[Editor note: The wording of Genesis 1:1 through 2:3 indicates that it was originally written as a poem or a song. Also, it seems to be written from the perspective of someone standing on the earth, rather than looking down from above – as ancient peoples knew no such viewpoint.]1In the beginning, The God created the sky and the land. 2But the land was ugly and unfinished, Darkness covered its depth, And God’s Breath moved over its waters.3Then The God spoke, and He said: ‘May the light come to be.’ So, the light came to be, 4And God saw that the light was beautiful.Then The God brought a division Between the light and the darkness. 5He called the light the daytime And the darkness, the night. So came the evening and the morning Of the very first day.6And then the The God spoke, and He said:‘Let there be a firmament between all the waters... A division of the waters and the waters.’And that’s what thereafter happened. 7For God ordered a firmament between the waters That were under the firmament, From those that were over the firmament. 8Then God called the firmament the sky, And He saw that this too was beautiful. So came the evening and the morning Of [His] day number two.9Then The God said:‘Let the waters that are under the skies Be brought together so the land can be seen.’And that’s what thereafter happened. 10God called the dry space the land And the collected waters the seas… And God saw that this too was beautiful.11Then The God spoke, and He said:‘Let the land sprout with pastures of grasses Which [each] bear seeds of its kind and appearance. And let there be fruit trees that bear fruit with seeds, [Each] of its kind [and appearance].’And that’s what thereafter happened. 12The ground sprouted with pastures of grasses That [each] bore seeds of its kind and appearance, And the fruit trees bore fruit with their seeds, [Each] of its kind [and appearance]. And God saw that this too was beautiful. 13So came the evening and the morning Of [His] day number three.14Then The God spoke, and He said:‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the skies To serve as light for the land, To make a division between day and night, And as signs for the days, years, and seasons. 15Let them serve as sources of lights in the firmament, So as to shine on the ground.’And that’s what thereafter happened. 16For God made the two huge [sources of] light; The greater light to rule over the days, And the lesser light and the stars To be rulers over the nights. 17Then God assigned them spaces [high] in the skies So as to shine on the earth… 18To dominate the days and the nights, And to make the division between light and darkness. Then God saw that it too was beautiful. 19So came the evening and the morning Of [His] day number four.20Then The God spoke, and He said:‘Now, let the waters give birth, To living animals that slither, And [let there be] winged creatures to fly, Above the earth in the firmament of the skies.’And that’s what thereafter happened.21Then God created the great creatures That would live in the seas... Creatures that slither and live in the waters, Each according to their own kinds, And all the feathered flying creatures Each according to their own kinds. And God saw that this too was beautiful. 22So God blest them all, and He said:‘Reproduce and multiply in the waters Until you fill up the seas, And let the winged creatures multiply on the earth.’23So came the evening and the morning Of [His] day number five.24Then The God spoke, and He said:‘Let the land give birth to living creatures, Each according to their own kinds… Those that travel on their four feet, Those that slither [and crawl] on the ground, And those that are wild on the earth, Each according to their own kinds.’And that’s what thereafter happened.25So God made the wild creatures [that walk on] the ground, Each according to their own kinds… Along with those [that travel] in herds, Each according to their own kinds… And all that slither [and crawl] on the ground. Each according to their own kinds. And God saw that this too was beautiful. 26Then The God spoke, and He said:‘Let us make a man in our image and like us, To rule over rule the creatures [that live] in the seas, The winged creatures [that fly] in the skies, The animals that travel in herds, And those that slither and crawl on the ground.’27So then, God created mankind. He created mankind in the image of the Gods, As a male and female [He made them]. 28Then The God blest them and said:‘Reproduce and now become many… Fill the whole earth and control it. Rule over those that [live in] the seas, The winged creatures that [live in] skies, The animals that [travel in] herds, The animals that slither and crawl on the ground, And [in fact], the whole earth.’29Then The God said:‘Look! I’ve given you all the seed-bearing crops, That [you can plant] in the ground, As well as all the seed-bearing trees, [That you] can plant for your food.30‘[I have given] the green-yellow plants As food for the wild ones [walking] on the ground, For all the winged creatures [flying in] the skies, And for all that slither and crawl on the ground… For all have the breath of life.’And that’s what thereafter happened.31Then The God viewed all that He’d made, And {Look!} it was all beautiful. So came the evening and the morning Of [His] day number six.
1[At that], the skies and the lands were completed, As was the arranging of them. 2For on the sixth day, God finished His work, And on the seventh day, He rested From all the things He’d done. 3Then God blest the seventh day and declared it as holy, For He had completed [all of] the work That He’d set out to do.[Editor note: The rest of chapter 2 doesn’t appear to be part of the poem or song found in the first chapter, for it breaks into a narration of the things that followed.] 4This was the scroll of the origins of the skies and the lands, and of when they came to be in the day that The God spoke the sky and the land [into existence], 5as well as when all the greenish-yellow plants for it began on the ground, and all the grasses of the fields started growing from it.However, because Jehovah God had not yet provided rain on the earth and there were no men to cultivate it, 6springs poured from the ground and watered the entire surface of the land.7Then The God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life against his face, and he became a living creature.8Thereafter, God planted a Paradise east of Edem where He put the man whom he had formed... 9And it was there that God caused every tree that was attractive to look at and worthy as food to spring from the ground. [He also] put the Tree of Life in the middle of the Paradise, as well as the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.10There was also a river that flowed out of Edem to water the Paradise, and from there separated into the sources of four [rivers].11• The name of the [first river] is Phison. It flows around the land of Evilat, where there’s gold, 12and the gold from that land is good. There’s also red gemstone and ornamental stone there.13• The name of the second river is Geon. It runs around the land of Kush.14• The third river is the Tigris. It flows over towards the Assyrians.• And the fourth river is the EuPhrates.15Then Jehovah God took the man whom He’d formed and put him in the Paradise of Delights so that He could cultivate it and take care of it. 16And Jehovah God gave these instructions to Adam:‘You may eat from all the trees of Paradise, 17but you must not eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. For on whatever day you eat from it, your life will end and you’ll die.’18Then Jehovah God said:‘It isn’t good for the man to be alone, so let’s make a helper for him.’19Well, after God had made all the wild animals of the plains and all the winged creatures of the skies from the [dirt], He brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living animal was what its name became.20So Adam named all the cattle, all the winged creatures of the skies, and all the wild animals of the plains. Yet, a suitable helper that was like Adam couldn’t be found.21God then put Adam into a trance, and while he was sleeping, He took one of his ribs and filled the place where it was with flesh. 22Then The God built the rib that He took from Adam into a woman... And brought her to Adam.23And Adam said:‘This is now bone from my bones, And flesh from my flesh.‘She will be called a woman, Because she was taken from a man.24‘Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother And bond with his woman, And the two will become one flesh.’
1[Well at the time], both of them (the man and the woman) were naked and unashamed.2Then the snake (which was the wiliest of the animals that Jehovah had made on the earth) asked the woman:‘Why did God tell you that you shouldn’t eat from all of the trees in the Paradise?’3And the woman replied to the snake:‘We can eat the fruit from the trees of Paradise, but God said that we shouldn’t eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of Paradise – that we shouldn’t even touch it – or we’ll die.’4Then the snake said to the woman:‘You won’t stop living and die, 5for God knows that on whatever day you eat from it your eyes will be opened wide and you’ll be like the gods knowing good and evil.’6Well, the woman saw that the tree was worthy as food, it was a pleasant sight to her eyes, and it was a beautiful thing to think about. So after picking its fruit, she ate it. Then she gave some to her man (who was with her), and they ate it [together]...7And thereafter, the eyes of both of them were opened wide and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made skirts to go around themselves.8But then, when they heard the voice of Jehovah God as He walked around in Paradise at dusk, Adam and his woman hid from the face of Jehovah God among the trees in the Paradise.9So Jehovah God called out to Adam, asking:‘Where are you Adam?’10And [Adam] replied to God:‘I heard Your voice as You were walking through the Paradise, but I was afraid because of my nakedness, so I hid myself.’11Then The God asked him:‘If you haven’t eaten from the only tree about which I commanded you not to eat; then, who told you that you were naked?’12And Adam replied:‘It was this woman whom You gave to me as a companion… She gave me some [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.’13Then Jehovah God asked the woman:‘Why did you do this?’And the woman replied:‘The snake seduced me, so I ate it.’14So Jehovah God said to the snake:‘Because you did this; among all the cattle and wild animals of the earth, you [alone] are doomed to be punished. Therefore, you’ll now travel on your chest and belly and you’ll have to eat from the ground all the days of your life.15‘I’m also going to create hatred between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant. He will then watch for your head, and you will watch for his heel.’16And after that, He said to the woman:‘I’ll now make your sorrow and groaning [much] worse; for when you give birth to children, you’ll do so with groaning. You will also have to submit to your man and he will dominate you.’17Then He said to Adam:‘Because you listened to your woman’s voice and ate from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat (and from which you went ahead and ate); all the work that you will do on the ground will be cursed, and you’ll groan as you eat from it all the days of your life!18‘Briars and thistles will grow for you, and your food will be the grasses in the fields.19‘You will then eat your bread through the sweat on your face until you return to the ground from which you were taken… Yes, you were taken from the ground and that’s where you’ll return!’20Well, thereafter, Adam called his woman’s name Life, because she was to be the mother of all [human] life.21Then Jehovah God made leather clothing for Adam and his woman, and He dressed them in it.22And after that, The God said:‘Look, Adam has now become one of us in knowing good and evil!’Therefore, to keep him from reaching out to pick and eat from the Tree of Life so as to gain age-long life, 23Jehovah God then put Adam outside of the Paradise of Delights, where he had to work the ground from which he was taken.24Yes, He drove Adam out and made him live next to the Paradise of Delights. Then He stationed the [heavenly] cherubs with their flaming, spinning swords to guard the way to the Tree of Life.
1Well thereafter, Adam had [sexual relations] with Eue, his woman, so she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. And she said:‘I have gained a man through God.’2Then she again gave birth to his brother, Abel.Abel [grew up to be] a herder of sheep, while Cain worked the ground.3Then after many days, Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground as an offering to Jehovah, 4while Abel brought the first-born of his sheep and his belongings.Well, God looked favorably upon Abel and his gifts, 5but He paid no attention to Cain and his sacrifices, which made Cain very sad, and his face [reflected] this. 6So Jehovah God asked Cain:‘Why are you so sad and why is your face so long? 7For even if you didn’t bring [your gifts] righteously, you didn’t sin by sharing. Overlook this, because [Abel] will submit to you and you’ll [rule] over him!’8But thereafter, Cain said to his brother Abel:‘Let’s go out into the fields.’Then, while they were in their fields, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.9And when Jehovah God asked Cain:‘Where is your brother?’He replied:‘I don’t know… I’m not my brother’s keeper!’10Then Jehovah God asked:‘What have you done?‘I hear the blood of your brother calling out to Me from the ground! 11Therefore, you’ll now be cursed by the ground, which has opened her mouth wide to [drink] the blood of your brother from your hand.12‘So from here on, whenever you work the ground, it will [no longer] give you its strength, and you’ll groan and tremble on the earth.’13Then Cain said to Jehovah God:‘My crime is too great to be forgiven. 14So if you [drive me] away from Your face and the face of this land today, I’ll have to hide, groaning and trembling on the land… For anyone who finds me will kill me!’15And Jehovah God replied:‘That isn’t so! For whoever kills Cain will pay seven penalties.’Then Jehovah God put a mark on Cain so that nobody that found him would kill him. 16And thereafter, Cain left the presence of God and lived in Nod, which also borders Edem.17There, Cain [had sex] with his woman and she became pregnant, giving birth to Enoch. [Then Cain] built a city, which he named after his son, Enoch.18• Enoch fathered GaiDad,
• GaiDad fathered MalaleEl,
• MalaleEl fathered MethuSelah, and
• MethuSelah fathered Lamech.19Then Lamech took two women; the first was Ada and the second was SelLa. 20Ada gave birth to JoBel, who was the ancestor of those who lived in tents and herded cattle. 21He had a brother named JuBal, who invented the lute and the harp.22SelLa also gave birth to ThoBel, who worked iron and brass. And he had a sister named NoEma.23Then Lamech said this to his women (Ada and SelLa):‘Listen to me, [my] women and remember;
I’ve killed a man who wounded me…
A young man who whipped me.
24So if the vengeance [for killing] Cain was seven punishments;
Mine will be seven times that.’25Well, Adam [again had sex with] his woman Eue and she became pregnant, giving birth to a son whom she named Seth. For she said:‘God has [provided me with] another son to replace Abel, who was murdered by Cain.’26Then Seth had a son whom he named Enos, who hoped to call upon the Name of The God, Jehovah.
1This was the scroll of the early [days] of mankind, when God fathered Adam, forming him in [His] image. 2He created the male and the female and He blest them. Then in the day that He created [the first man], He named him Adam.3Adam was 230 years old when he fathered a son who was just like him and looked like him, that he named Seth.4Then after fathering Seth, Adam lived on for 700 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 5So Adam was 930 years old when he died.6Now, Seth was 205 years old when he fathered Enos. 7And after fathering Enos, he lived on for 707 more years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 8So Seth was 912 years old when he died.9Enos was 190 years old when he fathered Kainan. 10Then after fathering Kainan, he lived on for another 715 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 11So Enos was 905 years old when he died.12Kainan was 170 years old when he fathered MaleLeal. 13Then after fathering MaleLeal, he lived on for some 740 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 14So Kainan was 910 years old when he died.15MaleLeal was 165 years old when he fathered JaRed. 16And after fathering JaRed, he lived on for 730 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 17So MaleLeal was 895 years old when he died.18JaRed was 162 years old when he fathered Enoch. 19Then after fathering Enoch, he lived on for another 800 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 20So JaRed was 962 years old when he died.21Enoch was 165 years old when he fathered MethuSelah. 22And it was after he fathered MethuSelah that God found Enoch to be righteous.So after he lived for 200 more years, and after he’d fathered other sons and daughters, 23when he was 365 years old 24(and because he had pleased God), God transported him and he disappeared.25Well, MethuSelah was 187 years old when he fathered Lamech. 26Then after fathering Lamech, he lived on for another 782 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 27So MethuSelah was 969 years old when he died.28Lamech was 188 years old when he fathered a son 29whom he named Noah. And he said:‘He will stop us from doing all the [bad] things that we’re doing, as well as from working with our hands and from [living on] the ground that Jehovah has cursed.’30Then, after he fathered Noah, [Lamech] lived on for some 565 years, as he fathered other sons and daughters. 31So Lamech was 753 years old when he died.32Well, it was after Noah was 500 years old that he fathered three sons:• Shem, • Ham, and • JaPheth.
1Now, as the population of men grew on the earth and they fathered daughters, 2the sons of The God noticed that the daughters of men were beautiful; so, they took all whom they chose as their women.3Then Jehovah God said:‘There’s no way that My Breath will stay with these men. They’re [just] flesh, so their [lives] will last just 120 [more] years.’4Well, there were giants on the earth back in those days; for after that, the sons of The God continued to [had sex] with the daughters of mankind and fathered [children] for themselves who became the giants and the famous men of that age.5Well, Jehovah God saw that the badness of the people on the earth was getting much worse… For the things that they conceived in their hearts every day was all twisted towards evil.6So God became disturbed that He had created humans on the earth… He shook His head 7and declared:‘I will wipe the humans that I made off the face of the earth… Yes, the people, the cattle, and the winged creatures of the skies, for I’m sorry that I made them.’8However, Noah found mercy in the eyes of The God, Jehovah.9This is the account of Noah’s origin:Noah was a righteous man… Perfect [when compared to] that generation, for Noah pleased God well. 10Then he fathered three sons:• Shem,
• Ham, and
• JaPheth.11As God saw it, the land had become unclean and the earth was filled with unrighteousness. 12So when Jehovah God looked at the earth, all He saw was corruption, because all flesh had become corrupt in its ways.13Then Jehovah God told Noah:‘A season is now before me [that will lead to the end of] all mankind, because the earth is filled with their unrighteousness. Look! I’m going to lay waste to them and to the whole earth!14‘So [you must] make a chest of squared timbers for yourself and [divide the] chest into stalls, then cover both the inside and outside of it with tar.15‘This is how you should build the chest; [make it:]• 300 cubits [500 feet / 152m] long,
• 50 cubits [80 feet / 24.4m] wide, and
• 30 cubits [50 feet / 15.25m] tall.16‘You must also make a roof that’s about 1 cubit [~20in / ~50cm] thick, and put a door in the side of the chest… Make a bottom floor, a second floor, and a third floor.17‘[For after it’s completed], {Look!} I’m going to bring a downpour of water upon the ground to destroy all flesh under the skies that has the breath of life… So, all that’s on the ground will then come to an end. 18And after that, I’ll establish an agreement between you and Me.’19‘Therefore, [I want you to] bring all [types of] cattle, slithering creatures, and wild animals – all [types of] flesh – into the chest by pairs of males and females.‘Then, bring in enough food for them and for yourselves. 20For they’ll all be eating there with you… All the winged creatures, all types of cattle, and all varieties of slithering animals that crawl on the ground (both the males and the females).21‘Yes, you must gather all types of food for yourselves so that you’ll each have something to eat.’22And thereafter, Noah did everything that Jehovah God told him to do.
1Then Jehovah God said to Noah:‘Now you and your family must enter the chest, because I’ve [only] found you to be righteous among this generation. 2Take 7 pairs (males and females) of [all the] clean cattle in with you, and take in [single] pairs (males and females) of [all the] unclean animals.3‘[Do the same with all] the winged creatures of the sky… Bring in 7 pairs (males and females) of the clean ones, and [just] pairs of all the unclean winged creatures, so that their descendants will remain on the earth.4‘For in just 7 days, I’ll bring rain to the ground [that will last for] 40 days and 40 nights, and I’ll blot every creature that I’ve made off of the face of the entire earth!’5And thereafter, Noah did everything that Jehovah God had commanded him to do.6Noah was 600 years old when the Downpour of waters started on the earth. 7Then Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives went into the chest with him (because of the downpour of water).8And the clean winged creatures, the unclean winged creatures, the clean cattle, the unclean cattle, and all the wild animals as well as all the things that crawled on the ground 9came to Noah and entered the chest in pairs of males and females, just as God had commanded Noah.10Then after 7 days, the waters of the Downpour started falling on the earth.11It was in the 600th year of Noah’s life, on the 27th day of the 2nd month, that all the springs under the ground broke open, and the floodgates of the skies were opened. 12Then it rained on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.13It started on the very day that Noah, his wife, as well as Shem, Ham, JaPheth (the sons of Noah and his wife) and their three wives went into the chest with him.14Also, all the wild animals (each of its kind), all the cattle (each of its kind), all the slithering animals that move on the earth (each of its kind), 15and all the winged creatures (each of its kind) went inside the chest to Noah in pairs of males and females… Everything that had the breath of life. 16Males and females of all flesh went inside, just as God had commanded Noah... Then Jehovah God closed the chest from the outside.17Thereafter, the Downpour continued on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights, and the water got so deep that it lifted the chest high above the ground.18The water dominated and totally covered the land, and the chest was carried along on top of the water. 19For the water dominated and covered even the tallest mountains under the whole sky… 20It covered the highest mountains by at least 15 cubits [25 feet / 7.6m].21So everything that moved on the earth died… All the men, winged creatures, cattle, wild animals, and all the animals that slithered across the ground. 22Everything that lived on the ground and had the breath of life, died.23God blotted out all His creatures on the face of the earth… The men, the animals, the winged creatures, and the slithering animals. He blotted them all from the earth. The only ones who remained were Noah and those who were with him inside the chest.24Altogether, the water covered the land for 150 days.
1But God didn’t forget Noah or any of the wild animals, cattle, winged creatures, or crawling, slithering animals that were inside the chest. So God sent a wind to the earth that stopped the water… 2For the springs that were under the ground closed and the floodgates of the skies and the rain from the skies were held back.3Then the water level started to drop, flowing off the ground. And after 150 days, the water lowered, and the chest came to rest on Mount Ararat on the 27th day of the 7th month.4Well, the water levels kept dropping through the 10th month, 5and on the 1st day of the 10th month, they could see the mountaintops.6Then, after 40 days, Noah opened the window that he had made in the chest, and he sent out a crow, which left and didn’t return until the water had abated.7So it left and it didn’t return (until [later, when] the water had dried off the ground).8And after that, he sent out a dove to see if the earth was still flooded. 9But the dove couldn’t find a place to rest its feet, because the water was still covering all the ground, and it returned to the chest. So [Noah] stuck out his hand to take [the dove], and brought it to himself inside the chest.10Well, a week later, he sent the dove out from the chest once again. 11And that evening, the dove returned to him with a stem and leaf from an olive tree in its beak. That’s when Noah knew [for sure] that the water had left the ground.12However, he continued to wait another week before he released the dove once more. And this time, it didn’t return at all.13So by the 601st year of Noah’s life, on the 1st day of the 1st month, the water had poured off the ground.Then Noah opened the roof that he had made for the chest, and he could finally see that the water had drained from the ground… 14And by the 22nd day of the 2nd month, the ground was dry.15Then Jehovah God spoke to Noah and said:16‘Come out of the chest… You, your wife, your sons, their wives who are with you, 17and all the wild animals that are with you.‘Bring out all the flesh that’s with you – the winged creatures, the cattle, and the slithering animals that move on the ground – [so that they can] reproduce and multiply on the earth.’18So Noah, his wife, his sons, and his son’s wives that were with him, came out. 19And all the wild animals, all the cattle, all the winged creatures, and all the slithering animals that crawl on the ground (according to their kinds) came out of the chest.20Then Noah built an altar to Jehovah, and he took some of the clean animals, as well as some from among all the clean winged creatures, and offered them whole… Burning them on the altar.21And as Jehovah noticed the sweet smell, He thought about it and said:‘Never again will I curse the ground for the bad things that men do, because the imagination of men is totally bent towards doing bad things from the time they’re young. Also, will I never again [destroy] all living flesh as I have just done. 22Then, during all the days of the earth, the seed [planting] time and harvesting, the heat and the cold, the spring and the summer, and the days and nights won’t ever be brought to an end.’
1Thereafter, God blest Noah and his sons and told them:‘Now, reproduce and multiply… Fill the earth and rule over it. 2For all the wild animals of the earth, all the winged creatures in the skies, and everything that moves on the ground (including all the creatures in the seas) will have a dread and fear of you. So I have put you in charge over all of them!3‘Also, all the living and slithering animals can serve as meat for you… I’ve given them all to you as though they were green vegetation. 4But you must not eat their flesh with its blood of life, 5or I’ll require your blood at the hand of all those wild animals.‘I’ll also require a man’s life at the hands of his brothers… 6For, whoever spills the blood of mankind will also have his blood spilled, since I made mankind in the image of God.7‘Now, reproduce and multiply… Fill the earth and rule over it!’8Then The God spoke to Noah and his sons that were with him and said:9‘Look; I’m making an agreement between you and Me, [as well as] with your descendant [that will come] after you 10and with every living thing (the winged creatures, the [domesticated] animals, and all the wild animals of the earth)… With all who are with you and came out of the chest.11‘This is My promise to you and to all flesh:‘I’ll never again send a downpour of water to kill all flesh, and I’ll never again send a downpour to destroy the whole earth.’12Then The God said to Noah:‘This is the sign of the Agreement that I have established between you and Me throughout ages of generations, as well as with every living creature that’s with you:13‘I have put My bow in the clouds, which will serve as the sign of the Agreement between the earth and Me, 14so that whenever I gather clouds over the earth, My bow will be seen in those clouds, 15and this will remind Me of My agreement between you and Me, and with every living creature and all flesh, that never again will I send a downpour of water that will blot out all flesh.16‘My bow will be there in the clouds, and when I see it, I’ll remember the age-long agreement between Me and the earth, as well as with every living creature among all the flesh that’s on the earth.’17And God said to Noah:‘Yes, this is the sign of the Agreement that I made with all flesh that is on the earth and Myself.’18Now, the sons of Noah who came out of the chest were [named] Shem, Ham, and JaPheth (Ham was the father of CanaAn). 19And it was from these three sons of Noah that all men came to be scattered over the whole earth.20Thereafter, Noah took up farming and he planted some grapes. 21[Then, one day], Noah was drinking some wine while he was naked in his house, and he got drunk. 22But then, Ham (CanaAn’s father) saw his father’s nakedness, and he went outside and told his brothers about it.23So Shem and JaPheth grabbed a robe, put it over their backs, and walked backward to cover their father’s naked body. And because they were looking away, they didn’t see their father’s nakedness.24Well, after Noah recovered from the wine, he realized what his youngest son [or grandson] had done to him. 25So he said:‘The servant CanaAn is cursed, and he will be a slave to his brothers.’26Then he added:‘May Jehovah, Shem’s God, bless him… But let CanaAn be his houseboy.27‘Also, may God make room for JaPheth and allow him to live in the tents of Shem… And may CanaAn then become his also.’28Well, after the Downpour, Noah lived on for another 350 years. 29So he lived for 950 years, and then he died.
1Now, these are the generations of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and JaPheth. And these are the sons who were born to them after the Downpour.2JaPheth’s sons were:• Gamer,
• Magog [the Scythians],
• Madoi [the Medes],
• Jovan,
• EliSa,
• ThoBel [of Tubal],
• Mosoch [possibly Moscow of Russia], and
• Thiras [Islands of the Aegean Sea].3Gamer’s sons were:• AshKenaz [Germans, Slavs],
• RiPhath [of Northwestern Asia Minor], and
• Thorgama [the Armenians].4Jovan’s sons were:• EliShah [of Tyre],
• TarShish [of Spain],
• Cetian [of Cypress], and
• Rhodes [of Rhodes].5[They settled the] islands, which lands were divided by tribe and nation among the ethnics, each according to his own language.6Ham’s sons were:• Kush,
• Mesrain [Egyptian tribes],
• Phud [Libyans], and
• CanaAn [Palestinians].7The sons of Kush were:• Saba [peoples of southern Africa],
• Evilat,
• SaBatha,
• Rhegma, and
• Sabathaca [East Africans].The sons of Rhegma were:• Saba [of 13 Arabian tribes], and
• Dadan [part of Arabia].8Kush fathered NimRod, who became a giant on the earth. 9He was a gigantic hunter before Jehovah God, and that’s why people speak of NimRod as ‘the gigantic hunter before Jehovah.’ 10His kingdom started with Babylon and stretched to Orech, Archad, and ChalanNe, which were all in the land of Shinar.11Then outside of that land, [he went to] Assyria and built Nineveh, the cities of RehobOth, Chalach, 12and Dase (between Nineveh, and Chalach), which is the great city.13Mesrain fathered:• The Lydim [Lydians],
• the MaphTuhim [people of Memphis, Egypt],
• the AnaMim [Libyans],
• the Lehabim [people of Lower Egypt],
14• the Pathrusim [people of Upper Egypt],
• the Casluhim [Cretans] (from whom the Philistines descended), and
• the GaphThoriim [also from the area of Crete].15CanaAn’s first-born son was Sidon. Then there were:• The Hittites,
16• the Jebusites,
• the Amorites,
• the Girgashites,
17• the Hevites,
• the Arukites,
• the Sinites [Chinese?],
• the Asenites,
18• the Aradians,
• the Samarians [Northern Lebanon], and
• the Hamathites.But the CanaAnites were scattered, 19so their territory stretched from Sidon to Gerar (near Gaza), to Sodom and GomorRah, to Adama, and to Seboim, as far as Dasa.20So these were the descendants of Ham by tribe, country, language, and nation.21Shem, who was the elder brother of JaPheth and the ancestor of all the sons of Heber [the ancestor of the Israelites], also had children born to him.22His sons were:• ElAm,
• AsSur,
• ArphaxAd,
• Lud,
• Aram, and
• Kainan.23Aram’s sons were:• Uz,
• Ul,
• Gater, and
• Mosoch.24ArphaxAd fathered [a son whom he named] Kainan, who fathered Sala, who fathered [a son whom he named] Heber. 25This Heber had two sons. He named the first PhalEd (Division), because the land became divided in his day, and his brother’s name was JekTan.26JekTan fathered:• ElModad,
• Saleth,
• SarMoth,
• Jarach,
27• OdorRha,
• AiBel,
• Decla,
28• Eval,
• AbiMaEl,
• Saba,
29• Uphir,
• Evila, and
• Jobab.These were all the sons of JekTan. 30Their territory stretched from MasSe all the way to Saphera, which is a mountain in the east.31So these were the sons of Shem by tribe, language, country, and nation, 32and these were the tribes of the sons of Noah by generations and nations. From them came the people of all the islands and nations that were scattered around the earth after the Downpour.
1[At the time], the whole earth shared the same lips, because they all spoke the same language. 2And as they migrated from the east, they found a flat area of land in Shinar, and started living there.3Then one man said to his neighbor:‘Come on; let’s make some bricks and bake them in an oven.’So bricks became their ‘stone’ and tar served as their ‘mortar.’4And they said:‘Come on; let’s build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches into the sky. And let’s create a name for ourselves, before we end up being scattered all over the face of the earth.’5Then Jehovah came down to see this city and its tower that the sons of men had built. 6And Jehovah said:‘Look; they’re all the same race and they share the same lips… And now they’ve started doing this. [Before long], they’ll be able to accomplish anything that they set out to do.7‘Therefore, let’s go down there and change their language so that no one will be able to understand the voice of his neighbor.’8So, Jehovah scattered them from there over the entire face of the earth, and they stopped building the city and its tower. 9That is why [the city] is named ‘Confusion,’ because, that’s where Jehovah confused all the languages of the earth and scattered them from there over all the face of the earth.10These are the generations of Shem:Shem was 100 years old when he became father to ArphaxAd in the 2nd year after the Downpour. 11And after Shem became father to ArphaxAd, he lived 335 more years (fathering other sons and daughters), and then he died.12ArphaxAd was 135 years old when he became father to Kainan. 13And after ArphaxAd became the father to Kainan, he lived 330 years more (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.Kainan was 130 years old when he became father to Sala. And after he became father to Sala, he lived 330 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.14Sala was 130 years old when he became father to Heber. 15And after he became father to Heber, he lived 330 years more (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.16Heber was 134 years old when he became father to Phaleg. 17And after he became father to Phaleg, he lived 270 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.18Phaleg was 130 years old when he became father to Ragau. 19After he became father to Ragau, he lived 209 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.20Ragau was 132 years old when he became father to Seruch. 21After he became father to Seruch, he lived 207 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.22Seruch was 130 years old when he became father to NaHor. 23And after he became father to NaHor, he lived 200 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.24NaHor was 79 years old when he became father to Terah. 25And after he became father to Terah, he lived 129 years (as he fathered other sons and daughters), and then he died.26[After] Terah was 70 years old, he became father to:• Abram,
• NaHor, and
• Haran.27These are the generations of Terah:Terah became father to Abram, NaHor, and Haran; and Haran became father to Lot.28Haran died in the presence of Terah his father in the land where he was born, the country of the Chaldeans.29Both Abram and NaHor then took women for themselves.Abram’s wife was named Sara, and NaHor’s wife was named Malcha. She was the daughter of Haran (the father of Malcha and Jescha). 30However, Sara was sterile, so she didn’t have any children.31Then Terah took his son Abram, Abram’s wife Sara (his daughter-in-law), and his grandson Lot (son of Haran), and led them from the land of the Chaldeans towards the land of CanaAn. However, when they got to Haran, they started living there. 32And thereafter, Terah continued living in the land of Haran for the next 205 years, and [that’s where] he died.
1Then Jehovah said to Abram:‘Leave this land, as well as your family and your father’s home, and go to a land that I’ll show you, 2because I’m going to make a great nation of you. I will bless you, make your name famous, and you’ll become a blessing [to others].3‘I will bless those who praise you and curse those who curse you… All the tribes will be blest because of you.’4So Abram did just as Jehovah told him… And Lot went with him.Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran, 5taking along his wife Sara, his nephew Lot, all the many things that they owned, and all the souls that they had accumulated in Haran, as they traveled to the land of CanaAn. 6Abram traveled down through the land to a place called SheChem, where there was a tall tree. And at the time, the CanaAnites were living in the land.7Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said:‘I will give this land to your offspring.’So Abram built an altar there to the Lord that had appeared to him.8Then he moved on from there to a mountain that was east of BethEl, and he camped near BethEl, close to the sea, east of AgGai. There he built an altar to Jehovah and started calling on the Name of the Lord.9Thereafter, Abram left that place and camped in the desert.10Well, there came a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to stay, because the famine had devastated the land. 11And as Abram was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sara:‘You’re a beautiful woman, 12[and I’m afraid] that when the Egyptians see you they’ll say, ‘[Look at] his wife!’, and they’ll kill me… But they’ll let you live.13‘So tell people that you’re my sister. That way, things will go well for me because of you, and my life will be safe because of you.’14And that’s what happened. When Abram entered Egypt and the Egyptians saw how beautiful his woman was, 15one of PharaOh’s princes praised her to PharaOh [possibly Pepi II] and brought her into PharaOh’s [Palace].16And because of her, PharaOh treated Abram very well. So he accumulated [many] sheep, calves, burros, male and female servants, mules, and camels.17However, God cursed PharaOh and his house with some very serious and difficult problems because of Sara (Abram’s wife).18So PharaOh called Abram and asked:‘What have you done to me? You didn’t tell me that she’s your wife. 19Why did you tell us that she’s your sister? Look, I’ve already taken her as mine!‘Now, there’s your wife standing before you… She’s yours, so take her and leave quickly!’20Then PharaOh gave his men instructions about Abram, telling them to accompany him and his wife on their way, along with all the things that they owned.
1So thereafter, Abram left Egypt and traveled into the desert along with his wife and with Lot, taking along everything that he owned 2(for by then, Abram had become very rich in cattle, silver, and gold).3So he returned to the place he’d come from (in the desert near BethEl, between BethEl and AgGai, where he’d previously camped), 4and to the place where he’d earlier built the altar and 5called on the Name of the Lord.6At the time, Lot (who had left [Egypt] along with Abram) had also accumulated many sheep, oxen, and tents; 7so the land just wasn’t large enough for both of them to live together, because of their many possessions. 8And since there wasn’t enough land to share, there were problems between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle, the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle, and with the CanaAnites and Pherezites who lived in that land. So Abram said to Lot:‘There shouldn’t be problems between you and me, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, because we are brothers.9‘Look! The whole land lies before you, so leave me and choose your own way. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; or if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.’10So Lot surveyed all the country around the JorDan and noticed that it had plenty of water (this was before God overthrew Sodom and GomorRah). It looked like the Paradise of Jehovah and like the land of Egypt up to Zogora. 11So Lot chose all the country around the JorDan for himself and he traveled to the east, as the brothers parted ways.Now, as Abram took up living in the land of CanaAn, 12Lot [chose] to live in a city among neighbors; so he moved to Sodom. 13However, the men of Sodom were evil and they were extreme sinners before God.14Then The God said to Abram (after Lot had separated from him):‘Look around at this place where you’re standing… Look to the north, to the south, to the east, and to the sea. 15I’ll give all this land that you see before you to you and your offspring throughout the ages. 16And I’ll make your offspring as [numerous as] the dust of the ground.‘Why, if anyone is able to count all the dust of the earth, he should be able to count your offspring! 17So get up and walk across the land… Across its length and its breadth. I’m giving it all to you and to your offspring throughout the ages!’18Well after that, Abram packed up his tent and started living by the big tree [close to] MamRe in HebRon, and he built an altar there to Jehovah.
1It was during the reign of AmarPhal (the king of Shinar) and AriOch (the king of ElLasar), that ChodolLogomor 2(the king of ElAm) and Thargal (the king of the Gentiles) went to war with:• BalLa (the king of Sodom), • BarSa (the king of GomorRah), • Sennaar (the king of Adama), • SymoBor (the king of Seboim), and • Balac (or Segor).3So they all agreed to meet together at the Salt Valley ([which is now] the Dead Sea). 4For they had served as vassals to ChodolLogomor for some 12 years, but in the 13th year they revolted.5So in the 14th year, ChodolLogomor and his allies attacked them, cutting the giants in AshtarOth CarNain to pieces, along with the strong nations that were their allies (the OmMeans in the city of Saue and 6the ChorRheans in the mountains of SeIr) all the way to the turpentine trees of Pharan (in the desert).7And on their return, they stopped at the Well of Judgment (that is, Cades), where they cut to pieces all the princes of Amalecites and the Amorites that were living in AsaSon/Thamar.8And then the kings of Sodom, GomorRah, Adama, Seboim, and Balac (or Segor) went out and set up battle lines against these other kings in the Salt Valley 9yes, against ChodolLogomor (king of ElAm), Thargal (king of the Gentiles), AmarPhal (king of Shinar), and AriOch (the king of ElLasar)... The four against five.10Now, there were slime pits in the Salt Valley, and the kings of Sodom and GomorRah fell into them as they were fleeing (and as the rest were retreating into the mountains). 11So [the invaders] took all the horses and food in Sodom and GomorRah and they left, 12carrying away Abram’s nephew Lot (who lived in Sodom), along with all of his possessions.13Then one of those who’d been rescued went and told Abram (the Hebrew) [what had happened]. At the time, he was living by the large tree [that belonged to] MamRe ([who] was an Amorite, the brother of Eschol and AuNan (who were Abram’s allies). 14And when Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he gathered 318 of his personal home-born servants, and pursued them all the way to Dan.15Then when he and his servants caught up with them that night, he attacked them and pursued them all the way to Choba, which is to the left of Damascus.16So he recovered all the horses of Sodom, his nephew Lot, and all of his possessions and women, as well as the rest of the people.17Then after [Abram] returned from the slaughter of ChodolLogomor and the kings who were with him; the king of Sodom traveled to the valley of Saby (in the plain of the king) to meet with him. 18And there, MelchiZedek (the king of Salem) brought him some loaves [of bread] and some wine.This man was also the Priest of the Most High God, 19and he blest Abram there, saying:‘May Abram of the Most High God who made the heavens and the earth, be blest!20‘And may the Most High God, who delivered your enemies into your hands, be praised!’Then Abram gave him 1/10th of everything [that he had captured].21And the king of Sodom said to Abram:‘Let me take all the men… You can keep the horses for yourself.’22But Abram said to the king of Sodom:‘I swear by Jehovah, the Most High God who made the heavens and the earth, 23that I won’t take anything from you – not so much as a piece of string or a shoe lace – so you won’t be able to say, I’m the one who made Abram wealthy.24‘[I will take] nothing other than what the young men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me… Eschol, AuNan, and MamRe… They’ll each take a portion.’
1Well after that, Jehovah sent word to Abram in a vision, saying:‘Don’t be afraid, Abram... For I am your shield, and you’ll receive a huge reward.’2Then Abram said:‘O Almighty Jehovah! What can You give me, since I’m about to die without a son? EliEzer of Damascus, the home-born son of my [slave girl] Masek of Damascus, is my heir.’3And Abram continued:‘I’m so very sad, because You haven’t given me a descendant, and the home-born [of my slave girl] will be my heir.’4Well, the Lord immediately replied, saying:‘He won’t be your heir… Another that comes from you will be your heir.’5Then He took him outside and said:‘Look up into the sky and count all the stars… That is, if you can come up with an accurate count.’And He said:‘This is how your offspring will be.’6So Abram believed The God, and his [faith] was counted to him as righteousness.7Then [God] said to him:‘I’m the God who brought you out of the land of the Chaldeans to give you this land as an inheritance.’8And [Abram] said:‘My Lord and Master, how can I know [for sure] that I’ll inherit it?’9And He replied:‘Collect for Me a 3-year-old heifer, a 3-year-old nanny goat, a 3-year-old billy goat, a dove, and a pigeon.’10So Abram brought all three of [the animals] to Him, cut them each into halves, and set [the halves] opposite each other… But he didn’t cut the winged creatures into halves.11Well, birds then started landing on the bodies (the cut-up parts), as Abram sat there next to them.12Then, about sunset, Abram fell into a trance and {Look!} he had an ominous premonition. 13For Abram was told [by God]:‘You must know this for a fact; your offspring will have to live as aliens in a foreign land where they’ll be slaves who are treated badly and humbled for 400 years.14‘Then I’ll judge the nation that they are to serve; and following that, [your offspring] will return here with many possessions. 15However, you’ll go to your fathers [in the grave] well fed and in peace at a ripe old age.16‘Then the 4th generation will return here... Because, even up to this point, the sins of the Amorites haven’t reached their climax yet.’17Well, as the sun was setting, {look!} there was a flame that looked like a smoking furnace and like lamp fires that moved between the divided pieces [of the animals]!18This was the day that Jehovah made a Sacred Agreement with Abram. He said:‘I will give this land – from the [Nile] River of Egypt to the great EuPhrates River – to your offspring, 19along with:• The Kainites, • the Kenezites, • the KedMoneans, 20• the Hittites, • the Pherezites, • the Raphaim, 21• the Amorites, • the CanaAnites, • the Hevites, • the Gergesites, and • the Jebusites.’
1Well, Sara (Abram’s wife) hadn’t given him any children. However, she had an Egyptian handmaid whose name was Hagar. 2And so, Sara said to Abram:‘Look; Jehovah has kept me from getting pregnant; so, [sleep with] my maid that I might have my children through her.’Well, Abram accepted this offer from Sara, 3so Sara (Abram’s wife) took Hagar her Egyptian handmaid (this was after Abram had lived in the land of CanaAn for 10 years) and gave her to her man Abram as his woman.4Then [Abram] went in to [bed with] Hagar, and she became pregnant.However, after she realized that she was going to have a child, she started being disrespectful to her mistress.5So Sara said to Abram:‘I’ve really been hurt by you, for I gave you my handmaid [to sleep with], and when I saw that she was pregnant, she started treating me disrespectfully!‘So may Jehovah judge between you and me!’6Then Abram told Sara:‘Look, your handmaid is yours! Treat her any way that seems right to you!’So Sara started treating [Hagar] badly, and she ran away.7Then a [spirit] messenger from Jehovah found [Hagar] by a spring of water in the desert (the spring on the way to Sur). 8And Jehovah’s messenger said to her:‘Hagar, Sara’s maid! Where are you coming from and where are you going?’And she replied:‘I’m running away from my mistress, Sara.’9Then Jehovah’s messenger said:‘Return to your mistress and obey her.’10And the messenger of Jehovah told her:‘I will make your offspring grow, and they’ll become so many that they can’t be counted.’11The messenger of Jehovah then went on to say:‘Look; you are pregnant with a child. You’ll give birth to a son, and you should name him IshMaEl (‘God has Noticed’), because Jehovah has noticed how you’ve been humiliated.12‘He will be a wild man, for his fists [will be lifted] against everyone, and everyone [will lift] their fists against him. However, he will live in the midst of all his brothers.’13Then she called upon the Name of the Lord God who was speaking to her, saying:‘You are the God who watches over me...’And she added:‘...because I openly saw the One who appeared to me.’14[So from that point on], she called that well, ‘The Well of The One Whom I Openly Saw.’ Look; it [still can be found] between Cades and BarAd.15Well after that, Hagar bore a son to Abram; and Abram named the son whom Hagar bore to him, IshMaEl. 16Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore IshMaEl.
1Then, when Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him [again] and said:‘I am your God. So, if you’ll be pleasing before Me and not do anything for which you can be blamed, 2I’ll establish a Sacred Agreement between you and Me, and I will make you prosper greatly!’3Well at that, Abram fell with his face [to the ground]. Then The God spoke to him [again], saying:4‘Look!‘I am making My Sacred Agreement with you. Since you’ll become the father of many nations, your name will no longer be called Abram, but AbraHam... 5For I’ve made you the father of many nations.6‘I will make you grow tremendously, I’ll make nations come from you, and kings will descend from you.7‘I’ll also extend my Sacred Agreement between you and Me to the offspring that comes from you through its generations. It’s a Sacred Agreement throughout the ages that [I] will be your God and the God of the offspring that comes from you.8‘Also, I’ll give the land where you’re [now] living as an alien, to you and to your offspring. This includes the entire land of CanaAn… It’ll become yours throughout the ages, and I’ll be their God.’9Then The God told AbraHam:‘You must absolutely keep my Sacred Agreement… Both you and your offspring that descends from you through all their generations.10‘This is the Sacred Agreement between you and your offspring and Me through all its generations:‘All of your males must be circumcised… 11The foreskin of their flesh must be circumcised, for this will be the sign of the Sacred Agreement between you and Me.12‘All of your male children must be circumcised by you when they’re 8-days old, throughout all your generations. [This includes all your] home-born servants and those who are bought with money (the sons of aliens that are not your offspring).13‘Those who are born in your house and those who are bought with money must surely be circumcised. So My Sacred Agreement will be in their flesh as [a sign of the] Sacred Agreement throughout the ages.14‘As for the uncircumcised males who aren’t circumcised in the flesh of their foreskin on the 8th day... Such individuals must be totally destroyed from among their families for breaking My Sacred Agreement!’15Then The God told AbraHam:‘Your wife Sara will no longer be called Sara… SarAh will be her name. 16For I’ll bless her and give you a son from her, whom I will also bless… nations and kings of nations will come from him!’17Well with that, AbraHam fell to his face and laughed, asking in his heart:‘Will a 100-year-old [man] father a child? And will SarAh –who’s 90 years old– give birth to it?’18Then AbraHam said to God:‘Please accept IshMaEl to [stand] before You.’19But God told AbraHam:‘Look; your wife SarAh will give birth to your son, and you should name him IsaAc [which means ‘Laughter’].‘I’ll make my Sacred Agreement [with you] firm through him… It’ll be an age-long Sacred Agreement that I’ll be his God and [the God] of his offspring that descends from him.20‘As for IshMaEl; {Look!} I’ve heard you and I’ve blest him. I’ll make him grow and multiply tremendously, so he will become the father of 12 nations that I’ll make a great people.21‘However, My Sacred Agreement will be established with IsaAc, whom SarAh will bear to you at this time next year.’22Then The God stopped talking to him, and He left AbraHam.23Well thereafter, AbraHam took his son IshMaEl, all of his home-born servants, all of those whom he’d bought with money… All the males in AbraHam’s house, and circumcised their foreskins on that very day, just as God had told him.24AbraHam was 99 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, 25and his son IshMaEl was 13 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.26Both AbraHam and his son IshMaEl were circumcised that very day, 27along with all the men of his house… Those who were born there and the foreigners who were bought with money.
1God [next] appeared to [AbraHam] around noon, as he was sitting at the entrance to his tent by the big tree close to MamRe. 2For when he looked up, he saw three men standing in front of him. And when he noticed them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them, bowing all the way to the ground.3Then he said:‘Lords,‘If I have indeed found favor in your sight, don’t pass your servant by. 4[I’ll have] water brought and [my servants] will wash your feet! You just rest here under this tree. 5I’ll also bring some bread for you to eat, and then you can continue your journey… Allow your servant to offer you some refreshment.’And they replied:‘You may do as you’ve said.’6So AbraHam ran back to SarAh (who was in the tent) and said to her:‘Hurry… Knead three scoops of fine flour and make [some bread].’7Then AbraHam ran to the pens, where he took a young calf (a nice, tender one) and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.8Next, he got some butter, some milk, and the calf that he’d prepared, and set it all out before them… And they ate as he stood near them under the tree.9Then the Lord asked:‘Where is your woman SarAh?’And [AbraHam] replied:‘Look, she’s there in the tent!’10So the Lord said:‘I’ll return this way and come to see you during this season [next year], and your woman SarAh will have a son.’Well, SarAh overheard this as she stood behind him at the entrance of the tent. 11And because AbraHam and SarAh were old, and SarAh was [well beyond the age of child bearing], she laughed inside herself, saying:12‘This hasn’t happened to me [in the past]… And now my lord is [too] old!’13And at that, the Lord asked AbraHam:‘Why is SarAh laughing inside herself and asking, ‘Will I give birth? I’m already old’?14‘Is there anything that’s impossible for Jehovah?‘I’ll return to you [next year] in this season, and SarAh will have a son!’15However, SarAh denied it, saying, ‘I didn’t laugh’ (she said this because she was afraid).And the Lord replied:‘Oh, but you did laugh.’16Then the men got up and headed towards Sodom and GomorRah, and AbraHam traveled along with them to assist in their journey.17So the Lord then asked:‘Shall I hide the things that I’m about to do from my servant AbraHam?18‘For AbraHam will become a great and highly populated nation through whom all the nations of the earth will be blest, 19because I know that he will order his sons and the house that is to come from him to keep the ways of Jehovah… To be righteous and just, so that Jehovah can bring all the things to AbraHam that He’s promised.’20Then the Lord told him this:‘The cries that I’m hearing about Sodom and GomorRah keep growing, and their sins are very bad. 21So I’m going down to see if they’re as bad as the cries that I’m hearing have said.‘And if not, at least I’ll know [for sure].’22And at that, the men headed towards Sodom.Meanwhile, AbraHam was still there in the Lord’s presence.23So AbraHam went up to him and asked:‘Are you going to destroy the righteous along with the wicked, treating the righteous as though they were wicked? 24If there are 50 righteous [people] in the city, will you destroy them? Wouldn’t you spare the whole place if there were 50 righteous [people] there?25‘You would never do such a thing as to destroy the righteous along with the wicked and treat the righteous as though they were wicked… No way! Won’t you, the judge of the whole earth, do what’s right?’26And the Lord said:‘If there are 50 righteous [people] in the city of Sodom, I’ll spare the whole city and the whole place for their sakes.’27Then AbraHam continued:‘My Lord,‘Here I’m speaking to you, and all I am is dirt and ashes. 28However, what if there weren’t 50 righteous [people] and there were only 45. Would you destroy the whole city because of the lack of 5?’And the Lord said:‘I won’t destroy it if I can find 45 there.’29However, [AbraHam] just kept talking to him and said:‘What if there are only 40? 30Would you not destroy it for the sake of the 40?’And he went on:‘Lord, please don’t hold it against me if I continue to speak; but, what if there are 30?’And the Lord replied:‘I won’t destroy it for the sake of 30.’31So he said:‘Since I’m allowed to speak to [my] Lord; what if you can only find 20?’And he said:‘I won’t destroy it if I can only find 20.’32Finally, he said:‘Lord,‘Would you hold it against me if I were to say just one more thing? What if you were to find just 10 [righteous people]?’And he replied:‘I won’t destroy it for the sake of the 10.’33Then the Lord stopped speaking to AbraHam and left, and AbraHam returned to his [tent].
1Well, that evening, the two messengers [of God] finally arrived at Sodom, where they found Lot sitting by the [city] gate. And when Lot saw them, he got up [and went] to meet them, bowing low with his face to the ground. He said:2‘Look here, my lords; come to the house of your servant and rest from your journey. [Then you can] wash your feet and get up early in the morning to continue on your way.’However, they said:‘No, we’ll just sleep here in the street.’3But [Lot] kept insisting, so they went with him to his house. Then he baked flatbread and made a feast for them, which they ate.4[Well, that evening], before they went to bed, the men of the city of Sodom gathered around the house… All of them, from the young to the old, 5and they shouted for Lot, saying:‘Where are the men who came to your home this evening?‘Send them out to us, so we can [have sex] with them!’6Well, Lot went out on his porch, shut the door behind him, 7and said:‘Absolutely not, my brothers! Don’t do this wicked thing!8‘I have two daughters that have never [had sex] with a man. I’ll bring them out to you and you can do whatever you want with them. However, don’t harm these men! It was to avoid such a thing that [I brought them] under the shelter of my roof!’9But they replied:‘Get out of the way! You came here to live among us, and [now, do you think] have become our judge?‘We’re going to do more harm to you than we’ll do to them!’10So they started pushing Lot and were ready to break down his door. But the [messengers] reached out and grabbed Lot, dragged him back inside the house, and shut the door. 11Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both the great and the small… Until they finally got tired of trying to find the door.12And the [messengers] said to Lot:‘If you have any sons, daughters, sons in law, or any friends in the city, you must take them away from this place, 13because we’re going to destroy it!‘A great cry has been raised against [this city] to Jehovah, and [He] has sent us to destroy it.’14So Lot went and spoke to his [future] sons-in-law that [were engaged to] his daughters, and said:‘Get up and leave this place, because Jehovah is going to destroy the city!’However, to his [future] sons-in-law, it seemed as though he was joking.15Then the next morning, the messengers started to hurry Lot along, saying:‘Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters and go, so you won’t be destroyed with the sins of this city!’16However, they were unsure. So the messengers grabbed the hands of Lot, his wife, and his two daughters… And that’s how Jehovah saved them.17Then, once they were outside [of the city], the [messengers] told them:‘Now, do whatever you must to save your own lives. You must not turn around and look back at the things that are behind you… And don’t stay anywhere in the countryside around here. Run to the mountains, so you won’t be [destroyed along] with the rest!’18But Lot said:‘I beg you, Lord,‘Your servant has been shown such mercy and you have shown such righteousness in the things that you’ve done for me to save my life. 19However, I won’t be able to make it to the mountains, because the [destruction] will likely catch up with me and kill me.20‘Look, there’s a town nearby… A small one that I can escape to and be spared. Isn’t this just a small thing?‘If you [allow] this, you’ll save my life!’21And [the messenger] told him:‘Look; I’ll respect your wishes in this matter and I won’t destroy the town that you’re talking about. 22But hurry and get out of here, because I won’t be able to do anything until you get there.’And from that point on, [Lot] referred to that town as Segor [meaning, ‘small’].23Well, the sun was already up by the time that Lot arrived in Segor, and that’s when 24Jehovah poured fire and sulfur from the sky upon Sodom and GomorRah, 25which destroyed those cities, all the countryside around them and everyone who lived in the cities… Including even the plants that grew on the ground.26However, [Lot’s] wife had turned and looked back, and she then became an upright block of salt.27Well, that morning (as AbraHam arose early to go to the place where he’d stood before the Lord) 28when he looked towards Sodom, GomorRah, and the surrounding countryside, he saw what looked like the flames and smoke of a furnace arising from that land!29And this is how it all happened.However, when God destroyed all the cities around there, He remembered AbraHam and He brought Lot out of the midst of that destruction, when the Lord overthrew those cities where Lot had been living.30Well after that, Lot and his daughters left Segor and they went to live in the mountains, because he was afraid to live in Segor. So he and his daughters went and lived in a cave.31[It was there that] the eldest [daughter] said to the younger:‘Our father is old, and no one on earth will come to us here where we’re living... 32So let’s get our father drunk with wine and then we’ll sleep with him, so we can raise our father’s offspring.’33Well, that night, they brought their father some wine to drink, and the eldest went in and laid down with him. However, he wasn’t aware of when he went to sleep or when he got up.34Then the next day, the eldest said to the younger:‘Look; I slept with our father last night. Therefore, let’s get him some wine to drink again tonight, and then you go in and sleep with him, so we can raise offspring from our father.’35Well, they got their father to drink wine again, and the younger went in and slept with her father that night… And he didn’t know when he went to sleep or when he got up.36As a result, the two daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37Then the eldest bore a son whom she called MoAb, saying:‘He’s of my father.’([MoAb] is the father of the MoAbites to this day).38And the younger also bore a son whom she named AmMon, saying:‘He’s the son of my family.’([AmMon] is the father of the AmMonites to this day).
1Well, sometime after that, AbraHam moved to the southern part of the country and took up living between Cades and Sur, staying for a while in GeraRa. 2And [there], AbraHam [again told the people] that his wife SarAh was his sister. He didn’t want to say, ‘She’s my wife,’ for fear that the men of that city would kill him because of her.So AbiMelech (the king of GeraRa) sent for SarAh and took her [to be his woman]. 3But God came to AbiMelech at night in a dream and told him:‘Look; you’re all going to die because of this woman you’ve taken, since she [already has] a husband!’4Well, AbiMelech hadn’t touched her [yet], so he replied:‘Lord, would you destroy a righteous nation that has sinned in ignorance?5‘Didn’t he tell me, She’s my sister?‘And didn’t she tell me, He’s my brother?‘I’ve done this with righteous hands and with a pure heart!’6Then The God replied to him in his [dream], saying:‘Yes, I know that you did this with a pure heart... That’s why I’ve spared you and [kept you from] sinning against Me, and that’s why I also kept you from touching her.7‘So return this man’s wife now, because he’s a Prophet. Then he will pray for you and you’ll continue to live.‘However, if you don’t return her, you and all that are yours will die.’8So early the next morning, AbiMelech got up and called all his servants in; then he told them everything that was said, which frightened them.9And thereafter, AbiMelech called AbraHam in and asked:‘What have you done to us? [What type of bad] have you seen in me that you should do such a thing? Have we sinned against you in some way so that you’d draw my whole kingdom and me into such a great sin?‘Why, you’ve done something to me that no one should ever do!’10And AbiMelech continued:‘What [bad] have you seen in me that you would do such a thing?’11Then AbraHam replied:‘[I thought] that this surely couldn’t be a place of godly people, so they’ll kill me for my wife. 12[And in fact], she really is my sister by my father (but not by my mother), whom I took as my wife.13‘So when God took me from my father’s house, I told her:‘I have a righteous thing that I want you to do for me: Wherever we go, tell [people] that I’m your brother.’14Then AbiMelech returned his wife SarAh, along with 1,000 silver coins, as well as sheep, cattle, and male and female servants. 15And AbiMelech said to AbraHam:‘Look, my whole land lies before you. So now, go wherever you wish.’16Then he told SarAh:‘Look, I’ve given your brother 1,000 silver coins. These are yours as the price of your face and for all the women who are with you… But [in the future, you must] always tell the whole truth!’17So AbraHam prayed to God, and God healed AbiMelech. [He also healed AbiMelech’s] wife and his concubines, and they thereafter gave birth to children 18(since Jehovah had closed all the wombs in AbiMelech’s house due to AbraHam’s wife, SarAh).
1Then the Lord visited SarAh and did as [He had promised] to her. 2She became pregnant and bore a son to AbraHam in his old age, at the exact time that the Lord had specified. 3And AbraHam named the son who was born to him through SarAh, IsaAc [meaning ‘Laughter’].4Then on the 8th day, AbraHam circumcised IsaAc, just as God had instructed him.5AbraHam was 100 years old when his son IsaAc was born. 6And SarAh said:‘Jehovah has created laughter for me, because everyone who hears [about this] will rejoice with me.’7Then she added:‘Who could tell AbraHam that I’m nursing a child, because I’ve given birth in my old age?’8Thereafter, the child grew; and on the day that he was weaned, AbraHam prepared a great feast. 9However, SarAh noticed Hagar’s son (the one who was born to AbraHam through the Egyptian [woman]) playfully making fun of their son IsaAc.10So she told AbraHam:‘Throw this slave woman and her son out, because I won’t have this slave’s son receive an inheritance with my son IsaAc!’11Now, those words about his son were very difficult for AbraHam. 12But God said to AbraHam:‘Don’t allow this thing about your son and the slave woman to become too difficult for you. Listen to whatever SarAh tells you, because IsaAc will be the one who’s called your offspring. 13However, I’ll make a great nation of this slave woman’s son, because he’s also your offspring.’14So the next morning, AbraHam got up, gave Hagar some loaves [of bread] and a skin [bottle] of water, put her son on her shoulders, and sent her away. Then she left there and wandered in the desert near the Well of the Promise.15However, [before long], the skin [bottle] of water was empty. So she threw her child under a fir tree, 16where she left him, and then she sat some distance across from him (a bow-shot away). And she said:‘I can’t just watch my child die.’So she sat there across from him as her child bawled and cried.17Well, God heard the voice of the child from the place where He was, and a [spirit] messenger from God called to Hagar out of the sky, and asked:‘Why are you so concerned, Hagar?‘Don’t worry; for God has heard the child’s voice from where He is. 18So now, get up and take the child by his hand, because I’m going to make a great nation of him!’19Then The God opened her eyes and she saw a life [sustaining] well of water; so she went and filled the skin with water and gave the child a drink.20God was with that child, so he grew up living in the desert and he became an archer. 21And while he was living there in the desert, his mother found a woman for him in Pharan, Egypt.22Now, the time came when AbiMelech, OchoZath (his trusted friend), and Pichol (the head of his army) [came to] AbraHam and said:‘God is with you [and has blest] everything that you do. 23So swear to me by God that you won’t harm me, my offspring, or my name; rather, you should deal with me in the same righteous way that I’ve dealt with you in this land in which you’re living.’24And AbraHam said:‘I swear.’25Then AbraHam complained to AbiMelech about some water wells that his servants had taken from him. 26And AbiMelech replied:‘I don’t know who did this thing to you, nor did you tell me about it. Today is the first time I’ve heard of this.’27And thereafter, AbraHam took some cattle and sheep and gave them to AbiMelech, and they made a treaty. 28Then AbraHam set aside 7 female lambs. 29And AbiMelech asked him:‘Why have you set those 7 female lambs aside?’30And AbraHam replied:‘I’m giving my 7 female lambs to you as testimony to the fact that I dug this well.’31So thereafter, he named that place, ‘The Well of the Promise,’ because that’s where they swore their oath 32and made their treaty. Then AbiMelech, his trusted friend OchoZath, and Pichol (the head of his army) got up and returned [home] to the land of the Philistines.33Well, after that, AbraHam planted a field near The Well of the Promise and started calling on the Name of the God of the ages, Jehovah. 34And he stayed there in the land of the Philistines for many days.
1It was then that God put AbraHam to the test. He called to him, saying:‘AbraHam…‘AbraHam!’And [AbraHam] replied:‘Look! It’s me!’2Then [God] said:‘Take your beloved son (this one whom you so love, IsaAc) then go to the highlands and offer him there on one of the mountains that I’ll tell you about – as a burnt offering.’3So AbraHam got up in the morning, saddled his burro, and [prepared to] take two servants and his son IsaAc with him. Then, after splitting some wood for the offering, he got up and traveled towards the place that God had spoken to him about.4Well, it was on the 3rd day that AbraHam looked up and saw the place in the distance.5Then AbraHam said to his servants:‘Stay here with the burros; for my son and I will go over there… And after we bow low [before God], we’ll return to you.’6So AbraHam took the wood for the offering and laid it on his son IsaAc’s [shoulders], and the two went off together, with him carrying both the fire and the knife in his own hands.7Then IsaAc called out to his father (AbraHam) and said:‘Father!’And he replied:‘What is it, son?’And [IsaAc] continued:‘Look! [We have the] the fire and the wood, but where is the sheep for the offering?’8Then AbraHam said:‘God will provide His own sheep for the offering, son.’So they both traveled on, and they 9finally arrived at the place that God had spoken to him about... Then AbraHam built the altar there and laid the wood on it, and he tied his son IsaAc’s feet together and laid him on the wood on top of the altar!10And just as AbraHam was reaching for the knife to slaughter his son, 11a [spirit] messenger of Jehovah called out to him from the sky, and said:‘AbraHam…‘AbraHam!’And he said:‘Look, it’s me!’12Then [the messenger] said:‘Don’t lay a hand on the child and don’t do anything to him!‘For now I know that you fear God, since you haven’t spared even your loved son for My sake!’13And when AbraHam looked up, he saw {Look!} a male goat that was caught by its horns on a bush in the thicket. So AbraHam went over and grabbed the male goat; [then he] offered it as a whole burnt offering instead of his son IsaAc.14Well, AbraHam thereafter named that place, ‘The Lord Was Seen.’ [He did that] so people today would say, ‘This is the mountain where the Lord was seen.’15Then a messenger of Jehovah called AbraHam a second time from the sky, saying:16‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘I’ve sworn [an oath] by Myself that, because you’ve done this thing (because you haven’t spared your loved son for Me); 17when it comes to blessings, I’ll bless you, and when it comes to multiplying, I’ll multiply your offspring like the stars in the skies and as the sands on the sea shores!‘Your offspring will inherit the cities of their enemies, 18and all the nations of the earth will be blest by your offspring, because you’ve listened to My voice!’19Well thereafter, AbraHam returned to his servants, and they all got up and traveled together to the Well of the Promise. Then AbraHam took up living there at the Well of the Promise.20Then later on, AbraHam received this report:‘Look! Melcha has given birth to sons by your brother, NaHor!’21[They were:]• Uz (the first-born), • Baux his brother, • CamuEl ([who later became] the father of the Syrians), • Chazad, 22• Azav, • Phaldes, • JelDaph, and • BathuEl (BathuEl [later] fathered RebecKa).23Melcha bore these 8 sons to AbraHam’s brother NaHor.24In addition, his concubine (named RheUma) also gave birth to:• TaBec, • TaAm, • Tochos, and • Mocha.
1Well, SarAh lived to be 127 years old, 2and then [she] died in the city of ArBoc (HebRon in the land of CanaAn), which is located in a valley.So AbraHam went to SarAh to mourn for her. 3And as AbraHam stood before his dead [wife], he spoke to the sons of Ket, saying:4‘I’m just a visitor and a stranger among you; but [please] allow me to buy a burying-place among [your people], so I can bury my dead away from [my place].’5And the sons of Ket replied to AbraHam, saying:‘No Sir!6‘Listen; you may live among us, but you’re [really] a king from God! So bury your dead in our best tombs! None of us will ever withhold our tombs to keep you from burying your dead here!’7Then AbraHam arose and bowed low before the people of the land (the sons of Ket). 8And AbraHam said to them:‘If you approve of me burying my dead out of my sight; then, listen to what I have to say and [please] speak on my behalf to EphRon, son of SaAr...9‘[I want] him to give me the double cave that he owns, which is located in his field. I’ll [be happy to] pay whatever it’s worth for a burial-place among you.’10Now, EphRon happened to be sitting there in the midst of the children of Ket, and [he] answered AbraHam (speaking where he could be heard by all the sons of Ket and by all that were entering the city) saying:11‘Pay attention to me, my lord; here before all my countrymen [I say]: Bury your dead!’12And at that, AbraHam bowed low before the people of the land, 13and he told EphRon (before the people of the land):‘Since you’re on my side, listen to me; accept the price of the field from me and I’ll bury my dead there.’14However, EphRon answered AbraHam, saying:15‘No, my lord! I’ve heard that the land [is worth] 400 silver coins, but what value is that between me and you? No, just bury your dead.’16And although AbraHam heard what EphRon had said, he still paid [him] the money, just as he had vowed before the sons of Ket – 400 silver coins that had been approved by the merchants.17So at that, the double cave that was in the field of EphRon opposite MamRe (the field, the cave that was in it, every tree in the field, and everything that was within its borders) was sold 18to AbraHam as his possession, there in front of the sons of Ket and everyone [who’ll be] entering the city.19There, AbraHam buried his woman SarAh inside the field’s double cave, which is opposite MamRe (HebRon in the land of CanaAn). 20Yes, the field and its cave were sold to AbraHam as his burying place by the sons of Ket.
