest,
gave him authority in the eyes of the people of Israel and the priests and
Israelites. Genealogies were extremely Levites in my realm, who volunteer
important in ancient Israel. As far as to go up to Jerusalem, may go with
the Israelites were concerned, Ezra’s you. 14And whereas you are being sent
family background gave him the right by the king and his seven counselors
to teach and preach the Law of Moses. to inquire concerning Judah and
Jerusalem, with regard to the Law
of your God which is in your hand;
15and whereas you are to carry the
The Arrival of Ezra
silver and gold which the king and
7
Now after these things, in the reign his counselors have freely offered to
of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in
son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, Jerusalem; 16and whereas all the silver
the son of Hilkiah, 2the son of Shallum, the and gold that you may find in all the
son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3the son province of Babylon, along with the
of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of freewill offering of the people and
Meraioth, 4the son of Zerahiah, the son of the priests, are to be freely offered for
Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5the son of Abishua, the house of their God in Jerusalem—
the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, 17now therefore, be careful to buy with
the son of Aaron the chief priest—6this
Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a 7:12 aThe original language of Ezra 7:12–26 is
skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which Aramaic. bLiterally and now
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EZRA 7:18 564
this money bulls, rams, and lambs, the king’s heart, to beautify the house of
with their grain offerings and their the Lord which is in Jerusalem, 28and has
drink offerings, and offer them on extended mercy to me before the king and
the altar of the house of your God in his counselors, and before all the king’s
Jerusalem. mighty princes.
So I was encouraged, as the hand of the
18And whatever seems good to you and Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered
your brethren to do with the rest of the leading men of Israel to go up with me.
silver and the gold, do it according to
the will of your God. 19Also the articles Heads of Families Who
that are given to you for the service of Returned with Ezra
8
the house of your God, deliver in full These are the heads of their fathers’
before the God of Jerusalem. 20And houses, and this is the genealogy of
whatever more may be needed for the those who went up with me from
house of your God, which you may Babylon, in the reign of King Artaxerxes: 2of
have occasion to provide, pay for it the sons of Phinehas, Gershom; of the sons
from the king’s treasury. of Ithamar, Daniel; of the sons of David,
Hattush; 3of the sons of Shecaniah, of the
21And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king,
sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and registered
issue a decree to all the treasurers with him were one hundred and fifty males;
who are in the region beyond the 4of the sons of Pahath- Moab, Eliehoenai
River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hun
the scribe of the Law of the God of dred males; 5of the sons of Shechaniah,a
heaven, may require of you, let it be Ben-Jahaziel, and with him three hundred
done diligently, 22up to one hundred males; 6of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of
talents of silver, one hundred kors of Jonathan, and with him fifty males; 7of the
wheat, one hundred baths of wine, sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah,
one hundred baths of oil, and salt and with him seventy males; 8of the sons of
without prescribed limit. 23Whatever Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael,
is commanded by the God of heaven, and with him eighty males; 9of the sons of
let it diligently be done for the house Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with
of the God of heaven. For why should him two hundred and eighteen males; 10of
there be wrath against the realm of the the sons of Shelomith,a Ben-Josiphiah, and
king and his sons? with him one hundred and sixty males; 11of
the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of
24Also we inform you that it shall not
Bebai, and with him twenty-eight males;
be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or 12of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son
custom on any of the priests, Levites, of Hakkatan, and with him one hundred
singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or and ten males; 13of the last sons of Adoni
servants of this house of God. 25And kam, whose names are these—Eliphelet,
you, Ezra, according to your God- Jeiel, and Shemaiah—and with them sixty
given wisdom, set magistrates and males; 14also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai
judges who may judge all the people and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.
who are in the region beyond the River,
all such as know the laws of your God; Servants for the Temple
and teach those who do not know 15Now I gathered them by the river that
them. 26Whoever will not observe
flows to Ahava, and we camped there three
the law of your God and the law of
days. And I looked among the people and
the king, let judgment be executed
the priests, and found none of the sons of
speedily on him, whether it be death,
Levi there. 16Then I sent for Eliezer, Ariel,
or banishment, or confiscation of
goods, or imprisonment. 8:5 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
Septuagint reads the sons of Zatho, Shechaniah.
27Blessed be the Lord God of our fa 8:10 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
thers, who has put such a thing as this in Septuagint reads the sons of Banni, Shelomith.
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565 EZRA 8:26
Promise
God promises to take care of those who
truly seek Him.
“The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him,
but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake
Him” (Ezra 8:22b).
Are you a genuine seeker? When you’re with other people who are worshiping
the Lord, where is your heart? In other words, do you worship when you worship?
Is your mind participating in the things that are being said? Or are you just
pretending: eyes closed, mind wandering? Bible open, words blurry? Singing songs
because you know them, not because you mean them? Don’t answer these
questions out loud, and don’t start feeling guilty if you know that all the answers are
yes in your life. God already knows the condition of your heart.
The point is that God takes care of everyone who truly worships Him. Do you
long to be cared for by God? Then worship Him from your heart. Even if you don’t
feel super-spiritual, tell Him what you think and how you feel. Think about how
awesome He is, and then tell Him about it. When you sing a song, really pay
attention to the words and sing them as if you believe them. Talk to God consis
tently. Read the Bible so you can get to know God better.
The more real He is to you, the more true your worship will be. Don’t be lazy or
distracted. No one can take care of you the way God can. Just be a genuine seeker.
See for yourself// Jeremiah 29:13; John 4:23, 24
Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Na way for us and our little ones and all our
than, Zechariah, and Meshullam, leaders; possessions. 22For I was ashamed to re
also for Joiarib and Elnathan, men of quest of the king an escort of soldiers and
understanding. 17And I gave them a com horsemen to help us against the enemy on
mand for Iddo the chief man at the place the road, because we had spoken to the
Casiphia, and I told them what they should king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon
say to Iddo and his brethrena the Nethinim all those for good who seek Him, but His
at the place Casiphia—that they should power and His wrath are against all those
bring us servants for the house of our God. who forsake Him.” 23So we fasted and en
18Then, by the good hand of our God upon treated our God for this, and He answered
us, they brought us a man of understand our prayer.
ing, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi,
the son of Israel, namely Sherebiah, with Gifts for the Temple
his sons and brothers, eighteen men; 19and
24And I separated twelve of the leaders of
Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the
sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, the priests— Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and
twenty men; 20also of the Nethinim, whom ten of their brethren with them—25and
David and the leaders had appointed for weighed out to them the silver, the gold,
the service of the Levites, two hundred and and the articles, the offering for the house
twenty Nethinim. All of them were desig of our God which the king and his coun
nated by name. selors and his princes, and all Israel who
were present, had offered. 26I weighed
Fasting and Prayer into their hand six hundred and fifty tal
for Protection ents of silver, silver articles weighing one
21Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river
8:17 aFollowing Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads
of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves to Iddo his brother; Septuagint reads to their
before our God, to seek from Him the right brethren.
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EZRA 8:27 566
hundred talents, one hundred talents of the king’s satraps and the governors in the
gold, 27twenty gold basins worth a thou region beyond the River. So they gave sup
sand drachmas, and two vessels of fine port to the people and the house of God.
polished bronze, precious as gold. 28And I
said to them, “You are holy to the Lord; the Intermarriage with Pagans
9
articles are holy also; and the silver and the When these things were done, the
gold are a freewill offering to the Lord God leaders came to me, saying, “The
of your fathers. 29Watch and keep them un people of Israel and the priests and
til you weigh them before the leaders of the the Levites have not separated themselves
priests and the Levites and heads of the fa from the peoples of the lands, with respect
thers’ houses of Israel in Jerusalem, in the to the abominations of the Canaanites, the
chambers of the house of the Lord.” 30So Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the
the priests and the Levites received the sil Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians,
ver and the gold and the articles by weight, and the Amorites. 2For they have taken
to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of some of their daughters as wives for them
our God. selves and their sons, so that the holy seed
is mixed with the peoples of those lands. In
The Return to Jerusalem deed, the hand of the leaders and rulers has
31Then we departed from the river of Ahava been foremost in this trespass.” 3So when I
on the twelfth day of the first month, to go heard this thing, I tore my garment and my
to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God robe, and plucked out some of the hair of
was upon us, and He delivered us from the my head and beard, and sat down aston
hand of the enemy and from ambush along ished. 4Then everyone who trembled at the
the road. 32So we came to Jerusalem, and words of the God of Israel assembled to me,
stayed there three days. because of the transgression of those who
had been carried away captive, and I sat as
tonished until the evening sacrifice.
Ezra 8:31–35
Most of the tribes of Israel were not Leadership
able to return to Jerusalem after the
northern kingdom was conquered in Can leaders’ morals affect
722 B.C. The two tribes that were able their people?
to make the trip back were Judah and Ezra 9:2
Benjamin, who offered sacrifices on
behalf of the missing tribes.
Sin
33Now on the fourth day the silver and What should be our attitude
the gold and the articles were weighed in when we realize we’ve
the house of our God by the hand of Mer sinned?
emoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with Ezra 9:6
him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; with
them were the Levites, Jozabad the son
of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui, 5At the evening sacrifice I arose from my
34with the number and weight of every fasting; and having torn my garment and
thing. All the weight was written down at my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out
that time. my hands to the Lord my God. 6And I said:
35The children of those who had been “O my God, I am too ashamed and humili
carried away captive, who had come from ated to lift up my face to You, my God; for
the captivity, offered burnt offerings to our iniquities have risen higher than our
the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, heads, and our guilt has grown up to the
ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and heavens. 7Since the days of our fathers
twelve male goats as a sin offering. All this to this day we have been very guilty, and
was a burnt offering to the Lord. for our iniquities we, our kings, and our
36And they delivered the king’s orders to priests have been delivered into the hand
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567 EZRA 10:9
of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to God, and have taken pagan wives from the
captivity, to plunder, and to humiliation, peoples of the land; yet now there is hope
as it is this day. 8And now for a little while in Israel in spite of this. 3Now therefore, let
grace has been shown from the Lord our us make a covenant with our God to put
God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and away all these wives and those who have
to give us a peg in His holy place, that our been born to them, according to the advice
God may enlighten our eyes and give us a of my master and of those who tremble at
measure of revival in our bondage. 9For we the commandment of our God; and let it be
were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us done according to the law. 4Arise, for this
in our bondage; but He extended mercy matter is your responsibility. We also are
to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to with you. Be of good courage, and do it.”
revive us, to repair the house of our God,
to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall
in Judah and Jerusalem. 10And now, O our Hope
God, what shall we say after this? For we Will God still love us even if
have forsaken Your commandments, we sin?
11which You commanded by Your servants
Ezra 10:2
the prophets, saying, ‘The land which you
are entering to possess is an unclean land,
with the uncleanness of the peoples of the
lands, with their abominations which have Ezra 10:2
filled it from one end to another with their “Peoples of the land” were not neces
impurity. 12Now therefore, do not give your sarily those of another race, but were
daughters as wives for their sons, nor take any who worshiped “foreign” gods—
their daughters to your sons; and never any persons who worshiped a deity
seek their peace or prosperity, that you or deities other than the Lord God of
may be strong and eat the good of the land, Israel.
and leave it as an inheritance to your chil
dren forever.’ 13And after all that has come
upon us for our evil deeds and for our great 5Then Ezra arose, and made the lead
guilt, since You our God have punished us ers of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel
less than our iniquities deserve, and have swear an oath that they would do accord
given us such deliverance as this, 14should ing to this word. So they swore an oath.
we again break Your commandments, and 6Then Ezra rose up from before the house
join in marriage with the people commit- of God, and went into the chamber of Je
ting these abominations? Would You not hohanan the son of Eliashib; and when he
be angry with us until You had consumed came there, he ate no bread and drank no
us, so that there would be no remnant or water, for he mourned because of the guilt
survivor? 15O Lord God of Israel, You are of those from the captivity.
righteous, for we are left as a remnant, as 7And they issued a proclamation
it is this day. Here we are before You, in our throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all
guilt, though no one can stand before You the descendants of the captivity, that they
because of this!” must gather at Jerusalem, 8and that who
ever would not come within three days,
Confession of Improper according to the instructions of the lead
Marriages ers and elders, all his property would be
10
Now while Ezra was praying, confiscated, and he himself would be sepa
and while he was confessing, rated from the assembly of those from the
weeping, and bowing down be captivity.
9So all the men of Judah and Benjamin
fore the house of God, a very large assem
bly of men, women, and children gathered gathered at Jerusalem within three days.
to him from Israel; for the people wept very It was the ninth month, on the twentieth
bitterly. 2And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, of the month; and all the people sat in the
one of the sons of Elam, spoke up and said open square of the house of God, trem
to Ezra, “We have trespassed against our bling because of this matter and because of
15-Ezra.indd 567 2/14/12 11:56 AM
EZRA 10:10 568
heavy rain. 10Then Ezra the priest stood up 20Also of the sons of Immer: Hanani
and said to them, “You have transgressed and Zebadiah; 21of the sons of Harim:
and have taken pagan wives, adding to the Maa seiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and
guilt of Israel. 11Now therefore, make con Uzziah; 22of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai,
fession to the Lord God of your fathers, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and
and do His will; separate yourselves from Elasah.
the peoples of the land, and from the pa 23Also of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei,
gan wives.” Kelaiah (the same is Kelita), Pethahiah, Ju
12Then all the assembly answered and
dah, and Eliezer.
said with a loud voice, “Yes! As you have 24Also of the singers: Eliashib; and of the
said, so we must do. 13But there are many gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri.
people; it is the season for heavy rain, and 25And others of Israel: of the sons of
we are not able to stand outside. Nor is this Parosh: Ramiah, Jeziah, Malchiah, Mij
the work of one or two days, for there are amin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah; 26of
many of us who have transgressed in this the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah,
matter. 14Please, let the leaders of our en Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Eliah; 27of the
tire assembly stand; and let all those in our sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah,
cities who have taken pagan wives come at Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza; 28of the sons
appointed times, together with the elders of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai,
and judges of their cities, until the fierce and Athlai; 29of the sons of Bani: Meshul
wrath of our God is turned away from us lam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and
in this matter.” 15Only Jonathan the son of Ramoth;a 30of the sons of Pahath- Moab:
Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah op Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Matta
posed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai niah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh; 31of
the Levite gave them support.
16Then the descendants of the captivity
the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah, Mal
chijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32Benjamin,
did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain
Malluch, and Shemariah; 33of the sons
heads of the fathers’ households, were set
of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad,
apart by the fathers’ households, each of
Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei;
them by name; and they sat down on the 34of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel,
first day of the tenth month to examine the 35Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluh,a 36Vaniah, Mer
matter. 17By the first day of the first month
they finished questioning all the men who emoth, Eliashib, 37Mattaniah, Mattenai,
had taken pagan wives. Jaasai,a 38Bani, Binnui, Shimei, 39Shelemiah,
Nathan, Adaiah, 40Machnadebai, Shashai,
Pagan Wives Put Away Sharai, 41Azarel, Shelemiah, Shem ariah,
42Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph; 43of the
18And among the sons of the priests who
sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Ze
had taken pagan wives the following were bina, Jaddai,a Joel, and Benaiah.
found of the sons of Jeshua the son of 44All these had taken pagan wives, and
Jozadak,a and his brothers: Maaseiah, some of them had wives by whom they had
Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. 19And they children.
gave their promise that they would put
away their wives; and being guilty, they pre- 10:18 aSpelled Jehozadak in 1 Chronicles 6:14
sented a ram of the flock as their trespass 10:29 aOr Jeremoth 10:35 aOr Cheluhi, or
offering. Cheluhu 10:37 aOr Jaasu 10:43 aOr Jaddu
15-Ezra.indd 568 2/14/12 11:56 AM
Nehemiah
Date of writing: 457–444 B.C.
Author: Likely Nehemiah
Theme: A Look at Godly Leadership, Cooperation,
and Opposition to Success
Purpose: Leaders with vision and courage can
set the direction of a society.
Outline
1:1—2:10 �������������King Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem
2:11—4:23 �����������Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem
5:1–19 ������������������Nehemiah’s Concern for the Poor
6:1—7:3 ���������������The Wall Is Finished, in Spite of Enemy Plots
7:4–73 ������������������Exiles Who Returned
8:1–18 ������������������Ezra Reads God’s Law to the People, and They
Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths)
9:1–37 ������������������The People Confess Their Sins
9:38—10:39 ��������The People Sign an Agreement to Obey the Lord
11:1–36 ����������������The People Who Settled in Jerusalem and Judah
12:1–26 ����������������Priests and Levites Who Returned from Exile
12:27–47 �������������Nehemiah Dedicates the City Wall
13:1–31 ����������������Changes Nehemiah Made
Key Verse:
So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God;
and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand
the reading (Nehemiah 8:8).
16-Nehemiah.indd 569 2/14/12 11:57 AM
Then /// Nehemiah was the administrative assistant and wine taster
for the king. That means one of his job responsibilities was to taste the
king’s wine to make sure it wasn’t poisoned.
Short of the possible poisoning scenario, Nehemiah really did have a lot of author-
ity and prestige in his position as a government official. He asked for a leave of absence,
though, to travel back home to Jerusalem. The temple was already rebuilt, but the city wall
was still in ruins. Nehemiah wanted to help. Amazingly enough, the king let him go.
The Book of Nehemiah is famous for its down-to-earth story about organization. Ne-
hemiah and his workers finished the wall in fifty-two days. That was a huge feat consider-
ing the wall encircled the entire city and was wide enough for the workmen to walk all the
way around the city on top of it. It was even more of a feat considering they had to do a lot
of the work with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other.
Now /// The completion of the walls around Jerusalem is not the
whole story of Nehemiah. As a leader, Nehemiah faced fierce opposition
from enemies that surrounded him. They tried to intimidate him and trick
him, but he continued to trust in God and never gave in. This shows us a strong picture of
godly leadership that we can follow today.
After the walls were built around Jerusalem, there was still more restoration to come.
The city of Jerusalem was repopulated, and the people continued to be restored to God.
He sent prophets and leaders to teach, motivate, and guide them toward righteousness.
In spite of all their mess-ups, mistakes, and unfaithfulness, God accomplished His will. He
does the same thing today. He calls godly leaders to teach, motivate, and guide us. In spite
of our mess-ups, He forgives and restores us. His faithfulness is sure and He will always
accomplish His will.
Reality Check /// Sometimes we think that God will use only
people whose job is in the church or in a foreign country as a missionary.
That’s not true at all. God uses people who have faith in Him, wherever
they are. Nehemiah is a great example of this. Nehemiah was a government official. God
did change Nehemiah’s place of operation from a palace to a city in the course of using
him, but He didn’t change him into a prophet or a priest.
Regardless the location of Nehemiah’s job, his gift was the gift of organization. God
used that gift for His glory whether Nehemiah was serving a king or serving His people.
Even if it doesn’t feel like you are in a place where you can accomplish much for God,
the truth is that He can use you and the specific gifts He’s given you regardless where
you are. Then, just like He did with Nehemiah, He will use you to bring about some pretty
amazing things for His glory.
Nehemiah Prays for His of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its
People gates are burned with fire.”
4So it was, when I heard these words,
1
The words of Nehemiah the son of
Hachaliah. that I sat down and wept, and mourned for
It came to pass in the month of many days; I was fasting and praying before
the God of heaven.
Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in 5And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven,
Shushana the citadel, 2that Hanani one of
O great and awesome God, You who keep
my brethren came with men from Judah;
Your covenant and mercy with those who
and I asked them concerning the Jews
love Youa and observe Yourb command-
who had escaped, who had survived the
ments, 6please let Your ear be attentive
captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3And
and Your eyes open, that You may hear the
they said to me, “The survivors who are left
prayer of Your servant which I pray before
from the captivity in the province are there
in great distress and reproach. The wall 1:1 aOr Susa
1:5 aLiterally Him
bLiterally His
16-Nehemiah.indd 570 2/14/12 11:57 AM
571 NEHEMIAH 2:2
Promise
God promises you can always return to
Him.
“Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your
servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you
among the nations; but if you return to Me, and keep My com-
mandments 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 bring them to the place which I have
chosen as a dwelling for My name’ ” (Neh. 1:8, 9).
So you haven’t spoken to God in a long time. Okay, a really long time. You made
this big commitment, told all your family and friends, started going to church, went
on a few retreats, sang around a campfire, and bought a Bible with your name on
it—the full deal. But then you never followed through. You put the Bible in a drawer,
slept in on Sundays, stopped talking to God, and eventually you just turned your
back and walked away.
It’s been a long time—months or even years. The yearning that drew you to God
is back, but even bigger, and now there’s guilt—the guilt that comes from meeting
the Maker of the universe and then trying to live as if He doesn’t exist. Is God
disappointed? Probably. Has He given up on you? Nope. So what’s next? Return to
God. He is kind and compassionate. He will welcome you home. Don’t delay—every
day lived apart from God is a totally wasted day.
See for yourself// Joel 2:12, 13; Romans 3:23–26
saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter
Nehemiah 1:1 you among the nations;a 9but if you return
Nehemiah was a servant of the king of to Me, and keep My commandments and
Persia. At the beginning of the story, do them, though some of you were cast out
he was in Shushan (in what is now to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will
Iran), where Persian kings went for gather them from there, and bring them to
the winter. Nehemiah was stationed the place which I have chosen as a dwell-
almost a thousand miles away from ing for My name.’a 10Now these are Your
his homeland. servants and Your people, whom You have
redeemed by Your great power, and by Your
strong hand. 11O Lord, I pray, please let
Emotions Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your
Should we admit our true servant, and to the prayer of Your servants
who desire to fear Your name; and let Your
feelings to God? servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant
Nehemiah 1:4 him mercy in the sight of this man.”
For I was the king’s cupbearer.
You now, day and night, for the children of
Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of Nehemiah Sent to Judah
2
the children of Israel which we have sinned And it came to pass in the month of
against You. Both my father’s house and Nisan, in the twentieth year of King
I have sinned. 7We have acted very cor- Artaxerxes, when wine was before
ruptly against You, and have not kept the him, that I took the wine and gave it to the
commandments, the statutes, nor the or- king. Now I had never been sad in his pres-
dinances which You commanded Your ser- ence before. 2Therefore the king said to me,
vant Moses. 8Remember, I pray, the word
that You commanded Your servant Moses, 1:8 aLeviticus 26:33 1:9 aDeuteronomy 30:2–5
16-Nehemiah.indd 571 2/14/12 11:57 AM
NEHEMIAH 2:3 572
“Why is your face sad, since you are not and for the house that I will occupy.” And
sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” the king granted them to me according to
So I became dreadfully afraid, 3and said the good hand of my God upon me.
to the king, “May the king live forever! Why 9Then I went to the governors in the
should my face not be sad, when the city, region beyond the River, and gave them
the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, the king’s letters. Now the king had sent
and its gates are burned with fire?” captains of the army and horsemen with
me. 10When Sanballat the Horonite and
Tobiah the Ammonite officiala heard of it,
Prayer they were deeply disturbed that a man had
When we pray, should we come to seek the well-being of the children
always kneel? of Israel.
Nehemiah 2:3–5
Nehemiah Views the Wall
of Jerusalem
4Then the king said to me, “What do you
11So I came to Jerusalem and was there
request?” three days. 12Then I arose in the night, I and
So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5And a few men with me; I told no one what my
I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem;
and if your servant has found favor in your nor was there any animal with me, except
sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the one on which I rode. 13And I went out
the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may by night through the Valley Gate to the Ser-
rebuild it.” pent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed
6Then the king said to me (the queen
the walls of Jerusalem which were broken
also sitting beside him), “How long will down and its gates which were burned
your journey be? And when will you re- with fire. 14Then I went on to the Fountain
turn?” So it pleased the king to send me; Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was
and I set him a time. no room for the animal under me to pass.
7Furthermore I said to the king, “If it 15So I went up in the night by the valley, and
pleases the king, let letters be given to me viewed the wall; then I turned back and en-
for the governors of the region beyond the tered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.
River,a that they must permit me to pass 16And the officials did not know where I
through till I come to Judah, 8and a let- had gone or what I had done; I had not yet
ter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s for- told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the of-
est, that he must give me timber to make ficials, or the others who did the work.
beams for the gates of the citadel which 17Then I said to them, “You see the dis-
pertains to the temple,a for the city wall, tress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies
waste, and its gates are burned with fire.
Come and let us build the wall of Jerusa-
Nehemiah 2:10 lem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”
A devastating Assyrian attack in 722 18And I told them of the hand of my God
B.C. led to the fall of Samaria. The which had been good upon me, and also of
Assyrians took many Israelites captive the king’s words that he had spoken to me.
and brought in many foreigners to live So they said, “Let us rise up and build.”
in Canaan. The Israelites left behind Then they set their hands to this good work.
started marrying, having kids with 19But when Sanballat the Horonite, To-
the foreigners, and they also adopted biah the Ammonite official, and Geshem
their idol worship. This mingling the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and
continued generation after genera- despised us, and said, “What is this thing
tion until the distinction between the that you are doing? Will you rebel against
Israelites and the foreigners disap- the king?”
peared altogether. The descendants of
these mixed marriages were known as 2:7 aThat is, the Euphrates, and so elsewhere in
Samaritans. this book 2:8 aLiterally house 2:10 aLiterally
servant, and so elsewhere in this book
16-Nehemiah.indd 572 2/14/12 11:57 AM
573 NEHEMIAH 3:25
20So I answered them, and said to them, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and
“The God of heaven Himself will prosper repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far
us; therefore we His servants will arise and as the Refuse Gate.
build, but you have no heritage or right or 14Malchijah the son of Rechab, leader of
memorial in Jerusalem.” the district of Beth Haccerem, repaired the
Refuse Gate; he built it and hung its doors
Rebuilding the Wall with its bolts and bars.
3
15Shallun the son of Col-Hozeh, leader of
Then Eliashib the high priest rose
up with his brethren the priests the district of Mizpah, repaired the Foun-
and built the Sheep Gate; they con- tain Gate; he built it, covered it, hung its
secrated it and hung its doors. They built doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired
as far as the Tower of the Hundred,a and the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the King’s
consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Garden, as far as the stairs that go down
Hananel. 2Next to Eliashiba the men of Jeri- from the City of David. 16After him Nehe-
cho built. And next to them Zaccur the son miah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the
of Imri built. district of Beth Zur, made repairs as far as
3Also the sons of Hassenaah built the the place in front of the tombsa of David,
Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its to the man-made pool, and as far as the
doors with its bolts and bars. 4And next to House of the Mighty.
17After him the Levites, under Rehum
them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son
of Koz,a made repairs. Next to them Me- the son of Bani, made repairs. Next to him
shullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Hashabiah, leader of half the district of
Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18After
Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. him their brethren, under Bavaia the son
5Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; of Henadad, leader of the other half of the
but their nobles did not put their shoul- district of Keilah, made repairs. 19And next
dersa to the work of their Lord. to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the leader of
6Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah Mizpah, repaired another section in front
and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah re- of the Ascent to the Armory at the buttress.
20After him Baruch the son of Zabbaia care-
paired the Old Gate; they laid its beams
and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars. fully repaired the other section, from the
7And next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite, buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib
Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon the high priest. 21After him Meremoth the
and Mizpah, repaired the residencea of the son of Urijah, the son of Koz,a repaired an-
governor of the region beyond the River. other section, from the door of the house of
8Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.
22And after him the priests, the men of
one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Also
next to him Hananiah, onea of the perfum- the plain, made repairs. 23After him Benja-
ers, made repairs; and they fortified Jeru- min and Hasshub made repairs opposite
salem as far as the Broad Wall. 9And next their house. After them Azariah the son
to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made re-
half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. pairs by his house. 24After him Binnui the
10Next to them Jedaiah the son of Haru- son of Henadad repaired another section,
maph made repairs in front of his house. from the house of Azariah to the buttress,
And next to him Hattush the son of Ha- even as far as the corner. 25Palal the son of
shabniah made repairs.
11Malchijah the son of Harim and 3:1 aHebrew Hammeah, also at 12:39
3:2 aLiterally On his hand 3:4 aOr Hakkoz
Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab repaired 3:5 aLiterally necks 3:7 aLiterally throne
another section, as well as the Tower of the 3:8 aLiterally the son 3:16 aSeptuagint, Syriac,
Ovens. 12And next to him was Shallum the and Vulgate read tomb. 3:18 aFollowing
son of Hallohesh, leader of half the district Masoretic Text and Vulgate; some Hebrew
of Jerusalem; he and his daughters made manuscripts, Septuagint, and Syriac read Binnui
repairs. (compare verse 24). 3:20 aA few Hebrew
13Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah manuscripts, Syriac, and Vulgate read Zaccai.
repaired the Valley Gate. They built it, 3:21 aOr Hakkoz
16-Nehemiah.indd 573 2/14/12 11:57 AM
NEHEMIAH 3:26 574
Uzai made repairs opposite the buttress, 6So we built the wall, and the entire wall
and on the tower which projects from the was joined together up to half its height, for
king’s upper house that was by the court the people had a mind to work.
of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of 7Now it happened, when Sanballat, To-
Parosh made repairs. biah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the
26Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusa-
Ophel made repairs as far as the place in lem were being restored and the gaps were
front of the Water Gate toward the east, beginning to be closed, that they became
and on the projecting tower. 27After them very angry, 8and all of them conspired to-
the Tekoites repaired another section, next gether to come and attack Jerusalem and
to the great projecting tower, and as far as create confusion. 9Nevertheless we made
the wall of Ophel. our prayer to our God, and because of them
28Beyond the Horse Gate the priests we set a watch against them day and night.
made repairs, each in front of his own
house. 29After them Zadok the son of Im-
mer made repairs in front of his own house. Nehemiah 4:7
After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, Jerusalem was literally surrounded by
the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs. enemies: Sanballat was from Samaria,
30After him Hananiah the son of Shele- which was north of Jerusalem; Tobiah
miah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, was an Ammonite whose tribe lived
repaired another section. After him Me- east of Jerusalem; the Ashdodites
shullam the son of Berechiah made repairs were a Philistine tribe from west of
in front of his dwelling. 31After him Malchi- Jerusalem; and the Arabs were natives
jah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as of the region south of Jerusalem.
far as the house of the Nethinim and of the
merchants, in front of the Miphkada Gate, 10Then Judah said, “The strength of the
and as far as the upper room at the cor-
ner. 32And between the upper room at the laborers is failing, and there is so much rub-
corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the gold- bish that we are not able to build the wall.”
11And our adversaries said, “They will
smiths and the merchants made repairs.
neither know nor see anything, till we
The Wall Defended Against come into their midst and kill them and
Enemies cause the work to cease.”
12So it was, when the Jews who dwelt
4
But it so happened, when Sanballat near them came, that they told us ten
heard that we were rebuilding the times, “From whatever place you turn, they
wall, that he was furious and very will be upon us.”
indignant, and mocked the Jews. 2And he
spoke before his brethren and the army of
Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Enemies
Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Should we be afraid of our
Will they offer sacrifices? Will they com- enemies?
plete it in a day? Will they revive the stones
from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are Nehemiah 4:14
burned?”
3Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside 13Therefore I positioned men behind the
him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if lower parts of the wall, at the openings;
even a fox goes up on it, he will break down and I set the people according to their
their stone wall.” families, with their swords, their spears,
4Hear, O our God, for we are despised;
and their bows. 14And I looked, and arose
turn their reproach on their own heads, and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and
and give them as plunder to a land of cap- to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid
tivity! 5Do not cover their iniquity, and do of them. Remember the Lord, great and
not let their sin be blotted out from before awesome, and fight for your brethren, your
You; for they have provoked You to anger
before the builders. 3:31 aLiterally Inspection or Recruiting
16-Nehemiah.indd 574 2/14/12 11:57 AM
575 NEHEMIAH 5:14
sons, your daughters, your wives, and your be slaves, and some of our daughters have
houses.” been brought into slavery. It is not in our
15And it happened, when our enemies power to redeem them, for other men have
heard that it was known to us, and that God our lands and vineyards.”
had brought their plot to nothing, that all 6And I became very angry when I heard
of us returned to the wall, everyone to his their outcry and these words. 7After seri-
work. 16So it was, from that time on, that ous thought, I rebuked the nobles and rul-
half of my servants worked at construc- ers, and said to them, “Each of you is ex-
tion, while the other half held the spears, acting usury from his brother.” So I called
the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and a great assembly against them. 8And I said
the leaders were behind all the house of to them, “According to our ability we have
Judah. 17Those who built on the wall, and redeemed our Jewish brethren who were
those who carried burdens, loaded them- sold to the nations. Now indeed, will you
selves so that with one hand they worked even sell your brethren? Or should they be
at construction, and with the other held sold to us?”
a weapon. 18Every one of the builders had
his sword girded at his side as he built. And
the one who sounded the trumpet was be- Encouragement
side me. Should we stand strong for
19Then I said to the nobles, the rulers,
people who need help?
and the rest of the people, “The work is Nehemiah 5:7–11
great and extensive, and we are separated
far from one another on the wall. 20Wher-
ever you hear the sound of the trumpet, Then they were silenced and found
rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” nothing to say. 9Then I said, “What you are
21So we labored in the work, and half of doing is not good. Should you not walk in
the mena held the spears from daybreak the fear of our God because of the reproach
until the stars appeared. 22At the same of the nations, our enemies? 10I also, with
time I also said to the people, “Let each my brethren and my servants, am lending
man and his servant stay at night in Jeru- them money and grain. Please, let us stop
salem, that they may be our guard by night this usury! 11Restore now to them, even this
and a working party by day.” 23So neither I, day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive
my brethren, my servants, nor the men of groves, and their houses, also a hundredth
the guard who followed me took off our of the money and the grain, the new wine
clothes, except that everyone took them off and the oil, that you have charged them.”
for washing. 12So they said, “We will restore it, and
will require nothing from them; we will do
Nehemiah Deals as you say.”
with Oppression Then I called the priests, and required
5
And there was a great outcry of the an oath from them that they would do ac-
people and their wives against their cording to this promise. 13Then I shook out
Jewish brethren. 2For there were the fold of my garmenta and said, “So may
those who said, “We, our sons, and our God shake out each man from his house,
daughters are many; therefore let us get and from his property, who does not per-
grain, that we may eat and live.” form this promise. Even thus may he be
3There were also some who said, “We shaken out and emptied.”
have mortgaged our lands and vineyards And all the assembly said, “Amen!” and
and houses, that we might buy grain be- praised the Lord. Then the people did ac-
cause of the famine.” cording to this promise.
4There were also those who said, “We
have borrowed money for the king’s tax The Generosity of Nehemiah
on our lands and vineyards. 5Yet now our 14Moreover, from the time that I was ap-
flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our pointed to be their governor in the land
children as their children; and indeed we
are forcing our sons and our daughters to 4:21 aLiterally them
5:13 aLiterally my lap
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NEHEMIAH 5:15 576
of Judah, from the twentieth year until you have also appointed prophets to
the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem,
twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate saying, “There is a king in Judah!” Now
the governor’s provisions. 15But the former these matters will be reported to the
governors who were before me laid bur- king. So come, therefore, and let us
dens on the people, and took from them consult together.
bread and wine, besides forty shekels of sil-
ver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over 8Then I sent to him, saying, “No such
the people, but I did not do so, because things as you say are being done, but you
of the fear of God. 16Indeed, I also contin- invent them in your own heart.”
ued the work on this wall, and wea did not 9For they all were trying to make us
buy any land. All my servants were gath- afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weak-
ered there for the work. ened in the work, and it will not be done.”
17And at my table were one hundred and Now therefore, O God, strengthen my
fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who hands.
came to us from the nations around us. 10Afterward I came to the house of She
18Now that which was prepared daily was maiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Me
one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were hetabel, who was a secret informer; and he
prepared for me, and once every ten days said, “Let us meet together in the house of
an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in God, within the temple, and let us close the
spite of this I did not demand the gover- doors of the temple, for they are coming to
nor’s provisions, because the bondage was kill you; indeed, at night they will come to
heavy on this people. kill you.”
19Remember me, my God, for good, 11And I said, “Should such a man as I
according to all that I have done for this flee? And who is there such as I who would
people. go into the temple to save his life? I will not
go in!” 12Then I perceived that God had not
Conspiracy Against sent him at all, but that he pronounced this
Nehemiah prophecy against me because Tobiah and
6
Now it happened when Sanbal- Sanballat had hired him. 13For this reason
lat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and he was hired, that I should be afraid and act
the rest of our enemies heard that that way and sin, so that they might have
I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were cause for an evil report, that they might re-
no breaks left in it (though at that time I proach me.
had not hung the doors in the gates), 2that
Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying,
“Come, let us meet together among the vil- Nehemiah 6:11–13
lages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought Why didn’t Nehemiah hide in the tem-
to do me harm. ple? Only priests, the descendants of
3So I sent messengers to them, saying, the tribe of Levi, were allowed in the
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot temple. Nehemiah wasn’t a priest, so
come down. Why should the work cease hiding in the temple would have been
while I leave it and go down to you?” a violation of God’s law. Nehemiah
4But they sent me this message four was trying to lead the people back to
times, and I answered them in the same following God’s ways and he refused
manner. to break the law himself.
5Then Sanballat sent his servant to me
as before, the fifth time, with an open letter 14My God, remember Tobiah and San-
in his hand. 6In it was written: ballat, according to these their works, and
the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the
It is reported among the nations, and prophets who would have made me afraid.
Geshema says, that you and the Jews
plan to rebel; therefore, according to 5:16 aFollowing Masoretic Text; Septuagint,
these rumors, you are rebuilding the Syriac, and Vulgate read I.
6:6 aHebrew
wall, that you may be their king. 7And Gashmu
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577 NEHEMIAH 7:30
The Wall Completed Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan,
15So the wall was finished on the twenty- Mispereth,a Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah.
fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16And it
happened, when all our enemies heard of The number of the men of the people of
it, and all the nations around us saw these Israel: 8the sons of Parosh, two thousand
things, that they were very disheartened in one hundred and seventy-two;
9the sons of Shephatiah, three hundred
their own eyes; for they perceived that this
work was done by our God. and seventy-two;
10the sons of Arah, six hundred and
17Also in those days the nobles of Judah
sent many letters to Tobiah, and the let- fifty-two;
11the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons
ters of Tobiah came to them. 18For many
in Judah were pledged to him, because he of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight
was the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son hundred and eighteen;
12the sons of Elam, one thousand two
of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had mar-
ried the daughter of Meshullam the son of hundred and fifty-four;
13the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and
Berechiah. 19Also they reported his good
deeds before me, and reported my words forty-five;
14the sons of Zaccai, seven hundred and
to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
7
Then it was, when the wall was built sixty;
15the sons of Binnui,a six hundred and
and I had hung the doors, when the
gatekeepers, the singers, and the Le forty-eight;
16the sons of Bebai, six hundred and
vites had been appointed, 2that I gave the
charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, twenty-eight;
17the sons of Azgad, two thousand three
and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for
he was a faithful man and feared God more hundred and twenty-two;
18the sons of Adonikam, six hundred
than many.
3And I said to them, “Do not let the gates and sixty-seven;
19the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and
of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot;
and while they stand guard, let them shut sixty-seven;
20the sons of Adin, six hundred and
and bar the doors; and appoint guards
from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, fifty-five;
21the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-
one at his watch station and another in
front of his own house.” eight;
22the sons of Hashum, three hundred
The Captives Who Returned and twenty-eight;
23the sons of Bezai, three hundred and
to Jerusalem
4Now the city was large and spacious, but
twenty-four;
24the sons of Hariph,a one hundred and
the people in it were few, and the houses twelve;
were not rebuilt. 5Then my God put it into 25the sons of Gibeon,a ninety-five;
my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, 26the men of Bethlehem and Netophah,
and the people, that they might be regis- one hundred and eighty-eight;
tered by genealogy. And I found a register 27the men of Anathoth, one hundred
of the genealogy of those who had come up and twenty-eight;
in the first return, and found written in it: 28the men of Beth Azmaveth,a forty-two;
29the men of Kirjath Jearim, Chephirah,
6Thesea are the people of the province
and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-
who came back from the captivity,
three;
of those who had been carried away, 30the men of Ramah and Geba, six
whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of hundred and twenty-one;
Babylon had carried away, and who
returned to Jerusalem and Judah, 7:6 aCompare verses 6–72 with Ezra 2:1–70
everyone to his city. 7:7 aSpelled Mispar in Ezra 2:2 7:15 aSpelled
Bani in Ezra 2:10 7:24 aCalled Jorah in
7Those who came with Zerubbabel Ezra 2:18 7:25 aCalled Gibbar in Ezra 2:20
were Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, 7:28 aCalled Azmaveth in Ezra 2:24
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NEHEMIAH 7:31 578
31the men of Michmas, one hundred and the sons of Nekoda,
twenty-two; 51the sons of Gazzam,
32the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred the sons of Uzza,
and twenty-three; the sons of Paseah,
33the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two; 52the sons of Besai,
34the sons of the other Elam, one the sons of Meunim,
thousand two hundred and fifty-four; the sons of Nephishesim,a
35the sons of Harim, three hundred and 53the sons of Bakbuk,
twenty; the sons of Hakupha,
36the sons of Jericho, three hundred and the sons of Harhur,
forty-five; 54the sons of Bazlith,a
37the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven the sons of Mehida,
hundred and twenty-one; the sons of Harsha,
38the sons of Senaah, three thousand 55the sons of Barkos,
nine hundred and thirty. the sons of Sisera,
the sons of Tamah,
39The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the 56the sons of Neziah,
house of Jeshua, nine hundred and and the sons of Hatipha.
seventy-three;
40the sons of Immer, one thousand and 57The sons of Solomon’s servants: the
fifty-two; sons of Sotai,
41the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two the sons of Sophereth,
hundred and forty-seven; the sons of Perida,a
42the sons of Harim, one thousand and 58the sons of Jaala,
seventeen. the sons of Darkon,
the sons of Giddel,
43The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, of 59the sons of Shephatiah,
Kadmiel, and of the sons of Hodevah,a the sons of Hattil,
seventy-four. the sons of Pochereth of Zebaim,
44The singers: the sons of Asaph, one and the sons of Amon.a
hundred and forty-eight. 60All the Nethinim, and the sons of
Solomon’s servants, were three hundred
45The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, and ninety-two.
the sons of Ater,
the sons of Talmon, 61And these were the ones who came up
the sons of Akkub, from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub,
the sons of Hatita, Addon,a and Immer, but they could not
the sons of Shobai, one hundred and identify their father’s house nor their
thirty-eight. lineage, whether they were of Israel:
62the sons of Delaiah,
46The Nethinim: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Tobiah,
the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and
the sons of Tabbaoth, forty-two;
47the sons of Keros, 63and of the priests: the sons of Habaiah,
the sons of Sia,a the sons of Koz,a
the sons of Padon,
48the sons of Lebana,a 7:43 aSpelled Hodaviah in Ezra 2:40
7:47 aSpelled Siaha in Ezra 2:44
the sons of Hagaba,b
7:48 aMasoretic Text reads Lebanah.
the sons of Salmai,c bMasoretic Text reads Hogabah. cOr Shalmai,
49the sons of Hanan,
or Shamlai 7:52 aSpelled Nephusim in Ezra
the sons of Giddel, 2:50 7:54 aSpelled Bazluth in Ezra 2:52
the sons of Gahar, 7:57 aSpelled Peruda in Ezra 2:55 7:59 aSpelled
50the sons of Reaiah,
Ami in Ezra 2:57 7:61 aSpelled Addan in Ezra
the sons of Rezin, 2:59 7:63 aOr Hakkoz
16-Nehemiah.indd 578 2/14/12 11:57 AM
579 NEHEMIAH 8:10
the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of with understanding on the first day of the
the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, seventh month. 3Then he read from it in
and was called by their name. the open square that was in front of the
64These sought their listing among those Water Gate from morning until midday,
who were registered by genealogy, but before the men and women and those who
it was not found; therefore they were could understand; and the ears of all the
excluded from the priesthood as defiled. people were attentive to the Book of the
65And the governora said to them that Law.
they should not eat of the most holy 4So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform
things till a priest could consult with the of wood which they had made for the pur-
Urim and Thummim. pose; and beside him, at his right hand,
stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah,
66Altogether the whole assembly was
Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand
forty-two thousand three hundred and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum,
sixty, 67besides their male and female Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
servants, of whom there were seven 5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of
thousand three hundred and thirty- all the people, for he was standing above
seven; and they had two hundred and all the people; and when he opened it, all
forty-five men and women singers. the people stood up. 6And Ezra blessed the
68Their horses were seven hundred and
Lord, the great God.
thirty-six, their mules two hundred Then all the people answered, “Amen,
and forty-five, 69their camels four Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And
hundred and thirty-five, and donkeys six they bowed their heads and worshiped the
thousand seven hundred and twenty. Lord with their faces to the ground.
7Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin,
70And some of the heads of the fathers’
Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah,
houses gave to the work. The governora Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,
gave to the treasury one thousand and the Levites, helped the people to un-
gold drachmas, fifty basins, and five derstand the Law; and the people stood in
hundred and thirty priestly garments. their place. 8So they read distinctly from
71Some of the heads of the fathers’
the book, in the Law of God; and they
houses gave to the treasury of the work gave the sense, and helped them to under-
twenty thousand gold drachmas, and stand the reading.
two thousand two hundred silver
minas. 72And that which the rest of the
people gave was twenty thousand gold Bible
drachmas, two thousand silver minas, Is it important to have others
and sixty-seven priestly garments. help us understand the
73So the priests, the Levites, the gate- Bible?
keepers, the singers, some of the people, Nehemiah 8:8
the Nethinim, and all Israel dwelt in their
cities. 9And Nehemiah, who was the governor,a
Ezra Reads the Law Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Le
vites who taught the people said to all the
When the seventh month came, the chil- people, “This day is holy to the Lord your
dren of Israel were in their cities. God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the
8
Now all the people gathered together people wept, when they heard the words
as one man in the open square that of the Law.
was in front of the Water Gate; and 10Then he said to them, “Go your way,
they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send
of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had portions to those for whom nothing is
commanded Israel. 2So Ezra the priest
brought the Law before the assembly of 7:65 aHebrew Tirshatha 7:70 aHebrew
men and women and all who could hear Tirshatha 8:9 aHebrew Tirshatha
16-Nehemiah.indd 579 2/14/12 11:57 AM
NEHEMIAH 8:11 580
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. and on the eighth day there was a sacred
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is assembly, according to the prescribed man-
your strength.” ner.
11So the Levites quieted all the people,
saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not The People Confess Their Sins
9
be grieved.” 12And all the people went their Now on the twenty-fourth day of this
way to eat and drink, to send portions and month the children of Israel were as-
rejoice greatly, because they understood sembled with fasting, in sackcloth,
the words that were declared to them. and with dust on their heads.a 2Then those
of Israelite lineage separated themselves
The Feast of Tabernacles from all foreigners; and they stood and
13Now on the second day the heads of confessed their sins and the iniquities of
the fathers’ houses of all the people, with their fathers. 3And they stood up in their
the priests and Levites, were gathered to place and read from the Book of the Law
Ezra the scribe, in order to understand of the Lord their God for one–fourth of the
the words of the Law. 14And they found day; and for another fourth they confessed
written in the Law, which the Lord had and worshiped the Lord their God.
commanded by Moses, that the children 4Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Sheba-
of Israel should dwell in booths during the niah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani
feast of the seventh month, 15and that they stood on the stairs of the Levites and cried
should announce and proclaim in all their out with a loud voice to the Lord their
cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to God. 5And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel,
the mountain, and bring olive branches, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah,
branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:
palm branches, and branches of leafy trees,
to make booths, as it is written.” “ Stand up and bless the Lord your God
Forever and ever!
Nehemiah 8:14 “ Blessed be Your glorious name,
The Feast of Booths was a yearly Which is exalted above all blessing
harvest celebration. The people made and praise!
temporary shelters out of leafy tree 6 You alone are the Lord;
branches and then lived in those You have made heaven,
shelters for a short time. The Feast The heaven of heavens, with all their
was intended to remind the Israelites host,
of how their ancestors wandered The earth and everything on it,
homeless in the desert after Moses led The seas and all that is in them,
them out of Egypt. And You preserve them all.
The host of heaven worships You.
16Then the people went out and brought
7“ You are the Lord God,
them and made themselves booths, each Who chose Abram,
one on the roof of his house, or in their And brought him out of Ur of the
courtyards or the courts of the house of Chaldeans,
God, and in the open square of the Water And gave him the name Abraham;
Gate and in the open square of the Gate of 8 You found his heart faithful before
Ephraim. 17So the whole assembly of those You,
who had returned from the captivity made And made a covenant with him
booths and sat under the booths; for since To give the land of the Canaanites,
the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that The Hittites, the Amorites,
day the children of Israel had not done so. The Perizzites, the Jebusites,
And there was very great gladness. 18Also And the Girgashites—
day by day, from the first day until the last To give it to his descendants.
day, he read from the Book of the Law of
God. And they kept the feast seven days; 9:1 aLiterally earth on them
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581 NEHEMIAH 9:17
Making It Real //
Nehemiah 9:6
Life Preserver God spoke everything you see into existence. He made you and ev-
ery person who has ever lived before you. He didn’t copy someone else’s idea. He didn’t
improve on an old design. The earth and the heavens and all things in them are totally
original and straight from the mind of God. What a huge concept to process!
Because of His place as Creator, God deserves your respect and your honor. You
don’t just get physical life from Him; you get spiritual life from Him. He is the Source of
the things that make you so alive—the ability to enjoy life, the capacity for love, laughter,
peace, joy, work, play, and rest. You can go to Him and get replenished when you run low.
He is your Life Preserver—life flows freely forever in Him. (See also: Gen. 1:1; Ps. 95:3–7;
148:5, 6; Jer. 51:15, 16; John 1:1, 2.)
Words to Live By
Preserve: The word translated in Nehemiah 9:6 as “preserve” is the Hebrew word
chayah (khaw-yaw’). It means “to keep alive, restore, and revive.” At its very root, chayah
means “to live.” According to Deuteronomy 8:3, life is not just a physical experience. It is
a spiritual one that is kept alive by the Word of God.
You have performed Your words, 14 You made known to them Your holy
For You are righteous. Sabbath,
And commanded them precepts,
9“ You saw the affliction of our fathers in statutes and laws,
Egypt, By the hand of Moses Your servant.
And heard their cry by the Red Sea.
10 You showed signs and wonders
against Pharaoh, Bible
Against all his servants, Where did the Bible come
And against all the people of his land. from?
For You knew that they acted proudly Nehemiah 9:14
against them.
So You made a name for Yourself, as it
15 You gave them bread from heaven for
is this day.
11 And You divided the sea before them, their hunger,
So that they went through the midst of And brought them water out of the
the sea on the dry land; rock for their thirst,
And their persecutors You threw into And told them to go in to possess the
the deep, land
As a stone into the mighty waters. Which You had sworn to give them.
12 Moreover You led them by day with a
cloudy pillar, 16“ But they and our fathers acted
And by night with a pillar of fire, proudly,
To give them light on the road Hardened their necks,
Which they should travel. And did not heed Your
commandments.
13“ You came down also on Mount Sinai, 17 They refused to obey,
And spoke with them from heaven, And they were not mindful of Your
And gave them just ordinances and wonders
true laws, That You did among them.
Good statutes and commandments. But they hardened their necks,
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NEHEMIAH 9:18 582
Making It Real //
Nehemiah 9:17
Endangered Virtue Patience should be put on an “endangered character trait” list.
You rarely see patience anymore. Maybe everyone has already used up all their patience.
No one wants to wait for anything—ever. Overnight mail moved too slowly, so someone
invented the fax machine. But sometimes it takes a while for the fax to get through; so,
thank goodness, someone invented e-mail. Now, even e-mail is too slow and everyone
is a texting addict. One push of a button and your friend immediately has your mes-
sage. Who knows what’s next? Maybe think-mail, where you just have to think and your
thoughts are instantly processed around the world. It’s safe to say that we may have for-
gotten the true value of patience, but God has not.
To say that God is “slow to anger” means He’s patient with us—and we do try His
patience! This is not to say that God is outdated in our fast-paced, we-need-it-now soci-
ety. He’s not. It’s just that in our rush to know more and do more we have forgotten how
to wait. God models the virtue for us. He is very patient, especially about important
things, like waiting for the people He loves to come to love Him. (See also: Neh. 9:30; Ps.
145:8; 2 Pet. 3:9.)
Words to Live By
Abundant: The word translated as “abundant” in Nehemiah 9:17 is the Hebrew
word rab (rab). This is the same word used in Numbers 20:11 to explain how much water
God provided for the millions of Israelites Moses led through the wilderness. It doesn’t
just mean “enough,” it means “an exceedingly great amount.” God’s kindness toward us is
as limitless as His love and pours freely toward anyone who needs His help.
And in their rebelliona The pillar of the cloud did not depart
They appointed a leader from them by day,
To return to their bondage. To lead them on the road;
But You are God, Nor the pillar of fire by night,
Ready to pardon, To show them light,
Gracious and merciful, And the way they should go.
Slow to anger, 20 You also gave Your good Spirit to
Abundant in kindness, instruct them,
And did not forsake them. And did not withhold Your manna
from their mouth,
Forgiveness And gave them water for their
thirst.
What qualities are a part of
God’s nature?
Nehemiah 9:17 Following God
Who will teach us to follow
18“ Even when they made a molded calf
God?
for themselves, Nehemiah 9:20
And said, ‘This is your god
That brought you up out of Egypt,’ 21 Forty years You sustained them in the
And worked great provocations, wilderness;
19 Yet in Your manifold mercies
You did not forsake them in the 9:17 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
wilderness. Septuagint reads in Egypt.
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583 NEHEMIAH 9:32
They lacked nothing; When they cried to You,
Their clothes did not wear outa You heard from heaven;
And their feet did not swell. And according to Your abundant
mercies
22“ Moreover You gave them kingdoms You gave them deliverers who saved
and nations, them
And divided them into districts.a From the hand of their enemies.
So they took possession of the land of
28“ But after they had rest,
Sihon,
The land ofb the king of Heshbon, They again did evil before You.
And the land of Og king of Bashan. Therefore You left them in the hand of
23 You also multiplied their children as their enemies,
the stars of heaven, So that they had dominion over them;
And brought them into the land Yet when they returned and cried out
Which You had told their fathers to You,
To go in and possess. You heard from heaven;
24 So the people went in And many times You delivered them
And possessed the land; according to Your mercies,
29 And testified against them,
You subdued before them the
inhabitants of the land, That You might bring them back to
The Canaanites, Your law.
And gave them into their hands, Yet they acted proudly,
With their kings And did not heed Your
And the people of the land, commandments,
That they might do with them as they But sinned against Your judgments,
wished. ‘Which if a man does, he shall live by
25 And they took strong cities and a rich them.’a
And they shrugged their shoulders,
land,
Stiffened their necks,
And possessed houses full of all goods,
And would not hear.
Cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive 30 Yet for many years You had patience
groves,
with them,
And fruit trees in abundance.
And testified against them by Your
So they ate and were filled and grew
Spirit in Your prophets.
fat,
Yet they would not listen;
And delighted themselves in Your
Therefore You gave them into the hand
great goodness. of the peoples of the lands.
31 Nevertheless in Your great mercy
26“ Nevertheless they were disobedient
You did not utterly consume them nor
And rebelled against You, forsake them;
Cast Your law behind their backs For You are God, gracious and
And killed Your prophets, who merciful.
testified against them
To turn them to Yourself; 32“ Now therefore, our God,
And they worked great provocations. The great, the mighty, and awesome
God,
Emotions Who keeps covenant and mercy:
Do not let all the trouble seem small
Does God care when we hurt? before You
Nehemiah 9:27 That has come upon us,
Our kings and our princes,
27 Therefore You delivered them into the
9:21 aCompare Deuteronomy 29:5
hand of their enemies, 9:22 aLiterally corners
bFollowing Masoretic
Who oppressed them; Text and Vulgate; Septuagint omits The land of.
And in the time of their trouble, 9:29 aLeviticus 18:5
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NEHEMIAH 9:33 584
Our priests and our prophets, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kad-
Our fathers and on all Your people, miel.
From the days of the kings of Assyria 10Their brethren: Shebaniah, Hodijah,
until this day. Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11Micha, Rehob,
33 However You are just in all that has Hashabiah, 12Zaccur, Sherebiah, Sheba-
befallen us; niah, 13Hodijah, Bani, and Beninu.
For You have dealt faithfully, 14The leaders of the people: Parosh,
But we have done wickedly. Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 15Bunni,
34 Neither our kings nor our princes, Azgad, Bebai, 16Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
Our priests nor our fathers, 17Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 18Hodijah,
Have kept Your law, Hashum, Bezai, 19Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
Nor heeded Your commandments and 20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21Meshez
Your testimonies, abel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22Pelatiah, Hanan,
With which You testified against them. Anaiah, 23Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,
35 For they have not served You in their 24Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25Rehum,
kingdom, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26Ahijah, Hanan,
Or in the many good things that You Anan, 27Malluch, Harim, and Baanah.
gave them,
Or in the large and rich land which The Covenant That Was Sealed
You set before them; 28Now the rest of the people—the priests,
Nor did they turn from their wicked the Levites, the gatekeepers, the sing-
works. ers, the Nethinim, and all those who had
separated themselves from the peoples of
36“ Here we are, servants today!
the lands to the Law of God, their wives,
And the land that You gave to our their sons, and their daughters, everyone
fathers, who had knowledge and understanding—
To eat its fruit and its bounty, 29these joined with their brethren, their
Here we are, servants in it! nobles, and entered into a curse and an
37 And it yields much increase to the kings
oath to walk in God’s Law, which was
You have set over us, given by Moses the servant of God, and
Because of our sins; to observe and do all the commandments
Also they have dominion over our of the Lord our Lord, and His ordinances
bodies and our cattle and His statutes: 30We would not give our
At their pleasure; daughters as wives to the peoples of the
And we are in great distress. land, nor take their daughters for our sons;
31if the peoples of the land brought wares
38“ And because of all this,
or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we
We make a sure covenant and write it; would not buy it from them on the Sab-
Our leaders, our Levites, and our bath, or on a holy day; and we would forego
priests seal it.” the seventh year’s produce and the exacting
of every debt.
32Also we made ordinances for our-
The People Who Sealed selves, to exact from ourselves yearly one-
the Covenant third of a shekel for the service of the house
10
Now those who placed their seal of our God: 33for the showbread, for the
on the document were: regular grain offering, for the regular burnt
Nehemiah the governor, the offering of the Sabbaths, the New Moons,
son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah, 2Seraiah, and the set feasts; for the holy things, for
Azariah, Jeremiah, 3Pashhur, Amariah, the sin offerings to make atonement for
Malchijah, 4Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Israel, and all the work of the house of our
5Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6Daniel, God. 34We cast lots among the priests, the
Ginnethon, Baruch, 7Meshullam, Abijah, Levites, and the people, for bringing the
Mijamin, 8Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. wood offering into the house of our God,
These were the priests. according to our fathers’ houses, at the ap-
9The Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, pointed times year by year, to burn on the
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585 NEHEMIAH 11:13
altar of the Lord our God as it is written 3These are the heads of the province
in the Law. who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities
35And we made ordinances to bring the of Judah everyone dwelt in his own pos-
firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits session in their cities—Israelites, priests,
of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the Levites, Nethinim, and descendants of Sol
house of the Lord; 36to bring the firstborn omon’s servants.) 4Also in Jerusalem dwelt
of our sons and our cattle, as it is written in some of the children of Judah and of the
the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and children of Benjamin.
our flocks, to the house of our God, to the
priests who minister in the house of our
God; 37to bring the firstfruits of our dough, Nehemiah 11:4–6
our offerings, the fruit from all kinds of Only two of the twelve tribes of
trees, the new wine and oil, to the priests, Israel—Judah and Benjamin—made
to the storerooms of the house of our God; it back to their homeland intact fol-
and to bring the tithes of our land to the lowing the Babylonian captivity. The
Levites, for the Levites should receive the Levites were not counted as a tribe,
tithes in all our farming communities. even though they were descendants
38And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, of one of Jacob’s (or Israel’s) sons. To
shall be with the Levites when the Levites replace Levi in the count, Joseph was
receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring divided into two tribes, Manasseh and
up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our Ephraim.
God, to the rooms of the storehouse.
The children of Judah: Athaiah the son
Nehemiah 10:38 of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son
The Levites didn’t have their own land of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the
or means of income. The rest of the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez;
Israelites supported them by giving 5and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son
them one-tenth of every harvest. The of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son
Levites, in turn, supported the priests of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of
by giving them one-tenth of every- Zechariah, the son of Shiloni. 6All the sons
thing they received. If this one-tenth of Perez who dwelt at Jerusalem were four
stuff sounds familiar, it should. This hundred and sixty-eight valiant men.
system, called tithing, was established 7And these are the sons of Benjamin:
in the Law of Moses. Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed,
the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the
39For the children of Israel and the chil- son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son
of Jeshaiah; 8and after him Gabbai and Sal-
dren of Levi shall bring the offering of the
lai, nine hundred and twenty-eight. 9Joel
grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the
the son of Zichri was their overseer, and
storerooms where the articles of the sanctu-
Judah the son of Senuaha was second over
ary are, where the priests who minister and
the city.
the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we 10Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of
will not neglect the house of our God.
Joiarib, and Jachin; 11Seraiah the son of
The People Dwelling Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son
in Jerusalem of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of
Ahitub, was the leader of the house of God.
11
Now the leaders of the people 12Their brethren who did the work of the
dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of house were eight hundred and twenty-two;
the people cast lots to bring one and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of
out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zecha-
city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other riah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchi-
cities. 2And the people blessed all the men jah, 13and his brethren, heads of the fathers’
who willingly offered themselves to dwell
at Jerusalem. 11:9 aOr Hassenuah
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NEHEMIAH 11:14 586
houses, were two hundred and forty-two; Geba dwelt in Michmash, Aija, and Bethel,
and Amashai the son of Azarel, the son of and their villages; 32in Anathoth, Nob,
Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Ananiah; 33in Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim; 34in
Immer, 14and their brethren, mighty men Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat; 35in Lod, Ono,
of valor, were one hundred and twenty- and the Valley of Craftsmen. 36Some of the
eight. Their overseer was Zabdiel the son Judean divisions of Levites were in Benja-
of one of the great men.a min.
15Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son
of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of The Priests and Levites
Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16Shabbethai
12
and Jozabad, of the heads of the Levites, Now these are the priests and
had the oversight of the business outside the Levites who came up with
of the house of God; 17Mattaniah the son of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
Micha,a the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2Ama-
the leader who began the thanksgiving riah, Malluch, Hattush, 3Shechaniah, Re-
with prayer; Bakbukiah, the second among hum, Meremoth, 4Iddo, Ginnethoi,a Abijah,
5Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, 6Shemaiah,
his brethren; and Abda the son of Sham-
mua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. Joiarib, Jedaiah, 7Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and
18All the Levites in the holy city were two Jedaiah.
hundred and eighty-four. These were the heads of the priests and
19Moreover the gatekeepers, Akkub, their brethren in the days of Jeshua.
8Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Bin-
Talmon, and their brethren who kept the
gates, were one hundred and seventy-two. nui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mat-
20And the rest of Israel, of the priests and taniah who led the thanksgiving psalms,
Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, ev- he and his brethren. 9Also Bakbukiah and
eryone in his inheritance. 21But the Neth- Unni, their brethren, stood across from
inim dwelt in Ophel. And Ziha and Gishpa them in their duties.
10Jeshua begot Joiakim, Joiakim begot
were over the Nethinim.
22Also the overseer of the Levites at Jeru- Eliashib, Eliashib begot Joiada, 11Joiada be-
salem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of got Jonathan, and Jonathan begot Jaddua.
12Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests,
Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son
of Micha, of the sons of Asaph, the sing- the heads of the fathers’ houses were: of Se-
ers in charge of the service of the house raiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; 13of
of God. 23For it was the king’s command Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;
14of Melichu,a Jonathan; of Shebaniah,b
concerning them that a certain portion
should be for the singers, a quota day by Joseph; 15of Harim,a Adna; of Meraioth,b
day. 24Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of Helkai; 16of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon,
the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was Meshullam; 17of Abijah, Zichri; the son of
the king’s deputya in all matters concern- Minjamin;a of Moadiah,b Piltai; 18of Bil-
ing the people. gah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
19of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; 20of
The People Dwelling Outside Sallai,a Kallai; of Amok, Eber; 21of Hilkiah,
Jerusalem Hashabiah; and of Jedaiah, Nethanel.
22During the reign of Darius the Persian,
25And as for the villages with their fields,
some of the children of Judah dwelt in a record was also kept of the Levites and
Kirjath Arba and its villages, Dibon and priests who had been heads of their fathers’
its villages, Jekabzeel and its villages; 26in 11:14 aOr the son of Haggedolim 11:17 aOr
Jeshua, Moladah, Beth Pelet, 27Hazar Shual, Michah 11:24 aLiterally at the king’s
and Beersheba and its villages; 28in Ziklag hand 12:4 aOr Ginnethon (compare verse
and Meconah and its villages; 29in En Rim- 16) 12:14 aOr Malluch (compare verse 2)
mon, Zorah, Jarmuth, 30Zanoah, Adullam, Or Shechaniah (compare verse 3) 12:15 aOr
b
and their villages; in Lachish and its fields; Rehum (compare verse 3) bOr Meremoth
in Azekah and its villages. They dwelt from (compare verse 3) 12:17 aOr Mijamin
Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom. (compare verse 5) bOr Maadiah (compare
31Also the children of Benjamin from verse 5) 12:20 aOr Sallu (compare verse 7)
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587 NEHEMIAH 12:47
houses in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Jo- the son of Asaph, 36and his brethren, She
hanan, and Jaddua. 23The sons of Levi, the maiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Neth-
heads of the fathers’ houses until the days anel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical
of Johanan the son of Eliashib, were written instruments of David the man of God. And
in the book of the chronicles. Ezra the scribe went before them. 37By the
24And the heads of the Levites were Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went
Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son up the stairs of the City of David, on the
of Kadmiel, with their brothers across stairway of the wall, beyond the house of
from them, to praise and give thanks, David, as far as the Water Gate eastward.
group alternating with group, according 38The other thanksgiving choir went the
to the command of David the man of God. opposite way, and I was behind them with
25Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshul- half of the people on the wall, going past
lam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers the Tower of the Ovens as far as the Broad
keeping the watch at the storerooms of the Wall, 39and above the Gate of Ephraim,
gates. 26These lived in the days of Joiakim above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate,
the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak,a and the Tower of Hananel, the Tower of the
in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and
of Ezra the priest, the scribe. they stopped by the Gate of the Prison.
40So the two thanksgiving choirs stood
Nehemiah Dedicates the Wall in the house of God, likewise I and the half
27Now at the dedication of the wall of Je- of the rulers with me; 41and the priests,
rusalem they sought out the Levites in all Eliakim, Maaseiah, Minjamin,a Michaiah,
their places, to bring them to Jerusalem Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with
to celebrate the dedication with gladness, trumpets; 42also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, El-
both with thanksgivings and singing, eazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam,
with cymbals and stringed instruments and Ezer. The singers sang loudly with Jez-
and harps. 28And the sons of the singers rahiah the director.
43Also that day they offered great sacri-
gathered together from the countryside
around Jerusalem, from the villages of the fices, and rejoiced, for God had made them
Netophathites, 29from the house of Gilgal, rejoice with great joy; the women and the
and from the fields of Geba and Azma- children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Je-
veth; for the singers had built themselves rusalem was heard afar off.
villages all around Jerusalem. 30Then the
priests and Levites purified themselves, Temple Responsibilities
and purified the people, the gates, and the 44And at the same time some were ap-
wall. pointed over the rooms of the storehouse
for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the
Victory tithes, to gather into them from the fields
of the cities the portions specified by the
When we find victory in life, Law for the priests and Levites; for Judah
who deserves the praise? rejoiced over the priests and Levites who
Nehemiah 12:27 ministered. 45Both the singers and the gate-
keepers kept the charge of their God and
the charge of the purification, according
31So I brought the leaders of Judah up on
to the command of David and Solomon his
the wall, and appointed two large thanks- son. 46For in the days of David and Asaph
giving choirs. One went to the right hand of old there were chiefs of the singers, and
on the wall toward the Refuse Gate. 32After songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
them went Hoshaiah and half of the lead- 47In the days of Zerubbabel and in the days
ers of Judah, 33and Azariah, Ezra, Meshul- of Nehemiah all Israel gave the portions for
lam, 34Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jer- the singers and the gatekeepers, a portion
emiah, 35and some of the priests’ sons with for each day. They also consecrated holy
trumpets—Zechariah the son of Jonathan,
the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, 12:26 aSpelled Jehozadak in 1 Chronicles 6:14
the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, 12:41 aOr Mijamin (compare verse 5)
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NEHEMIAH 13:1 588
things for the Levites, and the Levites con- Pedaiah; and next to them was Hanan the
secrated them for the children of Aaron. son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for
they were considered faithful, and their
Principles of Separation task was to distribute to their brethren.
14Remember me, O my God, concerning
13
On that day they read from the this, and do not wipe out my good deeds
Book of Moses in the hearing of that I have done for the house of my God,
the people, and in it was found and for its services!
written that no Ammonite or Moabite 15In those days I saw people in Judah
should ever come into the assembly of treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and
God, 2because they had not met the chil- bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys
dren of Israel with bread and water, but with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of bur-
hired Balaam against them to curse them. dens, which they brought into Jerusalem
However, our God turned the curse into a on the Sabbath day. And I warned them
blessing. 3So it was, when they had heard about the day on which they were selling
the Law, that they separated all the mixed provisions. 16Men of Tyre dwelt there also,
multitude from Israel. who brought in fish and all kinds of goods,
and sold them on the Sabbath to the chil-
The Reforms of Nehemiah dren of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
4Now before this, Eliashib the priest, hav-
ing authority over the storerooms of the
house of our God, was allied with Tobiah. Nehemiah 13:15
5And he had prepared for him a large room, According to the Law of Moses, the
where previously they had stored the grain last day of the week—the Sabbath
offerings, the frankincense, the articles, day—was to be set aside for rest and
the tithes of grain, the new wine and oil, worship. The pattern of working six
which were commanded to be given to the days and resting one was based on
Levites and singers and gatekeepers, and God’s schedule at creation. For six
the offerings for the priests. 6But during all days He created and on the seventh
this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty- day He rested.
second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon
I had returned to the king. Then after cer-
tain days I obtained leave from the king, 17Then I contended with the nobles of
7and I came to Jerusalem and discovered Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing
the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, is this that you do, by which you profane
in preparing a room for him in the courts the Sabbath day? 18Did not your fathers do
of the house of God. 8And it grieved me bit- thus, and did not our God bring all this di-
terly; therefore I threw all the household saster on us and on this city? Yet you bring
goods of Tobiah out of the room. 9Then I added wrath on Israel by profaning the
commanded them to cleanse the rooms; Sabbath.”
and I brought back into them the articles 19So it was, at the gates of Jerusalem,
of the house of God, with the grain offering as it began to be dark before the Sabbath,
and the frankincense. that I commanded the gates to be shut,
10I also realized that the portions for the and charged that they must not be opened
Levites had not been given them; for each till after the Sabbath. Then I posted some
of the Levites and the singers who did the of my servants at the gates, so that no bur-
work had gone back to his field. 11So I con- dens would be brought in on the Sabbath
tended with the rulers, and said, “Why is day. 20Now the merchants and sellers of all
the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem
them together and set them in their place. once or twice.
12Then all Judah brought the tithe of the 21Then I warned them, and said to them,
grain and the new wine and the oil to the “Why do you spend the night around the
storehouse. 13And I appointed as treasurers wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands
over the storehouse Shelemiah the priest on you!” From that time on they came no
and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, more on the Sabbath. 22And I commanded
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589 NEHEMIAH 13:31
the Levites that they should cleanse them- Yet among many nations there was no king
selves, and that they should go and guard like him, who was beloved of his God; and
the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. God made him king over all Israel. Never-
Remember me, O my God, concerning theless pagan women caused even him to
this also, and spare me according to the sin. 27Should we then hear of your doing
greatness of Your mercy! all this great evil, transgressing against our
23In those days I also saw Jews who had God by marrying pagan women?”
married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and 28And one of the sons of Joiada, the son
Moab. 24And half of their children spoke of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law
the language of Ashdod, and could not of Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I drove
speak the language of Judah, but spoke ac- him from me.
cording to the language of one or the other 29Remember them, O my God, because
people. they have defiled the priesthood and the
25So I contended with them and cursed covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
them, struck some of them and pulled out 30Thus I cleansed them of everything
their hair, and made them swear by God, pagan. I also assigned duties to the priests
saying, “You shall not give your daughters and the Levites, each to his service, 31and
as wives to their sons, nor take their daugh- to bringing the wood offering and the first-
ters for your sons or yourselves. 26Did not fruits at appointed times.
Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Remember me, O my God, for good!
16-Nehemiah.indd 589 2/14/12 11:57 AM
Esther
Date of writing: 464–435 B.C.
Author: An Unknown, Devoutly Jewish Writer
Theme: A Look at Teamwork That Shaped a Nation
Purpose: God works quietly through cause and
effect to achieve His purposes in history and in
our lives.
Outline
1:1—2:23 �������������Esther Becomes Queen
3:1–15 ������������������Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews
4:1–17 ������������������Mordecai Asks for Esther’s Help
5:1—6:14 �������������Mordecai Is Honored, Not Killed
7:1–10 ������������������Haman Is Put to Death
8:1—9:19 �������������The Jews Defend Themselves and Kill Their
Enemies
9:20–32 ����������������The Feast of Purim
10:1–3 ������������������The Greatness of Ahasuerus and Mordecai
Key Verse:
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and
deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but
you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows
whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as
this?” (Esther 4:14).
17-Esther.indd 590 2/14/12 11:57 AM
Then /// The story of Esther is a spy-thriller if ever there was one.
Think about it. A young woman changes her name. She then hides the fact
that she is a part of a minority group treated with extreme prejudice in her
culture. She enters a yearlong beauty contest in which the winner will become queen of
the nation. She actually becomes the king’s favorite and wins the contest. Then just when
things are looking really good, she faces a situation in which she has to reveal her identity
to the king (risking her life) in order to catch a villain and save her people from destruc-
tion.
If you add in a high-tech gadget and maybe an explosion or two, you’ve got a movie
script! But the important thing about Esther’s story isn’t the intrigue. The important thing
is that God used Esther because she was willing to trust Him and take some risks. Esther
knew that God put her where she was for a reason, so when she saw the opportunity to
make a difference she took it.
As it turned out, Esther did save her people. She also saved the life of a family member
and saw that the bad guy was punished. There’s nothing like a story with a happy ending,
is there?
Now /// Esther’s role as queen gave her a platform. It gave her a
place where her voice could be heard and she could make a difference. She
didn’t know it, though, until God asked her to speak up.
Has God given you a platform? Are you a leader in a group? Do you have younger
brothers and sisters who listen to you? Do you help with younger kids at church or at
school? Wherever you are, God can say something through your life. That is the platform
that God has built for you.
Sometimes we don’t know that we can do something that matters until God asks us to
speak up. Then He uses us. Don’t underestimate your opportunities to make a difference.
Reality Check /// Haman was the bad guy in the story of
Esther. He was a bigot—he hated a group of people because of their race. He
hated the Jews. Haman was also power hungry and deceitful. He used
people to make himself look good. There was one Jew that Haman really had it in for:
Mordecai, Esther’s cousin. Haman couldn’t stand Mordecai because Mordecai had the one
thing Haman didn’t, people’s respect.
If you like a story in which the bad guy gets it in the end, read about Haman. He built
gallows where he could hang his enemy Mordecai, but in the end, Haman was hanged
from those gallows and justice was done.
When circumstances seem to be at their worst, and it looks like evil may win the battle
over good, don’t lose heart. That can be the time that God is about to do something unex-
pectedly amazing to bring about His ultimate victory!
The King Dethrones Queen him— 4when he showed the riches of his
Vashti glorious kingdom and the splendor of his
1
Now it came to pass in the days of excellent majesty for many days, one hun-
Ahasuerusa (this was the Ahasuerus dred and eighty days in all.
5And when these days were completed,
who reigned over one hundred and
twenty- seven provinces, from India to the king made a feast lasting seven days
Ethiopia), 2in those days when King Ahas for all the people who were present in
uerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in
which was in Shushana the citadel, 3that in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.
6There were white and blue linen curtains
the third year of his reign he made a feast
for all his officials and servants—the pow- 1:1 aGenerally identified with Xerxes I (485–464
ers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and B.C.) 1:2 aOr Susa, and so throughout this
the princes of the provinces being before book
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ESTHER 1:7 592
the kingdom): 15“What shall we do to Queen
Esther 1:1 Vashti, according to law, because she did
Ahasuerus (you may know him better not obey the command of King Ahasuerus
as Xerxes) became king of Persia after brought to her by the eunuchs?”
16And Memucan answered before the
the death of his father, Darius. Under
Darius’s reign, the Jewish people (who king and the princes: “Queen Vashti has
had been held captive for over a cen- not only wronged the king, but also all the
tury) were allowed to return to their princes, and all the people who are in all
homeland. Surprisingly, not all of the the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17For the
Jews wanted to return to Jerusalem. queen’s behavior will become known to all
Some of the ones who had been born women, so that they will despise their hus-
in captivity wanted to stay in Persia, bands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King
the only home they had ever known. Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to
As a result, there were thousands of be brought in before him, but she did not
Jewish people living in Persia during come.’ 18This very day the noble ladies of
the reign of Ahasuerus. Persia and Media will say to all the king’s
officials that they have heard of the behav-
ior of the queen. Thus there will be exces-
fastened with cords of fine linen and pur- sive contempt and wrath. 19If it pleases the
ple on silver rods and marble pillars; and king, let a royal decree go out from him,
the couches were of gold and silver on a mo- and let it be recorded in the laws of the
saic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and Persians and the Medes, so that it will not
white and black marble. 7And they served be altered, that Vashti shall come no more
drinks in golden vessels, each vessel being before King Ahasuerus; and let the king
different from the other, with royal wine give her royal position to another who is
in abundance, according to the generosity better than she. 20When the king’s decree
of the king. 8In accordance with the law, which he will make is proclaimed through-
the drinking was not compulsory; for so out all his empire (for it is great), all wives
the king had ordered all the officers of his will honor their husbands, both great and
household, that they should do according small.”
to each man’s pleasure. 21And the reply pleased the king and the
9Queen Vashti also made a feast for the princes, and the king did according to the
women in the royal palace which belonged word of Memucan. 22Then he sent letters to
to King Ahasuerus. all the king’s provinces, to each province in
10On the seventh day, when the heart its own script, and to every people in their
of the king was merry with wine, he com- own language, that each man should be
manded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Big- master in his own house, and speak in the
tha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eu- language of his own people.
nuchs who served in the presence of King
Ahasuerus, 11to bring Queen Vashti before Esther Becomes Queen
2
the king, wearing her royal crown, in order After these things, when the wrath
to show her beauty to the people and the of King Ahasuerus subsided, he re-
officials, for she was beautiful to behold. membered Vashti, what she had
12But Queen Vashti refused to come at the
done, and what had been decreed against
king’s command brought by his eunuchs; her. 2Then the king’s servants who at-
therefore the king was furious, and his an- tended him said: “Let beautiful young vir-
ger burned within him. gins be sought for the king; 3and let the
13Then the king said to the wise men
king appoint officers in all the provinces
who understood the times (for this was the of his kingdom, that they may gather all
king’s manner toward all who knew law and the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the
justice, 14those closest to him being Car citadel, into the women’s quarters, under
shena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, the custody of Hegaia the king’s eunuch,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes custodian of the women. And let beauty
of Persia and Media, who had access to the
king’s presence, and who ranked highest in 2:3 aHebrew Hege
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593 ESTHER 2:7
Profile
Esther
It can be very frustrating when other people make choices that affect your life. Esther
most likely understood that frustration. Most of the important decisions in her life—
where she would live, who would raise her, whom she would marry, how she would be
treated—were all made by others. She was Jewish but grew up in a foreign land. Because
she was an orphan, she was raised by a cousin. She was forced into a beauty contest, won
it, and found herself married to a pagan king. Even as queen, surrounded by luxury, Esther
had little control over her life. Her life was ruled by her husband, the king of Persia.
But there was one decision that belonged only to Esther: how she would respond to
the situations in her life and really impact her world for good.
Esther didn’t have to look for an opportunity to make a difference—it came looking for
her. A man named Haman hated the Jewish people and decided to wipe them out. He
managed to convince the king that Jews should be destroyed. Suddenly, Esther became
the central figure in a life-and-death struggle. Her cousin reminded her, “Who knows
whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esth. 4:14).
With her courage and wisdom, Esther turned the tables on Haman. She risked
everything, but by making the most of her situation as queen, she gave her people a
fighting chance. Haman ended up suffering the very fate he planned for the Jewish people.
Esther did not choose the size or the shape of the biggest challenge in her life, but she
chose her response well. Her choice made a difference for her people.
+ Making a Difference:
Most of us will, at some time, find ourselves feeling surrounded and crushed by the
decisions others have made. We may find trouble knocking at our door. But we can still
make a difference! In fact, we all will make a difference—good or bad. How you respond to
life and the choices you make will impact other lives and determine aspects of the future.
Only God knows what the future holds. Ask Him to help you make choices that will
positively impact your world. Rely on Him for all your decisions in life. No matter what
happens, God can sort it all out and lead you on the right path. He will make a difference
so you can make the right kind of difference with your life.
Want to know more?
Read the Book of Esther. It’s got all the elements of a great, dramatic movie!
Esther was a real woman with real problems. Her life made a real
difference. Yours can, too!
preparations be given them. 4Then let the from Jerusalem with the captives who had
young woman who pleases the king be been captured with Jeconiahb king of Ju-
queen instead of Vashti.” dah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of
This thing pleased the king, and he Babylon had carried away. 7And Mordecai
did so. had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther,
5In Shushan the citadel there was a cer- his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither
tain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son
of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a 2:6 aLiterally Who
bSame as Jehoiachin, 2 Kings
Benjamite. 6Kisha had been carried away 24:6 and elsewhere
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ESTHER 2:8 594
father nor mother. The young woman was sired to take with her from the women’s
lovely and beautiful. When her father and quarters to the king’s palace. 14In the eve-
mother died, Mordecai took her as his own ning she went, and in the morning she re-
daughter. turned to the second house of the women,
to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eu-
nuch who kept the concubines. She would
Esther 2:6 not go in to the king again unless the king
Once was not enough for Nebuchad- delighted in her and called for her by name.
nezzar when it came to attacking 15Now when the turn came for Esther the
Jerusalem. The first time his army daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai,
invaded, they captured the king of who had taken her as his daughter, to go in
Judah and took him back to Babylon. to the king, she requested nothing but what
The second and third times the Bab Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of
ylonian army showed up, they took all the women, advised. And Esther obtained
wealthy people captive and destroyed favor in the sight of all who saw her. 16So
the temple. Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into
his royal palace, in the tenth month, which
is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year
8So it was, when the king’s command and
of his reign. 17The king loved Esther more
decree were heard, and when many young than all the other women, and she obtained
women were gathered at Shushan the cita- grace and favor in his sight more than all
del, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon
also was taken to the king’s palace, into the her head and made her queen instead of
care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Vashti. 18Then the king made a great feast,
9Now the young woman pleased him, and
the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and
she obtained his favor; so he readily gave servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in
beauty preparations to her, besides her al- the provinces and gave gifts according to
lowance. Then seven choice maidservants the generosity of a king.
were provided for her from the king’s palace,
and he moved her and her maidservants to Mordecai Discovers a Plot
the best place in the house of the women. 19When virgins were gathered together
10Esther had not revealed her people or
a second time, Mordecai sat within the
family, for Mordecai had charged her not to king’s gate. 20Now Esther had not revealed
reveal it. 11And every day Mordecai paced her family and her people, just as Morde-
in front of the court of the women’s quar- cai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the
ters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what command of Mordecai as when she was
was happening to her. brought up by him.
21In those days, while Mordecai sat
within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eu-
Family nuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers,
What’s a good example of became furious and sought to lay hands on
love for family? King Ahasuerus. 22So the matter became
Esther 2:11 known to Mordecai, who told Queen Es-
ther, and Esther informed the king in Mor-
decai’s name. 23And when an inquiry was
12Each young woman’s turn came to go
made into the matter, it was confirmed,
in to King Ahasuerus after she had com- and both were hanged on a gallows; and it
pleted twelve months’ preparation, ac- was written in the book of the chronicles in
cording to the regulations for the women, the presence of the king.
for thus were the days of their preparation
apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, Haman’s Conspiracy Against
and six months with perfumes and prepa- the Jews
3
rations for beautifying women. 13Thus After these things King Ahasu-
prepared, each young woman went to the erus promoted Haman, the son
king, and she was given whatever she de- of Hammedatha the Agagite, and
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595 ESTHER 4:3
advanced him and set his seat above all script, and to every people in their lan-
the princes who were with him. 2And all guage. In the name of King Ahasuerus it
the king’s servants who were within the was written, and sealed with the king’s
king’s gate bowed and paid homage to signet ring. 13And the letters were sent
Haman, for so the king had commanded by couriers into all the king’s provinces,
concerning him. But Mordecai would to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all
not bow or pay homage. 3Then the king’s the Jews, both young and old, little chil-
servants who were within the king’s gate dren and women, in one day, on the thir-
said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress teenth day of the twelfth month, which is
the king’s command?” 4Now it happened, the month of Adar, and to plunder their
when they spoke to him daily and he possessions.a 14A copy of the document
would not listen to them, that they told was to be issued as law in every province,
it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s being published for all people, that they
words would stand; for Mordecai had should be ready for that day. 15The couri-
told them that he was a Jew. 5When Ha- ers went out, hastened by the king’s com-
man saw that Mordecai did not bow or mand; and the decree was proclaimed
pay him homage, Haman was filled with in Shushan the citadel. So the king and
wrath. 6But he disdained to lay hands on Haman sat down to drink, but the city of
Mordecai alone, for they had told him Shushan was perplexed.
of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Ha-
man sought to destroy all the Jews who
were throughout the whole kingdom of
Esther 3:10
Authority figures in the ancient Mid-
Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.
7In the first month, which is the month dle East each wore a unique signet
ring. The rings were fashioned with a
of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahas
raised design (name or symbol) that
uerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), be-
could make an impression in moist
fore Haman to determine the day and the
clay or wet wax. A bit of wax or clay
month,a until it fell on the twelfth month,b
was used to seal a written commu-
which is the month of Adar.
8Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, nication. An impression of the signet
ring’s design in the seal was similar to
“There is a certain people scattered and
signing one’s name today. Ahasuerus
dispersed among the people in all the prov-
allowed Haman to use his ring; this
inces of your kingdom; their laws are dif-
signified his approval of the plan.
ferent from all other people’s, and they do
not keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not
fitting for the king to let them remain. 9If
it pleases the king, let a decree be written Esther Agrees to Help
that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten the Jews
thousand talents of silver into the hands of
4
those who do the work, to bring it into the When Mordecai learned all that had
king’s treasuries.” happened, he tore his clothes and
10So the king took his signet ring from put on sackcloth and ashes, and
his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of went out into the midst of the city. He cried
Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of out with a loud and bitter cry. 2He went as
the Jews. 11And the king said to Haman, far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one
“The money and the people are given to might enter the king’s gate clothed with
you, to do with them as seems good to sackcloth. 3And in every province where
you.” the king’s command and decree arrived,
12Then the king’s scribes were called there was great mourning among the Jews,
on the thirteenth day of the first month, 3:7 aSeptuagint adds to destroy the people of
and a decree was written according to all Mordecai in one day; Vulgate adds the nation
that Haman commanded—to the king’s of the Jews should be destroyed. bFollowing
satraps, to the governors who were over Masoretic Text and Vulgate; Septuagint reads
each province, to the officials of all peo- and the lot fell on the fourteenth of the month.
ple, to every province according to its 3:13 aSeptuagint adds the text of the letter here.
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World App
Genocide / Esther 3:13
Esther 3:13 is one of the most shocking verses in the Bible. An order
was issued for an entire race of people to be utterly destroyed. There
is no misunderstanding that this decree was an act of genocide
against the entire Jewish population in the Persian Empire.
Genocide is “the deliberate destruction of an entire race or na-
tion.” What could possibly make someone want to perpetrate such
an act of evil? In this case, it started with a long-standing hatred
between the Amalekites and the Jews. In the third chapter of Esther
we see a Jewish man (Mordecai) refusing to bow to a descendant of
the Amalekites (Haman). With the ethnic hatred already existing in
Haman, the personal slight was more than he would tolerate (Esth.
3:1–6). So he hatched a plan to destroy all the Jews in Persia.
In this story, God used a courageous Jewish woman to stop the
genocide of her people. But sadly, the act of genocide has not disap-
peared. Throughout history, certain groups of people have believed
in their superiority over others and with arrogant hatred sought to
destroy them. It happened again to the Jews in Nazi Germany when
Hitler initiated the Holocaust. But there are even more recent ex-
amples of attempted genocide that still affect our world today. In
places like Darfur, Rwanda, and Bosnia, genocide or “ethnic cleans-
ing” has been, or is still being, attempted.
God is not unmoved by all the genocidal acts in our world. He is
a God of love and of justice, and we are His children. Even though we
may be far removed physically from these heinous acts, we can still
do our part to end genocide before it injures any more people
groups. We can educate ourselves as to what’s going on in the world
and we can commit to pray for people in harm’s way. Pray that the
Lord would strengthen us, as the body of Christ, to stand against
any persecution or intended destruction of any race of people.
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597 ESTHER 5:9
with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and 15Then Esther told them to reply to Mor-
many lay in sackcloth and ashes. decai: 16“Go, gather all the Jews who are
4So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came present in Shushan, and fast for me; nei-
and told her, and the queen was deeply dis- ther eat nor drink for three days, night or
tressed. Then she sent garments to clothe day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And
Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from so I will go to the king, which is against the
him, but he would not accept them. 5Then law; and if I perish, I perish!”
Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eu- 17So Mordecai went his way and did ac-
nuchs whom he had appointed to attend cording to all that Esther commanded him.a
her, and she gave him a command con-
cerning Mordecai, to learn what and why Esther’s Banquet
5
this was. 6So Hathach went out to Morde- Now it happened on the third day
cai in the city square that was in front of that Esther put on her royal robes
the king’s gate. 7And Mordecai told him all and stood in the inner court of the
that had happened to him, and the sum of king’s palace, across from the king’s house,
money that Haman had promised to pay while the king sat on his royal throne in
into the king’s treasuries to destroy the the royal house, facing the entrance of
Jews. 8He also gave him a copy of the writ- the house.a 2So it was, when the king saw
ten decree for their destruction, which was Queen Esther standing in the court, that
given at Shushan, that he might show it to she found favor in his sight, and the king
Esther and explain it to her, and that he held out to Esther the golden scepter that
might command her to go in to the king to was in his hand. Then Esther went near
make supplication to him and plead before and touched the top of the scepter.
him for her people. 9So Hathach returned 3And the king said to her, “What do you
and told Esther the words of Mordecai. wish, Queen Esther? What is your request?
10Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and
It shall be given to you—up to half the king-
gave him a command for Mordecai: 11“All dom!”
the king’s servants and the people of the 4So Esther answered, “If it pleases the
king’s provinces know that any man or king, let the king and Haman come today to
woman who goes into the inner court to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
the king, who has not been called, he has 5Then the king said, “Bring Haman
but one law: put all to death, except the quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.”
one to whom the king holds out the golden So the king and Haman went to the ban-
scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have quet that Esther had prepared.
not been called to go in to the king these 6At the banquet of wine the king said to
thirty days.” 12So they told Mordecai Es- Esther, “What is your petition? It shall be
ther’s words. granted you. What is your request, up to
half the kingdom? It shall be done!”
7Then Esther answered and said, “My
Future petition and request is this: 8If I have found
Does God put us in situations favor in the sight of the king, and if it
to make a difference? pleases the king to grant my petition and
Esther 4:14 fulfill my request, then let the king and Ha-
man come to the banquet which I will pre-
pare for them, and tomorrow I will do as
13And Mordecai told them to answer Es-
the king has said.”
ther: “Do not think in your heart that you
will escape in the king’s palace any more Haman’s Plot Against
than all the other Jews. 14For if you remain Mordecai
completely silent at this time, relief and 9So Haman went out that day joyful and
deliverance will arise for the Jews from with a glad heart; but when Haman saw
another place, but you and your father’s
house will perish. Yet who knows whether 4:17 aSeptuagint adds a prayer of Mordecai
you have come to the kingdom for such a here. 5:1 aSeptuagint adds many extra details
time as this?” in verses 1 and 2. `
17-Esther.indd 597 2/14/12 11:57 AM
ESTHER 5:10 598
Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did 5The king’s servants said to him, “Ha-
not stand or tremble before him, he was man is there, standing in the court.”
filled with indignation against Mordecai. And the king said, “Let him come in.”
10Nevertheless Haman restrained himself 6So Haman came in, and the king asked
and went home, and he sent and called him, “What shall be done for the man
for his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11Then whom the king delights to honor?”
Haman told them of his great riches, the Now Haman thought in his heart,
multitude of his children, everything in “Whom would the king delight to honor
which the king had promoted him, and more than me?” 7And Haman answered
how he had advanced him above the offi- the king, “For the man whom the king de-
cials and servants of the king. lights to honor, 8let a royal robe be brought
12Moreover Haman said, “Besides, which the king has worn, and a horse on
Queen Esther invited no one but me to which the king has ridden, which has
come in with the king to the banquet that a royal crest placed on its head. 9Then
she prepared; and tomorrow I am again let this robe and horse be delivered to
invited by her, along with the king. 13Yet the hand of one of the king’s most noble
all this avails me nothing, so long as I see princes, that he may array the man whom
Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” the king delights to honor. Then parade
him on horseback through the city square,
and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be
Esther 5:14 done to the man whom the king delights
There were no ropes involved in a to honor!’ ”
Persian hanging. Instead, the person 10Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry,
was nailed to a stake. After death, the take the robe and the horse, as you have
corpse remained hanging for public suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew
viewing. who sits within the king’s gate! Leave noth-
ing undone of all that you have spoken.”
11So Haman took the robe and the
14Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends
horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on
said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty horseback through the city square, and
cubits high, and in the morning suggest proclaimed before him, “Thus shall it be
to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; done to the man whom the king delights
then go merrily with the king to the ban- to honor!”
quet.” 12Afterward Mordecai went back to
And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his
the gallows made. house, mourning and with his head cov-
ered. 13When Haman told his wife Zeresh
The King Honors Mordecai and all his friends everything that had hap-
6
That night the king could not sleep. pened to him, his wise men and his wife
So one was commanded to bring the Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before
book of the records of the chronicles; whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish
and they were read before the king. 2And it descent, you will not prevail against him
was found written that Mordecai had told but will surely fall before him.”
14While they were still talking with him,
of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s
eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought the king’s eunuchs came, and hastened to
to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3Then the bring Haman to the banquet which Esther
king said, “What honor or dignity has been had prepared.
bestowed on Mordecai for this?”
And the king’s servants who attended Haman Hanged Instead
him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” of Mordecai
7
4So the king said, “Who is in the court?” So the king and Haman went to dine
Now Haman had just entered the outer with Queen Esther. 2And on the sec-
court of the king’s palace to suggest that ond day, at the banquet of wine, the
the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that king again said to Esther, “What is your
he had prepared for him. petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted
17-Esther.indd 598 2/14/12 11:57 AM
599 ESTHER 8:10
you. And what is your request, up to half tears to counteract the evil of Haman the
the kingdom? It shall be done!” Agagite, and the scheme which he had de-
3Then Queen Esther answered and said, vised against the Jews. 4And the king held
“If I have found favor in your sight, O king, out the golden scepter toward Esther. So
and if it pleases the king, let my life be given Esther arose and stood before the king,
me at my petition, and my people at my re- 5and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I
quest. 4For we have been sold, my people have found favor in his sight and the thing
and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to seems right to the king and I am pleasing in
be annihilated. Had we been sold as male his eyes, let it be written to revoke the let-
and female slaves, I would have held my ters devised by Haman, the son of Hamme-
tongue, although the enemy could never datha the Agagite, which he wrote to an-
compensate for the king’s loss.” nihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s
5So King Ahasuerus answered and said
provinces. 6For how can I endure to see the
to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is evil that will come to my people? Or how
he, who would dare presume in his heart to can I endure to see the destruction of my
do such a thing?” countrymen?”
6And Esther said, “The adversary and 7Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen
enemy is this wicked Haman!” Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I
So Haman was terrified before the king have given Esther the house of Haman, and
and queen. they have hanged him on the gallows be-
7Then the king arose in his wrath from
cause he tried to lay his hand on the Jews.
the banquet of wine and went into the 8You yourselves write a decree concerning
palace garden; but Haman stood before the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name,
Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for
saw that evil was determined against him whatever is written in the king’s name and
by the king. 8When the king returned from sealed with the king’s signet ring no one
the palace garden to the place of the ban- can revoke.”
quet of wine, Haman had fallen across the
couch where Esther was. Then the king
said, “Will he also assault the queen while I Esther 8:8–12
am in the house?” Thanks to Persian law, a king could
As the word left the king’s mouth, they not legally revoke or change a law
covered Haman’s face. 9Now Harbonah, once it was established. Knowing that
one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! he couldn’t undo the law that called
The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Ha- for the slaughter of the Jewish people,
man made for Mordecai, who spoke good the quick-thinking king passed a
on the king’s behalf, is standing at the new law that allowed Jews to defend
house of Haman.” themselves and even take revenge on
Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” their enemies.
10So they hanged Haman on the gallows
that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then
the king’s wrath subsided. 9So the king’s scribes were called at
that time, in the third month, which is the
Esther Saves the Jews month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day;
8
On that day King Ahasuerus gave and it was written, according to all that
Queen Esther the house of Haman, Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the
the enemy of the Jews. And Morde- satraps, the governors, and the princes of
cai came before the king, for Esther had the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one
told how he was related to her. 2So the king hundred and twenty- seven provinces in
took off his signet ring, which he had taken all, to every province in its own script, to
from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and every people in their own language, and to
Esther appointed Mordecai over the house the Jews in their own script and language.
of Haman. 10And he wrote in the name of King Ahas
3Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell uerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring,
down at his feet, and implored him with and sent letters by couriers on horseback,
17-Esther.indd 599 2/14/12 11:57 AM
ESTHER 8:11 600
riding on royal horses bred from swift increasingly prominent. 5Thus the Jews de-
steeds.a feated all their enemies with the stroke of
11By these letters the king permitted the sword, with slaughter and destruction,
the Jews who were in every city to gather and did what they pleased with those who
together and protect their lives— to de- hated them.
stroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of 6And in Shushan the citadel the Jews
any people or province that would assault killed and destroyed five hundred men.
them, both little children and women, and 7Also Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,
to plunder their possessions, 12on one day 8Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9Parmashta,
in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha—10the ten
the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha,
which is the month of Adar.a 13A copy of the enemy of the Jews—they killed; but
the document was to be issued as a de- they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
cree in every province and published for 11On that day the number of those who
all people, so that the Jews would be ready were killed in Shushan the citadel was
on that day to avenge themselves on their brought to the king. 12And the king said to
enemies. 14The couriers who rode on royal Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and
horses went out, hastened and pressed on destroyed five hundred men in Shushan
by the king’s command. And the decree the citadel, and the ten sons of Haman.
was issued in Shushan the citadel. What have they done in the rest of the
15So Mordecai went out from the pres-
king’s provinces? Now what is your peti-
ence of the king in royal apparel of blue and tion? It shall be granted to you. Or what is
white, with a great crown of gold and a gar- your further request? It shall be done.”
ment of fine linen and purple; and the city 13Then Esther said, “If it pleases the
of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16The king, let it be granted to the Jews who are
Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. in Shushan to do again tomorrow accord-
17And in every province and city, wherever
ing to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten
the king’s command and decree came, the sons be hanged on the gallows.”
Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a 14So the king commanded this to be
holiday. Then many of the people of the done; the decree was issued in Shushan,
land became Jews, because fear of the Jews and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
fell upon them. 15And the Jews who were in Shushan
gathered together again on the fourteenth
The Jews Destroy Their day of the month of Adar and killed three
Tormentors hundred men at Shushan; but they did not
9
Now in the twelfth month, that is, lay a hand on the plunder.
the month of Adar, on the thirteenth 16The remainder of the Jews in the king’s
day, the time came for the king’s com- provinces gathered together and protected
mand and his decree to be executed. On their lives, had rest from their enemies,
the day that the enemies of the Jews had and killed seventy-five thousand of their
hoped to overpower them, the opposite enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the
occurred, in that the Jews themselves over- plunder. 17This was on the thirteenth day of
powered those who hated them. 2The Jews the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth
gathered together in their cities through- of the montha they rested and made it a day
out all the provinces of King Ahasuerus of feasting and gladness.
to lay hands on those who sought their
harm. And no one could withstand them, The Feast of Purim
because fear of them fell upon all people. 18But the Jews who were at Shushan assem-
3And all the officials of the provinces, the
bled together on the thirteenth day, as well
satraps, the governors, and all those doing as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth
the king’s work, helped the Jews, because of the montha they rested, and made it a
the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4For
Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, 8:10 aLiterally sons of the swift horses
and his fame spread throughout all the 8:12 aSeptuagint adds the text of the letter here.
provinces; for this man Mordecai became 9:17 aLiterally it 9:18 aLiterally it
17-Esther.indd 600 2/14/12 11:57 AM
601 ESTHER 10:3
day of feasting and gladness. 19Therefore written instructions and according to the
the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the prescribed time, 28that these days should be
unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth remembered and kept throughout every
day of the month of Adar with gladness and generation, every family, every province,
feasting, as a holiday, and for sending pres- and every city, that these days of Purim
ents to one another. should not fail to be observed among the
20And Mordecai wrote these things and
Jews, and that the memory of them should
sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, not perish among their descendants.
who were in all the provinces of King Ahas 29Then Queen Esther, the daughter of
uerus, 21to establish among them that they Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with
should celebrate yearly the fourteenth full authority to confirm this second letter
and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, about Purim. 30And Mordecai sent letters
22as the days on which the Jews had rest
to all the Jews, to the one hundred and
from their enemies, as the month which twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom
was turned from sorrow to joy for them, of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and
and from mourning to a holiday; that they truth, 31to confirm these days of Purim
should make them days of feasting and joy, at their appointed time, as Mordecai the
of sending presents to one another and Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for
gifts to the poor. 23So the Jews accepted the them, and as they had decreed for them-
custom which they had begun, as Morde- selves and their descendants concerning
cai had written to them, 24because Haman, matters of their fasting and lamenting.
the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the 32So the decree of Esther confirmed these
enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against matters of Purim, and it was written in the
the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast book.
Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and
destroy them; 25but when Esthera came be-
fore the king, he commanded by letter that Leadership
thisb wicked plot which Haman had de- What should be the focus of a
vised against the Jews should return on his leader?
own head, and that he and his sons should
be hanged on the gallows. Esther 10:3
Esther 9:32 Mordecai’s Advancement
10
Queen Esther’s letter made the Festi- And King Ahasuerus imposed
val of Purim an official Jewish holiday. tribute on the land and on the
Today Purim is observed in the month islands of the sea. 2Now all
before Passover. Celebrations usually the acts of his power and his might, and
include a reading from the Book the account of the greatness of Mordecai,
of Esther, gift-giving, and general to which the king advanced him, are they
merriment. not written in the book of the chronicles of
the kings of Media and Persia? 3For Morde-
26So they called these days Purim, af-
cai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus,
and was great among the Jews and well
ter the name Pur. Therefore, because of received by the multitude of his brethren,
all the words of this letter, what they had seeking the good of his people and speak-
seen concerning this matter, and what had
ing peace to all his countrymen.a
happened to them, 27the Jews established
and imposed it upon themselves and their 9:25 aLiterally she or it
bLiterally his
descendants and all who would join them, 10:3 aLiterally seed. Septuagint and Vulgate
that without fail they should celebrate add a dream of Mordecai here; Vulgate adds six
these two days every year, according to the more chapters.
17-Esther.indd 601 2/14/12 11:57 AM
Job
Date of writing: Uncertain
Author: Uncertain
Theme: The Suffering of the Godly and the
Sovereignty of God
Purpose: We are to trust God’s wisdom and His
love when troubles come.
Outline
1:1–5 ��������������������Righteous Job and His Family in Uz
1:6–12 ������������������Satan Attacks Job’s Character
1:13—2:13 �����������Job Loses His Wealth, Family, and Health
3:1–26 ������������������Job Curses the Day of His Birth
4:1—14:22 �����������The First Round of the Debate
15:1—21:34 ��������The Second Round of the Debate
22:1—26:14 ��������The Third Round of the Debate
27:1—30:31 ��������Job’s Closing Statements
31:1–40 ����������������Job Swears That He Is Innocent
32:1—37:24 ��������Elihu’s Speeches
38:1—39:30 ��������God’s First Speech
40:1—42:6 �����������God’s Second Speech and Job’s Responses
42:7–17 ����������������The Lord Again Blesses Job with Wealth, Family,
and Health
Key Verse:
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will
defend my own ways before Him” (Job 13:15).
18-Job.indd 602 2/14/12 11:58 AM
Then /// The Book of Job is a really famous story about a man who
suffered . . . a lot. He lost all his family except his discouraged wife. He lost
his wealth, his health, and his place in society. To make it worse, his three
friends came to “console” him and ended up kicking him when he was down.
Job couldn’t figure out why he was suffering. The more his friends told him he must be
sinning and bringing it on himself, the more he insisted that wasn’t the case. He knew he
wasn’t perfect, but he was also sure he hadn’t committed a level of sin that would bring
about these consequences.
In the middle of all this suffering and chaos, he also held strong to his belief in the
righteous authority of God. Job wanted a chance to plead his case before God. But when
he got that chance, he was overwhelmed by the reality of God’s greatness, and realized he
had been talking about things that were over his head and beyond his understanding.
Now /// Job is a story about the most difficult questions we face in
life. Why do good people have bad things happen to them? If God
sometimes intervenes in our lives, why doesn’t He always intervene? If God
is good, then why is there bad? If we obey God, why aren’t we always rewarded for it? If
something bad happens, does that mean we are being punished?
Job was a man who didn’t just say “God is good” when good things happened. Instead,
he said, “God is good and life is hard, but God is still good.” That’s pretty amazing isn’t it?
The Book of Job reminds us that just because we can’t always figure life out doesn’t mean
God is not who He says He is.
Reality Check /// Job was at the end of his rope. His wife
knew it, and his friends knew it.
Job’s friends heard about his troubles and did what friends do. They
came to help. At first they did a pretty good job; but then, they started trying to fix the
situation. They were convinced that Job had brought his troubles on himself. In the end
they made him feel worse about it all because they tried to tell him it was all his fault.
These friends give us a great example of what not to do. Sometimes it’s okay to just sit
with a friend in silent support instead of trying to pretend we have answers we don’t really
have.
Job listened to his friends’ long-winded speeches, but he just didn’t believe that they
were right. So even though he was miserable and worn out, he stood his ground. Some-
times friends are the hardest people to stand up to. Job gives us a great example of how to
stand our ground in similar situations.
Job and His Family in Uz female donkeys, and a very large house-
hold, so that this man was the greatest of
1
There was a man in the land of Uz,
all the people of the East.
whose name was Job; and that man 4And his sons would go and feast in their
was blameless and upright, and one
houses, each on his appointed day, and
who feared God and shunned evil. 2And
would send and invite their three sisters to
seven sons and three daughters were born
eat and drink with them. 5So it was, when
to him. 3Also, his possessions were seven
the days of feasting had run their course,
thousand sheep, three thousand camels,
that Job would send and sanctify them,
five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred
and he would rise early in the morning and
offer burnt offerings according to the num-
Integrity ber of them all. For Job said, “It may be that
Who is a good model of my sons have sinned and curseda God in
integrity? their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.
Job 1:1 1:5 aLiterally blessed, but used here in the evil
sense, and so in verse 11 and 2:5, 9
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JOB 1:6 604
Satan Attacks Job’s 16While he was still speaking, another
Character also came and said, “The fire of God fell
6Now there was a day when the sons of from heaven and burned up the sheep and
God came to present themselves before the the servants, and consumed them; and I
Lord, and Satana also came among them. alone have escaped to tell you!”
17While he was still speaking, another
7And the Lord said to Satan, “From where
do you come?” also came and said, “The Chaldeans
So Satan answered the Lord and said, formed three bands, raided the camels
“From going to and fro on the earth, and and took them away, yes, and killed the
from walking back and forth on it.” servants with the edge of the sword; and I
8Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have alone have escaped to tell you!”
18While he was still speaking, another
you considered My servant Job, that there
is none like him on the earth, a blameless also came and said, “Your sons and daugh-
and upright man, one who fears God and ters were eating and drinking wine in their
shuns evil?” oldest brother’s house, 19and suddenly a
9So Satan answered the Lord and said, great wind came from acrossa the wilder-
“Does Job fear God for nothing? 10Have ness and struck the four corners of the
You not made a hedge around him, around house, and it fell on the young people, and
his household, and around all that he has they are dead; and I alone have escaped to
on every side? You have blessed the work tell you!”
of his hands, and his possessions have in-
creased in the land. 11But now, stretch out Money
Your hand and touch all that he has, and he What should be our
will surely curse You to Your face!”
12And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, attitude toward money and
all that he has is in your power; only do not possessions?
lay a hand on his person.” Job 1:21, 22
So Satan went out from the presence of
the Lord.
20Then Job arose, tore his robe, and
shaved his head; and he fell to the ground
Job 1:15–17 and worshiped. 21And he said:
The Sabeans and Chaldeans weren’t
the kind of people you would want “ Naked I came from my mother’s
as neighbors. They made their living womb,
by raiding villages and farms, feeding And naked shall I return there.
themselves on crops and livestock The Lord gave, and the Lord has
that were raised by other people. Cen- taken away;
turies later, the Chaldeans dominated Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
the land of Babylon. 22In all this Job did not sin nor charge
God with wrong.
Job Loses His Property Satan Attacks Job’s Health
and Children
2
13Now
Again there was a day when the sons
there was a day when his sons and of God came to present themselves
daughters were eating and drinking wine before the Lord, and Satan came
in their oldest brother’s house; 14and a also among them to present himself before
messenger came to Job and said, “The the Lord. 2And the Lord said to Satan,
oxen were plowing and the donkeys feed- “From where do you come?”
ing beside them, 15when the Sabeansa Satan answered the Lord and said,
raided them and took them away—indeed
they have killed the servants with the edge 1:6 aLiterally the Adversary, and so throughout
of the sword; and I alone have escaped to this book 1:15 aLiterally Sheba (compare 6:19)
tell you!” 1:19 aSeptuagint omits across.
18-Job.indd 604 2/14/12 11:58 AM
605 JOB 3:17
“From going to and fro on the earth, and Job Deplores His Birth
from walking back and forth on it.”
3
3Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have
After this Job opened his mouth and
cursed the day of his birth.2And Job
you considered My servant Job, that there spoke, and said:
is none like him on the earth, a blameless
and upright man, one who fears God and 3“ May the day perish on which I was
shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his born,
integrity, although you incited Me against And the night in which it was said,
him, to destroy him without cause.” ‘ A male child is conceived.’
4So Satan answered the Lord and said, 4 May that day be darkness;
“Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will May God above not seek it,
give for his life. 5But stretch out Your hand Nor the light shine upon it.
now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and 5 May darkness and the shadow of death
he will surely curse You to Your face!” claim it;
6And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, May a cloud settle on it;
he is in your hand, but spare his life.” May the blackness of the day terrify it.
7So Satan went out from the presence of 6 As for that night, may darkness seize it;
the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils May it not rejoicea among the days of
from the sole of his foot to the crown of his the year,
head. 8And he took for himself a potsherd May it not come into the number of
with which to scrape himself while he sat the months.
7 Oh, may that night be barren!
in the midst of the ashes.
9Then his wife said to him, “Do you still May no joyful shout come into it!
8 May those curse it who curse the day,
hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and
die!” Those who are ready to arouse
10But he said to her, “You speak as one of Leviathan.
9 May the stars of its morning be dark;
the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed
accept good from God, and shall we not ac- May it look for light, but have none,
cept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin And not see the dawning of the day;
10 Because it did not shut up the doors of
with his lips.
my mother’s womb,
Nor hide sorrow from my eyes.
Friendship
11“ Why did I not die at birth?
What should we do to help
Why did I not perish when I came from
hurting friends? the womb?
Job 2:11 12 Why did the knees receive me?
Or why the breasts, that I should
nurse?
Job’s Three Friends 13 For now I would have lain still and
11Now when Job’s three friends heard of been quiet,
all this adversity that had come upon I would have been asleep;
him, each one came from his own place— Then I would have been at rest
14 With kings and counselors of the
Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite,
and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had earth,
made an appointment together to come Who built ruins for themselves,
15 Or with princes who had gold,
and mourn with him, and to comfort him.
12And when they raised their eyes from Who filled their houses with silver;
16 Or why was I not hidden like a
afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted
stillborn child,
their voices and wept; and each one tore
Like infants who never saw light?
his robe and sprinkled dust on his head 17 There the wicked cease from troubling,
toward heaven. 13So they sat down with
And there the weary are at rest.
him on the ground seven days and seven
nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for 3:6 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
they saw that his grief was very great. read be joined.
18-Job.indd 605 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 3:18 606
18 There the prisoners rest together; And you have strengthened the feeble
They do not hear the voice of the knees;
oppressor. 5 But now it comes upon you, and you
19 The small and great are there, are weary;
And the servant is free from his It touches you, and you are troubled.
master. 6 Is not your reverence your confidence?
And the integrity of your ways your
20“ Why is light given to him who is in hope?
misery,
And life to the bitter of soul, 7“ Remember now, who ever perished
21 Who long for death, but it does not being innocent?
come, Or where were the upright ever cut
And search for it more than hidden off?
treasures; 8 Even as I have seen,
22 Who rejoice exceedingly, Those who plow iniquity
And are glad when they can find the And sow trouble reap the same.
grave? 9 By the blast of God they perish,
23 Why is light given to a man whose way And by the breath of His anger they are
is hidden, consumed.
And whom God has hedged in? 10 The roaring of the lion,
24 For my sighing comes before I eat,a The voice of the fierce lion,
And my groanings pour out like water. And the teeth of the young lions are
25 For the thing I greatly feared has come broken.
upon me, 11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey,
And what I dreaded has happened And the cubs of the lioness are
to me. scattered.
26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
I have no rest, for trouble comes.” 12“ Now a word was secretly brought
to me,
And my ear received a whisper of it.
Job 4:1 13 In disquieting thoughts from the
Job’s “conversation” with his friends visions of the night,
followed a pattern of debate called When deep sleep falls on men,
“cycles.” Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
took turns talking to Job in three
different cycles. (Though, for some Job 4:13
reason, Zophar chose not to say any- Dreams were very important to
thing in the third cycle.) After each of people in ancient times. Nighttime
their speeches, Job was given a chance visions, like the one Eliphaz experi-
to reply. enced, were thought to be messages
from God. Sometimes those visions
predicted the future; other times, they
Eliphaz: Job Has Sinned explained important truths to people
like Eliphaz.
4
Then Eliphaz the Temanite an-
swered and said:
14 Fear came upon me, and trembling,
2 “If one attempts a word with you, will
Which made all my bones shake.
you become weary? 15 Then a spirit passed before my face;
But who can withhold himself from The hair on my body stood up.
speaking? 16 It stood still,
3 Surely you have instructed many,
But I could not discern its
And you have strengthened weak appearance.
hands. A form was before my eyes;
4 Your words have upheld him who was
stumbling, 3:24 aLiterally my bread
18-Job.indd 606 2/14/12 11:58 AM
607 JOB 5:23
There was silence; And those who mourn are lifted to
Then I heard a voice saying: safety.
17‘ Can a mortal be more righteous than 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
God? So that their hands cannot carry out
Can a man be more pure than his their plans.
Maker? 13 He catches the wise in their own
18 If He puts no trust in His servants, craftiness,
If He charges His angels with error, And the counsel of the cunning comes
19 How much more those who dwell in quickly upon them.
houses of clay, 14 They meet with darkness in the
Whose foundation is in the dust, daytime,
Who are crushed before a moth? And grope at noontime as in the night.
20 They are broken in pieces from 15 But He saves the needy from the sword,
morning till evening; From the mouth of the mighty,
They perish forever, with no one And from their hand.
regarding. 16 So the poor have hope,
21 Does not their own excellence go And injustice shuts her mouth.
away?
They die, even without wisdom.’ 17“ Behold, happy is the man whom God
corrects;
Eliphaz: Job Is Chastened Therefore do not despise the
by God chastening of the Almighty.
5
“ Call out now;
Is there anyone who will answer Discipline
you?
And to which of the holy ones will you
Is God’s discipline good?
turn? Job 5:17
2 For wrath kills a foolish man,
And envy slays a simple one. 18 For He bruises, but He binds up;
3 I have seen the foolish taking root,
He wounds, but His hands make
But suddenly I cursed his dwelling
whole.
place. 19 He shall deliver you in six troubles,
4 His sons are far from safety,
Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you.
They are crushed in the gate, 20 In famine He shall redeem you from
And there is no deliverer.
5 Because the hungry eat up his
death,
And in war from the power of the
harvest,
sword.
Taking it even from the thorns,a 21 You shall be hidden from the scourge
And a snare snatches their substance.b
6 For affliction does not come from the
of the tongue,
And you shall not be afraid of
dust,
destruction when it comes.
Nor does trouble spring from the 22 You shall laugh at destruction and
ground;
7 Yet man is born to trouble, famine,
And you shall not be afraid of the
As the sparks fly upward.
beasts of the earth.
23 For you shall have a covenant with the
8“ But as for me, I would seek God,
stones of the field,
And to God I would commit my
And the beasts of the field shall be at
cause—
9 Who does great things, and peace with you.
unsearchable, 5:5 aSeptuagint reads They shall not be taken
Marvelous things without number. from evil men; Vulgate reads And the armed man
10 He gives rain on the earth,
shall take him by violence. bSeptuagint reads
And sends waters on the fields. The might shall draw them off; Vulgate reads And
11 He sets on high those who are lowly, the thirsty shall drink up their riches.
18-Job.indd 607 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 5:24 608
Promise
God promises to deliver you from harm
time after time.
“He shall deliver you in six troubles, yes, in seven no evil shall
touch you” (Job 5:19).
Only when we get to heaven might we know how many
times God has rescued us from harm during our life on this earth. The list probably
fills books: family car delayed in traffic to avoid three-car pile-up; grounded from
the big sophomore party and kept from the lure of drugs and a police raid; army of
angels sent to protect unsuspecting students from attempted mugging on campus.
Sometimes we can look back and know that God put His hand on us, directed our
steps, and protected us. But most of the time we walk around totally unaware of His
divine intervention on our behalf. Time after time He keeps us safe from things we
can see, and even the things we can’t. Take a minute to thank Him for keeping
watch over the big and the little things in your life and for guarding every move you
make.
See for yourself// Psalm 7:10; Nahum 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:3
24 You shall know that your tent is in And my calamity laid with it on the
peace; scales!
You shall visit your dwelling and find 3 For then it would be heavier than the
nothing amiss. sand of the sea—
Therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are
Job 5:25, 26 within me;
A large family and a long, healthy life My spirit drinks in their poison;
were considered to be rewards from The terrors of God are arrayed
God for living in a way that pleased against me.
Him. You can imagine the kind of 5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has
things that were said about people grass,
who lost their families and their Or does the ox low over its fodder?
health. 6 Can flavorless food be eaten without
salt?
25 You shall also know that your
Or is there any taste in the white of
an egg?
descendants shall be many, 7 My soul refuses to touch them;
And your offspring like the grass of the They are as loathsome food to me.
earth.
26 You shall come to the grave at a full
8“ Oh, that I might have my request,
age, That God would grant me the thing
As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season. that I long for!
27 Behold, this we have searched out;
9 That it would please God to
It is true. crush me,
Hear it, and know for yourself.” That He would loose His hand and cut
me off !
Job: My Complaint Is Just 10 Then I would still have comfort;
6
Then Job answered and said: Though in anguish I would exult,
He will not spare;
2“ Oh, that my grief were fully For I have not concealed the words of
weighed, the Holy One.
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609 JOB 7:10
11“ What strength do I have, that I should 30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
hope? Cannot my taste discern the
And what is my end, that I should unsavory?
prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Job: My Suffering Is
Or is my flesh bronze? Comfortless
7
13 Is my help not within me?
“ Is there not a time of hard service
And is success driven from me? for man on earth?
Are not his days also like the days of
14“ To him who is afflicted, kindness
a hired man?
should be shown by his friend, 2 Like a servant who earnestly desires
Even though he forsakes the fear of the the shade,
Almighty. And like a hired man who eagerly
15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like
looks for his wages,
a brook, 3 So I have been allotted months of
Like the streams of the brooks that futility,
pass away, And wearisome nights have been
16 Which are dark because of the ice,
appointed to me.
And into which the snow vanishes. 4 When I lie down, I say, ‘When shall I
17 When it is warm, they cease to flow;
arise,
When it is hot, they vanish from their And the night be ended?’
place. For I have had my fill of tossing till
18 The paths of their way turn aside,
dawn.
They go nowhere and perish. 5 My flesh is caked with worms and
19 The caravans of Tema look,
dust,
The travelers of Sheba hope for them. My skin is cracked and breaks out
20 They are disappointed because they
afresh.
were confident;
They come there and are confused. 6“ My days are swifter than a weaver’s
21 For now you are nothing,
shuttle,
You see terror and are afraid. And are spent without hope.
22 Did I ever say, ‘Bring something to me’?
Or, ‘Offer a bribe for me from your
wealth’?
23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s
Job 7:6
Weaving involved a large frame (called
hand’? a loom) with thread stretched across
Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of it. Using a shuttle (long, thin, tool), the
oppressors’? weaver would pull pieces of thread
crosswise through the frame. One
24“ Teach me, and I will hold my tongue;
thread at a time was added until a
Cause me to understand wherein I piece of fabric was formed.
have erred.
25 How forceful are right words!
But what does your arguing prove? 7 Oh, remember that my life is a breath!
26 Do you intend to rebuke my words, My eye will never again see good.
And the speeches of a desperate one, 8 The eye of him who sees me will see
which are as wind? me no more;
27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, While your eyes are upon me, I shall no
And you undermine your friend. longer be.
28 Now therefore, be pleased to look 9 As the cloud disappears and vanishes
at me; away,
For I would never lie to your face. So he who goes down to the grave
29 Yield now, let there be no injustice! does not come up.
Yes, concede, my righteousness still 10 He shall never return to his house,
stands! Nor shall his place know him anymore.
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JOB 7:11 610
Making It Real //
Job 8:9
Listen and Learn Have you ever had anyone say, “You think you know every-
thing”? They were probably being sarcastic, taking a jab at you. They were reminding you
that your knowledge is limited. The Book of Job says the same thing—that you are only
on this earth a short time and you know very little.
Though no one knows everything, the longer we live, the more we learn. You would
be wise to listen to your parents and grandparents and learn from them. They’ve lived
longer and they have quite a few things figured out. Because of their age, you might as-
sume they couldn’t possibly contribute anything to your generation or your life—they
just don’t get it. Not true. It would be foolish to believe they haven’t felt the emotions you
deal with or struggled to make hard decisions. Whatever road you’re on, they’ve probably
walked there before you. So lay down your stereotypes, listen to the older generations,
and learn from their understanding. You just might find they understand more than you
ever dreamed. (See also: Prov. 1:7–9; 14:10–13; 23:12.)
Words to Live By
Know: The word translated as “know” in Job 8:9 is the Hebrew word yada (yaw-
dah’). It means “to come to an understanding by watching and listening.” One of the
hardest things for a lot of people to say is, “I don’t know.” When you think of it, it’s really
kind of silly to feel that way. How can you learn anything unless you first admit you don’t
know it? So admit you don’t know it all. Watch those older than you closely, listen to what
they say; don’t be afraid to admit they know more than you. You may be surprised how
much you can learn.
11“ Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; And let me alone till I swallow my
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; saliva?
I will complain in the bitterness of my 20 Have I sinned?
soul. What have I done to You, O watcher
12 Am I a sea, or a sea serpent, of men?
That You set a guard over me? Why have You set me as Your target,
13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me, So that I am a burden to myself?a
My couch will ease my complaint,’ 21 Why then do You not pardon my
14 Then You scare me with dreams transgression,
And terrify me with visions, And take away my iniquity?
15 So that my soul chooses strangling
For now I will lie down in the dust,
And death rather than my body.a And You will seek me diligently,
16 I loathe my life;
But I will no longer be.”
I would not live forever.
Let me alone, Bildad: Job Should Repent
8
For my days are but a breath. Then Bildad the Shuhite answered
17“ What is man, that You should exalt
and said:
him, 2“ How long will you speak these things,
That You should set Your heart on him, And the words of your mouth be like a
18 That You should visit him every
strong wind?
morning,
And test him every moment? 7:15 aLiterally my bones
7:20 aFollowing
19 How long? Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate;
Will You not look away from me, Septuagint and Jewish tradition read to You.
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611 JOB 8:19
Promise
God promises to give you joy and laughter.
“Behold, God will not cast away the blameless, nor will He
uphold the evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughing,
and your lips with rejoicing” (Job 8:20, 21).
Are you a smiler or a frowner? Do you naturally notice
happy things, or are you a walking, talking cloud of gloom? How about laughing?
Do you remember the last time you laughed until your sides hurt, and your eyes
watered, and you begged for mercy—you just couldn’t laugh anymore? However
long it’s been, whatever your natural disposition, God promises to give you
something to laugh about. He promises to give you joy. He can walk right into your
most depressing day and turn things around. God didn’t put you here to see how
awful He could make you feel. He put you here to glorify Him and to enjoy life. So
invite Him into your day and tell Him you really need something to laugh about.
Watch Him do a miracle on your behalf. No heart is too hard, no day is too far gone
when the Maker of laughter keeps His promise.
See for yourself// 1 Samuel 2:1; Psalm 126:1–3
3 Does God subvert judgment? 9 For we were born yesterday, and know
Or does the Almighty pervert justice? nothing,
4 If your sons have sinned against Him, Because our days on earth are a
He has cast them away for their shadow.
transgression. 10 Will they not teach you and tell you,
5 If you would earnestly seek God And utter words from their heart?
And make your supplication to the
11“ Can the papyrus grow up without a
Almighty,
6 If you were pure and upright, marsh?
Surely now He would awake for you, Can the reeds flourish without water?
12 While it is yet green and not cut down,
And prosper your rightful dwelling
place. It withers before any other plant.
7 Though your beginning was small, 13 So are the paths of all who forget God;
Yet your latter end would increase And the hope of the hypocrite shall
abundantly. perish,
14 Whose confidence shall be cut off,
8“ For inquire, please, of the former age, And whose trust is a spider’s web.
15 He leans on his house, but it does not
And consider the things discovered by
their fathers; stand.
He holds it fast, but it does not
endure.
Job 8:11 16 He grows green in the sun,
The papyrus plant grows in the water And his branches spread out in his
of swamps and marshes. Papyrus garden.
stalks are about the thickness of a per- 17 His roots wrap around the rock heap,
son’s wrist and can reach as high as And look for a place in the stones.
twelve feet. More than anything else, 18 If he is destroyed from his place,
papyrus resembles an oversized blade Then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have
of grass. The Egyptians used papyrus not seen you.’
to make paper, blankets, sandals, and
rafts. 19“ Behold, this is the joy of His way,
And out of the earth others will grow.
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JOB 8:20 612
Making It Real //
Job 9:10, 11
God Is Near God is so far beyond our understanding that we can’t even imagine
how huge, how loving, how incredible He is. He is always at work in our lives—with mira-
cles we never realize, creativity to bring all the pieces of our lives together into a beautiful
picture, His fair and supreme justice making things right in His time. God is not some
distant deity who watches as we struggle with life. He is closer than we can imagine and
cares more deeply than we can conceive.
When life is messy and things seem to be falling apart, we can mistakenly believe
that God is up there somewhere, far away, just looking down, never getting involved. He
may seem remote and out of touch—distant. But God is never further away than your
next breath. And He is moving and working in your life even when you are totally un-
aware. Are you willing to trust the One who is beside you to care for you and to love you?
His presence is real. (See also: Ps. 119:151; 145:18.)
Words to Live By
Wonders: The Hebrew word translated here as “wonders” is pala (pah-lah). A pala
is a supernatural deed that is beyond human ability to accomplish or even to under-
stand. We can always trust God to work on our behalf and create a life filled with pala for
us to enjoy.
20 Behold, God will not cast away the 7 He commands the sun, and it does
blameless, not rise;
Nor will He uphold the evildoers. He seals off the stars;
21 He will yet fill your mouth with 8 He alone spreads out the heavens,
laughing, And treads on the waves of the sea;
And your lips with rejoicing. 9 He made the Bear, Orion, and the
22 Those who hate you will be clothed Pleiades,
with shame,
And the dwelling place of the wicked
will come to nothing.”a Job 9:9
If you know anything about as-
Job: There Is No Mediator tronomy, you know that the Bear and
Orion are bright clusters of stars. You
9
Then Job answered and said:
may even be able to find them on
2“ Truly I know it is so, starry nights. Pleiades is a bit more
difficult to spot. In fact, out of the
But how can a man be righteous
hundreds of stars that form the con-
before God?
3 If one wished to contend with Him, stellation Pleiades, only six or seven
are visible to the naked eye.
He could not answer Him one time out
of a thousand.
4 God is wise in heart and mighty in
And the chambers of the south;
strength. 10 He does great things past finding out,
Who has hardened himself against Yes, wonders without number.
Him and prospered? 11 If He goes by me, I do not see Him;
5 He removes the mountains, and they
If He moves past, I do not perceive
do not know Him;
When He overturns them in His anger; 12 If He takes away, who can hinder Him?
6 He shakes the earth out of its place,
And its pillars tremble; 8:22 aLiterally will not be
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613 JOB 10:10
Who can say to Him, ‘What are You 29 If I am condemned,
doing?’ Why then do I labor in vain?
13 God will not withdraw His anger, 30 If I wash myself with snow water,
The allies of the prouda lie prostrate And cleanse my hands with soap,
beneath Him. 31 Yet You will plunge me into the pit,
And my own clothes will abhor me.
14“ How then can I answer Him,
And choose my words to reason with 32“ For He is not a man, as I am,
Him? That I may answer Him,
15 For though I were righteous, I could And that we should go to court
not answer Him; together.
I would beg mercy of my Judge. 33 Nor is there any mediator between us,
16 If I called and He answered me, Who may lay his hand on us both.
I would not believe that He was 34 Let Him take His rod away from me,
listening to my voice. And do not let dread of Him terrify me.
17 For He crushes me with a tempest, 35 Then I would speak and not fear Him,
And multiplies my wounds without But it is not so with me.
cause.
18 He will not allow me to catch my Job: I Would Plead with God
10
breath, “ My soul loathes my life;
But fills me with bitterness. I will give free course to my
19 If it is a matter of strength, indeed He
complaint,
is strong; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
And if of justice, who will appoint my 2 I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me;
day in court? Show me why You contend with me.
20 Though I were righteous, my own
3 Does it seem good to You that You
mouth would condemn me; should oppress,
Though I were blameless, it would That You should despise the work of
prove me perverse. Your hands,
And smile on the counsel of the
21“ I am blameless, yet I do not know
wicked?
myself; 4 Do You have eyes of flesh?
I despise my life. Or do You see as man sees?
22 It is all one thing;
5 Are Your days like the days of a mortal
Therefore I say, ‘He destroys the man?
blameless and the wicked.’ Are Your years like the days of a mighty
23 If the scourge slays suddenly,
man,
He laughs at the plight of the 6 That You should seek for my iniquity
innocent. And search out my sin,
24 The earth is given into the hand of the
7 Although You know that I am not
wicked. wicked,
He covers the faces of its judges. And there is no one who can deliver
If it is not He, who else could it be? from Your hand?
25“ Now my days are swifter than a
8‘Your hands have made me and
runner; fashioned me,
They flee away, they see no good. An intricate unity;
26 They pass by like swift ships,
Yet You would destroy me.
Like an eagle swooping on its prey. 9 Remember, I pray, that You have made
27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
me like clay.
I will put off my sad face and wear a And will You turn me into dust again?
smile,’ 10 Did You not pour me out like milk,
28 I am afraid of all my sufferings;
And curdle me like cheese,
I know that You will not hold me
innocent. 9:13 aHebrew rahab
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JOB 10:11 614
11 Clothe me with skin and flesh, 22 A land as dark as darkness itself,
And knit me together with bones and As the shadow of death, without any
sinews? order,
12 You have granted me life and favor, Where even the light is like darkness.’ ”
And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Zophar Urges Job to Repent
11
13‘ And these things You have hidden in
Then Zophar the Naamathite
Your heart; answered and said:
I know that this was with You:
14 If I sin, then You mark me,
2“ Should not the multitude of words be
And will not acquit me of my iniquity. answered?
15 If I am wicked, woe to me;
And should a man full of talk be
Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift up vindicated?
my head. 3 Should your empty talk make men
I am full of disgrace; hold their peace?
See my misery! And when you mock, should no one
16 If my head is exalted,
rebuke you?
You hunt me like a fierce lion, 4 For you have said,
And again You show Yourself awesome ‘My doctrine is pure,
against me. And I am clean in your eyes.’
17 You renew Your witnesses against me, 5 But oh, that God would speak,
And increase Your indignation And open His lips against you,
toward me; 6 That He would show you the secrets of
Changes and war are ever with me. wisdom!
18‘ Why then have You brought me out of
For they would double your prudence.
Know therefore that God exacts from
the womb? you
Oh, that I had perished and no eye had Less than your iniquity deserves.
seen me!
19 I would have been as though I had not 7“ Can you search out the deep things
been. of God?
I would have been carried from the Can you find out the limits of the
womb to the grave. Almighty?
20 Are not my days few? 8 They are higher than heaven—what
Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take can you do?
a little comfort, Deeper than Sheol—what can you
know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
Job 10:21, 22 And broader than the sea.
“The land of darkness and the shadow
of death” refers to Sheol, the place 10“ If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers
of the dead, according to ancient to judgment,
Hebrew beliefs. Sheol was pictured Then who can hinder Him?
as a dark and gloomy underground 11 For He knows deceitful men;
world where the souls of both good He sees wickedness also.
and bad people lived after death. Will He not then consider it?
Sheol was also the place where people
were thought to receive their eternal
punishment or reward, according to God
how they lived. Does God see people sin?
Job 11:11
21 Before I go to the place from which I
shall not return, 12 For an empty-headed man will be wise,
To the land of darkness and the When a wild donkey’s colt is born a
shadow of death, man.
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615 JOB 12:6
Making It Real //
Job 11:7, 8
The Mystery of God To our limited human minds, God is mysterious. We will
never fully understand Him. We don’t understand how He creates or how He makes de-
cisions. His timing seems slow to us. Heaven is a big mystery; and all those miracles, well,
we just don’t get it. There are so many aspects of God that we can’t totally grasp. That’s
where Colossians 2:2, 3 comes in. Paul writes that Christ is the key to God’s mystery. Jesus
physically came to this earth and through His ministry began to unveil the mysteries of
God. Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12 that “now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then
face to face.” As you grow stronger in your relationship with the Lord, you’ll begin to
know Him more and more. But even when you’re ninety years old and have walked with
Him every day, there will still be magnificent mysteries about Him. He’s that awesome
and that far beyond anything else that exists. There is no end to the mysteries of God.
(See also: Deut. 29:29; 1 Cor. 2:7; 13:12; Col. 2:2, 3.)
Words to Live By
Sheol: This word is translated from the Hebrew sheowl (sheh-ole’) and is the name
of the world of the dead. It is also translated as “grave” and “hell” in other places in the
Old Testament. It is a place beyond this life about which we know little. According to
some passages of Scripture, it is located far beneath the earth. Whether that means it is
actually underground or that it exists in another dimension, we know it is not a place we
can go while we live, nor do we want to when we die.
13“ If you would prepare your heart, Job Answers His Critics
And stretch out your hands toward
12
Then Job answered and said:
Him;
14 If iniquity were in your hand, and you
2“ No doubt you are the
put it far away,
people,
And would not let wickedness dwell in
your tents; And wisdom will die with you!
3 But I have understanding as well as
15 Then surely you could lift up your face
without spot; you;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not I am not inferior to you.
fear; Indeed, who does not know such
16 Because you would forget your misery, things as these?
And remember it as waters that have
4“ I am one mocked by his friends,
passed away,
17 And your life would be brighter than Who called on God, and He answered
noonday. him,
Though you were dark, you would be The just and blameless who is
like the morning. ridiculed.
18 And you would be secure, because 5 A lampa is despised in the thought of
there is hope; one who is at ease;
Yes, you would dig around you, and It is made ready for those whose feet
take your rest in safety. slip.
19 You would also lie down, and no one 6 The tents of robbers prosper,
would make you afraid; And those who provoke God are
Yes, many would court your favor. secure—
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
In what God provides by His hand.
And they shall not escape,
And their hope—loss of life!” 12:5 aOr disaster
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JOB 12:7 616
7“ But now ask the beasts, and they will And makes them wander in a pathless
teach you; wilderness.
And the birds of the air, and they will 25 They grope in the dark without light,
tell you; And He makes them stagger like a
8 Or speak to the earth, and it will teach drunken man.
you;
13
And the fish of the sea will explain to “ Behold, my eye has seen all
you. this,
9 Who among all these does not know My ear has heard and
That the hand of the Lord has done understood it.
this, 2 What you know, I also know;
10 In whose hand is the life of every living I am not inferior to you.
thing, 3 But I would speak to the Almighty,
And the breath of all mankind? And I desire to reason with God.
11 Does not the ear test words 4 But you forgers of lies,
And the mouth taste its food? You are all worthless physicians.
12 Wisdom is with aged men, 5 Oh, that you would be silent,
And with length of days, And it would be your wisdom!
understanding. 6 Now hear my reasoning,
And heed the pleadings of my lips.
13“ With Him are wisdom and strength, 7 Will you speak wickedly for God,
He has counsel and understanding. And talk deceitfully for Him?
14 If He breaks a thing down, it cannot be 8 Will you show partiality for Him?
rebuilt; Will you contend for God?
If He imprisons a man, there can be no 9 Will it be well when He searches you
release. out?
15 If He withholds the waters, they
Or can you mock Him as one mocks
dry up; a man?
If He sends them out, they overwhelm 10 He will surely rebuke you
the earth. If you secretly show partiality.
16 With Him are strength and prudence. 11 Will not His excellence make you
The deceived and the deceiver are afraid,
His. And the dread of Him fall upon you?
17 He leads counselors away plundered, 12 Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes,
And makes fools of the judges. Your defenses are defenses of clay.
18 He loosens the bonds of kings,
And binds their waist with a belt. 13“ Hold your peace with me, and let me
19 He leads princesa away plundered,
speak,
And overthrows the mighty. Then let come on me what may!
20 He deprives the trusted ones of 14 Why do I take my flesh in my teeth,
speech, And put my life in my hands?
And takes away the discernment of 15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust
the elders. Him.
21 He pours contempt on princes,
Even so, I will defend my own ways
And disarms the mighty. before Him.
22 He uncovers deep things out of 16 He also shall be my salvation,
darkness, For a hypocrite could not come before
And brings the shadow of death to Him.
light. 17 Listen carefully to my speech,
23 He makes nations great, and destroys
And to my declaration with your ears.
them; 18 See now, I have prepared my case,
He enlarges nations, and guides them. I know that I shall be vindicated.
24 He takes away the understandinga of
the chiefs of the people of the 12:19 aLiterally priests, but not in a technical
earth, sense 12:24 aLiterally heart
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617 JOB 14:20
19 Who is he who will contend with me? 6 Look away from him that he may rest,
If now I hold my tongue, I perish. Till like a hired man he finishes his
day.
Job’s Despondent Prayer
7“ For there is hope for a tree,
20“ Only two things do not do to me,
Then I will not hide myself from You: If it is cut down, that it will sprout
21 Withdraw Your hand far from me, again,
And let not the dread of You make me And that its tender shoots will not
afraid. cease.
8 Though its root may grow old in the
22 Then call, and I will answer;
Or let me speak, then You respond earth,
to me. And its stump may die in the ground,
9 Yet at the scent of water it will bud
23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Make me know my transgression and And bring forth branches like a plant.
10 But man dies and is laid away;
my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face, Indeed he breathes his last
And where is he?
And regard me as Your enemy? 11 As water disappears from the sea,
25 Will You frighten a leaf driven to and
And a river becomes parched and
fro?
dries up,
And will You pursue dry stubble? 12 So man lies down and does not rise.
26 For You write bitter things against me,
Till the heavens are no more,
And make me inherit the iniquities of
They will not awake
my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks, Nor be roused from their sleep.
And watch closely all my paths. 13“ Oh, that You would hide me in the
You set a limita for the soles of my feet.
grave,
28“ Mana decays like a rotten thing, That You would conceal me until Your
wrath is past,
Like a garment that is moth-eaten.
That You would appoint me a set time,
and remember me!
Trials 14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
Will we all have problems in All the days of my hard service I will
wait,
life? Till my change comes.
Job 14:1 15 You shall call, and I will answer You;
You shall desire the work of Your
hands.
14
“ Man who is born of woman 16 For now You number my steps,
Is of few days and full of
But do not watch over my sin.
trouble. 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag,
2 He comes forth like a flower and fades
And You covera my iniquity.
away;
He flees like a shadow and does not 18“ But as a mountain falls and crumbles
continue.
3 And do You open Your eyes on such away,
And as a rock is moved from its place;
a one, 19 As water wears away stones,
And bring mea to judgment with
And as torrents wash away the soil of
Yourself?
4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an
the earth;
So You destroy the hope of man.
unclean? 20 You prevail forever against him, and he
No one!
5 Since his days are determined,
passes on;
The number of his months is with You; 13:27 aLiterally inscribe a print 13:28 aLiterally
You have appointed his limits, so that He 14:3 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read
he cannot pass. him. 14:17 aLiterally plaster over
18-Job.indd 617 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 14:21 618
You change his countenance and send 16 How much less man, who is
him away. abominable and filthy,
21 His sons come to honor, and he does Who drinks iniquity like water!
not know it;
They are brought low, and he does not 17“ I will tell you, hear me;
perceive it. What I have seen I will declare,
22 But his flesh will be in pain over it, 18 What wise men have told,
And his soul will mourn over it.” Not hiding anything received from
their fathers,
Eliphaz Accuses Job of Folly 19 To whom alone the land was given,
15
Then Eliphaz the Temanite an- And no alien passed among them:
20 The wicked man writhes with pain all
swered and said:
his days,
2“ Should a wise man answer with empty And the number of years is hidden
knowledge, from the oppressor.
21 Dreadful sounds are in his ears;
And fill himself with the east wind?
3 Should he reason with unprofitable In prosperity the destroyer comes
talk, upon him.
22 He does not believe that he will return
Or by speeches with which he can do
no good? from darkness,
4 Yes, you cast off fear, For a sword is waiting for him.
23 He wanders about for bread, saying,
And restrain prayer before God.
5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, ‘Where is it?’
And you choose the tongue of the He knows that a day of darkness is
ready at his hand.
crafty. 24 Trouble and anguish make him afraid;
6 Your own mouth condemns you, and
They overpower him, like a king ready
not I;
for battle.
Yes, your own lips testify against you. 25 For he stretches out his hand against
7“ Are you the first man who was born? God,
And acts defiantly against the
Or were you made before the hills?
8 Have you heard the counsel of God? Almighty,
26 Running stubbornly against Him
Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
9 What do you know that we do not
With his strong, embossed shield.
know? 27“ Though he has covered his face with
What do you understand that is not
his fatness,
in us?
10 Both the gray-haired and the aged are
And made his waist heavy with fat,
28 He dwells in desolate cities,
among us, In houses which no one inhabits,
Much older than your father. Which are destined to become ruins.
11 Are the consolations of God too small
29 He will not be rich,
for you, Nor will his wealth continue,
And the word spoken gentlya with you? Nor will his possessions overspread
12 Why does your heart carry you away,
the earth.
And what do your eyes wink at, 30 He will not depart from darkness;
13 That you turn your spirit against God,
The flame will dry out his branches,
And let such words go out of your And by the breath of His mouth he will
mouth? go away.
31 Let him not trust in futile things,
14“ What is man, that he could be pure?
deceiving himself,
And he who is born of a woman, that For futility will be his reward.
he could be righteous? 32 It will be accomplished before his
15 If God puts no trust in His saints,
time,
And the heavens are not pure in His
sight, 15:11 aSeptuagint reads a secret thing.
18-Job.indd 618 2/14/12 11:58 AM
619 JOB 17:6
And his branch will not be green. He also has taken me by my neck, and
33 He will shake off his unripe grape like shaken me to pieces;
a vine, He has set me up for His target,
And cast off his blossom like an olive 13 His archers surround me.
tree. He pierces my hearta and does not
34 For the company of hypocrites will be pity;
barren, He pours out my gall on the ground.
And fire will consume the tents of 14 He breaks me with wound upon
bribery. wound;
35 They conceive trouble and bring forth He runs at me like a warrior.a
futility;
Their womb prepares deceit.” 15“ I have sewn sackcloth over my skin,
And laid my heada in the dust.
Job Reproaches His Pitiless 16 My face is flushed from weeping,
Friends And on my eyelids is the shadow of
16
Then Job answered and said: death;
17 Although no violence is in my hands,
2“ I have heard many such And my prayer is pure.
things;
18“ O earth, do not cover my blood,
Miserable comforters are you all!
3 Shall words of wind have an end? And let my cry have no resting place!
19 Surely even now my witness is in
Or what provokes you that you
answer? heaven,
4 I also could speak as you do, And my evidence is on high.
20 My friends scorn me;
If your soul were in my soul’s place.
I could heap up words against you, My eyes pour out tears to God.
21 Oh, that one might plead for a man
And shake my head at you;
5 But I would strengthen you with my with God,
mouth, As a man pleads for his neighbor!
22 For when a few years are finished,
And the comfort of my lips would
relieve your grief. I shall go the way of no return.
6“ Though I speak, my grief is not Job Prays for Relief
17
relieved; “ My spirit is broken,
And if I remain silent, how am I eased? My days are extinguished,
7 But now He has worn me out;
The grave is ready for me.
You have made desolate all my 2 Are not mockers with me?
company. And does not my eye dwell on their
8 You have shriveled me up,
provocation?
And it is a witness against me;
My leanness rises up against me 3“ Now put down a pledge for me with
And bears witness to my face. Yourself.
9 He tears me in His wrath, and
Who is he who will shake hands
hates me; with me?
He gnashes at me with His teeth; 4 For You have hidden their heart from
My adversary sharpens His gaze understanding;
on me. Therefore You will not exalt them.
10 They gape at me with their mouth, 5 He who speaks flattery to his friends,
They strike me reproachfully on the Even the eyes of his children will fail.
cheek,
They gather together against me. 6“ But He has made me a byword of the
11 God has delivered me to the ungodly,
people,
And turned me over to the hands of
the wicked. 16:13 aLiterally kidneys 16:14 aVulgate reads
12 I was at ease, but He has shattered me; giant. 16:15 aLiterally horn
18-Job.indd 619 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 17:7 620
And I have become one in whose face And his lamp beside him is put out.
men spit. 7 The steps of his strength are
7 My eye has also grown dim because of shortened,
sorrow, And his own counsel casts him down.
And all my members are like shadows. 8 For he is cast into a net by his own
8 Upright men are astonished at this, feet,
And the innocent stirs himself up And he walks into a snare.
9 The net takes him by the heel,
against the hypocrite.
9 Yet the righteous will hold to his way, And a snare lays hold of him.
10 A noose is hidden for him on the
And he who has clean hands will be
stronger and stronger. ground,
And a trap for him in the road.
10“ But please, come back again, all of 11 Terrors frighten him on every side,
you,a And drive him to his feet.
12 His strength is starved,
For I shall not find one wise man
among you. And destruction is ready at his side.
11 My days are past, 13 It devours patches of his skin;
My purposes are broken off, The firstborn of death devours his
Even the thoughts of my heart. limbs.
12 They change the night into day; 14 He is uprooted from the shelter of his
‘The light is near,’ they say, in the face of tent,
darkness. And they parade him before the king
13 If I wait for the grave as my house, of terrors.
15 They dwell in his tent who are none
If I make my bed in the darkness,
14 If I say to corruption, ‘You are my of his;
father,’ Brimstone is scattered on his dwelling.
16 His roots are dried out below,
And to the worm, ‘You are my mother
and my sister,’ And his branch withers above.
17 The memory of him perishes from the
15 Where then is my hope?
As for my hope, who can see it? earth,
16 Will they go down to the gates of And he has no name among the
Sheol? renowned.a
18 He is driven from light into darkness,
Shall we have rest together in the
dust?” And chased out of the world.
19 He has neither son nor posterity
Bildad: the Wicked Are among his people,
Punished Nor any remaining in his dwellings.
20 Those in the west are astonished at
18
Then Bildad the Shuhite an- his day,
swered and said: As those in the east are frightened.
21 Surely such are the dwellings of the
2“ How long till you put an end to words?
wicked,
Gain understanding, and afterward we And this is the place of him who does
will speak. not know God.”
3 Why are we counted as beasts,
And regarded as stupid in your sight? Job Trusts in His Redeemer
4 You who tear yourself in anger,
19
Then Job answered and said:
Shall the earth be forsaken for you?
Or shall the rock be removed from its 2“ How long will you torment
place?
my soul,
5“ The light of the wicked indeed goes
17:10 aFollowing some Hebrew manuscripts,
out, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text
And the flame of his fire does not and Targum read all of them. 18:17 aLiterally
shine. before the outside, meaning distinguished,
6 The light is dark in his tent, famous
18-Job.indd 620 2/14/12 11:58 AM
621 JOB 19:29
And break me in pieces with words? 17 My breath is offensive to my wife,
3 These ten times you have And I am repulsive to the children of
reproached me; my own body.
You are not ashamed that you have 18 Even young children despise me;
wronged me.a I arise, and they speak against me.
19 All my close friends abhor me,
And those whom I love have turned
Job 19:3 against me.
20 My bone clings to my skin and to my
Job wasn’t actually counting the num-
ber of times his friends made him feel flesh,
bad. “Ten times” was an expression And I have escaped by the skin of my
meaning “often.” teeth.
21“ Have pity on me, have pity on me,
4 And if indeed I have erred, O you my friends,
My error remains with me. For the hand of God has struck me!
5 If indeed you exalt yourselves 22 Why do you persecute me as God does,
against me, And are not satisfied with my flesh?
And plead my disgrace against me,
6 Know then that God has wronged me, 23“ Oh, that my words were written!
And has surrounded me with His net. Oh, that they were inscribed in a
book!
7“ If I cry out concerning wrong, I am not 24 That they were engraved on a rock
heard. With an iron pen and lead, forever!
25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
If I cry aloud, there is no justice.
8 He has fenced up my way, so that I And He shall stand at last on the
cannot pass; earth;
26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I
And He has set darkness in my paths.
9 He has stripped me of my glory, know,
And taken the crown from my head. That in my flesh I shall see God,
10 He breaks me down on every side,
And I am gone;
My hope He has uprooted like a tree. Job 19:26
11 He has also kindled His wrath Apparently Job believed his body
against me, would be resurrected at some point
And He counts me as one of His after his death. Like many others in
enemies. his culture, Job probably believed
12 His troops come together God would one day rescue the souls
And build up their road against me; of righteous people from Sheol, the
They encamp all around my tent. place of the dead, and would then pair
up those souls with their bodies and
13“ He has removed my brothers far whisk them away to heaven.
from me,
And my acquaintances are completely 27 Whom I shall see for myself,
estranged from me. And my eyes shall behold, and not
14 My relatives have failed,
another.
And my close friends have How my heart yearns within me!
forgotten me. 28 If you should say, ‘How shall we
15 Those who dwell in my house, and my
persecute him?’—
maidservants, Since the root of the matter is found
Count me as a stranger; in me,
I am an alien in their sight. 29 Be afraid of the sword for yourselves;
16 I call my servant, but he gives no
answer; 19:3 aA Jewish tradition reads make yourselves
I beg him with my mouth. strange to me.
18-Job.indd 621 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 20:1 622
For wrath brings the punishment of God casts them out of his belly.
the sword, 16 He will suck the poison of cobras;
That you may know there is a The viper’s tongue will slay him.
judgment.” 17 He will not see the streams,
The rivers flowing with honey and
Zophar’s Sermon cream.
on the Wicked Man
20
Then Zophar the Naamathite
answered and said:
Job 20:17
Though it may sound like a disgust-
2“ Therefore my anxious thoughts make
ing drink, the biblical phrase “honey
and cream” was a term used to infer
me answer,
wealth. Cream was a staple of every-
Because of the turmoil within me.
3 I have heard the rebuke that
day Hebrew life, a major food source
for the Israelites. Honey, on the other
reproaches me,
hand, was considered a delicacy or a
And the spirit of my understanding
rare treat.
causes me to answer.
4“ Do you not know this of old,
18 He will restore that for which he
Since man was placed on earth, labored,
5 That the triumphing of the wicked is
And will not swallow it down;
short, From the proceeds of business
And the joy of the hypocrite is but for He will get no enjoyment.
a moment? 19 For he has oppressed and forsaken
6 Though his haughtiness mounts up to
the poor,
the heavens, He has violently seized a house which
And his head reaches to the clouds, he did not build.
7 Yet he will perish forever like his own
refuse; 20“ Because he knows no quietness in his
Those who have seen him will say, heart,a
‘Where is he?’ He will not save anything he desires.
8 He will fly away like a dream, and not
21 Nothing is left for him to eat;
be found; Therefore his well-being will not last.
Yes, he will be chased away like a 22 In his self-sufficiency he will be in
vision of the night. distress;
9 The eye that saw him will see him no
Every hand of misery will come
more, against him.
Nor will his place behold him 23 When he is about to fill his stomach,
anymore. God will cast on him the fury of His
10 His children will seek the favor of the
wrath,
poor, And will rain it on him while he is
And his hands will restore his wealth. eating.
11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor,
24 He will flee from the iron weapon;
But it will lie down with him in the A bronze bow will pierce him through.
dust. 25 It is drawn, and comes out of the body;
Yes, the glittering point comes out of
12“ Though evil is sweet in his mouth,
his gall.
And he hides it under his tongue, Terrors come upon him;
13 Though he spares it and does not
26 Total darkness is reserved for his
forsake it, treasures.
But still keeps it in his mouth, An unfanned fire will consume him;
14 Yet his food in his stomach turns sour;
It shall go ill with him who is left in
It becomes cobra venom within him. his tent.
15 He swallows down riches
And vomits them up again; 20:20 aLiterally belly
18-Job.indd 622 2/14/12 11:58 AM
623 JOB 21:28
27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, 16 Indeed their prosperity is not in their
And the earth will rise up against him. hand;
28 The increase of his house will depart, The counsel of the wicked is far
And his goods will flow away in the day from me.
of His wrath.
29 This is the portion from God for a 17“ How often is the lamp of the wicked
wicked man, put out?
The heritage appointed to him by How often does their destruction come
God.” upon them,
The sorrows God distributes in His
Job’s Discourse anger?
on the Wicked 18 They are like straw before the wind,
21
Then Job answered and said: And like chaff that a storm carries
away.
19 They say, ‘God lays up one’sa iniquity
2“ Listen carefully to my speech,
And let this be your consolation. for his children’;
3 Bear with me that I may speak, Let Him recompense him, that he may
And after I have spoken, keep know it.
20 Let his eyes see his destruction,
mocking.
And let him drink of the wrath of the
4“ As for me, is my complaint against Almighty.
21 For what does he care about his
man?
And if it were, why should I not be household after him,
impatient? When the number of his months is cut
5 Look at me and be astonished; in half?
Put your hand over your mouth.
6 Even when I remember I am
God
terrified, Does God have perfect
And trembling takes hold of my
flesh.
knowledge?
7 Why do the wicked live and become Job 21:22
old,
Yes, become mighty in power? 22“ Can anyone teach God knowledge,
8 Their descendants are established
Since He judges those on high?
with them in their sight, 23 One dies in his full strength,
And their offspring before their eyes. Being wholly at ease and secure;
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
24 His pailsa are full of milk,
Neither is the rod of God upon them. And the marrow of his bones is moist.
10 Their bull breeds without failure;
25 Another man dies in the bitterness of
Their cow calves without miscarriage. his soul,
11 They send forth their little ones like a
Never having eaten with pleasure.
flock, 26 They lie down alike in the dust,
And their children dance. And worms cover them.
12 They sing to the tambourine and harp,
And rejoice to the sound of the flute. 27“ Look, I know your thoughts,
13 They spend their days in wealth,
And the schemes with which you
And in a moment go down to the would wrong me.
grave.a 28 For you say,
14 Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us,
‘Where is the house of the prince?
For we do not desire the knowledge of And where is the tent,a
Your ways.
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should
21:13 aOr Sheol 21:19 aLiterally his
serve Him? 21:24 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read bowels;
And what profit do we have if we pray Syriac reads sides; Targum reads breasts.
to Him?’ 21:28 aVulgate omits the tent.
18-Job.indd 623 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 21:29 624
The dwelling place of the wicked?’ And stripped the naked of their
29 Have you not asked those who travel clothing.
the road? 7 You have not given the weary water to
And do you not know their signs? drink,
30 For the wicked are reserved for the day And you have withheld bread from the
of doom; hungry.
They shall be brought out on the day 8 But the mighty man possessed the land,
of wrath. And the honorable man dwelt in it.
31 Who condemns his way to his face? 9 You have sent widows away empty,
And who repays him for what he has And the strength of the fatherless was
done? crushed.
32 Yet he shall be brought to the grave, 10 Therefore snares are all around you,
And a vigil kept over the tomb. And sudden fear troubles you,
33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet 11 Or darkness so that you cannot see;
to him; And an abundance of water covers
Everyone shall follow him, you.
As countless have gone before him.
34 How then can you comfort me with 12“ Is not God in the height of heaven?
empty words, And see the highest stars, how lofty
Since falsehood remains in your they are!
13 And you say, ‘What does God know?
answers?”
Can He judge through the deep
Eliphaz Accuses Job darkness?
of Wickedness 14 Thick clouds cover Him, so that He
22
Then Eliphaz the Temanite an- cannot see,
swered and said: And He walks above the circle of
heaven.’
15 Will you keep to the old way
2“ Can a man be profitable to God,
Though he who is wise may be Which wicked men have trod,
16 Who were cut down before their time,
profitable to himself?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that Whose foundations were swept away
you are righteous? by a flood?
17 They said to God, ‘Depart from us!
Or is it gain to Him that you make your
ways blameless? What can the Almighty do to them?’a
18 Yet He filled their houses with good
4“ Is it because of your fear of Him that things;
He corrects you, But the counsel of the wicked is far
And enters into judgment with you? from me.
5 Is not your wickedness great,
19“ The righteous see it and are glad,
And your iniquity without end?
And the innocent laugh at them:
20‘ Surely our adversariesa are cut down,
Job 22:6–9 And the fire consumes their remnant.’
In ancient times, the wealthy were 21“ Now acquaint yourself with Him, and
expected to take care of poor people,
be at peace;
orphans, and widows, without de-
Thereby good will come to you.
manding or expecting anything in 22 Receive, please, instruction from His
return. Home owners were expected mouth,
to welcome traveling guests and And lay up His words in your heart.
strangers alike, inviting them into 23 If you return to the Almighty, you will
their homes and treating them like be built up;
family. You will remove iniquity far from your
tents.
6 For you have taken pledges from your 22:17 aSeptuagint and Syriac read us.
brother for no reason, 22:20 aSeptuagint reads substance.
18-Job.indd 624 2/14/12 11:58 AM
625 JOB 23:9
Promise
God promises to hear and answer your
prayers.
“You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, and you
will pay your vows” (Job 22:27).
Some high school kids meet once a week before school
to pray. Last week they prayed for a job for one of their dads, for a grandmother to
be healed of cancer, and for a friend who had a hard exam coming up. This week
they met and as soon as they got together, the reports began: “My dad got a job the
very morning we prayed!” “My grandmother said she felt a lot of encouragement
from all the prayers for her, and that God is continuing to give her strength.” “Our
friend thinks he did well on his exam and thanks you for praying.” They all looked at
each other in amazement and surprise. “Wow,” someone said, “God really answered
our prayers!”
Sure, God answers our prayers, but we sometimes pray with so much doubt that
we’re totally shocked when He does. Pray with assurance that God promises to
answer. Expect Him to work and watch for His action. Remember that God will
answer in one of three ways—yes, no, or wait. His answers may look different than
you expect them to look. Praying is not holy manipulation. God will choose in His
wisdom how to respond. But He will always hear and respond.
See for yourself// 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 28:6; 40:1–17
24 Then you will lay your gold in the dust, Mya hand is listless because of my
And the gold of Ophir among the groaning.
stones of the brooks. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find
25 Yes, the Almighty will be your golda Him,
And your precious silver; That I might come to His seat!
26 For then you will have your delight in 4 I would present my case before Him,
the Almighty, And fill my mouth with arguments.
And lift up your face to God. 5 I would know the words which He
27 You will make your prayer to Him, would answer me,
He will hear you, And understand what He would say
And you will pay your vows. to me.
28 You will also declare a thing, 6 Would He contend with me in His
And it will be established for you; great power?
So light will shine on your ways. No! But He would take note of me.
29 When they cast you down, and you say, 7 There the upright could reason with
‘Exaltation will come!’ Him,
Then He will save the humble person. And I would be delivered forever from
30 He will even deliver one who is not my Judge.
innocent;
8“ Look, I go forward, but He is not there,
Yes, he will be delivered by the purity
of your hands.” And backward, but I cannot perceive
Him;
9 When He works on the left hand, I
Job Proclaims God’s
Righteous Judgments cannot behold Him;
23
Then Job answered and said:
22:25 aThe ancient versions suggest
defense; Hebrew reads gold as in verse 24.
2“ Even today my complaint is 23:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
bitter; Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read His.
18-Job.indd 625 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 23:10 626
Making It Real //
Job 23:9
Invisible Blessing Who blew the wind through your hair this morning? Who
brought the sun over the horizon once again? Who changed the seasons while you
weren’t even looking? It was God! The One who is always at work. While you slept, He
was preparing your day. While you haven’t noticed, He has been ordering your life. He
is strengthening your gifts and giving you ideas about what you really have to do. We
have downtime, unproductive days, and mental blocks. We take vacations and naps, and
spend time “chillaxing.” We can go for days and not accomplish one thing. Not God. He
is always at work—always creating, always protecting, and always loving. (See also: Ps.
121:3, 4; John 5:17.)
Words to Live By
Works: The word translated in Job 23:9 as “works” is the Hebrew word asah (aw-
saw’). It means “to do or make; to execute, perform, maintain, accomplish, and even
create.” God is continually at work in your life, even when you aren’t aware.
When He turns to the right hand, I 13“ But He is unique, and who can make
cannot see Him. Him change?
And whatever His soul desires, that He
does.
Job 23:10 14 For He performs what is appointed
After gold is mined, it must be refined. for me,
That means the ore must be heated And many such things are with Him.
to the point that the metal separates 15 Therefore I am terrified at His
from the rock. People who bought presence;
gold in Job’s day would test it first When I consider this, I am afraid of
to see if the metal had been mixed Him.
with less valuable materials. They 16 For God made my heart weak,
would have an expert metalsmith (or And the Almighty terrifies me;
smelter) scrape, cut, and heat the gold 17 Because I was not cut off from the
as part of the testing process. presence of darkness,
And He did not hide deep darkness
10 But He knows the way that I take;
from my face.
When He has tested me, I shall come Job Complains of Violence
forth as gold. on the Earth
24
“ Since times are not hidden
Following God from the Almighty,
How should we follow God? Why do those who know Him
Job 23:11, 12 see not His days?
2“ Some remove landmarks;
11 My foot has held fast to His steps; They seize flocks violently and feed
I have kept His way and not turned on them;
aside. 3 They drive away the donkey of the
12 I have not departed from the fatherless;
commandment of His lips; They take the widow’s ox as a
I have treasured the words of His mouth pledge.
More than my necessary food. 4 They push the needy off the road;
18-Job.indd 626 2/14/12 11:58 AM
627 JOB 25:3
They do not know the light.
Job 24:2 17 For the morning is the same to them
In ancient times, stones were often as the shadow of death;
used to mark the boundaries of an If someone recognizes them,
individual’s property. Moving those They are in the terrors of the shadow
stones in order to extend one’s prop- of death.
erty was immoral and illegal.
18“ They should be swift on the face of the
waters,
All the poor of the land are forced to Their portion should be cursed in the
hide. earth,
5 Indeed, like wild donkeys in the desert,
So that no one would turn into the way
They go out to their work, searching of their vineyards.
for food. 19 As drought and heat consume the
The wilderness yields food for them snow waters,
and for their children. So the gravea consumes those who have
6 They gather their fodder in the field
sinned.
And glean in the vineyard of the 20 The womb should forget him,
wicked. The worm should feed sweetly on him;
7 They spend the night naked, without
He should be remembered no more,
clothing, And wickedness should be broken like
And have no covering in the cold. a tree.
8 They are wet with the showers of the 21 For he preys on the barren who do not
mountains, bear,
And huddle around the rock for want And does no good for the widow.
of shelter.
22“ But God draws the mighty away with
9“ Some snatch the fatherless from the His power;
breast, He rises up, but no man is sure of life.
And take a pledge from the poor. 23 He gives them security, and they rely
10 They cause the poor to go naked, on it;
without clothing; Yet His eyes are on their ways.
And they take away the sheaves from 24 They are exalted for a little while,
the hungry. Then they are gone.
11 They press out oil within their walls, They are brought low;
And tread winepresses, yet suffer thirst. They are taken out of the way like all
12 The dying groan in the city, others;
And the souls of the wounded cry out; They dry out like the heads of grain.
Yet God does not charge them with
wrong. 25“ Now if it is not so, who will prove me
a liar,
13“ There are those who rebel against the And make my speech worth nothing?”
light;
They do not know its ways
Nor abide in its paths. Bildad: How Can Man Be
14 The murderer rises with the light; Righteous?
25
He kills the poor and needy; Then Bildad the Shuhite an-
And in the night he is like a thief. swered and said:
15 The eye of the adulterer waits for the
twilight, 2“ Dominion and fear belong to Him;
Saying, ‘No eye will see me’; He makes peace in His high places.
And he disguises his face. 3 Is there any number to His armies?
16 In the dark they break into houses
Upon whom does His light not rise?
Which they marked for themselves in
the daytime; 24:19 aOr Sheol
18-Job.indd 627 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 25:4 628
4 How then can man be righteous before 14 Indeed these are the mere edges of His
God? ways,
Or how can he be pure who is born of And how small a whisper we hear of
a woman? Him!
5 If even the moon does not shine, But the thunder of His power who can
And the stars are not pure in His sight, understand?”
6 How much less man, who is a maggot,
And a son of man, who is a worm?” Job Maintains His Integrity
27
Moreover Job continued his
discourse, and said:
Humility
How do people compare to 2“ As God lives, who has taken away my
God? justice,
Job 25:5, 6 And the Almighty, who has made my
soul bitter,
3 As long as my breath is in me,
Job: Man’s Frailty and God’s And the breath of God in my nostrils,
4 My lips will not speak wickedness,
Majesty
Nor my tongue utter deceit.
26
But Job answered and said: 5 Far be it from me
That I should say you are right;
2“ How have you helped him
Till I die I will not put away my
who is without power? integrity from me.
How have you saved the arm that has 6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will
no strength? not let it go;
3 How have you counseled one who has
My heart shall not reproach me as long
no wisdom? as I live.
And how have you declared sound
advice to many? 7“ May my enemy be like the wicked,
4 To whom have you uttered words?
And he who rises up against me like
And whose spirit came from you? the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite,
5“ The dead tremble,
Though he may gain much,
Those under the waters and those If God takes away his life?
inhabiting them. 9 Will God hear his cry
6 Sheol is naked before Him,
When trouble comes upon him?
And Destruction has no covering. 10 Will he delight himself in the
7 He stretches out the north over empty
Almighty?
space; Will he always call on God?
He hangs the earth on nothing.
8 He binds up the water in His thick 11“ I will teach you about the hand of God;
clouds, What is with the Almighty I will not
Yet the clouds are not broken under it. conceal.
9 He covers the face of His throne, 12 Surely all of you have seen it;
And spreads His cloud over it. Why then do you behave with
10 He drew a circular horizon on the face
complete nonsense?
of the waters,
At the boundary of light and darkness. 13“ This is the portion of a wicked man
11 The pillars of heaven tremble, with God,
And are astonished at His rebuke. And the heritage of oppressors,
12 He stirs up the sea with His power, received from the Almighty:
And by His understanding He breaks 14 If his children are multiplied, it is for
up the storm. the sword;
13 By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; And his offspring shall not be satisfied
His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. with bread.
18-Job.indd 628 2/14/12 11:58 AM
629 JOB 28:26
15 Those who survive him shall be buried 10 He cuts out channels in the rocks,
in death, And his eye sees every precious thing.
And theira widows shall not weep, 11 He dams up the streams from
16 Though he heaps up silver like dust, trickling;
And piles up clothing like clay— What is hidden he brings forth to light.
17 He may pile it up, but the just will
12“ But where can wisdom be found?
wear it,
And the innocent will divide the silver. And where is the place of
18 He builds his house like a moth,a understanding?
13 Man does not know its value,
Like a booth which a watchman
makes. Nor is it found in the land of the
19 The rich man will lie down, living.
14 The deep says, ‘It is not in me’;
But not be gathered up;a
He opens his eyes, And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
15 It cannot be purchased for gold,
And he is no more.
20 Terrors overtake him like a flood; Nor can silver be weighed for its price.
16 It cannot be valued in the gold of
A tempest steals him away in the
night. Ophir,
21 The east wind carries him away, and In precious onyx or sapphire.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can equal it,
he is gone;
It sweeps him out of his place. Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of
22 It hurls against him and does not fine gold.
18 No mention shall be made of coral or
spare;
He flees desperately from its power. quartz,
23 Men shall clap their hands at him, For the price of wisdom is above
And shall hiss him out of his place. rubies.
19 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
Job’s Discourse on Wisdom Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
28
“ Surely there is a mine for 20“ From where then does wisdom come?
silver,
And a place where gold is And where is the place of
refined. understanding?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of all living,
2 Iron is taken from the earth,
And copper is smelted from ore. And concealed from the birds of the
3 Man puts an end to darkness, air.
22 Destruction and Death say,
And searches every recess
For ore in the darkness and the ‘We have heard a report about it with
shadow of death. our ears.’
23 God understands its way,
4 He breaks open a shaft away from
people; And He knows its place.
24 For He looks to the ends of the earth,
In places forgotten by feet
They hang far away from men; And sees under the whole heavens,
25 To establish a weight for the wind,
They swing to and fro.
5 As for the earth, from it comes bread, And apportion the waters by
But underneath it is turned up as by measure.
26 When He made a law for the rain,
fire;
6 Its stones are the source of sapphires, And a path for the thunderbolt,
And it contains gold dust. 27:15 aLiterally his 27:18 aFollowing Masoretic
7 That path no bird knows,
Text and Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read
Nor has the falcon’s eye seen it. spider (compare 8:14); Targum reads decay.
8 The proud lionsa have not trodden it,
27:19 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Nor has the fierce lion passed over it. Septuagint and Syriac read But shall not add
9 He puts his hand on the flint;
(that is, do it again); Vulgate reads But take away
He overturns the mountains at the nothing. 28:8 aLiterally sons of pride, figurative
roots. of the great lions
18-Job.indd 629 2/14/12 11:58 AM
Life App
Wisdom / Job 28
Job 28 takes us on a journey, searching for wisdom. Through Job’s
words, we search all over the planet to try and find it. We’re taken
into mines deep inside the earth, where not even animals have gone,
to see what we can discover. There we find many treasures, but not
wisdom. We search the depths of the sea, but still no wisdom. We
learn that all the gold and silver and other precious stones we could
find on earth could never buy us wisdom. True wisdom is a greater
treasure than all these combined. No valuable thing on this earth
can compare with the value of wisdom.
Our journey has shown us the value of wisdom, but we still don’t
know where it’s found. It remains hidden from everyone—even the
birds looking down from high above can’t see it. Even the powers of
Destruction and Death have only heard about it. Is there anyone
who knows the way to wisdom? Yes! “God understands its way, and
He knows its place” (Job 28:22).
God is the source of wisdom and its Master. He created every-
thing in the world. He placed the precious stones deep within the
earth’s core and He fashioned everything within the oceans. And He
created wisdom and set it in its place. Without God, we could jour-
ney forever and never find true wisdom.
But He wants us to find it. He has told us how: “Behold, the fear of
the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding”
(Job 28:28). If we want to be filled with godly wisdom and have lives
that show its value, we will seek the Lord and run away from all
kinds of evil. As we maintain our focus on Him, we will grow closer
to Him, and we will find deeper levels of His wisdom. Others who
see our lives will be able to tell that we have found something price-
less. When they ask us where we found it, we can lead them directly
to our God so that they can also discover true wisdom that comes
only from God.
18-Job.indd 630 2/14/12 11:58 AM
631 JOB 30:6
27 Then He saw wisdoma and declared it; 15 I was eyes to the blind,
He prepared it, indeed, He searched And I was feet to the lame.
it out. 16 I was a father to the poor,
28 And to man He said, And I searched out the case that I did
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is not know.
wisdom, 17 I broke the fangs of the wicked,
And to depart from evil is And plucked the victim from his teeth.
understanding.’ ”
18“ Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest,
Job’s Summary Defense And multiply my days as the sand.
29
19 My root is spread out to the waters,
Job further continued his dis-
course, and said: And the dew lies all night on my
branch.
20 My glory is fresh within me,
2“ Oh, that I were as in months past,
As in the days when God watched And my bow is renewed in my hand.’
over me; 21“ Men listened to me and waited,
3 When His lamp shone upon my head,
And when by His light I walked through And kept silence for my counsel.
22 After my words they did not speak
darkness;
4 Just as I was in the days of my prime, again,
When the friendly counsel of God was And my speech settled on them as dew.
23 They waited for me as for the rain,
over my tent;
5 When the Almighty was yet with me, And they opened their mouth wide as
When my children were around me; for the spring rain.
24 If I mocked at them, they did not
6 When my steps were bathed with
cream,a believe it,
And the rock poured out rivers of oil And the light of my countenance they
for me! did not cast down.
25 I chose the way for them, and sat as
7“ When I went out to the gate by the chief;
city, So I dwelt as a king in the army,
When I took my seat in the open As one who comforts mourners.
square,
30
8 The young men saw me and hid, “ But now they mock at me,
men younger than I,
And the aged arose and stood;
9 The princes refrained from talking, Whose fathers I disdained to
put with the dogs of my
And put their hand on their mouth;
10 The voice of nobles was hushed, flock.
2 Indeed, what profit is the strength of
And their tongue stuck to the roof of
their hands to me?
their mouth.
11 When the ear heard, then it blessed me, Their vigor has perished.
3 They are gaunt from want and famine,
And when the eye saw, then it
Fleeing late to the wilderness, desolate
approved me;
12 Because I delivered the poor who cried and waste,
4 Who pluck mallow by the bushes,
out,
And broom tree roots for their food.
The fatherless and the one who had no 5 They were driven out from among
helper.
13 The blessing of a perishing man came
men,
They shouted at them as at a thief.
upon me, 6 They had to live in the clefts of the
And I caused the widow’s heart to sing
valleys,
for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it
In caves of the earth and the rocks.
clothed me; 28:27 aLiterally it
29:6 aMasoretic Text reads
My justice was like a robe and a wrath; ancient versions and some Hebrew
turban. manuscripts read cream (compare 20:17).
18-Job.indd 631 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 30:7 632
7 Among the bushes they brayed, 24“ Surely He would not stretch out His
Under the nettles they nestled. hand against a heap of ruins,
8 They were sons of fools, If they cry out when He destroys it.
Yes, sons of vile men; 25 Have I not wept for him who was in
They were scourged from the land. trouble?
Has not my soul grieved for the poor?
9“ And now I am their taunting song; 26 But when I looked for good, evil came
Yes, I am their byword. to me;
10 They abhor me, they keep far from me; And when I waited for light, then came
They do not hesitate to spit in my darkness.
face. 27 My heart is in turmoil and cannot
11 Because He has loosed mya bowstring rest;
and afflicted me, Days of affliction confront me.
28 I go about mourning, but not in the
They have cast off restraint before me.
12 At my right hand the rabble arises; sun;
They push away my feet, I stand up in the assembly and cry out
And they raise against me their ways for help.
29 I am a brother of jackals,
of destruction.
13 They break up my path, And a companion of ostriches.
30 My skin grows black and falls from me;
They promote my calamity;
They have no helper. My bones burn with fever.
14 They come as broad breakers; 31 My harp is turned to mourning,
Under the ruinous storm they roll And my flute to the voice of those who
along. weep.
15 Terrors are turned upon me;
They pursue my honor as the wind, Lust
And my prosperity has passed like a How can we practice self-
cloud.
control?
16“ And now my soul is poured out Job 31:1
because of my plight;
The days of affliction take hold of me.
31
17 My bones are pierced in me at night, “ I have made a covenant with
my eyes;
And my gnawing pains take no rest.
18 By great force my garment is Why then should I look upon
a young woman?
disfigured; 2 For what is the allotment of God from
It binds me about as the collar of my
above,
coat.
19 He has cast me into the mire, And the inheritance of the Almighty
from on high?
And I have become like dust and 3 Is it not destruction for the wicked,
ashes.
And disaster for the workers of
20“ I cry out to You, but You do not
iniquity?
4 Does He not see my ways,
answer me;
And count all my steps?
I stand up, and You regard me.
21 But You have become cruel to me;
5“ If I have walked with falsehood,
With the strength of Your hand You Or if my foot has hastened to deceit,
oppose me. 6 Let me be weighed on honest scales,
22 You lift me up to the wind and cause
That God may know my integrity.
me to ride on it; 7 If my step has turned from the way,
You spoil my success. Or my heart walked after my eyes,
23 For I know that You will bring me to
Or if any spot adheres to my hands,
death,
And to the house appointed for all 30:11 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Syriac, and
living. Targum; Septuagint and Vulgate read His.
18-Job.indd 632 2/14/12 11:58 AM
Life App
Self-image / Job 31:15
In a society obsessed with perfection, it’s easy to be hyper-aware of
your own imperfections. You may look at people around you who
seem to have it all together; they look perfect; they have their choice
of dates; everything they do turns out right. Comparing your per-
ception of those people with your perception of yourself rarely
works out in your favor. But that’s an unfair comparison. Those
other people aren’t perfect. No one is. You may not see them, but
everyone has their own faults and struggles. Deep down, they may
even have days when they envy other people; they may envy you.
The point is, when you leave it to this world to define your worth,
you are setting yourself up for failure. Everyone is. The world is a
poor judge of true value.
So where do you find your value and worth? Job 31:15 is a re-
minder that we are each created and designed by God. He knew
exactly what He was doing when He designed you with your specific
personality, traits, and gifts. When you think about yourself, you can
praise God because you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps.
139:14). God knows exactly who you are and He loves you.
Not only did He design you as you are, He also designed you with
a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s “workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them.” When you’ve given your
life to Christ, you know that you are His and you can live your life
according to His design. That’s where you find your value—in know-
ing that you are a rare and precious creation of the God you serve.
You are worthy of respect, valuable beyond measure, and infinitely
lovable because of the love and creativity of Almighty God. That’s
who you are. So the next time you start to envy someone else, look
in the mirror, thank God for making you who you are, and ask Him
to help you always remember to find your value and worth only in
Him.
18-Job.indd 633 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 31:8 634
8 Then let me sow, and another eat; And if he was not warmed with the
Yes, let my harvest be rooted out. fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have raised my hand against the
fatherless,
Job 31:5–8 When I saw I had help in the gate;
In the ancient Middle East, a person 22 Then let my arm fall from my
accused of a crime was required to shoulder,
take an oath of innocence. Job went Let my arm be torn from the socket.
one step further and submitted 23 For destruction from God is a terror
himself to the toughest polygraph to me,
test imaginable. He swore that he was And because of His magnificence I
innocent of all the accusations and cannot endure.
called on God to punish him if he was
lying. 24“ If I have made gold my hope,
Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my
9“ If my heart has been enticed by a
confidence’;
25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth
woman, was great,
Or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s And because my hand had gained
door, much;
10 Then let my wife grind for another,
26 If I have observed the suna when it
And let others bow down over her. shines,
11 For that would be wickedness;
Or the moon moving in brightness,
Yes, it would be iniquity deserving of 27 So that my heart has been secretly
judgment. enticed,
12 For that would be a fire that consumes
And my mouth has kissed my hand;
to destruction, 28 This also would be an iniquity
And would root out all my increase. deserving of judgment,
13“ If I have despised the cause of my male
For I would have denied God who is
above.
or female servant
When they complained against me, 29“ If I have rejoiced at the destruction of
14 What then shall I do when God
him who hated me,
rises up?
Or lifted myself up when evil found
When He punishes, how shall I answer
him
Him? 30(Indeed I have not allowed my mouth
15 Did not He who made me in the womb
to sin
make them?
By asking for a curse on his soul);
Did not the same One fashion us in 31 If the men of my tent have not said,
the womb?
‘Who is there that has not been
16“ If I have kept the poor from their
satisfied with his meat?’
32(But no sojourner had to lodge in the
desire,
street,
Or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 Or eaten my morsel by myself, For I have opened my doors to the
travelera);
So that the fatherless could not eat 33 If I have covered my transgressions as
of it
18(But from my youth I reared him as a Adam,
By hiding my iniquity in my bosom,
father, 34 Because I feared the great multitude,
And from my mother’s womb I guided
And dreaded the contempt of families,
the widow a);
19 If I have seen anyone perish for lack of
31:18 aLiterally her (compare verse 16)
clothing, 31:20 aLiterally loins 31:26 aLiterally light
Or any poor man without covering; 31:32 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, Targum,
20 If his hearta has not blessed me, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads road.
18-Job.indd 634 2/14/12 11:58 AM
635 JOB 33:3
So that I kept silence 9 Great mena are not always wise,
And did not go out of the door— Nor do the aged always understand
35 Oh, that I had one to hear me! justice.
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would 10“ Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me,
answer me, I also will declare my opinion.’
That my Prosecutor had written a 11 Indeed I waited for your words,
book! I listened to your reasonings, while
36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, you searched out what to say.
And bind it on me like a crown; 12 I paid close attention to you;
37 I would declare to Him the number of And surely not one of you convinced
my steps; Job,
Like a prince I would approach Him. Or answered his words—
13 Lest you say,
38“ If my land cries out against me,
‘We have found wisdom’;
And its furrows weep together; God will vanquish him, not man.
39 If I have eaten its fruita without money, 14 Now he has not directed his words
Or caused its owners to lose their lives; against me;
40 Then let thistles grow instead of wheat,
So I will not answer him with your
And weeds instead of barley.” words.
The words of Job are ended. 15“ They are dismayed and answer no
more;
Elihu Contradicts Job’s Words escape them.
Friends 16 And I have waited, because they did
32
So these three men ceased not speak,
answering Job, because he Because they stood still and answered
was righteous in his own eyes. no more.
2Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Bara- 17 I also will answer my part,
chel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was I too will declare my opinion.
18 For I am full of words;
aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused
because he justified himself rather than The spirit within me compels me.
19 Indeed my belly is like wine that has
God. 3Also against his three friends his
wrath was aroused, because they had no vent;
found no answer, and yet had condemned It is ready to burst like new wineskins.
Job. 20 I will speak, that I may find relief;
4Now because they were years older I must open my lips and answer.
than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.a 21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to
5When Elihu saw that there was no answer anyone;
in the mouth of these three men, his wrath Nor let me flatter any man.
was aroused. 22 For I do not know how to flatter,
6So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, Else my Maker would soon take me
answered and said: away.
“ I am young in years, and you are very Elihu Contradicts Job
33
old; “ But please, Job, hear my
Therefore I was afraid, speech,
And dared not declare my opinion to And listen to all my words.
you. 2 Now, I open my mouth;
7 I said, ‘Agea should speak,
My tongue speaks in my mouth.
And multitude of years should teach 3 My words come from my upright heart;
wisdom.’
8 But there is a spirit in man,
31:39 aLiterally its strength 32:4 aVulgate reads
And the breath of the Almighty gives till Job had spoken. 32:7 aLiterally Days, that is,
him understanding. years 32:9 aOr Men of many years
18-Job.indd 635 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 33:4 636
Making It Real //
Job 33:14
God Speaks God can speak to us in as many ways as He can imagine. He is very
creative when it comes to getting our attention. He can whisper to us in quiet times, or
shout to us in our busyness. We can read the Bible and know that He has just spoken di-
rectly to our situation. A teacher may teach from the Scripture and God speaks through
him or her. He uses billboards, phone calls, hugs from friends, successes, failures, and
ordinary, everyday experiences. He will do whatever it takes, intervene whenever neces-
sary, to get you to look up and know that He is God. Do you have eyes to see? Do you have
ears to hear God speaking to you? (See also: 1 Cor. 2:13; Rev. 2:7.)
Words to Live By
Perceive: The word translated as “perceive” in Job 33:14 is the Hebrew word shuwr
(shoor). Shuwr goes beyond just seeing or hearing; to shuwr is to actually expect God to
communicate; it is to wait for Him to speak, knowing He will. Do you expect to see God
at work in your life? Do you expect Him to speak to you?
My lips utter pure knowledge. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
4 The Spirit of God has made me, When deep sleep falls upon men,
And the breath of the Almighty gives While slumbering on their beds,
me life. 16 Then He opens the ears of men,
5 If you can answer me, And seals their instruction.
Set your words in order before me; 17 In order to turn man from his deed,
Take your stand. And conceal pride from man,
6 Truly I am as your spokesmana before 18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit,
God; And his life from perishing by the
I also have been formed out of clay. sword.
7 Surely no fear of me will terrify you,
Nor will my hand be heavy on you. 19“ Man is also chastened with pain on
his bed,
8“ Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
And with strong pain in many of his
And I have heard the sound of your bones,
words, saying, 20 So that his life abhors bread,
9‘ I am pure, without transgression;
And his soul succulent food.
I am innocent, and there is no iniquity 21 His flesh wastes away from sight,
in me. And his bones stick out which once
10 Yet He finds occasions against me,
were not seen.
He counts me as His enemy; 22 Yes, his soul draws near the Pit,
11 He puts my feet in the stocks,
And his life to the executioners.
He watches all my paths.’
23“ If there is a messenger for him,
12“ Look, in this you are not righteous.
A mediator, one among a thousand,
I will answer you, To show man His uprightness,
For God is greater than man. 24 Then He is gracious to him, and says,
13 Why do you contend with Him?
‘Deliver him from going down to the
For He does not give an accounting of Pit;
any of His words. I have found a ransom’;
14 For God may speak in one way, or in 25 His flesh shall be young like a child’s,
another,
Yet man does not perceive it. 33:6 aLiterally as your mouth
18-Job.indd 636 2/14/12 11:58 AM
637 JOB 34:24
He shall return to the days of his 9 For he has said, ‘It profits a man
youth. nothing
26 He shall pray to God, and He will That he should delight in God.’
delight in him,
He shall see His face with joy, 10“ Therefore listen to me, you men of
For He restores to man His understanding:
righteousness. Far be it from God to do wickedness,
27 Then he looks at men and says, And from the Almighty to commit
‘I have sinned, and perverted what was iniquity.
right, 11 For He repays man according to his
And it did not profit me.’ work,
28 He will redeem hisa soul from going And makes man to find a reward
down to the Pit, according to his way.
12 Surely God will never do wickedly,
And hisb life shall see the light.
Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.
29“ Behold, God works all these things, 13 Who gave Him charge over the earth?
Twice, in fact, three times with a Or who appointed Him over the whole
man, world?
30 To bring back his soul from the Pit, 14 If He should set His heart on it,
That he may be enlightened with the If He should gather to Himself His
light of life. Spirit and His breath,
15 All flesh would perish together,
31“ Give ear, Job, listen to me; And man would return to dust.
Hold your peace, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, 16“ If you have understanding, hear this;
answer me; Listen to the sound of my words:
17 Should one who hates justice govern?
Speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen to me; Will you condemn Him who is most
Hold your peace, and I will teach you just?
18 Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are
wisdom.”
worthless,’
Elihu Proclaims God’s And to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?
19 Yet He is not partial to princes,
Justice
Nor does He regard the rich more than
34
Elihu further answered and the poor;
said: For they are all the work of His hands.
20 In a moment they die, in the middle of
2“ Hear my words, you wise men;
the night;
Give ear to me, you who have The people are shaken and pass away;
knowledge. The mighty are taken away without a
3 For the ear tests words
hand.
As the palate tastes food.
4 Let us choose justice for ourselves;
21“ For His eyes are on the ways of man,
Let us know among ourselves what is And He sees all his steps.
good. 22 There is no darkness nor shadow of
5“ For Job has said, ‘I am righteous,
death
Where the workers of iniquity may
But God has taken away my justice; hide themselves.
6 Should I lie concerning my right?
23 For He need not further consider a
My wound is incurable, though I am man,
without transgression.’ That he should go before God in
7 What man is like Job,
judgment.
Who drinks scorn like water, 24 He breaks in pieces mighty men
8 Who goes in company with the
without inquiry,
workers of iniquity,
And walks with wicked men? 33:28 aOr my (Kethib) bOr my (Kethib)
18-Job.indd 637 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 34:25 638
Making It Real //
Job 34:19
No Favorites Imagine everyone different—but equal: no rich, no poor; no one more
beautiful; no one more popular; everyone accepted the same; everyone loved completely.
It’s hard for us to imagine, but that’s exactly the way it is with God. He loves the kid you
can’t stand just as much as He loves you. He loves you as much as He loves the most
popular kid in your school. The world gives awards and titles and considers some people
as better than others. God is not impressed and He doesn’t play favorites. He made each
one of us different and unique, and He loves us all the same—completely and uncondi-
tionally. (See also: Luke 15:4, 5; Gal. 2:6.)
Words to Live By
Regard: The word translated in Job 34:19 as “regard” is the Hebrew word nakar
(naw-kar’). It means “to know, recognize, pay attention to, and be acquainted with.” It
also implies respect. God does not give greater attention to anyone, regardless of who
they are or what they have done. He considers everyone equal in His sight and in His love.
And sets others in their place. 34“ Men of understanding say to me,
25 Therefore He knows their works; Wise men who listen to me:
He overthrows them in the night, 35‘ Job speaks without knowledge,
And they are crushed. His words are without wisdom.’
26 He strikes them as wicked men 36 Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost,
In the open sight of others, Because his answers are like those of
27 Because they turned back from wicked men!
Him, 37 For he adds rebellion to his sin;
And would not consider any of His He claps his hands among us,
ways, And multiplies his words against
28 So that they caused the cry of the
God.”
poor to come to Him;
For He hears the cry of the afflicted.
29 When He gives quietness, who then
Elihu Condemns
Self-Righteousness
can make trouble?
35
And when He hides His face, who then Moreover Elihu answered and
can see Him, said:
Whether it is against a nation or a
2“ Do you think this is right?
man alone?—
30 That the hypocrite should not reign, Do you say,
Lest the people be ensnared. ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?
3 For you say,
31“ For has anyone said to God, ‘What advantage will it be to You?
‘I have borne chastening; What profit shall I have, more than if I
I will offend no more; had sinned?’
32 Teach me what I do not see;
If I have done iniquity, I will do no 4“ I will answer you,
more’? And your companions with you.
33 Should He repay it according to your 5 Look to the heavens and see;
terms, And behold the clouds—
Just because you disavow it? They are higher than you.
You must choose, and not I; 6 If you sin, what do you accomplish
Therefore speak what you know. against Him?
18-Job.indd 638 2/14/12 11:58 AM
639 JOB 36:19
Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, He is mighty in strength of
what do you do to Him? understanding.
7 If you are righteous, what do you give 6 He does not preserve the life of the
Him? wicked,
Or what does He receive from your But gives justice to the oppressed.
hand? 7 He does not withdraw His eyes from
8 Your wickedness affects a man such the righteous;
as you, But they are on the throne with kings,
And your righteousness a son of man. For He has seated them forever,
And they are exalted.
9“ Because of the multitude of 8 And if they are bound in fetters,
oppressions they cry out; Held in the cords of affliction,
They cry out for help because of the 9 Then He tells them their work and
arm of the mighty. their transgressions—
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my That they have acted defiantly.
10 He also opens their ear to instruction,
Maker,
Who gives songs in the night, And commands that they turn from
11 Who teaches us more than the beasts iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve Him,
of the earth,
And makes us wiser than the birds of They shall spend their days in
heaven?’ prosperity,
12 There they cry out, but He does not And their years in pleasures.
12 But if they do not obey,
answer,
Because of the pride of evil men. They shall perish by the sword,
13 Surely God will not listen to empty And they shall die without knowledge.a
talk,
13“ But the hypocrites in heart store up
Nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him, wrath;
Yet justice is before Him, and you must They do not cry for help when He
wait for Him. binds them.
15 And now, because He has not 14 They die in youth,
punished in His anger, And their life ends among the
Nor taken much notice of folly, perverted persons.a
16 Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; 15 He delivers the poor in their affliction,
He multiplies words without And opens their ears in oppression.
knowledge.”
16“ Indeed He would have brought you
Elihu Proclaims God’s out of dire distress,
Goodness Into a broad place where there is no
restraint;
36
Elihu also proceeded and
And what is set on your table would be
said:
full of richness.
17 But you are filled with the judgment
2“ Bear with me a little, and I will show
due the wicked;
you
Judgment and justice take hold of you.
That there are yet words to speak on 18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He
God’s behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar;
take you away with one blow;
For a large ransom would not help you
I will ascribe righteousness to my avoid it.
Maker. 19 Will your riches,
4 For truly my words are not false;
Or all the mighty forces,
One who is perfect in knowledge is
with you. 36:12 aMasoretic Text reads as one without
knowledge. 36:14 aHebrew qedeshim, that is,
5“ Behold, God is mighty, but despises those practicing sodomy and prostitution in
no one; religious rituals
18-Job.indd 639 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 36:20 640
Keep you from distress? 5 God thunders marvelously with His
20 Do not desire the night, voice;
When people are cut off in their place. He does great things which we cannot
21 Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, comprehend.
For you have chosen this rather than 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the
affliction. earth’;
Likewise to the gentle rain and the
22“ Behold, God is exalted by His power;
heavy rain of His strength.
Who teaches like Him? 7 He seals the hand of every man,
23 Who has assigned Him His way,
That all men may know His work.
Or who has said, ‘You have done 8 The beasts go into dens,
wrong’? And remain in their lairs.
9 From the chamber of the south comes
Elihu Proclaims God’s the whirlwind,
Majesty And cold from the scattering winds of
24“ Remember to magnify His work, the north.
10 By the breath of God ice is given,
Of which men have sung.
25 Everyone has seen it; And the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also with moisture He saturates the
Man looks on it from afar.
thick clouds;
26“ Behold, God is great, and we do not He scatters His bright clouds.
know Him; 12 And they swirl about, being turned by
Nor can the number of His years be His guidance,
discovered. That they may do whatever He
27 For He draws up drops of water, commands them
Which distill as rain from the mist, On the face of the whole earth.a
28 Which the clouds drop down 13 He causes it to come,
And pour abundantly on man. Whether for correction,
29 Indeed, can anyone understand the Or for His land,
spreading of clouds, Or for mercy.
The thunder from His canopy?
30 Look, He scatters His light upon it, 14“ Listen to this, O Job;
And covers the depths of the sea. Stand still and consider the wondrous
31 For by these He judges the peoples; works of God.
He gives food in abundance. 15 Do you know when God dispatches
32 He covers His hands with lightning,
them,
And commands it to strike. And causes the light of His cloud to
33 His thunder declares it,
shine?
The cattle also, concerning the rising 16 Do you know how the clouds are
storm. balanced,
Those wondrous works of Him who is
37
“ At this also my heart perfect in knowledge?
trembles, 17 Why are your garments hot,
And leaps from its place. When He quiets the earth by the south
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His
wind?
voice, 18 With Him, have you spread out the
And the rumbling that comes from His skies,
mouth. Strong as a cast metal mirror?
3 He sends it forth under the whole
heaven, 19“ Teach us what we should say to Him,
His lightning to the ends of the earth. For we can prepare nothing because of
4 After it a voice roars;
the darkness.
He thunders with His majestic voice, 20 Should He be told that I wish to speak?
And He does not restrain them when
His voice is heard. 37:12 aLiterally the world of the earth
18-Job.indd 640 2/14/12 11:58 AM
641 JOB 38:9
Making It Real //
Job 37:21, 22
Majestic God Ever tried to look at the midday sun? You can’t—and you’re not even
supposed to try. It will damage your eyes. The sun is thousands of miles away from the
earth, and yet you can’t look at its brightness. If we were to travel to the sun, we would
burn up long before we got there because of the intensity of the heat. There is nothing on
this earth to compare with the power of the sun. Job says that the power of God is even
brighter than the sun. Imagine that. To God the sun is probably like a nice campfire. It’s
a fire that God built Himself and hung in the heavens. We sometimes forget how awe-
some God is. The next time you watch a sunset, think about God and remember that His
power puts that shining, fiery ball in space to shame. (See also: Deut. 10:17; 1 Chr. 29:11,
12; Ps. 47:2.)
Words to Live By
Majesty: The word translated as “majesty” in Job 37:22 is the Hebrew word howd
(hode). This word means “an imposing, grand form and appearance.” It means “splendor
and glory,” and is used only to describe things that are superior in power or position.
Something that is howd carries a sense of amazement and deep satisfaction to the one
who sees such beauty.
If a man were to speak, surely he The L ord Reveals His
would be swallowed up. Omnipotence to Job
38
21 Even now men cannot look at the light
Then the Lord answered Job
when it is bright in the skies, out of the whirlwind, and said:
When the wind has passed and
cleared them. 2“ Who is this who darkens counsel
22 He comes from the north as golden
By words without knowledge?
splendor; 3 Now prepare yourself like a man;
With God is awesome majesty. I will question you, and you shall
23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find
answer Me.
Him;
He is excellent in power, 4“ Where were you when I laid the
In judgment and abundant justice; foundations of the earth?
He does not oppress. Tell Me, if you have understanding.
24 Therefore men fear Him;
5 Who determined its measurements?
He shows no partiality to any who are Surely you know!
wise of heart.” Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations
fastened?
Job 38:1 Or who laid its cornerstone,
A “theophany” is a visible appearance 7 When the morning stars sang
of God. Job witnessed a theophany together,
when the Lord came to him in the And all the sons of God shouted for
whirlwind. As was true when Moses joy?
carried on a conversation with the
burning bush, Job didn’t actually 8“ Or who shut in the sea with doors,
see God; he saw the effects of God’s When it burst forth and issued from
presence. the womb;
9 When I made the clouds its garment,
18-Job.indd 641 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 38:10 642
And thick darkness its swaddling Or a path for the thunderbolt,
band; 26 To cause it to rain on a land where
10 When I fixed My limit for it, there is no one,
And set bars and doors; A wilderness in which there is no man;
11 When I said, 27 To satisfy the desolate waste,
‘This far you may come, but no farther, And cause to spring forth the growth
And here your proud waves must stop!’ of tender grass?
28 Has the rain a father?
12“ Have you commanded the morning Or who has begotten the drops of
since your days began, dew?
29 From whose womb comes the ice?
And caused the dawn to know its
place, And the frost of heaven, who gives it
13 That it might take hold of the ends of birth?
30 The waters harden like stone,
the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it? And the surface of the deep is frozen.
14 It takes on form like clay under a seal,
31“ Can you bind the cluster of the
And stands out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is Pleiades,
withheld, Or loose the belt of Orion?
32 Can you bring out Mazzarotha in its
And the upraised arm is broken.
season?
16“ Have you entered the springs of the Or can you guide the Great Bear with
sea? its cubs?
33 Do you know the ordinances of the
Or have you walked in search of the
depths? heavens?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed Can you set their dominion over the
to you? earth?
Or have you seen the doors of the 34“ Can you lift up your voice to the
shadow of death?
18 Have you comprehended the breadth clouds,
of the earth? That an abundance of water may cover
Tell Me, if you know all this. you?
35 Can you send out lightnings, that they
19“ Where is the way to the dwelling of may go,
light? And say to you, ‘Here we are! ’?
36 Who has put wisdom in the mind?a
And darkness, where is its place,
20 That you may take it to its territory, Or who has given understanding to
That you may know the paths to its the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds by
home?
21 Do you know it, because you were wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of
born then,
heaven,
Or because the number of your days 38 When the dust hardens in clumps,
is great?
And the clods cling together?
22“ Have you entered the treasury of snow,
39“ Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail, Or satisfy the appetite of the young
23 Which I have reserved for the time of
lions,
trouble, 40 When they crouch in their dens,
For the day of battle and war? Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?
24 By what way is light diffused,
41 Who provides food for the raven,
Or the east wind scattered over the When its young ones cry to God,
earth? And wander about for lack of food?
25“ Who has divided a channel for the 38:32 aLiterally Constellations
38:36 aLiterally
overflowing water, inward parts
18-Job.indd 642 2/14/12 11:58 AM
643 JOB 40:2
39
“ Do you know the time when And did not endow her with
the wild mountain goats understanding.
bear young? 18 When she lifts herself on high,
Or can you mark when the deer gives She scorns the horse and its rider.
birth?
2 Can you number the months that they 19“ Have you given the horse strength?
fulfill? Have you clothed his neck with
Or do you know the time when they thunder?a
20 Can you frighten him like a locust?
bear young?
3 They bow down, His majestic snorting strikes terror.
21 He paws in the valley, and rejoices in
They bring forth their young,
They deliver their offspring.a his strength;
4 Their young ones are healthy, He gallops into the clash of arms.
22 He mocks at fear, and is not
They grow strong with grain;
They depart and do not return to frightened;
them. Nor does he turn back from the sword.
23 The quiver rattles against him,
5“ Who set the wild donkey free? The glittering spear and javelin.
24 He devours the distance with
Who loosed the bonds of the onager,
6 Whose home I have made the fierceness and rage;
wilderness, Nor does he come to a halt because
And the barren land his dwelling? the trumpet has sounded.
7 He scorns the tumult of the city; 25 At the blast of the trumpet he says,
He does not heed the shouts of the ‘Aha!’
driver. He smells the battle from afar,
8 The range of the mountains is his The thunder of captains and shouting.
pasture,
26“ Does the hawk fly by your wisdom,
And he searches after every green
thing. And spread its wings toward the
south?
9“ Will the wild ox be willing to serve 27 Does the eagle mount up at your
you? command,
Will he bed by your manger? And make its nest on high?
28 On the rock it dwells and resides,
10 Can you bind the wild ox in the furrow
with ropes? On the crag of the rock and the
Or will he plow the valleys behind you? stronghold.
29 From there it spies out the prey;
11 Will you trust him because his
strength is great? Its eyes observe from afar.
30 Its young ones suck up blood;
Or will you leave your labor to him?
12 Will you trust him to bring home your And where the slain are, there it is.”
grain,
And gather it to your threshing floor? God
13“ The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,
Is God ever wrong?
But are her wings and pinions like the Job 40:2
kindly stork’s?
40
14 For she leaves her eggs on the ground,
Moreover the Lord answered
And warms them in the dust; Job, and said:
15 She forgets that a foot may crush
them, 2“ Shall the one who contends with the
Or that a wild beast may break them. Almighty correct Him?
16 She treats her young harshly, as
He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”
though they were not hers;
Her labor is in vain, without concern, 39:3 aLiterally pangs, figurative of offspring
17 Because God deprived her of wisdom, 39:19 aOr a mane
18-Job.indd 643 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 40:3 644
Job’s Response to God Only He who made him can bring near
3Then Job answered the Lord and said: His sword.
20 Surely the mountains yield food for
4“ Behold, I am vile; him,
And all the beasts of the field play
What shall I answer You?
there.
I lay my hand over my mouth. 21 He lies under the lotus trees,
5 Once I have spoken, but I will not
In a covert of reeds and marsh.
answer; 22 The lotus trees cover him with their
Yes, twice, but I will proceed no
shade;
further.”
The willows by the brook surround
him.
God’s Challenge to Job 23 Indeed the river may rage,
6Then the Lord answered Job out of the Yet he is not disturbed;
whirlwind, and said: He is confident, though the Jordan
gushes into his mouth,
7“ Now prepare yourself like a man; 24 Though he takes it in his eyes,
I will question you, and you shall Or one pierces his nose with a snare.
answer Me:
41
“ Can you draw out Leviathana
8“ Would you indeed annul My with a hook,
judgment? Or snare his tongue with a
Would you condemn Me that you may line which you lower?
2 Can you put a reed through his nose,
be justified?
9 Have you an arm like God? Or pierce his jaw with a hook?
3 Will he make many supplications to
Or can you thunder with a voice like
His? you?
10 Then adorn yourself with majesty and Will he speak softly to you?
4 Will he make a covenant with you?
splendor,
And array yourself with glory and Will you take him as a servant forever?
5 Will you play with him as with a bird,
beauty.
11 Disperse the rage of your wrath; Or will you leash him for your
Look on everyone who is proud, and maidens?
6 Will your companions make a
humble him.
12 Look on everyone who is proud, and banqueta of him?
bring him low; Will they apportion him among the
Tread down the wicked in their place. merchants?
7 Can you fill his skin with harpoons,
13 Hide them in the dust together,
Bind their faces in hidden darkness. Or his head with fishing spears?
8 Lay your hand on him;
14 Then I will also confess to you
That your own right hand can save Remember the battle—
you. Never do it again!
9 Indeed, any hope of overcoming him
15“ Look now at the behemoth,a which I is false;
made along with you; Shall one not be overwhelmed at the
He eats grass like an ox. sight of him?
10 No one is so fierce that he would dare
16 See now, his strength is in his hips,
And his power is in his stomach stir him up.
muscles. Who then is able to stand against Me?
11 Who has preceded Me, that I should
17 He moves his tail like a cedar;
The sinews of his thighs are tightly pay him?
knit. Everything under heaven is Mine.
18 His bones are like beams of bronze,
40:15 aA large animal, exact identity unknown
His ribs like bars of iron. 41:1 aA large sea creature, exact identity
19 He is the first of the ways of God; unknown 41:6 aOr bargain over him
18-Job.indd 644 2/14/12 11:58 AM
645 JOB 42:10
12“ I will not conceala his limbs, One would think the deep had white
His mighty power, or his graceful hair.
proportions. 33 On earth there is nothing like him,
13 Who can remove his outer coat? Which is made without fear.
Who can approach him with a double 34 He beholds every high thing;
bridle? He is king over all the children of
14 Who can open the doors of his face, pride.”
With his terrible teeth all around?
15 His rows of scales are his pride, Job’s Repentance
Shut up tightly as with a seal; and Restoration
42
16 One is so near another
Then Job answered the Lord
That no air can come between them; and said:
17 They are joined one to another,
They stick together and cannot be 2“ I know that You can do everything,
parted. And that no purpose of Yours can be
18 His sneezings flash forth light,
withheld from You.
And his eyes are like the eyelids of the 3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides
morning. counsel without knowledge?’
19 Out of his mouth go burning lights;
Therefore I have uttered what I did not
Sparks of fire shoot out. understand,
20 Smoke goes out of his nostrils,
Things too wonderful for me, which I
As from a boiling pot and burning did not know.
rushes. 4 Listen, please, and let me speak;
21 His breath kindles coals,
You said, ‘I will question you, and you
And a flame goes out of his mouth. shall answer Me.’
22 Strength dwells in his neck,
And sorrow dances before him. 5“ I have heard of You by the hearing of
23 The folds of his flesh are joined
the ear,
together; But now my eye sees You.
They are firm on him and cannot be 6 Therefore I abhor myself,
moved. And repent in dust and ashes.”
24 His heart is as hard as stone,
Even as hard as the lower millstone. 7And so it was, after the Lord had spo-
25 When he raises himself up, the mighty
ken these words to Job, that the Lord
are afraid; said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is
Because of his crashings they are aroused against you and your two friends,
besidea themselves. for you have not spoken of Me what is right,
26 Though the sword reaches him, it
as My servant Job has. 8Now therefore, take
cannot avail; for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams,
Nor does spear, dart, or javelin. go to My servant Job, and offer up for your-
27 He regards iron as straw,
selves a burnt offering; and My servant Job
And bronze as rotten wood. shall pray for you. For I will accept him,
28 The arrow cannot make him flee;
lest I deal with you according to your folly;
Slingstones become like stubble to because you have not spoken of Me what is
him. right, as My servant Job has.”
29 Darts are regarded as straw;
9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the
He laughs at the threat of javelins. Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went
30 His undersides are like sharp
and did as the Lord commanded them;
potsherds; for the Lord had accepted Job. 10And the
He spreads pointed marks in the Lord restored Job’s lossesa when he prayed
mire. for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job
31 He makes the deep boil like a pot;
He makes the sea like a pot of 41:12 aLiterally keep silent about 41:25 aOr
ointment. purify themselves 42:10 aLiterally Job’s captivity,
32 He leaves a shining wake behind him; that is, what was captured from Job
18-Job.indd 645 2/14/12 11:58 AM
JOB 42:11 646
twice as much as he had before. 11Then all one thousand female donkeys. 13He also
his brothers, all his sisters, and all those had seven sons and three daughters. 14And
who had been his acquaintances before, he called the name of the first Jemimah,
came to him and ate food with him in his the name of the second Keziah, and the
house; and they consoled him and com- name of the third Keren-Happuch. 15In all
forted him for all the adversity that the the land were found no women so beauti-
Lord had brought upon him. Each one ful as the daughters of Job; and their father
gave him a piece of silver and each a ring gave them an inheritance among their
of gold. brothers.
12Now the Lord blessed the latter days 16After this Job lived one hundred and
of Job more than his beginning; for he had forty years, and saw his children and
fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand grandchildren for four generations. 17So
camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and Job died, old and full of days.
18-Job.indd 646 2/14/12 11:58 AM
Psalms
Date of writing: 1410–c. 430 B.C.
Author: David wrote the majority; other authors
include Ethan, Heman, Asaph, the sons of Korah,
Solomon, Moses, and other anonymous
authors
Theme: Communion with God in Prayer and Praise
Purpose: We can come to God freely, whether
our hearts are broken or filled with praise.
Outline
1—41 ��������������������Book I
42—72 �����������������Book II
73—89 �����������������Book III
90—106 ���������������Book IV
107—150 �������������Book V
Key Verse:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my
Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
19-Psalms.indd 647 2/14/12 11:58 AM
Then /// Music is a gift, but it is also a tool and a talent. Our society
uses music to do everything from selling to inspiring to dancing to
teaching. God uses music, too. The roles in the early Jews’ worship included
official musicians and song leaders. While their music was different from the music you
hear today, it was just as important in worship.
Psalms is basically a book of emotions and deep reflections set to music. The topics of
the psalms were like an eclectic play list. Worship was a hot topic, but it wasn’t the only
one. Some psalms were about regret, some were about joy, some were about anger. Music
did the same thing for those ancient songwriters that it does for songwriters today: it
helped them process life. Some of the psalms are honest to the point of being raw, but all
of them are about real people and real life.
Now /// Living a life of faith in a world that is sometimes faithless is
a reality we can absolutely relate to. One thing we learn from the Psalms is
that God is not afraid of the honest expression of the emotions we
experience as we live life on this earth.
It is a fact of life that we will feel sad, angry, confused, happy, and many other emotions
throughout our lives. Isn’t it refreshing to know that we can go straight to God with every
one of these emotions in all our situations? He knows what we’re thinking and feeling
anyway, and He treasures our honesty and obedience through all circumstances.
Reality Check /// The Psalms are musical poetry, but they
don’t rhyme like most of the lyrics we learn today. Hebrew poetry was built
on a concept instead of a rhyming scheme. The first line stated the concept,
and the second line built on it. Hebrew poetry also used alphabetical structures. In its
original language, one of the psalms (119) is written so that each line starts with a letter of
the alphabet . . . in order no less.
So when you read a psalm, it won’t be sing-songy. And if you heard a psalm sung with
its original tune, it wouldn’t be catchy to your ear. But the truth of the psalm would fit
today as surely as when it was written.
Emotions like fear and anger and disappointment and joy are just as real for us as they
were for the writers of the Psalms. The world may seem completely different, even down
to the way we write poetry, but those emotions are just as real as they ever were. That is
why we can read a psalm and relate to it as if it were written for our own particular situa-
tion. God, in His wisdom, has given us the perfect play list for our time here on Earth.
BOOK ONE: Psalms 1—41 That brings forth its fruit in its
season,
Psalm 1 Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The Way of the Righteous and
the End of the Ungodly 4The ungodly are not so,
B
lessed is the man But are like the chaff which the wind
Who walks not in the counsel of the drives away.
ungodly, 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand
Nor stands in the path of sinners, in the judgment,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; Nor sinners in the congregation of the
2 But his delight is in the law of the
righteous.
Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and 6For the Lord knows the way of the
night. righteous,
3 He shall be like a tree But the way of the ungodly shall
Planted by the rivers of water, perish.
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649 Psalm 2:10
Making It Real //
Psalm 1:3
Live and Grow Think about a tree growing beside a river. Would it be a dry, ugly
tree with brown, cracking leaves? No, that tree would always be alive and full with lush,
green leaves. Even in the middle of a drought, that tree would thrive because the river
would give it all the water it needed.
Psalm 1:3 says, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” The word he
refers to the godly man described in verses 1 and 2. This individual doesn’t listen to
friends or other people who tell him to go against what God wants. He doesn’t make fun
of God, even if it seems like everyone else does. This man is delighted when he thinks
about what God says, and always chooses to do what pleases the God he loves.
If you’ve made up your mind to follow Jesus, ask yourself if you fit that description.
You are like that tree growing beside a river. God’s Spirit is the river that flows by you and
offers you all the life and strength you need. When you get your life from His Spirit, you’re
always able to succeed in God’s eyes, even if everything around you seems out of control.
(See also: Num. 24:5–7; Ps. 52:8; Jer. 17:7, 8.)
Words to Live By
Prosper: The word translated as “prosper” in Psalm 1:3 is the Hebrew word tsale
ach (tsaw-lay’-akh). It means “to succeed, to keep moving forward from good to good.”
Tsaleach goes beyond mere human success; it is a journey into all good things that is
guided and enabled by God.
Psalm 2 4He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
The Messiah’s Triumph 5 Then He shall speak to them in His
and Kingdom
wrath,
W
hy do the nations rage, And distress them in His deep
And the people plot a vain displeasure:
thing? 6“ Yet I have set My King
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, On My holy hill of Zion.”
And the rulers take counsel together,
7“ I will declare the decree:
Against the Lord and against His
Anointed, saying, The Lord has said to Me,
3“ Let us break Their bonds in pieces ‘You are My Son,
And cast away Their cords from us.” Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
Psalm 2:6 And the ends of the earth for Your
When David conquered Jerusalem in possession.
around 1000 B.C., he got something 9 You shall breaka them with a rod of
extra in the process—an ancient iron;
Jebusite fortress known as Zion. Years You shall dash them to pieces like a
later, when Solomon built the temple potter’s vessel.’ ”
on Mount Moriah, the entire area in 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
and around Jerusalem came to be
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
known as Zion. Eventually, Zion was
used to refer to the entire nation of 2:9 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Israel. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read rule
(compare Revelation 2:27).
19-Psalms.indd 649 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 2:11 650
11 Serve the Lord with fear, 2How long, O you sons of men,
And rejoice with trembling. Will you turn my glory to shame?
12Kiss the Son,a lest Heb be angry, How long will you love
And you perish in the way, worthlessness
When His wrath is kindled but a And seek falsehood?Selah
little. 3 But know that the Lord has set
Blessed are all those who put their aparta for Himself him who is
trust in Him. godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Psalm 3
4Be angry, and do not sin.
The L ord Helps His Troubled
Meditate within your heart on your
People
bed, and be still.Selah
A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom
his son.
Psalm 4:4
L
ord, how they have increased who
trouble me! Bible writers believed the heart to
Many are they who rise up against me. be the center of a person’s character.
2 Many are they who say of me, They believed it was the source of
“There is no help for him in God.”Selah emotions, thoughts, and decision
making. It was their belief that both
3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, good and evil actions originate in the
My glory and the One who lifts up my heart.
head.
4 I cried to the Lord with my voice,
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And He heard me from His holy hill.
Selah And put your trust in the Lord.
6There are many who say,
5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. “ Who will show us any good?”
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of Lord, lift up the light of Your
people countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
Who have set themselves against me
all around. More than in the season that their
grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and
7Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God! sleep;
For You have struck all my enemies on For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell
the cheekbone; in safety.
You have broken the teeth of the
ungodly. Psalm 5
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord. A Prayer for Guidance
Your blessing is upon Your people. To the Chief Musician. With flutes.a A Psalm
Selah of David.
G
Psalm 4 ive ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
The Safety of the Faithful 2 Give heed to the voice of my cry,
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. My King and my God,
A Psalm of David. For to You I will pray.
H
ear me when I call, O God of my 2:12 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Embrace
righteousness! discipline; Targum reads Receive instruction.
You have relieved me in my distress; bSeptuagint reads the Lord. 4:3 aMany Hebrew
Have mercy on me, and hear my manuscripts, Septuagint, Targum, and Vulgate
prayer. read made wonderful. 5:title aHebrew nehiloth
19-Psalms.indd 650 2/14/12 11:59 AM
651 Psalm 7:1
3 My voice You shall hear in the Psalm 6
morning, O Lord;
A Prayer of Faith in Time
In the morning I will direct it to You,
of Distress
And I will look up.
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments.
4For You are not a God who takes On an eight-stringed harp.a A Psalm of David.
O
pleasure in wickedness, Lord, do not rebuke me in Your
Nor shall evil dwell with You. anger,
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your
Nor chasten me in Your hot
sight; displeasure.
You hate all workers of iniquity. 2 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am
6 You shall destroy those who speak
weak;
falsehood; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and troubled.
deceitful man. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled;
7But as for me, I will come into Your
But You, O Lord—how long?
house in the multitude of Your 4Return, O Lord, deliver me!
mercy;
Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
In fear of You I will worship toward 5 For in death there is no remembrance
Your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your of You;
righteousness because of my In the grave who will give You
enemies; thanks?
Make Your way straight before my 6I am weary with my groaning;
face.
All night I make my bed swim;
9For there is no faithfulness in their I drench my couch with my tears.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief;
mouth;
Their inward part is destruction; It grows old because of all my enemies.
Their throat is an open tomb;
8Depart from me, all you workers of
They flatter with their tongue.
10 Pronounce them guilty, O God! iniquity;
Let them fall by their own counsels; For the Lord has heard the voice of
Cast them out in the multitude of their my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my supplication;
transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You. The Lord will receive my prayer.
10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and
11 But let all those rejoice who put their greatly troubled;
trust in You; Let them turn back and be ashamed
Let them ever shout for joy, because suddenly.
You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name Psalm 7
Be joyful in You.
Prayer and Praise
for Deliverance from Enemies
Blessing A Meditationa of David, which he sang to the Lord
What is the reward of concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.
O
righteousness? Lord my God, in You I put my
Psalm 5:12 trust;
Save me from all those who
12 For You, O Lord, will bless the
persecute me;
And deliver me,
righteous;
With favor You will surround him as 6:title aHebrew sheminith
7:title aHebrew
with a shield. Shiggaion
19-Psalms.indd 651 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 7:2 652
Making It Real //
Psalm 7:10
Heart Matters God protects the person whose heart is right toward Him. Having
your heart right toward God doesn’t have anything to do with being perfect or knock-
ing yourself out trying to do the right thing all the time. A person with an upright heart
knows the only real hope of right standing with God comes from the fact that Jesus died
to make things right—only through Him can we find acceptance and salvation.
Admitting we are incapable on our own of anything good takes humility. That’s a
word that most people don’t talk about very often, maybe because their picture of humil-
ity is a weak, super-shy person who looks at the floor all the time. But for a real picture of
humility, look at Jesus. Humility is one of the most outstanding parts of His personality.
A heart that’s humble is the kind of heart God is looking for. That’s the kind of per-
son He can use to get the job done. He protects that person in a special way because He
knows that person is ready to do what He wants. (See also: Ps. 121:7, 8; 2 Thess. 3:3.)
Words to Live By
Upright in heart: The word translated as “upright” in Psalm 7:10 is the Hebrew
word yashar (yaw-shawr’). It means “straight, righteous, or just.” The phrase “upright in
heart” can refer to those who recognize their need of God and have accepted His salva-
tion through Jesus Christ. Only by receiving the forgiveness Christ brings can we stand
before God as righteous. When we accept Christ’s forgiveness, we are justified in the eyes
of God. Think of it this way: when you have God’s forgiveness you can say, “It is just as if
I’d never sinned.”
2 Lest they tear me like a lion, Judge me, O Lord, according to my
Rending me in pieces, while there is righteousness,
none to deliver. And according to my integrity
within me.
3O Lord my God, if I have done this:
If there is iniquity in my hands, 9Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked
4 If I have repaid evil to him who was at
come to an end,
peace with me, But establish the just;
Or have plundered my enemy without For the righteous God tests the hearts
cause, and minds.
5 Let the enemy pursue me and 10 My defense is of God,
overtake me; Who saves the upright in heart.
Yes, let him trample my life to the
earth, 11 God is a just judge,
And lay my honor in the dust.Selah And God is angry with the wicked every
day.
6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; 12 If he does not turn back,
Lift Yourself up because of the rage of He will sharpen His sword;
my enemies; He bends His bow and makes it ready.
Rise up for mea to the judgment You 13 He also prepares for Himself
have commanded! instruments of death;
7 So the congregation of the peoples
He makes His arrows into fiery
shall surround You; shafts.
For their sakes, therefore, return on
high. 7:6 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
8 The Lord shall judge the peoples; Vulgate; Septuagint reads O Lord my God.
19-Psalms.indd 652 2/14/12 11:59 AM
653 Psalm 9:8
14 Behold, the wicked brings forth That pass through the paths of the
iniquity; seas.
Yes, he conceives trouble and brings
forth falsehood. 9O Lord, our Lord,
15 He made a pit and dug it out, How excellent is Your name in all the
And has fallen into the ditch which he earth!
made.
16 His trouble shall return upon his own
Psalm 9
head,
Prayer and Thanksgiving
And his violent dealing shall come
for the L ord ’s Righteous
down on his own crown.
Judgments
17 I will praise the Lord according to His To the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Death of the
righteousness, Son.”a A Psalm of David.
I
And will sing praise to the name of the will praise You, O Lord, with my whole
Lord Most High. heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Psalm 8 2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
The Glory of the L ord I will sing praise to Your name, O Most
in Creation High.
To the Chief Musician. On the instrument 3When my enemies turn back,
of Gath.a A Psalm of David.
They shall fall and perish at Your
O
Lord, our Lord, presence.
How excellent is Your name in all 4 For You have maintained my right and
the earth, my cause;
Who have set Your glory above the You sat on the throne judging in
heavens! righteousness.
5 You have rebuked the nations,
2Out of the mouth of babes and nursing
You have destroyed the wicked;
infants You have blotted out their name
You have ordained strength, forever and ever.
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and 6O enemy, destructions are finished
the avenger. forever!
3When I consider Your heavens, the
And you have destroyed cities;
Even their memory has perished.
work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You
have ordained, Judgment
4 What is man that You are mindful of
Who is the ultimate
him,
authority?
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower Psalm 9:7, 8
than the angels,a
And You have crowned him with glory 7 But the Lord shall endure forever;
and honor. He has prepared His throne for
6You have made him to have dominion
judgment.
8 He shall judge the world in
over the works of Your hands; righteousness,
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
8:title aHebrew Al Gittith 8:5 aHebrew Elohim,
Even the beasts of the field, God; Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Jewish
8 The birds of the air, tradition translate as angels. 9:title aHebrew
And the fish of the sea Muth Labben
19-Psalms.indd 653 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 9:9 654
And He shall administer judgment for 18 For the needy shall not always be
the peoples in uprightness. forgotten;
The expectation of the poor shall not
9The Lord also will be a refuge for the perish forever.
oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble. Hope
10 And those who know Your name will
put their trust in You;
Should those in poverty have
For You, Lord, have not forsaken hope?
those who seek You. Psalm 9:18
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells
19 Arise, O Lord,
in Zion!
Do not let man prevail;
Declare His deeds among the people. Let the nations be judged in Your
sight.
20 Put them in fear, O Lord,
Psalm 9:11 That the nations may know
For the most part, the people who themselves to be but men.Selah
lived in the nations surrounding Israel
were sinful and corrupt—enemies of Psalm 10
God. The miracles God performed for
the Israelites often caught the atten- A Song of Confidence
tion of these other nations. Those who in God’s Triumph over Evil
W
recognized the power of Israel’s God hy do You stand afar off, O Lord?
were given an opportunity to serve Why do You hide in times of
Him. trouble?
2 The wicked in his pride persecutes the
poor;
12 When He avenges blood, He Let them be caught in the plots which
remembers them; they have devised.
He does not forget the cry of the
humble. 3For the wicked boasts of his heart’s
desire;
13 Have mercy on me, O Lord! He blesses the greedy and renounces
Consider my trouble from those who the Lord.
4 The wicked in his proud countenance
hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of does not seek God;
death, God is in none of his thoughts.
14 That I may tell of all Your praise
5His ways are always prospering;
In the gates of the daughter of Zion.
I will rejoice in Your salvation. Your judgments are far above, out of
his sight;
15 The nations have sunk down in the pit As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
6 He has said in his heart, “I shall not be
which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own moved;
I shall never be in adversity.”
foot is caught. 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit
16 The Lord is known by the judgment
and oppression;
He executes;
Under his tongue is trouble and
The wicked is snared in the work of his iniquity.
own hands.
Meditation.a Selah 8He sits in the lurking places of the
villages;
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God. 9:16 aHebrew Higgaion
19-Psalms.indd 654 2/14/12 11:59 AM
655 Psalm 10:18
Promise
God promises He will be God forever.
The Lord is King forever and ever (Ps. 10:16a).
Think about it. Some people worship their money; some
people worship their cars; some people worship their
careers. Maybe you don’t see them bow down to these
things, and maybe they don’t call them “god”; but they think about them constantly,
and all their effort and energy go into making them bigger or better or both. Those
people consider temporary, changeable things to be the most important things in
life. But cars eventually end up in the junkyard, money gets spent, and careers
always come to an end.
Other people worship things that they think are God. They honor the forces of
nature or the stars. Or they pray to a statue or a city. These are nothing but empty
rituals that may make some people feel better, but the things they worship will one
day come to an end. Everything about this earth will one day simply cease to exist.
God is totally different. He is Eternal—He will live forever. He always has existed
and always will. When everything on earth has decayed or burned up or blown
away, He will still be running the show. He will be the eternal King to all the people
who choose to worship Him (instead of poor substitutes that will one day be
destroyed); and God’s people will live with Him in His kingdom forever.
See for yourself// Psalms 90:2; 102:25–28; Matthew 6:19; 1 John 2:15–17
In the secret places he murders the 12 Arise, O Lord!
innocent; O God, lift up Your hand!
His eyes are secretly fixed on the Do not forget the humble.
helpless. 13 Why do the wicked renounce God?
9 He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his He has said in his heart,
den; “You will not require an account.”
He lies in wait to catch the poor;
14 But You have seen, for You observe
He catches the poor when he draws
him into his net. trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to
Psalm 10:9 You;
People in ancient Palestine continu- You are the helper of the fatherless.
ally faced the danger of lion attacks. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and the
The animals were known to spring evil man;
from their hiding places among the Seek out his wickedness until You find
thickets near the Jordan River to none.
pounce on people passing by.
16 The Lord is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His
10 So he crouches, he lies low,
land.
That the helpless may fall by his 17 Lord, You have heard the desire of the
strength. humble;
11 He has said in his heart, You will prepare their heart;
“ God has forgotten; You will cause Your ear to hear,
He hides His face; 18 To do justice to the fatherless and the
He will never see.” oppressed,
19-Psalms.indd 655 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 11:1 656
That the man of the earth may oppress Our lips are our own;
no more. Who is lord over us?”
Psalm 11 5“ For the oppression of the poor, for the
sighing of the needy,
Faith in the L ord ’s
Righteousness
Now I will arise,” says the Lord;
“I will set him in the safety for which he
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. yearns.”
I
n the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul, Pain
“ Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
2 For look! The wicked bend their bow, Who does God watch over?
They make ready their arrow on the Psalm 12:5
string,
That they may shoot secretly at the 6The words of the Lord are pure words,
upright in heart.
3 If the foundations are destroyed, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
What can the righteous do?
4The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
Psalm 12:6
If you want to find silver, you’ve got
His eyes behold, to look in rocks made of lead ore. If
His eyelids test the sons of men. you want to get silver from the rock,
5 The Lord tests the righteous,
you’ve got to heat the rock to extreme
But the wicked and the one who loves temperatures. If you want to purify
violence His soul hates. the silver and make it more valu-
6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
able, you’ve got to repeat the heating
Fire and brimstone and a burning process over and over again.
wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.
7 You shall keep them, O Lord,
7For the Lord is righteous,
You shall preserve them from this
He loves righteousness; generation forever.
His countenance beholds the upright.a
8The wicked prowl on every side,
Psalm 12 When vileness is exalted among the
Man’s Treachery and God’s sons of men.
Constancy
Psalm 13
To the Chief Musician. On an eight-stringed harp.a
A Psalm of David. Trust in the Salvation
of the L ord
H
elp, Lord, for the godly man ceases!
For the faithful disappear from To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
H
among the sons of men. ow long, O Lord? Will You forget me
2 They speak idly everyone with his
forever?
neighbor; How long will You hide Your face
With flattering lips and a double heart from me?
they speak. 2 How long shall I take counsel in my
soul,
3May the Lord cut off all flattering
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
lips, How long will my enemy be exalted
And the tongue that speaks proud over me?
things,
4 Who have said, 11:7 aOr The upright beholds His countenance
“ With our tongue we will prevail; 12:title aHebrew sheminith
19-Psalms.indd 656 2/14/12 11:59 AM
657 Psalm 16:2
3Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; When the Lord brings back the
Enlighten my eyes, captivity of His people,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death; Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.
Prayer Psalm 14:7
Can we pray for Israel was the name Jacob was given
understanding? following his wrestling match with
Psalm 13:3 an angel of the Lord—an angel who
may have been God Himself. Jacob’s
descendants came to be known as
4 Lest my enemy say, Israelites and the land they settled
“ I have prevailed against him”; was called Israel.
Lest those who trouble me rejoice
when I am moved.
Psalm 15
5But I have trusted in Your mercy;
The Character of Those Who
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. May Dwell with the L ord
6 I will sing to the Lord,
A Psalm of David.
Because He has dealt bountifully
L
with me. ord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
Psalm 14
2He who walks uprightly,
Folly of the Godless,
And works righteousness,
and God’s Final Triumph
And speaks the truth in his heart;
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 3 He who does not backbite with his
T
he fool has said in his heart, tongue,
“There is no God.” Nor does evil to his neighbor,
They are corrupt, Nor does he take up a reproach
They have done abominable works, against his friend;
4 In whose eyes a vile person is
There is none who does good.
despised,
2The Lord looks down from heaven But he honors those who fear the
upon the children of men, Lord;
To see if there are any who He who swears to his own hurt and
understand, who seek God. does not change;
3 They have all turned aside, 5 He who does not put out his money at
They have together become corrupt; usury,
There is none who does good, Nor does he take a bribe against the
No, not one. innocent.
4Have all the workers of iniquity no He who does these things shall never
knowledge, be moved.
Who eat up my people as they eat
bread, Psalm 16
And do not call on the Lord? The Hope of the Faithful, and
5 There they are in great fear,
the Messiah’s Victory
For God is with the generation of the
A Michtam of David.
righteous.
P
6 You shame the counsel of the poor, reserve me, O God, for in You I put my
But the Lord is his refuge. trust.
7Oh, that the salvation of Israel would 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
come out of Zion! “ You are my Lord,
19-Psalms.indd 657 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 16:3 658
My goodness is nothing apart from Psalm 17
You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
Prayer with Confidence
in Final Salvation
“They are the excellent ones, in whom
is all my delight.” A Prayer of David.
H
ear a just cause, O Lord,
4Their sorrows shall be multiplied who
Attend to my cry;
hasten after another god; Give ear to my prayer which is not
Their drink offerings of blood I will from deceitful lips.
not offer, 2 Let my vindication come from Your
Nor take up their names on my lips. presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that
5O Lord, You are the portion of my
are upright.
inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot. 3You have tested my heart;
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant
You have visited me in the night;
places; You have tried me and have found
Yes, I have a good inheritance. nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall
7I will bless the Lord who has given me
not transgress.
counsel; 4 Concerning the works of men,
My heart also instructs me in the night By the word of Your lips,
seasons. I have kept away from the paths of the
destroyer.
God 5 Uphold my steps in Your paths,
Can we trust God to help us That my footsteps may not slip.
make decisions? 6I have called upon You, for You will
Psalm 16:7 hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my
8 I have set the Lord always before me; speech.
Because He is at my right hand I shall
not be moved. Prayer
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my Does God hear our prayers?
glory rejoices; Psalm 17:6
My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in
7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness
Sheol, by Your right hand,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to
O You who save those who trust in You
see corruption.
From those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Psalm 16:10, 11 Hide me under the shadow of Your
Look carefully and you might spot wings,
9 From the wicked who oppress me,
Jesus in these verses. Who else do you
know of who came back to life, rose From my deadly enemies who
out of the grave, and sits on God’s surround me.
right side?
10 They have closed up their fat hearts;
With their mouths they speak proudly.
11 You will show me the path of life; 11 They have now surrounded us in our
In Your presence is fullness of joy; steps;
At Your right hand are pleasures They have set their eyes, crouching
forevermore. down to the earth,
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659 Psalm 18:18
5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
Psalm 17:8 The snares of death confronted me.
The eye, one of the most sensitive and 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord,
precious parts of the human body, And cried out to my God;
comes equipped with its own protec- He heard my voice from His temple,
tor, the eyelid. The eyelid instinctively And my cry came before Him, even to
closes anytime it senses danger to the His ears.
eye. It “shelters” this vital organ just
as a mother hen shelters her chicks 7Then the earth shook and trembled;
beneath her wings. The foundations of the hills also
quaked and were shaken,
12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
Because He was angry.
8 Smoke went up from His nostrils,
And like a young lion lurking in secret
And devouring fire from His mouth;
places.
Coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came
13 Arise, O Lord,
down
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with With darkness under His feet.
10 And He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
Your sword,
14 With Your hand from men, O Lord, He flew upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness His secret place;
From men of the world who have their
portion in this life, His canopy around Him was dark
And whose belly You fill with Your waters
hidden treasure. And thick clouds of the skies.
12 From the brightness before Him,
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession His thick clouds passed with
for their babes. hailstones and coals of fire.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in 13 The Lord thundered from heaven,
righteousness; And the Most High uttered His voice,
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Hailstones and coals of fire.a
14 He sent out His arrows and scattered
Your likeness.
the foe,
Psalm 18 Lightnings in abundance, and He
vanquished them.
God the Sovereign Savior 15 Then the channels of the sea were
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the seen,
servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord The foundations of the world were
the words of this song on the day that the Lord
delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and
uncovered
from the hand of Saul. And he said: At Your rebuke, O Lord,
At the blast of the breath of Your
I
will love You, O Lord, my strength. nostrils.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer; 16 He sent from above, He took me;
My God, my strength, in whom I will He drew me out of many waters.
trust; 17 He delivered me from my strong
My shield and the horn of my enemy,
salvation, my stronghold. From those who hated me,
3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy
For they were too strong for me.
to be praised; 18 They confronted me in the day of my
So shall I be saved from my enemies. calamity,
4The pangs of death surrounded me,
18:13 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum,
And the floods of ungodliness made and Vulgate; a few Hebrew manuscripts and
me afraid. Septuagint omit Hailstones and coals of fire.
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Psalm 18:19 660
But the Lord was my support. 35 You have also given me the shield of
19 He also brought me out into a broad Your salvation;
place; Your right hand has held me up,
He delivered me because He delighted Your gentleness has made me great.
in me. 36 You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip.
20 The Lord rewarded me according to
my righteousness; 37 I have pursued my enemies and
According to the cleanness of my overtaken them;
hands Neither did I turn back again till they
He has recompensed me. were destroyed.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, 38 I have wounded them,
And have not wickedly departed from So that they could not rise;
my God. They have fallen under my feet.
22 For all His judgments were 39 For You have armed me with strength
before me, for the battle;
And I did not put away His statutes You have subdued under me those
from me. who rose up against me.
23 I was also blameless before Him, 40 You have also given me the necks of
And I kept myself from my iniquity. my enemies,
24 Therefore the Lord has recompensed So that I destroyed those who
me according to my hated me.
righteousness, 41 They cried out, but there was none to
According to the cleanness of my save;
hands in His sight. Even to the Lord, but He did not
answer them.
25 With the merciful You will show 42 Then I beat them as fine as the dust
Yourself merciful; before the wind;
With a blameless man You will show I cast them out like dirt in the
Yourself blameless; streets.
26 With the pure You will show Yourself
pure; 43 You have delivered me from the
And with the devious You will show strivings of the people;
Yourself shrewd. You have made me the head of the
27 For You will save the humble people, nations;
But will bring down haughty looks. A people I have not known shall
serve me.
28 For You will light my lamp; 44 As soon as they hear of me they
The Lord my God will enlighten my obey me;
darkness. The foreigners submit to me.
29 For by You I can run against a troop, 45 The foreigners fade away,
By my God I can leap over a wall. And come frightened from their
30 As for God, His way is perfect; hideouts.
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 46 The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
31 For who is God, except the Lord? Let the God of my salvation be
And who is a rock, except our God? exalted.
32 It is God who arms me with strength, 47 It is God who avenges me,
And makes my way perfect. And subdues the peoples under me;
33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, 48 He delivers me from my enemies.
And sets me on my high places. You also lift me up above those who
34 He teaches my hands to make war, rise against me;
So that my arms can bend a bow of You have delivered me from the
bronze. violent man.
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661 Psalm 20:6
49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, 11 Moreover by them Your servant is
O Lord, among the Gentiles, warned,
And sing praises to Your name. And in keeping them there is great
reward.
50 Great deliverance He gives to His king,
12 Who can understand his errors?
And shows mercy to His anointed,
To David and his descendants Cleanse me from secret faults.
forevermore.
Guilt
Psalm 19
Can we keep our sins secret
The Perfect Revelation from God?
of the L ord
Psalm 19:12, 13
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
T
he heavens declare the glory of God; 13 Keep back Your servant also from
And the firmament shows His
presumptuous sins;
handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech, Let them not have dominion over me.
And night unto night reveals Then I shall be blameless,
knowledge. And I shall be innocent of great
3 There is no speech nor language transgression.
Where their voice is not heard. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the
4 Their linea has gone out through all
meditation of my heart
the earth, Be acceptable in Your sight,
And their words to the end of the O Lord, my strength and my
world. Redeemer.
In them He has set a tabernacle for Psalm 20
the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming The Assurance of God’s
out of his chamber, Saving Work
And rejoices like a strong man to run To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
its race.
M
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, ay the Lord answer you in the day
of trouble;
And its circuit to the other end;
May the name of the God of Jacob
And there is nothing hidden from its
defend you;
heat. 2 May He send you help from the
7The law of the Lord is perfect, sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
converting the soul; 3 May He remember all your offerings,
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
And accept your burnt sacrifice.Selah
making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right,
4 May He grant you according to your
rejoicing the heart;
heart’s desire,
The commandment of the Lord is
And fulfill all your purpose.
pure, enlightening the eyes; 5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
9 The fear of the Lord is clean,
And in the name of our God we will
enduring forever;
set up our banners!
The judgments of the Lord are true
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than
6Now I know that the Lord saves His
gold, anointed;
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the 19:4 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read sound;
honeycomb. Targum reads business.
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You have made him exceedingly glad
Psalm 20:5 with Your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord,
Banners were large flags that were
used as “scoreboards” during battles. And through the mercy of the Most
You could always tell which side was High he shall not be moved.
winning a skirmish by the banner that
was raised. You can probably imagine 8Your hand will find all Your enemies;
how much those banners meant Your right hand will find those who
to the soldiers. Seeing their banner hate You.
raised must have been a tremendous 9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in
encouragement. Seeing an opponent’s the time of Your anger;
banner raised, on the other hand, may The Lord shall swallow them up in
have been an incentive to fight harder. His wrath,
And the fire shall devour them.
10 Their offspring You shall destroy from
He will answer him from His holy the earth,
heaven And their descendants from among
With the saving strength of His right the sons of men.
hand. 11 For they intended evil against You;
7Some trust in chariots, and some in
They devised a plot which they are not
able to perform.
horses; 12 Therefore You will make them turn
But we will remember the name of the
their back;
Lord our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen; You will make ready Your arrows on
Your string toward their faces.
But we have risen and stand upright.
13 Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own
9Save, Lord!
May the King answer us when we call. strength!
We will sing and praise Your power.
Psalm 21
Joy in the Salvation Psalm 22:1
of the L ord “Eli, eli, lamah azabtani?” is the
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hebrew translation of David’s first
question in this psalm: “My God, My
T
he king shall have joy in Your strength, God, why have You forsaken me?”
O Lord; Those foreign words may seem famil-
And in Your salvation how greatly iar to you even if you’ve never studied
shall he rejoice! Hebrew. Jesus quoted them from the
2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
Cross as He suffered the penalty of sin
And have not withheld the request of for the entire world.
his lips.Selah
3 For You meet him with the blessings of
Psalm 22
goodness;
You set a crown of pure gold upon his The Suffering, Praise,
and Posterity of the Messiah
head.
4 He asked life from You, and You gave it To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the
to him— Dawn.”a A Psalm of David.
M
Length of days forever and ever. y God, My God, why have You
5 His glory is great in Your salvation;
forsaken Me?