1Well by then, AbraHam was very old, and Jehovah had blest AbraHam in everything. 2So AbraHam said to his servant (the elder of his house that was in charge of all his possessions):‘Put your hand under my thigh, 3because I want you to swear by Jehovah the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you won’t take a woman for my son IsaAc from the daughters of the CanaAnites… These [people] among whom I’m living.4‘Instead, I want you to go to my country – to the place I was born and to my people – to find a woman for my son IsaAc.’5And his servant replied:‘But if the woman isn’t happy and willing to return with me to this land, should I take your son back to that land from which you came?’6And AbraHam said to him:‘Make sure that you don’t take my son back there. 7For it was Jehovah (the God of heaven and the God of earth) who took me out of my father’s house and out of the land where I was born. He spoke to me and swore to me, saying:‘I’ll give this land to you and to your offspring.’‘[So I know that He] will send His messenger ahead of you… And you must take a woman for my son from there. 8However, if the woman isn’t willing to come with you into this land, you’ll be free from this oath. Just don’t take my son back there.’9At at that, the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master AbraHam and swore to him. 10Then the servant took 10 camels from his master’s herd and [some of] his master’s valuables, and he traveled through MesoPotamia to the city of NaHor.11Well, it was towards evening that he [stopped and] rested his camels outside of the city, by the well where the young women went to draw water.12And he [prayed]:‘O Jehovah, the God of my master AbraHam!‘Bless what I’m doing today, and be merciful to my master AbraHam.13‘{Look!} Here I’m standing by the well where the daughters of those who live in this city come to draw water. 14And may it be that whichever virgin to whom I say:‘Bring down the water jar so that I may have a drink...’‘And she replies:‘Take a drink, and I’ll also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they’re satisfied...’‘I’ll know that this is the one You’ve prepared for Your servant IsaAc, and that You’ve been merciful to my master, AbraHam.’15Well, before he was even done speaking in his mind, {Look!} RebecKa, the daughter of BathuEl (son of Melcha, the woman of NaHor, AbraHam’s brother) came there carrying a water jug on her shoulders... 16This virgin was very beautiful, and she was in fact a virgin… No man ever had sexual relations with her. She went down to the well, filled her water jug, and [walked back] up.17Then [AbraHam’s] servant ran to meet her, and said:‘Give me a little water to drink from your pitcher.’18And she said:‘Have a drink, sir.’So she quickly removed the pitcher [from her head] and allowed him to drink until he was finished.19Then she said:‘I’ll also draw water for your camels, until they’ve all had enough to drink.’20And she quickly emptied the water jug into the trough, and then she kept running to the well to draw, until she’d drawn enough water for all the camels.21Well, the man paid attention to this, but he didn’t say anything, because he wanted to know whether this was Jehovah’s blessing.22Then, after all the camels were finished drinking, he gave her [two] gold earrings (each weighing about a drachma [1/8th of an ounce / 3.5g]), and he [put] two bracelets on her hands (they weighed about the same as 10 gold coins), 23and he asked her:‘Whose daughter are you? Tell me!‘And is there room for us to lodge with your father?’24Then she replied:‘I’m the daughter of BathuEl, who is the son of Melcha and whose father was NaHor.’25And she added:‘We have straw, a lot of fodder, and a place for [you to] rest.’26Well at that, the man (who was very happy) bowed low to Jehovah 27and said:‘May Jehovah the God of my master AbraHam be praised, [because He] hasn’t allowed His righteousness or His truth to fail my master, since the Lord has led me right to the house of my lord’s brother!’28Then the young maiden ran and reported what he said to the household of her mother.29Now, RebecKa had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran all the way to the well to meet the man. 30For when he saw the earrings and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard what his sister RebecKa said about what the man had told her, he went to the man as he was standing by the well with his camels 31and said to him:‘Come on in, you who are blest by Jehovah!‘Why are you standing outside? I’ve prepared the house and I’ve also made a place for your camels!’32So the man went into the house, and [Laban] unloaded the camels, gave them straw and fodder, and he drew water to wash the feet [of AbraHam’s servant] as well as the feet of the men who were with him; 33then he set loaves of bread before them to eat.However, [AbraHam’s servant] said:‘I’m not going to eat until I’ve told you the reason why I came here.’And [Laban] said:‘Then go ahead and speak.’34So he said:‘I’m a servant of AbraHam, 35and Jehovah has greatly blest my master.‘He’s highly respected and has been given sheep, cattle, silver, gold, male and female servants, camels, and burros... 36And SarAh, my master’s wife, bore one son to my master after he’d grown old, to whom he’s given everything that he owns.37‘Now, my master made me swear [an oath], saying:‘You must not take a woman for my son from among the daughters of the CanaAnites… These [people] I’m living among. 38But you should go to the house of my father and to my tribe, and take a woman for my son from there!’39‘Then I asked my master:‘What if the woman is unhappy about coming along?’40‘And he replied:‘Jehovah God, who’s found me to be acceptable in His presence, will send His messenger along with you, and your journey will be blest.‘You should take a woman for my son from among my tribe and from the house of my father. 41Then you’ll be free from the curse [of your oath]... And if they won’t give her to you when you get to my tribe, you’ll be freed from your oath.42‘So today I came to this well, and I [prayed]:‘O Jehovah, the God of my master AbraHam; If you’ll bless this journey that I’m now on, 43{Look!} I’ll stand by this well where the daughters of the people of this city come to draw water. And whichever young woman to whom I’ll say:‘Give me a little water to drink out of your pitcher...’44‘...and she replies:‘Take a drink, and I’ll also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they’re satisfied...’‘...this is the woman whom Jehovah has prepared for His servant IsaAc, and that’s how I’ll know that You’ve been merciful to my master, AbraHam.45‘Well, before I had even finished speaking in my mind, RebecKa arrived with her pitcher on her shoulders. And [after] she went down to the well and drew water, I said to her:‘Give me a drink.’46‘Then she quickly took the pitcher from her head, and said:‘Take a drink, and I’ll also give your camels [something to] drink.’‘So I drank, and then she watered the camels!47‘Then I asked her:‘Whose daughter are you… Tell me!’‘And she replied:‘I’m the daughter of BathuEl, son of Melcha, and whose father was NaHor.’‘And that’s when I gave her the earrings and put the bracelets on her hands.48‘Well, all of this made me so happy that I bowed low and praised Jehovah, the God of my master AbraHam, who has truly blest me in such a way that I might take the daughter of my master’s own brother for his son.49‘Now, tell me whether you’ll be merciful and just with my lord, so I can know which way to turn.’50And at this, Laban and BathuEl answered, saying:‘Since this thing has come from Jehovah, we can’t answer you in either a bad way or a good way!51‘Look! There is RebecKa standing before you… Take her and go! Let her be the wife of your master’s son, just as Jehovah has said.’52And when AbraHam’s servant heard these words, he bowed to the ground to Jehovah. 53Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry, as well as clothing, and gave it to RebecKa. He also gave gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54And afterward, both he and the men who were with him ate and drank; then they went to sleep.Well, when he got up in the morning, he said to them:‘Now allow me to leave, so I can return to my master.’55And her brothers and mother said:‘Let the virgin stay here with us for 10 more days, and then she can go.’56But he replied to them:‘Don’t hold me back, because Jehovah has blest my journey. Send me away now, so I can return to my master!’57And they said:‘Let’s call the girl and ask [her what she wants to do].’58So they called RebecKa and asked:‘Will you go with this man?’And she replied:‘I’ll go.’59So they [agreed to] send their sister RebecKa and all her possessions along with AbraHam’s servant and his attendants. 60Then they [gave] RebecKa a blessing, saying to her:‘You are our sister; now become ten thousands of thousands, and may your offspring own the cities of their enemies.’61Thereafter, RebecKa and her female attendants mounted the camels and went along with the man. And the servant, once having received RebecKa, departed.62Meanwhile, IsaAc had traveled through the desert towards the Well of the Vision, and he took up living in the southern portion of that land. 63It was towards evening that IsaAc had gone out into the plains to think (because he was discouraged). And when he looked up, he saw camels coming.64It was then that RebecKa looked up and saw IsaAc. So she quickly dismounted the camel 65and asked the servant:‘Who is the man who is walking across the plains to meet us?’And the servant said:‘This is my master.’So she took her veil and covered herself.66Thereafter, the servant told IsaAc everything that he’d done. 67And IsaAc went to the house of his mother and took RebecKa, so she became his wife… And he loved her… And IsaAc was given comfort for [the death of] his mother, SarAh.
1Well, after that, AbraHam took a wife again, whose name was KetTura. 2She bore to him:• ZomBran,
• JeZan,
• Madal,
• MidiAn,
• JesBoc, and
• SoYe.3JeZan fathered:• Saba, and
• DeDan.The sons of DeDan were the AsShurites, the Latusians, and the Laomim.4The sons of MidiAn were:• Gephar,
• Aphir,
• Enoch,
• Abida, and
• ElDaAh.These were all the sons of KetTura.5However, AbraHam had given all of his possessions to his son IsaAc. 6He just gave gifts to the sons of his concubines, then he sent them away from his son IsaAc, to a country in the east.7AbraHam lived to be 175 years old. 8But AbraHam [eventually found himself in] failing health and he died at a ripe old age… An old man who’d lived a full life; and he was [buried] with his family.9His sons, IsaAc and IshMaEl buried him in the double cave that was in the field of EphRon (son of SaAr the Kettite), which is across from MamRe. 10So AbraHam and his wife SarAh [were both buried] in that field, inside the cave that AbraHam bought from the sons of Ket.11Well, after AbraHam died, God blest his son IsaAc. And IsaAc went to live by the Well of the Vision.12These are the generations of IshMaEl, son of AbraHam, whom Hagar (SarAh’s Egyptian handmaid) had born to AbraHam, 13and these are the names of IshMaEl’s sons by each of their generations:• NabaiOth (the firstborn of IshMaEl), then
• Kedar,
• NabDeEl,
• MasSam,
14• MasMa,
• Duma,
• MasSe,
15• ChodDan,
• ThaEman,
• Jetur,
• Naphes, and
• Kedma.16Those are all IshMaEl’s sons, whose names are on their tents and dwellings… 12 princes of their nations. 17And this is how long IshMaEl lived: 137 years. Thereafter, [his health started to] fail and he died and was [buried with] his family.18[IshMaEl] and all his descendants lived [in the area] from Evilat [in the northeast] to Sur [in the southwest], and from Assyria to just across from Egypt.19And these are the generations of IsaAc, son of AbraHam:20AbraHam fathered IsaAc. And when IsaAc was 40 years old, he took RebecKa (the daughter of BathuEl, the Syrian of Syrian MesoPotamia, the sister of Laban the Syrian) as his wife.21Then IsaAc prayed to Jehovah about his wife RebecKa, because she was sterile, and Jehovah heard him... So his wife (RebecKa) got pregnant.22And [one day], the babies that were inside her jumped. And she asked:‘Why did this happen to me?’So she went to ask Jehovah, 23and He told her:‘There are two nations in your womb, and two races will be separated from your belly. One race will become greater than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.’24Well, when it came time for her to deliver, she [found that] she indeed had twins in her womb!25The first came out red and covered with hair all over his skin; and she named him Esau.26Then his brother was born while holding onto the heel of Esau with his hand, so she named him Jacob [meaning, ‘Snatcher of the Heel’].IsaAc was 60 years old when RebecKa bore them.27Well, after the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter who lived in the country, while Jacob was a simple man who lived in a house. 28And although IsaAc loved Esau (because he enjoyed venison), RebecKa loved Jacob.29Then [one day], while Jacob was cooking up some stew, Esau came in from the plains tired and weak, 30he said to Jacob:‘Let me have a taste of that red stew, because I’m weak.’(That’s when he started to be called Edom [or Red]).31And Jacob replied to Esau:‘Then, sell me your right [as firstborn]… Right now!’32So Esau said:‘Look, I’m about to die! What good does this right [of the firstborn] mean to me?’33And Jacob said to him:‘Swear to me right now!’So then he swore to him, and that’s when Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.34Thereafter, Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew, which he ate and then he drank, and he got up and left. This is how [little regard] Esau [had] his birthright.
1Thereafter, a famine came upon the land that was greater than past famines that had happened in the time of AbraHam. So IsaAc went to GeraRa to see AbiMelech, the king of the Philistines.2And there the Lord appeared to him and said:‘Don’t go to Egypt! Rather, live in the land that I’m going to tell you about. 3Stay in this land and I’ll be with you and bless you!‘I’m going to give all of this land to you and to your offspring, for now I’ll fulfill the oath that I swore to your father AbraHam.4‘I will increase your offspring as the stars in the skies, I’ll give all of this land to your offspring, and all the nations of the earth will be blest by your offspring, 5because AbraHam (your father) listened to My voice and did as I said… He obeyed My commandments, rules, and laws.’6So thereafter, IsaAc started living there in GeraRa.7Well, when the men in GeraRa asked him about RebecKa (his wife), he told them that she was his sister, because he was afraid to tell them that she was his wife, as she was very pretty and [he feared that] the men there would kill him for RebecKa.8Then, after he’d lived there a long time, AbiMelech (the king of GeraRa) happened to lean over to look out his window, and he saw IsaAc playing with RebecKa, his wife.9So AbiMelech called IsaAc and asked him:‘Is she your wife? [And if so, then] why did you say she’s your sister?’And IsaAc replied:‘Well, I said this so that I wouldn’t be killed for her.’10And AbiMelech said:‘Why would you do such a thing to us?‘Before long, one of my relatives would have had [sex] with your wife, and you would have brought a sin upon us in our ignorance!’11So, AbiMelech gave a command to all his people, that said:‘Any man who touches this man or his wife will die!’12Then IsaAc planted grain in the land; and that year, the barley produced 100 times [more than what he’d planted], for Jehovah was blessing him. 13So he became highly regarded and very wealthy, as he continued to prosper. 14For he owned many sheep, cattle, and tillable lands. But as a result, the Philistines [started to] envy him, 15and [they] stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug back in his time, filling them in with dirt.16Then AbiMelech told IsaAc:‘[I want you to] leave us, because you’ve become much greater than us.’17So IsaAc left there, stopping to rest in the valley of GeraRa, where [he decided to] live.18And once more, IsaAc dug the [same type of] wells that his father’s servants had dug (which the Philistines had stopped up after AbraHam’s death). And he gave them each names, using the same names as his father had used.19Then when IsaAc’s servants dug in the valley of GeraRa, they found a live well of water. 20However, the shepherds of GeraRa argued with IsaAc’s shepherds, claiming that the water was theirs. So they named the well Injury, because [they claimed] injury over this matter.21As a result, he left that place and dug another well. [But then the people] started claiming [that it was theirs also]. So he named it Hatred. 22And he left that place and dug another well, which no one else claimed to be theirs; so he named it Expanse, saying:‘Jehovah has made space for us and He’s prospered us in the land.’23Then he traveled to the Well of the Promise, 24where the Lord appeared to him that evening and said:‘I am the God of your father AbraHam!‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Because of your father AbraHam, I’ll bless you and your offspring will increase.’25So he built an altar there, and he named it Jehovah.Then he set up camp, and IsaAc’s servants dug another well there in the valley of GeraRa.26However, later, AbiMelech came to him from [the City of] GeraRa with his trusted friend OchoZath and with Phichol, the commander of his army.27And IsaAc asked them:‘Why have you come to me here, now that you’ve shown your hatred for me and driven me away?’28And they replied:‘We’ve seen that the Lord is surely with you. So we said:‘Let us swear an oath between him and us.’‘Yes, we want to make an agreement with you, 29that you won’t do any wrong to us, and we won’t show any more hatred towards you. After all, isn’t it because we treated you well by sending you away peacefully that you’re now being blest by Jehovah?’30So, [IsaAc] prepared a feast for them, and they all ate and drank. 31And when they got up the next morning, they each swore [an oath] to their neighbors. Then IsaAc sent them away, and they left him in safety.32However, that very same day, IsaAc’s servants came and [gave him news about] the well that they were digging. They said:‘We’ve found water!’33So he named it and the city, ‘The Oath.’ This is why that city is called ‘The Well of the Promise‘ [BeerSheba] to this day.34Then when Esau was 40 years old, he took Judith, the daughter of BeOch the Kettite, and BaseMath (the daughter of Helon the Kettite) [as wives]. 35And [these women] made life very difficult for IsaAc and RebecKa.
1Well, after IsaAc grew old, his eyes became so dim that he couldn’t see. Then he called Esau, his eldest son, and said to him:‘Son!’And [Esau] replied:‘Look, here I am!’2And [IsaAc] said:‘{Look!} I’m old and I don’t know [how much longer I will live]. 3So, go get your weapons, both your bow and your quiver, and go into the plains to get me some venison. 4Then prepare the meat for me just the way I like it and bring it to me, so I can eat it.‘Thereafter, I’ll pass my blessing upon your life before I die.’5However, RebecKa overheard IsaAc speaking to his son Esau. And after Esau had gone out to the plains to get some venison for his father, 6RebecKa said to her younger son Jacob:‘{Look!} I overheard your father speaking to your brother Esau. And he told him 7to bring him some venison and prepare the meat so he could eat it; then he would bless him in front of Jehovah, before he dies.8‘Now, listen my son and do what I tell you!9‘Go out to the animals and bring two young goats to me ([make sure they’re] tender and good), and I’ll prepare the meat for your father just the way he likes it... 10Then you must take it to your father, so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.’11But Jacob said to his mother RebecKa:‘My brother Esau is covered with hair, while [my body] is smooth. 12So if my father should [reach out] and feel me, it will look like I’m doing a bad thing to him, and that would bring a curse on me, not a blessing!’13However, his mother said to him:‘May I receive your curses, my son. Just listen to what I’ve told you to do and bring [the young goats] to me.’14So he went out and brought them to his mother, and his mother prepared the meat just the way his father liked it. 15Then RebecKa took some of her eldest son Esau’s finest clothes that she had there in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob, 16and she also covered his arms and the bare parts of his neck with the skins of the young goats.17Thereafter, she put the meat and the bread that she’d prepared into the hands of Jacob, 18and he brought it in to his father.He said:‘Father.’And [IsaAc] replied:‘Look, it’s me! Who are you, son?’19And Jacob said to his father:‘It’s me, Esau your first-born!‘I’ve done what you told me to do; so, sit up and eat my venison… Then you can pass your blessings on my life.’20But IsaAc asked his son:‘How did you find [the meat] so quickly?’And he replied:‘Jehovah your God set it before me.’21Then IsaAc told Jacob:‘Come close to me so I can feel you, [to see] whether you’re truly my son Esau!’22And Jacob drew close to his father, so IsaAc could feel him, and he said:‘Your voice is that of Jacob, but your hands are the hands of Esau.’23Therefore, he didn’t recognize him, because his hands were hairy like the hands of his brother Esau… And this is how [IsaAc] came to bless [Jacob].24Well after that, [IsaAc] again asked:‘Are you my son Esau?’And [Jacob] replied:‘It’s me.’25So he said:‘Then, bring your venison over here and I’ll eat it, son, and I’ll pass my blessings on to your life.’So he brought [the food] to him and he ate it, along with some wine, which he drank.26Thereafter, IsaAc (his father) said to him:‘Come close and kiss me, son.’27So [Jacob] went over and kissed him; and [IsaAc] then sniffed the odor of his clothes and blest him, saying:‘{Look!} This is the odor of my son. It has the smell of a wonderful field that has been blest by Jehovah... 28So may God give you the dew of the skies, the fatness of the land, and plenty of grain and wine.29‘May the gentiles serve you, and may their princes bow low before you. May you be the lord of your brother, and may your father’s [other] sons show you respect.‘May anyone who curses you be cursed, and may all that praise you be blest.’30Well, right after IsaAc had blest his son Jacob (immediately after Jacob had left the presence of IsaAc his father), his brother Esau returned from his hunt. 31He’d also prepared some meat and brought it in to his father, and he said:‘Get up father! Sit up and eat some of your son’s venison, so you can pass your blessings on my life.’32But his father IsaAc asked:‘Who are you?’And he said:‘I’m your first-born son, Esau!’33Well, IsaAc was shocked, and asked:‘Then, who was it that [just] got the venison and brought it to me? I ate it all before you got here, and I blest him… So he’s the one who’ll be blest!’34And when Esau heard what his father IsaAc said, he shouted loudly and bitterly:‘I beg you, father! Bless me too!’35And [IsaAc] told him:‘Your brother slyly took your blessing.’36Then [Esau] said:‘He is well-named Jacob, because {Look!} this is the second time that has he’s taken what was mine! First he took my right as the firstborn, and now he’s taken my blessing!’And again, Esau asked his father:‘Don’t you have a blessing left for me, father?’37Then IsaAc said to Esau:‘I’ve already made him your lord and all of your brothers his servants. I’ve also empowered him with the wine and grain… So what more can I give you, my son?’38But Esau asked his father:‘Don’t you have just one blessing father? I beg you father, bless me too!’Well, this really bothered IsaAc, because Esau was shouting and crying. 39So (his father) IsaAc answered and said:‘Look; your home will be in the fatness of the ground and in the dew of the skies up above... 40You’ll indeed live by your sword and you’ll serve your brother. However, the time will come when you’ll loosen and break his yoke from your neck.’41Well, Esau was very angry with Jacob over the blessing that his father had given to him. So Esau thought about it and then he said:‘May the days of mourning my father come quickly, so I can kill my brother Jacob!’42Then when these words of Esau (her eldest son) were reported to RebecKa, she sent for her younger son Jacob, and said to him:‘{Look!} Your brother Esau has threatened to kill you!43‘So now, listen to me, my son: Get up and quickly leave for MesoPotamia… Go to my brother Laban in Haran 44and live with him until all of your brother’s anger 45and rage against you has passed and he forgets what you’ve done to him... Then I’ll send for you and bring you back. For I don’t want to be saddened over [the death] of both you [and your father] on the same day!’46Then [later], RebecKa said [to IsaAc]:‘I’m so tired of my life because of the daughters of the sons of Chet. And if Jacob were [also] to take a wife from the daughters of this land, where would I live?’
1So IsaAc called for Jacob… He blest him and said to him:‘You must not take a woman from among the daughters of the CanaAnites. 2Rather, get up quickly and travel to MesoPotamia, to the house of my father-in-law BathuEl, and find yourself a woman among the daughters of your mother’s brother Laban.3‘May my God bless you, prosper you, and make you increase; for you’ll indeed become a gathering of nations. 4May He give the blessings of my father AbraHam to you and to your offspring that comes after you, so that you’ll inherit this land in which you’re living and which God had given to AbraHam.’5So thereafter, IsaAc sent Jacob away, and he went to [stay with] Laban, son of BathuEl the Syrian, who was the brother of RebecKa (the mother of Jacob and Esau) in MesoPotamia.6Now, Esau knew that IsaAc had blest Jacob and that after he blest him, he’d sent him away to find a wife in Syrian MesoPotamia. [And he also knew that he told Jacob] not to take a woman from the daughters of the CanaAnites… 7And that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother by going off to Syrian MesoPotamia. 8For Esau recognized that his father IsaAc viewed the daughters of the CanaAnites as evil.9As a result, he went to see IshMaEl (son of AbraHam) and he took MaEleth (IshMaEl’s daughter and NabeOth’s sister) to be another one of his wives.10Meanwhile, Jacob had left the Well of the Promise and traveled to Haran. 11And when he reached a certain place, he decided to sleep there, since the sun had gone down... So he chose a stone and placed it under his head, then he went to sleep in that place 12and he started to dream.Well, {Look!} [in the dream] there was a stairway fastened to the ground that reached all the way into the heavens… And the messengers of God were ascending and descending upon it!13Then [he saw] Jehovah standing at the top of it, who said this to him:‘I am the God of your father AbraHam and the God of IsaAc.‘Don’t be afraid, for I’ll give the land where you’re now lying to you and to your offspring. 14For your offspring will become as many as the sands of the earth… They’ll spread from the sea to the north, south, and the east. And through you and your offspring all the tribes of the earth will be blest.15‘Look; I am with you! [I’ll] always keep you safe no matter where you may go… And then i will return you to this land. I will never leave you until I’ve done everything that I said I’ll do for you.’16And when Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said:‘Jehovah is here and I didn’t realize it.’17Well, this frightened him, and he said:‘What a fearful place! For this is nothing other than the House of God and the Gate to Heaven!’18So after Jacob got up in the morning, he took the stone on which he’d laid his head and erected it as a pillar. Then he anointed it with oil, 19and he named that place, The House of God (BethEl). (Before that, the city had been called UlamLuz.)20There Jacob made a vow to Jehovah, saying:‘If You’ll be with me and guard me throughout this journey, giving me enough bread to eat and clothes to wear, 21and then You bring me back safely to the house of my father; you will be my God.22‘Also, this stone that I’ve erected as a pillar will be a House of God to me, and I’ll return 1/10th of everything that You give to me.’
1So thereafter, Jacob [resumed his journey] eastward towards the land of Laban… To the son of BathuEl the Syrian and the brother of RebecKa (the mother of Jacob and Esau).2{Look!} [Jacob] then spied a well in the plains where there were three flocks of sheep resting. It was a well that they used to water the flocks, and there was a large stone covering it.3You see, after all the flocks had gathered there, they used to roll the stone away from the mouth of the well to provide water for the [animals], then they’d push it back over the mouth of the well to cover it again.4So Jacob asked [those nearby]:‘Brothers, where are you from?’And they replied:‘We’re from Haran.’5Then he asked:‘Do you know Laban, son of NaHor?’And they answered:‘We do!’6And he asked:‘Is he doing well?’Then they replied:‘He’s well. Look, here comes his daughter RachEl with his sheep!’7And Jacob said:‘It’s still mid-day… It isn’t time for the flocks to be gathered yet. So, why don’t you just water the flocks, then take them back out to graze?’8But they said:‘We can’t do that until all the shepherds arrive. They’ll roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and then we’ll all water our flocks.’9Well, while he was still speaking to them, {Look!} Laban’s daughter RachEl arrived with her father’s sheep, because she was in charge of grazing them. 10And when Jacob saw RachEl (the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother) and the sheep of his mother’s brother Laban, Jacob went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered Laban’s sheep.11Thereafter, Jacob kissed RachEl and shouted loudly, as he [started to] cry… 12For he explained to RachEl that he was a close relative of her father, and that he was RebecKa’s son.So she ran and told her father what he said. 13And when Laban heard the name of Jacob (his sister’s son), he ran to meet him… He hugged and kissed him, then he led him into his house.Then after [Jacob] explained to Laban [all that had happened to him], 14Laban said to him:‘You are my own flesh and bones!’Well, after [Jacob] had stayed with [Laban] for a full month, 15Laban said to Jacob:‘Surely you aren’t going to serve me for nothing, for you’re my brother! Tell me how I can reward you!’16Well, Laban had two daughters. The name of the eldest was called LeAh, and the younger was called RachEl. 17Although LeAh had weak eyes, RachEl was beautiful and had a very pretty face.18And because Jacob loved RachEl, he replied:‘I will serve you 7 years for your younger daughter, RachEl.’19So Laban said to him:‘It’s better for me to give her to you than to some other man. Come and live with me!’20Well, Jacob served [Laban] 7 years for RachEl, but to him it seemed like just a few days, because he loved her so much.21Then Jacob told Laban:‘Now, give me my wife, because I’ve served my time.’22So Laban assembled all the people and prepared a wedding banquet. 23Then that evening, he took his daughter LeAh and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob [had sex] with her. 24Laban also gave his servant ZelPha to his daughter LeAh, to be her handmaid.25Well, it was [the next] morning before [Jacob realized] that it was LeAh. So Jacob [went to] Laban and asked:‘What have you done to me?‘Didn’t I serve you for RachEl? Why have you deceived me?’26And Laban answered:‘In our country, it isn’t proper to give the younger before the eldest. 27Serve me for 7 [more years] and I’ll give her to you also, in return for your labor of 7 more years.’28So, that’s what Jacob did… He served for 7 [more years].Then Laban also gave his daughter RachEl to be his wife. 29And Laban gave his servant BalLa to be his daughter’s handmaid.30Thereafter, [Jacob had sex with] RachEl, and he loved RachEl more than LeAh… And this is why [he had been willing] to serve him for 7 more years.31Well, when Jehovah God saw that [Jacob] wasn’t attracted to LeAh, He opened her womb, while RachEl remained barren. 32So LeAh got pregnant and bore a son to Jacob, whom she named ReuBen [meaning, ‘See, a Son!’].For she said:‘Jehovah has seen my humiliation and given me a son, so that now my husband will love me.’33Then she got pregnant again and bore a second son to Jacob.[This time] she said:‘Because Jehovah has heard that I’m hated, He’s also given me this one.’So she named him SimeOn [meaning, ‘He Has Heard’].34Then she got pregnant a third time and bore a son, and said:‘Now my husband will stay with me, because I’ve born three sons to him.’So she named him Levi [meaning, ‘He Is Mine’].35Thereafter, she got pregnant again and bore a [fourth] son. And she said:‘I give thanks to Jehovah once more.’So she named him Judah [meaning, ‘Praised’]. And after that, she stopped having children.
1Well, when RachEl realized that she wasn’t bearing children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister, and she said to Jacob:‘Give me children… For if you don’t, I’ll die!’2This made Jacob very angry with RachEl, so he asked:‘Am I in the position of God, who’s deprived you of the fruit of your womb?’3Then RachEl told Jacob:‘Look, here’s my handmaid BalLa... [Sleep] with her, and she will give birth [to children] on my knees…‘I’ll have children by her.’4So she gave him BalLa her handmaid to be his woman, and Jacob went in [and slept with] her. 5As a result, BalLa (RachEl’s handmaid) got pregnant and bore a son to Jacob.6Then RachEl said:‘God has given me justice and listened to my voice, for He’s given me a son.’So she named him Dan [meaning, ‘Justice’].7Thereafter, BalLa (RachEl’s handmaid) got pregnant again and bore a second son to Jacob. 8And RachEl said:‘God has helped me… I fought with my sister and won.’So she named him NaphTali [meaning, ‘Struggle’].9Well when LeAh saw that she was no longer bearing children, she took ZelPha her handmaid and gave her to Jacob as his woman, and he went in to [sleep with] her. 10So ZelPha, LeAh’s handmaid, got pregnant and bore Jacob a son.11And LeAh said:‘[Now I’m] happy!’So she named him Gad [meaning, ‘Happiness’].12Then ZelPha, LeAh’s handmaid, got pregnant again and bore Jacob a second son.13This time LeAh said:‘I am blest, because the women will call me blest.’So she named him Asher [meaning, ‘Blessings’].14Well, when it came time to harvest the barley, ReuBen went out to the field and found some mandrake apples [growing] there, and he brought them to his mother LeAh.Then RachEl said to her sister:‘Give me some of your son’s mandrakes!’15And LeAh replied:‘Isn’t it enough that you’ve taken my husband… Would you also take my son’s mandrakes?’And RachEl said:‘[I’ll] allow you to [sleep] with [Jacob] tonight [in exchange] for your son’s mandrakes.’16So that evening, when Jacob came in from the field, LeAh went out to meet him and said:‘You’ll [sleep] with me tonight, because I’ve hired you for my son’s mandrakes.’So he slept with her that night, 17and God listened to LeAh, so she got pregnant and bore a 5th son to Jacob.18And LeAh said:‘God has rewarded me for giving my handmaid to my man.’So she named him IshSachar [meaning, ‘Reward’].19Then LeAh got pregnant again and bore a 6th son to Jacob.20And LeAh said:‘God has given me a fine gift this time. For my man will choose me, since I’ve given him 6 sons.’So she named him ZebuLon [meaning, ‘Gift’].21And after that, she gave birth to a daughter whom she named DinAh [meaning, ‘Justified’].22Then The God remembered RachEl… He heard her and opened her womb, 23so she got pregnant and bore Jacob a son.And RachEl said:‘Jehovah has removed my disgrace.’24So she named him JoSeph [meaning, ‘Jehovah Will Increase’], saying:‘May God give me another son.’25Well, after RachEl had given birth to JoSeph, Jacob said to Laban:‘[Allow] me to leave now, so I may return to my country and my home.26‘Free my women and children for whom I served you, so I can go… And don’t forget all the services that I’ve provided for you.’27Then Laban replied:‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, it’s a good sign for me, because Jehovah has blest me by sending you here.28‘Now, tell me how much I owe you and I’ll pay it.’29And Jacob said:‘You know how many ways I’ve served you and how many of your cattle I’m [responsible for]… 30You didn’t have many before I came here, and now there are many! So Jehovah God has blest you since I arrived.‘Now, help me to establish my own house.’31Then Laban asked:‘What should I give you?’And Jacob replied:‘Don’t give me anything… Just do this one thing for me:‘I will continue to watch over your flocks and tend them, 32and as your sheep pass by each day, let me set aside the dark sheep and the speckled and spotted goats as my reward.33‘So by tomorrow, my righteousness will answer for me, because this will be my reward from you. You can steal back any goats that aren’t spotted or speckled, or any sheep that aren’t dark.’34Well at that, Laban agreed, saying:‘May it be as you’ve said.’35However, that same day, [Laban craftily] separated the spotted and speckled billy goats and nanny goats, and all the dark sheep from those that were white, and he gave them to his sons. 36Then he sent [them away] on a 3-day journey, while Jacob was tending the animals that were left behind.37However, Jacob gathered some green rods from storax, walnut, and sycamore trees, and peeled them alternately [to create the look of] white and green stripes, which gave a [spotted] appearance to the rods... 38Then he laid the rods he’d peeled at the bottom of the watering troughs, so that when the cattle came to drink, they’d see the rods and mate there in front of the rods.39And [that’s what happened]… The cattle did get pregnant at the rods and gave birth to [young with] speckles, streaks, and ash-colored spots!40Then Jacob separated the lambs, setting aside the speckled goats and lambs for himself away from Laban’s sheep.41Thereafter, Jacob [continued] to put the rods in the troughs before the cattle, so they’d mate in front of the rods. 42And when the cattle gave birth, [he would give] the unmarked ones to Laban, but he set aside the marked ones as his. 43And [before long], he became very rich with many cattle, oxen, male and female servants, camels, and burros.
1However, Jacob happened to overhear Laban’s sons saying:‘Jacob has taken everything that belongs to our father and all our father’s property… All of his glory!’2So Jacob realized that Laban [wasn’t happy to see him anymore].3Then the Lord said to Jacob:‘Now, return to your family and to your father’s land, and I’ll be with you.’4So Jacob sent for LeAh and RachEl, [who were] out in the plains with the flocks, 5and he said to them:‘I know that your father is no longer [happy to see me]. However, the God of my father is still with me. 6For even though I’ve served your father with all my might, 7and he deceived me by changing what he owed me to [just] 10 lambs… God hasn’t allowed him to [wrong me]. 8Because, if he would’ve said:‘The speckled will be your reward...’‘...then all the cattle would give birth to the speckled. And if he would’ve said:‘The white ones will be your reward...’‘...then all the cattle would’ve been born white.9‘Therefore, it was God who’s taken all these cattle from your father and given them to me! 10For during the time that the cattle were pregnant with their young, I fell asleep and {Look!} I dreamed that I saw billy goats and rams jumping on the nanny goats and sheep that were all speckled, striped, and spotted with ash-colored spots.11‘Then a messenger from God called to me in that dream, shouting:‘Jacob!’‘And I said,‘What is it?’12‘And he said:[‘Jehovah says:]‘Look up and see the billy goats and rams jumping on the nanny goats and sheep… They are all speckled, striped, and spotted with ash-colored spots. I’ve seen all things that Laban did to you... 13For I’m the God who appeared to you at BethEl where you poured oil out on a pillar to Me and [where you] swore an oath to Me.‘So now, get up and leave this land. Return to the land of your birth, and I’ll be with you!’14Then RachEl and LeAh asked:‘And what about our inheritances in the house of our father?15‘Does he now consider us strangers?‘He sold us and then he spent our money!16‘Therefore, all the wealth and glory that God has taken from our father also belongs to us and to our children. So you should do whatever God has told you to do!’17Well at that, Jacob got up and mounted his women and children on their camels, 18along with all the possessions and provisions he’d obtained in MesoPotamia and all [the servants and animals] that belonged to him, so he could return to his father (IsaAc) in the land of CanaAn, 19as Laban was off shearing his sheep.But then, RachEl also stole her father’s idols.20Meanwhile, Jacob didn’t let Laban the Syrian know that he was running away… 21He and all who were his just left, crossing the river and traveling on to Mount GileAd.22Well, it was three days later that Laban the Syrian was finally told that Jacob was gone... 23So he gathered his brothers and he chased after them, catching up with them after 7 days at Mount GileAd!24However, God came to Laban the Syrian in his sleep that night and said to him:‘Be very careful not to say anything bad about Jacob.’25So when Laban caught up with Jacob (Jacob had camped on the mountain, and Laban had stationed his brothers all around the mountain), 26he asked Jacob:‘What have you done? Why did you run away secretly, then steal from me and use swords to take my daughters as captives?27‘If you had just told me first, I’d have happily sent you away with singing, tambourines, and harps!28‘Didn’t you consider me worthy to hug my children and my daughters before you did such a foolish thing?29‘And now, even though I have enough power in my hands to harm you, the God of your father spoke to me yesterday and said:‘Be very careful to never say anything bad about Jacob.’30‘So go on, because you really wanted to return to the house of your father.‘However, why did you steal my gods?’31And Jacob replied to Laban:‘[I left secretly] because I was afraid that you’d take your daughters and all my possessions away from me!’32And he added:‘But whoever you find that has [stolen] your gods won’t [be allowed to] live in the presence of our family. Just look around for anything I might have that’s yours and take it back!’[Well, Laban searched], but he couldn’t find anything (Jacob didn’t realize that his wife RachEl had stolen [the idols]). 33Laban went in and searched LeAh’s tent, then Jacob’s tent, and then the tent of the two female servants, and he found nothing.Lastly, he entered RachEl’s tent. 34However, RachEl had hidden the idols among the camel’s packs and she was sitting on them. 35[And when her father asked to check her camel], she told him:‘Don’t be impudent, sir! I can’t get up and stand before you, because it isn’t my way and it isn’t customary for women!’Well, Laban searched throughout the [camp] and he couldn’t find the idols, 36which made Jacob very angry... So he argued with Laban and asked him:‘What wrong have I done to you and what’s my sin that caused you to chase after me 37and then search all the furnishings in my [tents]?‘What have you found [that] came from your home? Lay it out here between your relatives and mine, and let them decide!38‘I’ve been with you for 20 years, and during all that time, your sheep and nanny goats didn’t fail to give birth… And I didn’t eat any of the rams from your herds. 39All that I ever took was the wild animals that I didn’t bring to you!‘I [even paid] for anything that was stolen during the day or night, 40as I was dried out with the heat of the day, [chilled] by frost in the night… And I seldom ever got much sleep!41‘During those 20 years that I stayed in your house, I served you for 14 years for your two daughters. [Then I spent the next] 6 years among your sheep… Just to have you fraudulently set my wages as 10 lambs!42‘So if it weren’t for the God of my father AbraHam and for the fact that [you’re] afraid of IsaAc’s [God], you’d have even sent me away empty-handed!‘Yet, it was because God saw how I was humiliated and how hard I’ve worked for you, that He [scolded you] last night!’43Then Laban replied:‘These are my daughters and my sons… Yes, the cattle are mine, and everything that you see belongs to my daughters and me!‘But, what should I do to them today, or to their children?44‘Come on, let’s conclude a treaty between you and me that will serve as a witness between us. And although nobody else is here, {Look!} God will serve as the witness between you and me.’45So then, Jacob found a [large] stone and he erected it as a pillar. 46And Jacob told his family to gather some stones. So they brought stones and made a pile, then they [shared bread] on top of the pile.And thereafter, Laban said:‘This [pile of stones] will serve as the witnesses between you and me today.’47So Laban called it ‘The [Stone] Pile of Testimony,’ while Jacob referred to it as ‘The Witness [Stone] Pile.'48And Laban said to Jacob:‘Look at this pile and pillar that I’ve erected between you and me… This Witness [Stone] Pile and this [Stone] Pile of Testimony. We’ll call them, The [Stone] Pile Witnesses.’49And thereafter, [Laban] referred to this place as The Watchtower, for he said:‘May God keep watch over you and me, because we’re about to leave each other. 50But if you should humble my daughters by taking other women in addition to them, you’ll see that someone who’s with us is watching… For God is the witness between you and me.’51Then Laban continued:‘Look! This pile of stones and this pillar are the witnesses 52that I won’t come beyond this pillar to do anything bad to you, and you won’t come [beyond this pillar] to me.53‘May the God of AbraHam and the God of NaHor judge between us!’Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father IsaAc, 54and he offered a sacrifice on the mountain. He called his family together and they ate and drank, then they all went to sleep on the mountain.55And when Laban got up in the morning, he kissed his daughters and [their] sons and blest them, and then Laban turned around and went back to his home.
1Well, just as Jacob [was about to] continue on his journey, he looked up and he saw the camp of the army of God, and a messenger of God [coming to] meet him. 2So when Jacob saw this, he said:‘This [place] is the campground of God!’So he named that place MahaNahim [meaning, The Campgrounds].3Then Jacob sent messengers in front of him to his brother Esau in the land of SeIr and the country of the Edomites. 4He told them to say to Esau:‘Lord, this is what your servant Jacob has said:‘I have visited with Laban and stayed there until now. 5And [during this time], oxen, burros, sheep, and male and female servants were born to me.‘Now I’ve sent [my messengers] to beg you, my lord Esau, to help your servant find favor in your eyes.’6Then when the messengers returned to Jacob, they told him:‘We found your brother Esau, and {Look!} now he’s coming to meet you with 400 men!’7Well, Jacob was upset and terrified by this! So he divided the people who were with him, as well as the cattle, camels, and sheep, into two camps. 8And Jacob said:‘If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the other camp will survive.’9Then Jacob [prayed]:‘O Jehovah, the God of my father AbraHam and the God of my father IsaAc!‘You’re the One who told me to get up and return to the land where I was born, and that You’d treat me well. 10So, please remember all the justice and truth that You’ve brought about through Your servant.‘Now, with this walking stick of mine, I’ve crossed the JorDan [River] divided into two camps. 11So, please save me from the hands of my brother – from the hands of Esau – because I’m afraid of him, since [he may] enjoy coming here to strike me down with the mothers and the children.12‘[Don't forget that] you said You’d treat me well and make my offspring like the sands of the seas… So many that they can’t be counted.’13Well, after sleeping there that night, [Jacob selected] gifts to be carried to his brother Esau. 14[He sent] 200 nanny goats, 20 billy goats, 200 sheep, 20 rams, 1530 milk camels and their foals, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 burros, and 10 colts.16He gave them to his servants and said to them:‘Go ahead of me… And leave a space between each of the herds.’17Then he told the first group:‘If you meet my brother Esau, and he asks:‘Who sent you, where are you headed, and whose animals are [being herded] in front of you?’18’You should say:‘[We were sent by] your servant Jacob. He’s sending these as gifts to his lord Esau… {Look!} he’s [traveling] behind us.’19Then he gave the same instructions to the 2nd group and then to the 3rd… To everyone who traveled ahead of him (following the herds).He said:‘This is what you should tell Esau when you find him:20‘Look! Your servant Jacob is following behind us.’‘For I want to impress Esau with the gifts that [are being sent] ahead of me, so I can see him face to face and hope that he will accept me.’21So the gifts were then sent out ahead of him, as he spent [part of] the night there in the camp.22But then, during the night, he got up and took his two wives, the two female servants, and his 11 children, and they all crossed the Jaboch River… 23He led them and all his possessions through that raging river.24It was there that, while Jacob was all by himself, a ‘man’ came up and wrestled with him until the next morning... 25[And when the ‘man’] saw that he wasn’t going to win, he touched the upper part of Jacob’s thigh, which became numb as they wrestled.26Then [the ‘man’] told [Jacob]:‘Let me go, because the sun is coming up!’But [Jacob] said:‘I’m not going to let you go until you give me a blessing!’27So [the ‘man’] asked:‘What’s your name?’And he answered:‘Jacob.’28And [the ‘man’] said to him:‘Your name will no longer be Jacob. Rather, IsraEl will be your name... For you’ve grown stronger with God and mightier with men.’29Then Jacob said:‘Tell me your name.’And he said:‘Why do you [have to] ask my name?’So He blest him there, 30and Jacob named that place, PeniEl [meaning, Face of God]... For he said:‘I’ve now seen God face to face and survived.’31Well, the sun was up by the time he left PeniEl (the place where he’d been stopped by his thigh). 32And this is why, to this very day, the children of IsraEl will never eat the part of meat that’s on the thigh… Because, that was the place on Jacob’s thigh that [God’s messenger] had numbed.
1Well, when Jacob looked up, {Look!} he saw his brother Esau coming with 400 men! So Jacob divided the children between LeAh, RachEl, and the two female servants.2Then he put the two female servants and their children out in front, followed by LeAh and her children, then RachEl, and [finally, himself] at the rear… 3But then Jacob stepped out ahead of them all and bowed to the ground 7 times, as he approached his brother...4Well at that, Esau ran up to meet him! He hugged him, fell around his neck and kissed him… And they both started crying.5Then when Esau noticed the women and children, he asked:‘What are they to you?’And Jacob replied:‘They’re the children with which God has so mercifully blest your servant.’6Then the female servants and their children came up and bowed low, 7followed by LeAh and her children who also came up and bowed low.And finally, RachEl [arrived] and bowed down next to JoSeph.8So [Esau] asked:‘Then, what did all those groups that I met along the way have to do with you?’And [Jacob] replied:‘This was done so that your servant might find favor in your eyes, my lord.’9Then Esau said:‘But I [already own] much, my brother. Keep what’s yours!’10And Jacob said:‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, take the gifts from my hands. For, seeing your face is like seeing the face of God! If you’re happy with me, 11take the blessings that I’ve brought to you, because God has been merciful to me, and I have everything.’And he kept insisting, so [Esau] took them. 12Then he said:‘Now, let’s head back.’13But [Jacob] said:‘My lord,‘You know that the children are frail, and the flocks and herds that I’ve brought also have [many] young ones. So if I drive them hard today, these cattle will die.14‘Therefore, my lord, go on ahead of your servant… I’ll take it easy along the way, so [I’ll have] enough strength [to make the long journey] that’s still ahead of me, and so that the children will have enough strength.‘Then I’ll [meet up with] my lord at SeIr.’15And Esau said:‘Then, let me leave some of my men with you.’And [Jacob] asked:‘Why? It’s enough that I’ve found your favor, my lord!’16So Esau returned to SeIr that day, 17and Jacob returned to the tents that he had set up to live in… And he also built pens for his cattle. Then he named that place, SucCoth [meaning, The Pens].18Finally, Jacob arrived at Salem (SheChem’s city) in the land of CanaAn, after traveling all the way from MesoPotamia of Syria. So he went to [the city gate] 19and bought the field where he’d camped from Hamor (the father of SheChem) for 100 lambs... 20And there he erected an altar, where he called upon his (IsraEl’s) God.
1Well, DinAh, the daughter whom LeAh had born to Jacob, went to see the daughters of the local people. 2And SheChem, son of Hamor the Tent Dweller (and the ruler of the land), noticed her. Then he humiliated her by taking her and [having sex] with her.3Yet, he was deeply drawn to the person of DinAh, Jacob’s daughter… He loved the girl and spoke kindly to her.4So SheChem told his father Hamor:‘Take this girl for me to be my wife.’5Well when Jacob heard that Hamor’s son had violated his daughter DinAh, he sent for his sons who were out in the fields with his cattle... And Jacob didn’t say a word until they all got there. 6Then Hamor, SheChem’s father, went over to talk to Jacob, 7arriving there just as Jacob’s sons were returning from the fields.Well, when [Jacob’s sons] heard [what had happened], they were very upset! It really hurt them, because he’d made a joke of IsraEl by [having sex] with Jacob’s daughter… It just shouldn’t have happened.8But Hamor spoke to them and said:‘My son SheChem has decided in his heart to marry your daughter. So give her to him to be his woman… 9Come and marry among us. Give us your daughters, and take our daughters for your sons… 10Come live among us!‘Look, there’s plenty of room for you, so live here in this land… Trade [with us] and prosper here!’11Then SheChem said to [DinAh’s] father and brothers:‘I’ll do whatever I must to find your favor, and we’ll give you whatever you ask. 12Raise the bride price several times and I’ll pay whatever you say. Just give me this girl to be my woman!’13However, Jacob’s sons answered SheChem and his father Hamor cunningly, because he’d violated their sister DinAh. 14DinAh’s brothers (SimeOn and Levi) said to them:‘We won’t be able to give our sister to someone who isn’t circumcised, because that would dishonor us.15‘The only way we can do what you say and live among you, is if you’ll become as we are… All your males must be circumcised. 16Then we’ll give our daughters to you and take your daughters as our women and live with you as one race.17‘But if you refuse to listen and won’t get circumcised, we’ll just take our [sister] and leave.’18Well, what they said was agreeable to Hamor and his son SheChem. 19And the young man didn’t delay when it came to doing this thing, because he was really attached to Jacob’s daughter.He was indeed the most honorable person in his father’s house.20So then, Hamor and his son SheChem walked out to the city gate and they said to the men who were there:21‘These are peaceable people, so let them live with us here in our land and trade in it.‘Look! There’s a lot of land before them... So, we’ll take their daughters to be our women, and we’ll give them our daughters. 22The only thing that they require to live among us as one people, is that all our males must be circumcised, just as they are circumcised. 23And then, won’t their cattle, their herds, and their possessions be ours?‘So, let’s do what they say and then they will live among us!’24Well, everyone who was there at the city gate listened to Hamor and his son SheChem, and thereafter, the foreskins of all the males were circumcised.25But on the 3rd day, while they were all aching in pain, Jacob’s two sons (DinAh’s brothers, SimeOn and Levi) each took their swords and crept into the city, then they killed every male… 26They killed Hamor and his son SheChem with their swords, and then they took DinAh from SheChem’s house and left.27Thereafter, when Jacob’s [other] sons came upon those who were wounded, they ravaged the city where DinAh (their sister) had been violated… 28They took all the sheep, oxen, burros, and everything in the city, as well as everything that was in their fields.29Then they took all the people as captives (all their provisions and all their women) and they looted whatever was left in their city and in their homes!30Well afterward, Jacob said to SimeOn and Levi:‘You’ve made me an evil and hated [person] among the people who live in this land… All the CanaAnites and the Pherezites!‘And now, since there are only a few of us, they’ll band against me and cut me to pieces, destroying both me and my house!’31And they replied:‘Not so! Would [you rather] have them treat our sister as a whore?’
1Then The God told Jacob:‘You must get up and go to the place [you named] BethEl, and live there. And then you must build an altar to the God who appeared to you there when you were running from your brother Esau.’2So Jacob told his family and everyone who lived with him:‘You must get rid of any strange gods that you may have, then wash yourselves, change your clothes, 3and get ready, because we’re going up to BethEl, where we’ll build an altar to the God who listened to me, was with me, and kept me safe through my journeys and trials.’4So they gave Jacob all the strange gods that they owned and the earrings in their ears, and Jacob buried [these things] under a turpentine tree at SheChem, where they’ve remained destroyed down to this day.5Then IsraEl left SheChem, and because the cities around them had the fear of The God in them, they didn’t chase after the children of IsraEl.6Well, Jacob and all the people who were with him finally arrived at Luza in the land of CanaAn, which [he’d earlier named] BethEl... 7For it was there that he’d built an altar and called it ‘the House of God,’ since that’s the place where God appeared to him as he was running from his brother Esau.8Well thereafter, RebecKa’s nurse DeborAh died, and she was buried under an oak tree in BethEl that Jacob then named, AlLon-BaCuth [meaning, Oak Tree of Mourning].9It was at Luza that God appeared to Jacob again as he was on his way back from MesoPotamia of Syria, and that’s when God blest him 10and told him:‘You’ll no longer be called Jacob... Your name will be IsraEl.’So that’s when [God] first referred to him as IsraEl.11Then The God said to him:‘I am your God, so prosper and grow… Nations and groups of nations will descend from you, and kings will come from your loins. 12I’m now giving this land that I gave to AbraHam and IsaAc to you, as well as to the offspring that descends from you.’13Then The God left him there in that place where He spoke to him. 14And Jacob erected a [stone] pillar [to honor] the place where he’d been spoken to by God, pouring a drink offering and oil upon it.15And that’s when Jacob actually named this place where God spoke to him, BethEl [meaning, House of God].16[Well, after DeborAh died], Jacob left BethEl and camped beyond the tower of Gader. And as they were getting close to ChabRatha, on their way to EphRatha, RachEl had birth pains and then she went into hard labor. 17It was while she was in hard labor that the midwife told her:‘Don’t worry, you’re going to have this son!’18Then, as she was giving up her life (she was dying), she named him BenOni [meaning, Son of My Pain]. However, his father named him BenJamin [meaning, Son of My Right Hand].19So RachEl died there and was buried along the road to EphRatha (BethLehem), 20and Jacob erected a pillar over her tomb, [which is referred to as] The Pillar of RachEl’s Tomb to this day.21It was while IsraEl was living in this land that ReuBen went and [had sex] with BalLa, Jacob’s (his father’s) concubine. And when IsraEl heard about this, it really upset him.22Now, there were 12 sons of Jacob.23LeAh’s sons were:• ReuBen (Jacob’s first-born), then
• SimeOn,
• Levi,
• Judah,
• IshSachar, and
• ZebuLon.24RachEl’s sons were:• JoSeph, and
• BenJamin.25RachEl’s handmaid BalLa’s sons were:• Dan, and
• NaphTali.26And LeAh’s handmaid ZelPha’s sons were:• Gad, and
• Asher.These sons were born to Jacob in MesoPotamia of Syria.27Then Jacob returned to his father IsaAc in MamRe, to a city of the plains [called] HebRon (in the land of CanaAn), where AbraHam and IsaAc had stayed. 28For IsaAc had lived 180 years 29before he stopped breathing and died.Then his sons Esau and Jacob buried him beside his family, after he’d lived a long and full life.
1And these are the generations of Esau ([who] is [also known as] Edom):2Esau took these women from the daughters of the CanaAnites.There was:• Ada (the daughter of AiLom the Kettite),
• OliBema (the daughter of Ana, son of SebeGon the Hivite), and
3• BaseMath (the daughter of IshMaEl, the sister of NabaiOth).4Ada bore EliPhas to [Esau], BaseMath bore RaguEl, 5and OliBema bore JeUs, JegLom, and CoRe. These were Esau’s sons that were born to him in the land of CanaAn.6Then Esau took his women, his sons, his daughters, and everyone in his house, along with all his possessions, all his cattle… Yes, everything that he owned and absolutely everything that he’d acquired in the land of CanaAn, and he left the land of CanaAn [to get away from] his brother Jacob, 7because they’d both acquired so much that they couldn’t live close to each other anymore... For the land where they were staying couldn’t hold them, since they had so much.8So Esau [went to live] at Mount SeIr (Esau is Edom).9These are the generations of Esau, the father of the Edomites, when [he lived at] Mount SeIr, 10and these are the names of Esau’s [grand]sons through EliPhas (Ada’s son) and RaguEl (BaseMath’s son).11The [grand]sons of Ada through EliPhas were:• ThaEman,
• Omar,
• Sophar,
• Gothom, and
• Kenez.12Also, ThamNa (EliPhas’ concubine) bore Amalec to him.13The [grand]sons of BaseMath through RaguEl were:• NachOth,
• ZaRe,
• SoMe, and
• MoZe.14These are the sons of Esau’s woman OliBema (the daughter of Ana, son of SebeGon), she bore to Esau:• JeUs,
• JegLom, and
• CoRe.15These are the chiefs of EliPhas, the first-born of Esau:• Chief ThaEman,
• Chief Omar,
• Chief Sophar,
• Chief Kenez,
16• Chief CoRe,
• Chief Gothom, and
• Chief Amalec.They’re the chiefs of [the family of] EliPhas (the sons of Ada), in the land of Edom.17And these are the chiefs of RaguEl, son of Esau:• Chief NachOth,
• Chief ZaRe,
• Chief SoMe, and
• Chief MoZe.They’re the chiefs of [the family of] RaguEl (the sons of BaseMath) in the land of Edom.18And these are the chiefs of OliBema (the daughter of Ana), Esau’s woman:• Chief JeUs,
• Chief JegLom, and
• Chief CoRe.19These were the sons of Esau. They’re [all] chiefs, and they’re [all] the sons of Edom.20These are the sons of SeIr the ChorRhite who lived in the land:• LoTan,
• SoBal,
• SebeGon,
• Ana,
21• DeSon,
• Asar, and
• Rison.These were the chiefs of SeIr the ChorRhite, in the land of Edom:22The sons of LoTan and his sister ThamNa were:• ChorRhi, and
• HaEman.23The sons of SoBal were:• GoLam,
• ManaChath,
• GaEbel,
• Sophar, and
• Omar.24The sons of SebeGon were:• Aie, and
• Ana (this is the same Ana that found JaMin in the desert when he was tending his father SebeGon’s animals).25Ana’s children were:• DeSon (his son), and
• OliBema (his daughter).26DeSon’s sons were:• Amada,
• AsBan,
• IthRan, and
• CharRhan.27Asar’s sons were:• BalaAm,
• ZuCam, and
• JuCam.28Rison’s sons were:•Hos, and
• Aran.29These are the chiefs of the ChorRites:• Chief LoTan,
• Chief SoBal,
• Chief SebeGon,
• Chief Ana,
30• Chief DeSon,
• Chief Asar, and
• Chief Rison.They’re the chiefs of the ChorRites in their own principalities in the land of Edom.31These are the kings who reigned in Edom before [the time of] the kings of IsraEl:32• Balac (son of BeOr) reigned in Edom, and his [capital] city was DenNaba.
33• After Balac died, Jobab (son of ZaRa from BosorRha) reigned in his stead.
34• After Jobab died, Asom (from the land of the ThaEmanites) reigned in his stead.
35• After Asom died, Adad (son of BarAd, who cut off MidiAn in the plain of MoAb) reigned in his stead. And his [capital] city was GetThaim.
36• After Adad died, SaMada of MasSecca reigned in his stead.
37• After SaMada died, Saul of RhoObOth by the River reigned in his stead.
38• After Saul died, BalLenon (son of AchObor) reigned in his stead.
39• After BalLenon died, Arad (son of BarAd) reigned in his stead. The name of his [capital] city was PhoGor, and the name of his woman was MeteBeel (the daughter of MatraIth, son of MaiZoOb).40These are the names of the tribal chiefs of Esau in their areas, countries, and nations:• Chief ThamNa,
• Chief Gola,
• Chief JeTher,
41• Chief OliBema,
• Chief Helas,
• Chief PhiNon,
42• Chief Kenez,
• Chief ThaEman,
• Chief Mazar,
43• Chief MagediEl, and
• Chief ZaphoIn.They’re the chiefs of Edom in the areas where they dwell and in the lands that they own.And this is Esau, the father of [all] Edom.
1Now, Jacob lived in the land where his father stayed, the land of CanaAn.2And these are the origins of Jacob:When JoSeph was 17 years old (and because he was so young), he was accompanied by his brothers (the sons of his father’s women BalLa and ZelPha) as he grazed the sheep. And [at the time], they’d been speaking about their father IsraEl in an evil way because of JoSeph, 3since Jacob loved JoSeph more than the rest of his sons (he was the son of his old age).And because [Jacob] had just made a multi-colored coat for him, 4his brothers could see that their father loved him more, so they hated [Jacob] and they never spoke to him in a peaceful way.5Then JoSeph had a dream, and he told his brothers about it.6He said:‘Listen to what I dreamed:7‘I saw you bundling stalks of grain in the middle of the field; and then suddenly my bundle stood straight up, and your bundles turned around and bowed low before mine.’8So his brothers asked:‘[Does this mean] that you’re going to rule over us and you’re going to be our master?’Well, this dream and the things he said made them hate him even more!9Then [JoSeph] had another dream, and he told his father and brothers about it, saying:‘{Look!} I had another dream in which the sun, the moon, and 11 stars bowed low before me.’10Well, his father scolded him over this, and he asked:‘What kind of a dream is that? Do you think that your mother, brothers, and I are going to come and bow to the ground before you?’11Nevertheless, although his brothers were jealous of him, his father still paid attention to the things that he was saying.12Well, one day, JoSeph’s brothers went to SheChem to graze their father’s sheep.13And IsraEl said to JoSeph:‘Your brothers are grazing the flocks at SheChem and I want you to go to them.’And he replied:‘Look, here I am.’14So IsraEl said:‘Go there to see if your brothers and the sheep are doing well, then come back and report to me.’So he sent him from the HebRon Valley to SheChem.15Well, a man later found JoSeph wandering in the fields and asked him:‘What are you looking for?’16And he said:‘I’m looking for my brothers. Tell me where they’re grazing [their flocks].’17And the man said:‘They’ve left here. I heard them say, Let’s go to Dothaim.’So JoSeph went after his brothers, and he found them in Dothaim. 18However, they had spotted him in the distance before he got there, so they got together and wickedly started talking about killing him!19They were saying to each other:‘Look, here comes the dreamer! 20Come on, let’s kill him and then throw his [body] into a ravine. We can say, An evil wild animal ate him… Then let’s see what his dreams amount to!’21But when ReuBen heard this, he saved [JoSeph] from them by saying:‘Let’s not kill him.’22Then [he suggested]:‘Don’t shed [his] blood; let’s throw him into one of these deep crevices in the desert… But don’t lay a hand on him.’([ReuBen] said this so that he could save [JoSeph] from them and return him safely to his father).23Well, when JoSeph reached his brothers, they took off the multi-colored coat that he was wearing, 24then they threw him into a deep crevice that was empty and didn’t have any water.25And after that, they sat down to eat some bread.Thereafter, when they looked up, they noticed {Look!} an IshMaElite caravan that was coming from GileAd (their camels were loaded down with spices, resin, and myrrh that they were carrying to Egypt).26And Judah said to his brothers:‘What profit would it bring us if we kill our brother and just cover it up? 27Let’s sell him to these IshMaElites instead. We don’t want to lay a hand on him, because he’s our brother and our own flesh.’Well, his brothers listened to this. 28So, as the merchants of MidiAn were traveling by, [his brothers] pulled JoSeph out of the crevice and sold him to the IshMaElites for 20 gold coins… And [the IshMaElites] took JoSeph [with them] down to Egypt.29Then when ReuBen later returned to the crevice and saw that JoSeph wasn’t there, he started ripping his clothes!30So he went to his brothers and said:‘The boy isn’t [there]… Where do I have to go [to find him]?’31Well after that, the men killed a young goat and dipped JoSeph’s coat in its blood. 32Then they took JoSeph’s multi-colored coat to their father and said:‘We found this… Do you recognize it as your son’s coat or not?’33Well, he recognized it and said:‘It’s my son’s coat! An evil wild animal has surely eaten him… A wild animal has carried off JoSeph!’34Then Jacob tore his clothes and covered the lower part of his body with sackcloth; and thereafter, he spent a long time mourning over his son. 35Although all of his sons and daughters went there to comfort him, he didn’t want to be comforted. He said:‘I’ll go to my grave mourning my son!’And his father kept crying over him.36Well, when they got to Egypt, the MidiAnites sold JoSeph to Potiphar, PharaOh’s councilor and captain of the guard.
1Then Judah left his brothers and he traveled for some distance, arriving [at the home] of an OdolLamite named Iras...2While he was there, Judah found the daughter of a CanaAnite man named Sava. He took her [as his wife] and [slept] with her, 3and she got pregnant. Then she gave birth to a son whom she named Er. 4And after that, she got pregnant again and gave birth to a [second] son whom she named AuNan. 5Then she gave birth to a [third] son whom she named SeLom (she was living in Chasbi when she gave birth to them).6[Well, sometime later], Judah took a woman named Tamar to be the wife of his first-born son, Er. 7But Er was wicked before Jehovah, so God killed him.8Then Judah told AuNan:‘You must go and [have sex] with your brother’s [widow]… Since you’re her brother-in-law, you must take her so [she can] raise a child for your brother.’9However, AuNan knew that the child wouldn’t be [counted as] his. So when he [had sex with] his brother’s [widow], he discharged [his semen] on the ground, so he wouldn’t give his brother a child. 10And his doing this appeared evil to God, so He killed him also.11Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar:‘Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son SeLom grows up… For I don’t want him to die like his brothers.’So Tamar left and went to stay in her father’s home.12Well, after several years, Judah’s woman Sava died... So while Judah was looking for comfort, he went to see his sheep shearers at ThamNa, along with his Shepherd, Iras the OdolLamite. 13And when his daughter-in-law Tamar was told:‘{Look!} Your father-in-law is going up to ThamNa to shear his sheep...’14...she took off her widow’s clothes, put on a veil and made up her face, and she went to sit by the gate of [the town of] AiNan, along the road that leads to ThamNa.
She did this because [Judah’s son] SeLom had already grown up and [Judah] hadn’t given [Tamar] to be his son’s woman.15Well, when Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, because she’d her face covered and he didn’t recognize her. 16So he stopped and said to her (not knowing that she was his daughter-in-law):‘Let me [have sex with] you.’And she asked:‘What will you give to [have sex] with me?’17And he said:‘I’ll send you a young goat from my flock.’But she told him:‘You must provide me some assurance that you’ll send it.’18So he asked:‘What kind of assurance can I give you?’And she said:‘Give me your ring, your bracelet, and the walking stick you’re holding.’So he gave them to her, [had sex with] her, and she got pregnant by him. 19Then afterward, she got up and took off her veil, put her widow’s clothes back on, and left that place.20Well later, Judah sent the young goat with his shepherd (the OdolLamite), to get back the things that he’d left with the woman… But he couldn’t find her. 21So he asked the local men:‘Where’s that prostitute that used to sit by the road [here at] AiNan?’And they replied:‘There was no prostitute here.’22So he returned to Judah and said:‘I couldn’t find her, and the local men say there wasn’t any prostitute there.’23Then Judah told him:‘Let her have [those things]. Although I sent the young goat, you couldn’t find her; so, let’s not leave ourselves open to ridicule.’24Well after three months, Judah was told:‘Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the whore! And now look – she’s pregnant by her whoring!’So Judah said:‘Then drag her out and have her burned!’25But as they were dragging her out, she called out to her father-in-law, and said:‘I’m pregnant by the man who owns these things… Just whose ring, bracelet, and walking stick are these?’26Well, Judah recognized them [as his] and said:‘Tamar is innocent… But not me, because I didn’t give her to my son SeLom.’And that was the last time [Judah had sex] with her.27Then when she went into labor, it was found that she had twins in her womb... 28And as they were being born, one pushed his hand out. So the midwife took hold of the hand and tied some scarlet [thread around it], and said:‘This is the firstborn.’29But then he drew his hand back and his brother came out immediately thereafter.And she asked:‘Why have you broken the barrier between you?’So she named him Phares [meaning, Breach].30It was then that his brother (around whose hand the scarlet thread was tied) was born. And she named him ZaRa [meaning, Scarlet].
1Meanwhile, JoSeph was down in Egypt where he’d been bought by an Egyptian named Potiphar (PharaOh’s advisor and captain of the guard), who had purchased him from the IshMaElites that carried him there.2But Jehovah was with JoSeph and He blest him as he was living in the house of his Egyptian master.3Even [Potiphar] recognized that Jehovah was with [JoSeph] and that He was blessing everything he did; 4so JoSeph was treated kindly by him, and [JoSeph did everything he could to] please his master well.Then before long, the man put JoSeph in charge of his whole house… He was appointed to be in charge of everything that [his master] owned... 5And because he’d put JoSeph in charge of his house and over everything that he owned, Jehovah blest the Egyptian’s house for JoSeph’s sake. He blest everything that the man had in his house and in his fields, 6because he’d entrusted everything he owned into JoSeph’s hands.So the man didn’t even know what belonged to him, other than the bread that he ate!Well, JoSeph was extremely attractive… He had an excellent body and a very handsome face. 7And so, after he’d been [put in charge of the house], his master’s wife eyed JoSeph and said:‘Sleep with me!’8However, he wouldn’t. For he told his master’s wife:‘Look, it’s because of me that my master doesn’t even know what’s going on in his own house! He has put everything that he owns into my hands.9‘Nobody in this house is over me, nor has anything been withheld from me, except you… And you’re his wife! So, how could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’10Still, she pleaded with JoSeph every day… But he wouldn’t listen to her requests to sleep with her.11Then one day, as JoSeph entered the house to do his work, he found that none of the household staff were around... 12That’s when she grabbed him by his clothes and said:‘[Have sex] with me!’But JoSeph just left his clothes there in her hands and ran from the house!13Well, when she saw that he’d left his clothes in her hands and ran away, 14the woman called [the family in] and said:‘You see – He’s brought in a Hebrew slave to make fun of us!‘Why, he came in and told me that he wanted to sleep with me, but I screamed...15And when he heard me scream, he left his clothes here and ran out of the house!’16So she kept the clothes nearby, and when [her husband] got back home, 17she said to him:‘This Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came here to make fun of me! He said to me:‘I’m going to sleep with you!’18‘But after he heard me scream, he left his clothes with me and ran out of the house.’19Well, when his master heard everything his woman said, he proclaimed:‘Then he did it to me!’20And because he was so angry, his master took JoSeph and had him thrown in prison… Into the place where the king’s prisoners were kept.21Nevertheless, Jehovah was with JoSeph and He was very merciful to him. So He helped him find favor in the eyes of the prison’s warden. 22And therefore, the warden put JoSeph in charge of the prison along with all the prisoners that were there and everything that they did.23So the warden was unaware of what was going on there, because everything was in JoSeph’s hands. And Jehovah continued to bless all that he was doing.