Honor and majesty You have placed Why are You so far from
upon him. helping Me,
6 For You have made him most blessed
forever; 22:title aHebrew Aijeleth Hashahar
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Life App
Praise / Psalm 22:3
Do you ever wonder what God’s doing when we praise Him? Is He
distant from our praise, just hearing it as an afterthought while He’s
really more concerned with something else? Not according to Psalm
22:3: “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” God is
there, in the praises of His people—there He takes His rightful place,
the throne. The Master of the universe chooses to be present in our
praise!
Almighty God is more than worthy of all the praise we give Him.
As His children, when we realize His power and holiness and justice
and love, our only choice is to praise Him! Once, when the Pharisees
wanted Him to stop His disciples from praising Him, Jesus said: “I
tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immedi-
ately cry out” (Luke 19:40). All creation recognizes the Creator.
Psalm 148 is all about God’s creation praising Him, from sea crea-
tures to mountains to trees to cattle—all God’s creation is told to
praise the Lord.
Jesus didn’t stop His disciples from praising, because praise from
His people delights the Lord. It’s within the praise of His people that
He is enthroned. And when His people consider who He is and what
He has done for us, we’ll want to continually praise Him! David knew
this thankful praise very well, “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” (Ps. 28:7).
Have you felt that kind of thankfulness that led to praise? Have
you praised God lately? Is praising God part of your life every day?
Try making a list of all of God’s attributes, all the ways He’s blessed
you, and every act of His deliverance you’ve witnessed. Then simply
spend some time praising God for who He is. He will be there with
you, alive and enthroned in your praise.
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Promise
God promises to fill you with His praises.
My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My
vows before those who fear Him (Ps. 22:25).
When God’s people come together, they usually sing or
play music, or do other things to express praise to God. That
is as it should be.
But what is praise? Do we need just the right music, the perfect words, or
special physical movements to truly praise God? Some of us may try to work up just
the right frame of mind in our attempt to please God and make ourselves feel like
“praisers.” Churches have people who make it their business to plan songs and
prayers and other activities that will help us enter into true praise of God. There’s
certainly nothing wrong with that; praising God is the right thing to do.
David had a different idea about how he was going to praise God. He set his will
in motion and made the decision to praise no matter what his feelings told
him—he simply praised God for being God. He knew that when he did his part by
choosing to praise God, his heart would be filled with the God-given ability to
praise as he should. The happiness David had in God’s presence came straight from
God.
So when you get together with other people who love God, make up your mind
that you’re going to praise God. Think about His goodness, His power, His awesome
love. Ask Him to fill your heart with praise as He did for David. And He will.
See for yourself// Psalm 4:7; Isaiah 61:11; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 13:15
And from the words of My groaning? You made Me trust while on My
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but mother’s breasts.
You do not hear; 10 I was cast upon You from birth.
And in the night season, and am not From My mother’s womb
silent. You have been My God.
11 Be not far from Me,
3But You are holy,
For trouble is near;
Enthroned in the praises of Israel. For there is none to help.
4 Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them. 12 Many bulls have surrounded Me;
5 They cried to You, and were delivered;
Strong bulls of Bashan have
They trusted in You, and were not encircled Me.
ashamed. 13 They gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and roaring lion.
6But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by 14 I am poured out like water,
the people. And all My bones are out of joint;
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;
My heart is like wax;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the It has melted within Me.
head, saying, 15 My strength is dried up like a
8“ He trusteda in the Lord, let Him
potsherd,
rescue Him; And My tongue clings to My jaws;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights You have brought Me to the dust of
in Him!” death.
9But You are He who took Me out of the 22:8 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read
womb; hoped; Targum reads praised.
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665 Psalm 23:3
16 For dogs have surrounded Me; 27 All the ends of the world
The congregation of the wicked has Shall remember and turn to the Lord,
enclosed Me. And all the families of the nations
They pierceda My hands and My feet; Shall worship before You.a
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s,
And He rules over the nations.
Psalm 22:16
The dogs of ancient Israel were more 29 All the prosperous of the earth
like scavengers than house pets. Trav- Shall eat and worship;
eling in packs, these wild creatures All those who go down to the dust
were known for attacking and killing Shall bow before Him,
the weak and the helpless. They ate Even he who cannot keep himself
discarded food and anything else they alive.
could find to stay alive.
30 A posterity shall serve Him.
17 I can count all My bones. It will be recounted of the Lord to the
They look and stare at Me. next generation,
31 They will come and declare His
18 They divide My garments among
them, righteousness to a people who
And for My clothing they cast lots. will be born,
That He has done this.
19 But You, O Lord, do not be far
from Me; Psalm 23
O My Strength, hasten to help Me! The L ord the Shepherd of His
20 Deliver Me from the sword,
People
My precious life from the power of the
A Psalm of David.
dog.
T
21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth he Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
And from the horns of the wild oxen!
2 He makes me to lie down in green
You have answered Me. pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
22 I will declare Your name to My 3 He restores my soul;
brethren; He leads me in the paths of
In the midst of the assembly I will righteousness
praise You. For His name’s sake.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify
Him, Psalm 23:4
And fear Him, all you offspring of A shepherd’s rod was a stick with a
Israel! hook at the end of it. With it, a shep-
24 For He has not despised nor abhorred herd could gently nudge a stray sheep
the affliction of the afflicted; back into line or, using the hook, pull a
Nor has He hidden His face from Him; sheep from a dangerous spot. The rod
But when He cried to Him, He heard. was also used as a weapon to defend
the flock against wolves and other
25 My praise shall be of You in the great predators.
assembly;
I will pay My vows before those who
fear Him. 22:16 aFollowing some Hebrew manuscripts,
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Masoretic Text
Those who seek Him will praise the reads Like a lion. 22:27 aFollowing Masoretic
Lord. Text, Septuagint, and Targum; Arabic, Syriac,
Let your heart live forever! and Vulgate read Him.
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Psalm 23:4 666
Profile
David
Like little brothers often do, David got the jobs no one else wanted. His big brothers got
to play soldier while David played shepherd with real sheep. But he turned what others
didn’t want into an adventure. He did so well tending his father’s flock that his heavenly
Father entrusted him with a kingdom. What David learned from the sheep made a differ-
ence in many people’s lives.
The youthful David made good use of his time. He developed his abilities to sing and
sling. He sang and played the harp for the sheep he tended and, later in his life, his music
was a powerful comfort to a troubled king. David became a marksman with his sling as he
protected the flock. Later, he made quite an impression on an angry giant with that same
sling. Unfortunately for him, the giant didn’t see the truth of what God can do with a
committed young person until it hit him right between the eyes.
We don’t know when David actually wrote Psalm 23, the Shepherd’s Psalm. But David
learned all the truth of that psalm when he was young. Those early experiences made him
a wise and powerful king. You see, growing up is not just the passing of a certain number
of years; it is the construction of a character. People and places had a big part in creating
David’s character. But the Lord’s work in David’s life had the greatest impact in making
David the kind of person he was. As long as David lived the truth of his words, “The Lord
is my shepherd; I shall not want,” he made the right kind of difference with his life (Ps.
23:1).
+ Making a Difference:
The difference you can make may not be apparent right now, but you can be sure it is
being constructed. Your days at home and school may seem as boring and uneventful as
watching a bunch of sheep. You can imagine defeating a giant enemy, but the only enemy
facing you right now is tomorrow’s geometry quiz. You want to sing for the multitudes,
but you’re struggling with piano lessons. When days seem boring and uneventful, it’s hard
to feel you’re on your way to greatness.
Here’s the point: until you can discover God’s part in the little, boring things in your
life, you will not understand God’s part in the big things of life. The more you allow God to
make a difference in your life each day, the more your life will make a difference in other’s
lives.
Want to know more?
David’s life is recounted in 1 Samuel 16—1 Kings 2. Read Psalm 23 and identify
“places” in your life right now that are like the “places” in that psalm (that is,
green pastures, calm water, dark valleys, and so on).
David was a real man with real difficulties. His life made a difference. Yours
can, too!
4Yea, though I walk through the valley 5You prepare a table before me in the
of the shadow of death, presence of my enemies;
I will fear no evil; You anoint my head with oil;
For You are with me; My cup runs over.
Your rod and Your staff, they 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall
comfort me. follow me
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667 Psalm 24:10
Promise
God promises all to provide all your needs.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Ps. 23:1).
David had a rock-solid confidence in God. He didn’t
wonder whether God was going to give him food to eat,
clothes to wear, or a place to live. Part of that confidence
came out of David’s experiences. In spite of all the scrapes and tight places he found
himself in, God never failed to provide for him. David also spent time with God, so
he knew God very well. He knew Him like a best friend. He knew God is kind,
loving, compassionate, and powerful.
There was another reason that David could say, “I shall not want.” All of David’s
hopes and dreams were caught up in the Lord. Even if he had been forced to go
without some of the things people consider necessities, he wouldn’t have missed
them much. David’s relationship with God meant everything to him. As long as he
knew God was leading him and that their friendship was where it was supposed to
be, David had the thing he wanted most. All the rest was extra.
As you grow toward having the same attitude that David did, you’ll see—like
David did—that God never lets you go without the things you really need. And
you’ll also come to understand that God is the one thing you need most.
See for yourself// Isaiah 49:10; Luke 12:29–31; John 6:35
All the days of my life; 4 He who has clean hands and a pure
And I will dwella in the house of the heart,
Lord Who has not lifted up his soul to an
Forever. idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
Psalm 24 5 He shall receive blessing from the
The King of Glory and His Lord,
Kingdom And righteousness from the God of
his salvation.
A Psalm of David. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of those
T
he earth is the Lord’s, and all its who seek Him,
fullness, Who seek Your face.Selah
The world and those who dwell
therein. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
2 For He has founded it upon the
And be lifted up, you everlasting
seas, doors!
And established it upon the And the King of glory shall come in.
waters. 8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
Blessing The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
What attitude toward God Lift up, you everlasting doors!
will lead to blessing? And the King of glory shall come in.
Psalm 24:3–6 10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
3Who may ascend into the hill of the
He is the King of glory.Selah
Lord? 23:6 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and
Or who may stand in His holy place? Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads return.
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Psalm 25:1 668
Psalm 25 11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
A Plea for Deliverance
and Forgiveness 12 Who is the man that fears the Lord?
A Psalm of David. Him shall Hea teach in the way Heb
T
o You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. chooses.
2 O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Fear
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You What is a healthy fear?
be ashamed; Psalm 25:12–15
Let those be ashamed who deal
treacherously without cause. 13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
4Show me Your ways, O Lord; And his descendants shall inherit the
earth.
Teach me Your paths. 14 The secret of the Lord is with those
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation; who fear Him,
On You I wait all the day. And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
6Remember, O Lord, Your For He shall pluck my feet out of the
tender mercies and Your net.
lovingkindnesses, 16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy
For they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my on me,
youth, nor my transgressions; For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have
According to Your mercy
remember me, enlarged;
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. Bring me out of my distresses!
18 Look on my affliction and my pain,
8Good and upright is the Lord; And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are
Therefore He teaches sinners in the
way. many;
9 The humble He guides in justice, And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me;
And the humble He teaches His way.
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my
trust in You.
Psalm 25:10 21 Let integrity and uprightness
The covenant (or agreement) between preserve me,
God and the Israelites was first made For I wait for You.
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He
confirmed the covenant with Moses Out of all their troubles!
and the people. The deal went like
this: God would make Israel into a Psalm 26
great nation and bless its people. In A Prayer for Divine Scrutiny
return, the Israelites would serve God and Redemption
faithfully, obeying and worshiping
Him as the only true God. A Psalm of David.
V
indicate me, O Lord,
For I have walked in my integrity.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy
I have also trusted in the Lord;
and truth, I shall not slip.
To such as keep His covenant and His
testimonies. 25:12 aOr he
bOr he
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669 Psalm 27:11
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Though war may rise against me,
Try my mind and my heart. In this I will be confident.
3 For Your lovingkindness is before my
eyes, 4One thing I have desired of the Lord,
And I have walked in Your truth. That will I seek:
4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, That I may dwell in the house of the
Nor will I go in with hypocrites. Lord
5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, All the days of my life,
And will not sit with the wicked. To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
6I will wash my hands in innocence;
So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,
7 That I may proclaim with the voice of Psalm 27:4
thanksgiving, Before Solomon built the temple, the
And tell of all Your wondrous works. tabernacle was the place the Israelites
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of went to worship God. The tabernacle
Your house, was considered the house of God
And the place where Your glory dwells. because His “glory,” a symbol of His
presence, appeared over the ark of
9Do not gather my soul with sinners, the Testimony, which was kept in the
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, tabernacle.
10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.
5 For in the time of trouble
11 But as for me, I will walk in my He shall hide me in His pavilion;
integrity; In the secret place of His tabernacle
Redeem me and be merciful to me. He shall hide me;
12 My foot stands in an even place; He shall set me high upon a rock.
In the congregations I will bless the
6And now my head shall be lifted up
Lord.
above my enemies all around me;
Psalm 27 Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in
His tabernacle;
An Exuberant Declaration I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the
of Faith
Lord.
A Psalm of David.
T
7Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
he Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear? Have mercy also upon me, and
The Lord is the strength of my life; answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
Of whom shall I be afraid?
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord,
I will seek.”
Fear 9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Why should we never be Do not turn Your servant away in
afraid? anger;
Psalm 27:1 You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
2 When the wicked came against me 10 When my father and my mother
To eat up my flesh, forsake me,
My enemies and foes, Then the Lord will take care of me.
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,
against me, And lead me in a smooth path,
My heart shall not fear; because of my enemies.
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Psalm 27:12 670
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my
adversaries; Psalm 28:7
For false witnesses have risen Shields were just as important to
against me, ancient soldiers as swords and spears.
And such as breathe out violence. Since few ancient armies wore body
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had
armor, shields were the only defense
believed soldiers had against enemy arrows
That I would see the goodness of the and swords. These shields came in all
Lord shapes and sizes, and could be made
In the land of the living. of leather, wood, or metal.
14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage, 8The Lord is their strength,a
And He shall strengthen your heart; And He is the saving refuge of His
Wait, I say, on the Lord! anointed.
9 Save Your people,
Psalm 28 And bless Your inheritance;
Rejoicing in Answered Prayer Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever.
A Psalm of David.
T
o You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: Psalm 29
Do not be silent to me,
Lest, if You are silent to me, Praise to God in His Holiness
I become like those who go down to and Majesty
the pit. A Psalm of David.
G
2 Hear the voice of my supplications
ive unto the Lord, O you mighty
When I cry to You, ones,
When I lift up my hands toward Your Give unto the Lord glory and
holy sanctuary. strength.
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to
3Do not take me away with the wicked
His name;
And with the workers of iniquity,
Worship the Lord in the beauty of
Who speak peace to their neighbors,
holiness.
But evil is in their hearts.
4 Give them according to their deeds,
And according to the wickedness of Worship
their endeavors; Is worship of God optional?
Give them according to the work of
Psalm 29:1, 2
their hands;
Render to them what they deserve.
5 Because they do not regard the works 3The voice of the Lord is over the
of the Lord, waters;
Nor the operation of His hands, The God of glory thunders;
He shall destroy them The Lord is over many waters.
And not build them up. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
6Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my 5The voice of the Lord breaks the
supplications! cedars,
7 The Lord is my strength and my
Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of
shield; Lebanon.
My heart trusted in Him, and I am
helped; 28:8 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read the strength
And with my song I will praise Him. of His people.
19-Psalms.indd 670 2/14/12 11:59 AM
671 Psalm 31:6
6 He makes them also skip like a calf, 6Now in my prosperity I said,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young “ I shall never be moved.”
wild ox. 7 Lord, by Your favor You have made
7The voice of the Lord divides the my mountain stand strong;
flames of fire. You hid Your face, and I was
troubled.
8The voice of the Lord shakes the
wilderness; 8I cried out to You, O Lord;
The Lord shakes the Wilderness of And to the Lord I made supplication:
Kadesh. 9“ What profit is there in my blood,
9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer When I go down to the pit?
give birth, Will the dust praise You?
And strips the forests bare; Will it declare Your truth?
And in His temple everyone says, 10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
“Glory!” Lord, be my helper!”
10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, 11 You have turned for me my mourning
And the Lord sits as King forever. into dancing;
11 The Lord will give strength to His
You have put off my sackcloth and
people; clothed me with gladness,
The Lord will bless His people with 12 To the end that my glory may sing
peace. praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to
You forever.
Peace
Are God’s people promised Psalm 31
peace?
The L ord a Fortress
Psalm 29:11 in Adversity
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
I
Psalm 30 n You, O Lord, I put my trust;
The Blessedness of Answered Let me never be ashamed;
Prayer Deliver me in Your righteousness.
2 Bow down Your ear to me,
A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house
of David. Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
I
will extol You, O Lord, for You have A fortress of defense to save me.
lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice 3For You are my rock and my fortress;
over me. Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
Lead me and guide me.
And You healed me. 4 Pull me out of the net which they have
3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from
secretly laid for me,
the grave; For You are my strength.
You have kept me alive, that I should 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
not go down to the pit.a You have redeemed me, O Lord God
4Sing praise to the Lord, you saints
of truth.
of His, 6I have hated those who regard useless
And give thanks at the remembrance idols;
of His holy name.a
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
But I trust in the Lord.
His favor is for life; 30:3 aFollowing Qere and Targum; Kethib,
Weeping may endure for a night, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read from those
But joy comes in the morning. who descend to the pit. 30:4 aOr His holiness
19-Psalms.indd 671 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 31:7 672
7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your Which You have prepared for those
mercy, who trust in You
For You have considered my trouble; In the presence of the sons of men!
You have known my soul in 20 You shall hide them in the secret place
adversities, of Your presence
8 And have not shut me up into the From the plots of man;
hand of the enemy; You shall keep them secretly in a
You have set my feet in a wide place. pavilion
From the strife of tongues.
9Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am
21 Blessed be the Lord,
in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief, For He has shown me His marvelous
Yes, my soul and my body! kindness in a strong city!
10 For my life is spent with grief, 22 For I said in my haste,
And my years with sighing; “ I am cut off from before Your eyes”;
My strength fails because of my Nevertheless You heard the voice of
iniquity, my supplications
And my bones waste away. When I cried out to You.
11 I am a reproach among all my
23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!
enemies,
But especially among my neighbors, For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And am repulsive to my And fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage,
acquaintances;
Those who see me outside flee And He shall strengthen your heart,
from me. All you who hope in the Lord.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of
Psalm 32
mind;
I am like a broken vessel. The Joy of Forgiveness
13 For I hear the slander of many;
A Psalm of David. A Contemplation.a
Fear is on every side;
B
While they take counsel together lessed is he whose transgression is
against me, forgiven,
They scheme to take away my life. Whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
3When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Deliver me from the hand of my Through my groaning all the day long.
enemies, 4 For day and night Your hand was
And from those who persecute me. heavy upon me;
16 Make Your face shine upon Your
My vitality was turned into the
servant; drought of summer.Selah
Save me for Your mercies’ sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for
I have called upon You; Forgiveness
Let the wicked be ashamed; What must happen before we
Let them be silent in the grave. can receive forgiveness from
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
God?
Which speak insolent things proudly
and contemptuously against the Psalm 32:5
righteous.
5 I acknowledged my sin to You,
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
Which You have laid up for those who
fear You, 32:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 672 2/14/12 11:59 AM
673 Psalm 33:5
Promise
God promises to teach you.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will
guide you with My eye (Ps. 32:8).
Who was your favorite teacher? Do you remember that
person well? You probably do. Maybe he or she took a
special interest in you; didn’t let you get away with anything; believed in you more
than you believed in yourself; made you want to learn; had high expectations of
what you could do; actually made school fun. Whatever the reason, that teacher
had a big impact on your life and helped you learn things to bring you success in
your earthly life. And you’ll most likely always be grateful.
Well, God promises He will be your Teacher. He says He will point out the road
you should follow and always watch over you. He will teach you all you need to
know to live a successful life in His eternal kingdom. God will give you the answers
to all of your questions. He will guide you by His Holy Spirit to realize what is true
(John 16:13). So if you were thinking about skipping God’s class, don’t. Listen to
Him and His wise instruction and find out just how wonderful life can be.
See for yourself// Proverbs 2:6; Isaiah 2:3; John 14:26; 16:13
I said, “I will confess my transgressions Psalm 33
to the Lord,”
The Sovereignty of the L ord
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
in Creation and History
Selah
R
ejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
6 For this cause everyone who is godly For praise from the upright is
shall pray to You beautiful.
In a time when You may be found; 2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
Surely in a flood of great waters Make melody to Him with an
They shall not come near him. instrument of ten strings.
7 You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of Psalm 33:2
deliverance.Selah The Israelites loved their music, espe-
cially when it came time to worship
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the the Lord. Specific groups of Levites
way you should go; were assigned to sing in the choir or
I will guide you with My eye. play in the orchestra that performed
9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, in or near the tabernacle. The orches-
Which have no understanding, tra was made up of stringed instru-
Which must be harnessed with bit and ments, such as guitars and harps, as
bridle, well as percussion instruments, such
Else they will not come near you. as tambourines and cymbals.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
3 Sing to Him a new song;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy
shall surround him. Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you
4For the word of the Lord is right,
righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in And all His work is done in truth.
heart! 5 He loves righteousness and justice;
19-Psalms.indd 673 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 33:6 674
Promise
God promises that His advice and plans
will never change.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to
all generations (Ps. 33:11).
Do you know what God thinks of you? He thinks you’re
the best! You belong to Him and are His beloved child. He created you out of pure
love. He wanted you to be alive. He has made plans for all of eternity—plans that
will never change, because He is unchangeable—He never changes and neither do
His thoughts. Everything God made, He made with a specific purpose and He’s got
a perfect plan for you. He has compassion toward you because He knows your weak
places. But in spite of all those weaknesses, God designed your heart, your mind,
and your body with His plan in mind. He will strengthen your weaknesses and
teach you all you need to know to carry out His perfect plan for your life. You can
run from God’s plan for the rest of your life, but you will never change His mind or
mess with His plan. He knows what you would be great at because He made you
and created the abilities you possess. Ask Him to show you His plan for your life.
Then go for it!
See for yourself// Psalm 139:13–17; Jeremiah 29:11; Malachi 3:6
The earth is full of the goodness of the 13 The Lord looks from heaven;
Lord. He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He
6By the word of the Lord the heavens looks
were made, On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
And all the host of them by the breath
of His mouth. He considers all their works.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea
16 No king is saved by the multitude of
together as a heap;a
He lays up the deep in storehouses. an army;
A mighty man is not delivered by great
8Let all the earth fear the Lord; strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for safety;
Let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of Him. Neither shall it deliver any by its great
9 For He spoke, and it was done; strength.
He commanded, and it stood fast.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the who fear Him,
nations to nothing; On those who hope in His mercy,
19 To deliver their soul from death,
He makes the plans of the peoples of
no effect. And to keep them alive in famine.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
forever,
He is our help and our shield.
The plans of His heart to all 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the
Because we have trusted in His holy
name.
Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own 33:7 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read in
inheritance. a vessel.
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675 Psalm 35:4
22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, 16 The face of the Lord is against those
Just as we hope in You. who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them
Psalm 34 from the earth.
The Happiness of Those Who 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord
Trust in God
hears,
A Psalm of David when he pretended madness And delivers them out of all their
before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he troubles.
departed.
I
will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my
Trials
mouth. How does the Lord respond
2 My soul shall make its boast in the to those who suffer?
Lord; Psalm 34:17–19
The humble shall hear of it and be
glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, 18 The Lord is near to those who have a
And let us exalt His name together. broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite
4I sought the Lord, and He heard me, spirit.
And delivered me from all my fears. 19 Many are the afflictions of the
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed. righteous,
6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord But the Lord delivers him out of them
heard him, all.
20 He guards all his bones;
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angela of the Lord encamps all Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. And those who hate the righteous
shall be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His
8Oh, taste and see that the Lord is
good; servants,
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! And none of those who trust in Him
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! shall be condemned.
There is no want to those who fear Psalm 35
Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer The L ord the Avenger of His
hunger; People
But those who seek the Lord shall not A Psalm of David.
lack any good thing.
P
lead my cause, O Lord, with those
11 Come, you children, listen to me; who strive with me;
Fight against those who fight
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life, against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler,
And loves many days, that he may see
And stand up for my help.
good? 3 Also draw out the spear,
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
And stop those who pursue me.
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation.”
Seek peace and pursue it.
4Let those be put to shame and
15 The eyes of the Lord are on the
brought to dishonor
righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry. 34:7 aOr Angel
19-Psalms.indd 675 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 35:5 676
Who seek after my life; 19 Let them not rejoice over me who are
Let those be turned back and brought wrongfully my enemies;
to confusion Nor let them wink with the eye who
Who plot my hurt. hate me without a cause.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, 20 For they do not speak peace,
And let the angela of the Lord chase But they devise deceitful matters
them. Against the quiet ones in the land.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, 21 They also opened their mouth wide
And let the angel of the Lord pursue against me,
them. And said, “Aha, aha!
7 For without cause they have hidden
Our eyes have seen it.”
their net for me in a pit,
Which they have dug without cause 22 This You have seen, O Lord;
for my life. Do not keep silence.
8 Let destruction come upon him
O Lord, do not be far from me.
unexpectedly, 23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my
And let his net that he has hidden
vindication,
catch himself;
Into that very destruction let him fall. To my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Vindicate me, O Lord my God,
9And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; according to Your
It shall rejoice in His salvation. righteousness;
10 All my bones shall say, And let them not rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Ah,
“ Lord, who is like You,
Delivering the poor from him who is so we would have it!”
too strong for him, Let them not say, “We have swallowed
Yes, the poor and the needy from him him up.”
who plunders him?”
26 Let them be ashamed and brought to
11 Fierce witnesses rise up;
mutual confusion
They ask me things that I do not know. Who rejoice at my hurt;
12 They reward me evil for good,
Let them be clothed with shame and
To the sorrow of my soul. dishonor
13 But as for me, when they were sick,
Who exalt themselves against me.
My clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting; 27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
And my prayer would return to my Who favor my righteous cause;
own heart.
14 I paced about as though he were my
And let them say continually,
“ Let the Lord be magnified,
friend or brother;
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of
I bowed down heavily, as one who
mourns for his mother. His servant.”
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced righteousness
And gathered together; And of Your praise all the day long.
Attackers gathered against me,
And I did not know it; Psalm 36
They tore at me and did not cease; Man’s Wickedness and God’s
16 With ungodly mockers at feasts
Perfections
They gnashed at me with their teeth.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the
17 Lord, how long will You look on? servant of the Lord.
A
Rescue me from their destructions, n oracle within my heart concerning
My precious life from the lions. the transgression of the
18 I will give You thanks in the great
wicked:
assembly;
I will praise You among many people. 35:5 aOr Angel
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677 Psalm 37:11
There is no fear of God before his eyes. Psalm 37
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
The Heritage of the Righteous
When he finds out his iniquity and and the Calamity
when he hates. of the Wicked
3 The words of his mouth are
A Psalm of David.
wickedness and deceit;
D
He has ceased to be wise and to do o not fret because of evildoers,
good. Nor be envious of the workers of
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; iniquity.
He sets himself in a way that is not 2 For they shall soon be cut down like
good; the grass,
He does not abhor evil. And wither as the green herb.
5Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; 3Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Dwell in the land, and feed on His
6 Your righteousness is like the great faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep; And He shall give you the desires of
O Lord, You preserve man and beast. your heart.
7How precious is Your lovingkindness,
Envy
O God!
Therefore the children of men put Rather than envy others,
their trust under the shadow of what should we do in order
Your wings. to receive good things?
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the
Psalm 37:1–4
fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the
5Commit your way to the Lord,
river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life; Trust also in Him,
In Your light we see light. And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your
righteousness as the light,
Psalm 36:9 And your justice as the noonday.
Not much rain falls in Israel between
May and September, which makes 7Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently
water precious. Old Testament writ- for Him;
ers often used rain (here called “the Do not fret because of him who
fountain of life”) as a symbol of God’s prospers in his way,
blessing and drought as a symbol of Because of the man who brings
God’s punishment. wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to
those who know You, 9For evildoers shall be cut off;
And Your righteousness to the upright But those who wait on the Lord,
in heart. They shall inherit the earth.
11 Let not the foot of pride come 10 For yet a little while and the wicked
against me, shall be no more;
And let not the hand of the wicked Indeed, you will look carefully for his
drive me away. place,
12 There the workers of iniquity have But it shall be no more.
fallen; 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
They have been cast down and are not And shall delight themselves in the
able to rise. abundance of peace.
19-Psalms.indd 677 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 37:12 678
Promise
God promises to never forsake you.
For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they
are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall
be cut off (Ps. 37:28).
Do you ever wonder if people who don’t care at all about
God have good lives? You probably know some people who don’t give God a second
thought, but have nice clothes, good grades, and lots of friends. There are definitely
a lot of famous musicians, actors, athletes, and politicians who don’t care about
God, but they’re living the “good life” all the same. Sometimes when you compare
your life to theirs, it’s easy to wonder why God let them have things He doesn’t give
to you.
Psalm 37 reminds you that the situation isn’t always what it looks like. The
people who don’t care about God have what Jesus called a “house on the sand”
(Matt. 7:26). It may be a really nice house, but it can’t stand up for long because it’s
built on things that shift around and are eventually washed away, just like sand. The
people who don’t build their lives on God (Who can never be changed and will
never end) will end up with nothing but a destroyed house—broken plans and
dreams.
When it looks as if God is blessing those who don’t serve Him and leaving you
to fend for yourself, you need to know that He is still on your side. He will never
forsake you. He won’t collapse when a storm of trouble hits your life or run away
when things are rough. You can always depend on Him.
See for yourself// Deuteronomy 31:6; Matthew 7:24–27; 18:12–14;
28:18–20
12 The wicked plots against the just, 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil
And gnashes at him with his teeth. time,
13 The Lord laughs at him, And in the days of famine they shall be
For He sees that his day is coming. satisfied.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword 20 But the wicked shall perish;
And have bent their bow, And the enemies of the Lord,
To cast down the poor and needy, Like the splendor of the meadows,
To slay those who are of upright shall vanish.
conduct. Into smoke they shall vanish away.
15 Their sword shall enter their own
heart, 21 The wicked borrows and does not
And their bows shall be broken. repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and
16 A little that a righteous man has gives.
Is better than the riches of many 22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit
wicked. the earth,
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be But those cursed by Him shall be cut
broken, off.
But the Lord upholds the righteous.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by
18 The Lord knows the days of the the Lord,
upright, And He delights in his way.
And their inheritance shall be 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly
forever. cast down;
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679 Psalm 38:10
For the Lord upholds him with His For the future of that man is peace.
hand. 38 But the transgressors shall be
destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Assurance
Does God always care for his 39 But the salvation of the righteous is
children? from the Lord;
Psalm 37:23, 24 He is their strength in the time of
trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and
25 I have been young, and now am old;
deliver them;
Yet I have not seen the righteous He shall deliver them from the wicked,
forsaken, And save them,
Nor his descendants begging bread. Because they trust in Him.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed. Psalm 38
27 Depart from evil, and do good; Prayer in Time of Chastening
And dwell forevermore. A Psalm of David. To bring to remembrance.
O
28 For the Lord loves justice,
Lord, do not rebuke me in Your
And does not forsake His saints; wrath,
They are preserved forever, Nor chasten me in Your hot
But the descendants of the wicked displeasure!
shall be cut off. 2 For Your arrows pierce me deeply,
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And Your hand presses me down.
And dwell in it forever.
3There is no soundness in my flesh
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks
Because of Your anger,
wisdom, Nor any health in my bones
And his tongue talks of justice. Because of my sin.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
4 For my iniquities have gone over my
None of his steps shall slide. head;
32 The wicked watches the righteous,
Like a heavy burden they are too heavy
for me.
And seeks to slay him. 5 My wounds are foul and festering
33 The Lord will not leave him in his
Because of my foolishness.
hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged. 6I am troubled, I am bowed down
34 Wait on the Lord,
greatly;
I go mourning all the day long.
And keep His way, 7 For my loins are full of inflammation,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the And there is no soundness in my flesh.
land; 8 I am feeble and severely broken;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall I groan because of the turmoil of my
see it. heart.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native 9Lord, all my desire is before You;
green tree. And my sighing is not hidden from
36 Yet he passed away,a and behold, he
You.
was no more; 10 My heart pants, my strength fails me;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not As for the light of my eyes, it also has
be found. gone from me.
37 Mark the blameless man, and observe 37:36 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
the upright; and Targum; Syriac and Vulgate read I passed by.
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Psalm 38:11 680
11 My loved ones and my friends stand 3 My heart was hot within me;
aloof from my plague, While I was musing, the fire burned.
And my relatives stand afar off. Then I spoke with my tongue:
12 Those also who seek my life lay snares
for me; 4“ Lord, make me to know my end,
Those who seek my hurt speak of And what is the measure of my days,
destruction, That I may know how frail I am.
And plan deception all the day long. 5 Indeed, You have made my days as
handbreadths,
13 But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;
And my age is as nothing before You;
And I am like a mute who does not Certainly every man at his best state is
open his mouth. but vapor.Selah
14 Thus I am like a man who does not 6 Surely every man walks about like a
hear, shadow;
And in whose mouth is no response. Surely they busy themselves in vain;
He heaps up riches,
15 For in You, O Lord, I hope;
And does not know who will gather
You will hear, O Lord my God. them.
16 For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice
over me, 7“ And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
Lest, when my foot slips, they exalt My hope is in You.
themselves against me.” 8 Deliver me from all my
transgressions;
17 For I am ready to fall,
Do not make me the reproach of the
And my sorrow is continually foolish.
before me. 9 I was mute, I did not open my mouth,
18 For I will declare my iniquity;
Because it was You who did it.
I will be in anguish over my sin. 10 Remove Your plague from me;
19 But my enemies are vigorous, and they
I am consumed by the blow of Your
are strong; hand.
And those who hate me wrongfully 11 When with rebukes You correct man
have multiplied. for iniquity,
20 Those also who render evil for good,
You make his beauty melt away like a
They are my adversaries, because I moth;
follow what is good. Surely every man is vapor.Selah
21 Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,
Psalm 39:11
Moths are mentioned several times in
O Lord, my salvation! the Bible as symbols of destruction.
Here’s how the little critters are able
Psalm 39 to do so much damage. Female moths
Prayer for Wisdom often lay their eggs in clothing. When
and Forgiveness the eggs hatch, the newborn larvae
eat the fibers of the clothing. Because
To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm
the larvae chew quietly, the owner of
of David.
the clothing may not know that dam-
I
said, “I will guard my ways, age is being done until it’s too late.
Lest I sin with my tongue;
I will restrain my mouth with a
muzzle, 12“ Hear my prayer, O Lord,
While the wicked are before me.” And give ear to my cry;
2 I was mute with silence, Do not be silent at my tears;
I held my peace even from good; For I am a stranger with You,
And my sorrow was stirred up. A sojourner, as all my fathers were.
19-Psalms.indd 680 2/14/12 11:59 AM
681 Psalm 41:2
13 Remove Your gaze from me, that I may 11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies
regain strength, from me, O Lord;
Before I go away and am no more.” Let Your lovingkindness and Your
truth continually preserve me.
Psalm 40 12 For innumerable evils have
surrounded me;
Faith Persevering in Trial
My iniquities have overtaken me, so
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. that I am not able to look up;
I
waited patiently for the Lord; They are more than the hairs of my
And He inclined to me, head;
And heard my cry. Therefore my heart fails me.
2 He also brought me up out of a
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;
horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay, O Lord, make haste to help me!
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps. Prayer
3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God; Is it right to ask the Lord for
Many will see it and fear, help?
And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:13
4Blessed is that man who makes the
14 Let them be ashamed and brought to
Lord his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor mutual confusion
such as turn aside to lies. Who seek to destroy my life;
5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your Let them be driven backward and
wonderful works brought to dishonor
Which You have done; Who wish me evil.
15 Let them be confounded because of
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order; their shame,
If I would declare and speak of them, Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
They are more than can be numbered.
16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and
6Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; be glad in You;
My ears You have opened. Let such as love Your salvation say
Burnt offering and sin offering You did continually,
not require. “ The Lord be magnified!”
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; 17 But I am poor and needy;
In the scroll of the book it is written Yet the Lord thinks upon me.
of me. You are my help and my deliverer;
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, Do not delay, O my God.
And Your law is within my heart.”
Psalm 41
9I have proclaimed the good news of
The Blessing and Suffering
righteousness of the Godly
In the great assembly;
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips,
B
O Lord, You Yourself know. lessed is he who considers the poor;
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness The Lord will deliver him in time of
within my heart; trouble.
I have declared Your faithfulness and 2 The Lord will preserve him and keep
Your salvation; him alive,
I have not concealed Your And he will be blessed on the earth;
lovingkindness and Your truth You will not deliver him to the will of
From the great assembly. his enemies.
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Psalm 41:3 682
3 The Lord will strengthen him on his 13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
bed of illness; From everlasting to everlasting!
You will sustain him on his sickbed. Amen and Amen.
Sickness BOOK TWO: Psalms 42—72
Does God care for the sick?
Psalm 41:1–3 Psalm 42
Yearning for God in
the Midst of Distresses
4I said, “Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against To the Chief Musician. A Contemplationa of the
sons of Korah.
You.”
A
5 My enemies speak evil of me: s the deer pants for the water
“ When will he die, and his name brooks,
perish?” So pants my soul for You, O God.
6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living
lies; God.
His heart gathers iniquity to itself; When shall I come and appear before
When he goes out, he tells it. God?a
3 My tears have been my food day and
7All who hate me whisper together night,
against me; While they continually say to me,
Against me they devise my hurt. “Where is your God?”
8“ An evil disease,” they say, “clings to
him. 4When I remember these things,
And now that he lies down, he will rise I pour out my soul within me.
up no more.” For I used to go with the multitude;
9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I went with them to the house of
I trusted, God,
Who ate my bread, With the voice of joy and praise,
Has lifted up his heel against me. With a multitude that kept a pilgrim
feast.
Psalm 41:9
Ahithophel, who had been one of Da- Depression
vid’s most trusted advisors, betrayed How can we overcome
the king by helping Absalom, David’s
son, in his attempt to take over the depression?
throne. Centuries later, Jesus quoted Psalm 42:5–11
this verse just before Judas’ betrayal
after eating the Passover meal with 5Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Him.
And why are you disquieted
within me?
10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, Hope in God, for I shall yet praise
and raise me up, Him
That I may repay them. For the help of His countenance.a
11 By this I know that You are well
42:title aHebrew Maschil 42:2 aFollowing
pleased with me, Masoretic Text and Vulgate; some Hebrew
Because my enemy does not triumph manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac, and Targum
over me. read I see the face of God.
42:5 aFollowing
12 As for me, You uphold me in my
Masoretic Text and Targum; a few Hebrew
integrity, manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate
And set me before Your face forever. read The help of my countenance, my God.
19-Psalms.indd 682 2/14/12 11:59 AM
683 Psalm 43:5
Promise
God promises to be your God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disqui
eted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the
help of my countenance and my God (Ps. 43:5).
Have you ever thought, There are billions of people in the
world. How can God keep up with all of us? How can He pay any attention to me? How
can He hear my prayers when everybody else is talking to Him, too? Thoughts like that
will blow your mind, but God is so much bigger than your mind. Psalm 43:5 has two
words that will help put your mind at ease: “my God.” In order to have a close and
growing relationship with God, you have to make Him personal. You have to know
that He is your God. Here’s a suggestion: When you pray, just say to the Lord, “You
are my God.” Put the emphasis on the word my. Even though there are lots of
Christians in the world, your relationship with God is not like anybody else’s. He
made you to stand out from everybody else. Those things that set you apart from
other people are the things that give you a unique place with Him. When you feel
like just another person in the middle of a swarm of Christians who need God’s love
and attention, just remember that God is your God.
See for yourself// Psalms 63:1; 118:28; Isaiah 25:1
6O my God,a my soul is cast down Psalm 43
within me;
Prayer to God in Time
Therefore I will remember You from
of Trouble
the land of the Jordan,
V
And from the heights of Hermon, indicate me, O God,
From the Hill Mizar. And plead my cause against an
7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of ungodly nation;
Your waterfalls; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and
All Your waves and billows have gone unjust man!
over me. 2 For You are the God of my strength;
8 The Lord will command His Why do You cast me off?
lovingkindness in the daytime, Why do I go mourning because of the
And in the night His song shall be oppression of the enemy?
with me—
A prayer to the God of my life. 3Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
9I will say to God my Rock,
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
“ Why have You forgotten me? And to Your tabernacle.
Why do I go mourning because of the 4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
oppression of the enemy?” To God my exceeding joy;
10 As with a breaking of my bones,
And on the harp I will praise You,
My enemies reproach me, O God, my God.
While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?” 5Why are you cast down, O my soul?
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted
within me?
And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God;
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him, 42:6 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum; a
The help of my countenance and my few Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac,
God. and Vulgate put my God at the end of verse 5.
19-Psalms.indd 683 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 44:1 684
For I shall yet praise Him, 9 But You have cast us off and put us to
The help of my countenance and my shame,
God. And You do not go out with our
armies.
Psalm 44 10 You make us turn back from the
Redemption Remembered
enemy,
in Present Dishonor And those who hate us have taken
spoil for themselves.
To the Chief Musician. A Contemplationa of the 11 You have given us up like sheep
sons of Korah.
intended for food,
W
e have heard with our ears, And have scattered us among the
O God, nations.
Our fathers have told us, 12 You sell Your people for next to
The deeds You did in their days, nothing,
In days of old: And are not enriched by selling them.
13 You make us a reproach to our
Psalm 44:1 neighbors,
God wanted every generation of A scorn and a derision to those all
Israelites to know all He had done around us.
for their ancestors. Though written 14 You make us a byword among the
records of past events were kept, few nations,
people had access to them. That’s why A shaking of the head among the
it was important for the Israelites to peoples.
tell their children and grandchildren 15 My dishonor is continually before me,
about their history. And the shame of my face has
covered me,
16 Because of the voice of him who
2 You drove out the nations with Your
reproaches and reviles,
hand,
Because of the enemy and the avenger.
But them You planted;
You afflicted the peoples, and cast 17 All this has come upon us;
them out.
3 For they did not gain possession of the But we have not forgotten You,
Nor have we dealt falsely with Your
land by their own sword,
covenant.
Nor did their own arm save them; 18 Our heart has not turned back,
But it was Your right hand, Your
Nor have our steps departed from
arm, and the light of Your
Your way;
countenance, 19 But You have severely broken us in the
Because You favored them.
place of jackals,
4You are my King, O God;a And covered us with the shadow of
death.
Commandb victories for Jacob.
5 Through You we will push down our
20 If we had forgotten the name of our
enemies;
God,
Through Your name we will trample
Or stretched out our hands to a
those who rise up against us.
6 For I will not trust in my bow, foreign god,
21 Would not God search this out?
Nor shall my sword save me.
7 But You have saved us from our For He knows the secrets of the heart.
enemies, 44:title aHebrew Maschil
44:4 aFollowing
And have put to shame those who Masoretic Text and Targum; Septuagint
hated us. and Vulgate read and my God. bFollowing
8 In God we boast all day long, Masoretic Text and Targum; Septuagint, Syriac,
And praise Your name forever.Selah and Vulgate read Who commands.
19-Psalms.indd 684 2/14/12 11:59 AM
685 Psalm 45:16
22 Yet for Your sake we are killed all day 8 All Your garments are scented with
long; myrrh and aloes and cassia,
We are accounted as sheep for the Out of the ivory palaces, by which they
slaughter. have made You glad.
23 Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord?
Arise! Do not cast us off forever. Psalm 45:8
24 Why do You hide Your face, The spices mentioned here were rare
And forget our affliction and our and expensive. Myrrh was a plant
oppression? used to make perfumes, among other
25 For our soul is bowed down to the things. It was also one of the presents
dust; the wise men brought to the baby
Our body clings to the ground. Jesus. The aloes were not the plants
26 Arise for our help, we know today, but were actually trees
And redeem us for Your mercies’ sake. whose fragrant wood was used for
perfume and incense. Cassia plants
Psalm 45 smelled a lot like cinnamon. All three
spices were associated with the oil
The Glories of the Messiah used to anoint kings.
and His Bride
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”a
9 Kings’ daughters are among Your
A Contemplationb of the sons of Korah. A Song
of Love. honorable women;
At Your right hand stands the queen in
M
y heart is overflowing with a good
gold from Ophir.
theme;
I recite my composition 10 Listen, O daughter,
concerning the King;
Consider and incline your ear;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Forget your own people also, and your
2You are fairer than the sons of men; father’s house;
11 So the King will greatly desire your
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
beauty;
Therefore God has blessed You
Because He is your Lord, worship Him.
forever. 12 And the daughter of Tyre will come
3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh,
with a gift;
O Mighty One,
The rich among the people will seek
With Your glory and Your majesty.
4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously
your favor.
because of truth, humility, and 13 The royal daughter is all glorious
righteousness; within the palace;
And Your right hand shall teach You Her clothing is woven with gold.
awesome things. 14 She shall be brought to the King in
5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of
robes of many colors;
the King’s enemies; The virgins, her companions who
The peoples fall under You. follow her, shall be brought to
6Your throne, O God, is forever and
You.
15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall
ever; be brought;
A scepter of righteousness is the They shall enter the King’s palace.
scepter of Your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate
16 Instead of Your fathers shall be Your
wickedness; sons,
Therefore God, Your God, has Whom You shall make princes in all
anointed You the earth.
With the oil of gladness more than
Your companions. 45:title aHebrew Shoshannim
bHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 685 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 45:17 686
17 I will make Your name to be He breaks the bow and cuts the spear
remembered in all generations; in two;
Therefore the people shall praise You He burns the chariot in the fire.
forever and ever.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46 I will be exalted among the nations,
God the Refuge of His I will be exalted in the earth!
People and Conqueror
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
of the Nations
The God of Jacob is our refuge.Selah
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons
of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.
Psalm 47
G
od is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. Praise to God, the Ruler
2 Therefore we will not fear, of the Earth
Even though the earth be removed, To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons
And though the mountains be carried of Korah.
O
into the midst of the sea; h, clap your hands, all you peoples!
3 Though its waters roar and be
Shout to God with the voice of
troubled, triumph!
Though the mountains shake with its 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome;
swelling.Selah He is a great King over all the earth.
3 He will subdue the peoples under us,
4 There is a river whose streams shall
And the nations under our feet.
make glad the city of God, 4 He will choose our inheritance for us,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the The excellence of Jacob whom He
Most High. loves.Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout,
Psalm 46:2–4 The Lord with the sound of a
In ancient times, oceans and seas
trumpet.
were thought of as things to be feared. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Bible writers occasionally used the
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
sea as a symbol of trouble. Rivers, on 7 For God is the King of all the earth;
the other hand, were considered good
Sing praises with understanding.
and helpful. In this passage, the sea
represents destruction and the river 8God reigns over the nations;
represents the blessings of God.
God sits on His holy throne.
9 The princes of the people have
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not gathered together,
be moved; The people of the God of Abraham.
God shall help her, just at the break of For the shields of the earth belong to
dawn. God;
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were He is greatly exalted.
moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted. Psalm 48
The Glory of God in Zion
7The Lord of hosts is with us;
A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.Selah
G
reat is the Lord, and greatly to be
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, praised
Who has made desolations in the In the city of our God,
earth. In His holy mountain.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the 2 Beautiful in elevation,
earth; The joy of the whole earth,
19-Psalms.indd 686 2/14/12 11:59 AM
687 Psalm 48:14
Promise
God promises to be ready to help.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
(Ps. 46:1).
God is always ready to aid His children. Throughout the
Old Testament, we read about times when the nation of
Israel found itself face-to-face with an enemy. But God was there for them. He didn’t
have to recruit an army and buy some weapons. He already had an army of
angels—and enough power in His little finger to wipe out any enemy. Sometimes
God used the men of Israel’s army; sometimes He used a bunch of trumpets; but
whatever way God led the Israelites to fight, they always came out on top—as long
as they obeyed God.
Well, that same “refuge and strength”—that same power—is also yours
whenever you ask. God is always ready to help those who serve Him and obey.
When you ask for God’s help with a tough decision, He doesn’t have to go research
the problem; He’s got more knowledge than the most cutting-edge computer. If
money is what you need, He doesn’t have to go to the ATM, or get a loan. He created
everything and can do with it as He pleases. Everything you need is wrapped up in
God. He doesn’t have to get it together before He can help. Just ask and you will
receive whatever you need from God.
See for yourself// Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 2:7, 8; Isaiah 35:3, 4
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, 11 Let Mount Zion rejoice,
The city of the great King. Let the daughters of Judah be glad,
3 God is in her palaces;
Because of Your judgments.
He is known as her refuge.
12 Walk about Zion,
4For behold, the kings assembled,
And go all around her.
They passed by together. Count her towers;
5 They saw it, and so they marveled;
They were troubled, they hastened away.
6 Fear took hold of them there,
Psalm 48:12
And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, The city of Jerusalem, located on top
7 As when You break the ships of
of Mount Zion, was surrounded by a
Tarshish wall to protect its citizens from their
With an east wind. enemies. Towers were built at various
points on the wall so lookouts could
8As we have heard,
spot coming attacks.
So we have seen
In the city of the Lord of hosts,
In the city of our God: 13 Mark well her bulwarks;
God will establish it forever.Selah Consider her palaces;
That you may tell it to the generation
9 We have thought, O God, on Your
following.
lovingkindness, 14 For this is God,
In the midst of Your temple. Our God forever and ever;
10 According to Your name, O God,
He will be our guide
So is Your praise to the ends of the Even to death.a
earth;
Your right hand is full of 48:14 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Syriac;
righteousness. Septuagint and Vulgate read Forever.
19-Psalms.indd 687 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 49:1 688
13 This is the way of those who are
Guidance foolish,
Can we trust the Lord to And of their posterity who approve
guide our way? their sayings.Selah
14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave;
Psalm 48:14
Death shall feed on them;
The upright shall have dominion over
Psalm 49 them in the morning;
And their beauty shall be consumed in
The Confidence the grave, far from their dwelling.
of the Foolish 15 But God will redeem my soul from the
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons power of the grave,
of Korah. For He shall receive me.Selah
H
ear this, all peoples; 16 Do not be afraid when one becomes
Give ear, all inhabitants of the
world, rich,
2 Both low and high, When the glory of his house is
Rich and poor together. increased;
17 For when he dies he shall carry
3 My mouth shall speak wisdom,
And the meditation of my heart shall nothing away;
give understanding. His glory shall not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he blesses
4 I will incline my ear to a proverb;
I will disclose my dark saying on the himself
harp. (For men will praise you when you do
well for yourself),
19 He shall go to the generation of his
5Why should I fear in the days of
evil, fathers;
When the iniquity at my heels They shall never see light.
20 A man who is in honor, yet does not
surrounds me?
6 Those who trust in their wealth understand,
And boast in the multitude of their Is like the beasts that perish.
riches, Psalm 50
7 None of them can by any means
redeem his brother, God the Righteous Judge
Nor give to God a ransom for him— A Psalm of Asaph.
8 For the redemption of their souls is
T
costly, he Mighty One, God the Lord,
And it shall cease forever— Has spoken and called the earth
9 That he should continue to live From the rising of the sun to its going
eternally, down.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
And not see the Pit.
God will shine forth.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not
10 For he sees wise men die;
Likewise the fool and the senseless keep silent;
person perish, A fire shall devour before Him,
And leave their wealth to others. And it shall be very tempestuous all
11 Their inner thought is that their around Him.
houses will last forever,a 4He shall call to the heavens from
Their dwelling places to all
above,
generations;
They call their lands after their own 49:11 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
names. read Their graves shall be their houses forever.
12 Nevertheless man, though in honor,
49:12 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
does not remain;a Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read understand
He is like the beasts that perish. (compare verse 20).
19-Psalms.indd 688 2/14/12 11:59 AM
689 Psalm 50:19
Making It Real //
Psalm 49:12
Death Justin was sixteen years old and a really awesome kid—the kind of guy every-
one wanted to be around. He had such a great attitude—he even made work fun. One
Tuesday night after supper, he hopped in his car to go to a Bible study. His mom kissed
him and reminded him to buckle up and drive safely. Two miles from his house, Justin
crossed the yellow line and hit another car. Justin died and so did the lady in the other
car. No one could believe that Justin was gone. He had so much life ahead of him—he was
really going to make a difference.
It is a fact of life that we will all die one day. But sometimes it seems God’s timing is
off; why does He allow some people to die so young? Even when we don’t understand, we
can hold to the truth that God’s timing is perfect.
The coolest thing about Justin was that he really loved God and lived a life that
proved it. When Justin left this earth and entered the presence of his Lord, the angels
sang and the Savior surely said, “Well done, My son. I am so pleased with you.” (See also:
Ps. 116:15; Eccl. 3:19, 20; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22; Heb. 9:27.)
Words to Live By
Honor: The word translated as “honor” in Psalm 49:12 is the Hebrew word yeqar
(yek-awr’). When a person has yeqar, they are precious, greatly valued—they are special.
God has a plan in mind for each of us. He knows everything about us—how we will live,
what we will do, and when we will die. Death can be a frightening thing. But when you
know how special and valued you are in God’s sight, you know He will always take care of
you—in this life and in the one to come.
And to the earth, that He may judge 12“ If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
His people: For the world is Mine, and all its
5“ Gather My saints together to Me, fullness.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Those who have made a covenant with
Me by sacrifice.” Or drink the blood of goats?
6 Let the heavens declare His 14 Offer to God thanksgiving,
righteousness, And pay your vows to the Most High.
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
For God Himself is Judge.Selah
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify
7“ Hear, O My people, and I will speak, Me.”
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
16 But to the wicked God says:
I am God, your God!
8 I will not rebuke you for your “ What right have you to declare My
sacrifices statutes,
Or your burnt offerings, Or take My covenant in your mouth,
17 Seeing you hate instruction
Which are continually before Me.
9 I will not take a bull from your And cast My words behind you?
18 When you saw a thief, you consenteda
house,
with him,
Nor goats out of your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And have been a partaker with
adulterers.
And the cattle on a thousand hills. 19 You give your mouth to evil,
11 I know all the birds of the
And your tongue frames deceit.
mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are 50:18 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
Mine. read ran.
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Psalm 50:20 690
Promise
God promises to redeem you from the
power of death.
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for
He shall receive me (Ps. 49:15).
Jesus promises to rescue those who believe in Him “from
the power of the grave.” He is the One who totally defeated death when He died on
the cross and then rose from death. Jesus is more powerful than death! If you
accept Him as your Savior, His victory over death is also your victory. He suffered
your penalty for sin by dying for you. All He asks is that you believe He died just for
you and that you turn from sin and follow Him.
For the person who doesn’t believe in Jesus, death has a lot of power. Death for
them is the end of life on earth and the beginning of an unknown, frightening
journey. And those who don’t know Jesus have a perfect right to fear; what awaits
them is to be outside of God’s presence forever—an eternity in hell. Those who do
not accept Jesus’ death on their behalf hold on to their sin and must pay the
penalty. How sad that those people only had to accept Jesus in order to be saved.
But even those of us who have accepted Jesus sometimes find ourselves trying
to be good enough or to accomplish enough great things to attempt to earn our
place in God’s kingdom.
Right now, right where you are, tell Jesus that you can’t do it yourself.
If you don’t know Jesus, tell Him you are drowning in your own sin and ask Him
to reach in and rescue you. Hold on tightly as He pulls you to shore and breathes
new life into you. Then stand up and follow the One who has rescued you for
eternity.
If you do know the Lord, admit to Him that you realize you can never be good
enough to earn anything from God. Thank Him for paying the price for you and ask
Him to change you from the inside out. Then keep on walking out your faith and
watch as God proves again and again that you belong to Him.
See for yourself// Isaiah 25:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 15:55–57;
Revelation 21:3–7
20 You sit and speak against your Psalm 51
brother;
A Prayer of Repentance
You slander your own mother’s son.
21 These things you have done, and I kept To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when
silent; Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had
gone in to Bathsheba.
You thought that I was altogether like
H
you; ave mercy upon me, O God,
But I will rebuke you, According to Your lovingkindness;
And set them in order before your eyes. According to the multitude of Your
tender mercies,
22“ Now consider this, you who forget Blot out my transgressions.
God, 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
Lest I tear you in pieces, And cleanse me from my sin.
And there be none to deliver:
23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; 3For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And to him who orders his conduct And my sin is always before me.
aright 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
I will show the salvation of God.” And done this evil in Your sight—
19-Psalms.indd 690 2/14/12 11:59 AM
691 Psalm 52:9
That You may be found just when You 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken
speak,a spirit,
And blameless when You judge. A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me. 18 Do good in Your good pleasure to
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward Zion;
parts, Build the walls of Jerusalem.
And in the hidden part You will make 19 Then You shall be pleased with the
me to know wisdom. sacrifices of righteousness,
With burnt offering and whole burnt
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be offering;
clean; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than
snow. Psalm 52
The End of the Wicked and
Repentance the Peace of the Godly
How can we be cleansed from To the Chief Musician. A Contemplationa of David
when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul,
sin? and said to him, “David has gone to the house
Psalm 51:1–7 of Ahimelech.”
W
hy do you boast in evil, O mighty
8 Make me hear joy and gladness, man?
That the bones You have broken may The goodness of God endures
rejoice. continually.
9 Hide Your face from my sins, 2 Your tongue devises destruction,
And blot out all my iniquities. Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3 You love evil more than good,
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, Lying rather than speaking
And renew a steadfast spirit righteousness.Selah
within me. 4 You love all devouring words,
11 Do not cast me away from Your You deceitful tongue.
presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit 5God shall likewise destroy you forever;
from me. He shall take you away, and pluck you
out of your dwelling place,
12 Restore to me the joy of Your And uproot you from the land of the
salvation, living.Selah
And uphold me by Your generous 6 The righteous also shall see and fear,
Spirit. And shall laugh at him, saying,
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your 7“ Here is the man who did not make
ways, God his strength,
And sinners shall be converted to You. But trusted in the abundance of his
riches,
14 Deliver me from the guilt of
And strengthened himself in his
bloodshed, O God, wickedness.”
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of 8But I am like a green olive tree in the
Your righteousness. house of God;
15 O Lord, open my lips,
I trust in the mercy of God forever and
And my mouth shall show forth Your ever.
praise. 9 I will praise You forever,
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else
I would give it; 51:4 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read in
You do not delight in burnt offering. Your words. 52:title aHebrew Maschil
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Psalm 53:1 692
Because You have done it; Give ear to the words of my mouth.
And in the presence of Your saints 3 For strangers have risen up against me,
I will wait on Your name, for it is good. And oppressors have sought after my
life;
Psalm 53 They have not set God before them.
Selah
Folly of the Godless, and
the Restoration of Israel 4 Behold, God is my helper;
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Mahalath.” The Lord is with those who uphold
A Contemplationa of David. my life.
T
5 He will repay my enemies for their evil.
he fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.” Cut them off in Your truth.
They are corrupt, and have done 6I will freely sacrifice to You;
abominable iniquity;
There is none who does good. I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it
is good.
7 For He has delivered me out of all
2God looks down from heaven upon the
trouble;
children of men,
And my eye has seen its desire upon
To see if there are any who my enemies.
understand, who seek God.
3 Every one of them has turned aside;
Psalm 55
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good, Trust in God Concerning
No, not one. the Treachery of Friends
To the Chief Musician. With stringed
4Have the workers of iniquity no instruments.a A Contemplationb of David.
G
knowledge, ive ear to my prayer, O God,
Who eat up my people as they eat And do not hide Yourself from my
bread, supplication.
And do not call upon God? 2 Attend to me, and hear me;
5 There they are in great fear
I am restless in my complaint, and
Where no fear was, moan noisily,
For God has scattered the bones of 3 Because of the voice of the enemy,
him who encamps against you; Because of the oppression of the
You have put them to shame, wicked;
Because God has despised them. For they bring down trouble upon me,
And in wrath they hate me.
6Oh, that the salvation of Israel would
come out of Zion! 4My heart is severely pained within me,
When God brings back the captivity of And the terrors of death have fallen
His people, upon me.
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. 5 Fearfulness and trembling have come
upon me,
Psalm 54 And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a
Answered Prayer
for Deliverance dove!
from Adversaries I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off,
To the Chief Musician. With stringed
instruments.a A Contemplationb of David when
And remain in the wilderness.Selah
8 I would hasten my escape
the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not
hiding with us?” From the windy storm and tempest.”
S
ave me, O God, by Your name, 53:title aHebrew Maschil 54:title aHebrew
And vindicate me by Your strength. neginoth bHebrew Maschil 55:title aHebrew
2 Hear my prayer, O God; neginoth bHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 692 2/14/12 11:59 AM
693 Psalm 56:9
9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their He shall never permit the righteous to
tongues, be moved.
For I have seen violence and strife in
the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its Burdens
walls; How can we stand strong
Iniquity and trouble are also in the when we are burdened?
midst of it. Psalm 55:22
11 Destruction is in its midst;
Oppression and deceit do not depart
23 But You, O God, shall bring them
from its streets.
down to the pit of destruction;
12 For it is not an enemy who Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall
reproaches me; not live out half their days;
Then I could bear it. But I will trust in You.
Nor is it one who hates me who has
exalted himself against me; Psalm 56
Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal,
Prayer for Relief
from Tormentors
My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in
And walked to the house of God in the Distant Lands.”a A Michtam of David when the
Philistines captured him in Gath.
throng.
B
e merciful to me, O God, for man
15 Let death seize them; would swallow me up;
Let them go down alive into hell, Fighting all day he oppresses me.
For wickedness is in their dwellings 2 My enemies would hound me all day,
and among them. For there are many who fight against
me, O Most High.
16 As for me, I will call upon God,
And the Lord shall save me. 3Whenever I am afraid,
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will trust in You.
I will pray, and cry aloud, 4 In God (I will praise His word),
And He shall hear my voice. In God I have put my trust;
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace
I will not fear.
from the battle that was What can flesh do to me?
against me,
For there were many against me. 5All day they twist my words;
19 God will hear, and afflict them,
All their thoughts are against me for
Even He who abides from of old.Selah evil.
Because they do not change, 6 They gather together,
Therefore they do not fear God. They hide, they mark my steps,
When they lie in wait for my life.
20 He has put forth his hands against 7 Shall they escape by iniquity?
those who were at peace with In anger cast down the peoples,
him; O God!
He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother 8You number my wanderings;
than butter, Put my tears into Your bottle;
But war was in his heart; Are they not in Your book?
His words were softer than oil, 9 When I cry out to You,
Yet they were drawn swords. Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.
22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you; 56:title aHebrew Jonath Elem Rechokim
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Psalm 56:10 694
Making It Real //
Psalm 56:8
Tears Have you ever been through a time when it seemed like your heartache would
never end? Have you ever been so hurt that it seemed the tears would never stop and the
suffering would go on forever? When you’re hurting badly, it can seem you may never be
happy again. You may wonder if God even notices your broken heart. Surely if He knew
how bad you felt during those times, He would do something to help, right?
Psalm 56:8 tells you just how much God cares about your heartaches. He cares so
much that He has stored each tear you’ve ever cried in a bottle. That means your tears are
precious to Him; He feels your pain as much as you do. God knows you intimately, and
He will never turn His back on your suffering. Even when you feel completely alone, God
has not abandoned you. He sees your tear-stained pillow. He hears you cry yourself to
sleep. It breaks His heart to see you hurt. Don’t ever think you are hurting all alone. God
is there with you—close enough to catch each one of your tears. (See also: Ps. 34:18; Is.
38:5.)
Words to Live By
Wanderings: The word translated as “wanderings” in Psalm 56:8 is the Hebrew
word nod (node). It carries the idea of lacking destination or purpose. Even when we try
to wander away from the Lord, He remains close, waiting for us to turn back to Him.
10 In God (I will praise His word),
In the Lord (I will praise His word), Psalm 57:1
11 In God I have put my trust;
Throughout the Bible, wings are used
I will not be afraid. as symbols of protection and safety. If
What can man do to me? that seems odd to you, consider the
way a mother hen covers her babies
12 Vows made to You are binding upon with her wings. In the same way, God
me, O God; shelters His children from danger.
I will render praises to You,
13 For You have delivered my soul from
death. 2I will cry out to God Most High,
Have You not kept my feet from To God who performs all things for me.
falling, 3 He shall send from heaven and
That I may walk before God save me;
In the light of the living? He reproaches the one who would
swallow me up.Selah
Psalm 57 God shall send forth His mercy and
Prayer for Safety His truth.
from Enemies
4My soul is among lions;
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”a
A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into
I lie among the sons of men
the cave. Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
B
e merciful to me, O God, be merciful And their tongue a sharp sword.
to me! 5 Be exalted, O God, above the
For my soul trusts in You; heavens;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will Let Your glory be above all the earth.
make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by. 57:title aHebrew Al Tashcheth
19-Psalms.indd 694 2/14/12 11:59 AM
695 Psalm 59:4
6They have prepared a net for my steps; When he bends his bow,
My soul is bowed down; Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.
They have dug a pit before me; 8 Let them be like a snail which melts
Into the midst of it they themselves away as it goes,
have fallen.Selah Like a stillborn child of a woman, that
they may not see the sun.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart
is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise. Psalm 58:8
8 Awake, my glory! In ancient times, people believed that
Awake, lute and harp! the slime left behind by a snail was
I will awaken the dawn. actually part of the snail itself. They
believed that as the snail traveled, it
9I will praise You, O Lord, among the left behind more and more of itself,
peoples; growing smaller and smaller, until it
I will sing to You among the nations. disappeared completely.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the
heavens, 9Before your pots can feel the burning
And Your truth unto the clouds.
thorns,
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; He shall take them away as with a
Let Your glory be above all the earth. whirlwind,
As in His living and burning wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he
Psalm 58
sees the vengeance;
The Just Judgment He shall wash his feet in the blood of
of the Wicked the wicked,
11 So that men will say,
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”a
A Michtam of David. “ Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the
D
o you indeed speak righteousness,
earth.”
you silent ones?
Do you judge uprightly, you sons of
Psalm 59
men?
2 No, in heart you work wickedness; The Assured Judgment
You weigh out the violence of your of the Wicked
hands in the earth. To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”a
A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they
3The wicked are estranged from the watched the house in order to kill him.
D
womb; eliver me from my enemies, O my
They go astray as soon as they are God;
born, speaking lies. Defend me from those who rise up
4 Their poison is like the poison of a
against me.
serpent; 2 Deliver me from the workers of
They are like the deaf cobra that stops iniquity,
its ear, And save me from bloodthirsty men.
5 Which will not heed the voice of
charmers, 3For look, they lie in wait for my life;
Charming ever so skillfully. The mighty gather against me,
6Break their teeth in their mouth,
Not for my transgression nor for my
sin, O Lord.
O God! 4They run and prepare themselves
Break out the fangs of the young lions, through no fault of mine.
O Lord!
7 Let them flow away as waters which 58:title aHebrew Al Tashcheth
59:title aHebrew
run continually; Al Tashcheth
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Psalm 59:5 696
Awake to help me, and behold! For God is my defense,
5 You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, My God of mercy.
the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations; Psalm 60
Do not be merciful to any wicked
Urgent Prayer for
transgressors.Selah the Restored Favor of God
6 At evening they return, To the Chief Musician. Set to “Lily of the
They growl like a dog, Testimony.”a A Michtam of David. For teaching.
When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria
And go all around the city.
7 Indeed, they belch with their mouth;
of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve
thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Swords are in their lips;
O
For they say, “Who hears?” God, You have cast us off;
You have broken us down;
8But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You have been displeased;
You shall have all the nations in Oh, restore us again!
2 You have made the earth tremble;
derision.
9 I will wait for You, O You his Strength;a You have broken it;
For God is my defense. Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.
10 My God of mercya shall come to 3 You have shown Your people hard
meet me; things;
God shall let me see my desire on my You have made us drink the wine of
enemies. confusion.
11 Do not slay them, lest my people 4You have given a banner to those who
forget; fear You,
Scatter them by Your power, That it may be displayed because of
And bring them down, the truth.Selah
5 That Your beloved may be delivered,
O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the Save with Your right hand, and
words of their lips, hear me.
Let them even be taken in their
6God has spoken in His holiness:
pride,
And for the cursing and lying which “ I will rejoice;
they speak. I will divide Shechem
13 Consume them in wrath, consume And measure out the Valley of
them, Succoth.
7 Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine;
That they may not be;
And let them know that God rules in Ephraim also is the helmet for My head;
Jacob Judah is My lawgiver.
8 Moab is My washpot;
To the ends of the earth.Selah
Over Edom I will cast My shoe;
14 And at evening they return, Philistia, shout in triumph because
They growl like a dog, of Me.”
And go all around the city.
15 They wander up and down for food, 59:9 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Syriac; some
Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Targum, and
And howla if they are not satisfied.
Vulgate read my Strength. 59:10 aFollowing
16 But I will sing of Your power;
Qere; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint,
and Vulgate read My God, His mercy; Kethib,
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in some Hebrew manuscripts and Targum read
the morning; O God, my mercy; Syriac reads O God, Your
For You have been my defense mercy. 59:15 aFollowing Septuagint and
And refuge in the day of my trouble. Vulgate; Masoretic Text, Syriac, and Targum
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing read spend the night.
60:title aHebrew Shushan
praises; Eduth
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697 Psalm 62:10
Psalm 62
Psalm 60:6–8 A Calm Resolve to Wait for
When David first became leader of the Salvation of God
Israel, he had to deal not only with the
nation’s enemies, but also with people To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm
of David.
in his own country who refused to
T
accept him as king. Eventually, the ruly my soul silently waits for God;
territories mentioned in this passage From Him comes my salvation.
recognized that God had chosen Da- 2 He only is my rock and my salvation;
vid as leader of Israel and submitted He is my defense;
to his rule. I shall not be greatly moved.
3How long will you attack a man?
9Who will bring me to the strong city?
You shall be slain, all of you,
Who will lead me to Edom? Like a leaning wall and a tottering
10 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off?
fence.
And You, O God, who did not go out 4 They only consult to cast him down
with our armies? from his high position;
11 Give us help from trouble,
They delight in lies;
For the help of man is useless. They bless with their mouth,
12 Through God we will do valiantly,
But they curse inwardly.Selah
For it is He who shall tread down our
enemies.a 5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
Psalm 61 6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
Assurance of God’s Eternal He is my defense;
Protection I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument.a
A Psalm of David. The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
H
ear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
8Trust in Him at all times, you people;
2 From the end of the earth I will cry
Pour out your heart before Him;
to You, God is a refuge for us.Selah
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher
than I. Trust
Where should we place our
3For You have been a shelter for me,
trust?
A strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; Psalm 62:7, 8
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah 9 Surely men of low degree are a
vapor,
5 For You, O God, have heard my vows;
Men of high degree are a lie;
You have given me the heritage of If they are weighed on the scales,
those who fear Your name. They are altogether lighter than
6 You will prolong the king’s life,
vapor.
His years as many generations. 10 Do not trust in oppression,
7 He shall abide before God forever.
Nor vainly hope in robbery;
Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which If riches increase,
may preserve him! Do not set your heart on them.
8So I will sing praise to Your name forever, 60:12 aCompare verses 5–12 with 108:6–13
That I may daily perform my vows. 61:title aHebrew neginah
19-Psalms.indd 697 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 62:11 698
11 God has spoken once, Psalm 64
Twice I have heard this:
Oppressed by the Wicked but
That power belongs to God. Rejoicing in the L ord
12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
For You render to each one To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
H
according to his work. ear my voice, O God, in my
meditation;
Psalm 63 Preserve my life from fear of the
Joy in the Fellowship enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the
of God
wicked,
A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness
From the rebellion of the workers of
of Judah.
iniquity,
O
God, You are my God; 3 Who sharpen their tongue like a
Early will I seek You; sword,
My soul thirsts for You; And bend their bows to shoot their
My flesh longs for You arrows—bitter words,
In a dry and thirsty land 4 That they may shoot in secret at the
Where there is no water. blameless;
2 So I have looked for You in the Suddenly they shoot at him and do
sanctuary, not fear.
To see Your power and Your glory.
5They encourage themselves in an evil
3Because Your lovingkindness is matter;
better than life, They talk of laying snares secretly;
My lips shall praise You. They say, “Who will see them?”
4 Thus I will bless You while I live; 6 They devise iniquities:
I will lift up my hands in Your “ We have perfected a shrewd scheme.”
name. Both the inward thought and the heart
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with of man are deep.
marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with 7But God shall shoot at them with an
joyful lips. arrow;
Suddenly they shall be wounded.
6When I remember You on my bed, 8 So He will make them stumble over
I meditate on You in the night their own tongue;
watches. All who see them shall flee away.
7 Because You have been my help, 9 All men shall fear,
Therefore in the shadow of Your And shall declare the work of God;
wings I will rejoice. For they shall wisely consider His
8 My soul follows close behind You; doing.
Your right hand upholds me.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the
9But those who seek my life, to Lord, and trust in Him.
destroy it, And all the upright in heart shall
Shall go into the lower parts of the glory.
earth.
10 They shall fall by the sword; Psalm 65
They shall be a portion for jackals. Praise to God for His
Salvation and Providence
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.
Everyone who swears by Him shall
P
glory; raise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;
But the mouth of those who speak And to You the vow shall be
lies shall be stopped. performed.
19-Psalms.indd 698 2/14/12 11:59 AM
699 Psalm 66:10
2 O You who hear prayer, Psalm 66
To You all flesh will come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me;
Praise to God for His
Awesome Works
As for our transgressions,
You will provide atonement for To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm.
M
them. ake a joyful shout to God, all the
earth!
4Blessed is the man You choose, 2 Sing out the honor of His name;
And cause to approach You, Make His praise glorious.
That he may dwell in Your courts. 3 Say to God,
We shall be satisfied with the “ How awesome are Your works!
goodness of Your house, Through the greatness of Your power
Of Your holy temple. Your enemies shall submit themselves
to You.
5By awesome deeds in righteousness 4 All the earth shall worship You
You will answer us, And sing praises to You;
O God of our salvation, They shall sing praises to Your name.”
You who are the confidence of all the Selah
ends of the earth,
5 Come and see the works of God;
And of the far-off seas;
6 Who established the mountains by He is awesome in His doing toward the
His strength, sons of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
Being clothed with power;
7 You who still the noise of the seas, They went through the river on foot.
The noise of their waves, There we will rejoice in Him.
And the tumult of the peoples.
8 They also who dwell in the farthest
parts are afraid of Your signs; Psalm 66:6
You make the outgoings of the The pharaoh of Egypt, after let-
morning and evening rejoice. ting the Israelites leave his country,
changed his mind and sent his army
9You visit the earth and water it, to bring them back. His plan was to
trap the Israelites at the Red Sea. Just
You greatly enrich it;
when things looked hopeless for the
The river of God is full of water;
Israelites, God parted the waters and
You provide their grain,
created a path of dry land through the
For so You have prepared it.
10 You water its ridges abundantly,
middle of the sea. The Israelites were
able to walk across to the other side.
You settle its furrows; When the Egyptians tried to follow,
You make it soft with showers, the water collapsed on top of them,
You bless its growth. and they drowned.
11 You crown the year with Your
goodness, 7 He rules by His power forever;
And Your paths drip with His eyes observe the nations;
abundance. Do not let the rebellious exalt
12 They drop on the pastures of the themselves.Selah
wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every 8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
side. And make the voice of His praise to be
13 The pastures are clothed with heard,
flocks; 9 Who keeps our soul among the living,
The valleys also are covered with And does not allow our feet to be
grain; moved.
They shout for joy, they also sing. 10 For You, O God, have tested us;
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Life App
Rebellion / Psalm 66:7
The word “rebellion” can bring out different emotions from differ-
ent people at different times. We may think of rebellions such as the
Boston Tea Party or other events in the American Revolutionary
War. Or maybe we think of the rebellions that happened within the
French Revolution. When we think of those rebellions, it may bring
to mind images of honest people revolting against an unjust and op-
pressive authority.
But that’s just one side of rebellion. There is another, less inspir-
ing (and frankly, evil) side of rebellion. This kind of rebellion goes all
the way back to when Satan’s pride caused him to rebel against God.
Since the creation of mankind, the devil has been inspiring a sense
of evil rebellion in the human race. In the Garden of Eden, he
tempted Eve to rebel against God by doing the one and only thing
God had forbidden (Gen. 3). Both Adam and Eve chose to rebel
against their loving, holy, and powerful God. Their rebellion had di-
sastrous consequences for them and every generation to come after
them. Our imperfect world and our own desires to rebel against au-
thority are constant reminders of that foolish and deadly rebellion.
Jesus sacrificed Himself to save us from the eternal consequences
of Adam and Eve’s rebellion. The Creator and Sustainer of the world
loves us! Why would we rebel against Him? He is the most powerful
being that has ever been or will ever be. Psalm 66:7 says “He rules by
His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebel-
lious exalt themselves.” Any rebellion against Him will fail, and is
pointless. Rather than giving in to a spirit of pride and rebellion, we
can always keep a spirit of remembrance of and thankfulness for
what God has done for us.
Every time you’re tempted to rebel against your parents or teach-
ers or any other authority, remind yourself that rebellion is a
temptation to sin that comes from your enemy, who only wishes you
harm, and not your God, who only wants what’s good for you.
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701 Psalm 68:7
You have refined us as silver is refined. 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
11 You brought us into the net; Let all the peoples praise You.
You laid affliction on our backs. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase;
12 You have caused men to ride over our God, our own God, shall bless us.
heads; 7 God shall bless us,
We went through fire and through And all the ends of the earth shall fear
water; Him.
But You brought us out to rich
fulfillment. Psalm 68
13 I will go into Your house with burnt The Glory of God in His
Goodness to Israel
offerings;
I will pay You my vows, To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.
L
14 Which my lips have uttered
et God arise,
And my mouth has spoken when I was Let His enemies be scattered;
in trouble. Let those also who hate Him flee
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat
before Him.
animals, 2 As smoke is driven away,
With the sweet aroma of rams; So drive them away;
I will offer bulls with goats.Selah As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
presence of God.
And I will declare what He has done 3 But let the righteous be glad;
for my soul. Let them rejoice before God;
17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.
And He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
4Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
The Lord will not hear. Extol Him who rides on the clouds,a
19 But certainly God has heard me;
By His name Yah,
He has attended to the voice of my And rejoice before Him.
prayer.
5A father of the fatherless, a defender of
20 Blessed be God,
widows,
Who has not turned away my prayer, Is God in His holy habitation.
Nor His mercy from me!
Psalm 67 Caring
An Invocation and a Does God care for needy
Doxology people?
To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments.a Psalm 68:5
A Psalm. A Song.
G
od be merciful to us and bless us, 6 God sets the solitary in families;
And cause His face to shine He brings out those who are bound
upon us,Selah into prosperity;
2 That Your way may be known on earth,
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Your salvation among all nations.
7O God, when You went out before
3Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Your people,
Let all the peoples praise You. When You marched through the
4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing
wilderness,Selah
for joy!
For You shall judge the people 67:title aHebrew neginoth 68:4 aMasoretic Text
righteously, reads deserts; Targum reads heavens (compare
And govern the nations on earth.Selah verse 34 and Isaiah 19:1).
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Psalm 68:8 702
8 The earth shook; 21 But God will wound the head of His
The heavens also dropped rain at the enemies,
presence of God; The hairy scalp of the one who still
Sinai itself was moved at the presence goes on in his trespasses.
of God, the God of Israel. 22 The Lord said, “I will bring back from
9 You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Bashan,
Whereby You confirmed Your I will bring them back from the depths
inheritance, of the sea,
When it was weary.
10 Your congregation dwelt in it;
You, O God, provided from Your Psalm 68:22
goodness for the poor. Bashan, which was located east of
the Jordan River, was a fertile area
11 The Lord gave the word; of land that belonged to the tribe of
Great was the company of those who Manasseh. Later in Israel’s history,
proclaimed it: the area became known as much for
12“ Kings of armies flee, they flee, its selfish and arrogant inhabitants as
And she who remains at home divides for its plentiful harvests and choice
the spoil. livestock.
13 Though you lie down among the
sheepfolds, 23 That your foot may crush thema in
You will be like the wings of a dove
covered with silver, blood,
And her feathers with yellow gold.” And the tongues of your dogs may have
14 When the Almighty scattered kings their portion from your enemies.”
in it, 24 They have seen Your procession,
It was white as snow in Zalmon.
O God,
15 A mountain of God is the mountain of The procession of my God, my King,
Bashan; into the sanctuary.
25 The singers went before, the players on
A mountain of many peaks is the
instruments followed after;
mountain of Bashan.
16 Why do you fume with envy, you Among them were the maidens playing
timbrels.
mountains of many peaks? 26 Bless God in the congregations,
This is the mountain which God
The Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
desires to dwell in; 27 There is little Benjamin, their leader,
Yes, the Lord will dwell in it forever.
The princes of Judah and their
17 The chariots of God are twenty company,
The princes of Zebulun and the
thousand,
princes of Naphtali.
Even thousands of thousands;
The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in 28 Your God has commandeda your
the Holy Place.
18 You have ascended on high,
strength;
Strengthen, O God, what You have
You have led captivity captive;
done for us.
You have received gifts among men, 29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem,
Even from the rebellious,
Kings will bring presents to You.
That the Lord God might dwell there. 30 Rebuke the beasts of the reeds,
19 Blessed be the Lord,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the
peoples,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!Selah 68:23 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
20 Our God is the God of salvation;
read you may dip your foot. 68:28 aSeptuagint,
And to God the Lord belong escapes Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read Command,
from death. O God.
19-Psalms.indd 702 2/14/12 11:59 AM
703 Psalm 69:18
Till everyone submits himself with 5O God, You know my foolishness;
pieces of silver. And my sins are not hidden from You.
Scatter the peoples who delight in war. 6 Let not those who wait for You, O Lord
31 Envoys will come out of Egypt; God of hosts, be ashamed
Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her because of me;
hands to God. Let not those who seek You be
confounded because of me,
32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the O God of Israel.
earth; 7 Because for Your sake I have borne
Oh, sing praises to the Lord,Selah reproach;
33 To Him who rides on the heaven of Shame has covered my face.
heavens, which were of old! 8 I have become a stranger to my
Indeed, He sends out His voice, a brothers,
mighty voice. And an alien to my mother’s children;
34 Ascribe strength to God; 9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten
His excellence is over Israel, me up,
And His strength is in the clouds. And the reproaches of those who
35 O God, You are more awesome than reproach You have fallen on me.
Your holy places. 10 When I wept and chastened my soul
The God of Israel is He who gives with fasting,
strength and power to His people. That became my reproach.
11 I also made sackcloth my garment;
Blessed be God! I became a byword to them.
12 Those who sit in the gate speak
against me,
Worry And I am the song of the drunkards.
What should our response be
in times of stress? 13 But as for me, my prayer is to You,
Psalm 69 O Lord, in the acceptable time;
O God, in the multitude of Your
mercy,
Psalm 69 Hear me in the truth of Your
An Urgent Plea for Help salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire,
in Trouble
And let me not sink;
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”a A Psalm
of David. Let me be delivered from those who
hate me,
S
ave me, O God! And out of the deep waters.
For the waters have come up to my 15 Let not the floodwater overflow me,
neck. Nor let the deep swallow me up;
2 I sink in deep mire,
And let not the pit shut its mouth
Where there is no standing; on me.
I have come into deep waters,
Where the floods overflow me. 16 Hear me, O Lord, for Your
3 I am weary with my crying;
lovingkindness is good;
My throat is dry; Turn to me according to the multitude
My eyes fail while I wait for my God. of Your tender mercies.
17 And do not hide Your face from Your
4Those who hate me without a cause
servant,
Are more than the hairs of my head; For I am in trouble;
They are mighty who would Hear me speedily.
destroy me, 18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it;
Being my enemies wrongfully; Deliver me because of my enemies.
Though I have stolen nothing,
I still must restore it. 69:title aHebrew Shoshannim
19-Psalms.indd 703 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 69:19 704
19 You know my reproach, my shame, And build the cities of Judah,
and my dishonor; That they may dwell there and
My adversaries are all before You. possess it.
20 Reproach has broken my heart, 36 Also, the descendants of His servants
And I am full of heaviness; shall inherit it,
I looked for someone to take pity, but And those who love His name shall
there was none; dwell in it.
And for comforters, but I found none.
21 They also gave me gall for my food, Psalm 70
And for my thirst they gave me vinegar
Prayer for Relief
to drink.
from Adversaries
22 Let their table become a snare before To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. To bring
them, to remembrance.
M
And their well-being a trap. ake haste, O God, to deliver me!
23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that
Make haste to help me, O Lord!
they do not see;
And make their loins shake 2Let them be ashamed and confounded
continually. Who seek my life;
24 Pour out Your indignation upon them,
Let them be turned backa and
And let Your wrathful anger take hold confused
of them. Who desire my hurt.
25 Let their dwelling place be desolate; 3 Let them be turned back because of
Let no one live in their tents. their shame,
26 For they persecute the ones You have
Who say, “Aha, aha!”
struck,
And talk of the grief of those You have 4Let all those who seek You rejoice and
wounded. be glad in You;
27 Add iniquity to their iniquity,
And let those who love Your salvation
And let them not come into Your say continually,
righteousness. “Let God be magnified!”
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of
the living, 5But I am poor and needy;
And not be written with the righteous.
Make haste to me, O God!
29 But I am poor and sorrowful; You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay.
Let Your salvation, O God, set me up
on high. Psalm 71
30 I will praise the name of God with a
song, God the Rock of Salvation
I
And will magnify Him with n You, O Lord, I put my trust;
thanksgiving. Let me never be put to shame.
31 This also shall please the Lord better
2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and
than an ox or bull, cause me to escape;
Which has horns and hooves. Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
32 The humble shall see this and be glad;
3 Be my strong refuge,
And you who seek God, your hearts To which I may resort continually;
shall live. You have given the commandment to
33 For the Lord hears the poor,
save me,
And does not despise His prisoners.
For You are my rock and my fortress.
34 Let heaven and earth praise Him,
70:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
The seas and everything that moves Targum, and Vulgate; some Hebrew
in them. manuscripts and Syriac read be appalled
35 For God will save Zion (compare 40:15).
19-Psalms.indd 704 2/14/12 11:59 AM
705 Psalm 71:18
Promise
God promises to be faithful.
Also with the lute I will praise You—and Your faithfulness,
O my God! (Ps. 71:22a).
Imagine this: A mom and dad lost their only daughter
two days before her fifteenth birthday. She was riding in a
car that was hit by a drunk driver. Devastated, they started the long process of
grieving for their child who died far too young. Several months later, they came to
your school and told you how incredibly painful and difficult losing their daughter
had been. But something they said really grabbed you: “But we have God. We
couldn’t have made it without Him. He has been so faithful.”
That’s God’s faithfulness in action: He is always there to help and comfort those
who are in pain and bring hope of a better tomorrow. God will never fail to hold us
when we are hurting. Even on days when, like the parents in our story above, we
hurt so much we can hardly breathe, He stays right beside us. He carries us when
we don’t have enough strength or courage to face life. He touches our hearts and
heals the pain. And He teaches us to smile again when it seems our smiles are gone
forever.
Don’t wait for a catastrophe to learn of God’s faithfulness. He’s faithful in your
good times, too. Be on the lookout for your faithful Father.
See for yourself// Psalms 36:5; 119:90; 1 Corinthians 1:9
4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand 12 O God, do not be far from me;
of the wicked, O my God, make haste to help me!
Out of the hand of the unrighteous 13 Let them be confounded and
and cruel man. consumed
5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; Who are adversaries of my life;
You are my trust from my youth. Let them be covered with reproach
6 By You I have been upheld from and dishonor
birth; Who seek my hurt.
You are He who took me out of my
mother’s womb. 14 But I will hope continually,
My praise shall be continually of You. And will praise You yet more and
more.
7I have become as a wonder to many, 15 My mouth shall tell of Your
But You are my strong refuge. righteousness
8 Let my mouth be filled with Your And Your salvation all the day,
praise For I do not know their limits.
And with Your glory all the day. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord
God;
9Do not cast me off in the time of old I will make mention of Your
age; righteousness, of Yours only.
Do not forsake me when my strength
fails. 17 O God, You have taught me from my
10 For my enemies speak against me; youth;
And those who lie in wait for my life And to this day I declare Your
take counsel together, wondrous works.
11 Saying, “God has forsaken him; 18 Now also when I am old and
Pursue and take him, for there is none grayheaded,
to deliver him.” O God, do not forsake me,
19-Psalms.indd 705 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 71:19 706
Until I declare Your strength to this 6 He shall come down like rain upon the
generation, grass before mowing,
Your power to everyone who is to Like showers that water the earth.
come. 7 In His days the righteous shall flourish,
And abundance of peace,
19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is Until the moon is no more.
very high,
You who have done great things; 8He shall have dominion also from sea
O God, who is like You? to sea,
20 You, who have shown me great and
And from the River to the ends of the
severe troubles, earth.
Shall revive me again, 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness will
And bring me up again from the bow before Him,
depths of the earth. And His enemies will lick the dust.
21 You shall increase my greatness, 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles
And comfort me on every side. Will bring presents;
The kings of Sheba and Seba
22 Also with the lute I will praise You—
Will offer gifts.
And Your faithfulness, O my God! 11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before
To You I will sing with the harp, Him;
O Holy One of Israel. All nations shall serve Him.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I
sing to You, 12 For He will deliver the needy when he
And my soul, which You have cries,
redeemed. The poor also, and him who has no
24 My tongue also shall talk of Your
helper.
righteousness all the day long; 13 He will spare the poor and needy,
For they are confounded, And will save the souls of the needy.
For they are brought to shame 14 He will redeem their life from
Who seek my hurt. oppression and violence;
And precious shall be their blood in
Psalm 72 His sight.
Glory and Universality
15 And He shall live;
of the Messiah’s Reign
A Psalm of Solomon.
And the gold of Sheba will be given
to Him;
G
ive the king Your judgments, Prayer also will be made for Him
O God, continually,
And Your righteousness to the And daily He shall be praised.
king’s Son.
2 He will judge Your people with 16 There will be an abundance of grain in
righteousness, the earth,
And Your poor with justice. On the top of the mountains;
3 The mountains will bring peace to the
Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon;
people, And those of the city shall flourish like
And the little hills, by righteousness. grass of the earth.
4 He will bring justice to the poor of the
people; 17 His name shall endure forever;
He will save the children of the needy, His name shall continue as long as
And will break in pieces the the sun.
oppressor. And men shall be blessed in Him;
All nations shall call Him blessed.
5They shall fear Youa
As long as the sun and moon endure, 72:5 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Throughout all generations. Septuagint and Vulgate read They shall continue.
19-Psalms.indd 706 2/14/12 11:59 AM
707 Psalm 73:10
Making It Real //
Psalm 72:18
Miracles A miracle is an event that happens in a way that science cannot explain.
For instance, a car is crushed from every angle in an accident, but the driver comes away
unharmed; or a child returns to perfect health after doctors declared that there was no
hope. It’s just as miraculous when the wildest troublemaker in town gets saved and starts
telling everyone what God has done in his life. And there’s the miracle that is the basis of
our faith: A Man, dead for three days in a grave, got up and appeared to over five hundred
people.
If you’ve ever seen a miracle, you can be sure that you witnessed the hand of God
working. You experienced a supernatural event. Only God can do miracles. Sometimes
He uses people in the process, but no man can work a miracle by his own power.
The purpose of a miracle is to bring glory to God and to remind us of His amazing
love toward us. Miracles force us to stop looking at ourselves and our limitations. We
have to look up at God and His mighty power. A miracle is meant to get our attention and
cause us to be amazed by our God. (See also: Ex. 34:10; Mic. 7:15.)
Words to Live By
Wondrous: The word translated in Psalm 72:18 as “wondrous” is the Hebrew word
pala (paw-law’). It is a word that means “great, difficult, distinguished, marvelous, and
miraculous.” We can always trust that God will work wondrously on our behalf. He is the
God of miracles—everything about Him is pala!
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of When I saw the prosperity of the
Israel, wicked.
Who only does wondrous things!
19 And blessed be His glorious name 4For there are no pangs in their death,
forever! But their strength is firm.
And let the whole earth be filled with 5 They are not in trouble as other men,
His glory. Nor are they plagued like other men.
Amen and Amen. 6 Therefore pride serves as their
necklace;
20The prayers of David the son of Jesse
Violence covers them like a garment.
are ended. 7 Their eyes bulgea with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
BOOK THREE: Psalms 73—89 8 They scoff and speak wickedly
concerning oppression;
Psalm 73 They speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the
The Tragedy of the Wicked,
and the Blessedness of Trust heavens,
in God And their tongue walks through the
A Psalm of Asaph. earth.
T
ruly God is good to Israel, 10 Therefore his people return here,
To such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost
And waters of a full cup are drained
by them.
stumbled;
My steps had nearly slipped. 73:7 aTargum reads face bulges; Septuagint,
3 For I was envious of the boastful, Syriac, and Vulgate read iniquity bulges.
19-Psalms.indd 707 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 73:11 708
11 And they say, “How does God know? I have put my trust in the Lord God,
And is there knowledge in the Most That I may declare all Your works.
High?”
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Psalm 74
Who are always at ease;
A Plea for Relief
They increase in riches. from Oppressors
13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in
vain, A Contemplationa of Asaph.
O
And washed my hands in innocence. God, why have You cast us off
14 For all day long I have been plagued,
forever?
And chastened every morning. Why does Your anger smoke
against the sheep of Your
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
pasture?
Behold, I would have been untrue to 2 Remember Your congregation, which
the generation of Your children. You have purchased of old,
16 When I thought how to understand
The tribe of Your inheritance, which
this, You have redeemed—
It was too painful for me— This Mount Zion where You have dwelt.
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; 3 Lift up Your feet to the perpetual
Then I understood their end. desolations.
The enemy has damaged everything in
18 Surely You set them in slippery
the sanctuary.
places; 4 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your
You cast them down to destruction. meeting place;
19 Oh, how they are brought to
They set up their banners for signs.
desolation, as in a moment! 5 They seem like men who lift up
They are utterly consumed with Axes among the thick trees.
terrors. 6 And now they break down its carved
20 As a dream when one awakes,
work, all at once,
So, Lord, when You awake, With axes and hammers.
You shall despise their image. 7 They have set fire to Your sanctuary;
They have defiled the dwelling place of
21 Thus my heart was grieved,
Your name to the ground.
And I was vexed in my mind. 8 They said in their hearts,
22 I was so foolish and ignorant;
“ Let us destroy them altogether.”
I was like a beast before You. They have burned up all the meeting
23 Nevertheless I am continually with
places of God in the land.
You;
You hold me by my right hand. 9We do not see our signs;
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
There is no longer any prophet;
And afterward receive me to glory. Nor is there any among us who knows
how long.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? 10 O God, how long will the adversary
And there is none upon earth that I reproach?
desire besides You. Will the enemy blaspheme Your name
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
forever?
But God is the strength of my heart 11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even
and my portion forever. Your right hand?
Take it out of Your bosom and destroy
27 For indeed, those who are far from You
them.
shall perish; 12 For God is my King from of old,
You have destroyed all those who Working salvation in the midst of the
desert You for harlotry. earth.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to
God; 74:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 708 2/14/12 11:59 AM
709 Psalm 76:5
13 You divided the sea by Your strength; 3 The earth and all its inhabitants are
You broke the heads of the sea dissolved;
serpents in the waters. I set up its pillars firmly.Selah
14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in
pieces, 4“ I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal
And gave him as food to the people boastfully,’
inhabiting the wilderness. And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the
15 You broke open the fountain and the horn.
flood; 5 Do not lift up your horn on high;
You dried up mighty rivers. Do not speak with a stiff neck.’ ”
16 The day is Yours, the night also is
Yours; 6For exaltation comes neither from the
You have prepared the light and the east
sun. Nor from the west nor from the south.
17 You have set all the borders of the 7 But God is the Judge:
earth; He puts down one,
You have made summer and winter. And exalts another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is
18 Remember this, that the enemy has
a cup,
reproached, O Lord, And the wine is red;
And that a foolish people has It is fully mixed, and He pours it out;
blasphemed Your name. Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of
19 Oh, do not deliver the life of Your
the earth
turtledove to the wild beast! Drain and drink down.
Do not forget the life of Your poor
forever. 9But I will declare forever,
20 Have respect to the covenant;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
For the dark places of the earth are full
of the haunts of cruelty. 10“ All the horns of the wicked I will also
21 Oh, do not let the oppressed return
cut off,
ashamed! But the horns of the righteous shall be
Let the poor and needy praise Your exalted.”
name.
Psalm 76
22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man The Majesty of God
reproaches You daily. in Judgment
23 Do not forget the voice of Your To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments.a
enemies; A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
I
The tumult of those who rise up n Judah God is known;
against You increases continually. His name is great in Israel.
2 In Salema also is His tabernacle,
Psalm 75 And His dwelling place in Zion.
3 There He broke the arrows of the bow,
Thanksgiving for God’s
Righteous Judgment The shield and sword of battle.Selah
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”a
4 You are more glorious and excellent
A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
Than the mountains of prey.
W
e give thanks to You, O God, we 5 The stouthearted were plundered;
give thanks! They have sunk into their sleep;
For Your wondrous works declare And none of the mighty men have
that Your name is near. found the use of their hands.
2“ When I choose the proper time, 75:title aHebrew Al Tashcheth 76:title aHebrew
I will judge uprightly. neginoth 76:2 aThat is, Jerusalem
19-Psalms.indd 709 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 76:6 710
6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, 7Will the Lord cast off forever?
Both the chariot and horse were cast And will He be favorable no more?
into a dead sleep. 8 Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore?
7You, Yourself, are to be feared; 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
And who may stand in Your presence Has He in anger shut up His tender
When once You are angry? mercies?Selah
8 You caused judgment to be heard from
heaven; 10 And I said, “This is my anguish;
The earth feared and was still, But I will remember the years of the
9 When God arose to judgment,
right hand of the Most High.”
To deliver all the oppressed of the
earth.Selah
Psalm 77:10
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise The phrase “right hand” is a way of
You; describing God’s strength. Specifi-
With the remainder of wrath You shall cally, the phrase is used to describe
gird Yourself. God’s highly visible actions, such as
the miracles He performed around
11 Make vows to the Lord your God, and the time of the Israelites’ Exodus from
pay them; Egypt.
Let all who are around Him bring
presents to Him who ought to be
11 I will remember the works of the
feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes; Lord;
He is awesome to the kings of the Surely I will remember Your wonders
earth. of old.
12 I will also meditate on all Your work,
Psalm 77 And talk of Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
The Consoling Memory Who is so great a God as our God?
of God’s Redemptive Works 14 You are the God who does wonders;
To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm You have declared Your strength
of Asaph. among the peoples.
I
15 You have with Your arm redeemed
cried out to God with my voice—
To God with my voice; Your people,
And He gave ear to me. The sons of Jacob and Joseph.Selah
2 In the day of my trouble I sought the
16 The waters saw You, O God;
Lord;
My hand was stretched out in the The waters saw You, they were
night without ceasing; afraid;
My soul refused to be comforted. The depths also trembled.
3 I remembered God, and was 17 The clouds poured out water;
troubled; The skies sent out a sound;
I complained, and my spirit was Your arrows also flashed about.
18 The voice of Your thunder was in the
overwhelmed.Selah
whirlwind;
4 You hold my eyelids open; The lightnings lit up the world;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak. The earth trembled and shook.
5 I have considered the days of old, 19 Your way was in the sea,
The years of ancient times. Your path in the great waters,
6 I call to remembrance my song in the And Your footsteps were not
night; known.
I meditate within my heart, 20 You led Your people like a flock
And my spirit makes diligent search. By the hand of Moses and Aaron.
19-Psalms.indd 710 2/14/12 11:59 AM
711 Psalm 78:27
Psalm 78 13 He divided the sea and caused them to
pass through;
God’s Kindness to Rebellious
Israel And He made the waters stand up like
a heap.
A Contemplationa of Asaph. 14 In the daytime also He led them with
G
ive ear, O my people, to my law; the cloud,
Incline your ears to the words of And all the night with a light of fire.
15 He split the rocks in the wilderness,
my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; And gave them drink in abundance like
I will utter dark sayings of old, the depths.
3 Which we have heard and known, 16 He also brought streams out of the
And our fathers have told us. rock,
4 We will not hide them from their And caused waters to run down like
children, rivers.
Telling to the generation to come the
praises of the Lord, 17 But they sinned even more against
And His strength and His wonderful Him
works that He has done. By rebelling against the Most High in
the wilderness.
5For He established a testimony in 18 And they tested God in their heart
Jacob, By asking for the food of their fancy.
And appointed a law in Israel, 19 Yes, they spoke against God:
Which He commanded our fathers, They said, “Can God prepare a table in
That they should make them known to the wilderness?
their children; 20 Behold, He struck the rock,
6 That the generation to come might So that the waters gushed out,
know them, And the streams overflowed.
The children who would be born, Can He give bread also?
That they may arise and declare them Can He provide meat for His people?”
to their children,
7 That they may set their hope in God, 21 Therefore the Lord heard this and was
And not forget the works of God, furious;
But keep His commandments; So a fire was kindled against Jacob,
8 And may not be like their fathers,
And anger also came up against Israel,
A stubborn and rebellious 22 Because they did not believe in God,
generation, And did not trust in His salvation.
A generation that did not set its heart 23 Yet He had commanded the clouds
aright, above,
And whose spirit was not faithful to And opened the doors of heaven,
God. 24 Had rained down manna on them to
eat,
9The children of Ephraim, being armed
And given them of the bread of heaven.
and carrying bows, 25 Men ate angels’ food;
Turned back in the day of battle. He sent them food to the full.
10 They did not keep the covenant of
God; 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the
They refused to walk in His law, heavens;
11 And forgot His works
And by His power He brought in the
And His wonders that He had shown south wind.
them. 27 He also rained meat on them like the
dust,
12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of
Feathered fowl like the sand of the
their fathers, seas;
In the land of Egypt, in the field of
Zoan. 78:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 711 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 78:28 712
28 And He let them fall in the midst of The day when He redeemed them
their camp, from the enemy,
All around their dwellings. 43 When He worked His signs in Egypt,
29 So they ate and were well filled, And His wonders in the field of Zoan;
For He gave them their own desire. 44 Turned their rivers into blood,
30 They were not deprived of their And their streams, that they could not
craving; drink.
But while their food was still in their 45 He sent swarms of flies among them,
mouths, which devoured them,
31 The wrath of God came against them, And frogs, which destroyed them.
And slew the stoutest of them, 46 He also gave their crops to the
And struck down the choice men of caterpillar,
Israel. And their labor to the locust.
47 He destroyed their vines with hail,
32 In spite of this they still sinned, And their sycamore trees with frost.
And did not believe in His wondrous 48 He also gave up their cattle to the hail,
works. And their flocks to fiery lightning.
33 Therefore their days He consumed in 49 He cast on them the fierceness of His
futility, anger,
And their years in fear. Wrath, indignation, and trouble,
By sending angels of destruction
34 When He slew them, then they sought among them.
Him; 50 He made a path for His anger;
And they returned and sought He did not spare their soul from death,
earnestly for God. But gave their life over to the plague,
35 Then they remembered that God was 51 And destroyed all the firstborn in
their rock, Egypt,
And the Most High God their The first of their strength in the tents
Redeemer. of Ham.
36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with 52 But He made His own people go forth
their mouth, like sheep,
And they lied to Him with their And guided them in the wilderness
tongue; like a flock;
37 For their heart was not steadfast with 53 And He led them on safely, so that they
Him, did not fear;
Nor were they faithful in His But the sea overwhelmed their
covenant. enemies.
38 But He, being full of compassion, 54 And He brought them to His holy
forgave their iniquity, border,
And did not destroy them. This mountain which His right hand
Yes, many a time He turned His anger had acquired.
away, 55 He also drove out the nations before
And did not stir up all His wrath; them,
39 For He remembered that they were Allotted them an inheritance by
but flesh, survey,
A breath that passes away and does And made the tribes of Israel dwell in
not come again. their tents.
40 How often they provoked Him in the 56 Yet they tested and provoked the Most
wilderness, High God,
And grieved Him in the desert! And did not keep His testimonies,
41 Yes, again and again they tempted 57 But turned back and acted unfaithfully
God, like their fathers;
And limited the Holy One of Israel. They were turned aside like a deceitful
42 They did not remember His power: bow.
19-Psalms.indd 712 2/14/12 11:59 AM
713 Psalm 79:7
58 For they provoked Him to anger with 70 He also chose David His servant,
their high places, And took him from the sheepfolds;
And moved Him to jealousy with their 71 From following the ewes that had
carved images. young He brought him,
59 When God heard this, He was furious, To shepherd Jacob His people,
And greatly abhorred Israel, And Israel His inheritance.
60 So that He forsook the tabernacle of 72 So he shepherded them according to
Shiloh, the integrity of his heart,
The tent He had placed among men, And guided them by the skillfulness of
his hands.
Psalm 78:60
Joshua set up the tabernacle and the Psalm 79:1
ark of the covenant in Shiloh, a city The events described in this verse
in Ephraim’s territory. The city served took place in 597 B.C., when King
as Israel’s center of worship for many Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian
years. army conquered Jerusalem. Thou-
sands of Israelites were captured and
taken to Babylon as prisoners. Others
61 And delivered His strength into were simply killed, their bodies left
captivity, to rot.
And His glory into the enemy’s hand.
62 He also gave His people over to the
sword, Psalm 79
And was furious with His inheritance. A Dirge and a Prayer
63 The fire consumed their young men,
for Israel, Destroyed
And their maidens were not given in by Enemies
marriage. A Psalm of Asaph.
64 Their priests fell by the sword,
O
And their widows made no God, the nations have come into
lamentation. Your inheritance;
Your holy temple they have
65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, defiled;
Like a mighty man who shouts They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
2 The dead bodies of Your servants
because of wine.
66 And He beat back His enemies; They have given as food for the birds of
He put them to a perpetual reproach. the heavens,
The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of
67 Moreover He rejected the tent of the earth.
3 Their blood they have shed like water
Joseph,
all around Jerusalem,
And did not choose the tribe of
And there was no one to bury them.
Ephraim, 4 We have become a reproach to our
68 But chose the tribe of Judah,
neighbors,
Mount Zion which He loved. A scorn and derision to those who are
69 And He built His sanctuary like the
around us.
heights,
Like the earth which He has 5How long, Lord?
established forever. Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations
Integrity
that do not know You,
Is it important for leaders to And on the kingdoms that do not call
have integrity? on Your name.
Psalm 78:70–72 7 For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.
19-Psalms.indd 713 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 79:8 714
8Oh, do not remember former iniquities Against the prayer of Your people?
against us! 5 You have fed them with the bread of
Let Your tender mercies come speedily tears,
to meet us, And given them tears to drink in great
For we have been brought very low. measure.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, 6 You have made us a strife to our
For the glory of Your name; neighbors,
And deliver us, and provide atonement And our enemies laugh among
for our sins, themselves.
For Your name’s sake!
10 Why should the nations say, 7Restore us, O God of hosts;
“ Where is their God?” Cause Your face to shine,
Let there be known among the nations And we shall be saved!
in our sight
8You have brought a vine out of Egypt;
The avenging of the blood of Your
servants which has been shed. You have cast out the nations, and
planted it.
11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come 9 You prepared room for it,
before You; And caused it to take deep root,
According to the greatness of Your And it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with its shadow,
power
Preserve those who are appointed to And the mighty cedars with its
die; boughs.
12 And return to our neighbors sevenfold 11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea,a
into their bosom And her branches to the River.b
Their reproach with which they have
12 Why have You broken down her
reproached You, O Lord.
hedges,
13 So we, Your people and sheep of Your So that all who pass by the way pluck
pasture, her fruit?
13 The boar out of the woods uproots it,
Will give You thanks forever;
We will show forth Your praise to all And the wild beast of the field
generations. devours it.
14 Return, we beseech You, O God of
Psalm 80
hosts;
Prayer for Israel’s Look down from heaven and see,
Restoration And visit this vine
15 And the vineyard which Your right
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”a
A Testimonyb of Asaph. A Psalm. hand has planted,
And the branch that You made strong
G
ive ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
for Yourself.
You who lead Joseph like a flock; 16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down;
You who dwell between the
They perish at the rebuke of Your
cherubim, shine forth!
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and
countenance.
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of
Manasseh, Your right hand,
Stir up Your strength, Upon the son of man whom You made
And come and save us! strong for Yourself.
18 Then we will not turn back from You;
3Restore us, O God;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your
Cause Your face to shine, name.
And we shall be saved!
80:title aHebrew Shoshannim bHebrew Eduth
4O Lord God of hosts, 80:11 aThat is, the Mediterranean bThat is, the
How long will You be angry Euphrates
19-Psalms.indd 714 2/14/12 11:59 AM
715 Psalm 82:4
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; I answered you in the secret place of
Cause Your face to shine, thunder;
And we shall be saved! I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Selah
Psalm 81
8“ Hear, O My people, and I will
An Appeal for Israel’s
admonish you!
Repentance
O Israel, if you will listen to Me!
To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath.a 9 There shall be no foreign god among
A Psalm of Asaph. you;
S
ing aloud to God our strength; Nor shall you worship any foreign god.
10 I am the Lord your God,
Make a joyful shout to the God of
Jacob. Who brought you out of the land of
2 Raise a song and strike the timbrel, Egypt;
The pleasant harp with the lute. Open your mouth wide, and I will
fill it.
3Blow the trumpet at the time of the
11“ But My people would not heed My
New Moon,
At the full moon, on our solemn feast voice,
day. And Israel would have none of Me.
4 For this is a statute for Israel, 12 So I gave them over to their own
A law of the God of Jacob. stubborn heart,
5 This He established in Joseph as a To walk in their own counsels.
testimony,
13“ Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
When He went throughout the land
of Egypt, That Israel would walk in My ways!
14 I would soon subdue their enemies,
Where I heard a language I did not
understand. And turn My hand against their
adversaries.
15 The haters of the Lord would pretend
Music submission to Him,
Are music and singing good But their fate would endure forever.
16 He would have fed them also with the
ways to praise God?
finest of wheat;
Psalm 81:1–5
And with honey from the rock I would
have satisfied you.”
6“ I removed his shoulder from the
burden; Psalm 82
His hands were freed from the baskets. A Plea for Justice
A Psalm of Asaph.
Psalm 81:6
G
od stands in the congregation of
The “burden” was the suffering the the mighty;
Israelites endured while they were He judges among the gods.a
slaves in Egypt. The “baskets” were 2 How long will you judge unjustly,
the containers workers carried while And show partiality to the wicked?
making bricks for the Egyptians. Brick Selah
workers were often forced to carry 3 Defend the poor and fatherless;
wooden beams with a basket hanging Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
from each end to hold materials or 4 Deliver the poor and needy;
finished bricks. Free them from the hand of the
wicked.
7 You called in trouble, and I delivered
81:title aHebrew Al Gittith 82:1 aHebrew
you; elohim, mighty ones; that is, the judges
19-Psalms.indd 715 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 82:5 716
5They do not know, nor do they 9 Deal with them as with Midian,
understand; As with Sisera,
They walk about in darkness; As with Jabin at the Brook Kishon,
All the foundations of the earth are 10 Who perished at En Dor,
unstable. Who became as refuse on the earth.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and like
6I said, “You are gods,a Zeeb,
And all of you are children of the Most Yes, all their princes like Zebah and
High. Zalmunna,
7 But you shall die like men, 12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves
And fall like one of the princes.” The pastures of God for a possession.”
8Arise, O God, judge the earth; 13 O my God, make them like the
For You shall inherit all nations. whirling dust,
Like the chaff before the wind!
Psalm 83 14 As the fire burns the woods,
Prayer to Frustrate And as the flame sets the mountains
Conspiracy Against Israel on fire,
15 So pursue them with Your tempest,
A Song. A Psalm of Asaph.
And frighten them with Your storm.
D
o not keep silent, O God! 16 Fill their faces with shame,
Do not hold Your peace, That they may seek Your name,
And do not be still, O God! O Lord.
2 For behold, Your enemies make a 17 Let them be confounded and
tumult; dismayed forever;
And those who hate You have lifted up Yes, let them be put to shame and
their head. perish,
18 That they may know that You, whose
name alone is the Lord,
Protection Are the Most High over all the earth.
Who should protect the
helpless? Psalm 84
Psalm 82:3, 4 The Blessedness of Dwelling
in the House of God
3 They have taken crafty counsel against To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath.a
Your people, A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
H
And consulted together against Your ow lovely is Your tabernacle,
sheltered ones. O Lord of hosts!
4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints
them off from being a nation, For the courts of the Lord;
That the name of Israel may be My heart and my flesh cry out for the
remembered no more.” living God.
5For they have consulted together with
3Even the sparrow has found a home,
one consent; And the swallow a nest for herself,
They form a confederacy against You: Where she may lay her young—
6 The tents of Edom and the
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
Ishmaelites; My King and my God.
Moab and the Hagrites; 4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
house;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; They will still be praising You.Selah
8 Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot. 82:6 aHebrew elohim, mighty ones; that is, the
Selah judges 84:title aHebrew Al Gittith
19-Psalms.indd 716 2/14/12 11:59 AM
717 Psalm 86:3
2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your
Psalm 83:9–11 people;
These enemies had one thing in You have covered all their sin.Selah
common: they had been defeated by 3 You have taken away all Your wrath;
the Israelites in an unlikely manner. You have turned from the fierceness of
The Midianites fought the Israelites Your anger.
with an enormous army, yet they were
defeated by Gideon and his tiny band 4Restore us, O God of our salvation,
of soldiers. The army of Jabin, under And cause Your anger toward us to
the command of Sisera, lost to an Isra- cease.
elite army led by a woman, Deborah. 5 Will You be angry with us forever?
Sisera escaped, but was later killed by Will You prolong Your anger to all
another woman, Jael, who hammered generations?
a tent peg into his head while he slept. 6 Will You not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your mercy, Lord,
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is
And grant us Your salvation.
in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. 8I will hear what God the Lord will
6 As they pass through the Valley of
speak,
Baca, For He will speak peace
They make it a spring; To His people and to His saints;
The rain also covers it with pools. But let them not turn back to folly.
7 They go from strength to strength; 9 Surely His salvation is near to those
Each one appears before God in Zion.a who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
8O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob!Selah 10 Mercy and truth have met together;
9 O God, behold our shield,
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
And look upon the face of Your 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth,
anointed. And righteousness shall look down
from heaven.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
a thousand. And our land will yield its increase.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the 13 Righteousness will go before Him,
house of my God And shall make His footsteps our
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. pathway.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory; Psalm 86
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly. Prayer for Mercy,
with Meditation
12 O Lord of hosts, on the Excellencies
Blessed is the man who trusts in You! of the L ord
A Prayer of David.
B
Psalm 85 ow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.
Prayer that the L ord Will
Restore Favor to the Land 2 Preserve my life, for I am holy;
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons
You are my God;
of Korah. Save Your servant who trusts in You!
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
L
ord, You have been favorable to Your For I cry to You all day long.
land;
You have brought back the captivity 84:7 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read The
of Jacob. God of gods shall be seen.
19-Psalms.indd 717 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 86:4 718
Promise
God promises peace to His faithful people.
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
back to folly (Ps. 85:8).
Faithfulness, the way God defines it, is not a stuck-like-
glue observance of a bunch of rules you learn in Sunday school. What’s going on
inside you is more important to God than what you do. So the faithful person
obeys, not because he has incredible willpower but because his heart is turned
toward God all the time. When a faithful person fails, he or she is quick to admit it,
talk to Jesus about it, and accept His forgiveness. The faithful person is humble and
realizes real, meaningful life cannot be lived without God.
God promises to give peace to His people, but having peace doesn’t mean
everything that happens in your life will be wonderful and you won’t ever be sad or
get upset. The peace God gives is a way-down-in-your-gut confidence that
everything that happens to you, good or bad, is something God will use to bring
you closer to Him and make you more like Him. As your friendship with Jesus
grows, this peace will take root in your heart. He promises it will!
See for yourself// Micah 5:4, 5; John 14:27
4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord;
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. I will walk in Your truth;
5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to Unite my heart to fear Your name.
forgive, 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with
And abundant in mercy to all those all my heart,
who call upon You. And I will glorify Your name
forevermore.
6Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; 13 For great is Your mercy toward me,
And attend to the voice of my And You have delivered my soul from
supplications. the depths of Sheol.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call
upon You,
For You will answer me. Hell
Who saves us from hell?
Psalm 86:13
Forgiveness
Does God always forgive us
14 O God, the proud have risen
when we ask for forgiveness?
Psalm 86:5–7 against me,
And a mob of violent men have sought
my life,
8Among the gods there is none like You, And have not set You before them.
O Lord; 15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of
Nor are there any works like Your works. compassion, and gracious,
9 All nations whom You have made Longsuffering and abundant in mercy
Shall come and worship before You, and truth.
O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name. 16 Oh, turn to me, and have mercy
10 For You are great, and do wondrous on me!
things; Give Your strength to Your servant,
You alone are God. And save the son of Your maidservant.
19-Psalms.indd 718 2/14/12 11:59 AM
719 Psalm 88:3
Promise
God promises to readily forgive you.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in
mercy to all those who call upon You (Ps. 86:5).
In Luke 15, we read the story Jesus told about a young
guy who wanted to leave home in order to have the freedom
to live life his own way. So he asked his dad for the money he was supposed to
inherit later and ran off to do his own thing. This guy didn’t live a very good life out
on his own; he went wild and did all kinds of unwise things with his money. Soon
he was completely broke and had to find a job. He didn’t know how to do much, so
he had to take the worst job he could think of—feeding pigs. It paid practically
nothing and he didn’t even have enough food to eat. He was so hungry he actually
envied the pigs’ mealtime garbage. Finally, he got tired of living that way and
decided to go home. He didn’t expect things to be exactly as they were before he
left, but he thought his dad might give him a job as a servant. His dad surprised
him. He saw his son coming and ran down the road to meet him. His father was so
excited to see him that he threw a big party.
Jesus told this story to give you a picture of just how ready God is to forgive you.
He’s like that dad, standing on the porch, looking down the road for you—running
toward you when He sees you coming. He doesn’t forgive you because He has to. He
forgives you because, like that dad, He loves you; and what He wants more than
anything else is to have you home with Him.
See for yourself// Psalm 145:8; Luke 15:11–32; 1 John 1:9
17 Show me a sign for good, And the Most High Himself shall
That those who hate me may see it and establish her.”
be ashamed, 6 The Lord will record,
Because You, Lord, have helped me When He registers the peoples:
and comforted me. “ This one was born there.”Selah
7 Both the singers and the players on
Psalm 87
instruments say,
The Glories of the City “All my springs are in you.”
of God
A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. Psalm 88
H
is foundation is in the holy A Prayer for Help
mountains. in Despondency
2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion
A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the
More than all the dwellings of Jacob. Chief Musician. Set to “Mahalath Leannoth.”
3 Glorious things are spoken of you,
A Contemplationa of Heman the Ezrahite.
O city of God!Selah
O
Lord, God of my salvation,
4“ I will make mention of Rahab and
I have cried out day and night
before You.
Babylon to those who know Me; 2 Let my prayer come before You;
Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Incline Your ear to my cry.
Ethiopia:
‘This one was born there.’ ” 3For my soul is full of troubles,
5And of Zion it will be said,
And my life draws near to the grave.
“ This one and that one were born in her; 88:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 719 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 88:4 720
4 I am counted with those who go down Psalm 89
to the pit;
Remembering the Covenant
I am like a man who has no with David, and Sorrow
strength, for Lost Blessings
5 Adrift among the dead,
Like the slain who lie in the grave, A Contemplationa of Ethan the Ezrahite.
I
Whom You remember no more, will sing of the mercies of the Lord
And who are cut off from Your hand. forever;
With my mouth will I make known
6You have laid me in the lowest pit,
Your faithfulness to all
In darkness, in the depths. generations.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built
And You have afflicted me with all up forever;
Your waves.Selah Your faithfulness You shall establish in
8 You have put away my acquaintances
the very heavens.”
far from me;
You have made me an abomination 3“ I have made a covenant with My
to them; chosen,
I am shut up, and I cannot get out; I have sworn to My servant David:
9My eye wastes away because of 4‘ Your seed I will establish forever,
affliction. And build up your throne to all
generations.’ ”Selah
Lord, I have called daily upon You;
I have stretched out my hands to 5 And the heavens will praise Your
You. wonders, O Lord;
10 Will You work wonders for the
Your faithfulness also in the assembly
dead? of the saints.
Shall the dead arise and praise You? 6 For who in the heavens can be
Selah compared to the Lord?
11 Shall Your lovingkindness be declared
Who among the sons of the mighty can
in the grave? be likened to the Lord?
Or Your faithfulness in the place of 7 God is greatly to be feared in the
destruction? assembly of the saints,
12 Shall Your wonders be known in the
And to be held in reverence by all those
dark? around Him.
And Your righteousness in the land of 8 O Lord God of hosts,
forgetfulness? Who is mighty like You, O Lord?
Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
13 But to You I have cried out, O Lord, 9 You rule the raging of the sea;
And in the morning my prayer comes When its waves rise, You still them.
before You. 10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as
14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul?
one who is slain;
Why do You hide Your face from me? You have scattered Your enemies with
15 I have been afflicted and ready to die
Your mighty arm.
from my youth;
I suffer Your terrors; 11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also
I am distraught. is Yours;
16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me;
The world and all its fullness, You have
Your terrors have cut me off. founded them.
17 They came around me all day long like 12 The north and the south, You have
water; created them;
They engulfed me altogether. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your
18 Loved one and friend You have put far
name.
from me,
And my acquaintances into darkness. 89:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 720 2/14/12 11:59 AM
721 Psalm 89:47
13 You have a mighty arm; And do not keep My commandments,
Strong is Your hand, and high is Your 32 Then I will punish their transgression
right hand. with the rod,
14 Righteousness and justice are the And their iniquity with stripes.
foundation of Your throne; 33 Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will
Mercy and truth go before Your face. not utterly take from him,
15 Blessed are the people who know the Nor allow My faithfulness to fail.
34 My covenant I will not break,
joyful sound!
They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your Nor alter the word that has gone out
countenance. of My lips.
16 In Your name they rejoice all day long, 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness;
And in Your righteousness they are I will not lie to David:
36 His seed shall endure forever,
exalted.
17 For You are the glory of their strength, And his throne as the sun before Me;
37 It shall be established forever like the
And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord, moon,
And our king to the Holy One of Israel. Even like the faithful witness in the
sky.”Selah
19 Then You spoke in a vision to Your
38 But You have cast off and abhorred,
holy one,a
And said: “I have given help to one who You have been furious with Your
is mighty; anointed.
39 You have renounced the covenant of
I have exalted one chosen from the
people. Your servant;
20 I have found My servant David; You have profaned his crown by
With My holy oil I have anointed him, casting it to the ground.
40 You have broken down all his hedges;
21 With whom My hand shall be
established; You have brought his strongholds to
Also My arm shall strengthen him. ruin.
41 All who pass by the way plunder him;
22 The enemy shall not outwit him,
Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. He is a reproach to his neighbors.
42 You have exalted the right hand of his
23 I will beat down his foes before his
face, adversaries;
And plague those who hate him. You have made all his enemies rejoice.
43 You have also turned back the edge of
24“ But My faithfulness and My mercy his sword,
shall be with him, And have not sustained him in the
And in My name his horn shall be battle.
44 You have made his glory cease,
exalted.
25 Also I will set his hand over the sea, And cast his throne down to the
ground.
And his right hand over the rivers. 45 The days of his youth You have
26 He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father,
shortened;
My God, and the rock of my salvation.’
27 Also I will make him My firstborn, You have covered him with shame.
Selah
The highest of the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy I will keep for him forever,
46 How long, Lord?
And My covenant shall stand firm with
Will You hide Yourself forever?
him.
29 His seed also I will make to endure
Will Your wrath burn like fire?
47 Remember how short my time is;
forever, For what futility have You created all
And his throne as the days of heaven. the children of men?
30“ If his sons forsake My law
89:19 aFollowing many Hebrew manuscripts;
And do not walk in My judgments, Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Targum, and
31 If they break My statutes Vulgate read holy ones.
19-Psalms.indd 721 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 89:48 722
48 What man can live and not see 3You turn man to destruction,
death? And say, “Return, O children of men.”
Can he deliver his life from the power 4 For a thousand years in Your sight
of the grave?Selah Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
5 You carry them away like a flood;
Death They are like a sleep.
Who will face death? In the morning they are like grass
Psalm 89:46–48 which grows up:
6 In the morning it flourishes and
grows up;
49 Lord, where are Your former
In the evening it is cut down and
lovingkindnesses, withers.
Which You swore to David in Your
truth? 7For we have been consumed by Your
50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your
anger,
servants— And by Your wrath we are terrified.
How I bear in my bosom the reproach 8 You have set our iniquities before You,
of all the many peoples, Our secret sins in the light of Your
51 With which Your enemies have
countenance.
reproached, O Lord, 9 For all our days have passed away in
With which they have reproached the Your wrath;
footsteps of Your anointed. We finish our years like a sigh.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
52 Blessed be the Lord forevermore!
And if by reason of strength they are
Amen and Amen. eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and
sorrow;
Psalm 90:1 For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
This psalm, the only one written by 11 Who knows the power of Your anger?
Moses, is probably the oldest one in For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
the entire collection. It was written 12 So teach us to number our days,
near the end of the Israelites’ forty That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
years of wandering in the wilderness
and offers a prayer for the new genera- 13 Return, O Lord!
tion of Israelites who would enter and How long?
conquer the land God had promised And have compassion on Your
them. servants.
14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
BOOK FOUR: Psalms 90—106 That we may rejoice and be glad all
our days!
15 Make us glad according to the days in
Psalm 90
which You have afflicted us,
The Eternity of God, The years in which we have seen evil.
and Man’s Frailty 16 Let Your work appear to Your
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. servants,
And Your glory to their children.
L
ord, You have been our dwelling placea 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our
in all generations. God be upon us,
2 Before the mountains were brought
And establish the work of our hands
forth, for us;
Or ever You had formed the earth and Yes, establish the work of our hands.
the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, 90:1 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read
You are God. refuge.
19-Psalms.indd 722 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Life App
Eternity / Psalm 90:2
If you want to think about something that will make your brain
crash and burn, try thinking about eternity. How can something
have no beginning and no end? Our limited minds just cannot con-
ceive of anything outside our own concept of being. Everything we
know started somewhere and will one day come to an end. So words
like “everlasting” and “forever” are concepts we just don’t get.
Although we may never understand the full meaning of eternity
while we live in this world, we can find ways to try and grasp at least
a little of all it means.
When God created all that is, He set certain physical laws in mo-
tion. They govern the building blocks of our world: space, time,
energy, and matter. If you think about it, everything in our world is
one of those four things. Because He placed us in this world, our
existence is ruled by those laws. We experience time, because God
set time in motion for His creation. We “see” air, because God cre-
ated space. We can see and touch things, because God decided to
create matter. We know the meaning of energy because we feel the
heat of the sun and know the power of fire.
When we think of existence we think within the forms that we
know from living in this world. But God lives outside His creation.
God’s “world” is so different from ours that we could never grasp
anything about His existence. He lives outside space and time; He is
not affected by energy or matter because He created them. No phys-
ical laws govern Him because He is the One who set the laws in
motion.
The concept of eternity is one we most likely will never really get
until we have left this world behind. Although we are now living in
this world that is limited to space, time, matter, and energy, we will
one day enter eternity. Until then, we can simply thank God that He
is so different from us. Who would want to worship a God who is so
small He could be completely understood?
19-Psalms.indd 723 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 91:1 724
Making It Real //
Psalm 90:5, 6
Wasted Time Compared to God, who was never born and will never die, your life
is like a blade of grass that grows up at dawn and withers by sunset. Our time on earth is
short, so the really important question is how are you going to spend your life? Are you
going to waste most of it, hoping to make the last few years count, or will you max out
your days to the glory of God?
Don’t waste any more time. Lock on to the things that you really love to do and
pursue them with all your heart. Get serious about your relationship with God. Before
you know it, you’ll be standing in His presence, giving an account of what you did on
earth. It’s time to forgive the people you need to forgive. It’s time to plug in to your family.
It’s time to stop whining and look for the good in your life. Every day you waste is twenty-
four hours you will never get back. (See also: Job 14:1, 2; Eccl. 6:12; Is. 40:6–8.)
Words to Live By
In the morning . . . in the evening: We all understand the words “morning” and
“evening” but Psalm 90:6 isn’t really talking about the portions of a day. It is actually
speaking of our lives. If you lived your entire life in one single day—from newborn to el-
derly in twenty-four hours—as a teenager you would be midway through your morning.
By noon half your life would be gone. That’s just how fast life feels when you get older and
look back over the time you’ve lived. Don’t waste a day of the time you have. Don’t look
back at midnight and wish you’d have lived differently.
Psalm 91 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by
night,
Safety of Abiding in
the Presence of God Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in
H
e who dwells in the secret place of darkness,
the Most High Nor of the destruction that lays waste
Shall abide under the shadow of the at noonday.
Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge 7A thousand may fall at your side,
and my fortress; And ten thousand at your right hand;
My God, in Him I will trust.” But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
Fear And see the reward of the wicked.
Why should we never be 9Because you have made the Lord, who
afraid? is my refuge,
Psalm 91:3–10 Even the Most High, your dwelling
place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
3Surely He shall deliver you from the
Nor shall any plague come near your
snare of the fowlera dwelling;
And from the perilous pestilence. 11 For He shall give His angels charge
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
over you,
And under His wings you shall take To keep you in all your ways.
refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and 91:3 aThat is, one who catches birds in a trap
buckler. or snare
19-Psalms.indd 724 2/14/12 11:59 AM
725 Psalm 93:5
12 In their hands they shall bear you up, All the workers of iniquity shall be
Lest you dash your foot against a scattered.
stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the 10 But my horn You have exalted like a
cobra, wild ox;
The young lion and the serpent you I have been anointed with fresh oil.
shall trample underfoot.
14“ Because he has set his love upon Me, Psalm 92:10
therefore I will deliver him; The wild ox was considered untam-
I will set him on high, because he has able. The animal, which used its horn
known My name. as a weapon, was a symbol of strength
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will to the Israelites.
answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
11 My eye also has seen my desire on my
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him, enemies;
And show him My salvation.” My ears hear my desire on the wicked
Who rise up against me.
Psalm 92
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm
Praise to the L ord for His Love tree,
and Faithfulness
He shall grow like a cedar in
A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath day. Lebanon.
I
13 Those who are planted in the house of
t is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, the Lord
O Most High; Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
morning, They shall be fresh and flourishing,
15 To declare that the Lord is upright;
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings, He is my rock, and there is no
On the lute, unrighteousness in Him.
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound. Psalm 93
4 For You, Lord, have made me glad
The Eternal Reign of the L ord
through Your work;
T
I will triumph in the works of Your he Lord reigns, He is clothed with
hands. majesty;
The Lord is clothed,
5O Lord, how great are Your works! He has girded Himself with strength.
Your thoughts are very deep. Surely the world is established, so that
6 A senseless man does not know, it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
Nor does a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring up like You are from everlasting.
grass,
3The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
And when all the workers of iniquity
flourish, The floods have lifted up their voice;
It is that they may be destroyed The floods lift up their waves.
4 The Lord on high is mightier
forever.
Than the noise of many waters,
8But You, Lord, are on high Than the mighty waves of the sea.
forevermore.
9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, 5Your testimonies are very sure;
For behold, Your enemies shall Holiness adorns Your house,
perish; O Lord, forever.
19-Psalms.indd 725 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 94:1 726
Psalm 94 16 Who will rise up for me against the
evildoers?
God the Refuge
of the Righteous Who will stand up for me against the
workers of iniquity?
O
Lord God, to whom vengeance 17 Unless the Lord had been my help,
belongs— My soul would soon have settled in
O God, to whom vengeance silence.
belongs, shine forth! 18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold
Render punishment to the proud. me up.
3 Lord, how long will the wicked, 19 In the multitude of my anxieties
How long will the wicked triumph? within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
4They utter speech, and speak insolent
things; 20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which
All the workers of iniquity boast in devises evil by law,
themselves. Have fellowship with You?
5 They break in pieces Your people, 21 They gather together against the life
O Lord, of the righteous,
And afflict Your heritage. And condemn innocent blood.
6 They slay the widow and the 22 But the Lord has been my defense,
stranger, And my God the rock of my refuge.
And murder the fatherless. 23 He has brought on them their own
7 Yet they say, “The Lord does not see,
iniquity,
Nor does the God of Jacob And shall cut them off in their own
understand.” wickedness;
The Lord our God shall cut them
8Understand, you senseless among the
off.
people;
And you fools, when will you be Psalm 95
wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He A Call to Worship
not hear? and Obedience
O
He who formed the eye, shall He not h come, let us sing to the Lord!
see? Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He our salvation.
not correct, 2 Let us come before His presence with
He who teaches man knowledge? thanksgiving;
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of Let us shout joyfully to Him with
man, psalms.
That they are futile. 3 For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, 4 In His hand are the deep places of the
O Lord, earth;
And teach out of Your law, The heights of the hills are His also.
13 That You may give him rest from the 5 The sea is His, for He made it;
days of adversity, And His hands formed the dry land.
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off His 6Oh come, let us worship and bow
people, down;
Nor will He forsake His inheritance. Let us kneel before the Lord our
15 But judgment will return to Maker.
righteousness, 7 For He is our God,
And all the upright in heart will And we are the people of His pasture,
follow it. And the sheep of His hand.
19-Psalms.indd 726 2/14/12 11:59 AM
727 Psalm 97:11
Today, if you will hear His voice: 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the
8“ Do not harden your hearts, as in the earth be glad;
rebellion,a Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
As in the day of trialb in the wilderness, 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is
9 When your fathers tested Me; in it.
They tried Me, though they saw My Then all the trees of the woods will
work. rejoice before the Lord.
10 For forty years I was grieved with that 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to
generation, judge the earth.
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray He shall judge the world with
in their hearts, righteousness,
And they do not know My ways.’ And the peoples with His truth.
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ” Psalm 97
A Song of Praise to
Psalm 96
the Sovereign L ord
A Song of Praise to God
T
he Lord reigns;
Coming in Judgment
Let the earth rejoice;
O
h, sing to the Lord a new song! Let the multitude of isles be glad!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless His 2Clouds and darkness surround Him;
name; Righteousness and justice are the
Proclaim the good news of His foundation of His throne.
salvation from day to day. 3 A fire goes before Him,
3 Declare His glory among the nations,
And burns up His enemies round
His wonders among all peoples. about.
4 His lightnings light the world;
4For the Lord is great and greatly to be
The earth sees and trembles.
praised; 5 The mountains melt like wax at the
He is to be feared above all gods. presence of the Lord,
5 For all the gods of the peoples are
At the presence of the Lord of the
idols, whole earth.
But the Lord made the heavens. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness,
6 Honor and majesty are before Him;
And all the peoples see His glory.
Strength and beauty are in His
sanctuary. 7Let all be put to shame who serve
carved images,
7Give to the Lord, O families of the
Who boast of idols.
peoples, Worship Him, all you gods.
Give to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Zion hears and is glad,
8 Give to the Lord the glory due His
And the daughters of Judah rejoice
name; Because of Your judgments, O Lord.
Bring an offering, and come into His 9 For You, Lord, are most high above all
courts. the earth;
9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of
You are exalted far above all gods.
holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints;
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord
He delivers them out of the hand of
reigns; the wicked.
The world also is firmly established, 11 Light is sown for the righteous,
It shall not be moved; And gladness for the upright in heart.
He shall judge the peoples
righteously.” 95:8 aOr Meribah
bOr Massah
19-Psalms.indd 727 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 97:12 728
Promise
God promises to be a fair and equal judge.
For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He
shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity (Ps. 98:9).
How many times have you complained to someone,
“Hey, that’s not fair!” You might make that claim when
someone who didn’t study for a test gets a better grade than you after you studied
for hours; or when your friend’s curfew is later than yours; or any time you have to
suffer consequences for someone else’s poor choices.
Life can seem totally unfair, especially when you look at the world around
you—murderers who don’t go to jail because of legal technicalities, innocent little
kids who are hurt by people they trust, people killed by drunk drivers. Some of the
horrible things that can happen in life can make you question whether God cares
about justice.
There is no doubt that God cares about justice, but we have to realize that God
is the only one who can really decide what justice looks like. He’s the only one who
is good enough and wise enough to make that call. And God isn’t limited to seeing
only today, as we are. He sees from the beginning of time to the end of time in one
glance. He knows what’s in store for people who choose to hurt others and for the
innocent people who suffer because of them. God never plays favorites. He loves
everyone equally and gives everyone the right to make their own choices. When
those choices cause sinful behaviors, God will hold the people who chose sin
accountable. The only thing that will prevent those people from getting exactly
what they deserve will be the mercy and forgiveness that Jesus gives. That mercy
will only be available to those who have trusted in Him.
See for yourself// Psalms 7:9; 119:137; Isaiah 30:18; Zephaniah 3:5;
1 John 1:9
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, All the ends of the earth have seen the
And give thanks at the remembrance salvation of our God.
of His holy name.a
4Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the
Psalm 98 earth;
A Song of Praise to Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing
the L ord for His Salvation praises.
5 Sing to the Lord with the harp,
and Judgment
With the harp and the sound of a
A Psalm.
psalm,
O
h, sing to the Lord a new song! 6 With trumpets and the sound of a
For He has done marvelous horn;
things; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the
His right hand and His holy arm King.
have gained Him the victory. 7Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
2 The Lord has made known His
The world and those who dwell in it;
salvation; 8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
His righteousness He has revealed in Let the hills be joyful together before
the sight of the nations. the Lord,
3 He has remembered His mercy and
9 For He is coming to judge the earth.
His faithfulness to the house of
Israel; 97:12 aOr His holiness
19-Psalms.indd 728 2/14/12 11:59 AM
729 Psalm 101:4
9 Exalt the Lord our God,
Psalm 98:6 And worship at His holy hill;
The horns used by musicians in For the Lord our God is holy.
ancient Israel were made of animal
horns. After removing the horn from Psalm 100
an animal such as a wild ox or ram, A Song of Praise for
the musician would cut off the end of the L ord ’s Faithfulness to His
it, and blow through it. These horns, People
which were also known as shofars,
were used by priests and Levites A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
M
for religious events. They were also ake a joyful shout to the Lord, all
sounded to announce an attack dur- you lands!
ing wartime. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with
singing.
With righteousness He shall judge the 3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
world, It is He who has made us, and not we
And the peoples with equity. ourselves;a
We are His people and the sheep of His
Psalm 99 pasture.
Praise to the L ord for His 4Enter into His gates with
Holiness
thanksgiving,
T
he Lord reigns; And into His courts with praise.
Let the peoples tremble! Be thankful to Him, and bless His
He dwells between the cherubim; name.
Let the earth be moved! 5 For the Lord is good;
2 The Lord is great in Zion,
His mercy is everlasting,
And He is high above all the peoples. And His truth endures to all
3 Let them praise Your great and
generations.
awesome name—
He is holy. Psalm 101
4The King’s strength also loves justice; Promised Faithfulness to
You have established equity; the L ord
You have executed justice and A Psalm of David.
I
righteousness in Jacob. will sing of mercy and justice;
5 Exalt the Lord our God,
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy. 2I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
6Moses and Aaron were among His
Oh, when will You come to me?
I will walk within my house with a
priests, perfect heart.
And Samuel was among those who
called upon His name; 3I will set nothing wicked before my
They called upon the Lord, and He eyes;
answered them. I hate the work of those who fall
7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
away;
They kept His testimonies and the It shall not cling to me.
ordinance He gave them. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me;
8You answered them, O Lord our God;
I will not know wickedness.
You were to them God-Who-Forgives, 100:3 aFollowing Kethib, Septuagint, and
Though You took vengeance on their Vulgate; Qere, many Hebrew manuscripts, and
deeds. Targum read we are His.
19-Psalms.indd 729 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 101:5 730
Making It Real //
Psalm 100:5
Goodness Goodness is not something God does; it is something God is. Goodness is
a part of God’s very nature and He will never change. Think about it this way. If you were
born Hispanic, that’s what you are. No matter what you do, you will always be Hispanic.
In much the same way, God will always be good. Because He is eternally good, everything
that comes from Him is also good. His will is goodness. He shows us goodness, and He
expects it from us.
When Jesus came to earth He said He wanted to show the world what God is like.
Because Jesus is God, when we look at Him and read about Him in the Bible, we are
learning about the nature of God.
As we walk with God, we should begin to act more and more like Jesus. Do your
actions show people about God’s goodness? There’s nothing geeky about being good. In
fact, it takes a really strong and disciplined person to be good. Do you give goodness
freely? If you do, keep it up. If you don’t, it’s never too late to start. What’s the worst that
could happen? No matter how others react, at least the world could be better for a mo-
ment because you made the choice to show goodness. Give it a shot. What have you got
to lose? (See also: Ezra 3:11; Ps. 34:8; 145:9; Jer. 33:11.)
Words to Live By
Everlasting: The word translated in Psalm 100:5 as “everlasting” is the Hebrew
word olam (o-lawm’). It means “eternal,” but it also implies something that is unchang-
ing—forever the same. We live in a world where the only thing we can ever really be sure
of is change. How wonderful to know that God never changes.
That I may cut off all the evildoers
Purity from the city of the Lord.
How can we live pure lives?
Psalm 101:2–4 Psalm 102
The L ord ’s Eternal Love
5Whoever secretly slanders his A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed
neighbor, and pours out his complaint before the Lord.
H
Him I will destroy; ear my prayer, O Lord,
The one who has a haughty look and a And let my cry come to You.
proud heart, 2 Do not hide Your face from me in
Him I will not endure. the day of my trouble;
Incline Your ear to me;
6My eyes shall be on the faithful of the In the day that I call, answer me
land, speedily.
That they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a perfect way, 3For my days are consumed like smoke,
He shall serve me. And my bones are burned like a
7 He who works deceit shall not dwell hearth.
within my house; 4 My heart is stricken and withered like
He who tells lies shall not continue in grass,
my presence. So that I forget to eat my bread.
8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of 5 Because of the sound of my groaning
the land, My bones cling to my skin.
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731 Psalm 103:4
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; 18 This will be written for the generation
I am like an owl of the desert. to come,
7 I lie awake, That a people yet to be created may
And am like a sparrow alone on the praise the Lord.
housetop. 19 For He looked down from the height of
His sanctuary;
8My enemies reproach me all day long; From heaven the Lord viewed the
Those who deride me swear an oath earth,
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner,
against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, To release those appointed to death,
21 To declare the name of the Lord in
And mingled my drink with weeping,
10 Because of Your indignation and Your Zion,
wrath; And His praise in Jerusalem,
22 When the peoples are gathered
For You have lifted me up and cast me
away. together,
11 My days are like a shadow that And the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
lengthens,
23 He weakened my strength in the way;
And I wither away like grass.
He shortened my days.
12 But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, 24 I said, “O my God,
And the remembrance of Your name Do not take me away in the midst of
to all generations. my days;
Your years are throughout all
generations.
Psalm 102:13, 14 25 Of old You laid the foundation of the
The Babylonians weren’t content with earth,
attacking Jerusalem once. In 586 B.C., And the heavens are the work of Your
they returned to finish the job. Led hands.
26 They will perish, but You will endure;
by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian
forces looted and destroyed Solomon’s Yes, they will all grow old like a
temple. For fifty years the temple lay garment;
in ruins, until a group of Jews returned Like a cloak You will change them,
home from captivity to rebuild the And they will be changed.
27 But You are the same,
structure. The job was finished
around 515 B.C. Like the temple, the And Your years will have no end.
28 The children of Your servants will
walls of Jerusalem lay in shambles
until Nehemiah led a reconstruction continue,
project in 445 B.C. And their descendants will be
established before You.”
13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; Psalm 103
For the time to favor her,
Praise for the L ord ’s Mercies
Yes, the set time, has come.
14 For Your servants take pleasure in her A Psalm of David.
B
stones, less the Lord, O my soul;
And show favor to her dust. And all that is within me, bless His
15 So the nations shall fear the name of
holy name!
the Lord, 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all the kings of the earth Your And forget not all His benefits:
glory. 3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
16 For the Lord shall build up Zion; Who heals all your diseases,
He shall appear in His glory. 4 Who redeems your life from
17 He shall regard the prayer of the destruction,
destitute, Who crowns you with lovingkindness
And shall not despise their prayer. and tender mercies,
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Psalm 103:5 732
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good You ministers of His, who do His
things, pleasure.
So that your youth is renewed like the 22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
eagle’s. In all places of His dominion.
6The Lord executes righteousness Bless the Lord, O my soul!
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, Psalm 104
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Praise to the Sovereign
L ord for His Creation
Slow to anger, and abounding in
and Providence
mercy.
B
9 He will not always strive with us, less the Lord, O my soul!
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to O Lord my God, You are very great:
our sins, You are clothed with honor and
Nor punished us according to our majesty,
2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a
iniquities.
garment,
11 For as the heavens are high above the Who stretch out the heavens like a
earth, curtain.
So great is His mercy toward those
who fear Him; 3He lays the beams of His upper
12 As far as the east is from the west, chambers in the waters,
So far has He removed our Who makes the clouds His chariot,
transgressions from us. Who walks on the wings of the wind,
13 As a father pities his children, 4 Who makes His angels spirits,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him. His ministers a flame of fire.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust. 5You who laid the foundations of the
earth,
15 As for man, his days are like grass; So that it should not be moved forever,
As a flower of the field, so he 6 You covered it with the deep as with a
flourishes. garment;
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is The waters stood above the
gone, mountains.
And its place remembers it no more.a 7 At Your rebuke they fled;
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from
At the voice of Your thunder they
everlasting to everlasting hastened away.
On those who fear Him, 8 They went up over the mountains;
And His righteousness to children’s They went down into the valleys,
children, To the place which You founded for
18 To such as keep His covenant,
them.
And to those who remember His 9 You have set a boundary that they may
commandments to do them. not pass over,
That they may not return to cover the
19 The Lord has established His throne
earth.
in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all. 10 He sends the springs into the valleys;
They flow among the hills.
20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, 11 They give drink to every beast of the
Who excel in strength, who do His field;
word, The wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, 103:16 aCompare Job 7:10
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733 Psalm 105:8
12 By them the birds of the heavens have 28 What You give them they gather in;
their home; You open Your hand, they are filled
They sing among the branches. with good.
13 He waters the hills from His upper 29 You hide Your face, they are troubled;
chambers; You take away their breath, they die
The earth is satisfied with the fruit of and return to their dust.
Your works. 30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are
created;
14 He causes the grass to grow for the
And You renew the face of the earth.
cattle,
And vegetation for the service of man, 31 May the glory of the Lord endure
That he may bring forth food from the forever;
earth, May the Lord rejoice in His works.
15 And wine that makes glad the heart 32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
of man, He touches the hills, and they smoke.
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
heart. I will sing praise to my God while I
16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap,
have my being.
The cedars of Lebanon which He 34 May my meditation be sweet to Him;
planted, I will be glad in the Lord.
17 Where the birds make their nests; 35 May sinners be consumed from the
The stork has her home in the fir trees. earth,
18 The high hills are for the wild goats;
And the wicked be no more.
The cliffs are a refuge for the rock
badgers.a Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
19 He appointed the moon for seasons;
The sun knows its going down. Psalm 105
20 You make darkness, and it is night,
In which all the beasts of the forest The Eternal Faithfulness
creep about. of the L ord
O
21 The young lions roar after their prey,
h, give thanks to the Lord!
And seek their food from God. Call upon His name;
22 When the sun rises, they gather
Make known His deeds among the
together peoples!
And lie down in their dens. 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
23 Man goes out to his work
Talk of all His wondrous works!
And to his labor until the evening. 3 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who
24 O Lord, how manifold are Your
seek the Lord!
works! 4 Seek the Lord and His strength;
In wisdom You have made them all. Seek His face evermore!
The earth is full of Your possessions— 5 Remember His marvelous works
25 This great and wide sea,
which He has done,
In which are innumerable teeming His wonders, and the judgments of His
things, mouth,
Living things both small and great. 6 O seed of Abraham His servant,
26 There the ships sail about;
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
There is that Leviathan
Which You have made to play there. 7He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
27 These all wait for You,
8 He remembers His covenant forever,
That You may give them their food in
due season. 104:18 aOr rock hyrax (compare Leviticus 11:5)
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Psalm 105:9 734
The word which He commanded, for a 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark;
thousand generations, And they did not rebel against His
9 The covenant which He made with word.
Abraham, 29 He turned their waters into blood,
And His oath to Isaac, And killed their fish.
10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, 30 Their land abounded with frogs,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant, Even in the chambers of their kings.
11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of
Canaan flies,
As the allotment of your inheritance,” And lice in all their territory.
12 When they were few in number, 32 He gave them hail for rain,
Indeed very few, and strangers in it. And flaming fire in their land.
33 He struck their vines also, and their
13 When they went from one nation to fig trees,
another, And splintered the trees of their
From one kingdom to another people, territory.
14 He permitted no one to do them 34 He spoke, and locusts came,
wrong; Young locusts without number,
Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, 35 And ate up all the vegetation in their
15 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed land,
ones, And devoured the fruit of their
And do My prophets no harm.” ground.
36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in
16 Moreover He called for a famine in their land,
the land; The first of all their strength.
He destroyed all the provision of
bread. 37 He also brought them out with silver
17 He sent a man before them— and gold,
Joseph—who was sold as a slave. And there was none feeble among His
18 They hurt his feet with fetters, tribes.
He was laid in irons. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
19 Until the time that his word came to For the fear of them had fallen upon
pass, them.
The word of the Lord tested him. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering,
20 The king sent and released him, And fire to give light in the night.
The ruler of the people let him go free. 40 The people asked, and He brought
21 He made him lord of his house, quail,
And ruler of all his possessions, And satisfied them with the bread of
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, heaven.
And teach his elders wisdom. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed
out;
23 Israel also came into Egypt, It ran in the dry places like a river.
And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.
24 He increased His people greatly, 42 For He remembered His holy promise,
And made them stronger than their And Abraham His servant.
enemies. 43 He brought out His people with joy,
25 He turned their heart to hate His His chosen ones with gladness.
people, 44 He gave them the lands of the
To deal craftily with His servants. Gentiles,
And they inherited the labor of the
26 He sent Moses His servant, nations,
And Aaron whom He had chosen. 45 That they might observe His statutes
27 They performed His signs among And keep His laws.
them,
And wonders in the land of Ham. Praise the Lord!
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735 Psalm 106:23
Psalm 106 And tested God in the desert.
15 And He gave them their request,
Joy in Forgiveness of Israel’s
Sins But sent leanness into their soul.
P
raise the Lord! 16 When they envied Moses in the camp,
And Aaron the saint of the Lord,
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is
good!
For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:17, 18
2Who can utter the mighty acts of the
As descendants of Reuben, Jacob’s
firstborn son, Dathan and Abiram
Lord? believed that they and their tribe—
Who can declare all His praise? and not Moses—should have been
3 Blessed are those who keep justice,
the political leaders of Israel. Their
And he who doesa righteousness at all punishment for challenging Moses’
times! authority was as unusual and severe
4Remember me, O Lord, with the favor as it was unexpected. The earth be-
neath the rebels’ feet opened up, and
You have toward Your people.
Dathan and Abiram, along with all
Oh, visit me with Your salvation,
5 That I may see the benefit of Your of their belongings, disappeared into
the earth. God took care of the other
chosen ones,
people who joined in the rebellion
That I may rejoice in the gladness of
with a fireball from heaven.
Your nation,
That I may glory with Your inheritance.
17 The earth opened up and swallowed
6We have sinned with our fathers,
Dathan,
We have committed iniquity,
And covered the faction of Abiram.
We have done wickedly. 18 A fire was kindled in their company;
7 Our fathers in Egypt did not
understand Your wonders; The flame burned up the wicked.
They did not remember the multitude 19 They made a calf in Horeb,
of Your mercies,
But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea. And worshiped the molded image.
20 Thus they changed their glory
8Nevertheless He saved them for His Into the image of an ox that eats grass.
21 They forgot God their Savior,
name’s sake,
That He might make His mighty power Who had done great things in Egypt,
known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it
Idolatry
dried up;
So He led them through the depths, In what circumstances
As through the wilderness. are we prone to give in to
10 He saved them from the hand of him
idolatry?
who hated them, Psalm 106:19–21
And redeemed them from the hand of
the enemy.
11 The waters covered their enemies; 22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham,
There was not one of them left. Awesome things by the Red Sea.
12 Then they believed His words; 23 Therefore He said that He would
They sang His praise. destroy them,
Had not Moses His chosen one stood
13 They soon forgot His works;
before Him in the breach,
They did not wait for His counsel,
14 But lusted exceedingly in the 106:3 aSeptuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate
wilderness, read those who do.
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Psalm 106:24 736
To turn away His wrath, lest He Whom they sacrificed to the idols of
destroy them. Canaan;
And the land was polluted with blood.
24 Then they despised the pleasant land; 39 Thus they were defiled by their own
They did not believe His word, works,
25 But complained in their tents, And played the harlot by their own
And did not heed the voice of the deeds.
Lord.
26 Therefore He raised His hand in an 40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was
oath against them, kindled against His people,
To overthrow them in the wilderness, So that He abhorred His own
27 To overthrow their descendants inheritance.
among the nations, 41 And He gave them into the hand of the
And to scatter them in the lands. Gentiles,
And those who hated them ruled over
28 They joined themselves also to Baal them.
of Peor, 42 Their enemies also oppressed them,
And ate sacrifices made to the dead. And they were brought into subjection
29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with under their hand.
their deeds, 43 Many times He delivered them;
And the plague broke out among But they rebelled in their counsel,
them. And were brought low for their iniquity.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and
44 Nevertheless He regarded their
intervened,
And the plague was stopped. affliction,
31 And that was accounted to him for When He heard their cry;
45 And for their sake He remembered His
righteousness
To all generations forevermore. covenant,
And relented according to the
32 They angered Him also at the waters multitude of His mercies.
of strife,a 46 He also made them to be pitied
So that it went ill with Moses on By all those who carried them away
account of them; captive.
33 Because they rebelled against His
47 Save us, O Lord our God,
Spirit,
So that he spoke rashly with his lips. And gather us from among the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
34 They did not destroy the peoples, To triumph in Your praise.
Concerning whom the Lord had
48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
commanded them,
35 But they mingled with the Gentiles From everlasting to everlasting!
And learned their works; And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!
Idolatry
What is God’s reaction to idol BOOK FIVE: Psalms 107—150
worship or the occult? Psalm 107
Psalm 106:36–43
Thanksgiving to the L ord
for His Great Works
36 They served their idols, of Deliverance
O
Which became a snare to them. h, give thanks to the Lord, for He
37 They even sacrificed their sons
is good!
And their daughters to demons, For His mercy endures forever.
38 And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters, 106:32 aOr Meribah
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Life App
Heartache / Psalm 107:6
Life can be so hurtful sometimes! One day you feel all safe and se-
cure and the next day everything just falls apart around you. Some-
times the things you get upset about are really not all that bad and
they end quickly. But once in a while, something happens that to-
tally wipes you out and breaks your heart. Usually those are the
things that you just can’t control; there’s nothing you can do to
change the situation; all you can do is hurt. The pain can get so bad
that you just don’t see how you can live through it.
If you’ve ever felt like that, you’re certainly not alone. At some
point, we all feel our hearts are broken beyond repair and life will
never be the same. It can make you want to just give up and yell, “I
surrender!” at the top of your lungs.
Many people in the Bible felt the same kind of hurt and heartache
as we sometimes have to face. David was one of them. He knew
what it was like to have his heart broken by events in life. But David
also knew the One who heals broken hearts. He knew no trouble he
faced would be beyond God’s power to help.
When our hearts are in horrible pain, we can’t make ourselves
stop hurting. We can’t turn back the clock and make the hurtful
thing un-happen. All we can do is live today and hope for a better
tomorrow. That one word is the key: hope. No matter how bad
things are today, life doesn’t stop. There is always tomorrow and to-
morrow God just may bring the perfect answer or give us the ability
to cope with what can’t be changed. Regardless which He chooses,
God will always give us a good “future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).
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Psalm 107:2 738
Making It Real //
Psalm 107:14
Darkness and Light In the Bible, the word darkness refers to ignorance, decep-
tion, and sin. Light indicates truth, openness, and the presence of God. Jesus told Nico-
demus, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing
evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed”
(John 3:19, 20). Because people loved the darkness—their evil way of life—they rejected
the light, Jesus.
When you made Jesus your Lord, He rescued you from darkness. You are no longer
ignorant of the wrong things you do or of God’s love for you in spite of them. Even sin
doesn’t have to hold you back from God’s love because He stands ready to forgive you the
minute you ask.
Look back to the time before you were a Christian and see how far you’ve come.
You’ve come out of the darkness of sin into the light and love of Jesus. (See also: Is. 9:2;
Eph. 5:8; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 1:5.)
Words to Live By
Chains: The word translated in Psalm 107:4 as “chains” is the Hebrew word mo
cerah (mo-ser-aw’). It is a restraint by which a person learns obedience through
punishment. Often, in biblical days, people were enslaved and their hands and feet were
placed in chains. Before we come to the Lord, it is like we are enslaved to sin with our
hands and feet in chains to keep us from getting free. But Jesus has broken the hold sin
had on our lives and we are now free to serve Him and live abundant lives.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, That they might go to a city for a
Whom He has redeemed from the dwelling place.
hand of the enemy, 8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the
3 And gathered out of the lands, Lord for His goodness,
From the east and from the west, And for His wonderful works to the
From the north and from the south. children of men!
9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with
Thankfulness goodness.
What is the biggest reason we
should be thankful to God? 10 Those who sat in darkness and in the
Psalm 107:1–3 shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
11 Because they rebelled against the
4They wandered in the wilderness in a words of God,
desolate way; And despised the counsel of the Most
They found no city to dwell in. High,
5 Hungry and thirsty, 12 Therefore He brought down their
Their soul fainted in them. heart with labor;
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in They fell down, and there was none to
their trouble, help.
And He delivered them out of their 13 Then they cried out to the Lord in
distresses. their trouble,
7 And He led them forth by the right And He saved them out of their
way, distresses.
19-Psalms.indd 738 2/14/12 11:59 AM
739 Psalm 108:2
14 He brought them out of darkness and 31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the
the shadow of death, Lord for His goodness,
And broke their chains in pieces. And for His wonderful works to the
15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the children of men!
Lord for His goodness, 32 Let them exalt Him also in the
And for His wonderful works to the assembly of the people,
children of men! And praise Him in the company of the
16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, elders.
And cut the bars of iron in two.
33 He turns rivers into a wilderness,
17 Fools, because of their transgression, And the watersprings into dry ground;
And because of their iniquities, were 34 A fruitful land into barrenness,
afflicted. For the wickedness of those who dwell
18 Their soul abhorred all manner of in it.
food, 35 He turns a wilderness into pools of
And they drew near to the gates of water,
death. And dry land into watersprings.
19 Then they cried out to the Lord in 36 There He makes the hungry dwell,
their trouble, That they may establish a city for a
And He saved them out of their dwelling place,
distresses. 37 And sow fields and plant vineyards,
20 He sent His word and healed them, That they may yield a fruitful harvest.
And delivered them from their 38 He also blesses them, and they
destructions. multiply greatly;
21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the And He does not let their cattle
Lord for His goodness, decrease.
And for His wonderful works to the
39 When they are diminished and
children of men!
22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of brought low
thanksgiving, Through oppression, affliction, and
And declare His works with rejoicing. sorrow,
40 He pours contempt on princes,
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, And causes them to wander in the
Who do business on great waters, wilderness where there is no way;
24 They see the works of the Lord, 41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from
And His wonders in the deep. affliction,
25 For He commands and raises the And makes their families like a flock.
42 The righteous see it and rejoice,
stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea. And all iniquity stops its mouth.
26 They mount up to the heavens,
43 Whoever is wise will observe these
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble. things,
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a And they will understand the
drunken man, lovingkindness of the Lord.
And are at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their Psalm 108
trouble, Assurance of God’s Victory
And He brings them out of their over Enemies
distresses.
29 He calms the storm, A Song. A Psalm of David.
O
So that its waves are still. God, my heart is steadfast;
30 Then they are glad because they are I will sing and give praise, even
quiet; with my glory.
So He guides them to their desired 2 Awake, lute and harp!
haven. I will awaken the dawn.
19-Psalms.indd 739 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 108:3 740
3 I will praise You, O Lord, among the 5 Thus they have rewarded me evil for
peoples, good,
And I will sing praises to You among And hatred for my love.
the nations.
4 For Your mercy is great above the 6Set a wicked man over him,
heavens, And let an accusera stand at his right
And Your truth reaches to the clouds. hand.
7 When he is judged, let him be found
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, guilty,
And Your glory above all the earth; And let his prayer become sin.
8 Let his days be few,
6 That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and hear me. And let another take his office.
9 Let his children be fatherless,
7God has spoken in His holiness: And his wife a widow.
10 Let his children continually be
“ I will rejoice;
vagabonds, and beg;
I will divide Shechem
Let them seek their breada also from
And measure out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; their desolate places.
11 Let the creditor seize all that he has,
Ephraim also is the helmet for My And let strangers plunder his labor.
head; 12 Let there be none to extend mercy to
Judah is My lawgiver. him,
9 Moab is My washpot;
Nor let there be any to favor his
Over Edom I will cast My shoe; fatherless children.
Over Philistia I will triumph.” 13 Let his posterity be cut off,
And in the generation following let
10 Who will bring me into the strong city?
their name be blotted out.
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? 14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be
And You, O God, who did not go out remembered before the Lord,
with our armies? And let not the sin of his mother be
12 Give us help from trouble, blotted out.
For the help of man is useless. 15 Let them be continually before the
13 Through God we will do valiantly, Lord,
For it is He who shall tread down our That He may cut off the memory of
enemies.a them from the earth;
16 Because he did not remember to show
Psalm 109 mercy,
But persecuted the poor and needy
Plea for Judgment of False man,
Accusers That he might even slay the broken in
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. heart.
D
17 As he loved cursing, so let it come to
o not keep silent,
O God of my praise! him;
2 For the mouth of the wicked and As he did not delight in blessing, so let
it be far from him.
the mouth of the deceitful 18 As he clothed himself with cursing as
Have opened against me;
with his garment,
They have spoken against me with a
So let it enter his body like water,
lying tongue.
3 They have also surrounded me with
And like oil into his bones.
19 Let it be to him like the garment which
words of hatred, covers him,
And fought against me without a
cause. 108:13 aCompare verses 6–13 with 60:5–12
4 In return for my love they are my
109:6 aHebrew satan 109:10 aFollowing
accusers, Masoretic Text and Targum; Septuagint and
But I give myself to prayer. Vulgate read be cast out.
19-Psalms.indd 740 2/14/12 11:59 AM
741 Psalm 110:7
And for a belt with which he girds
himself continually.
20 Let this be the Lord’s reward to my
Psalm 110:1
This is what Bible experts call a “mes-
accusers, sianic psalm,” meaning that it predicts
And to those who speak evil against something about Jesus Christ, the
my person. Messiah. You might be interested to
21 But You, O God the Lord,
know that this psalm holds the record
for being quoted more often in the
Deal with me for Your name’s sake; New Testament than any other psalm
Because Your mercy is good, deliver me. in the Bible.
22 For I am poor and needy,
And my heart is wounded within me.
23 I am gone like a shadow when it
3Your people shall be volunteers
lengthens; In the day of Your power;
I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak through fasting, In the beauties of holiness, from the
And my flesh is feeble from lack of womb of the morning,
fatness. You have the dew of Your youth.
25 I also have become a reproach to them;
When they look at me, they shake their
heads. Psalm 110:4
Melchizedek is one of the most
26 Help me, O Lord my God! mysterious figures in the Bible; we
Oh, save me according to Your mercy, know very little about him. During the
27 That they may know that this is Your time of Abraham, Melchizedek was
hand— the king of Salem, a city whose name
That You, Lord, have done it! was later expanded to Jerusalem.
28 Let them curse, but You bless; When Abraham met Melchizedek,
When they arise, let them be ashamed, he gave the king ten percent of what
But let Your servant rejoice. he had just won in battle. That would
29 Let my accusers be clothed with shame, seem to indicate Abraham viewed
And let them cover themselves with Melchizedek as having the authority
their own disgrace as with a of a priest. Many Bible experts believe
mantle. that Melchizedek was an Old Testa-
ment preview of Christ, who is also
30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my described in the Bible as both a king
mouth; and a priest.
Yes, I will praise Him among the
multitude.
31 For He shall stand at the right hand of 4 The Lord has sworn
the poor, And will not relent,
To save him from those who condemn “ You are a priest forever
him. According to the order of Melchizedek.”
Psalm 110 5The Lord is at Your right hand;
Announcement He shall execute kings in the day of His
of the Messiah’s Reign wrath.
6 He shall judge among the nations,
A Psalm of David.
He shall fill the places with dead
T
he Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand, bodies,
Till I make Your enemies Your He shall execute the heads of many
footstool.” countries.
2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your 7 He shall drink of the brook by the
strength out of Zion. wayside;
Rule in the midst of Your enemies! Therefore He shall lift up the head.
19-Psalms.indd 741 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 111:1 742
Psalm 111 2His descendants will be mighty on
earth;
Praise to God for His
Faithfulness and Justice
The generation of the upright will be
blessed.
P
raise the Lord! 3 Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
I will praise the Lord with my whole
heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in Fear
the congregation. What kind of life will lead to
a total lack of fear?
2The works of the Lord are great,
Psalm 112:4–8
Studied by all who have pleasure in
them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious, 4 Unto the upright there arises light in
And His righteousness endures the darkness;
forever. He is gracious, and full of compassion,
4 He has made His wonderful works to and righteous.
be remembered; 5 A good man deals graciously and
The Lord is gracious and full of lends;
compassion. He will guide his affairs with
5 He has given food to those who fear discretion.
Him; 6 Surely he will never be shaken;
He will ever be mindful of His The righteous will be in everlasting
covenant. remembrance.
6 He has declared to His people the 7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
power of His works, His heart is steadfast, trusting in the
In giving them the heritage of the Lord.
nations. 8 His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
7The works of His hands are verity and Until he sees his desire upon his
justice; enemies.
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever, 9He has dispersed abroad,
And are done in truth and uprightness. He has given to the poor;
9 He has sent redemption to His people; His righteousness endures forever;
He has commanded His covenant His horn will be exalted with honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be grieved;
forever:
Holy and awesome is His name. He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked shall perish.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom; Psalm 113
A good understanding have all those The Majesty
who do His commandments. and Condescension of God
His praise endures forever.
P
raise the Lord!
Psalm 112
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
The Blessed State Praise the name of the Lord!
of the Righteous 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
P
raise the Lord! From this time forth and
forevermore!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, 3 From the rising of the sun to its going
Who delights greatly in His down
commandments. The Lord’s name is to be praised.
19-Psalms.indd 742 2/14/12 11:59 AM
743 Psalm 115:6
Promise
God promises to bless His worshipers.
He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great
(Ps. 115:13).
Worshiping the Lord involves being in His presence,
looking with the eyes of your heart at His awesome
greatness. Although you can’t possibly understand everything about God, piece by
piece He’ll reveal Himself to you as you keep looking at Him, worshiping Him with
your whole heart, living your life in His presence.
There is a power in His presence, in continually looking at Him, that changes
you way down deep. Paul described it this way: “But we all, with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).
This is the blessing that He promises to His worshipers—change from the inside
out. This blessing allows you to accomplish what God had in mind when He made
you—to have a growing friendship with Him and to become more and more like
Jesus, His Son.
See for yourself// Psalms 115:12, 13; 128:1–4
4The Lord is high above all nations, 5 What ails you, O sea, that you fled?
His glory above the heavens. O Jordan, that you turned back?
5 Who is like the Lord our God, 6 O mountains, that you skipped like
Who dwells on high, rams?
6 Who humbles Himself to behold O little hills, like lambs?
The things that are in the heavens and
in the earth? 7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of
the Lord,
7He raises the poor out of the dust, At the presence of the God of Jacob,
And lifts the needy out of the ash 8 Who turned the rock into a pool of
heap, water,
8 That He may seat him with princes— The flint into a fountain of waters.
With the princes of His people.
9 He grants the barren woman a home, Psalm 115
Like a joyful mother of children.
The Futility of Idols and
the Trustworthiness of God
Praise the Lord!
N
ot unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
Psalm 114 But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
The Power of God in His Because of Your truth.
Deliverance of Israel 2 Why should the Gentiles say,
W
hen Israel went out of Egypt, “So where is their God?”
The house of Jacob from a people
of strange language, 3But our God is in heaven;
2 Judah became His sanctuary, He does whatever He pleases.
And Israel His dominion. 4 Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
3The sea saw it and fled; 5 They have mouths, but they do not
Jordan turned back. speak;
4 The mountains skipped like rams, Eyes they have, but they do not see;
The little hills like lambs. 6 They have ears, but they do not hear;
19-Psalms.indd 743 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 115:7 744
Noses they have, but they do not smell; Therefore I will call upon Him as long
7 They have hands, but they do not as I live.
handle;
Feet they have, but they do not walk; 3The pains of death surrounded me,
Nor do they mutter through their And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
throat. I found trouble and sorrow.
8 Those who make them are like them; 4 Then I called upon the name of the
So is everyone who trusts in them. Lord:
“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my
9O Israel, trust in the Lord; soul!”
He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; 5Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
He is their help and their shield. Yes, our God is merciful.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the 6 The Lord preserves the simple;
Lord; I was brought low, and He saved me.
He is their help and their shield. 7 Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully
12 The Lord has been mindful of us; with you.
He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel; 8For You have delivered my soul from
He will bless the house of Aaron. death,
13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, My eyes from tears,
Both small and great. And my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord
14 May the Lord give you increase more In the land of the living.
and more, 10 I believed, therefore I spoke,
You and your children. “ I am greatly afflicted.”
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, 11 I said in my haste,
Who made heaven and earth. “All men are liars.”
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the 12 What shall I render to the Lord
Lord’s; For all His benefits toward me?
But the earth He has given to the 13 I will take up the cup of salvation,
children of men. And call upon the name of the Lord.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord, 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
Nor any who go down into silence. Now in the presence of all His people.
18 But we will bless the Lord
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore.
Is the death of His saints.
Praise the Lord!
16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the son of Your
Death maidservant;
Should Christians be afraid You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of
of death?
thanksgiving,
Psalm 116:1–15
And will call upon the name of the
Lord.
Psalm 116
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
Thanksgiving Now in the presence of all His people,
for Deliverance from Death 19 In the courts of the Lord’s house,
I
love the Lord, because He has heard In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Praise the Lord!
19-Psalms.indd 744 2/14/12 11:59 AM
745 Psalm 118:29
Psalm 117 13 You pushed me violently, that I might
fall,
Let All Peoples Praise
the L ord
But the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song,
P
raise the Lord, all you Gentiles! And He has become my salvation.a
Laud Him, all you peoples!
2 For His merciful kindness is great 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation
toward us, Is in the tents of the righteous;
And the truth of the Lord endures The right hand of the Lord does
forever. valiantly.
16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted;
Praise the Lord! The right hand of the Lord does
valiantly.
Psalm 118 17 I shall not die, but live,
Praise to God for His And declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
Everlasting Mercy
But He has not given me over to death.
O
h, give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good! 19 Open to me the gates of
For His mercy endures forever. righteousness;
2Let Israel now say,
I will go through them,
And I will praise the Lord.
“ His mercy endures forever.” 20 This is the gate of the Lord,
3 Let the house of Aaron now say,
Through which the righteous shall
“ His mercy endures forever.” enter.
4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
“His mercy endures forever.” 21 I will praise You,
5I called on the Lord in distress;
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.
The Lord answered me and set me in a
broad place. 22 The stone which the builders rejected
6 The Lord is on my side;
Has become the chief cornerstone.
I will not fear. 23 This was the Lord’s doing;
What can man do to me? It is marvelous in our eyes.
7 The Lord is for me among those who
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
help me; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Therefore I shall see my desire on those
who hate me. 25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;
8 It is better to trust in the Lord
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
Than to put confidence in man. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name
9 It is better to trust in the Lord
of the Lord!
Than to put confidence in princes. We have blessed you from the house of
the Lord.
10 All nations surrounded me,
27 God is the Lord,
But in the name of the Lord I will And He has given us light;
destroy them. Bind the sacrifice with cords to the
11 They surrounded me,
horns of the altar.
Yes, they surrounded me; 28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
But in the name of the Lord I will You are my God, I will exalt You.
destroy them.
12 They surrounded me like bees;
29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is
They were quenched like a fire of good!
thorns; For His mercy endures forever.
For in the name of the Lord I will
destroy them. 118:14 aCompare Exodus 15:2
19-Psalms.indd 745 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 119:1 746
C Gimel
Purity 17 Deal bountifully with Your servant,
How can we remain pure? That I may live and keep Your word.
Psalm 119:1–20 18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth;
Psalm 119 Do not hide Your commandments
Meditations from me.
on the Excellencies 20 My soul breaks with longing
of the Word of God For Your judgments at all times.
21 You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
A Aleph
Who stray from Your commandments.
B
lessed are the undefiled in the way, 22 Remove from me reproach and
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His
contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
testimonies, 23 Princes also sit and speak against me,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
But Your servant meditates on Your
statutes.
They walk in His ways. 24 Your testimonies also are my delight
4 You have commanded us
And my counselors.
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
D Daleth
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed, 25 My soul clings to the dust;
When I look into all Your Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You
commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of answered me;
heart, Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your
When I learn Your righteous
judgments. precepts;
8 I will keep Your statutes; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful
Oh, do not forsake me utterly! works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
B Beth Strengthen me according to Your
9How can a young man cleanse his word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
way?
By taking heed according to Your And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your
commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, commandments,
That I might not sin against You. For You shall enlarge my heart.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes. E He
13 With my lips I have declared 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your
All the judgments of Your mouth. statutes,
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your And I shall keep it to the end.
testimonies, 34 Give me understanding, and I shall
As much as in all riches. keep Your law;
15 I will meditate on Your precepts, Indeed, I shall observe it with my
And contemplate Your ways. whole heart.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; 35 Make me walk in the path of Your
I will not forget Your word. commandments,
19-Psalms.indd 746 2/14/12 11:59 AM
747 Psalm 119:55
Promise
God promises to strengthen you.
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your
word (Ps. 119:28).
Have you ever had one of those blacker than black days?
Have you ever felt like you just wanted the world to stop so
you could get off? Days like that make you think that life just doesn’t make sense,
there is no hope, and nothing can help. When sorrow and pain fill you and tears are
just under the surface, it can seem no one could possibly understand. Maybe no
person can; but God can.
God knows you like no one else and loves you more than anyone else possibly
could. And He promises to encourage you in your darkest hour. If you will seek Him
with all of your heart, He will come to you. He will show you the path that leads out
of your situation. He will conduct a holy pep rally just for you. He will wipe away
your tears. He will carry your heavy load. God knows all the answers and exactly
how to handle whatever life can throw your way. When you feel there is no hope
turn to the Source of hope and comfort. Climb up into God’s strong arms. Lay your
head down and rest.
See for yourself// Psalm 40:1–3; Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 15:4, 5
For I delight in it. 47 And I will delight myself in Your
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, commandments,
And not to covetousness. Which I love.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at 48 My hands also I will lift up to Your
worthless things, commandments,
And revive me in Your way.a Which I love,
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, G Zayin
For Your judgments are good. 49 Remember the word to Your servant,
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; Upon which You have caused me to
Revive me in Your righteousness. hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
F Waw For Your word has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision,
41 Let Your mercies come also to me,
O Lord— Yet I do not turn aside from Your
Your salvation according to Your word. law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old,
42 So shall I have an answer for him who
reproaches me, O Lord,
For I trust in Your word. And have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me
43 And take not the word of truth utterly
Because of the wicked, who forsake
out of my mouth,
Your law.
For I have hoped in Your ordinances. 54 Your statutes have been my songs
44 So shall I keep Your law continually,
In the house of my pilgrimage.
Forever and ever. 55 I remember Your name in the night,
45 And I will walk at liberty,
O Lord,
For I seek Your precepts. And I keep Your law.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also
before kings, 119:37 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
And will not be ashamed. and Vulgate; Targum reads Your words.
19-Psalms.indd 747 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 119:56 748
Promise
God promises to comfort you with His
kindness.
Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according
to Your word to Your servant (Ps. 119:76).
You studied your brains out for the chemistry exam, but
the teacher handed it back to you with a big fat D on it. Someone you barely know
posted mean and hurtful things about you online. A video of you acting silly and
trying to sing went viral throughout the school and everyone is laughing at you.
The coolest guy in school asked you out and then only wanted you to write his
research paper.
Disappointment. Rejection. Failure. Sometimes it seems unbearable. You need
someone to hear your story and say they understand. You need someone to let you
cry and give you a big hug. You need someone to comfort you. Where do you go?
There are lots of places to run to, but most of them will leave you empty. God
promises to be there and to really help you. His love brings faith and courage to
make it through today and hope for better tomorrows. God gives you strength
when you don’t have any. He looks into your heart and sees how you’re feeling and
what you need. Then He pours out whatever you need by His Holy Spirit. No
wonder He is called the Helper—He will always be there to help you and comfort
you through even the hardest times.
See for yourself// Isaiah 49:13; John 14:15–18; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
56 This has become mine, J Teth
Because I kept Your precepts. 65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
I Heth 66 Teach me good judgment and
57 You are my portion, O Lord; knowledge,
I have said that I would keep Your For I believe Your commandments.
words. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole But now I keep Your word.
heart; 68 You are good, and do good;
Be merciful to me according to Your Teach me Your statutes.
word. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me,
59 I thought about my ways, But I will keep Your precepts with my
And turned my feet to Your whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease,
testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay But I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have afflicted,
bound me, That I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks Than thousands of coins of gold and
to You, silver.
Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You, K Yod
And of those who keep Your precepts. 73 Your hands have made me and
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your fashioned me;
mercy; Give me understanding, that I may
Teach me Your statutes. learn Your commandments.
19-Psalms.indd 748 2/14/12 11:59 AM
749 Psalm 119:106
74 Those who fear You will be glad when You established the earth, and it
they see me, abides.
Because I have hoped in Your word. 91 They continue this day according to
75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments Your ordinances,
are right, For all are Your servants.
And that in faithfulness You have 92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
afflicted me. I would then have perished in my
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be affliction.
for my comfort, 93 I will never forget Your precepts,
According to Your word to Your For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
that I may live;
For Your law is my delight. But I will consider Your testimonies.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, 96 I have seen the consummation of all
For they treated me wrongfully with perfection,
falsehood; But Your commandment is
But I will meditate on Your precepts. exceedingly broad.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies. Bible
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding
Your statutes,
What can we gain by
That I may not be ashamed. knowing the Bible?
Psalm 119:97–100
L Kaph
81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
N Mem
But I hope in Your word. 97 Oh, how I love Your law!
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
It is my meditation all the day.
Saying, “When will You comfort me?” 98 You, through Your commandments,
83 For I have become like a wineskin in
make me wiser than my enemies;
smoke, For they are ever with me.
Yet I do not forget Your statutes. 99 I have more understanding than all
84 How many are the days of Your
my teachers,
servant? For Your testimonies are my
When will You execute judgment on meditation.
those who persecute me? 100 I understand more than the ancients,
85 The proud have dug pits for me,
Because I keep Your precepts.
Which is not according to Your law. 101 I have restrained my feet from every
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
evil way,
They persecute me wrongfully; That I may keep Your word.
Help me! 102 I have not departed from Your
87 They almost made an end of me on
judgments,
earth, For You Yourself have taught me.
But I did not forsake Your precepts. 103 How sweet are Your words to my
88 Revive me according to Your
taste,
lovingkindness, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
So that I may keep the testimony of 104 Through Your precepts I get
Your mouth. understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
M Lamed
89 Forever, O Lord, O Nun
Your word is settled in heaven. 105Your word is a lamp to my feet
90 Your faithfulness endures to all And a light to my path.
generations; 106 I have sworn and confirmed
19-Psalms.indd 749 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 119:107 750
That I will keep Your righteous 125 I am Your servant;
judgments. Give me understanding,
107 I am afflicted very much; That I may know Your testimonies.
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your 126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,
word. For they have regarded Your law as
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of
void.
my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand, Cult
Yet I do not forget Your law. What should our reaction be
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
to false teaching and cults?
Yet I have not strayed from Your
Psalm 119:127, 128
precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a
heritage forever, 127 Therefore I love Your commandments
For they are the rejoicing of my heart. More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
112 I have inclined my heart to perform 128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning
Your statutes all things
Forever, to the very end. I consider to be right;
I hate every false way.
P Samek
113I hate the double-minded,
R Pe
But I love Your law. 129Your testimonies are wonderful;
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
I hope in Your word. 130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
It gives understanding to the simple.
For I will keep the commandments of 131 I opened my mouth and panted,
my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, For I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me,
that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my As Your custom is toward those who
hope. love Your name.
133 Direct my steps by Your word,
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes And let no iniquity have dominion
continually. over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of
118 You reject all those who stray from
Your statutes, man,
For their deceit is falsehood. That I may keep Your precepts.
119 You put away all the wicked of the 135 Make Your face shine upon Your
earth like dross; servant,
Therefore I love Your testimonies. And teach me Your statutes.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, 136 Rivers of water run down from my
And I am afraid of Your judgments. eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.
Q Ayin
121I have done justice and S Tsadde
137Righteous are You, O Lord,
righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors. And upright are Your judgments.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good; 138 Your testimonies, which You have
Do not let the proud oppress me. commanded,
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your Are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me,
salvation
And Your righteous word. Because my enemies have forgotten
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your words.
Your mercy, 140 Your word is very pure;
And teach me Your statutes. Therefore Your servant loves it.
19-Psalms.indd 750 2/14/12 11:59 AM
751 Psalm 119:176
141 I am small and despised, Yet I do not turn from Your
Yet I do not forget Your precepts. testimonies.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting 158 I see the treacherous, and am
righteousness, disgusted,
And Your law is truth. Because they do not keep Your word.
143 Trouble and anguish have 159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
overtaken me, Revive me, O Lord, according to Your
Yet Your commandments are my lovingkindness.
delights. 160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies And every one of Your righteous
is everlasting; judgments endures forever.
Give me understanding, and I shall
live. v Shin
161Princes persecute me without a cause,
T Qoph But my heart stands in awe of Your
145I cry out with my whole heart; word.
Hear me, O Lord! 162 I rejoice at Your word
I will keep Your statutes. As one who finds great treasure.
146 I cry out to You; 163 I hate and abhor lying,
Save me, and I will keep Your But I love Your law.
testimonies. 164 Seven times a day I praise You,
147 I rise before the dawning of the Because of Your righteous judgments.
morning, 165 Great peace have those who love Your
And cry for help; law,
I hope in Your word. And nothing causes them to stumble.
148 My eyes are awake through the night 166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation,
watches, And I do Your commandments.
That I may meditate on Your word. 167 My soul keeps Your testimonies,
149 Hear my voice according to Your And I love them exceedingly.
lovingkindness; 168 I keep Your precepts and Your
O Lord, revive me according to Your testimonies,
justice. For all my ways are before You.
150 They draw near who follow after
wickedness; W Tau
They are far from Your law. 169Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
151 You are near, O Lord,
Give me understanding according to
And all Your commandments are truth. Your word.
152 Concerning Your testimonies, 170 Let my supplication come before You;
I have known of old that You have Deliver me according to Your word.
founded them forever. 171 My lips shall utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.
U Resh 172 My tongue shall speak of Your word,
153Consider my affliction and For all Your commandments are
deliver me, righteousness.
For I do not forget Your law. 173 Let Your hand become my help,
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; For I have chosen Your precepts.
Revive me according to Your word. 174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, And Your law is my delight.
For they do not seek Your statutes. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise
156 Great are Your tender mercies, You;
O Lord; And let Your judgments help me.
Revive me according to Your 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
judgments. Seek Your servant,
157 Many are my persecutors and my For I do not forget Your
enemies, commandments.
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Psalm 120:1 752
Promise
God promises to always watch out for you.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep
(Ps. 121:4).
The Lord is the protector of Israel—God protects
everyone who trusts in Him. He protects us from the enemy
of His people, Satan. Satan hates those who want to live for God. He will throw
whatever he can at us to get us off track. But as long as we stand under God’s
protection—trusting Him and obeying Him—Satan’s plans will never keep us
down.
And God doesn’t ever let His guard down. He doesn’t get bored or tired. He
never tunes you out and will never let you down. You can call on Him anytime you
feel the enemy’s attack. If Satan needles you with doubt at midnight, if he attacks
you with fear at three a.m., if he throws you a temptation at high noon—whatever
and whenever—the Lord can hear you call Him and will rescue you.
See for yourself// Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 40:28
Psalm 120 3He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Plea for Relief from Bitter 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Foes
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
A Song of Ascents.
I
5The Lord is your keeper;
n my distress I cried to the Lord,
And He heard me. The Lord is your shade at your right
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
lips
Nor the moon by night.
And from a deceitful tongue.
7The Lord shall preserve you from all
3What shall be given to you,
evil;
Or what shall be done to you, He shall preserve your soul.
You false tongue? 8 The Lord shall preserve your going
4 Sharp arrows of the warrior,
out and your coming in
With coals of the broom tree! From this time forth, and even
forevermore.
5Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Psalm 122
6 My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace. The Joy of Going to
7 I am for peace; the House of the L ord
But when I speak, they are for war. A Song of Ascents. Of David.
I
was glad when they said to me,
Psalm 121 “ Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet have been standing
God the Help of Those Who
Seek Him Within your gates, O Jerusalem!
A Song of Ascents. 3Jerusalem is built
I
will lift up my eyes to the hills— As a city that is compact together,
From whence comes my help? 4 Where the tribes go up,
2 My help comes from the Lord, The tribes of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. To the Testimony of Israel,
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753 Psalm 124:2
Making It Real //
Psalm 122:1
Church Going to church services regularly is important for at least three huge rea-
sons. First, God wants us to gather together with other believers so we can learn about
Him, serve Him, and worship Him. Second, church meetings and other functions are
great opportunities for you to find Christian friends and people you can look up to. Third,
when you get together with people who know and love the Lord, they can help you grow
in your relationship with God and learn more about His Word. They can also give you
encouragement when you need it.
You may think the church is filled with hypocrites who don’t do what God wants. In
many cases, you’re exactly right. But the church is flawed because it’s full of humans—
imperfect people who mess up, just like you. Jesus came to help imperfect people.
Remember, Christians aren’t perfect people, they are just forgiven people.
Give the family of God a chance. Check out different churches; just make sure the
one you choose confesses Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior. Pray about your deci-
sion and ask God to help you find your place. Then get involved and grow with other
Christians. You’ll be glad you did. (See also: Ps. 26:8; John 2:17; Acts 2:46, 47; Heb. 10:25.)
Words to Live By
House: The word translated in Psalm 122:1 as “house” is the Hebrew word bayith
(bah’-yith). A bayith is the place where someone lives. In the Old Testament, God would
symbolically show His presence in His holy temple, His house. Since we now know the
church is not the building but the people, it may be confusing to hear about the “house
of the Lord.” In the New Testament, we learn that the Holy Spirit lives within God’s people
(John 14:15–17). We are actually His “house,” His bayith.
To give thanks to the name of the Lord. As the eyes of a maid to the hand of
5 For thrones are set there for judgment, her mistress,
The thrones of the house of David. So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“ May they prosper who love you. 3Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy
7 Peace be within your walls, on us!
Prosperity within your palaces.” For we are exceedingly filled with
8 For the sake of my brethren and contempt.
companions, 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
I will now say, “Peace be within you.” With the scorn of those who are at
9 Because of the house of the Lord our ease,
God With the contempt of the proud.
I will seek your good.
Psalm 124
Psalm 123
The L ord the Defense of His
Prayer for Relief People
from Contempt A Song of Ascents. Of David.
“I
A Song of Ascents.
f it had not been the Lord who was on
U
nto You I lift up my eyes, our side,”
O You who dwell in the heavens. Let Israel now say—
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look 2“ If it had not been the Lord who was
to the hand of their masters, on our side,
19-Psalms.indd 753 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 124:3 754
When men rose up against us, 4Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
3 Then they would have swallowed us And to those who are upright in their
alive, hearts.
When their wrath was kindled
against us; 5As for such as turn aside to their
4 Then the waters would have crooked ways,
overwhelmed us, The Lord shall lead them away
The stream would have gone over our With the workers of iniquity.
soul;
5 Then the swollen waters Peace be upon Israel!
Would have gone over our soul.”
Psalm 126
6Blessed be the Lord,
A Joyful Return to Zion
Who has not given us as prey to their
teeth. A Song of Ascents.
W
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from
hen the Lord brought back the
the snare of the fowlers;a captivity of Zion,
The snare is broken, and we have We were like those who dream.
escaped. 2 Then our mouth was filled with
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, laughter,
Who made heaven and earth. And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
Psalm 125 “ The Lord has done great things for
The L ord the Strength of His
them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
People
And we are glad.
A Song of Ascents.
T
4Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
hose who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion, As the streams in the South.
Which cannot be moved, but abides
5Those who sow in tears
forever.
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth
Psalm 125:2 weeping,
Jerusalem was a fairly well-protected Bearing seed for sowing,
city. The mountains that surrounded Shall doubtless come again with
Jerusalem sloped into valleys on the rejoicing,
eastern and western sides of the city, Bringing his sheaves with him.
making it difficult for opposing armies
to attack from those directions. The Psalm 127
ravines that lay south of the city made
Laboring and Prospering
it difficult for an enemy to approach with the L ord
from that direction as well.
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
U
2 As the mountains surround
nless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Jerusalem, Unless the Lord guards the city,
So the Lord surrounds His people The watchman stays awake in vain.
From this time forth and forever. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
3For the scepter of wickedness shall
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
not rest For so He gives His beloved sleep.
On the land allotted to the righteous,
Lest the righteous reach out their 124:7 aThat is, persons who catch birds in a trap
hands to iniquity. or snare
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755 Psalm 129:2
Making It Real //
Psalm 125:1
Trust Real trust in God goes a lot deeper than being able to say, “Yeah, sure, I believe
in God.” James said, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons
believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). Real trust means letting go of your life and your
heart and giving God control of them. It means obeying Him. James used Abraham as
an example: “Do you see that faith was working together with [Abraham’s] works, and by
works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:22).
People who trust God in this way are like Mount Zion. They’re immovable, unshak-
able. The way a mountain stands up against the forces of nature, they are able, by God’s
Spirit, to stand against all the stuff that life throws at them.
But Mount Zion isn’t just any mountain. This is the spot in Jerusalem God chose for
His temple, the place where He would live among His people. Now that you’ve put your
trust in Him, He makes His home in you. (See also: John 14:15–17; Heb. 12:22–29.)
Words to Live By
Trust: The word translated as “trust” in Psalm 125:1 is the Hebrew word batach
(baw-takh’). This word means “to be bold and confident and have absolute assurance.”
The meaning of batach implies a feeling of complete security and safety. With this defini-
tion in mind, is there anyone besides God who is deserving of our batach?
3Behold, children are a heritage from You shall be happy, and it shall be well
the Lord, with you.
The fruit of the womb is a reward. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, In the very heart of your house,
So are the children of one’s youth. Your children like olive plants
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver All around your table.
full of them; 4 Behold, thus shall the man be
They shall not be ashamed, blessed
But shall speak with their enemies in Who fears the Lord.
the gate.
5The Lord bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of
Abortion Jerusalem
How does God view all All the days of your life.
children? 6Yes, may you see your children’s
Psalm 127:3–5 children.
Peace be upon Israel!
Psalm 128
Blessings of Those Who Fear
Psalm 129
the L ord Song of Victory over Zion’s
A Song of Ascents. Enemies
B
Song of Ascents.
lessed is every one who fears the
“M
Lord, any a time they have afflicted
Who walks in His ways. me from my youth,”
Let Israel now say—
2When you eat the labor of your 2“ Many a time they have afflicted me
hands, from my youth;
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Life App
Worry / Psalm 127:2
Most of us are familiar with anxiety and worry. This world is full of
pressures and deadlines and stresses. Before you know it, anxiety
can take over your heart and mind leaving you unable to function
effectively in your own life. You may find yourself pushing so hard
that when you finally lay your head down at night, it can seem only
a moment passes by before you’re up again, facing another day of
expectations. In a life filled with anxiety and worry, each day may
look a little darker than the one before. Constant worry caused by
trying to keep up in the world’s rat race can rob you of joy, peace,
and rest.
Is that really what life is supposed to be about? Is doing what we
think we have to do to get ahead worth the damage that anxiety is
doing to our minds and bodies? Not according to Psalm 127:2: “It is
vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows;
for so He gives His beloved sleep.” When you continue to “eat the
bread of sorrows,” or try to live only by what the world can offer, you
will not be able to have true rest or peace.
But by focusing your life instead on Christ, you can live in His
peace and joy, which surpass anything the world could offer. This
doesn’t mean you will never get stressed out, or that nothing will
ever make you nervous or concerned. But it does mean that no mat-
ter what pressures this world throws at you, you can ultimately
know that you’re alright. The Lord can restore to you the rest and
peace that anxiety and worry try to steal. He will give you joy that
does not depend on your circumstances. The cares and worries of
the world will exist until Jesus returns. You will have to deal with
them, but they do not have to control your life. You can cast “your
care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
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757 Psalm 130:6
Making It Real //
Psalm 129:4
God Is Just God is completely righteous. That doesn’t just mean that He follows the
rules. Of course He does—they’re His rules. But He goes beyond that. He always does
what is right for you. He knows you inside and out. He only allows things into your life
that will help you grow and become the person He knows you can be; He knows the
things that will make you more like Jesus.
That doesn’t mean that everything that happens to you came from God. People
make the choice to sin and it can have a huge affect on a lot of lives; but sin is never
God’s will. Sometimes Satan will throw hurtful things into your life. God allowed him
to do that with Job—the bad things that happened to Job did not come from God, but
He knew what Job was going through and made everything come out right in the
end.
That’s what’s cool—God can even take people’s mistakes and Satan’s wicked
plans and turn them into something good. Romans 8:28 says, “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.” He is so good at doing right, He takes even the awful stuff
in your life and turns it into something great—something that makes you stronger
and brings you closer to Him. (See also: Ps. 7:9; 119:137; Is. 30:18.)
Words to Live By
Righteous: The word translated as “righteous” in Psalm 129:4 is the Hebrew word
tsaddiyq (tsad-deek’). It is an adjective meaning “just and morally right.” God is guided by
truth, reason, and justice at all times. Only God is truly and completely righteous.
Yet they have not prevailed Psalm 130
against me.
3 The plowers plowed on my back;
Waiting for the Redemption
of the L ord
They made their furrows long.”
4 The Lord is righteous; A Song of Ascents.
O
He has cut in pieces the cords of the ut of the depths I have cried to
wicked. You, O Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice!
5Let all those who hate Zion
Let Your ears be attentive
Be put to shame and turned back. To the voice of my supplications.
6 Let them be as the grass on the
housetops, 3If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
Which withers before it grows up, O Lord, who could stand?
7 With which the reaper does not fill 4 But there is forgiveness with You,
his hand, That You may be feared.
Nor he who binds sheaves, his
arms. 5I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
8 Neither let those who pass by them And in His word I do hope.
say, 6 My soul waits for the Lord
“ The blessing of the Lord be upon More than those who watch for the
you; morning—
We bless you in the name of the Yes, more than those who watch for the
Lord!” morning.
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Psalm 130:7 758
7O Israel, hope in the Lord; 7 Let us go into His tabernacle;
For with the Lord there is mercy, Let us worship at His footstool.
And with Him is abundant redemption. 8 Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place,
8 And He shall redeem Israel You and the ark of Your strength.
From all his iniquities. 9 Let Your priests be clothed with
righteousness,
Psalm 131 And let Your saints shout for joy.
Simple Trust in the L ord 10 For Your servant David’s sake,
A Song of Ascents. Of David. Do not turn away the face of Your
L
ord, my heart is not haughty, Anointed.
Nor my eyes lofty.
11 The Lord has sworn in truth to David;
Neither do I concern myself with great
matters, He will not turn from it:
Nor with things too profound for me. “ I will set upon your throne the fruit of
your body.
2Surely I have calmed and quieted my 12 If your sons will keep My covenant
soul, And My testimony which I shall teach
Like a weaned child with his mother; them,
Like a weaned child is my soul Their sons also shall sit upon your
within me. throne forevermore.”
3O Israel, hope in the Lord 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion;
From this time forth and forever. He has desired it for His dwelling
place:
14“ This is My resting place forever;
Psalm 132
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
The Eternal Dwelling of God 15 I will abundantly bless her provision;
in Zion
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
A Song of Ascents. 16 I will also clothe her priests with
L
ord, remember David salvation,
And all his afflictions; And her saints shall shout aloud for
2 How he swore to the Lord, joy.
17 There I will make the horn of David
And vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3“ Surely I will not go into the chamber of grow;
my house, I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
Or go up to the comfort of my bed;
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes But upon Himself His crown shall
Or slumber to my eyelids, flourish.”
5 Until I find a place for the Lord,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One Psalm 133
of Jacob.” Blessed Unity of the People
of God
Psalm 132:6 A Song of Ascents. Of David.
B
If the town’s name had not been ehold, how good and how pleasant
changed somewhere along the line, it is
we might be singing “O Little Town of For brethren to dwell together in
Ephrathah” at Christmastime. Ephra- unity!
thah is the ancient name for the town
of Bethlehem. 2It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
We found it in the fields of the woods.a 132:6 aHebrew Jaar
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World App
Patriotism / Psalm 133:1
Patriotism is normally defined as “the feeling of love and devotion
people feel toward their country.” When citizens of the United States
think of patriotism, they most likely recall the words of the Pledge of
Allegiance they learned as children: “I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.” Those words mean we promise, as citizens of the US, to al-
ways seek to do what’s best for our country. It means we believe
each citizen deserves freedom and justice. It means we will be loyal
to our leaders. But it also means we recognize that God is the One
who has the final say.
The most important aspect of patriotism is the effect it has on
the people in a nation. When people are patriotic, they see more
clearly that the people of a nation need to operate in unity (working
together with the same goal in mind). Where unity exists, much
good can be accomplished. When there is discord and strong dis-
agreement, very little ever gets done. Jesus said, “If a kingdom is
divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24).
Patriotism is not a subject that is directly addressed in the Bible.
But the principle of unity is often presented as a quality God desires
for His people. We should always strive to do what’s best for our
country and obey its laws. But we should never forget the most im-
portant part of our pledge to the flag: we are one nation under God.
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Life App
Denominations / Psalm 133:1
There are Baptists and Presbyterians and Catholics and . . . the list of
denominations in the Christian church goes on and on. So what’s up
with so many different kinds of churches? If we all love and serve
God, why can’t we all just worship Him together?
To understand, we must first realize that any church that teaches
the basics of Christianity is a Christian church. Those basics are:
Jesus is the Son of God; He was born as a man, died on the cross for
our sins, rose again on the third day, and is seated at the right hand
of God in heaven. If any religious group doesn’t believe and teach all
those things, they are not Christians. Just like everyone has their
own personality, so does each denomination in the Christian faith.
Some denominations are more formal and the leaders wear beauti-
ful robes; some denominations are a bit more casual and the pastor
may wear jeans. Some enjoy organ music and some prefer drums
and guitars. Some church buildings have gorgeous stained-glass
windows and some groups meet in high school gymnasiums. The
one thing they have in common is they all worship Jesus as the Son
of God.
Unfortunately, some people see the different expressions of faith
as proof that Christianity is not for real. They think all the denomi-
nations disagree with one another, so they think no one really knows
the truth. This can even cause some people to deny God—if the
ones who serve Him can’t get it together, there must be no truth in
what they believe.
Even though the Christian church may be expressed in a lot of
different ways, it is the same faith. The Bible tells us that other peo-
ple will know we are Christians and what we believe is real by the
way we love each other (John 13:35; James 2:14–17; 1 John 4:12–16).
Instead of arguing about denominations, we should realize we all
worship the same Lord; we just do it in different ways. Then we can
serve God together and the world will see the truth of God’s love in
our lives.
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761 Psalm 135:21
Running down on the edge of his 8He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt,
garments. Both of man and beast.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, 9 He sent signs and wonders into the
Descending upon the mountains of midst of you, O Egypt,
Zion; Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
For there the Lord commanded the 10 He defeated many nations
blessing— And slew mighty kings—
Life forevermore. 11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
Psalm 134 And all the kingdoms of Canaan—
Praising the L ord in His House
at Night
Psalm 135:11
A Song of Ascents. Sihon and Og were the first kings to
B
ehold, bless the Lord, try to stand in the way of the Israelites
All you servants of the Lord, as they marched to the land God had
Who by night stand in the house of promised them. Both kings attacked
the Lord! without cause when the Israelites
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, tried to pass peacefully through their
And bless the Lord. land. As you may have guessed, both
kings were soundly defeated.
3The Lord who made heaven and
earth 12 And gave their land as a heritage,
Bless you from Zion!
A heritage to Israel His people.
Psalm 135 13 Your name, O Lord, endures forever,
Praise to God in Creation Your fame, O Lord, throughout all
and Redemption generations.
P
14 For the Lord will judge His people,
raise the Lord!
And He will have compassion on His
Praise the name of the Lord; servants.
Praise Him, O you servants of the
15 The idols of the nations are silver and
Lord!
2 You who stand in the house of the gold,
Lord, The work of men’s hands.
16 They have mouths, but they do not
In the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is speak;
good; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
17 They have ears, but they do not hear;
Sing praises to His name, for it is
pleasant. Nor is there any breath in their
4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for mouths.
18 Those who make them are like
Himself,
Israel for His special treasure. them;
So is everyone who trusts in them.
5For I know that the Lord is great,
And our Lord is above all gods. 19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel!
6 Whatever the Lord pleases He does, Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron!
In heaven and in earth, 20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi!
In the seas and in all deep places. You who fear the Lord, bless the
7 He causes the vapors to ascend from Lord!
the ends of the earth; 21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion,
He makes lightning for the rain; Who dwells in Jerusalem!
He brings the wind out of His
treasuries. Praise the Lord!
19-Psalms.indd 761 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 136:1 762
Psalm 136 20 And Og king of Bashan,
For His mercy endures forever—
Thanksgiving to God for His 21 And gave their land as a heritage,
Enduring Mercy
For His mercy endures forever;
O
h, give thanks to the Lord, for He 22 A heritage to Israel His servant,
is good! For His mercy endures forever.
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! 23 Who remembered us in our lowly
For His mercy endures forever. state,
3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever;
For His mercy endures forever: 24 And rescued us from our enemies,
For His mercy endures forever;
4 To Him who alone does great wonders, 25 Who gives food to all flesh,
For His mercy endures forever; For His mercy endures forever.
5 To Him who by wisdom made the
heavens, 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of
For His mercy endures forever; heaven!
6 To Him who laid out the earth above
For His mercy endures forever.
the waters,
For His mercy endures forever; Psalm 137
7 To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever— Longing for Zion in a
8 The sun to rule by day, Foreign Land
B
For His mercy endures forever; y the rivers of Babylon,
9 The moon and stars to rule by night, There we sat down, yea, we wept
For His mercy endures forever. When we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our harps
10 To Him who struck Egypt in their Upon the willows in the midst of it.
firstborn, 3 For there those who carried us away
For His mercy endures forever; captive asked of us a song,
11 And brought out Israel from among And those who plundered us requested
them, mirth,
For His mercy endures forever; Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of
12 With a strong hand, and with an Zion!”
outstretched arm,
For His mercy endures forever; 4How shall we sing the Lord’s song
13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in In a foreign land?
two, 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
For His mercy endures forever; Let my right hand forget its skill!
14And made Israel pass through the 6 If I do not remember you,
midst of it, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my
mouth—
For His mercy endures forever; If I do not exalt Jerusalem
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army Above my chief joy.
in the Red Sea,
For His mercy endures forever; 7Remember, O Lord, against the sons
16 To Him who led His people through of Edom
the wilderness, The day of Jerusalem,
For His mercy endures forever; Who said, “Raze it, raze it,
17 To Him who struck down great kings, To its very foundation!”
For His mercy endures forever;
18 And slew famous kings, 8O daughter of Babylon, who are to be
For His mercy endures forever— destroyed,
19 Sihon king of the Amorites, Happy the one who repays you as you
For His mercy endures forever; have served us!
19-Psalms.indd 762 2/14/12 11:59 AM
763 Psalm 138:8
Promise
God promises always to be merciful to you.
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O
Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands
(Ps. 138:8).
Some people think of God as some kind of holy hater
sitting up in heaven with a giant taser just waiting for someone to step out of line so
He can use it. It’s true that God isn’t pleased when you do something you know you
shouldn’t, but He’s not the guy with the taser. His discipline comes out of His love.
Everything He does, even if it’s not so pleasant to you at the time, has your best
interest at heart.
Look at how Jesus talked to Martha when she complained to Him about her
sister: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one
thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away
from her” (Luke 10:41, 42). Jesus didn’t scream at Martha; He gently pointed her in
the right way. He treated Thomas the same way. When Thomas wouldn’t believe
that Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw and touched Jesus’ wounded hands,
Jesus didn’t refuse to show him what he needed to see. He simply said, “Thomas,
because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
You can count on God to treat you gently and mercifully, even when He’s letting
you know you’re out of line.
See for yourself// 2 Chronicles 30:9; Lamentations 3:22, 23;
Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:5–11
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes 3 In the day when I cried out, You
Your little ones against the rock! answered me,
And made me bold with strength in
my soul.
Thankfulness
What reasons do we have to 4All the kings of the earth shall praise
be thankful to God? You, O Lord,
Psalm 138:1–8 When they hear the words of Your
mouth.
5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the
Psalm 138 Lord,
The L ord ’s Goodness to For great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord is on high,
the Faithful
Yet He regards the lowly;
A Psalm of David.
But the proud He knows from afar.
I
will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to 7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
You. You will revive me;
2 I will worship toward Your holy You will stretch out Your hand
temple, Against the wrath of my enemies,
And praise Your name And Your right hand will save me.
For Your lovingkindness and Your 8 The Lord will perfect that which
truth; concerns me;
For You have magnified Your word Your mercy, O Lord, endures
above all Your name. forever;
19-Psalms.indd 763 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 139:1 764
Do not forsake the works of Your 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and
hands. wonderfully made;a
Marvelous are Your works,
Psalm 139 And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
God’s Perfect Knowledge
of Man When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
parts of the earth.
O
Lord, You have searched me and 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet
known me. unformed.
2 You know my sitting down and And in Your book they all were
my rising up; written,
You understand my thought afar off. The days fashioned for me,
3 You comprehend my path and my When as yet there were none of them.
lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue, Abortion
But behold, O Lord, You know it Are children formed by
altogether. chance?
5 You have hedged me behind and
Psalm 139:13–16
before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful 17 How precious also are Your thoughts
for me; to me, O God!
It is high, I cannot attain it. How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be
7Where can I go from Your Spirit? more in number than the sand;
Or where can I flee from Your When I awake, I am still with You.
presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; 19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked,
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You O God!
are there. Depart from me, therefore, you
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
bloodthirsty men.
And dwell in the uttermost parts of 20 For they speak against You wickedly;
the sea, Your enemies take Your name in
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
vain.a
And Your right hand shall hold me. 21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall falla
You?
on me,” And do I not loathe those who rise up
Even the night shall be light about me; against You?
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide 22 I hate them with perfect hatred;
from You, I count them my enemies.
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both 23 Search me, O God, and know my
alike to You. heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way
Life
in me,
Does God create each person
And lead me in the way everlasting.
carefully?
Psalm 139:13, 14 139:11 aVulgate and Symmachus read cover.
139:14 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read You are
13 For You formed my inward parts; fearfully wonderful. 139:20 aSeptuagint and
You covered me in my mother’s womb. Vulgate read They take your cities in vain.
19-Psalms.indd 764 2/14/12 11:59 AM
765 Psalm 140:13
Making It Real //
Psalm 139:7
God’s Presence Do you ever wish you could hide from God? Maybe you really want
to do something you know God won’t like. Is it easier to go against your conscience if you
pretend that God doesn’t know what you’re up to?
The truth is you can’t hide from God. When you run a red light, He’s there. He’s there
when you cheat on a test. When you treat someone badly, He sees it. If you say ugly things
about someone, He hears you.
You can’t even hide your thoughts and feelings from God. He’s spirit, and He’s every-
where—even inside your head and heart. He sees when you’re jealous or angry. He knows
when you’re lonely or sad. You can’t get away from Him. And once you realize what He’s
all about and how much He loves you, why would you want to? It’s okay for Him to see all
about you. He made you. He knows you’re not perfect, but He’s working in you to help you
become all He created you to be. (See also: Ps. 139; Jer. 23:23; Rom. 8:38, 39.)
Words to Live By
Presence: The word translated as “presence” in Psalm 139:7 is the Hebrew word
paneh (paw-neh’). The literal meaning of this word is “face.” It also implies the idea of
turning toward or looking at something. God is always turned toward His people. He al-
ways watches; there is nothing that can happen to us without God being aware. His
paneh is always with us.
Psalm 140 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my
salvation,
Prayer for Deliverance
from Evil Men You have covered my head in the day
of battle.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of
D
eliver me, O Lord, from evil men; the wicked;
Preserve me from violent men, Do not further his wicked scheme,
2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; Lest they be exalted. Selah
They continually gather together for
9“ As for the head of those who
war.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a surround me,
serpent; Let the evil of their lips cover them;
10 Let burning coals fall upon them;
The poison of asps is under their lips.
Selah Let them be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits, that they rise not up
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of again.
the wicked; 11 Let not a slanderer be established in
Preserve me from violent men, the earth;
Who have purposed to make my steps Let evil hunt the violent man to
stumble. overthrow him.”
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me,
and cords; 12 I know that the Lord will maintain
They have spread a net by the wayside; The cause of the afflicted,
They have set traps for me.Selah And justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks
6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; to Your name;
Hear the voice of my supplications, The upright shall dwell in Your
O Lord. presence.
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Psalm 141:1 766
Psalm 141 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
While I escape safely.
Prayer for Safekeeping
from Wickedness
Psalm 142
A Psalm of David.
A Plea for Relief
L
ord, I cry out to You; from Persecutors
Make haste to me!
Give ear to my voice when I cry out A Contemplationa of David. A Prayer when he was
in the cave.
to You.
I
2 Let my prayer be set before You as cry out to the Lord with my voice;
incense, With my voice to the Lord I make my
The lifting up of my hands as the supplication.
evening sacrifice. 2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
3Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips. 3When my spirit was overwhelmed
4 Do not incline my heart to any evil within me,
thing, Then You knew my path.
To practice wicked works In the way in which I walk
With men who work iniquity; They have secretly set a snare for me.
And do not let me eat of their 4 Look on my right hand and see,
delicacies. For there is no one who
acknowledges me;
5Let the righteous strike me;
Refuge has failed me;
It shall be a kindness. No one cares for my soul.
And let him rebuke me;
It shall be as excellent oil; 5I cried out to You, O Lord:
Let my head not refuse it. I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
For still my prayer is against the deeds 6 Attend to my cry,
of the wicked. For I am brought very low;
6 Their judges are overthrown by the
Deliver me from my persecutors,
sides of the cliff, For they are stronger than I.
And they hear my words, for they are 7 Bring my soul out of prison,
sweet. That I may praise Your name;
7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth
The righteous shall surround me,
of the grave, For You shall deal bountifully
As when one plows and breaks up the with me.”
earth.
Psalm 143
8But my eyes are upon You, O God the
Lord; An Earnest Appeal
In You I take refuge; for Guidance
Do not leave my soul destitute. and Deliverance
9 Keep me from the snares they have A Psalm of David.
H
laid for me, ear my prayer, O Lord,
And from the traps of the workers of Give ear to my supplications!
iniquity. In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.
Discouragement 2 Do not enter into judgment with Your
To whom should we voice our servant,
For in Your sight no one living is
concerns? righteous.
Psalm 142:1–7
142:title aHebrew Maschil
19-Psalms.indd 766 2/14/12 11:59 AM
767 Psalm 144:1
Making It Real //
Psalm 144:4
Shadows that Count Sometimes on an overcast day, there’s a tiny break in the
clouds that allows the sun to peak through. When that happens, for a brief second you
can see your shadow—just barely—on the ground. But when the clouds shift, your
shadow disappears.
David said your life on earth is like that shadow—it shows up for just a short mo-
ment, and then it’s gone. It may not seem that way right now. Maybe you see your life
stretching out forever in front of you. But when compared with eternity, even the longest
life on earth is a “passing shadow.”
This isn’t cause to fear or be depressed. Instead, it’s a reminder to make the most
out of each moment of life you have. The old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” is
true. One day you’ll wake up and wonder how the years went by so quickly. So cherish
and appreciate each moment God gives you. Pay attention to your life every day. Don’t
waste it by wishing to be older or smarter or better-looking. Appreciate the moment
you’re living in, and make it count. (See also: Ps. 39:5; 62:9; Eccl. 6:12.)
Words to Live By
Shadow: The word translated in Psalm 144:4 as “shadow” is the Hebrew word tsel
(tsale). It means “shade” or “shadow.” This word is often used in the Bible to communicate
the idea of something very temporary. Sometimes life throws difficult things at us that
can seem endless, but those things are really like shadows—they are temporary. In those
challenging times, we just need to hold on to Jesus and He’ll get us through.
3For the enemy has persecuted my soul; 9Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
He has crushed my life to the ground; In You I take shelter.a
He has made me dwell in darkness, 10 Teach me to do Your will,
Like those who have long been dead. For You are my God;
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed Your Spirit is good.
within me; Lead me in the land of uprightness.
My heart within me is distressed.
11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s
5I remember the days of old; sake!
I meditate on all Your works; For Your righteousness’ sake bring my
I muse on the work of Your hands. soul out of trouble.
6 I spread out my hands to You; 12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
My soul longs for You like a thirsty And destroy all those who afflict my
land.Selah soul;
For I am Your servant.
7 Answer me speedily, O Lord;
My spirit fails! Psalm 144
Do not hide Your face from me, A Song to the L ord Who
Lest I be like those who go down into Preserves and Prospers His
the pit. People
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness A Psalm of David.
B
in the morning, lessed be the Lord my Rock,
For in You do I trust; Who trains my hands for war,
Cause me to know the way in which I And my fingers for battle—
should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You. 143:9 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read To You I flee.
19-Psalms.indd 767 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 144:2 768
2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, Happy are the people whose God is
My high tower and my deliverer, the Lord!
My shield and the One in whom I take
refuge, Psalm 145
Who subdues my peoplea under me. A Song of God’s Majesty
3Lord, what is man, that You take
and Love
knowledge of him? A Praise of David.
I
Or the son of man, that You are will extol You, my God, O King;
mindful of him? And I will bless Your name forever and
4 Man is like a breath;
ever.
His days are like a passing shadow.
5Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and Psalm 145:1
come down; This psalm was written as an acrostic.
Touch the mountains, and they shall In its original Hebrew form, each of
smoke. the psalm’s twenty-two sections be-
6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them; gins with a corresponding letter of the
Shoot out Your arrows and destroy Hebrew alphabet—from aleph to tav.
them. (If it were written in English, the first
7 Stretch out Your hand from above; line of the first section would begin
Rescue me and deliver me out of great with A, the second section would
waters, begin with B, and so on.)
From the hand of foreigners,
8 Whose mouth speaks lying words,
2 Every day I will bless You,
And whose right hand is a right hand
of falsehood. And I will praise Your name forever
and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be
9I will sing a new song to You, O God;
On a harp of ten strings I will sing praised;
praises to You, And His greatness is unsearchable.
10 The One who gives salvation to kings,
4One generation shall praise Your
Who delivers David His servant
From the deadly sword. works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 Ia will meditate on the glorious
11 Rescue me and deliver me from the
hand of foreigners, splendor of Your majesty,
Whose mouth speaks lying words, And on Your wondrous works.b
6 Men shall speak of the might of Your
And whose right hand is a right hand
of falsehood— awesome acts,
12 That our sons may be as plants grown And I will declare Your greatness.
7 They shall utter the memory of Your
up in their youth;
That our daughters may be as pillars, great goodness,
Sculptured in palace style; And shall sing of Your righteousness.
13 That our barns may be full,
8The Lord is gracious and full of
Supplying all kinds of produce;
That our sheep may bring forth compassion,
thousands Slow to anger and great in mercy.
9 The Lord is good to all,
And ten thousands in our fields;
14 That our oxen may be well laden;
144:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
That there be no breaking in or going and Vulgate; Syriac and Targum read the peoples
out; (compare 18:47). 145:5 aFollowing Masoretic
That there be no outcry in our streets. Text and Targum; Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint,
15 Happy are the people who are in such Syriac, and Vulgate read They.
bLiterally on the
a state; words of Your wondrous works
19-Psalms.indd 768 2/14/12 11:59 AM
769 Psalm 147:3
And His tender mercies are over all 3Do not put your trust in princes,
His works. Nor in a son of man, in whom there is
no help.
10 All Your works shall praise You, 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his
O Lord, earth;
And Your saints shall bless You. In that very day his plans perish.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your
kingdom, 5Happy is he who has the God of Jacob
And talk of Your power, for his help,
12 To make known to the sons of men His
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
mighty acts, 6 Who made heaven and earth,
And the glorious majesty of His The sea, and all that is in them;
kingdom. Who keeps truth forever,
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting 7 Who executes justice for the
kingdom, oppressed,
And Your dominion endures Who gives food to the hungry.
throughout all generations.a The Lord gives freedom to the
prisoners.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed 8The Lord opens the eyes of the
down. blind;
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to
The Lord raises those who are
You, bowed down;
And You give them their food in due The Lord loves the righteous.
season. 9 The Lord watches over the
16 You open Your hand
strangers;
And satisfy the desire of every living He relieves the fatherless and
thing. widow;
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
But the way of the wicked He turns
upside down.
Gracious in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon
10 The Lord shall reign forever—
Him, Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who
Praise the Lord!
fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save Psalm 147
them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love Him, Praise to God for His Word
But all the wicked He will destroy. and Providence
P
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the
raise the Lord!
Lord, For it is good to sing praises to our
And all flesh shall bless His holy name God;
Forever and ever. For it is pleasant, and praise is
beautiful.
Psalm 146
2The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
The Happiness of Those Whose
Help Is the L ord He gathers together the outcasts of
Israel.
P
raise the Lord! 3 He heals the brokenhearted
Praise the Lord, O my soul! 145:13 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
2 While I live I will praise the Lord;
Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Syriac, and
I will sing praises to my God while I Vulgate add The Lord is faithful in all His words,
have my being. And holy in all His works.
19-Psalms.indd 769 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 147:4 770
Making It Real //
Psalm 147:5
Understanding What tests the limits of your understanding? Advanced calculus?
Statistics? Gravity-defying slam dunks? Italian opera? The creation of the world in six
days? We all have limits to our understanding. We all reach some point at which we just
don’t get it. It’s beyond us. We can’t get our heads around it. Our brains won’t process
anymore.
Our capacity to understand is limited, but God’s is not; He understands everything.
Sometimes we don’t even understand why we do the things we do. But God does. He has
infinite understanding. He sees into our souls very clearly. So when you’re feeling con-
fused and not sure what to do or which way to turn, turn to the One who understands
everything infinitely. He gives flawless directions, and His advice is perfect. (See also: Ps.
139; Heb. 4:13; 1 John 3:20.)
Words to Live By
Understanding: The word translated in Psalm 147:5 as “understanding” is the
Hebrew word tebuwnah (teb-oo-naw’). The same word is used throughout Proverbs (for
example: 2:3; 3:13; 5:1). It conveys the idea of knowledge we are to seek out and cherish.
The more we learn about God and our world, the more we will be able to understand—
not just facts but pure truth from God.
And binds up their wounds. 13 For He has strengthened the bars of
4 He counts the number of the stars; your gates;
He calls them all by name. He has blessed your children within
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; you.
His understanding is infinite. 14 He makes peace in your borders,
6 The Lord lifts up the humble; And fills you with the finest wheat.
He casts the wicked down to the
ground. 15 He sends out His command to the
earth;
7Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; His word runs very swiftly.
Sing praises on the harp to our God, 16 He gives snow like wool;
8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, He scatters the frost like ashes;
Who prepares rain for the earth, 17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who makes grass to grow on the Who can stand before His cold?
mountains. 18 He sends out His word and melts
9 He gives to the beast its food, them;
And to the young ravens that cry. He causes His wind to blow, and the
waters flow.
10 He does not delight in the strength of
the horse; 19 He declares His word to Jacob,
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a His statutes and His judgments to
man. Israel.
11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who 20 He has not dealt thus with any
fear Him, nation;
In those who hope in His mercy. And as for His judgments, they have
not known them.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion! Praise the Lord!
19-Psalms.indd 770 2/14/12 11:59 AM
771 Psalm 150:1
Psalm 148 Psalm 149
Praise to the L ord Praise to God for His
from Creation Salvation and Judgment
P P
raise the Lord! raise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; Sing to the Lord a new song,
Praise Him in the heights! And His praise in the assembly of
2 Praise Him, all His angels; saints.
Praise Him, all His hosts!
2Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in
Angels their King.
Who do angels praise? 3 Let them praise His name with the
Psalm 148:1, 2 dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the
3 Praise Him, sun and moon;
timbrel and harp.
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
Psalm 149:3
And you waters above the heavens! In ancient Israel, dancing was
considered a form of celebration
5Let them praise the name of the Lord,
and worship. As an expression of joy,
For He commanded and they were both men and women danced to the
created. music of tambourines and stringed
6 He also established them forever and
instruments.
ever;
He made a decree which shall not pass
away. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His
people;
7Praise the Lord from the earth, He will beautify the humble with
You great sea creatures and all the salvation.
depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; 5Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Let them sing aloud on their beds.
9 Mountains and all hills; 6 Let the high praises of God be in their
Fruitful trees and all cedars; mouth,
10 Beasts and all cattle;
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
Creeping things and flying fowl; 7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;
And punishments on the peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth; 8 To bind their kings with chains,
12 Both young men and maidens;
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
Old men and children. 9 To execute on them the written
judgment—
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
This honor have all His saints.
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and Praise the Lord!
heaven.
14 And He has exalted the horn of His
Psalm 150
people,
The praise of all His saints— Let All Things Praise the L ord
P
Of the children of Israel, raise the Lord!
A people near to Him.
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise the Lord! Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
19-Psalms.indd 771 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Psalm 150:2 772
2Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him with stringed instruments
Praise Him according to His excellent and flutes!
greatness! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
3Praise Him with the sound of the
trumpet; 6Let everything that has breath praise
Praise Him with the lute and harp! the Lord.
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and
dance; Praise the Lord!
19-Psalms.indd 772 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Proverbs
Date of writing: 950–700 B.C.
Author: Mainly Solomon with Portions By Agur
and King Lemuel
Theme: Universal Principles for Living
Purpose: The wise person makes choices that are
both godly and practical.
Outline
1:1–7 ��������������������Introduction: How Proverbs Can Be Used
1:8—7:27 �������������Parental Advice on the Importance of Seeking
Wisdom and Not Being Foolish
8:1–36 ������������������In Praise of Wisdom
9:1–18 ������������������Wisdom’s Invitation to Feast
10:1—24:34 ��������Solomon’s Wise Sayings
25:1—29:27 ��������More of Solomon’s Wise Sayings
30:1–33 ����������������The Wisdom of Agur
31:1–31 ����������������The Words King Lemuel’s Mother Taught Him
Key Verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6).
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Then /// It seems like everyone speaks a proverb at some time in
their lives: “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.” “Look before
you leap.” “Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.” Proverbs are colorful
ways to say something wise. They are little pieces of truth wrapped up in something sweet
so we can swallow them more easily.
The problem with human proverbs is that they often contradict one another: “Look
before you leap” (be cautious), but “he who hesitates is lost” (don’t be too cautious).
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder” (your boyfriend/girlfriend will like you more after
summer break), but “Out of sight, out of mind” (your boyfriend/girlfriend won’t like you at
all after summer break).
The Book of Proverbs is different in that it is God’s wisdom. It was written as inten-
tional, practical wisdom and preparation for life on this earth that He created. The very
foundation of this wisdom is laid with the “fear of the Lord” (1:7). With the proper respect
and love for God, we will obey Him, and that obedience leads us to true wisdom. That wis-
dom will be a trusted, practical guide throughout the adventure of living in the real world.
Now /// Some of Proverbs is lighthearted. Some is even downright
funny. Don’t be fooled, though. It is God’s truth.
Every proverb is not a specific promise but rather general wisdom on
how to live. Reading Proverbs is like sitting on the porch of heaven and listening to the
wisest, most famous of the saints telling us what they have learned about life. Better than
that, though, the proverbs are like God Himself giving us everyday advice about everyday
situations. Who better to tell us the best way to live in the real world than the God who
created both us and the real world?
Reality Check /// Sometimes the Bible gets the reputation
for not being practical . . . particularly by people who never read it. For so
long, the only English Bible we had to read was one that used really old
ways of speaking and was pretty difficult to understand. But whether the Bible is written
in modern English, old English, or not English at all, the truth is that the Bible was written
by God. He wrote it through the minds and experiences of real people who faced life just
like we do—by faith.
Proverbs is a great example of how practical the Bible truly is. We have a whole book
on making good choices—not being lazy, loving your parents, being a good friend. This is
real life stuff. This is the stuff we care about. This is the stuff that God helps us with.
The Beginning of Knowledge 6 To understand a proverb and an
enigma,
1
The proverbs of Solomon the son of
The words of the wise and their
David, king of Israel:
riddles.
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of
understanding, Proverbs 1:1
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Solomon was young, perhaps no more
Justice, judgment, and equity; than twenty years old, when he be-
4 To give prudence to the simple, came the third king of Israel. During
To the young man knowledge and his forty-year reign, from about 970 to
discretion— 930 B.C., Solomon became so famous
5 A wise man will hear and increase for his wisdom that people from other
learning, nations traveled to Jerusalem just to
And a man of understanding will hear him speak.
attain wise counsel,
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World App
Education / Proverbs 1:1–7
When you think of excitement, your homeroom class may not be
the first image that comes to mind. When you’re in high school it
can be easy to wonder if all these classes are really necessary. It
seems like there’s a whole wide world out there, just waiting for you
to explore and conquer it. And there you sit in trigonometry class.
Although moments like that can be frustrating, the truth is that
what you’re doing right now is building an essential foundation for
your life. You are training your mind to think critically and learning
how to ask the right questions. Rather than being the end of the
journey, high school graduation is just the beginning. You can take
all the knowledge and skills you’ve learned so far and apply them to
every experience that lies ahead.
That is why education is more than just classes at school. It is a
way of life, especially for a follower of Christ. “A wise man will hear
and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise
counsel” (Prov. 1:5). When Jesus was on earth, He showed us this
example, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor
with God and men” (Luke 2:52). True learning starts with seeking
God and learning diligently about Him and His creation. In this way,
you too can “grow in favor” as well as in understanding.
We are called to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds
(Matt. 22:37). Godly education is not just the empty pursuit of
knowledge. Rather, it is loving God with all our minds by studying
His Word and using the full abilities He’s given us to learn and grow
in wisdom and understanding. Because God’s creation is so vast and
amazing, our education should never end. The more we learn, the
more we’ll want to learn because it will cause us to appreciate even
more the power, wonder, beauty, and majesty of our God. We will
find this awe of our Creator truly is “the beginning of knowledge”
(Prov. 1:7).
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PROVERBS 1:7 776
At the openings of the gates in the city
Wisdom She speaks her words:
How can wise people 22“ How long, you simple ones, will you
increase their love simplicity?
understanding? For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
Proverbs 1:5 23 Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning
I will make my words known to you.
of knowledge, 24 Because I have called and you refused,
But fools despise wisdom and I have stretched out my hand and no
instruction. one regarded,
25 Because you disdained all my
Shun Evil Counsel counsel,
8My son, hear the instruction of your And would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
father,
And do not forsake the law of your I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm,
mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on And your destruction comes like a
your head, whirlwind,
And chains about your neck. When distress and anguish come
upon you.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
28“ Then they will call on me, but I will not
Do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us, answer;
Let us lie in wait to shed blood; They will seek me diligently, but they
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,a And did not choose the fear of the
And whole, like those who go down to Lord,
30 They would have none of my counsel
the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious And despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of
possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil; their own way,
14 Cast in your lot among us, And be filled to the full with their own
fancies.
Let us all have one purse”— 32 For the turning away of the simple will
15 My son, do not walk in the way with
slay them,
them,
And the complacency of fools will
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil, destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread safely,
And will be secure, without fear of
In the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, evil.”
They lurk secretly for their own lives. The Value of Wisdom
19 So are the ways of everyone who is
2
greedy for gain; My son, if you receive my words,
It takes away the life of its owners. And treasure my commands within
you,
2 So that you incline your ear to
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
wisdom,
She raises her voice in the open 1:12 aOr the grave 1:21 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and
squares. Targum read top of the walls; Vulgate reads the
21 She cries out in the chief concourses,a head of multitudes.
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777 PROVERBS 2:19
Promise
God promises to give you wisdom and
understanding.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge
and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly (Prov. 2:6, 7).
Have you ever tried to ignore directions and do something your own way
instead? It almost never works out. When you don’t follow directions, you usually
end up lost, or confused, and most of the time you find yourself in the middle of a
mess. It’s amazing how much easier life can be when you simply follow
directions.
God promises He will give you direction and understanding for all the most
important things in life. He will give you all the wisdom and knowledge you need to
make good and right choices. He says that you just have to search for Him, take
time to ask Him, obey Him, and He will be faithful to give you the help you need. He
is the Source of all wisdom and knowledge—there is absolutely nothing God does
not know. He waits patiently for you to stop fumbling around and ask Him to give
you the right directions for your life.
See for yourself// Micah 7:7; Luke 11:10; James 1:5
And apply your heart to From the man who speaks perverse
understanding; things,
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, 13 From those who leave the paths of
And lift up your voice for uprightness
understanding, To walk in the ways of darkness;
4 If you seek her as silver, 14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And search for her as for hidden And delight in the perversity of the
treasures; wicked;
5 Then you will understand the fear of
the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God. Temptation
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; How do we guard against
From His mouth come knowledge and temptation?
understanding; Proverbs 2:10–14
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the
upright;
He is a shield to those who walk 15 Whose ways are crooked,
uprightly; And who are devious in their paths;
8 He guards the paths of justice, 16 To deliver you from the immoral
And preserves the way of His saints. woman,
9 Then you will understand From the seductress who flatters with
righteousness and justice, her words,
Equity and every good path. 17 Who forsakes the companion of her
youth,
10 When wisdom enters your heart, And forgets the covenant of her God.
And knowledge is pleasant to your 18 For her house leads down to death,
soul, And her paths to the dead;
11 Discretion will preserve you; 19 None who go to her return,
Understanding will keep you, Nor do they regain the paths of
12 To deliver you from the way of evil, life—
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PROVERBS 2:20 778
8 It will be health to your flesh,a
Proverbs 2:18 And strengthb to your bones.
Ancient Israelites believed when
people died, their souls went to a dark 9Honor the Lord with your
underground region called Sheol. They possessions,
believed the souls that existed in this And with the firstfruits of all your
world of the dead could not eat, drink, increase;
work, worship, or experience joy like 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
they could when they were alive. And your vats will overflow with new
wine.
20 So you may walk in the way of
11 My son, do not despise the chastening
goodness, of the Lord,
And keep to the paths of Nor detest His correction;
righteousness. 12 For whom the Lord loves He
21 For the upright will dwell in the land,
corrects,
And the blameless will remain in it; Just as a father the son in whom he
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the
delights.
earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
from it. And the man who gains
understanding;
Guidance for the Young 14 For her proceeds are better than the
3
My son, do not forget my law, profits of silver,
But let your heart keep my And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
commands;
2 For length of days and long life And all the things you may desire
And peace they will add to you. cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Mercy 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
Why is mercy important? And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take
Proverbs 3:3, 4
hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck, 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the
Write them on the tablet of your heart, earth;
4 And so find favor and high esteem
By understanding He established the
In the sight of God and man. heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were
broken up,
Trust And clouds drop down the dew.
How are we to trust God?
Proverbs 3:5, 6 21 My son, let them not depart from your
eyes—
5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And lean not on your own And grace to your neck.
understanding; 23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And your foot will not stumble.
And He shall directa your paths.
3:6 aOr make smooth or straight 3:8 aLiterally
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; navel, figurative of the body bLiterally drink or
Fear the Lord and depart from evil. refreshment
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779 PROVERBS 4:7
Promise
God promises to direct your paths.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:5, 6).
If you trust in the Lord with all your heart—not just
saying you believe in Him, but really knowing deep down that God is in control and
will always take care of you—then He promises to lead you to the right path. In
other words, He will show you what you are supposed to do with your life, what
turns to make, when to stop, when to go. He promises to give clear directions to
people who are seeking and trusting Him. That doesn’t mean that people who trust
the Lord won’t have problems; problems are just a fact of life. But it does mean He
will be right there with you through whatever life holds. God isn’t like a GPS that
just spits out directions; He wants to be personally involved in your life. He wants to
walk right beside you and guide you in your choices. The journey through life can
be really confusing and sometimes very difficult. But if you will simply trust God
and allow Him to direct you, He will make the journey more enjoyable and lead you
directly to the very best future.
See for yourself// Psalm 37:5; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 2:14
24 When you lie down, you will not be 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house
afraid; of the wicked,
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep But He blesses the home of the just.
will be sweet. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, But gives grace to the humble.
Nor of trouble from the wicked when 35 The wise shall inherit glory,
it comes; But shame shall be the legacy of
26 For the Lord will be your confidence, fools.
And will keep your foot from being
caught. Security in Wisdom
4
27 Do not withhold good from those to Hear, my children, the instruction
whom it is due, of a father,
When it is in the power of your hand And give attention to know
to do so. understanding;
28 Do not say to your neighbor, 2 For I give you good doctrine:
“ Go, and come back, Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you. Tender and the only one in the sight
29 Do not devise evil against your of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake. “ Let your heart retain my words;
30 Do not strive with a man without cause, Keep my commands, and live.
If he has done you no harm. 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the
31 Do not envy the oppressor, words of my mouth.
And choose none of his ways; 6 Do not forsake her, and she will
32 For the perverse person is an preserve you;
abomination to the Lord, Love her, and she will keep you.
But His secret counsel is with the 7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
upright. Therefore get wisdom.
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PROVERBS 4:8 780
Making It Real //
Proverbs 4:18
Shine On A match is struck inside the heart of each believer at the very moment
they decide to trust in Jesus Christ as the One who delivers them from sin. For some, the
flame burns dimly for a while. But for others, it’s the match that sets the forest on fire.
As you begin to learn more about the Lord—especially about His forgiveness and
grace—the flame begins to burn brighter. At some point you decide to go all out and live
what you believe, giving forgiveness and grace to others. The flame burns brighter still.
However bright your flame is now, continue to grow in knowledge and in truth. You
will begin to understand even more deeply why God’s grace is so amazing. Bit by bit, you
will begin to look more like Jesus—the qualities He has will begin to show up in your own
life. That can actually become a great goal for you: each day, decide to try to be more like
Jesus than you were yesterday. Before you know it, the fire of faith inside you will become
a blaze, and others will be able to see just how wonderful our Lord is by looking at your
life. (See also: Judg. 5:31; Dan. 12:3; Luke 11:36.)
Words to Live By
Shines: The word translated as “shines” in Proverbs 4:18 is the Hebrew word owr
(ore). This word carries with it the idea of setting something on fire. In a sense, that is
what happens when we become Christians. Just like we might say an athlete in top form
is “on fire,” we can be in top form for the Lord and be “on fire” for Him.
And in all your getting, get
understanding. Instruction
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; Why is instruction
She will bring you honor, when you important?
embrace her. Proverbs 4:13
9 She will place on your head an
ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to 16 For they do not sleep unless they have
you.” done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
they make someone fall.
And the years of your life will be 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
many. And drink the wine of violence.
11 I have taught you in the way of
wisdom; 18 But the path of the just is like the
I have led you in right paths. shining sun,a
12 When you walk, your steps will not be
That shines ever brighter unto the
hindered, perfect day.
And when you run, you will not 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
stumble. They do not know what makes them
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not
stumble.
let go;
Keep her, for she is your life. 20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, 21 Do not let them depart from your
And do not walk in the way of evil. eyes;
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on. 4:18 aLiterally light
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World App
Entertainment / Proverbs 4:23
When the Bible talks about the “heart,” it is usually referring to the
very core of who you are: your mind, emotions, and will. Proverbs
4:23 says you should “keep your heart with all diligence.” This means
you should guard and protect your mind, keep your emotions from
being damaged, and let nothing interfere with your ability to make
right choices.
Unfortunately, many forms of entertainment can damage us at
our very core. Some are obviously wrong: viewing pornography, hav-
ing wild parties, doing drugs. It doesn’t take a genius to realize these
things are against God’s will. But what about violent computer
games; are those wrong? Is it harmful to watch R-rated movies? Is it
wrong to listen to sexually explicit music? Can just hearing or seeing
sinful behavior (either real or virtual) cause damage to your “heart”?
After all, just because you watch or listen to sin-filled things, that
doesn’t mean you’re going to do them. Right?
You may have no intention of ever living out the scenes from an
R-rated movie. You may think you could never be as violent as the
creatures in computer games. But a strange, inevitable thing hap-
pens when you allow yourself to watch or listen to sinful behavior—it
starts seeming a bit less bad every time. Soon you’ll discover the
things that once shocked you seem normal. Bit by bit, your heart is
being damaged. And one day, your mind accepts what it once un-
derstood to be wrong. What once offended you may now excite your
emotions. When those things happen, your ability to make right
choices becomes extremely weak. You may end up making deci-
sions you thought you would never make. Over time, you may just
find your behavior matches the sinful images and words you’ve fed
into your heart.
The best way to avoid harmful forms of entertainment is to ask
yourself if you would find it as enjoyable and harmless if Jesus were
sitting beside you. If Jesus wouldn’t like it, you shouldn’t either.
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PROVERBS 4:22 782
Keep them in the midst of your heart; 12 And say:
22 For they are life to those who find “ How I have hated instruction,
them, And my heart despised correction!
And health to all their flesh. 13 I have not obeyed the voice of my
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, teachers,
For out of it spring the issues of life. Nor inclined my ear to those who
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, instructed me!
And put perverse lips far from you. 14 I was on the verge of total ruin,
In the midst of the assembly and
congregation.”
Gossip
How should we treat gossip? 15 Drink water from your own cistern,
Proverbs 4:24 And running water from your own
well.
16 Should your fountains be dispersed
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
abroad,
And your eyelids look right before you. Streams of water in the streets?
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
17 Let them be only your own,
And let all your ways be established. And not for strangers with you.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
Remove your foot from evil. And rejoice with the wife of your
youth.
The Peril of Adultery 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe,
5
My son, pay attention to my Let her breasts satisfy you at all
wisdom; times;
Lend your ear to my And always be enraptured with her
understanding, love.
2 That you may preserve discretion, 20 For why should you, my son, be
And your lips may keep knowledge. enraptured by an immoral
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip woman,
honey, And be embraced in the arms of a
And her mouth is smoother than oil; seductress?
4 But in the end she is bitter as
wormwood, 21 For the ways of man are before the
Sharp as a two-edged sword. eyes of the Lord,
5 Her feet go down to death, And He ponders all his paths.
Her steps lay hold of hell.a 22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked
6 Lest you ponder her path of life— man,
Her ways are unstable; And he is caught in the cords of his
You do not know them. sin.
23 He shall die for lack of instruction,
7Therefore hear me now, my children, And in the greatness of his folly he
And do not depart from the words of shall go astray.
my mouth.
8 Remove your way far from her, Dangerous Promises
6
And do not go near the door of her My son, if you become surety for
house, your friend,
9 Lest you give your honor to others,
If you have shaken hands in pledge
And your years to the cruel one; for a stranger,
10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth,
2 You are snared by the words of your
And your labors go to the house of a mouth;
foreigner; You are taken by the words of your
11 And you mourn at last,
mouth.
When your flesh and your body are
consumed, 5:5 aOr Sheol
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783 PROVERBS 6:30
3 So do this, my son, and deliver Hands that shed innocent blood,
yourself; 18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
For you have come into the hand of Feet that are swift in running to evil,
your friend: 19 A false witness who speaks lies,
Go and humble yourself; And one who sows discord among
Plead with your friend. brethren.
4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids. Beware of Adultery
5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the 20 My son, keep your father’s command,
hand of the hunter, And do not forsake the law of your
And like a bird from the hand of the mother.
fowler.a 21 Bind them continually upon your
heart;
The Folly of Indolence Tie them around your neck.
22 When you roam, theya will lead you;
6Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise, When you sleep, they will keep you;
7 Which, having no captain, And when you awake, they will speak
Overseer or ruler, with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest. And the law a light;
9 How long will you slumber, Reproofs of instruction are the way
O sluggard? of life,
When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, Instruction
A little folding of the hands to sleep— Why should we listen to
11 So shall your poverty come on you like
instruction?
a prowler,
Proverbs 6:20–23
And your need like an armed man.
The Wicked Man 24 To keep you from the evil woman,
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, From the flattering tongue of a
Walks with a perverse mouth; seductress.
13 He winks with his eyes, 25 Do not lust after her beauty in your
He shuffles his feet, heart,
He points with his fingers; Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.
14 Perversity is in his heart, 26 For by means of a harlot
He devises evil continually, A man is reduced to a crust of bread;
He sows discord. And an adulteressa will prey upon his
15 Therefore his calamity shall come precious life.
27 Can a man take fire to his bosom,
suddenly;
Suddenly he shall be broken without And his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one walk on hot coals,
remedy.
And his feet not be seared?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s
Murder wife;
How does the Lord feel about Whoever touches her shall not be
murder? innocent.
Proverbs 6:16, 17 30 People do not despise a thief
If he steals to satisfy himself when he
16 These six things the Lord hates, is starving.
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 6:5 aThat is, one who catches birds in a trap or
17 A proud look, snare 6:22 aLiterally it
6:26 aLiterally a man’s
A lying tongue, wife, that is, of another
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PROVERBS 6:31 784
Making It Real //
Proverbs 6:20
All About Respect In the military, new recruits are taught that they must respect
their commanders at all times and without question. Although recruits may disagree
with their leaders’ decisions or their lifestyles, respect is still required just because of
their position as leaders. In much the same way, God calls you to respect your parents.