1It was some time after this that the king’s chief cupbearer and his chief baker had wronged their lord, the king of Egypt. 2PharaOh was furious with his two eunuchs (his chief cupbearer and his chief baker), 3so he had them locked up in prison… In the same place where JoSeph was kept, 4and the prison warden left them with JoSeph, who was to guard them.Well, after they’d spent some time in the prison, 5they both had a dream one night. Each man had his own dream and each dream had its own interpretation.6Then the next morning when JoSeph went in to see them, they were both quite disturbed... 7So he asked PharaOh’s eunuchs (who were there in the prison with him):‘Why are you so sad today?’8And they replied:‘We [both] had dreams, but don’t know what they mean.’So JoSeph said:‘Doesn’t the interpretation of [dreams come] through God? Tell [me what you saw]!’9And the chief cupbearer told JoSeph his dream. He said:‘In my dream [I saw] a vine 10that had three stems, which budded and put out blossoms; then [it formed] clusters of grapes that ripened.11‘Then after that, [I found] PharaOh’s cup in my hands. So I took the grapes and squeezed them into the cup, and I gave the cup to PharaOh.’12Well at that, JoSeph said to him:‘This is what [the dream] means:‘The three stems are three days. 13So in three days, PharaOh will remember what you did and he will give you back your position as chief cupbearer!‘Therefore, you’ll [once again] put PharaOh’s cup in his hands, holding the same high position that you once had as his cupbearer.’14[Then he continued]:‘Now, remember me when things are going well for you… Be merciful to me and mention me to PharaOh, so that I can be released from this dungeon!15‘You see, I was stolen from the land of the Hebrews. And although I’ve done nothing wrong here, I was thrown into this hole.’16Well, when the chief baker saw that he’d given [the first man] the right interpretation, he said to JoSeph:‘I also had a dream. I remember looking up, and I found three baskets of bakery goods on top of my head... 17In the top basket, there were all the kinds of things that PharaOh enjoys. But birds in the sky came and ate them out of the basket that was on my head.’18Then JoSeph told him:‘This is what it means:‘The three baskets are three days. 19So in three days, PharaOh will cut off your head and hang you on a tree, where the birds of the sky will eat your flesh.’20Well, three days later, it was PharaOh’s birthday when he held a banquet for all his servants. It was then that he remembered the offices that the cupbearer and the baker once held among them.21So he restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and once again he put PharaOh’s cup into his hands. 22However, he hanged the chief baker, just as JoSeph foretold... 23But thereafter, the chief cupbearer soon forgot about JoSeph.
1It was a full 2 years later that PharaOh [likely AmenemHat 1] also had a dream:He dreamed that he was standing next to a river, 2then {Look!} he saw 7 fat and good-looking cows come up out of the water to feed at the river’s edge. 3And after that, 7 more cows, which were skinny and ugly, came up out of the river to feed along its banks.4Then the 7 skinny, ugly cows ate the 7 fat and good-looking cows… And that’s when PharaOh woke up.5Then he had another dream.{Look!} There were 7 large and good-looking [heads] of grain that grew on a single stalk. 6And {Look!} they were followed by [a stalk] with 7 thin and windblown [heads] that grew up alongside them.7Then the [stalk] with the 7 thin and windblown [heads] ate the ones with the 7 large, good-looking [heads]… And that’s when PharaOh woke up… And it was just a dream.8Well the next morning, he was deeply disturbed [by the dreams], so he sent for all the [dream] interpreters of Egypt and all the wise men. PharaOh told them of his dreams, but no one could tell him what they meant.9And that’s when PharaOh’s chief cupbearer told him:‘I just remembered something that I’m responsible for... 10[You were once] quite angry with your servants and you had us imprisoned in the house of the captain of the guard… Both the chief baker and me. 11Each of us had a dream in that same night (both him and me)… But we each had our own dream.12‘And there was a young man with us, a Hebrew servant of the captain of the guard, to whom we told [our dreams], and he interpreted [them] to us.13‘Well, everything that he said would happen, came true… I was restored to my office and [the baker] was hanged!’14So, PharaOh sent for JoSeph… They took him from the prison, shaved him and changed his clothes; then he went in to PharaOh.15And PharaOh said to JoSeph:‘I had a vision that no one can interpret, and I’ve heard that you’ve listened to dreams and interpreted them.’16But JoSeph answered PharaOh, saying:‘Without God, [I couldn’t] give a safe answer to PharaOh.’17Then PharaOh told JoSeph:‘In my dream, I was standing by the bank of the river. 18Then out of the river came 7 fat and good-looking cows that fed along the river’s edge. 19And after that, {Look!} 7 more cows came up out of the river that were evil, skinny, and ugly… I’ve never seen worse in the entire land of Egypt!20‘Then the 7 skinny, ugly cows ate the 7 fat and good-looking cows… 21They swallowed them down whole; yet, I couldn’t see that they had gone into their stomachs, because they still looked as ugly as they did before.‘And after I woke up, I went to sleep again. 22Then I saw what looked like 7 large, good-looking [heads] of grain growing from a single stalk. 23And [after that, I saw] 7 more [heads] that were thin and windblown, coming up next to them. 24Then the 7 thin and wind-blown [heads] ate the 7 large, good-looking [heads].‘Now, I told all this to the [dream] interpreters, but none of them could explain it to me.’25So JoSeph told PharaOh:‘Both of your dreams are the same, for The God has shown PharaOh what He’s going to do!26‘The 7 good-looking cows mean 7 years, and the 7 good-looking [grain heads] mean 7 years… So PharaOh’s dreams are both the same!27‘Also, the 7 skinny cattle that came up after them mean 7 years, and the 7 thin and windblown [heads] mean 7 years… Therefore, there’ll be 7 years of famine.28‘Now, what I’m telling PharaOh is that it’s God’s purpose to show you what He’s going to do... 29And look! 7 years are coming when there’ll be a great abundance throughout the land of Egypt; 30but these will be followed by 7 years of famine, which will be so bad that the abundance Egypt had will be forgotten, and famine will consume the land.31‘Yes, the abundance in the land will be gone because of the famine that will follow, since it’s going to be an extremely bad time... 32And the fact that PharaOh saw the dream twice, proves that the things I’m telling you (which will come from The God) are true; for, God will cause it to happen very soon!33‘Therefore, search for a wise and discerning man, and put him in charge over the land of Egypt. 34Also, PharaOh should appoint local governors over the land that must collect 1/5 of all the produce in the land of Egypt during the 7 abundant years.35‘They must gather all the food that will come in during the 7 good years, and have all the grain gathered into the hands of PharaOh… And you must store the food in each city.36‘This stored food will then [protect] the land during the 7 years of famine that are coming upon Egypt, so [the country] won’t be totally destroyed by the famine.’37Well, what [JoSeph] said appeared good to PharaOh and to all of his servants.
38So [he] asked his servants:‘Where can we find such a man as this… Someone who has the Breath of God in him?’39Then PharaOh said to JoSeph:‘Since God has shown all of these things to you; is there a man who is wiser or more discerning than you?40‘I’ll appoint you to be over my house, and then all of my people must do whatever you say… Only I will be greater than you on the throne.’41Then PharaOh told JoSeph:‘{Look!} Today, I’m putting you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.’42And at that, PharaOh took the ring off of his hand and put it on JoSeph’s hand, [he had him dressed in] a robe of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck... 43Then he mounted [JoSeph] on his second-best chariot and had a herald walk in front of him to proclaim that [JoSeph] had been appointed over the whole land of Egypt.44And PharaOh said to JoSeph:‘Although I am the PharaOh; nobody will lift his hand anywhere in the land of Egypt without [your permission].’45Thereafter, PharaOh started calling JoSeph, Zaphnath-Paaneah [meaning either, Revealer of Secrets, or Savior of the Age], and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Petephre, the priest of HelioPolis [Greek for City of the Sun], to be his wife.46Well, JoSeph was 30 years old when he stood before PharaOh, the king of Egypt.So thereafter, JoSeph left the presence of PharaOh and he traveled throughout the land of Egypt.47And After that, the land did in fact produce well during the 7 years of abundance… By the heaping handfuls! 48So, during those 7 years he gathered much food, because there was such abundance in the land, and he stored it away in each of the cities. He took the food that grew in the fields around each city and stored it in them.49So the grain that JoSeph stored away became like the sands of the seas… So much that it couldn’t be calculated.50Meanwhile, JoSeph had two sons born to him prior to the 7 years of famine, by Asenath (the daughter of Petephre, the priest of HelioPolis). 51And JoSeph named his firstborn ManasSeh [meaning, Forgotten], for he said:‘God has made me forget all my hard work, and even the house of my father.’52Then he named his second son Ephraim [meaning, Double Fruitfulness]; for he said:‘God has caused me to grow in the land where I was humiliated.’53Well, the 7 years of abundance in the land of Egypt soon passed, 54and then the 7 years of famine began, just as JoSeph had foretold. However, even though there was a famine throughout the entire [known] earth, there was still plenty [in Egypt]!55Then, when the people of Egypt finally got hungry, they called out to PharaOh for bread, and PharaOh said to [them]:‘Go to JoSeph and do whatever he tells you to do.’56Well, before long, the famine covered the entire land; so JoSeph opened all the granaries and sold [the stored grain] to the Egyptians.57Then [people from] all the regions roundabout started coming to Egypt to buy [food] from JoSeph, because the famine had become [so great].
1Now, Jacob had noticed that they were still selling [grain] down in Egypt.So he said to his sons:‘Why don’t you do something?2‘Look; I’ve heard that there’s grain in Egypt. Go there and buy us a little food, so we don’t starve to death.’3Therefore, JoSeph’s 10 brothers went down to Egypt to purchase grain. 4However, JoSeph’s brother BenJamin wasn’t sent along with his brothers, ‘So he doesn’t get sick,’ Jacob said.5Of course, the sons of IsraEl [traveled along with] many others to buy [grain], because the famine had affected the entire land of CanaAn.6Well, since JoSeph was the ruler of the land, he’s the one who actually sold [the food] to all the people who were coming from these lands; so, JoSeph’s brothers came to him and had to bow with their faces to the ground before him.7But when JoSeph saw his brothers (because he recognized them), he hid himself in front of them and spoke harshly to them, asking:‘Where are you coming from?’And they replied:‘[We came from] the land of CanaAn to buy food.’8Well, although JoSeph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him... 9Then JoSeph remembered his dreams and the things that he saw, and he said to them:‘You are spies! You’ve come here to spy in our land!’10But they said:‘No Sir; we’re just your servants that have come to buy food! 11We’re all the sons of one man and we’re peace loving… Your servants aren’t spies!’12And he said to them:‘No! You’ve come to spy [in our] land!’13Then they replied:‘Your servants were once 12 brothers from the land of CanaAn. The youngest [of us] is with our father right now… But the other one is no more.’14Then JoSeph argued:‘It’s just as I said; you’re spies!15‘Here’s how I’ll prove it: By the health of PharaOh, you aren’t going to leave until your younger brother comes here!16‘One of you can go to get your brother, but the rest of you’ll stay in jail until what you’ve said can be [proven]… Whether you’re telling the truth or not... And if not, then by the health of PharaOh, you really are spies!’17So he had them all locked up in jail for three days!18Then on the 3rd day, he said:‘Do this and you’ll live, because I fear The God:19‘If you really are peace loving, I’ll allow just one of your brothers to be held in jail. So now, go and carry the grain that you bought [back to your home]... 20Then bring your younger brother to me, and I’ll believe what you said.‘But if you don’t, you’ll all die!’And that’s what they did.21Well, each one was saying to his brother:‘Yes, we are to blame when it comes to our brother... We didn’t pay attention to the anguish that he was going through, and when he looked to us, we didn’t listen to him.‘That’s why this bad thing is happening to us!’22Then ReuBen said:‘Didn’t I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn’t listen to me! Now look… His blood is [being avenged]!’23However, they didn’t realize that JoSeph was standing right there in front of them, because an interpreter stood between them.24Well at that, JoSeph left them and started crying. Then he returned and spoke to them, and he took SimeOn and had him bound before their eyes.25And thereafter, JoSeph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to return the money to each one’s bag before giving them permission to leave. And that’s what happened… 26The grain was loaded on their burros, and then they left.27Well, when they stopped somewhere to rest, one of them opened his bag to feed the burros, and that’s when he saw his bundle of money lying in the top of his bag!28So he said to his brothers:‘They’ve returned my money. Look, it’s all here in my container!’Well, they were all dumbfounded and sick at heart... And they asked each other:‘What has God done to us?’29And when they got back to their father Jacob (in the land of CanaAn), they told him everything that had happened to them, saying:30‘This man, who is the lord of the land, spoke harshly to us and had us put in jail as spies! 31But we told him that we’re peaceful men… We aren’t spies. 32We said that we’re 12 brothers, the sons of our father. One [of us] is no more, and the youngest is with our father today in the land of CanaAn.33‘However, this man who’s the lord of the land said to us:‘Here’s how I’ll know that you’re peaceful: Leave one of your brothers here with me and take the grain you bought, then return to your family 34and bring your younger brother to me so I’ll know that you aren’t spies, but men of peace...‘Then you can have your brother back and you can trade in this land.’35‘But, as we were emptying our bags, each man found his bundle of money inside his bag.’So they [showed] their father their bundles of money, and they were all frightened.36Then their father (Jacob) said to them:‘Now you’ve made me very sad, for JoSeph is no more and neither is SimeOn. So are you going to take BenJamin away also?‘[Why have] all these [bad] things come upon me?’37Then ReuBen said to his father:‘You can kill my two sons if I don’t bring him back to you. Give him to me, and I’ll bring him back!’38But [Jacob] said:‘I won’t allow my son to go with you, because his brother is already dead, and he’s the only one left...‘What if something happens to him on the way? This would bring such sorrow upon me in my old age that it would lead me to my grave!’
1However, the famine continued in the land. 2And so, after they had finished eating the grain that they’d brought from Egypt, their father told them:‘Go there to buy us a little food again.’3But Judah said to him:‘That man who’s the lord of the land absolutely warned us, saying:‘You may not see my face again unless you have your younger brother with you.’4‘So if you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go and buy you food. 5But if you won’t send our brother with us, we won’t go.’6Then IsraEl asked:‘Why did you do so much harm to me by telling the man that you had a brother?’7And they replied:‘The man asked a lot of questions about our family. He asked, Is your father still alive? and, Do you have a brother? All we did was answer his questions!‘How could we know that he would tell us to bring our brother?’8Then Judah said to his father IsraEl:‘Send the boy with me and we’ll go… So we don’t all [starve] to death!9‘I’ll be responsible for him, and you can hold me to blame if anything happens to him... If I don’t return him and stand him before you, I’ll be guilty before you throughout the age.10‘If we hadn’t been delaying, we could could have already have gone there a second time!’11And their father IsraEl said to them:‘If that’s the case, then do this:‘Take along the fruit of the land in your bags. Carry gifts of gum, honey, frankincense, oil of myrrh, turpentine, and walnuts to the man.12‘Also, carry twice as much money – in addition to the money that was put back in your bags – just in case that was a mistake.13‘Then take your brother along and go down to the man. 14May my God allow you to find favor in the eyes of that man, so he sends you home with your other brother and BenJamin. For I’ve been saddened, and I’m very sad now.’15So the men loaded up their gifts and took twice as much money, as well as BenJamin, and headed down to Egypt, where they soon stood before JoSeph.16Well, when JoSeph saw them and his brother BenJamin (who was born to the same mother), he told his house manager:‘Bring the men into [my] house, then butcher some animals and prepare them, because these men are to eat bread with me at noon.’17So the man did just as JoSeph said, and he brought them into JoSeph’s house.18Well, when the men realized that they had been taken to the house of JoSeph, they said:‘We’ve been brought here because of the money that was returned to our bags the first time. [This is being done] so witnesses can be called and we can be charged [with a crime]… Then they’ll confiscate our burros and take us as slaves!’19So they went up to the man who was in charge of JoSeph’s house and spoke to him out on the porch.20They said:‘We’re begging you, sir… We just came the first time to buy food. 21But, as we were unloading and opening our bags, [we found] this money in each bag.‘We have the full amount of money in our hands [and we wish] to return it.22‘We’ve also brought more money along with which to buy the food… We don’t know who put the money [back] in our bags!’23And [the man] replied:‘May God be merciful with you. Don’t be afraid, for it was your God and the God of your ancestors who put the treasures in your bags.‘I have enough of your good money!’Then he brought SimeOn out to them… 24Along with some water to wash their feet, and some fodder for their burros.25It was then that they started preparing their gifts for JoSeph’s arrival at noon, because they heard that he was going to dine there. 26So when JoSeph came home, they brought him the gifts that they’d carried into the house… And afterward, they bowed with their faces to the ground.27Well, he asked them:‘How are you? Is your father, the old man whom you spoke of, well? Is he still living?’28And they replied:‘Our father, your servant, is well. And yes, he’s still alive.’Then JoSeph said:‘May that man of God be blest!’And at that, they all bowed low to show him respect.29It was then that JoSeph looked up and saw his brother BenJamin (who was born to the same mother). And he asked:‘Is this the younger brother whom you said you’d bring to me?’Then he added:‘May God have mercy on you, my son.’30Well, JoSeph’s emotions overcame him, because he missed his brother so much, and he wanted to cry. So he walked to his inner room and cried there.31Thereafter, he washed his face and regained his composure, and came out and said:‘Now, bring on the bread!’32So they set out bread for JoSeph, for his servants, and for the Egyptians that were eating with him, but not for [his brothers], because the Egyptians considered it dishonorable to eat bread with Hebrews.33They just sat there in front of him (in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest), as the brothers looked at each other in astonishment... 34But then, JoSeph gave them their portions to eat by themselves. However, BenJamin received five times as much as did the rest. They also drank with him until each one was full.
1Then JoSeph gave instructions to his house manager. He said:‘Now, fill the men’s bags with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s money in the top of his bag. 2Also, put my silver cup in the bag that belongs to the youngest, along with the price of his grain.’So he did exactly as JoSeph said. 3Then the next morning, the men and their burros were sent away.4Well, after they left the city (but before they had traveled very far), JoSeph said to his house manager:‘Now, get up and chase after those men; and when you catch up with them, ask:‘Why have you returned evil for good… 5why have you stolen my silver cup? Isn’t this the [cup] that our lord drinks from and the one which he uses to foretell the future?‘You’ve done an evil thing!’6So when he caught up with them, he said what [JoSeph] had told him to say.7And they replied:‘Why is our lord saying such things? Your servants wouldn’t do anything like that!8‘If we returned the money to you which we found in our bags all the way from the land of CanaAn, why would we steal silver or gold from the house of your lord? 9May whichever of your servants that you find with the cup die, and then we’ll all be our lord’s slaves!’10So, [JoSeph’s house manager] told them:‘May it be just as you’ve said. But just the one who is found with the cup will be my slave… The rest of you can go free.’11Then each man quickly took down his bag and put it on the ground, and opened their bags, 12and the man began his search, starting from the eldest to the youngest… And then he found the cup in BenJamin’s bag.13Well at that, they all started ripping their clothes. So each man loaded his bag back on his burro, and they all returned to the city, 14where Judah and his brothers were taken to see JoSeph, who was [still at home].There they fell to the ground before him, 15and JoSeph asked them:‘What have you done? Didn’t you realize that a man like me can see the future?’16And Judah replied:‘What can we say to you, our lord? What can we say that will justify us? God has uncovered the unrighteousness of your servants.‘Look! We’re now our lord’s slaves… Both us and the one who was found with your cup!’17But JoSeph said:‘I wouldn’t do anything like that… Just the man who was found with my cup will be my slave. [The rest of you] may return home safely to your father.’18Then Judah came up to him and said:‘I beg you, sir,‘Allow your servant to say something to you, and don’t get angry, because you’re next to PharaOh.19‘Sir, you once asked your servants whether we have a father or a brother, 20and we replied:‘Yes Lord, we have a father who is an old man, and he has a young son of his old age. [Since this boy’s] brother is now dead, he’s the only one left that came from his mother, and his father loves him.’21‘Then you said to your servants:‘Bring him down here to me, and I’ll take care of him.’22‘And we said to our lord:‘The child can’t leave his father, because if he leaves his father, [his father] will die.’23‘But you told your servants:‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you won’t see my face again.’24‘And so, when we went up to your servant our father, we told him what our lord said.25‘Then, when our father said:‘Return and buy a little food for us...’26‘...we said:‘We can’t return, unless our younger brother goes with us. We can go there, but we won’t be able to see the man unless we bring our younger brother along!’27‘And your servant (our father) said to us:‘You know that my woman gave birth to two [sons] for me. 28Now, one [of the two] is gone from me. For you told me that wild animals ate him, and I haven’t seen him since. 29So if you take this one away from me also and something should happen to him along the road, the sorrow will bring me to the grave in my old age!’30‘Therefore, if I should return to your servant (our father) and the boy doesn’t return with us (remember that his life depends on this [boy’s] life)... 31Well, when he sees that the boy isn’t with us, he will die!‘And then your servants [will be responsible for] bringing your servant (our elderly father) to his grave in his sorrow... 32For when I (your servant) took the boy from his father, I said:‘If I don’t return him to you and stand him before you, I’ll be guilty before my father throughout the age.’33‘Now, may I stay here as your slave instead of the boy! I’ll work in my lord’s house; but, let the boy [return home] with his brothers... 34For how could I return to my father without the boy and cause evil things to happen to him?’
1However, JoSeph couldn’t restrain himself when they were all standing there with him; so he said:‘Everyone else is dismissed!’As a result, nobody [from his servants were with] JoSeph when he told his brothers who he was… 2And as he spoke, he was crying.Well, soon all the Egyptians heard about this [anyway], and it was reported to the house of PharaOh. 3For JoSeph said to his brothers:‘I’m JoSeph! Is my father still alive?’However, his brothers couldn’t answer him, because they were in shock!4Then JoSeph told his brothers:‘Come closer to me...’...and they all came up to him.And he said:‘I... Am your brother JoSeph whom you sold into Egypt.5‘But, don’t be upset and don’t feel guilty that you sold me here, because [it was] God who sent me ahead of you, so you could live.6‘For this [is just] the 2nd year of the famine on the earth, and there are still 5 years to come when there’ll be no plowing or reaping!7‘It was God who sent me ahead of you so that some of you’d survive on the earth to feed the rest of your crowd. 8Therefore, you didn’t send me here, God did! And now He’s made me like a father to PharaOh… The master of his whole house and the ruler of the entire land of Egypt!9‘So hurry and return to my father, and tell him that this is what your son JoSeph has said:‘God has made me the lord of the entire land of Egypt. So come here to me, and don’t delay! 10You’ll live in the land of Gesem in [the Egyptian province of] Arabia [in Lower Egypt], where you’ll be closer to me… You, your sons, your grandsons, your sheep, your cattle, and everything that’s yours.11‘I’ll feed you there, because the famine is going to last for 5 more years. This way, nothing that you own will be lost… Not your sons or any of your possessions!’12‘Look at me and see!‘And [you], my brother BenJamin... Use your eyes [and recognize] that it’s my mouth speaking to you!13‘So report to my father about all the glory that I have in Egypt, and about everything that you’ve seen. Then hurry and bring my father down here.’14[Well, after that], he fell on his brother BenJamin’s neck and cried, and BenJamin cried on his neck. 15Then he kissed all his brothers and cried over them, and his brothers [were finally able to] speak to him.16Well, the report of this was carried back to the house of PharaOh, for he was told:‘JoSeph’s brothers have come.’And this made PharaOh and his household very happy.17Then PharaOh said to JoSeph:‘Tell your brothers to [get] wagons and return to the land of CanaAn 18to get their father and all their possessions, and then come here to me.‘I’ll give them all the good things of Egypt, and they’ll eat from the [best] of our land!19‘Now, you must give them these instructions:‘Tell them to take wagons from the land of Egypt to get their wives, their children, and their father, and come here. 20[Tell them] not to worry about their possessions, because all the good things of Egypt will be theirs.’21So that’s what the children of IsraEl did.... JoSeph gave them wagons, just as PharaOh the king had said, and he gave them the things that they’d need for their journey.22He also gave each of them two suits of clothes… But he gave BenJamin 5 suits of clothes, plus 300 gold coins. 23And he sent the same gifts to his father, plus 10 burros that carried a sampling of all the good things of Egypt, along with 10 mules that carried [provisions] for their journey.24So he dismissed his brothers and they left.But before they left, he told them:‘Don’t go away angry.’25Then they left Egypt and returned to the land of CanaAn and to their father, Jacob. 26There they reported everything to him, saying:‘Your son JoSeph is alive! And he’s now the ruler of the entire land of Egypt!’Well, this was so amazing to Jacob that he didn’t believe them. 27But they told him everything that JoSeph said, no matter what it was that he said to them.It was then that [Jacob] noticed the chariots that JoSeph had sent to pick him up, and that’s when the spirit of their father Jacob was restored.28And IsraEl said:‘If my son JoSeph is still alive, that’s wonderful! I want to go see him before I die!’
1So IsraEl left with everything that he owned. And when he got to the Well of the Promise [BeerSheba], he offered a sacrifice to the God of his father IsaAc.2Then The God spoke to IsraEl in a vision that night.He said:‘Jacob! Jacob!’And [Jacob] asked:‘What is it?’3Then [God] said to him:‘I am the God of your ancestors.'Don’t be afraid to go down to Egypt, because I’ll make a great nation of you there.4‘I will be going down to Egypt with you and I’ll be bringing you back… For it’ll be JoSeph who’ll lay his hands over your eyes.’5Well after that, Jacob left the Well of the Promise, and IsraEl’s sons carried their father, their baggage, and their women on the wagons that JoSeph had sent to them.6They also brought along the goods and things that they had obtained in the land of CanaAn, and they went to the land of Egypt (Jacob and all his descendants – 7his sons, his grandsons, his daughters, and his granddaughters)… He brought all of his offspring with him down to Egypt.8These are the names of the grandsons of IsraEl who went to Egypt with their father Jacob:The sons of Jacob’s first-born, ReuBen, were:9• Enoch, • PhalLus, • AsRon, and • CharMi.10The sons of SimeOn were:• JemuEl, • JaMin, • Aod, • Achin, • SaAr, and • Saul (the son of a CanaAnite woman).11The sons of Levi were:• GedSon, • CaAth, and • MeraRi.12The sons of Judah were:• Er, • AuNan (who died in the land of CanaAn), • SeLom, • Phares, • ZaRa, and • Er.13Phares’ sons were:• EsRon, and • JemuEl.The sons of IshSachar were:• Thola, • Phua, • Asum, and • SamBran.14The sons of ZebuLun were:• Sered, • AlLon, and • AchoEl.15These were the sons that LeAh gave birth to (for Jacob) in MesoPotamia of Syria, and those of his daughter Dina. Altogether, the sons and daughters numbered 33.16The sons of Gad were:• Saphon, • Angis, • SanNis, • ThasoBan, • Aedis, • AroEdis, and • AreElis.17The sons of Asher were:• JemNa, • JesShua, • JeUl, • BariJa, and • SarAh (their sister).BariJa’s sons were:• Chobor, and • MelchiEl.18These were the sons that ZelPha (whom Laban had given to his daughter LeAh) gave birth to for Jacob – 16 people.19The sons of Jacob’s woman RachEl were:• JoSeph, and • BenJamin.20And the sons that were born to JoSeph in the land of Egypt through Asenath (the daughter of Petephre, the priest of HelioPolis) were:• ManasSeh, and • Ephraim.The son who was born to ManasSeh by his Syrian concubine was MachIr. Then MachIr fathered GalaAd.Ephraim’s sons were:• SutalaAm, and • TaAm.SutalaAm’s son was Edom.21The sons of BenJamin were:• Bala, • Bochor, and • AsBel.Bala’s sons were:• Gera, • NoEman, • Anchis, • Ros, and • Mamphim.Then Gera fathered Arad.22These were the sons whom RachEl gave birth to for Jacob. Altogether, there were 18 people.23The son of Dan was Hushim.24NaphTali’s sons were:• AsiEl, • Goni, • IshSaar, and • SolLem.25These were the sons that BalLa (whom Laban had given to his daughter RachEl) gave birth to for Jacob. [Altogether], there were 7 people.26Therefore, all the descendants of Jacob that came with him to Egypt (those – except his son’s women – that came from his loins) totaled 66. 27And the sons of JoSeph that were born in the land of Egypt totaled 9.So all the people of the house of Jacob that were with JoSeph in Egypt totaled 75.28Now, [Jacob] had sent Judah ahead of him to JoSeph, who told him to meet them at the City of HroOn [possibly Mit El-Harun] in the land of RaMesse. 29So JoSeph got his chariots ready and went to meet his father IsraEl at the City of HroOn. And when he got there, [JoSeph] fell on [Jacob’s] neck and cried profusely.30Then IsraEl said to JoSeph:‘Now that I’ve seen your face I can die happy, because you’re still alive!’31And JoSeph told his brothers:‘I’ll go to PharaOh and tell him that my brothers and my father’s household have arrived from the land of CanaAn. 32I’ll also tell him that you’re shepherds and cattlemen, and that you’ve brought along your cattle, herds, and all of your belongings.33‘So if PharaOh calls for you and asks you what you do for a living, 34you must say:‘Your servants have been shepherds since our youth… Both our fathers and us.’‘[You must say this], so you can live in the land of Gesem in [the Egyptian province of] Arabia [in Lower Egypt], because shepherds are looked down on by the Egyptians.’
1So then, JoSeph went and told PharaOh that his father and brothers had arrived from the land of CanaAn with their cattle, oxen, and all their possessions, and that they’d be staying in the land of Gesem.2He also took 5 of his brothers and brought them before PharaOh.3And when PharaOh asked them:‘What’s your occupation?’They replied:‘Your servants (we and our fathers) are shepherds.’4Then they said to PharaOh:‘We’ve come to stay in [your] land. And since there are no pastures for your servant’s flocks here, and because there’s a famine in the land of CanaAn, please allow us to live in the land of Gesem.’And PharaOh told JoSeph:‘Then, may they live in the land of Gesem. And if you know any among them who are more capable, put them in charge of my cattle also.’So that’s how Jacob and his sons came to JoSeph in Egypt. And after PharaOh (the king of Egypt) learned about this, 5he told JoSeph:‘[Now that] your father and brothers have come to you, 6{Look!} the whole land of Egypt is before you... So, choose the very best land as a place for your father and brothers to settle!’7Then later, JoSeph brought his father Jacob in and stood him before PharaOh, and Jacob blest PharaOh.8Then PharaOh asked Jacob:‘How old are you?’9And Jacob replied to PharaOh:‘I’ve lived 130 years of my life.‘These years have been too few and too troubled, for I haven’t reached the age that my ancestors [achieved], back in the days when they lived.’10And after that, Jacob [again] blest PharaOh, and left.11So, just as PharaOh commanded, JoSeph gave his father and brothers a tract of land as their possession and settled them in the land of Egypt, on the best ground in the land of RaMesse.12And thereafter, JoSeph provided grain for his father, brothers, and his father’s entire household.13However, there was no grain [growing on] the land at the time, so the famine was terrible. For both in the land of Egypt and in the land of CanaAn, people were weak from the famine. 14As a result, JoSeph collected all the money that there was in the land of Egypt and in the land of CanaAn, because the people had spent all that they had for the grain that they were buying… And he took it all to the house of PharaOh.15So before long, there was no more money left in the land of Egypt or in the land of CanaAn. And because of this, all the Egyptians came to JoSeph and said:‘Give us bread! Do you want us to die here before you? All our money is gone!’16And JoSeph replied to them:‘If all your money is gone, then bring me your cattle, and I’ll give you bread in exchange for them.’17So they brought their cattle to JoSeph, and he gave them bread in exchange for their horses, sheep, oxen, and burros.And JoSeph kept the people alive with bread that year in exchange for their cattle.18But after that year had passed, they came to him the 2nd year and said:‘Must we be consumed before you, our lord?‘For all our money is gone, and since we’ve brought all our possessions and our cattle to you, our lord, we don’t have anything left other than our bodies and our land!19‘Therefore, so that we won’t die before you, and so that our land isn’t devastated, please buy us and our land for bread, so that we and our land will become PharaOh’s servants... Give us seeds to grow so we can live and not die, and so that our land won’t be devastated!’20As a result, JoSeph bought all the land of the Egyptians for PharaOh… They sold it all to PharaOh, because the famine was so bad. And therefore, the entire land became PharaOh’s, 21and the people became his servants from one end of Egypt to the other… 22That is, except for the land of the priests – JoSeph didn’t buy [their land], because PharaOh gave [grain] as gifts to the priests. So they ate what PharaOh gave them, and they didn’t have to sell their land.23Then JoSeph told all the Egyptians:‘{Look!} Today I’ve purchased both you and your land for PharaOh. So now, take the seeds and plant the land. 24Then, when it produces, you must give 1/5 of its produce to PharaOh!‘You may keep the rest for yourselves as seeds for planting and as food for you and for all that are in your homes.’25And they said:‘You have saved us! We’ve found favor before you, our lord, and we’ll be PharaOh’s servants!’26As a result, JoSeph passed a law that we still have today:A fifth part [of the produce of the land of Egypt] is to be [given to] PharaOh. The only exception is the land of the priests (that doesn’t belong to PharaOh).27Well thereafter, the IsraElites lived in the land of Gesem in Egypt and they owned an allotment [of land] there… So the [family] grew rapidly and profusely.28Jacob also lived for 17 more years there in the land of Egypt, until he was 147 years old.29Then, as the time for IsraEl to die drew near, he called his son JoSeph and said this to him:‘If I’ve found favor before you, put your hand under my thigh and [swear] to me mercifully and truthfully that you won’t bury me in Egypt, 30but that I’ll sleep with my ancestors!‘[Swear that] you’ll carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their tomb.’And JoSeph said:‘I will do as you’ve asked.’31But [Jacob] said:‘Swear to me!’And he swore to him.Then IsraEl bowed low, as he leaned on his cane.
1Well, sometime after that, this report came to JoSeph:‘{Look!} Your father is ill!’So he took his two sons, ManasSeh and Ephraim, and they went to [see] Jacob.2Then when Jacob was told that his son JoSeph had come to see him, IsraEl straightened himself and sat up on his bed.3And [he] said this to JoSeph:‘My God appeared to me in Luza in the land of CanaAn and blest me.4‘Then He said to me:‘{Look!} I’ll make you grow and increase, and I’ll make many nations come from you. I’ll also give this land to you and to your offspring that comes after you as an inheritance throughout the ages.’5‘Now, your two sons (Ephraim and ManasSeh) who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came here, are my [sons] the same as ReuBen and SimeOn are my [sons]... 6And any children that you have from this point on will share in the names of their brothers; so, [the lands that they’ll] inherit will be named after them!7‘As for me... After I left Assyrian MesoPotamia, your mother RachEl died in the land of CanaAn during the evening, near the ChabRatha racetrack while we were coming to EphRatha (or BethLehem).‘So I buried her beside the road at the racetrack of BethLehem.’8Then, when IsraEl noticed JoSeph’s sons, he asked:‘Who are they?’9And JoSeph replied to his father:‘They’re the sons that God has given to me here.’And Jacob said:‘Bring them here to me, so that I can bless them.’10Now, IsraEl’s eyes were weak due to his age, so he couldn’t see. But he drew them close, and he hugged and kissed them both.11Then IsraEl said to JoSeph:‘Look! I haven’t been deprived of seeing your face, and now {Look!} God has also shown me your offspring.’12So at that, JoSeph brought them out from [between] his [father’s] knees, and they bowed to [IsraEl] with their faces to the ground.13Then JoSeph took his two sons, with Ephraim at his right hand (but on the left of IsraEl), and ManasSeh at his left hand (but on the right of IsraEl), and led them near to him again.14However, IsraEl stuck out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head (he was the younger), and he put his left hand on ManasSeh’s head, with his arms crossed.15Then he blest them, saying:‘May the God who found my fathers AbraHam and IsaAc pleasing (the God who fed me from my youth until now 16and the [spirit] messenger who protects me from all that’s evil) bless these boys… And may they be called by my name and by the name of my fathers, AbraHam and IsaAc...‘Let them grow to be a vast number on the ground!’17Well, when JoSeph noticed that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim’s head, that seemed wrong to him. So JoSeph took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to ManasSeh’s head.18And JoSeph said:‘Father! This is the first-born... Lay your right hand on his head!’19But Jacob wouldn’t. He said:‘I know, son, I know. [Your eldest son] will be a [tribe of] people, and he will be important. However, his younger brother will be greater, and his offspring will become many nations.’20So he blest them that day. And he said [to JoSeph]:‘In your name, IsraEl will pronounce this blessing:‘May God make you like Ephraim and ManasSeh!’...and he put Ephraim before ManasSeh.21Then IsraEl said to JoSeph:‘Look, I’m dying! But my God will be with you, and He will return you to the land of your fathers.22‘I am giving you SheChem (a better portion than that of your brothers), which I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.’
1Then Jacob called the rest of his sons in and said to them:2‘Gather here so I can tell you what will happen to you in later years. Gather and listen to me, sons of Jacob. Listen to IsraEl… Listen to your father!3‘ReuBen:‘You’re my firstborn and my strength. You’re the first of my children, but you’re hard to endure, [pig headed], 4and you’re as unruly as water… Bring an end to your violence!‘For you even climbed up on your father’s bed and dirtied the couch that you climbed on!5‘SimeOn and Levi:‘You are brothers who are good at the injustices that separated you. 6May my inner person pay no attention to the things that you say, and may my feelings never have any part in your conspiracies. For you’ve killed men in anger, and in your passion you’ve cut off the feet of bulls!7‘May your anger be cursed, because it’s willful and cruel. So I’ll separate you in [the land of] Jacob and scatter you in IsraEl!8‘Judah:‘Your brothers have spoken well of you, so your hands will stay on the backs of your enemies, and your father’s sons will bow before you… 9For Judah is the cub of a lion.‘My son: you’ve grown from the tender plant [you once were], and now you’re a young lion. So by whom can you ever be beaten?10‘There’ll always be a ruler from Judah,
And princes will come from his loins
Until the one we’re awaiting arrives…
The one who’s the hope of the nations.11‘[He’ll] tie his foal to a vine…
The foal of his burro to a branch,
And he’ll wash his robes in [fine] wine…
In the blood of grapes, he will wash his clothes;
12His eyes will be more cheerful than wine,
And his teeth [will be] whiter than milk.13‘ZebuLun:‘You’ll live on the coast near a shipping port that reaches to Sidon.14‘IshSachar:‘You’ve desired the best thing… To rest among the [other] inheritances. 15So [when you find] a good resting place and fertile land, you’ll put your shoulders to work and become a farmer.16‘Dan:‘You’ll judge your people as a single tribe in IsraEl.17‘Dan will be a snake on the road that blocks the path and bites at the hooves of horses to cause their riders to fall, 18while he awaits the salvation of Jehovah.19‘Gad:‘You’ll be looted by plunderers… But then you’ll also follow and plunder them.20‘Asher:‘You’ll have plenty of bread, and you’ll provide delicious things to princes.21‘NaphTali:‘You’re a spreading vine [that will bear] beautiful fruit.22‘JoSeph:‘My son who has now grown [into a man];
My dearly-loved son who’s been increased;
My younger son who has been returned...23‘You’re the one whom the evil have spoken against;
The one against whom they’ve plotted
And whom the archers [have tried to shoot down].24‘But their bows and arrows were quickly destroyed
By the hand of Jacob’s Almighty God,
Who then weakened the might of their arms…‘You’re the one who thereafter brought strength
From the God of IsraEl, to his father.25‘My God has helped you and blest you
With the blessings that come from above.‘They’re the blessings of the ground that owns all…
They’re the blessings of the breasts and the womb.26‘They’re the blessings of your father and mother,
Which last longer than the blessings on the mountains,
And [longer than] the hills of the ages.‘These [blessings] will be upon JoSeph’s head,
And on the heads of the brothers
Over whom he will now take the lead.27‘BenJamin:‘You're a hungry wolf who’ll eat all morning long, but also provide food in the evening.’28All these are the 12 sons of Jacob, and that’s what their father said to them. He blest them… He blest each of them by the blessings that they’d receive.29Then he said to them:‘Now I’m going to my people [in death]; so, bury me with my ancestors in the cave that’s in the field of EphRon the Kettite.30‘It’s the double cave across from MamRe in the land of CanaAn that AbraHam bought as a tomb from EphRon the Kettite, 31and it’s where they buried AbraHam and his wife SarAh, IsaAc and his wives RebecKa and LeAh, 32in that part of the field where the caves of the sons of Ket are located.’33Then Jacob stopped giving instructions to his sons, and he lifted his feet on the bed and died… Then he was buried with his people.
1Well at that, JoSeph fell over his father’s face, cried over him, and kissed him.2Then JoSeph told his servants (the embalmers) to [take charge of] his father’s body, and the embalmers mummified IsraEl. 3The process took 40 days, because that’s how long it took to mummify someone. And all of Egypt mourned for him during the next 70 days.4Then when the days of mourning were completed, JoSeph spoke to the PharaOh’s mighty ones and said:‘If I’ve found favor in your eyes, talk to PharaOh for me and tell him that 5my father made me swear, saying:‘I want you to bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of CanaAn.’‘So I wish to go there and bury my father… And then I’ll return.’6And PharaOh said to JoSeph:‘Go up and bury your father, just as he made you swear.’7So JoSeph went up [to the land of CanaAn] to bury his father; and all of PharaOh’s servants and elders of his house, as well as all the elders of the land of Egypt traveled with him 8and the households of JoSeph and his brothers, as well as the household of his father and his relatives.However, they left the sheep and oxen behind in the land of Gesem… 9The entourage also included many chariots and horsemen, and a large crowd of others.10Then, upon arriving at the threshing-floor of Atad (which is across the JorDan), they wailed for [Jacob] with a very deep grief, and they mourned there for [JoSeph’s] father for the next 7 days.11Well, when the people of the land of CanaAn saw the mourning at the floor of Atad, they said:‘This is a huge mourning to the Egyptians!’So after that, they named the place The Mourning of Egypt Beyond the JorDan.12Yes, that’s what his sons did for him.13His sons carried him up into the land of CanaAn and buried him in the double cave that AbraHam bought as his own burying place from EphRon the Kettite, which is across from MamRe.14Then JoSeph and his brothers returned to Egypt, along with all those who had come with him to bury his father.15Well, after JoSeph’s brothers saw that their father had died, they said:‘Let’s not forget that JoSeph can decide to get even with us and pay us back for all the evil things that we did to him at any time!’16So they went to JoSeph and said:‘Before his death, your father made us swear. He instructed us 17to tell JoSeph to forgive us for the bad things we’ve done and for our sins, because we’ve really done some evil things to you.‘Therefore, please forgive the injustice of the servants of the God of your father.’Well, JoSeph started to weep while they were talking to him. 18Then they came up to him and said:‘We are your servants!’19And JoSeph said:‘Don’t be afraid, for I [belong to] God. 20And even though you once met and talked about doing evil things to me, God made what you said about me [turn out] for the good.‘And that’s why things happened as they have today… So that many people might be fed.’21Then he said to them:‘Don’t be afraid... I’ll take care of you and your families.’And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.22Well, JoSeph continued to live in Egypt along with his brothers and his father’s family for 110 years. 23JoSeph [lived to] see Ephraim’s children through to the third generation, and the sons of MachIr (ManasSeh’s son) were born at his side.24Then JoSeph told his [family]:‘I’m dying. But, God will surely come to you and take you from this land into the land that God swore to give to our ancestors, AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.’25Then JoSeph made the Sons of IsraEl swear, saying:‘When God comes for you, you must carry my bones back with you.’26So JoSeph died at the age of 110 [c. 1879 BCE], and they prepared his body, then they placed it in a [tomb] in Egypt.
1These are the names of the Sons of IsraEl that came to Egypt with their father Jacob and their families:2• ReuBen, • SimeOn, • Levi, • Judah, 3• IshSachar, • ZebuLun, • BenJamin, 4• Dan, • NaphTali, • Gad, and • Asher.5Then [there was] JoSeph [who lived] in Egypt; so altogether, there were 75 of these people who [descended] from Jacob.6[In time], JoSeph, his brothers, and that entire generation died. 7But the children of IsraEl grew and multiplied into a large and strong [nation], and the land helped them to grow.8Then a new king became the ruler over Egypt who didn’t know JoSeph [possibly SobeKemsaf I]. 9And he said to his nation:‘{Look!} The children of IsraEl have [grown tremendously] and they’re now more powerful than we are!10‘So, let’s be crafty in the ways that we deal with them, because if they continue to grow, and then we find ourselves at war, they could side with our enemies!‘And after they beat us in war, they will leave our land!’11So he appointed [governors] over them, whose [job] was to make them do hard labor; and they built fortified cities for PharaOh, including Pithom, RaMesse, and On (the City of the Sun).12But the more they held [the IsraElites] down, the faster they grew.Well, they multiplied so much and grew so strong that the Egyptians hated the children of IsraEl! 13So the Egyptians became tyrants over IsraEl 14and made their lives unbearable by forcing them to work hard by making bricks from clay and working in the fields… Whatever needed to be done.And they were also dealt with violently.15Then the king of Egypt told the midwives that [served] the Hebrews (one was SepPhora and the other was Poua):16‘When you serve as midwives to the Hebrew women and they’re about to give birth, kill [the baby] if it’s a boy, but leave it alone if it’s a girl.’17However, the midwives feared God and wouldn’t do what the king of Egypt told them… They allowed the male [babies] to live. 18So, the king of Egypt called for the midwives and asked them:‘Why haven’t you [killed] the male [babies]?’19And the midwives answered PharaOh, saying:‘Hebrew women aren’t like the women of Egypt, because they give birth before the midwives arrive, so they [already] have their children!’20As a result, God dealt kindly with the midwives, while the [IsraElites] continued to multiply and grow very strong. 21Also, these midwives that feared God were able to start families.22Then PharaOh told all his people:‘Whenever a male is born to the Hebrews, you must throw it into the river… But let the females live.’
1Now, there was a certain man of the tribe of Levi who married one of the daughters of [his tribe]. 2Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a male child. And after she saw how beautiful the child was, they hid him for three months.3But when they could no longer hide him, his mother got a box for him and coated it with tar, put the child inside, then she set it in the mud by the river, 4and she had his sister keep watch in the distance to see what would happen to him.5Well, PharaOh’s daughter thereafter came down to the river to bathe. And as her handmaids were walking along by the river, they saw the box lying in the mud, so she sent a handmaid out to pick it up... 6And when she opened it, she found the baby inside the box, crying!Well, PharaOh’s daughter felt sorry for it and said:‘This is a Hebrew child!’7Then [the baby’s] sister went up and asked PharaOh’s daughter:‘Would you like me to call a Hebrew [woman] to nurse the child for you?’8And PharaOh’s daughter replied:‘Go!’So the young woman went and called [her] mother.9Then PharaOh’s daughter said to [the mother]:‘Take care of this child and nurse it for me, and I’ll pay you.’So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10And after the boy had grown, she brought him to PharaOh’s daughter and he became her son. [PharaOh’s daughter] named him Moses [Egyptian: Mo-sheh, meaning, to draw], because she said:‘I drew him from the water.’11In time, after Moses had grown, he went to see his brothers, the sons of IsraEl. And as he was observing how bad things were, he noticed an Egyptian beating one of his Hebrew brothers of the children of IsraEl. 12Then he looked around and he didn’t see anyone, so he bludgeoned the Egyptian and buried [his body] in the sand.13Well, on the next day, he noticed two Hebrew men fighting, and he asked the bully:‘Why are you beating your neighbor?’14And he replied:‘Who appointed you to be our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me like you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’This stunned Moses, and he thought:‘If [he knows], then others will know!’15And when PharaOh found out about it, he tried to have Moses put to death. So Moses withdrew from the face of PharaOh and went to live in the land of MidiAn.Then, upon arriving in the land of MidiAn, he sat down next to a well. 16And nearby, the 7 daughters of the Priest of MidiAn happened to be grazing their father’s sheep.Then, when they came [to the well] to fill their buckets to water the flock, 17some shepherds arrived and [tried to] chase them away. However, Moses stood up and protected them. And thereafter, he drew water for them and watered their sheep.18Well, after they returned to their home, their father (RagouEl) asked them:‘Why have you returned so quickly today?’19And they replied:‘An Egyptian protected us from the shepherds; and then he drew water for us and watered our sheep.’20So [RaguEl] asked his daughters:‘Where is he… Why did you leave the man? Invite him over [for a meal].’21Well [after that], Moses developed a good relationship with the man, and [RaguEl] gave his daughter SepPhoran to be Moses’ wife. 22Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a son, whom Moses named GerSam [meaning, Visitor], for he said:‘I’m a visitor in a strange land.’23After a while, the king of Egypt died. But the children of IsraEl kept groaning and crying because of their hard work. And the cries over their labor ascended to God! 24[He] heard their groaning and God remembered the Sacred Agreement He had made with AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob... 25So He [started paying attention] to the children of IsraEl, and He made Himself known to them.
1It was while Moses was out tending the flock of his father-in-law (His Excellence, the Priest of MidiAn) that he’d led the sheep into the desert to the dry mountain. 2And there, Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him in a flame that was burning in a bush. He saw the flames in the bush, but [the bush] wasn’t really burning.3And Moses said:‘I’ll get closer, so I can see this great sight… To find out why the bush isn’t being burned!’4And when [God] saw him drawing closer to look, the Lord called to him from the bush. He said:‘Moses!‘Moses!’And [Moses] asked:‘What is it?’5And He said:‘Don’t come any closer. Take your sandals off, because you’re standing on holy ground.’6Then He said:‘I am the God of your ancestors… The God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob.’Well at that, Moses turned his face away, because he was afraid to look at God.7Then the Lord told Moses:‘I’ve seen the hardships that My people are enduring in Egypt, and I’ve heard their cries about their task-masters, so I know what they’re going through.8‘Now, I’ve come down here to free them from the Egyptians and to take them away from that land, to a land that’s good and has plenty of room… A land that’s flowing with milk and honey. It’s the place where the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Pherezites, Gergeshites, Evites, and Jebusites [live].9‘For, {Look!} the shouting of the children of IsraEl has now reached to Me, and I’ve seen the suffering that the Egyptians are bringing upon them.10‘So now, come; because, I’m going to send you to PharaOh, the king of Egypt, and you’re going to bring My people (the children of IsraEl) out of the land of Egypt.’11But Moses asked God:‘Just who am I that I should go to PharaOh the king of Egypt and bring the children of IsraEl out of that land?’12And God replied:‘I will be with you! This [place] will serve as the sign that I’m sending you.‘Then when you bring My people out of Egypt, you must serve God on this mountain.’13But Moses said to God:‘Look, I’ll go to the children of IsraEl and tell them:‘The God of our ancestors has sent me to you.’‘But they’re going to ask:‘What is His Name?’‘So, what should I tell them?’14And God told Moses:‘I am The Being! Just tell the children of IsraEl that The Being has sent you.’15Then God said to Moses:‘Tell the Sons of IsraEl that Jehovah the God of your ancestors – the God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob – has sent you to them.‘That has been My Name throughout the ages, and it’s how I shall be remembered from generation to generation.16‘So, go and gather the elders of the children of IsraEl, then tell them that Jehovah, the God of your ancestors, has appeared to you. He’s the God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob.‘[And report that] He said:‘I have looked [down] and [seen] all the bad things that are happening to you in Egypt.’17‘And tell them that I will take them away from their oppression in Egypt into the land of the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Pherezites, Gergeshites, Evites, and Jebusites… A land that is flowing with milk and honey.18‘And then they’ll listen to what you have to say.‘After that, you and the elders of IsraEl must go to PharaOh the king of Egypt and tell him this:‘The God of the Hebrews has called us, so we’re going on a 3-day journey into the desert to offer a sacrifice to our God.’19‘However, I know that PharaOh (the king of Egypt) won’t let you go [unless he sees] a mighty hand [of power]. 20So I’ll raise My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I [wish to show] to them… And then he will allow you to leave.21‘I will also make [My] people look good in the eyes of the Egyptians, so that when you escape, you won’t leave empty handed.22‘Women will ask their neighbors and landlords for clothing, and for gold and silver [jewelry], which you’ll then put on your sons and your daughters… So you’ll plunder the Egyptians!’
1Then Moses asked:‘But, what if they don’t listen to me and do what I tell them to do? Or, what if they say, God hasn’t appeared to you… What should I tell them then?’2So the Lord asked him:‘What do you have in your hand?’And he replied:‘My walking stick.’3Then [the Lord] said:‘Throw it on the ground.’Well, when he threw it on the ground it became a snake, and Moses ran from it.4And after that, the Lord told Moses:‘Now, reach out and grab it by the tail.’So [Moses] reached out and grabbed it by the tail, 5and it became a walking stick in his hand once again. [And God continued]:‘That’s why they’ll believe you when you say that the God of your ancestors has appeared to you… The God of AbraHam, and of IsaAc, and of Jacob.’6Then the Lord told him:‘Now, put your hand inside [your robe and touch] your chest.’So, he reached inside and touched his chest; and when he brought his hand out, it was [as white] as snow!7Then [the Lord] said:‘Now, put your hand back in and touch your chest once more.’So, he reached in and touched his chest, and when he brought it out, its color had returned to the regular shade of his flesh!8[Then the Lord said]:‘So, if the first sign doesn’t make them listen to you and believe, the second sign will. 9But if they still won’t listen to you or believe after these two signs, then draw some water from the river and pour it out on the dry ground… And the river water will turn into blood.’10Then Moses said to the Lord:‘I beg you Lord; I’ve not been good at this in the past, and I’ve not become any better at it since You’ve started talking to your servant… I’m a poor speaker and I talk slowly!’11And the Lord asked Moses:‘Who gave man his mouth? Who made both those who can hear and the deaf, as well as those who can see and the blind? Wasn’t it Me… God?12‘Now, go on, and I’ll open your mouth and tell you what to say!’13But Moses continued:‘I beg you Lord, send someone who is more capable!’14Well, this made the Lord very angry with Moses, so He said:‘Look; isn’t Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he’ll speak for you… Look, he’s coming to meet you, and when he sees you, he’ll be jumping for joy.15‘Then you must talk to him and put My words into his mouth, and I’ll open both of your mouths and tell you what to say. 16Let him speak to the people for you… He will serve as your mouth and you will be the things of God to him.17‘So now, take this walking stick that turned into a snake in your hands and work miracles with it!’18Well thereafter, Moses returned to His Excellence (his father-in-law), and said:‘I’m going to visit my brother in Egypt to see if he’s still living.’And His Excellence said to Moses:‘Go in health.’Well, after some time, the king of Egypt [possibly Kamose] died. 19And the Lord said to Moses (while he was still in MidiAn):‘Now go… Leave for Egypt, because those who wanted to kill you, are dead.’20So Moses took his wife and children, mounted them on his animals, and returned to Egypt. Moses also carried along the walking stick [through which he’d received power] from God.21And the Lord said to Moses:‘When you return to Egypt, consider all the miracles that I’ve given to you, then you must perform these things before PharaOh.‘However, I’ll make him hard-hearted and he will still refuse to send the people away. 22So you must tell PharaOh:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘IsraEl is My firstborn, 23and I’ve told you to send My people away so they can serve Me; however, if you won’t send them away, {Look!} I’ll destroy all your firstborn!’24Well, [during their journey], a messenger of Jehovah met them along the way at an inn, and he wanted to kill [Moses’ son]. 25But SepPhoran grabbed a [sharp] stone and cut off her son’s foreskin.Then she fell at his feet and said:‘See… The blood of my son’s circumcision is flowing!’26So because she said, ‘The blood of my son’s circumcision is flowing,’ he left.27Then the Lord told Aaron:‘Now, go into the desert to meet Moses.’So, he went and met him at the Mountain of God, and they kissed each other. 28And thereafter, Moses told Aaron everything that the Lord had said, why he was being sent, and about all the things that he’d been instructed to do.29So Moses and Aaron went and gathered the elders of the children of IsraEl, 30and Aaron told them everything that God had said to Moses; then he performed the miracles before the people… 31And the people believed and were happy, because God was visiting the children of IsraEl and He had seen how they were being oppressed.So, the people all bowed to their faces before him.
1Well after that, Moses and Aaron went to PharaOh and said to him:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl, said:‘Send My people away, so they can hold a feast to Me in the desert.’2And PharaOh asked:‘Just who is this Jehovah, that I must pay attention to anything He has to say and send the children of IsraEl away? I don’t know Jehovah, and I’m not letting IsraEl go!’3So [Moses and Aaron] said:‘The God of the Hebrews has called us to Him, and we’re going on a 3-day journey into the desert to [offer] sacrifices to our God Jehovah; otherwise, we’re afraid that He might strike us and we’ll die!’4But the king of Egypt replied:‘Why are you, Moses and Aaron, trying to keep people from doing their work? Now, go back and just do your jobs!’5Then PharaOh said [to his people]:‘{Look!} There are huge numbers of them and we can’t allow them to slack off from doing their work!’6And as a result, PharaOh gave orders to those who were in charge to tell their supervisors 7not to give the people any straw for brick-making as they did the day before and three days before that.He said:‘Let them gather and carry the straw for themselves! 8However, they must maintain the quota for the daily brick making… Don’t let up on them, because they’re lazy!‘Why, they came here demanding that we must allow them to [go out and] offer a sacrifice to their God. 9Therefore, make the men’s work much harder, so they’ll pay attention to that instead of to idle chatter!’10Well, the taskmasters and the supervisors acted quickly, and they told the people:‘This is what PharaOh says:‘I’m not going to give you straw anymore. 11Go get it yourselves! Take it from wherever you can find it… But you must still make the same number of [bricks]!’12So the people were scattered all over the land of Egypt as they gathered stubble for straw. 13And the taskmasters kept pushing them, saying:‘You aren’t meeting the quotas you had when [we were providing] the straw.’14But then the supervisors who were assigned over the children of IsraEl by PharaOh’s governors were whipped… And they were asked:‘Why aren’t you meeting your brick-making quotas as you did yesterday and three days ago?’15Well as a result, the children of IsraEl’s supervisors went to see PharaOh, and asked him:‘Why are you treating your servants this way? 16You don’t give us any straw, but you tell us to make bricks anyhow... And now {Look!} your servants have been whipped! Are you going to allow your people to be injured?’17And he said to them:‘You’re lazy and you’re slackers! For you said, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifices to our God.’18‘Now, go to work instead, because you won’t be given any straw… But you must meet the same quota of bricks.’19Well, the children of IsraEl’s supervisors realized that they were in a tight situation, since they’d been told that they still had to deliver the same daily quota of bricks.20So when they saw Moses and Aaron coming to meet them (just after they’d left PharaOh), 21they said:‘May God look down on you and judge you, because you’ve made us so hated by PharaOh and his servants that you’ve put the sword into their hands to kill us!’22Then Moses turned to Jehovah, and said:‘I beg You, O Lord,‘Why have You caused trouble for these people, and why did You send me?23‘For from the time that I went to PharaOh to speak in Your Name, he’s made things harder for these people… And You still haven’t taken Your people away.’
1And Jehovah replied to Moses:‘Now you’re going to see what I will do to PharaOh; for he will indeed send them away… With a strong hand and a hard pitch he’ll throw them out of his land!’2And God said to Moses:‘I am Jehovah.3‘I appeared to AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob as their God – and wasn’t my name Jehovah declared to them? 4I established My sacred agreement with them [and promised] to give them the land of the CanaAnites… The land where they were visitors and living as strangers.5‘Now, I’ve heard the groaning of the children of IsraEl over the oppressive ways that the Egyptians are keeping them in slavery, and I’ve remembered the sacred agreement [that I made] with them.6‘So, go and tell the children of IsraEl that I am Jehovah and that I will lead them out of the tyranny of the Egyptians and free them from slavery.‘I’ll pay their ransom with a hard pitch and a great judgment, 7then I’ll take them to be My people and I’ll be their God… And they’ll know that I am Jehovah their God who freed them from the tyranny of the Egyptians.8‘Then I’ll bring them into the land that I reached out to give to AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob… I’ll give it to them as their inheritance, for I am Jehovah!’9So, that’s what Moses then went and told the Sons of IsraEl.However, they wouldn’t listen to Moses, because of their fear and their hard work. 10So the Lord told Moses:11‘Go and tell PharaOh the king of Egypt to send the children of IsraEl out of his land!’12And Moses replied to the Lord, saying:‘Look, the children of IsraEl didn’t listen to me, so how will I get PharaOh to listen to me? Besides, I’m not a good speaker.’13So the Lord spoke to [both] Moses and Aaron and told them to order PharaOh (the king of Egypt) to send the children of IsraEl out of the land of Egypt.14Now, these were the family heads of each of the houses of [IsraEl at the time]...The sons of ReuBen (IsraEl’s firstborn) were:• Enoch, • PhalLus, • AsRon, and • Charmi.They were ReuBen’s children.15The sons of SimeOn were:• JemuEl, • JaMin, • Aod, • JaChin, • SaAr, and • Saul (a Phoenician woman’s son).These were SimeOn’s children.16The sons of Levi (and the family heads) were:• GedSon, • CaAth, and • MeraRi.And Levi lived to be 137 years old.17The sons of GedSon (and the family heads) were:• LoBeni, and • Semei.CaAth’s sons were:18• AmBram, • IshSaAr, • ChebRon, and • Ozie.And CaAth lived to be 133 years old.19The sons of MeraRi (and the family heads) were:• MoOli, and • Omusi.20Now, AmBram married his cousin JochaBed (the daughter of his father’s brother), and she gave birth to:• Aaron, • Moses, and • MiriAm (their sister).AmBram [died] when he was 132 years old.21The sons of IshSaAr were:• KorAh, • Naphec, and • ZechRi.22And the sons of OziEl were:• MisaEl, • EliShaphan, and • Segri.23Then Aaron married EliShaBeth, the daughter of AminAdab and the sister of NaAsson, and she gave birth to:• NaDab, • AbiUd, • EliEzer, and • IthaMar.24KorAh’s sons were:• Asir, • ElKana, and • AbiAsar.These were KorAh’s children.25Aaron’s son EliEzer married one of the daughters of PhutiEl, and she gave birth to PhineAs.These are the heads of the family of the Levites, by their generations.26And this is Aaron and Moses, who were told by God to use His power to bring the children of IsraEl out of the land of Egypt.27So, this is what they went and said to PharaOh the king of Egypt (before Aaron and Moses brought the children of IsraEl out of the land of Egypt) 28on the very day that the Lord spoke to Moses.29For the Lord told Moses:‘I am Jehovah! So, speak to PharaOh the king of Egypt and tell him whatever I say to you.’30But Moses replied to the Lord:‘Look, I’m not a good speaker; so how will I get PharaOh to listen to me?’
1Then the Lord told Moses:‘Look! I’ve made you a god to PharaOh, and your brother Aaron is your Prophet.2‘So, tell PharaOh everything that I’ve told you to say through your brother Aaron… Tell him that he must send the children of IsraEl out of his land!3‘However, I will make PharaOh hardhearted, then I will bring many signs and wonders to the land of Egypt; 4but, PharaOh will still refuse to listen to you.‘Then I will lay My hand upon Egypt and bring My people the children of IsraEl out of their land by My power and with a great vengeance. 5And all the Egyptians will know that I am Jehovah, and that I stretched out My hand towards Egypt and brought the children of IsraEl out of their midst.’6So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded them.7Now, Moses was 80 years old, and his brother Aaron was 83 years old when they spoke to PharaOh.8Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron:9‘If PharaOh says that you must give him a sign or perform a miracle; tell your brother Aaron to throw his walking stick on the ground in front of PharaOh and his servants, and it will become a snake.’10So when Moses and Aaron went in [and stood] before PharaOh and his servants, they did just as the Lord had instructed them. Aaron threw his walking stick before PharaOh and his servants, and it became a snake.11However, PharaOh brought in all the Egyptian wise men, warlocks, and soothsayers, and they used their magic to do the same thing… 12They each threw down their walking sticks and they became snakes... But then, Aaron’s walking stick swallowed down their walking sticks!13Nevertheless, PharaOh’s heart became hard and he refused to listen to what Jehovah had instructed them to say.[Plague #1 – Water into blood]14So, the Lord told Moses:‘Now, PharaOh’s heart has become hard and he won’t let the people go. 15So, approach PharaOh when he goes down to the river tomorrow morning and meet with him there on its bank... Then take [Aaron’s] walking stick that turned into a snake, 16and tell [PharaOh] that Jehovah the God of the Hebrews has sent you to him, and that He says:‘Send My people away so they can serve Me in the desert! Look, you haven’t listened to Me so far, 17but this is how I’m going to let you know that I am the Lord!’‘[Then tell him]:‘Look; I’m going to slap the water with this walking stick in my hand, and the river water will change into blood. 18And at that, all the fish in the river will die and it’ll stink, so the Egyptians won’t be able to drink water from the river.’19And the Lord continued:‘Then tell your brother Aaron to take his walking stick and hold his arms out over all the water in Egypt (over its rivers, canals, ponds, and any standing water) and they’ll turn into blood... This blood will be throughout the entire land of Egypt… Even in their pottery and wooden jars!’20So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.[Aaron] held out the walking stick and slapped the river right there in front of PharaOh and his servants, and all the river water changed into blood!21Then all the fish in the river died and the river had a foul odor, so the Egyptians couldn’t drink water from it... And there was blood throughout the entire land of Egypt.22However, the Egyptian soothsayers used their magic to do the same thing. So the heart of PharaOh became hard and he wouldn’t listen to them… Which is just what the Lord said [would happen].23Then PharaOh turned around and went back into his palace without looking at anything.24Well, the Egyptians had to dig [wells] around the river to find drinking water, because they couldn’t drink the water from the river. 25And Jehovah’s conquest of the river lasted for 7 days.
[Plague #2 – Frogs]1Then the Lord told Moses:‘Now go to PharaOh [again] and tell him that this is what Jehovah has said:‘Send My people away, so they can serve Me. 2And if you don’t send them away, {Look!} I’ll fill your land with frogs… 3the river will teem with frogs, and they’ll get into your houses, into your bedrooms, and onto your beds...‘[They’ll be] in the homes of your citizens, in the homes of your servants, on your dough, and on your ovens. 4They will also climb on you, your servants, and your people.’5And the Lord said to Moses:‘Then, tell your brother Aaron to raise his arms with his walking stick in his hand over the rivers, canals, and pools, to bring up the frogs.’6So when Aaron held his arms out over the waters of Egypt, it did bring up the frogs; and the frogs that he brought up covered the whole land of Egypt.7Well, the Egyptian soothsayers used their magic and they too brought frogs upon the land of Egypt.8But then PharaOh called for Moses and Aaron, and said:‘Pray to Jehovah for me and ask Him to take the frogs away from my people and from me!‘Then I will send [the children of IsraEl] away to offer their sacrifices to Jehovah.’9And Moses said to PharaOh:‘Tell me exactly when I should pray for the frogs to disappear from you, your servants, and your people, [for that’s when they’ll leave] you, your people, and your houses.‘However, they’ll remain in the river.’10And [PharaOh] replied:‘Tomorrow morning.’Then [Moses] said:‘It’ll be just as you’ve said… And then you’ll know that there’s no [God] other than Jehovah. 11For the frogs will be removed from you, your houses, your villages, your servants, and your people. However, they’ll remain in the river.’12And at that, Moses and Aaron left PharaOh.Then [the next morning] Moses called to Jehovah and asked Him to remove the frogs, as PharaOh had requested. 13And Jehovah did just as Moses had asked… The frogs died in the houses, villages, and fields. 14Then they gathered them in piles, which caused the whole land to stink.15Well, when PharaOh saw that there was some relief, his heart became hard again, and he didn’t listen to the things that they told him that Jehovah had said.[Plague #3 – Fleas]16So the Lord told Moses:‘Now, tell Aaron to take his walking stick in his hand and to hit the dirt on the ground; then fleas will cover the men and animals throughout the entire land of Egypt.’17So Aaron stuck out his walking stick and hit the dirt on the ground, and fleas covered the men and the animals… There were fleas on the ground everywhere!18Well, the soothsayers tried to use their magic to do the same thing and bring out the fleas, but they were unable to do so. However, the fleas covered both the men and the animals.19So the soothsayers said to PharaOh:‘This is the finger of God!’But PharaOh’s heart was again hardened and he wouldn’t listen to them and do as Jehovah had said.[Plague #4 – Stable Flies]20So the Lord said to Moses:‘Get up early in the morning and stand before PharaOh as he’s going down to the water. Then you must tell him that this is what Jehovah has said:‘Send My people away so they can serve Me in the desert. 21For if you won’t let My people go, {Look!} I’m going to send stable flies to you, your servants, your citizens, and into your homes. The houses of the Egyptians will be filled with stable flies wherever they live in the land.
22‘[But this time], I’ll create a marvelous difference in the land of Gesem, where My people are living… There’ll be no stable flies there. Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah, the God of the whole earth, 23when I create a difference between My people and yours!‘This is going to happen in your land tomorrow!’24Well, the stable flies came in huge numbers and they got into the houses of PharaOh, his servants, and everyone in the land of Egypt… The land was virtually destroyed by stable flies!25So PharaOh called Moses and Aaron [again] and said:‘Now, go and offer a sacrifice to Jehovah your God… [but do it] here in this land.’26However, Moses said:‘We can’t do that, because the things we’ll sacrifice to Jehovah our God are considered disgusting by the Egyptians. So if we sacrifice such things in front of the Egyptians, they’ll stone us.27‘Instead, let us travel three days into the desert, and we’ll offer our sacrifices to Jehovah our God there, just as our Lord told us.’28Then PharaOh said:‘Well, you can go and sacrifice to your God in the desert; but, don’t go too far… And pray to Jehovah for me!’29And Moses said:‘Now I’ll leave you and pray to God, so that the stable flies will leave your servants and your citizens tomorrow. But PharaOh… Don’t deceive me again and then refuse to send the people away to sacrifice to Jehovah!’30So Moses left PharaOh and he prayed to God; 31and Jehovah did just as Moses said… He removed all the stable flies from PharaOh, his servants, and his citizens.32However, PharaOh’s heart became hard once again and he wouldn’t send the people away.
[Plague #5 – Cattle deaths]1So the Lord told Moses:‘Go to PharaOh and tell him that this is what Jehovah the God of the Hebrews has said:‘Send My people away so they can serve Me! 2If you don’t send My people away and if you prevent them from going, 3{Look!} the Lord will touch the cattle in your fields – the horses, burros, camels, bulls, and sheep – and many will die!4‘I’ll also show a marvelous difference between [the way I’ll treat] the cattle of the Egyptians and the cattle of the children of IsraEl. None of those who belong to the children of IsraEl will die.’5Then God told him when this would happen. He said:‘I’ll bring it on the land tomorrow.’6And the next day, cattle that belonged to all the Egyptians died, but none of the children of IsraEl’s cattle died.7And when PharaOh saw that none of the cattle that belonged to the children of IsraEl died (not one), his heart became even harder; so he refused to let the people go.[Plague #6 – Blisters]8Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:‘Moses should take handfuls of furnace ashes and throw them into the sky before PharaOh and his servants, 9so it can blow like dust over the entire land of Egypt.‘Then the men and animals throughout all of Egypt will break out with blisters.’10So Moses carried furnace ashes before PharaOh and threw them into the sky… And they caused blisters to break out on both the men and their animals.11Well, the soothsayers were no longer able to stand before Moses, because they were also covered with blisters like everyone else in the land of Egypt.12But Jehovah made PharaOh’s heart even harder, so he wouldn’t listen to them and do what the Lord told him to do.[Plague #7 – Hailstorm]13And the Lord said to Moses:‘Get up early in the morning and stand before PharaOh, then tell him that this is what Jehovah the God of the Hebrews has said:‘Send My people away so they can serve Me. 14For I’ve been sending all My plagues into your heart and into the hearts of your servants and your people, so you’ll know that there isn’t anyone else like Me in the entire earth.15‘And now I’m going to raise My hand to strike you and kill your people, wiping them off of the earth. 16For, the very reason that you’ve been allowed to live is so that I might display My strength through you, and so that My Name might be advertised throughout the whole world!17‘You’ve taken great pains to keep My people and to not let them go, haven’t you? 18So look! At this same time tomorrow I’ll bring a hailstorm that will be the worst that Egypt has seen since the time it was founded!19‘Hurry and gather your cattle, as well as everything else that you have in the fields… All the men and cattle that you can find in the fields... For if they don’t go inside a building, the hail will hit them and kill them!’20So, those servants of PharaOh that were afraid of what the Lord said brought their cattle into their homes. 21And those who didn’t pay any attention to what the Lord said left their cattle in the fields.22Then the Lord told Moses:‘Raise your hands to the sky, and there’ll be a hailstorm throughout the entire land of Egypt… On the men, the cattle, and all the plants that are growing on the ground.’23So Moses raised his hands to the sky, and Jehovah sent hail, thunder, and lightning that rolled around on the ground. And this hail from Jehovah rained throughout the entire land of Egypt.24There was hail and there was lightning mixed with hail… It was the greatest hailstorm to hit Egypt in the [history of] that nation! 25The hail landed all over the land of Egypt – on the men, the animals, and the grass in the fields – and it broke all the trees in the fields.26But in the land of Gesem where the children of IsraEl were, there was no hail.27So PharaOh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said:‘I’ve sinned this time. Jehovah is righteous, and my people and I are wicked.28‘Pray to Jehovah for me and have Him stop the thunder, lightning, and the hail; then, I’ll send you away and you won’t have to [live here] anymore.’29And Moses said to him:‘After I leave the city, I’ll raise my hands to Jehovah, and the thunder, lightning, hail, and rain will stop… Then you’ll know that the earth belongs to Jehovah.30‘However, I know that you and your servants still don’t fear Jehovah.’31Well, [Egypt’s] flax and barley was all destroyed, because the barley was fully-grown and the flax had seeds. 32However, the wheat and rye hadn’t been damaged, because they came up later.33Then Moses left PharaOh and [walked] out of the city. And when he raised his hands to Jehovah, the thundering ended, and the rain and hail stopped falling.34But when PharaOh saw that the rain, hail, and thundering had stopped, he continued to sin. He hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants. 35And it was because of this hardened heart that PharaOh refused to send the children of IsraEl away, as Jehovah had instructed him through Moses.
[Plague #8 – Locusts]1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:‘Go to PharaOh [again], because I’ve hardened the hearts of him and his servants so I could bring these signs upon them.2‘[I did this] so you could tell your children and your children’s children of the many ways that I’ve mocked the Egyptians through the wonders I’ve brought upon them, and so that they’ll know that I am the Lord.’3Then Moses and Aaron went before PharaOh and said to him:‘This is what Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, says:‘How much longer will you refuse to respect Me?‘Send My people away, so they can serve Me!4‘But if you won’t send My people away... {Look!} at this same time tomorrow, I’ll bring huge amounts of locusts to all your borders. 5They’ll cover the entire land, so that you won’t be able to see the ground. They’ll eat everything that the hail has left for you, and chew up every tree that you still have growing in the land.6‘Your houses, the houses of your servants, and all the houses throughout the land of Egypt will be filled with them. It’ll be something that neither your fathers nor their ancestors have seen from their time until this day.’Then Moses turned and left PharaOh. 7And PharaOh’s servants said to him:‘How much longer are you going to allow them to be a snare to us?‘Send those people away so they can serve their God!‘Don’t you realize that Egypt is [being] destroyed?’8So they went and brought Moses and Aaron back to PharaOh, and he said to them:‘You may go and serve Jehovah your God… But, who will be going with you?’9And Moses replied:‘We’ll be taking the young and the old, along with our sons, daughters, sheep, and bulls, because this is a feast of Jehovah.’10Then [PharaOh] said to them:‘May Jehovah be with you. But if I send you away, must I also [send away] all that you own?‘You have an evil [plan], 11so [I’m] not going to [allow that]! I’ll just allow the men to go and serve your God, because that’s all you really wanted.‘Now, throw them out from before the presence of PharaOh!’12Then the Lord told Moses:‘Raise your hands over the land of Egypt and let the locusts come to the land. They’ll eat every plant on the ground and all the fruit that wasn’t damaged by the hail on the trees!’13So Moses raised his walking stick to the sky, and Jehovah sent a south wind [that blew] all day and all night long... Then the next morning, the south wind brought the locusts, 14sending them throughout the land of Egypt. And there they sat in huge numbers throughout all the borders of Egypt.Never had such locusts been seen before or since! 15They covered the entire ground and they devastated the land. They ate all the plants off the ground and any fruit in the trees that hadn’t been damaged by the hail… Nothing green was left on the trees or in the fields anywhere in the land of Egypt!16Then PharaOh hastily called Moses and Aaron, and said:‘I have sinned before Jehovah your God and against you.17‘[Please] pardon my sin one more time and pray to Jehovah your God… Ask Him to take away this death!’18So Moses left PharaOh and prayed to God; 19then Jehovah sent a strong wind from the sea that blew in the opposite direction, picking up the locusts and throwing them into the Red Sea… And there wasn’t a single locust left anywhere in the land of Egypt.20But Jehovah continued to harden PharaOh’s heart, so he didn’t send the children of IsraEl away.[Plague #9 – Darkness]21Then the Lord told Moses:‘Now lift your hands towards the sky and bring darkness to the land of Egypt… A darkness that can be felt.’22So Moses raised his hands to the sky, and it stormed throughout the land of Egypt for three days… And the sky became totally black!23Well, for the next three days, nobody could see anyone else, so no one even got out of bed. However, all the children of IsraEl had light where they were.24Then PharaOh called Moses and Aaron, and said:‘Now, go and serve your God Jehovah… But you must leave your sheep, your cattle, and your belongings here!’25However, Moses said:‘No! You must allow us the burnt offerings and sacrifices that we’re going to offer to our God Jehovah… 26Our cattle will be going with us!‘We won’t leave a hoof behind, because we’re going to take them to serve Jehovah our God, and we won’t know how we’re supposed to serve Him until we get there.’27But Jehovah kept hardening PharaOh’s heart and he wouldn’t let them go.28So PharaOh said:‘Get away from me, and be careful not to see my face again, because the next time you appear before me, you’re going to die!’29And Moses replied:‘That’s what you’ve said, so I won’t appear in your presence again!’
1Then the Lord told Moses:‘I’m going to bring one more plague upon PharaOh and Egypt… And he will send you away with everything. In fact, he’ll drive you out!2‘Now, go to the people secretly and tell them to ask their neighbors for clothing, silver, and gold jewelry.’3Well, Jehovah caused his people to be looked upon favorably by the Egyptians and they were willing to lend things to them, because the Egyptians considered Moses a great man… Even greater than PharaOh and his servants.4Then Moses told [the children of IsraEl]:‘This is what the Lord said:‘About midnight I’ll be going throughout Egypt, 5and all the firstborn in the land will die, from the firstborn of PharaOh that sits on the throne, to the firstborn of the female slave that sits by the mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle.6‘Then a cry will [be heard] throughout the land of Egypt such as has never been heard before and will never be heard again!7‘However, among the children of IsraEl, not even a dog will snarl at a man or an animal. That’s when you’ll see the great difference that Jehovah will make between the Egyptians and IsraEl!8‘For they’ll then be your servants… They’ll come to [you] and bow, saying:‘Leave, both you and all the people whom you’re in charge of.’‘And that’s when [you’ll] leave.’9Meanwhile, Moses had left PharaOh [feeling very] angry. And the Lord told Moses:‘PharaOh isn’t going to listen to you anymore, so now I’m going to bring great signs and wonders to the land of Egypt.’10Yes, even though Moses and Aaron had been bringing all these signs and wonders to the land of Egypt and to PharaOh, Jehovah kept hardening PharaOh’s heart, so he wouldn’t listen and send the children of IsraEl out of the land of Egypt.
[Plague #10 – Death of the firstborn]1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron there in the land of Egypt, and said:2‘This will be your 1st month. It’s to be the first one [in your] year.3‘So, tell the whole gathering of the children of IsraEl that on the 10th day of this month, each man should select a lamb for his household (depending on the size of his family). 4And if there are just a few in his house (too few [to eat a whole] lamb), they may go to [the home of] a nearby neighbor.‘They are to figure out how many people there’ll be, and then calculate how much lamb they’ll eat.5‘So, choose a perfect male yearling lamb from [your herd] of lambs and kids, 6and keep it nearby until the 14th day of this month.‘Then the whole gathering of the children of IsraEl must slaughter [their lambs] towards the evening, 7and they must gather the blood and splash it on the top and both sides of the doorframes of the houses where they’ll be eating [the lamb].8‘Then that night, they must roast the flesh over a fire and eat it with fermentation-free bread and bitter herbs.9‘Now, you must not eat it raw or boiled in water, just roasted over a fire with the head, feet, and extremities. 10Nothing should be left over until morning, and you shouldn’t break any of its bones.‘Then, any leftovers must be burned in the fire.11‘And this is how you must eat it:‘With your thighs covered for work, your sandals on your feet, and your walking sticks in your hands.‘You must eat it quickly, because it’ll be Jehovah’s Passover. 12For I’ll go throughout the land of Egypt that night and strike all the firstborn in that land (both the men and their animals), and I’ll bring My vengeance upon all the gods of Egypt… I am Jehovah!13‘Now, this blood will be the sign that you’re inside of each house; for when I see the blood, I’ll protect you, and you won’t be a part of the plague of destruction when I strike the land of Egypt.14‘You must always remember this day and keep it as a feast to Jehovah through all your generations… [observance of] this feast will be the law throughout the ages.15‘You must eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days.‘And starting on the 1st day, you must remove all the fermentation from your homes. For if anyone eats fermentation between the 1st and 7th days, that person must be destroyed in IsraEl.16‘The 1st day will be called holy, and the 7th day will be your holy day when you aren’t to do any hired work.‘The only work that you may do will be for the things that you require.17‘You must observe this commandment, because this is the day that I will use My great power to bring you out of the land of Egypt… You must make this day a law throughout the ages for every generation!18‘You must eat fermentation-free bread from the evening of the 14th day of the 1st month until the evening of the 21st day.19‘Fermentation must not be found in your homes during those 7 days, and whoever eats anything with fermentation must have his life cut off from the gathering of IsraEl and he will be self-condemned in the land.‘This applies to the native residents of your land and your neighbors (converts). 20Yes, nobody should eat anything that has fermentation… Only fermentation-free bread may be eaten in any of your homes.’21Then Moses called all the elders of the children of IsraEl and told them:‘Go find yourselves a lamb (according to your family needs) and slaughter the Passover.22‘Then [cut] bunches of hyssop branches and dip them into some of the blood next to the door, and touch it to the upper part and both sides of the door frame… With this blood that’s by the door.‘Thereafter, no one should go outside the door of his house until morning, 23for the Lord will pass over you [as He] strikes the Egyptians… He will see the blood on the doorframes and the Lord will pass over that door, then He won’t allow the destroyer to enter your homes to strike you.24‘Now, keep this as a Law for yourselves and for your descendants throughout the ages!25‘And when you enter the land that Jehovah has promised to give you, you must keep on doing this.26‘Then if your sons should ever ask:‘Why are we doing this?’27‘You should tell them:‘The Passover is a sacrifice to Jehovah for when He protected the homes of the children of IsraEl in Egypt and He struck the Egyptians, but [passed over] our homes.’28Well thereafter, the people bowed to their faces, then the children of IsraEl went and did exactly as Jehovah had instructed Moses and Aaron.29It was midnight when Jehovah struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… From the firstborn of PharaOh that was sitting on the throne, to the firstborn of the female slave that was sitting in a dungeon, and to the firstborn of all the cattle.30So, PharaOh woke up that night (as did his servants and all the Egyptians) and there was a lot of screaming throughout the entire land of Egypt; for someone had died in every home.31As a result, PharaOh called Moses and Aaron that night and told them this:‘Get up and leave us, both you and the children of IsraEl! Go and serve your God Jehovah as you’ve asked, 32and take your sheep and bulls with you.‘But please bless me… I beg you!’33All the Egyptian people also urged them to leave their land quickly, because they were saying:‘We’re all going to die!’34So the children of IsraEl took all their bread dough that hadn’t fermented yet and wrapped it in cloths, and carried it on their shoulders.35Then, following Moses’ instructions, they asked the Egyptians for clothing, as well as for items of silver and gold. 36And because Jehovah had caused the Egyptians to view them favorably, they [gave them these things]… So they plundered the Egyptians.37Then the children of IsraEl got up and left RaMesse, traveling towards to SocChoth (some 600,000 men on foot) with everything they owned, 38along with a huge number of others who left with them, as well as with their sheep, bulls, and many cattle.39[And when they got there], they baked the dough that they’d brought from Egypt into fermentation-free loaves (there was still no fermentation in the dough), because the Egyptians hadn’t allowed them to stay any longer. For, since they’d been literally thrown out, they hadn’t been allowed enough time to properly prepare for their journey.40Now, even though it had been 430 years that the children of IsraEl lived in the land of CanaAn and in the land of Egypt, 41the whole army of Jehovah left the land of Egypt that [single] night!42And since this was [the night] that they kept watching for Jehovah to bring them out of the land of Egypt, all the children of IsraEl were to observe it as a night of watch to Jehovah throughout all their generations.43Then the Lord told Moses and Aaron:‘This is the Law regarding the Passover:‘No stranger may eat it, 44and any slave or servant that you buy must be circumcised before he can eat it.45‘However, visitors and people you hire can’t eat it. 46It must be eaten in one house, because you can’t carry the flesh outside of the house… And no bones should be broken.47‘The entire gathering of the children of IsraEl must continue to do this.48‘And if any converts come and want to observe the Passover to Jehovah, you must circumcise all their males before they can [partake of] the sacrifice; for thereafter, they’ll be treated as residents in the land.‘However, no one uncircumcised may eat it.49‘So, there’ll be just one Law, and it’ll apply to both the native residents and to those who come to be converts among you.’50Then the children of IsraEl did exactly as Jehovah had instructed Moses and Aaron... 51And that was the day Jehovah brought the children of IsraEl out of the land of Egypt with all their armies.[Editor note: God now begins to give the first laws to IsraEl. The story continues in Exodus 13:17.]
1Then the Lord told Moses:2‘All the first-fathered and firstborn that open any womb among the children of IsraEl, whether of men or animals, are to be set aside as holy to Me, for they are now Mine!’3And Moses said to the people:‘Remember this day! [It’s the one] when you were brought out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery; for, Jehovah brought you out of there with His strong hand.‘So, fermentation must not be eaten 4on this day of new grain that you left. 5And when Jehovah your God brings you into the land of the CanaAnites, Chettites, Amorites, Evites, Jebusites, Gergeshites, and Pherezites, which He swore to your ancestors that He would give you (a land that’s flowing with milk and honey), you must perform the same service during this month.6‘You will all eat fermentation-free bread for 6 days, and the 7th day will be a feast day to Jehovah… 7So, you’ll eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days.‘Nothing with fermentation may be seen among you, nor may you have fermentation inside all of your borders.8‘And you must say to your sons on this day:‘This is how Jehovah dealt with me as I was leaving Egypt.’9‘Let this always serve as a sign on your hand and as something in front of your eyes to remember, so that Jehovah’s Law will always stay on your [lips]! Because, Jehovah God brought you out of Egypt with His mighty hand.10‘Therefore, each year at this same time and season, you must observe this Law.11‘And when Jehovah your God brings you into the land of the CanaAnites, which He swore to your ancestors that he would give to you; 12you must set aside every male who [first] opens a womb to Jehovah.‘This includes those among your flocks and herds of cattle… As many as you have. [All the firstborn] males must be [set aside as] holy to Jehovah!13‘However, when it comes to your burros; you must offer a sheep instead… You can’t exchange it, you must buy it back [from Jehovah], and you must buy back every firstborn son.14‘And if your son should ever ask you:‘Why are we doing this?’‘You must tell him:‘Jehovah brought us out of Egypt and out of the house of slavery with His mighty hand. 15And when PharaOh’s heart hardened and [he refused] to send us away, [God] slaughtered all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the men and the animals.‘So that’s why we offer every male that [first] opens a womb to Jehovah, and that’s why we buy back all of our firstborn sons.’16‘Therefore, may this be a sign on your hand and something that’s always fixed in front of your eyes… Because, Jehovah brought you out of Egypt with His mighty hand.’[Editor note: The story continues here.]
17Well, after PharaOh had sent the people away, God didn’t lead them towards the land of the Philistines (even though it wasn’t far away), because God said:‘[I’m doing this to keep] the people from having a change of heart when they see war, and from thereafter returning to Egypt.’18So God led them around the desert towards the Red Sea.It was the 5th generation of the children of IsraEl that left the land of Egypt. 19And Moses took JoSeph’s bones along, because [JoSeph] had made the children of IsraEl swear, saying:‘God will surely visit you, so you must carry my bones back with you.’20Thereafter, the children of IsraEl left SucCoth and went to camp at Othom, which is near the desert.21God led them there using a tall column of clouds during the day (to show them the way) and a tall column of fire during the night... 22The column of clouds was there all day long, every day, and the column of fire was always there in front of the people all night long.
1Then the Lord said to Moses:2‘Tell the children of IsraEl to turn around and set up camp in front of the village of the MagDol (the watchtower)… Between it and the sea, across from BeEl-SepPhon. Camp there in front of them, next to the sea. 3For PharaOh will say to his people:‘The children of IsraEl are just wandering around in the land, and now they’re boxed in!’4‘Then I’ll harden PharaOh’s heart, and he will chase after you. So, PharaOh and his whole army will bring glory to Me, and all the Egyptians will know that I am Jehovah.’And that’s exactly what happened.5Well, a report was carried to the king of the Egyptians that the people had run away. And this changed the hearts of PharaOh and his servants against the [children of IsraEl], and they started asking:‘What have we done by allowing the children of IsraEl to go, rather than having them [stay here and] serve us?’6So PharaOh prepared his chariots and took his [whole army] with him… 7600 of their best chariots, the entire Egyptian cavalry, and all his generals!8And it was because Jehovah had hardened the hearts of PharaOh (the king of Egypt) and his servants that he chased after the children of IsraEl. For the children of IsraEl allowed them the upper hand, 9and when the Egyptians caught up with them, they found them camped next to the sea.Well, there was all of PharaOh’s cavalry, chariots, horsemen, and entire army at a village near BeEl-SepPhon! 10And as PharaOh approached, the children of IsraEl could see the Egyptians coming up behind them, which terrified them, so they started calling out to Jehovah.11And at that, they asked Moses:‘Aren’t there enough graves in the land of Egypt so that you had to bring us out here to be killed in the desert?‘What have you done to us by taking us out of Egypt?12‘Wasn’t it enough that we told you back in Egypt to leave us alone so that we could keep on serving the Egyptians?‘For, it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to have us die here in this desert!’13But Moses said to the people:‘Don’t be afraid!‘Stand here and watch the salvation that comes from Jehovah – through the things that He will do for us on this day.‘Do you see all those Egyptians today? You won’t see them again in this age, 14because Jehovah is going to fight for you and bring peace to you!’15Then the Lord asked Moses:‘Why are they shouting to Me?‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them to continue on!16‘Just lift your walking stick and raise your hands over the sea, and it’ll split open… Then you can [lead] the children of IsraEl across on dry land through the midst of the sea!17‘And after that, {Look!} I’ll harden the hearts of PharaOh and all the Egyptians, and they’ll chase after you… For, that’s when PharaOh, his army, his chariots, and all his horses will glorify Me... 18Yes, everyone in Egypt will know that I am Jehovah when I’m glorified by PharaOh, his chariots, and his horses.’19So immediately thereafter, the messenger of God who had been traveling in front of the camp of the children of IsraEl went around to its rear… For the column of clouds moved to the rear and stayed behind them, 20between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of IsraEl.And as it was standing there between them, it started to get dark… In fact, the night became so black that the [Egyptian army] couldn’t come any closer all-night long.21Then when Moses lifted his arms over the sea, the Lord pushed the water back with a strong south wind [that blew] all night long. This dried the seabed and it kept the water divided... 22So the children of IsraEl walked down through the midst of the sea on dry land, as the walls of water stood to their right and to their left.23But then the Egyptians went in and chased after them… All of PharaOh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen also went [down into] the midst of the sea.24Well, it was during the morning watch that Jehovah looked at the Egyptians through the columns of fire and clouds, and [He created] trouble in their camp, 25for the wheels on their chariots sank to their axels, making them very hard to pull.And the Egyptians started saying:‘Let’s run from the face of IsraEl, because Jehovah is fighting for them and against the Egyptians!’26Then the Lord told Moses:‘Now, stretch your arms out over the sea and let the water fall back into its place… Let it cover the Egyptian chariots and their riders.’27So Moses stretched his arms out over the sea, and the water returned to its place around daybreak. The Egyptians tried to run from the water, but Jehovah just kept shaking them back into the midst of the sea!28Yes, it returned and covered the chariots and their riders, along with the whole army of PharaOh that followed them into the sea, leaving no survivors.29Yet, the children of IsraEl had been able to cross through the midst of the sea on dry land with the water standing like walls on their right and on their left.30So Jehovah saved IsraEl from the hands of the Egyptians that day, and IsraEl could see the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31And after IsraEl had witnessed Jehovah’s mighty hand in the things that He did to the Egyptians, they started fearing Jehovah… Trusting in God and in His servant Moses.
1Thereafter, Moses and the children of IsraEl sang this song to God:‘Let us sing to Jehovah;
For He’s been glorified.‘The horses and riders He’s tossed in the sea…
2He’s been our protector and helper,
And He has brought us salvation.‘This is my God and I’ll praise Him…
He’s the God of my fathers and I’ll hold Him high.
3He’s the Lord who crushes with war;
Jehovah is His [Great] Name.4‘Into the sea, He’s thrown
The army and chariots of PharaOh.
It swallowed his best mounted generals,
5And He covered them up with the water,
Where they sank to the bottom like stones.6‘The strength of Your right hand, O God,
Has now proven its glory.
For, with Your right hand, O God,
You’ve shattered all of Your enemies.7‘In Your glory, You’ve smashed those who hate us,
As You sent them Your rage,
Which has now consumed them like stubble.8‘By the spirit of Your rage, the waters had split…
The waters stood firm, like a wall…
You banked the waves in the midst of the sea.9‘But our enemies said:‘We’ll chase them down,
Then divide their things and bring ourselves joy.
We’ll destroy with our swords…
With our mighty hands, we’ll beat them.’10‘But then, [Jehovah] sent out His wind,
And the sea covered them over…
They sank in the waters like lead.11‘So, who among gods is like You, O Lord…
To whom can You be compared?
For Your holy ways bring glory to You,
And we marvel at all of Your glories.12‘You raised Your right hand with wonders,
For the earth has swallowed them down.
13But You righteously guided those whom You bought
(Those whom You called by Your might)
To the Holy Place of Your rest.14‘But, when the nations heard about this,
They all became quite enraged…
Birth pangs fell on the Philistines,
15And the princes of Edom and MoAb;
Then, all their chiefs ran away.
They each started to tremble,
And all in CanaAn just melted away.16‘May they shake in fear of the strength of Your arm,
And may they become like the stones, O Lord,
Until all Your people have passed them by…
Until those You’ve purchased have passed them.17‘Now, take us and plant us in the mountains we’ll inherit,
And in the homes You’re preparing, O Lord…
In the place of safety, prepared by Your hands.
18For, Jehovah reigns throughout the ages,
And throughout the ages of ages.19‘PharaOh’s horses sank into the sea,
Along with his chariots and horsemen.
Then, they were covered with water,
Where the children of IsraEl had walked on dry land
Through the midst of the sea.’20Then the Prophetess MiriAm (Aaron’s sister) picked up her tambourine, and all the other women went to get their tambourines, and they started dancing.21MiriAm led them, singing:‘Let us sing to Jehovah;
For, He’s been glorified.
The horses and riders He’s tossed in the sea…’22Well thereafter, Moses led the children of IsraEl away from the Red Sea and into the desert of Sur. But after [traveling] through the desert for three days, they hadn’t found any water to drink. 23And when they got to MerRha (Bitterness), they couldn’t drink the water there, because it was bitter. (That’s why [Moses] named that place Bitterness).24Then the people started complaining about Moses, asking:‘What are we going to drink?’25So Moses called to Jehovah, and the Lord showed him a tree, which [Moses] threw into the water… And the water became sweet. This is also the place where [God] gave him His Laws and decisions, and where He showed His approval.26For [the Lord] said:‘If you’ll listen to the voice of Jehovah your God, if you’ll do the things that please Him, obey His Commandments, and keep all His Laws... I won’t bring any of the [plagues] upon you that I brought upon the Egyptians!‘For I am Jehovah, the God who provides you with healing.’27Then, when they arrived at AiLim, they found 12 springs of water and 70 branching palm trees, so they camped there by the water.
1Thereafter, they left AiLim, and the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl traveled into the Sin Desert, which is between AiLim and SinAi. And on the 15th day of the 2nd month from their leaving the land of Egypt, 2the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl [once again] started complaining to Moses and Aaron.3They told them:‘We would rather have died [with those who were] struck by Jehovah in the land of Egypt, back when we could sit by the stew pots and eat all the bread we wanted!‘But now you’ve brought us out into this desert just to starve us all to death!’4And the Lord said to Moses:‘Look! I’ll rain bread upon you from the skies!‘Then the people will go out and gather their allotment for each day, so I can test them to see whether they’ll follow My Law... 5For on the 6th day they must gather all that they can, and it’ll be double that which they could gather on the previous days.’6So Moses and Aaron spoke to the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl, saying:‘This evening you’ll realize that it was Jehovah that brought you out of the land of Egypt; 7and tomorrow morning you’ll see the glory of the Lord, since He’s heard you complaining against Him… And what are we, that you should keep complaining about us?’8Then Moses continued, saying:‘This evening, Jehovah will give you meat to eat; and in the morning, He will provide enough bread to satisfy you.‘For Jehovah has heard all the complaints that you’ve made against us… Yet, what are we? You aren’t complaining against us, but against God!’9And Moses said to Aaron:‘Now, tell the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl that they must go over and approach God, since He’s heard all their complaining!’10So, after Aaron said this to them, they all turned and faced the desert… And the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud!11Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:12‘I’ve heard all the children of IsraEl’s complaining, so tell them:‘This evening you’ll eat meat, and in the morning you’ll have enough bread to satisfy you… And then you’ll know that I am Jehovah your God.’13Well that evening, a [huge flock] of quail flew in and covered the camp!14And the next morning, after the dew around about the camp had dried; {Look!} on the surface of the desert (lying there like frost) was small things that looked like white coriander seeds... 15And when the children of IsraEl saw them, they asked each other:‘What is this [Hebrew: man-nah]?’...because they didn’t know what it was.And Moses told them:16‘This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat… It’s what Jehovah has approved.‘So, every man should gather 1/3 of a bushel for each person in his family. You and those who are living with you should go out and gather it.’17And that’s what the children of IsraEl did.Although some gathered more and others gathered less, 18the ones who gathered the full 1/3 of a bushel didn’t have any leftovers, and those who gathered less never went hungry.So, they all gathered just what their households required.19Then Moses told them:‘Now, none of you may save any of this for the next morning.’20However, many of them wouldn’t listen to Moses, and they tried to keep it until the following morning… But by then it had worms and it smelled… And all of this irritated Moses.21So each morning, everyone would collect all that they needed, and everything melted after the sun went down. 22Then on the 6th day, they gathered twice as much as they needed… 2/3 of a bushel per person.Well, all the chiefs of their gathering thereafter came and reported what was happening to Moses. 23And Moses asked:‘Didn’t the Lord tell us that tomorrow is the Sabbath… A holy [day of] rest to Jehovah?‘Therefore, bake all that you can bake and boil all that you can boil, so that the leftovers can be stored for tomorrow!’24[So on the 6th day], they stored the leftovers until the next morning, just as Moses told them, and it didn’t stink and there weren’t any worms in it.25[And then the next day], Moses said:‘This is what you must eat today; for since this day is a Sabbath to Jehovah, you won’t find any of it out in the fields.26‘You must collect it for 6 days, but because the 7th day is a Sabbath, there won’t be any then.’27However, on the 7th day some of the people still went out to collect it, but they couldn’t find any. 28So the Lord said to Moses:‘How long are they going to fail to listen to My commands and [obey] My laws?29‘Look; I’ve given them this day as the Sabbath, and I gave them enough bread to last for two days on the 6th day. So from now on, they must all just sit there in their homes… Don’t allow anyone to leave his place on the 7th day!’30Well thereafter, the people started keeping the Sabbath on the 7th day.31The children of IsraEl called this [food], manna.It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like crackers and honey.32Then Moses said:‘This is what Jehovah has commanded:‘We are to collect 1/3 of a bushel of manna and set it aside so that future generations can see the bread that you ate in the desert after Jehovah led you out of the land of Egypt.’33And he told Aaron:‘Take a gold pot and fill it with a full 1/3-of-a-bushel of manna, then store it away for God and keep it for future generations.’34So, just as the Lord told Moses, Aaron stored it away as a testimony.35As a result, the children of IsraEl ate manna for 40 years. They ate manna until they got to the land of Phoenicia.36Now, a homer (1/3 of a bushel) was 1/10th of an ephah (3 bath measures).
1Thereafter, the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl left the Sin Desert, following the order of their camps, and the Lord told them to camp in RaphiDin.However, there was no water for the people to drink in this place, 2so they started shouting at Moses and saying:‘Give us water to drink!’And Moses asked them:‘Why are you shouting at me, and why are you asking Jehovah to prove Himself?3Well, the people were very thirsty, and they complained again to Moses, saying:‘What’s the point? Did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill us along with our children and cattle with thirst?’4Then Moses called to Jehovah, and said:‘What should I do with these people… Before long they’ll stone me!’5And Jehovah replied to Moses:‘Go before the people and bring along some of their elders. Then take the walking stick that you slapped the [Nile] River with 6and go to the rock in the dry place (Horeb) where {Look!} I’ll be standing before you!‘[Then you must] strike the rock and water will pour out of it, so the people will [have something to] drink.’Well thereafter, Moses did this in front of the sons of IsraEl. 7And then he named that place, ‘Proof and Shouting,’ because of all the shouting of the children of IsraEl, [as they demanded that] Jehovah prove Himself.For they’d asked:‘Is Jehovah among us or not?’8Then the Amalekites came to fight against IsraEl in RaphiDin. 9And Moses said to JoShua:‘Choose your best men and form battle lines against the Amalekites tomorrow... {Look!} I’ll be standing on top of the hill with the walking stick of God in my hands.’10So JoShua did just as Moses told him. He went out and formed his army into battle lines against the Amalekites; then Moses, Aaron, and Or went up to the top of the hill.11Well, whenever Moses raised his arms, IsraEl would be superior; but when he let them down, the Amalekites were more successful. 12But soon Moses’ arms got tired, so they found a rock and had him sit on top of it; then Aaron and Or supported his arms on either side, holding them there until the sun set.13So, JoShua was able to drive the Amalekites and all their people away by slaughtering them with swords.14Then the Lord told Moses:‘Write this in a scroll, so it’ll be remembered.‘[Also,] tell JoShua that I’m going to totally blot out all memory of the Amalekites from under the skies!’15Well after that, Moses built an altar to Jehovah there, and he named it ‘Jehovah is My Refuge,’ 16because Jehovah was secretly waging war against all generations of the Amalekites.
1Meanwhile, His Excellence (the priest of MidiAn, Moses’ father-in-law) heard of all that Jehovah had done for his people IsraEl by bringing them out of Egypt.2So His Excellence [went to see Moses], bringing along Moses’ wife SepPhora (since [Moses] had sent her 3and her two sons away).[One of his sons] was named GerSam [meaning, Visitor], because, as [Moses] said:‘I was a visitor in a strange land,’4And [the other was named] EliEzer [meaning, My God is my Helper], because as [Moses] said:‘The God of my fathers is my helper and He rescued me from the hands of PharaOh.’5His Excellence then took [Moses’ family] to him in the desert… To his camp on the Mountain of God. 6And when Moses was told, ‘Look! His Excellence (your father-in-law) is coming and he’s bringing your wife and two sons with him,’ 7Moses went out to meet them.Then [Moses] bowed low before his father-in-law and kissed him, then they hugged each other, and he led them into his tent, 8where Moses told his father-in-law about everything that Jehovah had done to PharaOh and to the Egyptians for IsraEl’s sake, as well as about all the things that had happened to them along the way, and of the way Jehovah had rescued them from the hands of PharaOh and the Egyptians.9Well, His Excellence was amazed by all the good things that Jehovah had done for them by rescuing them, 10and he said:‘Praise Jehovah, because He rescued them from the hands of PharaOh and the Egyptians!11‘Now I know that Jehovah is higher than all [other] gods; for He did this to those who were treating [the children of IsraEl so poorly].’12Then His Excellence presented whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for God, and Aaron and all the elders of IsraEl came to eat bread before God, along with Moses’ father-in-law.13Well, the next morning, Moses sat down to [serve as] judge for the people, and they [kept coming to] him all day long. 14Then when His Excellence noticed all that [Moses was doing], he asked:‘Why are you sitting there all by yourself as the people come to you from morning until night?’15And Moses replied:‘The people are coming to me to receive God’s decisions. 16So whenever they have any disagreement, they come to me and I judge each [case].‘I teach them the Laws of God and [I judge by] His Laws.’17However, Moses’ father-in-law told him:‘You aren’t handling this thing right, 18for this will just wear you down… And your people will get tired of it too. You won’t be able to keep on doing this all by yourself.19‘So, listen to me; I’m going to tell you what to do, and God will be with you.‘You can be [the one] that [leads] the people in matters that pertain to God, and you can take their problems before God. 20You should also [teach] them God’s [ways] and His Laws, and show them how to act and the things that they should be doing.21‘But, keep an eye out among the people for capable, righteous men who fear God… Righteous men who hate pride. Then appoint them as chiefs over thousands, chiefs over hundreds, chiefs over fifties, and chiefs over tens… 22Let them spend all their time judging.‘And whenever a problem is too great, then they should bring it to you. Let them help you to free up your [time] by judging the smaller cases.23‘And if you do that, God will strengthen you, you’ll [have time to take care of more important matters], and these people will [return to their tents] more peacefully.’24Well, Moses paid attention to his father-in-law’s suggestion and did everything that he said. 25He chose capable men throughout all of IsraEl and made them chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens.26Then they judged the people, and whenever a matter was too weighty, they brought it to Moses, while they judged the lighter matters.27Then after that, Moses [said goodbye] to his father-in-law, and [His Excellence] returned to his own land.
1Well, it was on that same day (in the 3rd month after the children of IsraEl had fled the land of Egypt) that they arrived in the SinAi desert.2They left RaphiDin and traveled through the desert to SinAi, and IsraEl set up camp there in front of the mountain.3Then Moses climbed the Mountain of God, and God called to him on the mountain, saying:‘You must say this to the house of Jacob and report [My words] to the children of IsraEl:4‘You’ve seen all that I’ve done to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you as on the wings of eagles and drawn you close to Me. 5Now, if you’ll listen to what I say and keep My Sacred Agreement, you’ll be a special people to Me that will be higher than all other nations!‘And because the whole earth is Mine, 6you’ll become My holy nation and a Kingdom of Priests.’‘Now, [go] and tell this to the children of IsraEl!’7So Moses went back and called the people’s elders, then he laid out what God had said exactly as He said it. 8And all the people replied unanimously, saying:‘We will listen to, and obey, everything that God has said!’And Moses reported their words back to God.9Then the Lord told Moses:‘{Look!} I’m going to come to you in a column of clouds so the people can hear Me speaking to you. And after that, throughout the age, they’ll believe you.’And so, Moses reported back to the people about what the Lord had said.10Thereafter, the Lord said this to Moses:‘Go down and give these solemn instructions to the people:‘They must cleanse themselves both today and tomorrow, and they must wash their clothes.11‘Make sure they’re ready by the 3rd day, because on the 3rd day, the Lord will descend upon Mount SinAi before all the people.12‘Also, be sure that they keep themselves some distance from the mountain. Tell them:‘Be careful not to step on any part of the mountain or to touch any part of it. For anyone who touches the mountain will surely die!13‘No hand should touch it, and anyone who does so must be pelted with rocks or shot through with arrows… Whether it’s a man or an animal, [he or she] must not be allowed to live!’‘People may only climb the mountain after the voices, trumpeting, and clouds are gone.’14So Moses went down the mountain to the people. He then cleansed them and [had them] wash their clothes.15He told them:‘Get ready… And for the next three days, no [man] should even get close to a woman [and so on]...’16Then, as the morning of the 3rd day dawned, there were voices, there was lightning, there was a dark cloud on SinAi, and they heard a trumpeting sound that was so loud that the people in the camp were trembling!17And that’s when Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God.Well, they were all standing there, close to the camp, 18and then the whole mountain started to smoke, because The God had descended upon it in fire… And the smoke kept rising as though it [was coming from] a furnace, which left the people in awe!19Then the trumpeting got even louder as Moses spoke, and God started answering him with a voice… 20Yes, the Lord descended to the top of Mount SinAi and called to Moses, [telling him to come to Him] on top of the mountain!So Moses went up, 21and God then said this to Moses:‘Go down and warn the people [again] not to approach to see God, for this will cause many of them to [die]! 22And make sure that any Priests who come close to Jehovah God have cleansed themselves, so He doesn’t [have to] destroy some of them!’23Then Moses said to God:‘The people won’t be able to approach Mount SinAi, because You warned us, saying:‘Set boundaries around the mountain and make it holy.’24And at that, the Lord told him:‘Now, go down [the mountain] and bring Aaron back up here with you... But don’t allow the Priests or the people to force their way up to God, for fear that Jehovah will destroy them!’25So Moses went [back] down to the people and reminded them [once again].
1Then the Lord said all of this:2‘I am Jehovah… I am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery.3‘[#1] You must have no gods other than Me.4‘[#2] You must not make images for yourselves of anything in the skies above, on the earth below, or of things that live in the water or under the ground... 5You must not bow before them or serve them; for I, Jehovah your God, am a zealous God, and I bring the sins of the ancestors upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me.6‘Yet, I’m merciful to the thousands who love Me and keep My Commandments.7‘[#3] You must not misuse Jehovah your God’s Name; for Jehovah your God won’t forgive those who misuse His Name.8‘[#4] Keep the Sabbath day and make it holy...9‘You may work and get everything done in 6 days. 10However, the 7th day is the Sabbath of your God Jehovah, and you must do no work… Not you, nor your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your female servants, your oxen, your burros, any of your cattle, nor any strangers who are visiting among you!11‘For after Jehovah made the skies, the lands, the seas, and everything in them, He rested on the 7th day. Then Jehovah blest the 7th day and made it holy.12‘[#5] Honor your father and mother, as Jehovah your God commanded you, so that things may go well for you and that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you.13‘[#6] You must not commit murder.14‘[#7] You must not commit adultery.15‘[#8] You must not steal.16‘[#9] You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.17‘[#10] You must not desire your neighbor’s woman, his house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his burro, any other animal, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.’18Well, all the while, the people were being distracted by all the thunder and lightning, the sounds of the trumpets, and the smoke on the mountain; and everyone was afraid and backing far away...19So they told Moses:‘You talk to us… Don’t let God talk to us, because we’re afraid that we might die!’20And Moses said to them:‘Be courageous! For The God came here to test you and to put the fear of Him into you, so you won’t sin.’21However, the people just kept backing away.Then Moses went into the darkness where God was...22And Jehovah said to Moses:‘This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and what you must report to the children of IsraEl:‘Now you’ve seen Me speaking to you from the sky; 23so, don’t make gods of silver or gold for yourselves.24‘You may make an Altar to Me from the dirt in whichever place that I record My name, and that’s where you must sacrifice your whole burnt offerings, as well as the peace offerings of your sheep and calves, and that’s where I’ll come to you and bless you.25‘However, if you should choose to build a stone Altar to Me, don’t use cut stones; because, if you use tools on them, they’ll become unclean. 26And don’t build any steps up to My Altar, so that the naked [parts of your bodies] can be seen from [below].’
[Editor note: God now outlines more detailed laws for the new nation. The story continues in Exodus 23:20.] 1‘Now, these are the Laws that you are to show to them:2‘If you buy a Hebrew slave, he may only serve you for 6 years; for in the 7th year, he must be set free without cost.3‘If he comes alone, he must leave alone; but if his wife comes with him, his wife must also leave with him. 4However, if his master gives him a wife and she gives birth to sons or daughters; she and her children belong to the master, so [the slave] will leave alone.5‘But if the slave should say:‘I love my master, my woman, and my children, so I don’t want to leave free...’6...then this master should bring him to the judgment-seat of God and take him up to the door, where he will use an awl to punch [a hole through] his ear against the doorframe, [to signify] that he will serve [his master] throughout the age.7‘And if anyone sells his daughter as a house slave, she may not be sent away as other female slaves are released... 8For if she has been involved with him and if she thereafter hasn’t been found pleasing by him, he may only set her free… He may not sell her to some foreigner after that.9‘And if he’s obtained the wife for his son, he must treat her as his own daughter. 10But if he’s taken her for himself, he must never deprive her of her clothing, her needs, or her companionship with him. 11If he refuses to do any of these three things for her, she must be set free at no cost.12‘If any man strikes another man and kills him, he must absolutely be put to death. 13But if such a thing should happen by accident, or if God [allows the situation that causes the death]; I’ll provide a place to which the killer can run.14‘However, if someone who lies in wait and plans to murder his neighbor runs to that refuge, you must take him [far] from My Altar and put him to death.15‘Whoever beats his father or mother must be put to death, 16and whoever curses his father or mother must die.17‘If someone overpowers and kidnaps one of the children of IsraEl and sells him, or if he’s caught with him; [the kidnapper] must die.18‘If two men are shouting at each other and one hits the other with a rock or with his fist, and he doesn’t die but is laid up in bed; 19the man who hit him will be cleared if the other person can get up and walk (even with the aid of a cane), as long as he pays for the lost time and the cost of his healing.20‘If a man hits his male or female slave with a cane and the person dies as a result, he must be punished. 21However, if the slave continues to live a few days after that, the master shouldn’t be punished, because it’s his own loss.22‘If two men are fighting and [one] hits a pregnant woman and her child is born deformed as a result; he must be forced to pay whatever amount her man demands of him.23‘But if the child is born perfectly formed [although injured], he must pay life for life, 24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25burning for burning, wound for wound, whipping for whipping.26‘If anyone should hit their male or female slave in the eye and put it out, that slave should be set free because of the eye injury.27‘And if he [breaks or knocks out] a male or female slave’s tooth, that slave must be set free because of the tooth.28‘If a bull gores a man or a woman and he or she dies, the bull must be stoned to death and its flesh may not be eaten… However, the bull’s owner will be [free of guilt].29‘But if the bull has been known to gore before and the owner was told and hasn’t done anything about it, and then it kills a man or woman; the bull must be stoned and its owner must also die.30‘However, if a ransom is demanded instead, he must pay whatever is asked for his life.31‘If a bull gores someone’s son or daughter, it must be handled according to the law that was given... 32But if the bull gores a male or female slave, their master must be paid 30 double-silver coins, and the bull must be stoned.33‘If anyone digs an open pit or a hole in rock and fails to cover it, and an ox or a burro falls into it; 34the owner of the pit must pay a compensation to [the animal’s] owner, but the dead [animal] will thereafter be his.35‘And if a man’s bull should gore his neighbor’s bull and kill it, they must sell the living bull and divide the money, then divide up the dead bull. 36However, if the bull has been known to gore in the past and his owner knew about this and failed to do anything about it; he must pay for the bull, and the dead one won’t be his.’
1‘If someone should steal an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay back 5 calves for a calf, and 4 sheep for a sheep.2‘And if a thief should be caught inside a fence and is beaten and dies as a result, no one will be found guilty [of killing him].3‘However, if someone [kills a thief] the next day, he’s guilty and should be [put to death].’‘If a thief has nothing left [of what he stole], he can be sold [as a slave] to repay what he’s stolen.4‘But if the thing he stole is still around and can be found alive in his possession (as with an ox or a sheep), he must pay back twice as much.’5‘And if anyone [has allowed his cattle] to strip his own field or vineyard, and then he sends his animals to graze in someone else’s field, he must [pay his neighbor back] out of the produce from his own field.‘But if the animals strip [his neighbor’s] entire field; he must pay with the best of his field and the best of his vineyard.6‘Now, if [someone sets a] fire (even if he thinks it has gone out) and it burns a threshing floor or a field of grain; the one who sets the fire must pay a compensation.7‘If anyone gives his neighbor money or other [valuables] to keep and they’re stolen from the man’s house; the thief must repay double if he’s caught.8‘But if the thief isn’t caught, the owner of the house must stand before God and swear that he hasn’t done anything wrong to whatever his neighbor left with him.9‘Then every accusation, whether it involves a calf, a burro, a sheep, some clothing (or whatever)… Every claim of loss must be taken before God.‘And anyone who is found guilty by God must repay his neighbor with twice as much.10‘And if anyone leaves a calf, a sheep, or any other animal with his neighbor and it’s wounded or it dies and no one knows for sure how it happened... 11Each must swear an oath to God that he isn’t guilty in any way. Then his master should find him innocent and he won’t have to pay a compensation. 12‘However, if it was stolen from him; he must repay the owner.13‘And if someone stole any other type of animal, [he must] return the animal to its owner, and he won’t have to pay a compensation.14‘If anyone borrows [an animal] from his neighbor and it’s wounded, or dies, or is stolen while its owner is away; he must be compensated for it... 15But if the owner is there; he doesn’t have to pay compensation.‘And if it’s something that he rented; [the owner] must be paid back in lieu of his rent.16‘If anyone deceives a virgin to whom he isn’t engaged, and [has sex] with her, he must take her as his wife. 17But if her father refuses and won’t consent to giving her to be his wife, he must pay her father the amount of dowry that’s required for a virgin.18‘You must not [seek the aid of] sorcerers.19‘Anyone who [has sex] with an animal must be put to death.20‘Anyone who offers sacrifices to a god other than Jehovah must be put to death.21‘You must not harm strangers or oppress them, because you were once strangers in the land of Egypt.22‘You must not do anything to harm widows or orphans. 23For if you treat them badly, they should call out to Me and I’ll hear them… 24And that will make Me very angry!‘Then you’ll be killed with a sword, so that your wife will become a widow and your children will become orphans!25‘If you lend money to one of your poor brothers who lives nearby, you shouldn’t be hard on him and you shouldn’t charge him interest.26‘And if you take your neighbor’s robe as security, you must make sure that he gets it back before sunset. 27Since it’s all that covers his nakedness, how could he then go to bed?‘And if he then should call out to Me, I’ll listen, because I’m merciful.28‘You should never speak badly of your mighty ones [Greek: theous – gods plural] or say bad things about the rulers of your people.29‘You must never hold back the first fruitage of your threshing floor [or of your olive or wine] press.‘You must give your first-born sons to Me, 30as well as those of your calves, sheep, and burros... They may stay under their mothers for 7 days, but on the 8th day, you must offer them to Me.31‘You must be a holy [people] to Me... Therefore, you may not eat the flesh of wild animals… You should throw it to the dogs.’
1‘You should not accept false testimony, nor should you allow anyone who’s crooked to provide false testimony.2‘You must not join a mob to do bad things, nor should you go along with with the majority when they’re wrong.3‘If a man is found guilty, you must not [free him from his responsibilities] just because he’s poor, 4nor should you [find any man guilty] because he’s poor.5‘If you find your enemy’s ox or burro wandering loose, you must catch it and return it to him.6‘And if you see your enemy’s burro collapsed under its load, you shouldn’t just pass it by. You must help him to get it back on its feet.7‘Never do anything that’s unfair...‘You shouldn’t kill the innocent along with the guilty, or accept a bribe to find a guilty person innocent.8‘Nor should you accept gifts [when judging], because gifts blind the eyes of those who can see and twist the words of justice.9‘You should never mistreat a stranger, because you know how they feel – since you were once strangers in the land of Egypt!10‘You can plant your field and harvest it for 6 years...11‘However, every 7 years you must leave it alone and allow it to rest, so that the poor of your nation can [find] food there, and the wild animals can eat whatever is left.‘That’s also what you must do to your vineyards and your olive groves.12‘You should work for 6 days, but the 7th day is a day of rest, so that your burro, your ox, the sons of your female slaves, and strangers may be refreshed.13‘Guard all the things that I’ve commanded you – and don’t mention the names of other gods or speak of them in any way!14‘You must hold a feast to Me three times each year:15[Feast #1]‘Be sure to observe the Feast of Fermentation-Free Bread. You must eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days (as I told you before) during the time of the month of new grain, because that’s when you came out of Egypt… And don’t approach Me empty-handed!16[Feast #2]‘You must observe a feast when you harvest the first-fruits of your work, no matter what you’ve planted in your field.[Feast #3]‘And [you must observe] a feast at the end of the year when you harvest the crops in your field.17‘So, all your males must appear before Jehovah your God three times each year.18‘And when I drive the other nations out of your midst and widen your borders, you must never offer fermented bread along with the blood sacrifices, nor should the fat of My feast be allowed to stay [on the altar] until the next morning.19‘You must bring all the first fruitage of your fields to the House of your God, Jehovah.‘You must never boil a lamb in its mother’s milk.[Editor note: The story continues here, with God speaking.] 20‘{Look!} I’m going to send My messenger to you in order to keep you headed in the right direction; for he will lead you into the land that I have prepared for you.21Be sure to listen to him… Obey him! He won’t give in to you, because he carries My Name.22‘Tell the children of IsraEl that if they’ll listen to what I say and do everything that I tell them, I’ll be an enemy to their enemies, and I’ll oppose anyone who’s against them.23‘Then I’ll send My messenger to serve as their leader, and [he will] bring them to [the land of] the Amorites, Chettites, Pherezites, CanaAnites, Gergeshites, Evites, and Jebusites, whom I’ll destroy.24‘However, [IsraEl] must not worship or serve the gods [of those people], nor should they do any of the things that they’re doing. Rather, [those people] must all be destroyed and their [sacred] columns must be pulled down!25‘If you serve Jehovah your God, I’ll bless your bread, your wine, and your water, and I’ll keep you from getting sick... 26There won’t be anyone in your land who’s impotent or infertile, and you’ll live full lives.27‘I’ll send terror ahead of you, all the nations in the land you’re entering will be amazed by you, and I’ll make all your enemies run from you! 28I’ll send hornets ahead of you to drive the Amorites, Evites, CanaAnites, and the Chettites away from you.29‘I won’t throw them out in the 1st year, so the fields don’t grow wild and allow wild animals to multiply there. 30But before long, I’ll start throwing them out ahead of you, until you grow and inherit the land. 31Then I’ll set your borders from the Red Sea to the [MediTerranean], and from the desert to the great EuPhrates River.‘Since I’ll be handing over those who are living in the land and driving them away from you, 32you must make no treaties with them or with their gods... 33For they won’t be allowed to live in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me.‘Because, if you serve their gods, that will lead to your downfall.’
1Then the Lord told Moses:‘I want you, Aaron, NaDab, AbiUd, and 70 of IsraEl’s elders to come to Me and bow before [Me] from a distance. 2And thereafter, I want you to come close to Me by yourself… None of the others should come any closer!’3So Moses went and told the people about everything God had said and about His Laws.And the people unanimously answered all together:‘We will do and obey everything that Jehovah has said!’4Then Moses wrote down everything that the Lord said.And early the next morning, he built an Altar at the base of the mountain using 12 stones [to represent] the 12 tribes of IsraEl. 5After that, he sent young men from the children of IsraEl to offer up whole burnt offerings and to sacrifice young calves as peace offerings to God. 6Then Moses took half of the blood and poured it into bowls, and he poured the other half on the Altar.7Next, [Moses] took the scroll of the Sacred Agreement [that he wrote] and read it to the people.And they [again] said:‘We will do and pay attention to everything that Jehovah has said.’8Then Moses took the blood [from the bowls] and sprinkled it on the people, and he said:‘{Look!} This is the blood of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah has made with you over the things you’ve agreed to.’9And thereafter, Moses, Aaron, NaDab, AbiUd, and 70 of the elders of IsraEl went up [the mountain], 10where they saw the place that the God of IsraEl was standing; and under His feet [they saw] what looked like slabs of cut sapphires that were as pure as the firmament.11So, all the chosen ones of IsraEl stood there in the presence of God – none were missing (not one) – and they ate and drank.12Then Jehovah told Moses:‘[I want you to] come [back] up the mountain to Me and stay here; for I’ll now give you the tablets of stone containing the Laws and Commandments that I’ve written.’13So [the next day], Moses got up and took his assistant JoShua to climb the mountain of God along with him.14And they told the elders:‘Rest here until we return.‘Look! Aaron and Or will be here with you; so if there are any [cases] that have to be tried, let them handle it.’15Then Moses and JoShua climbed the mountain, which was shrouded in a cloud. 16And the glory of The God came down on Mount SinAi, and the cloud covered it for 6 days... Then Jehovah called to Moses from the midst of the cloud on the 7th day.17Well, to the Children of IsraEl, the glory of Jehovah looked like a fire that was burning on top of the mountain!18Then Moses entered the cloud and climbed the mountain, where he stayed for 40 days and 40 nights.
[Editor note: The Lord now gives detailed instructions for the construction of the objects for worship. The story continues at Exodus 31:1.] 1It was there that the Lord told Moses:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and [ask for] the first fruits of everything that their hearts are willing to give… Then you must [collect] it [and set it aside].3‘These are the offerings that you are to ask for:• Gold, • Silver, • Bronze, 4• Blue [thread], • Purple [yarn], • Scarlet [cloth], • Fine-spun linen, • Goats’ hair, 5• Ram’s skins that are dyed red , • Blue, and • Durable wood.6‘[You should also ask for] lamp oil, fragrances for anointing oil, ingredients for incense, 7and for rubies and other [precious] stones that will fit into a breastplate, as well as a full-length robe.8‘You must now make a Sacred Place for Me, where I can appear among you. 9Everything you make for Me must follow the examples that I’ll show you on the Mountain... There’ll be an example for the Sacred Place and examples for all of its furnishings. And that’s how you are to make them.10‘You must also build a Chest for the Proofs. [Build it] from durable wood.‘It must be:• 50 inches (130cm) wide, • 30 inches (75cm) deep, and • 30 inches (7cm) tall.11‘Cover it with pure gold both inside and out, and put spun gold wreaths around it. 12You must create 4 gold rings for it, and mount 2 rings on each side.13‘Then make [two] poles of durable wood, cover them with gold, 14and put the poles into the rings on the sides of the Chest, to carry it 15(these poles should always be left in the rings on the Chest).16‘Then you must put the Proofs that I’ll give to you inside of the Chest.17‘You must also make the Lid. It is to be a cover of pure gold, 50 inches (125cm) long and 30 inches (75cm) wide. 18And you’ll carve two [statues of] cherubs from gold and mount them on the Lid.19‘A cherub will be mounted on this side of the Lid, and a cherub [statue] will be mounted on its other side, so there’ll be a cherub [statue] on each side... 20The cherubs will face each other with their heads bowed towards the [center of the] Lid. And they must have wings that are outstretched over them that [extend forward] over the Lid.21‘Then the Lid must be put on top of the Chest, which will contain the Proofs that I’ll give to you.22‘This is where I’ll make My presence known to you. I’ll speak to you from above the Lid, between the two [statues of] cherubs on the Chest of Proofs... It’s there that I’ll talk to you and instruct you concerning everything that has to do with the children of IsraEl.23‘You are also to make a table of pure gold that’s:• 40 inches (100cm) long, • 20 inches (50cm) wide, and • 30 inches (75cm) tall.24‘It must have gold wreaths going around it and a 6-inch (15cm) rim 25that has a spun wreath circling it.26‘You must also make 4 gold rings and fasten them to the 4 feet (1.2m) under the rim. 27These rings will be supports for the poles that will be used to carry the table. 28The poles should be made of durable wood and covered with pure gold, for carrying the table.29‘You should also make dishes, incense burners, bowls, and cups (for drink offerings) out of pure gold. 30These must always be set before Me on the table of Show Bread.31‘You must also shape a lampstand from pure gold... The whole thing – it’s stem, branches, sockets, knobs, and lilies – must be a single piece.32‘It is to have 6 branches that come from its sides… Three branches for lamps on one side and three branches for lamps on the other side... 33[Each branch] that comes from the lampstand should be topped with an almond-shaped socket [to hold the lamps], which is to be mounted above a knob and a lily.34‘Each will have 4 sockets that are shaped like almonds, and the knobs and flowers on each branch should be the same. 35There’ll be a knob under two branches and a knob under 4 branches that come from it, so that 6 branches come from the lampstand, and each will have 4 bowls shaped like almonds.36‘The knobs and the branches must be a single piece that’s carved from a block of pure gold.37‘So, there must be 7 lamps that all shine from the same side.38‘You must also make funnels and serving plates of pure gold... 39They should each be made with a measurement of pure gold, 40using the example that I’ll show you on the mountain.’
1‘Then you must make the Tent with 10 curtains of fine-spun linen, blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet [cloth], with a pattern of cherubs woven into them.2‘The curtains must be 47 feet (14.3m) long and 6-3/4 feet (2m) tall. All the curtains must be the same size... 3Five of the curtains will be joined to each other, and the other five will be closely connected to each other.4‘You must put blue loops on one side of each curtain and [loops] on the other side to [join them]. 5There should be 50 loops [on one side] and 50 loops at the same locations on the other side to connect them... 6Then you must make 50 gold rings that will hold the curtains together so as to make it a single Tent.7‘You must make a roof for the Tent using 11 sections of [goat hair cloth]. 8Each section should be 50 feet (15m) long, 6-3/4 feet (2m) wide, and all 11 should be the same size.9‘Then connect [the cloths in strips of] fives, and attach the sixth [cloth] and fold it over the front of the Tent. 10Thereafter, make 50 loops on the side of the [cloth] and 50 loops on the edge of the second one, where they’ll be joined... 11And make 50 bronze rings and use them to connect the loops, then tie the [cloths] together to form a single piece.12‘Next, connect the [11th cloth] to the roof of the Tent at its centerfold, and allow half of it to hang down. Also, any extra [cloth] should hang over the sides of the Tent… 1320 inches (50cm) of [cloth] should hang over each side of the Tent to cover it.14‘Then make another covering from ram’s skins that have been dyed red and blue, and put it over the [Tent] roof.15‘You must also make tent posts from durable wood.16‘Each post should be 7-3/4 feet (2.3m) long and 2-1/2 feet (75cm) thick. 17All the posts should have two joints for connections. 18You should make 20 posts for the north side, 19and 40 silver sockets should be made to connect them, with a [base] socket for each of the posts.20‘Then make 20 posts for the south side of the Tent, 21and 40 silver sockets to connect each end of the posts.22‘And for the side of the Tent that faces west, 23you must make 6 posts plus 2 corner posts for its backside.24‘They must all be the same and join at the same spots on each end, so that all the corners are equal. 25There are 8 posts, which need 16 silver sockets, one for each end of each post.26‘And you must make rafters of durable wood.‘Make five for the posts on one side of the Tent, 27five for the posts on the other side of the Tent, five for the posts in the rear, and one for the side of the Tent that faces the sea. 28This center rafter should run between the posts lengthwise from end to end.29‘The posts should be covered with gold and fitted with gold rings to hold the rafters, and all the rafters must be covered with gold.30‘Then you must assemble the Tent according to the example that I’ll show you on the mountain.31‘After that, you must make a veil of spun blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen that will have [images of] cherubs woven into it.32‘You must mount it on 4 posts of durable wood that are overlaid with gold and with gold covering each of their caps, as well as silver sockets for the base of each one. 33Then mount the veil on the posts and carry it inside to serve as a veil for the Chest of Proofs.‘This veil will form the separation between the Holy Place and the Holiest of Holies. 34Use the veil as a screen for the Chest of Proofs in the Holiest of Holies.35‘Next, put a table outside of the veiled area, on the north side of the Tent, and put the lampstand opposite the table on the south side of the Tent.36‘Then make a veil as a door for the Tent out of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and embroidered fine-spun linen.37‘You must make five posts for the veil that are capped at the top and covered with gold, and bronze sockets for the base of each one.’
1‘Then you must make an Altar of durable wood that will be square:• 8-1/4 feet (2.5m) long • 8-1/4 feet (2.5m) wide, and • 5 feet (1.5m) high.2‘You must also create horns for each of the four corners. They’ll be made of a single piece and overlaid with bronze.3‘You must make a rim for the Altar and a covering, plus cups, meat hooks, a fire pan and all its utensils, from bronze.4‘You must also make a bronze meshed grating with four bronze rings, one for each of its four sides... 5Mount the rings under the grating and center it in the middle of the Altar.6‘You must also make Altar poles from durable wood that are to be overlaid with bronze. 7Then put the poles into the rings on each side of the Altar, to carry it.8‘[The Altar] will be hollow and made from wood in a way that will be shown [to you] on the mountain.9‘You must also make a courtyard for the Tent:‘On the south side, its curtains should be made of fine-spun linen and they’ll run 167 feet (50m) long.10‘They’ll require 20 posts and 20 bronze sockets, as well as silver rings and clasps.11‘The curtains on the north side will also run 167 feet (50m) long, with 20 posts, 20 bronze sockets, as well as the rings and the clasps for the posts. However, their sockets must be overlaid with silver.12‘The curtains on the west side of the [courtyard] must run 84 feet (25.6m) with 10 posts and 10 sockets. 13And along the width of the [courtyard], on the south side, there should also be curtains that run 84 feet (25.6m) long, with 10 posts and 10 sockets.14‘There must be a 25 foot [awning] on one side of the [courtyard entrance], which is to be [supported by] three posts and three sockets. 15And on the other side, there must be an [awning] that runs 25 feet (7.6m), with three posts and three sockets.16‘The courtyard entrance must be a 33-foot-high veil of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun embroidered linen. It should have four posts and four sockets.17‘All the courtyard posts are to be overlaid with silver, with silver caps and bronze sockets.18‘So the length of the courtyard will be 163 feet (49.7m), its width should be 82 feet (25m), and its height must be 8 feet (2.4m)… All of fine spun linen mounted on sockets of bronze.19‘And all the furnishings, instruments, and pins for the courtyard are [to be made of] bronze.20‘Now, give instructions to the children of IsraEl and have them bring you pure, refined olive oil that has been beaten for burning in a lamp, so the lamps can be kept burning continually 21inside the Tent of Proofs, but outside of the veil that hides the Chest of the Sacred Agreement.‘Aaron and his sons must keep them burning all night long before Jehovah... This is the rule that must be followed throughout all generations of the children of IsraEl.’