They are in the position to lead your family and to train you. Even when you disagree
with your parents, you are called to respect them just because they are your mom and
dad—they have a God-given place of authority. Respect means that you obey their in-
struction—let it guide you and protect you. God influences your life directly through the
leadership of your parents. It’s the way He set things in order. It’s the design that works
best. You glorify God when you respect your parents. (See also: Matt. 15:4; Eph. 6:1–3.)
Words to Live By
Forsake: The word translated as “forsake” in Proverbs 6:20 is natash (naw-tash’). It
carries the idea of rejecting or abandoning. Sometimes we think our parents can’t pos-
sibly know that much more than we do, and we’re tempted to do the opposite of whatever
they tell us, just to prove it. But that’s not an attitude that honors God. When we respect
our parents, we don’t reject their rules or abandon the truth they teach us. Instead, we
accept their authority as another way to glorify God.
31 Yet when he is found, he must restore From the seductress who flatters with
sevenfold; her words.
He may have to give up all the
substance of his house. The Crafty Harlot
32 Whoever commits adultery with a
6For at the window of my house
woman lacks understanding;
He who does so destroys his own soul. I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple,
33 Wounds and dishonor he will get,
And his reproach will not be wiped I perceived among the youths,
away. A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her
34 For jealousy is a husband’s fury;
Therefore he will not spare in the day corner;
of vengeance. And he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening,
35 He will accept no recompense,
Nor will he be appeased though you In the black and dark night.
give many gifts.
10 And there a woman met him,
7
My son, keep my words, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty
And treasure my commands within heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
you.
2 Keep my commands and live, Her feet would not stay at home.
And my law as the apple of your eye. 12 At times she was outside, at times in
3 Bind them on your fingers; the open square,
Write them on the tablet of your heart. Lurking at every corner.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” 13 So she caught him and kissed him;
And call understanding your nearest With an impudent face she said to
kin, him:
5 That they may keep you from the 14“ I have peace offerings with me;
immoral woman, Today I have paid my vows.
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785 PROVERBS 8:13
The Excellence of Wisdom
Proverbs 7:14
8
Does not wisdom cry out,
According to God’s law, after the And understanding lift up her
priest had taken his portion of a peace voice?
offering, the person who offered the 2 She takes her stand on the top of the
sacrifice was given the rest of the high hill,
meat to take home. The only stipula- Beside the way, where the paths meet.
tion was that it all had to be eaten 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry
within two days. Since meat wasn’t of the city,
served very often in ancient times, At the entrance of the doors:
these post-sacrifice meals usually 4“ To you, O men, I call,
turned into festive events—celebra- And my voice is to the sons of men.
tions of God’s forgiveness. 5 O you simple ones, understand
prudence,
15 So I came out to meet you, And you fools, be of an understanding
Diligently to seek your face, heart.
6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, things,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. And from the opening of my lips will
17 I have perfumed my bed come right things;
7 For my mouth will speak truth;
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until Wickedness is an abomination to my
morning; lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are with
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home; righteousness;
He has gone on a long journey; Nothing crooked or perverse is in
20 He has taken a bag of money with him, them.
9 They are all plain to him who
And will come home on the appointed
day.” understands,
And right to those who find
21 With her enticing speech she caused knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not
him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced silver,
him. And knowledge rather than choice
22 Immediately he went after her, as an gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the And all the things one may desire
stocks,a cannot be compared with her.
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare, Wisdom
He did not know it would cost his life.
What comes with wisdom?
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my Proverbs 8:12–14
children;
Pay attention to the words of my 12“ I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
mouth: And find out knowledge and
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her
discretion.
ways, 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate.
And all who were slain by her were
strong men. 7:22 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Targum read as
27 Her house is the way to hell,a a dog to bonds; Vulgate reads as a lamb . . . to
Descending to the chambers of death. bonds. 7:27 aOr Sheol
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PROVERBS 8:14 786
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; Rejoicing always before Him,
I am understanding, I have strength. 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
15 By me kings reign, And my delight was with the sons of
And rulers decree justice. men.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
All the judges of the earth.a 32“ Now therefore, listen to me, my
17 I love those who love me,
children,
And those who seek me diligently For blessed are those who keep my
will find me. ways.
18 Riches and honor are with me, 33 Hear instruction and be wise,
Enduring riches and righteousness. And do not disdain it.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,
fine gold, Watching daily at my gates,
And my revenue than choice silver. Waiting at the posts of my doors.
20 I traverse the way of righteousness, 35 For whoever finds me finds life,
In the midst of the paths of justice, And obtains favor from the Lord;
21 That I may cause those who love me 36 But he who sins against me wrongs his
to inherit wealth, own soul;
That I may fill their treasuries. All those who hate me love death.”
22“ The Lord possessed me at the
beginning of His way, Proverbs 9:1
Before His works of old. Seven was a very important number
23 I have been established from
to the ancient Israelites, who believed
everlasting, the numeral represented holiness or
From the beginning, before there was perfection. The number’s history can
ever an earth. be traced all the way back to Creation,
24 When there were no depths I was
when God worked six days and rested
brought forth, on the seventh. The number seven
When there were no fountains pops up throughout the Bible in
abounding with water. dreams, visions, and rituals.
25 Before the mountains were
settled,
Before the hills, I was brought The Way of Wisdom
9
forth; Wisdom has built her house,
26 While as yet He had not made the
She has hewn out her seven
earth or the fields, pillars;
Or the primal dust of the world. 2 She has slaughtered her meat,
27 When He prepared the heavens, I was
She has mixed her wine,
there, She has also furnished her table.
When He drew a circle on the face of 3 She has sent out her maidens,
the deep, She cries out from the highest places
28 When He established the clouds
of the city,
above, 4“ Whoever is simple, let him turn in
When He strengthened the fountains
here!”
of the deep,
29 When He assigned to the sea its
As for him who lacks understanding,
she says to him,
limit, 5“ Come, eat of my bread
So that the waters would not
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
transgress His command,
When He marked out the 8:16 aMasoretic Text, Syriac, Targum, and
foundations of the earth, Vulgate read righteousness; Septuagint,
30 Then I was beside Him as a master
Bomberg, and some manuscripts and editions
craftsman;a read earth. 8:30 aA Jewish tradition reads one
And I was daily His delight, brought up.
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787 PROVERBS 9:18
Making It Real //
Proverbs 9:10
The Beginning of Wisdom Have you ever been in a situation in which your back
was against the wall and you had no clue what to do next? Have you ever needed to make
an important decision about your life, but the problem seemed too big for you? Those are
the times you need wisdom. Those are the times when seeking God and His perspective
as you figure out what to do is the best idea—that’s wisdom. You know you need it, but
how do you get it?
Proverbs 9:10 says that the beginning of wisdom is “the fear of the Lord.” In other
words, wisdom starts with respect for God. The more you learn to respect and obey the
Lord, the more wisdom you’ll gain. Remember that respect and obedience are two sepa-
rate actions. To respect the Lord is to know that He knows best and to care most about
His truth. It is to consult Him in all situations in your life, even when you’re in a tough
spot. Obedience is a step beyond respect. To obey the Lord is to act on what He’s told you.
The verse goes on to say that to have understanding, you need “knowledge of the
Holy One.” Knowing God personally is much deeper than just knowing things about God.
Knowing Him won’t happen overnight, and no one on earth will ever know Him com-
pletely; but as you spend time with Him, you’ll eventually begin to know Him more and
more personally. He will give you wisdom. Just respect Him, obey Him, and know Him.
(See also: Dan. 2:21; Eph. 1:17; James 3:17.)
Words to Live By
Beginning: The word translated as “beginning” in Proverbs 9:10 is the Hebrew
word techillah (tekh-il-law’). It carries the idea of the first time, the very beginning. To
truly become wise, we first need to recognize how holy, awesome, powerful, and loving
God is. We can learn lots of facts and figures and gather all kinds of information. But we
won’t attain true wisdom until we first begin with respecting and obeying God.
6 Forsake foolishness and live, 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And go in the way of understanding. And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”
7“ He who corrects a scoffer gets shame The Way of Folly
for himself, 13 A foolish woman is clamorous;
And he who rebukes a wicked man She is simple, and knows nothing.
only harms himself. 14 For she sits at the door of her house,
8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate
On a seat by the highest places of the
you; city,
Rebuke a wise man, and he will love 15 To call to those who pass by,
you. Who go straight on their way:
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he
16“ Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”;
will be still wiser; And as for him who lacks
Teach a just man, and he will increase understanding, she says to him,
in learning. 17“ Stolen water is sweet,
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
10“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning
18 But he does not know that the dead
of wisdom, are there,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is That her guests are in the depths of
understanding. hell.a
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you. 9:18 aOr Sheol
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PROVERBS 10:1 788
Wise Sayings of Solomon But a rod is for the back of him who is
devoid of understanding.
10
The proverbs of Solomon:
14 Wise people store up knowledge,
A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the grief of But the mouth of the foolish is near
his mother. destruction.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
2Treasures of wickedness profit
nothing, The destruction of the poor is their
But righteousness delivers from death. poverty.
3 The Lord will not allow the righteous
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life,
soul to famish,
The wages of the wicked to sin.
But He casts away the desire of the
wicked. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way
4He who has a slack hand becomes of life,
But he who refuses correction goes
poor,
astray.
But the hand of the diligent makes
rich. 18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips,
5 He who gathers in summer is a wise
And whoever spreads slander is a
son;
fool.
He who sleeps in harvest is a son who
causes shame. 19 In the multitude of words sin is not
6Blessings are on the head of the
lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
righteous, 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice
But violence covers the mouth of the
silver;
wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is
The heart of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
blessed,
But fools die for lack of wisdom.a
But the name of the wicked will rot.
22 The blessing of the Lord makes one
8The wise in heart will receive
rich,
commands,
And He adds no sorrow with it.
But a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks
23 To do evil is like sport to a fool,
securely, But a man of understanding has
But he who perverts his ways will wisdom.
become known.
10 He who winks with the eye causes Following God
trouble, What’s the hope of a
But a prating fool will fall. righteous person?
11 The mouth of the righteous is a well Proverbs 10:24, 25
of life,
But violence covers the mouth of the 24 The fear of the wicked will come upon
wicked. him,
And the desire of the righteous will be
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
granted.
But love covers all sins. 25 When the whirlwind passes by, the
wicked is no more,
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him
who has understanding, 10:21 aLiterally heart
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789 PROVERBS 11:15
But the righteous has an everlasting 7When a wicked man dies, his
foundation. expectation will perish,
And the hope of the unjust perishes.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to
the eyes,
Lust
So is the lazy man to those who send
him. What will unchecked lust get
us?
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
Proverbs 11:6, 7
But the years of the wicked will be
shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous will be 8 The righteous is delivered from
gladness, trouble,
But the expectation of the wicked will And it comes to the wicked instead.
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys
perish.
29 The way of the Lord is strength for the his neighbor,
upright, But through knowledge the righteous
But destruction will come to the will be delivered.
workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
Hypocrisy
But the wicked will not inhabit the
What effect does the
earth. hypocrite have on those
31 The mouth of the righteous brings around him?
forth wisdom, Proverbs 11:9
But the perverse tongue will be cut
out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is 10 When it goes well with the righteous,
acceptable, the city rejoices;
But the mouth of the wicked what is And when the wicked perish, there is
perverse. jubilation.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city
11
Dishonest scales are an is exalted,
abomination to the Lord, But it is overthrown by the mouth of
But a just weight is His delight. the wicked.
2When pride comes, then comes 12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises
shame; his neighbor,
But with the humble is wisdom. But a man of understanding holds his
peace.
3The integrity of the upright will guide
13 A talebearer reveals secrets,
them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will But he who is of a faithful spirit
destroy them. conceals a matter.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of
14 Where there is no counsel, the people
wrath,
fall;
But righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless
But in the multitude of counselors
there is safety.
will directa his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own 15 He who is surety for a stranger will
wickedness. suffer,
6 The righteousness of the upright will
But one who hates being surety is
deliver them, secure.
But the unfaithful will be caught by
their lust. 11:5 aOr make smooth or straight
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PROVERBS 11:16 790
Making It Real //
Proverbs 11:1
No Cheating Cheating is not just about trying to get by without any effort on your
part. Cheating deals with personal integrity. A great way to define integrity is to think of
it as “what you do when no one’s looking.”
The Lord says that He hates cheating (called “dishonest scales” in Proverbs 11:1).
Copying your friend’s answer to a test, homework done by someone else, money you se-
cretly “borrowed” from your mom’s purse, the work you left undone at your part-time
job, the gum you accidentally forgot to pay for but kept anyway—those are all things that
the Lord hates—they are all dishonest.
Cheating only brings some small momentary rewards. In the long run, it all catches
up to you. God sees the whole thing. Even more, He sees inside your heart and knows all
about your selfish motives. The next time you are tempted to cheat your way to a better
life, listen to the siren that goes off in your head. It’s the Holy Spirit saying, “Don’t!” You
may have to go without something you want, but the God who sees everything will not
overlook your integrity. His rewards are more valuable than anything you can gain by
cheating, and what you gain by obeying God will last for eternity. (See also: 1 Cor. 13:6;
Eph. 4:28.)
Words to Live By
Dishonest: The word translated as “dishonest” in Proverbs 11:1 is the Hebrew word
mirmah (meer-maw’). It carries with it the idea of being deceitful or ready to betray
someone’s trust. When we intentionally deceive someone, we are doing something we
know is wrong, and it is a good indicator that something is not right in our hearts. But we
can come clean with God, confess all our sins (yes, even the very worst ones), and receive
forgiveness. Then we can embrace honesty and decide to live lives of integrity, pleasing to
God.
16 A gracious woman retains honor, 22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
But ruthless men retain riches. So is a lovely woman who lacks
17 The merciful man does good for his discretion.
own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own
flesh. Proverbs 11:22
18 The wicked man does deceptive Pigs were among the least popular
work, animals in ancient Israel. They were
But he who sows righteousness will considered unclean and were unsuit-
have a sure reward. able for food, according to God’s law.
19 As righteousness leads to life, Throughout the Bible, pigs are used to
So he who pursues evil pursues it to symbolize greed, filth, or shame.
his own death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart
23 The desire of the righteous is only
are an abomination to the good,
Lord, But the expectation of the wicked is
But the blameless in their ways are wrath.
His delight.
21 Though they join forces,a the wicked 24 There is one who scatters, yet increases
will not go unpunished; more;
But the posterity of the righteous will
be delivered. 11:21 aLiterally hand to hand
20-Proverbs.indd 790 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Life App
Microblogging / Proverbs 12:13
It has become quite the art form to express your thoughts cleverly
and clearly in 140 characters or less. Unfortunately, not everyone
has mastered this art form. Anyone can write a short thought and
send it out to the world, but what effect do those messages have?
These days, it seems nearly everyone has a blog—a place where
they can share their thoughts and work out their feelings while all
their subscribers read along. With a blog, you can take the space you
need to express yourself. But with microblogging, you have to get
your point across quickly. There’s no room to explain. You have to
be clear and concise . . . and that can prove to be incredibly
challenging.
While the brevity of microblogging can often be used to entertain
or amuse, it can also be used to wound others. If you use the Internet
to settle a personal matter, taking your two-person argument pub-
lic, what good can come of it? If you use the Internet to share your
unsolicited opinion on what other people wear or do or think, what’s
the point? Proverbs 12:13 says, “The wicked is ensnared by the
transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trou-
ble.” If you take a moment, you can probably think of a friend or
acquaintance (or yourself) who has gotten into a bit of trouble with
microblogging. While a comment may seem harmless or amusing at
the moment, once it gets out to the world, you might realize it could
be taken in a different way than you meant it. Not only could it hurt
others, but it could also get you in hot water.
But you can also use microblogging to encourage, enlighten, or
simply bring a smile to other people. Always consider carefully what
you send out for the world to see. Ask yourself if you’d say the same
thing out loud, no matter who was listening. Be careful that you
never write something that could get you in trouble. Try to find
ways to write things that God can use to encourage others.
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PROVERBS 11:25 792
And there is one who withholds more But the counsels of the wicked are
than is right, deceitful.
But it leads to poverty. 6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in
25 The generous soul will be made rich, wait for blood,”
And he who waters will also be But the mouth of the upright will
watered himself. deliver them.
26 The people will curse him who
withholds grain, 7The wicked are overthrown and are
But blessing will be on the head of him no more,
who sells it. But the house of the righteous will
stand.
27 He who earnestly seeks good finds
favor, 8A man will be commended according
But trouble will come to him who to his wisdom,
seeks evil. But he who is of a perverse heart will
be despised.
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
9Better is the one who is slighted but
But the righteous will flourish like
foliage. has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks
29 He who troubles his own house will bread.
inherit the wind,
10 A righteous man regards the life of his
And the fool will be servant to the wise
of heart. animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of are cruel.
life,
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied
And he who wins souls is wise.
with bread,
31 If the righteous will be recompensed But he who follows frivolity is devoid
on the earth, of understanding.a
How much more the ungodly and the 12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
sinner.
But the root of the righteous yields
12
Whoever loves instruction fruit.
13 The wicked is ensnared by the
loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is transgression of his lips,
stupid. But the righteous will come through
trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by
2A good man obtains favor from the
Lord, the fruit of his mouth,
But a man of wicked intentions He will And the recompense of a man’s hands
condemn. will be rendered to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own
3A man is not established by wickedness,
eyes,
But the root of the righteous cannot
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
be moved. 16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
4An excellenta wife is the crown of her But a prudent man covers shame.
husband, 17 He who speaks truth declares
But she who causes shame is like righteousness,
rottenness in his bones. But a false witness, deceit.
5The thoughts of the righteous are 12:4 aLiterally A wife of valor
12:11 aLiterally
right, heart
20-Proverbs.indd 792 2/14/12 11:59 AM
Life App
Blogging / Proverbs 12:18
“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the
tongue of the wise promotes health” (Prov. 12:18). We know that the
words we speak to people can lift them up or tear them down. But
sometimes we forget that the written word can wound just as much,
or maybe even more, than the spoken word.
Lots of people have blogs these days. There are fashions blogs
and sports blogs and ministry blogs and just life-in-general blogs. If
you have something to say, thanks to the World Wide Web, you have
a ready-made audience. But sometimes the fact that any number of
people may read what you write doesn’t actually register in your
mind. If you’re upset or agitated or hurt or angry, your blog may
seem like the perfect place to vent. Or it may be that when you’ve
messed up, crossed the line of good taste, and shared a negative
opinion about something or someone, your ugly comments resulted
in more hits on your blog than ever before. You could be tempted to
keep crossing that line to keep getting those hits. But be careful how
you use the power of words when your audience could be thou-
sands. Before you realize it, you could find yourself using your blog
as a sword—a weapon meant to pierce and wound.
While a juicy, opinionated, hateful blog may get you a lot of hits
and comments online, it can cause massive damage to real people
in the real world. As a follower of Christ, you should be sharing the
gospel with your entire life—including your blog. Instead of using
venomous words that pierce like a sword, you can speak with wis-
dom in a way that encourages or enlightens others. This doesn’t
mean you can’t share your honest opinions or have a sense of hu-
mor; of course you should do those things—that’s what makes your
blog yours. But just like in the rest of your life, make sure the words
you speak truly reflect who you are and the God you serve.
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PROVERBS 12:18 794
Making It Real //
Proverbs 12:24
Diligence Versus Laziness Forty algebra problems, a paper on the people of
Zaire, Spanish vocabulary words—every night another pile of homework . . . all to be
done after you get home from your after-school job. On top of it all, you have your chores
at home. It may seem like just too much. You may get tired of having so much work to
do, but the sacrifice will be worth it in the end. Proverbs 12:24 says that the diligent—
those who work hard—become leaders, and the lazy end up working hard anyway, but
for someone else. Without hard work, it’s difficult to find true success in a career or in a
relationship or in any other important part of life.
If you have goals and want to make a difference with your life, then you really need
to be diligent. Even when you can’t imagine how you will ever use the information you
encounter in your piles of homework or the experience you get sweeping the floors or
working the drive-through at your job, just press on. Know that each little accomplish-
ment is building your character. You will be stronger, wiser, and more disciplined—all
because you were faithful and diligent. (See also: Prov. 24:33, 34; Eccl. 9:10; Gal. 6:4.)
Words to Live By
Diligent: The word translated as “diligent” in Proverbs 12:24 is the Hebrew word
charuwts (khaw-roots’). It also means “sharp” or “determined.” It paints a picture of
someone who is always ready for the task at hand, like a knife that is sharpened and
ready to be used. It’s not about over-committing or feeling like you have to take on every
responsibility in the world. Instead, it is about doing your best at the work you are given
to do. Being diligent in this way honors God and builds your character so you can be-
come more like Him.
18 There is one who speaks like the 24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
piercings of a sword, But the lazy man will be put to forced
But the tongue of the wise promotes labor.
health.
19 The truthful lip shall be established
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes
forever, depression,
But a lying tongue is but for a But a good word makes it glad.
moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who
devise evil, Depression
But counselors of peace have joy.
21 No grave trouble will overtake the How are we to respond to
righteous, depression?
But the wicked shall be filled with Proverbs 12:25
evil.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the
26 The righteous should choose his
Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His friends carefully,
delight. For the way of the wicked leads them
astray.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims 27 The lazy man does not roast what he
foolishness. took in hunting,
20-Proverbs.indd 794 2/14/12 11:59 AM
795 PROVERBS 13:23
But diligence is man’s precious But he who gathers by labor will
possession. increase.
28 In the way of righteousness is life, 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
And in its pathway there is no death. But when the desire comes, it is a tree
of life.
13
A wise son heeds his father’s
instruction, 13 He who despises the word will be
But a scoffer does not listen to destroyed,
rebuke. But he who fears the commandment
2A man shall eat well by the fruit of his
will be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of
mouth,
life,
But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on
To turn one away from the snares of
violence.
3 He who guards his mouth preserves death.
his life, 15 Good understanding gains favor,
But he who opens wide his lips shall
But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
have destruction. 16 Every prudent man acts with
4The soul of a lazy man desires, and has knowledge,
nothing; But a fool lays open his folly.
But the soul of the diligent shall be
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
made rich.
But a faithful ambassador brings
health.
Laziness
If diligence brings wealth, 18 Poverty and shame will come to him
what does laziness bring? who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be
Proverbs 13:4
honored.
5A righteous man hates lying, 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the
But a wicked man is loathsome and soul,
comes to shame. But it is an abomination to fools to
6 Righteousness guards him whose way depart from evil.
is blameless,
20 He who walks with wise men will be
But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
wise,
7There is one who makes himself rich, But the companion of fools will be
yet has nothing; destroyed.
And one who makes himself poor, yet
has great riches. 21 Evil pursues sinners,
But to the righteous, good shall be
8The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,
repaid.
But the poor does not hear rebuke.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to
9The light of the righteous rejoices,
his children’s children,
But the lamp of the wicked will be But the wealth of the sinner is stored
put out. up for the righteous.
10 By pride comes nothing but strife, 23 Much food is in the fallow ground of
But with the well-advised is wisdom. the poor,
And for lack of justice there is waste.a
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be
diminished, 13:23 aLiterally what is swept away
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PROVERBS 13:24 796
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, 12 There is a way that seems right to a
But he who loves him disciplines him man,
promptly. But its end is the way of death.
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of 13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
his soul, And the end of mirth may be grief.
But the stomach of the wicked shall be
in want. 14 The backslider in heart will be filled
with his own ways,
14
The wise woman builds her But a good man will be satisfied from
house, above.a
But the foolish pulls it down
with her hands. 15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his
2He who walks in his uprightness fears
steps.
the Lord, 16 A wise man fears and departs from
But he who is perverse in his ways evil,
despises Him. But a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
3In the mouth of a fool is a rod of
And a man of wicked intentions is
pride, hated.
But the lips of the wise will preserve 18 The simple inherit folly,
them. But the prudent are crowned with
knowledge.
4Where no oxen are, the trough is 19 The evil will bow before the good,
clean; And the wicked at the gates of the
But much increase comes by the righteous.
strength of an ox.
20 The poor man is hated even by his own
5A faithful witness does not lie,
neighbor,
But a false witness will utter lies. But the rich has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins;
6A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not
But he who has mercy on the poor,
find it, happy is he.
But knowledge is easy to him who
understands. 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
7 Go from the presence of a foolish
But mercy and truth belong to those
man, who devise good.
When you do not perceive in him the
lips of knowledge. 23 In all labor there is profit,
8The wisdom of the prudent is to
But idle chattera leads only to poverty.
understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly.
9Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor. 25 A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its 26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong
joy. confidence,
And His children will have a place of
11 The house of the wicked will be
refuge.
overthrown,
But the tent of the upright will 14:14 aLiterally from above himself
flourish. 14:23 aLiterally talk of the lips
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797 PROVERBS 15:14
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of 3The eyes of the Lord are in every
life, place,
To turn one away from the snares of Keeping watch on the evil and the
death. good.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s 4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
honor, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
But in the lack of people is the
downfall of a prince. 5A fool despises his father’s instruction,
But he who receives correction is
29 He who is slow to wrath has great prudent.
understanding,
But he who is impulsivea exalts folly. 6In the house of the righteous there is
much treasure,
30 A sound heart is life to the body, But in the revenue of the wicked is
But envy is rottenness to the bones. trouble.
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches 7The lips of the wise disperse
his Maker, knowledge,
But he who honors Him has mercy on But the heart of the fool does not do so.
the needy.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an
abomination to the Lord,
Mercy But the prayer of the upright is His
Who do we honor by being delight.
merciful to the needy? 9 The way of the wicked is an
Proverbs 14:31 abomination to the Lord,
But He loves him who follows
righteousness.
32 The wicked is banished in his
wickedness, 10 Harsh discipline is for him who
But the righteous has a refuge in his forsakes the way,
death. And he who hates correction will die.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who 11 Hella and Destructionb are before the
has understanding, Lord;
But what is in the heart of fools is So how much more the hearts of the
made known. sons of men.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, 12 A scoffer does not love one who
But sin is a reproach to any people. corrects him,
Nor will he go to the wise.
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise
servant, 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful
But his wrath is against him who countenance,
causes shame. But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is
broken.
15
A soft answer turns away
wrath, 14 The heart of him who has
But a harsh word stirs up understanding seeks knowledge,
anger. But the mouth of fools feeds on
2 The tongue of the wise uses
foolishness.
knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth 14:29 aLiterally short of spirit
15:11 aOr Sheol
foolishness. bHebrew Abaddon
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PROVERBS 15:15 798
Making It Real //
Proverbs 15:22
Just Ask When it comes to making decisions, it doesn’t matter how old you are. One
of the best things you can do, in addition to praying and studying God’s Word, is consult
with wise believers and consider their advice when you make your plans. These wise
people may include a parent, a trusted adult at church, or a good friend who is also a
mature brother or sister in Christ. Take full advantage of the wisdom and guidance they
want to share with you.
As you get older, you will be allowed the right to make more and more of your own
decisions. The wiser your decisions, the more freedom you will be given. And one day not
too far in the future, all the decisions about your life will by yours. But, even when you are
completely independent, don’t forget to seek wise counsel from trusted friends and ma-
ture believers in the family of Christ. (See also: Prov. 1:5; Eph. 6:1–3; 1 Pet. 5:5.)
Words to Live By
Counselors: The word translated as “counselors” in Proverbs 15:22 is the Hebrew
word yaats (yaw-ats’). It carries with it the idea of advising, consulting, or guiding. God
has placed wise Christian people in your life who can help you make wise decisions. It’s
as if they have already traveled along roads that are unfamiliar to you and they know
exactly what to expect and where those roads lead. You wouldn’t refuse to listen to your
GPS to find the way to get where you’re going. So why not check in with the ones who
know the right roads to travel through life?
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, 22 Without counsel, plans go awry,
But he who is of a merry heart has a But in the multitude of counselors
continual feast. they are established.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the 23 A man has joy by the answer of his
Lord, mouth,
Than great treasure with trouble. And a word spoken in due season, how
17 Better is a dinner of herbsa where
good it is!
love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred. 24 The way of life winds upward for the
wise,
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,
That he may turn away from hella below.
But he who is slow to anger allays
contention. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the
proud,
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge
But He will establish the boundary of
of thorns, the widow.
But the way of the upright is a
highway. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an
abomination to the Lord,
20 A wise son makes a father glad,
But the words of the pure are pleasant.
But a foolish man despises his mother.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his
21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of
own house,
discernment, But he who hates bribes will live.
But a man of understanding walks
uprightly. 15:17 aOr vegetables
15:24 aOr Sheol
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799 PROVERBS 16:19
28 The heart of the righteous studies how 9A man’s heart plans his way,
to answer, But the Lord directs his steps.
But the mouth of the wicked pours
forth evil. 10 Divination is on the lips of the king;
His mouth must not transgress in
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
judgment.
But He hears the prayer of the 11 Honest weights and scales are the
righteous. Lord’s;
All the weights in the bag are His work.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, 12 It is an abomination for kings to
And a good report makes the bones commit wickedness,
healthy.a For a throne is established by
righteousness.
31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
Will abide among the wise. And they love him who speaks what
32 He who disdains instruction despises
is right.
his own soul, 14 As messengers of death is the king’s
But he who heeds rebuke gets wrath,
understanding. But a wise man will appease it.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction
of wisdom,
And before honor is humility. Proverbs 16:15
Because it’s located in a desert region,
16
The preparations of the heart the land of Israel experiences frequent
belong to man, droughts. Because the ancient Isra-
But the answer of the tongue is elites relied on farming for so many
from the Lord. of their basic needs, they considered
rain a precious gift from God. Long
2All the ways of a man are pure in his
droughts were thought by many to
own eyes, be God’s judgment on the sins of the
But the Lord weighs the spirits. people.
3Commit your works to the Lord,
And your thoughts will be established. 15 In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud of the
4The Lord has made all for Himself, latter rain.
Yes, even the wicked for the day of
doom. 16 How much better to get wisdom than
gold!
5Everyone proud in heart is an
And to get understanding is to be
abomination to the Lord; chosen rather than silver.
Though they join forces,a none will go
unpunished. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart
from evil;
6In mercy and truth
He who keeps his way preserves his
Atonement is provided for iniquity; soul.
And by the fear of the Lord one
departs from evil. 18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
7When a man’s ways please the Lord, 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the
He makes even his enemies to be at lowly,
peace with him. Than to divide the spoil with the
proud.
8Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice. 15:30 aLiterally fat
16:5 aLiterally hand to hand
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PROVERBS 16:20 800
20 He who heeds the word wisely will 32 He who is slow to anger is better than
find good, the mighty,
And whoever trusts in the Lord, And he who rules his spirit than he
happy is he. who takes a city.
21 The wise in heart will be called 33 The lot is cast into the lap,
prudent, But its every decision is from the Lord.
And sweetness of the lips increases
17
learning. Better is a dry morsel with
quietness,
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to Than a house full of feastinga
him who has it. with strife.
But the correction of fools is folly.
2A wise servant will rule over a son who
23 The heart of the wise teaches his causes shame,
mouth, And will share an inheritance among
And adds learning to his lips. the brothers.
3The refining pot is for silver and the
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to furnace for gold,
the bones. But the Lord tests the hearts.
4An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
25 There is a way that seems right to a
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful
man,
tongue.
But its end is the way of death.
5He who mocks the poor reproaches
26 The person who labors, labors for
his Maker;
himself,
He who is glad at calamity will not go
For his hungry mouth drives him on.
unpunished.
27 An ungodly man digs up evil,
6Children’s children are the crown of
And it is on his lips like a burning fire. old men,
28 A perverse man sows strife,
And the glory of children is their father.
And a whisperer separates the best of
friends. 7 Excellent speech is not becoming to
a fool,
Gossip Much less lying lips to a prince.
What are some of the 8A present is a precious stone in the
negative results of gossip? eyes of its possessor;
Proverbs 16:28 Wherever he turns, he prospers.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor, Enemies
And leads him in a way that is not How can we avoid making
good.
30 He winks his eye to devise perverse
enemies?
things; Proverbs 17:9
He purses his lips and brings about
evil. 9He who covers a transgression seeks
love,
31 The silver-haired head is a crown of
But he who repeats a matter separates
glory, friends.
If it is found in the way of
righteousness. 17:1 aOr sacrificial meals
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801 PROVERBS 17:20
Making It Real //
Proverbs 17:9
Grace If you’ve ever been betrayed or abandoned or hurt by a friend, you’ve probably
got the emotional scars to prove it. When it comes to dealing with your pain, you have
a decision to make. You can choose to look at your scars every day, let them remind you
how hurt you are, and keep the pain fresh and always in your mind. You can choose to
spend hours plotting revenge. You can tell everyone how badly you were treated. You can
hold a grudge. But eventually that grudge will turn to bitterness that will consume you.
It’s like a disease in your soul that will end up infecting your whole life with negative feel-
ings and hateful thoughts.
But you don’t have to choose bitterness. You have another option: a combination of
two powerful expressions—grace and forgiveness. Grace means forgiving a friend even
when they don’t deserve it. Grace is how God has reached out to us. He forgave us when
we didn’t deserve it, and now we can give that same grace to others. We can forgive them
just as God has forgiven us: let it go and forget it. Your words and your actions will show
that you have truly forgiven.
So you have a choice to make; there are two ways to deal with someone who has
hurt you. The first option keeps you chained to the past. The second one sets you free for
the future. Forgiveness frees your heart to love your friend the way God loves you. (See
also: Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13; 1 John 4:7.)
Words to Live By
Seeks: The word translated as “seeks” in Proverbs 17:9 is the Hebrew word baqash
(baw-kash’). It means “to search out.” Baqash is an active word. Healthy relationships
don’t always come easy, but we can actively seek out the love we need to maintain them.
When you choose to give grace and live out forgiveness, you are actively pursuing the
love from God that can bless every part of your life, especially your relationships.
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise Both of them alike are an abomination
man to the Lord.
Than a hundred blows on a fool.
16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; purchase price of wisdom,
Therefore a cruel messenger will be Since he has no heart for it?
sent against him.
17 A friend loves at all times,
12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her And a brother is born for adversity.
cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly. 18 A man devoid of understanding
shakes hands in a pledge,
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, And becomes surety for his friend.
Evil will not depart from his house.
19 He who loves transgression loves strife,
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing And he who exalts his gate seeks
water; destruction.
Therefore stop contention before a
quarrel starts. 20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no
good,
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he And he who has a perverse tongue
who condemns the just, falls into evil.
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PROVERBS 17:21 802
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his Or to overthrow the righteous in
sorrow, judgment.
And the father of a fool has no joy.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention,
22 A merry heart does good, like And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
medicine,a
But a broken spirit dries the bones. And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind trifles,a
the backa And they go down into the inmost
To pervert the ways of justice. body.
9He who is slothful in his work
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has
understanding, Is a brother to him who is a great
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of destroyer.
the earth. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father,
tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
And bitterness to her who bore him. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not
city,
And like a high wall in his own
good, esteem.
Nor to strike princes for their
uprightness. 12 Before destruction the heart of a man
27 He who has knowledge spares his
is haughty,
And before honor is humility.
words,
And a man of understanding is of a 13 He who answers a matter before he
calm spirit. hears it,
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he
It is folly and shame to him.
holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered 14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in
perceptive. sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?
18
A man who isolates himself 15 The heart of the prudent acquires
seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise knowledge,
judgment. And the ear of the wise seeks
knowledge.
2A fool has no delight in
16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
understanding,
And brings him before great men.
But in expressing his own heart.
17 The first one to plead his cause seems
3When the wicked comes, contempt
right,
comes also;
Until his neighbor comes and
And with dishonor comes reproach.
examines him.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep
18 Casting lots causes contentions to
waters; cease,
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing And keeps the mighty apart.
brook.
17:22 aOr makes medicine even better
5It is not good to show partiality to the 17:23 aLiterally from the bosom
18:8 aA Jewish
wicked, tradition reads wounds.
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803 PROVERBS 19:15
5A false witness will not go unpunished,
Proverbs 18:18 And he who speaks lies will not escape.
Casting lots was a lot like flipping a
coin or drawing straws to determine 6Many entreat the favor of the nobility,
who’s going to do something. The And every man is a friend to one who
only difference was many Israelites gives gifts.
believed God influenced the outcome 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him;
when lots were cast. Therefore, it was How much more do his friends go far
His will, and not blind luck, that deter- from him!
mined the results. He may pursue them with words, yet
they abandon him.
19 A brother offended is harder to win 8He who gets wisdom loves his own
than a strong city, soul;
And contentions are like the bars of a He who keeps understanding will find
castle. good.
20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied 9A false witness will not go
from the fruit of his mouth; unpunished,
From the produce of his lips he shall And he who speaks lies shall perish.
be filled.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool,
21 Death and life are in the power of the
Much less for a servant to rule over
tongue, princes.
And those who love it will eat its
fruit. 11 The discretion of a man makes him
slow to anger,
22 He who finds a wife finds a good
And his glory is to overlook a
thing, transgression.
And obtains favor from the Lord.
12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of
23 The poor man uses entreaties,
a lion,
But the rich answers roughly. But his favor is like dew on the grass.
24 A man who has friends must himself
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father,
be friendly,a And the contentions of a wife are a
But there is a friend who sticks closer continual dripping.
than a brother.
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance
19
Better is the poor who walks in from fathers,
his integrity But a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Than one who is perverse in his
lips, and is a fool.
Laziness
2Also it is not good for a soul to be
If you are lazy, what can you
without knowledge,
expect?
And he sins who hastens with his feet.
Proverbs 19:15
3The foolishness of a man twists his
way, 15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And his heart frets against the Lord. And an idle person will suffer hunger.
4Wealth makes many friends,
18:24 aFollowing Greek manuscripts, Syriac,
But the poor is separated from his Targum, and Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads may
friend. come to ruin.
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Life App
Free Time / Proverbs 19:15
It’s the weekend! Whooot! Time to do nothing! What a great way to
spend a few days off—do absolutely nothing! What could possibly be
wrong with that?
Everyone needs a bit of time off—some time to just relax and
chill. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break. The problem comes
when the “break” becomes a lifestyle.
Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived and the one who wrote
many of the Proverbs) understood how important it is to avoid the
temptation to always sit around and never accomplish anything. If
that’s the lifestyle we choose, we might as well just sleep our lives
away.
There are a couple of laws in physics: 1) an object at rest tends to
stay at rest; 2) an object in motion tends to stay in motion. Often, we
can look at the world God created to learn about our relationship to
Him and the world around us. These laws of physics are a good ex-
ample. If we see life as an adventure to be lived and a journey of
discovery about God and our place in His world, we will set our-
selves in motion to learn and grow. If we choose to disconnect from
life and God’s plan for us, we may never move beyond where we are
at this moment.
Free time is great and time off can be a much needed time of re-
freshing and rest. But you weren’t made to sit and watch the world
go by. You were created with a purpose—something only you can
do. Take time off when you need to. Enjoy free time. But don’t let it
take over. Keep moving, growing, doing, and being and watch as
God makes something special of your life.
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805 PROVERBS 20:9
16 He who keeps the commandment 28 A disreputable witness scorns
keeps his soul, justice,
But he who is carelessa of his ways And the mouth of the wicked devours
will die. iniquity.
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
the Lord, And beatings for the backs of fools.
And He will pay back what he has
20
given. Wine is a mocker,
Strong drink is a brawler,
18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And whoever is led astray by it
And do not set your heart on his is not wise.
destruction.a
2The wratha of a king is like the roaring
19 A man of great wrath will suffer
of a lion;
punishment; Whoever provokes him to anger sins
For if you rescue him, you will have to against his own life.
do it again.
3It is honorable for a man to stop
20 Listen to counsel and receive
striving,
instruction, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
That you may be wise in your latter
days. 4The lazy man will not plow because of
winter;
21 There are many plans in a man’s
He will beg during harvest and have
heart, nothing.
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—
that will stand. 5Counsel in the heart of man is like
deep water,
22 What is desired in a man is kindness,
But a man of understanding will draw
And a poor man is better than a liar. it out.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, 6Most men will proclaim each his own
And he who has it will abide in goodness,
satisfaction; But who can find a faithful man?
He will not be visited with evil.
7The righteous man walks in his
24 A lazy man buries his hand in the
integrity;
bowl,a His children are blessed after him.
And will not so much as bring it to his
mouth again. 8A king who sits on the throne of
judgment
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will
Scatters all evil with his eyes.
become wary;
Rebuke one who has understanding, 9Who can say, “I have made my heart
and he will discern knowledge. clean,
26 He who mistreats his father and
I am pure from my sin”?
chases away his mother 19:16 aLiterally despises, figurative of
Is a son who causes shame and brings recklessness or carelessness 19:18 aLiterally
reproach. to put him to death; a Jewish tradition reads
on his crying. 19:24 aSeptuagint and Syriac
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,
read bosom; Targum and Vulgate read armpit.
And you will stray from the words of 20:2 aLiterally fear or terror which is produced
knowledge. by the king’s wrath
20-Proverbs.indd 805 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 20:10 806
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, 21 An inheritance gained hastily at the
They are both alike, an abomination to beginning
the Lord. Will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;
Hypocrisy Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
What does God think
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to
of a person with double
the Lord,
standards?
And dishonest scales are not good.
Proverbs 20:10
24 A man’s steps are of the Lord;
11 Even a child is known by his deeds, How then can a man understand his
own way?
Whether what he does is pure and
right. 25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
The Lord has made them both.
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to
And brings the threshing wheel over
poverty;
them.
Open your eyes, and you will be
satisfied with bread. 27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the
14“ It is good for nothing,”a cries the buyer; Lord,
Searching all the inner depths of his
But when he has gone his way, then
heart.a
he boasts.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king,
15 There is gold and a multitude of
And by lovingkindness he upholds his
rubies,
throne.
But the lips of knowledge are a
precious jewel. 29 The glory of young men is their strength,
16 Take the garment of one who is surety
And the splendor of old men is their
gray head.
for a stranger,
And hold it as a pledge when it is for a 30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
seductress. As do stripes the inner depths of the
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a
heart.a
21
man, The king’s heart is in the hand
But afterward his mouth will be filled of the Lord,
with gravel. Like the rivers of water;
18 Plans are established by counsel;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
By wise counsel wage war. 2Every way of a man is right in his own
19 He who goes about as a talebearer
eyes,
But the Lord weighs the hearts.
reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one 3To do righteousness and justice
who flatters with his lips. Is more acceptable to the Lord than
20 Whoever curses his father or his
sacrifice.
mother, 20:14 aLiterally evil, evil
20:27 aLiterally the
His lamp will be put out in deep rooms of the belly 20:30 aLiterally the rooms of
darkness. the belly
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807 PROVERBS 21:28
4A haughty look, a proud heart, He who loves wine and oil will not be
And the plowinga of the wicked are sin. rich.
5The plans of the diligent lead surely to 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the
plenty, righteous,
But those of everyone who is hasty, And the unfaithful for the upright.
surely to poverty.
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
6Getting treasures by a lying tongue
Than with a contentious and angry
Is the fleeting fantasy of those who woman.
seek death.a
20 There is desirable treasure,
7The violence of the wicked will destroy
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
them,a But a foolish man squanders it.
Because they refuse to do justice.
21 He who follows righteousness and
8The way of a guilty man is perverse;a
mercy
But as for the pure, his work is right.
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
9Better to dwell in a corner of a
22 A wise man scales the city of the
housetop,
Than in a house shared with a mighty,
contentious woman. And brings down the trusted
stronghold.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
23 Whoever guards his mouth and
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
tongue
11 When the scoffer is punished, the Keeps his soul from troubles.
simple is made wise; 24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer”
But when the wise is instructed, he
receives knowledge. is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.
12 The righteous God wisely considers
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him,
the house of the wicked,
Overthrowing the wicked for their For his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long,
wickedness.
But the righteous gives and does not
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of spare.
the poor
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
abomination;
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, How much more when he brings it
And a bribe behind the back,a strong with wicked intent!
wrath.
28 A false witness shall perish,
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But the man who hears him will speak
But destruction will come to the endlessly.
workers of iniquity. 21:4 aOr lamp 21:6 aSeptuagint reads Pursue
vanity on the snares of death; Vulgate reads
16 A man who wanders from the way of
Is vain and foolish, and shall stumble on the
understanding snares of death; Targum reads They shall be
Will rest in the assembly of the dead. destroyed, and they shall fall who seek death.
21:7 aLiterally drag them away 21:8 aOr
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor The way of a man is perverse and strange
man; 21:14 aLiterally in the bosom
20-Proverbs.indd 807 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 21:29 808
29 A wicked man hardens his face, 10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention
But as for the upright, he establishesa will leave;
his way. Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding 11 He who loves purity of heart
Or counsel against the Lord. And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of
battle, 12 The eyes of the Lord preserve
But deliverance is of the Lord. knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the
22
A good name is to be chosen faithless.
rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver 13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion
and gold. outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”
2The rich and the poor have this in
common, 14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a
The Lord is the maker of them all. deep pit;
He who is abhorred by the Lord will
3A prudent man foresees evil and hides fall there.
himself,
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart
But the simple pass on and are
punished. of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far
4By humility and the fear of the Lord from him.
Are riches and honor and life.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase
his riches,
Humility And he who gives to the rich, will
Does God bless a humble surely come to poverty.
person?
Proverbs 22:4 Sayings of the Wise
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of
5Thorns and snares are in the way of
the wise,
And apply your heart to my
the perverse; knowledge;
He who guards his soul will be far 18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep
from them. them within you;
6Train up a child in the way he
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord;
should go, I have instructed you today, even you.
And when he is old he will not depart 20 Have I not written to you excellent
from it. things
7The rich rules over the poor,
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the
And the borrower is servant to the certainty of the words of truth,
lender. That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?
8He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow,
And the rod of his anger will fail. 22 Do not rob the poor because he is
poor,
9He who has a generous eye will be
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
blessed,
For he gives of his bread to the poor. 21:29 aQere and Septuagint read understands.
20-Proverbs.indd 808 2/14/12 11:59 AM
809 PROVERBS 23:7
Making It Real //
Proverbs 22:1
A Good Name You are the one who has to live with yourself. No one else lives inside
your skin. So, don’t ever let anyone else make decisions about your reputation or your
character. You will encounter situations wherein someone will try to influence you to
do something you know is wrong—they may plead with you, they may promise you the
moon, they may charm you or they tell you they love you. In those situations, your gut
instinct might be to run. That would be the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Don’t miss Him.
Do not be deceived! Do not fall into Satan’s trap.
Protect your integrity. Muster up all your courage and say, “No!” Then remove your-
self from temptation—go home; send (or take) your date home; get a ride home.
Whatever it takes, just get away from the pressure to make a bad decision.
To have a good name and to be respected is more valuable than silver and gold. You
are building your character when you make difficult decisions that are right and strong.
God sees your faithfulness, and He will bless your name. (See also: Prov. 12:3; 15:21; Eph.
6:10–17.)
Words to Live By
To be chosen: The word translated as “to be chosen” in Proverbs 22:1 is the Hebrew
word bachar (baw-khar’). It means “to select” or “to pick one option over another.” In
Joshua 24:15, we are given good advice: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will
serve.” Moment by moment, day by day, the choice is yours. Will you choose to serve the
Lord?
23
23 For the Lord will plead their cause, When you sit down to eat with
And plunder the soul of those who a ruler,
plunder them. Consider carefully what is
before you;
24 Make no friendship with an angry 2 And put a knife to your throat
man, If you are a man given to appetite.
And with a furious man do not go, 3 Do not desire his delicacies,
25 Lest you learn his ways For they are deceptive food.
And set a snare for your soul.
4Do not overwork to be rich;
26 Do not be one of those who shakes
Because of your own understanding,
hands in a pledge, cease!
One of those who is surety for debts; 5 Will you set your eyes on that which
27 If you have nothing with which to
is not?
pay, For riches certainly make themselves
Why should he take away your bed wings;
from under you? They fly away like an eagle toward
heaven.
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark
Which your fathers have set. 6Do not eat the bread of a miser,a
Nor desire his delicacies;
29 Do you see a man who excels in his 7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
work? “ Eat and drink!” he says to you,
He will stand before kings; But his heart is not with you.
He will not stand before unknown
men. 23:6 aLiterally one who has an evil eye
20-Proverbs.indd 809 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 23:8 810
8 The morsel you have eaten, you will 22 Listen to your father who begot you,
vomit up, And do not despise your mother when
And waste your pleasant words. she is old.
9Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
For he will despise the wisdom of your Also wisdom and instruction and
words. understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly
10 Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; rejoice,
And he who begets a wise child will
delight in him.
Proverbs 23:10 25 Let your father and your mother be
In ancient times, property lines were glad,
marked by stones. Since wealth was And let her who bore you rejoice.
measured in part by how much land 26 My son, give me your heart,
a person owned, moving those stone
markers was like stealing land from And let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a harlot is a deep pit,
someone else. Such land grabbing was
forbidden by God’s law. And a seductress is a narrow well.
28 She also lies in wait as for a victim,
And increases the unfaithful among
11 For their Redeemer is mighty; men.
He will plead their cause against you. 29 Who has woe?
12 Apply your heart to instruction, Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
And your ears to words of knowledge.
Who has complaints?
13 Do not withhold correction from a
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
child, 30 Those who linger long at the wine,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will Those who go in search of mixed wine.
not die. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,
14 You shall beat him with a rod,
When it sparkles in the cup,
And deliver his soul from hell.a When it swirls around smoothly;
32 At the last it bites like a serpent,
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
And stings like a viper.
My heart will rejoice—indeed, 33 Your eyes will see strange things,
I myself; And your heart will utter perverse
16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
things.
When your lips speak right things. 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down
in the midst of the sea,
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
Or like one who lies at the top of the
But be zealous for the fear of the Lord mast, saying:
all the day; 35“ They have struck me, but I was not
18 For surely there is a hereafter,
hurt;
And your hope will not be cut off. They have beaten me, but I did not
feel it.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise;
When shall I awake, that I may seek
And guide your heart in the way. another drink?”
20 Do not mix with winebibbers,
24
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; Do not be envious of evil
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will
men,
come to poverty, Nor desire to be with them;
And drowsiness will clothe a man with
rags. 23:14 aOr Sheol
20-Proverbs.indd 810 2/14/12 11:59 AM
811 PROVERBS 24:14
Making It Real //
Proverbs 23:29–35
Drinking One of the biggest problems with alcohol is that it’s so easily abused. Many
people don’t stop with a glass of wine at dinner; they continue to drink until they are
either lightheaded and confused, or drunk and totally disoriented. Either way, their judg-
ment is impaired. They could harm themselves or anyone else in their path.
A number of believers have decided to just stay clear of alcohol. Proverbs says it is
something that seems attractive, but eventually it can be as devastating and as painful as
a snakebite.
Drinking alcohol may cause you to make decisions that seem fun at the time, but
stupid the next morning. In fact, it’s entirely possible that you could do something that
you’ll wind up paying for the rest of your life. In addition to underage drinking being
against the law, people may also advise you not to drink because they care that you make
wise decisions and that you live a long and healthy life. You’d be smart to take their ad-
vice. (See also: Prov. 20:1; 31:4, 5.)
Words to Live By
Woe: The word translated as “woe” in Proverbs 23:29 is the Hebrew word owy
(o’-ee). It implies a sorrow so deep it makes you cry out or yell. When someone is hurting
so badly that their entire being is in pain, they often sob uncontrollably or scream at the
world. Poor and sinful life decisions can cause this kind of woe for you; you can hurt
yourself and others deeply. Avoid sinful life choices. Don’t invite owy into your life.
2 For their heart devises violence, 9 The devising of foolishness is sin,
And their lips talk of troublemaking. And the scoffer is an abomination to
men.
3Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established; 10 If you faint in the day of adversity,
4 By knowledge the rooms are filled Your strength is small.
With all precious and pleasant riches.
11 Deliver those who are drawn toward
death,
Wisdom And hold back those stumbling to the
Why is wisdom important? slaughter.
12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Proverbs 24:3, 4
Does not He who weighs the hearts
consider it?
5A wise man is strong,
He who keeps your soul, does He not
Yes, a man of knowledge increases know it?
strength; And will He not render to each man
6 For by wise counsel you will wage your
according to his deeds?
own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there 13 My son, eat honey because it is good,
is safety. And the honeycomb which is sweet
to your taste;
7Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be
He does not open his mouth in the gate. to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a
8He who plots to do evil prospect,
Will be called a schemer. And your hope will not be cut off.
20-Proverbs.indd 811 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 24:15 812
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, 25 But those who rebuke the wicked will
against the dwelling of the have delight,
righteous; And a good blessing will come upon
Do not plunder his resting place; them.
16 For a righteous man may fall seven
26He who gives a right answer kisses
times
And rise again, the lips.
But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 27 Prepare your outside work,
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house.
And do not let your heart be glad
when he stumbles; 28 Do not be a witness against your
18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease neighbor without cause,
Him, For would you deceivea with your lips?
And He turn away His wrath from him. 29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he
has done to me;
19 Do not fret because of evildoers, I will render to the man according to
Nor be envious of the wicked; his work.”
20 For there will be no prospect for the
30 I went by the field of the lazy man,
evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out. And by the vineyard of the man devoid
of understanding;
31 And there it was, all overgrown with
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king;
Do not associate with those given to thorns;
change; Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw it, I considered it well;
Proverbs 24:21 I looked on it and received instruction:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
The first three kings of Israel were all
anointed by a prophet before they A little folding of the hands to rest;
34 So shall your poverty come like a
were officially crowned. Anointing
involved pouring olive oil on the head prowler,
of the king-to-be. The ritual was im- And your need like an armed man.
portant, because it indicated the king Further Wise Sayings
had been chosen by God. Questioning of Solomon
the king’s authority was like question-
25
ing God’s authority. When Saul was These also are proverbs of Sol
trying to kill him, David refused to omon which the men of Heze-
retaliate because King Saul had been kiah king of Judah copied:
anointed by God. 2It is the glory of God to conceal a
matter,
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, But the glory of kings is to search out
And who knows the ruin those two a matter.
can bring? 3As the heavens for height and the
earth for depth,
Further Sayings of the Wise So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
23These things also belong to the wise:
4Take away the dross from silver,
It is not good to show partiality in And it will go to the silversmith for
judgment. jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the
24 He who says to the wicked, “You are
righteous,” king,
Him the people will curse; 24:28 aSeptuagint and Vulgate read Do not
Nations will abhor him. deceive.
20-Proverbs.indd 812 2/14/12 11:59 AM
813 PROVERBS 25:17
Making It Real //
Proverbs 25:18, 19, 21, 22
Dealing with Enemies In Proverbs 25 and in many places in the New Testament,
the writers give us some wisdom about people who tell lies or treat us badly. The advice
is to do exactly the opposite of what those people do. Even in your disappointment and
anger, you are supposed to be Christlike. Luke 6:28 says to “bless those who curse you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Wow, that’s really difficult to do! But Luke
goes on to say that by loving those who hurt you, “you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
At times when our reputation has been shattered, or our pride has been wounded,
or our hearts have been broken, we can be tempted to lash out at others and try to make
them pay. But God tells us a better way. He says to love the ones who’ve hurt us—even
help them when they need it. On top of that, He gives us the hardest direction of all: He
says we should pray for them.
It’s really difficult to do good things for the people who hurt us. But by doing so, we
prove the strength of our character and show others a part of God’s nature so they can
begin to know Him for themselves. Do good to those who hurt you—that’s God’s way.
(See also: Matt.18:21, 22; Luke 6:28; 17:3, 4; Col. 3:13.)
Words to Live By
Enemy: The word translated as “enemy” in Proverbs 25:21 is the Hebrew word sane
(saw-nay’). It means “to hate” or “to be a foe.” It’s easy to look at people who hurt us as
enemies, but the Bible tells us those people aren’t really the ones we should be fighting.
Any sinful behavior in this world is caused by our real enemy—Satan and all his evil fol-
lowers (Eph. 6:12).
And his throne will be established in 12 Like an earring of gold and an
righteousness. ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
6Do not exalt yourself in the presence
of the king, 13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
And do not stand in the place of the Is a faithful messenger to those who
great; send him,
7 For it is better that he say to you,
For he refreshes the soul of his
“ Come up here,” masters.
Than that you should be put lower in
the presence of the prince, 14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Whom your eyes have seen. Is like clouds and wind without rain.
8Do not go hastily to court; 15 By long forbearance a ruler is
For what will you do in the end, persuaded,
When your neighbor has put you to And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, 16 Have you found honey?
And do not disclose the secret to Eat only as much as you need,
another; Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And your reputation be ruined. 17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s
house,
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
Lest he become weary of you and hate
In settings of silver. you.
20-Proverbs.indd 813 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 25:18 814
18 A man who bears false witness against 3A whip for the horse,
his neighbor A bridle for the donkey,
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp And a rod for the fool’s back.
arrow. 4 Do not answer a fool according to his
folly,
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in Lest you also be like him.
time of trouble 5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
joint. 6 He who sends a message by the hand
of a fool
20 Like one who takes away a garment in
Cuts off his own feet and drinks
cold weather, violence.
And like vinegar on soda, 7 Like the legs of the lame that hang
Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling
bread to eat; Is he who gives honor to a fool.
And if he is thirsty, give him water to 9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of
drink; a drunkard
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
his head, 10 The great God who formed everything
And the Lord will reward you. Gives the fool his hire and the
transgressor his wages.a
23 The north wind brings forth rain, 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit,
And a backbiting tongue an angry So a fool repeats his folly.
countenance. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own
eyes?
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a
There is more hope for a fool than for
housetop, him.
Than in a house shared with a
contentious woman. 13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion in
the road!
25 As cold water to a weary soul,
A fierce lion is in the streets!”
So is good news from a far country. 14 As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.
26 A righteous man who falters before
15 The lazy man buries his hand in the
the wicked bowl;a
Is like a murky spring and a polluted It wearies him to bring it back to his
well. mouth.
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
27 It is not good to eat much honey;
Than seven men who can answer
So to seek one’s own glory is not glory. sensibly.
28 Whoever has no rule over his own
17 He who passes by and meddles in a
spirit quarrel not his own
Is like a city broken down, without walls. Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
26
As snow in summer and rain in 18 Like a madman who throws
harvest, firebrands, arrows, and death,
So honor is not fitting for a fool. 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
2Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying
And says, “I was only joking!”
swallow, 26:10 aThe Hebrew is difficult; ancient
So a curse without cause shall not and modern translators differ greatly.
alight. 26:15 aCompare 19:24
20-Proverbs.indd 814 2/14/12 11:59 AM
815 PROVERBS 27:15
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes 4Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
out; But who is able to stand before
And where there is no talebearer, strife jealousy?
ceases.
5Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.
Gossip
What is one benefit gained 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
from not gossiping? But the kisses of an enemy are
Proverbs 26:20 deceitful.
7A satisfied soul loathes the
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and
honeycomb,
wood to fire, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing
So is a contentious man to kindle is sweet.
strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty 8Like a bird that wanders from its
trifles, nest
And they go down into the inmost Is a man who wanders from his
body. place.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart 9Ointment and perfume delight the
Are like earthenware covered with heart,
silver dross. And the sweetness of a man’s friend
gives delight by hearty counsel.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself; 10 Do not forsake your own friend or
25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe your father’s friend,
him, Nor go to your brother’s house in the
For there are seven abominations in day of your calamity;
his heart; Better is a neighbor nearby than a
26 Though his hatred is covered by brother far away.
deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart
before the assembly. glad,
That I may answer him who
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, reproaches me.
And he who rolls a stone will have it
roll back on him. 12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides
himself;
28 A lying tongue hates those who are The simple pass on and are punished.
crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin. 13 Take the garment of him who is surety
for a stranger,
27
Do not boast about tomorrow, And hold it in pledge when he is surety
For you do not know what a for a seductress.
day may bring forth.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud
2Let another man praise you, and not voice, rising early in the
your own mouth; morning,
A stranger, and not your own lips. It will be counted a curse to him.
3A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, 15 A continual dripping on a very rainy
But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both day
of them. And a contentious woman are alike;
20-Proverbs.indd 815 2/14/12 11:59 AM
PROVERBS 27:16 816
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the But by a man of understanding and
wind, knowledge
And grasps oil with his right hand. Right will be prolonged.
17 As iron sharpens iron, 3A poor man who oppresses the poor
So a man sharpens the countenance Is like a driving rain which leaves no
of his friend. food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its
fruit; wicked,
So he who waits on his master will be But such as keep the law contend with
honored. them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
19 As in water face reflects face,
But those who seek the Lord
So a man’s heart reveals the man. understand all.
20 Hella and Destructionb are never full; 6Better is the poor who walks in his
So the eyes of man are never satisfied. integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though
21 The refining pot is for silver and the
he be rich.
furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others 7Whoever keeps the law is a discerning
say of him. son,
But a companion of gluttons shames
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar
his father.
with a pestle along with crushed
grain, 8One who increases his possessions by
Yet his foolishness will not depart from usury and extortion
him. Gathers it for him who will pity the
poor.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your
flocks,
And attend to your herds; Proverbs 28:8
24 For riches are not forever, God’s law prohibited people from
Nor does a crown endure to all charging interest on loans made to
generations. poor people. Borrowers could not be
25 When the hay is removed, and the forced to give up their coats as col-
tender grass shows itself, lateral for loans. Lenders were not al-
And the herbs of the mountains are lowed to use force to collect payment.
gathered in, The way God saw it, every person in
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, the community was responsible for
And the goats the price of a field; taking care of the poor, the widowed,
27 You shall have enough goats’ milk for the orphaned, and the disabled mem-
your food, bers of society.
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your 9One who turns away his ear from
maidservants.
hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
28
The wicked flee when no one
pursues, 10 Whoever causes the upright to go
But the righteous are bold as astray in an evil way,
a lion. He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
2Because of the transgression of a land,
many are its princes; 27:20 aOr Sheol
bHebrew Abaddon
20-Proverbs.indd 816 2/14/12 11:59 AM
817 PROVERBS 29:2
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But he who hastens to be rich will not
But the poor who has understanding go unpunished.
searches him out.
21 To show partiality is not good,
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is Because for a piece of bread a man will
great glory; transgress.
But when the wicked arise, men hide
themselves. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after
riches,
13 He who covers his sins will not And does not consider that poverty
prosper, will come upon him.
But whoever confesses and forsakes
23 He who rebukes a man will find more
them will have mercy.
favor afterward
14 Happy is the man who is always Than he who flatters with the tongue.
reverent,
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother,
But he who hardens his heart will fall
into calamity. And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same is companion to a destroyer.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up
Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be
Proverbs 28:15 prospered.
Lions and bears were serious prob-
lems in ancient Israel. Lions often 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a
hid in the tall grass beside the Jordan fool,
River or in the surrounding forests But whoever walks wisely will be
and attacked unsuspecting people. delivered.
The Asian black bears in the area were
a threat not only to humans, but also
to livestock and even crops. Trust
How does the Lord bless
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a
those who trust Him?
Proverbs 28:25, 26
great oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will
prolong his days. 27 He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will
many curses.
flee into a pit;
Let no one help him. 28 When the wicked arise, men hide
themselves;
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be
But when they perish, the righteous
saved, increase.
But he who is perverse in his ways will
29
suddenly fall. He who is often rebuked, and
hardens his neck,
19 He who tills his land will have plenty Will suddenly be destroyed,
of bread, and that without remedy.
But he who follows frivolity will have
poverty enough! 2When the righteous are in authority,
the people rejoice;
20 A faithful man will abound with But when a wicked man rules, the
blessings, people groan.
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PROVERBS 29:3 818
3Whoever loves wisdom makes his 17 Correct your son, and he will give you
father rejoice, rest;
But a companion of harlots wastes his Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
wealth.
18 Where there is no revelation,a the
4The king establishes the land by people cast off restraint;
justice, But happy is he who keeps the law.
But he who receives bribes
overthrows it. 19 A servant will not be corrected by
mere words;
5A man who flatters his neighbor For though he understands, he will not
Spreads a net for his feet. respond.
6By transgression an evil man is 20 Do you see a man hasty in his words?
snared, There is more hope for a fool than for
But the righteous sings and rejoices. him.
7The righteous considers the cause of 21 He who pampers his servant from
the poor, childhood
But the wicked does not understand Will have him as a son in the end.
such knowledge.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
8Scoffers set a city aflame, And a furious man abounds in
But wise men turn away wrath. transgression.
9If a wise man contends with a foolish 23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
man, But the humble in spirit will retain
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there honor.
is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
Pride
But the upright seek his well-being.a What is the result of pride?
Proverbs 29:23
11 A fool vents all his feelings,a
But a wise man holds them back. 24 Whoever is a partner with a thief
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, hates his own life;
He swears to tell the truth,a but reveals
All his servants become wicked.
nothing.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
this in common:
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall
The Lord gives light to the eyes of
be safe.
both.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
14 The king who judges the poor with
But justice for man comes from the
truth, Lord.
His throne will be established forever.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
the righteous,
But a child left to himself brings shame And he who is upright in the way is an
to his mother. abomination to the wicked.
16 When the wicked are multiplied,
29:10 aLiterally soul 29:11 aLiterally spirit
transgression increases; 29:18 aOr prophetic vision 29:24 aLiterally
But the righteous will see their fall. hears the adjuration
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819 PROVERBS 30:13
Promise
God promises that everything He says is
true.
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their
trust in Him (Prov. 30:5).
Have you ever told “a little white lie”? You know, what
you said was not quite true, but it didn’t hurt anybody and it got you out of a tight
spot. Or maybe your skill is telling your mom something that is technically true, but
when you’ve finished explaining, what she thinks happened and what really
happened are two different things. That’s the way human beings are—they shade
the truth this way and that, turning what’s black and white into shades of gray.
But God isn’t like that. There is no gray in what He says; He doesn’t give us some
variation of the truth or try to mislead us with technicalities. And God isn’t just
honest; everything He says is pure and true and always right. Although people can
make statements they believe to be true and still be completely wrong, God doesn’t
make mistakes. His Word is completely dependable and true.
His Word is so reliable you can use it for a shield. That’s what Jesus did when
Satan tempted Him (Matt. 4:1–11). He used God’s words to protect His heart. It’s
good to know that there are no cracks in the shield. We can base our entire lives on
God’s truth—anything God says.
See for yourself// Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 12:19; Matthew 4:1–11
The Wisdom of Agur 6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found
30
The words of Agur the son of
Jakeh, his utterance. This man a liar.
declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and 7Two things I request of You
Ucal:
(Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far
2 Surely I am more stupid than any
man, from me;
And do not have the understanding of Give me neither poverty nor riches—
a man. Feed me with the food allotted to me;
3 I neither learned wisdom 9 Lest I be full and deny You,
Nor have knowledge of the Holy One. And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
4Who has ascended into heaven, or And profane the name of my God.
descended?
10 Do not malign a servant to his master,
Who has gathered the wind in His
fists? Lest he curse you, and you be found
Who has bound the waters in a guilty.
garment?
11 There is a generation that curses its
Who has established all the ends of
the earth? father,
What is His name, and what is His And does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its
Son’s name,
If you know? own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
5Every word of God is pure; 13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty
He is a shield to those who put their are their eyes!
trust in Him. And their eyelids are lifted up.
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PROVERBS 30:14 820
14 There is a generation whose teeth are 28 The spidera skillfully grasps with its
like swords, hands,
And whose fangs are like knives, And it is in kings’ palaces.
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men. 29 There are three things which are
majestic in pace,
15 The leech has two daughters— Yes, four which are stately in walk:
Give and Give! 30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;
There are three things that are never 31 A greyhound,a
satisfied, A male goat also,
Four never say, “Enough!”: And a king whose troops are with
16 The grave,a him.b
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with 32 If you have been foolish in exalting
water— yourself,
And the fire never says, “Enough!” Or if you have devised evil, put your
hand on your mouth.
17 The eye that mocks his father, 33 For as the churning of milk produces
And scorns obedience to his mother, butter,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And wringing the nose produces
And the young eagles will eat it. blood,
So the forcing of wrath produces strife.
18 There are three things which are too
wonderful for me, The Words of King Lemuel’s
Yes, four which I do not understand: Mother
31
19 The way of an eagle in the air,
The words of King Lemuel, the
The way of a serpent on a rock, utterance which his mother
The way of a ship in the midst of the taught him:
sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin. 2 What, my son?
20 This is the way of an adulterous
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?
woman: 3 Do not give your strength to women,
She eats and wipes her mouth, Nor your ways to that which destroys
And says, “I have done no wickedness.” kings.
21 For three things the earth is perturbed,
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up: It is not for kings to drink wine,
22 For a servant when he reigns,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
A fool when he is filled with food, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law,
23 A hateful woman when she is married,
And pervert the justice of all the
And a maidservant who succeeds her
afflicted.
mistress. 6 Give strong drink to him who is
24 There are four things which are little on
perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of
the earth,
heart.
But they are exceedingly wise: 7 Let him drink and forget his
25 The ants are a people not strong,
poverty,
Yet they prepare their food in the
And remember his misery no more.
summer;
26 The rock badgersa are a feeble folk,
30:16 aOr Sheol 30:26 aOr hyraxes 30:28 aOr
Yet they make their homes in the crags; lizard 30:31 aExact identity unknown
27 The locusts have no king, bA Jewish tradition reads a king against whom
Yet they all advance in ranks; there is no uprising.
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821 PROVERBS 31:31
8Open your mouth for the speechless, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the
In the cause of all who are appointed needy.
to die.a 21 She is not afraid of snow for her
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, household,
And plead the cause of the poor and For all her household is clothed with
needy. scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Respect 23 Her husband is known in the gates,
Is respect easily gained? When he sits among the elders of the
Proverbs 31:10, 11, 18–23, 28 land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells
The Virtuous Wife
them,
And supplies sashes for the
10 Whoa can find a virtuousb wife?
merchants.
For her worth is far above rubies. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts
She shall rejoice in time to come.
her; 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
So he will have no lack of gain. And on her tongue is the law of
12 She does him good and not evil
kindness.
All the days of her life. 27 She watches over the ways of her
13 She seeks wool and flax,
household,
And willingly works with her hands. And does not eat the bread of idleness.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
28 Her children rise up and call her
She brings her food from afar. blessed;
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
Her husband also, and he praises her:
And provides food for her household, 29“ Many daughters have done well,
And a portion for her maidservants. But you excel them all.”
16 She considers a field and buys it;
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is
From her profits she plants a passing,
vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she
shall be praised.
And strengthens her arms. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
18 She perceives that her merchandise
And let her own works praise her in
is good,
the gates.
And her lamp does not go out by
night. 31:8 aLiterally sons of passing away
19 She stretches out her hands to the
31:10 aVerses 10 through 31 are an alphabetic
distaff, acrostic in Hebrew (compare Psalm 119).
And her hand holds the spindle. bLiterally a wife of valor, in the sense of all forms
20 She extends her hand to the poor, of excellence
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Ecclesiastes
Date of writing: 935 B.C.
Author: King Solomon
Theme: Discovering Real Value in Life
Purpose: Apart from God, life can have no real
meaning.
Outline
1:1—2:26 �������������The Search for Meaning in Life
3:1–8 ��������������������Everything Has Its Time
3:9—6:12 �������������Life Isn’t Always Fair, So Live Wisely
7:1—8:17 �������������Practical Wisdom
9:1—11:6 �������������No One Knows What the Future Will Bring
11:7—12:14 ��������Respect and Obey God
Key Verse:
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all
(Ecclesiastes 12:13).
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 822 2/14/12 12:00 PM
Then /// When King Solomon was a young man, God came to him
in a dream. God told Solomon He would give him whatever he asked.
Solomon didn’t ask for things; he didn’t request fame or power. Solomon
asked God for wisdom. God honored Solomon’s request and also showered him with
everything the world had to offer.
So King Solomon literally had it all—all the money you could imagine, the absolute
power of being king, wives and wannabe-wives at every turn, prestige—all the riches of his
world were his for the taking. The Bible says he had so much silver that it was as common
as stones. He was surrounded by gold. He lived like a superstar in an extravagant, beautiful
palace. Solomon had unlimited fame and unlimited resources. He could do anything he
chose and he chose to try everything—every form of entertainment, amusement, and rec-
reation. He lived a life in which his every desire was met. Sounds like a dream life, right?
But Solomon discovered having everything in the world and doing whatever he
wanted whenever he chose didn’t make him happy—it just wasn’t enough. Toward the
end of his life, he wrote Ecclesiastes as a legacy to the generations that would come after
him. He wanted them to understand that, without God, none of it matters.
Now /// Some people think Ecclesiastes is a little depressing. After
all, many of us spend our lives wanting and trying to get all the things King
Solomon had. It’s not much fun to think that everything we dream about
won’t really bring us happiness.
But just as King Solomon discovered, when we keep our lives in the right perspective
and choose to put God before everything else, we can know more happiness than this
world could ever offer. No amount of money, no amount of fame or power can truly give us
a reason to live. Only with God do our lives have purpose and meaning. Without Him, “all
is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2).
Reality Check /// Many of us look at celebrities today like
Solomon’s people must have looked at him. We assume that because the
rich and famous seem to have everything they must be happy. Often, we
believe if we had everything a celebrity has we would be happy. Ecclesiastes tells us
otherwise.
Ecclesiastes is like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with a superstar; it’s like
a letter from Solomon telling us all what is really important in life. We might expect that
Solomon would say, “Come on! Get all the money, fame, and fortune you can! You’ll love
it!” Instead, Solomon wants us to realize that if we are not connected to God, if He’s not
the source of our joy, we won’t find real, lasting happiness in this world.
The Vanity of Life And hastens to the place where it
arose.
1
The words of the Preacher, the son of 6 The wind goes toward the south,
David, king in Jerusalem.
And turns around to the north;
2“ Vanitya of vanities,” says the Preacher; The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 7 All the rivers run into the sea,
3What profit has a man from all his Yet the sea is not full;
To the place from which the rivers
labor
come,
In which he toils under the sun?
4 One generation passes away, and There they return again.
8 All things are full of labor;
another generation comes;
Man cannot express it.
But the earth abides forever.
5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes 1:2 aOr Absurdity, Frustration, Futility, Nonsense;
down, and so throughout this book
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ECCLESIASTES 1:9 824
Making It Real //
Ecclesiastes 1:8
Satisfaction Many people spend all their lives trying to be satisfied. They try to find
fulfillment in life with cars, clothes, tattoos, body piercing, drugs—whatever they think
may make them look like somebody special and finally feel complete and satisfied.
Solomon says in Ecclesiastes that nothing on this earth will ever really fulfill you or
fill up that hole inside that makes you keep trying to find happiness in things. A new cell
phone may fill you up for a few days, but you’ll feel empty again when the newness wears
off. Even the coolest stuff brings only momentary pleasure.
Apart from Jesus you will never really enjoy your time on earth or the things you’ve
been given. It’s all meaningless without the Savior. Without Jesus, nothing matters and
there is no purpose in life. But in Jesus you can find ultimate meaning, purpose, fulfill-
ment, and satisfaction. So when your heart is aching, your life seems empty, and you feel
lost, go to Jesus to be filled up and satisfied. He will not disappoint you. (See also: 1 Cor.
15:58; Phil. 3:7, 12–14.)
Words to Live By
Satisfied: The word translated as “satisfied” in Ecclesiastes 1:8 is the Hebrew word
saba (saw-bah’). It means “to have enough” or “to be full.” When you have eaten a good
meal, your stomach is full, and you feel satisfied. But the rest of life isn’t so easy. We could
search for years and never be satisfied until we come to Christ. Only in Him do we truly
feel satisfied, full of purpose and life.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing, 15 What is crooked cannot be made
Nor the ear filled with hearing. straight,
And what is lacking cannot be
9That which has been is what will be, numbered.
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun. 16I communed with my heart, saying,
10 Is there anything of which it may be “Look, I have attained greatness, and have
said, gained more wisdom than all who were
“ See, this is new”? before me in Jerusalem. My heart has un-
It has already been in ancient times derstood great wisdom and knowledge.”
before us. 17And I set my heart to know wisdom and
11 There is no remembrance of former to know madness and folly. I perceived that
things, this also is grasping for the wind.
Nor will there be any remembrance of
things that are to come 18 For in much wisdom is much grief,
By those who will come after. And he who increases knowledge
increases sorrow.
The Grief of Wisdom
12I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Je- The Vanity of Pleasure
2
rusalem. 13And I set my heart to seek and I said in my heart, “Come now, I will
search out by wisdom concerning all that test you with mirth; therefore enjoy
is done under heaven; this burdensome pleasure”; but surely, this also was
task God has given to the sons of man, by vanity. 2I said of laughter— “Madness!”;
which they may be exercised. 14I have seen and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”
all the works that are done under the sun; 3I searched in my heart how to gratify my
and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for flesh with wine, while guiding my heart
the wind. with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly,
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 824 2/14/12 12:00 PM
825 ECCLESIASTES 2:25
till I might see what was good for the sons For what can the man do who
of men to do under heaven all the days of succeeds the king?—
their lives. Only what he has already done.
4I made my works great, I built myself 13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly
houses, and planted myself vineyards. 5I As light excels darkness.
made myself gardens and orchards, and 14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head,
I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. But the fool walks in darkness.
6I made myself water pools from which Yet I myself perceived
to water the growing trees of the grove. 7I That the same event happens to them
acquired male and female servants, and all.
had servants born in my house. Yes, I had
greater possessions of herds and flocks 15 So I said in my heart,
than all who were in Jerusalem before me. “ As it happens to the fool,
8I also gathered for myself silver and gold It also happens to me,
and the special treasures of kings and of And why was I then more wise?”
the provinces. I acquired male and female Then I said in my heart,
singers, the delights of the sons of men, “ This also is vanity.”
and musical instrumentsa of all kinds. 16 For there is no more remembrance of
the wise than of the fool forever,
Since all that now is will be forgotten
Ecclesiastes 2:4, 5 in the days to come.
Times were good in Israel when And how does a wise man die?
Solomon was king. In fact, the nation’s As the fool!
economy was so strong that Solomon
began importing rare and exotic items 17Therefore I hated life because the work
such as ivory, apes, and peacocks. His that was done under the sun was distress-
vast orchards may have produced ing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for
such fruits as pomegranates, mulber- the wind.
ries, apricots, figs, and apples, as well 18Then I hated all my labor in which I
as almonds and sycamores. had toiled under the sun, because I must
leave it to the man who will come after
9So I became great and excelled more me. 19And who knows whether he will be
wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my
than all who were before me in Jerusalem.
labor in which I toiled and in which I have
Also my wisdom remained with me.
shown myself wise under the sun. This also
10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not is vanity. 20Therefore I turned my heart and
despaired of all the labor in which I had
keep from them.
toiled under the sun. 21For there is a man
I did not withhold my heart from any
whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge,
pleasure,
and skill; yet he must leave his heritage
For my heart rejoiced in all my labor;
And this was my reward from all my to a man who has not labored for it. This
labor. also is vanity and a great evil. 22For what
11 Then I looked on all the works that my has man for all his labor, and for the striv-
hands had done ing of his heart with which he has toiled
And on the labor in which I had under the sun? 23For all his days are sor-
toiled; rowful, and his work burdensome; even in
And indeed all was vanity and the night his heart takes no rest. This also
grasping for the wind. is vanity.
24Nothing is better for a man than that
There was no profit under the sun.
he should eat and drink, and that his soul
The End of the Wise and should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I
the Fool saw, was from the hand of God. 25For who
can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more
12 Then I turned myself to consider
wisdom and madness and folly; 2:8 aExact meaning unknown
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 825 2/14/12 12:00 PM
ECCLESIASTES 2:26 826
than I?a 26For God gives wisdom and knowl- lives, 13and also that every man should eat
edge and joy to a man who is good in His and drink and enjoy the good of all his la-
sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of bor—it is the gift of God.
gathering and collecting, that he may give
to him who is good before God. This also is 14 I know that whatever God does,
vanity and grasping for the wind. It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
Everything Has Its Time And nothing taken from it.
3
To everything there is a season, God does it, that men should fear
A time for every purpose under before Him.
15 That which is has already been,
heaven:
And what is to be has already been;
2A time to be born, And God requires an account of what
And a time to die; is past.
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is Injustice Seems to Prevail
planted; 16Moreover I saw under the sun:
3 A time to kill,
And a time to heal; In the place of judgment,
A time to break down, Wickedness was there;
And a time to build up; And in the place of righteousness,
4 A time to weep, Iniquity was there.
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, 17I said in my heart,
And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, “ God shall judge the righteous and the
And a time to gather stones; wicked,
A time to embrace, For there is a time there for every
And a time to refrain from purpose and for every work.”
embracing;
6 A time to gain, 18I said in my heart, “Concerning the con-
And a time to lose; dition of the sons of men, God tests them,
A time to keep, that they may see that they themselves
And a time to throw away; are like animals.” 19For what happens to
7 A time to tear, the sons of men also happens to animals;
And a time to sew; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so
A time to keep silence, dies the other. Surely, they all have one
And a time to speak; breath; man has no advantage over ani-
8 A time to love, mals, for all is vanity. 20All go to one place:
And a time to hate; all are from the dust, and all return to
A time of war, dust. 21Who knows the spirit of the sons
And a time of peace. of men, which goes upward, and the
spirit of the animal, which goes down to
The God-G iven Task the earth?a 22So I perceived that nothing
9What profit has the worker from that in is better than that a man should rejoice
which he labors? 10I have seen the God- in his own works, for that is his heritage.
given task with which the sons of men are For who can bring him to see what will
to be occupied. 11He has made everything happen after him?
beautiful in its time. Also He has put eter- 2:25 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
nity in their hearts, except that no one can Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint,
find out the work that God does from be- and Syriac read without Him. 3:21 aSeptuagint,
ginning to end. Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read Who
12I know that nothing is better for them knows whether the spirit . . . goes upward, and
than to rejoice, and to do good in their whether . . . goes downward to the earth?
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 826 2/14/12 12:00 PM
Life App
Seasons of Life / Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
We learn in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, that there is a time for everything in
life, from the time we’re born until the time we die, from weeping
and laughing, to keeping and throwing away, to loving and hating.
This is an interesting life we get to lead with all kinds of experiences.
And God has a purpose for all the seasons of our lives.
When you’re a child, you’re pretty much dependent on your fam-
ily for everything—food, clothes, diapers. But as you get older, you
learn more about life and how to function. And as you gain greater
abilities and freedoms, you also take on more responsibilities. Life is
just not going to look the same when you’re 8 months old, 8 years
old, and 18 years old. You will go through many stages in your life,
and it may not always be easy. Junior high can be a bit intimidating
for the kids who are just leaving primary school. There is a distinct
fear that junior high students everywhere have felt when confronted
with their first day of high school. Some people run toward the new
opportunity, and some take a slower approach. But we all go through
the stages.
If you’ve always lived at home with your family, the first time you
get ready to move away from home for college or career could be
just as scary as it is exciting. When you start a new job surrounded
by all new people, you may wish you were back home playing ball in
the back yard. But God has a purpose for every stage of your life, and
every experience you have. He is constantly active in His plan for
you through every stage of your life. The passing of time is natural
and happens for us all. While new experiences can be overwhelm-
ing, you can know that God is in control. “To everything there is a
season. A time for every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1).
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 827 2/14/12 12:00 PM
World App
Justice / Ecclesiastes 3:16, 17
With liberty and justice for all. These words from our Pledge of Alle-
giance paint a beautiful picture. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a
place where every individual experienced true liberty and no one
suffered from injustice? A place where every court verdict turned
out exactly right and no one was ever wrongfully accused? A place
where right was recognized and done by everyone?
That is obviously not the place where we live now. Our world
seems very similar to the world described in Ecclesiastes 3:16: “In
the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of
righteousness, iniquity was there.” The writer of Ecclesiastes de-
scribes a world where wickedness is found everywhere justice is
supposed to be. Does this remind you of our environment? Even in
our court systems, as fair as they try to be, justice is not always
served. Many people throughout our world experience injustice ev-
ery day. But there is hope. The writer of Ecclesiastes saw this as well:
“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’ ” (Eccl.
3:17).
Just like the writer of Ecclesiastes, we can look forward to the day
when God will set everything right. The prophet Amos anticipated
great justice as well: “But let justice run down like water, and righ-
teousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24). Expressing the heart’s
cry of so many of us, he cried out for the day when justice and righ-
teousness would come crashing down like powerful, cleansing
water.
Until that day comes, we can each do our part to bring about jus-
tice here and now. Zechariah 8:16, 17 tell us how: “These are the
things you shall do: speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give
judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; let none of you
think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a
false oath.” As we seek global justice, let each of us begin by person-
ally practicing justice and righteousness toward others every day.
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829 ECCLESIASTES 4:8
Promise
God promises to make everything happen
at the perfect time.
[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has
put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out
the work that God does from beginning to end (Eccl. 3:11).
Imagine you’re walking down the hall at school thinking about how you’re going
to spend the ten bucks in your wallet, and a guy you owe three bucks comes around
the corner. Or consider the timing when you’re really tempted to cheat on a test,
but the smart girl who sits next to you is absent that day. And how about times
when you’re thinking about someone who really needs cheering up, and they show
up right about that time?
Coincidences? If you’ve been hanging out with God for very long, you probably
don’t think so. He has a way of bringing even these little things together at the right
time. It’s one of the ways He reminds us that He’s got everything under control.
That’s His way with the big things in life, too. In Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, there is a
well-known list of things that happen in nearly every life; some of them sound
awful. But the list is in the Bible to help us understand that everything God allows
in your life—even sadness—has a purpose, and He has worked out the timing
perfectly. He can do that because He knows you better than you know yourself. And
He knows everything your future holds. Even when things happen that seem totally
lousy at the time, trust that God knows something you don’t and He’ll always bring
you the best at the perfect time.
See for yourself// Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28
4
Then I returned and considered all 6 Better a handful with quietness
the oppression that is done under Than both hands full, together with toil
the sun: and grasping for the wind.
And look! The tears of the oppressed, 7Then I returned, and I saw vanity under
But they have no comforter— the sun:
On the side of their oppressors there
is power,
But they have no comforter. Ecclesiastes 4:8
2 Therefore I praised the dead who were In ancient times, true success was
already dead, measured by the size of a person’s
More than the living who are still alive. family. The more kids a person had,
3 Yet, better than both is he who has the more successful—and favored by
never existed, God—he was thought to be. Women
Who has not seen the evil work that is who were unable to bear children
done under the sun. were thought to be cursed by God.
The Vanity of Selfish Toil 8 There is one alone, without
4Again, I saw that for all toil and every skill- companion:
ful work a man is envied by his neighbor. He has neither son nor brother.
This also is vanity and grasping for the Yet there is no end to all his labors,
wind. Nor is his eye satisfied with riches.
But he never asks,
5 The fool folds his hands “ For whom do I toil and deprive myself
And consumes his own flesh. of good?”
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Life App
Accountability / Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
None of us like to admit being wrong or committing sins, but we all
do. And if you aren’t answerable to anyone, it’s a lot easier to sweep
your sins and mess-ups under the rug. It’s easy to fool yourself into
believing that you didn’t really do anything all that bad; you can
probably rationalize a lot of your faulty behavior. But self-deception
and rationalization will not help you grow stronger in your ability to
face and defeat temptation. If you don’t admit and confess your sins,
it’s very likely you will keep committing the same sins over and over.
That’s not a life that honors God.
We need people in our lives to be answerable to; we also need
people who remind us of our accountability to God. If we are ac-
countable to someone, it doesn’t mean they’re better than us, and if
someone is answerable to us, it doesn’t make us somehow better
than them. Rather, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to re-
mind each other that we are all accountable to God for everything
we do and say. When there’s someone helping you watch out for
temptations and deceptions, it can be a lot easier to spot them and
resist them. We’re simply stronger together than we are apart.
Solomon tells us the same thing in Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 as he dis-
cusses the value of friendship. For instance, if one friend falls “one
will lift up his companion” (Eccl. 4:10), and “though one may be
overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold
cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:12).
When you walk through life with strong Christian friends, you
can help one another through all situations. If one of you falls to sin,
the others can come to the rescue. And each of you will be stronger
the next time temptation beckons because you will have learned to-
gether as you all journey with Christ. Accountability within Christian
friendship is a valuable gift from God, not to be used as a weapon of
judgment or shame, but as an effective means to help and encour-
age one another throughout all the highs and lows of life.
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831 ECCLESIASTES 5:12
This also is vanity and a grave And a fool’s voice is known by his many
misfortune. words.
The Value of a Friend 4When you make a vow to God, do not
9Two are better than one, delay to pay it;
For He has no pleasure in fools.
Because they have a good reward for
Pay what you have vowed—
their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his
companion. Ecclesiastes 5:4
But woe to him who is alone when he Just as we sometimes do, people in
falls, ancient times made all kinds of prom-
For he has no one to help him up. ises to God about what they would do
11 Again, if two lie down together, they
if He helped them. This verse serves as
will keep warm; a reminder that God doesn’t take such
But how can one be warm alone? promises lightly.
12 Though one may be overpowered by
another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly 5Better not to vow than to vow and
broken. not pay.
Popularity Passes Away 6Do not let your mouth cause your flesh
13 Better a poor and wise youth to sin, nor say before the messenger of
God that it was an error. Why should God
Than an old and foolish king who will
be angry at your excusea and destroy the
be admonished no more.
14 For he comes out of prison to be work of your hands? 7For in the multitude
of dreams and many words there is also
king,
vanity. But fear God.
Although he was born poor in his
kingdom. The Vanity of Gain and Honor
15 I saw all the living who walk under
8If you see the oppression of the poor, and
the sun;
They were with the second youth who the violent perversion of justice and righ-
stands in his place. teousness in a province, do not marvel at
16 There was no end of all the people over the matter; for high official watches over
whom he was made king; high official, and higher officials are over
Yet those who come afterward will not them.
9Moreover the profit of the land is for all;
rejoice in him.
Surely this also is vanity and grasping even the king is served from the field.
for the wind.
10 He who loves silver will not be
Fear God, Keep Your Vows satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with
5
Walk prudently when you go to the increase.
house of God; and draw near to hear This also is vanity.
rather than to give the sacrifice of
fools, for they do not know that they do 11 When goods increase,
evil. They increase who eat them;
2 Do not be rash with your mouth,
So what profit have the owners
Except to see them with their eyes?
And let not your heart utter anything
hastily before God. 12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
For God is in heaven, and you on Whether he eats little or much;
earth; But the abundance of the rich will not
Therefore let your words be few. permit him to sleep.
3 For a dream comes through much
activity, 5:6 aLiterally voice
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ECCLESIASTES 5:13 832
Making It Real //
Ecclesiastes 5:6
Watch Your Mouth How many times have you heard, “Don’t let your mouth get
you in trouble”?
Even having heard that advice, how many times have you let your mouth run out of
control? Maybe you went off on your mom and she grounded you for the weekend.
Maybe you called your brother a name and he punched you in the nose. Maybe you said
something unkind about someone, they heard about it, and now they’ve sworn to get
back at you.
Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, is considered one of the wisest men ever. He
knew that once you say something to somebody, you can never take it back. Proverbs
18:21 says that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” It’s true. Your words are
powerful. They can encourage, inspire, comfort, or explain; or they can hurt, bite, sting,
or devastate. Choose your words carefully and make them good. Count to ten before you
spout off a bunch of insults you’ll later regret. Your words can carry “death” or send out
“life”! Which will you choose? (See also: Prov. 10:14; 18:6, 7, 21; Luke 6:45; Eph. 4:29.)
Words to Live By
To sin: The word translated as “to sin” in Ecclesiastes 5:6 is the Hebrew word chata
(khaw-taw’). It means “to miss the mark” or “to lead astray.” When you shoot an arrow, if
everything goes right, you hit the mark at the center of the target. But if something hap-
pens to disturb your aim, you will miss that mark. In a way, that is how your mouth can
get your whole self in trouble. The words you speak can disturb your aim in being a faith-
ful follower of Jesus and cause you to sin. Think about your words before you say them;
you cannot get them back.
13 There is a severe evil which I have seen the good of all his labor in which he toils
under the sun: under the sun all the days of his life which
Riches kept for their owner to his hurt. God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19As for
14 But those riches perish through every man to whom God has given riches
misfortune; and wealth, and given him power to eat of
When he begets a son, there is nothing it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his
in his hand. labor—this is the gift of God. 20For he will
15 As he came from his mother’s womb, not dwell unduly on the days of his life, be-
naked shall he return, cause God keeps him busy with the joy of
To go as he came; his heart.
6
And he shall take nothing from his There is an evil which I have seen
labor under the sun, and it is common
Which he may carry away in his hand. among men: 2A man to whom God
has given riches and wealth and honor, so
16 And this also is a severe evil— that he lacks nothing for himself of all he
Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. desires; yet God does not give him power to
And what profit has he who has eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is
labored for the wind? vanity, and it is an evil affliction.
17 All his days he also eats in darkness, 3If a man begets a hundred children and
And he has much sorrow and sickness lives many years, so that the days of his
and anger. years are many, but his soul is not satisfied
with goodness, or indeed he has no burial,
18Here is what I have seen: It is good and I say that a stillborn child is better than
fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy he— 4for it comes in vanity and departs
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833 ECCLESIASTES 7:17
in darkness, and its name is covered with 6 For like the crackling of thorns under
darkness. 5Though it has not seen the sun a pot,
or known anything, this has more rest than So is the laughter of the fool.
that man, 6even if he lives a thousand years This also is vanity.
twice—but has not seen goodness. Do not 7 Surely oppression destroys a wise
all go to one place? man’s reason,
And a bribe debases the heart.
7 All the labor of man is for his mouth,
And yet the soul is not satisfied. 8The end of a thing is better than its
8 For what more has the wise man than beginning;
the fool? The patient in spirit is better than the
What does the poor man have, proud in spirit.
Who knows how to walk before the 9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be
living? angry,
9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the For anger rests in the bosom of
wandering of desire. fools.
This also is vanity and grasping for the 10 Do not say,
wind. “ Why were the former days better
than these?”
10 Whatever one is, he has been named
For you do not inquire wisely
already, concerning this.
For it is known that he is man;
And he cannot contend with Him who 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
is mightier than he. And profitable to those who see the
11 Since there are many things that
sun.
increase vanity, 12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a
How is man the better? defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is
12For who knows what is good for man
that wisdom gives life to those
in life, all the days of his vain life which he who have it.
passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man
what will happen after him under the sun? 13 Consider the work of God;
For who can make straight what He
The Value of Practical has made crooked?
Wisdom 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful,
7
A good name is better than precious But in the day of adversity consider:
ointment, Surely God has appointed the one as
And the day of death than the day of well as the other,
one’s birth; So that man can find out nothing that
2 Better to go to the house of mourning will come after him.
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men; 15I have seen everything in my days of
And the living will take it to heart. vanity:
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is There is a just man who perishes in his
made better. righteousness,
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of And there is a wicked man who
mourning, prolongs life in his wickedness.
But the heart of fools is in the house
of mirth. 16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
5It is better to hear the rebuke of the Why should you destroy yourself?
wise 17 Do not be overly wicked,
Than for a man to hear the song of Nor be foolish:
fools. Why should you die before your time?
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Life App
Social Media / Ecclesiastes 7:1a
Something strange happens to people when they post messages on-
line. It seems they forget the whole world can read what they’ve
written and they say things they would never say in person.
A good question to ask yourself before you post anything online
is if you would want your words to be published in a Sunday paper.
Consider if you would want your status to be reported on the six
o’clock news. How would you feel if your pastor put it in the Sunday
bulletin? How about the pictures you post? What do they say about
you?
All the behavioral choices we make—what we say, how we treat
others, our attitudes, even the way we choose to dress—lead others
to form opinions about us; we can end up with a good reputation or
a horrible one. It all depends on how we appear to others.
The things you post online are seen by many people. And those
people know even more people. If you goof up and post a picture
online that you shouldn’t have or make a comment that sounds vul-
gar, just think about how many people will see. What will they think
of you as a result of your choice? What you post today could be
known by your whole school tomorrow. What will it do to your
reputation?
A good reputation is priceless. And a poor reputation can take
years to change. Before you post anything online, really consider
what it says about you. What will others think when they read it?
Most importantly, what will Jesus think of your choice?
As Christians, we must always remember that the world is watch-
ing us to see what makes us different from anyone else. Go back
through your posts over the past few months. What have they told
the world about you?
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835 ECCLESIASTES 8:1
Making It Real //
Ecclesiastes 7:20
No One Is Perfect A woman was being harassed because of the bad things she
had done. People yelled and jeered at her because her sin was so ugly. They were going
to stone her to death. But Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw
a stone at her first” (John 8:7). The angry crowd, one by one, dropped their stones and
walked away. When each person looked at his own life, he probably realized that his sin
was just as ugly as hers.
As hard as you may try, you aren’t sinless. You don’t always do the right thing. You’re
human and you’re not perfect. In the pit of sin is where Jesus comes and gently shows you
that you can’t do it by yourself. You desperately need a Savior. There is no one alive who
doesn’t. Don’t beat yourself up about your sin. Turn to the One who can save you from it.
(See also: Ps. 51; John 8:7; Rom. 3:23; Heb. 12:1.)
Words to Live By
Just: The word translated as “just” in Ecclesiastes 7:20 is the Hebrew word tsaddiyq
(tsad-deek’). It means “righteous.” None of us are righteous or just enough to save our-
selves or to keep ourselves from committing any sins. But if Christ is our Lord, He brings
His righteousness to us and helps us become more and more like Him.
18 It is good that you grasp this, Even of foolishness and madness.
And also not remove your hand from 26 And I find more bitter than death
the other; The woman whose heart is snares and
For he who fears God will escape them nets,
all. Whose hands are fetters.
He who pleases God shall escape from
19 Wisdom strengthens the wise her,
More than ten rulers of the city. But the sinner shall be trapped by her.
20 For there is not a just man on earth 27 Here is what I have found,” says the
who does good Preacher,
And does not sin. “ Adding one thing to the other to find
out the reason,
21 Also do not take to heart everything 28 Which my soul still seeks but I cannot
people say, find:
Lest you hear your servant cursing you. One man among a thousand I have
22 For many times, also, your own heart found,
has known But a woman among all these I have
That even you have cursed others. not found.
29 Truly, this only I have found:
23 All this I have proved by wisdom. That God made man upright,
I said, “I will be wise”; But they have sought out many
But it was far from me. schemes.”
24 As for that which is far off and
8
exceedingly deep, Who is like a wise man?
Who can find it out? And who knows the interpretation
25 I applied my heart to know, of a thing?
To search and seek out wisdom and A man’s wisdom makes his face shine,
the reason of things, And the sternness of his face is
To know the wickedness of folly, changed.
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ECCLESIASTES 8:2 836
Death Comes to All
Ecclesiastes 7:28 10Then I saw the wicked buried, who had
Most women received very little come and gone from the place of holiness,
respect in ancient times and were and they were forgottena in the city where
often treated more like possessions they had so done. This also is vanity. 11Be-
than people. Some women were even cause the sentence against an evil work is
given as gifts! For example, when not executed speedily, therefore the heart
two countries signed a treaty, it was of the sons of men is fully set in them to
customary for the less powerful na- do evil. 12Though a sinner does evil a hun-
tion to present women to the leader dred times, and his days are prolonged, yet
of the more powerful nation. That’s I surely know that it will be well with those
how Solomon, the leader of the very who fear God, who fear before Him. 13But
powerful Israelite nation, came to it will not be well with the wicked; nor will
have hundreds of wives and concu- he prolong his days, which are as a shadow,
bines. Many of Solomon’s wives came because he does not fear before God.
from foreign countries and worshiped 14There is a vanity which occurs on earth,
foreign gods. that there are just men to whom it happens
according to the work of the wicked; again,
Obey Authorities for God’s there are wicked men to whom it happens
Sake according to the work of the righteous. I
said that this also is vanity.
2Isay, “Keep the king’s commandment for 15So I commended enjoyment, because a
the sake of your oath to God. 3Do not be man has nothing better under the sun than
hasty to go from his presence. Do not take to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will re-
your stand for an evil thing, for he does main with him in his labor all the days of
whatever pleases him.” his life which God gives him under the sun.
16When I applied my heart to know wis-
4 Where the word of a king is, there is
dom and to see the business that is done on
power; earth, even though one sees no sleep day
And who may say to him, “What are or night, 17then I saw all the work of God,
you doing?” that a man cannot find out the work that
5 He who keeps his command will
is done under the sun. For though a man
experience nothing harmful; labors to discover it, yet he will not find it;
And a wise man’s heart discerns both moreover, though a wise man attempts to
time and judgment, know it, he will not be able to find it.
9
6 Because for every matter there is a
For I considered all this in my heart,
time and judgment, so that I could declare it all: that the
Though the misery of man increases righteous and the wise and their
greatly. works are in the hand of God. People know
7 For he does not know what will
neither love nor hatred by anything they see
happen; before them. 2All things come alike to all:
So who can tell him when it will
occur? One event happens to the righteous
8 No one has power over the spirit to
and the wicked;
retain the spirit, To the good,a the clean, and the
And no one has power in the day of unclean;
death. To him who sacrifices and him who
There is no release from that war, does not sacrifice.
And wickedness will not deliver those As is the good, so is the sinner;
who are given to it. He who takes an oath as he who fears
9All this I have seen, and applied my
an oath.
heart to every work that is done under the 8:10 aSome Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint,
sun: There is a time in which one man rules and Vulgate read praised. 9:2 aSeptuagint,
over another to his own hurt. Syriac, and Vulgate read good and bad.
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837 ECCLESIASTES 10:4
3This is an evil in all that is done under the The race is not to the swift,
sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly Nor the battle to the strong,
the hearts of the sons of men are full of Nor bread to the wise,
evil; madness is in their hearts while they Nor riches to men of understanding,
live, and after that they go to the dead. Nor favor to men of skill;
4But for him who is joined to all the liv- But time and chance happen to them
ing there is hope, for a living dog is better all.
than a dead lion. 12 For man also does not know his time:
Like fish taken in a cruel net,
Like birds caught in a snare,
Ecclesiastes 9:4 So the sons of men are snared in an
In ancient Israel, dogs were wild crea- evil time,
tures that traveled in packs, preyed on When it falls suddenly upon them.
the weak, ate garbage, and stole food
from the villages. Lions, on the other Wisdom Superior to Folly
hand, were respected for their size 13This wisdom I have also seen under the
and strength. Although they were a sun, and it seemed great to me: 14There was
very real danger to the Israelites, they a little city with few men in it; and a great
also served as symbols of majesty and king came against it, besieged it, and built
courage. Calling someone a dog in an- great snaresa around it. 15Now there was
cient Israel was an extremely offensive found in it a poor wise man, and he by his
insult. Calling someone a lion was an wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one re-
extremely high compliment. membered that same poor man.
16Then I said:
5 For the living know that they will die;
“ Wisdom is better than strength.
But the dead know nothing, Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom
And they have no more reward, is despised,
For the memory of them is And his words are not heard.
forgotten. 17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly,
6 Also their love, their hatred, and their
should be heard
envy have now perished; Rather than the shout of a ruler of
Nevermore will they have a share fools.
In anything done under the sun. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of
7Go, eat your bread with joy,
war;
But one sinner destroys much good.”
And drink your wine with a merry
10
heart; Dead flies putrefya the
For God has already accepted your perfumer’s ointment,
works. And cause it to give off a foul
8 Let your garments always be white,
odor;
And let your head lack no oil. So does a little folly to one respected
9Live joyfully with the wife whom you
for wisdom and honor.
2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,
love all the days of your vain life which He But a fool’s heart at his left.
has given you under the sun, all your days 3 Even when a fool walks along the way,
of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and He lacks wisdom,
in the labor which you perform under the And he shows everyone that he is a
sun. fool.
10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it
4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against
with your might; for there is no work or de- you,
vice or knowledge or wisdom in the grave
where you are going. 9:14 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read
11I returned and saw under the sun bulwarks. 10:1 aTargum and Vulgate omit
that— putrefy.
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 837 2/14/12 12:00 PM
ECCLESIASTES 10:5 838
Do not leave your post; 19 A feast is made for laughter,
For conciliation pacifies great offenses. And wine makes merry;
But money answers everything.
5There is an evil I have seen under the
sun, 20 Do not curse the king, even in your
As an error proceeding from the ruler: thought;
6 Folly is set in great dignity, Do not curse the rich, even in your
While the rich sit in a lowly place. bedroom;
7 I have seen servants on horses, For a bird of the air may carry your
While princes walk on the ground like voice,
servants. And a bird in flight may tell the matter.
8He who digs a pit will fall into it, The Value of Diligence
11
And whoever breaks through a wall Cast your bread upon the
will be bitten by a serpent. waters,
9 He who quarries stones may be hurt
For you will find it after many
by them, days.
And he who splits wood may be 2 Give a serving to seven, and also to
endangered by it. eight,
10 If the ax is dull,
For you do not know what evil will be
And one does not sharpen the edge, on the earth.
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success. 3If the clouds are full of rain,
11 A serpent may bite when it is not
They empty themselves upon the
earth;
charmed; And if a tree falls to the south or the
The babbler is no different. north,
12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are
In the place where the tree falls, there
gracious, it shall lie.
But the lips of a fool shall swallow 4 He who observes the wind will not
him up; sow,
13 The words of his mouth begin with
And he who regards the clouds will
foolishness, not reap.
And the end of his talk is raving
madness. 5As you do not know what is the way of
14 A fool also multiplies words.
the wind,a
No man knows what is to be; Or how the bones grow in the womb of
Who can tell him what will be after her who is with child,
him? So you do not know the works of God
15 The labor of fools wearies them,
who makes everything.
For they do not even know how to go 6 In the morning sow your seed,
to the city! And in the evening do not withhold
your hand;
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is
For you do not know which will
a child, prosper,
And your princes feast in the morning! Either this or that,
17 Blessed are you, O land, when your
Or whether both alike will be good.
king is the son of nobles,
And your princes feast at the proper 7Truly the light is sweet,
time— And it is pleasant for the eyes to
For strength and not for drunkenness! behold the sun;
18 Because of laziness the building
8 But if a man lives many years
decays, And rejoices in them all,
And through idleness of hands the
house leaks. 11:5 aOr spirit
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 838 2/14/12 12:00 PM
839 ECCLESIASTES 12:6
Promise
God promises to judge all the work we do.
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every
secret thing, whether good or evil (Eccl. 12:14).
Your mom asks you to take out the trash. You get an
attitude, moan and complain, and finally take it out after
you’re both upset. You casually take some cash from your brother’s dresser. You
need it; he’s got it. You’re family. So what? These choices may seem kind of
harmless—a bad attitude and “borrowing” some money. But in the first scenario,
God sees a kid dishonoring his mom without the slightest idea what it means to do
“all things without complaining” (Phil. 2:14). In the second example, rather than
seeing someone “borrowing,” what God sees is theft—to take what is not yours is
stealing. And God will definitely judge everything we think, do, and say.
You may choose to whitewash your life and pretend you’re okay—not a lot of sin
to deal with, no major infractions. But God sees things as they really are; He doesn’t
cut us any slack where sin is concerned. Wrong is wrong and right is right and
there are no shades in between. Ask God to give you His perspective so you can
begin to clean up the stuff you’ve been pretending isn’t so bad. Then you can walk
clean before Him.
See for yourself// 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalms 9:8; 50:6; 2 Timothy 4:8
Yet let him remember the days of 3 In the day when the keepers of the
darkness, house tremble,
For they will be many. And the strong men bow down;
All that is coming is vanity. When the grinders cease because they
are few,
Seek God in Early Life And those that look through the
9Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, windows grow dim;
4 When the doors are shut in the streets,
And let your heart cheer you in the
And the sound of grinding is low;
days of your youth;
When one rises up at the sound of a
Walk in the ways of your heart,
bird,
And in the sight of your eyes;
And all the daughters of music are
But know that for all these
brought low.
God will bring you into judgment. 5 Also they are afraid of height,
10 Therefore remove sorrow from your
And of terrors in the way;
heart,
When the almond tree blossoms,
And put away evil from your flesh,
The grasshopper is a burden,
For childhood and youth are vanity.
And desire fails.
For man goes to his eternal home,
12
Remember now your Creator in And the mourners go about the
the days of your youth, streets.
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw near when you 6Remember your Creator before the
say, silver cord is loosed,a
“ I have no pleasure in them”: Or the golden bowl is broken,
2 While the sun and the light,
Or the pitcher shattered at the
The moon and the stars, fountain,
Are not darkened,
And the clouds do not return after the 12:6 aFollowing Qere and Targum; Kethib reads
rain; removed; Septuagint and Vulgate read broken.
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 839 2/14/12 12:00 PM
ECCLESIASTES 12:7 840
Or the wheel broken at the well. the words of scholarsa are like well-driven
7 Then the dust will return to the earth nails, given by one Shepherd. 12And further,
as it was, my son, be admonished by these. Of mak-
And the spirit will return to God who ing many books there is no end, and much
gave it. study is wearisome to the flesh.
13Let us hear the conclusion of the
8“ Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,
whole matter:
“All is vanity.”
Fear God and keep His
The Whole Duty of Man
commandments,
9And moreover, because the Preacher was
For this is man’s all.
wise, he still taught the people knowledge; 14 For God will bring every work into
yes, he pondered and sought out and set judgment,
in order many proverbs. 10The Preacher Including every secret thing,
sought to find acceptable words; and what Whether good or evil.
was written was upright—words of truth.
11The words of the wise are like goads, and 12:11 aLiterally masters of the assemblies
21_Ecclesiastes.indd 840 2/14/12 12:00 PM
Song of Solomon
Date of writing: 965 B.C.
Author: Attributed to Solomon
Theme: The Quest for Authentic Love
Purpose: The true meaning and joy of sex is
found only in marriage.
Outline
1:1–17 ������������������Love Is Better Than Wine
2:1—3:5 ���������������Love Makes Everything Beautiful
3:6—5:1 ���������������The Wedding
5:2—7:13 �������������Why Is the One You Love More Special Than
Others?
8:1–14 ������������������If Only You and I . . .
Key Verse:
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine
(Song of Solomon 6:3).
22_Song of Solomon.indd 841 2/14/12 12:00 PM
Then /// We can’t be sure who wrote the Song of Solomon, but
whoever wrote it was definitely in love. The whole book is a love poem
about a young man and a young woman who are totally infatuated with
one another. They are crazy about each other!
Although it may seem strange that a love poem is included in the Bible, we must
recognize that God is the One who chose what the Bible contains. This particular love
poem contains important messages about love, romance, marriage, and sex. The Song of
Solomon gives us a very beautiful picture how love should look.
Now /// God created us with a special chemistry that can happen
between a man and woman. In the right place and the right time it is
exciting and wonderful—and important enough for God to dedicate a
whole book of the Bible to it. Romance can be wonderful when you are old enough to truly
commit your entire life to someone else; and sex can be a beautiful expression of love
when it happens between a married couple.
Sexuality is a powerful force; one that requires a lot of maturity and self-control (even
for adults!). It is important to be cautious in this area of life. Sometimes adults can stress
caution so much that it can seem like anything that has to do with “the birds and bees” is
a bad thing. Those adults have every reason to be cautious. God designed romance and
sex to take place between a man and woman who are committed to one another for life.
Romance and sex should be an expression of that special lifelong commitment.
It is important to realize the most important word in this book is “love.” In 1 John
4:16, we are told “God is love.” Love is the very nature of God. He doesn’t just want our
obedience to rules; He wants us to enter into a love relationship with Him. He wants us to
realize the love between a husband and wife is just a pale shadow of the love we can know
with Him.
Reality Check /// In today’s society, we hear a lot about
inappropriate touch and sexual harassment. Is it any wonder the bound
aries are unclear when nearly naked bodies appear in music videos,
advertisements, Internet sites, magazines—everywhere? It’s difficult to see any movie in
which body parts are not displayed in bigger-than-life cinematic “reality.”
The characters in the poem we know as the Song of Solomon talk a lot about different
parts of the body. They admire each other. This book of the Bible reminds us that God
made the human body to be beautiful to our eyes. He made us to want to touch and be
touched. But God also gives us the responsibility to give ourselves only to the person who
we commit to before God for life, like the bride and bridegroom in this beautiful poem.
Solomon’s Love for a Therefore the virgins love you.
Shulamite Girl 4Draw me away!
1
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. The Daughters of Jerusalem
We will run after you.a
The Shulamite
The Banquet The king has brought me into his
chambers.
The Shulamitea
2Let him kiss me with the kisses of his 1:2 aA young woman from the town of Shulam
or Shunem (compare 6:13). The speaker and
mouth— audience are identified according to the
For yourb love is better than wine. number, gender, and person of the Hebrew
3 Because of the fragrance of your good
words. Occasionally the identity is not certain.
ointments, bMasculine singular, that is, the Beloved
Your name is ointment poured forth; 1:4 aMasculine singular, that is, the Beloved
22_Song of Solomon.indd 842 2/14/12 12:00 PM
843 SONG OF SOLOMON 2:3
The Daughters of Jerusalem
We will be glad and rejoice in you.b Song of Solomon 1:15
You may be wondering why the
We will remember yourc love more author would compare his beloved to
than wine. a dove. The ancient Israelites appreci-
ated the faithfulness, the beauty, and
The Shulamite especially the gentleness of the bird.
Rightly do they love you.d A dove is one of the few creatures that
will not attempt to defend itself when
5 I am dark, but lovely, it’s attacked. Instead, it will simply call
O daughters of Jerusalem, out in distress.
Like the tents of Kedar,
Like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not look upon me, because I am The Beloved
15 Behold, you are fair, my love!
dark,
Because the sun has tanned me. Behold, you are fair!
My mother’s sons were angry with me; You have dove’s eyes.
They made me the keeper of the
vineyards, The Shulamite
16 Behold, you are handsome, my beloved!
But my own vineyard I have not kept.
Yes, pleasant!
(To Her Beloved) Also our bed is green.
17 The beams of our houses are cedar,
7Tell me, O you whom I love,
And our rafters of fir.
Where you feed your flock,
Where you make it rest at noon.
For why should I be as one who veils Song of Solomon 2:1
herselfa “Sharon” refers to a fertile coastal
By the flocks of your companions? region in Israel known for its beautiful
flowers. The rose mentioned in this
The Beloved verse probably wasn’t what we know
8If you do not know, O fairest among as a rose. Instead, it may have been
women, a mountain tulip, an anemone, or a
Follow in the footsteps of the flock, saffron. Since those flowers grew in
And feed your little goats abundance in Sharon, the woman was
Beside the shepherds’ tents. implying that she is nothing special.
9 I have compared you, my love,
To my filly among Pharaoh’s chariots.
2
10 Your cheeks are lovely with I am the rose of Sharon,
ornaments, And the lily of the valleys.
Your neck with chains of gold.
The Daughters of Jerusalem The Beloved
11 We will make youa ornaments of gold 2Like a lily among thorns,
With studs of silver. So is my love among the daughters.
The Shulamite The Shulamite
3Like an apple tree among the trees of
12 While the king is at his table,
My spikenard sends forth its fragrance. the woods,
13 A bundle of myrrh is my beloved
1:4 bFeminine singular, that is, the Shulamite
to me, cMasculine singular, that is, the Beloved
That lies all night between my breasts. dMasculine singular, that is, the Beloved
14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna
1:7 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read
blooms wanders. 1:11 aFeminine singular, that is, the
In the vineyards of En Gedi. Shulamite
22_Song of Solomon.indd 843 2/14/12 12:00 PM
SONG OF SOLOMON 2:4 844
So is my beloved among the sons. For your voice is sweet,
I sat down in his shade with great And your face is lovely.”
delight,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste. Her Brothers
15 Catch us the foxes,
The Shulamite to the Daughters of The little foxes that spoil the vines,
Jerusalem For our vines have tender grapes.
4He brought me to the banqueting
house, The Shulamite
16 My beloved is mine, and I am his.
And his banner over me was love.
5 Sustain me with cakes of raisins, He feeds his flock among the lilies.
Refresh me with apples,
For I am lovesick. (To Her Beloved)
17 Until the day breaks
6His left hand is under my head, And the shadows flee away,
And his right hand embraces me. Turn, my beloved,
7 I charge you, O daughters of And be like a gazelle
Jerusalem, Or a young stag
By the gazelles or by the does of the Upon the mountains of Bether.a
field,
Do not stir up nor awaken love A Troubled Night
Until it pleases. The Shulamite
3
By night on my bed I sought the one
The Beloved’s Request I love;
The Shulamite I sought him, but I did not find him.
2“ I will rise now,” I said,
8The voice of my beloved!
“ And go about the city;
Behold, he comes
In the streets and in the squares
Leaping upon the mountains, I will seek the one I love.”
Skipping upon the hills. I sought him, but I did not find him.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young
3 The watchmen who go about the city
stag. found me;
Behold, he stands behind our wall; I said,
He is looking through the windows, “Have you seen the one I love?”
Gazing through the lattice.
4Scarcely had I passed by them,
10 My beloved spoke, and said to me:
When I found the one I love.
“ Rise up, my love, my fair one, I held him and would not let him go,
And come away. Until I had brought him to the house
11 For lo, the winter is past, of my mother,
The rain is over and gone. And into the chamber of her who
12 The flowers appear on the earth; conceived me.
The time of singing has come,
5I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
And the voice of the turtledove
Is heard in our land. By the gazelles or by the does of the
13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, field,
And the vines with the tender grapes Do not stir up nor awaken love
Give a good smell. Until it pleases.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away! The Coming of Solomon
The Shulamite
14“ O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
6Who is this coming out of the
In the secret places of the cliff, wilderness
Let me see your face,
Let me hear your voice; 2:17 aLiterally Separation
22_Song of Solomon.indd 844 2/14/12 12:00 PM
845 SONG OF SOLOMON 4:13
Like pillars of smoke, 6Until the day breaks
Perfumed with myrrh and And the shadows flee away,
frankincense, I will go my way to the mountain of
With all the merchant’s fragrant myrrh
powders? And to the hill of frankincense.
7 Behold, it is Solomon’s couch,
With sixty valiant men around it, 7You are all fair, my love,
Of the valiant of Israel. And there is no spot in you.
8 They all hold swords, 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my
Being expert in war. spouse,
Every man has his sword on his thigh With me from Lebanon.
Because of fear in the night. Look from the top of Amana,
9Of the wood of Lebanon
From the top of Senir and Hermon,
From the lions’ dens,
Solomon the King From the mountains of the leopards.
Made himself a palanquin:a
10 He made its pillars of silver,
9You have ravished my heart,
Its support of gold,
My sister, my spouse;
Its seat of purple,
You have ravished my heart
Its interior paved with love
With one look of your eyes,
By the daughters of Jerusalem.
11 Go forth, O daughters of Zion, With one link of your necklace.
10 How fair is your love,
And see King Solomon with the
My sister, my spouse!
crown
With which his mother crowned him How much better than wine is your
On the day of his wedding, love,
The day of the gladness of his heart. And the scent of your perfumes
Than all spices!
11 Your lips, O my spouse,
The Bridegroom Praises
the Bride Drip as the honeycomb;
Honey and milk are under your
The Beloved tongue;
4
Behold, you are fair, my love! And the fragrance of your garments
Behold, you are fair! Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
You have dove’s eyes behind your
veil. 12 A garden enclosed
Your hair is like a flock of goats, Is my sister, my spouse,
Going down from Mount Gilead. A spring shut up,
2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn
A fountain sealed.
sheep
Which have come up from the
washing, Song of Solomon 4:12
Every one of which bears twins, Some people in the ancient Near
And none is barren among them. East closed their gardens to visitors
3 Your lips are like a strand of scarlet,
in order to protect their privacy and
And your mouth is lovely. preserve their water supply. Because
Your temples behind your veil of the frequent droughts in the area,
Are like a piece of pomegranate. water in Israel was tough to come by.
4 Your neck is like the tower of David,
Built for an armory,
On which hang a thousand 13 Your plants are an orchard of
bucklers, pomegranates
All shields of mighty men. With pleasant fruits,
5 Your two breasts are like two fawns,
Fragrant henna with spikenard,
Twins of a gazelle,
Which feed among the lilies. 3:9 aA portable enclosed chair
22_Song of Solomon.indd 845 2/14/12 12:00 PM
SONG OF SOLOMON 4:14 846
14 Spikenard and saffron, 6I opened for my beloved,
Calamus and cinnamon, But my beloved had turned away and
With all trees of frankincense, was gone.
Myrrh and aloes, My heart leaped up when he spoke.
With all the chief spices— I sought him, but I could not find
15 A fountain of gardens, him;
A well of living waters, I called him, but he gave me no
And streams from Lebanon. answer.
7 The watchmen who went about the
The Shulamite city found me.
16 Awake, O north wind, They struck me, they wounded me;
The keepers of the walls
And come, O south!
Took my veil away from me.
Blow upon my garden, 8 I charge you, O daughters of
That its spices may flow out.
Jerusalem,
Let my beloved come to his garden
If you find my beloved,
And eat its pleasant fruits.
That you tell him I am lovesick!
The Beloved
The Daughters of Jerusalem
5
I have come to my garden, my sister, 9What is your beloved
my spouse;
More than another beloved,
I have gathered my myrrh with my
O fairest among women?
spice;
What is your beloved
I have eaten my honeycomb with my
More than another beloved,
honey;
That you so charge us?