1‘Now, I want you to choose your brother Aaron and his sons NaDab, AbiUd, EliEzer, and IthaMar, who are all children of IsraEl, to be My servants.2‘You must make holy clothing for your brother Aaron, to honor and glorify [him]. 3So, talk to all the wise and understanding [people] whom I’ve filled with the spirit of wisdom and comprehension, and have them make holy clothing for Aaron to wear in the Holy Place, where he will serve as a Priest to Me.4‘These are the clothes that they must make:• A breastplate • A shoulder piece • A full-length robe • A fringed tunic • A turban • A sash.‘These are to be holy garments for Aaron and his sons to serve Me as Priests.5‘They must take gold and fine-spun linen with blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet [cloth], 6and embroider them [to serve as] the shoulder pieces. 7Both shoulder pieces must be joined together and fastened on each side. 8They should be woven as a single piece of pure gold with blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen.9‘Then you must take two large emeralds and engrave the names of IsraEl’s sons on them, 10with six names on the first stone and the other six names on the second stone, in the order of their births... 11It must be done artistically by a stone engraver in raised letters like a seal, for each of the names of the children of IsraEl.12‘Then mount these stones on each of the shoulder pieces. They are to be memorial stones of the children of IsraEl. Therefore, Aaron will wear the names of the children of IsraEl before Jehovah on his shoulders, in memory of them.13‘Then you must make [two] small rings of pure gold, 14and two fringes mixed with flowers and wreaths of pure gold. Mount the wreathed fringes on the small rings and fasten them to the front of the shoulder pieces.15‘Then you must make The Word of Judgment:‘It is to be embroidered; and to keep the theme of the rest of the sacred clothing, you should make it of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen.16‘Make it square, 9 inches (23cm) long and 9 inches (23cm) wide, and doubled. 17Then, four columns of stones should be woven into it.• The first column will have a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald. 18• The second column will have a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a jasper. 19• The third column will have a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. 20• And the fourth column will have a peridot, a beryl, and an onyx.‘All of these should be mounted in gold settings with gold clasps... Make sure they’re assembled in that order!21‘Then each stone must be engraved like a seal with the name of [one of] the 12 children of IsraEl in his order.22‘The Word of Judgment must also have woven fringed chains of pure gold. 23Make two gold rings for it and place them on either side of the Word. 24And along the border, connect the chains to the rings on each side of the Word.25‘Then on each side of the two borders, you must place the wreaths. Place them on the sides of the shoulder piece, opposite each other and towards the front.26‘Thereafter, make two more gold rings and place them on the tips of the Word on the back side and within the shoulder pieces.27‘Also, make two more gold rings, place them on the shoulder pieces on their bottom edges towards the front, to serve as couplings above the woven portions of the shoulder pieces.28‘Then secure the Word by its gold rings that are sewed to the blue work, to the gold rings on the shoulder pieces, so that it’s held tightly to the woven work on the shoulder pieces above it.29‘Thereafter, Aaron must wear the names of the sons of IsraEl on the Word of Judgment whenever he enters the Holy Place, as a reminder before God. 30And you must place the Revelation and the Truth over The Word of Judgment, which Aaron will wear into the Holy Place whenever he goes before Jehovah.‘So, Aaron will always bear the judgments of the sons of IsraEl on his chest whenever he goes before Jehovah.31‘And you are also to make an undergarment [for him] that’s entirely blue and reaches to his feet... 32The middle portion is to be a woven work that’s coupled to the rest so it can’t be torn; 33then along the bottom hem, there are to be blossoming pomegranates all around that are woven from blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen, surrounded by pomegranates and bells of gold in between.34‘And between the gold pomegranates, there are to be bells and a flowered work along the hem. 35[These bells] will jingle whenever Aaron enters and leaves to officiate before Jehovah, so he doesn’t die.36‘You must also make a plate of pure gold, into which you must carve the impression:‘Holy to Jehovah.’37‘It is to be fastened to the front of the turban with blue yarn 38and worn upon Aaron’s forehead, so he can lift away the sins of the holy things that the sons of IsraEl offer as holy gifts.‘It must always be there on Aaron’s head whenever he accepts their gifts.39‘The knitted tunics will be made of linen. You’ll make a turban out of fine linen, and a sash – the work of a weaver.40‘And for Aaron’s sons, you’ll make tunics and belts and elaborate headwear; [they’ll be] symbols of honor and glory.41‘You must put them upon your brother Aaron and his sons, then anoint them and empower their hands... Purify them, so that they can officiate as Priests before Me!42‘You must also make linen underwear for them (to cover the indecency of their flesh) that run from their loins to their thighs... 43Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Proofs and whenever they serve at the Altar of the Holy Place, so they don’t bring sin upon themselves and die.‘This is the rule for him and his offspring throughout the ages.’
1‘These are the things that you must do to them to make [Aaron and his sons] holy, so they can serve Me as Priests:‘Take one young calf from the herd and two perfect rams. 2Then make some fermentation-free bread with the finest wheat flour that has been kneaded with oil, and some fermentation-free round cakes with oil poured over them.3‘Thereafter, put them into a basket to be offered along with the young calf and the two rams.4‘Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and wash them with water... 5And after that, get the [sacred] garments and dress your brother Aaron with the full-length robe, the chest covering, and the Word (of Judgment), and tie the Word to the chest covering.6‘Then put the turban on his head and mount the plate of Holiness on the turban, 7and take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it over his head.8‘Then bring his sons in and dress them… 9Wrap them with sashes and put on their turbans to create a Priesthood for Me throughout the ages.‘After that, you must empower Aaron and his sons:10‘Bring the calf to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands upon the calf’s head before Jehovah.11‘Then you must slaughter the calf before Jehovah there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 12Take the calf’s blood and wipe it on the horns of the Altar with your finger, and pour the rest of the blood out at the base of the Altar.13‘Then take all its belly fat, its liver and kidneys, along with any fat that’s on them, and [burn] them on the Altar. 14However, the calf’s flesh, skin, and manure must be burned outside of the camp as an [offering] for sins.15‘Next, take one of the rams, and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head, 16and slaughter it. Collect the blood and pour it on and around the Altar, 17then cut the ram into several pieces and wash the insides and the feet with water, and set the pieces and the head aside.18‘Then you must put the whole ram on the Altar as a burnt offering and a sweet-smelling delight to Jehovah. It’ll be like incense to Jehovah.19‘Then take the 2nd ram, and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head; 20you must slaughter it and collect the blood, and touch a little of the blood to the tip of Aaron’s right ear, to the thumb of his right hand, and to the big toe of his right foot... [Then touch some of it to] the tips of his sons’ right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the big toes of their right feet.21‘Thereafter, take some of the blood from the Altar and [mix it with] anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his clothes, as well as on his sons and on his sons’ clothes. This will purify him and his clothing, and his sons and their clothing.‘Then pour the rest of the blood out around the Altar.22‘After that, [set aside] all of the ram’s fat, including the belly fat, the liver and kidneys and any fat on them, and the right shoulder, to complete [the ceremony].23‘And take one of the round cakes [that have been covered] with oil and one loaf from the basket of fermentation-free bread, and set them before Jehovah... 24Then give the rest to Aaron and his sons. But the [loaf and the round cake] must be offered separately to Jehovah.25‘Take them from the hands of the Priests and put them on the Altar, then burn them as offerings of sweet-smelling delights to Jehovah.26‘Then you must remove the ram’s breast at the end of the ceremony for Aaron. It is to be offered before Jehovah… And [the rest] must be shared with you.27‘You must cut up the breast and the shoulder that was removed from the last lamb and give it to Aaron and his sons. 28This will be a requirement for the children of IsraEl and for Aaron and his sons throughout the ages. This is to be a separate and special offering to Jehovah from the children of IsraEl, as one of their peace offerings.29‘The clothing that Aaron wears inside the Holy Place must thereafter be passed on to his [future generations, after he dies], so his [descendants] can be anointed in them and empowered when they wear them.30‘The Priests among his descendants who succeed him and who enter the Tent of Proofs to serve in the Most Holy, must wear them for 7 days.31‘You must then boil the flesh of the last lamb in the Holy Place, 32and Aaron and his sons will eat the ram’s flesh with the loaves [of bread] in the basket, next to the Tent of Proofs.33‘They must eat the offerings that were used to make them holy and to empower them. They can’t be eaten by anyone else, because these things are holy!34‘And if the sacrificed flesh of the final sacrificial lamb and the bread should be left until the next morning, it must all be burned, not eaten, because it’s something that’s holy.35‘You must always do this for Aaron and his sons, just as I’ve told you.‘The empowerment will take 7 days. 36You must sacrifice the calf for the sin offering on the cleaning day, and then you’ll clean the Altar where you’ll sacrifice the last lamb, and anoint it to make it holy.37‘The Altar must be cleaned and made holy for each of the 7 days, because the Altar is very holy, and anyone who touches it must also be holy.38‘These are the sacrifices that you must offer on the Altar:‘Two perfect yearling lambs must be offered each day, 39one in the morning and the other in the evening. 40And each lamb should be offered along with 3 quarts (2.8l) of fine flour that has been mixed with a quart of [olive] oil and with a quart of wine as a drink offering.41‘You must offer the same things with the 2nd lamb [that’s sacrificed] in the evening (which includes the drink offering) as a sweet-smelling delight to Jehovah.42‘This sacrifice is to be offered before Jehovah by all your generations throughout the ages at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. For that’s where I’ll be made known to you and where I’ll speak to you from now on... 43This is where I’ll instruct the children of IsraEl, and where I’ll be treated as holy in My glory.44‘I will make the Tent of Proofs and its Altar holy, and I’ll make Aaron and his sons holy, so they can serve Me as Priests.45‘Here the children of IsraEl will call to Me, and I will be their God. 46Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so they can call on Me and I can be their God.’
1‘You must also make an incense Altar from durable wood:2‘It should be 20 inches (50cm) long, 20 inches (50cm) wide, and 40 inches (100cm) tall; and it should have horns that are made from a single piece [of wood].3‘Its grating, all its sides, and its horns must be covered with pure gold. It should have wreathed edges of gold all around, 4and under the wreathes you must put two rings of pure gold on each side, to serve as supports for the poles that you’ll use to carry it.5‘The poles must be made from durable wood and covered with gold.6‘Then place [the incense Altar] in front of the veil that [hides] the Chest of Proofs where I will make My presence known to you.7‘Aaron must burn a fine compound of incense on [this Altar] each morning, after he snuffs the lamps. 8And when Aaron lights the lamps in the evening, he must burn incense on it again. So, incense will be offered continuously before Jehovah throughout your generations.9‘You must not offer a different type of incense on it, set any fires on it, offer any sacrifices on it, or pour drink offerings on it.10‘And at the same time each year, Aaron must offer the reconciliation for their generations on its horns with the blood of purification, because it’s very holy to Jehovah.’11Then the Lord told Moses:12‘I want you to take a census of the children of IsraEl.‘Each [person] must pay Jehovah a ransom for his life, so no one will be destroyed when they’re visited.13‘This is what everyone who’s surveyed must give: half a double-silver coin (or 20 copper coins), which is to be used for the Holy Place as an offering to Jehovah.14‘Everyone from 20 years old and up who answers to the census must pay this offering to Jehovah. 15The rich won’t pay any more, and the poor won’t pay any less than the half double-silver coin that they must offer to reconcile their lives with Jehovah.16‘Then you must take the money that the children of IsraEl pay and use it for the services at the Tent of Proofs.‘The children of IsraEl must always remember to do this, so as to reconcile their lives [with Jehovah].’17And the Lord spoke to Moses, and said:18‘You must make a bronze bowl with a bronze base for washing:‘It must be put between the Tent of Proofs and the Altar, and you must fill it with water. 19Then Aaron and his sons must use the water to wash their hands and feet.20‘For whenever they enter the Tent of Proofs, they must wash themselves with the water, so they won’t die... And they must do [the same] whenever they go to the Altar for services or to burn sacrifices to Jehovah.21‘In addition, they must wash their hands and feet in the water whenever they enter the Tent of Proofs, so they don’t die.‘This is the rule for him and his descendants throughout the ages.’22Then the Lord told Moses:23‘You must also gather these sweet-smelling items for the Holy Place:• 16 pounds (7.25kg) of choice myrrh flowers, • 8 pounds (3.6kg) of sweet-smelling cinnamon, • 8 pounds (3.6kg) of sweet-smelling calamus, 24• 16 pounds (7.25kg) of cassia, and • 1 gallon (3.8l) of olive oil.25‘This must then be professionally formulated to make a perfumed holy anointing oil that’s to be used for sacred purposes...26‘Then you must use it to anoint:• The Tent of Proofs, • The Chest inside the Tent of Proofs 27(and all of its furnishings), • The Lampstand (and its furnishings), • The incense Altar, 28• The Altar of whole burnt-offerings (and all its furnishings), • The table (and all its furnishings), and • The wash basin.29‘You must cleanse them and make them extremely holy… And then everyone who touches them will become holy.30Thereafter, you must anoint Aaron and his sons and cleanse them, so they can serve Me as Priests.31‘Then say to the children of IsraEl:‘This will be your holy anointing oil throughout all your generations... 32It should never be poured on a man’s skin, and no one should make any of this for himself using the same formula, because it’s holy, and it should be [treated as] holy by you.33‘So if anyone makes anything like it and gives it to a stranger, he must be destroyed from among his people!’34‘Also, gather these sweet-smelling substances:• Sweet myrrh oil, • Snail shells, • Sweet galbanum, and • Transparent frankincense.‘They are to be combined in equal measures 35in a professional way, to make perfumed incense that will be pure and holy.36‘It must all be beaten into a fine powder and put in front of the Proofs inside the Tent of Proofs, where I’ll make My presence known to you... It must be treated as a most-holy incense by you, 37so you shouldn’t make any for yourselves by this formula, because it’s something holy to Jehovah.38‘Whoever makes anything like it so they can smell it must be destroyed from among his people!’
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1Then the Lord told Moses:2‘{Look!} I have called on BeSeleEl (son of Urias and grandson of Or, of the tribe of Judah) 3and I’ve filled him with the Breath of God and with the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to be creative in all fields!4‘[He understands] carpentry and how to work with gold, silver, and bronze; [how to work with] blue thread, purple yarn and spun scarlet material, as well as 5how to do stone working and wood crafting… How to do everything!6‘So, I’ve chosen him, as well as EliAb (son of AchiSamach, of the tribe of Dan) and anyone else into whose heart I have put talent, to make everything that I’ve talked to you about.7‘[This includes]:• The Tent of Proofs,
• The Chest of the Sacred Agreement (and the Lid that sits on top of it),
• All the furnishings of the Tent,
8• The Altars,
• The table and its furnishings,
9• The pure lampstand and its furnishings,
• The wash bowl and its base,
10• Aaron’s official garments and the garments for his sons to serve Me as Priests,
11• The anointing oil, and
• The incense for the Holy Place.‘They’ll make these things just the way I’ve told you.’12And the Lord said to Moses:13‘Also, tell the children of IsraEl that they must pay attention and keep My Sabbaths, because these are the sign between us through the generations that they know that I am the Lord who makes them holy.14‘They must guard the Sabbaths as something that’s holy to them. So, anyone who dishonors them must be put to death, and anyone who works on [those days] must have their lives destroyed from the midst of their people!15‘They may work for 6 days, but the 7th day is the Sabbath… A holy [day of] rest to Jehovah, and anyone who works on the 7th day must be put to death!16‘The children of IsraEl must keep the Sabbaths and obey them throughout their generations, 17for this is to be an Agreement throughout the ages between the children of IsraEl and Me.‘It is their sign to Me throughout the ages, because Jehovah made the skies and the lands in 6 days, and He stopped and rested on the 7th day.’18Well at that, He finished speaking to Moses on Mount SinAi and He gave Moses the two Tablets of Proofs that were made of stone and had been inscribed by the finger of God.
1[Well, after considerable time had passed] and the people saw that Moses hadn’t returned from the Mountain, they went to Aaron and said:‘[We want you to] make gods for us to lead us, because we don’t know what’s become of this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt.’2So Aaron told them:‘I want you to take all the gold earrings that your wives and daughters wear in their ears, and bring them to me.’3Then everyone took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron, 4and he took them from their hands, [had] them melted, and then the gold was carved into [the shape of] a calf.And he said:‘O IsraEl,‘This is your God who carried you out of the land of Egypt.’5And after he saw it, Aaron had an altar built next to it.Then Aaron proclaimed:‘Tomorrow [we’ll hold] a feast to the Lord.’6So he got up early the next morning and he offered whole burnt sacrifices and a peace offering [upon the altar]. Then the people sat down to eat and drink, and thereafter they got up to play.7Well at that, the Lord told Moses:‘Hurry and go down [the mountain], because the people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt are acting lawlessly!8‘Notice how quickly they’ve left the ways that you’ve shown them… For now they’ve made themselves a calf to worship, and they’ve even offered sacrifices to it, saying:9‘O IsraEl, this is your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt!’10‘So, leave Me now, for I’m so angry with them that I’ll reject them and make a great nation of you!’11But Moses started begging the Lord. He said:‘O Jehovah,‘Why are you so angry with the people whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with Your mighty arm and with so much power?12‘Don’t allow the Egyptians to say:‘He wickedly took them away to kill them in the Mountains and to wipe them off of the land!’‘Hold back Your rage and show mercy on the sins of Your people... 13Remember Your servants AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, and the [oath] that You made to them when You swore by Your Name, saying:‘I will cause your offspring to increase [in number] so much that [they’ll become] like the stars in the skies!’‘And [remember the promise that You made] to give them all of this land as theirs throughout the ages.’14Well, that’s how Jehovah was moved to [keep them] as His people.15Then Moses turned and went down the Mountain carrying the two Tablets of Proofs in his hands... They were tablets of stone that were inscribed on both sides, 16and they were the works and writings of God.17Well, when JoShua heard the voices of people shouting, he said to Moses:‘That’s the sound of a war in the camp!’18But [Moses] replied:‘It isn’t the sound of people going to battle or the sound of defeat... What I hear is the sound of a lot of [partying].’19And when he got close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing, and Moses became so angry that he threw the two tablets from his hands and broke them into pieces at the base of the Mountain!20Then he took the calf that they’d made and had it melted and ground into dust, and he put it into some water and made the children of IsraEl drink it.21And after that, Moses asked Aaron:‘What have these people done to you?!‘Why have you made them [guilty of] such a great sin?’22And Aaron replied:‘Don’t be angry, lord; for you know how troublesome these people are! 23They told me:‘[We want you to] make gods for us to lead us, because we don’t know what’s become of this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt!’24‘So I said:‘If anyone has gold ornaments, take them off.’‘Then they gave them to me and I threw them into the fire, and out came this calf!’25Well, Moses realized that the people were divided, and Aaron was responsible… Which was something that would make their enemies very happy.26So Moses went to the entrance of the camp and shouted:‘Who is on Jehovah’s side? [May those who are], come here to me!’Well, all the sons of Levi came to him, 27and he told them:‘This is what Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, has declared:‘Everyone must [tie on] his sword and go through the camp from gate to gate, and each of you must kill [your rebellious] brothers and neighbors, starting with those who are the nearest to you!’28So the sons of Levi did just as Moses had told them, and 3,000 people fell that day.29Then Moses said:‘You are to be praised, because you’ve all raised your hands before Jehovah [and struck down] your own sons and your own brothers!’30Then the next morning, Moses spoke to the people and said:‘You’ve committed a great sin! So, now I must go up to God and pay for your sins!’31Therefore, Moses returned to Jehovah and said:‘I’ve [come to] beg You, O Lord; because these people are guilty of a great sin by making a god of gold.32‘So now, [please] forgive their sins. But if You choose not to; then, also erase my name from the scroll that You’ve written.’33But the Lord told Moses:‘I’m going to erase [the names] from My scroll of all those who’ve sinned against Me!34‘Now, go and lead these people to the place that I told you about when I said:‘{Look!} My messenger will travel before you.’‘However, I’m also going to visit them and [punish] them for their sins.’35So thereafter, Jehovah struck the people for having Aaron make the calf.
1Then the Lord told Moses:‘Go on! You and the people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt must leave now and go to the land that I promised to AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, when I said:‘I will give this [land] to your offspring. 2For I’ll send My messenger ahead of you, and he will throw out the Amorites, Chettites, Pherezites, Gergeshites, Evites, Jebusites, and CanaAnites, 3then I’ll bring you into a land that flows with milk and honey.’‘However, I won’t be going with you, for fear that I’ll destroy you along the way, because you’re such a stubborn people!’4Well, when the people heard this bad news, they went into mourning and dressed themselves in mourning clothes.5But the Lord told the children of IsraEl:‘You’re a stubborn people!‘Now, pay attention, so I don’t send another plague to destroy you!‘Take off your [mourning] clothes and their trappings, and let Me show you what I’ll do for you.’6So the Sons of IsraEl took off all their [mourning] gear there at the dry mountain (Horeb). 7Then Moses carried the [materials for] the Tent (which they called the Tent of Proofs) outside of the camp and [had it] assembled some distance away, so that everyone who [wanted an answer from Jehovah] would have to go outside the camp to the Tent.8Then, whenever Moses would enter or leave the Tent, everyone would stand and watch at its entrance, to see what would happen. 9For when Moses entered the Tent, a column of clouds descended and stayed at the Tent’s entrance while [God] was speaking to Moses.10And as they all watched the column of clouds at the entrance to the Tent, everyone stood there and prayed 11as Jehovah spoke to Moses face to face as though they were two friends!Then after that, [Moses] would return to the camp, but his servant JoShua (son of NaWeh), who was a young man, didn’t leave the Tent.12Thereafter, Moses said to Jehovah:‘{Look!} You told me to lead these people on, but You haven’t shown me where You want me to go yet.‘You’ve also told me that You know me better than all the rest, and that You care for me... 13So now, if I’ve found favor in Your eyes, show Yourself to me so I can see You. Then I’ll know that I’ve found favor in Your eyes, and I can be sure that this great nation is truly Your people.’14And [God] replied:‘I’ll pass before you, to satisfy you.’15Then [Moses] said:‘But if You aren’t going to [travel] with us, don’t make me go either!16‘For, how would anyone know for sure that these people and I have found favor with You, unless You go with us? [And if You should choose to go], both Your people and I’ll be glorified above all the nations of the earth.’17Well at this, the Lord told Moses:‘I’ll do this thing that you’ve asked, because you’ve found My favor and I’ve put you above all the rest.’18Then [Moses] said:‘Then, show Yourself to me!’19And [God] said:‘I’ll pass before you with My glory, and I’ll call out My Name (Jehovah) in front of you as I say:‘I’ll be merciful to those for whom I feel mercy, and I’ll have pity on those for whom I feel pity.’20Then [God] told [Moses]:‘You won’t be able to see My face, because no man can see My face and live.’21And the Lord said:‘{Look!} Stand by Me on that rock [over there]; 22and as My glory is passing by, I’ll put you into a hole in that rock and cover you with My hand as I pass. 23Then I’ll remove My hand, so you can see My back… But you won’t be able to see My face.’
1And the Lord said to Moses:‘Now, you must cut two tablets of stone like the first ones, and climb the mountain to Me; then I’ll write the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.2‘So, be ready to climb Mount SinAi in the morning, and then stand there [and wait] for Me at the top of the Mountain... 3Don’t allow anyone to go up with you or to even be seen on the Mountain! And don’t allow any sheep or bulls to graze near the Mountain.’4So [Moses] cut two stone tablets just like the first, and he got up early and climbed Mount SinAi, just as the Lord had told him, carrying the two stone tablets.5Then the Lord descended in a cloud and stood close to him, as He called out the Name, Jehovah. 6And the Lord passed before his face while He was saying:‘Jehovah, the God of mercy, pity, patience, concern, and truth, 7who brings justice and mercy to thousands, and removes wrong-doing, unrighteousness, and sins, but who won’t acquit the guilty...‘He’s the One who [punishes] the sins of ancestors on their children and on their children’s children to the 3rd and 4th generations.’8Then Moses quickly bowed to the earth and prayed:9‘If You care for me; may my Lord go with us, because these people are stubborn. Then You’ll remove our sins and our failings, and we’ll be Your people.’10And after that, the Lord said to Moses:‘{Look!} I am establishing a Sacred Agreement with you in the presence of all your people.‘I’ll do wonderful things that have never been done before anywhere on the earth or in any nation!‘Everyone among you will see the deeds that I’ll do for you… For they’re wonderful.11‘However, make sure that you do everything that I’ve told you to do. Then {Look!} I’ll throw the Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Chettites, Evites, Gergeshites, and Jebusites out from before you.12‘Be careful not to make any agreements with the people who live in the land that you’re entering, for fear that they’ll become stones to stumble you!13‘You must destroy their altars and smash their [sacred] columns, cut off their water, and burn the images of their gods... 14You must not worship other gods, because Jehovah, which is a zealous Name, is a zealous God.15‘Never make pacts with people who live in this land and then commit ‘adultery’ with their gods, or sacrifice to their gods, or have them call you to eat at their feasts.16‘You shouldn’t take their daughters as wives for your sons, nor should you give your daughters to their sons, so your sons and daughters don’t become ‘adulterers’ with their gods.17‘You aren’t to mold [any images of] gods for yourselves.18‘You must keep the Feast of Fermentation-Free Bread and eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days, just as I’ve told you, in the month and season of new grain… Because, that’s when you came out of Egypt.19‘All the first-born males are Mine… Yes, everyone who first opens the womb, including all your first-born oxen and sheep.20‘But when it comes to the first-born of burros; you must pay a ransom for them using a sheep or with money. You must also pay a ransom for your first-born sons… Don’t come to Me empty-handed!21‘You can work for 6 days, but you must rest on the 7th day, whether it’s during the seed [planting] time or the harvest.22‘You must also observe the Feast of Weeks for Me at the beginning of the wheat harvest and at the harvest in the middle of the year. 23So, every male must appear before Jehovah the God of IsraEl three times each year.24‘For after I’ve driven the nations away from before you and enlarged your borders, no one will really desire your land… That is, as long as you go up to appear before Jehovah your God three times each year!25‘You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with any fermentation, nor should the Passover sacrifices remain until the next morning.26‘The first fruits of your land must be taken to the House of your God Jehovah.‘You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.’27Then the Lord told Moses:‘Write all of these words down, because they are the words of My Sacred Agreement with you and with IsraEl.’28Well, Moses was there [on the mountain] with Jehovah for 40 days and 40 nights; and during that entire time, he didn’t eat any bread or drink any water! Then He wrote the words of the Sacred Agreement (the Ten Commandments) on the tablets.29So when Moses came down the Mountain, he had the two tablets in his hands... But, as he was coming down, he didn’t realize that his face was glowing because of his conversation with God! 30And when Aaron and all the elders of IsraEl saw Moses’ face radiating, they were afraid to come any closer.31However, when Moses called to them, Aaron and all the heads of the gathering turned towards him, as he started speaking to them.32And after that, all the children of IsraEl also came to him, and he told them all the Commandments that Jehovah had given to him on Mount SinAi.33Then, after he’d finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34Yet, whenever Moses went in to speak to Jehovah, he would remove the veil until he [came back outside] to tell the children of IsraEl what the Lord had said to him.35[Of course], it was because the children of IsraEl could see Moses’ face radiating that he wore the veil over it after going in to speak to the Lord.
1After that, Moses assembled the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl and said:‘These are the commandments that Jehovah has told you to obey:2‘You can work for 6 days, but the 7th day is for resting. It’s a holy Sabbath and a rest for Jehovah. So, anyone who does work on [that day] must die.3‘You may not so much as light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath day; for I am Jehovah.’4Then Moses told the gathering of the children of IsraEl:‘This is what Jehovah has instructed you to do:5‘Take up [a collection] as an offering to Jehovah, and everyone whose heart moves him to do so must bring these as first-fruits to Jehovah:• Gold, • Silver, • Bronze, 6• Blue [thread], • Purple [yarn], • Double-spun scarlet [cloth], • Fine-spun linen, • Goats’ hair, 7• Ram’s skins that have been dyed red or blue, • Durable wood, and 8• Rubies and gemstones that can be engraved for the [Priest’s] shoulder-piece and full-length robes.9‘Then, any man among you who is wise at heart may come and create the things that Jehovah has commanded, such as:10• The Tent, • The cords, • The coverings, • The rings, • The rafters, • The posts, 11• The Chest of Proofs and its staves, • The Lid, • The veil, 12• The curtains for the courtyard and their posts, 13• The [engraved gemstones], 14• The incense, • The anointing oil, 15• The table and all its furnishings, 16• The lampstand (for lighting) and all of its furnishings, 17• The Altar and all of its furnishings, 18and • The holy garments for the Priesthood of Aaron (the clothing that he must use in his services), 19as well as the Priestly garments for Aaron’s sons.’20And after the gathering of the children of IsraEl [had finished listening to] Moses, all that felt moved to do so brought whatever they thought would be appropriate as offerings... 21So, they donated (as offerings to Jehovah) everything that was needed for the Tent of Proofs and all of its services, as well as all the clothing for the Holy Place.22Then, any man who felt moved to do so brought items from their wives, such as gold...• Clasps, • Earrings, • Finger rings, • Necklaces, • Bracelets, and • All sorts of gold items.23Yes, many of them brought their gold jewelry to Jehovah, as well as their fine linen and ram’s skins that were dyed blue or red.24All those who brought offerings also brought items of silver and bronze to Jehovah, and everyone who had durable wood or the tools to work it, brought these things too.25Then the women who were skilled at spinning brought blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and fine linen. 26And thereafter, all the women who were moved to do so and were wise, spun the goats’ hair.27In addition, the [tribal] rulers brought emeralds and gemstones for the settings in the shoulder pieces and the Words [of Judgment].28They also brought the materials for the anointing oil and the things that would be used to make the incense.29So, every man and woman who was moved to do so came to do all the work that Jehovah had assigned to them through Moses [using the things that] the children of IsraEl had donated as offerings to the Lord.30And Moses told them:‘{Look!} God has specifically called BeSeleEl (of Urias and Or) from the tribe of Judah, 31and filled him with a godly spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, in order to be creative in all fields of expertise.32‘For he’s skilled in all sorts of crafts, such as working gold, silver, and bronze, 33in setting gemstones, and in doing wood carving… He does everything [well].34‘Both he and EliAb (of AchiSamach of the tribe of Dan) have been granted such understanding. 35They have been filled with wisdom, understanding, and the know-how to do all the work that must be done for the Tent, as well as how to weave and embroider using scarlet [cloth] and fine linen, and how to fashion all the unique embroidered items.’
1So BeSeleEl, EliAb, and all those who were wise and knowledgeable, were given the wisdom, knowledge, and necessary [skills] to do everything that had to be done for the holy offices in the way that Jehovah had instructed.2Then Moses called BeSeleEl, EliAb, and all the wise men who had received the needed skills from God, as well as everyone who was willing to come and donate their work, to get the job done.3Moses gave them everything that the children of IsraEl had brought to build the Holy Place. In fact, they continued to receive the gifts each morning, 4and wise people with many different skills kept showing up to work at the Holy Place.5Then one of them said to Moses:‘The people are bringing in too many of the things that Jehovah told them to bring!’6So Moses sent a proclamation throughout the camp, saying:‘No men or women should come to work or bring any more offerings to the Holy.’So they actually had to stop the people from bringing things, 7since they had enough material to make all the furnishings, with much left over.[Editor note: Now follows descriptions of the construction of the items for worship. The story continues at Exodus 40:17.]
8The wise and thoughtful among those who were working on the Tent also produced 10 tent curtains:[They were made] from:• Blue [thread],
• Purple [yarn],
• Spun-scarlet [cloth], and
• Fine-spun linen.[They were made] with [images of] cherubs carefully woven into them.9Each curtain was 42 feet (12.8m) wide and 6 feet (1.8m) tall… And all the curtains were the same. 10Then, two groups of five curtains each were connected end-to-end.11They also made blue loops along the edges of each curtain to join them to each other. And they made 50 [loops] along the outer edges of the following curtains to connect them all together… 12They put 50 loops on the first curtain and 50 corresponding loops on the next, so [the curtains] could be joined together at the loops.13Then [BeSeleEl] made 50 gold hooks to join each of the curtains to each other, in order to assemble the Sacred Tent.14After that, he also put together the 11 goat-hair coverings to serve as a roof for the Sacred Tent:15Each of these was 45 feet (13.7m) long and 6 feet (1.5m) wide. 16He joined five of the goat-hair coverings to make one portion, and six to make the other. 17He also made 50 loops along the edge of the first group of goat-hair cloths and 50 loops along the edge of the second group (in the middle), 18then he formed 50 bronze hooks and joined both sections with the hooks, making it a single sheet.19He also made the top covering for the Sacred Tent out of ram’s skins, some of which were dyed red, and some of which were dyed blue.20Then he made the posts for the Sacred Tent out of durable wood:21The first post was 15 feet (4.5m) tall, and 1-3/4 feet (53cm) wide. 22It had two joints that butted against each other… And that’s how he made all the posts for the Sacred Tent.23There were 20 posts on the side facing the south, 24along with 40 silver sockets to connect them (2 sockets per post), and two sockets for each of the posts that followed.25There were also 20 posts along the north side [of the Tent], 26and 40 silver sockets for them, two sockets per post. 27And for the rear of the Sacred Tent (the west side), he made 6 posts, 28plus two posts for the rear corners. 29Their sections were of equal lengths, both the tops and the bottoms, for the corner posts.30So altogether, there were 8 posts and 16 silver sockets – two per post.31He also made cross bars out of durable wood:Five [were set] between the posts along one side of the Sacred Tent, five were set between the posts to the other side of the Sacred Tent, 32five were set between the posts at the rear of the Sacred Tent (towards the west), 33and there was a single bar through the middle, which ran right through the posts from one side to the other.34He then covered the posts in gold and added gold rings to hold the poles; and he gilded the cross bars with gold.35He also made a veil:[It was made] from:• Blue [thread],
• Purple [yarn],
• Spun-scarlet [cloth], and
• Fine-spun linen.[It had images of] cherubs carefully woven into them, 36and [he] placed it over four posts of durable wood that were covered in gold.The tips of the poles were covered in gold, but their four bases were made of silver.37Then he made a draw curtain for the entrance to the Tent:[It was made] from:• Blue [thread],
• Purple [yarn],
• Spun-scarlet [cloth], and
• Fine-spun linen that was embroidered.38[It came] along with its five posts, the tips of which he gilded with gold, and he cast five bronze bases for them.
1Then BeSeleEl made the Chest from durable wood:It was:• 3-3/4 feet (114cm) long,
• 27 inches (70cm) wide, and
• 27 inches (70cm) tall.2He gilded it with pure gold both inside and out, and he made a waved border of spun gold all around it. 3Then he cast four gold rings for its four sides, two rings on one side and two rings on the other.4And he made bearing poles of durable wood, covering them with gold. 5Then he inserted the bearing poles into the rings on the sides of the Chest, to carry it.6Thereafter, he made the Lid of pure gold:It was:• 3-3/4 (114cm) feet long, and
• 27 inches (70cm) wide.7Then he made two [statues of] cherubs of beaten gold, and put them on each side of the Lid 8(one on the right and the other on the left), so there was a cherub on either side.9Both of the cherubs had out-stretched wings that overshadowed the Lid as they faced each other, for both cherubs faced [inward].10Next he made the Table from durable wood:It was:• 3 feet (91cm) wide,
• 1-1/2 feet (45cm) deep, and
• 2-1/4 feet (68cm) tall.11He covered it all in pure gold, 12and he made a spun, waved border of gold all around it. Then he made a rim for it that was 9 inches (23cm) around, and he put a spun, waved border around the rim.13He also cast four gold rings for it, and he placed the four rings on each of its feet. 14Then, next to the waved border rim, he placed rings to hold the bearing poles that were used to carry the table.15The bearing poles were also made from durable wood, which he then covered with gold.16He also made the utensils for the table:• Its saucers,
• Incense pans,
• Cups, and
• The bowls in which the Priest would offer the drink offerings....[all were made] of pure gold.17After that, he made the Lampstand of pure gold:Its stems, branches, basins, knobs, and lilies were all formed on a lathe. 18It had six branches in a row, three on the right and three on the left.19Each of the oil basins were almond shaped, with a knob and lily on the six branches that were on either side of the one in the center of the lampstand. 20[This center] part had four almond-shaped basins on its single branch, along with knobs and lilies.21There was a knob under each pair of [the lamp’s] six branches that extended outward from the lampstand.22These branches and their knobs were all turned from single pieces of pure gold. 23Then he made its seven lamps, its snuffers, and their oil funnels of pure gold, 24which weighed some 60 pounds (27.2kg).25Next he made the Incense Altar out of durable wood:It was:• 1-1/2 feet (45cm) long,
• 1-1/2 feet (45cm) wide, and
• 3 feet (91cm) high.And on each of its four corners there were horns. 26He covered it with pure gold (its grate, its sides, and its horns), and he made a spun rim of gold all around it.27He also made rings of pure gold that he placed under its rim of spun gold for each of its four corners, to serve as holders for the bearing poles that they’d use to carry [this Altar].28He made the poles out of durable wood, and he covered them with gold.29Following that, he prepared the holy anointing oil and he mixed the incense in the pure ways of a perfumer.
1Then he made an Altar for the whole burnt offerings out of durable wood:It was:• 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) long, and • 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) wide.It had four corners, and it stood 4-1/2 feet (1.2m) tall.2He made horns for each of the four corners, which he then covered in bronze.3He also made a rim for the Altar, a lid for it, bowls for it, meat hooks for it, and a fire pit… He made everything out of bronze.4Then he made a grate of latticed bronze, 5and he made four rings to support the grate at each of its four sides out of bronze, which he placed under the grate ([The grate] was about half [the size of] the Altar).6He also made the bearing poles for the Altar out of durable wood, plating them with bronze. 7Then he inserted the bearing poles through the sides of the Altar, to carry it (it was hollow and made of boards).8He also made the bathing tub out of bronze:The bronze for its base came from the bronze mirrors of the women who had been fasting at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.9Next, he made curtains for the courtyard:• The curtain towards the south was made of fine spun linen, 150 feet (45.7m) long. 10It had 20 posts and 20 bronze bases, and its hooks and their clips were made of silver.11• The side towards the north was also 150 feet (45.7m) long, with 20 posts and 20 bronze bases; and their hooks and clips were of silver.12• The curtains towards the west side were 75 feet (22.8m) long, with 10 posts and 10 bronze bases; and their hooks and clips were of silver.13• And the curtains towards the east were 75 feet (22.8m) long.14[The entrance to the courtyard] ran 22-1/2 feet (6.8m) towards the rear, with three posts and three bases. 15Then there was a 2nd section leading to the entrance of the courtyard, with curtains that were 22-1/2 feet (6.8m) long, having three posts and three bases.16All the curtains for the Tent were made out of fine-spun linen, 17their bases were made of bronze, their hooks and clips were of silver, and all the posts in the courtyard were silver plated.18The veils for the entrance to the courtyard were embroidered of:• Blue [thread], • Purple [yarn], • Spun-scarlet [cloth], and • Fine-spun linen.They were each 30 feet (9.1m) long and 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) high, and they were connected to the courtyard curtains. 19They had 4 posts and 4 bronze bases.Their hooks were of silver, and their tips were silver plated, 20and all the courtyard tent pegs were made of bronze.21This was how things were arranged at the Tent of Proofs, just as the orders were given to Moses.IthaMar (son of Aaron the High Priest) was in charge of everything, 22and BeSeleEl (son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah) was in charge of making all the things (just as the Lord had instructed Moses). 23Also, EliAb (son of AhiSamach, of the tribe of Dan) supervised the weaving, stitching, and embroidering with the blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen.24[They] used 1,790 pounds (810kg) of gold in the Holy Places (which all came in as part of the first-fruit offerings), plus 730 holy gold coins.25All the silver that came from the census of those chosen from among the gathering amounted to 60,000 pounds (27,200kg), plus 1,775 shekels (a silver bar per head, which is half of a holy shekel) 26that was paid for each of the males in the census that were more than 20 years old among the 63,550.27[They] cast 60,000 pounds (27,200kg) of silver for the tips of the Sacred Tent and for the tips of the veil.There were 100 tips weighing 60 pounds (27.2kg) each. 28Also, [they] used 1,775 shekels to make the hooks for the posts, the tips of which were gilded and engraved.29[They] used 4,200 pounds (1,900kg) of bronze for sacred purposes, plus 2,400 shekels. 30From it they made the bases for:• The entrance to the Tent of Proofs, • The bronze Altar and its grate, • All the utensils for the Altar, 31• The bases all around the courtyard, • The bases for the entrance to the courtyard, • The pegs for the Tent, and • The pegs for the courtyard around it.
1And from what was left over of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made into garments for the services of Aaron, so that he could officiate in them in the Holy Place, as the Lord had instructed Moses:2They made the shoulder pieces out of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen.3They cut up two sheets of hammered gold to create the gold threads and wove them into the blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen, 4[which they attached on either side of the sacred vest].5The vest was also made of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen, as the Lord had instructed Moses.6Then they attached the two emerald stones with clasps... They were carved and engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of IsraEl, and then inlaid with gold 7and placed on the tops of each of the shoulder pieces, in memory of the sons of IsraEl, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.8Next, they made the Word [of Judgment]:It was woven and embroidered (the same as the shoulder pieces) of gold, blue [thread], purple [yarn], spun-scarlet [cloth], and fine-spun linen. 9It was four-cornered, 9 inches (23cm) long, 9 inches (23cm) wide, and folded.10And into it they wove and inlaid precious stones that were arranged in four rows:• The first row had a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald.
11• The second row had a red garnet, a sapphire, and a jasper.
12• The third row had an amber, an agate, and an amethyst.
13• The fourth row had a chrysolite, a beryl, and an onyx.The stones were all set in gold and connected by gold. 14They were engraved like seals with one of the names of the 12 sons of IsraEl on each, representing the 12 tribes.15The Word [of Judgment] had a border with a tightly-joined wreath of pure gold.16Then they made two gold rings and two gold clasps. 17They placed the two gold rings on each of the corners of the Word [of Judgment], and they put wreaths of gold with fasteners over the two rings (on each side of the Word [of Judgment]), 18which connected to the sides of shoulder pieces, across from each other, in the front.19They connected the Word [of Judgment] to the back, inside of the shoulder piece. 20For they made two gold rings and placed them along the tips of the shoulder pieces, on the bottom sides and in the front, below the connector that was over the woven parts of the shoulder pieces.21The Word [of Judgment] was then fastened by its rings to the rings on the shoulder pieces. They were sewed in using blue thread, and they were closely joined into the woven work of the shoulder pieces, so the Word [of Judgment] wouldn’t come loose from the shoulder pieces, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.22Then they made the robe that went under the shoulder piece, which was woven entirely of blue thread:23It had an opening in the middle with a closely-woven, reinforced edge around the collar. 24Then along the bottom hem of the robe, there were woven blossoming pomegranates of blue thread, purple yarn, scarlet cloth, and fine-spun linen.25They also made gold bells and placed them around the bottom hem of the robe, between the figures of pomegranates. 26So there were gold bells and the figures of pomegranates all around the official robe, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.27They made all the garments for Aaron and his sons of fine woven linen:The turbans were of linen, 28the outer robes were of linen, the underwear were made from spun linen, 29and the sashes were made of linen that was embroidered with blue thread, purple yarn, and scarlet cloth, exactly as the Lord had instructed Moses.30They also made a curtain of pure gold to [hide] the Most Holy Place, upon which they wrote words in raised letters:‘Holy to Jehovah.’31It had a blue upper hem that connected it to the upper [cross bar], just as the Lord had instructed Moses.32So, all of the work on the Tent of Proofs was finally completed by the sons of IsraEl, just as the Lord had given the instructions to Moses.33The blue [thread], the purple [yarn], and the scarlet [material] that was left over, was used to make [more] garments for Aaron to wear in his services at the Holy Place.34They also brought garments to Moses for use in the Tent, as well as [things] for its furnishings, bases, rafters, and posts 35for the Chest of the Sacred Agreement and its carriers, and for the Altar and its furnishings.36They made:• The anointing oil,
• The incense,
• The holy lampstand 37and its lamps (that held oil for the light),
38• The showbread table and all its furnishings,
39• Aaron’s garments for use in the Holy Place,
• The garments for his sons in their Priestly duties,
40• The curtains for the courtyard,
• All the posts,
• The veils for the entrance to the Tent and the courtyard,
41• All the furnishings and tools for the Tent,
• The ram skins that were dyed red and blue,
• Coverings for other things,
• The pins,
• And everything that was needed for work in the Tent of Proofs.42Whatever the Lord told Moses, the children of IsraEl made to complete the furnishings. 43And when Moses looked at all the work and saw that they’d done everything and made everything in the way that Jehovah had told him, he praised them.
1Then the Lord told Moses:2‘On the 1st day of the 1st month (the New Moon), you must assemble the Tent of Proofs 3and put the Chest of Proofs inside it, behind the veil.4‘Then carry in the table and lay [the bread] upon it...‘Also, bring in the lampstand and mount the lamps on it.5‘Then carry in the gold incense Altar and burn incense in front of the Chest, and hang the veil in the entryway to the Tent of Proofs.6‘Then put the Altar of burnt offerings next to the entry to the Tent of Proofs, and set up the rest of the Tent.7‘And put the bathing tub between the Tent of Proofs and the Altar, and put water in it. 8And you’ll set up the courtyard around it, and you’ll set up the veil of the courtyard gate. [missing from Septuagint source]9‘Then take the anointing oil and anoint the Tent and everything in it, to cleanse it, so that it and all its furnishings will be holy... 10Also, anoint the Altar of burnt offerings and all of its furnishings. Make it clean, so that the Altar will be most holy.11‘And you’ll anoint the bathing tub and its base, and make it holy. And you’ll make the Altar holy, and it’ll become the Altar of the Most Holy. [missing from Septuagint source]12‘After that, bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and wash them with water... 13Then dress Aaron in the holy garments and anoint him, to make him holy, so he can serve as a Priest to Me.14‘And after that, bring in his sons, dress them in their garbs, 15and anoint them as you did their father, so they can serve Me as Priests. 16This anointing of the Priesthood [must be continued] throughout the ages.’And Moses did everything that the Lord told him.[Editor note: The story continues here.]
17So it was that the Tent was erected during the 1st month (a year after they’d left Egypt… During the New Moon).18Moses set up the Tent, put on the caps, and set the rafters and posts in their places. 19Then he stretched the curtains over the Tent and installed the veil from the top of the Tent, as Jehovah had commanded.20He also took the Proofs and placed them inside the Chest; then he mounted the Chest on the poles 21and carried it into the Tent. And thereafter, he installed the veil to conceal the Chest of Proofs, just as the Lord had commanded.22After that, he carried the table into the Tent of Proofs and placed it on the north side, just outside the veil. 23And he brought in the showbread [and set it] before Jehovah, just as the Lord had instructed him.24Next, he brought the lampstand into the Tent of Proofs and placed it on the south side of the Tent, 25and he mounted its lamps in front of Jehovah, just as the Lord had commanded.26Then he brought the gold incense Altar into the Tent of Proofs and put it in front of the veil, 27and he lit the [sacred] incense upon it, just as the Lord had commanded.28And he set up the curtain of the door of the Tent. [missing from Septuagint source]29He also put the Altar for the burnt offerings next to the Tent entrance.30And he placed the bathing tub between the Tent of Proofs and between the Altar, and he put water in it 31for Moses, Aaron, and his sons to wash their hands and feet 32when entering the Tent of Proofs (or whenever they went to serve at the Altar), just as the Lord had commanded. [missing from Septuagint source]33And he set up the courtyard all around the Tent and the Altar. Yes, Moses did all these things.34After that, a cloud covered the Tent of Proofs and it was filled with the glory of Jehovah!35So then, even Moses wasn’t able to enter the Tent of Proofs because of the cloud that covered it and the glory of Jehovah that was inside of the Tent!36And after that, whenever the cloud would rise above the Tent, the children of IsraEl packed their bags and [got ready to leave]. 37But if the cloud stayed in place, they didn’t get ready to leave until the day that the cloud arose again... 38For the cloud covered the Tent during the day, and fire covered it during the night; and all IsraEl could [see this] as they traveled.
[Editor note: Leviticus begins with an extensive description of the different sacrifices. The story resumes at Leviticus 9:22.] 1Then the Lord called Moses again and spoke to him in the Tent of Proofs.He said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them that anyone who brings an ox as a gift to Jehovah must bring one that the Lord will find acceptable.3‘If his gift for a burnt offering is from the herd, he will bring a male that has no defects. He will bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs [where it will be] accepted on his behalf before Jehovah.4‘He must put his hands on the head of the offering [to show that] it’s something he wishes to do so as to be forgiven by [God], 5and they must slaughter the calf before Jehovah.‘Then Aaron’s sons (the Priests) must collect its blood and pour it around the Altar at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.6‘The meat of the offering should thereafter be butchered and divided into quarters. 7Then the sons of Aaron (the Priests) must light a fire on the Altar and pile wood on the fire, 8and the Priests must put the head and the fat over the fire in the Altar, 9then wash the [animal’s] entrails and feet in water, and then put the rest of it on the Altar as a burnt-offering sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.10‘However, if [the person] is offering a sheep as a gift to Jehovah (or a lamb, or a kid goat) as a whole-burnt offering, it must be a perfect male.11‘He must put his hand on its head and they must slaughter it next to the Altar towards the north, before Jehovah. Then the sons of Aaron (the Priests) must pour its blood on and around the Altar.12‘They must quarter it and put its head and its fat over the burning wood on the Altar. 13Then they must wash its entrails and feet with water, and the Priest must put the rest on the Altar as a burnt-offering sacrifice and a sweet odor to Jehovah.14‘But if [the person] is offering a bird as a gift to Jehovah, it must be a dove or a pigeon. 15The Priest must bring it to the Altar, wring off its head and sprinkle its blood at the base of the Altar. 16And before placing it on the Altar, he must remove the crop and the feathers, and throw them by the ashes, to the east of the Altar.17‘He should then break off its wings, but not cut it up, and put the burnt-offering sacrifice on the Altar over the burning wood as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.’
1‘If a person brings fine flour as a gift to sacrifice to Jehovah, he must pour oil over it and put frankincense on it, before offering it as a sacrifice.2‘He must carry it to the Priests (the sons of Aaron) and take a handful of the fine flour with the oil and the frankincense, and then a Priest must put it on the Altar as a sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.3‘The rest of the sacrifice must then be [given to] Aaron and his sons as their holy portion from the sacrifices to Jehovah.4‘And if he brings [bread] that has been baked in an oven as a gift sacrifice to Jehovah, it must be fermentation-free and kneaded with oil into fermentation-free cakes. 5But if the gift of fermentation-free fine flour is brought in a pan, 6it must be broken into pieces and then oil must be poured over it as a sacrifice to Jehovah.7‘However, if the gift of fine flour with oil that’s to be offered as a sacrifice to Jehovah [consists of whole loaves] that were baked in an oven, 8they must be brought to the Priest, 9and the Priest must take it to the Altar and offer a portion of it as a burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.10‘The rest of the sacrifice must then be [given to] Aaron and his sons as their holy portion from the burnt offerings of Jehovah.11‘You must not have fermentation in any of the sacrifices that are brought to Jehovah [at the Altar], and no honey will be brought as a gift to Jehovah [at the Altar].12‘Such things may be brought to Jehovah as though they were fruit, but they must not be offered on the Altar as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.13‘All gifts of sacrifices must be seasoned with salt. Don’t leave the salt of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement out of your sacrifices! No matter what type of gift it is, it must be offered to Jehovah your God with salt.14‘And when you offer the first fruits of your new grain as a sacrifice to Jehovah, it should be ground and roasted before bringing it as a sacrifice... 15You must also pour oil and frankincense over it, because it’s a sacrifice.16‘Then the Priest must offer a portion of the grain with all the oil and frankincense as a burnt offering to Jehovah.’
1‘If the gift to Jehovah is to be a peace offering and it’s selected from among your cattle, it can be a male or a female, but it must be perfect to bring it before Him.2‘The [person] must put his hands on the head of the gift and they must slaughter it before Jehovah next to the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour the blood on and around the Altar of burnt offerings.3‘For peace offerings, [the following portions] should be offered as burnt-sacrifices to Jehovah:• The belly and all the fat in and around it, 4• The kidneys and the fat on them, • [The fat] on the thighs and the membrane around the liver and kidneys.5‘The Priests (the sons of Aaron) must offer them on the Altar of burnt offerings over the burning wood on the Altar as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.6‘And if the peace-offering gift to Jehovah is a sheep, it may be either a male or a female, but it must be perfect.7‘If the gift is a lamb; he must bring it before Jehovah, 8put his hands on the head of his offering, and they must slaughter it by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour its blood on and around the Altar.9‘The peace offering to be burned to Jehovah shall be [the following portions] which you’ll remove:• The healthy, fat hind parts and loins, • All the fat that’s in and around the belly, 10• The kidneys and the fat around them, • The fat around the thighs and the membrane around the liver and kidneys.11‘[All this] must be offered on the Altar by the Priest as a sweet-smelling odor and burnt offering to Jehovah.12‘And if he’s offering a goat, he must bring it before Jehovah, 13put his hands on its head, and they must slaughter it before Jehovah next to the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. Then the Priests (the sons of Aaron) must pour the blood on and around the Altar.14‘The parts of the burnt offering [that will be offered] to Jehovah must be:• The fat in and around the belly, 15• Both kidneys and all the fat on them, • [The fat] on the thighs and the membrane around the liver and kidneys.16‘Then the Priest must offer it on the Altar as a burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah.‘All of the fat is Jehovah’s!17‘And this is the rule throughout the ages of your generations wherever you may live:‘You must not eat the fat or the blood!’
1Then the Lord said to Moses:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘If a person sins against Jehovah by doing something that He says you mustn’t do, in any of the Commandments, but unintentionally... 3‘Or if the Anointed Priest sins and that causes the people to sin...‘The person must bring [an offering] for his sin. [He must bring] a perfect calf from his herd to Jehovah, [to cover] his sin.4‘He must bring the calf before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, put his hand on its head, and they must slaughter it in Jehovah’s presence.5‘And when the Anointed Priest who’s been made perfect receives the calf’s blood, he must carry it into the Tent of Proofs.6‘The Priest must then dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it at the base of the Holy Veil before Jehovah, 7 times. 7And he must put some of the calf’s blood on the horns of the incense Altar that’s before Jehovah (inside the Tent of Proofs) and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar, by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.8‘[Thereafter, he must take] all the fat from the calf of the sin offering and remove it. [From:]• The inner fat, • The outer fat, 9• The kidneys and the fat on them, and • [The fat on] the thighs and the membrane around the liver and kidneys.10‘Then the Priest must offer it on the Altar of burnt offerings.11‘As for the calf’s skin, flesh, head, extremities, belly, and dung... 12It must all be carried outside the camp into the clean place where they pour the ashes, and it must be totally burned among the wood ashes that will be poured out there.13‘Also, if the whole gathering of IsraEl should unknowingly commit a sin and it goes unnoticed by them (if they should do something that’s forbidden, shouldn’t be done, and is a sin against any of the Commandments of Jehovah), 14but they later realize what they’ve done; the gathering should bring a perfect calf from the herd as a sin offering to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs.15‘Then [all] the elders of the gathering must lay their hands on the calf’s head and slaughter it before Jehovah.16‘Thereafter, the Anointed Priest must bring the calf’s blood into the Tent of Proofs, 17then dip his finger in some of the blood and sprinkle it 7 times before the veil of the Most Holy, there before Jehovah.18‘The Priest must also put some of the blood on the horns of the incense Altar that stands before Jehovah inside the Tent of Proofs. Then he must pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings, which is by the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.19‘He must cut off all its fat and offer it on the Altar, 20dealing with it in the same way as he does with the calf of the sin offering. That’s how the Priests must pay for their sins, and then their mistakes will be forgiven.21‘After that, they must take the rest of the calf outside of the camp and burn it in the same way as the other calf.‘This is the sin offering for the [entire] gathering.22‘And if one of the leaders should unknowingly break one of the Commandments of his God Jehovah (something he shouldn’t have done in sin and error), 23and then he realizes that he’s sinned... The gift he must offer is a perfect male kid goat.24‘He must put his hand on the head of the kid and slaughter it where they slaughter the whole-burnt offerings before Jehovah, as a sin offering. 25Then the Priest must put some of the blood of the sin offering on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings with his finger, and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar.26‘Thereafter, he must offer all of its fat on the Altar as the sacrifice of the peace offering. [This is how] the Priest must pay for [the leader’s] sin, so that it may be forgiven.27‘And if a person among the people of the land should sin unknowingly against any of the Commandments of Jehovah by doing something that shouldn’t be done, 28and then he realizes that he’s sinned... He must bring a perfect female kid goat for the sin that he’s committed.29‘He must put his hand on the head of his sin offering and slaughter the kid of the sin offering where they slaughter the whole-burnt offerings. 30And the Priest must then take some of its blood on his finger and wipe it on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings.‘After that, he must pour the rest of the blood out at the base of the Altar. 31Then he must remove all the fat and offer it as a sacrifice of a peace offering. The Priest must offer it on the Altar as a sweet odor to Jehovah.‘[This is how] the Priest must pay for [the person’s] sin, so that it may be forgiven.32‘But if he offers a lamb for his sin offering, it should be a perfect female... 33He must put his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it where they kill the whole-burnt offerings.34‘Then the Priest must take some of the blood of the sin offering on his finger and wipe it on the horns of the Altar of whole-burnt offerings, and he must pour the rest of the blood around the base of the Altar.35‘He must also cut off all its fat, the same as he would for the lamb of the peace-offering sacrifice, and the Priest must put it on the Altar as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah.‘[This is how] the Priest must atone for the person’s sin, so that it can be forgiven.’
1‘And if a person sins by witnessing, seeing, or knowing of someone who’s sworn an oath [of vengeance] against another and fails to report it, he’s guilty of a sin.2‘And whoever touches anything that’s dirty, such as:• The filth of animals, • Dead things ([like] a dead unclean animal or [the rotting] body of cattle), 3• Any kind of filth from a man that would make him unclean...‘...whoever touches [any of this,] even if he doesn’t realize it, but comes to know about it later – he’s sinned.4Or if some unrighteous person has decided to use his lips to swear an oath to do evil or good – even if a person doesn’t realize it, but comes to know of it [later] – he’s sinned by doing this.5‘He must admit that he’s sinned 6and [pay for] his sin against [Jehovah by bringing] a female lamb from his flock or a goat kid as a sin offering, which the Priest must [offer] in payment for his sin.‘Then he will be forgiven.7‘And if he can’t afford a sheep... He must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to Jehovah. One [must serve] as a sin offering, and the other as a burnt offering.8‘He must carry them to the Priest, and the Priest must [sacrifice] the sin offering first. He must pinch off the head at the neck, but not cut up the body. 9Then he must sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on the side of the Altar, and pour the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar… Because this is a sin offering.10‘Then the 2nd [bird] must serve as a whole burnt offering for the Priest, to atone for the sins that the person has committed.11‘And if he can’t afford a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons... The gift that he should bring for his sin offering must be a quart of fine flour. He shouldn’t put frankincense or oil on it, because it’s a sin offering.12‘He must carry it to the Priest, who must take a handful of it and lay a portion of it on the Altar as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah and as a sin offering. 13So the Priest must offer payment for the way that the person has sinned in these matters, and [the person] will be forgiven.‘Then, whatever remains of the flour offering will belong to the Priest.’14And the Lord spoke to Moses and said:15‘The person who’s truly unaware and unknowingly sins against any of the holy things of Jehovah must carry something to Jehovah for his error.‘[It must be] a perfect ram from his flock (or its value in the type of silver coins that are accepted in the Holy Place) [to pay] for his mistake.16‘He must pay for his sin against any of the holy things, and add 1/5th more to it. He must give it to the Priest, and the Priest must cover his sin with the ram of his error, and then [the person] will be forgiven.17‘And if any person sins and does something that isn’t right and is against any of Jehovah’s Commandments – even if he doesn’t realize it – he’s guilty of a sin.18‘So, he must bring a perfect ram from his flock (or its value in silver) to the Priest for his mistake, and the Priest will [use it] to pay for the sin that he committed in ignorance... Then he will be forgiven.19‘However, he’s truly been found guilty of sinning before Jehovah.’
1And the Lord told Moses:2‘Whoever sins by:• Ignoring the Commandments of Jehovah, • Lying about something entrusted to them by a neighbor, • Something shared, or stolen, or in any way wrongs his neighbor 3• Finds something lost but lies about it, or • Lies about any sins like these... 4‘Then when he sins by making such errors, he should return whatever he wrongly acquired by theft, misplaced trust, chance, 5or lying. Then he must repay the total sum, plus 1/5th.‘Yes, when he’s disciplined, he will pay back whatever he owes. 6And for his sin offering to the Lord, he will bring a perfect ram from the flocks, of [the same] value of his error. 7Then, before Jehovah, the priest will see that his sin is paid for; and he’ll be forgiven for whatever sin he committed.’8And the Lord told Moses:9‘Give Aaron and his sons these instructions… This is the law concerning whole-burnt offerings:‘Because whole-burnt offerings are to be left burning on the Altar all night long, the fire on the Altar must be kept burning and not be put out.10‘Then the Priest must put on the linen tunic and the linen underwear, and carry everything that’s been thoroughly burned and consumed by the fire (the whole-burnt offerings) from the Altar and throw [the ashes] nearby. 11And after that, he must take off that robe, put on another robe, and carry the burned [ashes] to a clean place outside of the camp.12‘The fire on the Altar must be kept burning all the time and never be allowed to go out. The Priests must stoke it with wood each morning, so whole-burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings can be piled on it.13‘The fire must always be kept burning on the Altar and it must never be extinguished.’14‘This is the law concerning the sacrifices that the sons of Aaron must bring to the Altar before Jehovah:15‘[The Priest] must scoop a handful of the fine flour of the sacrifice that was offered along with its oil and all the frankincense, and put it on the Altar as a burnt offering and a sweet-smelling odor for Jehovah to remember.16‘Then Aaron and his sons may eat all that’s left. However, it must be eaten without fermentation inside the courtyard of the Tent of Proofs… 17And it must not be baked with any fermentation.‘I’m giving a portion of Jehovah’s burnt offering to them, for it’s very holy, as are the offerings for sin and the offerings for errors.18‘All the male Priests must eat it. This is to be the rule for burnt offerings to Jehovah throughout your generations and throughout the ages, for whoever touches them will be made holy.’19And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:20‘This is the gift that Aaron and his sons must offer to Jehovah on the day that you anoint him:‘A quart of fine flour must be sacrificed, half of it in the morning and the other half in the evening. 21It must be kneaded with oil into rolls [and cooked] in a pan, then offered [on the Altar] in pieces, as a sweet odor to Jehovah.22‘The Anointed Priest (one of [Aaron’s] sons who is serving in his place) will offer it, and it must all be burned.‘This is to be a rule throughout the ages:23‘All the sacrifices for the Priests must be totally burned and never be eaten.’24Then the Lord told Moses:25‘Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them that this is the law of the sin offerings:‘The sin offerings must be slaughtered before Jehovah in the same place as the whole burnt offerings, for they’re very holy. 26The Priest who offers it must also eat it in a holy place in the courtyard of the Tent of Proofs.27‘Anyone who touches its flesh must be holy, and all those whose clothes have been sprinkled with its blood must be washed in the Holy Place.28‘Thereafter, the clay pots that held [the sacrifice] must be broken. However, if it was put in a brass pot, [the pot] must be scoured and washed in water.29‘Then all the male Priests must eat it as something that’s very holy to Jehovah. 30But, none of the blood of the sin offering that’s carried into the Tent of Proofs to pay for sins in the Holy Place may be eaten. It must be burned with fire.’
1‘This is the law of the Ram Offering for Errors, because it’s the most sacred of the offerings:2‘They must butcher the Ram-Offering for Errors before Jehovah in the same place that they butcher the whole-burnt offerings, and the blood must then be poured around the base of the Altar.3‘Thereafter, they must remove all of the fat that’s on:• The loins,
• Around the entrails,
4• The two kidneys and the fat on them, and
• The thighs.‘The lobe of the liver should be removed along with the kidneys.5‘Then the Priest must offer them on the Altar as an offering of submission to Jehovah, because this is an offering for errors. 6This [sacrifice] should thereafter be eaten by all of the males among the Priests in the Holy Place, because this is the holiest of the holies.7‘The offering for errors is performed just like the offering for sins, since these are considered to be the same thing. And [the sacrifice] will thereafter belong to whichever Priest does the offering.8‘Also, the hide of any animal that’s brought as a whole-burnt-offering will belong to the Priest.9‘In addition, any sacrifice that’s baked, or grilled, or fried will belong to the Priest who offers it. 10And every sacrifice that’s prepared with or without olive oil will be divided among the sons of Aaron equally.11‘This is the Law of the Sacrifice of Salvation that they must bring before Jehovah:12‘If it’s to be an offering of praise, he must bring a sacrifice of unfermented bread made of fine flour mixed with olive oil, and pan-fried flat bread that’s made of fine flour mixed with olive oil and smeared with olive oil.13‘Then along with the unfermented bread, he must offer a gift as part of the sacrifice of praise for his salvation. 14And along with his gift offerings, he must bring a portion that’s to be set aside for Jehovah, which will then belong to the Priest who pours out the blood of the offering.15‘Also, the meats of the Sacrifice of Praise for Salvation will belong to the Priest. This must be eaten on the day it’s presented, and none may be left over until the next morning.16‘If an offering is being made voluntarily as part of a vow, the person should bring his gift offering on whichever day he’s chosen for his sacrifice, and it can be eaten on the following morning.17‘But any meats that are brought must be incinerated on the 3rd day.18‘And if he eats any of the meat on the 3rd day, the sacrifices will have been rejected and are no longer accepted on his behalf, because they’re viewed as defiled. So, the person who eats it will continue to bear his sins.19‘Also, all meats that have touched anything unclean may not be eaten. Rather, they must be incinerated in a fire, since all that are clean must eat meat that’s clean. 20And no person may eat any of the meat of the Sacrifice for Salvation that has been offered to Jehovah, for this will make him unclean and he must be destroyed from among his people.21‘In addition, any person who touches something unclean, such as the uncleanness of a person, or of a four-footed animal, or something disgusting from anything that’s unclean, and then the person eats some of the meats of the Peace Offering that’s presented to Jehovah... That person must be destroyed from among his people.’22Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:23‘Speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them that they must not eat the fat of sheep, oxen, or goats.24‘And while the fat of decaying flesh or of that which has been killed by wild animals may be used for work, it may not be eaten.25‘Also, anyone who eats the fat of cattle that he’s brought to Jehovah as an offering of submission must be destroyed from among his people.26‘Nor may you eat the blood of any cattle or birds in your home, 27for any person who eats blood must be destroyed from among his people.’28Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:29‘Speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them that anyone who brings a Peace Offering to Jehovah must also bring the gift of a Salvation Offering.30‘In his own hands, he must carry these offerings to Jehovah:‘The fat on the breast and on the lobe of the liver… He must bring this and place it as a gift before Jehovah. 31Then the Priest will offer it on the Altar, and the breast will be given to Aaron and to his sons.32‘You must also cut off the right shoulder of the Salvation Offering and give it to the Priest. 33The right shoulder of the Salvation Offering belongs to the one from among the sons of Aaron who offers up the blood and the fat.34‘So, I’ve taken the breast of the Offering of the Blessings and the cut-off portion of the right shoulder from the sacrifices of the sons of IsraEl and given it all to Aaron the Priest and to his sons.‘This is to be a law throughout the ages for IsraEl, 35since this is [part of] the anointing of Aaron and his sons… It’s their portion of the Offering of the Blessings that Jehovah gave to them on the day that He appointed them to officiate as Priests to Him, 36and when He appointed them and anointed them from among the sons of IsraEl as an age-long law through the generations.’37These are the laws of the whole burnt offerings, of the sacrifices for sins and for errors, of the consecration, and of the sacrifices of the Salvation Offerings, 38in the way that the Lord gave these instructions to Moses on Mount SinAi on the day that He ordered the sons of IsraEl to bring their gift offerings before Jehovah, there in the SinAi Desert.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Go get Aaron and his sons, along with their robes, the anointing oil, a calf for a sin offering, two rams, and a basket of fermentation-free bread; 3then assemble the whole gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.’4So Moses did just as the Lord told him. He assembled the gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 5and Moses told them:‘This is what Jehovah has commanded us to do.’6So, he brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water. 7Then he wrapped him in the robe, tied on the sash, and he put the tunic and the Word of Judgment on him.8He wrapped [the tunic] so the Word of Judgment would fit, and clasped it tightly before putting on the Word of Judgment, and he laid the Revelation and the Truth on top of that.9Next, he put the turban on [Aaron’s] head and mounted the gold plate (this most holy thing) on the front of the turban, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses. 10Then Moses took the anointing oil 11and sprinkled it on the Altar 7 times to anoint the Altar and make it holy (along with everything on it, including its base and the basin).He made them holy, and he anointed the Tent and all its furniture, making them holy... 12Then Moses poured anointing oil on Aaron’s head to anoint him and make him holy.13And Moses brought up Aaron’s sons, put on their robes and wrapped on their sashes; then he put on their turbans, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.14Next, Moses brought over the calf for the sin offering.So, Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the sin-offering calf, 15and Moses slaughtered it. Then he took some of the blood and rubbed it on the horns of the Altar with his finger, to purify it; and he poured the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar, to make it holy, so that it could be used to pay for sins.16Thereafter, Moses took all the inner fat plus the liver and kidneys and the fat around them, and he offered it on the Altar. 17Then he burned the rest of the calf (its skin, flesh, and dung) in a fire outside of the camp, just as The Lord had commanded Moses.18Moses then brought over the ram for the whole-burnt offering.Aaron and his sons also laid their hands on its head and Moses slaughtered the ram, pouring the blood around the Altar. 19Then he divided the ram by each of its limbs, and Moses offered up the head, the limbs, and the fat, after washing the feet and belly with water.20So Moses offered the whole ram on the Altar as a burnt offering, and it was burned as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.21After that, Moses brought over the second ram (the last ram), and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head, and he slaughtered it.22So Moses took its blood and put some on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.23Then Moses brought in Aaron’s sons and put the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; and Moses poured the rest of the blood around the Altar. 24Then he took the fat, the rump, the belly fat, the liver and kidneys and the fat that’s on them, as well as its right shoulder.25And from the basket of consecration that was before Jehovah, he took one fermentation-free loaf, one loaf made with oil, and one cake (along with the fat and the right shoulder), 26and put them all in the hands of Aaron and his sons, who waved them before Jehovah.27Then Moses took it from their hands and put it all on the Altar as the whole-burnt offering of the last lamb; and it was burned as an offering to Jehovah, providing a sweet-smelling odor to Him.28Finally, Moses took the last lamb’s breast and set it aside before Jehovah, and this was given to Moses as his portion, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.29Thereafter, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the Altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. 30[By doing this], he made Aaron and his garments, as well as his sons and their garments, holy.31Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons:‘Now, boil the flesh in the Holy Place inside the Tent of Proofs, and eat it there along with the loaves in the last basket, just as the Lord told me when He said:‘Aaron and his sons must eat this.’32‘After that, you must burn whatever’s left of the flesh and loaves in a fire. 33And then you must stay inside the entrance to the Tent of Proofs until the end of 7 days. For in 7 days, He will make you perfect 34in the same way as He did on the day that the Lord commanded me to do this to pay for your sins.35‘You must remain inside the entrance to the Tent of Proofs for 7 days and nights… You must obey this rule of Jehovah so that you won’t die, for that’s what Jehovah God has commanded.’36Well, Aaron and his sons then followed the instructions that the Lord gave as commandments to Moses.
1It was on the 8th day that Moses called Aaron and his sons out before IsraEl’s elders.2And Moses said to Aaron:‘Now, select a perfect young calf from the herd as a sin offering and a ram as a whole-burnt offering, then offer them before Jehovah. 3And tell the elders of IsraEl:‘Take one goat kid to be a sin offering, and take a young calf and a perfect yearling lamb as whole-burnt offerings, 4as well as a calf and a ram as peace offerings to Jehovah, along with fine flour that’s mixed with oil, because the Lord is going to appear among you today!’5So, just as Moses commanded, they brought [the animals] to the Tent of Proofs, and the entire gathering came and stood before Jehovah.6Then Moses said:‘This is what Jehovah told us to do… For after that, the glory of the Lord will appear among you.’7And Moses told Aaron:‘Now, approach the Altar and offer your sin offering and your whole-burnt offering so as to pay for the sins of you and your family… And then you must offer gifts for the people to pay for their sins, just as the Lord commanded.’8So Aaron went to the Altar and slaughtered the calf as his sin offering.9Then Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in it and put some on the horns of the Altar; and thereafter, he poured the rest of the blood at the base of the Altar.10Next, he offered the fat, the kidneys, and the liver on the Altar as a sin offering, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 11Then the flesh and hide were burned in a fire outside of the camp.12After that, he slaughtered the whole-burnt offering; and Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, which he poured all around the Altar.13Then they brought the whole-burnt offering (which they’d cut in pieces), and he laid the head on the Altar. 14Then he washed the belly and feet with water, and put them on the Altar.15Thereafter, he brought up the gifts for the people. He took the goat, which was the people’s sin offering, and slaughtered it and washed it, as before.16Next, he brought the whole-burnt offering, and he offered it in the proper way, 17carrying the sacrifice in his hands and laying it on the Altar beside the whole-burnt offering that had been offered up in the morning.18Then he slaughtered the calf and the ram as peace-offering sacrifices for the people.So, Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, which he poured all around the Altar, 19and he put the calf’s fat, as well as the hindquarters of the ram, the fat on its belly, its kidneys and the fat on them, the membrane around the liver, 20as well as the fat on the breasts, and offered it on the Altar.21Then Aaron set aside the breast and right shoulder as a choicest offering before Jehovah, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.[Editor note: The story continues here.]
22Then, after he’d offered up the sin offering, the whole-burnt offerings, and the peace offerings, Aaron raised his arms over the people and blest them before coming back down, 23and both Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Proofs...Then when they came out, they blest all the people. And at that, the Lord’s glory appeared to all the people!24Also, fire came from Jehovah that consumed the offerings on the Altar (both the whole-burnt offerings and their fat)! And when all the people saw this, they were stunned and fell to their faces.
1Then two of Aaron’s sons (NaDab and AbiUd) took their censers, put incense and fire in them, and offered it before Jehovah in a way that’s quite different from what they’d been commanded...2And after they did that, fire came from the Lord and consumed them, causing them to die there before Jehovah!3So Moses said to Aaron:‘Jehovah told us that He must be treated as holy by those who approach Him, and He must be glorified before the whole congregation!’Well, Aaron was devastated by this.4Then Moses called MisaDae and EliShaphan ([two of] the sons of Aaron’s uncle OziEl) and said to them:‘Come here and remove your brothers from in front of the Holy Place, then [carry their bodies] outside of the camp!’5So they came and took them (while they were still wearing their [Priestly] outfits) outside of the camp, just as Moses had said.6Then Moses said to Aaron, EliEzer, IthaMar, and his remaining sons:‘Now, don’t uncover your heads or tear your clothes, unless you also want to die and bring [God’s] rage down upon the entire congregation, for then your brothers and the entire house of IsraEl would start mourning this burning that came from Jehovah!7‘And don’t leave the entrance to the Tent of Proofs or you’ll die, because Jehovah’s anointing oil is upon you!’Well, they did just as Moses told them.8Then the Lord spoke to Aaron and said:9‘Hereafter, you and your sons must not drink any wine or liquor before you enter the Tent of Proofs or before you approach the Altar, lest you should die!‘This is [to be] a law throughout the ages [for all your] generations!10‘For [you must be able to] recognize the difference between what’s sacred and what’s profane, and between what’s clean and what’s unclean!11‘And [you must] teach the children of IsraEl all the laws that [Jehovah gave] them through Moses.’12Then Moses told Aaron, EliEzer, IthaMar, and Aaron’s surviving sons:‘Now, take the remaining sacrifices among the burnt offerings for Jehovah and eat [them with] fermentation-free bread close to the Altar; because, that is a very holy [place].13‘Eating the burnt offerings to Jehovah in the Holy Place will be the law for you and your sons; for He’s commanded 14that you, your sons, and your families must eat the breast that has been set aside [for you], as well as the choicest shoulder, in the Holy Place.‘This is the rule for you and your sons concerning the peace-offering sacrifices [that are brought by] the children of IsraEl.15‘They must bring the choicest shoulder and [they must] separate the breast from the burnt offerings of fat as a separate division before Jehovah. This is to be the rule for you, as well as for your sons and daughters throughout the ages, just as the Lord commanded Moses.’16Well, when Moses started looking for the goat of the sin offering, [he found that] it had already been burned in the fire!So Moses became very angry with EliEzer, IthaMar, and Aaron’s remaining sons, and he said:17‘Why didn’t you eat the sin offering here in the Holy Place? It’s a very holy [thing that Jehovah] has given you to eat before Him, so you can remove and pay for the sins of the entire gathering!18‘Not even its blood was brought into the Holy Place… And Jehovah commanded you to eat [the sacrifice] here before Him!’19So Aaron asked Moses:‘Well, if they bring their sin offerings and whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah today, and we eat the sin offerings that are brought today (despite what we’ve done), would that be pleasing to the Lord?’20And when Moses heard this, he was pleased.[Editor note: Now follows a long description of the laws. The story resumes at Leviticus 24:10.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and told them:2‘Speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them that these are the animals that you may eat among all the animals on the ground:3‘You may eat any animal with a split hoof or that has a split between its two claws and chews the cud. 4However, you may not eat those that just chew the cud or those that just have split hoofs or a split between the claws, [such as] the camel, because it chews the cud, but it doesn’t have a split hoof; so, this is something that’s unclean to you.5‘[This includes] the rabbit, because it chews the cud but it doesn’t have a split foot; so, it’s unclean to you.6‘This [is also true] of the hare, because it doesn’t chew the cud and it doesn’t have a split foot; so, it’s unclean to you, 7as are pigs, because they have split hoofs and claws on each hoof, but they don’t chew the cud; so, they’re also unclean to you.8‘You must not eat their flesh or touch their dead bodies, because they’re unclean to you.9‘These are the things that you may eat, [which live] in the water:‘You may eat anything that has fins and scales [that lives in] the water, whether in the seas or in the rivers.10‘However, anything that lives in the water but doesn’t have fins or scales (whether in the seas or in the rivers)… All else that lives in the water or comes out of the water is disgusting, and you are to consider it disgusting.11‘You must not eat their flesh and you must dislike their dead bodies. 12You must view anything that lives in the water and doesn’t have fins or scales as disgusting!13‘These are the things that you must dislike among the flying creatures… Things that must not be eaten but are to be considered disgusting:• Eagles, ospreys, sea eagles, 14vultures, kites, and the like; 15• Ostriches, owls, seagulls, and the like; 16• Ravens and the like; • Hawks and the like; 17• Night ravens, cormorants, storks, 18ibis, pelicans, swans, 19herons, sandpipers, and the like; • Hoopoes and bats.20‘Also, all winged creatures that crawl on all fours are [to be considered] disgusting by you.21‘You can eat crawling winged creatures that move on all fours but have legs above their feet and jump around on the ground.22‘These include:• Migratory locusts and the like, • Tree locusts and the like, • Crickets and the like, and • Ggrasshoppers and the like.23‘But, any [other thing] that crawls and flies is to be considered disgusting by you; 24and if you touch their dead bodies you’ll be unclean and will remain unclean until the evening.25‘All who touch their dead bodies must wash their clothes and then be [considered] unclean until the evening.26‘Any dead bodies of animals that have split hooves and claws but don’t chew the cud will be unclean to you, and everyone who touches them will be unclean until the evening.27‘Also, any wild animals that walk on four paws are unclean to you, and anyone who touches their dead bodies will be unclean until the evening. 28If you touch their dead bodies, you must wash your clothes and be [considered] unclean until the evening. For all of such things are unclean to you.29‘These crawling [animals are also] unclean for you among the slithering creatures:• Weasels, • Mice, • Crocodiles, 30• Ferrets, • Chameleons, • Geckos, • Newts, • Sand lizards.31‘Among all the crawling animals on the earth, these are unclean for you, and anyone who touches their dead bodies will be unclean until the evening.32‘And if one of the dead bodies of these unclean [things] should fall on a wooden container, or on clothing, or on leather, or on a sack, or on anything that’s used for work; [the item] should be washed in water and be unclean until the evening… Then it will be clean.33‘Also, if one of these [animals] should fall into a clay pot or bowl, whatever is inside it will be unclean and it must be broken. 34Any edible food that the water was poured on, or any beverage that was in such a vessel, will be unclean.35‘Everything that their dead bodies fall on will be unclean. Ovens and tables must be broken down, because they’re unclean, and they’re unclean for you.36‘Springs, pools, and moving water will be clean, but anyone who touches dead bodies will be unclean.37‘If one of these dead bodies should fall on seeds that have been planted, the [seeds] are clean. 38However, if water has been poured on the seeds and then one of their dead bodies fall on it, it is unclean to you.39‘If one of the cattle that the Law allows you to eat should die [naturally]; whoever touches the body will be unclean until the evening. 40Whoever eats such a body must wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening. And anyone who carries their bodies must wash their clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.41‘All slithering animals that crawl on the ground must be [considered] disgusting by you and never be eaten.42‘And any slithering creatures that crawl along the ground on their bellies must not be eaten… You should consider them disgusting. 43You shouldn’t dirty your lives with any slithering creatures that crawl on the ground. If you don’t allow them to pollute you, they won’t make you unclean.44‘For I am Jehovah your God who makes you holy, and you must remain holy, since I, Jehovah your God, am holy. Therefore, you must not dirty your lives with any of the slithering things that crawl on the ground.45‘For I am Jehovah who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. So, you must be holy, because I, Jehovah, am holy.’46These are the laws concerning [four-footed] animals, flying creatures, everything that lives and moves in the water, and all creatures that crawl on the ground, 47[so you can know] the difference between what’s clean and unclean, and between those that give birth alive that can be eaten, and those that shouldn’t be eaten.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘You must speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Whenever a woman gets pregnant and gives birth to a male child, she must be [considered] unclean for 7 days, just as she is [considered] unclean during her monthly [menstrual] periods.3‘Then on the 8th day, she must circumcise [her son’s] foreskin flesh.4‘And for [the next] 33 days, she must continue as in [a state] of an unclean blood [flow]; so, she should not touch anything holy and [she] must not enter the Holy Place until the full period of her purification is fulfilled.5‘But if she gives birth to a female child, she must be considered unclean for 14 days, and for the next 66 days she will remain [as in a state] of an unclean blood flow.6‘When her period of purification for [giving birth to] a son or daughter is completed, she must bring a perfect yearling lamb to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs as a whole-burnt offering, and bring a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering.7‘Then [the Priest] must present it before Jehovah and offer it to pay for her sins and her flow of blood.‘This law applies to her, whether she gives birth to a male or a female.8‘However, if she can’t afford a lamb, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons… One [to be sacrificed] as a whole-burnt offering, and the other as a sin offering.‘The Priest will use these to pay for her sins and to purify her.’
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said:2‘If anyone should [develop] a bright clear spot on his skin that looks like the plague of leprosy, he must be brought to Aaron the Priest, or to one of his sons, the Priests, 3and the Priest should examine the spot.‘If the hair in the spot has turned white and the spot is under the skin, it’s leprosy; so, the Priest who looked at it must pronounce him unclean.4‘But if the spot on the skin is clear and white and doesn’t appear to be deep under the skin, and the hair hasn’t turned white, but is dark, the Priest must quarantine him for 7 days... 5Then on the 7th day, the Priest must look to see if the spot is still there. [If it is], and if the spot hasn’t spread, the Priest should quarantine him for 7 more days.6‘Then on the 7th day, the Priest should examine him a second time to see if the spot has started to darken. If it hasn’t, and if it isn’t spreading in his skin, the Priest will pronounce him clean, for it is just a scar. Then the person must wash his clothes and [he will] be [considered] clean.7‘However, if the bright spot changes and spreads in the skin after the Priest has looked at him and called him clean; he must return to the Priest again, 8and the Priest must reexamine him.‘Then if he finds that the mark has spread inside the skin, the Priest must pronounce him unclean… For it’s leprosy.9‘If a man [thinks he] has the plague of leprosy, he must go to the Priest 10and the Priest should examine him.‘Then if [he finds] a white spot under the skin where all the hair has turned white and there are signs of good flesh in the sore; 11this is leprosy that has matured in the skin. So the Priest must pronounce him unclean and quarantine him, because he’s unclean.12‘But if the leprosy becomes very visible and it covers all the person’s skin wherever the Priest looks, from his head to his feet, 13and this is what the Priest finds; {Look!} the Priest must pronounce him clean of the plague, because once everything has turned white, he’s clean.14‘But if new flesh starts to appear again, he must be pronounced unclean.15‘For if the Priest finds sound flesh; this sound flesh proves that he’s unclean and that he has [active] leprosy.16‘Then if the sound flesh changes back to white once again, he must return to the Priest, 17and the Priest must examine him. If he then sees that the plague has all turned white, the Priest must pronounce him clean, for he’s clean.18‘And if [anyone] should develop a sore in his skin that heals, 19then it turns white, or lighter, or very red; it should be examined by the Priest.20‘And if, when the Priest looks at it, he finds that it’s growing under the skin and that the hair has turned white; the Priest must pronounce him unclean, because leprosy has broken out in the sore. 21But if the Priest finds that there’s no white hair, and that it isn’t growing under the skin, but that it has a dark color; then the Priest must quarantine him for 7 days.22‘And if he finds that it’s spreading over the skin, the Priest must pronounce him unclean; for a plague of leprosy has broken out in the sore.23‘However, if the bright spot stays the same and doesn’t spread, it’s just a scar, and the Priest must pronounce him clean.24‘But if the skin becomes inflamed and bright red, then appears to heal, but develops splotches that are bright, clear, and white, mixed with red or very white; 25the Priest should examine him... If he finds the hair turning white and that the bright color is under the skin, leprosy has broken out. 26But if he sees that there isn’t any white hair in the inflammation and it isn’t growing under the skin, but is dark; the Priest must quarantine him for 7 days.27‘Then on the 7th day, the Priest should examine him to see if the spot has spread in the skin. [If it has], the Priest will pronounce him unclean, because of the plague of leprosy that has broken out in the sore.28‘But if the bright spot doesn’t move and doesn’t spread in the skin, but gets darker; it’s [just] the inflammation of a scar and the Priest will pronounce him clean.29‘And if a man or woman [thinks that they have] developed the plague of leprosy on the head or in the beard, 30the Priest must examine it.‘And if he finds that it’s growing under the skin and that the hair has turned thin and yellow, then the Priest will pronounce the person unclean; for the skin is dead and it’s leprosy of the head or of the beard.31‘However, if the Priest finds dead skin, but he sees nothing growing under the skin and there’s no yellowish hair; the Priest must quarantine the person for 7 days... 32Then on the 7th day, the Priest must examine the person again. And if the dead skin hasn’t spread and there’s no yellowish hair on it, and there doesn’t appear to be a hollow spot under the skin, 33the skin must be shaved everywhere except where the dead skin is, and the person should be quarantined a second time… For 7 more days.34‘Then on the 7th day, the Priest must look to see if the dead skin has spread to the area that was shaved. [If it hasn’t], and if there doesn’t appear to be a hollow spot under the skin, the Priest will pronounce him clean, and he must wash his clothes and be clean.35‘However, if the dead skin does spread after he’s been purified, 36the Priest must examine it and affirm that the dead skin has spread… And even if he finds no yellow hair, the person is unclean.37‘But if the dead skin doesn’t spread and dark hair grows from it, the dead skin has healed and he’s clean; so, the Priest must pronounce him clean.38‘Now, if a man or woman develops bright white spots on his or her skin, 39the Priest must look at it.‘And if he just finds bright white spots on the skin, it’s psoriasis and he or she is clean. 40[The same is true] when someone starts losing his hair; he’s just balding and he’s clean. 41If he loses his hair in the front, he has forehead baldness and is clean.42‘But if white or red blotches should develop in the baldness on [the top of] his head or on his forehead, it’s leprosy.43‘The Priest must examine him, and if he finds white spots or an inflammation in the bald places on top or in the front that look like leprosy, 44he’s [to be considered] a leper. The Priest must absolutely pronounce him unclean because of the plague on his head.45‘Those who are lepers must wear unbelted clothing and they must cover their heads and their mouths, and they are to call out:‘Unclean!’46‘They are always to be unclean as long as they have the plague on them. They are to separate themselves and travel outside of the camp.47‘And if leprosy is found in any wool or linen clothing, 48or in anything that’s been woven with wool or linen thread, or in any leather or things that have been made with skin... 49Or if you find a greenish or reddish coloring in the skin or in the clothing, or in the weaving, or in anything made of skin... It’s a plague of leprosy, and you must show it to the Priest.50‘Then the Priest must examine it and quarantine it for 7 days.51‘Then on the 7th day, the Priest must examine it again; and if he finds that the plague has spread in the clothing, weaving, leather, or in whatever may be made from skin, it’s confirmed as leprosy and it’s unclean.52‘Then the clothing, or the wool or linen weaving, or the thing made of skin in which there’s the confirmed plague of leprosy, must be burned in a fire.53‘However, if the Priest sees that the plague hasn’t spread in the clothing, weaving, or things made of skin, 54he must instruct someone to wash the thing that held the plague, and the Priest will quarantine it a second time for 7 days.55‘Then if the Priest sees that the plague hasn’t changed its appearance in the clothing or woven things after it’s been washed – even if it hasn’t spread – it’s unclean and it must be burned in a fire. 56But if the Priest sees that the spot has turned dark after it was washed, he must cut it out of the clothing, weaving, or skin.57‘However, if it still looks the same in the clothing, weaving, or skin; it’s an active plague of leprosy and it must be burned in a fire.58‘But if the clothing, weaving, or thing made from skin washes clean, the plague has been removed. It must then be rewashed and be clean.’59These are the laws concerning the plague of leprosy on wool or linen clothing, weaving, and leather goods, to [show whether to] pronounce them as clean or unclean.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘This is the law about lepers:‘On the day that [a leper] has been cured, a Priest must be brought to him 3outside of the camp to look and see if the plague of leprosy has been removed.4‘Then the Priest must tell the cleansed person to obtain two live, clean birds, some cedar wood, some spun scarlet and some hyssop; 5and following the Priest’s directions, he must slaughter one of the birds in a clay pot over some running water.6‘Then [the Priest] must take the living bird, the cedar wood, the spun scarlet and the hyssop, and he must dip them and the living bird into the blood of the bird that was killed, under the running water, 7and he must [use them to] sprinkle [some of the blood on] the person who was cured of leprosy, 7 times… Then he will be clean.‘And thereafter, he must set the living bird [free] to fly into the fields.8‘After that, the person who was cured must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water; and then he will be clean and he can return to the camp… But he can’t enter his house for 7 days.9‘On the 7th day, he must shave all the hair off his head, beard, eyebrows, and everything else, then wash his clothes and his body in water, in order to be clean.10‘Then on the 8th day, he must take two perfect yearling lambs and one perfect yearling ewe, plus a quart of fine flour that has been kneaded with oil as a sacrifice, and one small cup of oil.11‘And the Priest who did the cleansing must present the man who is being purified, along with these [offerings], before Jehovah, at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.12‘Then the Priest must take the lamb and present it as a compensation offering, along with the cup of oil, and set them aside as special offerings before Jehovah. 13Thereafter, they must slaughter the lamb at the Holy Place where they slaughter the whole-burnt offerings and sin offerings, because a compensation offering (like a sin offering) is very holy, and it belongs to the Priest.14‘Then the Priest must take the blood of the compensation offering and put some of it on the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe on the right foot of the person being cleansed.15‘After that, the Priest must take the cup of oil and pour it over his own left hand, 16then dip the finger of his right hand in some of the oil in his left hand, and sprinkle it before Jehovah with his finger, 7 times.17‘And the Priest must put the remaining oil (which is on his hand) on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who’s being cleansed, where the [blood of the] compensation offering [was put].18‘Any oil that’s left over on the hand of the Priest should then be put on the head of the cleansed person, and the Priest must [use it to] pay for his sins before Jehovah.19‘Following that, the Priest must sacrifice the sin offering as a payment to Jehovah for the sins of the person who’s being purified, and then the Priest must slaughter the whole-burnt offering.20‘The Priest must offer the whole-burnt offering sacrifice on the Altar before Jehovah to pay for [the person’s] sins, so he can be cleansed.21‘However, if [the person] is poor and can’t afford much, he must bring a lamb as a separate offering to pay for his sins and to soothe his [relationship with God], plus a quart of fine flour mixed with oil for a sacrifice, a cup of oil, 22and two turtledoves or two young pigeons (whichever he can afford). One will serve as the sin offering and the other as the whole-burnt offering.23‘These must be brought to the Priest (before Jehovah) at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs on the 8th day, so he can be purified. 24Then the Priest must take the lamb of the compensation offering and the cup of oil, and set them before Jehovah.25‘After that, he must slaughter the lamb, and the Priest must take its blood and put some of it on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who’s being purified.26‘Following that, the Priest must pour the oil over his own left hand, 27and sprinkle some of the oil that’s on his left hand with the finger of his right hand (before Jehovah), 7 times.28‘Then the Priest must put some of the oil that’s on his hand on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of the right foot of the person who’s being cleansed, and over the blood of the compensation offering.29‘Any oil that’s left on the hand of the Priest must then be put on the head of the one who’s being purified, and the Priest must pay for his sins before Jehovah.30‘Thereafter, he must offer the turtledoves or young pigeons (whichever the person can afford); 31one for a sin offering, and the other for a whole-burnt offering. The Priest must use these to soothe the relationship of the person being purified with Jehovah.’32This is the law for the person who has the plague of leprosy and that can’t afford the offerings for his purification.33Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said:34‘When you enter the land of the CanaAnites, which I’m giving you to own, I’ll [allow] the plague of leprosy to [exist] in the houses of the land that you’ll own. 35[So when it’s found], the owner of the house must report it to the Priest and say:‘I have seen what looks like a plague in [my] house.’36‘Then the Priest must have the furniture removed from the house before he enters it to look at [what’s described as] the plague, so none of the furniture in the house will become unclean.‘Thereafter, the Priest can go in and examine the house.37‘When he looks at [what’s called] the plague on the walls of the house, and if he sees green or red pits that run beneath the surface of the walls... 38The Priest must walk outside of the house, [close] its door, and quarantine it for 7 days.39‘And if the Priest returns to look at the house on the 7th day and finds that the plague has spread in its walls, 40then the Priest must order the [infected] stones to be removed and thrown into an unclean place.41‘Thereafter, the entire house must be scraped down and the dust must be poured into an unclean place outside of the city, 42and scraped stones must be used [to replace the removed] stones.‘Then the [whole house] must be re-plastered.43‘However, if the plague returns and breaks out in the house after they’ve taken away the stones and scraped and re-plastered the walls... 44The Priest must go in and see if the plague has [truly re-grown] in the house.‘[If so], it’s a confirmed leprosy in the house, [and the house] is unclean. 45So, they must tear down the house – all its timbers and all its stones – and carry everything outside of the city to an unclean place.46‘And anyone who enters that house at any time during its demolition must be [considered] unclean until the evening. 47Also, anyone who sleeps in the house or eats there must wash his clothes and be [considered] unclean until the evening.48‘But if the Priest goes in and sees that the plague hasn’t spread in the house at all after it’s been re-plastered, the Priest must declare the house clean, because the plague has been cured.49‘Then to purify the house, he must take two clean, living birds, some cedar wood, some spun scarlet and some hyssop, 50and he must slaughter one of the birds in a clay pot over running water.51‘Then he must take the cedar wood, the spun scarlet, the hyssop, and the living bird, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered under running water, and use them to sprinkle the house [with the blood] 7 times.52‘The house will then be purified with the blood of the bird, the running water, the living bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the spun scarlet. 53And after that, he must let the living bird go to leave the city for the fields in order to create a good relationship with [God] for the house, and to make it clean.’54This is the law about all plagues of leprosy and dead skin, 55as well as about the leprosy of clothing, houses, 56sores, clear spots, and shiny ones, 57to show what’s unclean and what to do when it’s cured.This is the law on leprosy.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Whenever a man has gonorrhea in the male [member] of his body, his discharge is unclean.3‘This is the law concerning the uncleanness caused by gonorrhea in a body, and it describes the uncleanness that’s caused by the discharge that’s affecting his body, for as long as it keeps coming from his body, and of how his body is unclean due to the discharge.4‘Any bed or seat that the person (with the discharge) sits on, is unclean. 5So, anyone who touches the bed must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening. 6Also, anyone who sits on the seat where the person with the discharge sat, must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.7‘Anyone who touches the skin of the man with the discharge must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening. 8And if the man who has the discharge should spit on someone who’s clean, [the clean person] must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.9‘Any saddle that the man with the discharge has mounted must be unclean until the evening, 10and anyone who touches things that have been under him will be unclean until the evening.‘Also, anyone who picks him up with his hands must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.11‘In addition, anyone whom the man with the discharge touches (if he hasn’t washed his hands in water) must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.12‘Any clay pot that the person with the discharge happens to touch must be broken... But, any wooden bowl can be washed in water, and it’ll be clean.13‘However, if [the man] should be cured of the discharge, he must wait for 7 days before he can be called clean.‘Then he must wash his clothes, take a bath, and he will be clean.14‘And on the 8th day, he must obtain two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, and give them to the Priest.15‘Then the Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering. Thereby, the Priest will pay for [the man’s] sins before Jehovah, for the discharge.16‘Any man who ejaculates semen must wash his whole body and be unclean until the evening. 17And every piece of clothing, or any skin on which there’s semen, must be washed with water and be unclean until the evening.18‘Also, when any woman goes to bed with a man and receives his semen, they must both bathe in water and be unclean until the evening.19‘And during the week that a woman is experiencing menstruation; she must separate herself, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until the evening.20‘Also, everything that she lies on or sits on during [her period of] separation will be unclean. 21And whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and he will be unclean until the evening.22‘Also, anyone who touches any pot that she sits on, must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until the evening. 23And when someone touches her while she’s lying in bed or sitting on a chair, he will be unclean until the evening.24‘But if anyone lies with her and gets her uncleanness on him, he will be unclean for 7 days, and any bed that he lies on will be unclean.25‘And if a woman has a blood flow for a long time (not just during her period of separation, but if her blood continues to flow after that), as long as it continues the unclean flow, she must separate herself and be unclean.26‘Then, any bed that she lies on during the outpour must be treated like the bed of her separation, and any chair that she sits on will be unclean, the same as it is during her period of separation.27‘Anyone who touches it will be unclean, and he must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until the evening.28‘However, after the [unusual] blood flow stops, she must wait 7 days... And thereafter, she will be considered clean.29‘Then on the 8th day, she must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 30and the Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering. This is how the Priest must pay for her sins before Jehovah for her unclean flow.31‘You must make the children of IsraEl aware of what makes them unclean, so they don’t die for polluting My Tent while they’re unclean.’32These are the laws concerning:• Men who have gonorrhea, • Ejaculation (so that no one is polluted by it), 33• Women to be separated during their menstruation, • How males and females are to deal with ejaculated sperm, and • What to do with a man who lies with a woman during [her period of] separation.
1It was after Aaron’s two sons had died for bringing unauthorized fire before Jehovah that the Lord spoke to Moses 2and said:‘Tell your brother Aaron not to come before the Lid that lies upon the Chest of Proofs behind the veil in the Holy Place at just any time, so he doesn’t die! For I’ll appear in a mist over the Lid.3‘This is how Aaron may enter the Holy Place:‘[He must do so] with:• A calf of the herd as a sin offering, and with... • A ram as a whole-burnt offering.4‘He must wear the perfect linen tunic and the linen underwear to cover his flesh… He must wrap himself with the linen sash, put on the linen turban (for these are holy garments), and he must wash his entire body in water before he puts them on.5‘Then he must take two kids goats for a sin offering and one lamb for a whole-burnt offering on behalf of the gathering of the children of IsraEl.6‘Aaron must also bring a calf as a sin offering to cover his own sins and of those of his house.7‘Then he must take the two goats and stand them before Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 8and Aaron must cast lots over the two goats… One [will be] for Jehovah, and the other [will be] the Scapegoat.9‘Then Aaron must bring up the goat that the lot [showed was Jehovah’s], and sacrifice it as a sin offering... 10And the goat that was chosen by lot as the Scapegoat must be presented alive before Jehovah as a cleansing for [the people], then it must be sent away as the Scapegoat and released into the desert.11‘Thereafter, Aaron must bring a calf to cover his own sins and slaughter it as a sin offering, to cleanse himself and his house.12‘Then he must take his censer and fill it with coals from the fire on the Altar before Jehovah and fill his hands with fine mixed incense, then bring it inside the veil 13and put the incense on the [coals] there before Jehovah... This incense smoke must cover the Lid (under which the tablets that are inside the [Chest of] Proofs have been put), so he doesn’t die.14‘And after that, he must take the calf’s blood and sprinkle it eastward towards the Lid with his finger… He must sprinkle the blood towards the Lid with his finger, 7 times.15‘Then he must slaughter the goat before Jehovah as the people’s sin offering, and he must bring its blood inside the veil and do the same thing that he did with the blood of the calf… Sprinkle its blood on and in front of the Lid.16‘[By doing this], he will [cleanse] the Holy Place on behalf of the uncleanness of the children of IsraEl… For their errors and all their sins. He must do these things in the Tent of Proofs that was established there among them amidst all their uncleanness.17‘No one else may be inside the Tent of Proofs when he enters the Holy Place to cover sins – from the time that he enters until the time he leaves – as he pays for his own sins, for those of his house, and for those of the whole gathering of the children of IsraEl.18‘Afterwards, he must go outside to the Altar that’s before Jehovah and put the blood of the calf and the goat all around the horns of the Altar, to pay for these sins.19‘Then he must sprinkle some of the blood on the Altar with his finger 7 times, to cleanse it and to make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of IsraEl.20‘After Aaron finishes cleansing the Holy Place, the Tent of Proofs, and the Altar, he must hold a cleansing for the Priests.‘He must bring up the living goat, 21lay his hands on its head, and he must speak of all the errors of the children of IsraEl, all of their unrighteousness, and all of their sins. He must lay them on the head of the living goat, and then a man must lead it away into the desert.22‘[By doing this], Aaron will be sending all of their unrighteousness away into the desert on the head of that goat!23‘Thereafter, Aaron must go back inside the Tent of Proofs and remove the linen garments that he put on as he entered the Most Holy, and he must leave them there.24‘Then he must wash with water inside the Holy Place, put on his [regular] clothes, then go outside and offer one whole-burnt offering for himself and one for the people.‘By doing this, he will pay for his own sins, as well as for those of his house, those of the Priests, and those of the people.25‘Then he must offer the fat on the Altar as a sin offering.26‘Also, after the goat is led out of the camp and released [into the desert], the person [who leads it out] must wash his clothes and bathe in water before he reenters the camp.27‘As for the calf and goat for the sin offering whose blood was carried in to pay for sins in the Holy Place... They must be carried outside of the camp and burned in a fire… Everything must be burned, including their skin, flesh, and dung.28‘Then the person who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe in water… And thereafter, he may return to the camp.29‘This is a rule for you throughout the ages:‘On the 10th day of the 7th month, you must humble yourselves; and you, as well as the aliens and strangers that live among you must not do any work. 30For on that day, [the High Priest] must [offer the sacrifices to] pay for your sins and to cleanse you from all your errors before Jehovah… And this will purge them from you.31‘This must be a most Holy Sabbath for you – a time of rest – and you must humble yourselves… This is to be a rule throughout the ages.32‘Whichever Priest whom they [choose to] anoint must [offer the sacrifices] to pay for the sins.‘And whomever they choose to make perfect so as to serve in the Priestly office after his father, must put on the linen robe and the holy garments... 33He’s the [only] one who may [enter] the Most Holy inside the Tent of Proofs to pay for sins. He must then cleanse the Altar and the Priests, and pay for the sins of the entire gathering.34‘This must be your rule throughout the ages… That [he must offer sacrifices] for the children of IsraEl to pay for all their sins. And it must be done once each year, just as Jehovah commanded Moses.’
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to Aaron, his sons, and to all the children of IsraEl, and tell them that this is the command of Jehovah 3to all of the children of IsraEl, including the aliens that live among you:‘If you slaughter a calf, sheep, or goat [as a sacrifice] – whether inside or outside of the camp – 4[you must] bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs as a sweet smelling whole-burnt offering or as a peace-offering sacrifice to Jehovah for it to be accepted [by Him].‘If you slaughter it [as a sacrifice] outside and don’t bring it to the entrance at the front of the Tent of Proofs as a gift to Jehovah, you’ll be held guilty of shedding the blood, and you must be cut off from your people.5‘Any [clean animals] that the children of IsraEl might carry in from fields as an offering to Jehovah must be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and to the Priest, who must then sacrifice it as a peace offering to Jehovah.6‘Then the Priest must pour its blood on and around the Altar before Jehovah and offer the fat as a sweet-smelling odor to Him.7‘Don’t waste [your time] by offering sacrifices in [spiritual] adultery. This is the rule for you throughout the ages and for all your generations.8‘And you must tell them:‘Should any man of the children of IsraEl (or of the sons of the converts who are living among you) offer a whole-burnt offering as a sacrifice 9and fail to bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and offer it there to Jehovah… He must be destroyed from among his people.10‘Also, if any man of the children of IsraEl (or any alien who’s living among you) eats any blood... I’ll set My face against that person who eats the blood and make him an enemy among his people!11‘For [the animal’s] blood is the life of its flesh, and I’ve given it to you [for use] on the Altar to pay for your sins… Its blood will pay for the sins in your lives!12‘That’s why I’ve told the children of IsraEl that none of you should eat blood, nor should any aliens that live among you eat blood.13‘And if any man of the children of IsraEl (or any alien who’s living among you) should catch an edible animal while hunting (whether a wild animal or a bird), you must pour out its blood and cover it with dirt... 14Because, the blood of all flesh is its life.‘Therefore, I have told the children of IsraEl not to eat the blood of any flesh, because the blood is the life of all flesh, and any person who eats it must be destroyed.15‘Also, anyone who eats anything that’s died on its own or has been [killed] by animals – whether [that person] is a native or an alien – must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and be unclean until the evening… Then he will be clean.16‘But if he doesn’t wash his clothes or bathe his body in water, he will continue to carry his sin.’
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them [this]:‘I am Jehovah your God...‘3So, you must not do the things that were done in Egypt where you [used to] live, or follow the ways of the [people in] the land of CanaAn where I’m taking you… Don’t do these [things] and don’t follow their rules!4‘You must obey and follow My decisions and keep My rules… For I am Jehovah your God!5‘You must follow all of My rules and all of My decisions… Yes, follow them in such a way [that you learn to] live by them... For I am Jehovah your God!6‘No man may approach a close relative and uncover their nakedness... For I am Jehovah.7Don’t uncover your father’s naked [body], or your mother’s naked [body]… She’s your mother, so don’t [undress] her!8‘Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your stepmother, because [that’s the same as uncovering] your father’s naked [body].9‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of your sister, whether by your father or by your mother, or whether she’s born at home or somewhere else.10‘Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your grandchildren, because that is your own nakedness.11‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of the daughter of your father’s woman, for she’s your step-sister by your father. So, don’t uncover her nakedness.12‘You must not uncover the naked body of your father’s sister, because she’s your father’s closest relative.13‘Nor may you uncover the naked [body] of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s closest relative.14‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of your father’s brother, nor may you [have sex] with his woman, because she’s also related to you.15‘You must not uncover the naked [body] of your daughter-in-law, because she’s your son’s woman… So, don’t undress her!16‘Nor should you uncover the naked [body] of your brother’s woman, because that’s also your brother’s nakedness.17‘You must not [uncover] the naked body of a woman and her daughter, and you may not uncover the naked [bodies] of [the woman’s] grandchildren… For that would be disrespectful, since they’re also related to you.18‘Nor should you take your woman’s sister while [your woman is] still alive, because uncovering her sister’s nakedness would be offensive to her.19‘You must not [have sex] with a woman and uncover her naked body while she’s [sleeping apart] during her [menstrual period].20‘And you must not [have sex] with your neighbor’s woman and dirty yourself with her.21‘You must not give your semen to serve a ruler, and you must not profane My Holy Name… For I am Jehovah.22‘You must not go to bed with a male as [you would] with a female, because that’s disgusting.‘ 23Nor may you lie down and have sex with any animal, for that would pollute you... And it’s disgusting for any woman to offer herself before any animal to have sex with it.24‘Don’t dirty yourselves with any of these things, because these are the things that have dirtied the nations that I’m driving out from before you… 25They’re the things that are polluting their land, and they’re the reasons why I’m paying them back for their sins!‘For even the land is being offended by the people who live there!26‘You must keep all My Laws and all My rules.‘And the native peoples and the aliens that come to live among you may not do any of these disgusting things. 27Because, these are the disgusting things that the people who lived in the land before you did… And it polluted the land!28‘So, don’t offend the land by polluting it, as did the people whom I’m driving away... 29Any person that does any of these disgusting things must be destroyed from among your people.30‘So, you must keep My rules!‘You may not do any of the disgusting things that have been done [in the land] before you get there, and you must not pollute yourselves… For I am Jehovah your God!’
1And the Lord spoke to Moses, and said:2‘Speak to the gathering of the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘You must be holy… For I, Jehovah your God, am holy!3‘Everyone must fear his father and his mother, and you must keep My Sabbaths… For I am Jehovah your God!4‘You must not bow before idols, nor may you mold [statues] as gods for yourselves… For I am Jehovah your God!5‘If you bring a peace-offering sacrifice to Jehovah, it must be offered willingly. 6It may be eaten on the day after you sacrifice it; but if any of it should be left over until the 3rd day, it must be totally burned in a fire. 7For if any of it’s eaten on the 3rd day, the entire sacrifice will be considered unfit and it will not be accepted.8‘Also, the person who eats it will be [guilty] of sin, because he’s misused the holy things of Jehovah; so he must be destroyed from among his people.9‘When you harvest your land, you must not completely harvest everything, nor may you pick up anything that falls on [the ground].10‘And when you pick the grapes in your vineyard, you must not gather them all… You must leave some for the poor and for strangers… For I am Jehovah your God!11‘You must not steal, you must not lie, and you must not provide false testimony as a witness against your neighbor.12‘You must not swear false oaths in My Name, nor may you misuse the Holy Name of your God… For I am Jehovah your God!13‘You must not do anything to harm your neighbor… You must not rob him, nor may the wages of a hired hand be withheld until the [next] morning.14‘You must not make fun of the deaf, nor set traps for the blind; for you must fear Jehovah your God… I am Jehovah your God!15‘You must never judge unrighteously... You must not mistreat poor people, nor may you show more respect to those who are powerful… You must be just when you judge your neighbors!16‘You must not march in treachery against your nation, and you must not spill the blood of your neighbors… For I am Jehovah your God!17‘You must not dislike your brothers in your hearts, and you must correct your neighbors [whenever they’re wrong], so you aren’t found guilty of sin because of something that they’re doing.18‘You must not raise your hands in vengeance or be angry with the sons of your people… You must love your neighbors as you [love] yourselves… For I am Jehovah, 19and you must obey My Laws!‘You must not allow your cattle to breed with other types [of cattle].‘You must not plant a vineyard with different types of seeds.‘You must not wear woven pieces of clothing that are made from different [materials].20‘If anyone goes to bed and has sex with a woman who’s the household servant of another man, and she hasn’t been sold or set free by the man’s overseer; they must [both] be punished, but not killed… Because, she wasn’t free.21‘Then for his sin, he must bring a ram as an offering for his error to Jehovah at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs. 22There, the Priest must use the ram that’s being offered to pay Jehovah for the sin that he committed, and then his sin will be forgiven.23‘And when you enter the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you and plant any fruit trees; you must first purge away the filth [of the land]. So, its fruit must be unclean to you, and it may not be eaten for three years.24‘But in the 4th year, all the fruit will be holy and worthy of praise to Jehovah. 25And in the 5th year, you must eat the fruit… For that’s when it’ll produce a great abundance… I am Jehovah your God!26‘Don’t hold feasts in the mountains, and you must not allow anyone to search for omens in the flights of birds.27‘You must not shave the hair on your head cut short, nor may you shave your beards.28‘And you must not make cuts on your bodies over [the death of a loved one], nor may you tattoo your bodies… For I am Jehovah your God!29‘You must not allow your daughters to become dirty by making them whores, so the land doesn’t become filled with prostitution and sin.30‘You must keep My Sabbaths and fear My Holy Place… For I am Jehovah!31‘You must not associate with or pollute yourselves with those who speak to [the demons], nor may you have anything to do with witches… For I am Jehovah your God!32‘You must rise before a grey-headed person… [you must] value the faces of elderly men, and you must fear your God… For I am Jehovah your God!33‘And if a stranger should come to [live among] you in your land, you must not make his life difficult:34‘You must treat strangers as natives, and you must love them as yourselves; for you were once strangers in the land of Egypt. I am Jehovah your God!35‘You must not be unrighteous in your judgments, in your measurements, or in your weights and scales.36‘You must all have honest weights, scales, and liquid measures… For I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt!37‘You must obey and follow all My Laws and rules… For I am Jehovah your God!’
1And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:2‘You must also tell the children of IsraEl this:‘If any of the children of IsraEl or any of IsraEl’s converts offer their [children] to Moloch, they must be put to death… The [people] in the land must stone him with rocks.3‘I’ll set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because he’s given his [child] to Moloch and defiled My Holy Place, dirtying the name of My holy people.4‘And if anyone in the land should in any way choose to overlook what that person did by giving his [child] to Moloch, and fail to put him to death... 5I’ll turn My face against that man and his family, and destroy him and everyone who agrees with him, so he doesn’t go to the rulers and lead the people into [spiritual] adultery.6‘I will also turn My face against any person that commits [spiritual] adultery by becoming a follower of someone who predicts the future by means of [demons] or through witchcraft… I will destroy [such a person] from among his people.7‘For you must be holy as I Jehovah your God am holy. 8You must obey My rules and follow them; for I am Jehovah who makes you holy.9‘Any person who is found guilty of saying bad things about his father or mother must absolutely be put to death for the bad things that he says about them.10‘When any man commits adultery with another man’s woman, or when anyone commits adultery with his neighbor’s woman; both the adulterer and the adulteress must absolutely be put to death!11‘And if anyone is found guilty of lying down with his father’s woman; he’s uncovered his father’s nakedness, so both must absolutely die!12‘And if anyone is found guilty of lying down with his daughter-in-law; both must absolutely be put to death for their lack of respect.13‘And when anyone is found guilty of lying with a male as though he were a female; they’ve both done something disgusting, so they must absolutely die.14‘It’s also a sin when someone takes both a woman and her mother. They must all be burned in a fire for their badness, so there won’t be any sins among you.15‘Any male that [has sex with] an animal must absolutely be put to death along with the animal... 16And if any woman is found guilty of [having sex with] an animal; you must absolutely kill both the woman and the animal.17‘If anyone undresses his sister (by his father or his mother) so they can look at each other’s nakedness; it’s disgusting... They must both be destroyed in front of the other children in their family; for they’ve sinned by [looking at] each other’s naked bodies.18‘And whenever a man lies down with a woman who’s sleeping apart during [her menstrual period] and uncovers her naked body; He’s uncovering the source of her blood flow and seen her blood, so they must both be destroyed from among their generation.19‘You must not undress your father’s sister or your mother’s sister and look at the naked body of the close relative; for both will be guilty of sin.20‘Whoever [has sex] with a close relative has also uncovered the naked body of his [other] close relative, and they must [both] die childless.21‘And whoever [has sex] with his brother’s woman has done something that’s unclean; for he’s uncovered his brother’s naked body, so they must [both] die childless.22‘If you obey and follow all My rules and decisions, you won’t offend the land where I’m taking you to live. 23You must not [adopt] the customs of the nations that I am driving out before you, because I’ve disliked them for the things that they’re doing.24‘I’ve told you that you’ll inherit their land, and I’m giving you this land that flows with milk and honey as your own.‘For I am Jehovah your God who’s setting you apart from all those nations.25‘You must pay attention to the differences between the clean and unclean cattle, and the clean and unclean birds. You must not dirty yourselves with [unclean] cattle or birds, or with any of the things that slither on the ground… For I’ve separated you from such uncleanness.26‘You must be holy to Me, because I (Jehovah, your God) am holy, and I have set you apart from all other nations as Mine.27‘And if a man or woman is found guilty of telling the future by means of a [demon], or is a witch; he or she must absolutely be put to death... You must stone the person with rocks.’
1And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:‘Speak to the Priests among the sons of Aaron and tell them that they must not [show themselves to be mourning] the dead in front of the nation. 2They may [mourn] for a close relative such as a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, 3or for a loved virgin sister who isn’t married… They may [show that they mourn] these.4‘However, they may not show their mourning in front of the people by appearing unclean. 5They must not shave their heads bald on top, nor may they shave their beards or cut gashes in their flesh over the dead. 6They must be holy to their God, and they may not profane the Name of their God.‘They must [remain] holy, because they offer the sacrifices to Jehovah as gifts to their God.7‘They must not take a woman who is a whore, one who’s been violated, or one who’s been divorced, because these [men] are holy to their God Jehovah.8‘They must remain holy, because they offer the gifts to their God Jehovah. They must be holy… For I, Jehovah (who makes them holy), am holy.9‘Also, if the daughter of a man who’s a Priest dirties herself by having immoral sex, she is dirtying the name of her father, and she must be burned in a fire.10‘The Priest who’s the chief one among his brothers – the one who’s been anointed by having oil poured over his head and who’s been made perfect to wear the [Priestly] garments – must not remove the turban from his head, or tear his clothes, 11or even get close to a dead body… No, he may not profane himself even for his own father or mother!12‘He may not leave the Holy Place and he must not make the Holy Place of his God unclean, because he wears God’s holy anointing oil… I am Jehovah.13‘[A Priest] may only take a woman who’s a virgin and from his own tribe… 14Not a widow, a divorcee, someone who’s been violated, or a whore. He may only take a virgin from his own people as his woman.15‘He must not profane his offspring among his people… For I am Jehovah who makes him holy.’16Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said,17‘Tell Aaron this:‘Throughout the generations, no man of your tribe who’s physically imperfect may be used to offer the gifts to his God... 18No one may be used who is:• Blind,
• Lame,
• Has a disfigured nose,
• Deformed ears,
19• A crippled hand or foot,
20• Is a hunchback,
• Has cataracts,
• Has lost his eyelashes,
• Has open sores,
• Has a birthmark, or
• Has lost a testicle.21‘None of Aaron the Priest’s offspring who is physically imperfect may be used to offer sacrifices to your God because of an imperfection. Such ones must not go in to offer the gifts to God, 22for these gifts are very holy.‘He may eat the holy things, 23but he must not approach the veil or get close to the Altar because of his handicap. He must not dishonor the Holy Place of his God… For I am Jehovah who makes him holy.’24This is what Moses told Aaron, his sons, and all the children of IsraEl.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, and warn them to be careful with the holy things of the children of IsraEl, so they don’t profane My Holy Name in anything that they offer to Me in a holy way… For I am Jehovah!3‘Tell them that throughout their generations, any of their offspring who comes before Me to offer the holy things (whatever the children of IsraEl may bring to Jehovah) and do so while they’re unclean must be cut off from Me… For I am Jehovah your God!4‘And if any man who’s the offspring of Aaron the Priest should have leprosy or a running sexual discharge, he may not eat the holy things until he becomes clean. So, any of them who touches something unclean from a dead body, or who has ejaculated semen, 5or who has touched an unclean slithering thing that’s defiled him, or who has touched an unclean person… 6That soul will be unclean until the evening.‘So, he must not eat any of the holy things until he bathes his body in water 7after sundown… Then he will be clean and he can eat all the holy things; for they’re his [to eat] as food.8‘He must not eat anything that dies on its own or has been killed by wild animals, so he isn’t polluted by them… For I am Jehovah!9‘He must keep My rules so he doesn’t fall into sin over these matters and die because of making himself dirty… For I am Jehovah their God who makes them holy.10‘And no stranger may eat the holy things, including those who travel with the Priests or those who are hired by them.11‘But if a Priest purchases a [slave] with money, or if [such a one] is born in his house, he or she may eat the [holy] bread.12‘But if the daughter of a Priest should marry a stranger, she may not eat the offerings from the Holy Place. 13However, if the Priest’s daughter is widowed or divorced and has no children, and she returns to her father’s house as when she was young; she may eat her father’s bread… But no stranger may do so.14‘If a man [who isn’t worthy] should eat holy things in ignorance, he must return as much with 1/5th more added, and give the holy things to the Priest.15‘They must not profane the holy things of the children of IsraEl that are offered to Jehovah 16and thereby bring the sin of error upon themselves when they eat their holy things… For I am Jehovah who makes them holy.’17Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:18‘Speak to Aaron, his sons, and to the entire gathering of IsraEl, and tell them this:‘Any man among the children of IsraEl or any alien who lives among them in IsraEl that wishes to offer a gift as a confession (as they may choose) – whatever they may bring to Jehovah as a whole-burnt offering – 19must offer it willingly, and it must be a perfect male from his herd, or of his sheep or goats.20‘They must not bring anything to Jehovah that isn’t perfect, for I won’t accept it.21‘And whenever a man brings something to Jehovah from his herd or his sheep as a peace offering, or to fulfill a promise, or as a free-will offering; it must be perfect to be accepted… It shouldn’t have any flaws.22‘They may not offer anything to Jehovah that’s:• Blind, • Lame, • Has its tongue cut out, • Has warts, • A running sore, or • A scar.‘They must not offer any of these as burnt offerings on the Altar.23‘If a calf or a sheep is missing an ear or has lost its tail, you can slaughter it for yourself; but it’s unacceptable [as an offering] for your vows. 24This is [also true] of one which has been castrated or has had its testicles crushed… You must not offer it to Jehovah as a sacrifice in your land.25‘And you may not offer any of these gifts to your God at the hand of a stranger, because that would corrupt [the gift] and make it imperfect. So, [such practices] are unacceptable for you.’26Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:27‘Calves, sheep, and goats must suckle their mothers for 7 days from the time they’re born; and only after the 8th day may they be accepted as burnt-offering sacrifices to Jehovah… 28And you must not sacrifice a cow or an ewe and its young on the same day.29‘If you vow to offer a sacrifice to Jehovah out of sheer joy, you must offer it willingly! 30It must then be eaten on that same day and not left over until the next morning… For I am Jehovah!31‘You must keep My Commandments and obey them, 32and you must not profane the Name of your Holy One, for I must be made holy in the midst of the children of IsraEl.‘I am Jehovah who makes you holy and 33who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God… I am Jehovah!’
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them that the feasts of Jehovah that you’re going to call ‘Holy Assemblies,’ are My feasts.3‘Therefore, you may work for 6 days, but the 7th day is the Sabbath, a [day of] rest and a Holy Assembly to Jehovah. You must not work on that day, for it’s a Sabbath to [Jehovah… And this covers] everything that you may do!4‘Here are the feasts to Jehovah… The Holy Assemblies that you are to [observe] in each of their seasons:5• The 14th day of the 1st month, from evening to evening, is Jehovah’s Passover.6• Then the 15th day of that month is the Feast of Fermentation-free bread, so you must eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days.7• The 1st [of these] days must be a Holy Assembly for you, and you must not work for anyone on that day.8• Then you must offer whole-burnt offerings to [Jehovah during those] 7 days.• And the 7th day will be [another] Holy Assembly for you, [during which] you must not work for anyone.’9Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:10‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them:‘When you enter the land that I’ll give to you and you start reaping its harvests, you must bring a bundle of [cut stalks] from the first fruitage of your harvest to the Priest, 11and he must hold them up and wave the bundle before [Jehovah, in order for Him to] accept it from you.‘This must be done on the morning of the 1st day.12‘And on that same day, you must offer a perfect yearling lamb as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah. 13Then, along with this offering of meat, you [must offer] 2 quarts (1.9l) of fine flour mixed with oil as a sweet-smelling sacrifice and a quart of wine as a drink offering to Jehovah.14‘You may not eat any new bread or roasted grain until this day that you offer the sacrifices to your God.‘This is a Law throughout the ages and throughout your generations for as long as you live.15‘Thereafter, you must count the days, starting from the day after the Sabbath (when you offered the bundle of grain that was waved before Jehovah) and after 7 full weeks, 16on the morning following the last week (or after 50 days), you must bring a food offering to Jehovah.17‘You must also bring two loaves [of bread] from your homes that are made from 2 quarts (1.9l) of fine flour baked with fermentation as an offering of your first fruitage to Jehovah.18‘And with the bread, you must bring 7 healthy yearling lambs, a calf from your herd, and two perfect male kid goats as whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah. These food and drink offerings are to be sacrificed as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.19‘One of the kid goats must be sacrificed as a sin offering, and the 2 yearling lambs are to be offered with the first-fruit bread as a peace offering.20‘The Priest must set them aside with the first-fruitage loaves as an offering before Jehovah. They will be holy to Jehovah, and they’ll belong to the Priest who [offers] them.21‘You must designate this as an Assembly Day, and it must be holy to you; so, you may not work for anyone on that day. This is a rule throughout all your generations, wherever you may live.22‘And when you harvest your land, you must not reap everything in your field, nor may you gather anything that falls during the harvest. You must leave it for the poor and for strangers… For I am Jehovah your God!’23Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:24‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them:‘The 1st day of the 7th month will be a Sabbath, the Memorial of Trumpets... It will be a Holy Assembly. 25You won’t do any work for anyone else, and you’ll offer a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah.’26Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:27‘Also, the 10th day of the 7th month is to be the Day of Atonement [when you must pay for your sins]. It [is also] to be a [day of] Holy Assembly for you. You must be very humble [on that day] and present a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah.28‘You must not do any work on that day, for it’s a day when you must pay for your sins before Jehovah, your God.29‘Any person who doesn’t show humility on that day must be cut off from among his people. 30And any person who works on that day should have his life destroyed from among his people.31‘Also, you must not do any sort of work! This is a law throughout the ages and throughout all your generations, wherever you may live.32‘The 9th day of that month[that is, the 7th month], from evening to evening, is [also] to be a Holy Sabbath for you, and you must humble yourselves and keep your Sabbaths.’33Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:34‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘The 15th day of the 7th month and the next 7 days are to be the Feast of Temporary Dwellings to Jehovah:35• The 1st day must be a Holy Assembly [during which] you may not work for anyone.36• You must offer whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah for the next 7 days...• Then the 8th day will be a Holy Assembly to you [during which] you must offer whole-burnt offerings to Jehovah. This is [to be] a free day, so you must not work for anyone.37‘These are the feasts to Jehovah that you are to call Holy Assemblies, [and during which] you are to offer burnt offerings to Jehovah… Whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings, each on its day.38‘This is in addition to the Sabbaths to Jehovah, to your gifts, to all your vows, and to all the free-will offerings that you’ll bring to Jehovah.39‘On the 15th day of the 7th month, after you have completely harvested all the fruitage of the ground, you must hold a feast to Jehovah for 7 days… And both the 1st and 8th days will be for resting.40‘On the 1st day, you must bring:• A large amount of fruit from your trees,
• Some palm-tree branches,
• Some thick tree branches,
• Willow branches, and
• Branches from water willows.‘[All of this must be brought] as a rejoicing to Jehovah your God… [do this] for 7 days each year.41‘This is to be the law throughout the ages for all your generations… You must observe this in the 7th month. 42You must live in temporary structures for 7 days… Yes, all the native people of IsraEl must live in temporary structures, 43so your descendants can see that I made the children of IsraEl live in such structures when I brought them out of the land of Egypt… For I am Jehovah your God!’44So, this is how Moses explained Jehovah’s feast days to the children of IsraEl.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Talk to the children of IsraEl and tell them to bring pure, beaten olive oil [for use in] the lamp so that it may always be kept burning 3outside the veil of the Tent of Proofs.‘Aaron and his sons must keep it burning before Jehovah continuously from evening until morning.‘This is a law throughout the ages for all your generations... 4The lamps on the pure lampstand must be kept burning before Jehovah until morning.5‘Then you must take fine flour and make 12 loaves [of bread] from it. Each loaf should be made from 2 quarts (1.9l) [of flour].6‘Place them in 2 rows, 6 loaves per row, on the pure table before Jehovah, 7then pour frankincense and salt over each row. Remember to set these things and the loaves before Jehovah on each Sabbath.8‘They must continue to be set before Jehovah by the children of IsraEl as a sacred agreement throughout the ages. 9These will all be put there for Aaron and his sons, who must eat it inside the Holy Place… For this is their own very holy portion of the offerings that are made to Jehovah, as [part of] the Law of the ages.’[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
10Well, it so happened that there was this son of an IsraElite woman (whose father was an Egyptian) [who lived] among the children of IsraEl, and he got into a fight in the camp [with a man] whose mother and father were both IsraElites.11Then, [during the fight], the IsraElite woman’s son used God’s Name while cursing… So, they brought him to Moses (his mother’s name was ShalomIth, and she was the daughter of DaBri of the tribe of Dan), 12and they tied him up and held him for judgment by Jehovah.13Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:14‘Take the man who did the cursing outside the camp, and then everyone who heard [him cursing] must lay their hands on his head, as the whole gathering stones him to death![Editor note: The story continues in verse 23.]
15‘Thereafter, speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them that whoever curses God is sinning, 16and whoever [curses] using the Name of the Lord must absolutely be put to death – whether he is a native or an alien!‘The entire gathering of IsraEl must stone him with rocks and he must die for [swearing vengeance in] Jehovah’s Name.17‘Also:‘Whenever a man strikes another man and kills him, he must absolutely be put to death. 18And whenever a man strikes [someone’s] animal and it dies; he must give a life for the life.19‘And whoever harms his neighbor must have the same thing done to him… 20Bruise for bruise, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever damage he does to a man must be done to him.21‘And if a man strikes a man and kills him, he must be put to death.22‘This one judgment must be the same for both the natives and the aliens… For I am Jehovah your God!’[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
23Well, after Moses said all these things to the children of IsraEl, they took the man who had done the cursing outside the camp and stoned him with rocks… The children of IsraEl did just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.[Editor note: Now follows more laws. The story continues in Leviticus 26:3.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses [while he was] on Mount SinAi and told him:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘When you enter the land that I’m giving to you, the ground must [be allowed] to rest during its Sabbaths to Jehovah.3‘You may plant your fields, prune your vines, and gather their fruitage for 6 years. 4However, the 7th year will be a Sabbath, during which the land must rest.‘During this Sabbath to Jehovah, you may not plant your fields, prune your vines, 5or gather anything that starts to grow of its own in your fields, nor may you completely gather all the sacred grapes; for it’s to be a year of rest for the ground.6‘However, during the Sabbaths on the land, [there’ll be enough] food for you and for your male and female servants, those who work for you, as well as for any aliens that live among you.7‘But, as for your cattle and the wild animals that live on your land... They may eat whatever they wish.8‘Thereafter, you must keep track and [count off] 7 Sabbaths of years (7 times 7 years) to make 7 weeks of years, or 49 years.9‘Then in the 7th month, on the 10th day of the month (on the Day of Atonement), you must sound a trumpet and send a proclamation throughout the entire land with trumpeting... 10For, that year (the 50th year) is to be holy, and you must proclaim a release on the land and on all that live on it… It’s to be a year of setting free.‘It’s a Signal to you that each person may then return to his home and his family. 11The 50th year must be a Signal of Release among you.‘So, you may not plant or harvest any of the produce that grows from the ground on its own, or gather any of its sacred fruit... 12For it’s to be the Signal of Release, and it must be holy to you, during which you must eat the [stored] crops that you’ve harvested from the fields.13‘In the year of the Release Signal, everyone must [be allowed] to return home...14‘So, if you sell [your land] to a neighbor, or if you should buy your neighbor’s [land], it must not be [held permanently]. 15You must count the number of years after each Release Year from the time that you purchase [land] from your neighbor, then [figure out] how many years [you may own it] and how much you’ll likely harvest from it… 16The more years, the higher the [land’s] value.‘So, when there are few years, there’s less value, since there’ll be fewer crops, and [the price] should be [set lower]. 17No man should oppress his neighbor, for you must fear your God Jehovah… I am Jehovah your God!18‘You must keep all My Laws and decisions and obey them. For if you follow and obey them, you’ll live in the land in safety, 19the ground will provide abundantly, you’ll have plenty to eat, and you’ll live there in security.20‘Now, if you should ask what you’ll eat during the 7th year if you don’t plant anything or pick your fruit; 21I will send My blessings in the 6th year, and the land will produce abundant crops during [the previous] three years.22‘Then you’ll start planting again in the 8th year and eat from your stored crops until the 9th year… Yes, until its crop comes in, you will eat from the stored crops.23‘Therefore, no land may be sold permanently, since all the land is Mine and you’re just aliens and travelers before Me! 24So, any land that you [buy] must also be repurchased.25‘If your brother who lives near you is poor and has to sell [you] some of his land, and his relative should thereafter come to assist him; he must be allowed to buy back the land that his brother sold. 26Or, if he has no such relative and he starts to prosper and finds enough money to buy it back himself... 27He must calculate how many years the land has been sold, and pay the person to whom he sold it a fair amount… And then it should be returned.28‘But if he hasn’t prospered enough to buy back the property; the one who bought it will own the land through the 6th year before the year of Release… Then it should be returned and its owner can go back to his land.29‘If anyone sells an inhabited house within a walled city, it [can be] bought back again before a one year buying-back time runs out...30But if it’s not bought back within that year, the house in the walled city will be transferred to the buyer throughout his generations – and it won’t be returned in the Release [Signal].31‘But houses in villages that don’t have a wall around them will just be considered like the fields of the countryside... They’ll always be available to buy back, and they’ll be returned [automatically] in the release [year].32‘The houses within cities owned by the Levites shall be always available to buy back by the Levites. 33And if anyone buys a Levite house, their purchased house will return in the Release [Signal]... Because the houses in the Levite cities are their possession within the children of Israel.34‘Also, the land reserved for their cities can’t be sold, because this is their age-long possession.35‘Also, if your brother who lives among you becomes poor and needs to [borrow some money] from you, you must help him as you would an alien or a traveler, so that your brother may continue to live among you. 36You must not charge him interest or [tell him] to pay you more; for you must fear your God… I am Jehovah!‘And you must [help] your brother to keep living among you.37‘You must not lend your money to him for interest, and you must not lend him any food and expect him to pay you back with more, 38for I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of CanaAn and to be your God.39‘And if your brother should become so poorly off that he sells himself to you, he must not serve and work as your slave… 40You must treat him like a hired person or as a traveler, and he will only work for you until the Year of Release.41‘Then, during the Release, he and his children will leave as a family, and they will hurry back to their family possessions, 42because they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt.‘So, they can’t be sold as slaves, 43nor may you force them into hard labor... For you must fear Jehovah your God.44‘If you wish to purchase male and female slaves, buy them from the nations that live around you.45‘You may also buy the sons of the travelers who live among you. You may buy them and their relatives… All that live in your land may become your possession 46and may be left as an inheritance to your children after you, and be your [family] possession throughout the ages.‘However, you must never oppress your brothers of the children of IsraEl by forcing them to do hard labor.47‘And if an alien or a traveler who lives among you should become rich, and your brother who is in need is sold to the alien or traveler who lives among you, or to an [IsraElite] convert... 48After he’s been sold, one of his brothers must buy him back. 49An uncle, a cousin, or another close relative from his tribe must be allowed to buy him… Or if he gets wealthy, he may buy himself back.50‘The person who buys him must calculate how many years there were from the time that he sold himself until the Year of Release, and then pay the amount that would be paid to a hired person during that number of years.51‘And if anyone has [enough money] to pay [the wages] for all those years, he must pay the ransom. 52If there’s just a short time until the Year of Release, he will pay the ransom [for that short period].53‘[Also, the person who buys him] must treat him as hired help through the years… He must not be forced into hard labor!54‘And if he can’t pay his own fair ransom, he and his children must be set free in the Year of Release. 55For the children of IsraEl are My servants… They are My attendants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt.’
1‘You must not mold [gods] for yourselves or carve them with your hands, nor may you set up stone pillars in your land to worship… For I am Jehovah your God!2‘You must keep My Sabbaths and be in fear of My Holy Place… For I am Jehovah![Editor note: The story resumes here, with God speaking.]