I have drunk my wine with my milk.
(To His Friends) The Shulamite
10 My beloved is white and ruddy,
Eat, O friends!
Drink, yes, drink deeply, Chief among ten thousand.
11 His head is like the finest gold;
O beloved ones!
His locks are wavy,
And black as a raven.
The Shulamite’s Troubled 12 His eyes are like doves
Evening
By the rivers of waters,
The Shulamite Washed with milk,
2I sleep, but my heart is awake; And fitly set.
13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices,
It is the voice of my beloved!
He knocks, saying, Banks of scented herbs.
“ Open for me, my sister, my love, His lips are lilies,
My dove, my perfect one; Dripping liquid myrrh.
For my head is covered with dew,
My locks with the drops of the night.” 14 His hands are rods of gold
Set with beryl.
3 I have taken off my robe; His body is carved ivory
How can I put it on again? Inlaid with sapphires.
I have washed my feet; 15 His legs are pillars of marble
How can I defile them? Set on bases of fine gold.
4 My beloved put his hand His countenance is like Lebanon,
By the latch of the door, Excellent as the cedars.
And my heart yearned for him. 16 His mouth is most sweet,
5 I arose to open for my beloved, Yes, he is altogether lovely.
And my hands dripped with myrrh, This is my beloved,
My fingers with liquid myrrh, And this is my friend,
On the handles of the lock. O daughters of Jerusalem!
22_Song of Solomon.indd 846 2/14/12 12:00 PM
847 SONG OF SOLOMON 7:4
The Daughters of Jerusalem And called her blessed,
6
Where has your beloved gone, The queens and the concubines,
O fairest among women? And they praised her.
Where has your beloved turned
10 Who is she who looks forth as the
aside,
That we may seek him with you? morning,
Fair as the moon,
The Shulamite Clear as the sun,
2My beloved has gone to his garden, Awesome as an army with banners?
To the beds of spices,
To feed his flock in the gardens, The Shulamite
11 I went down to the garden of nuts
And to gather lilies.
3 I am my beloved’s, To see the verdure of the valley,
And my beloved is mine. To see whether the vine had budded
He feeds his flock among the lilies. And the pomegranates had bloomed.
12 Before I was even aware,
Praise of the Shulamite’s My soul had made me
Beauty As the chariots of my noble people.a
The Beloved The Beloved and His Friends
4O my love, you are as beautiful as
13 Return, return, O Shulamite;
Tirzah, Return, return, that we may look upon
Lovely as Jerusalem, you!
Awesome as an army with banners!
5 Turn your eyes away from me,
The Shulamite
For they have overcome me.
Your hair is like a flock of goats What would you see in the
Going down from Gilead. Shulamite—
As it were, the dance of the two
camps?a
Song of Solomon 6:5 Expressions of Praise
Gilead, located east of the Jordan
River, was known for its lush plant life. The Beloved
7
The land was an ideal grazing place How beautiful are your feet in
for sheep, goats, and other livestock. sandals,
Goats raised in the ancient Near East O prince’s daughter!
had long, silky, black hair. The curves of your thighs are like
jewels,
The work of the hands of a skillful
6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep
workman.
Which have come up from the 2 Your navel is a rounded goblet;
washing; It lacks no blended beverage.
Every one bears twins, Your waist is a heap of wheat
And none is barren among them. Set about with lilies.
7 Like a piece of pomegranate
3 Your two breasts are like two fawns,
Are your temples behind your veil. Twins of a gazelle.
4 Your neck is like an ivory tower,
8There are sixty queens
Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon
And eighty concubines, By the gate of Bath Rabbim.
And virgins without number. Your nose is like the tower of
9 My dove, my perfect one,
Lebanon
Is the only one, Which looks toward Damascus.
The only one of her mother,
The favorite of the one who bore her. 6:12 aHebrew Ammi Nadib
6:13 aHebrew
The daughters saw her Mahanaim
22_Song of Solomon.indd 847 2/14/12 12:00 PM
SONG OF SOLOMON 7:5 848
5 Your head crowns you like Mount 4 I charge you, O daughters of
Carmel, Jerusalem,
And the hair of your head is like Do not stir up nor awaken love
purple; Until it pleases.
A king is held captive by your tresses.
Love Renewed in Lebanon
6How fair and how pleasant you are,
A Relative
O love, with your delights! 5Who is this coming up from the
7 This stature of yours is like a palm tree,
And your breasts like its clusters. wilderness,
8 I said, “I will go up to the palm tree, Leaning upon her beloved?
I will take hold of its branches.”
Let now your breasts be like clusters I awakened you under the apple tree.
of the vine, There your mother brought you forth;
The fragrance of your breath like There she who bore you brought you
apples, forth.
9And the roof of your mouth like the
best wine. Marriage
The Shulamite How strong is love?
The wine goes down smoothly for my Song of Solomon 8:6, 7
beloved,
Moving gently the lips of sleepers.a The Shulamite to Her Beloved
10 I am my beloved’s,
6Set me as a seal upon your heart,
And his desire is toward me.
As a seal upon your arm;
11 Come, my beloved, For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy as cruel as the grave;a
Let us go forth to the field;
Its flames are flames of fire,
Let us lodge in the villages.
12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; A most vehement flame.b
Let us see if the vine has budded, 7Many waters cannot quench love,
Whether the grape blossoms are open,
Nor can the floods drown it.
And the pomegranates are in bloom.
If a man would give for love
There I will give you my love.
13 The mandrakes give off a fragrance, All the wealth of his house,
It would be utterly despised.
And at our gates are pleasant fruits,
All manner, new and old,
Which I have laid up for you, my Song of Solomon 8:8
beloved. According to ancient tradition, a
woman’s family was responsible for
8
Oh, that you were like my brother, her welfare until she got married.
Who nursed at my mother’s breasts! They believed a woman needed the
If I should find you outside, protection of a family until a husband
I would kiss you; could be found who would care for
I would not be despised. her.
2 I would lead you and bring you
Into the house of my mother,
She who used to instruct me. The Shulamite’s Brothers
I would cause you to drink of spiced 8We have a little sister,
wine,
Of the juice of my pomegranate. And she has no breasts.
What shall we do for our sister
(To the Daughters of Jerusalem) 7:9 aSeptuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read lips
3His left hand is under my head, and teeth. 8:6 aOr Sheol bLiterally A flame of
And his right hand embraces me. Yah (a poetic form of YHWH, the Lord)
22_Song of Solomon.indd 848 2/14/12 12:00 PM
849 SONG OF SOLOMON 8:14
In the day when she is spoken for? (To Solomon)
9 If she is a wall, 12 My own vineyard is before me.
We will build upon her You, O Solomon, may have a thousand,
A battlement of silver; And those who tend its fruit two
And if she is a door, hundred.
We will enclose her
With boards of cedar.
The Beloved
13 You who dwell in the gardens,
The Shulamite
10 I am a wall, The companions listen for your
voice—
And my breasts like towers;
Let me hear it!
Then I became in his eyes
As one who found peace.
11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal The Shulamite
Hamon; 14 Make haste, my beloved,
He leased the vineyard to keepers; And be like a gazelle
Everyone was to bring for its fruit Or a young stag
A thousand silver coins. On the mountains of spices.
22_Song of Solomon.indd 849 2/14/12 12:00 PM
Isaiah
Date of writing: 740–680 B.C.
Author: The Prophet Isaiah
Theme: Salvation
Purpose: God firmly intends to bless humanity.
Outline
1:1–31. �����������������Introduction
2:1—5:30 �������������Messages About Judah and Israel
6:1—9:7 ���������������Events from Isaiah’s Ministry
9:8—12:6 �������������More Messages About Judah and Israel
13:1—23:18 ��������God Will Punish Other Nations
24:1—27:13 ��������Messages of Hope for the Lord’s People Who Are
Suffering
28:1—31:9 �����������The Lord Will Punish His Rebellious People
32:1—35:10 ��������The Lord Will Punish Edom and Bless Jerusalem
36:1—39:8 �����������Assyria, Babylon, King Hezekiah, and Isaiah
40:1—48:22 ��������The Lord Will Rescue His People
49:1—53:12 ��������The Lord’s Servant
54:1—55:13 ��������The Lord Will Keep All His Promises
56:1–8 ������������������All Nations Will Be Part of God’s People
56:9—59:21 ��������Leaders Unfaithful to God Will Be Punished
60:1—62:12 ��������The Future Glory of Jerusalem
63:1—66:24 ��������God’s Wonderful New Creation
23-Isaiah.indd 850 2/14/12 12:02 PM
Key Verse:
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every
one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the
iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).
Then /// Isaiah was a prophet. He was well educated and a good
communicator. He was known for being the most evangelistic of the
prophets. That means instead of preaching only to God’s people, he invited
people to know God.
Imagine Isaiah as a street preacher walking around town. He would have been telling
everyone, “STOP SINNING!” That was a common message from the prophets in the Old
Testament. But Isaiah’s message had a flip side; he also told people, “GOD WILL SAVE
YOU.” Isaiah talked about salvation more than any other prophet.
Isaiah was convinced that salvation was possible if only people would repent of their
sins and put their faith in God’s goodness instead of their own. This truth was his passion.
Sharing it was his life’s mission.
Now /// Have you ever seen those shock collars for dogs that are
used to teach them not to bark or not to cross over an invisible fence (made
of electrical currents)? Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to learn
not to sin if God used those electronic collars on us. How easy would it be to stop lying if
every time you lied you felt an electric current run through your body?
God doesn’t give us collars, though. He gives us the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide
us. He also gives us people, like Isaiah, who understand that God is holy and we are not.
These people remind us that understanding God’s holiness should affect how we live our
lives.
Reality Check /// What do you think heaven would look like
if you could peel back the layers of reality as we know it and see right in?
Isaiah got a glimpse of heaven. He saw a throne and a temple. He saw
six-winged creatures worshiping God. These creatures sang a song you might recognize. It
starts out, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” If you go to church a lot, you probably have heard some songs
that are based on this vision of Isaiah’s.
When Isaiah was faced with God’s holiness, he became painfully aware of his own
unholiness. When he compared himself with the holy perfection of God, he saw all the sin
in himself. The comparison made Isaiah realize he needed to be forgiven and cleaned up.
1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, And they have rebelled against Me;
which he saw concerning Judah and 3 The ox knows its owner
Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jo- And the donkey its master’s crib;
tham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. But Israel does not know,
My people do not consider.”
The Wickedness of Judah
2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! 4Alas, sinful nation,
For the Lord has spoken: A people laden with iniquity,
“ I have nourished and brought up A brood of evildoers,
children, Children who are corrupters!
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ISAIAH 1:5 852
10 Hear the word of the Lord,
Isaiah 1:1 You rulers of Sodom;
Solomon’s reign marked the end Give ear to the law of our God,
of Israel as a united country. After You people of Gomorrah:
11“ To what purpose is the multitude of
Solomon died, the nation split into
two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The your sacrifices to Me?”
prophet Isaiah was alive when Israel, Says the Lord.
the northern kingdom, was con- “ I have had enough of burnt offerings
quered by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
They have forsaken the Lord, Or of lambs or goats.
They have provoked to anger 12“ When you come to appear before Me,
The Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away backward. Who has required this from your hand,
To trample My courts?
13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;
5Why should you be stricken again?
Incense is an abomination to Me.
You will revolt more and more.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the
The whole head is sick,
calling of assemblies—
And the whole heart faints.
6 From the sole of the foot even to the I cannot endure iniquity and the
sacred meeting.
head, 14 Your New Moons and your appointed
There is no soundness in it,
feasts
But wounds and bruises and
My soul hates;
putrefying sores;
They are a trouble to Me,
They have not been closed or bound up,
I am weary of bearing them.
Or soothed with ointment. 15 When you spread out your hands,
7Your country is desolate,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
Your cities are burned with fire; I will not hear.
Strangers devour your land in your Your hands are full of blood.
presence;
And it is desolate, as overthrown by
strangers. Sin
8 So the daughter of Zion is left as a What should we do about sin
booth in a vineyard, in our lives?
As a hut in a garden of cucumbers,
Isaiah 1:16–18
As a besieged city.
16“ Wash yourselves, make yourselves
Isaiah 1:9 clean;
Sodom and Gomorrah, which may Put away the evil of your doings from
have been located near the southern before My eyes.
end of the Dead Sea, were destroyed Cease to do evil,
by fire and sulfur from heaven. God 17 Learn to do good;
handed down the death penalty for Seek justice,
Sodom and Gomorrah because of Rebuke the oppressor;a
their extreme wickedness. Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.
9 Unless the Lord of hosts
18“ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Had left to us a very small remnant, Says the Lord,
We would have become like Sodom, “ Though your sins are like scarlet,
We would have been made like
Gomorrah. 1:17 aSome ancient versions read the oppressed.
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853 ISAIAH 1:31
Making It Real //
Isaiah 1:18
Right with God You’ve got a personal invitation to a private dinner with a King. It’s
right here in Isaiah 1:18. God invites you to come and reason things out. He’s letting you
know that He really wants you to talk over your life with Him. It’s not that He doesn’t
already know exactly what’s going on—He just wants the pleasure of knowing you care
enough about Him to share it.
Specifically, Isaiah 1:18 refers to sin. The Lord invites people to confess their sin to
Him and turn their lives around. With God, it’s that simple. All you’ve got to do to get your
life headed in the right direction is talk with Him. He’ll take it from there. (See also: Ps.
51:9; 62:8.)
Words to Live By
Reason together: The word translated as “reason together” in Isaiah 1:18 is the
Hebrew word yakach (yaw-kahh’). It means “to decide” or “to be right.” In this verse, it is
used to describe coming together for a conversation with God. When we come to God
confessing our sins and asking His forgiveness, He will always accept us and cleanse us.
That’s a pretty amazing conversation.
They shall be as white as snow; 25 I will turn My hand against you,
Though they are red like crimson, And thoroughly purge away your
They shall be as wool. dross,
19 If you are willing and obedient, And take away all your alloy.
You shall eat the good of the land; 26 I will restore your judges as at the first,
20 But if you refuse and rebel, And your counselors as at the
You shall be devoured by the sword”; beginning.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Afterward you shall be called the city
of righteousness, the faithful city.”
The Degenerate City
27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice,
21 How the faithful city has become a
And her penitents with righteousness.
harlot! 28 The destruction of transgressors and
It was full of justice;
of sinners shall be together,
Righteousness lodged in it,
And those who forsake the Lord shall
But now murderers.
22 Your silver has become dross, be consumed.
29 For theya shall be ashamed of the
Your wine mixed with water.
23 Your princes are rebellious,
terebinth trees
Which you have desired;
And companions of thieves;
And you shall be embarrassed because
Everyone loves bribes,
of the gardens
And follows after rewards. Which you have chosen.
They do not defend the fatherless, 30 For you shall be as a terebinth whose
Nor does the cause of the widow come leaf fades,
before them. And as a garden that has no water.
31 The strong shall be as tinder,
24 Therefore the Lord says,
And the work of it as a spark;
The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of
Israel, 1:29 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and
“ Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts and Targum
And take vengeance on My enemies. read you.
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ISAIAH 2:1 854
Both will burn together, They are soothsayers like the
And no one shall quench them. Philistines,
And they are pleased with the children
The Future House of God of foreigners.
2
7 Their land is also full of silver and gold,
The word that Isaiah the son of
Amoz saw concerning Judah and And there is no end to their treasures;
Jerusalem. Their land is also full of horses,
And there is no end to their chariots.
8 Their land is also full of idols;
2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter
days They worship the work of their own
That the mountain of the Lord’s house hands,
Shall be established on the top of the That which their own fingers have
mountains, made.
9 People bow down,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it. And each man humbles himself;
3 Many people shall come and say, Therefore do not forgive them.
“ Come, and let us go up to the
10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the
mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob; dust,
He will teach us His ways, From the terror of the Lord
And we shall walk in His paths.” And the glory of His majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from humbled,
Jerusalem. The haughtiness of men shall be
4 He shall judge between the nations, bowed down,
And rebuke many people; And the Lord alone shall be exalted in
They shall beat their swords into that day.
plowshares,
12 For the day of the Lord of hosts
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against Shall come upon everything proud and
nation, lofty,
Neither shall they learn war anymore. Upon everything lifted up—
And it shall be brought low—
The Day of the L ord 13 Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that
5O house of Jacob, come and let us walk are high and lifted up,
In the light of the Lord. And upon all the oaks of Bashan;
14 Upon all the high mountains,
And upon all the hills that are lifted up;
Isaiah 2:6 15 Upon every high tower,
The Philistines, who lived along the And upon every fortified wall;
16 Upon all the ships of Tarshish,
coast of the Mediterranean Sea, had
been among the Israelites’ most noto- And upon all the beautiful sloops.
17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed
rious enemies. Over the years, though,
the hatred between the two nations down,
cooled and old grudges were forgot- And the haughtiness of men shall be
ten. The Israelites even began to allow brought low;
their children to marry Philistines, The Lord alone will be exalted in that
despite the fact that such marriages day,
18But the idols He shall utterly abolish.
went against God’s law.
19 They shall go into the holes of the
6For You have forsaken Your people, the rocks,
house of Jacob, And into the caves of the earth,
Because they are filled with eastern From the terror of the Lord
ways; And the glory of His majesty,
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855 ISAIAH 3:16
When He arises to shake the earth For in my house is neither food nor
mightily. clothing;
Do not make me a ruler of the people.”
20 In that day a man will cast away his
idols of silver 8For Jerusalem stumbled,
And his idols of gold, And Judah is fallen,
Which they made, each for himself to Because their tongue and their doings
worship, Are against the Lord,
To the moles and bats, To provoke the eyes of His glory.
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, 9 The look on their countenance
And into the crags of the rugged rocks, witnesses against them,
From the terror of the Lord And they declare their sin as Sodom;
And the glory of His majesty, They do not hide it.
When He arises to shake the earth Woe to their soul!
mightily. For they have brought evil upon
themselves.
22 Sever yourselves from such a man,
Whose breath is in his nostrils; 10“ Say to the righteous that it shall be well
For of what account is he? with them,
For they shall eat the fruit of their
Judgment on Judah doings.
and Jerusalem 11 Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with
3
For behold, the Lord, the Lord of him,
hosts, For the reward of his hands shall be
Takes away from Jerusalem and given him.
12 As for My people, children are their
from Judah
The stock and the store, oppressors,
The whole supply of bread and the And women rule over them.
whole supply of water; O My people! Those who lead you
2 The mighty man and the man of war, cause you to err,
The judge and the prophet, And destroy the way of your paths.”
And the diviner and the elder;
3 The captain of fifty and the honorable Oppression and Luxury
man, Condemned
The counselor and the skillful artisan, 13 The Lord stands up to plead,
And the expert enchanter. And stands to judge the people.
14 The Lord will enter into judgment
4“ I will give children to be their
With the elders of His people
princes, And His princes:
And babes shall rule over them. “ For you have eaten up the vineyard;
5 The people will be oppressed,
The plunder of the poor is in your
Every one by another and every one by houses.
his neighbor; 15 What do you mean by crushing My
The child will be insolent toward the people
elder, And grinding the faces of the poor?”
And the base toward the honorable.” Says the Lord God of hosts.
6When a man takes hold of his brother 16Moreover the Lord says:
In the house of his father, saying,
“ You have clothing; “ Because the daughters of Zion are
You be our ruler, haughty,
And let these ruins be under your And walk with outstretched necks
power,”a And wanton eyes,
7 In that day he will protest, saying,
“ I cannot cure your ills, 3:6 aLiterally hand
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ISAIAH 3:17 856
Walking and mincing as they go, The Renewal of Zion
Making a jingling with their feet, 2In that day the Branch of the Lord
17 Therefore the Lord will strike with a
shall be beautiful and glorious;
scab
And the fruit of the earth shall be
The crown of the head of the
excellent and appealing
daughters of Zion,
For those of Israel who have escaped.
And the Lord will uncover their secret
parts.” 3And it shall come to pass that he who is
18 In that day the Lord will take away the left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will
finery: be called holy—everyone who is recorded
The jingling anklets, the scarves, and among the living in Jerusalem. 4When
the crescents; the Lord has washed away the filth of the
daughters of Zion, and purged the blood
of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit
Vanity of judgment and by the spirit of burning,
What does God think about 5then the Lord will create above every
vanity? dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above
Isaiah 3:16–18 her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day
and the shining of a flaming fire by night.
For over all the glory there will be a cov-
19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the
ering. 6And there will be a tabernacle for
veils; shade in the daytime from the heat, for
20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments,
a place of refuge, and for a shelter from
and the headbands; storm and rain.
The perfume boxes, the charms,
21 and the rings;
God’s Disappointing Vineyard
The nose jewels,
5
22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; Now let me sing to my Well-beloved
The outer garments, the purses, A song of my Beloved regarding His
23 and the mirrors; vineyard:
The fine linen, the turbans, and the
robes. My Well-beloved has a vineyard
On a very fruitful hill.
24And so it shall be:
Instead of a sweet smell there will be Isaiah 5:2
a stench; Towers were often built in the middle
Instead of a sash, a rope; of a vineyard to prevent people from
Instead of well-set hair, baldness; stealing grapes. From the tower, a
Instead of a rich robe, a girding of guard could spot thieves attempting
sackcloth; a fruit heist. He could also defend the
And branding instead of beauty. vineyard from that vantage point with
25 Your men shall fall by the sword, a bow and arrow or a slingshot.
And your mighty in the war.
26 Her gates shall lament and mourn, 2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones,
And she being desolate shall sit on the And planted it with the choicest vine.
ground. He built a tower in its midst,
And also made a winepress in it;
4
And in that day seven women shall So He expected it to bring forth good
take hold of one man, saying, grapes,
“ We will eat our own food and wear But it brought forth wild grapes.
our own apparel;
Only let us be called by your name, 3“ And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem
To take away our reproach.” and men of Judah,
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857 ISAIAH 5:20
Judge, please, between Me and My 11 Woe to those who rise early in the
vineyard. morning,
4 What more could have been done to That they may follow intoxicating
My vineyard drink;
That I have not done in it? Who continue until night, till wine
Why then, when I expected it to bring inflames them!
forth good grapes, 12 The harp and the strings,
Did it bring forth wild grapes? The tambourine and flute,
5 And now, please let Me tell you what I And wine are in their feasts;
will do to My vineyard: But they do not regard the work of the
I will take away its hedge, and it shall Lord,
be burned; Nor consider the operation of His
And break down its wall, and it shall hands.
be trampled down.
6 I will lay it waste; 13 Therefore my people have gone into
It shall not be pruned or dug, captivity,
But there shall come up briers and Because they have no knowledge;
thorns. Their honorable men are famished,
I will also command the clouds And their multitude dried up with
That they rain no rain on it.” thirst.
14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself
7For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is
And opened its mouth beyond measure;
the house of Israel, Their glory and their multitude and
And the men of Judah are His pleasant their pomp,
plant. And he who is jubilant, shall descend
He looked for justice, but behold, into it.
oppression; 15 People shall be brought down,
For righteousness, but behold, a cry Each man shall be humbled,
for help. And the eyes of the lofty shall be
humbled.
Impending Judgment 16 But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted
on Excesses in judgment,
8Woe to those who join house to And God who is holy shall be hallowed
house; in righteousness.
17 Then the lambs shall feed in their
They add field to field,
Till there is no place pasture,
Where they may dwell alone in the And in the waste places of the fat ones
midst of the land! strangers shall eat.
9 In my hearing the Lord of hosts
18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with
said,
“ Truly, many houses shall be desolate, cords of vanity,
Great and beautiful ones, without And sin as if with a cart rope;
19 That say, “Let Him make speed and
inhabitant.
hasten His work,
That we may see it;
Greed And let the counsel of the Holy One of
What’s the outcome of being Israel draw near and come,
greedy? That we may know it.”
Isaiah 5:8, 9 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and
good evil;
10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield Who put darkness for light, and light
one bath, for darkness;
And a homer of seed shall yield one Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet
ephah.” for bitter!
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ISAIAH 5:21 858
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own 28 Whose arrows are sharp,
eyes, And all their bows bent;
And prudent in their own sight! Their horses’ hooves will seem like
flint,
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking And their wheels like a whirlwind.
wine, 29 Their roaring will be like a lion,
Woe to men valiant for mixing They will roar like young lions;
intoxicating drink, Yes, they will roar
And lay hold of the prey;
They will carry it away safely,
Drinking And no one will deliver.
Is drunkeness wrong? 30 In that day they will roar against them
Isaiah 5:22 Like the roaring of the sea.
And if one looks to the land,
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
Behold, darkness and sorrow;
And the light is darkened by the
And take away justice from the clouds.
righteous man!
24 Therefore, as the fire devours the Angels
stubble, What do some angels look
And the flame consumes the chaff, like?
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like Isaiah 6:2
dust;
Because they have rejected the law of
the Lord of hosts, Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet
6
And despised the word of the Holy In the year that King Uzziah died,
One of Israel. I saw the Lord sitting on a throne,
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord is
high and lifted up, and the train of
aroused against His people; His robe filled the temple. 2Above it stood
He has stretched out His hand against seraphim; each one had six wings: with
them two he covered his face, with two he cov-
And stricken them, ered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And
And the hills trembled. one cried to another and said:
Their carcasses were as refuse in the
midst of the streets. “ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”
For all this His anger is not turned
away, 4And the posts of the door were shaken
But His hand is stretched out still. by the voice of him who cried out, and the
house was filled with smoke.
26 He will lift up a banner to the nations 5So I said:
from afar,
And will whistle to them from the end “ Woe is me, for I am undone!
of the earth; Because I am a man of unclean lips,
Surely they shall come with speed, And I dwell in the midst of a people of
swiftly. unclean lips;
27 No one will be weary or stumble For my eyes have seen the King,
among them, The Lord of hosts.”
No one will slumber or sleep;
Nor will the belt on their loins be 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
loosed, having in his hand a live coal which he had
Nor the strap of their sandals be taken with the tongs from the altar. 7And
broken; he touched my mouth with it, and said:
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859 ISAIAH 7:15
“ Behold, this has touched your lips; 3Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out
Your iniquity is taken away, now to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-Jashuba
And your sin purged.” your son, at the end of the aqueduct from
the upper pool, on the highway to the Full-
8Also I heard the voice of the Lord, say- er’s Field, 4and say to him: ‘Take heed, and
ing: be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for
these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for
“ Whom shall I send, the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the
And who will go for Us?” son of Remaliah. 5Because Syria, Ephraim,
and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” against you, saying, 6“Let us go up against
9And He said, “Go, and tell this people:
Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap
in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over
‘ Keep on hearing, but do not them, the son of Tabel”—7thus says the
understand; Lord God:
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
“ It shall not stand,
10“ Make the heart of this people dull,
Nor shall it come to pass.
And their ears heavy, 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus,
And shut their eyes; And the head of Damascus is Rezin.
Lest they see with their eyes, Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be
And hear with their ears, broken,
And understand with their heart, So that it will not be a people.
And return and be healed.” 9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
And the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s
11Then I said, “Lord, how long?”
son.
And He answered: If you will not believe,
Surely you shall not be established.” ’ ”
“ Until the cities are laid waste and
without inhabitant, The Immanuel Prophecy
The houses are without a man, 10Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz,
The land is utterly desolate,
12 The Lord has removed men far away, saying, 11“Ask a sign for yourself from the
And the forsaken places are many in Lord your God; ask it either in the depth
the midst of the land. or in the height above.”
12But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I
13 But yet a tenth will be in it,
And will return and be for test the Lord!”
consuming,
As a terebinth tree or as an oak, Jesus
Whose stump remains when it is cut What did Isaiah prophesy
down.
So the holy seed shall be its stump.” about Jesus’ mother?
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz
7
Now it came to pass in the days of 13Then he said, “Hear now, O house of
Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary
Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin men, but will you weary my God also?
king of Syria and Pekah the son of Rema- 14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you
liah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive
make war against it, but could not prevail and bear a Son, and shall call His name
against it. 2And it was told to the house of Immanuel.a 15Curds and honey He shall
David, saying, “Syria’s forces are deployed eat, that He may know to refuse the evil
in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of
his people were moved as the trees of the 7:3 aLiterally A Remnant Shall Return
woods are moved with the wind. 7:14 aLiterally God-With-Us
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ISAIAH 7:16 860
and choose the good. 16For before the Child Because all the land will become
shall know to refuse the evil and choose briers and thorns.
the good, the land that you dread will be
forsaken by both her kings. 17The Lord 25 And to any hill which could be dug
will bring the king of Assyria upon you with the hoe,
and your people and your father’s house— You will not go there for fear of briers
days that have not come since the day that and thorns;
Ephraim departed from Judah.” But it will become a range for oxen
And a place for sheep to roam.
18 And it shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord will whistle for the fly Assyria Will Invade the Land
8
That is in the farthest part of the rivers Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take
of Egypt, a large scroll, and write on it with a
And for the bee that is in the land of man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-
Assyria. Hash-Baz.a 2And I will take for Myself faith-
19 They will come, and all of them will rest
ful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest
In the desolate valleys and in the clefts and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.”
of the rocks, 3Then I went to the prophetess, and
And on all thorns and in all pastures. she conceived and bore a son. Then the
Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-
20 In the same day the Lord will shave
Shalal-Hash-Baz; 4for before the child shall
with a hired razor, have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My
With those from beyond the River,a mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the
with the king of Assyria, spoil of Samaria will be taken away before
The head and the hair of the legs, the king of Assyria.”
And will also remove the beard. 5The Lord also spoke to me again, say-
ing:
Isaiah 7:20 6“ Inasmuch as these people refused
Men in ancient Israel took great pride The waters of Shiloah that flow softly,
in their hair. Baldness was considered And rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah’s
an embarrassment. For the most part, son;
the only people who shaved were 7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings
Levites, victims of skin disease, and up over them
people in mourning. To be shaved The waters of the River,a strong and
(involuntarily) by someone else was a mighty—
tremendous insult. The king of Assyria and all his glory;
He will go up over all his channels
21 It shall be in that day And go over all his banks.
8 He will pass through Judah,
That a man will keep alive a young
He will overflow and pass over,
cow and two sheep;
22 So it shall be, from the abundance of He will reach up to the neck;
And the stretching out of his wings
milk they give,
Will fill the breadth of Your land,
That he will eat curds;
O Immanuel.a
For curds and honey everyone will eat
who is left in the land. 9“ Be shattered, O you peoples, and be
23 It shall happen in that day,
broken in pieces!
Give ear, all you from far countries.
That wherever there could be a
Gird yourselves, but be broken in
thousand vines
pieces;
Worth a thousand shekels of silver,
It will be for briers and thorns. 7:20 aThat is, the Euphrates 8:1 aLiterally
24 With arrows and bows men will come Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty 8:7 aThat is,
there, the Euphrates 8:8 aLiterally God-With-Us
23-Isaiah.indd 860 2/14/12 12:02 PM
861 ISAIAH 9:7
Gird yourselves, but be broken in curse their king and their God, and look
pieces. upward. 22Then they will look to the earth,
10 Take counsel together, but it will come and see trouble and darkness, gloom of an-
to nothing; guish; and they will be driven into darkness.
Speak the word, but it will not stand,
For God is with us.”a The Government
of the Promised Son
Fear God, Heed His Word
9
Nevertheless the gloom will not be
11For the Lord spoke thus to me with a upon her who is distressed,
strong hand, and instructed me that I As when at first He lightly esteemed
should not walk in the way of this people, The land of Zebulun and the land of
saying: Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed
12“ Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’
her,
Concerning all that this people call a By the way of the sea, beyond the
conspiracy, Jordan,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be In Galilee of the Gentiles.
troubled. 2 The people who walked in darkness
13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall
Have seen a great light;
hallow; Those who dwelt in the land of the
Let Him be your fear, shadow of death,
And let Him be your dread. Upon them a light has shined.
14 He will be as a sanctuary,
But a stone of stumbling and a rock of 3You have multiplied the nation
offense And increased its joy;a
To both the houses of Israel, They rejoice before You
As a trap and a snare to the According to the joy of harvest,
inhabitants of Jerusalem. As men rejoice when they divide the
15 And many among them shall stumble;
spoil.
They shall fall and be broken, 4 For You have broken the yoke of his
Be snared and taken.” burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
16 Bind up the testimony,
The rod of his oppressor,
Seal the law among my disciples. As in the day of Midian.
17 And I will wait on the Lord,
5 For every warrior’s sandal from the
Who hides His face from the house of noisy battle,
Jacob; And garments rolled in blood,
And I will hope in Him. Will be used for burning and fuel of
18 Here am I and the children whom the
fire.
Lord has given me!
We are for signs and wonders in Israel 6For unto us a Child is born,
From the Lord of hosts, Unto us a Son is given;
Who dwells in Mount Zion. And the government will be upon His
19And when they say to you, “Seek those
shoulder.
And His name will be called
who are mediums and wizards, who whis- Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
per and mutter,” should not a people seek Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
their God? Should they seek the dead on 7 Of the increase of His government and
behalf of the living? 20To the law and to the peace
testimony! If they do not speak according
There will be no end,
to this word, it is because there is no light
in them. 8:10 aHebrew Immanuel 9:3 aFollowing
21They will pass through it hard-pressed
Qere and Targum; Kethib and Vulgate read
and hungry; and it shall happen, when they not increased joy; Septuagint reads Most of the
are hungry, that they will be enraged and people You brought down in Your joy.
23-Isaiah.indd 861 2/14/12 12:02 PM
Life App
Peace / Isaiah 9:6
Peace. We look for it, fight for it, protest to get it, yet we never seem
to find it. We sing songs about it; we see its symbol written on walls;
and nearly everyone knows the sign language gesture that means
“peace.” But we never seem to experience it. Wars, worry, and confu-
sion continue all around us and peace remains the elusive dream of
our hearts and our world.
But is peace simply the absence of war? Is it just learning to live
without worry? Can we find more peace if our world is less confus-
ing? If we manage to find it, can we hold on to it? What exactly is the
peace we all crave?
Real peace is so much more than what the world views as peace.
Real peace can’t come from outside; it must begin inside us. The
world will never be perfect. We will always find things to worry
about, fight about, and sooner or later, life will let every one of us
down. If we are to ever experience peace in our lives, we have to
understand what it really is. To understand anything, it’s always best
to go to the expert. Isaiah 9:6 says that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.”
To know true lasting peace, we should see what He has to say about
it.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as
the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nei-
ther let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Real, lasting, total peace comes
from Jesus. When we have Him in our hearts, His peace lives inside
us. No matter what happens in our world, Jesus will guard our minds
from worry and protect our hearts and minds from confusion. But
living in peace remains our choice. We can accept the peace Jesus
brings or decide to continue living without it. Paul gave some very
good advice on the subject, “let the peace of God rule” in your heart
(Col. 3:15). When you do, the world can do whatever it wants, but it
can’t take away your peace.
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863 ISAIAH 9:17
Making It Real //
Isaiah 9:6
Real Peace It seems like everyone is looking for a little peace and quiet these days.
There’s so much happening so fast in your life and in the world. You’ve got a really busy
life—school, sports, church, friends, family. Whatever is going on in your life, it can get
pretty hectic trying to figure it all out. But stop. It’s time for some peace.
Jesus is the One who gives you peace. He whispers calm into your crazy situations.
He gives you a break from the frantic worry that sometimes overwhelms you. When you
get into His presence, there is peace. When you take your eyes off of your circumstances
long enough to turn them toward Him, you immediately find relief. Remember, Jesus
never panics; nothing destroys His peace. No matter how hurried or confused your life
may be, take a second to listen to the Prince of Peace. Then you won’t panic either. (See
also: John 14:27; Acts 10:36; Col. 3:15.)
Words to Live By
Peace: The word translated as “peace” in Isaiah 9:6 is the Hebrew word shalom
(shaw-lome’). It carries with it the idea of completeness and rest. We are made to have a
relationship with God. It is only in a relationship with Him that we can find a sense of
being whole and complete. Whatever is going on in our worlds, we can know that we are
okay no matter what happens, because we have Christ in our hearts and on our side. He
is our shalom.
Upon the throne of David and over His For all this His anger is not turned away,
kingdom, But His hand is stretched out still.
To order it and establish it with
judgment and justice 13 For the people do not turn to Him who
From that time forward, even forever. strikes them,
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will Nor do they seek the Lord of hosts.
perform this. 14 Therefore the Lord will cut off head
and tail from Israel,
The Punishment of Samaria
Palm branch and bulrush in one day.
15 The elder and honorable, he is the
8The Lord sent a word against Jacob,
head;
And it has fallen on Israel. The prophet who teaches lies, he is
9 All the people will know—
the tail.
Ephraim and the inhabitant of 16 For the leaders of this people cause
Samaria— them to err,
Who say in pride and arrogance of And those who are led by them are
heart: destroyed.
10“ The bricks have fallen down, 17 Therefore the Lord will have no joy in
But we will rebuild with hewn stones; their young men,
The sycamores are cut down, Nor have mercy on their fatherless and
But we will replace them with cedars.” widows;
11 Therefore the Lord shall set up For everyone is a hypocrite and an
The adversaries of Rezin against him, evildoer,
And spur his enemies on, And every mouth speaks folly.
12 The Syrians before and the Philistines
behind; For all this His anger is not turned
And they shall devour Israel with an away,
open mouth. But His hand is stretched out still.
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ISAIAH 9:18 864
18 For wickedness burns as the fire; I will give him charge,
It shall devour the briers and thorns, To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And kindle in the thickets of the forest; And to tread them down like the mire
They shall mount up like rising smoke. of the streets.
19 Through the wrath of the Lord of 7 Yet he does not mean so,
hosts Nor does his heart think so;
The land is burned up, But it is in his heart to destroy,
And the people shall be as fuel for the And cut off not a few nations.
fire; 8 For he says,
No man shall spare his brother. ‘ Are not my princes altogether kings?
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand 9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?
And be hungry; Is not Hamath like Arpad?
He shall devour on the left hand Is not Samaria like Damascus?
And not be satisfied; 10 As my hand has found the kingdoms
Every man shall eat the flesh of his of the idols,
own arm. Whose carved images excelled those
21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and
of Jerusalem and Samaria,
Ephraim Manasseh; 11 As I have done to Samaria and her
Together they shall be against Judah. idols,
Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and
For all this His anger is not turned her idols?’ ”
away,
But His hand is stretched out still. 12Therefore it shall come to pass, when
the Lord has performed all His work on
10
“ Woe to those who decree Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will
unrighteous decrees, say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant
Who write misfortune, heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of
Which they have prescribed his haughty looks.”
2 To rob the needy of justice, 13For he says:
And to take what is right from the
poor of My people, “ By the strength of my hand I have
That widows may be their prey, done it,
And that they may rob the fatherless. And by my wisdom, for I am prudent;
3 What will you do in the day of
Also I have removed the boundaries of
punishment, the people,
And in the desolation which will come And have robbed their treasuries;
from afar? So I have put down the inhabitants
To whom will you flee for help? like a valiant man.
And where will you leave your glory? 14 My hand has found like a nest the
4 Without Me they shall bow down
riches of the people,
among the prisoners, And as one gathers eggs that are left,
And they shall fall among the slain.” I have gathered all the earth;
And there was no one who moved his
For all this His anger is not turned wing,
away, Nor opened his mouth with even a
But His hand is stretched out still. peep.”
Arrogant Assyria Also 15 Shall the ax boast itself against him
Judged who chops with it?
5“ Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger Or shall the saw exalt itself against him
And the staff in whose hand is My who saws with it?
indignation. As if a rod could wield itself against
6 I will send him against an ungodly those who lift it up,
nation, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were
And against the people of My wrath not wood!
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865 ISAIAH 11:3
16 Therefore the Lord, the Lorda of hosts, And his yoke from your neck,
Will send leanness among his fat ones; And the yoke will be destroyed
And under his glory because of the anointing oil.
He will kindle a burning
28 He has come to Aiath,
Like the burning of a fire.
17 So the Light of Israel will be for a fire, He has passed Migron;
And his Holy One for a flame; At Michmash he has attended to his
It will burn and devour equipment.
29 They have gone along the ridge,
His thorns and his briers in one day.
18 And it will consume the glory of his They have taken up lodging at Geba.
forest and of his fruitful field, Ramah is afraid,
Both soul and body; Gibeah of Saul has fled.
30 Lift up your voice,
And they will be as when a sick man
wastes away. O daughter of Gallim!
19 Then the rest of the trees of his forest Cause it to be heard as far as Laish—
Will be so few in number O poor Anathoth!a
31 Madmenah has fled,
That a child may write them.
The inhabitants of Gebim seek refuge.
The Returning Remnant 32 As yet he will remain at Nob that day;
of Israel He will shake his fist at the mount of
20 And it shall come to pass in that day the daughter of Zion,
That the remnant of Israel, The hill of Jerusalem.
And such as have escaped of the house 33 Behold, the Lord,
of Jacob,
The Lord of hosts,
Will never again depend on him who
Will lop off the bough with terror;
defeated them,
Those of high stature will be hewn
But will depend on the Lord, the Holy
down,
One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant will return, the remnant
And the haughty will be humbled.
34 He will cut down the thickets of the
of Jacob,
forest with iron,
To the Mighty God.
22 For though your people, O Israel, be as
And Lebanon will fall by the Mighty
One.
the sand of the sea,
A remnant of them will return; The Reign of Jesse’s Offspring
The destruction decreed shall overflow
11
with righteousness. There shall come forth a Rod
23 For the Lord God of hosts from the stem of Jesse,
Will make a determined end And a Branch shall grow out of
In the midst of all the land. his roots.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon
24Therefore thus says the Lord God of Him,
hosts: “O My people, who dwell in Zion, do The Spirit of wisdom and
not be afraid of the Assyrian. He shall strike understanding,
you with a rod and lift up his staff against The Spirit of counsel and might,
you, in the manner of Egypt. 25For yet a very The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear
little while and the indignation will cease, of the Lord.
as will My anger in their destruction.” 26And 3His delight is in the fear of the Lord,
the Lord of hosts will stir up a scourge for
him like the slaughter of Midian at the rock And He shall not judge by the sight of
of Oreb; as His rod was on the sea, so will His eyes,
He lift it up in the manner of Egypt. 10:16 aFollowing Bomberg; Masoretic Text
and Dead Sea Scrolls read YHWH (the Lord).
27 It shall come to pass in that day
10:30 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
That his burden will be taken away Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read Listen to her,
from your shoulder, O Anathoth.
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ISAIAH 11:4 866
Promise
God promises to give you understanding,
wisdom, and knowledge.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom
and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit
of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord (Is. 11:2).
This verse is talking specifically about a King who would arise from David’s
family. This King would be Jesus, and He would receive understanding, wisdom,
knowledge, and might from the Spirit of the Lord. But does that mean the Spirit
won’t give those gifts to anyone else? No, of course not. The Spirit of God gives
understanding, wisdom, and knowledge to anyone who asks. He is the Source of
those things. Read John 14—16 to see what the Holy Spirit’s jobs are. You’ll see some
things that remind you of this verse. When you get in a situation where you need
understanding, wisdom, or knowledge beyond your own, ask the Spirit for His help.
He’ll always be there for you.
See for yourself// Proverbs 2:6; Luke 24:45; John 14—16; Colossians 1:9
Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 10“ And in that day there shall be a Root
4 But with righteousness He shall judge of Jesse,
the poor, Who shall stand as a banner to the
And decide with equity for the meek of people;
the earth; For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
He shall strike the earth with the rod And His resting place shall be
of His mouth, glorious.”
And with the breath of His lips He shall
slay the wicked. 11 It shall come to pass in that day
5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His That the Lord shall set His hand again
loins, the second time
And faithfulness the belt of His waist. To recover the remnant of His people
who are left,
6“ The wolf also shall dwell with the From Assyria and Egypt,
lamb, From Pathros and Cush,
The leopard shall lie down with the From Elam and Shinar,
young goat, From Hamath and the islands of the
The calf and the young lion and the sea.
fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them. 12 He will set up a banner for the nations,
7 The cow and the bear shall graze; And will assemble the outcasts of
Their young ones shall lie down Israel,
together; And gather together the dispersed of
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Judah
8 The nursing child shall play by the From the four corners of the earth.
cobra’s hole, 13 Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart,
And the weaned child shall put his And the adversaries of Judah shall be
hand in the viper’s den. cut off;
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all Ephraim shall not envy Judah,
My holy mountain, And Judah shall not harass Ephraim.
For the earth shall be full of the 14 But they shall fly down upon the
knowledge of the Lord shoulder of the Philistines toward
As the waters cover the sea. the west;
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867 ISAIAH 12:6
Making It Real //
Isaiah 12:6
Help! God has a pretty good track record when it comes to helping His children. He
helped the Hebrew people escape from Egypt by dividing the water of the Red Sea (Ex.
14). He helped David kill Goliath with just a slingshot (1 Sam. 17). He helped Peter by
sending an angel to lead him out of jail (Acts 12:1–17).
Of course, the list could go on and on. God wants to help His people. He wants to
show the world His power through the lives of the people who love Him. Has He helped
you lately? He’s not waiting for you to get into a life-or-death situation before He
helps you. He’s waiting for you to ask Him. He wants you to know that you need Him. He
wants you to admit that He can do a better job with your life than you can. Remember,
His help might come in an unexpected way, but it will always be the best thing that could
happen for you. (See also: Ex. 33:14; Josh. 1:9.)
Words to Live By
Great: The word translated as “great” in Isaiah 12:6 is the Hebrew word gadowl
(gaw-dole’). This word carries the meaning of something that far exceeds the norm; for
instance, something exceedingly important, mighty, or numerous. When we recognize
how huge and exceedingly mighty and magnificent God is, and then realize that He is
present in our lives, how can we not rejoice? How can we not turn to Him first when we
need help?
Together they shall plunder the people I will trust and not be afraid;
of the East; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and
They shall lay their hand on Edom and song;
Moab; He also has become my salvation.’ ”a
And the people of Ammon shall obey
them.
15 The Lord will utterly destroya the Courage
tongue of the Sea of Egypt; Where can we get courage?
With His mighty wind He will shake Isaiah 12:2
His fist over the River,b
And strike it in the seven streams,
3Therefore with joy you will draw water
And make men cross over dry-shod.
16 There will be a highway for the From the wells of salvation.
remnant of His people
4And in that day you will say:
Who will be left from Assyria,
As it was for Israel
In the day that he came up from the “ Praise the Lord, call upon His name;
land of Egypt. Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is
A Hymn of Praise exalted.
5 Sing to the Lord,
12
And in that day you will say: For He has done excellent things;
This is known in all the earth.
“ O Lord, I will praise You; 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of
Though You were angry Zion,
with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You 11:15 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
comfort me. Septuagint, Syriac, and Targum read dry up.
2 Behold, God is my salvation, bThat is, the Euphrates 12:2 aExodus 15:2
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ISAIAH 13:1 868
For great is the Holy One of Israel in And the moon will not cause its light
your midst!” to shine.
Proclamation Against 11“ I will punish the world for its evil,
Babylon And the wicked for their iniquity;
13
The burden against Babylon I will halt the arrogance of the proud,
which Isaiah the son of Amoz And will lay low the haughtiness of the
saw. terrible.
12 I will make a mortal more rare than
2“ Lift up a banner on the high mountain, fine gold,
Raise your voice to them; A man more than the golden wedge
Wave your hand, that they may enter of Ophir.
the gates of the nobles. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens,
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; And the earth will move out of her
I have also called My mighty ones for place,
My anger— In the wrath of the Lord of hosts
Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” And in the day of His fierce anger.
14 It shall be as the hunted gazelle,
4The noise of a multitude in the And as a sheep that no man takes up;
mountains, Every man will turn to his own
Like that of many people! people,
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of And everyone will flee to his own land.
nations gathered together! 15 Everyone who is found will be thrust
The Lord of hosts musters through,
The army for battle. And everyone who is captured will fall
5 They come from a far country,
by the sword.
From the end of heaven— 16 Their children also will be dashed to
The Lord and His weapons of pieces before their eyes;
indignation, Their houses will be plundered
To destroy the whole land. And their wives ravished.
6Wail, for the day of the Lord is at
17“ Behold, I will stir up the Medes against
hand! them,
It will come as destruction from the Who will not regard silver;
Almighty. And as for gold, they will not delight
7 Therefore all hands will be limp,
in it.
Every man’s heart will melt, 18 Also their bows will dash the young
8 And they will be afraid.
men to pieces,
Pangs and sorrows will take hold of
them;
They will be in pain as a woman in
childbirth;
Isaiah 13:19
The city of Babylon was spread over
They will be amazed at one another;
six square miles and was protected
Their faces will be like flames.
by walls eighty-five feet thick. Eight
9Behold, the day of the Lord comes, major gates led to the city, each one
named for a Babylonian god. The
Cruel, with both wrath and fierce
main temple, which was dedicated
anger,
to Marduk, the god of war, featured
To lay the land desolate;
a seven-story tower built with nearly
And He will destroy its sinners from it.
10 For the stars of heaven and their sixty million bricks. To top it all off,
the royal palace contained the hang-
constellations
ing gardens of Babylon—one of the
Will not give their light;
seven wonders of the ancient world.
The sun will be darkened in its going
forth,
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869 ISAIAH 14:17
And they will have no pity on the fruit They break forth into singing.
of the womb; 8 Indeed the cypress trees rejoice over
Their eye will not spare children. you,
19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, And the cedars of Lebanon,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Saying, ‘Since you were cut down,
Will be as when God overthrew No woodsman has come up against
Sodom and Gomorrah. us.’
20 It will never be inhabited,
Nor will it be settled from generation 9“ Hell from beneath is excited about
to generation; you,
Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there, To meet you at your coming;
Nor will the shepherds make their It stirs up the dead for you,
sheepfolds there. All the chief ones of the earth;
21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie It has raised up from their thrones
there, All the kings of the nations.
10 They all shall speak and say to you:
And their houses will be full of owls;
Ostriches will dwell there, ‘Have you also become as weak
And wild goats will caper there. as we?
22 The hyenas will howl in their citadels, Have you become like us?
11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol,
And jackals in their pleasant palaces.
Her time is near to come, And the sound of your stringed
And her days will not be prolonged.” instruments;
The maggot is spread under you,
Mercy on Jacob And worms cover you.’
14
For the Lord will have mercy The Fall of Lucifer
on Jacob, and will still choose
12“ How you are fallen from heaven,
Israel, and settle them in their
own land. The strangers will be joined with O Lucifer,a son of the morning!
them, and they will cling to the house of Ja- How you are cut down to the ground,
cob. 2Then people will take them and bring You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
them to their place, and the house of Israel
will possess them for servants and maids ‘I will ascend into heaven,
in the land of the Lord; they will take them I will exalt my throne above the stars
captive whose captives they were, and rule of God;
over their oppressors. I will also sit on the mount of the
congregation
Fall of the King of Babylon On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the
3Itshall come to pass in the day the Lord clouds,
gives you rest from your sorrow, and from I will be like the Most High.’
your fear and the hard bondage in which 15 Yet you shall be brought down to
you were made to serve, 4that you will take Sheol,
up this proverb against the king of Bab To the lowest depths of the Pit.
ylon, and say:
16“ Those who see you will gaze at you,
“ How the oppressor has ceased, And consider you, saying:
The goldena city ceased! ‘Is this the man who made the earth
5 The Lord has broken the staff of the
tremble,
wicked, Who shook kingdoms,
The scepter of the rulers; 17 Who made the world as a wilderness
6 He who struck the people in wrath
And destroyed its cities,
with a continual stroke, Who did not open the house of his
He who ruled the nations in anger, prisoners?’
Is persecuted and no one hinders.
7 The whole earth is at rest and quiet; 14:4 aOr insolent
14:12 aLiterally Day Star
23-Isaiah.indd 869 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 14:18 870
Promise
God promises that everything will happen
as He has planned.
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” (Is. 14:24).
Isaiah gave the nation of Israel a message from God. Much of his message had
to do with a Person called “the Messiah,” who would bring the nation back to God
and restore peace. Isaiah’s prophecy came true when Jesus came to live on the
earth—even though it didn’t happen the way most of the Israelites thought it
would. Still, God’s plan had been written out, through Isaiah and others, so that
everyone could watch as it actually happened.
In fact, all through the Bible, God tells you about His plans. Many of His plans
have to do with you. You have a God-planned purpose in life, which is to know Him
and to love Him like a best friend. He plans for you to become like His perfect Son.
He plans for you to find victory over sin and learn to live the abundant life He wants
for you. He plans for you to be part of a group of people who love Him and want
only God’s best. He plans for you to change the world, at least your little corner of it.
What He plans is going to happen. Let Him use you to get the job done.
See for yourself// Isaiah 42:9; 46:10, 11; Ezekiel 12:25; Daniel 4:35
18“ All the kings of the nations, 23“ I will also make it a possession for the
All of them, sleep in glory, porcupine,
Everyone in his own house; And marshes of muddy water;
19 But you are cast out of your grave I will sweep it with the broom of
Like an abominable branch, destruction,” says the Lord of
Like the garment of those who are hosts.
slain,
Thrust through with a sword, Assyria Destroyed
Who go down to the stones of the pit, 24 The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying,
Like a corpse trodden underfoot. “ Surely, as I have thought, so it shall
20 You will not be joined with them in
come to pass,
burial, And as I have purposed, so it shall
Because you have destroyed your land stand:
And slain your people. 25 That I will break the Assyrian in My
The brood of evildoers shall never be land,
named. And on My mountains tread him
21 Prepare slaughter for his children
underfoot.
Because of the iniquity of their fathers, Then his yoke shall be removed from
Lest they rise up and possess the land, them,
And fill the face of the world with And his burden removed from their
cities.” shoulders.
26 This is the purpose that is purposed
Babylon Destroyed
against the whole earth,
22“ For I will rise up against them,” says And this is the hand that is stretched
the Lord of hosts, out over all the nations.
“ And cut off from Babylon the name 27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and remnant, And who will annul it?
And offspring and posterity,” says the His hand is stretched out,
Lord. And who will turn it back?”
23-Isaiah.indd 870 2/14/12 12:02 PM
871 ISAIAH 16:4
Philistia Destroyed 5“ My heart will cry out for Moab;
28This is the burden which came in the year His fugitives shall flee to Zoar,
Like a three-year-old heifer.a
that King Ahaz died.
For by the Ascent of Luhith
29“ Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, They will go up with weeping;
For in the way of Horonaim
Because the rod that struck you is
They will raise up a cry of destruction,
broken; 6 For the waters of Nimrim will be
For out of the serpent’s roots will come
desolate,
forth a viper,
For the green grass has withered away;
And its offspring will be a fiery flying
The grass fails, there is nothing green.
serpent. 7 Therefore the abundance they have
30 The firstborn of the poor will feed,
gained,
And the needy will lie down in safety; And what they have laid up,
I will kill your roots with famine, They will carry away to the Brook of
And it will slay your remnant. the Willows.
31 Wail, O gate! Cry, O city!
8 For the cry has gone all around the
All you of Philistia are dissolved; borders of Moab,
For smoke will come from the north, Its wailing to Eglaim
And no one will be alone in his And its wailing to Beer Elim.
appointed times.” 9 For the waters of Dimona will be full
32 What will they answer the messengers
of blood;
Because I will bring more upon
of the nation? Dimon,b
That the Lord has founded Zion, Lions upon him who escapes from
And the poor of His people shall take Moab,
refuge in it. And on the remnant of the land.”
Proclamation Against Moab Moab Destroyed
15 16
The burden against Moab. Send the lamb to the ruler of
the land,
Because in the night Ar of Moab From Sela to the wilderness,
is laid waste To the mount of the daughter of Zion.
And destroyed, 2 For it shall be as a wandering bird
Because in the night Kir of Moab is thrown out of the nest;
laid waste So shall be the daughters of Moab at
And destroyed, the fords of the Arnon.
2 He has gone up to the templea and
Dibon, 3“ Take counsel, execute judgment;
To the high places to weep. Make your shadow like the night in the
Moab will wail over Nebo and over middle of the day;
Medeba; Hide the outcasts,
On all their heads will be baldness, Do not betray him who escapes.
4 Let My outcasts dwell with you,
And every beard cut off.
3 In their streets they will clothe O Moab;
themselves with sackcloth;
15:2 aHebrew bayith, literally house
On the tops of their houses
15:4 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
And in their streets Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read loins.
Everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. 15:5 aOr The Third Eglath, an unknown city
4 Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out,
(compare Jeremiah 48:34) 15:9 aFollowing
Their voice shall be heard as far as Masoretic Text and Targum; Dead Sea Scrolls
Jahaz; and Vulgate read Dibon; Septuagint reads
Therefore the armed soldiersa of Moab Rimon. bFollowing Masoretic Text and
will cry out; Targum; Dead Sea Scrolls and Vulgate read
His life will be burdensome to him. Dibon; Septuagint reads Rimon.
23-Isaiah.indd 871 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 16:5 872
Be a shelter to them from the face of That he will come to his sanctuary to
the spoiler. pray;
For the extortioner is at an end, But he will not prevail.
Devastation ceases,
The oppressors are consumed out of 13This is the word which the Lord has
the land. spoken concerning Moab since that time.
5 In mercy the throne will be established; 14But now the Lord has spoken, saying,
And One will sit on it in truth, in the “Within three years, as the years of a hired
tabernacle of David, man, the glory of Moab will be despised
Judging and seeking justice and with all that great multitude, and the rem-
hastening righteousness.” nant will be very small and feeble.”
6We have heard of the pride of Moab—
Proclamation Against Syria
He is very proud— and Israel
Of his haughtiness and his pride and
17
The burden against Damascus.
his wrath;
But his lies shall not be so.
7 Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab; “ Behold, Damascus will cease
from being a city,
Everyone shall wail.
And it will be a ruinous heap.
For the foundations of Kir Hareseth 2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken;a
you shall mourn;
They will be for flocks
Surely they are stricken.
Which lie down, and no one will make
8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, them afraid.
3 The fortress also will cease from
And the vine of Sibmah;
Ephraim,
The lords of the nations have broken
The kingdom from Damascus,
down its choice plants,
And the remnant of Syria;
Which have reached to Jazer
They will be as the glory of the
And wandered through the wilderness.
children of Israel,”
Her branches are stretched out,
Says the Lord of hosts.
They are gone over the sea.
9 Therefore I will bewail the vine of
4“ In that day it shall come to pass
Sibmah,
That the glory of Jacob will wane,
With the weeping of Jazer;
And the fatness of his flesh grow lean.
I will drench you with my tears, 5 It shall be as when the harvester
O Heshbon and Elealeh;
gathers the grain,
For battle cries have fallen
And reaps the heads with his arm;
Over your summer fruits and your
It shall be as he who gathers heads of
harvest.
grain
10 Gladness is taken away, In the Valley of Rephaim.
6 Yet gleaning grapes will be left in it,
And joy from the plentiful field;
Like the shaking of an olive tree,
In the vineyards there will be no
Two or three olives at the top of the
singing,
uppermost bough,
Nor will there be shouting;
Four or five in its most fruitful
No treaders will tread out wine in the
branches,”
presses;
Says the Lord God of Israel.
I have made their shouting cease.
11 Therefore my heart shall resound like a
7In that day a man will look to his
harp for Moab,
Maker,
And my inner being for Kir Heres.
17:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
12 And it shall come to pass,
Septuagint reads It shall be forsaken forever;
When it is seen that Moab is weary on Targum reads Its cities shall be forsaken and
the high place, desolate.
23-Isaiah.indd 872 2/14/12 12:02 PM
873 ISAIAH 18:5
And his eyes will have respect for the 13 The nations will rush like the rushing
Holy One of Israel. of many waters;
But God will rebuke them and they will
flee far away,
Isaiah 17:8 And be chased like the chaff of the
The altars described here were prob- mountains before the wind,
ably used in the worship of Asherah, Like a rolling thing before the
a Canaanite goddess who had been whirlwind.
adopted by the Israelites. Wooden 14 Then behold, at eventide, trouble!
poles, possibly carved into some kind And before the morning, he is no more.
of statues, marked the spots where This is the portion of those who
Asherah was worshiped. plunder us,
And the lot of those who rob us.
8 He will not look to the altars,
Proclamation Against
The work of his hands; Ethiopia
He will not respect what his fingers
18
have made, Woe to the land shadowed with
Nor the wooden imagesa nor the buzzing wings,
incense altars. Which is beyond the rivers of
Ethiopia,
2 Which sends ambassadors by sea,
9In that day his strong cities will be as a
forsaken bougha Even in vessels of reed on the waters,
And an uppermost branch,b saying,
Which they left because of the “ Go, swift messengers, to a nation tall
children of Israel; and smooth of skin,
And there will be desolation. To a people terrible from their
beginning onward,
A nation powerful and treading down,
Money Whose land the rivers divide.”
What can our possessions 3All inhabitants of the world and
distract us from? dwellers on the earth:
Isaiah 17:10 When he lifts up a banner on the
mountains, you see it;
10 Because you have forgotten the God of And when he blows a trumpet, you
your salvation, hear it.
4 For so the Lord said to me,
And have not been mindful of the
Rock of your stronghold, “ I will take My rest,
Therefore you will plant pleasant And I will look from My dwelling place
plants Like clear heat in sunshine,
And set out foreign seedlings; Like a cloud of dew in the heat of
11 In the day you will make your plant harvest.”
5 For before the harvest, when the bud
to grow,
And in the morning you will make is perfect
your seed to flourish; And the sour grape is ripening in the
But the harvest will be a heap of ruins flower,
In the day of grief and desperate He will both cut off the sprigs with
pruning hooks
sorrow.
And take away and cut down the
12 Woe to the multitude of many people branches.
Who make a noise like the roar of the 17:8 aHebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities
seas, 17:9 aSeptuagint reads Hivites; Targum
And to the rushing of nations reads laid waste; Vulgate reads as the plows.
That make a rushing like the rushing bSeptuagint reads Amorites; Targum reads in
of mighty waters! ruins; Vulgate reads corn.
23-Isaiah.indd 873 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 18:6 874
6They will be left together for the
mountain birds of prey Isaiah 19:5
And for the beasts of the earth; Because Egypt received very little
The birds of prey will summer on rainfall, ancient inhabitants relied
them, heavily on the Nile for their water. The
And all the beasts of the earth will Nile flooded its banks nearly every
winter on them. year, watering the soil and creating
a fertile farmland in the midst of a
7In that time a present will be brought
desert region. In those years when the
to the Lord of hosts Nile did not flood, the Egyptians ex-
Froma a people tall and smooth of skin, perienced drought and famine. Today
And from a people terrible from their the Aswan Dam and the High Dam
beginning onward, allow Egyptian officials to control the
A nation powerful and treading down, flooding and preserve water.
Whose land the rivers divide—
To the place of the name of the Lord
7 The papyrus reeds by the River,a by the
of hosts,
To Mount Zion. mouth of the River,
And everything sown by the River,
Proclamation Against Egypt Will wither, be driven away, and be no
19
The burden against Egypt. more.
8 The fishermen also will mourn;
Behold, the Lord rides on a All those will lament who cast hooks
swift cloud, into the River,
And will come into Egypt; And they will languish who spread
The idols of Egypt will totter at His nets on the waters.
9 Moreover those who work in fine flax
presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its And those who weave fine fabric will
midst. be ashamed;
10 And its foundations will be broken.
2“ I will set Egyptians against All who make wages will be troubled
Egyptians; of soul.
Everyone will fight against his 11 Surely the princes of Zoan are fools;
brother,
Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish
And everyone against his neighbor,
counsel.
City against city, kingdom against
How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the
kingdom.
3 The spirit of Egypt will fail in its son of the wise,
The son of ancient kings?”
midst; 12 Where are they?
I will destroy their counsel,
Where are your wise men?
And they will consult the idols and the
Let them tell you now,
charmers,
And let them know what the Lord
The mediums and the sorcerers.
4 And the Egyptians I will give of hosts has purposed against
Egypt.
Into the hand of a cruel master, 13 The princes of Zoan have become
And a fierce king will rule over them,”
fools;
Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts.
The princes of Nopha are deceived;
5The waters will fail from the sea, They have also deluded Egypt,
Those who are the mainstay of its
And the river will be wasted and
tribes.
dried up.
6 The rivers will turn foul;
18:7 aFollowing Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint,
The brooks of defense will be emptied and Vulgate; Masoretic Text omits From;
and dried up; Targum reads To. 19:7 aThat is, the Nile
The reeds and rushes will wither. 19:13 aThat is, ancient Memphis
23-Isaiah.indd 874 2/14/12 12:02 PM
875 ISAIAH 21:1
14 The Lord has mingled a perverse The Sign Against Egypt
spirit in her midst; and Ethiopia
20
And they have caused Egypt to err in In the year that Tartana came
all her work, to Ashdod, when Sargon the
As a drunken man staggers in his king of Assyria sent him, and
vomit. he fought against Ashdod and took it,
15 Neither will there be any work for
2at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah
Egypt,
the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove
Which the head or tail,
the sackcloth from your body, and take
Palm branch or bulrush, may do.a
your sandals off your feet.” And he did so,
16In that day Egypt will be like women, walking naked and barefoot.
and will be afraid and fear because of the
waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts, Isaiah 20:3, 4
which He waves over it. 17And the land of The Assyrians were brutal with the
Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone people they conquered. Some were
who makes mention of it will be afraid taken captive, stripped naked, and
in himself, because of the counsel of the deported to other regions in the
Lord of hosts which He has determined Assyrian Empire. Those who were
against it. left behind faced such torture as
having their arms and legs cut off,
Egypt, Assyria, and Israel
Blessed having their skin peeled off, and being
decapitated.
18In that day five cities in the land of Egypt
will speak the language of Canaan and
swear by the Lord of hosts; one will be 3Then the Lord said, “Just as My ser-
called the City of Destruction.a vant Isaiah has walked naked and bare-
19In that day there will be an altar foot three years for a sign and a wonder
to the Lord in the midst of the land of against Egypt and Ethiopia, 4so shall the
Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its bor- king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians
der. 20And it will be for a sign and for a as prisoners and the Ethiopians as cap-
witness to the Lord of hosts in the land tives, young and old, naked and bare-
of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord be- foot, with their buttocks uncovered, to
cause of the oppressors, and He will send the shame of Egypt. 5Then they shall be
them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their
will deliver them. 21Then the Lord will expectation and Egypt their glory. 6And
be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians the inhabitant of this territory will say in
will know the Lord in that day, and will that day, ‘Surely such is our expectation,
make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will wherever we flee for help to be delivered
make a vow to the Lord and perform it. from the king of Assyria; and how shall
22And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will
we escape?’ ”
strike and heal it; they will return to the
Lord, and He will be entreated by them The Fall of Babylon
and heal them. Proclaimed
23In that day there will be a highway
21
The burden against the Wilder-
from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian
ness of the Sea.
will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into
Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with
As whirlwinds in the South
the Assyrians.
24In that day Israel will be one of three pass through,
with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the 19:15 aCompare Isaiah 9:14–16 19:18 aSome
midst of the land, 25whom the Lord of Hebrew manuscripts, Arabic, Dead Sea Scrolls,
hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt Targum, and Vulgate read Sun; Septuagint reads
My people, and Assyria the work of My Asedek (literally Righteousness).
20:1 aOr the
hands, and Israel My inheritance.” Commander in Chief
23-Isaiah.indd 875 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 21:2 876
So it comes from the desert, from a Proclamation Against Edom
terrible land. 11The burden against Dumah.
2 A distressing vision is declared
to me; He calls to me out of Seir,
The treacherous dealer deals “ Watchman, what of the night?
treacherously, Watchman, what of the night?”
And the plunderer plunders. 12 The watchman said,
Go up, O Elam! “ The morning comes, and also the
Besiege, O Media! night.
All its sighing I have made to cease. If you will inquire, inquire;
Return! Come back!”
3Therefore my loins are filled with
pain; Proclamation Against
Pangs have taken hold of me, like the Arabia
pangs of a woman in labor. 13The burden against Arabia.
I was distressed when I heard it;
I was dismayed when I saw it.
4 My heart wavered, fearfulness In the forest in Arabia you will lodge,
O you traveling companies of
frightened me;
Dedanites.
The night for which I longed He 14 O inhabitants of the land of Tema,
turned into fear for me.
5 Prepare the table, Bring water to him who is thirsty;
With their bread they met him who
Set a watchman in the tower,
fled.
Eat and drink. 15 For they fled from the swords, from
Arise, you princes,
the drawn sword,
Anoint the shield!
From the bent bow, and from the
6For thus has the Lord said to me:
distress of war.
“ Go, set a watchman, 16For thus the Lord has said to me:
Let him declare what he sees.” “Within a year, according to the year of a
7 And he saw a chariot with a pair of
hired man, all the glory of Kedar will fail;
horsemen, 17and the remainder of the number of ar-
A chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of chers, the mighty men of the people of Ke-
camels, dar, will be diminished; for the Lord God
And he listened earnestly with great of Israel has spoken it.”
care.
8 Then he cried, “A lion,a my Lord!
Proclamation Against
I stand continually on the watchtower Jerusalem
in the daytime;
22
I have sat at my post every night. The burden against the Valley
9 And look, here comes a chariot of of Vision.
men with a pair of horsemen!”
Then he answered and said, What ails you now, that you
“ Babylon is fallen, is fallen! have all gone up to the
And all the carved images of her housetops,
2 You who are full of noise,
gods
He has broken to the ground.” A tumultuous city, a joyous city?
Your slain men are not slain with the
10 Oh, my threshing and the grain of my
sword,
Nor dead in battle.
floor! 3 All your rulers have fled together;
That which I have heard from the They are captured by the archers.
Lord of hosts,
The God of Israel, 21:8 aDead Sea Scrolls read Then the observer
I have declared to you. cried.
23-Isaiah.indd 876 2/14/12 12:02 PM
877 ISAIAH 22:20
All who are found in you are bound “ Surely for this iniquity there will be no
together; atonement for you,
They have fled from afar. Even to your death,” says the Lord God
4 Therefore I said, “Look away from me, of hosts.
I will weep bitterly;
Do not labor to comfort me
Because of the plundering of the Isaiah 22:15–19
daughter of my people.” When ordinary people died in ancient
times, they were buried in shallow
5For it is a day of trouble and treading graves covered with stone slabs. The
down and perplexity wealthy and powerful, on the other
By the Lord God of hosts hand, often built elaborate tombs for
In the Valley of Vision— themselves. These tombs were either
Breaking down the walls created from natural caves or carved
And of crying to the mountain. out of stone. The person’s possessions
6 Elam bore the quiver were usually buried along with his
With chariots of men and horsemen, body, in case he needed them in the
And Kir uncovered the shield. afterlife.
7 It shall come to pass that your choicest
valleys
Shall be full of chariots, The Judgment on Shebna
And the horsemen shall set themselves 15Thus says the Lord God of hosts:
in array at the gate.
“ Go, proceed to this steward,
8He removed the protection of Judah.
To Shebna, who is over the house, and
You looked in that day to the armor of say:
the House of the Forest; 16‘ What have you here, and whom have
9 You also saw the damage to the city of
you here,
David, That you have hewn a sepulcher here,
That it was great; As he who hews himself a sepulcher
And you gathered together the waters on high,
of the lower pool. Who carves a tomb for himself in a
10 You numbered the houses of
rock?
Jerusalem, 17 Indeed, the Lord will throw you away
And the houses you broke down violently,
To fortify the wall. O mighty man,
11 You also made a reservoir between the
And will surely seize you.
two walls 18 He will surely turn violently and toss
For the water of the old pool. you like a ball
But you did not look to its Maker, Into a large country;
Nor did you have respect for Him who There you shall die, and there your
fashioned it long ago. glorious chariots
12 And in that day the Lord God of hosts
Shall be the shame of your master’s
house.
Called for weeping and for mourning, 19 So I will drive you out of your office,
For baldness and for girding with And from your position he will pull
sackcloth. you down.a
13 But instead, joy and gladness,
Slaying oxen and killing sheep, 20‘ Then it shall be in that day,
Eating meat and drinking wine: That I will call My servant Eliakim the
“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow son of Hilkiah;
we die!”
22:19 aSeptuagint omits he will pull you down;
14 Then it was revealed in my hearing by Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read I will pull you
the Lord of hosts, down.
23-Isaiah.indd 877 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 22:21 878
21 I will clothe him with your robe 5 When the report reaches Egypt,
And strengthen him with your belt; They also will be in agony at the report
I will commit your responsibility into of Tyre.
his hand.
He shall be a father to the inhabitants 6Cross over to Tarshish;
of Jerusalem Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland!
And to the house of Judah. 7 Is this your joyous city,
22 The key of the house of David Whose antiquity is from ancient days,
I will lay on his shoulder; Whose feet carried her far off to dwell?
So he shall open, and no one shall 8 Who has taken this counsel against
shut; Tyre, the crowning city,
And he shall shut, and no one shall Whose merchants are princes,
open. Whose traders are the honorable of
23 I will fasten him as a peg in a secure the earth?
place, 9 The Lord of hosts has purposed it,
And he will become a glorious throne To bring to dishonor the pride of all
to his father’s house. glory,
To bring into contempt all the
24‘They will hang on him all the glory honorable of the earth.
of his father’s house, the offspring and the
posterity, all vessels of small quantity, from 10 Overflow through your land like the
the cups to all the pitchers. 25In that day,’ River,a
says the Lord of hosts, ‘the peg that is fas- O daughter of Tarshish;
tened in the secure place will be removed There is no more strength.
and be cut down and fall, and the burden 11 He stretched out His hand over the
that was on it will be cut off; for the Lord sea,
has spoken.’ ” He shook the kingdoms;
The Lord has given a commandment
Proclamation Against Tyre against Canaan
23
The burden against Tyre. To destroy its strongholds.
12 And He said, “You will rejoice no more,
Wail, you ships of Tarshish! O you oppressed virgin daughter of
For it is laid waste, Sidon.
So that there is no house, no harbor; Arise, cross over to Cyprus;
From the land of Cyprusa it is revealed There also you will have no rest.”
to them.
13 Behold, the land of the Chaldeans,
2Be still, you inhabitants of the This people which was not;
coastland, Assyria founded it for wild beasts of
You merchants of Sidon, the desert.
Whom those who cross the sea have They set up its towers,
filled.a They raised up its palaces,
3 And on great waters the grain of And brought it to ruin.
Shihor,
14 Wail, you ships of Tarshish!
The harvest of the River,a is her
revenue; For your strength is laid waste.
And she is a marketplace for the
15Now it shall come to pass in that day
nations.
that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years,
4Be ashamed, O Sidon;
23:1 aHebrew Kittim, western lands, especially
For the sea has spoken, Cyprus 23:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text and
The strength of the sea, saying, Vulgate; Septuagint and Targum read Passing
“ I do not labor, nor bring forth children; over the water; Dead Sea Scrolls read Your
Neither do I rear young men, messengers passing over the sea. 23:3 aThat is,
Nor bring up virgins.” the Nile 23:10 aThat is, the Nile
23-Isaiah.indd 878 2/14/12 12:02 PM
879 ISAIAH 24:18
according to the days of one king. At the Therefore the inhabitants of the earth
end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre are burned,
as in the song of the harlot: And few men are left.
16“ Take a harp, go about the city, 7The new wine fails, the vine
You forgotten harlot; languishes,
Make sweet melody, sing many songs, All the merry-hearted sigh.
8 The mirth of the tambourine ceases,
That you may be remembered.”
The noise of the jubilant ends,
17And it shall be, at the end of seventy The joy of the harp ceases.
9 They shall not drink wine with a song;
years, that the Lord will deal with Tyre.
She will return to her hire, and commit for- Strong drink is bitter to those who
nication with all the kingdoms of the world drink it.
10 The city of confusion is broken down;
on the face of the earth. 18Her gain and her
pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not Every house is shut up, so that none
be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be may go in.
11 There is a cry for wine in the streets,
for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat
sufficiently, and for fine clothing. All joy is darkened,
The mirth of the land is gone.
12 In the city desolation is left,
Impending Judgment
on the Earth And the gate is stricken with
destruction.
24
Behold, the Lord makes the 13 When it shall be thus in the midst of
earth empty and makes it
the land among the people,
waste, It shall be like the shaking of an olive
Distorts its surface tree,
And scatters abroad its inhabitants. Like the gleaning of grapes when the
2 And it shall be:
vintage is done.
As with the people, so with the priest;
As with the servant, so with his 14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall
master; sing;
As with the maid, so with her For the majesty of the Lord
mistress; They shall cry aloud from the sea.
As with the buyer, so with the seller; 15 Therefore glorify the Lord in the
As with the lender, so with the dawning light,
borrower; The name of the Lord God of Israel in
As with the creditor, so with the the coastlands of the sea.
debtor. 16 From the ends of the earth we have
3 The land shall be entirely emptied and
heard songs:
utterly plundered, “ Glory to the righteous!”
For the Lord has spoken this word. But I said, “I am ruined, ruined!
Woe to me!
4The earth mourns and fades away,
The treacherous dealers have dealt
The world languishes and fades treacherously,
away; Indeed, the treacherous dealers have
The haughty people of the earth dealt very treacherously.”
languish.
5 The earth is also defiled under its 17 Fear and the pit and the snare
inhabitants, Are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth.
Because they have transgressed the 18 And it shall be
laws, That he who flees from the noise of
Changed the ordinance, the fear
Broken the everlasting covenant. Shall fall into the pit,
6 Therefore the curse has devoured the And he who comes up from the midst
earth, of the pit
And those who dwell in it are desolate. Shall be caught in the snare;
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ISAIAH 24:19 880
For the windows from on high are As heat in a dry place;
open, As heat in the shadow of a cloud,
And the foundations of the earth are The song of the terrible ones will be
shaken. diminished.
19 The earth is violently broken, 6And in this mountain
The earth is split open, The Lord of hosts will make for all
The earth is shaken exceedingly. people
20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a A feast of choice pieces,
drunkard, A feast of wines on the lees,
And shall totter like a hut; Of fat things full of marrow,
Its transgression shall be heavy Of well-refined wines on the lees.
7 And He will destroy on this mountain
upon it,
And it will fall, and not rise again. The surface of the covering cast over
all people,
21 It shall come to pass in that day And the veil that is spread over all
That the Lord will punish on high the nations.
host of exalted ones,
And on the earth the kings of the Heaven
earth.
22 They will be gathered together, What will be missing in
As prisoners are gathered in the pit, heaven?
And will be shut up in the prison; Isaiah 25:8
After many days they will be punished.
23 Then the moon will be disgraced
8 He will swallow up death forever,
And the sun ashamed;
For the Lord of hosts will reign And the Lord God will wipe away
On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem tears from all faces;
And before His elders, gloriously. The rebuke of His people
He will take away from all the earth;
Praise to God For the Lord has spoken.
25
O Lord, You are my God. 9And it will be said in that day:
I will exalt You, “ Behold, this is our God;
I will praise Your name, We have waited for Him, and He will
For You have done wonderful things; save us.
Your counsels of old are faithfulness This is the Lord;
and truth. We have waited for Him;
2 For You have made a city a ruin,
We will be glad and rejoice in His
A fortified city a ruin, salvation.”
A palace of foreigners to be a city no
more; 10 For on this mountain the hand of the
It will never be rebuilt. Lord will rest,
3 Therefore the strong people will glorify
And Moab shall be trampled down
You; under Him,
The city of the terrible nations will As straw is trampled down for the
fear You. refuse heap.
4 For You have been a strength to the 11 And He will spread out His hands in
poor, their midst
A strength to the needy in his distress, As a swimmer reaches out to swim,
A refuge from the storm, And He will bring down their pride
A shade from the heat; Together with the trickery of their
For the blast of the terrible ones is as a hands.
storm against the wall. 12 The fortress of the high fort of your
5 You will reduce the noise of aliens, walls
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881 ISAIAH 26:9
Promise
God promises to destroy death and tears.
He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe
away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take
away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken (Is. 25:8).
When Jesus died and came back to life, He dealt death a
mortal blow. He gave notice to anyone who would believe in Him that His power is
greater than death. His friends don’t have to be afraid of death because they know
physical death is not the end and there will come a day when no one dies
anymore.
Something else happened when Jesus died on the cross. He did battle with the
spiritual death that has cast a shadow over planet Earth since Adam and Eve
committed the first sin. And He won! Sin no longer has to have the last say because
Jesus provided a way for us to be free from sin’s power. All we need to do is believe
Jesus is God’s Son who died in our place, ask Him to forgive our sins, and turn
away from those sins. Then we are free to follow Jesus and live a better life here and
a perfect life for eternity when this one is over. If you put your confidence in Jesus
rather than your own ability to fight sin, the seemingly irresistible urge to go your
own way (instead of God’s way) doesn’t have to run your life.
Jesus promises that your tears will come to an end, too. That’s because all the
things that make you sad—parents getting a divorce, people getting sick, even
natural disasters—are part of a world that’s still under the power of sin. And this
sick world is going to end and be replaced by a perfect place where God rules
completely. That’s the world Jesus is talking about in Revelation 21:5 when He says,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
See for yourself// Romans 8:1–11; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10; Revelation 21:3–7
He will bring down, lay low, He lays it low,
And bring to the ground, down to the He lays it low to the ground,
dust. He brings it down to the dust.
6 The foot shall tread it down—
A Song of Salvation The feet of the poor
And the steps of the needy.”
26
Inthat day this song will be
sung in the land of Judah: 7The way of the just is uprightness;
“ We have a strong city; O Most Upright,
You weigh the path of the just.
God will appoint salvation for walls 8 Yes, in the way of Your judgments,
and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates, O Lord, we have waited for You;
The desire of our soul is for Your name
That the righteous nation which keeps
And for the remembrance of You.
the truth may enter in. 9 With my soul I have desired You in the
3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
night,
Whose mind is stayed on You, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek
Because he trusts in You. You early;
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
For when Your judgments are in the
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting earth,
strength.a The inhabitants of the world will learn
5 For He brings down those who dwell
righteousness.
on high,
The lofty city; 26:4 aOr Rock of Ages
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ISAIAH 26:10 882
10 Let grace be shown to the wicked, Take Refuge from the Coming
Yet he will not learn righteousness; Judgment
In the land of uprightness he will deal 20 Come, my people, enter your chambers,
unjustly, And shut your doors behind you;
And will not behold the majesty of the Hide yourself, as it were, for a little
Lord. moment,
11 Lord, when Your hand is lifted up,
Until the indignation is past.
they will not see. 21 For behold, the Lord comes out of
But they will see and be ashamed His place
For their envy of people; To punish the inhabitants of the earth
Yes, the fire of Your enemies shall for their iniquity;
devour them. The earth will also disclose her blood,
12 Lord, You will establish peace for us,
And will no more cover her slain.
27
For You have also done all our works In that day the Lord with His
in us. severe sword, great and
13 O Lord our God, masters besides You
strong,
Have had dominion over us; Will punish Leviathan the fleeing
But by You only we make mention of serpent,
Your name. Leviathan that twisted serpent;
14 They are dead, they will not live;
And He will slay the reptile that is in
They are deceased, they will not rise. the sea.
Therefore You have punished and
destroyed them, The Restoration of Israel
And made all their memory to perish.
15 You have increased the nation, 2In that day sing to her,
O Lord, “ A vineyard of red wine!a
3 I, the Lord, keep it,
You have increased the nation;
You are glorified; I water it every moment;
You have expanded all the borders of Lest any hurt it,
the land. I keep it night and day.
4 Fury is not in Me.
16 Lord, in trouble they have visited You, Who would set briers and thorns
They poured out a prayer when Your Against Me in battle?
chastening was upon them. I would go through them,
17 As a woman with child I would burn them together.
5 Or let him take hold of My strength,
Is in pain and cries out in her pangs,
When she draws near the time of her That he may make peace with Me;
delivery, And he shall make peace with Me.”
So have we been in Your sight, O Lord.
6Those who come He shall cause to take
18 We have been with child, we have been
in pain; root in Jacob;
We have, as it were, brought forth Israel shall blossom and bud,
wind; And fill the face of the world with fruit.
We have not accomplished any
7Has He struck Israel as He struck those
deliverance in the earth,
Nor have the inhabitants of the world who struck him?
fallen. 26:19 aFollowing Masoretic Text and
Vulgate; Syriac and Targum read their dead
19 Your dead shall live;
bodies; Septuagint reads those in the tombs.
Together with my dead bodya they shall 27:2 aFollowing Masoretic Text (Kittel’s Biblia
arise. Hebraica), Bomberg, and Vulgate; Masoretic
Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; Text (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia), some
For your dew is like the dew of herbs, Hebrew manuscripts, and Septuagint read
And the earth shall cast out the dead. delight; Targum reads choice vineyard.
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883 ISAIAH 28:7
Or has He been slain according to the They will come, who are about to
slaughter of those who were slain perish in the land of Assyria,
by Him? And they who are outcasts in the land
8 In measure, by sending it away, of Egypt,
You contended with it. And shall worship the Lord in the
He removes it by His rough wind holy mount at Jerusalem.
In the day of the east wind.
9 Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob Woe to Ephraim
will be covered; and Jerusalem
28
And this is all the fruit of taking away Woe to the crown of pride, to
his sin: the drunkards of Ephraim,
When he makes all the stones of the Whose glorious beauty is a
altar fading flower
Like chalkstones that are beaten to Which is at the head of the verdant
dust, valleys,
Wooden imagesa and incense altars To those who are overcome with wine!
shall not stand. 2 Behold, the Lord has a mighty and
10 Yet the fortified city will be desolate, strong one,
The habitation forsaken and left like a Like a tempest of hail and a destroying
wilderness; storm,
There the calf will feed, and there it Like a flood of mighty waters
will lie down overflowing,
And consume its branches. Who will bring them down to the earth
11 When its boughs are withered, they with His hand.
3 The crown of pride, the drunkards of
will be broken off;
The women come and set them on fire. Ephraim,
For it is a people of no understanding; Will be trampled underfoot;
4 And the glorious beauty is a fading
Therefore He who made them will not
have mercy on them, flower
And He who formed them will show Which is at the head of the verdant
them no favor. valley,
Like the first fruit before the summer,
Which an observer sees;
Isaiah 27:12 He eats it up while it is still in his hand.
God’s intended boundaries for Israel
5In that day the Lord of hosts will be
were Egypt on the west and the
Euphrates River on the east. The Lord For a crown of glory and a diadem of
had promised to give all of the land in beauty
between to the descendants of Abra- To the remnant of His people,
6 For a spirit of justice to him who sits in
ham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites,
though, never claimed all of what was judgment,
rightfully theirs. They allowed other And for strength to those who turn
nations to live in the land that God back the battle at the gate.
had given to them.
7But they also have erred through wine,
And through intoxicating drink are
12 And it shall come to pass in that day
out of the way;
That the Lord will thresh, The priest and the prophet have erred
From the channel of the Rivera to the through intoxicating drink,
Brook of Egypt; They are swallowed up by wine,
And you will be gathered one by one, They are out of the way through
O you children of Israel. intoxicating drink;
13 So it shall be in that day: 27:9 aHebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities
The great trumpet will be blown; 27:12 aThat is, the Euphrates
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ISAIAH 28:8 884
They err in vision, they stumble in
judgment. Comfort
8 For all tables are full of vomit and
Who provides the only sure
filth; foundation for our lives?
No place is clean.
Isaiah 28:16
9“ Whom will he teach knowledge?
And whom will he make to 17 Also I will make justice the measuring
understand the message? line,
Those just weaned from milk? And righteousness the plummet;
Those just drawn from the breasts? The hail will sweep away the refuge
10 For precept must be upon precept,
of lies,
precept upon precept, And the waters will overflow the
Line upon line, line upon line, hiding place.
Here a little, there a little.” 18 Your covenant with death will be
annulled,
11 For with stammering lips and another
And your agreement with Sheol will
tongue not stand;
He will speak to this people, When the overflowing scourge passes
12 To whom He said, “This is the rest with
through,
which Then you will be trampled down by it.
You may cause the weary to rest,” 19 As often as it goes out it will take you;
And, “This is the refreshing”; For morning by morning it will pass
Yet they would not hear.
13 But the word of the Lord was to them,
over,
And by day and by night;
“ Precept upon precept, precept upon
It will be a terror just to understand
precept,
the report.”
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little,” 20 For the bed is too short to stretch
That they might go and fall backward,
out on,
and be broken
And the covering so narrow that one
And snared and caught.
cannot wrap himself in it.
21 For the Lord will rise up as at Mount
14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord,
you scornful men, Perazim,
Who rule this people who are in He will be angry as in the Valley of
Jerusalem, Gibeon—
15 Because you have said, “We have made That He may do His work, His
a covenant with death, awesome work,
And with Sheol we are in agreement. And bring to pass His act, His unusual
When the overflowing scourge passes act.
22 Now therefore, do not be mockers,
through,
It will not come to us, Lest your bonds be made strong;
For we have made lies our refuge, For I have heard from the Lord God
And under falsehood we have hidden of hosts,
ourselves.” A destruction determined even upon
the whole earth.
A Cornerstone in Zion
16Therefore thus says the Lord God: Listen to the Teaching of God
23 Give ear and hear my voice,
“ Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a Listen and hear my speech.
foundation, 24 Does the plowman keep plowing all
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, day to sow?
a sure foundation; Does he keep turning his soil and
Whoever believes will not act hastily. breaking the clods?
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885 ISAIAH 29:13
25 When he has leveled its surface, With thunder and earthquake and
Does he not sow the black cummin great noise,
And scatter the cummin, With storm and tempest
Plant the wheat in rows, And the flame of devouring fire.
The barley in the appointed place, 7 The multitude of all the nations who
And the spelt in its place? fight against Ariel,
26 For He instructs him in right judgment, Even all who fight against her and her
His God teaches him. fortress,
And distress her,
27 For the black cummin is not threshed Shall be as a dream of a night vision.
8 It shall even be as when a hungry man
with a threshing sledge,
Nor is a cartwheel rolled over the dreams,
cummin; And look—he eats;
But the black cummin is beaten out But he awakes, and his soul is still
with a stick, empty;
And the cummin with a rod. Or as when a thirsty man dreams,
28 Bread flour must be ground; And look—he drinks;
Therefore he does not thresh it forever, But he awakes, and indeed he is faint,
Break it with his cartwheel, And his soul still craves:
Or crush it with his horsemen. So the multitude of all the nations
29 This also comes from the Lord of shall be,
hosts, Who fight against Mount Zion.”
Who is wonderful in counsel and
excellent in guidance. The Blindness of Disobedience
9Pause and wonder!
Woe to Jerusalem Blind yourselves and be blind!
29
“ Woe to Ariel,a to Ariel, the city They are drunk, but not with wine;
where David dwelt! They stagger, but not with intoxicating
Add year to year; drink.
10 For the Lord has poured out on you
Let feasts come around.
2 Yet I will distress Ariel; The spirit of deep sleep,
There shall be heaviness and sorrow, And has closed your eyes, namely, the
And it shall be to Me as Ariel. prophets;
3 I will encamp against you all around, And He has covered your heads,
I will lay siege against you with a namely, the seers.
mound, 11The whole vision has become to you
And I will raise siegeworks against
like the words of a book that is sealed,
you.
4 You shall be brought down, which men deliver to one who is literate,
saying, “Read this, please.”
You shall speak out of the ground;
And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.”
Your speech shall be low, out of the 12Then the book is delivered to one who
dust;
is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.”
Your voice shall be like a medium’s, out
And he says, “I am not literate.”
of the ground; 13Therefore the Lord said:
And your speech shall whisper out of
the dust. “ Inasmuch as these people draw near
5“ Moreover the multitude of your foes
with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
Shall be like fine dust, But have removed their hearts far
And the multitude of the terrible ones from Me,
Like chaff that passes away; And their fear toward Me is taught by
Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly. the commandment of men,
6 You will be punished by the Lord of
hosts 29:1 aThat is, Jerusalem
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ISAIAH 29:14 886
22Therefore thus says the Lord, who re-
Hypocrisy deemed Abraham, concerning the house of
What is hypocrisy? Jacob:
Isaiah 29:13
“ Jacob shall not now be ashamed,
Nor shall his face now grow pale;
14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a 23 But when he sees his children,
marvelous work The work of My hands, in his midst,
Among this people, They will hallow My name,
A marvelous work and a wonder; And hallow the Holy One of Jacob,
For the wisdom of their wise men shall And fear the God of Israel.
perish, 24 These also who erred in spirit will
And the understanding of their come to understanding,
prudent men shall be hidden.” And those who complained will learn
doctrine.”
15 Woe to those who seek deep to hide
their counsel far from the Lord, Futile Confidence in Egypt
30
And their works are in the dark; “ Woe to the rebellious
They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who children,” says the Lord,
knows us?” “ Who take counsel, but not
16 Surely you have things turned around!
of Me,
Shall the potter be esteemed as the And who devise plans, but not of My
clay; Spirit,
For shall the thing made say of him That they may add sin to sin;
who made it, 2 Who walk to go down to Egypt,
“ He did not make me”? And have not asked My advice,
Or shall the thing formed say of him To strengthen themselves in the
who formed it, strength of Pharaoh,
“He has no understanding”? And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh
Future Recovery of Wisdom
Shall be your shame,
17 Is it not yet a very little while And trust in the shadow of Egypt
Till Lebanon shall be turned into a Shall be your humiliation.
fruitful field, 4 For his princes were at Zoan,
And the fruitful field be esteemed as And his ambassadors came to Hanes.
a forest? 5 They were all ashamed of a people who
18 In that day the deaf shall hear the could not benefit them,
words of the book, Or be help or benefit,
And the eyes of the blind shall see out But a shame and also a reproach.”
of obscurity and out of darkness.
19 The humble also shall increase their 6The burden against the beasts of the
joy in the Lord, South.
And the poor among men shall rejoice
In the Holy One of Israel. Through a land of trouble and
20 For the terrible one is brought to anguish,
nothing, From which came the lioness and
The scornful one is consumed, lion,
And all who watch for iniquity are cut The viper and fiery flying serpent,
off— They will carry their riches on the
21 Who make a man an offender by a backs of young donkeys,
word, And their treasures on the humps of
And lay a snare for him who reproves camels,
in the gate, To a people who shall not profit;
And turn aside the just by empty 7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain
words. and to no purpose.
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887 ISAIAH 30:23
Therefore I have called her In quietness and confidence shall be
Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.a your strength.”
But you would not,
A Rebellious People 16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on
8Now go, write it before them on a horses”—
tablet, Therefore you shall flee!
And note it on a scroll, And, “We will ride on swift horses”—
That it may be for time to come, Therefore those who pursue you shall
Forever and ever: be swift!
9 That this is a rebellious people,
17 One thousand shall flee at the threat
Lying children,
Children who will not hear the law of of one,
the Lord; At the threat of five you shall flee,
10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” Till you are left as a pole on top of a
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy mountain
to us right things; And as a banner on a hill.
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy
deceits. God Will Be Gracious
11 Get out of the way, 18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He
Turn aside from the path, may be gracious to you;
Cause the Holy One of Israel And therefore He will be exalted, that
To cease from before us.” He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
12Therefore thus says the Holy One of
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Israel:
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at
“ Because you despise this word, Jerusalem;
And trust in oppression and perversity, You shall weep no more.
And rely on them, He will be very gracious to you at the
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you
sound of your cry;
Like a breach ready to fall, When He hears it, He will answer you.
A bulge in a high wall, 20 And though the Lord gives you
Whose breaking comes suddenly, in The bread of adversity and the water of
an instant. affliction,
14 And He shall break it like the breaking
Yet your teachers will not be moved
of the potter’s vessel, into a corner anymore,
Which is broken in pieces; But your eyes shall see your teachers.
He shall not spare. 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind
So there shall not be found among its you, saying,
fragments “ This is the way, walk in it,”
A shard to take fire from the hearth, Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or to take water from the cistern.” Or whenever you turn to the left.
22 You will also defile the covering of
Strength your images of silver,
And the ornament of your molded
Where should we go to find images of gold.
strength? You will throw them away as an
Isaiah 30:15 unclean thing;
You will say to them, “Get away!”
15For thus says the Lord God, the Holy
23 Then He will give the rain for your seed
One of Israel: With which you sow the ground,
And bread of the increase of the earth;
“ In returning and rest you shall be
saved; 30:7 aLiterally Rahab Sits Idle
23-Isaiah.indd 887 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 30:24 888
It will be fat and plentiful. As He strikes with the rod.
In that day your cattle will feed 32 And in every place where the staff of
In large pastures. punishment passes,
24 Likewise the oxen and the young Which the Lord lays on him,
donkeys that work the ground It will be with tambourines and
Will eat cured fodder, harps;
Which has been winnowed with the And in battles of brandishing He will
shovel and fan. fight with it.
25 There will be on every high mountain 33 For Tophet was established of old,
And on every high hill Yes, for the king it is prepared.
Rivers and streams of waters, He has made it deep and large;
In the day of the great slaughter, Its pyre is fire with much wood;
When the towers fall. The breath of the Lord, like a stream
26 Moreover the light of the moon will be
of brimstone,
as the light of the sun, Kindles it.
And the light of the sun will be
sevenfold, The Folly of Not Trusting God
As the light of seven days,
31
Woe to those who go down to
In the day that the Lord binds up the
Egypt for help,
bruise of His people
And rely on horses,
And heals the stroke of their wound.
Who trust in chariots because they are
Judgment on Assyria many,
And in horsemen because they are
27 Behold, the name of the Lord comes
very strong,
from afar, But who do not look to the Holy One
Burning with His anger, of Israel,
And His burden is heavy; Nor seek the Lord!
His lips are full of indignation, 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring
And His tongue like a devouring fire. disaster,
28 His breath is like an overflowing
And will not call back His words,
stream, But will arise against the house of
Which reaches up to the neck, evildoers,
To sift the nations with the sieve of And against the help of those who
futility; work iniquity.
And there shall be a bridle in the jaws 3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not
of the people,
God;
Causing them to err.
And their horses are flesh, and not
29 You shall have a song
spirit.
When the Lord stretches out His
As in the night when a holy festival is
hand,
kept,
Both he who helps will fall,
And gladness of heart as when one
And he who is helped will fall down;
goes with a flute,
They all will perish together.
To come into the mountain of the
Lord,
God Will Deliver Jerusalem
To the Mighty One of Israel.
30 The Lord will cause His glorious voice 4For thus the Lord has spoken to me:
to be heard,
And show the descent of His arm, “ As a lion roars,
With the indignation of His anger And a young lion over his prey
And the flame of a devouring fire, (When a multitude of shepherds is
With scattering, tempest, and summoned against him,
hailstones. He will not be afraid of their voice
31 For through the voice of the Lord Nor be disturbed by their noise),
Assyria will be beaten down, So the Lord of hosts will come down
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889 ISAIAH 32:15
To fight for Mount Zion and for its 5The foolish person will no longer be
hill. called generous,
5 Like birds flying about, Nor the miser said to be bountiful;
So will the Lord of hosts defend 6 For the foolish person will speak
Jerusalem. foolishness,
Defending, He will also deliver it; And his heart will work iniquity:
Passing over, He will preserve it.” To practice ungodliness,
To utter error against the Lord,
To keep the hungry unsatisfied,
Idolatry And he will cause the drink of the
Is idolatry a sin against God? thirsty to fail.
Isaiah 31:6, 7 7 Also the schemes of the schemer are
evil;
He devises wicked plans
6Return to Him against whom the chil-
To destroy the poor with lying words,
dren of Israel have deeply revolted. 7For Even when the needy speaks justice.
in that day every man shall throw away 8 But a generous man devises generous
his idols of silver and his idols of gold— things,
sin, which your own hands have made for And by generosity he shall stand.
yourselves.
Consequences
8“ Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not
of Complacency
of man, 9Rise up, you women who are at ease,
And a sword not of mankind shall
Hear my voice;
devour him.
You complacent daughters,
But he shall flee from the sword,
Give ear to my speech.
And his young men shall become 10 In a year and some days
forced labor.
9 He shall cross over to his stronghold You will be troubled, you complacent
women;
for fear,
For the vintage will fail,
And his princes shall be afraid of the
The gathering will not come.
banner,” 11 Tremble, you women who are at ease;
Says the Lord,
Be troubled, you complacent ones;
Whose fire is in Zion
Strip yourselves, make yourselves bare,
And whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
And gird sackcloth on your waists.
A Reign of Righteousness 12 People shall mourn upon their breasts
32
Behold, a king will reign in For the pleasant fields, for the fruitful
righteousness, vine.
And princes will rule with 13 On the land of my people will come up
justice. thorns and briers,
2 A man will be as a hiding place from Yes, on all the happy homes in the
the wind, joyous city;
And a cover from the tempest, 14 Because the palaces will be forsaken,
As rivers of water in a dry place, The bustling city will be deserted.
As the shadow of a great rock in a The forts and towers will become lairs
weary land. forever,
3 The eyes of those who see will not be A joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of
dim, flocks—
And the ears of those who hear will 15 Until the Spirit is poured upon us from
listen. on high,
4 Also the heart of the rash will And the wilderness becomes a fruitful
understand knowledge, field,
And the tongue of the stammerers will And the fruitful field is counted as a
be ready to speak plainly. forest.
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ISAIAH 32:16 890
The Peace of God’s Reign 6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the
16 Then justice will dwell in the stability of your times,
And the strength of salvation;
wilderness,
The fear of the Lord is His treasure.
And righteousness remain in the
fruitful field. 7Surely their valiant ones shall cry
17 The work of righteousness will be
outside,
peace,
The ambassadors of peace shall weep
And the effect of righteousness,
bitterly.
quietness and assurance forever. 8 The highways lie waste,
18 My people will dwell in a peaceful
The traveling man ceases.
habitation, He has broken the covenant,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet He has despised the cities,a
resting places, He regards no man.
19 Though hail comes down on the
forest,
And the city is brought low in Isaiah 33:9
humiliation. Mount Lebanon towers over the
region and produces majestic cedar
20 Blessed are you who sow beside all
trees. The fertile Sharon Valley was
waters, known for its breathtaking variety
Who send out freely the feet of the ox of flowers and plant life. Bashan
and the donkey. was famous for its abundant wheat
fields and vast herds of livestock.
A Prayer in Deep Distress Mount Carmel is a beautiful, wooded
33
Woe to you who plunder, mountain overlooking the Mediter-
though you have not been ranean Sea.
plundered;
And you who deal treacherously, 9 The earth mourns and languishes,
though they have not dealt
Lebanon is shamed and shriveled;
treacherously with you!
Sharon is like a wilderness,
When you cease plundering,
And Bashan and Carmel shake off their
You will be plundered;
fruits.
When you make an end of dealing
treacherously, Impending Judgment on Zion
They will deal treacherously with you.
10“ Now I will rise,” says the Lord;
2O Lord, be gracious to us; “ Now I will be exalted,
We have waited for You. Now I will lift Myself up.
11 You shall conceive chaff,
Be theira arm every morning,
Our salvation also in the time of You shall bring forth stubble;
trouble. Your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the people shall be like the
3 At the noise of the tumult the people
shall flee; burnings of lime;
When You lift Yourself up, the nations Like thorns cut up they shall be
shall be scattered; burned in the fire.
13 Hear, you who are afar off, what I have
4 And Your plunder shall be gathered
Like the gathering of the caterpillar; done;
As the running to and fro of locusts, And you who are near, acknowledge
He shall run upon them. My might.”
33:2 aSeptuagint omits their; Syriac, Targum,
5The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on
and Vulgate read our. 33:8 aFollowing
high; Masoretic Text and Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls
He has filled Zion with justice and read witnesses; Septuagint omits cities; Targum
righteousness. reads They have been removed from their cities.
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891 ISAIAH 34:7
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; 23 Your tackle is loosed,
Fearfulness has seized the They could not strengthen their mast,
hypocrites: They could not spread the sail.
“ Who among us shall dwell with the
devouring fire? Then the prey of great plunder is
Who among us shall dwell with divided;
everlasting burnings?” The lame take the prey.
15 He who walks righteously and speaks 24 And the inhabitant will not say, “I am
uprightly, sick”;
He who despises the gain of The people who dwell in it will be
oppressions, forgiven their iniquity.
Who gestures with his hands, refusing
bribes, Judgment on the Nations
34
Who stops his ears from hearing of Come near, you nations, to
bloodshed, hear;
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: And heed, you people!
16 He will dwell on high;
Let the earth hear, and all that is in it,
His place of defense will be the fortress The world and all things that come
of rocks; forth from it.
Bread will be given him, 2 For the indignation of the Lord is
His water will be sure. against all nations,
And His fury against all their armies;
The Land of the Majestic King He has utterly destroyed them,
17 Your eyes will see the King in His He has given them over to the
beauty; slaughter.
They will see the land that is very far 3 Also their slain shall be thrown out;
off. Their stench shall rise from their
18 Your heart will meditate on terror: corpses,
“ Where is the scribe? And the mountains shall be melted
Where is he who weighs? with their blood.
Where is he who counts the towers?” 4 All the host of heaven shall be
19 You will not see a fierce people, dissolved,
A people of obscure speech, beyond And the heavens shall be rolled up like
perception, a scroll;
Of a stammering tongue that you All their host shall fall down
cannot understand. As the leaf falls from the vine,
And as fruit falling from a fig tree.
20 Look upon Zion, the city of our
appointed feasts; 5“ For My sword shall be bathed in
Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet heaven;
home, Indeed it shall come down on Edom,
A tabernacle that will not be taken And on the people of My curse, for
down; judgment.
Not one of its stakes will ever be 6 The sword of the Lord is filled with
removed, blood,
Nor will any of its cords be broken. It is made overflowing with fatness,
21 But there the majestic Lord will be With the blood of lambs and goats,
for us With the fat of the kidneys of rams.
A place of broad rivers and streams, For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah,
In which no galley with oars will sail, And a great slaughter in the land of
Nor majestic ships pass by Edom.
22(For the Lord is our Judge, 7 The wild oxen shall come down with
The Lord is our Lawgiver, them,
The Lord is our King; And the young bulls with the mighty
He will save us); bulls;
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ISAIAH 34:8 892
Their land shall be soaked with blood, And His hand has divided it among
And their dust saturated with fatness.” them with a measuring line.
They shall possess it forever;
8For it is the day of the Lord’s From generation to generation they
vengeance, shall dwell in it.”
The year of recompense for the cause
of Zion. The Future Glory of Zion
35
9 Its streams shall be turned into pitch,
The wilderness and the
And its dust into brimstone; wasteland shall be glad
Its land shall become burning pitch. for them,
10 It shall not be quenched night or day;
And the desert shall rejoice and
Its smoke shall ascend forever. blossom as the rose;
From generation to generation it shall 2 It shall blossom abundantly and
lie waste; rejoice,
No one shall pass through it forever Even with joy and singing.
and ever. The glory of Lebanon shall be given
11 But the pelican and the porcupine
to it,
shall possess it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
Also the owl and the raven shall dwell They shall see the glory of the Lord,
in it. The excellency of our God.
And He shall stretch out over it
The line of confusion and the stones of 3Strengthen the weak hands,
emptiness. And make firm the feeble knees.
12 They shall call its nobles to the 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
kingdom, “ Be strong, do not fear!
But none shall be there, and all its Behold, your God will come with
princes shall be nothing. vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
13 And thorns shall come up in its
He will come and save you.”
palaces,
Nettles and brambles in its fortresses; 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be
It shall be a habitation of jackals, opened,
A courtyard for ostriches. And the ears of the deaf shall be
14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also
unstopped.
meet with the jackals, 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the wild goat shall bleat to its And the tongue of the dumb sing.
companion; For waters shall burst forth in the
Also the night creature shall rest wilderness,
there, And streams in the desert.
And find for herself a place of rest. 7 The parched ground shall become a
15 There the arrow snake shall make her pool,
nest and lay eggs And the thirsty land springs of water;
And hatch, and gather them under her In the habitation of jackals, where
shadow; each lay,
There also shall the hawks be There shall be grass with reeds and
gathered, rushes.
Every one with her mate.
8A highway shall be there, and a road,
16“ Search from the book of the Lord, and And it shall be called the Highway of
read: Holiness.
Not one of these shall fail; The unclean shall not pass over it,
Not one shall lack her mate. But it shall be for others.
For My mouth has commanded it, and Whoever walks the road, although a
His Spirit has gathered them. fool,
17 He has cast the lot for them, Shall not go astray.
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893 ISAIAH 36:19
9 No lion shall be there, able on your part to put riders on them!
Nor shall any ravenous beast go up 9How then will you repel one captain of the
on it; least of my master’s servants, and put your
It shall not be found there. trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
But the redeemed shall walk there, 10Have I now come up without the Lord
against this land to destroy it? The Lord
said to me, ‘Go up against this land, and
Following God destroy it.’ ”
Where will following God
lead us?
Isaiah 35:10 Isaiah 36:11
The average Israelite of Isaiah’s day
spoke and understood only Hebrew.
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall Some, especially those who did
return, business with people from other
And come to Zion with singing, countries, also spoke Aramaic, the
With everlasting joy on their heads. language of the Persians, Syrians, and
They shall obtain joy and gladness, Babylonians.
And sorrow and sighing shall flee
away.
11Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said
Sennacherib Boasts Against to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your
the L ord servants in Aramaic, for we understand it;
and do not speak to us in Hebrewa in the
36
Now it came to pass in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”
fourteenth year of King Heze- 12But the Rabshakeh said, “Has my mas-
kiah that Sennacherib king of ter sent me to your master and to you to
Assyria came up against all the fortified speak these words, and not to the men who
cities of Judah and took them. 2Then the sit on the wall, who will eat and drink their
king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeha with a own waste with you?”
great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah 13Then the Rabshakeh stood and called
at Jerusalem. And he stood by the aque- out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and said,
duct from the upper pool, on the highway “Hear the words of the great king, the king
to the Fuller’s Field. 3And Eliakim the son of Assyria! 14Thus says the king: ‘Do not
of Hilkiah, who was over the household, let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not
Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of be able to deliver you; 15nor let Hezekiah
Asaph, the recorder, came out to him. make you trust in the Lord, saying, “The
4Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say
Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not
now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, be given into the hand of the king of As-
the king of Assyria: “What confidence is syria.” ’ 16Do not listen to Hezekiah; for thus
this in which you trust? 5I say you speak says the king of Assyria: ‘Make peace with
of having plans and power for war; but me by a present and come out to me; and
they are mere words. Now in whom do you every one of you eat from his own vine and
trust, that you rebel against me? 6Look! every one from his own fig tree, and every
You are trusting in the staff of this broken one of you drink the waters of his own cis-
reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will tern; 17until I come and take you away to
go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pha- a land like your own land, a land of grain
raoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. and new wine, a land of bread and vine-
7“But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the
yards. 18Beware lest Hezekiah persuade
Lord our God,’ is it not He whose high you, saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has
places and whose altars Hezekiah has any one of the gods of the nations deliv-
taken away, and said to Judah and Jerusa- ered its land from the hand of the king of
lem, ‘You shall worship before this altar’?” ’ Assyria? 19Where are the gods of Hamath
8Now therefore, I urge you, give a pledge to
my master the king of Assyria, and I will 36:2 aA title, probably Chief of Staff or Governor
give you two thousand horses—if you are 36:11 aLiterally Judean
23-Isaiah.indd 893 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 36:20 894
and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sephar- out to make war with you.” So when he
vaim? Indeed, have they delivered Samaria heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah,
from my hand? 20Who among all the gods saying, 10“Thus you shall speak to Heze
of these lands have delivered their coun- kiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your
tries from my hand, that the Lord should God in whom you trust deceive you, say-
deliver Jerusalem from my hand?’ ” ing, “Jerusalem shall not be given into the
21But they held their peace and an- hand of the king of Assyria.” 11Look! You
swered him not a word; for the king’s com- have heard what the kings of Assyria have
mandment was, “Do not answer him.” done to all lands by utterly destroying
22Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was them; and shall you be delivered? 12Have
over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the gods of the nations delivered those
Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came whom my fathers have destroyed, Gozan
to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of
told him the words of the Rabshakeh. Eden who were in Telassar? 13Where is the
king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the
Isaiah Assures Deliverance king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and
37
And so it was, when King Hez Ivah?’ ”
14And Hezekiah received the letter
ekiah heard it, that he tore his
clothes, covered himself with from the hand of the messengers, and
sackcloth, and went into the house of the read it; and Hezekiah went up to the
Lord. 2Then he sent Eliakim, who was house of the Lord, and spread it before
over the household, Shebna the scribe, the Lord. 15Then Hezekiah prayed to the
and the elders of the priests, covered with Lord, saying: 16“O Lord of hosts, God of
sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Israel, the One who dwells between the
Amoz. 3And they said to him, “Thus says cherubim, You are God, You alone, of
Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble and all the kingdoms of the earth. You have
rebuke and blasphemy; for the children made heaven and earth. 17Incline Your
have come to birth, but there is no strength ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes,
to bring them forth. 4It may be that the O Lord, and see; and hear all the words
Lord your God will hear the words of the of Sennacherib, which he has sent to re-
Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of proach the living God. 18Truly, Lord, the
Assyria has sent to reproach the living kings of Assyria have laid waste all the
God, and will rebuke the words which nations and their lands, 19and have cast
the Lord your God has heard. Therefore their gods into the fire; for they were not
lift up your prayer for the remnant that is gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood
left.’ ” and stone. Therefore they destroyed
5So the servants of King Hezekiah came them. 20Now therefore, O Lord our God,
to Isaiah. 6And Isaiah said to them, “Thus save us from his hand, that all the king-
you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the doms of the earth may know that You are
Lord: “Do not be afraid of the words which the Lord, You alone.”
you have heard, with which the servants of
the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Trials
7Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and
Who will help us overcome
he shall hear a rumor and return to his
own land; and I will cause him to fall by the our problems?
sword in his own land.” ’ ” Isaiah 37:20
Sennacherib’s Threat
and Hezekiah’s Prayer The Word of the L ord
8Then the Rabshakeh returned, and found Concerning Sennacherib
the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, 21Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hez
for he heard that he had departed from ekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord God
Lachish. 9And the king heard concerning of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me
Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come against Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22this
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895 ISAIAH 37:38
is the word which the Lord has spoken And My bridle in your lips,
concerning him: And I will turn you back
By the way which you came.” ’
“ The virgin, the daughter of Zion,
Has despised you, laughed you to 30“This shall be a sign to you:
scorn;
The daughter of Jerusalem You shall eat this year such as grows
Has shaken her head behind your back! of itself,
And the second year what springs
23“ Whom have you reproached and from the same;
blasphemed? Also in the third year sow and reap,
Against whom have you raised your Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of
voice, them.
And lifted up your eyes on high? 31 And the remnant who have escaped of
Against the Holy One of Israel. the house of Judah
24 By your servants you have reproached Shall again take root downward,
the Lord, And bear fruit upward.
And said, ‘By the multitude of my 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go a
chariots remnant,
I have come up to the height of the And those who escape from Mount
mountains, Zion.
To the limits of Lebanon; The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do
I will cut down its tall cedars this.
And its choice cypress trees;
I will enter its farthest height, 33“Therefore thus says the Lord con-
To its fruitful forest. cerning the king of Assyria:
25 I have dug and drunk water,
And with the soles of my feet I have ‘ He shall not come into this city,
dried up Nor shoot an arrow there,
All the brooks of defense.’ Nor come before it with shield,
Nor build a siege mound against it.
26“ Did you not hear long ago 34 By the way that he came,
How I made it, By the same shall he return;
From ancient times that I formed it? And he shall not come into this city,’
Now I have brought it to pass, Says the Lord.
That you should be 35‘ For I will defend this city, to save it
For crushing fortified cities into heaps For My own sake and for My servant
of ruins. David’s sake.’ ”
27 Therefore their inhabitants had little
power; Sennacherib’s Defeat
They were dismayed and and Death
confounded; 36Then the angela of the Lord went out,
They were as the grass of the field and killed in the camp of the Assyrians
And the green herb, one hundred and eighty- five thousand;
As the grass on the housetops and when people arose early in the morn-
And grain blighted before it is grown. ing, there were the corpses—all dead. 37So
Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and
28“ But I know your dwelling place,
went away, returned home, and remained
Your going out and your coming in, at Nineveh. 38Now it came to pass, as he
And your rage against Me. was worshiping in the house of Nisroch
29 Because your rage against Me and
his god, that his sons Adrammelech and
your tumult Sharezer struck him down with the sword;
Have come up to My ears, and they escaped into the land of Ararat.
Therefore I will put My hook in your
nose 37:36 aOr Angel
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ISAIAH 38:1 896
Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his I have cut off my life like a weaver.
place. He cuts me off from the loom;
From day until night You make an end
of me.
Prayer 13 I have considered until morning—
What’s an example of Like a lion,
answered prayer? So He breaks all my bones;
Isaiah 38:1–6 From day until night You make an end
of me.
14 Like a crane or a swallow, so I
Hezekiah’s Life Extended
chattered;
I mourned like a dove;
38
In those days Hezekiah was My eyes fail from looking upward.
sick and near death. And Isaiah O Lord,a I am oppressed;
the prophet, the son of Amoz, Undertake for me!
went to him and said to him, “Thus says
the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you 15“ What shall I say?
shall die and not live.’ ” He has both spoken to me,a
2Then Hezekiah turned his face toward
And He Himself has done it.
the wall, and prayed to the Lord, 3and I shall walk carefully all my years
said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how In the bitterness of my soul.
I have walked before You in truth and with 16 O Lord, by these things men live;
a loyal heart, and have done what is good And in all these things is the life of my
in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4And the word of the Lord came to
spirit;
So You will restore me and make me
Isaiah, saying, 5“Go and tell Hezekiah,
live.
‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David 17 Indeed it was for my own peace
your father: “I have heard your prayer, I
That I had great bitterness;
have seen your tears; surely I will add to
But You have lovingly delivered my
your days fifteen years. 6I will deliver you
soul from the pit of corruption,
and this city from the hand of the king of
For You have cast all my sins behind
Assyria, and I will defend this city.” ’ 7And
Your back.
this is the sign to you from the Lord, that 18 For Sheol cannot thank You,
the Lord will do this thing which He has
Death cannot praise You;
spoken: 8“Behold, I will bring the shadow
Those who go down to the pit cannot
on the sundial, which has gone down with
hope for Your truth.
the sun on the sundial of Ahaz, ten degrees 19 The living, the living man, he shall
backward.” So the sun returned ten degrees
praise You,
on the dial by which it had gone down.
9This is the writing of Hezekiah king of As I do this day;
The father shall make known Your
Judah, when he had been sick and had re-
truth to the children.
covered from his sickness:
10 I said, 20“ The Lord was ready to save me;
“ In the prime of my life Therefore we will sing my songs with
I shall go to the gates of Sheol; stringed instruments
I am deprived of the remainder of my
38:11 aHebrew Yah, Yah bFollowing some
years.” Hebrew manuscripts; Masoretic Text and
11 I said,
Vulgate read rest; Septuagint omits among the
“ I shall not see Yah, inhabitants of the world; Targum reads land.
The Lorda in the land of the living; 38:14 aFollowing Bomberg; Masoretic Text and
I shall observe man no more among Dead Sea Scrolls read Lord. 38:15 aFollowing
the inhabitants of the world.b Masoretic Text and Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls
12 My life span is gone, and Targum read And shall I say to Him;
Taken from me like a shepherd’s tent; Septuagint omits first half of this verse.
23-Isaiah.indd 896 2/14/12 12:02 PM
897 ISAIAH 40:9
All the days of our life, in the house of 2“ Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry
the Lord.” out to her,
That her warfare is ended,
21Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a That her iniquity is pardoned;
lump of figs, and apply it as a poultice on For she has received from the Lord’s
the boil, and he shall recover.” hand
22And Hezekiah had said, “What is the
Double for all her sins.”
sign that I shall go up to the house of the
Lord?” 3The voice of one crying in the
wilderness:
The Babylonian Envoys “ Prepare the way of the Lord;
39
At that time Merodach- Make straight in the deserta
Baladana the son of Baladan, A highway for our God.
king of Babylon, sent letters 4 Every valley shall be exalted
and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard And every mountain and hill brought
that he had been sick and had recovered. low;
2And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and The crooked places shall be made
showed them the house of his treasures— straight
the silver and gold, the spices and precious And the rough places smooth;
ointment, and all his armory—all that was 5 The glory of the Lord shall be
found among his treasures. There was revealed,
nothing in his house or in all his dominion And all flesh shall see it together;
that Hezekiah did not show them. For the mouth of the Lord has
3Then Isaiah the prophet went to King
spoken.”
Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these
men say, and from where did they come to 6The voice said, “Cry out!”
you?” And hea said, “What shall I cry?”
So Hezekiah said, “They came to me
from a far country, from Babylon.”
4And he said, “What have they seen in “ All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower
your house?”
of the field.
So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen 7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
all that is in my house; there is nothing
among my treasures that I have not shown Because the breath of the Lord blows
them.” upon it;
5Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
the word of the Lord of hosts: 6‘Behold,
the days are coming when all that is in But the word of our God stands
your house, and what your fathers have forever.”
accumulated until this day, shall be car-
9O Zion,
ried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says
the Lord. 7‘And they shall take away some You who bring good tidings,
of your sons who will descend from you, Get up into the high mountain;
whom you will beget; and they shall be eu- O Jerusalem,
nuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’ ” You who bring good tidings,
8So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word Lift up your voice with strength,
of the Lord which you have spoken is Lift it up, be not afraid;
good!” For he said, “At least there will be Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your
peace and truth in my days.” God!”