3‘If you follow My rules and keep My Commandments and obey them, 4I’ll give you rain in its season, the ground will produce its fruitage, and the trees in your fields will bear fruit.5‘Then, your threshing time will run through your fruit-picking time, and your fruit-picking time will run into your [planting] time. You will eat all the bread you want and you’ll live on your land in safety; for there’ll be no wars in your land!6‘Yes, I’ll bring peace to your land, so you can go to sleep and not fear anyone!‘I’ll also destroy all the bad animals in your land, 7and you’ll chase your enemies and they’ll be slaughtered before you... 8Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase tens of thousands! Then your enemies will be cut down before you with swords.9‘I will also watch over you, make you grow and multiply, and keep My Sacred Agreement with you... 10Then you may eat what’s old and very old, or throw out the old to make way for the new.11‘So... I will set up My Tent among you... And in My heart, there’ll be no hatred of you.12‘I’ll walk among you and be your God, and you’ll be My people!13‘I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt where you were slaves. I’m the One who broke the shackles of your [slavery] and paraded you away in front of [everyone]!14‘However, if you choose not to listen to Me and obey My rules… 15If you disobey them and your inner person comes to dislike My decisions… If you don’t keep all My Commandments and if you break My Sacred Agreement, 16these are the things that I must do to you:• I will bring uprisings among you and make you uncomfortable.• You’ll develop rashes, jaundice, fever, loss of eyesight, and your lives will be shortened.• When you plant seeds, it won’t do any good, because your enemies will eat the [crops].17‘For if I set My face against you, you’ll fall before your enemies. Those who dislike you will chase you, and you’ll run even when there’s no one behind you!18‘And if you still refuse to listen to Me, I’ll have to discipline you 7 times as much for your sins, 19because I must break down your haughtiness and pride! I’ll turn your sky into iron, and your ground into brass, 20and all your hard work will be wasted... For the seeds in your ground won’t produce, and the trees in your fields won’t bear fruit.21‘And after that, if you continue to walk a crooked path and you aren’t willing to obey Me; I’ll bring 7 plagues upon you for your sins. 22I’ll send wild animals into the land to eat you and kill your cattle, so you will decrease in numbers and your [land] will become empty.23‘And if that doesn’t straighten you out and you keep walking a crooked path with Me... 24My Spirit will become crooked and I’ll walk a crooked path among you, causing Me to strike you 7 times for your sins!25‘I’ll bring swords against you to avenge My Sacred Agreement. Then when you run to your cities for safety, I’ll send death to you and you’ll be handed over to your enemies.26‘I’ll also bring a famine of bread among you; so then, it’ll take 10 women to bake your loaves in just one oven. And when they weigh out portions of bread for you to eat, you’ll still be hungry!27‘And if you still don’t obey Me but continue to walk a crooked path with Me... 28I’ll walk among you with an angry mind, and I must discipline you 7 times as much for your sins… 29So you’ll have to eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters!30‘I’ll also wipe away your stone columns and totally destroy the wooden [images] that you’ll make with your hands, then lay your dead bodies on the remains of your idols… For My soul will dislike you.31‘I’ll destroy your cities, empty your holy places, and [never again] smell the odor of your sacrifices. 32I’ll empty your land, and your enemies who live there will be amazed. 33For I’ll scatter you among the nations… You will be attacked with swords and destroyed, and your land and your cities will be emptied!34‘Meanwhile, the ground will enjoy its Sabbaths during all the time that it’s empty… 35As you’re living in the land of your enemies! Yes, that’s when the land will enjoy its Sabbaths… During all the time that it’s empty! For it’ll keep the Sabbaths that weren’t kept when you lived there.36‘I will put all who remain into bondage [as slaves] there in the land of your enemies, so that in your hearts, even the sounds of shaking leaves will chase you! You’ll run as though you’re running from a war and fall when no one is chasing you.37‘Brothers won’t have any regard for their brothers, like in a war. And although no one will be chasing you, you won’t be able [to be saved from] your enemies. 38You’ll die there among the ethnics, and the lands of your enemies will swallow you down. 39Then those who are left will perish because of their sins and the sins of their fathers… They’ll just waste away in the lands of their enemies.40‘However... If they should then confess their sins and the sins of their fathers, and [admit] that they’ve sinned and neglected Me, and that they’ve walked a crooked path before Me, 41and [admit that] this is the reason why I walked among them with a crooked mind and destroyed them, [sending them off] into the lands of their enemies… Yes, when their uncircumcised hearts become ashamed and they repent of their sins, 42I’ll once again remember the Sacred Agreement that I made with AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.43‘I’ll also remember their land, and that land will still be waiting for them. For by then, the land will have enjoyed her Sabbaths during the time that they were gone.‘Yet, they must acknowledge their sins… That they neglected My decisions and they disliked My Laws in their [hearts]... 44But despite this, I still won’t fail to [keep an eye] on them while they’re in the land of their enemies, nor will I dislike them and void the Sacred Agreement that I made with them… For I am Jehovah, their God.45‘Then I’ll remember the Sacred Agreement [that I made with them] when I brought them out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery before that nation, to be their God… For I am Jehovah!’46These are the decisions, rules, and the Law that Jehovah Himself gave to the children of IsraEl from Mount SinAi through the hand of Moses.[Editor note: The story in this book now ends, the remainder of the book is only laws. The story resumes in the next book, Numbers.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Whenever anyone wishes to make a vow to offer the value of a person to Jehovah:3• The value of a male between 20 and 60 years old must be 50 double-silver coins by the standards of the Holy Place.4• The value of an [adult] female must be 30 double-silver coins.5• The value for a male child between 5 and 20 years old must be 20 double-silver coins.• And 10 double-silver coins for a female [child].6‘As for a child between 1 month and 5 years old:• The value for a male must be 5 double-silver coins, and• For a female, 3 double-silver coins.7‘And for those who are over 60, the value must be:• 15 double-silver coins for a male, and• 10 double-silver coins for a female.8‘But if a person is too poor to pay these values, he must go before the Priest, and the Priest will value him at whatever the man says he can afford in his vow; and that’s [the price] that the Priest must set for him.9‘When cattle are offered as gifts to Jehovah by anyone, they become holy. 10So, the [person] may not trade a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good one... If someone does decide to make a trade, it must be with an equal… And both animals will be holy.11‘If [someone should bring] an unclean animal (which must never be offered as a gift to Jehovah), He must lead the animal to the Priest, 12and the Priest must determine whether it has any value. Then, whatever value the Priest sets is what must be paid for it.13‘And if he wishes to buy it back, he must pay 1/5th more than that amount.14‘If a man chooses to set aside his house as holy to Jehovah, the Priest must determine whether or not it has any value, and whatever value the Priest sets is what must be paid.15‘Then if he wishes to buy it back, he must pay 1/5th more for it than the valuation.16‘If a man should choose to designate a portion of a field that he owns as holy to Jehovah, it must be valued by whatever is planted there.‘It’ll be worth 50 double-silver coins for every 250 quarts (230l) of barley… 17That is, that’s how much it should be valued if he should [set aside] his field as holy on the Year of Release.18‘But if he donates his field sometime after the Release, the Priest must figure its value to the next Year of Release and deduct the appropriate amount from the full valuation.19‘However, if the one who made the field holy wishes to buy it back [before the Year of Release], he must add 1/5th more to its value and it’ll be his once again.20‘But if he doesn’t buy back the field, it may be sold to someone else… And then he can’t buy it back later. 21For after the Release, the field will be holy to Jehovah and thereafter be subdivided… Because the Priests will then own it.22‘And if a man should set aside a field to Jehovah that he’s bought and it isn’t a family possession... 23The Priest must calculate its value to the Year of Release, and that’s how much he must pay that day, as something holy to Jehovah.24‘Then in the Year of Release, the land must be restored to the man who sold it and [really] owns the land.25‘All the values must be determined by using the holy weights; a double-silver coin is worth 20 copper coins.26‘All the firstborn cattle are already Jehovah’s, so no man can [set them aside] as holy… Whether it’s a calf or a sheep, it belongs to Jehovah.27‘If [a man] should choose to buy back an unclean animal, he must add 1/5th more to its valuation. But if he doesn’t buy it back, it may be sold at its stated value.28‘Anything a man has that he chooses to curse before Jehovah, whether it’s a man, an animal, or a field that he owns... It may never be sold or taken back. Everything that’s cursed for destruction becomes very holy to Jehovah. 29And anyone from among mankind who’s cursed may never be ransomed, but must surely be put to death.30‘Anything in the land that’s to be offered, whether it’s seeds or the fruit of trees, is Jehovah’s… It’s holy to Jehovah.31‘And if any man should ever wish to buy back his offering, he must add 1/5th more to its [value], and it’ll be his.32‘A 1/10th of everything, including bulls, sheep, and anything else that’s taxable, is also holy to Jehovah.33‘So, you may never exchange anything good for anything bad, or anything bad for anything good... If you should make an exchange, it must be with an equivalent; and since it’s holy, it can’t be repurchased.’34These are the commandments that the Lord gave to Moses for the sons of IsraEl on Mount SinAi.
1On the 1st day of the 2nd month ([while they were still] in the desert at SinAi), 2 years after their departure from the land of Egypt, the Lord spoke to Moses inside the Tent of Proofs and said:2‘Take a census of the entire gathering of IsraEl by families and lines of descent. [Record] the names of all the males 3that are 20 years old and older… All who serve as the army of IsraEl.‘You and Aaron must count them and calculate their strength.4‘Also, the rulers of each of the tribes (the paternal heads of the families) should accompany you as you do this.5‘These are the names of the men who should help you:• From the tribe of ReuBen, EliSur son of SediUr.
6• From the [tribe of] SymeOn, SalamiEl son of SuriSadai.
7• [From the tribe] of Judah, NaAsson son of AmiNadab.
8• [From the tribe] of IshSachar, NathaniEl son of Sogar.
9• [From the tribe] of ZebuLon, EliAb son of ChaElon.
10• [From the two tribes] of JoSeph, EliSama son of EmiUd for Ephraim, and GamaliEl son of PhadaSur for ManasSeh.
11• [From the tribe] of BenJamin, AbiDan son of GadeOni.
12• [From the tribe] of Dan, AchiEzer son of AmiSadai.
13• [From the tribe] of Asher, PhagaiEl son of Echran.
14• [From the tribe] of Gad, EliSaph son of RaguEl.
15• [From the tribe] of NaphTali, AchiRe son of AiNan.’16These were the most famous men among the gathering. They were the heads of the tribes by their families, and each one was a leader of thousands in IsraEl.17So Moses and Aaron gathered these men who’d been called by name.18Then they assembled the entire gathering that day and registered the [men] by tribes and family lines, recording the names and numbers of all those who were 20 [years old] and older, 19as the Lord had commanded Moses there in the desert of SinAi.[Editor note: Now follows the census data. The story resumes in Numbers 1:47.]20Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of ReuBen (the first-born of IsraEl), the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 21was:46,400.22Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of SymeOn, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 23was:59,300.24Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Judah, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 25was:74,600.26Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of IshSachar, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 27was54,400.28Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of ZebuLon, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 29was:57,400.30Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of JoSeph:From the Tribe of Ephraim, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 31was40,500.32From the Tribe of ManasSeh, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 33was:32,200.34Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of BenJamin, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 35was:35,400.36Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Gad, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 37was:45,650.38Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Dan, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 39was:62,700.40Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of Asher, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl 41was:41,500.42Among the families, divisions, and households of the sons of NaphTali, the number of males 20 years old and up that were counted as the strength of IsraEl, 43was:53,400.44This was the census that Moses, Aaron, and the 12 rulers of IsraEl conducted… A man from each tribe.45They counted all the males 20 years old and up among the children of IsraEl that could [serve in their army], 46[and there was a total of] 618,550.[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
47However, those of the Tribe of Levi weren’t counted, 48for the Lord had told Moses:49‘You must not gather the Tribe of Levi and count them among the children of IsraEl. 50Rather, put the Levites in charge of the Tent, its furnishings, and everything in it.‘They must serve there and camp around the Tent.51‘And whenever the Tent is moved, the Levites must take it down and [be in charge of] setting it up again. Anyone else who goes near it must die.52‘The [rest of] the children of IsraEl must camp in the order and grouping of their own armies... 53But the Levites must camp around and in front of the Tent of Proofs, so there may be no sins among the children of IsraEl.‘For the Levites must protect the Tent of Proofs.’54And the children of IsraEl did everything that Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron.
[Editor note: Now follows instructions for decamping with further census data. The story resumes in Numbers 2:32.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:2‘Each man of the sons of IsraEl must set up his tent according to the signals, in his own order, and according to the house of his father, in a circle around the Tent of Proofs:3‘The first in the camp, starting on the east side, shall be the [Tribe] of Judah with their armies. Their leader is NaShon (son of AmmiNadab).4‘There are 74,600 in his army.5‘The Tribe of IshSachar, whose leader is NathanEl (son of Zuar), should camp next to them.6‘There are 54,400 in his army.7‘The Tribe of ZebuLon, whose leader is EliAb (son of Helon), should camp next to them.8‘There are 57,400 in his army.9‘Altogether, there are 186,400 under the army of Judah. They and their armies must be the first to move.10‘This is the order for the camp of ReuBen, whose army [will camp] towards the south. The leader of the children of ReuBen is EliZur (son of ShedeUr).11‘There are 46,500 in his army.12‘The Tribe of SimeOn, whose leader is ShelumiEl (son of ZuriShadDai), should camp next to them.13‘There are 59,300 in his army.14‘The Tribe of Gad, whose leader is EliAsaph (son of DeuEl), will camp next to them.15‘There are 45,650 in his army.16‘Altogether, there are 151,450 under the army of ReuBen. They and their armies will follow second.17‘Then the Tent of Proofs should follow them, surrounded by the Levites who’ll travel between the armies. In whatever order they camp, that’s the order that they should follow in their march, each group traveling in the order of their divisions.18‘The Tribe of Ephraim and their armies must camp on the west side. Their leader is EliShama, (son of AmmiHud).19‘There are 40,500 in his army.20‘The Tribe of ManasSeh should camp next to them. Their leader is GamaliEl (son of PedahZur).21‘There are 32,200 in his army.22‘The Tribe of BenJamin should camp next to them. Their leader is AbiDan (son of Gideoni).23‘There are 35,400 in his army.24‘Altogether, there are 108,100 in the army of Ephraim. They and their armies must follow third.25‘The Tribe of Dan and their armies should camp on the north side. Their leader is AhiEzer (son of AmmiShadDai).26‘There are 62,700 in his army.27‘The Tribe of Asher should camp next to them. Their leader is PagiEl (son of OcRan).‘28There are 41,500 in his army.29‘The Tribe of NaphTali should camp next to them. Their leader is AhiRa (son of Enan).30‘There are 53,400 in his army.31‘Altogether, there are 157,600 in the armies of Dan, and they must be last in the marching order.’[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
32This is how the children of IsraEl were counted (by family lines), and there were [a total of] 603,550 in their army. 33However, the Levites weren’t counted among them, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.34And the children of IsraEl did everything that Jehovah told Moses. They each camped in their [specified] locations, and they marched in order by family lines.
1These are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day in that the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount SinAi.2These are the names of the sons of Aaron:• NaDab (the firstborn),
• AbiUd,
• EliEzer, and
• IthaMar.3They were the Anointed Priests who were made perfect for the Priesthood.4However, NaDab and AbiUd died before Jehovah when they offered [incense] to Him in an unauthorized way, while they were in the SinAi Desert. And because they had no children, just EliEzer and IthaMar served as Priests with their father Aaron.5Then the Lord spoke to Moses and told him:6‘Bring the Tribe of Levi up in front of Aaron the Priest, for they’re all going to serve him 7and they must follow his instructions. You must explain this to the children of IsraEl in front of the Tent of Proofs, and show how [the Levites] will thereafter perform their duties at the Tent.8‘[The Levites] are to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Proofs and they must teach the children of IsraEl about everything that has to do with the Tent.9‘You are to give the Levites to Aaron and his sons (the Priests)... For they’ve been given to Me as a gift from the children of IsraEl.10‘Appoint Aaron and his sons to be in charge of the Tent of Proofs, and they must give [the Levites] instructions about the Priesthood, everything that belongs to the Altar, and everything inside the veil… Anyone else who touches these things must die.’11Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:12‘Look, I have chosen the Levites from among the children of IsraEl [to take the place] of [all of] the [firstborn] males who are among the children of IsraEl. [The Levites] are their ransom, and they’re Mine. 13For all their firstborn have been Mine since the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. I chose all the firstborn in IsraEl as holy to Myself – both the men and the animals – and they’re Mine!‘For I am Jehovah!’[Editor note: There now follows census data, instructions for running the Tent of Proofs, and further laws. The story resumes at Numbers 6:22.]
14Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the SinAi Desert and said:15‘Take a census of the sons of Levi by family lines and divisions… Count every male from a month old and up.’16So thereafter, Moses and Aaron counted them all following Jehovah’s instructions.17The sons of Levi were:• GedSon,
• CaAth, and
• MeraRi.18GedSon’s sons (and family lines) were:• LoBeni, and
• Semei.19CaAth’s sons (and family lines) were:• AmBram,
• IsSaAr,
• HebRon, and
• OziEl.20MeraRi’s sons (and family lines) were:• MoOli, and
• Musi.These were the families of the Levites by family lines.21GedSon’s [sons] were LoBeni and Semei, 22and the number of males descending from them that were a month old and older was 7,500…23The sons of GedSon were to camp behind the Tent on its west side. 24The ruler of the family of GedSon was EliSaph (son of DaEl).25The instructions that were given to the sons of GedSon concerning the Tent of Proofs included taking care of the tent itself, the veil that covers the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 26the curtains for the courtyard, the veil to the courtyard that was around the Tent, and such things.27The divisions that were counted [in the family line] of CaAth were those of AmBram, IsSaAr, HebRon, and OziEl, 28and they included 8,600 males a month old and older, who were given these instructions regarding the holy things.29The families of the sons of CaAth were to camp next to the Tent, along its south side. 30The ruler of the family line and divisions of CaAth was EliShaphan (son of OziEl).31They were told that they were to be in charge of the Chest, the Table, the Sacred Lamp, the Altars, and all the furnishings in the Holy Place that were used in holy service inside the veil, and all their parts.32The head over the chiefs of the Levites was EliEzer, the son of Aaron the Priest. He was appointed to give all the instructions regarding the holy things.33The family lines of MeraRi were those of MoOli and Musi. 34All the males a month old and older among his line were counted at 6,050.35The head of the family line and divisions of MeraRi was SuriEl (son of AbiChail). They were to camp next to the Tent, along its north side.36The sons of MeraRi were told that they were to be in charge of the Tent’s caps, rafters, posts, sockets, all their fittings and pieces, 37the posts for the courtyard, and their bases, pins, and ropes.38Moses, Aaron, and their sons were to camp in front of the Tent of Proofs on its east side. They were to take care of the Holy Place and give instructions about it to the children of IsraEl. Anyone else who touched it was to die.39All the Levites whom Moses and Aaron counted that were a month old and older (by family lines) following Jehovah’s instructions, were 22,000.40Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:‘Now, count all the firstborn males among the children of IsraEl who are a month old and older, and record their names. 41Thereafter, take the Levites for Me in place of all the firstborn of the sons of IsraEl.‘Also, take all the Levites’ cattle in place of the first-born of the cattle of the children of IsraEl… For I am Jehovah!’42So Moses counted all the firstborn of the children of IsraEl, just as the Lord had commanded him to do. 43And all the male firstborn a month old and older that were counted by name were 22,273.44Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:45‘Now, take the Levites in place of all the first-born of the sons of IsraEl, and take the Levite’s cattle in place of their cattle, for they must be Mine… I am Jehovah!46‘And the ransom [that must be paid] for all the firstborn of the sons of IsraEl that exceed the number of Levites (the 273), 47[must be paid for] with 5 silver-coins per person. They must be paid for using the holy double-silver coins at 20 copper coins per silver coin... 48Then, give the money to Aaron and his sons as the ransom for those who exceed their number.’49So Moses took the silver as the ransom for those who exceeded the number that were bought by the Levites. 50The amount of holy silver coins that he took from the firstborn of the sons of IsraEl was 1,365.51Then Moses gave the ransom for these extra ones to Aaron and his sons, according to the instructions that the Lord had given to Moses.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:2‘Take a census of the children of CaAth separate from the sons of Levi, by family lines. 3Count those from 25 to 50 years old that work at and serve inside the Tent of Proofs.4‘For, these are the very holy things that the sons of CaAth must do at the Tent of Proofs:5‘Whenever the camp is about to move, Aaron and his sons must enter and take down the [inner] veil, then use it to cover the Chest of Proofs... 6It must be covered with a blue skin and a blue [cloth] over that, and then they must put the carrying poles through [the rings on the Chest].7‘They must also put a purple cloth over the Table that holds the showbread, along with its dishes, incense holders, cups, pitchers for drink offerings, and the loaves (which must always be left on the table)... 8Then they must cover it with a scarlet cloth and cover that with a blue skin, and mount [the table] on its staves.9‘They must cover the Sacred Lamp that provides the light, along with its lanterns, snuffers, funnels, and all the oil jars, with a blue cloth, 10and put it and all its utensils inside a blue skin bag, and mount it on its staves.11‘Also, the gold [Incense] Altar must be wrapped in blue cloth, then covered with blue skins and mounted on its staves.12‘Thereafter, they must take all the rest of the things that are used in the services at the Holy Place and put them in a blue cloth [bag], then cover them with blue skins and mount them on staves.13‘They must cover the Altar with purple cloth, 14along with all the utensils that are used with it (the fire pans, flesh-hooks, cups, covers, and all the utensils), wrap it all in a blue covering of skins and mount it all on the staves.‘They must also cover the Basin and its base with blue cloth, then wrap it in blue skins and mount it on staves.15‘Aaron and his sons must finish covering the holy things and all the holy utensils before the camp can move... Thereafter, the sons of CaAth must bear all [the Tent’s] furnishings… But they must not [actually] touch the holy things, or they’ll die. These [are the things] that just the sons of CaAth are to carry from the Tent of Proofs.16‘EliEzer, the son of Aaron the Priest, is to be their overseer... He is to give instructions concerning the oil for the lamp, the incense, the daily food offerings, and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the whole Tent, everything that’s in it, and everything that’s done there.’17Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:18‘You must protect the family of CaAth (this tribe among the Levites) from being destroyed, 19and this is what you must do for them so they can live and not die:‘Whenever they approach the Holy of Holies, Aaron and his sons must take the lead... They’re the ones who must mount the [sacred items] to be carried on the staves. 20That way, [the family of CaAth] won’t [be tempted to] rush in to look at the holy things and die.’21Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:22‘Now, take a census of the children of GedSon by family lines... 23Count all those between the ages of 25 and 50 years old that go in to serve and work in the Tent of Proofs, 24because the public service of the family of GedSon is that of serving and carrying.25‘They must carry and attend to the skins for the Tent, the Tent of Proofs itself, its veil, the blue covering that goes over its top, the cover for the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 26all the curtains for the courtyard, the mountings, and all the other utensils of service.27‘The sons of GedSon must take their direction from Aaron and his sons in everything that they do in their assignments and jobs.‘You must count them by names and [show them] all the things that they must carry… 28This is the job of the sons of GedSon in the Tent of Proofs, and IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest, is to give them their instructions.29‘Also, take a census of the sons of MeraRi by family lines. 30Count all those between the ages of 25 and 50 years old that enter to serve and work inside the Tent of Proofs.31‘These are the things you are to tell them about and what they must carry as their job at the Tent of Proofs... They must carry the Tent’s caps, rafters, poles, and sockets, as well as the sockets and poles for the veil and the curtain at the entrance to the Tent.32‘They must also carry the poles for the surrounding courtyard and for the veil at the entrance to the courtyard, along with their sockets, pins, ropes, furnishings, and things for service.‘Count them by name, and show what each man is to carry.33‘This is the assignment for the family of the sons of MeraRi… It’s their job at the Tent of Proofs, under the direction of IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest.’34So Moses, Aaron, and the rulers of IsraEl took a census of the sons of CaAth by family lines, 35[counting] all those between the ages of 25 and 50 years old that went in to serve and work inside the Tent of Proofs. 36And their numbers, by family lines, came to 2,750.37This is how many there were of the family of CaAth that served inside the Tent of Proofs, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.38Then they counted the sons of GedSon by family lines that were 39between 25 and 50 years old that enter to serve at the Tent of Proofs. 40And their number by family lines came to 2,630.41This is how many there were of the family of GedSon that served in the Tent of Proofs, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.42Then they counted the sons of MeraRi by family lines that were 43between 25 and 50 years old that enter to serve inside the Tent of Proofs. 44And their numbers by family lines came to 3,200.45This is how many there were of the family of MeraRi, as Moses and Aaron counted them, following Jehovah’s instructions to Moses.46So Moses, Aaron, and the rulers of IsraEl counted all these Levites by family lines 47that were between 25 and 50 years old, and that serve, work at, and carry the things for the Tent of Proofs. 48Altogether, there were [a total of] 8,580 who were counted.49Then, after they were counted (following the words of Jehovah through Moses), they appointed each man to his job, reviewing his duties and discussing what each man was to carry.
1Thereafter, the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Give these instructions to the children of IsraEl...‘Tell them to drive everyone out of the camp who has leprosy or gonorrhea, and anyone who’s made himself unclean [by touching a dead] person, 3whether they’re males or females... Drive them out of the camp so they don’t dirty the place where I dwell among them.’4And that’s what the children of IsraEl did; they drove them out of the camp, just as the Lord told Moses.5Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:6‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Any man or woman who has committed any of the sins that are common to mankind, or has in any way overstepped [My] Commandments and erred, 7must confess the sin he committed and make restitution for his sin.‘He [must pay] the price to restore [everything] to whomever he’s sinned against… And add 1/5th more to it.8‘Now, if a man isn’t in debt to anyone for his sins against them, a sin-offering must still be paid to Jehovah, and he must offer a ram to the Priest as the payment for his sins.9‘When it comes to the first fruitage of all the holy things among the children of IsraEl, everything that they offer to Jehovah must be [given to] the Priest for himself… 10All the holy things that men [offer] or choose to donate must be given to the Priest, and it will be his as a gift.’11Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:12‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Whenever a wife rebels against [her husband] and tries to dominate and rule over him, 13and then someone goes to bed with her and has sex with her behind her husband’s back... If she hides her filth and there’s no proof of it, and [the other man] doesn’t take her, 14and [her husband] thereafter develops a jealous spirit and suspects that she’s dirtied herself – or even if he’s developed a jealous spirit when she hasn’t dirtied herself – 15he must bring his woman to the Priest, along with the gift of a quart of barley meal.‘He must not pour any oil or frankincense on the barley meal, for it’s a sacrifice of jealousy… It’s a sacrifice of memory and of recalling sins to mind.16‘Then the Priest must take [the woman] to stand before Jehovah, 17and the Priest must pour clean running water into a clay pot, then take some of the dirt that’s on the floor of the Tent of Proofs and throw it into the water... 18Thereafter, the Priest must stand the woman before Jehovah, uncover her head, and place the sacrifice of memory (the sacrifice of jealousy) into her hands.‘Next, the Priest must take the water that brings a curse into his hands, 19and the Priest must make the woman swear [in reply to the words]:‘If you aren’t guilty and no one has reclined with you, and if you haven’t sinned and dirtied yourself, and if you haven’t [been disrespectful] to your husband; [then, swear that you’re innocent] before this water that brings the curse.20‘But if you have sinned and dirtied your marriage, and [if you’ve allowed] someone to lie with you other than your husband...’21‘Then the Priest must make the woman swear [to accept] the oaths of this curse.‘The Priest must say to her:‘May Jehovah bring a curse upon you by the oath [you’ve sworn] in the midst of your people.‘May Jehovah cause your [sexual parts] to rot away and your belly to swell.22‘May this water that brings the curse enter your womb and cause your belly to swell and your [sexual parts] to rot away.’‘And the woman must say:‘May it be so... May it be so.’23‘Thereafter, the Priest must write these curses on a scroll, then rinse them away with the water that brings the curse. 24And he must make the woman drink the water that brings the curse.25‘Next, the Priest must take the sacrifice of jealousy from the woman’s hands and carry it to the Altar to present it before Jehovah. 26Then the Priest must take a handful of the sacrificial [grain] and offer it on the Altar as a reminder, and he must make the woman drink the water.27‘For, this is what will happen:‘If she has dirtied herself and her husband hasn’t been able to [prove] it, the water that brings the curse will enter her and cause her belly to swell and her [sexual parts] to rot away. And thereafter, the woman must be cursed among her people.28‘But if the woman hasn’t dirtied herself and has remained chaste, she must be declared free of guilt and thereafter give birth to a [child].’29This is the law of jealousy [that covers the cases in which] a married woman sins and dirties herself, 30or where a man develops a jealous spirit and becomes jealous of his woman.He should take his woman before Jehovah, and the Priest must make her follow this law. 31And whereas the man will be cleared from his sin [of jealousy], the woman must be responsible for hers.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘Whenever a man or woman wishes to make a great vow, to set him or herself aside as holy to Jehovah, 3they may not eat or drink anything made from grapes, such as wine, brandy, fresh grapes, raisins, or vinegar that’s made from wine or other alcoholic products 4during the period of their vow. Nor may he or she eat anything that comes from the vine, not even the seeds or skins 5during the whole period that he or she is set aside!‘Nor may a razor be used to cut the person’s hair until the period of the vow to Jehovah has been completed. Such ones must be holy and cherish the long hair of their heads 6for as long as this vow to Jehovah lasts, and they must not go near any dead bodies… 7Not even [the corpse] of their own father, mother, brother, or sister. They must not dirty themselves with dead bodies, because the vow of God is on them and on their heads.8‘So, they must remain holy to Jehovah during the entire period of their vow.9‘And if anyone should suddenly die near this person, his or her head will immediately be considered unclean and it must be cleansed. The person must shave his or her head on the 7th day, 10then bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the Priest at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs on the 8th day... 11The Priest must offer one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering to pay for the sin [of being close to] a dead body.‘Then the person’s head will [once again] become holy on that day, 12and he or she will [again] be made perfect to Jehovah during the rest of [the period of] the vow. And thereafter, the person must bring a yearling lamb as an offering for the error; and because the vow on his/her head was polluted, the full period of [the vow] must be [restarted].13‘It’s also the law for the person who made such a vow, that on the day the vow is completed, he or she must bring gifts to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs...14‘The gifts that they must bring to Jehovah include:• One perfect yearling male lamb as a whole-burnt offering, • One perfect yearling female lamb as a sin offering, • One perfect male sheep as a peace offering, 15• A basket of fermentation-free bread made with fine flour kneaded with oil, • Fermentation-free cakes that have been anointed with oil, plus • A food offering and a drink offering.16‘The Priest must then lead the person before Jehovah and [sacrifice] the sin offering and the whole-burnt offering. 17Then he must sacrifice the male sheep as a peace offering to Jehovah, along with the basket of fermentation-free bread, followed by the food offering and the drink offering.18‘Then the one who made the vow must shave their head that was made holy, there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, and put the hair on the fire while it’s burning the peace-offering sacrifice.19‘Then, after the person has shaved off their holy hair, the Priest must take the larger of the ram’s two shoulders, along with one fermentation-free loaf and one fermentation-free cake from the basket and lay them in the person’s hands... 20The Priest must then present them as an offering before Jehovah, and this holy portion will belong to the Priest, along with the breast and the shoulder of the wave offering.‘And after that, the person who made the oath must drink some wine.21‘This is the law for any person who makes a vow to Jehovah. [He must give all] his gifts that were promised to Jehovah, along with anything else that he may be able to afford, [in addition to] the things that are [required by] the strong vow of setting himself aside as holy.’[Editor note: The story resumes here.] 22Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:23‘Speak to Aaron and to his sons and tell them to bless the sons of IsraEl who bear My Name with these words:24‘May Jehovah bless you and watch over you. 25May Jehovah’s face shine upon you, and may He have mercy on you. 26May [Jehovah always keep His eyes] on you and bring you peace.’
1Well, the day came when Moses had finished setting up the Tent.Then he anointed it and made it and all its furnishings, as well as the Altar and all of its furnishings, holy… He made them perfect by anointing them.2Then the leaders of IsraEl (the 12 heads of their family lines and the leaders of their tribes… Those who took the lead in the census) 3brought their gifts before Jehovah. There were 6 covered wagons pulled by 12 bulls (two per [wagon]) that were contributed by the leaders, which they brought to the Tent.4Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:5‘Take [these things] and use them for the services of the two cherubs that are on top of the Lid that covers the Chest of Proofs, and give the [wagons] to the Levites… [Distribute] them among the groups by their assigned jobs.’6So Moses took the wagons and bulls, and gave them to the Levites. 7He gave two wagons and 4 bulls to the sons of GedSon for their jobs, 8and 4 wagons and 8 bulls to the sons of MeraRi for their assignments under IthaMar, the son of Aaron the Priest. 9However, he didn’t give any to the sons of CaAth, because the sacred things that they had to carry were to be borne on their shoulders.10[IsraEl’s] leaders brought these things to the Altar for the dedication of the Altar on the day that it was anointed.11Then the Lord told Moses:‘One leader must also bring a gift on each day for the dedication of the Altar.’[Editor note: Now follows the lists of all their gifts. The story resumes at Numbers 7:89.]
12So on the 1st day, NaAsson (son of AmiNadab), the leader of the Tribe of Judah 13brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.14[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
15• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
16• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
17• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of NaAsson, son of AmiNadab.18On the 2nd day, NathaniEl (son of Sogar), the leader of the Tribe of IshSachar brought 19his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.20[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
21• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
22• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
23• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of NathaniEl, son of Sogar.24On the 3rd day, EliAb (son of ChaElon), the leader of the Tribe of ZebuLon brought 25his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.26[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
27• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
28• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
29• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of EliAb, son of ChaElon.30On the 4th day, EliSur (son of SediUr), the leader of the Tribe of ReuBen brought 31his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.32[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
33• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
34• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
35• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats,
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of EliSur, son of SediUr.36On the 5th day, SalamiEl (son of SuriSadai) the leader of the Tribe of SymeOn brought 37his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.38[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
39• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
40• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
41• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats,
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of SalamiEl, son of SuriSadai.42On the 6th day, EliSaph (son of RaguEl), the leader of the Tribe of Gad brought 43his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.44[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
45• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
46• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
47• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats,
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of EliSaph, son of RaguEl.48On the 7th day, EliSama (son of EmiUd), the leader of the Tribe of Ephraim 49brought his gift.• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.50[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
51• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
52• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
53• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of EliSama, son of EmiUd.54On the 8th day, GamaliEl (son of PhadasShur), the leader of the Tribe of ManasSeh 55brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.56[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
57• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
58• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering)
59• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of GamaliEl, son of PhadasShur.60On the 9th day, AbiDan (son of GadeOni), the leader of the Tribe of BenJamin 61brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.62[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
63• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
64• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
65• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of AbiDan, son of GadeOni.66On the 10th day, AchiEzer (son of AmiSadai), the leader of the Tribe of Dan 67brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.68[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
69• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
70• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
71• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of AchiEzer, son of AmiSadai.72On the 11th day, PhageEl (son of Echran), the leader of the Tribe of Asher 73brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.74[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
75• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
76• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
77• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of PhageEl, son of Echran.78On the 12th day, AchiRe (son of AiNan), the leader of the Tribe of NaphTali 79brought his gift:• A silver platter that weighed the same as 130 holy silver coins, and
• A silver bowl that weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins.Both were filled with fine flour that was kneaded with oil for a food offering.80[There was also:]• A gold incense holder filled with 10 silver coins worth of incense,
81• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram,
• 1 yearling male lamb (for a whole-burnt offering),
82• 1 kid goat (for a sin offering),
83• 2 heifers,
• 5 rams,
• 5 billy goats, and
• 5 yearling female lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice.These were the gifts of AchiRe, son of AiNan.84These [were the gifts] that the leaders of the tribes of IsraEl brought during the time when the Altar was being anointed.There were:• 12 silver platters,
• 12 silver bowls, and
• 12 gold incense holders.85Each platter weighed the same as 130 silver coins, and each bowl weighed the same as 70 holy silver coins. So altogether, their combined weight was 2,400 holy silver coins.86The 12 gold incense holders were each filled with incense, and the gold weighed the same as 120 silver coins.87The number of cattle for the whole burnt offerings amounted to:• 12 calves,
• 12 rams, and
• 12 yearling male lambs.Also, [there were] food offerings and drink offerings, and 12 kid goats for the sin offerings.88So, the number of cattle that were sacrificed for the peace offering included:• 24 heifers,
• 60 rams,
• 60 yearling billy goats, and
• 60 perfect yearling female lambs......which were all offered for the dedication of the Altar.Then after that, [Moses] made [Aaron] perfect by anointing him.[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
89And from that point on, whenever Moses went into the Tent of Proofs to speak to God, he would hear the voice of the Lord speaking to him from between the two cherubs that were above the Lid, which covers the Chest of Proofs.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to Aaron and tell him that when he assembles the [sacred] lamp, the 7 lanterns must be arranged to illuminate the area across from the lamp.’3And that’s what Aaron did. He [assembled and] lit the lamps to illuminate the area directly across from the lamp, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.4The Sacred Lamp’s base and stem were made of solid gold, as were its lilies. They were made following the pattern that Jehovah had shown to Moses.[Editor note: Now follows instructions for the purification rituals. The story resumes in Numbers 8:20.] 5Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:6‘Remove the Levites from among the children of IsraEl and purify them… 7And this is how you should perform their purification:‘Have them rinse themselves in clean water and shave all the hair from their bodies, then have them wash their clothes… Make sure that they’re clean!8‘Then they must bring 2 yearling calves from the herd along with a food offering and some fine flour mixed with oil. 9And thereafter, assemble the entire gathering of the sons of IsraEl and bring the Levites up before them at the Tent of Proofs... 10Stand them there in front of Jehovah, and have the sons of IsraEl lay their hands on the Levites.11‘Aaron must set the Levites aside as a gift to Jehovah from the children of IsraEl, and they must be made ready to perform Jehovah’s work. 12Then have the Levites lay their hands on the heads of the calves, and you should sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a whole-burnt offering to Jehovah, to pay for their sins.13‘Thereafter, stand the Levites in front of Jehovah and in front of Aaron and his sons, and offer them to Jehovah as a gift… 14Separate the Levites from among the sons of IsraEl as Mine!15‘Then the Levites must go to the Tent where they are to work, and you must purify them and present them there before Jehovah, 16for they’ll have been given to Me as a gift from the children of IsraEl.... I’ve taken them as Mine in place of all the firstborn sons of IsraEl that open a womb.17‘For, all the firstborn among the children of IsraEl (both the men and the animals) became Mine on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… Yes, that’s when I made them holy to Myself.18‘But now, I’m taking the Levites instead of the first-born of the children of IsraEl, 19and I’m presenting them as a gift to Aaron and his sons to serve the children of IsraEl at the Tent. There they must make the payments for the sins of the children of IsraEl, so none of the sons of IsraEl will have to approach the holy things.’[Editor note: The story resumes here.] 20Well, Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl did everything that the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites. 21The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes... Then Aaron presented them as a gift before Jehovah, and [he sacrificed] the payments for their sins in order to purify them.22Thereafter, the Levites entered the Tent to serve before Aaron and his sons, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.23Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:24‘This is the rule for the Levites:‘Those who are 25 years old and older must enter to serve at the Tent of Proofs. 25But when they reach 50 years old, they may no longer serve or work there.26‘They may supervise their brothers that serve at the Tent of Proofs, but they may not work there anymore.‘Give the Levites these instructions.’
1It was in the 1st month of the 2nd year after they’d left the land of Egypt that the Lord spoke to Moses there in the SinAi Desert, and He said:2‘Tell the children of IsraEl to keep the Passover at the proper time. 3You must keep it and obey all the laws and instructions concerning it, starting on the evening of the 14th day of the 1st month.’4So Moses ordered the children of IsraEl to sacrifice the Passover 5on the 14th day of the 1st month, there in the SinAi Desert. And the children of IsraEl did just as the Lord told Moses.6However, there were some men who were unclean due to [touching] a dead body, and they were unable to keep the Passover on that day.So they went before Moses and Aaron 7and said:‘We’re unclean, because we touched the dead body of a man... Will we not to be allowed to offer our gifts to Jehovah at this time along with the rest of the children of IsraEl?’8Then Moses told them:‘Stay here, and I’ll listen to whatever instructions Jehovah gives to me about this.’9Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:10‘Tell the sons of IsraEl that whenever a man among you or your descendants has become unclean because of touching a dead body, or is far away on a journey, he must still keep the Passover to Jehovah… 11But he must do it on the evening of the 14th day of the 2nd month.‘[The Passover sacrifice] must be offered then and eaten with fermentation-free bread and bitter herbs. 12They must not leave any of it over until the next day, nor may they break any of its bones. They must offer the sacrifice just as they would on the Passover.13‘But if anyone is clean and isn’t away on a trip, he must be sure to [do this on] the Passover day! Any person who doesn’t offer the gift to Jehovah at the proper time is guilty and must be cut off from his people!14‘And if an alien should come into your land and wishes to observe the Passover to Jehovah, he must do so according to the laws and instructions concerning the Passover. For there’s just one law, and it applies to both the natives and the aliens.’15Well, from the time that the Tent was [first] assembled, a cloud covered the Tent of Proofs all day long, and what looked like fire covered the Tent from evening until morning. 16And that’s how it always was… A cloud cover by day and the appearance of fire by night.17Also, whenever the cloud left the Tent, the children of IsraEl were to leave that place; and whenever the cloud just stayed there, the children of IsraEl were to remain encamped.18So, the children of IsraEl camped by the commands of Jehovah and they moved by the commands of Jehovah… As long as the cloud covered the Tent, the children of IsraEl were to camp. 19And even if the cloud stayed over the Tent for a long time, the children of IsraEl were to follow God’s instructions and not move. 20For whenever the cloud covered the Tent for a number of days, they were to camp, following the words of Jehovah, and they were to stay camped there by the commands of the Lord.21But whenever the cloud moved up from over the Tent, they were to move, whether it was day or night... 22If the cloud covered the Tent for a full month, the children of IsraEl had to camp and were not to leave; 23for they were only to move by the commands of the Lord.And this is what they did.They followed the instructions and commands that the Lord gave them through Moses.
[Editor note: Now follows the instructions for breaking camp. The story resumes in Numbers 10:29.] 1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Make two silver trumpets for yourselves that are to be used to call assemblies and to move the camp. Make them of hammered [silver].‘3There is to be one type of call to assemble the whole gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 4and another type to assemble just the rulers and leaders there.5‘You must [also use them to] sound the alarms for the camp to move, starting with the one in the east...6‘Then when you sound a 2nd alarm, the camp to the south must move.‘When you sound the 3rd alarm, the camp in the west must move.‘When you sound the 4th alarm, the camp in the north must move.‘And they must also sound alarms while they’re leaving.7‘Also, blow the horns to signal assemblies (but it shouldn’t be the same signal as the alarms). 8The Priests (the sons of Aaron) must blow these trumpets, and this is to be the rule for you through all your generations and throughout the ages.9‘And if you must go to war against your enemies who will oppose you in your land, you must also blow the trumpets as a reminder to Jehovah… So that He will save you from your enemies.10‘In addition, you must blow the trumpets on joyful days, such as your feasts, New-Moon festivals, and when you sacrifice your whole burnt offerings and peace offerings.11‘This must be done as a reminder to you before your God…‘For I am Jehovah your God!’12Well thereafter, the children of IsraEl packed their things in the SinAi Desert, for the cloud came to rest in the Pharan Desert. 13So, following the instructions of Jehovah through Moses, the first group started their march...14The first to leave were the children of Judah with their army, headed by NaAsson, son of AmiNadab. 15They [were followed by] the sons of IshSachar under NathaniEl, son of Sogar. 16Then came the army of the Tribe of the sons of ZebuLon under EliAb, son of ChaElon.17Thereafter, the Tent was taken down and the sons of GedSon started out, followed by the sons of MeraRi, who carried the Tent.18Then came the camp of ReuBen and their army that was led by EliSur, son of SediUr. 19They were followed by the army of the Tribe of the sons of SymeOn under SalamiEl, son of SuriSadai. 20Next came the army of the children from the Tribe of Gad under EliShaph, son of RaguEl.21Then the sons of CaAth came forward bearing the holy things, because the Tent was to be set up before they arrived.22Next the camp of Ephraim set out with their army under EliSama, son of SemiUd. 23They were followed by the armies of the Tribe of the sons of ManasSeh under GamaliEl, son of PhadasShur. 24Then came the army of the Tribe of the children of BenJamin under AbiDan, son of GadeOni.25Next in the order of the camp came the sons of Dan and their army under AchiEzer, son of AmiSadai. 26Then came the army of the Tribe of the sons of Asher under PhageEl, son of Echran. 27They were followed by the army of the Tribe of the sons of NaphTali under AchiRe, son of AiNan.28These are the armies of the children of IsraEl, and it’s the way that they started their march.[Editor note: The story resumes here.] 29Then Moses said to Jobab (son of RaguEl the MidiAnite):‘We’re traveling to the place about which Jehovah said:‘I’m going to give this to you.’‘So come with us and we’ll treat you well, because Jehovah has promised good things for IsraEl.’30But [Jobab] replied:‘No, I won’t go. I’m going to return to my family and to my land.’31However, [Moses insisted], saying:‘Don’t leave us, for you’ve been with us all through the desert, and you should be considered an elder among us. 32If you go with us, when Jehovah does good things for us, we’ll do good things for you!’33Then they left the Mountain of Jehovah and traveled for three days. And the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement was carried ahead of them for all three days, as a comfort to them all. 34Also, the cloud hung over them during the day, starting from when they left the camp.35And when the Chest was brought forward, Moses said:‘Arise, O Jehovah!‘Let Your enemies be scattered and may all that hate You flee in terror!’36Then when they reached its resting place, he said:‘Turn [Your face] again, O Jehovah, to the thousands and tens of thousands in IsraEl!’
1Well after that, the people started murmuring sinful things against Jehovah, and He heard them. This made Him very angry, and Jehovah sent a fire that started to burn among them, which consumed part of the camp!2So the people called for Moses; and after he prayed to Jehovah, the fire died out... 3And thereafter, they called that place ‘The Burning,’ because that was where a fire from Jehovah had burned among them.4Then the [ethnics] that were mixed among them started [complaining]. They and some of the children of IsraEl sat down and started crying and saying:‘Who is going to give us meat to eat?5‘We remember all the fish that we used to eat in Egypt, as well as the cucumbers, melons, leeks, garlic, and onions. 6But now our lives have become [empty], because all we can see is this manna!’7Well, the manna looked like coriander seeds and it appeared [on the ground] like frost... 8The people would go out to collect it, and then they’d grind it in a mill or pound it in a mortar and bake it in a pan to make loaves from it. It tasted like sweet crackers that had been mixed with oil.9And during the night, when the dew was settling on the camp, the manna would just come down upon it.10Well, Moses heard them as they were sitting in front of their [tents] in family groups, crying! This made Jehovah very angry, and Moses also viewed these actions as evil.11So Moses asked Jehovah:‘Why have You done this to your servant, and why haven’t I found favor in Your eyes, so that You should lay the burden of these people upon me? 12Am I the one who carried and gave birth to all these people, so that You should tell me to take them into my arms like a nursing mother would take her new-born baby, then carry them into the land that You promised to give to their fathers?13‘Where can I find enough meat to feed all these people? For, here they’re crying before me and saying:‘Give us meat to eat!’14‘I can’t carry all these people by myself… They’re just too heavy for me! 15If You’re going to do this to me and if I’ve found Your favor, just kill me so I don’t have to [endure] this pain!’16Then the Lord told Moses:‘Gather 70 men from among the elders of IsraEl to Me… [Make sure that] they’re the elders and scribes among the people. Then bring them to the Tent of Proofs and have them stand there with you. 17For I’m going to come down and speak with you there... Then I’ll take [some] of [My] Breath that’s on you and put it on them, so they’ll have to share the burden of the people with you, and you won’t have to handle it all by yourself.’18‘After that, go to the people and tell them this:‘Now, purify yourselves, because tomorrow you’re going to eat meat! Yes, you who’ve bawled before Jehovah and asked:‘Who will give us meat and the other things that [we used to enjoy back in Egypt]?’‘For Jehovah will provide meat, and then you’ll have to eat it!19‘You aren’t going to eat it for 1 day, or for 7, 10, or 20 days, 20you’re going to eat it for a full month… Until it comes out of your noses! You’re going to be sick of it, because you disobeyed Jehovah who’s here among you!‘You bawled before Him and asked:‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’21Then Moses replied:‘There are some 600,000 of just the soldiers among us, and are You telling me to give everyone enough meat to eat for a whole month? 22Must we slaughter all of our sheep and cattle to feed them all… And would even that be enough? Or must we catch all the fish in the sea for them, and would that be enough?’23And the Lord said to Moses:‘Isn’t the hand of Jehovah large enough?‘By now you should know whether My words will come true!’24So Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said.Then he gathered 70 men from among the people’s elders and stood them around the Tent… 25And the Lord came down in a cloud to speak to [Moses]. Thereafter, He took some of the Breath that was in Moses and put it into the 70 elders. And when [God’s] Breath came to rest upon them, they all started prophesying… But then they stopped.26However, two of the men were still back in the camp at the time; one was ElDad and the other was MoDad. They were part of the group that [Moses] had chosen, but they hadn’t made it to the Tent yet.Nevertheless, [God’s] Breath came to rest upon them also, and they started prophesying there in the camp!27So, a young man ran and told Moses… He said:‘ElDad and MoDad are prophesying in the camp!’28Well, JoShua (son of NaWeh) who was Moses’ assistant and chosen successor, said:‘Lord Moses,‘Make them stop!’29But Moses replied:‘Are you jealous for me? I wish that Jehovah would put His Breath in all of His people and make them all Prophets!’30And with that, Moses and the elders of IsraEl returned to the camp.31Then Jehovah blew His Breath, and [flocks of] quail were blown over the sea and into their camp… They covered the ground several feet deep for a day’s journey all around the camp. 32So the people went out all that day, all that night, and all the next day to gather quail... Even those who gathered the least gathered hundreds!Then, all around the camp, everyone [sat down to feast].33Well, they were still picking the meat that was stuck between their teeth when Jehovah showed them how angry He was with them, for He then struck them with a great plague!34And thereafter, that place was called The Graveyard of the Greedy, because it’s where they buried all the greedy people.35Then the people moved away from the Graveyard of the Greedy [and went to] AsherOth, where they [set up camp].
1It was then that MiriAm and Aaron started condemning Moses because of the Ethiopian whom he’d taken as his woman.2They asked:‘Is Moses the only one to whom the Lord has spoken? Hasn’t He also spoken to us?’And Jehovah heard them say this.3Now, Moses was the humblest man on the earth; 4so the Lord immediately spoke to Moses, Aaron, and MiriAm, and said:‘All three of you, come to the Tent of Proofs!’5So, the three of them went to the Tent of Proofs, and the Lord descended in a column of clouds... He stood there at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs and called Aaron and MiriAm, and they stepped forward.6Then He said to them:‘Listen to Me.‘If either of you are Prophets of Jehovah, I’ll make things known to you in visions and speak to you as you sleep.7‘However, this isn’t the way [that I speak] to My servant Moses who has so faithfully [served] in My House... 8I’m not hidden to him, I appear and speak to him mouth to mouth… And he’s even seen the glory of Jehovah!‘So, why aren’t you afraid to speak against My servant Moses?’9Well, Jehovah was very angry with them.Then, as He left, 10the cloud disappeared from the Tent… And {Look!} MiriAm had leprosy that was [as white] as snow!Well when Aaron saw that MiriAm had leprosy, 11he said to Moses:‘I beg you my lord; don’t hold this sin against us, because we did this in ignorance! 12Don’t allow her to be one of the [walking] dead like a miscarriage from her mother’s womb… And for half of her flesh to be eaten away.’13So Moses called to Jehovah and said:‘Oh God, I beg You; please heal her!’14And the Lord replied to Moses:‘If her father had just spit in her face, wouldn’t she have been shamed for 7 days? Therefore, she may not enter the camp for 7 days… Only then may she return.’15So MiriAm was driven away from the camp for 7 days, and the people didn’t break camp until after MiriAm had been cleansed.16Well after that, the people left AsherOth and camped in the Pharan Desert.
1There the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Send some men as spies into the land of the CanaAnites that I’ll be giving to the sons of IsraEl. Choose men who are leaders from each of the tribes and family lines.’3So, following Jehovah’s instructions, Moses chose leaders from among the sons of IsraEl and sent them away from the Pharan Desert.4• From the Tribe of ReuBen [he sent] SamuEl, son of ZachUr. 5• From the Tribe of SymeOn [he sent] Saphat, son of Suri. 6• From the Tribe of Judah [he sent] Caleb, son of JePhonNe. 7• From the Tribe of IshSachar [he sent] IlaAl, son of JoSeph. 8• From the Tribe of Ephraim [he sent] Ause, son of NaWeh. 9• From the Tribe of BenJamin [he sent] Phalti, son of Raphu. 10• From the Tribe of ZebuLon [he sent] GadDiEl, son of Sudi. 11• From the Tribe of JoSeph’s son ManasSeh [he sent] GadDi, son of Susi. 12• From the Tribe of Dan [he sent] AmiEl, son of Gamali. 13• From the Tribe of Asher [he sent] Sathur, son of MichaEl. 14• From the Tribe of NaphTali [he sent] Nabi, son of Sabi. 15• And from the Tribe of Gad [he sent] GaudiEl, son of MacKi.16These are the men whom Moses sent as spies into the land. However, Moses started calling Ause (son of NaWeh), JoShua.17As Moses sent them to spy in the land of CanaAn, he told them this:‘Travel through this desert, then climb the mountain and 18peer into the land to see what it looks like.‘Watch the people who live there to [determine] whether they’re strong or weak, many or few. 19Then, notice whether the land that they live on is good or bad, what cities are there, and whether or not they have walls.20‘Also, pay attention to the ground… See whether it’s rich or poor, and if there are any trees. Then venture in and take some of the fruitage of the land.’Well, it was springtime, and the grapes were ready to be harvested, 21as they went and surveyed all the land from the Sin Desert to RhoOb (on the road to AiMath). 22They traveled through the desert and got as far as HebRon, where they found AchiMan, SesSi, and ThelAmi, the descendants of Enach (HebRon had been built 7 years before Tanis in Egypt).23Well, when they got to the valley where the grapes were growing, after surveying it, they cut down a cluster of grapes and carried it on carrying poles.They also picked some pomegranates and figs.24Then they called that place, The Valley of the Cluster, because of the cluster of [grapes] that the children of IsraEl had cut down there.25Well after 40 days, they returned from their survey of the land 26and they went before Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl ([who were] in the desert at Pharan KaDesh at the time). Then they spoke to the whole gathering and showed them the fruit from the land, 27giving this report:‘We went into the land where you sent us and found a land that is indeed flowing with milk and honey! Here’s some of the fruit from that place.28‘However, the nation that lives there is aggressive, and they have large, strong, walled cities.‘We also saw the children of Enach there... 29The AmaLechites live in the land towards the south, while the Hittites, Evites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country, and the CanaAnites live between the Sea and the JorDan River.’30Then Caleb stopped them from speaking before Moses, and said:‘We must surely go there and inherit [that land], because we can conquer them!’31But [the other] men disagreed and said:‘We must not go there!‘There’s no way we can beat nations like that, for they’re much stronger than we are!’32Well, they really terrified the children of IsraEl when they said:‘The land that we walked through and surveyed swallows up the people who live there... And all the people who we saw there were huge!33‘We saw giants who [were so large] that we looked like grasshoppers in comparison!’
1Well at that, the whole gathering started wailing and crying, and this went on throughout the night! 2Then all the children of IsraEl started grumbling against Moses and Aaron, for they came to them and said:3‘We would rather have died in the land of Egypt than in this desert!‘Why is Jehovah bringing us to this land… Just to be killed in war and to have our women and children serve as their prey?‘It would be better for us to return to Egypt!’4Then they started saying to each other:‘Let’s appoint [someone else] as our ruler who’ll take us back to Egypt!’5So Moses and Aaron just fell to their faces before the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl... 6But then, JoShua (son of NaWeh) and Caleb (son of JePhonNe), who were among those who’d spied in the land, started ripping their clothes, 7and they said to the gathering of the children of IsraEl:‘The land that we surveyed is really very good!8‘And if Jehovah has chosen us, won’t He take us into this land and give it to us… Into this land that flows with milk and honey?9‘Don’t leave Jehovah, and don’t be afraid of the people in that land, because they’re just meat for us!‘Since Jehovah is with us, their time has ended! So, don’t be afraid!’10But at that, all the people started throwing rocks at them![Then suddenly], the glory of Jehovah appeared in the cloud over the Tent of Proofs before all the children of IsraEl!11And the Lord said to Moses:‘How much longer will these people continue to anger Me, and how much longer will they refuse to believe Me after all the signs that I’ve sent to them?12‘So now, I’m going to strike them and kill them all!‘Yes, I’ll destroy them and then I’ll make a great nation of you and of your father’s house… One that’ll be much greater than this!’13However, Moses replied:‘But then the Egyptians would hear about this!‘Because You used Your power to bring these people out from among them, 14and the people who live in that land have heard that You’re our Lord, that You’re with these people, that You, O Jehovah, have been seen face-to-face, that Your cloud rests upon them, and You lead them each day in a column of clouds and by a column of fire all night long…15‘If You destroy this whole nation, then all the nations that have heard of Your Name will say:16‘Because Jehovah couldn’t bring His people into the land that He swore to give them, He [killed] them all in the desert!’17‘So, O Lord, show Your power to them instead… And may this thing that You’ve said prove to be true:18‘Jehovah is patient, merciful, and true. He removes mistakes, errors, and sins... He will never acquit the guilty, but He will bring the sins of the fathers upon their children for three or four generations’.19‘Therefore, in Your great mercy, forgive these people for their sins and show them the same favor [that You’ve shown] them [since You led them out of] Egypt!’20Then the Lord replied to Moses:‘I’ll be [patient] with them as you’ve requested.21‘For, as I live and as My Name is living; the glory of Jehovah must fill the whole earth, 22since everyone has seen My glory through all the signs that I gave in Egypt and in the desert.‘But, this is the 10th time that [IsraEl] has tested Me and refused to listen to My voice!23‘Therefore, they will not see the land that I promised to their fathers. Rather, I’ll give it to their children who are with Me here… Those who are inexperienced and don’t yet know good from bad.‘I’m going to give the land to them… But, those who angered Me will never see it! 24My servant Caleb [will see it], because he had a different spirit and he followed Me... I’ll bring him into the land that he traveled through, and his offspring will inherit it. 25But until then, the AmaLechites and CanaAnites will [continue to] live in this valley.‘So tomorrow [you must] turn around and return to the desert by way of the Red Sea!’26And thereafter, the Lord spoke to both Moses and Aaron and said:27‘How much longer will this gathering remain wicked?‘I’ve heard the grumbling against Me coming from the children of IsraEl as well as all their complaints about you.28‘So, tell them that Jehovah said this:‘As I live; whatever I’ve heard you say is exactly what I’m going to do to you...29‘Your bodies will fall in this desert, and all those who were reviewed and counted from 20 years old and up – all that grumbled against Me – 30will never enter the land that I stretched out My hand to give to you, except for Caleb son of JePhonNe), and JoShua son of NaWeh.31‘Then I’ll bring your little ones (whom you’ve said would serve as prey) into the land, and they’ll inherit what you’ve rejected, 32while your bodies will fall in this desert!33‘So your sons must be fed in this desert for 40 years, and they must carry the weight of your infidelity, as your bodies rot in the desert. 34For each day that was spent spying in that land – 40 days – you must bear your sins a day for a year – for 40 years – and you’ll get to know My rage.35‘Now, I, Jehovah have spoken, and that’s what I’ll do to this evil gathering that has raised itself against Me… You will be totally destroyed and die here in this desert!’36Then, all the men whom Moses sent to spy in the land and who then returned and grumbled before the group and said evil things about the land 37were struck with a plague from Jehovah and they all died.38So, among the men who served as spies in the land, only JoShua (son of NaWeh) and Caleb (son of JePhonNe) survived!39Well after that, Moses explained all these things to the children of IsraEl, and the people became very depressed.40Then early the next morning, [the people] climbed to the top of a hill and said:‘{Look!} We have sinned!‘So, those of us who are left must travel to the place where Jehovah told us to go!’41But Moses asked them:‘Why didn’t you just obey the words of Jehovah and prosper?42‘However, now you can’t [enter the land], because Jehovah isn’t with you, and you’ll [be cut down] before your enemies! 43The AmaLechites and the CanaAnites that are standing there before you will cut you down with their swords, because you disobeyed Jehovah and turned aside.‘So, the Lord won’t be there among you!’44Well, they went up to the top of the mountain and tried to force their way [into the land] anyhow… But the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement and Moses never left the camp.45As a result, the AmaLechites and the CanaAnites who lived on the mountain attacked them, drove them away, and destroyed them all the way to [Mount] Herman; and they [had to] run back to their camp.
[Editor note: Now follows instructions and laws. The story resumes in Numbers 15:32.] 1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:‘When you enter the land that I’ll give to you (this place where you’ll live); 3whenever you offer whole burnt offerings to Jehovah, or offerings to fulfill a vow, or free-will offerings, or feast sacrifices from the herd or flock as a sweet odor to Jehovah…4‘The person who offers the gift must also bring a food offering of a quart of flour mixed with oil, 5and a quart [of wine] as a drink offering with each lamb that you sacrifice as a sweet odor to Jehovah.6‘And when you offer a ram as a whole-burnt offering or sacrifice, you must also prepare a food offering of 2 quarts (1.9l) of fine flour mixed with oil, 7and 2 quarts (1.9l) of wine as a drink offering, as a sweet odor to Jehovah.8‘And if you offer a sacrifice from the herd as a whole-burnt offering, or a sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to Jehovah... 9Along with the calf, you must add a food offering of 3 quarts (2.8l) of fine flour mixed with oil, 10and provide 3 quarts (2.8l) of wine as a drink offering, as a sweet odor to Jehovah.11‘You must do this for each calf, ram, lamb, sheep, or kid goat that you offer.12‘You must do the same thing for each one, no matter how many you may offer.13‘All the natives in the country must do this whenever they offer sacrifices as a sweet odor to Jehovah… 14Whether the person is an alien in your land or someone who was born among you, they must offer [the same] sacrifices as a sweet odor to Jehovah.‘Yes, everyone among the gathering must offer sacrifices to Jehovah! 15There must be just one law for you and for the aliens who live among you... It’s a law throughout the ages and throughout your generations, that the aliens must act as you do before Jehovah! 16Both you and the aliens who live among you must follow the same laws and regulations!’17Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:18‘Speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them this:‘When you enter the land where I’m taking you 19and you start eating bread from the land, you must set aside a special wave-offering to Jehovah from the first fruitage of your dough. 20You must set aside and offer your bread as a wave offering in the same way that you offer grain 21as the first fruitage of your dough… And you must give it to Jehovah as a wave offering throughout your generations.22‘Now, if you fail to follow all these commandments that Jehovah has been giving to Moses, 23and which Moses has been telling you about since the day that Jehovah selected you (and on throughout your generations), 24and if you commit an error or mistake without the knowledge of the gathering... The whole gathering must offer a perfect calf from the herd as a whole-burnt offering and as a sweet odor to Jehovah, along with food and drink offerings (according to the rules), and one kid goat as a sin offering.25‘Then the Priest must make payment for the sins of the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl, and they’ll be forgiven, because it was a mistake… And because they brought their gift as a burnt-offering to Jehovah for their error and involuntary sin.[v26‘]If it’s a mistake, everyone must be forgiven, whether they’re from the children of IsraEl or from the aliens who are living among you.27‘So, whenever a person sins by mistake, he must bring a yearling nanny goat as a sin offering. 28Then the Priest must [sacrifice it] to pay for the sin that was committed in error.29‘This same law applies to the natives of the children of IsraEl and to the aliens who are living among them… To anyone who unwittingly commits an error.30‘And whenever any person – a native or an alien – does anything so presumptuous as to anger God, he must be cut off from among his people! 31For when he disregards the Word of Jehovah and breaks His Laws, that person must be found guilty of sin and destroyed.’[Editor note: The story resumes here.] 32Well, it was while the children of IsraEl were still in the desert that they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath. 33And those who found him doing this brought him before Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl... 34Then he was placed in custody, because they didn’t know what to do with him.35But thereafter, the Lord spoke to Moses and said:‘The man must absolutely be put to death by the entire gathering… Stone him with rocks!’36So the entire gathering dragged him outside of the camp and stoned him with rocks, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.[Editor note: Now follows further laws. The story resumes in Numbers 16:1.] 37Thereafter, the Lord spoke to Moses and said:38‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them that they must wear fringes on the bottoms of their clothing throughout all their generations... These fringes are to be made of purple lace.39‘Then, whenever they look at these fringes, they must think of all the Commandments of Jehovah and remember to obey them, instead of turning back and following the immoral things of their imaginations.40‘They must remember to obey all My Commandments, and to be holy before Me... 41For I am Jehovah, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt to be their God...‘I am Jehovah, your God!’