God’s People Are Comforted 39:1 aSpelled Berodach-Baladan in 2 Kings
20:12 40:3 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum,
40
“ Comfort, yes, comfort My and Vulgate; Septuagint omits in the desert.
people!” 40:6 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
Says your God. Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, and Vulgate read I.
23-Isaiah.indd 897 2/14/12 12:02 PM
Life App
The Bible / Isaiah 40:8
The word “Bible” comes from the Latin word biblia. It means “the
books.” The Bible is a collection of sixty-six books written over thou-
sands of years. Though many people actually wrote the words, God
is the author. He told each person exactly what to write.
The Bible begins with thirty-nine books of the Old Testament. It
contains the stories of God’s creation of the world and all the events
that took place from that day until about four hundred years before
Jesus was born. It’s mostly the story of God’s people, the Israelites,
and how God continually tried to reach them with His love.
The New Testament was actually written after Jesus returned to
heaven following His death and resurrection. It contains twenty-
seven books that tell the story about Jesus and how the church
began. It also gives us understanding of God’s plan of salvation and
how to live in the middle of God’s limitless love. It gives us direction
on how to live our lives in ways that please Him. The first four books
are the Gospels. They tell the story of Jesus’ life on earth. The last
book is a vision given to the apostle John. It is called Revelation be-
cause it reveals God’s plan for the future of His people, the church.
Although the Bible was written so very long ago and has been
copied, translated, and printed millions of times, we can be sure it
continues to say exactly what God intended. Even though people
are faulty and make mistakes constantly, God is big enough and
powerful enough to protect His Word from human error. No matter
what happens in the future, we can be sure that He will continue to
speak to us through His Word and lead us with the truth it contains.
His Word will stand forever (Is. 40:8). You can bank on it.
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899 ISAIAH 40:26
10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with 21 Have you not known?
a strong hand, Have you not heard?
And His arm shall rule for Him; Has it not been told you from the
Behold, His reward is with Him, beginning?
And His work before Him. Have you not understood from the
11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; foundations of the earth?
He will gather the lambs with His arm, 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the
And carry them in His bosom, earth,
And gently lead those who are with And its inhabitants are like
young. grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a
12 Who has measured the watersa in the curtain,
hollow of His hand, And spreads them out like a tent to
Measured heaven with a span dwell in.
And calculated the dust of the earth in 23 He brings the princes to nothing;
a measure? He makes the judges of the earth
Weighed the mountains in scales useless.
And the hills in a balance?
13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, 24 Scarcely shall they be planted,
Or as His counselor has taught Him? Scarcely shall they be sown,
14 With whom did He take counsel, and Scarcely shall their stock take root in
who instructed Him, the earth,
And taught Him in the path of When He will also blow on them,
justice? And they will wither,
Who taught Him knowledge, And the whirlwind will take them
And showed Him the way of away like stubble.
understanding?
15 Behold, the nations are as a drop in a Trust
bucket, Why can we trust God?
And are counted as the small dust on Isaiah 40:25–28
the scales;
Look, He lifts up the isles as a very
little thing.
16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Isaiah 40:26
Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt Many people in ancient times be-
offering. lieved the destiny of their nation was
17 All nations before Him are as nothing, controlled by heavenly bodies—stars,
And they are counted by Him less than planets, the sun, the moon, and so
nothing and worthless. forth. Professional astrologers were in
constant demand to help kings and
18 To whom then will you liken God? their officials keep track of what was
Or what likeness will you compare to going on in the sky. These astrologers
Him? claimed to be able to predict the
19 The workman molds an image, future based on the movement of the
The goldsmith overspreads it with planets and stars.
gold,
And the silversmith casts silver chains. 25“ To whom then will you liken Me,
20 Whoever is too impoverished for such
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the
a contribution Holy One.
Chooses a tree that will not rot; 26 Lift up your eyes on high,
He seeks for himself a skillful
workman 40:12 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Septuagint,
To prepare a carved image that will and Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls read waters of the
not totter. sea; Targum reads waters of the world.
23-Isaiah.indd 899 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 40:27 900
Making It Real //
Isaiah 40:28–31
Soaring Everyone goes through times in life when they feel like nothing is happen-
ing, as if they are working hard with very few accomplishments. Nothing’s new on the
horizon. Each day looks the same and feels the same. Goals are just as far away as they’ve
always been. It gets tiring to work so hard, be so committed, and see no fruit.
Isaiah says that even young people get tired and weary, so tired that they can stum-
ble and fall. But the hope for tired people comes from the Lord. He says that if you trust
in Him, He will give you a new strength—not just the ability to survive another day but
new strength that lifts you up and makes you soar. It’s the difference between just surviv-
ing tomorrow and soaring above the day with the strength and presence of an eagle. You
don’t have to figure out how to become an eagle. That’s God’s gift to those who trust in
Him and who call on Him in any situation. (See also: Ps. 65:3, 5; Jer. 15:20; Hab. 3:19.)
Words to Live By
Weary: The word translated as “weary” in Isaiah 40:28 is the Hebrew word yaga
(yaw-gah’). It means “to be exhausted” or “to tire.” Isn’t it amazing to know that, no matter
what happens, God never gets tired. He never gets weary of loving us or helping us. He
has never-ending strength, and He wants to share it with us. He never grows weary, so we
can always go to Him for the strength we need.
And see who has created these things, 30 Even the youths shall faint and be
Who brings out their host by number; weary,
He calls them all by name, And the young men shall utterly fall,
By the greatness of His might 31 But those who wait on the Lord
And the strength of His power; Shall renew their strength;
Not one is missing. They shall mount up with wings like
eagles,
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, They shall run and not be weary,
And speak, O Israel: They shall walk and not faint.
“ My way is hidden from the Lord,
And my just claim is passed over by Israel Assured of God’s Help
41
my God”? “Keep silence before Me,
28 Have you not known?
O coastlands,
Have you not heard? And let the people renew their
The everlasting God, the Lord, strength!
The Creator of the ends of the earth, Let them come near, then let them
Neither faints nor is weary. speak;
His understanding is unsearchable. Let us come near together for
judgment.
Strength 2“ Who raised up one from the east?
Where can we find strength Who in righteousness called him to
when we’re weak? His feet?
Isaiah 40:29–31 Who gave the nations before him,
And made him rule over kings?
Who gave them as the dust to his
29 He gives power to the weak, sword,
And to those who have no might He As driven stubble to his bow?
increases strength. 3 Who pursued them, and passed safely
23-Isaiah.indd 900 2/14/12 12:02 PM
901 ISAIAH 41:12
Making It Real //
Isaiah 41:13
Walk On Remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Dan. 3)? The
king had them thrown into the fire because they wouldn’t bow to him. But the fire didn’t
burn them up; and when people looked into the flames, they saw four men. Well, the
fourth person was Jesus. Because He was with those guys, they didn’t burn. In fact, they
didn’t even smell like smoke when they came out!
Jesus is with you in the same way. In Isaiah, He says He is holding your hand. He
goes with you through the fire of hard times in your life, preventing the flames from in-
juring you but letting the heat melt away some of the things about you that are not godly.
With your hand in His, He can calm you down when things aren’t going so well and the
flames are licking at your heels. If you won’t let go of Him, He can lead you out of the fire
and into the place He wants you to be. (See also: Ps. 37:24; Prov. 2:7; Rom. 8:26; Heb. 13:6.)
Words to Live By
Fear: The word translated as “fear” in Isaiah 41:13 is the Hebrew word yare (yaw-
ray’). It means “to dread” or “to be afraid.” You may encounter many things in life that will
tempt you to fear. But with Jesus beside you, you don’t have to give into that fear. You
don’t have to dread what lies ahead. You don’t have to be afraid of the present or the fu-
ture. You can walk confidently, with faith that Jesus is leading you the whole way.
By the way that he had not gone with 8“ But you, Israel, are My servant,
his feet? Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My
friend.
God 9 You whom I have taken from the ends
Is God eternal? of the earth,
Isaiah 41:4 And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
4 Who has performed and done it,
I have chosen you and have not cast
Calling the generations from the you away:
beginning? 10 Fear not, for I am with you;
‘I, the Lord, am the first; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
And with the last I am He.’ ” I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
5The coastlands saw it and feared,
I will uphold you with My righteous
The ends of the earth were afraid; right hand.’
They drew near and came.
6 Everyone helped his neighbor, 11“ Behold, all those who were incensed
And said to his brother, against you
“ Be of good courage!” Shall be ashamed and disgraced;
7 So the craftsman encouraged the
They shall be as nothing,
goldsmith; And those who strive with you shall
He who smooths with the hammer perish.
inspired him who strikes the 12 You shall seek them and not find
anvil, them—
Saying, “It is ready for the soldering”; Those who contended with you.
Then he fastened it with pegs, Those who war against you
That it might not totter. Shall be as nothing,
23-Isaiah.indd 901 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 41:13 902
As a nonexistent thing. That we may consider them,
13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold And know the latter end of them;
your right hand, Or declare to us things to come.
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ 23 Show the things that are to come
hereafter,
14“ Fear not, you worm Jacob, That we may know that you are gods;
You men of Israel! Yes, do good or do evil,
I will help you,” says the Lord That we may be dismayed and see it
And your Redeemer, the Holy One of together.
Israel. 24 Indeed you are nothing,
15“ Behold, I will make you into a new And your work is nothing;
threshing sledge with sharp teeth; He who chooses you is an
You shall thresh the mountains and abomination.
beat them small,
And make the hills like chaff. 25“ I have raised up one from the north,
16 You shall winnow them, the wind shall
And he shall come;
carry them away, From the rising of the sun he shall call
And the whirlwind shall scatter them; on My name;
You shall rejoice in the Lord, And he shall come against princes as
And glory in the Holy One of Israel. though mortar,
As the potter treads clay.
17“ The poor and needy seek water, but 26 Who has declared from the beginning,
there is none, that we may know?
Their tongues fail for thirst. And former times, that we may say, ‘He
I, the Lord, will hear them; is righteous’?
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake Surely there is no one who shows,
them. Surely there is no one who declares,
18 I will open rivers in desolate heights,
Surely there is no one who hears your
And fountains in the midst of the words.
valleys; 27 The first time I said to Zion,
I will make the wilderness a pool of ‘Look, there they are!’
water, And I will give to Jerusalem one who
And the dry land springs of water. brings good tidings.
19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar 28 For I looked, and there was no man;
and the acacia tree, I looked among them, but there was no
The myrtle and the oil tree; counselor,
I will set in the desert the cypress tree Who, when I asked of them, could
and the pine answer a word.
And the box tree together, 29 Indeed they are all worthless;a
20 That they may see and know,
Their works are nothing;
And consider and understand Their molded images are wind and
together, confusion.
That the hand of the Lord has done
this, The Servant of the L ord
And the Holy One of Israel has
42
created it. “ Behold! My Servant whom I
uphold,
The Futility of Idols My Elect One in whom My
21“ Present your case,” says the Lord.
soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
“ Bring forth your strong reasons,” says He will bring forth justice to the
the King of Jacob. Gentiles.
22“ Let them bring forth and show us
what will happen; 41:29 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
Let them show the former things, Dead Sea Scrolls, Syriac, and Targum read
what they were, nothing; Septuagint omits the first line.
23-Isaiah.indd 902 2/14/12 12:02 PM
903 ISAIAH 42:22
2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, And declare His praise in the
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the coastlands.
street. 13 The Lord shall go forth like a mighty
3 A bruised reed He will not break, man;
And smoking flax He will not quench; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of
He will bring forth justice for truth. war.
4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
Till He has established justice in the He shall prevail against His enemies.
earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His Promise of the L ord ’s Help
law.” 14“ I have held My peace a long time,
5Thus says God the Lord, I have been still and restrained Myself.
Who created the heavens and Now I will cry like a woman in labor,
stretched them out, I will pant and gasp at once.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and
Who spread forth the earth and that
which comes from it, hills,
Who gives breath to the people on it, And dry up all their vegetation;
And spirit to those who walk on it: I will make the rivers coastlands,
6“ I, the Lord, have called You in And I will dry up the pools.
16 I will bring the blind by a way they did
righteousness,
And will hold Your hand; not know;
I will keep You and give You as a I will lead them in paths they have not
covenant to the people, known.
As a light to the Gentiles, I will make darkness light before them,
7 To open blind eyes, And crooked places straight.
To bring out prisoners from the These things I will do for them,
prison, And not forsake them.
17 They shall be turned back,
Those who sit in darkness from the
prison house. They shall be greatly ashamed,
8 I am the Lord, that is My name; Who trust in carved images,
And My glory I will not give to Who say to the molded images,
another, ‘You are our gods.’
Nor My praise to carved images.
18“ Hear, you deaf;
9 Behold, the former things have come
to pass, And look, you blind, that you may see.
19 Who is blind but My servant,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of Or deaf as My messenger whom I
them.” send?
Who is blind as he who is perfect,
Praise to the L ord And blind as the Lord’s servant?
20 Seeing many things, but you do not
10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
observe;
And His praise from the ends of the Opening the ears, but he does not
earth, hear.”
You who go down to the sea, and all
that is in it,
You coastlands and you inhabitants Israel’s Obstinate
Disobedience
of them!
11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up 21 The Lord is well pleased for His
their voice, righteousness’ sake;
The villages that Kedar inhabits. He will exalt the law and make it
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, honorable.
Let them shout from the top of the 22 But this is a people robbed and
mountains. plundered;
12 Let them give glory to the Lord, All of them are snared in holes,
23-Isaiah.indd 903 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 42:23 904
And they are hidden in prison Bring My sons from afar,
houses; And My daughters from the ends of
They are for prey, and no one the earth—
delivers; 7 Everyone who is called by My name,
For plunder, and no one says, Whom I have created for My glory;
“Restore!” I have formed him, yes, I have made
him.”
23 Who among you will give ear to this?
Who will listen and hear for the time 8Bring out the blind people who have
to come? eyes,
24 Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel
And the deaf who have ears.
to the robbers? 9 Let all the nations be gathered
Was it not the Lord, together,
He against whom we have sinned? And let the people be assembled.
For they would not walk in His ways, Who among them can declare this,
Nor were they obedient to His law. And show us former things?
25 Therefore He has poured on him the
Let them bring out their witnesses,
fury of His anger that they may be justified;
And the strength of battle; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.”
It has set him on fire all around, 10“ You are My witnesses,” says the Lord,
Yet he did not know; “ And My servant whom I have chosen,
And it burned him,
That you may know and believe Me,
Yet he did not take it to heart.
And understand that I am He.
The Redeemer of Israel Before Me there was no God formed,
Nor shall there be after Me.
43
But now, thus says the Lord, 11 I, even I, am the Lord,
who created you, O Jacob, And besides Me there is no savior.
And He who formed you, 12 I have declared and saved,
O Israel: I have proclaimed,
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; And there was no foreign god among
I have called you by your name; you;
You are Mine. Therefore you are My witnesses,”
2 When you pass through the waters, I
Says the Lord, “that I am God.
will be with you; 13 Indeed before the day was, I am He;
And through the rivers, they shall not
And there is no one who can deliver
overflow you.
out of My hand;
When you walk through the fire, you
I work, and who will reverse it?”
shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:16
I gave Egypt for your ransom, The king of Egypt, after letting the
Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Israelites leave his country, changed
4 Since you were precious in My sight, his mind and sent his army to bring
You have been honored, them back. His plan was to trap the
And I have loved you; Israelites at the Red Sea. Just when
Therefore I will give men for you, things looked hopeless for the Israel-
And people for your life. ites, God parted the waters of the sea
5 Fear not, for I am with you; to make a path of dry land through
I will bring your descendants from the middle of it. The Israelites were
the east, able to walk across to the other side.
And gather you from the west; When the Egyptians tried to follow,
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ the water collapsed on top of them
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them and they drowned.
back!’
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905 ISAIAH 43:24
Making It Real //
Isaiah 43:18, 19
A New Thing One of the few things that you can count on in this lifetime is change.
Just when you have everything kind of figured out, it’s time to go in a different direction.
So many things happen in life to throw us off balance—changing schools every few years,
best friends who move away, divorce, new teachers with new expectations, a job transfer
for Dad causes your family to move to a new city, a new stepparent and stepsiblings, the
death of someone you love. Life is continually changing.
Isaiah says we should never look back and long for what used to be, because God is
creating something new—new roads in the wilderness and new rivers in the desert. You
may be a creature of habit, and change may make you uncomfortable. But one measure
of your success will be how easily you adapt to change—to the new things God is doing
in your life. You will miss all the blessing He has for you in this day if you continue to long
for the past. Set your eyes toward the future and welcome the new paths that God is mak-
ing for you. (See also: Is. 42:16; Jer. 29:11; 2 Cor. 5:17.)
Words to Live By
Road: The word translated as “road” in Isaiah 43:19 is the Hebrew word derek (deh’-
rek). It carries the meaning of way, path, or even course of life. Although your life may
seem confusing, God can make a way for you. He has a plan for your life. He can make a
road in the middle of the wilderness, and He can lay out the path for you to walk through-
out your entire life. Just be willing to walk with Him through every new thing.
14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, 20 The beast of the field will honor Me,
The Holy One of Israel: The jackals and the ostriches,
“ For your sake I will send to Babylon, Because I give waters in the wilderness
And bring them all down as fugitives— And rivers in the desert,
The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their To give drink to My people, My chosen.
ships. 21 This people I have formed for Myself;
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, They shall declare My praise.
The Creator of Israel, your King.”
Pleading with Unfaithful
16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way Israel
in the sea 22“ But you have not called upon Me,
And a path through the mighty waters, O Jacob;
17 Who brings forth the chariot and
And you have been weary of Me,
horse, O Israel.
The army and the power 23 You have not brought Me the sheep for
(They shall lie down together, they your burnt offerings,
shall not rise; Nor have you honored Me with your
They are extinguished, they are sacrifices.
quenched like a wick): I have not caused you to serve with
18“ Do not remember the former things,
grain offerings,
Nor consider the things of old. Nor wearied you with incense.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing, 24 You have bought Me no sweet cane
Now it shall spring forth; with money,
Shall you not know it? Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat
I will even make a road in the of your sacrifices;
wilderness But you have burdened Me with your
And rivers in the desert. sins,
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ISAIAH 43:25 906
Promise
God promises to forget your past sins.
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own
sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Is. 43:25).
What kind of past do you have? Decent? Wild? Funny?
Tragic? Wonderful? Boring? Whatever the case, everybody
has a past. Everyone has yesterdays and things that happened to them—some
good, some bad. Everyone has things in the past they regret.
Sometimes people have a hard time coming to the Lord because of things
they’ve done or said or thought (or things they haven’t) in the past. But nothing in
the past should be allowed to steal your future. When you confess your sins to God
and ask Him to forgive you, He does. Forever. He doesn’t just set the memory of
your sins aside for later. He totally forgets what you’ve done. If you’ve sincerely asked
Him to forgive you and turned away from your sin, He thinks of you as totally
innocent. It’s as if you never did anything wrong. Never let your past keep you away
from the Lord. He’s in the business of forgiveness; He’ll use what you’ve learned
from the past and throw out all the garbage. He’ll accept you right where you are
and invite you to grow and learn with Him. So let the past stay in the past, ask Jesus
to forgive any sin in your life, and let Him lead you into a great future.
See for yourself// 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Hebrews 10:17; 1 John 1:9
You have wearied Me with your 3 For I will pour water on him who is
iniquities. thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
25“ I, even I, am He who blots out your I will pour My Spirit on your
transgressions for My own sake; descendants,
And I will not remember your sins. And My blessing on your offspring;
26 Put Me in remembrance; 4 They will spring up among the grass
Let us contend together; Like willows by the watercourses.’
State your case, that you may be 5 One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’;
acquitted. Another will call himself by the name
27 Your first father sinned, of Jacob;
And your mediators have transgressed Another will write with his hand, ‘The
against Me. Lord’s,’
28 Therefore I will profane the princes of And name himself by the name of
the sanctuary; Israel.
I will give Jacob to the curse,
And Israel to reproaches. There Is No Other God
6“ Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
God’s Blessing on Israel And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
44
“ Yet hear now, O Jacob My ‘I am the First and I am the Last;
servant, Besides Me there is no God.
And Israel whom I have 7 And who can proclaim as I do?
chosen. Then let him declare it and set it in
2 Thus says the Lord who made you order for Me,
And formed you from the womb, who Since I appointed the ancient people.
will help you: And the things that are coming and
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; shall come,
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have Let them show these to them.
chosen. 8 Do not fear, nor be afraid;
23-Isaiah.indd 906 2/14/12 12:02 PM
907 ISAIAH 44:23
Have I not told you from that time, He makes it a carved image, and falls
and declared it? down to it.
You are My witnesses. 16 He burns half of it in the fire;
Is there a God besides Me? With this half he eats meat;
Indeed there is no other Rock; He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.
I know not one.’ ” He even warms himself and says,
“ Ah! I am warm,
Idolatry Is Foolishness I have seen the fire.”
9Those who make an image, all of them 17 And the rest of it he makes into a god,
are useless, His carved image.
And their precious things shall not He falls down before it and worships it,
profit; Prays to it and says,
They are their own witnesses; “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
They neither see nor know, that they
18 They do not know nor understand;
may be ashamed.
10 Who would form a god or mold an For He has shut their eyes, so that they
image cannot see,
That profits him nothing? And their hearts, so that they cannot
11 Surely all his companions would be understand.
19 And no one considers in his heart,
ashamed;
And the workmen, they are mere men. Nor is there knowledge nor
Let them all be gathered together, understanding to say,
Let them stand up; “ I have burned half of it in the fire,
Yet they shall fear, Yes, I have also baked bread on its
They shall be ashamed together. coals;
I have roasted meat and eaten it;
12 The blacksmith with the tongs works And shall I make the rest of it an
one in the coals, abomination?
Fashions it with hammers, Shall I fall down before a block of
And works it with the strength of his wood?”
20 He feeds on ashes;
arms.
Even so, he is hungry, and his strength A deceived heart has turned him
fails; aside;
He drinks no water and is faint. And he cannot deliver his soul,
Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right
13 The craftsman stretches out his rule, hand?”
He marks one out with chalk;
He fashions it with a plane, Israel Is Not Forgotten
He marks it out with the compass, 21“ Remember these, O Jacob,
And makes it like the figure of a man, And Israel, for you are My servant;
According to the beauty of a man, that I have formed you, you are My servant;
it may remain in the house. O Israel, you will not be forgotten
14 He cuts down cedars for himself, by Me!
And takes the cypress and the oak; 22 I have blotted out, like a thick cloud,
He secures it for himself among the your transgressions,
trees of the forest. And like a cloud, your sins.
He plants a pine, and the rain Return to Me, for I have redeemed
nourishes it. you.”
15 Then it shall be for a man to burn, 23 Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has
For he will take some of it and warm done it!
himself; Shout, you lower parts of the earth;
Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread; Break forth into singing, you
Indeed he makes a god and mountains,
worships it; O forest, and every tree in it!
23-Isaiah.indd 907 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 44:24 908
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, Who call you by your name,
And glorified Himself in Israel. Am the God of Israel.
4 For Jacob My servant’s sake,
Judah Will Be Restored And Israel My elect,
24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, I have even called you by your name;
And He who formed you from the I have named you, though you have
womb: not known Me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is no other;
“ I am the Lord, who makes all things,
There is no God besides Me.
Who stretches out the heavens all
I will gird you, though you have not
alone,
known Me,
Who spreads abroad the earth by 6 That they may know from the rising of
Myself;
25 Who frustrates the signs of the the sun to its setting
That there is none besides Me.
babblers,
I am the Lord, and there is no other;
And drives diviners mad; 7 I form the light and create darkness,
Who turns wise men backward,
I make peace and create calamity;
And makes their knowledge
I, the Lord, do all these things.’
foolishness;
26 Who confirms the word of His servant,
8“ Rain down, you heavens, from above,
And performs the counsel of His And let the skies pour down
messengers; righteousness;
Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be Let the earth open, let them bring
inhabited,’ forth salvation,
To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be And let righteousness spring up
built,’ together.
And I will raise up her waste places; I, the Lord, have created it.
27 Who says to the deep, ‘Be dry!
And I will dry up your rivers’; 9“ Woe to him who strives with his
28 Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd,
Maker!
And he shall perform all My pleasure, Let the potsherd strive with the
Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be potsherds of the earth!
built,” Shall the clay say to him who forms it,
And to the temple, “Your foundation ‘What are you making?’
shall be laid.” ’ Or shall your handiwork say, ‘He has
no hands’?
Cyrus, God’s Instrument 10 Woe to him who says to his father,
45
“ Thus says the Lord to His ‘What are you begetting?’
anointed, Or to the woman, ‘What have you
To Cyrus, whose right hand I brought forth?’ ”
have held—
11 Thus says the Lord,
To subdue nations before him
And loose the armor of kings, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker:
To open before him the double doors, “ Ask Me of things to come concerning
So that the gates will not be shut: My sons;
2‘ I will go before you And concerning the work of My hands,
And make the crooked placesa you command Me.
12 I have made the earth,
straight;
I will break in pieces the gates of And created man on it.
bronze I—My hands—stretched out the
And cut the bars of iron. heavens,
3 I will give you the treasures of
45:2 aDead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint read
darkness mountains; Targum reads I will trample down the
And hidden riches of secret places, walls; Vulgate reads I will humble the great ones
That you may know that I, the Lord, of the earth.
23-Isaiah.indd 908 2/14/12 12:02 PM
909 ISAIAH 46:1
And all their host I have commanded. Who carry the wood of their carved
13 I have raised him up in righteousness, image,
And I will direct all his ways; And pray to a god that cannot save.
He shall build My city 21 Tell and bring forth your case;
And let My exiles go free, Yes, let them take counsel together.
Not for price nor reward,” Who has declared this from ancient
Says the Lord of hosts. time?
Who has told it from that time?
The L ord , the Only Savior Have not I, the Lord?
14Thus says the Lord: And there is no other God besides Me,
A just God and a Savior;
“ The labor of Egypt and merchandise There is none besides Me.
of Cush
22“ Look to Me, and be saved,
And of the Sabeans, men of stature,
Shall come over to you, and they shall All you ends of the earth!
be yours; For I am God, and there is no other.
23 I have sworn by Myself;
They shall walk behind you,
They shall come over in chains; The word has gone out of My mouth in
And they shall bow down to you. righteousness,
They will make supplication to you, And shall not return,
saying, ‘Surely God is in you, That to Me every knee shall bow,
And there is no other; Every tongue shall take an oath.
24 He shall say,
There is no other God.’ ”
‘Surely in the Lord I have
15 Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, righteousness and strength.
O God of Israel, the Savior! To Him men shall come,
16 They shall be ashamed And all shall be ashamed
And also disgraced, all of them; Who are incensed against Him.
25 In the Lord all the descendants of
They shall go in confusion together,
Who are makers of idols. Israel
17 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord Shall be justified, and shall glory.’ ”
With an everlasting salvation;
You shall not be ashamed or disgraced
Forever and ever. Isaiah 46:1
Bel (who was also known as Marduk)
18 For thus says the Lord, and Nebo were two of the Babylo-
Who created the heavens, nians’ favorite gods. Bel, the god of
Who is God, war, was the main deity of Babylon.
Who formed the earth and made it, Nebo, the god of education and
Who has established it, wisdom, was thought to be Bel’s son.
Who did not create it in vain, Remember King Nebuchadnezzar,
Who formed it to be inhabited: the guy who destroyed Jerusalem
“ I am the Lord, and there is no other. and took the Israelites captive? It’s
19 I have not spoken in secret, no coincidence that the first part of
In a dark place of the earth; his name sounds an awful lot like the
I did not say to the seed of Jacob, name of Nebo.
‘Seek Me in vain’;
I, the Lord, speak righteousness,
I declare things that are right. Dead Idols and the Living
God
46
20“ Assemble yourselves and come; Bel bows down, Nebo stoops;
Draw near together, Their idols were on the beasts
You who have escaped from the and on the cattle.
nations. Your carriages were heavily loaded,
They have no knowledge, A burden to the weary beast.
23-Isaiah.indd 909 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 46:2 910
Promise
God promises to be there when you’re old.
“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will
carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and
will deliver you” (Is. 46:4).
Believe it or not, if you live long enough, you will get old.
And though it may be hard to imagine, you will still feel exactly like yourself. Older
people aren’t all that different, they’ve just lived longer. With medical science
continually developing ways to lengthen our lives, you may live longer than any
generation before you. Old age is not just a possibility for you, it’s a probability.
If you’re like most people, as you age, you’ll probably worry about losing your
good looks, your sharp mind, or your health. And when you become elderly, you
may picture yourself struggling to survive on a monthly Social Security check (if
there is such a thing by then) or wandering through the halls of a nursing home.
It’s true that, as you get older, your body, your income, and even your address
will probably go through a lot of changes. Some of these changes will be your idea;
some won’t. Obviously, you can’t rely on things that can change constantly, so
where can you find security?
Whether you’re looking ahead into your future or just focusing on today, the
only real security you will ever find is in the person who is “the same yesterday,
today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Jesus says that He will take care of you and keep you
safe when you’re old. He will be just as strong, just as trustworthy, just as loving
then as He is now. And even when you’ve been His friend for many years, you’ll still
be discovering how awesome He is.
See for yourself// Romans 8:38, 39; Hebrews 1:12; 13:8; 1 Peter 1:1–9
2 They stoop, they bow down together; They prostrate themselves, yes, they
They could not deliver the burden, worship.
But have themselves gone into 7 They bear it on the shoulder, they
captivity. carry it
And set it in its place, and it stands;
3“ Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, From its place it shall not move.
And all the remnant of the house of Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot
Israel, answer
Who have been upheld by Me from Nor save him out of his trouble.
birth,
Who have been carried from the 8“ Remember this, and show yourselves
womb: men;
4 Even to your old age, I am He, Recall to mind, O you transgressors.
And even to gray hairs I will carry you! 9 Remember the former things of old,
I have made, and I will bear; For I am God, and there is no other;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you. I am God, and there is none like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
5“ To whom will you liken Me, and make And from ancient times things that are
Me equal not yet done,
And compare Me, that we should be Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
alike? And I will do all My pleasure,’
6 They lavish gold out of the bag, 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
And weigh silver on the scales; The man who executes My counsel,
They hire a goldsmith, and he makes from a far country.
it a god; Indeed I have spoken it;
23-Isaiah.indd 910 2/14/12 12:02 PM
911 ISAIAH 47:15
I will also bring it to pass. I shall not sit as a widow,
I have purposed it; Nor shall I know the loss of children’;
I will also do it. 9 But these two things shall come to
you
12“ Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, In a moment, in one day:
Who are far from righteousness: The loss of children, and widowhood.
13 I bring My righteousness near, it shall They shall come upon you in their
not be far off; fullness
My salvation shall not linger. Because of the multitude of your
And I will place salvation in Zion, sorceries,
For Israel My glory. For the great abundance of your
enchantments.
The Humiliation of Babylon
47
10“ For you have trusted in your
“ Come down and sit in the
dust, wickedness;
O virgin daughter of Babylon; You have said, ‘No one sees me’;
Sit on the ground without a throne, Your wisdom and your knowledge
O daughter of the Chaldeans! have warped you;
For you shall no more be called And you have said in your heart,
Tender and delicate. ‘I am, and there is no one else besides
2 Take the millstones and grind meal. me.’
11 Therefore evil shall come upon you;
Remove your veil,
Take off the skirt, You shall not know from where it
Uncover the thigh, arises.
Pass through the rivers. And trouble shall fall upon you;
3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, You will not be able to put it off.
Yes, your shame will be seen; And desolation shall come upon you
I will take vengeance, suddenly,
And I will not arbitrate with a man.” Which you shall not know.
4As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts 12“ Stand now with your enchantments
is His name, And the multitude of your sorceries,
The Holy One of Israel. In which you have labored from your
youth—
5“ Sit in silence, and go into darkness, Perhaps you will be able to profit,
O daughter of the Chaldeans; Perhaps you will prevail.
13 You are wearied in the multitude of
For you shall no longer be called
The Lady of Kingdoms. your counsels;
6 I was angry with My people; Let now the astrologers, the
I have profaned My inheritance, stargazers,
And given them into your hand. And the monthly prognosticators
You showed them no mercy; Stand up and save you
On the elderly you laid your yoke very From what shall come upon you.
heavily. 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble,
7 And you said, ‘I shall be a lady The fire shall burn them;
forever,’ They shall not deliver themselves
So that you did not take these things From the power of the flame;
to heart, It shall not be a coal to be warmed by,
Nor remember the latter end of them. Nor a fire to sit before!
15 Thus shall they be to you
8“ Therefore hear this now, you who are With whom you have labored,
given to pleasures, Your merchants from your youth;
Who dwell securely, They shall wander each one to his
Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there quarter.
is no one else besides me; No one shall save you.
23-Isaiah.indd 911 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 48:1 912
Making It Real //
Isaiah 47:13, 14
The Stars Open up almost any popular fashion magazine or daily newspaper and
you will find a section that claims to tell you all about your future—astrology. These ar-
ticles may claim they can tell you who you should marry, when you should find a new
job, or what days you should just stay home. There are people who trust astrology so
much that they actually make decisions based on their horoscopes. If you’re a Christian,
you have no reason to go there. You’ve got something so much greater—and someone
you can totally depend on—the Holy Spirit. His job is to guide you, to help you make
good decisions, and to give you insight about your future (John 16:13).
Isaiah 47:14 says that people who consult the stars are helpless. John 14:16 says that
the Holy Spirit is sent from God to help you. Always put your trust in God, who knows
everything. Never put your trust in anyone who claims to know the future except God.
He says, “They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame.” In other words,
people who trust the stars, and others like them, can’t save themselves, so they certainly
can’t save you or point you in the right direction for your life. Only God can do that. (See
also: 2 Kin. 21:6; Jer. 33:3.)
Words to Live By
Stubble: The word translated as “stubble” in Isaiah 47:14 is the Hebrew word qash
(kash). It means “dry straw.” For all their talk and claims of power, in the end, those who
put their hope in anything but the Lord have no more strength than dry straw in a fire.
They are not worthy of your trust. Only God is worthy of your trust. Put your hope in Him
as His Spirit guides you through any fire into truth and life.
Israel Refined for God’s And your neck was an iron sinew,
Glory And your brow bronze,
5 Even from the beginning I have
48
“ Hear this, O house of Jacob,
declared it to you;
Who are called by the name
Before it came to pass I proclaimed it
of Israel,
to you,
And have come forth from the
Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done
wellsprings of Judah;
them,
Who swear by the name of the Lord,
And my carved image and my molded
And make mention of the God of
image
Israel, Have commanded them.’
But not in truth or in righteousness;
2 For they call themselves after the holy 6“ You have heard;
city, See all this.
And lean on the God of Israel; And will you not declare it?
The Lord of hosts is His name: I have made you hear new things from
this time,
3“ I have declared the former things from
Even hidden things, and you did not
the beginning; know them.
They went forth from My mouth, and I 7 They are created now and not from the
caused them to hear it. beginning;
Suddenly I did them, and they came And before this day you have not
to pass. heard them,
4 Because I knew that you were Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew
obstinate, them.’
23-Isaiah.indd 912 2/14/12 12:02 PM
913 ISAIAH 49:1
8 Surely you did not hear, 17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
Surely you did not know; The Holy One of Israel:
Surely from long ago your ear was not “ I am the Lord your God,
opened. Who teaches you to profit,
For I knew that you would deal very Who leads you by the way you
treacherously, should go.
And were called a transgressor from 18 Oh, that you had heeded My
the womb. commandments!
Then your peace would have been like
9“ For My name’s sake I will defer My
a river,
anger, And your righteousness like the waves
And for My praise I will restrain it from of the sea.
you, 19 Your descendants also would have
So that I do not cut you off. been like the sand,
10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as
And the offspring of your body like the
silver; grains of sand;
I have tested you in the furnace of His name would not have been cut off
affliction. Nor destroyed from before Me.”
11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I
will do it; 20 Go forth from Babylon!
For how should My name be profaned? Flee from the Chaldeans!
And I will not give My glory to another. With a voice of singing,
Declare, proclaim this,
God’s Ancient Plan to Redeem
Utter it to the end of the earth;
Israel
Say, “The Lord has redeemed
12“ Listen to Me, O Jacob,
His servant Jacob!”
And Israel, My called:
I am He, I am the First,
I am also the Last. Isaiah 48:21
13 Indeed My hand has laid the God took care of the thirsty Israelites
foundation of the earth, in the desert by giving them water
And My right hand has stretched out to drink from an ordinary rock. The
the heavens; Israelites remembered that period—
When I call to them, just after their ancestors’ release from
They stand up together. Egypt—as a time when God was
especially close to them.
14“ All of you, assemble yourselves, and
hear!
21 And they did not thirst
Who among them has declared these
things? When He led them through the deserts;
The Lord loves him; He caused the waters to flow from the
He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, rock for them;
And His arm shall be against the He also split the rock, and the waters
Chaldeans. gushed out.
15 I, even I, have spoken;
22“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for
Yes, I have called him,
I have brought him, and his way will the wicked.”
prosper.
The Servant, the Light to
16“ Come near to Me, hear this: the Gentiles
49
I have not spoken in secret from the “ Listen, O coastlands, to Me,
beginning; And take heed, you peoples
From the time that it was, I was there. from afar!
And now the Lord God and His Spirit
Havea sent Me.” 48:16 aThe Hebrew verb is singular.
23-Isaiah.indd 913 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 49:2 914
Making It Real //
Isaiah 49:1, 2
Special Creation Remember when you were in kindergarten and you made plaster
imprints of your hands or a sculpture out of pipe cleaners? Remember how excited you
were? When you made something you were proud of, you couldn’t wait to show it off. You
were so careful until you got it home and put it in a safe place. And every once in awhile
you’d take a look at it and grin. You loved it.
God made you and that’s why He loves you. You were His idea. Just as you carefully
created your kindergarten masterpiece, God crafted each part of your being just exactly
the way He wanted it. He made you a certain way so that you could be everything won-
derful that He wants you to be. You’re a part of His heart because He thought of you and
then gave those thoughts life and created you. He’s in love with you. He thinks you’re
awesome. And you are, because you’re His. (See also: Gen. 1:27; Is. 43:7; 44:2; 1 John 3:1.)
Words to Live By
Called: The word translated as “called” in Isaiah 49:1 is the Hebrew word qara (kaw-
raw’). It means “to call out, call for, or invite.” God has been calling out for you since the
moment you were conceived. He already knew you. And He has never stopped inviting
you into His presence. He wants you to know Him more and become the amazing person
He created you to be. Don’t ignore His invitation. Answer His call.
The Lord has called Me from the 5“ And now the Lord says,
womb; Who formed Me from the womb to be
From the matrix of My mother He has His Servant,
made mention of My name. To bring Jacob back to Him,
So that Israel is gathered to Hima
(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of
Abortion the Lord,
Does God know the unborn And My God shall be My strength),
by name? 6 Indeed He says,
Isaiah 49:1 ‘It is too small a thing that You should
be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
2 And He has made My mouth like a
And to restore the preserved ones of
sharp sword; Israel;
In the shadow of His hand He has I will also give You as a light to the
hidden Me, Gentiles,
And made Me a polished shaft; That You should be My salvation to the
In His quiver He has hidden Me.” ends of the earth.’ ”
3“ And He said to me,
7Thus says the Lord,
‘You are My servant, O Israel, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy
In whom I will be glorified.’ One,
4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain,
To Him whom man despises,
I have spent my strength for nothing To Him whom the nation abhors,
and in vain;
Yet surely my just reward is with the 49:5 aQere, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Septuagint
Lord, read is gathered to Him; Kethib reads is not
And my work with my God.’ ” gathered.
23-Isaiah.indd 914 2/14/12 12:02 PM
915 ISAIAH 49:23
To the Servant of rulers: Surely they may forget,
“ Kings shall see and arise, Yet I will not forget you.
Princes also shall worship, 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms
Because of the Lord who is faithful, of My hands;
The Holy One of Israel; Your walls are continually before Me.
And He has chosen You.” 17 Your sonsa shall make haste;
Your destroyers and those who laid
8Thus says the Lord:
you waste
Shall go away from you.
“ In an acceptable time I have heard You, 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see;
And in the day of salvation I have All these gather together and come
helped You; to you.
I will preserve You and give You As I live,” says the Lord,
As a covenant to the people, “ You shall surely clothe yourselves with
To restore the earth, them all as an ornament,
To cause them to inherit the desolate And bind them on you as a bride does.
heritages;
9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go 19“ For your waste and desolate places,
forth,’ And the land of your destruction,
To those who are in darkness, ‘Show Will even now be too small for the
yourselves.’ inhabitants;
And those who swallowed you up will
“ They shall feed along the roads, be far away.
And their pastures shall be on all 20 The children you will have,
desolate heights. After you have lost the others,
10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst,
Will say again in your ears,
Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; ‘The place is too small for me;
For He who has mercy on them will Give me a place where I may dwell.’
lead them, 21 Then you will say in your heart,
Even by the springs of water He will ‘Who has begotten these for me,
guide them. Since I have lost my children and am
11 I will make each of My mountains a
desolate,
road, A captive, and wandering to and fro?
And My highways shall be elevated. And who has brought these up?
12 Surely these shall come from afar;
There I was, left alone;
Look! Those from the north and the But these, where were they?’ ”
west,
And these from the land of Sinim.” 22Thus says the Lord God:
13 Sing, O heavens!
“ Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to
Be joyful, O earth! the nations,
And break out in singing,
And set up My standard for the
O mountains!
peoples;
For the Lord has comforted His
They shall bring your sons in their
people,
arms,
And will have mercy on His afflicted.
And your daughters shall be carried
God Will Remember Zion on their shoulders;
23 Kings shall be your foster fathers,
14 But Zion said, “The Lord has
And their queens your nursing
forsaken me, mothers;
And my Lord has forgotten me.” They shall bow down to you with their
faces to the earth,
15“ Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son 49:17 aDead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Targum,
of her womb? and Vulgate read builders.
23-Isaiah.indd 915 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 49:24 916
And lick up the dust of your feet. 4“ The Lord God has given Me
Then you will know that I am the The tongue of the learned,
Lord, That I should know how to speak
For they shall not be ashamed who A word in season to him who is weary.
wait for Me.” He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
24 Shall the prey be taken from the To hear as the learned.
mighty, 5 The Lord God has opened My ear;
Or the captives of the righteousa be And I was not rebellious,
delivered? Nor did I turn away.
6 I gave My back to those who struck Me,
25But thus says the Lord:
And My cheeks to those who plucked
out the beard;
“ Even the captives of the mighty shall I did not hide My face from shame and
be taken away, spitting.
And the prey of the terrible be
delivered; 7“ For the Lord God will help Me;
For I will contend with him who Therefore I will not be disgraced;
contends with you, Therefore I have set My face like a
And I will save your children. flint,
26 I will feed those who oppress you with
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
their own flesh, 8 He is near who justifies Me;
And they shall be drunk with their Who will contend with Me?
own blood as with sweet wine. Let us stand together.
All flesh shall know Who is My adversary?
That I, the Lord, am your Savior, Let him come near Me.
And your Redeemer, the Mighty One 9 Surely the Lord God will help Me;
of Jacob.” Who is he who will condemn Me?
Indeed they will all grow old like a
The Servant, Israel’s Hope garment;
50
Thus says the Lord: The moth will eat them up.
“ Where is the certificate of 10“ Who among you fears the Lord?
your mother’s divorce, Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Whom I have put away? Who walks in darkness
Or which of My creditors is it to whom And has no light?
I have sold you? Let him trust in the name of the Lord
For your iniquities you have sold And rely upon his God.
yourselves, 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire,
And for your transgressions your Who encircle yourselves with sparks:
mother has been put away. Walk in the light of your fire and in the
2 Why, when I came, was there no man? sparks you have kindled—
Why, when I called, was there none to This you shall have from My hand:
answer? You shall lie down in torment.
Is My hand shortened at all that it
cannot redeem? The L ord Comforts Zion
51
Or have I no power to deliver? “ Listen to Me, you who follow
Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the after righteousness,
sea, You who seek the Lord:
I make the rivers a wilderness; Look to the rock from which you were
Their fish stink because there is no hewn,
water,
And die of thirst. 49:24 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, Dead Sea Scrolls, Syriac, and Vulgate read the
And I make sackcloth their covering.” mighty; Septuagint reads unjustly.
23-Isaiah.indd 916 2/14/12 12:02 PM
Life App
The Power of Words / Isaiah 50:4
We all know the power of weapons and the destruction they can
cause. But do we realize we all possess a weapon that can be even
more destructive to the people in our lives? That weapon is made up
of the words we speak. They can hurt others just as surely as any
weapon in the world.
But our words can work just as powerfully for good as they can
for evil. When your speech is positive, it affects you as well as every-
one around you. This doesn’t mean we should fake a smile and
flatter people insincerely. That’s not authentic, positive speech. But
if we are seeking to be more like Christ every day, then controlling
our speech is part of that transformation. Matthew 12:35 tells us
that “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth
good things.” When God’s love and mercy are alive in your heart,
then your words will reflect them and you will more naturally speak
in love and mercy to others.
Consider Isaiah’s words: “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” (Is. 50:4). Have you ever had a really bad day that
was made better by someone’s kind words? It may have seemed they
had the perfect thing to say at that moment, even though they didn’t
know your situation. When those kinds of encouragement happen
to us, we can agree that “a word in season to him who is weary” is a
very good thing.
As Christians, we should always strive to speak in a genuine way
that honors God and encourages others. In the words of Paul, “let no
corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for nec-
essary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph.
4:29).
23-Isaiah.indd 917 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 51:2 918
And to the hole of the pit from which
you were dug. Isaiah 51:9
2 Look to Abraham your father,
“Rahab” in this passage is not a
And to Sarah who bore you; woman, but a sea monster. According
For I called him alone, to a popular ancient myth, a dragon-
And blessed him and increased him.” like creature named Rahab tried to
prevent God from creating the world.
3For the Lord will comfort Zion,
Needless to say, God defeated Rahab
He will comfort all her waste places; and her followers. Later, the name
He will make her wilderness like Eden, Rahab came to symbolize Egypt and
And her desert like the garden of the the years the Israelites spent there.
Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in it,
10 Are You not the One who dried up the
Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
sea,
4“ Listen to Me, My people; The waters of the great deep;
And give ear to Me, O My nation: That made the depths of the sea a road
For law will proceed from Me, For the redeemed to cross over?
11 So the ransomed of the Lord shall
And I will make My justice rest
As a light of the peoples. return,
5 My righteousness is near, And come to Zion with singing,
My salvation has gone forth, With everlasting joy on their heads.
And My arms will judge the peoples; They shall obtain joy and gladness;
The coastlands will wait upon Me, Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
And on My arm they will trust.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
And look on the earth beneath.
Devotion
For the heavens will vanish away like What can happen if you
smoke, begin to forget God?
The earth will grow old like a garment, Isaiah 51:12, 13
And those who dwell in it will die in
like manner;
12“ I, even I, am He who comforts you.
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness will not be Who are you that you should be afraid
abolished. Of a man who will die,
And of the son of a man who will be
7“ Listen to Me, you who know made like grass?
13 And you forget the Lord your Maker,
righteousness,
You people in whose heart is My law: Who stretched out the heavens
Do not fear the reproach of men, And laid the foundations of the earth;
Nor be afraid of their insults. You have feared continually every day
8 For the moth will eat them up like a Because of the fury of the oppressor,
garment, When he has prepared to destroy.
And the worm will eat them like wool; And where is the fury of the
But My righteousness will be forever, oppressor?
And My salvation from generation to 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may
generation.” be loosed,
That he should not die in the pit,
9Awake, awake, put on strength, And that his bread should not fail.
O arm of the Lord! 15 But I am the Lord your God,
Awake as in the ancient days, Who divided the sea whose waves
In the generations of old. roared—
Are You not the arm that cut Rahab The Lord of hosts is His name.
apart, 16 And I have put My words in your
And wounded the serpent? mouth;
23-Isaiah.indd 918 2/14/12 12:02 PM
919 ISAIAH 52:7
I have covered you with the shadow of Who have said to you,a
My hand, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’
That I may plant the heavens, And you have laid your body like the
Lay the foundations of the earth, ground,
And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’ ” And as the street, for those who walk
over.”
Isaiah 51:17 God Redeems Jerusalem
A cup that came from God’s hand was
52
Awake, awake!
a common symbol in ancient times
Put on your strength, O Zion;
for a person’s (or a nation’s) destiny. A
Put on your beautiful
cup of His fury symbolized punish-
ment for a sin. A cup of His blessing garments,
symbolized a bright future. O Jerusalem, the holy city!
For the uncircumcised and the unclean
Shall no longer come to you.
2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise;
God’s Fury Removed
Sit down, O Jerusalem!
17 Awake, awake!
Loose yourself from the bonds of your
Stand up, O Jerusalem, neck,
You who have drunk at the hand of O captive daughter of Zion!
the Lord
The cup of His fury; 3For thus says the Lord:
You have drunk the dregs of the cup of
trembling, “ You have sold yourselves for nothing,
And drained it out. And you shall be redeemed without
18 There is no one to guide her
money.”
Among all the sons she has brought
forth; 4For thus says the Lord God:
Nor is there any who takes her by the
hand “ My people went down at first
Among all the sons she has Into Egypt to dwell there;
brought up. Then the Assyrian oppressed them
19 These two things have come to you;
without cause.
Who will be sorry for you?— 5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says
Desolation and destruction, famine the Lord,
and sword— “ That My people are taken away for
By whom will I comfort you? nothing?
20 Your sons have fainted,
Those who rule over them
They lie at the head of all the streets, Make them wail,”a says the Lord,
Like an antelope in a net; “ And My name is blasphemed
They are full of the fury of the Lord, continually every day.
The rebuke of your God. 6 Therefore My people shall know My
21 Therefore please hear this, you
name;
Therefore they shall know in that day
afflicted, That I am He who speaks:
And drunk but not with wine. ‘Behold, it is I.’ ”
22 Thus says your Lord,
The Lord and your God, 7How beautiful upon the mountains
Who pleads the cause of His people: Are the feet of him who brings good
“ See, I have taken out of your hand news,
The cup of trembling,
The dregs of the cup of My fury; 51:23 aLiterally your soul
52:5 aDead Sea
You shall no longer drink it. Scrolls read Mock; Septuagint reads Marvel and
23 But I will put it into the hand of those wail; Targum reads Boast themselves; Vulgate
who afflict you, reads Treat them unjustly.
23-Isaiah.indd 919 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 52:8 920
Who proclaims peace, He has no form or comeliness;
Who brings glad tidings of good things, And when we see Him,
Who proclaims salvation, There is no beauty that we should
Who says to Zion, desire Him.
“ Your God reigns!” 3 He is despised and rejected by men,
8 Your watchmen shall lift up their A Man of sorrows and acquainted with
voices, grief.
With their voices they shall sing And we hid, as it were, our faces from
together; Him;
For they shall see eye to eye He was despised, and we did not
When the Lord brings back Zion. esteem Him.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together,
You waste places of Jerusalem! 4Surely He has borne our griefs
For the Lord has comforted His And carried our sorrows;
people, Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
He has redeemed Jerusalem. Smitten by God, and afflicted.
10 The Lord has made bare His holy arm 5 But He was wounded for our
In the eyes of all the nations; transgressions,
And all the ends of the earth shall see He was bruised for our iniquities;
The salvation of our God. The chastisement for our peace was
upon Him,
11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there,
And by His stripes we are healed.
Touch no unclean thing;
Go out from the midst of her,
Be clean, Sin
You who bear the vessels of the Lord. What happens to the sin of
12 For you shall not go out with haste,
Christians?
Nor go by flight;
Isaiah 53:6
For the Lord will go before you,
And the God of Israel will be your rear
guard. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own
The Sin-B earing Servant way;
13 Behold, My Servant shall deal And the Lord has laid on Him the
prudently; iniquity of us all.
He shall be exalted and extolled and
be very high. 7He was oppressed and He was
14 Just as many were astonished at you, afflicted,
So His visage was marred more than Yet He opened not His mouth;
any man, He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And His form more than the sons of And as a sheep before its shearers is
men; silent,
15 So shall He sprinklea many nations.
So He opened not His mouth.
Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; 8 He was taken from prison and from
For what had not been told them they judgment,
shall see, And who will declare His generation?
And what they had not heard they For He was cut off from the land of the
shall consider. living;
For the transgressions of My people
53
Who has believed our report? He was stricken.
And to whom has the arm of 9 And theya made His grave with the
the Lord been revealed? wicked—
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a
But with the rich at His death,
tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground. 52:15 aOr startle
53:9 aLiterally he or He
23-Isaiah.indd 920 2/14/12 12:02 PM
921 ISAIAH 54:11
Because He had done no violence, Neither be disgraced, for you will not
Nor was any deceit in His mouth. be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise youth,
Him; And will not remember the reproach
He has put Him to grief. of your widowhood anymore.
When You make His soul an offering 5 For your Maker is your husband,
for sin, The Lord of hosts is His name;
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong And your Redeemer is the Holy One
His days, of Israel;
And the pleasure of the Lord shall He is called the God of the whole
prosper in His hand. earth.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,a and 6 For the Lord has called you
be satisfied. Like a woman forsaken and grieved
By His knowledge My righteous in spirit,
Servant shall justify many, Like a youthful wife when you were
For He shall bear their iniquities. refused,”
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion
Says your God.
with the great, 7“ For a mere moment I have forsaken
And He shall divide the spoil with the you,
strong, But with great mercies I will gather
Because He poured out His soul unto you.
death, 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from
And He was numbered with the you for a moment;
transgressors, But with everlasting kindness I will
And He bore the sin of many, have mercy on you,”
And made intercession for the Says the Lord, your Redeemer.
transgressors.
9“ For this is like the waters of Noah
A Perpetual Covenant
to Me;
of Peace
For as I have sworn
54
“ Sing, O barren, That the waters of Noah would no
You who have not borne! longer cover the earth,
Break forth into singing, and So have I sworn
cry aloud, That I would not be angry with you,
You who have not labored with child! nor rebuke you.
For more are the children of the 10 For the mountains shall depart
desolate And the hills be removed,
Than the children of the married But My kindness shall not depart from
woman,” says the Lord. you,
2“ Enlarge the place of your tent,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be
And let them stretch out the curtains removed,”
of your dwellings; Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords, 11“ O you afflicted one,
And strengthen your stakes. Tossed with tempest, and not
3 For you shall expand to the right and
comforted,
to the left, Behold, I will lay your stones with
And your descendants will inherit the colorful gems,
nations, And lay your foundations with
And make the desolate cities sapphires.
inhabited.
53:11 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
4“ Do not fear, for you will not be Vulgate; Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint read
ashamed; From the labor of His soul He shall see light.
23-Isaiah.indd 921 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 54:12 922
12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies, 4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to
Your gates of crystal, the people,
And all your walls of precious stones. A leader and commander for the
13 All your children shall be taught by the people.
Lord, 5 Surely you shall call a nation you do
And great shall be the peace of your not know,
children. And nations who do not know you
14 In righteousness you shall be shall run to you,
established; Because of the Lord your God,
You shall be far from oppression, for And the Holy One of Israel;
you shall not fear; For He has glorified you.”
And from terror, for it shall not come
near you. 6Seek the Lord while He may be found,
15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but
Call upon Him while He is near.
not because of Me. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
Whoever assembles against you shall And the unrighteous man his
fall for your sake. thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
16“ Behold, I have created the blacksmith
And He will have mercy on him;
Who blows the coals in the fire, And to our God,
Who brings forth an instrument for For He will abundantly pardon.
his work;
And I have created the spoiler to 8“ For My thoughts are not your
destroy. thoughts,
17 No weapon formed against you shall
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the
prosper, Lord.
And every tongue which rises against 9“ For as the heavens are higher than the
you in judgment earth,
You shall condemn. So are My ways higher than your
This is the heritage of the servants of ways,
the Lord, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord. 10“ For as the rain comes down, and the
snow from heaven,
An Invitation to Abundant And do not return there,
Life But water the earth,
55
“ Ho! Everyone who thirsts, And make it bring forth and bud,
Come to the waters; That it may give seed to the sower
And you who have no money, And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk from My mouth;
Without money and without price. It shall not return to Me void,
2 Why do you spend money for what is But it shall accomplish what I please,
not bread, And it shall prosper in the thing for
And your wages for what does not which I sent it.
satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what 12“ For you shall go out with joy,
is good, And be led out with peace;
And let your soul delight itself in The mountains and the hills
abundance. Shall break forth into singing before
3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. you,
Hear, and your soul shall live; And all the trees of the field shall clap
And I will make an everlasting their hands.
covenant with you— 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the
The sure mercies of David. cypress tree,
23-Isaiah.indd 922 2/14/12 12:02 PM
923 ISAIAH 56:6
Promise
God promises to love you forever.
“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall
live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you—the
sure mercies of David” (Is. 55:3).
Can you imagine having someone be eternally loyal to
you, someone who will never leave you and will love you forever? For most of us,
even the thought of eternity blows our minds. We can’t even imagine being eighty
years old—much less living forever and ever and ever. God loves you so much that
He promises not only to let you live with Him forever but also to love you and be
loyal to you throughout eternity. That’s the ultimate friendship!
God has so much confidence in who you are, who He made you to be, that He
wants to spend forever with you. Even if every friend you ever had were to desert
you, He would still be there loving you. If you did something that cut off everyone
you knew, He would be loyal to you. God hasn’t committed Himself to you for the
length of your life, but for the length of His life—for all eternity.
See for yourself// Isaiah 49:15; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:35–39
And instead of the brier shall come up
the myrtle tree; Isaiah 56:4
And it shall be to the Lord for a name, The Old Testament Sabbath is the sev-
For an everlasting sign that shall not enth day of the week—Saturday, not
be cut off.” Sunday. God instructed His people to
set aside the seventh day of each week
Salvation for the Gentiles for Him. All forms of normal work
56
Thus says the Lord: were forbidden on the Sabbath. Only
acts of kindness, worship, and emer-
“ Keep justice, and do gency were allowed. Most Christians
righteousness, recognize Sunday as the Sabbath
For My salvation is about to come, because it was the day of the week
And My righteousness to be revealed. Jesus rose from death.
2 Blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who lays hold 5 Even to them I will give in My house
on it; And within My walls a place and a
Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, name
And keeps his hand from doing any Better than that of sons and
evil.” daughters;
3Do not let the son of the foreigner
I will give thema an everlasting name
That shall not be cut off.
Who has joined himself to the Lord
Speak, saying, 6“ Also the sons of the foreigner
“ The Lord has utterly separated me Who join themselves to the Lord, to
from His people”; serve Him,
Nor let the eunuch say, And to love the name of the Lord, to
“ Here I am, a dry tree.” be His servants—
4 For thus says the Lord:
Everyone who keeps from defiling the
“ To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbath,
Sabbaths, And holds fast My covenant—
And choose what pleases Me,
And hold fast My covenant, 56:5 aLiterally him
23-Isaiah.indd 923 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 56:7 924
7 Even them I will bring to My holy 4 Whom do you ridicule?
mountain, Against whom do you make a wide
And make them joyful in My house of mouth
prayer. And stick out the tongue?
Their burnt offerings and their Are you not children of transgression,
sacrifices Offspring of falsehood,
Will be accepted on My altar;
For My house shall be called a house of
prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 57:5
8 The Lord God, who gathers the Pagan religions in and around Israel
outcasts of Israel, says, built their temples of idol worship
“ Yet I will gather to him on hilltops or in groves of trees.
Others besides those who are gathered They practiced all kinds of sexual
to him.” perversion during their so-called
worship ceremonies. Some rituals
called for children to be sacrificed.
Israel’s Irresponsible Leaders God despised such pagan rituals and
specifically told the Israelites not to
9All you beasts of the field, come to
get involved in them.
devour,
All you beasts in the forest.
10 His watchmen are blind, 5 Inflaming yourselves with gods under
They are all ignorant; every green tree,
They are all dumb dogs, Slaying the children in the valleys,
They cannot bark; Under the clefts of the rocks?
Sleeping, lying down, loving to 6 Among the smooth stones of the
slumber. stream
11 Yes, they are greedy dogs Is your portion;
Which never have enough. They, they, are your lot!
And they are shepherds Even to them you have poured a drink
Who cannot understand; offering,
They all look to their own way, You have offered a grain offering.
Every one for his own gain, Should I receive comfort in these?
From his own territory.
12“ Come,” one says, “I will bring wine, 7“ On a lofty and high mountain
And we will fill ourselves with You have set your bed;
intoxicating drink; Even there you went up
Tomorrow will be as today, To offer sacrifice.
8 Also behind the doors and their posts
And much more abundant.”
You have set up your remembrance;
Israel’s Futile Idolatry For you have uncovered yourself to
those other than Me,
57
The righteous perishes,
And have gone up to them;
And no man takes it to heart;
You have enlarged your bed
Merciful men are taken away,
And made a covenant with them;
While no one considers
You have loved their bed,
That the righteous is taken away from
Where you saw their nudity.a
evil. 9 You went to the king with ointment,
2 He shall enter into peace;
And increased your perfumes;
They shall rest in their beds, You sent your messengers far off,
Each one walking in his uprightness. And even descended to Sheol.
10 You are wearied in the length of your
3“ But come here,
way;
You sons of the sorceress, Yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’
You offspring of the adulterer and the
harlot! 57:8 aLiterally hand, a euphemism
23-Isaiah.indd 924 2/14/12 12:02 PM
925 ISAIAH 58:6
You have found the life of your hand; Says the Lord,
Therefore you were not grieved. “ And I will heal him.”
20 But the wicked are like the troubled
11“ And of whom have you been afraid, or sea,
feared, When it cannot rest,
That you have lied Whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
And not remembered Me,
Nor taken it to your heart? 21“ There is no peace,”
Is it not because I have held My peace Says my God, “for the wicked.”
from of old
That you do not fear Me? Fasting that Pleases God
58
12 I will declare your righteousness
“ Cry aloud, spare not;
And your works, Lift up your voice like a
For they will not profit you. trumpet;
13 When you cry out,
Tell My people their transgression,
Let your collection of idols deliver you. And the house of Jacob their sins.
But the wind will carry them all away, 2 Yet they seek Me daily,
A breath will take them. And delight to know My ways,
But he who puts his trust in Me shall As a nation that did righteousness,
possess the land, And did not forsake the ordinance of
And shall inherit My holy mountain.” their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of
Healing for the Backslider
justice;
14 And one shall say,
They take delight in approaching God.
“ Heap it up! Heap it up!
Prepare the way,
Take the stumbling block out of the Hypocrisy
way of My people.” What kinds of actions show a
true, sincere faith?
15 For thus says the High and Lofty One
Isaiah 58:3–7
Who inhabits eternity, whose name
is Holy:
“ I dwell in the high and holy place, 3‘ Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You
With him who has a contrite and have not seen?
humble spirit, Why have we afflicted our souls, and
To revive the spirit of the humble, You take no notice?’
And to revive the heart of the contrite
ones. “ In fact, in the day of your fast you find
16 For I will not contend forever, pleasure,
Nor will I always be angry; And exploit all your laborers.
For the spirit would fail before Me, 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And the souls which I have made. And to strike with the fist of
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness wickedness.
I was angry and struck him; You will not fast as you do this day,
I hid and was angry, To make your voice heard on high.
And he went on backsliding in the way 5 Is it a fast that I have chosen,
of his heart. A day for a man to afflict his soul?
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; Is it to bow down his head like a
I will also lead him, bulrush,
And restore comforts to him And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
And to his mourners. Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the Lord?
19“ I create the fruit of the lips:
Peace, peace to him who is far off and 6“ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
to him who is near,” To loose the bonds of wickedness,
23-Isaiah.indd 925 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 58:7 926
To undo the heavy burdens, Nor finding your own pleasure,
To let the oppressed go free, Nor speaking your own words,
And that you break every yoke? 14 Then you shall delight yourself in the
7 Is it not to share your bread with the Lord;
hungry, And I will cause you to ride on the
And that you bring to your house the high hills of the earth,
poor who are cast out; And feed you with the heritage of
When you see the naked, that you Jacob your father.
cover him, The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
And not hide yourself from your own
flesh? Separated from God
59
8 Then your light shall break forth like
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not
the morning, shortened,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily, That it cannot save;
And your righteousness shall go before Nor His ear heavy,
you; That it cannot hear.
The glory of the Lord shall be your 2 But your iniquities have separated you
rear guard. from your God;
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will
And your sins have hidden His face
answer; from you,
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I So that He will not hear.
am.’ 3 For your hands are defiled with blood,
And your fingers with iniquity;
“ If you take away the yoke from your Your lips have spoken lies,
midst, Your tongue has muttered perversity.
The pointing of the finger, and
speaking wickedness, 4No one calls for justice,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
Nor does any plead for truth.
And satisfy the afflicted soul, They trust in empty words and speak
Then your light shall dawn in the lies;
darkness, They conceive evil and bring forth
And your darkness shall be as the iniquity.
noonday. 5 They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
spider’s web;
And satisfy your soul in drought, He who eats of their eggs dies,
And strengthen your bones; And from that which is crushed a viper
You shall be like a watered garden, breaks out.
And like a spring of water, whose
waters do not fail. 6Their webs will not become garments,
12 Those from among you Nor will they cover themselves with
Shall build the old waste places; their works;
You shall raise up the foundations of Their works are works of iniquity,
many generations; And the act of violence is in their
And you shall be called the Repairer of hands.
the Breach, 7 Their feet run to evil,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. And they make haste to shed innocent
blood;
13“ If you turn away your foot from the Their thoughts are thoughts of
Sabbath, iniquity;
From doing your pleasure on My holy Wasting and destruction are in their
day, paths.
And call the Sabbath a delight, 8 The way of peace they have not known,
The holy day of the Lord honorable, And there is no justice in their ways;
And shall honor Him, not doing your They have made themselves crooked
own ways, paths;
23-Isaiah.indd 926 2/14/12 12:02 PM
927 ISAIAH 60:5
Whoever takes that way shall not 18 According to their deeds, accordingly
know peace. He will repay,
Fury to His adversaries,
Sin Confessed Recompense to His enemies;
9Therefore justice is far from us, The coastlands He will fully repay.
19 So shall they fear
Nor does righteousness overtake us;
We look for light, but there is darkness! The name of the Lord from the west,
For brightness, but we walk in And His glory from the rising of the
blackness! sun;
10 We grope for the wall like the blind, When the enemy comes in like a
flood,
And we grope as if we had no eyes;
The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a
We stumble at noonday as at twilight;
standard against him.
We are as dead men in desolate places.
11 We all growl like bears,
20“ The Redeemer will come to Zion,
And moan sadly like doves;
And to those who turn from
We look for justice, but there is none;
transgression in Jacob,”
For salvation, but it is far from us.
12 For our transgressions are multiplied
Says the Lord.
before You, 21“As for Me,” says the Lord, “this is My
And our sins testify against us;
covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon
For our transgressions are with us, you, and My words which I have put in your
And as for our iniquities, we know mouth, shall not depart from your mouth,
them: nor from the mouth of your descendants,
13 In transgressing and lying against the
nor from the mouth of your descendants’
Lord, descendants,” says the Lord, “from this
And departing from our God, time and forevermore.”
Speaking oppression and revolt,
Conceiving and uttering from the The Gentiles Bless Zion
heart words of falsehood.
60
14 Justice is turned back, Arise, shine;
And righteousness stands afar off; For your light has come!
For truth is fallen in the street, And the glory of the Lord is
And equity cannot enter. risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover
15 So truth fails,
the earth,
And he who departs from evil makes
And deep darkness the people;
himself a prey.
But the Lord will arise over you,
The Redeemer of Zion And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,
Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased And kings to the brightness of your
Him rising.
That there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no man, 4“ Lift up your eyes all around, and see:
And wondered that there was no They all gather together, they come
intercessor; to you;
Therefore His own arm brought Your sons shall come from afar,
salvation for Him; And your daughters shall be nursed at
And His own righteousness, it your side.
sustained Him. 5 Then you shall see and become
17 For He put on righteousness as a radiant,
breastplate, And your heart shall swell with joy;
And a helmet of salvation on His head; Because the abundance of the sea
He put on the garments of vengeance shall be turned to you,
for clothing, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come
And was clad with zeal as a cloak. to you.
23-Isaiah.indd 927 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 60:6 928
6 The multitude of camels shall cover The cypress, the pine, and the box tree
your land, together,
The dromedaries of Midian and To beautify the place of My sanctuary;
Ephah; And I will make the place of My feet
All those from Sheba shall come; glorious.
They shall bring gold and incense, 14 Also the sons of those who afflicted
And they shall proclaim the praises of you
the Lord. Shall come bowing to you,
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be And all those who despised you shall
gathered together to you, fall prostrate at the soles of your
The rams of Nebaioth shall minister feet;
to you; And they shall call you The City of the
They shall ascend with acceptance on Lord,
My altar, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
And I will glorify the house of My glory.
15“ Whereas you have been forsaken and
8“ Who are these who fly like a cloud,
hated,
And like doves to their roosts? So that no one went through you,
9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me;
I will make you an eternal excellence,
And the ships of Tarshish will come A joy of many generations.
first, 16 You shall drink the milk of the
To bring your sons from afar, Gentiles,
Their silver and their gold with them, And milk the breast of kings;
To the name of the Lord your God, You shall know that I, the Lord, am
And to the Holy One of Israel, your Savior
Because He has glorified you. And your Redeemer, the Mighty One
of Jacob.
10“ The sons of foreigners shall build up
your walls, 17“ Instead of bronze I will bring gold,
And their kings shall minister to you; Instead of iron I will bring silver,
For in My wrath I struck you, Instead of wood, bronze,
But in My favor I have had mercy on And instead of stones, iron.
you. I will also make your officers peace,
And your magistrates righteousness.
18 Violence shall no longer be heard in
Isaiah 60:11 your land,
Many ancient cities were protected on Neither wasting nor destruction
all sides by enormous walls. The gates within your borders;
in those walls were always closed at But you shall call your walls Salvation,
night to keep out thieves and enemy And your gates Praise.
armies.
God the Glory of His People
11 Therefore your gates shall be open 19“ The sun shall no longer be your light
continually; by day,
They shall not be shut day or night, Nor for brightness shall the moon give
That men may bring to you the wealth light to you;
of the Gentiles, But the Lord will be to you an
And their kings in procession. everlasting light,
12 For the nation and kingdom which will And your God your glory.
20 Your sun shall no longer go down,
not serve you shall perish,
And those nations shall be utterly Nor shall your moon withdraw itself;
ruined. For the Lord will be your everlasting
light,
13“ The glory of Lebanon shall come to And the days of your mourning shall
you, be ended.
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929 ISAIAH 61:7
Making It Real //
Isaiah 61:1–3
Trees of Righteousness Throughout the Bible, trees symbolize people. So it makes
sense that the Bible says you have been planted by the Lord. Think of a farmer. Why does
he plant a crop? He plants so that the seeds will grow strong and eventually produce a
harvest for him. But he doesn’t just throw the seeds in a hole and hope they produce. He
takes care of them and does all he can to help them grow.
The Lord does the same thing with you. He plants you and gives you life. Then, as
you grow, He helps you and does all He can to make you strong. He helps your roots go
deep, so you won’t be easily destroyed. He gives you living water—the life and love of
Jesus. He gives you His Word—almost like a fertilizer—to help you be more than you
would be without it. Then, one day, you are part of His harvest. You are one of the people
who has produced well for Him and honored His name. (See also: Ps. 1:1–3; Jer. 17:7, 8;
24:6; Amos 9:15.)
Words to Live By
Righteousness: The word translated as “righteousness” in Isaiah 61:3 is the Hebrew
word tsedeq (tseh’-dek). It means “right” or “just.” Isaiah says the Lord’s people will be like
trees of righteousness. Not only will we be planted and nourished by God Himself, but He
will also make us righteous. Through His love and strength, we will be able to make the
right decisions and do the things that please Him.
21 Also your people shall all be righteous; The oil of joy for mourning,
They shall inherit the land forever, The garment of praise for the spirit of
The branch of My planting, heaviness;
The work of My hands, That they may be called trees of
That I may be glorified. righteousness,
22 A little one shall become a thousand,
The planting of the Lord, that He may
And a small one a strong nation. be glorified.”
I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.”
4And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
The Good News of Salvation They shall raise up the former
61
“ The Spirit of the Lord God is desolations,
upon Me, And they shall repair the ruined cities,
Because the Lord has The desolations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and feed your
anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor; flocks,
He has sent Me to heal the And the sons of the foreigner
brokenhearted, Shall be your plowmen and your
To proclaim liberty to the captives, vinedressers.
6 But you shall be named the priests of
And the opening of the prison to those
who are bound; the Lord,
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the They shall call you the servants of our
Lord, God.
And the day of vengeance of our You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
God; And in their glory you shall boast.
To comfort all who mourn, 7 Instead of your shame you shall have
3 To console those who mourn in double honor,
Zion, And instead of confusion they shall
To give them beauty for ashes, rejoice in their portion.
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World App
Human Trafficking / Isaiah 61:1
In America, when we hear the word slavery, we usually think of the
practice that was abolished in our country by President Abraham
Lincoln. But slavery is not just an institution of the past. Today, all
over the world, people are being bought and sold as slaves. Accord-
ing to the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Traffick-
ing (UN.GIFT), “An estimated 2.5 million people are in forced labour
(including sexual exploitation) at any given time as a result of
trafficking.”
It is an ugly and shameful fact that some people today have made
a huge and lucrative business out of buying and selling, or “traffick-
ing,” people. The life of a trafficking victim is one of despair and
danger; she (or he) faces abuse, threatening surroundings, and even
death. This problem seems overwhelming because it is worldwide
and incredibly difficult to track, much less stop. But there is hope.
Law enforcement agencies all over the world are combatting the
massive crime as best they can. But there’s more to be done.
You may feel helpless when confronted with such rampant evil.
But you can help. Ministries have been started by concerned
Christians seeking to do their part to end human trafficking. You
can commit to take the time to research this issue and find a trust-
worthy ministry to support. You can pray fervently for those victims
all over the world who are living as slaves.
In Luke 4:18, 19, Jesus read from the Scriptures, proclaiming a
prophetic message of liberty: “He has sent Me to heal the broken-
hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to those who are bound” (Is. 61:1). We serve the God of lib-
erty! As the body of Christ on earth, we can stand together for justice
and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. We can act as
one body with faith, determination, and God-given courage, until
we see the last slave freed.
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931 ISAIAH 62:4
Making It Real //
Isaiah 62:3
Crown of Glory As Christians, we often talk about the things God gives us—hope,
peace, forgiveness—everything we need, really. And it’s good to think about all the good
stuff God has given us and to say thanks.
But have you ever thought about it from the other side? Jesus left the greatest place
you can imagine (heaven) to spend years on planet Earth. And He didn’t exactly get the
royal treatment while He was here. But He came willingly and gave His life for us. We
know the amazing blessings we get from what He did. But what is His reward?
You are His reward. You are what He wants for His trouble. You are His crown—
which means your relationship with Him brings Him glory. After everything He gave up
to make that happen, He deserves His crown—He deserves you. Let Him have more of
your life every day. (See also: Rev. 14:14.)
Words to Live By
Glory: The word translated as “glory” in Isaiah 62:3 is the Hebrew word tipharah
(tif-aw-raw). It also means “beauty” or “honor” or “majesty.” Isn’t it amazing that the Lord
sees you as something so beautiful as to bring Him honor and show His majesty to the
world?
Therefore in their land they shall As the garden causes the things that
possess double; are sown in it to spring forth,
Everlasting joy shall be theirs. So the Lord God will cause
righteousness and praise to
8“ For I, the Lord, love justice; spring forth before all the
I hate robbery for burnt offering; nations.
I will direct their work in truth,
And will make with them an Assurance of Zion’s
everlasting covenant. Salvation
62
9 Their descendants shall be known
For Zion’s sake I will not hold
among the Gentiles, My peace,
And their offspring among the And for Jerusalem’s sake I will
people. not rest,
All who see them shall acknowledge Until her righteousness goes forth as
them, brightness,
That they are the posterity whom the And her salvation as a lamp that
Lord has blessed.” burns.
2 The Gentiles shall see your
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
righteousness,
My soul shall be joyful in my God; And all kings your glory.
For He has clothed me with the You shall be called by a new name,
garments of salvation, Which the mouth of the Lord will
He has covered me with the robe of name.
righteousness, 3 You shall also be a crown of glory
As a bridegroom decks himself with In the hand of the Lord,
ornaments, And a royal diadem
And as a bride adorns herself with her In the hand of your God.
jewels. 4 You shall no longer be termed
11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, Forsaken,
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ISAIAH 62:5 932
Nor shall your land any more be ‘Surely your salvation is coming;
termed Desolate; Behold, His reward is with Him,
But you shall be called Hephzibah,a And His work before Him.’ ”
and your land Beulah;b 12 And they shall call them The Holy
For the Lord delights in you, People,
And your land shall be married. The Redeemed of the Lord;
And you shall be called Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.
Joy
Does God find joy in His The L ord in Judgment
people? and Salvation
63
Isaiah 62:5 Who is this who comes from
Edom,
With dyed garments from
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
Bozrah,
So shall your sons marry you; This One who is glorious in His apparel,
And as the bridegroom rejoices over Traveling in the greatness of His
the bride, strength?—
So shall your God rejoice over you.
“I who speak in righteousness, mighty
6I have set watchmen on your walls,
to save.”
O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day
or night. Isaiah 63:2
You who make mention of the Lord, In ancient times, people who pressed
do not keep silent, grapes for a living literally stomped
7 And give Him no rest till He on the grapes with their bare feet to
establishes make juice. These vineyard workers
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise developed permanent stains on their
in the earth. legs and clothes.
8The Lord has sworn by His right hand
2 Why is Your apparel red,
And by the arm of His strength:
And Your garments like one who
“ Surely I will no longer give your grain
treads in the winepress?
As food for your enemies;
And the sons of the foreigner shall not 3“ I have trodden the winepress alone,
drink your new wine,
And from the peoples no one was
For which you have labored.
9 But those who have gathered it shall with Me.
For I have trodden them in My anger,
eat it,
And trampled them in My fury;
And praise the Lord;
Their blood is sprinkled upon My
Those who have brought it together
garments,
shall drink it in My holy courts.”
And I have stained all My robes.
4 For the day of vengeance is in My
10 Go through,
heart,
Go through the gates! And the year of My redeemed has
Prepare the way for the people; come.
Build up, 5 I looked, but there was no one to help,
Build up the highway! And I wondered
Take out the stones, That there was no one to uphold;
Lift up a banner for the peoples! Therefore My own arm brought
11 Indeed the Lord has proclaimed
salvation for Me;
To the end of the world: 62:4 aLiterally My Delight Is in Her
bLiterally
“ Say to the daughter of Zion, Married
23-Isaiah.indd 932 2/14/12 12:02 PM
933 ISAIAH 64:3
And My own fury, it sustained Me. To make for Himself an everlasting
6 I have trodden down the peoples in name,
My anger, 13 Who led them through the deep,
Made them drunk in My fury, As a horse in the wilderness,
And brought down their strength to That they might not stumble?”
the earth.”
14 As a beast goes down into the valley,
And the Spirit of the Lord causes him
Mercy to rest,
Is there a limit to God’s So You lead Your people,
mercy? To make Yourself a glorious name.
Isaiah 63:7 A Prayer of Penitence
15 Look down from heaven,
God’s Mercy Remembered And see from Your habitation, holy
and glorious.
7I will mention the lovingkindnesses of
Where are Your zeal and Your
the Lord strength,
And the praises of the Lord, The yearning of Your heart and Your
According to all that the Lord has mercies toward me?
bestowed on us, Are they restrained?
And the great goodness toward the 16 Doubtless You are our Father,
house of Israel, Though Abraham was ignorant of us,
Which He has bestowed on them And Israel does not acknowledge us.
according to His mercies, You, O Lord, are our Father;
According to the multitude of His Our Redeemer from Everlasting is
lovingkindnesses. Your name.
8 For He said, “Surely they are My 17 O Lord, why have You made us stray
people, from Your ways,
Children who will not lie.” And hardened our heart from Your
So He became their Savior. fear?
9 In all their affliction He was afflicted,
Return for Your servants’ sake,
And the Angel of His Presence saved The tribes of Your inheritance.
them; 18 Your holy people have possessed it but
In His love and in His pity He a little while;
redeemed them; Our adversaries have trodden down
And He bore them and carried them Your sanctuary.
All the days of old. 19 We have become like those of old, over
10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy
whom You never ruled,
Spirit; Those who were never called by Your
So He turned Himself against them as name.
an enemy,
64
And He fought against them. Oh, that You would rend the
heavens!
11 Then he remembered the days of old, That You would come down!
Moses and his people, saying: That the mountains might shake at
“ Where is He who brought them up out Your presence—
of the sea 2 As fire burns brushwood,
With the shepherd of His flock? As fire causes water to boil—
Where is He who put His Holy Spirit To make Your name known to Your
within them, adversaries,
12 Who led them by the right hand of That the nations may tremble at Your
Moses, presence!
With His glorious arm, 3 When You did awesome things for
Dividing the water before them which we did not look,
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ISAIAH 64:4 934
Making It Real //
Isaiah 64:8
Becoming God makes you who you are. He gave you the talents you were born with.
Your personality came from Him, too. He uses all the things that happen to you to help
you become the person He wants you to be. He also gives you discipline and a lot of
gentle leading.
But God wants your cooperation. If you won’t listen to Him or if you’re always com-
plaining every time your life isn’t going the way you planned, then it’s going to take a long
time for you to change. But if you let Him do what He needs to do, the change will come
more quickly.
That’s the key—let Him do it. You can become more patient, more loving, or more
thoughtful only by letting God change the way you think (Rom. 12:2). You can decide to
change your actions (“I will not yell, I will not yell, I will not yell”), but unless you change
on the inside, the outside changes won’t last. Ask God to make the real changes, to mold
you into the person He created you to be. That’s His job. (See also: Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 4:10.)
Words to Live By
Potter: The word translated as “potter” in Isaiah 64:8 is the Hebrew word yatsar
(yaw-tsar). It means “to mold into a form.” That’s exactly what a potter does. He takes the
clay and uses his own hands to shape and mold it into a beautiful creation. Isaiah tells us
that God is our potter and we are His clay. Always let yourself be moldable clay in His
hands as He molds you into the amazing person He has designed you to become.
You came down, Who stirs himself up to take hold of
The mountains shook at Your You;
presence. For You have hidden Your face from us,
4 For since the beginning of the world And have consumed us because of our
Men have not heard nor perceived by iniquities.
the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides 8But now, O Lord,
You, You are our Father;
Who acts for the one who waits for We are the clay, and You our potter;
Him. And all we are the work of Your hand.
5 You meet him who rejoices and does 9 Do not be furious, O Lord,
righteousness, Nor remember iniquity forever;
Who remembers You in Your ways. Indeed, please look—we all are Your
You are indeed angry, for we have people!
sinned— 10 Your holy cities are a wilderness,
In these ways we continue; Zion is a wilderness,
And we need to be saved. Jerusalem a desolation.
11 Our holy and beautiful temple,
6But we are all like an unclean thing, Where our fathers praised You,
And all our righteousnesses are like Is burned up with fire;
filthy rags; And all our pleasant things are laid
We all fade as a leaf, waste.
And our iniquities, like the wind, 12 Will You restrain Yourself because of
Have taken us away. these things, O Lord?
7 And there is no one who calls on Your Will You hold Your peace, and afflict
name, us very severely?
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935 ISAIAH 65:16
The Righteousness of God’s And one says, ‘Do not destroy it,
Judgment For a blessing is in it,’
65
“ I was sought by those who did So will I do for My servants’ sake,
not ask for Me; That I may not destroy them all.
9 I will bring forth descendants from
I was found by those who did
not seek Me. Jacob,
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ And from Judah an heir of My
To a nation that was not called by My mountains;
name. My elect shall inherit it,
2 I have stretched out My hands all day And My servants shall dwell there.
10 Sharon shall be a fold of flocks,
long to a rebellious people,
Who walk in a way that is not good, And the Valley of Achor a place for
According to their own thoughts; herds to lie down,
3 A people who provoke Me to anger For My people who have sought Me.
continually to My face;
11“ But you are those who forsake the
Who sacrifice in gardens,
And burn incense on altars of brick; Lord,
Who forget My holy mountain,
Who prepare a table for Gad,a
Isaiah 65:4 And who furnish a drink offering for
There were certain foods that God did Meni.b
12 Therefore I will number you for the
not want His people to eat. Pork was
one of them. Shellfish was another. sword,
Not only did the Israelites not eat And you shall all bow down to the
these foods themselves; they were slaughter;
disgusted by anyone who did. Because, when I called, you did not
answer;
When I spoke, you did not hear,
4 Who sit among the graves,
But did evil before My eyes,
And spend the night in the tombs; And chose that in which I do not
Who eat swine’s flesh, delight.”
And the broth of abominable things is
in their vessels; 13Therefore thus says the Lord God:
5 Who say, ‘Keep to yourself,
Do not come near me, “ Behold, My servants shall eat,
For I am holier than you!’ But you shall be hungry;
These are smoke in My nostrils, Behold, My servants shall drink,
A fire that burns all the day. But you shall be thirsty;
Behold, My servants shall rejoice,
6“ Behold, it is written before Me:
But you shall be ashamed;
I will not keep silence, but will repay— 14 Behold, My servants shall sing for joy
Even repay into their bosom— of heart,
7 Your iniquities and the iniquities of
But you shall cry for sorrow of heart,
your fathers together,” And wail for grief of spirit.
Says the Lord, 15 You shall leave your name as a curse to
“ Who have burned incense on the My chosen;
mountains For the Lord God will slay you,
And blasphemed Me on the hills; And call His servants by another
Therefore I will measure their former name;
work into their bosom.” 16 So that he who blesses himself in the
earth
8Thus says the Lord:
Shall bless himself in the God of truth;
“ As the new wine is found in the 65:11 aLiterally Troop or Fortune, a pagan deity
cluster, bLiterally Number or Destiny, a pagan deity
23-Isaiah.indd 935 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 65:17 936
Promise
God promises to answer your prayers.
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and
while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Is. 65:24).
Your best friend is lying in a hospital bed. She was in a
car wreck over the weekend and the doctors have said she
probably won’t live through the night. You remember when your parents used to
make you go to Sunday school. You remember God. You pray, for the first time in
years, and beg God to let your friend live. He does.
Do you believe God answers your prayers? Not because you think you’re
supposed to, but because you really believe it? When you pray, do you just hope
your prayer makes it all the way up to heaven, or do you know in your heart that
God is listening to you?
God says He will answer your prayers before you even get through praying. Now
that is awesome! He knows you so well that He gets to work on your request before
it even gets out of your mouth. Remember, God may not always agree that what
you want is what’s best. He is totally wise, and He knows exactly what needs to
happen at all times, so you need to trust Him to make the right move at the right
time. All you need to do is know God’s will (you can find it in His Word—the Bible),
and trust Him to send the right answer. He may say yes, no, or not yet, but He will
answer whenever you pray. Regardless of His answer, isn’t it amazing that He
always hears you and goes to work before you finish praying?
See for yourself// Deuteronomy 4:5–8; Job 22:27, 28; Psalms 28:6; 91:15
And he who swears in the earth Nor an old man who has not fulfilled
Shall swear by the God of truth; his days;
Because the former troubles are For the child shall die one hundred
forgotten, years old,
And because they are hidden from My But the sinner being one hundred
eyes. years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit
The Glorious New Creation them;
17“ For behold, I create new heavens and a They shall plant vineyards and eat
new earth; their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another
And the former shall not be
remembered or come to mind. inhabit;
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what They shall not plant and another eat;
I create; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the
For behold, I create Jerusalem as a days of My people,
rejoicing, And My elect shall long enjoy the work
And her people a joy. of their hands.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, 23 They shall not labor in vain,
And joy in My people; Nor bring forth children for trouble;
The voice of weeping shall no longer For they shall be the descendants of
be heard in her, the blessed of the Lord,
Nor the voice of crying. And their offspring with them.
20“ No more shall an infant from there live 24“ It shall come to pass
but a few days, That before they call, I will answer;
23-Isaiah.indd 936 2/14/12 12:02 PM
937 ISAIAH 66:13
And while they are still speaking, I will The L ord Vindicates Zion
hear. 5Hear the word of the Lord,
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed
You who tremble at His word:
together,
“ Your brethren who hated you,
The lion shall eat straw like the ox,
Who cast you out for My name’s sake,
And dust shall be the serpent’s food.
said,
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all
‘Let the Lord be glorified,
My holy mountain,”
That we may see your joy.’
Says the Lord.
But they shall be ashamed.”
True Worship and False 6The sound of noise from the city!
66
Thus says the Lord: A voice from the temple!
The voice of the Lord,
“Heaven is My throne, Who fully repays His enemies!
And earth is My footstool.
7“ Before she was in labor, she gave
Where is the house that you will
build Me? birth;
And where is the place of My rest? Before her pain came,
She delivered a male child.
8 Who has heard such a thing?
Worship Who has seen such things?
How should we respond to Shall the earth be made to give birth in
God? one day?
Isaiah 66:2 Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.
2 For all those things My hand has 9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and
made, not cause delivery?” says the
And all those things exist,” Lord.
Says the Lord. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the
“ But on this one will I look: womb? ” says your God.
On him who is poor and of a contrite 10“ Rejoice with Jerusalem,
spirit, And be glad with her, all you who love
And who trembles at My word. her;
Rejoice for joy with her, all you who
3“ He who kills a bull is as if he slays a mourn for her;
man; 11 That you may feed and be satisfied
He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he With the consolation of her bosom,
breaks a dog’s neck; That you may drink deeply and be
He who offers a grain offering, as if he delighted
offers swine’s blood; With the abundance of her glory.”
He who burns incense, as if he blesses
an idol. 12For thus says the Lord:
Just as they have chosen their own
ways, “ Behold, I will extend peace to her like
And their soul delights in their a river,
abominations, And the glory of the Gentiles like a
4 So will I choose their delusions, flowing stream.
And bring their fears on them; Then you shall feed;
Because, when I called, no one On her sides shall you be carried,
answered, And be dandled on her knees.
When I spoke they did not hear; 13 As one whom his mother comforts,
But they did evil before My eyes, So I will comfort you;
And chose that in which I do not And you shall be comforted in
delight.” Jerusalem.”
23-Isaiah.indd 937 2/14/12 12:02 PM
ISAIAH 66:14 938
The Reign and Indignation Pula and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal
of God and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who
14 When you see this, your heart shall have not heard My fame nor seen My glory.
rejoice, And they shall declare My glory among the
And your bones shall flourish like Gentiles. 20Then they shall bring all your
grass; brethren for an offering to the Lord out of
The hand of the Lord shall be known all nations, on horses and in chariots and
in litters, on mules and on camels, to My
to His servants,
holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord,
And His indignation to His enemies.
15 For behold, the Lord will come with “as the children of Israel bring an offer-
ing in a clean vessel into the house of the
fire
Lord. 21And I will also take some of them
And with His chariots, like a
for priests and Levites,” says the Lord.
whirlwind,
To render His anger with fury, 22“ For as the new heavens and the new
And His rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire and by His sword earth
Which I will make shall remain before
The Lord will judge all flesh;
Me,” says the Lord,
And the slain of the Lord shall be
“ So shall your descendants and your
many.
name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass
17“ Those who sanctify themselves and
That from one New Moon to another,
purify themselves,
And from one Sabbath to another,
To go to the gardens
All flesh shall come to worship before
After an idol in the midst,
Me,” says the Lord.
Eating swine’s flesh and the
abomination and the mouse, 24“ And they shall go forth and look
Shall be consumed together,” says the Upon the corpses of the men
Lord. Who have transgressed against Me.
18“For I know their works and their
For their worm does not die,
And their fire is not quenched.
thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all They shall be an abhorrence to all
nations and tongues; and they shall come flesh.”
and see My glory. 19I will set a sign among
them; and those among them who escape 66:19 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Targum;
I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Septuagint reads Put (compare Jeremiah 46:9).
23-Isaiah.indd 938 2/14/12 12:02 PM
Jeremiah
Date of writing: 626–586 B.C.
Author: The Prophet Jeremiah
Theme: Failure to Repent Will Lead to Destruction
Purpose: It is wise to heed God’s warnings and
honor His messengers.
Outline
1:1–19 ������������������God Chooses Jeremiah to Speak for Him
2:1—26:24 �����������God Will Punish the People of Judah and Jerusalem
27:1—29:32 ��������Jeremiah Against the Lying Prophets
30:1—33:26 ��������God Will Someday Bring His People Back to Their
Land
34:1—38:28 ��������Scenes from Jeremiah’s Ministry
39:1—42:22 ��������The Fall of Jerusalem and Later Events in Judah
43:1—44:30 ��������Jeremiah in Egypt
45:1–5 ������������������A Message for Baruch
46:1—51:64 ��������The Lord Speaks About the Nations
52:1–34 ����������������Another Account of the Fall of Jerusalem
Key Verse:
“Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My
people” (Jeremiah 7:23).
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Then /// Jeremiah was not what you would call a diplomat. He didn’t
spend a lot of energy trying to find the softest way to say something. He just
blurted out the truth and let his listeners deal with it in whatever way they
wanted to. Because of this he wasn’t a particularly loved prophet.
He wasn’t a particularly happy prophet either; he is actually called the “weeping
prophet.” Jeremiah’s heart was broken over the sin of his people. He knew that, if they
didn’t stay strong spiritually, they would eventually lose everything. He kept telling them,
but they didn’t listen. Jeremiah knew his people would eventually be destroyed because of
their sin. His tears showed his people a picture of how God felt about their lifestyle.
Now /// The Book of Jeremiah is really about consequences.
Jeremiah’s people were living their lives as if God didn’t matter at all. As a
result, when they needed God’s protection they didn’t get it. Eventually they
were taken away like prisoners to a foreign country. They lost everything. How’s that for
consequences?
We deal with consequences, too. When we live our lives the way God wants us to, it’s
easier to find His guidance and direction. But if we live our lives as if God doesn’t matter,
then we don’t even recognize His voice when He gives us direction. If we disregard God
long enough, we could reach a point where we don’t recognize His help at all. We might
not become exiles, but we’ll be alone just the same.
Reality Check /// Jeremiah said some pretty harsh things to
his people. I’m sure those things were hard for them to hear. But Jeremiah
loved them so much that he didn’t want them to suffer trouble and
difficulty because they refused to live their lives in the right way. God knew how deep
Jeremiah’s love was, so He spoke to Jeremiah and told him how to warn his people of the
consequences of their sinful behavior.
We, too, may hear harsh words regarding our behavior. Sometimes it’s difficult to hear
when those who love us warn us about the possible consequences of our poor choices.
Although we may not like what we hear at those times, we would be wise to really listen
and act on the good advice we’re given. Just as Jeremiah tried to warn his people, so those
who love us just may be able to warn us before disaster strikes.
1
The words of Jeremiah the son of I ordained you a prophet to the
Hilkiah, of the priests who were in nations.”
Anathoth in the land of Benjamin,
2to whom the word of the Lord came in 6Then said I:
the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of
Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3It “ Ah, Lord God!
came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a
of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the youth.”
eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, 7But the Lord said to me:
king of Judah, until the carrying away of Je-
rusalem captive in the fifth month.
“ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
The Prophet Is Called For you shall go to all to whom I send
you,
4Then the word of the Lord came to me,
saying:
Abortion
5“ Before I formed you in the womb I What does God know about
knew you; us before we’re born?
Before you were born I sanctified Jeremiah 1:5
you;
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941 JEREMIAH
Profile
Jeremiah
Our image of Old Testament prophets can make it difficult to imagine what they were like
as kids. Did they thunder judgment as five-year-olds? Were they prematurely bearded?
The Bible (as usual) has a way of correcting our impressions. Prophets came in all shapes
and sizes. They were real people with real lives and, usually, just as normal as we are.
Often, being called as God’s prophet was just as much a shock to them as it would be to
us. Jeremiah was probably typical.
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, Jeremiah responded that he was insecure
and inexperienced. He believed he couldn’t speak, and he claimed he was too young. God
didn’t tell Jeremiah he was wrong. In fact, God agreed with Jeremiah. The newly-appointed
prophet was a tongue-tied beginner.
God told Jeremiah to stop thinking of his own inabilities and to start thinking about
how God was going to make up for his obvious weaknesses. God gave Jeremiah three
unforgettable promises as part of his commission. These promises are recorded in the
Book of Jeremiah: 1) God’s guidance (1:7); 2) God’s words (1:7); 3) God’s companionship
(1:8). God also gave Jeremiah three commands: 1) Don’t use your youth as an excuse (1:7);
2) Go where I send you (1:7); 3) Don’t be afraid (1:8).
Jeremiah didn’t have an easy life (he is sometimes called “the weeping prophet”). He
may have been the least popular prophet: he spent time in prison; some of his writings
were burned; he was even dropped in the bottom of a well. But God kept His promises. We
know Jeremiah was always aware that God was with him—leading him, guiding him, and
speaking to him. No matter where Jeremiah was or what he was doing, his conversation
with God was never-ending. He complained to God constantly!
One of the ways Jeremiah made a difference was by living a faith that expressed
reality—he shared his heart and real feelings with God. Jeremiah didn’t edit his prayers. He
didn’t tell God what he thought God wanted to hear. He admitted to God what God
already knew. Honest prayer changes the person who prays.
+ Making a Difference:
God knows you inside out because He designed you. Like Jeremiah, you will discover that
the more you are open to God’s direction, the more you will find God using both your
abilities and your inabilities to accomplish His purposes. God will make a difference
through you. He will use you just as you are, regardless of your weaknesses. He will make a
difference in you as He is making a difference through you. As God told Jeremiah, “I am
with you to deliver you” (Jer. 1:8).
Want to know more?
You can read about Jeremiah’s life in the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations.
Even with all his weaknesses, Jeremiah was obedient to God and made a
real difference. You can, too!
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JEREMIAH 1:8 942
And whatever I command you, you Do not be dismayed before their faces,
shall speak. Lest I dismay you before them.
8 Do not be afraid of their faces, 18 For behold, I have made you this day
For I am with you to deliver you,” says A fortified city and an iron pillar,
the Lord. And bronze walls against the whole
land—
9Then the Lord put forth His hand and Against the kings of Judah,
touched my mouth, and the Lord said Against its princes,
to me: Against its priests,
And against the people of the land.
“ Behold, I have put My words in your 19 They will fight against you,
mouth. But they shall not prevail against you.
10 See, I have this day set you over the For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to
nations and over the kingdoms, deliver you.”
To root out and to pull down,
To destroy and to throw down, God’s Case Against Israel
2
To build and to plant.” Moreover the word of the Lord
came to me, saying, 2“ Go and cry
11Moreover the word of the Lord came
in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying,
to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” ‘Thus says the Lord:
And I said, “I see a branch of an almond
tree.” “ I remember you,
12Then the Lord said to me, “You have
The kindness of your youth,
seen well, for I am ready to perform My The love of your betrothal,
word.” When you went after Me in the
13And the word of the Lord came to
wilderness,
me the second time, saying, “What do you In a land not sown.
see?” 3 Israel was holiness to the Lord,
And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and it is The firstfruits of His increase.
facing away from the north.” All that devour him will offend;
14Then the Lord said to me:
Disaster will come upon them,” says
the Lord.’ ”
“ Out of the north calamity shall break
forth 4Hear the word of the Lord, O house of
On all the inhabitants of the land. Jacob and all the families of the house of
15 For behold, I am calling
Israel. 5Thus says the Lord:
All the families of the kingdoms of the
north,” says the Lord; “ What injustice have your fathers
“ They shall come and each one set his found in Me,
throne That they have gone far from Me,
At the entrance of the gates of Have followed idols,
Jerusalem, And have become idolaters?
Against all its walls all around, 6 Neither did they say, ‘Where is the
And against all the cities of Judah. Lord,
16 I will utter My judgments Who brought us up out of the land of
Against them concerning all their Egypt,
wickedness, Who led us through the wilderness,
Because they have forsaken Me, Through a land of deserts and pits,
Burned incense to other gods, Through a land of drought and the
And worshiped the works of their own shadow of death,
hands. Through a land that no one crossed
And where no one dwelt?’
17“ Therefore prepare yourself and arise, 7 I brought you into a bountiful
And speak to them all that I command country,
you. To eat its fruit and its goodness.
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943 JEREMIAH 2:26
But when you entered, you defiled My Or why take the road to Assyria,
land To drink the waters of the River?a
And made My heritage an 19 Your own wickedness will correct you,
abomination. And your backslidings will rebuke you.
8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Know therefore and see that it is an
Lord?’ evil and bitter thing
And those who handle the law did not That you have forsaken the Lord your
know Me; God,
The rulers also transgressed And the fear of Me is not in you,”
against Me; Says the Lord God of hosts.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,
20“ For of old I have broken your yoke and
And walked after things that do not
profit. burst your bonds;
And you said, ‘I will not transgress,’
9“ Therefore I will yet bring charges When on every high hill and under
against you,” says the Lord, every green tree
“ And against your children’s children I You lay down, playing the harlot.
21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a
will bring charges.
10 For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprusa seed of highest quality.
and see, How then have you turned before Me
Send to Kedarb and consider diligently, Into the degenerate plant of an alien
And see if there has been such a thing. vine?
11 Has a nation changed its gods, 22 For though you wash yourself with lye,
Which are not gods? and use much soap,
But My people have changed their Yet your iniquity is marked before Me,”
Glory says the Lord God.
For what does not profit. 23“ How can you say, ‘I am not polluted,
12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this,
And be horribly afraid; I have not gone after the Baals’?
Be very desolate,” says the Lord. See your way in the valley;
13“ For My people have committed two Know what you have done:
evils: You are a swift dromedary breaking
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of loose in her ways,
24 A wild donkey used to the wilderness,
living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns— That sniffs at the wind in her desire;
broken cisterns that can hold no In her time of mating, who can turn
water. her away?
All those who seek her will not weary
14“ Is Israel a servant? themselves;
Is he a homeborn slave? In her month they will find her.
25 Withhold your foot from being
Why is he plundered?
15 The young lions roared at him, and unshod, and your throat from
thirst.
growled;
But you said, ‘There is no hope.
They made his land waste;
No! For I have loved aliens, and after
His cities are burned, without
them I will go.’
inhabitant.
16 Also the people of Nopha and
26“ As the thief is ashamed when he is
Tahpanhes
found out,
Have broken the crown of your head.
17 Have you not brought this on yourself, So is the house of Israel ashamed;
In that you have forsaken the Lord 2:10 aHebrew Kittim, western lands, especially
your God Cyprus bIn the northern Arabian desert,
When He led you in the way? representative of the eastern cultures
18 And now why take the road to Egypt, 2:16 aThat is, Memphis in ancient Egypt
To drink the waters of Sihor? 2:18 aThat is, the Euphrates
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JEREMIAH 2:27 944
They and their kings and their princes, Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as
and their priests and their you were ashamed of Assyria.
prophets, 37 Indeed you will go forth from him
27 Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ With your hands on your head;
And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ For the Lord has rejected your trusted
For they have turned their back to Me, allies,
and not their face. And you will not prosper by them.
But in the time of their trouble
They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ Israel Is Shameless
3
28 But where are your gods that you have
“ They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife,
made for yourselves? And she goes from him
Let them arise, And becomes another man’s,
If they can save you in the time of your May he return to her again?’
trouble; Would not that land be greatly
For according to the number of your polluted?
cities But you have played the harlot with
Are your gods, O Judah. many lovers;
Yet return to Me,” says the Lord.
29“ Why will you plead with Me?
You all have transgressed against Me,” 2“ Lift up your eyes to the desolate
says the Lord. heights and see:
30“ In vain I have chastened your Where have you not lain with men?
children; By the road you have sat for them
They received no correction. Like an Arabian in the wilderness;
Your sword has devoured your And you have polluted the land
prophets With your harlotries and your
Like a destroying lion. wickedness.
3 Therefore the showers have been
31“ O generation, see the word of the withheld,
Lord! And there has been no latter rain.
Have I been a wilderness to Israel, You have had a harlot’s forehead;
Or a land of darkness? You refuse to be ashamed.
Why do My people say, ‘We are lords; 4 Will you not from this time cry to Me,
We will come no more to You’? ‘My Father, You are the guide of my
32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, youth?
Or a bride her attire? 5 Will He remain angry forever?
Yet My people have forgotten Me days Will He keep it to the end?’
without number. Behold, you have spoken and done evil
things,
33“ Why do you beautify your way to seek As you were able.”
love?
Therefore you have also taught A Call to Repentance
The wicked women your ways. 6The Lord said also to me in the days of
34 Also on your skirts is found Josiah the king: “Have you seen what back-
The blood of the lives of the poor sliding Israel has done? She has gone up
innocents. on every high mountain and under every
I have not found it by secret search, green tree, and there played the harlot.
But plainly on all these things. 7And I said, after she had done all these
35 Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, things, ‘Return to Me.’ But she did not re-
Surely His anger shall turn from me.’ turn. And her treacherous sister Judah saw
Behold, I will plead My case against it. 8Then I saw that for all the causes for
you, which backsliding Israel had committed
Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ adultery, I had put her away and given her
36 Why do you gad about so much to a certificate of divorce; yet her treacher-
change your way? ous sister Judah did not fear, but went and
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945 JEREMIAH 4:2
played the harlot also. 9So
it came to pass, A beautiful heritage of the hosts of
through her casual harlotry, that she de- nations?’
filed the land and committed adultery with
stones and trees. 10And yet for all this her “And I said:
treacherous sister Judah has not turned to
Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” ‘ You shall call Me, “My Father,”
says the Lord. And not turn away from Me.’
11Then the Lord said to me, “Backslid- 20 Surely, as a wife treacherously departs
ing Israel has shown herself more righ- from her husband,
teous than treacherous Judah. 12Go and So have you dealt treacherously
proclaim these words toward the north, with Me,
and say: O house of Israel,” says the Lord.
‘ Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the 21 A voice was heard on the desolate
Lord; heights,
‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. Weeping and supplications of the
For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; children of Israel.
‘I will not remain angry forever. For they have perverted their way;
13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, They have forgotten the Lord their
That you have transgressed against the God.
Lord your God,
And have scattered your charms 22“ Return, you backsliding children,
To alien deities under every green tree, And I will heal your backslidings.”
And you have not obeyed My voice,’
says the Lord. “ Indeed we do come to You,
For You are the Lord our God.
14“Return, O backsliding children,” says 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for
the Lord; “for I am married to you. I will from the hills,
take you, one from a city and two from a And from the multitude of
family, and I will bring you to Zion. 15And mountains;
I will give you shepherds according to My Truly, in the Lord our God
heart, who will feed you with knowledge Is the salvation of Israel.
and understanding. 24 For shame has devoured
16“Then it shall come to pass, when you The labor of our fathers from our
are multiplied and increased in the land in youth—
those days,” says the Lord, “that they will Their flocks and their herds,
say no more, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Their sons and their daughters.
Lord.’ It shall not come to mind, nor shall 25 We lie down in our shame,
they remember it, nor shall they visit it, nor And our reproach covers us.
shall it be made anymore. For we have sinned against the Lord
17“At that time Jerusalem shall be called our God,
The Throne of the Lord, and all the na- We and our fathers,
tions shall be gathered to it, to the name of From our youth even to this day,
the Lord, to Jerusalem. No more shall they And have not obeyed the voice of the
follow the dictates of their evil hearts. Lord our God.”
18“In those days the house of Judah shall
4
walk with the house of Israel, and they shall “ If you will return, O Israel,” says the
come together out of the land of the north Lord,
to the land that I have given as an inheri- “ Return to Me;
tance to your fathers. And if you will put away your
19“But I said: abominations out of My sight,
Then you shall not be moved.
‘ How can I put you among the 2 And you shall swear, ‘The Lord lives,’
children In truth, in judgment, and in
And give you a pleasant land, righteousness;
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JEREMIAH 4:3 946
The nations shall bless themselves in Whereas the sword reaches to the
Him, heart.”
And in Him they shall glory.”
11 At that time it will be said
3Forthus says the Lord to the men of To this people and to Jerusalem,
Judah and Jerusalem: “ A dry wind of the desolate heights
blows in the wilderness
“ Break up your fallow ground, Toward the daughter of My people—
And do not sow among thorns. Not to fan or to cleanse—
4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
12 A wind too strong for these will come
And take away the foreskins of your for Me;
hearts, Now I will also speak judgment
You men of Judah and inhabitants of against them.”
Jerusalem,
Lest My fury come forth like fire, 13“ Behold, he shall come up like clouds,
And burn so that no one can quench it, And his chariots like a whirlwind.
Because of the evil of your doings.” His horses are swifter than eagles.
Woe to us, for we are plundered!”
An Imminent Invasion
5Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusa- 14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from
lem, and say: wickedness,
That you may be saved.
“ Blow the trumpet in the land; How long shall your evil thoughts
Cry, ‘Gather together,’ lodge within you?
And say, ‘Assemble yourselves, 15 For a voice declares from Dan
And let us go into the fortified cities.’ And proclaims affliction from Mount
6 Set up the standard toward Zion.
Ephraim:
Take refuge! Do not delay! 16“ Make mention to the nations,
For I will bring disaster from the Yes, proclaim against Jerusalem,
north, That watchers come from a far
And great destruction.” country
7 The lion has come up from his thicket,
And raise their voice against the cities
of Judah.
And the destroyer of nations is on his 17 Like keepers of a field they are against
way. her all around,
He has gone forth from his place Because she has been rebellious
To make your land desolate. against Me,” says the Lord.
Your cities will be laid waste, 18“ Your ways and your doings
Without inhabitant. Have procured these things for you.
8 For this, clothe yourself with
This is your wickedness,
sackcloth, Because it is bitter,
Lament and wail.
Because it reaches to your heart.”
For the fierce anger of the Lord
Has not turned back from us. Sorrow for the Doomed
9“ And it shall come to pass in that day,”
Nation
19 O my soul, my soul!
says the Lord,
“ That the heart of the king shall perish, I am pained in my very heart!
And the heart of the princes; My heart makes a noise in me;
The priests shall be astonished, I cannot hold my peace,
And the prophets shall wonder.” Because you have heard, O my soul,
The sound of the trumpet,
10 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! The alarm of war.
Surely You have greatly deceived this 20 Destruction upon destruction is cried,
people and Jerusalem, For the whole land is plundered.
Saying, ‘You shall have peace,’ Suddenly my tents are plundered,
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947 JEREMIAH 5:6
And my curtains in a moment. 31“ For I have heard a voice as of a woman
21 How long will I see the standard, in labor,
And hear the sound of the trumpet? The anguish as of her who brings forth
her first child,
22“ For My people are foolish, The voice of the daughter of Zion
They have not known Me. bewailing herself;
They are silly children, She spreads her hands, saying,
And they have no understanding. ‘Woe is me now, for my soul is weary
They are wise to do evil, Because of murderers!’
But to do good they have no
knowledge.” The Justice of God’s
Judgment
5
23 I beheld the earth, and indeed it was
“ Run to and fro through the streets
without form, and void; of Jerusalem;
And the heavens, they had no light. See now and know;
24 I beheld the mountains, and indeed
And seek in her open places
they trembled, If you can find a man,
And all the hills moved back and forth. If there is anyone who executes
25 I beheld, and indeed there was no man,
judgment,
And all the birds of the heavens had Who seeks the truth,
fled. And I will pardon her.
26 I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land 2 Though they say, ‘As the Lord lives,’
was a wilderness, Surely they swear falsely.”
And all its cities were broken down
At the presence of the Lord, 3O Lord, are not Your eyes on the
By His fierce anger. truth?
You have stricken them,
27For thus says the Lord:
But they have not grieved;
You have consumed them,
“ The whole land shall be desolate; But they have refused to receive
Yet I will not make a full end. correction.
28 For this shall the earth mourn,
They have made their faces harder
And the heavens above be black, than rock;
Because I have spoken. They have refused to return.
I have purposed and will not relent,
Nor will I turn back from it. 4Therefore I said, “Surely these are
29 The whole city shall flee from the
poor.
noise of the horsemen and They are foolish;
bowmen. For they do not know the way of the
They shall go into thickets and climb Lord,
up on the rocks. The judgment of their God.
Every city shall be forsaken, 5 I will go to the great men and speak
And not a man shall dwell in it. to them,
For they have known the way of the
30“ And when you are plundered, Lord,
What will you do? The judgment of their God.”
Though you clothe yourself with
crimson, But these have altogether broken the
Though you adorn yourself with yoke
ornaments of gold, And burst the bonds.
Though you enlarge your eyes with 6 Therefore a lion from the forest shall
paint, slay them,
In vain you will make yourself fair; A wolf of the deserts shall destroy
Your lovers will despise you; them;
They will seek your life. A leopard will watch over their cities.
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JEREMIAH 5:7 948
Everyone who goes out from there 16 Their quiver is like an open tomb;
shall be torn in pieces, They are all mighty men.
Because their transgressions are 17 And they shall eat up your harvest and
many; your bread,
Their backslidings have increased. Which your sons and daughters should
eat.
7“ How shall I pardon you for this? They shall eat up your flocks and your
Your children have forsaken Me herds;
And sworn by those that are not gods. They shall eat up your vines and your
When I had fed them to the full, fig trees;
Then they committed adultery They shall destroy your fortified
And assembled themselves by troops cities,
in the harlots’ houses. In which you trust, with the sword.
8 They were like well-fed lusty stallions;
Every one neighed after his neighbor’s 18“Nevertheless in those days,” says the
wife. Lord, “I will not make a complete end of
9 Shall I not punish them for these you. 19And it will be when you say, ‘Why
things?” says the Lord. does the Lord our God do all these things
“And shall I not avenge Myself on such a to us?’ then you shall answer them, ‘Just as
nation as this? you have forsaken Me and served foreign
gods in your land, so you shall serve aliens
10“ Go up on her walls and destroy, in a land that is not yours.’
But do not make a complete end.
Take away her branches, 20“ Declare this in the house of Jacob
For they are not the Lord’s. And proclaim it in Judah, saying,
11 For the house of Israel and the house 21‘ Hear this now, O foolish people,
of Judah Without understanding,
Have dealt very treacherously with Who have eyes and see not,
Me,” says the Lord. And who have ears and hear not:
22 Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
12 They have lied about the Lord, ‘Will you not tremble at My presence,
And said, “It is not He. Who have placed the sand as the
Neither will evil come upon us, bound of the sea,
Nor shall we see sword or famine. By a perpetual decree, that it cannot
13 And the prophets become wind, pass beyond it?
For the word is not in them. And though its waves toss to and fro,
Thus shall it be done to them.” Yet they cannot prevail;
Though they roar, yet they cannot pass
14Therefore thus says the Lord God of over it.
hosts: 23 But this people has a defiant and
rebellious heart;
“ Because you speak this word, They have revolted and departed.
Behold, I will make My words in your 24 They do not say in their heart,
mouth fire, “ Let us now fear the Lord our God,
And this people wood, Who gives rain, both the former and
And it shall devour them. the latter, in its season.
15 Behold, I will bring a nation against He reserves for us the appointed
you from afar, weeks of the harvest.”
O house of Israel,” says the Lord. 25 Your iniquities have turned these
“ It is a mighty nation, things away,
It is an ancient nation, And your sins have withheld good
A nation whose language you do not from you.
know,
Nor can you understand what they 26‘ For among My people are found
say. wicked men;
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949 JEREMIAH 6:13
They lie in wait as one who sets snares; 6For thus has the Lord of hosts said:
They set a trap;
They catch men. “ Cut down trees,
27 As a cage is full of birds, And build a mound against
So their houses are full of deceit. Jerusalem.
Therefore they have become great and This is the city to be punished.
grown rich. She is full of oppression in her midst.
28 They have grown fat, they are sleek; 7 As a fountain wells up with water,
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the So she wells up with her wickedness.
wicked; Violence and plundering are heard
They do not plead the cause, in her.
The cause of the fatherless; Before Me continually are grief and
Yet they prosper, wounds.
And the right of the needy they do not 8 Be instructed, O Jerusalem,
defend. Lest My soul depart from you;
29 Shall I not punish them for these
Lest I make you desolate,
things? ’ says the Lord. A land not inhabited.”
‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a
nation as this?’ 9Thus says the Lord of hosts:
30“ An astonishing and horrible thing
“ They shall thoroughly glean as a vine
Has been committed in the land: the remnant of Israel;
31 The prophets prophesy falsely,
As a grape-gatherer, put your hand
And the priests rule by their own back into the branches.”
power;
And My people love to have it so. 10 To whom shall I speak and give
But what will you do in the end? warning,
That they may hear?
Impending Destruction Indeed their ear is uncircumcised,
from the North And they cannot give heed.
6
“ O you children of Benjamin, Behold, the word of the Lord is a
reproach to them;
Gather yourselves to flee from the They have no delight in it.
11 Therefore I am full of the fury of the
midst of Jerusalem!
Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, Lord.
And set up a signal-fire in Beth I am weary of holding it in.
Haccerem; “ I will pour it out on the children
For disaster appears out of the north, outside,
And great destruction. And on the assembly of young men
2 I have likened the daughter of Zion together;
To a lovely and delicate woman. For even the husband shall be taken
3 The shepherds with their flocks shall with the wife,
come to her. The aged with him who is full of days.
They shall pitch their tents against her 12 And their houses shall be turned over
all around. to others,
Each one shall pasture in his own Fields and wives together;
place.” For I will stretch out My hand
Against the inhabitants of the land,”
4“ Prepare war against her; says the Lord.
Arise, and let us go up at noon. 13“ Because from the least of them even to
Woe to us, for the day goes away, the greatest of them,
For the shadows of the evening are Everyone is given to covetousness;
lengthening. And from the prophet even to the
5 Arise, and let us go by night, priest,
And let us destroy her palaces.” Everyone deals falsely.
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JEREMIAH 6:14 950
14 They have also healed the hurt of My And a great nation will be raised from
people slightly, the farthest parts of the earth.
Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ 23 They will lay hold on bow and spear;
When there is no peace. They are cruel and have no mercy;
15 Were they ashamed when they had Their voice roars like the sea;
committed abomination? And they ride on horses,
No! They were not at all ashamed; As men of war set in array against you,
Nor did they know how to blush. O daughter of Zion.”
Therefore they shall fall among those
who fall; 24 We have heard the report of it;
At the time I punish them, Our hands grow feeble.
They shall be cast down,” says the Anguish has taken hold of us,
Lord. Pain as of a woman in labor.
25 Do not go out into the field,
16Thus says the Lord: Nor walk by the way.
Because of the sword of the enemy,
“ Stand in the ways and see, Fear is on every side.
26 O daughter of my people,
And ask for the old paths, where the
good way is, Dress in sackcloth
And walk in it; And roll about in ashes!
Then you will find rest for your souls. Make mourning as for an only son,
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ most bitter lamentation;
17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, For the plunderer will suddenly come
‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ upon us.
But they said, ‘We will not listen.’
18 Therefore hear, you nations, 27“ I have set you as an assayer and a
And know, O congregation, what is fortress among My people,
among them. That you may know and test their way.
19 Hear, O earth! 28 They are all stubborn rebels, walking
Behold, I will certainly bring calamity as slanderers.
on this people— They are bronze and iron,
The fruit of their thoughts, They are all corrupters;
29 The bellows blow fiercely,
Because they have not heeded My
words The lead is consumed by the fire;
Nor My law, but rejected it. The smelter refines in vain,
20 For what purpose to Me For the wicked are not drawn off.
30 People will call them rejected silver,
Comes frankincense from Sheba,
And sweet cane from a far country? Because the Lord has rejected them.”
Your burnt offerings are not
acceptable, Trusting in Lying Words
7
Nor your sacrifices sweet to Me.” The word that came to Jeremiah
from the Lord, saying, 2“Stand in the
21Therefore thus says the Lord: gate of the Lord’s house, and pro-
claim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the
“ Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks word of the Lord, all you of Judah who en-
before this people, ter in at these gates to worship the Lord!’ ”
And the fathers and the sons together 3Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of
shall fall on them. Israel: “Amend your ways and your doings,
The neighbor and his friend shall and I will cause you to dwell in this place.
perish.” 4Do not trust in these lying words, saying,
‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the
22Thus says the Lord: Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.’
5“For if you thoroughly amend your ways
“ Behold, a people comes from the and your doings, if you thoroughly execute
north country, judgment between a man and his neigh-
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951 JEREMIAH 7:30
bor, 6if you do not oppress the stranger, the poured out on this place—on man and on
fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed beast, on the trees of the field and on the
innocent blood in this place, or walk after fruit of the ground. And it will burn and not
other gods to your hurt, 7then I will cause be quenched.”
you to dwell in this place, in the land that I 21Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God
gave to your fathers forever and ever. of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your
sacrifices and eat meat. 22For I did not
speak to your fathers, or command them in
Hypocrisy the day that I brought them out of the land
Can we live in sin and fool of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or
God by just going to church? sacrifices. 23But this is what I commanded
Jeremiah 7:8–11 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 com-
8“Behold, you trust in lying words that manded you, that it may be well with you.’
cannot profit. 9Will you steal, murder, com- 24Yet they did not obey or incline their ear,
mit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to but followed the counsels and the dictates
Baal, and walk after other gods whom you of their evil hearts, and went backward
do not know, 10and then come and stand and not forward. 25Since the day that your
before Me in this house which is called by fathers came out of the land of Egypt un-
My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do til this day, I have even sent to you all My
all these abominations’? 11Has this house, servants the prophets, daily rising up early
which is called by My name, become a den and sending them. 26Yet they did not obey
of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their
have seen it,” says the Lord. neck. They did worse than their fathers.
12“But go now to My place which was in 27“Therefore you shall speak all these
Shiloh, where I set My name at the first, words to them, but they will not obey you.
and see what I did to it because of the You shall also call to them, but they will not
wickedness of My people Israel. 13And now, answer you.
because you have done all these works,”
says the Lord, “and I spoke to you, rising
up early and speaking, but you did not Jeremiah 7:29
hear, and I called you, but you did not Normally, it would have been easy to
answer, 14therefore I will do to the house tell who was an Egyptian and who
which is called by My name, in which you was an Israelite, based on appear-
trust, and to this place which I gave to you ance alone. The Egyptians preferred
and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. a clean-cut look, while the Israelites
15And I will cast you out of My sight, as I wore their hair and beards long. For
have cast out all your brethren—the whole the Israelites, shaving one’s hair was a
posterity of Ephraim. sign of deep distress or mourning.
16“Therefore do not pray for this people,
nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor
make intercession to Me; for I will not hear Judgment on Obscene
you. 17Do you not see what they do in the Religion
cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusa- 28“So you shall say to them, ‘This is a nation
lem? 18The children gather wood, the fa- that does not obey the voice of the Lord
thers kindle the fire, and the women knead their God nor receive correction. Truth has
dough, to make cakes for the queen of perished and has been cut off from their
heaven; and they pour out drink offerings mouth. 29Cut off your hair and cast it away,
to other gods, that they may provoke Me and take up a lamentation on the desolate
to anger. 19Do they provoke Me to anger?” heights; for the Lord has rejected and for-
says the Lord. “Do they not provoke them- saken the generation of His wrath.’ 30For
selves, to the shame of their own faces?” the children of Judah have done evil in My
20Therefore thus says the Lord God: sight,” says the Lord. “They have set their
“Behold, My anger and My fury will be abominations in the house which is called
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JEREMIAH 7:31 952
by My name, to pollute it. 31And they have 7“ Even the stork in the heavens
built the high places of Tophet, which is in Knows her appointed times;
the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn And the turtledove, the swift, and the
their sons and their daughters in the fire, swallow
which I did not command, nor did it come Observe the time of their coming.
into My heart. But My people do not know the
32“Therefore behold, the days are com- judgment of the Lord.
ing,” says the Lord, “when it will no more
be called Tophet, or the Valley of the Son 8“ How can you say, ‘We are wise,
of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter; And the law of the Lord is with us’?
for they will bury in Tophet until there is Look, the false pen of the scribe
no room. 33The corpses of this people will certainly works falsehood.
be food for the birds of the heaven and for 9 The wise men are ashamed,
the beasts of the earth. And no one will They are dismayed and taken.
frighten them away. 34Then I will cause to Behold, they have rejected the word of
cease from the cities of Judah and from the Lord;
the streets of Jerusalem the voice of mirth So what wisdom do they have?
and the voice of gladness, the voice of the
bridegroom and the voice of the bride. For
the land shall be desolate. Greed
8
“At that time,” says the Lord, “they What does God think of greed
shall bring out the bones of the kings and lying?
of Judah, and the bones of its princes, Jeremiah 8:10
and the bones of the priests, and the bones
of the prophets, and the bones of the in-
habitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves. 10 Therefore I will give their wives to
2They shall spread them before the sun others,
and the moon and all the host of heaven, And their fields to those who will
which they have loved and which they have inherit them;
served and after which they have walked, Because from the least even to the
which they have sought and which they greatest
have worshiped. They shall not be gath- Everyone is given to covetousness;
ered nor buried; they shall be like refuse on From the prophet even to the priest
the face of the earth. 3Then death shall be Everyone deals falsely.
chosen rather than life by all the residue of 11 For they have healed the hurt of the
those who remain of this evil family, who daughter of My people slightly,
remain in all the places where I have driven Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’
them,” says the Lord of hosts. When there is no peace.
12 Were they ashamed when they had
The Peril of False Teaching committed abomination?
4“Moreover you shall say to them, ‘Thus No! They were not at all ashamed,
says the Lord: Nor did they know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those
“ Will they fall and not rise? who fall;
Will one turn away and not return? In the time of their punishment
5 Why has this people slidden back, They shall be cast down,” says the
Jerusalem, in a perpetual backsliding? Lord.
They hold fast to deceit,
They refuse to return. 13“ I will surely consume them,” says the
6 I listened and heard, Lord.
But they do not speak aright. “ No grapes shall be on the vine,
No man repented of his wickedness, Nor figs on the fig tree,
Saying, ‘What have I done?’ And the leaf shall fade;
Everyone turned to his own course, And the things I have given them shall
As the horse rushes into the battle. pass away from them.” ’ ”
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953 JEREMIAH 9:9
9
14“ Why do we sit still? Oh, that my head were waters,
Assemble yourselves, And my eyes a fountain of tears,
And let us enter the fortified cities, That I might weep day and night
And let us be silent there. For the slain of the daughter of my
For the Lord our God has put us to people!
silence 2 Oh, that I had in the wilderness
And given us water of gall to drink, A lodging place for travelers;
Because we have sinned against the That I might leave my people,
Lord. And go from them!
For they are all adulterers,
15“ We looked for peace, but no good An assembly of treacherous men.
came;
3“ And like their bow they have bent their
And for a time of health, and there was
trouble! tongues for lies.
16 The snorting of His horses was heard They are not valiant for the truth on
from Dan. the earth.
The whole land trembled at the sound For they proceed from evil to evil,
of the neighing of His strong And they do not know Me,” says the
ones; Lord.
4“ Everyone take heed to his neighbor,
For they have come and devoured the
land and all that is in it, And do not trust any brother;
The city and those who dwell in it.” For every brother will utterly supplant,
And every neighbor will walk with
17“ For behold, I will send serpents among slanderers.
5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor,
you,
Vipers which cannot be charmed, And will not speak the truth;
And they shall bite you,” says the Lord. They have taught their tongue to
speak lies;
The Prophet Mourns for They weary themselves to commit
the People iniquity.
6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of
18 I would comfort myself in sorrow;
deceit;
My heart is faint in me.
19 Listen! The voice, Through deceit they refuse to know
Me,” says the Lord.
The cry of the daughter of my people
From a far country:
“ Is not the Lord in Zion? Values
Is not her King in her?” Are our values important?
Jeremiah 9:7–9
“ Why have they provoked Me to anger
With their carved images—
With foreign idols?” 7Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts:
20“ The harvest is past, “ Behold, I will refine them and try
The summer is ended, them;
And we are not saved!” For how shall I deal with the daughter
of My people?
21 For the hurt of the daughter of my 8 Their tongue is an arrow shot out;
people I am hurt. It speaks deceit;
I am mourning; One speaks peaceably to his neighbor
Astonishment has taken hold of me. with his mouth,
22 Is there no balm in Gilead, But in his heart he lies in wait.
Is there no physician there? 9 Shall I not punish them for these
Why then is there no recovery things? ” says the Lord.
For the health of the daughter of my “ Shall I not avenge Myself on such a
people? nation as this?”
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Life App
Honesty / Jeremiah 9:3–8
It’s just a little white lie. No one will actually get hurt, and you won’t
get in trouble. So it’s okay to stretch the truth just this one time,
right?
Wrong. Stretching the truth is just a nice sounding way of saying
that you’re lying. A little white lie is still a lie; and usually one lie is
followed by another. What seems at the time like telling a harmless
fib, can lead to a pattern of deceitfulness. When you tell one lie, you
often have to tell another one to cover your first deception. Then,
you’ll have to make up something else untrue to cover up your last
falsehood. It can turn into a vicious cycle. Before long, you may have
lied so much that you begin to assume everyone else must be lying
as well. You will trust no one and no one will trust you. The wise
move is to not start down that road at all.
Jeremiah 9:3–8 describes the danger and misery of a culture con-
sumed with lies. God knows that deceitful lives lead to hurt feelings,
anger, pain, bitterness, and sometimes, even danger for the person
lying and those they lie to or about. Of course our God of justice and
love doesn’t want to see anyone suffer from the consequences of de-
ception. What He loves to see are lives based on honesty and
truthfulness. When you live honestly, you don’t have to constantly
worry about covering your back.
There may be times when you do mess up and tell a lie. That’s not
the end of the world; confess it to God and He will forgive and re-
store you. Then determine in your heart and mind not to choose
lying as your way of life. Instead, decide you will delight the Lord by
doing your best to live truthfully. It really is the best way.
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955 JEREMIAH 9:20
Promise
God promises to purify your heart.
Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will refine
them and try them; for how shall I deal with the daughter of
My people?” (Jer. 9:7).
Sometimes we become paralyzed in our daily walk with
God. We wake up one morning, take a look in the mirror, see our sin and its
ugliness, and push God away. We might spend the next weeks or months trying to
figure out how to make ourselves more presentable.
But you can’t refine and purify your own heart. What you can do is stay hooked
up to God through prayer, and you can constantly renew your mind by memorizing
and meditating on Scripture. God can make the unclean holy and restore beauty to
the unlovely. No matter how ugly your heart or how sinful your life has been, God
can clean and restore. Ask Him daily to purify your heart. If you’re continually
allowing God in to remove your sin, your walk with Him stays fresh, and you stay
acceptable to Him.
See for yourself// Zechariah 13:9; Acts 15:8, 9; Titus 2:11–14
10 I will take up a weeping and wailing wood, and give them water of gall to drink.
for the mountains, 16I will scatter them also among the Gen-
And for the dwelling places of the tiles, whom neither they nor their fathers
wilderness a lamentation, have known. And I will send a sword after
Because they are burned up, them until I have consumed them.”
So that no one can pass through;
Nor can men hear the voice of the The People Mourn
cattle. in Judgment
Both the birds of the heavens and the 17Thus says the Lord of hosts:
beasts have fled;
They are gone. “ Consider and call for the mourning
women,
11“ I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a
That they may come;
den of jackals. And send for skillful wailing women,
I will make the cities of Judah desolate, That they may come.
without an inhabitant.” 18 Let them make haste
And take up a wailing for us,
12Who is the wise man who may un-
That our eyes may run with tears,
derstand this? And who is he to whom the And our eyelids gush with water.
mouth of the Lord has spoken, that he 19 For a voice of wailing is heard from
may declare it? Why does the land perish Zion:
and burn up like a wilderness, so that no ‘How we are plundered!
one can pass through? We are greatly ashamed,
13And the Lord said, “Because they have
Because we have forsaken the land,
forsaken My law which I set before them, Because we have been cast out of our
and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked dwellings.’ ”
according to it, 14but they have walked ac-
cording to the dictates of their own hearts 20 Yet hear the word of the Lord,
and after the Baals, which their fathers O women,
taught them,” 15therefore thus says the And let your ear receive the word of
Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, His mouth;
I will feed them, this people, with worm- Teach your daughters wailing,
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JEREMIAH 9:21 956
And everyone her neighbor a 4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
lamentation. They fasten it with nails and
21 For death has come through our hammers
windows, So that it will not topple.
Has entered our palaces, 5 They are upright, like a palm tree,
To kill off the children—no longer to be And they cannot speak;
outside! They must be carried,
And the young men—no longer on the Because they cannot go by themselves.
streets! Do not be afraid of them,
For they cannot do evil,
22Speak, “Thus says the Lord: Nor can they do any good.”
‘ Even the carcasses of men shall fall as 6Inasmuch as there is none like You,
refuse on the open field, O Lord
Like cuttings after the harvester, (You are great, and Your name is great
And no one shall gather them.’ ” in might),
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the
23Thus says the Lord:
nations?
For this is Your rightful due.
“ Let not the wise man glory in his For among all the wise men of the
wisdom, nations,
Let not the mighty man glory in his And in all their kingdoms,
might, There is none like You.
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 8 But they are altogether dull-hearted
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
and foolish;
That he understands and knows Me, A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.
That I am the Lord, exercising 9 Silver is beaten into plates;
lovingkindness, judgment, and It is brought from Tarshish,
righteousness in the earth. And gold from Uphaz,
For in these I delight,” says the Lord. The work of the craftsman
And of the hands of the metalsmith;
25“Behold, the days are coming,” says
Blue and purple are their clothing;
the Lord, “that I will punish all who are They are all the work of skillful men.
circumcised with the uncircumcised— 10 But the Lord is the true God;
26Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Am-
He is the living God and the
mon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest everlasting King.
corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For At His wrath the earth will tremble,
all these nations are uncircumcised, and And the nations will not be able to
all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in endure His indignation.
the heart.”
11Thus you shall say to them: “The gods
Idols and the True God that have not made the heavens and the
10
Hearthe word which the Lord earth shall perish from the earth and from
speaks to you, O house of Israel. under these heavens.”
2Thus says the Lord:
12 He has made the earth by His power,
“ Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; He has established the world by His
Do not be dismayed at the signs of wisdom,
heaven, And has stretched out the heavens at
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. His discretion.
3 For the customs of the peoples are 13 When He utters His voice,
futile; There is a multitude of waters in the
For one cuts a tree from the forest, heavens:
The work of the hands of the “ And He causes the vapors to ascend
workman, with the ax. from the ends of the earth.
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957 JEREMIAH 11:6
He makes lightning for the rain,
He brings the wind out of His Jeremiah 10:22
treasuries.”a Jackals were desert creatures (similar
to dogs) that fed on garbage. They
14 Everyone is dull-hearted, without were especially unpopular with the
knowledge; Israelites not only because they
Every metalsmith is put to shame by destroyed crops, but also because they
an image; were filthy scavengers.
For his molded image is falsehood,
And there is no breath in them.
15 They are futile, a work of errors; 23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not
In the time of their punishment they in himself;
shall perish. It is not in man who walks to direct his
16 The Portion of Jacob is not like them, own steps.
24 O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
For He is the Maker of all things,
And Israel is the tribe of His Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to
inheritance; nothing.
25 Pour out Your fury on the Gentiles,
The Lord of hosts is His name.
who do not know You,
And on the families who do not call on
The Coming Captivity Your name;
of Judah
For they have eaten up Jacob,
17 Gather up your wares from the land, Devoured him and consumed him,
O inhabitant of the fortress! And made his dwelling place desolate.
18For thus says the Lord: The Broken Covenant
11
The word that came to Jeremiah
“ Behold, I will throw out at this time from the Lord, saying, 2“Hear
The inhabitants of the land, the words of this covenant, and
And will distress them, speak to the men of Judah and to the in-
That they may find it so.” habitants of Jerusalem; 3and say to them,
19 Woe is me for my hurt!
‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Cursed
is the man who does not obey the words of
My wound is severe. this covenant 4which I commanded your
But I say, “Truly this is an infirmity, fathers in the day I brought them out of
And I must bear it.” the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace,
20 My tent is plundered,
saying, ‘Obey My voice, and do according
And all my cords are broken; to all that I command you; so shall you be
My children have gone from me, My people, and I will be your God,’ 5that I
And they are no more. may establish the oath which I have sworn
There is no one to pitch my tent to your fathers, to give them ‘a land flowing
anymore, with milk and honey,’a as it is this day.” ’ ”
Or set up my curtains. And I answered and said, “So be it, Lord.”
21 For the shepherds have become dull-
hearted, Obedience
And have not sought the Lord; How important is it to obey
Therefore they shall not prosper, God?
And all their flocks shall be scattered.
22 Behold, the noise of the report has Jeremiah 11:7
come,
And a great commotion out of the 6Then the Lord said to me, “Proclaim
north country, all these words in the cities of Judah and in
To make the cities of Judah desolate, a
den of jackals. 10:13 aPsalm 135:7 11:5 aExodus 3:8
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JEREMIAH 11:7 958
the streets of Jerusalem, saying: ‘Hear the the house of Judah, which they have done
words of this covenant and do them. 7For I against themselves to provoke Me to anger
earnestly exhorted your fathers in the day I in offering incense to Baal.”
brought them up out of the land of Egypt,
until this day, rising early and exhorting, Jeremiah’s Life Threatened
saying, “Obey My voice.” 8Yet they did not 18Now the Lord gave me knowledge of it,
obey or incline their ear, but everyone fol- and I know it; for You showed me their do-
lowed the dictates of his evil heart; there- ings. 19But I was like a docile lamb brought
fore I will bring upon them all the words of to the slaughter; and I did not know that
this covenant, which I commanded them they had devised schemes against me, say-
to do, but which they have not done.’ ” ing, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
9And the Lord said to me, “A conspiracy
and let us cut him off from the land of the
has been found among the men of Judah living, that his name may be remembered
and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. no more.”
10They have turned back to the iniquities
of their forefathers who refused to hear My 20 But, O Lord of hosts,
words, and they have gone after other gods You who judge righteously,
to serve them; the house of Israel and the Testing the mind and the heart,
house of Judah have broken My covenant Let me see Your vengeance on them,
which I made with their fathers.” For to You I have revealed my cause.
11Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold,
I will surely bring calamity on them which 21“Therefore thus says the Lord con-
they will not be able to escape; and though cerning the men of Anathoth who seek
they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. your life, saying, ‘Do not prophesy in the
12Then the cities of Judah and the inhabit- name of the Lord, lest you die by our
ants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the hand’— 22therefore thus says the Lord
gods to whom they offer incense, but they of hosts: ‘Behold, I will punish them. The
will not save them at all in the time of their young men shall die by the sword, their
trouble. 13For according to the number of sons and their daughters shall die by fam-
your cities were your gods, O Judah; and ine; 23and there shall be no remnant of
according to the number of the streets of them, for I will bring catastrophe on the
Jerusalem you have set up altars to that men of Anathoth, even the year of their
shameful thing, altars to burn incense to punishment.’ ”
Baal.
14“So do not pray for this people, or lift Jeremiah’s Question
12
up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not Righteous are You, O Lord,
hear them in the time that they cry out to when I plead with You;
Me because of their trouble. Yet let me talk with You about
Your judgments.
15“ What has My beloved to do in My
Why does the way of the wicked
house, prosper?
Having done lewd deeds with many? Why are those happy who deal so
And the holy flesh has passed from treacherously?
you. 2 You have planted them, yes, they have
When you do evil, then you rejoice. taken root;
16 The Lord called your name, They grow, yes, they bear fruit.
Green Olive Tree, Lovely and of Good You are near in their mouth
Fruit. But far from their mind.
With the noise of a great tumult
He has kindled fire on it, 3But You, O Lord, know me;
And its branches are broken. You have seen me,
And You have tested my heart toward
17“For the Lord of hosts, who planted You.
you, has pronounced doom against you Pull them out like sheep for the
for the evil of the house of Israel and of slaughter,
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959 JEREMIAH 13:4
And prepare them for the day of 10“ Many rulersa have destroyed My
slaughter. vineyard,
4 How long will the land mourn, They have trodden My portion
And the herbs of every field wither? underfoot;
The beasts and birds are consumed, They have made My pleasant portion a
For the wickedness of those who dwell desolate wilderness.
there, 11 They have made it desolate;
Because they said, “He will not see our Desolate, it mourns to Me;
final end.” The whole land is made desolate,
Because no one takes it to heart.
The L ord Answers Jeremiah 12 The plunderers have come
5“ If you have run with the footmen, and On all the desolate heights in the
they have wearied you, wilderness,
Then how can you contend with For the sword of the Lord shall devour
horses? From one end of the land to the other
And if in the land of peace, end of the land;
In which you trusted, they wearied you, No flesh shall have peace.
13 They have sown wheat but reaped
Then how will you do in the
floodplaina of the Jordan? thorns;
They have put themselves to pain but
do not profit.
Jeremiah 12:5 But be ashamed of your harvest
Traveling the floodplain of the Jordan Because of the fierce anger of the
River would have been extremely dif- Lord.”
ficult. Not only was it overgrown with
14Thus says the Lord: “Against all My
shrubs, brush, trees, and vines, but
anyone who passed by was in danger evil neighbors who touch the inheritance
of attack by wild animals. which I have caused My people Israel to
inherit—behold, I will pluck them out of
their land and pluck out the house of Ju-
6 For even your brothers, the house of dah from among them. 15Then it shall be,
your father, after I have plucked them out, that I will
Even they have dealt treacherously return and have compassion on them and
with you; bring them back, everyone to his heritage
Yes, they have called a multitude after and everyone to his land. 16And it shall be,
you. if they will learn carefully the ways of My
Do not believe them, people, to swear by My name, ‘As the Lord
Even though they speak smooth words lives,’ as they taught My people to swear by
to you. Baal, then they shall be established in the
midst of My people. 17But if they do not
7“ I have forsaken My house, I have left obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy
My heritage; that nation,” says the Lord.
I have given the dearly beloved of My
soul into the hand of her Symbol of the Linen Sash
13
enemies. Thus the Lord said to me: “Go
8 My heritage is to Me like a lion in the
and get yourself a linen sash,
forest; and put it around your waist,
It cries out against Me; but do not put it in water.” 2So I got a sash
Therefore I have hated it. according to the word of the Lord, and put
9 My heritage is to Me like a speckled
it around my waist.
vulture; 3And the word of the Lord came to me
The vultures all around are against her. the second time, saying, 4“Take the sash
Come, assemble all the beasts of the
field, 12:5 aOr thicket
12:10 aLiterally shepherds or
Bring them to devour! pastors
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JEREMIAH 13:5 960
that you acquired, which is around your On the dark mountains,
waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates,a and And while you are looking for light,
hide it there in a hole in the rock.” 5So I He turns it into the shadow of death
went and hid it by the Euphrates, as the And makes it dense darkness.
Lord commanded me. 17 But if you will not hear it,
6Now it came to pass after many days My soul will weep in secret for your
that the Lord said to me, “Arise, go to the pride;
Euphrates, and take from there the sash My eyes will weep bitterly
which I commanded you to hide there.” And run down with tears,
7Then I went to the Euphrates and dug, and
Because the Lord’s flock has been
I took the sash from the place where I had taken captive.
hidden it; and there was the sash, ruined. It
was profitable for nothing. 18 Say to the king and to the queen
8Then the word of the Lord came to
mother,
me, saying, 9“Thus says the Lord: ‘In this “ Humble yourselves;
manner I will ruin the pride of Judah and Sit down,
the great pride of Jerusalem. 10This evil For your rule shall collapse, the crown
people, who refuse to hear My words, who of your glory.”
follow the dictates of their hearts, and 19 The cities of the South shall be shut up,
walk after other gods to serve them and And no one shall open them;
worship them, shall be just like this sash Judah shall be carried away captive,
which is profitable for nothing. 11For as the all of it;
sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have It shall be wholly carried away captive.
caused the whole house of Israel and the
whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says 20 Lift up your eyes and see
the Lord, ‘that they may become My peo- Those who come from the north.
ple, for renown, for praise, and for glory; Where is the flock that was given to
but they would not hear.’ you,
Your beautiful sheep?
Symbol of the Wine Bottles 21 What will you say when He punishes
12“Therefore you shall speak to them this you?
word: ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: For you have taught them
“Every bottle shall be filled with wine.” ’ To be chieftains, to be head over you.
And they will say to you, ‘Do we not cer- Will not pangs seize you,
tainly know that every bottle will be filled Like a woman in labor?
22 And if you say in your heart,
with wine?’
13“Then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says “ Why have these things come upon
the Lord: “Behold, I will fill all the inhab- me?”
itants of this land—even the kings who sit For the greatness of your iniquity
on David’s throne, the priests, the proph- Your skirts have been uncovered,
ets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem— Your heels made bare.
23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or
with drunkenness! 14And I will dash them
one against another, even the fathers and the leopard its spots?
the sons together,” says the Lord. “I will Then may you also do good who are
not pity nor spare nor have mercy, but will accustomed to do evil.
destroy them.” ’ ”
24“ Therefore I will scatter them like
Pride Precedes Captivity stubble
That passes away by the wind of the
15 Hear and give ear:
wilderness.
Do not be proud, 25 This is your lot,
For the Lord has spoken. The portion of your measures from
16 Give glory to the Lord your God
Me,” says the Lord,
Before He causes darkness,
And before your feet stumble 13:4 aHebrew Perath
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961 JEREMIAH 14:18
“ Because you have forgotten Me 9 Why should You be like a man
And trusted in falsehood. astonished,
26 Therefore I will uncover your skirts Like a mighty one who cannot save?
over your face, Yet You, O Lord, are in our midst,
That your shame may appear. And we are called by Your name;
27 I have seen your adulteries Do not leave us!
And your lustful neighings,
The lewdness of your harlotry, 10Thus says the Lord to this people:
Your abominations on the hills in the
fields. “ Thus they have loved to wander;
Woe to you, O Jerusalem! They have not restrained their feet.
Will you still not be made clean?” Therefore the Lord does not accept
them;
Sword, Famine, and Pestilence
He will remember their iniquity now,
And punish their sins.”
14
The word of the Lord that came
to Jeremiah concerning the 11Then the Lord said to me, “Do not
droughts. pray for this people, for their good. 12When
they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when
2“ Judah mourns,
they offer burnt offering and grain offering,
And her gates languish; I will not accept them. But I will consume
They mourn for the land, them by the sword, by the famine, and by
And the cry of Jerusalem has gone up. the pestilence.”
3 Their nobles have sent their lads for 13Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, the
water; prophets say to them, ‘You shall not see the
They went to the cisterns and found sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will
no water. give you assured peace in this place.’ ”
They returned with their vessels 14And the Lord said to me, “The proph-
empty; ets prophesy lies in My name. I have not
They were ashamed and confounded sent them, commanded them, nor spoken
And covered their heads. to them; they prophesy to you a false vi-
4 Because the ground is parched,
sion, divination, a worthless thing, and
For there was no rain in the land, the deceit of their heart. 15Therefore thus
The plowmen were ashamed; says the Lord concerning the prophets
They covered their heads. who prophesy in My name, whom I did
5 Yes, the deer also gave birth in the
not send, and who say, ‘Sword and fam-
field, ine shall not be in this land’—‘By sword
But left because there was no grass. and famine those prophets shall be con-
6 And the wild donkeys stood in the sumed! 16And the people to whom they
desolate heights; prophesy shall be cast out in the streets
They sniffed at the wind like jackals; of Jerusalem because of the famine and
Their eyes failed because there was no the sword; they will have no one to bury
grass.” them—them nor their wives, their sons
nor their daughters—for I will pour their
7O Lord, though our iniquities testify wickedness on them.’
against us, 17“Therefore you shall say this word to
Do it for Your name’s sake; them:
For our backslidings are many,
We have sinned against You. ‘ Let my eyes flow with tears night and
8 O the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time day,
of trouble, And let them not cease;
Why should You be like a stranger in For the virgin daughter of my people
the land, Has been broken with a mighty stroke,
And like a traveler who turns aside to with a very severe blow.
tarry for a night? 18 If I go out to the field,
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JEREMIAH 14:19 962
Then behold, those slain with the devour and destroy. 4I will hand them over
sword! to trouble, to all kingdoms of the earth,
And if I enter the city, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah,
Then behold, those sick from famine! king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.
Yes, both prophet and priest go about
in a land they do not know.’ ”
Jeremiah 15:4
The People Plead for Mercy Of all the kings of Judah, Manasseh
was the most evil. He was unbeliev-
19 Have You utterly rejected Judah?
ably wicked; he even sacrificed his
Has Your soul loathed Zion? own son to the pagan god Molech.
Why have You stricken us so that there
is no healing for us?
We looked for peace, but there was no 5“ For who will have pity on you,
good; O Jerusalem?
And for the time of healing, and there Or who will bemoan you?
was trouble. Or who will turn aside to ask how you
20 We acknowledge, O Lord, our
are doing?
wickedness 6 You have forsaken Me,” says the
And the iniquity of our fathers, Lord,
For we have sinned against You. “ You have gone backward.
21 Do not abhor us, for Your name’s sake;
Therefore I will stretch out My hand
Do not disgrace the throne of Your against you and destroy you;
glory. I am weary of relenting!
Remember, do not break Your 7 And I will winnow them with a
covenant with us. winnowing fan in the gates of the
22 Are there any among the idols of the
land;
nations that can cause rain? I will bereave them of children;
Or can the heavens give showers? I will destroy My people,
Are You not He, O Lord our God? Since they do not return from their
Therefore we will wait for You, ways.
Since You have made all these. 8 Their widows will be increased to Me
more than the sand of the seas;
The L ord Will Not Relent I will bring against them,
15
Then the Lord said to me, “Even Against the mother of the young men,
if Moses and Samuel stood be- A plunderer at noonday;
fore Me, My mind would not be I will cause anguish and terror to fall
favorable toward this people. Cast them on them suddenly.
out of My sight, and let them go forth. 2And 9“ She languishes who has borne seven;
it shall be, if they say to you, ‘Where should
we go?’ then you shall tell them, ‘Thus says She has breathed her last;
the Lord: Her sun has gone down
While it was yet day;
“ Such as are for death, to death; She has been ashamed and
And such as are for the sword, to the confounded.
sword; And the remnant of them I will deliver
And such as are for the famine, to the to the sword
famine; Before their enemies,” says the Lord.
And such as are for the captivity, to the
Jeremiah’s Dejection
captivity.” ’
10 Woe is me, my mother,
3“And I will appoint over them four That you have borne me,
forms of destruction,” says the Lord: “the A man of strife and a man of
sword to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of contention to the whole earth!
the heavens and the beasts of the earth to I have neither lent for interest,
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963 JEREMIAH 16:9
Nor have men lent to me for interest. You shall stand before Me;
Every one of them curses me. If you take out the precious from the
vile,
11The Lord said: You shall be as My mouth.
Let them return to you,
“ Surely it will be well with your But you must not return to them.
remnant; 20 And I will make you to this people a
Surely I will cause the enemy to fortified bronze wall;
intercede with you And they will fight against you,
In the time of adversity and in the time But they shall not prevail against you;
of affliction. For I am with you to save you
12 Can anyone break iron,
And deliver you,” says the Lord.
The northern iron and the bronze? 21“ I will deliver you from the hand of the
13 Your wealth and your treasures
wicked,
I will give as plunder without price, And I will redeem you from the grip of
Because of all your sins, the terrible.”
Throughout your territories.
14 And I will make you cross over witha Jeremiah’s Life-Style
your enemies and Message
Into a land which you do not know;
16
The word of the Lord also came
For a fire is kindled in My anger, to me, saying, 2“You shall not
Which shall burn upon you.” take a wife, nor shall you have
15 O Lord, You know;
sons or daughters in this place.” 3For thus
says the Lord concerning the sons and
Remember me and visit me,
daughters who are born in this place, and
And take vengeance for me on my
concerning their mothers who bore them
persecutors.
and their fathers who begot them in this
In Your enduring patience, do not take
land: 4“They shall die gruesome deaths;
me away.
they shall not be lamented nor shall they
Know that for Your sake I have
be buried, but they shall be like refuse on
suffered rebuke.
16 Your words were found, and I ate the face of the earth. They shall be con-
sumed by the sword and by famine, and
them,
their corpses shall be meat for the birds of
And Your word was to me the joy and
heaven and for the beasts of the earth.”
rejoicing of my heart; 5For thus says the Lord: “Do not enter
For I am called by Your name,
the house of mourning, nor go to lament
O Lord God of hosts.
17 I did not sit in the assembly of the or bemoan them; for I have taken away
My peace from this people,” says the Lord,
mockers,
“lovingkindness and mercies. 6Both the
Nor did I rejoice;
great and the small shall die in this land.
I sat alone because of Your hand,
For You have filled me with They shall not be buried; neither shall men
indignation. lament for them, cut themselves, nor make
18 Why is my pain perpetual themselves bald for them. 7Nor shall men
And my wound incurable, break bread in mourning for them, to com-
Which refuses to be healed? fort them for the dead; nor shall men give
Will You surely be to me like an them the cup of consolation to drink for
unreliable stream, their father or their mother. 8Also you shall
As waters that fail? not go into the house of feasting to sit with
them, to eat and drink.”
9For thus says the Lord of hosts, the
The L ord Reassures Jeremiah
19Therefore thus says the Lord:
God of Israel: “Behold, I will cause to cease
15:14 aFollowing Masoretic Text and Vulgate;
“ If you return, Septuagint, Syriac, and Targum read cause you
Then I will bring you back; to serve (compare 17:4).
24-Jeremiah.indd 963 2/14/12 12:03 PM
JEREMIAH 16:10 964
from this place, before your eyes and in hunters, and they shall hunt them from
your days, the voice of mirth and the voice every mountain and every hill, and out of
of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom the holes of the rocks. 17For My eyes are on
and the voice of the bride. all their ways; they are not hidden from My
10“And it shall be, when you show this face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My
people all these words, and they say to eyes. 18And first I will repay double for their
you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all iniquity and their sin, because they have
this great disaster against us? Or what is defiled My land; they have filled My inheri-
our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we tance with the carcasses of their detestable
have committed against the Lord our and abominable idols.”
God?’ 11then you shall say to them, ‘Be-
cause your fathers have forsaken Me,’ says 19 O Lord, my strength and my
the Lord; ‘they have walked after other fortress,
gods and have served them and worshiped My refuge in the day of affliction,
them, and have forsaken Me and not kept The Gentiles shall come to You
My law. 12And you have done worse than From the ends of the earth and say,
your fathers, for behold, each one follows “ Surely our fathers have inherited lies,
the dictates of his own evil heart, so that Worthlessness and unprofitable
no one listens to Me. 13Therefore I will cast things.”
you out of this land into a land that you do 20 Will a man make gods for himself,
not know, neither you nor your fathers; and Which are not gods?
there you shall serve other gods day and
night, where I will not show you favor.’ 21“ Therefore behold, I will this once cause
them to know,
I will cause them to know
Jeremiah 16:13 My hand and My might;
When Jerusalem was conquered by And they shall know that My name is
Babylon in 586 B.C., the Jewish people the Lord.
who were taken captive had to learn
a whole new way of life, including
new religions and new customs. The Jeremiah 17:1
Jews were held captive in Babylon for “Pens of iron” were used to carve
seventy years. permanent public records, announce-
ments, and calendars in stone. The
stones were then displayed in places
God Will Restore Israel where people could see them. Often
14“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” the same announcement was posted
in more than one place.
says the Lord, “that it shall no more be
said, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the
children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’
15but, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the Judah’s Sin and Punishment
17
children of Israel from the land of the north “ The sin of Judah is written with
and from all the lands where He had driven a pen of iron;
them.’ For I will bring them back into their With the point of a diamond it
land which I gave to their fathers. is engraved
On the tablet of their heart,
And on the horns of your altars,
Sin 2 While their children remember
Can we hide sin from God? Their altars and their wooden imagesa
Jeremiah 16:17 By the green trees on the high hills.
3 O My mountain in the field,
I will give as plunder your wealth, all
16“Behold, I will send for many fisher-
your treasures,
men,” says the Lord, “and they shall fish
them; and afterward I will send for many 17:2 aHebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities
24-Jeremiah.indd 964 2/14/12 12:03 PM
965 JEREMIAH 17:24
And your high places of sin within all 13 O Lord, the hope of Israel,
your borders. All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
4 And you, even yourself,
Shall let go of your heritage which I “ Those who depart from Me
gave you; Shall be written in the earth,
And I will cause you to serve your Because they have forsaken the Lord,
enemies The fountain of living waters.”
In the land which you do not know;
For you have kindled a fire in My anger Jeremiah Prays
which shall burn forever.” for Deliverance
14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
5Thus says the Lord:
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man 15 Indeed they say to me,
And makes flesh his strength, “ Where is the word of the Lord?
Whose heart departs from the Lord. Let it come now!”
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the 16 As for me, I have not hurried away
desert, from being a shepherd who
And shall not see when good comes, follows You,
But shall inhabit the parched places in Nor have I desired the woeful day;
the wilderness, You know what came out of my lips;
In a salt land which is not inhabited. It was right there before You.
17 Do not be a terror to me;
7“ Blessed is the man who trusts in the
You are my hope in the day of doom.
Lord, 18 Let them be ashamed who
And whose hope is the Lord. persecute me,
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by But do not let me be put to shame;
the waters, Let them be dismayed,
Which spreads out its roots by the river, But do not let me be dismayed.
And will not feara when heat comes; Bring on them the day of doom,
But its leaf will be green, And destroy them with double
And will not be anxious in the year of destruction!
drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Hallow the Sabbath Day
19Thus the Lord said to me: “Go and stand
9“ The heart is deceitful above all things,
in the gate of the children of the people, by
And desperately wicked; which the kings of Judah come in and by
Who can know it? which they go out, and in all the gates of Je-
10 I, the Lord, search the heart,
rusalem; 20and say to them, ‘Hear the word
I test the mind, of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Ju-
Even to give every man according to dah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
his ways, who enter by these gates. 21Thus says the
According to the fruit of his doings. Lord: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear
no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it
11“ As a partridge that broods but does
in by the gates of Jerusalem; 22nor carry a
not hatch, burden out of your houses on the Sabbath
So is he who gets riches, but not by day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sab-
right; bath day, as I commanded your fathers.
It will leave him in the midst of his 23But they did not obey nor incline their
days, ear, but made their neck stiff, that they
And at his end he will be a fool.” might not hear nor receive instruction.
24“And it shall be, if you heed Me care-
12 A glorious high throne from the
fully,” says the Lord, “to bring no burden
beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary. 17:8 aQere and Targum read see.
24-Jeremiah.indd 965 2/14/12 12:03 PM
JEREMIAH 17:25 966
through the gates of this city on the Sab- against you. Return now every one from his
bath day, but hallow the Sabbath day, to evil way, and make your ways and your do-
do no work in it, 25then shall enter the ings good.” ’ ”
gates of this city kings and princes sitting
on the throne of David, riding in chariots God’s Warning Rejected
and on horses, they and their princes, ac- 12And they said, “That is hopeless! So we
companied by the men of Judah and the will walk according to our own plans, and
inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city shall we will every one obey the dictates of his
remain forever. 26And they shall come from evil heart.”
the cities of Judah and from the places 13Therefore thus says the Lord:
around Jerusalem, from the land of Benja-
min and from the lowland, from the moun- “ Ask now among the Gentiles,
tains and from the South, bringing burnt Who has heard such things?
offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and The virgin of Israel has done a very
incense, bringing sacrifices of praise to the horrible thing.
house of the Lord. 14 Will a man leave the snow water of
27“But if you will not heed Me to hallow
Lebanon,
the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a bur- Which comes from the rock of the field?
den when entering the gates of Jerusalem Will the cold flowing waters be
on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire forsaken for strange waters?
in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of
Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.” ’ ” 15“ Because My people have forgotten Me,
They have burned incense to worthless
The Potter and the Clay idols.
18
The word which came to Jer- And they have caused themselves to
emiah from the Lord, saying: stumble in their ways,
2“Arise and go down to the pot- From the ancient paths,
ter’s house, and there I will cause you to To walk in pathways and not on a
hear My words.” 3Then I went down to the highway,
potter’s house, and there he was, making 16 To make their land desolate and a
something at the wheel. 4And the vessel perpetual hissing;
that he made of clay was marred in the Everyone who passes by it will be
hand of the potter; so he made it again into astonished
another vessel, as it seemed good to the And shake his head.
potter to make. 17 I will scatter them as with an east
5Then the word of the Lord came to me, wind before the enemy;
saying: 6“O house of Israel, can I not do with I will show thema the back and not
you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, the face
as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you In the day of their calamity.”
in My hand, O house of Israel! 7The instant I
speak concerning a nation and concerning Jeremiah Persecuted
a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and 18Then they said, “Come and let us devise
to destroy it, 8if that nation against whom I plans against Jeremiah; for the law shall
have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent not perish from the priest, nor counsel
of the disaster that I thought to bring upon from the wise, nor the word from the
it. 9And the instant I speak concerning a prophet. Come and let us attack him with
nation and concerning a kingdom, to build the tongue, and let us not give heed to any
and to plant it, 10if it does evil in My sight so of his words.”
that it does not obey My voice, then I will
relent concerning the good with which I 19 Give heed to me, O Lord,
said I would benefit it. And listen to the voice of those who
11“Now therefore, speak to the men of
contend with me!
Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am 18:17 aFollowing Septuagint, Syriac, Targum,
fashioning a disaster and devising a plan and Vulgate; Masoretic Text reads look them in.
24-Jeremiah.indd 966 2/14/12 12:03 PM
967 JEREMIAH 20:3
20 Shall evil be repaid for good? more be called Tophet or the Valley of the
For they have dug a pit for my life. Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.
Remember that I stood before You 7And I will make void the counsel of Ju-
To speak good for them, dah and Jerusalem in this place, and I will
To turn away Your wrath from them. cause them to fall by the sword before their
21 Therefore deliver up their children to enemies and by the hands of those who
the famine, seek their lives; their corpses I will give as
And pour out their blood meat for the birds of the heaven and for
By the force of the sword; the beasts of the earth. 8I will make this
Let their wives become widows city desolate and a hissing; everyone who
And bereaved of their children. passes by it will be astonished and hiss
Let their men be put to death, because of all its plagues. 9And I will cause
Their young men be slain them to eat the flesh of their sons and the
By the sword in battle. flesh of their daughters, and everyone shall
22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, eat the flesh of his friend in the siege and in
When You bring a troop suddenly the desperation with which their enemies
upon them; and those who seek their lives shall drive
For they have dug a pit to take me, them to despair.” ’
And hidden snares for my feet. 10“Then you shall break the flask in the
23 Yet, Lord, You know all their counsel sight of the men who go with you, 11and
Which is against me, to slay me. say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:
Provide no atonement for their “Even so I will break this people and this
iniquity, city, as one breaks a potter’s vessel, which
Nor blot out their sin from Your sight; cannot be made whole again; and they
But let them be overthrown before shall bury them in Tophet till there is
You. no place to bury. 12Thus I will do to this
Deal thus with them place,” says the Lord, “and to its inhabit-
In the time of Your anger. ants, and make this city like Tophet. 13And
the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of
The Sign of the Broken Flask the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the
19
Thus says the Lord: “Go and get place of Tophet, because of all the houses
a potter’s earthen flask, and take on whose roofs they have burned incense
some of the elders of the people to all the host of heaven, and poured out
and some of the elders of the priests. 2And drink offerings to other gods.” ’ ”
14Then Jeremiah came from Tophet,
go out to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom,
which is by the entry of the Potsherd Gate; where the Lord had sent him to proph-
and proclaim there the words that I will tell esy; and he stood in the court of the Lord’s
you, 3and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, house and said to all the people, 15“Thus
O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusa- says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:
lem. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all
of Israel: “Behold, I will bring such a catas- her towns all the doom that I have pro-
trophe on this place, that whoever hears of nounced against it, because they have stiff-
it, his ears will tingle. ened their necks that they might not hear
4“Because they have forsaken Me and My words.’ ”
made this an alien place, because they
have burned incense in it to other gods The Word of God to Pashhur
20
whom neither they, their fathers, nor the Now Pashhur the son of Im-
kings of Judah have known, and have filled mer, the priest who was also
this place with the blood of the innocents chief governor in the house
5(they have also built the high places of of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah proph-
Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt esied these things. 2Then Pashhur struck
offerings to Baal, which I did not command Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the
or speak, nor did it come into My mind), stocks that were in the high gate of Benja-
6therefore behold, the days are coming,” min, which was by the house of the Lord.
says the Lord, “that this place shall no 3And it happened on the next day that
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JEREMIAH 20:4 968
Pashhur brought Jeremiah out of the Therefore my persecutors will stumble,
stocks. Then Jeremiah said to him, “The and will not prevail.
Lord has not called your name Pashhur, They will be greatly ashamed, for they
but Magor-Missabib.a 4For thus says the will not prosper.
Lord: ‘Behold, I will make you a terror to Their everlasting confusion will never
yourself and to all your friends; and they be forgotten.
shall fall by the sword of their enemies,
and your eyes shall see it. I will give all Ju-
dah into the hand of the king of Babylon, Judgment
and he shall carry them captive to Babylon Does God judge motives?
and slay them with the sword. 5Moreover Jeremiah 20:12
I will deliver all the wealth of this city, all
its produce, and all its precious things; all
12 But, O Lord of hosts,
the treasures of the kings of Judah I will
give into the hand of their enemies, who You who test the righteous,
will plunder them, seize them, and carry And see the mind and heart,
them to Babylon. 6And you, Pashhur, and Let me see Your vengeance on them;
all who dwell in your house, shall go into For I have pleaded my cause before
captivity. You shall go to Babylon, and there You.
you shall die, and be buried there, you and
13 Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord!
all your friends, to whom you have proph-
esied lies.’ ” For He has delivered the life of the
poor
Jeremiah’s Unpopular From the hand of evildoers.
Ministry
14 Cursed be the day in which I was born!
7O Lord, You induced me, and I was
persuaded; Let the day not be blessed in which my
You are stronger than I, and have mother bore me!
15 Let the man be cursed
prevailed.
I am in derision daily; Who brought news to my father,
Everyone mocks me. saying,
8 For when I spoke, I cried out; “ A male child has been born to you!”
I shouted, “Violence and plunder!” Making him very glad.
16 And let that man be like the cities
Because the word of the Lord was
made to me Which the Lord overthrew, and did
A reproach and a derision daily. not relent;
9 Then I said, “I will not make mention Let him hear the cry in the morning
of Him, And the shouting at noon,
17 Because he did not kill me from the
Nor speak anymore in His name.”
But His word was in my heart like a womb,
burning fire That my mother might have been my
Shut up in my bones; grave,
I was weary of holding it back, And her womb always enlarged
And I could not. with me.
10 For I heard many mocking: 18 Why did I come forth from the womb
“ Fear on every side!” to see labor and sorrow,
“ Report,” they say, “and we will report it!” That my days should be consumed
All my acquaintances watched for my with shame?
stumbling, saying,
“ Perhaps he can be induced; Jerusalem’s Doom Is Sealed
21
Then we will prevail against him, The word which came to Jere-
And we will take our revenge on him.” miah from the Lord when King
Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur
11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty,
awesome One. 20:3 aLiterally Fear on Every Side
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969 JEREMIAH 22:6
the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the for good,” says the Lord. “It shall be given
son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying, 2“Please into the hand of the king of Babylon, and
inquire of the Lord for us, for Nebuchad- he shall burn it with fire.” ’
nezzara king of Babylon makes war against
us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us ac- Message to the House
cording to all His wonderful works, that the of David
king may go away from us.” 11“And concerning the house of the king
of Judah, say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord,
12O house of David! Thus says the Lord:
Jeremiah 21:2
During Nebuchadnezzar’s forty-year “ Execute judgment in the morning;
reign as king of Babylon, he attempted And deliver him who is plundered
to collect heavy taxes from the people Out of the hand of the oppressor,
of Judah. When King Hezekiah of Lest My fury go forth like fire
Judah refused to pay taxes, Nebuchad- And burn so that no one can quench it,
nezzar and his forces attacked Jerusa- Because of the evil of your doings.
lem and held the city in siege until 586
B.C., when the people of Judah finally 13“ Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant
surrendered. Nebuchadnezzar then of the valley,
destroyed the temple and took many And rock of the plain,” says the Lord,
Jews back to Babylon as prisoners. “ Who say, ‘Who shall come down
against us?
Or who shall enter our dwellings?’
3Then Jeremiah said to them, “Thus you
14 But I will punish you according to
shall say to Zedekiah, 4‘Thus says the Lord the fruit of your doings,” says the
God of Israel: “Behold, I will turn back the Lord;
weapons of war that are in your hands, “ I will kindle a fire in its forest,
with which you fight against the king of And it shall devour all things around
Babylon and the Chaldeansa who besiege it.” ’ ”
you outside the walls; and I will assemble
22
them in the midst of this city. 5I Myself Thus says the Lord: “Go down
will fight against you with an outstretched to the house of the king of
hand and with a strong arm, even in an- Judah, and there speak this
ger and fury and great wrath. 6I will strike word, 2and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord,
the inhabitants of this city, both man and O king of Judah, you who sit on the throne
beast; they shall die of a great pestilence. of David, you and your servants and your
7And afterward,” says the Lord, “I will de-
people who enter these gates! 3Thus says
liver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants the Lord: “Execute judgment and righ-
and the people, and such as are left in this teousness, and deliver the plundered out
city from the pestilence and the sword and of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong
the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnez- and do no violence to the stranger, the fa-
zar king of Babylon, into the hand of their therless, or the widow, nor shed innocent
enemies, and into the hand of those who blood in this place. 4For if you indeed do
seek their life; and he shall strike them with this thing, then shall enter the gates of this
the edge of the sword. He shall not spare house, riding on horses and in chariots, ac-
them, or have pity or mercy.” ’ companied by servants and people, kings
8“Now you shall say to this people, ‘Thus
who sit on the throne of David. 5But if you
says the Lord: “Behold, I set before you the will not hear these words, I swear by My-
way of life and the way of death. 9He who self,” says the Lord, “that this house shall
remains in this city shall die by the sword, become a desolation.” ’ ”
by famine, and by pestilence; but he who 6For thus says the Lord to the house of
goes out and defects to the Chaldeans who the king of Judah:
besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall
be as a prize to him. 10For I have set My 21:2 aHebrew Nebuchadrezzar, and so elsewhere
face against this city for adversity and not 21:4 aOr Babylonians
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JEREMIAH 22:7 970
“ You are Gilead to Me, Was not this knowing Me?” says the
The head of Lebanon; Lord.
Yet I surely will make you a 17“ Yet your eyes and your heart are for
wilderness, nothing but your covetousness,
Cities which are not inhabited. For shedding innocent blood,
7 I will prepare destroyers against you, And practicing oppression and
Everyone with his weapons; violence.”
They shall cut down your choice
cedars 18Therefore thus says the Lord concern-
And cast them into the fire. ing Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Ju-
dah:
8And many nations will pass by this city;
and everyone will say to his neighbor, “ They shall not lament for him,
‘Why has the Lord done so to this great Saying, ‘Alas, my brother!’ or ‘Alas, my
city?’ 9Then they will answer, ‘Because sister!’
they have forsaken the covenant of the They shall not lament for him,
Lord their God, and worshiped other Saying, ‘Alas, master!’ or ‘Alas, his
gods and served them.’ ” glory!’
19 He shall be buried with the burial of a
10 Weep not for the dead, nor bemoan
donkey,
him; Dragged and cast out beyond the gates
Weep bitterly for him who goes away, of Jerusalem.
For he shall return no more,
Nor see his native country. 20“ Go up to Lebanon, and cry out,
And lift up your voice in Bashan;
Message to the Sons Cry from Abarim,
of Josiah For all your lovers are destroyed.
11For 21 I spoke to you in your prosperity,
thus says the Lord concerning Shal-
luma the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who But you said, ‘I will not hear.’
reigned instead of Josiah his father, who This has been your manner from your
went from this place: “He shall not return youth,
here anymore, 12but he shall die in the That you did not obey My voice.
22 The wind shall eat up all your rulers,
place where they have led him captive, and
shall see this land no more. And your lovers shall go into captivity;
Surely then you will be ashamed and
13“ Woe to him who builds his house by humiliated
unrighteousness For all your wickedness.
23 O inhabitant of Lebanon,
And his chambers by injustice,
Who uses his neighbor’s service Making your nest in the cedars,
without wages How gracious will you be when pangs
And gives him nothing for his work, come upon you,
14 Who says, ‘I will build myself a wide Like the pain of a woman in labor?
house with spacious chambers,
And cut out windows for it, Message to Coniah
Paneling it with cedar 24“As I live,” says the Lord, “though Coniaha
And painting it with vermilion.’ the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were
the signet on My right hand, yet I would
15“ Shall you reign because you enclose
pluck you off; 25and I will give you into the
yourself in cedar? hand of those who seek your life, and into
Did not your father eat and drink, the hand of those whose face you fear—the
And do justice and righteousness? hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Then it was well with him. and the hand of the Chaldeans. 26So I will
16 He judged the cause of the poor and
needy; 22:11 aAlso called Jehoahaz
22:24 aAlso called
Then it was well. Jeconiah and Jehoiachin
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971 JEREMIAH 23:14
cast you out, and your mother who bore 7“Therefore, behold, the days are com-
you, into another country where you were ing,” says the Lord, “that they shall no
not born; and there you shall die. 27But to longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought
the land to which they desire to return, up the children of Israel from the land of
there they shall not return. Egypt,’ 8but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought
up and led the descendants of the house
28“ Is this man Coniah a despised, broken of Israel from the north country and from
idol— all the countries where I had driven them.’
A vessel in which is no pleasure? And they shall dwell in their own land.”
Why are they cast out, he and his
descendants, False Prophets and Empty
And cast into a land which they do not Oracles
know? 9My heart within me is broken
29 O earth, earth, earth,
Because of the prophets;
Hear the word of the Lord! All my bones shake.
30 Thus says the Lord:
I am like a drunken man,
‘Write this man down as childless, And like a man whom wine has
A man who shall not prosper in his overcome,
days; Because of the Lord,
For none of his descendants shall And because of His holy words.
prosper, 10 For the land is full of adulterers;
Sitting on the throne of David, For because of a curse the land
And ruling anymore in Judah.’ ” mourns.
The Branch of Righteousness
The pleasant places of the wilderness
are dried up.
23
“Woe to the shepherds who Their course of life is evil,
destroy and scatter the sheep And their might is not right.
of My pasture!” says the Lord.
2Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel 11“ For both prophet and priest are
against the shepherds who feed My people: profane;
“You have scattered My flock, driven them Yes, in My house I have found their
away, and not attended to them. Behold, I wickedness,” says the Lord.
will attend to you for the evil of your do- 12“ Therefore their way shall be to them
ings,” says the Lord. 3“But I will gather the Like slippery ways;
remnant of My flock out of all countries In the darkness they shall be driven on
where I have driven them, and bring them And fall in them;
back to their folds; and they shall be fruit- For I will bring disaster on them,
ful and increase. 4I will set up shepherds The year of their punishment,” says the
over them who will feed them; and they Lord.
shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor 13“ And I have seen folly in the prophets of
shall they be lacking,” says the Lord. Samaria:
They prophesied by Baal
5“ Behold, the days are coming,” says the
And caused My people Israel to err.
Lord, 14 Also I have seen a horrible thing in the
“ That I will raise to David a Branch of prophets of Jerusalem:
righteousness; They commit adultery and walk in
A King shall reign and prosper, lies;
And execute judgment and They also strengthen the hands of
righteousness in the earth. evildoers,
6 In His days Judah will be saved,
So that no one turns back from his
And Israel will dwell safely; wickedness.
Now this is His name by which He will All of them are like Sodom to Me,
be called: And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.a 23:6 aHebrew YHWH Tsidkenu
24-Jeremiah.indd 971 2/14/12 12:03 PM
JEREMIAH 23:15 972
15“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts 22 But if they had stood in My counsel,
concerning the prophets: And had caused My people to hear My
words,
‘ Behold, I will feed them with Then they would have turned them
wormwood, from their evil way
And make them drink the water of And from the evil of their doings.
gall;
23“ Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord,
For from the prophets of Jerusalem
Profaneness has gone out into all the “ And not a God afar off?
24 Can anyone hide himself in secret
land.’ ”
places,
So I shall not see him?” says the Lord;
Hope “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says
When is our hope misplaced? the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:16 25“I have heard what the prophets have
said who prophesy lies in My name, saying,
16Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26How
long will this be in the heart of the prophets
“ Do not listen to the words of the who prophesy lies? Indeed they are proph-
prophets who prophesy to you. ets of the deceit of their own heart, 27who
They make you worthless; try to make My people forget My name
They speak a vision of their own heart, by their dreams which everyone tells his
Not from the mouth of the Lord. neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name
17 They continually say to those who for Baal.
despise Me,
28“ The prophet who has a dream, let him
‘The Lord has said, “You shall have
peace” ’; tell a dream;
And to everyone who walks according And he who has My word, let him
to the dictates of his own heart, speak My word faithfully.
they say, What is the chaff to the wheat?” says
‘No evil shall come upon you.’ ” the Lord.
29“ Is not My word like a fire?” says the
18 For who has stood in the counsel of Lord,
the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the
And has perceived and heard His rock in pieces?
word? 30“Therefore behold, I am against the
Who has marked His word and
heard it? prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord has words every one from his neighbor. 31Be-
hold, I am against the prophets,” says the
gone forth in fury—
Lord, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He
A violent whirlwind!
says.’ 32Behold, I am against those who
It will fall violently on the head of the
prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord,
wicked.
20 The anger of the Lord will not turn “and tell them, and cause My people to err
by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet
back
I did not send them or command them;
Until He has executed and performed
therefore they shall not profit this people
the thoughts of His heart.
at all,” says the Lord.
In the latter days you will understand 33“So when these people or the prophet
it perfectly. or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the
21“ I have not sent these prophets, yet
oracle of the Lord?’ you shall then say
to them, ‘What oracle?’a I will even for-
they ran.
I have not spoken to them, yet they 23:33 aSeptuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read
prophesied. ‘You are the burden.’
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973 JEREMIAH 25:9
sake you,” says the Lord. 34“And as for the them and not pluck them up. 7Then I will
prophet and the priest and the people who give them a heart to know Me, that I am
say, ‘The oracle of the Lord!’ I will even the Lord; and they shall be My people, and
punish that man and his house. 35Thus I will be their God, for they shall return to
every one of you shall say to his neigh- Me with their whole heart.
bor, and every one to his brother, ‘What 8‘And as the bad figs which cannot be
has the Lord answered?’ and, ‘What has eaten, they are so bad’—surely thus says
the Lord spoken?’ 36And the oracle of the the Lord—‘so will I give up Zedekiah the
Lord you shall mention no more. For every king of Judah, his princes, the residue of
man’s word will be his oracle, for you have Jerusalem who remain in this land, and
perverted the words of the living God, the those who dwell in the land of Egypt. 9I will
Lord of hosts, our God. 37Thus you shall deliver them to trouble into all the king-
say to the prophet, ‘What has the Lord an- doms of the earth, for their harm, to be a re-
swered you?’ and, ‘What has the Lord spo- proach and a byword, a taunt and a curse,
ken?’ 38But since you say, ‘The oracle of the in all places where I shall drive them. 10And
Lord!’ therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Be- I will send the sword, the famine, and the
cause you say this word, “The oracle of the pestilence among them, till they are con-
Lord!” and I have sent to you, saying, “Do sumed from the land that I gave to them
not say, ‘The oracle of the Lord!’ ” 39there- and their fathers.’ ”
fore behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you
and forsake you, and the city that I gave Seventy Years of Desolation
25
you and your fathers, and will cast you out The word that came to Jere-
of My presence. 40And I will bring an ever- miah concerning all the people
lasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual of Judah, in the fourth year of
shame, which shall not be forgotten.’ ” Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah
(which was the first year of Nebuchadnez-
The Sign of Two Baskets zar king of Babylon), 2which Jeremiah the
of Figs prophet spoke to all the people of Judah
24
The Lord showed me, and and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, say-
there were two baskets of figs ing: 3“From the thirteenth year of Josiah
set before the temple of the the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this
Lord, after Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab day, this is the twenty-third year in which
ylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the the word of the Lord has come to me; and I
son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the have spoken to you, rising early and speak-
princes of Judah with the craftsmen and ing, but you have not listened. 4And the
smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought Lord has sent to you all His servants the
them to Babylon. 2One basket had very prophets, rising early and sending them,
good figs, like the figs that are first ripe; but you have not listened nor inclined your
and the other basket had very bad figs ear to hear. 5They said, ‘Repent now every-
which could not be eaten, they were so one of his evil way and his evil doings, and
bad. 3Then the Lord said to me, “What do dwell in the land that the Lord has given
you see, Jeremiah?” to you and your fathers forever and ever.
And I said, “Figs, the good figs, very 6Do not go after other gods to serve them
good; and the bad, very bad, which cannot and worship them, and do not provoke
be eaten, they are so bad.” Me to anger with the works of your hands;
4Again the word of the Lord came to and I will not harm you.’ 7Yet you have not
me, saying, 5“Thus says the Lord, the God listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you
of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I ac- might provoke Me to anger with the works
knowledge those who are carried away of your hands to your own hurt.
captive from Judah, whom I have sent out 8“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts:
of this place for their own good, into the ‘Because you have not heard My words,
land of the Chaldeans. 6For I will set My 9behold, I will send and take all the fami-
eyes on them for good, and I will bring lies of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Neb
them back to this land; I will build them uchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My
and not pull them down, and I will plant servant, and will bring them against this
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JEREMIAH 25:10 974
land, against its inhabitants, and against the north, far and near, one with another;
these nations all around, and will utterly and all the kingdoms of the world which
destroy them, and make them an astonish- are on the face of the earth. Also the king of
ment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. Sheshacha shall drink after them.
10Moreover I will take from them the voice 27“Therefore you shall say to them, ‘Thus
of mirth and the voice of gladness, the says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:
voice of the bridegroom and the voice of “Drink, be drunk, and vomit! Fall and rise
the bride, the sound of the millstones and no more, because of the sword which I will
the light of the lamp. 11And this whole land send among you.” ’ 28And it shall be, if they
shall be a desolation and an astonishment, refuse to take the cup from your hand to
and these nations shall serve the king of drink, then you shall say to them, ‘Thus
Babylon seventy years. says the Lord of hosts: “You shall certainly
12‘Then it will come to pass, when sev- drink! 29For behold, I begin to bring calam-
enty years are completed, that I will pun- ity on the city which is called by My name,
ish the king of Babylon and that nation, and should you be utterly unpunished?
the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniq- You shall not be unpunished, for I will call
uity,’ says the Lord; ‘and I will make it a for a sword on all the inhabitants of the
perpetual desolation. 13So I will bring on earth,” says the Lord of hosts.’
that land all My words which I have pro- 30“Therefore prophesy against them all
nounced against it, all that is written in these words, and say to them:
this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied
concerning all the nations. 14(For many ‘ The Lord will roar from on high,
nations and great kings shall be served by And utter His voice from His holy
them also; and I will repay them according habitation;
to their deeds and according to the works He will roar mightily against His fold.
of their own hands.)’ ” He will give a shout, as those who
tread the grapes,
Judgment on the Nations Against all the inhabitants of the
15For thus says the Lord God of Israel to earth.
31 A noise will come to the ends of the
me: “Take this wine cup of fury from My
hand, and cause all the nations, to whom earth—
I send you, to drink it. 16And they will drink For the Lord has a controversy with
and stagger and go mad because of the the nations;
sword that I will send among them.” He will plead His case with all flesh.
17Then I took the cup from the Lord’s He will give those who are wicked to
hand, and made all the nations drink, to the sword,’ says the Lord.”
whom the Lord had sent me: 18Jerusalem 32Thus says the Lord of hosts:
and the cities of Judah, its kings and its
princes, to make them a desolation, an as- “ Behold, disaster shall go forth
tonishment, a hissing, and a curse, as it is From nation to nation,
this day; 19Pharaoh king of Egypt, his ser- And a great whirlwind shall be raised
vants, his princes, and all his people; 20all up
the mixed multitude, all the kings of the From the farthest parts of the earth.
land of Uz, all the kings of the land of the
Philistines (namely, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, 33“And at that day the slain of the Lord
and the remnant of Ashdod); 21Edom, shall be from one end of the earth even to
Moab, and the people of Ammon; 22all the the other end of the earth. They shall not
kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the be lamented, or gathered, or buried; they
kings of the coastlands which are across shall become refuse on the ground.
the sea; 23Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who
are in the farthest corners; 24all the kings 34“ Wail, shepherds, and cry!
of Arabia and all the kings of the mixed Roll about in the ashes,
multitude who dwell in the desert; 25all the You leaders of the flock!
kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and
all the kings of the Medes; 26all the kings of 25:26 aA code word for Babylon (compare 51:41)
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975 JEREMIAH 26:20
For the days of your slaughter and desolate, without an inhabitant’?” And all
your dispersions are fulfilled; the people were gathered against Jeremiah
You shall fall like a precious vessel. in the house of the Lord.
35 And the shepherds will have no way 10When the princes of Judah heard these
to flee, things, they came up from the king’s house
Nor the leaders of the flock to escape. to the house of the Lord and sat down in
36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, the entry of the New Gate of the Lord’s
And a wailing of the leaders to the house. 11And the priests and the prophets
flock will be heard. spoke to the princes and all the people, say-
For the Lord has plundered their ing, “This man deserves to die! For he has
pasture, prophesied against this city, as you have
37 And the peaceful dwellings are cut
heard with your ears.”
down 12Then Jeremiah spoke to all the princes
Because of the fierce anger of the and all the people, saying: “The Lord sent
Lord. me to prophesy against this house and
38 He has left His lair like the lion;
against this city with all the words that you
For their land is desolate have heard. 13Now therefore, amend your
Because of the fierceness of the ways and your doings, and obey the voice
Oppressor, of the Lord your God; then the Lord will
And because of His fierce anger.” relent concerning the doom that He has
pronounced against you. 14As for me, here
Jeremiah Saved from Death I am, in your hand; do with me as seems
26
In the beginning of the reign good and proper to you. 15But know for
of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, certain that if you put me to death, you will
king of Judah, this word came surely bring innocent blood on yourselves,
from the Lord, saying, 2“Thus says the on this city, and on its inhabitants; for truly
Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s the Lord has sent me to you to speak all
house, and speak to all the cities of Ju- these words in your hearing.”
dah, which come to worship in the Lord’s 16So the princes and all the people said
house, all the words that I command you to the priests and the prophets, “This man
to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. does not deserve to die. For he has spoken
3Perhaps everyone will listen and turn
to us in the name of the Lord our God.”
from his evil way, that I may relent con- 17Then certain of the elders of the land
cerning the calamity which I purpose to rose up and spoke to all the assembly of
bring on them because of the evil of their the people, saying: 18“Micah of Moresheth
doings.’ 4And you shall say to them, ‘Thus prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of
says the Lord: “If you will not listen to Me, Judah, and spoke to all the people of Judah,
to walk in My law which I have set before saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:
you, 5to heed the words of My servants the
prophets whom I sent to you, both rising “ Zion shall be plowed like a field,
up early and sending them (but you have Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins,
not heeded), 6then I will make this house And the mountain of the templea
like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse Like the bare hills of the forest.” ’b
to all the nations of the earth.” ’ ”
7So the priests and the prophets and all 19Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all
the people heard Jeremiah speaking these Judah ever put him to death? Did he not
words in the house of the Lord. 8Now it fear the Lord and seek the Lord’s favor?
happened, when Jeremiah had made an And the Lord relented concerning the
end of speaking all that the Lord had com- doom which He had pronounced against
manded him to speak to all the people, them. But we are doing great evil against
that the priests and the prophets and all ourselves.”
the people seized him, saying, “You will 20Now there was also a man who proph-
surely die! 9Why have you prophesied in esied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the
the name of the Lord, saying, ‘This house
shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be 26:18 aLiterally house
bCompare Micah 3:12
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JEREMIAH 26:21 976
son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who and great kings shall make him serve them.
prophesied against this city and against 8And it shall be, that the nation and king-
this land according to all the words of dom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar
Jeremiah. 21And when Jehoiakim the king, the king of Babylon, and which will not
with all his mighty men and all the princes, put its neck under the yoke of the king of
heard his words, the king sought to put him Babylon, that nation I will punish,’ says the
to death; but when Urijah heard it, he was Lord, ‘with the sword, the famine, and the
afraid and fled, and went to Egypt. 22Then pestilence, until I have consumed them by
Jehoiakim the king sent men to Egypt: El- his hand. 9Therefore do not listen to your
nathan the son of Achbor, and other men prophets, your diviners, your dreamers,
who went with him to Egypt. 23And they your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who
brought Urijah from Egypt and brought speak to you, saying, “You shall not serve
him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him the king of Babylon.” 10For they prophesy
with the sword and cast his dead body into a lie to you, to remove you far from your
the graves of the common people. land; and I will drive you out, and you will
perish. 11But the nations that bring their
necks under the yoke of the king of Bab
Friendship ylon and serve him, I will let them remain
Can standing up for a friend in their own land,’ says the Lord, ‘and they
make a difference? shall till it and dwell in it.’ ” ’ ”
12I also spoke to Zedekiah king of Judah
Jeremiah 26:24
according to all these words, saying, “Bring
your necks under the yoke of the king of
24Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the Babylon, and serve him and his people,
son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that and live! 13Why will you die, you and your
they should not give him into the hand of people, by the sword, by the famine, and
the people to put him to death. by the pestilence, as the Lord has spoken
against the nation that will not serve the
Symbol of the Bonds king of Babylon? 14Therefore do not listen
and Yokes to the words of the prophets who speak to
27
In the beginning of the reign of you, saying, ‘You shall not serve the king
Jehoiakima the son of Josiah, of Babylon,’ for they prophesy a lie to you;
15for I have not sent them,” says the Lord,
king of Judah, this word came
to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,b 2“Thus “yet they prophesy a lie in My name, that
says the Lord to me: ‘Make for yourselves I may drive you out, and that you may per-
bonds and yokes, and put them on your ish, you and the prophets who prophesy to
neck, 3and send them to the king of Edom, you.”
16Also I spoke to the priests and to all
the king of Moab, the king of the Ammon
ites, the king of Tyre, and the king of Sidon, this people, saying, “Thus says the Lord:
by the hand of the messengers who come ‘Do not listen to the words of your proph-
to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. ets who prophesy to you, saying, “Behold,
4And command them to say to their mas- the vessels of the Lord’s house will now
ters, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the shortly be brought back from Babylon”;
God of Israel—thus you shall say to your for they prophesy a lie to you. 17Do not
masters: 5‘I have made the earth, the man listen to them; serve the king of Bab
and the beast that are on the ground, by ylon, and live! Why should this city be
My great power and by My outstretched laid waste? 18But if they are prophets, and
arm, and have given it to whom it seemed if the word of the Lord is with them, let
proper to Me. 6And now I have given all them now make intercession to the Lord
these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnez of hosts, that the vessels which are left in
zar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the house of the Lord, in the house of the
the beasts of the field I have also given him 27:1 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
to serve him. 7So all nations shall serve him Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts, Arabic, and
and his son and his son’s son, until the time Syriac read Zedekiah (compare 27:3, 12; 28:1).
of his land comes; and then many nations bSeptuagint omits verse 1.
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977 JEREMIAH 28:15
king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, do not go who stood in the house of the Lord, 6and
to Babylon.’ the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! The
19“For thus says the Lord of hosts con- Lord do so; the Lord perform your words
cerning the pillars, concerning the Sea, which you have prophesied, to bring back
concerning the carts, and concerning the the vessels of the Lord’s house and all who
remainder of the vessels that remain in this were carried away captive, from Babylon
city, 20which Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab to this place. 7Nevertheless hear now this
ylon did not take, when he carried away word that I speak in your hearing and in
captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king the hearing of all the people: 8The prophets
of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and who have been before me and before you
all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem— of old prophesied against many countries
21yes, thus says the Lord of hosts, the and great kingdoms—of war and disaster
God of Israel, concerning the vessels that and pestilence. 9As for the prophet who
remain in the house of the Lord, and in prophesies of peace, when the word of the
the house of the king of Judah and of Jeru- prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be
salem: 22‘They shall be carried to Babylon, known as one whom the Lord has truly
and there they shall be until the day that I sent.”
visit them,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will bring 10Then Hananiah the prophet took the
them up and restore them to this place.’ ” yoke off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck and
broke it. 11And Hananiah spoke in the pres-
ence of all the people, saying, “Thus says
Jeremiah 27:19–21 the Lord: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of
The Sea was an enormous bronze Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the
bowl created by Solomon. Fifteen feet neck of all nations within the space of two
in diameter and weighing more than full years.’ ” And the prophet Jeremiah went
ten tons, the bowl was used by priests his way.
for their cleansing rituals. Nebuchad-
nezzar’s forces broke the bowl when
they destroyed the temple in 586 B.C. Jeremiah 28:13, 14
A yoke was a bar that rested on the
neck of a work animal, such as an ox,
Hananiah’s Falsehood
a horse, or a cow. The wagon or plow
and Doom
that the animal was supposed to pull
28
And it happened in the same was then attached to the yoke. Most
year, at the beginning of the yokes were made of wood and could
reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, be fashioned for one animal or to link
in the fourth year and in the fifth month, two together for a task.
that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet,
who was from Gibeon, spoke to me in the
12Now the word of the Lord came to
house of the Lord in the presence of the
priests and of all the people, saying, 2“Thus Jeremiah, after Hananiah the prophet
speaks the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, had broken the yoke from the neck of the
saying: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king prophet Jeremiah, saying, 13“Go and tell
of Babylon. 3Within two full years I will Hananiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord:
bring back to this place all the vessels of the “You have broken the yokes of wood, but
Lord’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king you have made in their place yokes of iron.”
of Babylon took away from this place and 14For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God
carried to Babylon. 4And I will bring back of Israel: “I have put a yoke of iron on the
to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, neck of all these nations, that they may
king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon;
who went to Babylon,’ says the Lord, ‘for I and they shall serve him. I have given him
will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’ ” the beasts of the field also.” ’ ”
5Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the 15Then the prophet Jeremiah said to
prophet Hananiah in the presence of the Hananiah the prophet, “Hear now, Hana-
priests and in the presence of all the people niah, the Lord has not sent you, but you
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JEREMIAH 28:16 978
make this people trust in a lie. 16Therefore in your midst deceive you, nor listen
thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will cast you to your dreams which you cause to be
from the face of the earth. This year you dreamed. 9For they prophesy falsely to
shall die, because you have taught rebel- you in My name; I have not sent them,
lion against the Lord.’ ” says the Lord.
17So Hananiah the prophet died the
10For thus says the Lord: After seventy
same year in the seventh month.
years are completed at Babylon, I
Jeremiah’s Letter to will visit you and perform My good
the Captives word toward you, and cause you to
return to this place. 11For I know the
29
Now these are the words of the
letter that Jeremiah the prophet thoughts that I think toward you, says
sent from Jerusalem to the re- the Lord, thoughts of peace and not
of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
mainder of the elders who were carried 12Then you will call upon Me and go
away captive—to the priests, the prophets,
and pray to Me, and I will listen to
and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar
you. 13And you will seek Me and find
had carried away captive from Jerusalem
Me, when you search for Me with all
to Babylon. 2(This happened after Jeconiah
your heart. 14I will be found by you,
the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs,
says the Lord, and I will bring you
the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the
back from your captivity; I will gather
craftsmen, and the smiths had departed
you from all the nations and from all
from Jerusalem.) 3The letter was sent by the places where I have driven you,
the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, says the Lord, and I will bring you to
and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom the place from which I cause you to be
Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, to carried away captive.
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying,
15Because you have said, “The Lord
4Thus says the Lord of hosts, the
has raised up prophets for us in
God of Israel, to all who were carried Babylon”— 16therefore thus says the
away captive, whom I have caused Lord concerning the king who sits
to be carried away from Jerusalem to on the throne of David, concerning all
Babylon: the people who dwell in this city, and
concerning your brethren who have
5Build houses and dwell in them; plant
not gone out with you into captivity—
gardens and eat their fruit. 6Take wives 17thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold,
and beget sons and daughters; and I will send on them the sword, the
take wives for your sons and give your famine, and the pestilence, and will
daughters to husbands, so that they make them like rotten figs that cannot
may bear sons and daughters—that be eaten, they are so bad. 18And I will
you may be increased there, and not pursue them with the sword, with
diminished. 7And seek the peace of famine, and with pestilence; and I
the city where I have caused you to be will deliver them to trouble among
carried away captive, and pray to the all the kingdoms of the earth—to be
Lord for it; for in its peace you will a curse, an astonishment, a hissing,
have peace. 8For thus says the Lord of and a reproach among all the nations
hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your where I have driven them, 19because
prophets and your diviners who are they have not heeded My words, says
the Lord, which I sent to them by
My servants the prophets, rising up
Prayer
early and sending them; neither would
Why should I pray for people you heed, says the Lord. 20Therefore
or places I don’t like? hear the word of the Lord, all you of
Jeremiah 29:7 the captivity, whom I have sent from
Jerusalem to Babylon.
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Life App
Destiny / Jeremiah 29:11
“Discover your destiny!” There probably aren’t many days of the
week that you don’t either hear that phrase on TV or read it online.
Many people claim they can tell your life’s destiny simply by looking
at your hand, or by knowing your birthday, or by looking at the let-
ters in your name. It may sound exciting to think about finding out
the whole plan for your life just by telling someone your name. But
it doesn’t work that way. Those people don’t know the plan for your
life. They don’t know why you were born or where you fit in this gi-
ant world. They’ll be happy to take your money and tell you a nice
story. But that’s all it will be: a story.
If you really want to know the plan for your life, there’s only one
place to go—to the Author of your life, the God of the universe. God
created you with a beautiful design (Ps. 139:14–16) that includes a
wonderful plan for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, He says, “For I know
the thoughts that I think toward you . . . thoughts of peace and not
of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
As we see in Jeremiah, God holds your future. He knows every-
thing there is to know. He doesn’t have to guess at what might
happen by looking at the stars—He made the stars! He is not bound
by space and time as we are—He already sees how you will play your
role in His plan not only for you, but for the whole world.
Your future is not decided by mere chance. You get to actively
participate in living out God’s plan for your life! As a matter of fact,
throughout the Word of God, you can find encouragement and in-
structions on how to continually seek God and His will for you. You
don’t have to try to find direction from those who simply guess at
the future. You can rest in the knowledge that you are following the
One who holds the future in His own hands.
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JEREMIAH 29:21 980
Promise
God promises you a future of hope.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a
hope (Jer. 29:11).
A student’s life can feel like a rollercoaster ride—lots of
ups and downs. Sometimes you’re upside down in a tunnel, wondering which way
is out. If you can hang on, the ride is incredible and one day in the future, the
memories will cause you to smile. But sometimes it’s as if we get stuck on the ride
during a power failure and we’re left sitting in the dark wondering when we’ll ever
get out.
Life can be pretty crazy sometimes and take us to places just as changing and
unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride. The downs seem to hang around too long, the
curves throw us, and the bumps shake us up. Sometimes life is like a broken coaster
that is taking forever to be fixed. It can be easy to lose hope in these scary places.
At these times, it’s important to remember that God promises to give us a good
future filled with hope. He promises to ride with us, restore power where there is
none, and return order when things seem upside down and confusing. Though you
may not know what’s around the next corner or when the next breakdown might
be, there is everything to live for. Your future is bright and blessed because you
belong to Him. Stand on His promise and look toward the future—dream great
dreams, and hope against the odds. You have everything to look forward to.
See for yourself// Proverbs 23:17, 18; 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17;
1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:3
21Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God Jerusalem, to Zephaniah the son of
of Israel, concerning Ahab the son Maaseiah the priest, and to all the
of Kolaiah, and Zedekiah the son of priests, saying, 26“The Lord has made
Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in you priest instead of Jehoiada the
My name: Behold, I will deliver them priest, so that there should be officers
into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar in the house of the Lord over every
king of Babylon, and he shall slay man who is demented and considers
them before your eyes. 22And because himself a prophet, that you should put
of them a curse shall be taken up by him in prison and in the stocks. 27Now
all the captivity of Judah who are in therefore, why have you not rebuked
Babylon, saying, “The Lord make you Jeremiah of Anathoth who makes
like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the himself a prophet to you? 28For he has
king of Babylon roasted in the fire”; sent to us in Babylon, saying, ‘This
23because they have done disgraceful captivity is long; build houses and
things in Israel, have committed dwell in them, and plant gardens and
adultery with their neighbors’ wives, eat their fruit.’ ”
and have spoken lying words in My
name, which I have not commanded 29Now Zephaniah the priest read this
them. Indeed I know, and am a letter in the hearing of Jeremiah the
witness, says the Lord. prophet. 30Then the word of the Lord
came to Jeremiah, saying: 31Send to
24You shall also speak to Shemaiah the all those in captivity, saying, Thus
Nehelamite, saying, 25Thus speaks says the Lord concerning Shemaiah
the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah
saying: You have sent letters in your has prophesied to you, and I have
name to all the people who are at not sent him, and he has caused you
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981 JEREMIAH 30:16
to trust in alie—32therefore thus 8‘For it shall come to pass in that day,’
says the Lord: Behold, I will punish Says the Lord of hosts,
Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his ‘That I will break his yoke from your
family: he shall not have anyone to neck,
dwell among this people, nor shall And will burst your bonds;
he see the good that I will do for Foreigners shall no more enslave
My people, says the Lord, because them.
he has taught rebellion against the 9 But they shall serve the Lord their
Lord. God,
And David their king,
Whom I will raise up for them.
Jeremiah 30:1, 2
Before books were created in the 10‘ Therefore do not fear, O My servant
second or third century A.D., docu- Jacob,’ says the Lord,
ments were written on an early form ‘Nor be dismayed, O Israel;
of paper called papyrus or on pieces of For behold, I will save you from afar,
smooth, thin leather. The pieces were And your seed from the land of their
glued or sewn together to make a captivity.
scroll. Most ancient scrolls were about Jacob shall return, have rest and be
eight inches wide and about fifteen to quiet,
thirty-five feet long. To read a scroll, And no one shall make him afraid.
a person held it with one hand and 11 For I am with you,’ says the Lord, ‘to
unrolled it with the other. save you;
Though I make a full end of all nations
where I have scattered you,
Restoration of Israel Yet I will not make a complete end of
and Judah you.
30
The word that came to Jer- But I will correct you in justice,
emiah from the Lord, saying, And will not let you go altogether
2“Thus speaks the Lord God of unpunished.’
Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself
12“For thus says the Lord:
all the words that I have spoken to you.
3For behold, the days are coming,’ says the
Lord, ‘that I will bring back from captivity ‘ Your affliction is incurable,
My people Israel and Judah,’ says the Lord. Your wound is severe.
13 There is no one to plead your cause,
‘And I will cause them to return to the land
that I gave to their fathers, and they shall That you may be bound up;
possess it.’ ” You have no healing medicines.
4Now these are the words that the Lord 14 All your lovers have forgotten you;
spoke concerning Israel and Judah. They do not seek you;
5“For thus says the Lord: For I have wounded you with the
wound of an enemy,
‘ We have heard a voice of trembling, With the chastisement of a cruel one,
Of fear, and not of peace. For the multitude of your iniquities,
6 Ask now, and see, Because your sins have increased.
Whether a man is ever in labor with 15 Why do you cry about your
child? affliction?
So why do I see every man with his Your sorrow is incurable.
hands on his loins Because of the multitude of your
Like a woman in labor, iniquities,
And all faces turned pale? Because your sins have increased,
7 Alas! For that day is great, I have done these things to you.
So that none is like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, 16‘ Therefore all those who devour you
But he shall be saved out of it. shall be devoured;
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JEREMIAH 30:17 982
And all your adversaries, every one of 22‘ You shall be My people,
them, shall go into captivity; And I will be your God.’ ”
Those who plunder you shall become
plunder, 23 Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord
And all who prey upon you I will make Goes forth with fury,
a prey. A continuing whirlwind;
17 For I will restore health to you It will fall violently on the head of the
And heal you of your wounds,’ says the wicked.
Lord, 24 The fierce anger of the Lord will not
‘Because they called you an outcast return until He has done it,
saying: And until He has performed the
“ This is Zion; intents of His heart.
No one seeks her.” ’
In the latter days you will consider it.
Jeremiah 30:18 The Remnant of Israel Saved
The people of Judah were held captive
31
by the Babylonians for seventy years. “At the same time,” says the
Their captivity ended when Babylon Lord, “I will be the God of all
was conquered by Persia. Cyrus, the the families of Israel, and they
king of Persia, allowed the Jewish shall be My people.”
2Thus says the Lord:
people to return to their homeland
and rebuild their temple.
“ The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness—
18“ Thus says the Lord: Israel, when I went to give him rest.”
3The Lord has appeared of old to me,
‘ Behold, I will bring back the captivity
of Jacob’s tents, saying:
And have mercy on his dwelling places; “ Yes, I have loved you with an
The city shall be built upon its own everlasting love;
mound, Therefore with lovingkindness I have
And the palace shall remain according drawn you.
4 Again I will build you, and you shall be
to its own plan.
19 Then out of them shall proceed rebuilt,
thanksgiving O virgin of Israel!
And the voice of those who make You shall again be adorned with your
merry; tambourines,
I will multiply them, and they shall not And shall go forth in the dances of
diminish; those who rejoice.
5 You shall yet plant vines on the
I will also glorify them, and they shall
not be small. mountains of Samaria;
20 Their children also shall be as before, The planters shall plant and eat them
And their congregation shall be as ordinary food.
established before Me;
And I will punish all who oppress
them. Future
21 Their nobles shall be from among Is the future of God’s people
them, bright?
And their governor shall come from Jeremiah 31:6
their midst;
Then I will cause him to draw near,
And he shall approach Me; 6 For there shall be a day
For who is this who pledged his heart When the watchmen will cry on
to approach Me?’ says the Lord. Mount Ephraim,
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983 JEREMIAH 31:12
Promise
God promises to turn your sorrow into joy.
“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men
and the old, together; for I will turn their mourning to joy, will
comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow”
(Jer. 31:13).
One of the hardest things in life to face is loss. You may go through times when
it seems you’ve lost important parts of your life—maybe you’ll have to move away
from your hometown, or change schools. Sometimes there are habits or friendships
that have to end because you know God doesn’t approve. When loss happens, it can
seem as though your life will never be the same and you may even doubt you’ll ever
be happy again. It may even feel as if the best part of your life is over and you can’t
see anything good in your future. When you think your situation is hopeless, hold
on; when God brings changes into your life, there is always a blessing waiting at the
end.
God can use things that seem bad to make you glad. He’s on your side! He’s for
you! He wants to see you joyful, healthy, and strong. He cares about you even more
than you do. He is God, and He can do anything. He’s especially good at turning
your hardest times into your greatest blessings.
Look at what He did for Joseph (Gen. 37—50). Joseph’s brothers sold him into
slavery and thought he’d probably live a miserably hard life. Instead, God made
Joseph a strong and successful leader. His brothers even bowed down to him! What
they had meant for bad, God meant for good. Hard times will come; we all suffer
loss in our lives. When you’re hurting and it seems life will never be good again,
hang in there with God and watch what He will do!
See for yourself// Genesis 50:20; Psalm 30:11, 12; Isaiah 61:3
‘ Arise, and let us go up to Zion, I will cause them to walk by the rivers
To the Lord our God.’ ” of waters,
In a straight way in which they shall
7For thus says the Lord: not stumble;
For I am a Father to Israel,
“ Sing with gladness for Jacob, And Ephraim is My firstborn.
And shout among the chief of the
nations; 10“ Hear the word of the Lord,
Proclaim, give praise, and say, O nations,
‘O Lord, save Your people, And declare it in the isles afar off, and
The remnant of Israel!’ say,
8 Behold, I will bring them from the ‘He who scattered Israel will gather
north country, him,
And gather them from the ends of the And keep him as a shepherd does his
earth, flock.’
Among them the blind and the lame, 11 For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
The woman with child And ransomed him from the hand of
And the one who labors with child, one stronger than he.
together; 12 Therefore they shall come and sing in
A great throng shall return there. the height of Zion,
9 They shall come with weeping, Streaming to the goodness of the
And with supplications I will lead Lord—
them. For wheat and new wine and oil,
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JEREMIAH 31:13 984
For the young of the flock and the 20 Is Ephraim My dear son?
herd; Is he a pleasant child?
Their souls shall be like a well-watered For though I spoke against him,
garden, I earnestly remember him still;
And they shall sorrow no more at all. Therefore My heart yearns for him;
I will surely have mercy on him, says
13“ Then shall the virgin rejoice in the the Lord.
dance,
And the young men and the old, 21“ Set up signposts,
together; Make landmarks;
For I will turn their mourning to joy, Set your heart toward the highway,
Will comfort them, The way in which you went.
And make them rejoice rather than Turn back, O virgin of Israel,
sorrow. Turn back to these your cities.
14 I will satiate the soul of the priests 22 How long will you gad about,
with abundance, O you backsliding daughter?
And My people shall be satisfied with For the Lord has created a new thing
My goodness, says the Lord.” in the earth—
A woman shall encompass a man.”
Mercy on Ephraim
15Thus says the Lord: Future Prosperity of Judah
23Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of
“ A voice was heard in Ramah, Israel: “They shall again use this speech in
Lamentation and bitter weeping, the land of Judah and in its cities, when I
Rachel weeping for her children, bring back their captivity: ‘The Lord bless
Refusing to be comforted for her you, O home of justice, and mountain of
children, holiness!’ 24And there shall dwell in Judah
Because they are no more.” itself, and in all its cities together, farm-
16Thus says the Lord:
ers and those going out with flocks. 25For
I have satiated the weary soul, and I have
replenished every sorrowful soul.”
“ Refrain your voice from weeping, 26After this I awoke and looked around,
And your eyes from tears; and my sleep was sweet to me.
For your work shall be rewarded, says 27“Behold, the days are coming, says the
the Lord,
Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and
And they shall come back from the
the house of Judah with the seed of man
land of the enemy.
17 There is hope in your future, says the
and the seed of beast. 28And it shall come
to pass, that as I have watched over them to
Lord,
pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to
That your children shall come back to
destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over
their own border.
them to build and to plant, says the Lord.
29In those days they shall say no more:
18“ I have surely heard Ephraim
bemoaning himself:
‘ The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
‘You have chastised me, and I was
chastised, And the children’s teeth are set on
Like an untrained bull; edge.’
Restore me, and I will return, 30But every one shall die for his own iniq-
For You are the Lord my God.
19 Surely, after my turning, I repented; uity; every man who eats the sour grapes,
And after I was instructed, I struck his teeth shall be set on edge.
myself on the thigh;
A New Covenant
I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated,
Because I bore the reproach of my 31“Behold, the days are coming, says the
youth.’ Lord, when I will make a new covenant
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985 JEREMIAH 31:40
Making It Real //
Jeremiah 31:33
New Covenant God made a covenant, or agreement, with the people of Israel after
He miraculously rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Under the covenant, they had to
perform a lot of rituals and make sacrifices in order to please Him. God said that He
would bless them as long as they obeyed the laws He had given them. But they couldn’t
follow through. They constantly broke their agreement with God.
God spoke to Jeremiah and asked him to tell the Jewish people that He (God) was
going to make a new covenant with them. That new agreement was put in place when
Jesus died on the cross as a one-time, perfect sacrifice for everybody’s sins. But this time
the covenant wasn’t just for Jews. Jesus specifically gave the apostle Paul the job of telling
Gentiles, or non-Jews, about Him (Acts 9:15). So God’s new agreement with His people is
for you, too.
“I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts.” That’s part of God’s
new covenant. This covenant, it has nothing to do with continual sacrifices or rituals.
Instead, you just have to accept Jesus as your Savior. Trust Jesus and obey Him with all of
your heart. (See also: Matt. 26:26–28; Heb. 8:10; 12:24.)
Words to Live By
Minds: The word translated as “minds” in Jeremiah 31:33 is the Hebrew word qereb
(keh’-reb). It means “the nearest part” or “the center.” The idea is that God will put His law
right into the center of our beings—where our thoughts and emotions are formed. We
can have God’s very presence within our minds and hearts.
with the house of Israel and with the house 36“ If those ordinances depart
of Judah— 32not according to the covenant From before Me, says the Lord,
that I made with their fathers in the day Then the seed of Israel shall also cease
that I took them by the hand to lead them From being a nation before Me
out of the land of Egypt, My covenant forever.”
which they broke, though I was a husband
37Thus says the Lord:
to them,a says the Lord. 33But this is the
covenant that I will make with the house
of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I “ If heaven above can be measured,
will put My law in their minds, and write it And the foundations of the earth
on their hearts; and I will be their God, and searched out beneath,
they shall be My people. 34No more shall I will also cast off all the seed of Israel
every man teach his neighbor, and every For all that they have done, says the
man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ Lord.
for they all shall know Me, from the least 38“Behold, the days are coming, says
of them to the greatest of them, says the
Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and the Lord, that the city shall be built
for the Lord from the Tower of Hananel to
their sin I will remember no more.”
the Corner Gate. 39The surveyor’s line shall
35 Thus says the Lord, again extend straight forward over the hill
Gareb; then it shall turn toward Goath.
Who gives the sun for a light by day, 40And the whole valley of the dead bodies
The ordinances of the moon and the and of the ashes, and all the fields as far
stars for a light by night,
Who disturbs the sea, 31:32 aFollowing Masoretic Text, Targum, and
And its waves roar Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read and I turned
(The Lord of hosts is His name): away from them.
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JEREMIAH 32:1 986
as the Brook Kidron, to the corner of the before all the Jews who sat in the court of
Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy the prison.
to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or 13“Then I charged Baruch before them,
thrown down anymore forever.” saying, 14‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the
God of Israel: “Take these deeds, both this
Jeremiah Buys a Field purchase deed which is sealed and this
32
The word that came to Jer- deed which is open, and put them in an
emiah from the Lord in the earthen vessel, that they may last many
tenth year of Zedekiah king days.” 15For thus says the Lord of hosts,
of Judah, which was the eighteenth year the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and
of Nebuchadnezzar. 2For then the king of vineyards shall be possessed again in this
Babylon’s army besieged Jerusalem, and land.” ’
Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the
court of the prison, which was in the king Jeremiah Prays
of Judah’s house. 3For Zedekiah king of Ju- for Understanding
dah had shut him up, saying, “Why do you 16“Now when I had delivered the pur-
prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord: chase deed to Baruch the son of Neriah,
“Behold, I will give this city into the hand I prayed to the Lord, saying: 17‘Ah, Lord
of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it; God! Behold, You have made the heavens
4and Zedekiah king of Judah shall not es-
and the earth by Your great power and
cape from the hand of the Chaldeans, but outstretched arm. There is nothing too
shall surely be delivered into the hand of hard for You. 18You show lovingkindness to
the king of Babylon, and shall speak with thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fa-
him face to face,a and see him eye to eye; thers into the bosom of their children after
5then he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon,
them—the Great, the Mighty God, whose
and there he shall be until I visit him,” says name is the Lord of hosts. 19You are great in
the Lord; “though you fight with the Chal- counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes
deans, you shall not succeed” ’?” are open to all the ways of the sons of men,
6And Jeremiah said, “The word of
to give everyone according to his ways and
the Lord came to me, saying, 7‘Behold, according to the fruit of his doings. 20You
Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle have set signs and wonders in the land of
will come to you, saying, “Buy my field Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among
which is in Anathoth, for the right of other men; and You have made Yourself a
redemption is yours to buy it.” ’ 8Then name, as it is this day. 21You have brought
Hanamel my uncle’s son came to me in Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt
the court of the prison according to the with signs and wonders, with a strong
word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Please hand and an outstretched arm, and with
buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is great terror; 22You have given them this
in the country of Benjamin; for the right land, of which You swore to their fathers to
of inheritance is yours, and the redemp- give them—“a land flowing with milk and
tion yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew honey.”a 23And they came in and took pos-
that this was the word of the Lord. 9So I session of it, but they have not obeyed Your
bought the field from Hanamel, the son voice or walked in Your law. They have
of my uncle who was in Anathoth, and done nothing of all that You commanded
weighed out to him the money—seventeen them to do; therefore You have caused all
shekels of silver. 10And I signed the deed this calamity to come upon them.
and sealed it, took witnesses, and weighed 24‘Look, the siege mounds! They have
the money on the scales. 11So I took the come to the city to take it; and the city
purchase deed, both that which was sealed has been given into the hand of the Chal-
according to the law and custom, and that deans who fight against it, because of the
which was open; 12and I gave the purchase sword and famine and pestilence. What
deed to Baruch the son of Neriah, son of You have spoken has happened; there You
Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel
my uncle’s son, and in the presence of the 32:4 aLiterally mouth to mouth
32:22 aExodus
witnesses who signed the purchase deed, 3:8
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987 JEREMIAH 32:36
Promise
God promises to do good things for you
forever.
“They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will
give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me
forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And
I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing
them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.
Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this
land, with all My heart and with all My soul” (Jer. 32:38–41).
On this earth, good things always end. Things we look forward to finally arrive
and then they’re over: we open our last birthday present; vacation comes to an end;
the Christmas decorations are packed away for another year. We anticipate, plan,
enjoy, and then it’s over and all we have left are memories and photos.
Even the good things people do for each other come to an end. We get tired, we
run out of resources, we don’t have the ability to do anything more, or we may even
just stop caring. Whatever the reason, people can only help so much and then the
helping stops.
But the Lord is not like mere humans. His abilities and His love for you are
limitless. He promises to always do good things for you. He will always be there
when you ask for His help, and He will never reach the end of His ability to bring
good into your life. He is at work in your most awesome days and in your worst
days, doing what is best for you. He puts His entire heart and soul into all He does
for you. And His goodness will never come to an end.
See for yourself// Romans 8:28
see it! 25And You have said to me, O Lord says the Lord. 31‘For this city has been to
God, “Buy the field for money, and take Me a provocation of My anger and My fury
witnesses”!—yet the city has been given from the day that they built it, even to this
into the hand of the Chaldeans.’ ” day; so I will remove it from before My face
32because of all the evil of the children of
God’s Assurance Israel and the children of Judah, which
of the People’s Return they have done to provoke Me to anger—
26Then the word of the Lord came to Jere- they, their kings, their princes, their priests,
miah, saying, 27“Behold, I am the Lord, the their prophets, the men of Judah, and the
God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard inhabitants of Jerusalem. 33And they have
for Me? 28Therefore thus says the Lord: turned to Me the back, and not the face;
‘Behold, I will give this city into the hand of though I taught them, rising up early and
the Chaldeans, into the hand of Nebuchad- teaching them, yet they have not listened
nezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take to receive instruction. 34But they set their
it. 29And the Chaldeans who fight against abominations in the house which is called
this city shall come and set fire to this city by My name, to defile it. 35And they built
and burn it, with the houses on whose the high places of Baal which are in the
roofs they have offered incense to Baal and Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their
poured out drink offerings to other gods, sons and their daughters to pass through
to provoke Me to anger; 30because the chil- the fire to Molech, which I did not com-
dren of Israel and the children of Judah have mand them, nor did it come into My mind
done only evil before Me from their youth. that they should do this abomination, to
For the children of Israel have provoked Me cause Judah to sin.’
only to anger with the work of their hands,’ 36“Now therefore, thus says the Lord,
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JEREMIAH 32:37 988
the God of Israel, concerning this city of 4“For thus says the Lord, the God of Is-
which you say, ‘It shall be delivered into the rael, concerning the houses of this city and
hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, the houses of the kings of Judah, which
by the famine, and by the pestilence’: 37Be- have been pulled down to fortifya against
hold, I will gather them out of all countries the siege mounds and the sword: 5‘They
where I have driven them in My anger, in come to fight with the Chaldeans, but only
My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring to fill their placesa with the dead bodies of
them back to this place, and I will cause men whom I will slay in My anger and My
them to dwell safely. 38They shall be My fury, all for whose wickedness I have hid-
people, and I will be their God; 39then I will den My face from this city. 6Behold, I will
give them one heart and one way, that they bring it health and healing; I will heal them
may fear Me forever, for the good of them and reveal to them the abundance of peace
and their children after them. 40And I will and truth. 7And I will cause the captives of
make an everlasting covenant with them, Judah and the captives of Israel to return,
that I will not turn away from doing them and will rebuild those places as at the first.
good; but I will put My fear in their hearts 8I will cleanse them from all their iniquity
so that they will not depart from Me. 41Yes, by which they have sinned against Me, and
I will rejoice over them to do them good, I will pardon all their iniquities by which
and I will assuredly plant them in this land, they have sinned and by which they have
with all My heart and with all My soul.’ transgressed against Me. 9Then it shall be
to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor
before all nations of the earth, who shall
Assurance hear all the good that I do to them; they
How long do God’s promises shall fear and tremble for all the goodness
last? and all the prosperity that I provide for it.’
10“Thus says the Lord: ‘Again there shall
Jeremiah 32:40, 41
be heard in this place—of which you say,
“It is desolate, without man and without
42“For thus says the Lord: ‘Just as I have beast”—in the cities of Judah, in the streets
brought all this great calamity on this peo- of Jerusalem that are desolate, without
ple, so I will bring on them all the good that man and without inhabitant and without
I have promised them. 43And fields will be beast, 11the voice of joy and the voice of
bought in this land of which you say, “It is gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and
desolate, without man or beast; it has been the voice of the bride, the voice of those
given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” who will say:
44Men will buy fields for money, sign deeds
and seal them, and take witnesses, in the “ Praise the Lord of hosts,
land of Benjamin, in the places around Je- For the Lord is good,
rusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities For His mercy endures forever”—
of the mountains, in the cities of the low-
land, and in the cities of the South; for I and of those who will bring the sacrifice
will cause their captives to return,’ says the of praise into the house of the Lord. For
Lord.” I will cause the captives of the land to
return as at the first,’ says the Lord.
12“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In this
Excellence of the Restored
Nation place which is desolate, without man and
without beast, and in all its cities, there
33
Moreover the word of the Lord shall again be a dwelling place of shep-
came to Jeremiah a second herds causing their flocks to lie down.
time, while he was still shut up 13In the cities of the mountains, in the cities
in the court of the prison, saying, 2“Thus of the lowland, in the cities of the South, in
says the Lord who made it, the Lord who the land of Benjamin, in the places around
formed it to establish it (the Lord is His Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the
name): 3‘Call to Me, and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things, 33:4 aCompare Isaiah 22:10 33:5 aCompare
which you do not know.’ 2 Kings 23:14
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989 JEREMIAH 33:24
Promise
God promises to cleanse you from your sin
(iniquity).
“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” (Jer. 33:8).
When Jeremiah gave God’s message to the people of Israel, the whole country
was seriously messed up. The people were doing things that would be shocking to
hear about even in these days, and God was understandably upset. Jeremiah
warned Israel that God was going to punish them, but they didn’t change their
ways. Jeremiah began to think they were pretty hopeless.
But God knew better. He knew the people were not going to turn things around
soon and that He would have to follow through with His punishment. But He also
knew that after the people lived through all the terrible things that were going to
happen, many of them would come to their senses. Then, in spite of all the awful
things they had done, God said He would take their iniquities away.
That’s God’s promise to you, too. Even if you think that what you’ve done is too
horrible to mention, God wants you to be honest with Him. He won’t be shocked;
He already knows everything you’ve ever done. And He won’t stop loving you,
because God is love. Turn around, face Him, repent, ask forgiveness, and He will
take your guilt away. Jesus already paid the price for you so you don’t have to suffer
like the Israelites did. He took your punishment and has declared you “not guilty.”
See for yourself// Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; 1 John 1:9
flocks shall again pass under the hands of The Permanence of God’s
him who counts them,’ says the Lord. Covenant
14‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the
19And the word of the Lord came to Jere-
Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing miah, saying, 20“Thus says the Lord: ‘If you
which I have promised to the house of Is- can break My covenant with the day and
rael and to the house of Judah: My covenant with the night, so that there
15‘ In those days and at that time
will not be day and night in their season,
21then My covenant may also be broken
I will cause to grow up to David with David My servant, so that he shall not
A Branch of righteousness; have a son to reign on his throne, and with
He shall execute judgment and the Levites, the priests, My ministers. 22As
righteousness in the earth. the host of heaven cannot be numbered,
16 In those days Judah will be saved,
nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I
And Jerusalem will dwell safely. multiply the descendants of David My ser-
And this is the name by which she will vant and the Levites who minister to Me.’ ”
be called: 23Moreover the word of the Lord came
to Jeremiah, saying, 24“Have you not con-
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’a sidered what these people have spoken,
saying, ‘The two families which the Lord
17“For thus says the Lord: ‘David shall
has chosen, He has also cast them off ’?
never lack a man to sit on the throne of the Thus they have despised My people, as if
house of Israel; 18nor shall the priests, the they should no more be a nation before
Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings them.
before Me, to kindle grain offerings, and to
sacrifice continually.’ ” 33:16 aCompare 23:5, 6
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JEREMIAH 33:25 990
25“Thus says the Lord: ‘If My covenant Jewish brother in bondage. 10Now when
is not with day and night, and if I have not all the princes and all the people, who
appointed the ordinances of heaven and had entered into the covenant, heard that
earth, 26then I will cast away the descen- everyone should set free his male and fe-
dants of Jacob and David My servant, so male slaves, that no one should keep them
that I will not take any of his descendants in bondage anymore, they obeyed and let
to be rulers over the descendants of Abra- them go. 11But afterward they changed
ham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will cause their their minds and made the male and female
captives to return, and will have mercy on slaves return, whom they had set free, and
them.’ ” brought them into subjection as male and
female slaves.
12Therefore the word of the Lord came
Zedekiah Warned by God
to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 13“Thus
34
The word which came to Jer- says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I made a
emiah from the Lord, when covenant with your fathers in the day that
Nebuchadnezzar king of Bab I brought them out of the land of Egypt,
ylon and all his army, all the kingdoms of out of the house of bondage, saying, 14“At
the earth under his dominion, and all the the end of seven years let every man set
people, fought against Jerusalem and all free his Hebrew brother, who has been sold
its cities, saying, 2“Thus says the Lord, the to him; and when he has served you six
God of Israel: ‘Go and speak to Zedekiah years, you shall let him go free from you.”
king of Judah and tell him, “Thus says the But your fathers did not obey Me nor in-
Lord: ‘Behold, I will give this city into the cline their ear. 15Then you recently turned
hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall and did what was right in My sight—every
burn it with fire. 3And you shall not escape man proclaiming liberty to his neighbor;
from his hand, but shall surely be taken and you made a covenant before Me in the
and delivered into his hand; your eyes shall house which is called by My name. 16Then
see the eyes of the king of Babylon, he you turned around and profaned My name,
shall speak with you face to face,a and you and every one of you brought back his male
shall go to Babylon.’ ” ’ 4Yet hear the word and female slaves, whom you had set at lib-
of the Lord, O Zedekiah king of Judah! erty, at their pleasure, and brought them
Thus says the Lord concerning you: ‘You back into subjection, to be your male and
shall not die by the sword. 5You shall die in female slaves.’
peace; as in the ceremonies of your fathers, 17“Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘You
the former kings who were before you, so have not obeyed Me in proclaiming liberty,
they shall burn incense for you and lament every one to his brother and every one to
for you, saying, “Alas, lord!” For I have pro- his neighbor. Behold, I proclaim liberty to
nounced the word, says the Lord.’ ” you,’ says the Lord—‘to the sword, to pes-
6Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all tilence, and to famine! And I will deliver
these words to Zedekiah king of Judah in you to trouble among all the kingdoms of
Jerusalem, 7when the king of Babylon’s the earth. 18And I will give the men who
army fought against Jerusalem and all the have transgressed My covenant, who have
cities of Judah that were left, against La not performed the words of the covenant
chish and Azekah; for only these fortified which they made before Me, when they
cities remained of the cities of Judah. cut the calf in two and passed between
the parts of it—19the princes of Judah,
Treacherous Treatment the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, the
of Slaves priests, and all the people of the land who
passed between the parts of the calf—20I
8Thisis the word that came to Jeremiah will give them into the hand of their en-
from the Lord, after King Zedekiah had emies and into the hand of those who
made a covenant with all the people who seek their life. Their dead bodies shall be
were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to for meat for the birds of the heaven and
them: 9that every man should set free his the beasts of the earth. 21And I will give
male and female slave— a Hebrew man
or woman— that no one should keep a 34:3 aLiterally mouth to mouth
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991 JEREMIAH 36:1
Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and
into the hand of their enemies, into the done according to all that Jonadab our fa-
hand of those who seek their life, and into ther commanded us. 11But it came to pass,
the hand of the king of Babylon’s army when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
which has gone back from you. 22Behold, came up into the land, that we said, ‘Come,
I will command,’ says the Lord, ‘and cause let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of
them to return to this city. They will fight the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of the
against it and take it and burn it with fire; Syrians.’ So we dwell at Jerusalem.”
and I will make the cities of Judah a desola- 12Then came the word of the Lord to
tion without inhabitant.’ ” Jeremiah, saying, 13“Thus says the Lord
of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Go and tell the
The Obedient Rechabites men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jeru-
35
The word which came to Jere- salem, “Will you not receive instruction
miah from the Lord in the days to obey My words?” says the Lord. 14“The
of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which
king of Judah, saying, 2“Go to the house of he commanded his sons, not to drink wine,
the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring are performed; for to this day they drink
them into the house of the Lord, into one none, and obey their father’s command-
of the chambers, and give them wine to ment. But although I have spoken to you,
drink.” rising early and speaking, you did not obey
Me. 15I have also sent to you all My servants
the prophets, rising up early and sending
Jeremiah 35:2 them, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his
The Rechabites were nomads who evil way, amend your doings, and do not go
refused to drink wine or participate after other gods to serve them; then you
in the corrupt lifestyle of the people will dwell in the land which I have given
around them. you and your fathers.’ But you have not
inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me. 16Surely
the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have
3Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jer- performed the commandment of their fa-
emiah, the son of Habazziniah, his broth- ther, which he commanded them, but this
ers and all his sons, and the whole house people has not obeyed Me.” ’
17“Therefore thus says the Lord God
of the Rechabites, 4and I brought them into
the house of the Lord, into the chamber of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will
of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants
a man of God, which was by the chamber of Jerusalem all the doom that I have pro-
of the princes, above the chamber of Maa- nounced against them; because I have
seiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the spoken to them but they have not heard,
door. 5Then I set before the sons of the and I have called to them but they have not
house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, answered.’ ”
18And Jeremiah said to the house of the
and cups; and I said to them, “Drink wine.”
6But they said, “We will drink no wine, for Rechabites, “Thus says the Lord of hosts,
Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, com- the God of Israel: ‘Because you have obeyed
manded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, the commandment of Jonadab your father,
you nor your sons, forever. 7You shall not and kept all his precepts and done accord-
build a house, sow seed, plant a vineyard, ing to all that he commanded you, 19there-
nor have any of these; but all your days you fore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of
shall dwell in tents, that you may live many Israel: “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not
days in the land where you are sojourners.’ lack a man to stand before Me forever.” ’ ”
8Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab
the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he The Scroll Read in the Temple
36
charged us, to drink no wine all our days, Now it came to pass in the
we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, fourth year of Jehoiakim the
9nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; son of Josiah, king of Judah,
nor do we have vineyard, field, or seed. 10But that this word came to Jeremiah from the
24-Jeremiah.indd 991 2/14/12 12:03 PM
JEREMIAH 36:2 992
Lord, saying: 2“Take a scroll of a book and to them all the words that he had heard
write on it all the words that I have spoken when Baruch read the book in the hearing
to you against Israel, against Judah, and of the people. 14Therefore all the princes
against all the nations, from the day I spoke sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son
to you, from the days of Josiah even to this of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch,
day. 3It may be that the house of Judah will saying, “Take in your hand the scroll from
hear all the adversities which I purpose to which you have read in the hearing of the
bring upon them, that everyone may turn people, and come.” So Baruch the son of
from his evil way, that I may forgive their Neriah took the scroll in his hand and
iniquity and their sin.” came to them. 15And they said to him, “Sit
4Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of down now, and read it in our hearing.” So
Neriah; and Baruch wrote on a scroll of a Baruch read it in their hearing.
book, at the instruction of Jeremiah,a all the 16Now it happened, when they had heard
words of the Lord which He had spoken to all the words, that they looked in fear from
him. 5And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, one to another, and said to Baruch, “We
saying, “I am confined, I cannot go into the will surely tell the king of all these words.”
house of the Lord. 6You go, therefore, and 17And they asked Baruch, saying, “Tell us
read from the scroll which you have written now, how did you write all these words—at
at my instruction,a the words of the Lord, his instruction?”a
in the hearing of the people in the Lord’s 18So Baruch answered them, “He pro-
house on the day of fasting. And you shall claimed with his mouth all these words to
also read them in the hearing of all Judah me, and I wrote them with ink in the book.”
who come from their cities. 7It may be that 19Then the princes said to Baruch, “Go
they will present their supplication before and hide, you and Jeremiah; and let no one
the Lord, and everyone will turn from his know where you are.”
evil way. For great is the anger and the fury
that the Lord has pronounced against this The King Destroys Jeremiah’s
people.” 8And Baruch the son of Neriah did Scroll
according to all that Jeremiah the prophet 20And they went to the king, into the court;
commanded him, reading from the book
the words of the Lord in the Lord’s house. but they stored the scroll in the chamber
9Now it came to pass in the fifth year of of Elishama the scribe, and told all the
Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, words in the hearing of the king. 21So the
in the ninth month, that they proclaimed king sent Jehudi to bring the scroll, and he
a fast before the Lord to all the people took it from Elishama the scribe’s cham-
in Jerusalem, and to all the people who ber. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the
came from the cities of Judah to Jerusa- king and in the hearing of all the princes
lem. 10Then Baruch read from the book who stood beside the king. 22Now the king
the words of Jeremiah in the house of the was sitting in the winter house in the ninth
Lord, in the chamber of Gemariah the son month, with a fire burning on the hearth
of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court before him. 23And it happened, when Je-
at the entry of the New Gate of the Lord’s hudi had read three or four columns, that
house, in the hearing of all the people. the king cut it with the scribe’s knife and
cast it into the fire that was on the hearth,
The Scroll Read in the Palace until all the scroll was consumed in the fire
11When Michaiah the son of Gemariah,
that was on the hearth. 24Yet they were not
afraid, nor did they tear their garments,
the son of Shaphan, heard all the words the king nor any of his servants who heard
of the Lord from the book, 12he then went all these words. 25Nevertheless Elnathan,
down to the king’s house, into the scribe’s Delaiah, and Gemariah implored the king
chamber; and there all the princes were not to burn the scroll; but he would not
sitting—Elishama the scribe, Delaiah listen to them. 26And the king commanded
the son of Shemaiah, Elnathan the son of
Achbor, Gemariah the son of Shaphan, 36:4 aLiterally from Jeremiah’s mouth
Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all 36:6 aLiterally from my mouth 36:17 aLiterally
the princes. 13Then Michaiah declared with his mouth
24-Jeremiah.indd 992 2/14/12 12:03 PM
993 JEREMIAH 37:17
Jerahmeel the king’sa son, Seraiah the son not yet put him in prison. 5Then Pharaoh’s
of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, army came up from Egypt; and when the
to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem
prophet, but the Lord hid them. heard news of them, they departed from
Jerusalem.
Jeremiah Rewrites the Scroll 6Then the word of the Lord came to the
27Now after the king had burned the scroll prophet Jeremiah, saying, 7“Thus says the
with the words which Baruch had written Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Thus you shall say
at the instruction of Jeremiah,a the word of to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me
the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: 28“Take to inquire of Me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army
yet another scroll, and write on it all the which has come up to help you will return
former words that were in the first scroll to Egypt, to their own land. 8And the Chal-
which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has deans shall come back and fight against
burned. 29And you shall say to Jehoiakim this city, and take it and burn it with fire.” ’
9Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not deceive your-
king of Judah, ‘Thus says the Lord: “You
have burned this scroll, saying, ‘Why have selves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely
you written in it that the king of Babylon depart from us,” for they will not depart.
10For though you had defeated the whole
will certainly come and destroy this land,
and cause man and beast to cease from army of the Chaldeans who fight against
you, and there remained only wounded
here?’ ” 30Therefore thus says the Lord con-
men among them, they would rise up, ev-
cerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: “He shall
ery man in his tent, and burn the city with
have no one to sit on the throne of David,
fire.’ ”
and his dead body shall be cast out to the
heat of the day and the frost of the night.
31I will punish him, his family, and his ser-
Jeremiah Imprisoned
11And it happened, when the army of the
vants for their iniquity; and I will bring on
them, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and Chaldeans left the siege of Jerusalem for
on the men of Judah all the doom that I fear of Pharaoh’s army, 12that Jeremiah
have pronounced against them; but they went out of Jerusalem to go into the land
did not heed.” ’ ” of Benjamin to claim his property there
32Then Jeremiah took another scroll among the people. 13And when he was
and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son in the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the
of Neriah, who wrote on it at the instruc- guard was there whose name was Irijah
tion of Jeremiaha all the words of the book the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah;
which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned and he seized Jeremiah the prophet, say-
in the fire. And besides, there were added ing, “You are defecting to the Chaldeans!”
14Then Jeremiah said, “False! I am not
to them many similar words.
defecting to the Chaldeans.” But he did not
Zedekiah’s Vain Hope listen to him.
So Irijah seized Jeremiah and brought
37
Now King Zedekiah the son
him to the princes. 15Therefore the princes
of Josiah reigned instead of
were angry with Jeremiah, and they struck
Coniah the son of Jehoiakim,
him and put him in prison in the house of
whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Jonathan the scribe. For they had made
made king in the land of Judah. 2But nei-
that the prison.
ther he nor his servants nor the people 16When Jeremiah entered the dungeon
of the land gave heed to the words of the
and the cells, and Jeremiah had remained
Lord which He spoke by the prophet
there many days, 17then Zedekiah the king
Jeremiah.
3And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the
sent and took him out. The king asked him
secretly in his house, and said, “Is there any
son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son word from the Lord?”
of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jer-
emiah, saying, “Pray now to the Lord our 36:26 aHebrew Hammelech 36:27 aLiterally
God for us.” 4Now Jeremiah was coming from Jeremiah’s mouth
36:32 aLiterally from
and going among the people, for they had Jeremiah’s mouth
24-Jeremiah.indd 993 2/14/12 12:03 PM
JEREMIAH 37:18 994
And Jeremiah said, “There is.” Then he house, heard that they had put Jeremiah
said, “You shall be delivered into the hand in the dungeon. When the king was sitting
of the king of Babylon!” at the Gate of Benjamin, 8Ebed-Melech
18Moreover Jeremiah said to King Zed went out of the king’s house and spoke to
ekiah, “What offense have I committed the king, saying: 9“My lord the king, these
against you, against your servants, or men have done evil in all that they have
against this people, that you have put me done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they
in prison? 19Where now are your prophets have cast into the dungeon, and he is likely
who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king to die from hunger in the place where he
of Babylon will not come against you or is. For there is no more bread in the city.”
against this land’? 20Therefore please hear 10Then the king commanded Ebed-Melech
now, O my lord the king. Please, let my pe- the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here
tition be accepted before you, and do not thirty men with you, and lift Jeremiah the
make me return to the house of Jonathan prophet out of the dungeon before he dies.”
the scribe, lest I die there.” 11So Ebed-Melech took the men with him
21Then Zedekiah the king commanded
and went into the house of the king un-
that they should commit Jeremiah to the der the treasury, and took from there old
court of the prison, and that they should clothes and old rags, and let them down
give him daily a piece of bread from the by ropes into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city 12Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian said to
was gone. Thus Jeremiah remained in the Jeremiah, “Please put these old clothes and
court of the prison. rags under your armpits, under the ropes.”
And Jeremiah did so. 13So they pulled Jer-
Jeremiah in the Dungeon emiah up with ropes and lifted him out of
38
Now Shephatiah the son of the dungeon. And Jeremiah remained in
Mattan, Gedaliah the son of the court of the prison.
Pashhur, Jucala the son of Shel
emiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah Zedekiah’s Fears
heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken and Jeremiah’s Advice
to all the people, saying, 2“Thus says the 14Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jer-
Lord: ‘He who remains in this city shall die emiah the prophet brought to him at the
by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; third entrance of the house of the Lord.
but he who goes over to the Chaldeans And the king said to Jeremiah, “I will ask
shall live; his life shall be as a prize to him, you something. Hide nothing from me.”
and he shall live.’a 3Thus says the Lord: 15Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I de-
‘This city shall surely be given into the clare it to you, will you not surely put me to
hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which death? And if I give you advice, you will not
shall take it.’ ” listen to me.”
4Therefore the princes said to the king, 16So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to
“Please, let this man be put to death, for Jeremiah, saying, “As the Lord lives, who
thus he weakens the hands of the men of made our very souls, I will not put you to
war who remain in this city, and the hands death, nor will I give you into the hand of
of all the people, by speaking such words to these men who seek your life.”
them. For this man does not seek the wel- 17Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus
fare of this people, but their harm.” says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of
5Then Zedekiah the king said, “Look, he
Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of
is in your hand. For the king can do nothing Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live;
against you.” 6So they took Jeremiah and this city shall not be burned with fire, and
cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the you and your house shall live. 18But if you
king’sa son, which was in the court of the do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s
prison, and they let Jeremiah down with princes, then this city shall be given into
ropes. And in the dungeon there was no wa- the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn
ter, but mire. So Jeremiah sank in the mire.
7Now Ebed- Melech the Ethiopian, one 38:1 aSame as Jehucal (compare 37:3)
of the eunuchs, who was in the king’s 38:2 aCompare 21:9 38:6 aHebrew Hammelech
24-Jeremiah.indd 994 2/14/12 12:03 PM
995 JEREMIAH 39:14
it with fire, and you shall not escape from Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2In the eleventh
their hand.’ ” year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on
19And Zedekiah the king said to Jer- the ninth day of the month, the city was
emiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have penetrated.
defected to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver 3Then all the princes of the king of Bab
me into their hand, and they abuse me.” ylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate:
20But Jeremiah said, “They shall not Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim,
deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the Rabsaris,a Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag,b with
Lord which I speak to you. So it shall be the rest of the princes of the king of Bab
well with you, and your soul shall live. 21But ylon.
if you refuse to surrender, this is the word 4So it was, when Zedekiah the king of Ju-
that the Lord has shown me: 22‘Now be- dah and all the men of war saw them, that
hold, all the women who are left in the king they fled and went out of the city by night,
of Judah’s house shall be surrendered to the by way of the king’s garden, by the gate be-
king of Babylon’s princes, and those women tween the two walls. And
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