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1But then KorAh (son of IsaAr, of CaAth, of Levi), Dathan, and AbiRam (the sons of EliAb), and Aun (son of Phaleth of ReuBen) started speaking 2rebelliously against Moses, along with 250 men from the sons of IsraEl that were chiefs of the assembly, chosen advisors, and men of fame.3They went up to Moses and Aaron and said:‘That’s enough of you!‘Since the whole gathering of IsraEl is holy, and Jehovah is among them, why have you elevated yourselves over the gathering of Jehovah?’4Well when Moses heard this, he fell to his face.5Then he spoke to KorAh and his group and said:‘God has visited us, and He knows who are His, who are holy, who are set aside to Him, whom He’s chosen, and whom He’s purchased for Himself. 6So, we’ll allow Jehovah to choose [the ones whom He finds] to be holy.‘KorAh and his entire group should take their incense holders 7and put fire and incense in them, then go and stand before Jehovah tomorrow.‘May this settle the matter for you, you sons of Levi!’8Then Moses [turned and] addressed KorAh, saying:‘Listen to me, you son of Levi.9‘Is it so unimportant to you that the God of IsraEl has separated you from the rest of the gathering of IsraEl, and brought you close to Him to serve His people at His Tent, 10that you and all your brothers (the sons of Levi) also want to become the Priests?11‘[Understand that] you and your group have now gathered in opposition to God!‘For, who is Aaron that you should be complaining against him?’12Then later, Moses sent for Dathan and AbiRam (the sons of EliAb), and they told him that they wouldn’t be coming. 13They asked:‘Doesn’t it matter to you that after you brought us to a land flowing with milk and honey, you chose to just kill us here in this desert? And now you even want to rule over us!14‘If you’re really our leader, why don’t you just go ahead and carry us into the land that flows with milk and honey and give us our inheritance of land and our vineyards?‘For, couldn’t you just blind the eyes of the men [in that land]?‘No, we aren’t coming!’15Well, this upset Moses, and he said to Jehovah:‘Please don’t accept their sacrifices, because I haven’t taken anything that they desire from them, nor have I harmed any of them.’16Then Moses told KorAh:‘You must be sure that your whole group is holy, and then you must get them ready to stand before Jehovah along with Aaron tomorrow. 17Each man must bring his incense holder and put incense in it, then carry it up before Jehovah… All 250 of you.‘And of course, you and Aaron must also bring your incense holders.’18So [the next day], each man brought his incense holder and they put fire and incense in them. Then they stood themselves next to Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, 19and KorAh and his group just stood there defiantly, as the glory of the Lord appeared before the whole gathering.20Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:21‘Move away from the whole gathering [of IsraEl], for I’m going to consume them all!’22But [Moses and Aaron] fell to their faces, and begged:‘Oh God… The God of all that breathes and all that is flesh... If just one man has sinned, must You bring Your rage against the whole gathering?’23And the Lord spoke to Moses and said:24‘Then, tell the gathering that they must move away from KorAh and his group!’25So Moses got up and walked over to Dathan and AbiRam (and all the elders of IsraEl went with him).26Then he spoke to the gathering and said:‘Now, get away from the tents of these stubborn men and don’t touch anything that belongs to them, or you’ll be consumed along with them for their sins!’27So everyone moved away from their tents, as KorAh, Dathan, and AbiRam went over and stood at the entrances to their tents, along with their women, their children, and all their belongings.28Then Moses said:‘Now you’ll know that when Jehovah sent me to do these things, I wasn’t doing it on my own!29‘For if these men just die a natural death, and if what happens to them is the same as what happens to all men, then Jehovah hasn’t sent me... 30But if the Lord brings a miracle and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them, their households, their tents, and everything that belongs to them, and they go down into their graves alive...‘You must know that these men have angered Jehovah!’31And just as he finished saying those words, the ground rumbled underneath them!32Then the ground opened and swallowed them, their households, all the men who were with KorAh, and all their cattle… 33They and all that they had went down into their graves alive, as the ground covered them over!So, they perished there in the midst of the gathering.34Well at that, all the IsraElites that were standing nearby fled from the noise, shouting:‘[Run], so the earth doesn’t swallow us too!’35Then fire came from Jehovah, which consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.36And thereafter, the Lord said to Moses:37‘Now, tell EliEzer (son of Aaron the Priest) to pick up the bronze incense holders from where those men were burned and then melt them all down, for these things are holy, 38[and they must now serve as a sign against] those sinners and against their lives.‘Beat [the metal] into plates to cover the Altar; for, since these [censors] were brought before Jehovah as holy, they must be used as a sign to the children of IsraEl!’39So, EliEzer (son of Aaron, the Priest) took the bronze incense holders that the men who were burned carried, and he had them shaped into a covering for the Altar, 40as a reminder to the children of IsraEl that no one other than the offspring of Aaron might approach to offer the incense before Jehovah, and so that what happened to KorAh and those who conspired with him wouldn’t happen to them.[He did just] as Jehovah told him through Moses.41But the next day, the people again started grumbling against Moses and Aaron, and they shouted:‘You’ve killed the people of Jehovah!’42So, a mob gathered against Moses and Aaron, and they foolishly ran into the Tent of Proofs – and at that, the cloud immediately covered it and the glory of Jehovah appeared!43Then Moses and Aaron entered through the front of the Tent of Proofs, 44and the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron there and said:45‘Get away from the whole gathering, because I’m going to consume them all!’Well, [Moses and Aaron] dropped to their faces, 46and Moses said to Aaron:‘Take an incense holder, put some incense into it, and light it with some of the fire from the Altar. Then, quickly carry it into the camp to atone for [the people’s] sins... For, Jehovah’s rage has come upon us and He’s already started destroying them!’47So Aaron took it (just as Moses had told him) and he ran around throughout the whole gathering, since a plague had already started among them! And he used the incense to atone for the sins of the people.48Then he stood himself between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.49Altogether, some 14,700 died from the plague… In addition to those who died because of KorAh. 50And when Aaron returned to Moses (who was at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs), the plague ended.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Tell the children of IsraEl to have their [tribal] leaders each bring a walking stick with them, one for each of the family lines – 12 walking sticks – and have them write their [own] names on their sticks.3‘Also write Aaron’s name on his walking stick [on behalf of the Tribe of] Levi.‘Each tribe should provide these sticks for [the heads] of their family lines. 4Then you must carry them all inside the Tent of Proofs and lay them before the Chest of Proofs, where I [always meet with] you.5‘And whoever owns the walking stick that blossoms is the man whom I’ve chosen. This will bring an end to all the children of IsraEl’s grumbling to Me about you.’6So Moses spoke to the children of IsraEl, and each of their leaders gave him a walking stick, one for each of the heads of their family lines – 12 walking sticks – and Aaron’s walking stick was placed among them.7Then Moses laid the walking sticks before Jehovah inside the Tent of Proofs.8Well, the next morning, when Moses and Aaron entered the Tent of Proofs, they saw that the walking stick of Aaron (from the Tribe of Levi) had blossomed, putting out buds, flowers, and almonds!9Then Moses carried all of those walking sticks that had been set in front of Jehovah out before the sons of IsraEl for them to see... And each [of the leaders] took his own stick.10So the Lord told Moses:‘Now, place Aaron’s walking stick among the Proofs… Keep it there as a sign for these disobedient children.‘And then tell them to stop grumbling to Me, so they don’t die!’11Well, that’s what Moses and Aaron did; they did just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.12Then [the leaders] of the children of IsraEl spoke to Moses and asked:‘Are we now going to be cut off, destroyed, and consumed?13‘Since everyone who touches the Tent of Jehovah is to die; are we now going to be totally destroyed?’[Editor note: Now follows some laws and procedures. The story continues in Numbers 20:1.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Aaron and told him:‘You, your sons, and your [tribe] will be guilty of any sins against the holy things, and you and your sons [are responsible for] your Priesthood.2‘So now, take the rest of your brothers from the Tribe of Levi (the family line of your forefather) and accept them as yours. Have them serve you and your sons there in front of the Tent of Proofs.3‘They must obey you and follow your instructions regarding everything that has to do with the Tent. However, they must not go near the holy furnishings or the Altar, so that they – and you – don’t die!4‘They must be joined to you and follow your instructions regarding the Tent of Proofs and serve as guards in watches at the Tent… But no outsiders may even approach you. 5You alone are to give instructions when it comes to the holy things and the Altar… And there must be no more anger [about this] among the children of IsraEl.6‘For I have also chosen your brothers the Levites from among the children of IsraEl as a gift to Jehovah, to officiate at the Tent of Proofs.7‘Now, you and your descendants must maintain your assigned positions as Priests, serving at the Altar and inside the veil, doing the things that are required. You must serve in the position of your Priesthood, and any [unauthorized] person who approaches it must die!’8Then the Lord told Aaron:‘Look, I have given you all the instructions regarding the first fruitage of everything that’s to be made perfect for Me by the children of IsraEl. This is an honor for you and for your descendants, and it’s a law throughout the ages 9that all the perfect holy things from among the burnt offerings, gifts, sacrifices, and all the error and sin offerings – whatever holy things that they bring to Me – will belong to you and to your sons.10‘These things must be considered holy by you, and all the males (you and your sons) must eat them inside this very holy place.11‘I’m also giving all the first fruitage among the gifts – the wave-offerings of the children of IsraEl – to you and to your sons and daughters. It’s a law throughout the ages that all those in your homes that are clean may eat them.12‘All the first offerings of oil, wine, grain, and whatever else they may offer to Jehovah, is yours. 13All the first fruitage of the land – whatever is offered to Jehovah – must belong to you, and everyone in your home who is clean may eat them.14‘And anything that the children of IsraEl may choose to dedicate is also yours. 15Whatever they bring to Jehovah, whether a man or an animal – everything that opens a womb – is yours.‘However, the first-born of men and the first-born of unclean animals must be ransomed. 16The value of anything a month old and upwards is 5 silver coins (20 copper coins per holy silver coin).17‘They can’t buy back their first-born calves, sheep, or goats, because these things are holy. You must pour their blood on the Altar, and offer the fat as a burnt offering and a sweet odor to Jehovah. 18Then their flesh – the breast and the right shoulder of the wave-offerings – is to be yours.19‘Also, I’ve given all the special offerings of holy things – whatever the children of IsraEl offer as special to Jehovah – to you and to your sons and daughters who live with you. This is to be a rule throughout the ages. It’s a Sacred Agreement of Salt throughout the ages between Me and you, and with your offspring that descends from you.’20Then the Lord told Aaron:‘You aren’t going to receive an inheritance in that land, nor may you own any part of it, for I am your portion and your inheritance in the midst of the children of IsraEl!21‘Look! I’ve also given the sons of Levi 1/10th part of everything in IsraEl as their inheritance for the services that they are to perform at the Tent of Proofs.22‘Now, the children of IsraEl must not approach the Tent of Proofs again, or they’ll [be found] guilty and die. 23Just the Levites may work and serve at the Tent of Proofs, and they are to be responsible for any errors against it!‘This is a law throughout the ages and throughout all your generations!‘They’re not to receive an inheritance among the children of IsraEl, 24because I’ve given the Levites the 1/10th part that the children of IsraEl must bring to Jehovah as theirs… And that’s why I’m telling them that they are to receive no inheritance among the children of IsraEl!’25Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:26‘Speak to the Levites and tell them that when they receive the 1/10th part from the children of IsraEl that I’m giving to them as their inheritance, they must then set aside [a further] 1/10th of that 1/10th as a wave offering to Jehovah.27‘These wave offerings must be treated as their own grain offerings from the [threshing] floor and wine press. 28They must set this portion aside from all 1/10th part offerings to Jehovah – along with everything else that they receive from the children of IsraEl – and give My offerings to Aaron the Priest.29‘This includes a [1/10th part] of all the gifts that are given as offerings to Jehovah and all the first fruitage.30‘Tell them that whenever they offer the first fruitage, the Levites must think of it as the produce from their own threshing floors or wine presses. 31Then, they and their families may eat it wherever they wish, because this is their reward for serving at the Tent of Proofs.32‘They won’t sin by doing this, as long as they [set aside] a portion of the first-fruitage [for Aaron], and as long as they don’t dirty the holy things of the children of IsraEl...‘Otherwise, they must be put to death.’
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:2‘This is a commandment of the Law that Jehovah has given to you:‘Speak to the sons of IsraEl and tell them to bring you a red heifer that has no blemishes or defects and which has never worn a yoke, 3then give her to EliEzer the Priest.‘He must thereafter have them take it to a clean place outside of the camp and slaughter it there before him. 4Then EliEzer must take some of its blood and sprinkle it in front of the Tent of Proofs 7 times, 5and they must burn it to ashes before him, making sure that its skin, flesh, blood, and dung are totally consumed.6‘Afterward, the Priest must take some cedar wood, some hyssop, and some scarlet-colored wool, and throw it into the [fire] that’s burning the heifer.7‘Then the Priest must wash his clothes, bathe in water, and go into the camp. However, he must remain unclean until that evening. 8Also, the person who burns [the heifer] must wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until that evening.9‘Then a clean man must gather up the heifer’s ashes and lay them aside in a clean place outside of the camp for the gathering of the children of IsraEl, so as to make a water to sprinkle for purification... 10And this man who gathers up the heifer’s ashes must wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening.‘This is a law for the children of IsraEl and for the aliens that join with them throughout the ages:11‘Whoever touches a human corpse must be unclean for 7 days.12‘He must then be purified both on the 3rd day and on the 7th day, and he will be clean. But if he isn’t purified on the 3rd and 7th days, he won’t be clean. 13For, anyone who touches the carcass of a man who’s died, and doesn’t get purified, will defile the Tent of Jehovah.‘So, that person must be cut off from IsraEl… If the cleansing water isn’t sprinkled on him, he will be unclean and will remain unclean!14‘This is also the law:‘Whenever a man dies inside a house, anyone who enters that house and everything in that house must be unclean for 7 days. 15All jars that are open and don’t have lids that are tightly sealed, must be unclean.16‘Also, anyone who touches a man who was murdered, or a cadaver, or a human bone, or even a tomb, must be unclean for 7 days.17‘Then they must take the burnt ashes of purification and pour them into a jar with running water to make the [water of] purification. 18Thereafter, a clean man must take some hyssop and dip it into the water, and sprinkle the house, the furniture, and all the people who are there that may have touched the human bone, or the murdered man, or the cadaver, or the tomb.19‘The clean man must sprinkle it upon the unclean people on the 3rd and 7th days. Then on the 7th day, he must purify himself, wash his clothes, take a bath, and be unclean until the evening.20‘Any man who’s become unclean and chooses not to purify himself must be cut off from among the gathering, because he’s dirtied the holy things of Jehovah… If the cleansing water hasn’t been sprinkled on him, he will remain unclean.21‘And it’s the law throughout the ages that whoever sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and whoever even touches the water must be unclean until evening. 22Also, everything that an unclean man touches must be unclean, and anyone who touches [that thing] must be unclean until the evening.’
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1It was during the 1st month that the people (the whole gathering of the children of IsraEl) traveled to the Sin Desert and stayed in KaDesh; and it was there that MiriAm died and was buried.2Well, there was no water in that place, so all the people came to Moses and Aaron 3and they started shouting at Moses, saying:‘We would rather have died when our brothers were destroyed before Jehovah!4‘Why have you brought the gathering of Jehovah into this desert… To kill us along with our cattle?5‘Just what kind of a place is this?! You brought us out of Egypt and took us into this evil place where we can’t plant grain, or figs, or vines, or pomegranates… And there’s no water for us to drink here!’6Then Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the Tent of Proofs and stood before the people, and [they both] fell to their faces. Thereafter, the glory of Jehovah appeared to them, 7and [God] spoke to Moses, saying:8‘Call an assembly.‘Then take your walking stick, and you and your brother Aaron must call out to the rock that stands before them, and it’ll give you its water! You must bring the water out of the rock for them and give it to the gathering and to their cattle to drink.’9So Moses took his walking stick that was there before Jehovah, just as the Lord had commanded him... 10Then Moses and Aaron assembled the whole gathering in front of the rock, and he said to them:‘Listen to me, you rebels!‘Must we bring water for you out of this rock?’11And at that, Moses raised his hand and hit the rock twice with his rod, and water came gushing out of it for the gathering and their cattle to drink!12But after that, the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said:‘Because you didn’t put enough trust in Me to mention Me before the children of IsraEl, you won’t be allowed to lead this gathering into the land that I’ve given to them!13‘This is [to be called] The Water of Rebellion, because this is where the children of IsraEl spoke rebelliously before Jehovah, as I remained holy among them.’14Then Moses sent messengers from KaDesh to the king of Edom to tell him:‘This is what your brother IsraEl is saying:‘You know of all the hard times we’ve seen, 15of how our fathers went down to Egypt and of the many [years] that we spent there, and of how the Egyptians oppressed us and our fathers... 16But when we called out to Jehovah, He heard our voices and sent His messenger who brought us out of Egypt!‘Well, now we’re in the city of KaDesh at the edge of your land, 17and we wish to pass through it!‘We won’t walk through your fields or through your vineyards, nor will we drink water from your cisterns... We’ll just travel along the King’s Highway (Via Nova Traiana), and we won’t turn to the right or left until we’ve passed your borders.’18But the Edomites replied:‘You may not pass through [our land]!‘And if you try to do so, we’ll go to war against you!’19So the children of IsraEl said:‘Then we’ll go around the mountain... And if we and our cattle drink any of your water, we’ll pay you for it.‘It shouldn’t bother you if we travel around the mountain.’20But [the Edomites] replied:‘You may not pass through [our land]!’Well thereafter, the Edomites came out to meet them with a huge, well-prepared army, 21and they refused to allow IsraEl to cross their borders.So IsraEl turned and went another way… 22The whole gathering left KaDesh and traveled on to Mount Hor.23It was while they were at Mount Hor (on the border of the land of Edom) that the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and said:24‘Aaron is now going to be laid [to rest] with his people…‘And you may not enter the land that I’ve given to the children of IsraEl, because you angered Me at The Water of Rebellion!25‘So, take Aaron and his son EliEzer up Mount Hor before the whole gathering, 26then remove Aaron’s [official] garments and put them on EliEzer. And thereafter, Aaron will die and be added to [his people].’27So Moses did just as Jehovah had commanded him.He took them up Mont Hor before the whole gathering, 28then he removed Aaron’s clothes and put them on his son EliEzer… And Aaron died on top of the mountain.Well, when Moses and EliEzer walked down the mountain, 29the gathering realized that Aaron had died.Then the whole house of IsraEl wept for Aaron for 30 days.
1After that, the CanaAnite king of Arad (who lived near the desert) heard that IsraEl had traveled through Atharin, so he went to war against IsraEl and carried some of [their people] off as captives.2So, IsraEl swore a vow to Jehovah, saying:‘If You’ll hand them over to us, we’ll dedicate them and their cities to You.’3Well, Jehovah heard what [the people of] IsraEl said and He gave the CanaAnites into their hands. They [destroyed] them and their cities, and they started calling that place the Cursed!4Thereafter, they left Mount Hor and traveled towards the Red Sea, circling the land of Edom. But somewhere along the way, the people lost their courage 5and started speaking against God and Moses, saying:‘Why have you brought us out of Egypt just to kill us here in the desert?‘[We have] no bread or water, and we’ve come to hate the worthless bread!’6So, Jehovah sent poisonous snakes among them that bit [many] people, and quite a few of the children of IsraEl died. 7As a result, the people went to Moses and said:‘We have sinned, for we’ve spoken against Jehovah and against you!‘Please pray to Jehovah and [ask] Him to take these snakes away from us!’8Well, Moses prayed to Jehovah for the people, and the Lord told Moses:‘Make [the sign of] a snake and [post it high].‘Then, whenever someone is bitten by a snake, they can look at [this sign] and they’ll live.’9So Moses made a brass snake and raised it as a sign; and whenever a snake bit a person, he [or she] could look at the bronze snake and survive.10Thereafter, children of IsraEl left that place and started camping in ObOth.11And from ObOth, they moved to AchalGai, which is on the eastern edge of the desert across from MoAb.12From there they traveled on and camped in the Zared Valley.13Then they left [Zared] and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the desert that runs along the border of the Amorites. The Arnon is the border between the MoAbites and the Amorites, 14for this is what was written about ZoOb in the book of the Wars of Jehovah:‘The dry river beds of Arnon were set on fire, 15and MoAb’s [Capital] Er [was built] along the river beds at their border.’16It was there that they found a well, and Jehovah said:‘I have given this well to Moses; so, gather the people and I’ll give them water to drink.’17Then IsraEl started singing this song at the well:18‘It was there that their leaders dug it;
The kings of their nation and kingdom.
They, in their kingship, sank it in rock;
This well of ManthaNain.19‘From ManthaNain to NaAliEl,
And from NaAliEl to BamOth,
Then, on from BamOth to Janen;
And from the plains of MoAb,
And the quarry that faces the desert.’20Well after that, Moses sent ambassadors to SeOn (the king of the Amorites) with words of peace.They [said to him]:21‘We [wish to] pass through your land.‘We’ll just travel along the road… We won’t step into your fields or vineyards, 22and we won’t drink any water from your wells.‘We’ll just travel along the King’s Highway until we pass through your borders.’23But SeOn wouldn’t allow IsraEl to cross his borders. Rather, he gathered all his people and set up battle lines against IsraEl from the desert [all the way] to JasSa!24However, IsraEl beat them and slaughtered [many of their people with] swords. So thereafter, they owned all the land from the Arnon to the JaBoc as far as the children of AmMon (for, JaZer borders the [land of] the children of AmMon).25IsraEl also captured all of the Amorite cities in the [district of] Hesh-EbonEh, and they started living in them! 26Hesh-EbonEh had been the city of SeOn the king of the Amorites, and he had previously fought against the king of MoAb and captured all the land from AroEr to the Arnon.27That’s why there was a saying among those who speak of such dark things:‘Come to Hesh-EbonEh, in order to build,
And prepare the city for SeOn.28‘Then a fire came out of Hesh-EbonEh…
Flames from the City of SeOn.
And there they burned and consumed
To the banks of the Arnon in MoAb.29‘So, woe to you, O MoAb;
For you’ve lost, O you people of CheMosh.
Your sons that survived have now all been sold,
And your daughters are the captives of SeOn,
Who is the Amorite king.30‘From Hesh-EbonEh to DaEbon
All your offspring is now gone,
And their women light the fires that are burning in MoAb.’31It was while IsraEl was living in the cities of the Amorites 32that Moses sent spies to JaZer. Then he captured it and its [surrounding] villages, and he drove out the Amorites that lived there!33And after their return, they [marched] up the road that leads to BaShan. And BaShan’s king Og sent his army from EdraIn to meet them.34Then the Lord told Moses:‘Don’t be afraid of him; for I’m putting him, his people, and his land into your hands!‘Now, do to him like you did to SeOn the king of the Amorites, who lived in Hesh-EbonEh.’35So they attacked and destroyed [Og], his sons, and all his people – there were no survivors, and [IsraEl] inherited their land.
1Thereafter, the children of IsraEl left that place and camped on the west side of MoAb, by the JorDan River near JeriCho.2And when Balak (son of SepPhor) saw what the IsraElites had done to the Amorites, 3[he] and the people of MoAb became very concerned and upset, because there were so many IsraElites!4Then the MoAbites said to the elders of MidiAn:‘This gathering is going lick up everything around us like a calf swallows down grass in a field!’Well, Balak (son of SepPhor) was the king of MoAb at the time. 5And he sent ambassadors to call BalaAm son of BeOr, who was at Phathura (which is beside a river in the land of his people). [And he told them] to say:‘Look! These people who’ve come from Egypt are covering the entire land… And now they’re camping close to me!6‘So, come and curse them for me, because they’re stronger than we are. Then we’ll be able to attack them and drive them out of the land! Because, I know that whomever you bless will be blest, and whomever you curse will be cursed.’7So the elders of MoAb and MidiAn went out carrying their charms in their hands, and they went to see BalaAm. Then they told him everything that Balak had said, 8and he replied to them:‘Spend the night here, and I’ll tell you whatever the Lord says to me.’So the leaders of MoAb spent the night there with BalaAm. 9And [during the night], God came to BalaAm and asked him:‘Who are these men who are with you?’10And BalaAm replied:‘Balak son of SepPhor and the king of MoAb sent them to Me. For he said:11‘Look! These people have come from Egypt… They [literally] cover the land, and now they’re camping close to me. So, come and curse them for me, then I can cut them down and drive them out of the land!’12But God told BalaAm:‘You must not go with them, nor should you curse these people; for they are blest.’13So when BalaAm got up the next morning, he told Balak’s [ambassadors]:‘Hurry and return to your lord, because God won’t allow me to go with you.’14As a result, the MoAbites got up and returned to Balak and told him that BalaAm had refused to come with them. 15So Balak then sent some [of his] rulers that were even more respected than the first ones.16They went to BalaAm and said:‘This is what Balak son of SepPhor says:‘I beg you; please hurry and come to me, 17for I’ll honor you with great [gifts] and do anything you ask!‘Come and curse these people for me!’18However, BalaAm answered Balak’s leaders in these words:‘If Balak were to give me his whole house filled with silver and gold, I wouldn’t be able to violate the words of the God Jehovah and do anything good or bad, for I know [that this is wrong].19‘However, spend [another] night here, and I will see what the Lord says.’20Then God came to BalaAm during the night and said to him:‘When these men who came to call you [awaken], get up and go with them... But just do the things that I tell you to do!’21Well when BalaAm arose the next morning, he saddled his burro and went with the leaders of MoAb. 22But then God became very angry and sent His messenger to stop him.So, while he was riding along on his burro (accompanied by two of his servants), 23when the burro saw the messenger of God standing in her way with a sword in his hand, she turned aside and ran into a field!Well, BalaAm started hitting the [animal] with a stick to make her [behave].24Then [later on,] Jehovah’s messenger went and stood in the Avenue of Vines, which had walls on both sides... 25And when the burro saw God’s messenger, she pushed up against the wall, squeezing BalaAm’s foot, and he started beating her again.26And after that, Jehovah’s messenger went ahead and stood in a narrow place where it was impossible to turn to either the right or to the left. 27And when the burro saw the messenger of God, she just sat down under BalaAm.Well, BalaAm was furious! And he again started beating the burro with his stick.28But God opened the burro’s mouth, and she asked BalaAm:‘Just what have I done to you that you’ve started beating me a third time?’29And BalaAm told the burro:‘You’re making a fool of me, so if I had a sword in my hand I’d kill you!’30Then the burro said to BalaAm:‘I’m the burro that you’ve ridden since you were young, and have I ever disobeyed you?’And [BalaAm] replied:‘No.’31Then God opened BalaAm’s eyes so he could see the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way with his sword in his hand!So he fell down and bowed with his face to the ground.32And God’s messenger asked him:‘Why did you beat your burro this third time?‘Look; I came and stood in front of you three times, because the way that you’re heading is wrong!‘And when this burro saw me, she turned away from me all three times. 33For if she hadn’t turned away, I would have killed you and left her alive!’34Then BalaAm said to Jehovah’s messenger:‘I have sinned! I didn’t realize that it was you standing in our way!‘So, if it’s displeasing to you for me to go on, I’ll turn back.’35But Jehovah’s messenger told BalaAm:‘Go on with these men.‘However, make sure that whatever I say to you is what you’ll tell them!’So, BalaAm traveled on with Balak’s governors.36Well, when Balak heard that BalaAm had arrived [in his land], he traveled to a city at the border of the Arnon (which is on the edge of MoAb) to meet him.37Then Balak asked BalaAm:‘I sent for you, so why didn’t you come to me?‘May I not be allowed to honor you?’38And BalaAm replied:‘Look, I’m here now. But let me [warn] you... Whatever God says to me is what I must say.’39So BalaAm traveled with Balak until they reached the City of Streets. 40There, Balak offered sheep and calves [to God], then he called for BalaAm and the governors that came with him.41And since it was morning, Balak took BalaAm to the sacred column of [their] BaAl and introduced him to some of the people there.
1Then BalaAm said to Balak:‘Build 7 altars for me here, and prepare 7 calves and 7 rams for me.’2So Balak did just as BalaAm told him… He offered up a calf and a ram on each altar.3Then he said to Balak:‘Stand here by your sacrifices, and I’ll go to see if God will appear and meet with me... Then I’ll tell you whatever He says.’So, Balak stood by his sacrifices 4while BalaAm went to enquire of God… He went straight ahead, and God appeared to him.Then BalaAm said:‘I have prepared 7 altars, and I’ve offered a calf and a ram on each of the altars.’5And God said:‘Return to Balak and tell him this...’...then He put the words into BalaAm’s mouth.6So BalaAm returned to [Balak], who was standing next to his whole-burnt offerings with all the leaders of MoAb. Then the Breath of God came over BalaAm 7and he spoke this prophecy:‘I was summoned by MoAb’s King Balak…
To MesoPotamia and the mountains in the east.
He said: ‘Come and curse Jacob for me…
‘For me, call a curse on IsraEl.’8‘But, how can I curse what the Lord won’t curse,
Or dedicate those whom God won’t destroy?
9For I see them on the tops of the Mountains…
In the hills, I see and observe them.{‘Look!} But, these people must live all alone…
They must not be counted as one of the nations.
10For, who can count Jacob’s offspring…
Who can count all the families of IsraEl?‘May my soul die among the souls of the righteous,
And may my offspring become as their offspring.’11Then Balak said to BalaAm:‘What have you done to me!?‘I called you to curse my enemies! But look… You’ve greatly blessed them!’12And BalaAm replied to Balak:‘Shouldn’t I say whatever the Lord puts into my mouth?’13And Balak said:‘Then, come with me to another place where you won’t see these people… You’ll only see part of them. Curse them for me there!’14So he took him to a high place in a field, to the top of some quarried blocks, where he built 7 altars and offered a calf and a ram on each of the altars.15Then BalaAm said to Balak:‘Now, stand next to your sacrifices, while I’ll go [and speak to] God.’16Well, God met with BalaAm and He said:‘Return to Balak and tell him this...’...then He put the words into his mouth.17So BalaAm returned to Balak, who was standing next to his whole-burnt offerings along with all the leaders of MoAb.And Balak asked:‘What did the Lord say?’18Then [BalaAm] spoke this prophecy:‘Arise and listen, O Balak,
Listen to the proofs, O son of SepPhor.19‘God doesn’t waver like men,
Nor may He be threatened like their sons.
Will He talk and not make it happen;
Must He speak and not keep His Word?20‘{Look!} I’ve been instructed to bless them,
So I’ll bless and I’ll not turn back.
21For, there must be no trouble in Jacob,
Nor may sorrow be seen among IsraEl.‘For their God Jehovah is with them,
And the glory of kings is among them.
22It was God who brought them from Egypt,
And like the rhinoceros is His glory.23‘There are no sooth-sayers in Jacob,
And in IsraEl, there are no enchanters.
So, Jacob and IsraEl will soon be told
All the things God will do.24‘{Look!} These people will become like the cubs of a lion,
And they’ll then grow into lions.
They won’t lie down ‘til they’ve eaten their prey,
And drunk the blood of those they’ve destroyed.’25Then Balak said to BalaAm:‘If you can’t curse the people for me, don’t bless them!’26And BalaAm replied:‘Didn’t I tell you that I must say whatever God tells me?’27And Balak said:‘Then, come and I’ll take you to another place that’s more pleasing to God, and you can curse them for me there.’28So Balak took BalaAm to the top of Mount PhoGor (the part that runs into the desert).29And BalaAm said to Balak:‘Build 7 altars for me here, and prepare 7 calves and 7 rams for me.’30And Balak did just as BalaAm told him, offering a calf and a ram on each altar.
1It was then that BalaAm finally realized that it pleased God to bless IsraEl, so he didn’t follow his usual custom of looking for omens. Rather, he just turned his face towards the desert.2Well, as BalaAm gazed, he saw IsraEl camped by their tribes, and God’s Breath came over him, 3causing him to speak this prophecy:‘BalaAm, son of BeOr;
This man who truly does see…
4Who hears the prophecies of the [great] Mighty One…
Whose eyes opened and saw a vision of God…
While he slept, his eyes opened wide.5‘Good are the places where you live, O Jacob,
And [good] are your tents, O IsraEl.
6Like shady groves and gardens by rivers;
Like tents pitched by God and as cedars by water.7‘For a man will come from your offspring
Who’ll rule many nations.
His kingdom will be raised and he will grow mighty;
8For, out of Egypt, God brought him.‘The glory of the rhinoceros is his,
And he’ll consume the nations that hate him…
Yes, he will drink all their marrow,
And shoot those who hate him with arrows.9 ‘He’ll lie down and rest like a lion,
And as a young lion, who’ll wake him?
So, those who bless him are blest,
And those who curse him are cursed.’10Well, this made Balak very angry with BalaAm, so he clapped his hands and said to him:‘I called you to curse my enemy, but look; you’ve blessed him for the third time!11‘Now, hurry and go back to your home. For even though I said that I’d honor you, the Lord has now deprived you of your glory!’12And BalaAm replied to Balak:‘Didn’t I tell the messengers whom you sent to Me 13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I wouldn’t oppose the Lord and do either good or bad by myself?‘Rather, [I told them that] I’d say whatever The God told me to say!14‘So now, {Look!} I’ll go back to my home... But [first], come here and I’ll tell you what these people will do to your people in the last days.’15Then he spoke this prophecy:‘BalaAm, son of BeOr, says this; the man who truly sees, tells you this...16‘I heard the prophecies of God,
Knowledge from the Most High, I have received.
I saw a vision from God in my sleep
And it opened my eyes.17‘I’ll point to him, but not now;
I’ll bless him, although he’s not nearby.
‘A star must arise out of Jacob,
And from IsraEl, a man must then spring
Who’ll crush the leaders of MoAb,
And all sons of Seth, he will plunder.18‘For his courage, he’ll receive Edom,
And inherit his enemy, Esau.
19[This man] will come out of Jacob,
And destroy all those who run from your towns.’20Then he noticed the AmaLechites and spoke this prophecy:‘AmaLech is the first among nations,
But their offspring will [also soon] die.’21Then he noticed the Kenites, and he spoke this prophecy:‘Although the place where you live is very strong,
You should build your nest on a rock.
22Even if BeOr shows you places to hide;
The Assyrians will take you as captives.’23Then he noticed Og, and he spoke this prophecy:‘Oh, oh; who’ll survive when God does such things?
24For, ships will come from Cypriot shores
Who’ll defeat Assyria and Eber…
Together, they’ll all be destroyed.’25Then BalaAm got up and left for his [land], and Balak went back home.
1Well, it was while IsraEl was camped at SatTin that [many of] the people made themselves dirty by engaging in immoral sex with the daughters of MoAb. 2Then they started worshiping their idols, offering sacrifices to them and eating their sacrifices!3So IsraEl had become totally devoted to BeEl Phegor, which made Jehovah very angry with them.4And as a result, the Lord told Moses:‘Take all their leaders, then lay them out in the sunlight before Jehovah to make examples of them, and this will turn His anger away from IsraEl!’5Then Moses told the tribes of IsraEl:‘You must each kill any of your friends who have devoted themselves to BeEl Phegor.’6And just then, an IsraElite man came and led his brothers over to [have sex with] a MidiAnite woman… Doing this right in front of Moses and the whole gathering of the children of IsraEl that had been weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs!7And when PhineAs (son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) saw this, he stood up in the midst of the gathering, took a spear in his hand, 8and he followed the IsraElite man right into his bedroom... There he ran the spear through the IsraElite man and through the woman’s womb!Well at that, the plague [that had come] on the children of IsraEl stopped.9But by then, 24,000 people had died.10Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:11‘PhineAs (son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) has brought an end to My rage against the children of IsraEl.‘And although I had become very zealous, I didn’t consume them all in My zeal. 12So, tell him that I’ll now make a sacred agreement of peace 13with him and with the offspring that descends from him.‘They will be Priests throughout the ages because of his zeal for his God, and because he paid for the sins of the children of IsraEl.’14Now, the name of the IsraElite man who was killed with the MidiAnite woman was ZamBri. He was SalMon’s son, and a leader of one of the lines of the Tribe of SymeOn.15The name of the MidiAnite woman who was killed was ChasBi. She was the daughter of Sur, who was a leader of the nation of OmMoth and a chief among the people of MidiAn.16Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:‘Tell the children of IsraEl 17that the MidiAnites are to be considered their enemies! So from now on, they must be treated as a plague and destroyed!18‘For the treachery that they used to trap you (as in the case of PhoGor and ChasBi, who was a daughter of a leader of MidiAn and who was killed on the day of the plague) has proven that they’re truly your enemies!’
1Well, after the plague had ended, the Lord spoke to Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) and said:2‘Take a census of the gathering of the children of IsraEl... Count all those who are 20 years old and upwards who serve as soldiers for IsraEl, by family lines.’3So it was there in the Plains of MoAb, near the JorDan and JeriCho, that Moses and EliEzer the Priest [took the census] 4and counted all [the soldiers] that were 20 years old and older, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.And these are the [family lines] of IsraEl that came out of Egypt:[Editor note: Now follows the census data. The story resumes at Numbers 26:63.]
5ReuBen was the firstborn of IsraEl. His descendants were:• Enoch and his family,
• PhalLu and his family of PhalLuites,
6• AsRon and his family of Asronites, and
• CharMi and his family.7So the [army of] the descendants of ReuBen was numbered at 43,730.8The descendants of PhalLu were EliAb 9and his sons NamuEl, Dathan, and AbiRam.[Now, Dathan and AbiRam] were the famous men among the gathering that joined KorAh in opposing Moses and Aaron and in rebelling against Jehovah... 10Then the ground opened its mouth and swallowed them along with KorAh, and thereafter, their followers perished when fire destroyed all 250 as a sign [from God].11However, KorAh’s sons weren’t killed.12The descendants of SymeOn were:• NamuEl and his family of NamuElites,
• JaMin and his family of JaMinites,
• JaChin and his family of JaChinites,
13• ZaRa and his family of Zaraites, and
• Saul and his family of Saulites.14So the [army of] the descendants of SymeOn was numbered at 22,200.15The descendants of Judah were:• Er and AuNan (who both died in the land of CanaAn),
16• SeLom and his family of Selomites,
• Phares and his family of Pharesites, and
• ZaRa and his family of Zaraites.17Phares’ sons were AsRon and his family of Asronites, and JaMun and his family of JaMunites. 18So the [army of] the descendants of Judah was numbered at 76,500.19The descendants of IshSachar and their family lines were:• Thola and his family of Tholaites,
• Phua and his family of Phuaites,
20• JaShub and his family of JaShubites, and
• AmBram and his family of AmBramites.21So the [army of] the descendants of IshSachar was numbered at 64,400.22The descendants of ZebuLon and their family lines were:• Sared and his family of Saredites,
• AlLon and his family of AlLonites, and
• AlLel and his family of AlLelites.23So the [army of] the descendants of ZebuLon was numbered at 60,500.24The descendants of Gad and their family lines were:• Saphon and his family of Saphonites,
• Angi and his family of Angites,
• Suni and his family of Sunites,
25• Azeni and his families of Azenites and Addites,
26• AroAdi and his family of AroAdites, and
• AriEl and his family of AriElites.27So the [army of] the descendants of Gad was numbered at 44,500.28The descendants of Asher and their family lines were:• JaMin and his family of JaMinites,
• JoShua and his family of JoShuites,
• BarJa and his family of BarJaites,
29• Chober and his family of Choberites, and
• MelchiEl and his family of MelchiElites.30(Asher’s daughter’s name was Sara.) 31So the [army of] the descendants of Asher was numbered at 43,400.32JoSeph had two sons, ManasSeh and Ephraim, and each had his own family line.33The descendants of ManasSeh and their family lines were:• MachIr and his family of MachIrites.MachIr’s son was GalaAd, and he was the father of the GalaAdites.34The descendants of GalaAd were:• AchiEzer and his family of AchiEzerites,
• Cheleg and his family of Chelegites,
35• EsriEl and his family of EsriElites,
• Sychem and his family of Sychemites,
36• SymaEr and his family of SymaErites,
• Opher and his family of Opherites.37Opher’s son SalpaAd had no sons, just daughters.His daughter’s names were:• SalpaAd,
• Mala,
• Nua,
• Egla,
• Melcha, and
• Thersa.38So the [army of] the descendants of ManasSeh was numbered at 52,700.39The descendants of Ephraim were:• SuthaLan and his family of SuthaLanites, and
• Tanach and his family of Tanachites.40SuthaLan was the father of Eden and his family of Edenites.41So the [army of] the descendants of Ephraim was numbered at 32,500.These were the families of the children of JoSeph and their family lines.42The descendants of BenJamin and their family lines were:• Bale and his family of Balites,
• Asuber and his family of Asuberites,
• JaChiran and his family of JaChiranites, 43and
• Sophan and his family of Sophanites.44Bale’s sons were Adar and NoEman. Adar started his family of Adarites and NoEman started his family of NoEmanites. 45So the [army of] the descendants of BenJamin and their family lines was numbered at 35,500.46The descendants of Dan were:• SaMei and his family of SaMeites.So the [army of] the descendants of Dan 47through SaMei and his family line was numbered at 64,400.48The descendants of NaphTali and their family lines were:• AsiEl and his family of AsiElites,
• GaUn and his family of GaUnites,
49• Jeser and his family of Jeserites, and
• SelLem and his family of SelLemites.50So the [army of] the descendants of NaphTali was numbered at 40,300.51Altogether, there were [a total of] 606,730 that were counted among [the army] of the children of IsraEl.52Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:53‘This is how the land must be divided:‘The inheritances should be allotted by [family] names, 54and the larger groups should be given larger inheritances, while the smaller groups should be given smaller inheritances.‘So, use this census to divide the inheritances.55‘The land must be divided by these names and assigned by lottery, and each of the family lines and tribes must be given an assignment [of land]. 56So, subdivide [the land] into smaller and larger portions.’57Now, the descendants of Levi and their family lines were:• GedSon and his family of Gedsonites,
• CaAth and his family of CaAthites,
• MeraRi and his family of MeraRites, 58and
• Lobi and his families of LoBenites, Hebronites, Coreites, and Musites.CaAth’s son was AmBram. 59His woman’s name was JoChabed, and she was a descendant of Levi. She was born to Levi in Egypt, and she gave birth to these through AmBram:• Aaron,
• Moses, and
• Their sister, MiriAm.60Aaron’s sons were:• NaDab,
• AbiUd,
• EliEzer, and
• IthaMar.61But NaDab and AbiUd died when they offered unauthorized fire to Jehovah while they were in the SinAi Desert.62There were 23,000 males among [Aaron’s family line] who were a month old and older... However, they weren’t counted among the children of IsraEl, because they were to receive no inheritance among them.[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
63This was the census that was conducted by Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) in the Plains of MoAb, near the JorDan River and JeriCho. 64However, none among them had been counted in the [earlier] census of the children of IsraEl that was taken by Moses and Aaron in the SinAi Desert, 65for Jehovah told them that they were going to die in the desert.So [the only ones left of that generation who entered the Promised Land] were Caleb (son of JePhonNe) and JoShua (son of NaWeh).
1Well, the daughters of SalpaAd (son of Opher, grandson of GalaAd, and great-grandson of MachIr of the Tribe of ManasSeh, one of the sons of JoSeph) [were named:]• MaAla,
• Nua,
• Egla,
• Melcha, and
• Thersa.2[And they] came before Moses, EliEzer the Priest, all of the leaders and the whole gathering at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, and they said:3‘Our father died in the desert, but he wasn’t among those in the gathering who rebelled against Jehovah by joining with KorAh. Rather, he died for his own sins… And he had no sons. [So, please] don’t allow the name of our father to be blotted out from among his people just because he had no sons!‘Give us an inheritance among our father’s brothers!’4So Moses brought their case before Jehovah.5Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:6‘The daughters of SalpaAd are right. You should assign them an inheritance among their father’s brothers as their father’s inheritance.7‘So, speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them this:8‘If a man dies without any sons, you must give his inheritance to his daughters.9‘If he has no daughters, you must give his inheritance to his brother. 10However, if he has no brothers, you must give his inheritance to his father’s brother. 11And if his father has no brothers, you must give the inheritance to the nearest relative in his tribe.’These were the laws concerning the inheritance of possessions among the children of IsraEl that Jehovah gave to Moses.12Then the Lord said to Moses:‘Go to the Mountain in the country beyond the JorDan, Mount Nabau, and gaze upon the land CanaAn, which I’m giving to the sons of IsraEl. 13Then you’ll be added to your people, just as your brother Aaron was added to them on Mount Hor.14‘For you failed in My commandments while [you were] in the desert of Sin... When the whole gathering opposed Me and refused to consider Me holy, because you failed to [speak of] Me as being holy when you brought the water out [of the rock] before them… From the Waters of Rebellion at KaDesh in the Sin Desert.’15Then Moses said to the Lord:16‘May Jehovah, the God of all that’s spirit and all that’s flesh, provide a man who’ll watch over this gathering… 17Don’t leave the gathering of Jehovah as sheep without a shepherd!‘[Assign someone] to travel before them as their leader, who’ll lead them in and lead them back out.’18And the Lord said to Moses:‘Choose and lay your hands upon JoShua, son of NaWeh, for he’s a man who will have [God’s] Breath upon him!19‘Take him before EliEzer the Priest and give him all his instructions before the entire gathering… 20Then put all of your glory upon him, so that the children of IsraEl will listen to him.21‘Thereafter, he must stand beside EliEzer the Priest; and whenever they come before Jehovah to ask for the judgments of the Revelation, they must do whatever [JoShua] says… They must follow his instructions and the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl must unite behind him!’22So Moses did just as Jehovah commanded him… He took JoShua and stood him before EliEzer the Priest and the entire gathering. 23Then he laid his hands on him and promoted him, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.
[Editor note: Now follows instructions for the offerings and festivals. The story resumes in Numbers 31:1.] 1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them to be sure to offer their gifts and presents to Me… The burnt offerings that provide a sweet-smelling odor during My feasts.3‘Tell them that throughout the coming ages, they’re to bring two perfect yearling lambs each day as whole-burnt offerings to Me. 4They must offer one lamb in the morning, and the second in the evening.5‘They must also offer 3 quarts (2.8l) of fine flour mixed with a quart of oil as a food offering. 6This whole-burnt offering is to be sacrificed down throughout the ages as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, just as it was offered at Mount SinAi.7‘[They must also bring] a drink offering – a quart for each lamb – and pour it out in the holy place as an offering to Jehovah.8‘As for the second lamb, the one that’s to be [sacrificed] in the evening, it should also be presented along with a food offering and a drink offering, as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.9‘And on each Sabbath day, they must offer 2 perfect yearling lambs with 2 quarts (1.9l) of fine flour mixed with oil as a food offering, plus a drink offering. 10So, a whole-burnt offering [must be sacrificed] on each Sabbath day, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and drink offerings.11‘And on each New Moon, they must bring these whole-burnt offering to Jehovah:• 2 calves from the herd, • 1 ram, and • 7 perfect yearling lambs,12‘Plus:• 3 quarts (2.8l) of fine flour mixed with oil for each calf, • 2 quarts (1.9l) of fine flour mixed with oil with each ram, 13and • A quart of fine flour mixed with oil with each lamb...‘...as food offerings and as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.14‘Their drink offerings must consist of:• 1/2 a gallon (1.9l) with each calf, • 1/3 of a gallon (1.25l) with each ram, and • A quart of wine with each lamb.‘These whole-burnt offerings must be brought in on every month of the year.15‘Also, 1 kid goat must be brought to Jehovah as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and drink offerings.16‘Then on the 14th day of the 1st month [they must start celebrating] the Passover to Jehovah. 17And on the 15th day of the month, there’s to be a feast.‘So, they must eat fermentation-free bread for 7 days.18‘That 1st day is to be a holy day of rest during which they may not do any physical labor. 19Thereafter, these whole-burnt offerings must also be sacrificed to Jehovah:• 2 calves from the herd, • 1 ram, and • 7 yearling lambs...‘...which must all be perfect, 20as well as a food offering of fine flour mixed with oil:• 3 quarts (2.8l) per calf, • 2 quarts (1.9l) per ram, 21and • A pint for each of the 7 lambs...22‘...plus a kid goat as a sin offering, to pay for their sins.23‘This is in addition to the whole-burnt offerings that must be brought each morning as a continuous whole-burnt sacrifice 247 days a week as a gift and a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah, along with a drink offering.25‘Then the following 7th day must be a holy day of rest, during which they must do no hard labor.26‘Also, the day when the new grain is offered to Jehovah must be a holy day of rest, during which they may do no hard labor.27‘And these whole-burnt offerings must be brought as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah:• 2 calves from the herd, • 1 ram, and • 7 perfect lambs...28‘...along with food offerings of fine flour mixed with oil:• 3 quarts (2.8l) per calf, • 2 quarts (1.9l) per ram, 29and • A pint for each lamb (which is to be offered separately for each of the 7 lambs).‘ A kid goat must also be brought 30as a sin offering to pay for your sins, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings and 31the food offerings that you bring to Me.‘They must all be perfect and each must have its own drink offering.’
1‘And the 1st day of the 7th month must be a holy day of rest for you, during which you may not do any manual labor, for that’s when the trumpets are to be blown.2‘At that time, you must offer these whole burnt offerings as a sweet odor to Jehovah:• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram, and
• 7 perfect yearling lambs.3‘As food offerings, you must bring fine flour mixed with oil:• 3 quarts (2.8l) per calf,
• 2 quarts (1.9l) per ram, 4and
• A quart for each of the 7 lambs.5‘You must also bring a kid goat as a sin offering, to pay for your sins.6‘This is in addition to the whole-burnt offerings for the New Moon Festival and their food and drink offerings, and the regular whole-burnt offerings with their food and drink offerings (according to their laws), which must be offered as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah.7‘And the 10th day of that month must also be a holy day of rest for you… You may do no work, for you must then closely examine your lives! 8And you must bring these whole-burnt offerings as a sweet-smelling odor to Jehovah:• 1 calf from the herd,
• 1 ram, and
• 7 yearling lambs...‘...each of which must be perfect.9‘Their food offerings must be fine flour mixed with oil:• 3 quarts (2.8l) for the calf,
• 2 quarts (1.9l) per ram, 10and
• A quart for each of the 7 lambs.11‘You must also bring a kid goat as a sin offering, to pay for your sins.‘All of this is in addition to the other sin offerings and the regular whole-burnt offerings, along with their food and drink offerings (according to their laws), which must be offered as a sweet odor and as a burnt sacrifice to Jehovah.12‘Then the 15th day of the 7th month must also be a holy day of rest during which you must do no hard labor; for you are to hold a feast to Jehovah for the next 7 days.13‘And you must bring these whole-burnt offerings as a sacrifice and as a sweet odor to Jehovah:‘On the 1st day, you must bring:• 13 calves from the herd,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 yearling lambs...‘...all of which must be perfect.14‘The food offerings must be fine flour mixed with oil:• 3 quarts (2.8l) for each of the 13 calves,
• 2 quarts (1.9l) for each of the 2 rams, 15and
• A quart for each of the 14 lambs.16‘Also, one kid goat must be offered as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.17‘On the 2nd day, bring:• 12 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.18“The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 19And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.20‘On the 3rd day, bring:• 11 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.21‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 22And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.23‘On the 4th day, bring:• 10 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.24‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 25And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.26‘On the 5th day, bring:• 9 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.27‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 28And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.29‘On the 6th day, bring:• 8 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.30‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 31And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.32‘On the 7th day, bring:• 7 calves,
• 2 rams, and
• 14 perfect yearling lambs.33‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 34And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.35‘The 8th day is when [IsraElite slaves] are to be set free, so no manual labor may be done then. 36You must also bring:• 1 calf,
• 1 ram, and
• 7 perfect yearling lambs...‘...as whole-burnt-offering sacrifices to Jehovah.37‘The amount of food and drink offerings for the calves, rams, and lambs must be according to the Law. 38And one kid goat must be brought as a sin offering, in addition to the regular whole-burnt offerings, food offerings, and drink offerings.’39These are the things that you must offer to Jehovah during your feasts, in addition to those things that you offer in your vows as free-will offerings and as your whole burnt offerings, food offerings, drink offerings, and peace offerings.
1So Moses spoke to the children of IsraEl and told them everything that Jehovah had commanded.2Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of IsraEl and said:‘This is what Jehovah has commanded:3‘Whenever a man makes a vow to Jehovah, or swears an oath, or accepts a responsibility, he must not break his word… He must do whatever he says!4‘And the same is true of a woman. She must do whatever she vows to Jehovah.‘If she says that she will do something while she is young and still living in her father’s house, and her father hears her say it – as long as he doesn’t disagree with her making [such a vow] – all her vows must be fulfilled, 5and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life.6‘However, if her father forbids [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agrees to) on the same day that he hears it, she isn’t bound to it, and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because it was forbidden by her father.7‘And if she’s married and speaks a vow to accept an obligation upon her life, 8and her husband hears it – as long as he doesn’t disagree with her making it – all her vows must be fulfilled and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life.9‘However, if her husband forbids [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agrees to) on the same day that he hears it, she isn’t bound to it and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because it was forbidden by her husband.10‘Also, whatever a widow or divorced woman vows to do with her life must be done. 11And if she made the vow when she was still [living] with her man, 12and he heard it and didn’t object; then, all her vows must be fulfilled and she is bound to any obligations that she has taken upon her life.13‘However, if her man cancels [her vow] (or any other obligation that she agrees to) on the same day that he hears it, she isn’t bound to it and Jehovah won’t hold her accountable, because her man forbade it.14‘So, any vow [that a woman] makes which will affect her life must be heard by her man, and he must either agree to it or disallow it. 15And if he chooses to say nothing, then she’s bound to it, and he must agree to any obligations that she has accepted, because he didn’t disagree with it on the day that he heard it.16‘But if her man – for any reason – should choose to cancel a vow after that, he’s guilty of a sin.’17These were the laws that Jehovah gave to Moses regarding a man and his woman, and regarding a father and his young daughter who’s still living in his home.
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘I want you to avenge the wrongs that the MidiAnites have committed against the children of IsraEl. And after that, you’ll be added to your people.’3So Moses spoke to the people and said:‘Arm yourselves, then stand before Jehovah in battle lines and [prepare yourselves] to bring the Lord’s vengeance upon MidiAn… 4Select 1,000 from each of the tribes of the children of IsraEl to go to war!’5So they counted off the 1,000 from each Tribe of IsraEl – 12,000 men – and armed them for war.6Then Moses sent them off, along with PhineAs (son of EliEzer the Priest and the grandson of Aaron) carrying the holy instruments and the signal trumpets, 7and they arranged themselves in battle lines against MidiAn, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses… And they went and destroyed them!8Thereafter, they killed the 5 kings of MidiAn (Evi, Rocon, Sur, Ur, and Roboc)… And they even killed BalaAm (son of BeOr) with a sword, along with all the rest!9Then (after they’d destroyed their army) they took all the women of MidiAn as captives, along with their food, cattle, and all their possessions, 10and they burned all their cities, villages, and homes with fire… 11They plundered everything, including the people and their animals.12So they carried all the captives, spoils, and loot (planning to give them to Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and to divide them among the children of IsraEl) back to their camp in the plains of MoAb, which was near the JorDan River [across from] JeriCho.13Then Moses, EliEzer (the Priest), and all the leaders of the gathering went to their camp to meet their army. 14But Moses was furious with the captains of the army (the leaders of thousands and of hundreds) that had returned from the battle, 15for he asked them:‘Why have you kept these women alive?16‘They were the ones [who listened to] BalaAm and misled the children of IsraEl by inciting their revolt and by teaching them to despise the word of Jehovah at PhoGor… And that’s why Jehovah sent a plague on the gathering!17‘So now, kill all the men, destroy all their food, and kill all the women whom you know aren’t virgins… 18You may spare any women whom you suspect are virgins.19‘Then, all who have killed or touched dead bodies must stay outside of our camp for 7 days; and thereafter, you and those whom you’ve captured must be purified on the 3rd day and on the 7th day.20‘You must also purify all your clothes, all your leather utensils, all your goatskin items, and all your wooden bowls.’21Then EliEzer (the Priest) said to the men from the army that had just returned from battle:‘This is what the Law that Jehovah gave to Moses says:22‘The items of gold, silver, brass, iron, lead, and tin 23must be passed through fire to be cleansed. And whatever can’t be passed through a fire must be sprinkled with the purifying water to be made clean. 24‘Then on the 7th day, you must be cleansed and you must wash your clothes.
Only after that, may you enter our camp.’25Well, the Lord then spoke to Moses again and said:26‘I want you and EliEzer the Priest to take an inventory of the captured people and animals. 27Then you must divide them among the soldiers that went out to battle and with the rest of the gathering.28‘Also, as a tribute to Jehovah from the warriors that went out to battle; take 1 out of every 500 of the people, oxen, sheep, and burros, 29and give them to EliEzer the Priest as the first fruits of Jehovah.30‘Then, from among those things that are given to the children of IsraEl, you should take 1 out of 50 of the people, oxen, sheep, and burros, and give them to the Levites who teach at the Tent of Jehovah.’31So Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) did just as the Lord had commanded Moses.[Editor note: Now follows records of the plunder. The story continues in Numbers 32:1.]
32The plunder that was given to the soldiers included:• 675,000 sheep,
33• 72,000 oxen, 34and
• 61,000 burros.35There were also 32,000 virgins who were given to them… 36Half of everything was given to the soldiers that went to war.And of the 337,500 sheep, 37they offered 675 sheep as a tribute to Jehovah.38Of their 36,000 oxen, they gave 72 as a tribute to Jehovah.39Of their 30,500 burros, they gave 61 as a tribute to Jehovah.40And of the 16,000 people, they gave 32 of them as a tribute to Jehovah.41For Moses presented all the tributes as a wave offering to Jehovah God, [and they were given] to EliEzer the Priest (just as the Lord had commanded Moses) 42from the half that belonged to the children of IsraEl whom Moses had separated as soldiers.43Thereafter, 337,500 sheep were divided among the gathering as their half, 44plus:• 36,000 oxen,
45• 30,500 burros, 46and
• 16,000 people.47And from their half, Moses took a 1/50th of the people and the cattle, and gave them to the Levites who teach at the Tent of Jehovah, as the Lord had commanded Moses.48Well then, all those who’d been appointed as officers over the army (the captains of thousands and of hundreds) approached Moses and said:49‘Your servants have counted the men of war among us, and none have been lost.50‘So, those among us who found things that were made of gold, such as armlets, chains, rings, bracelets, and hair clasps have brought them as our gift to Jehovah, to pay for our sins.’51And when Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) accepted all the items of gold from them, 52[they found that] the gold that the captains of thousands and of hundreds offered to Jehovah was valued at 16,750 silver coins.53However, the soldiers kept the rest of the loot for themselves.54Then Moses and EliEzer (the Priest) took all the gold items that the captains of thousands and hundreds had contributed and placed it all in the Tent of Proofs to serve as a reminder to the children of IsraEl, there in front of Jehovah.
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1Now, the [tribes] of ReuBen and Gad both had huge herds of cattle, and when they saw that the area of JaZer and GalaAd had good grazing land, 2they went to Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and the leaders of the gathering, and said to them:3‘The areas of:• AtarOth,
• DaEbon,
• JaZer,
• NamRa,
• Hesh-EbonEh,
• ElAle,
• Sebama,
• Nabau, and
• BaeAn...4‘...which Jehovah has delivered into the hands of the children of IsraEl, is pasture land, and we (your servants) have many cattle!5‘So, if it pleases you, may your servants be given this land as our inheritance. Don’t make us cross the JorDan River.’6But Moses asked:‘Then when your brothers go to war, are you just going to sit here?7“Why are you twisting the minds of the children of IsraEl by encouraging them not to cross into the land that Jehovah is giving to them?8‘Isn’t this the same thing that your fathers did when I sent them from KaDesh-Barne to spy in the land? 9For, after they went into the Valley of Grape Clusters as spies, they twisted the hearts of the children of IsraEl so that they didn’t want to enter the land that Jehovah gave to them, 10and this made Jehovah very angry!‘So He swore and said:11‘All these men who were 20 years old and older when they left Egypt and that knew the difference between good and evil won’t see the land that I swore to give to AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, because they’ve chosen not to follow Me!12‘The only exceptions are Caleb son of JePhonNe, and JoShua son of NaWeh… They were the only ones who followed Me closely.’13‘And because this made Jehovah so angry with IsraEl, He forced them to wander in the desert for 40 years, until the whole generation that did this evil thing before Him was gone.14‘Look! Now you’re following in the same footsteps as your fathers and you’ve allied yourselves as sinful people so as to make Jehovah even angrier with IsraEl; 15for you want to turn away from Him and stay in the desert again!‘By choosing to do this, you’re sinning against the whole gathering!’16But they came to him and said:‘If we can build pens for our cattle here and have these cities as our possessions, 17we’ll arm ourselves and march ahead of the children of IsraEl to lead them into their land.‘We’ll leave our possessions inside the walled cities (because of the people who live in this land), 18and we won’t return to our homes until after the children of IsraEl have each been given their own inheritance and are settled there... 19Then, we won’t take any of the land on the other side of the JorDan as our inheritance, because we’ll have taken our full inheritance here on the east side.’20So Moses said to them:‘If you’ll do everything that you’re saying… If you’ll arm yourselves and march in battle before Jehovah, 21and if you’ll cross the JorDan and stay there until our enemies are destroyed 22and our land has been totally settled before you return home... You will be free of guilt before Jehovah and this land can be yours.23‘But if you don’t do that, you’ll be sinning against Jehovah and you’ll see the results of your sin when bad things happen to you!24‘So now, go on and build the cities in which you can store your things, along with the pens for your cattle; and thereafter, you must do everything that you’ve proposed.’25And the [tribes] of ReuBen and Gad replied:‘Your servants will do as our lord commands.26‘We will leave all our possessions, our women, and our cattle in the cities of GalaAd. 27And after that, we’ll march ahead [of IsraEl] all armed and ready for battle before Jehovah, as you said.’28Then Moses gave these instructions to EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (son of NaWeh), and all the heads of the families and tribes of IsraEl.29He said:‘If the sons of ReuBen and Gad cross the JorDan armed and ready for war before Jehovah and they help to conquer the land before you, you must give them the land of GalaAd as theirs.30‘However, if they don’t cross [the JorDan] all armed and ready for war, you must make them bring their possessions, women, and cattle into the land of CanaAn, where they’ll receive their inheritance among you.’31And the sons of ReuBen and Gad answered:‘We will do whatever Jehovah tells his servants!32‘We’ll arm ourselves and march into the land of CanaAn before Jehovah, and you must give us our inheritance on this side of the JorDan.’33So Moses gave the sons of Gad, the sons of ReuBen, and half of the Tribe of ManasSeh (one of the sons of JoSeph) the land of the Amorite king SeOn, the land of Og the king of BaShan, and all their cities and borders, as well as the cities and lands around them.[Editor note: Now follows lists of cities inhabited by the 2-1/2 tribes, and records of where they travelled. The story continues in Numbers 33:50.]
34Thereafter, the sons of Gad built and fortified:• DaEbon,
• AtarOth,
• AroEr,
35• Sophar, and
• JaZer.36And they also built and fortified NamBran and BaethAran, where they then made pens for their sheep.37The sons of ReuBen built:• Hesh-EbonEh,
• ElAle,
• KariathAm,
38• BeElMeon (which they surrounded with walls), and
• [the town of] Sebama.Then they named each of the cities after themselves.39Also, the family of MachIr (of the Tribe of ManasSeh) went to GalaAd and captured it, destroying all the Amorites who lived there. 40So Moses gave GalaAd to MachIr, and they started living there.41JaIr (of the Tribe of ManasSeh) also captured many villages, which he then called the Villages of JaIr.42And NabOth went and captured the villages of CaAth, which he renamed after himself (NabOth).
1These are the places where the children of IsraEl and their army stayed (under the direction of Moses and Aaron) after they left the land of Egypt. 2For, following the instructions of Jehovah, Moses wrote down the places where they moved and where they’d stayed.So, here are the stages of their journey:3They left RamesSe on the 15th day of the 1st month.Then after the Passover, the children of IsraEl proudly walked away from the Egyptians, 4since the Egyptians were burying all the dead that Jehovah had struck down – all the firstborn in the land of Egypt – and He also brought vengeance upon their gods.5The children of IsraEl left RamesSe and camped in SocChoth.6Then they left SocChoth and camped in BuThan, near the desert.7After that, they left BuThan and camped at the mouth of the IrOth, which is across from BeEl SepPhon and opposite MagDol.8It was when they left IrOth that they crossed through the middle of the sea and into the desert. Thereafter, they traveled through the desert for three days and camped in PicriAe.9When they left PicriAe, they went to AiLim (where there were 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees), and they camped next to the water.10When they left AiLim, they camped next to the Red Sea.11And when they left the Red Sea, they camped in the Sin Desert.12After they left the Sin Desert, they camped in RaPhaca.13And when they left RaPhaca, they camped in AiLus.14When they left AiLus, they camped in RaphiDin (where there was no water for the people to drink).15Then they left RaphiDin and camped in the SinAi Desert.16When they left the SinAi Desert, they camped at the Graveyard of the Greedy.17Then they left the Graveyard of the Greedy and camped in AsherOth.18And after AsherOth, they camped in RathAma.19When they left RathAma, they camped in RemMon Phares.20And when they left RemMon Phares, they camped in Lebona.21After leaving Lebona, they camped in ResSan.22Then they left ResSan and camped in MakelLath.23After MakelLath, they camped in Saphar.24When they left Saphar, they camped in CharaDath.25Then they left CharaDath and camped in MakelOth.26When they left MakelOth, they camped in KataAth.27Then they left KataAth and camped in TarAth.28After leaving TarAth, they camped in MathecKa.29Then they left MathecKa and camped in SelMona.30After SelMona, they camped in MasurUth.31After camping in MasurUth, they went to BanaYa.32And after leaving BanaYa, they camped at Mount GadGad.33Then after leaving Mount GadGad, they camped in EteBatha.34When they left EteBatha, they camped in Ebrona.35After Ebrona, they camped in GesiOn Gaber.36Then they left GesiOn Gaber and camped in the Sin Desert.Then they left the Sin Desert and camped in the Pharan Desert at KaDesh.37And when they left KaDesh, they camped at Mount Hor, near the land of Edom.38It was at Mount Hor that Aaron the Priest climbed the mountain (following Jehovah’s instructions) and died on the 1st day of the 5th month, 40 years after they left the land of Egypt. 39Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.40And after the CanaAnite king Arad heard that the children of IsraEl were in his land, 41they left Mount Hor and camped in SelMona.42Then from SelMona, they went to Phino.43And after leaving Phino, they camped in ObOth.44When they left ObOth, they camped in Gai at the border of MoAb.45Then they left Gai and camped in DaEbon Gad.46When they left DaEbon Gad, they camped in Gelmon DeblaThaim.47After leaving Gelmon DeblaThaim, they camped on the Mountains of Abarim, which border Nabau.48Then when they left the Mountains of Abarim, they camped on the west side [of the land] of MoAb by the JorDan River near JeriCho.49There they stayed camped by the JorDan (from AiSimOth to Belsa, west of MoAb).[Editor note: The story resumes here.] 50It was there (west of MoAb by the JorDan River, close to JeriCho) that the Lord spoke to Moses and said:51‘Now tell the children of IsraEl that they are to cross the JorDan into the land of CanaAn, 52where they must destroy everyone who lives in that land.‘They must tear down their altars, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their [sacred] columns! 53All the inhabitants of the land must be destroyed so they can live there... For I have given them this land as their inheritance.54‘The land that each tribe inherits must thereafter be divided in a lottery. The more people there are in each tribe, the larger their inheritance must be; and the smaller the tribe, the smaller its inheritance… The inheritances must be divided by [the sizes of] their tribes and families.55‘Now, if you don’t destroy the people who live in that land; those who are left over will eventually become thorns in your eyes and darts in your sides! They’ll always be your enemies in this land... 56And the things that I had planned to do to them, I’ll do to you!’
[Editor note: Now follows descriptions of the borders, the cities for the Levites, and more laws. The story resumes in Numbers 36:1.]
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:2‘Tell the children of IsraEl that when they enter the land of CanaAn that they’re going to inherit, 3their southern border will run southward from the Sin Desert along the borders of Edom, then east to the [Dead] Sea.4‘The border will thereafter run from the south to the base of AcraBin and on to EnNac, and on southward to KaDesh Barne. It will run to the village of Arad and on past AseMona.5‘From AseMona it will run to the [Nile] River, and end at the sea.6‘The western border will be the [MediTerranean] Sea.7‘They’ll have to measure their northern border themselves, but it will run from the [MediTerranean] Sea along the edge of the mountains. 8They’ll have to measure from the mountains at the entrance to Emath to where they end along the border of SaraDac.9‘Then the border must go on to DephRona and end at ArseNain… This is their northern border.10‘The eastern border will run from ArseNain to SepPhamar, 11then over to the springs east of Bela and down along the east side of the Sea [of Galilee].12‘From there it will run down the JorDan River and end at the [Dead] Sea.‘This will be their land and their borders.’13Then Moses gave the children of IsraEl these instructions.[And] he said:‘This is the land that you’re going to inherit by lottery, as Jehovah commanded it to be given to the 9 tribes and the half Tribe of ManasSeh, 14because the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and the half Tribe of ManasSeh have already received their inheritances.15‘The inheritance that these 2-1/2 tribes have received is on the other side of the JorDan, southeast of JeriCho.’16And the Lord told Moses:17‘These are the men who will divide the inheritances of land:• EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (son of NaWeh), 18and one ruler from each of the tribes...19• From the Tribe of Judah, Caleb (son of JePhonNe),
20• From the Tribe of SymeOn, SalamiEl (son of SemiUd),
21• From the Tribe of BenJamin, ElDad (son of ChasLon),
22• From the Tribe of Dan, BacChir (son of Egli),
23• From the sons of JoSeph:
The leader of the Tribe of ManasSeh should be AniEl (son of Suphi), and
24From the Tribe of Ephraim, the leader must be CamuEl (son of SabaThan).
25• From the Tribe of ZebuLon, EliShaphan (son of Pharnac),
26• From the Tribe of IshSachar, PhaltiEl (son of Oza),
27• From the tribe of Asher, AchiOr (son of Selemi), and
28• From the Tribe of NaphTali, PhadaEl (son of JamiUd).’29These were the ones whom Jehovah commanded to do the distributing to the children of IsraEl within the land of CanaAn.
1Then the Lord spoke to Moses by the JorDan River near JeriCho (west of MoAb) and said:2‘Now, give orders to the children of IsraEl and tell them that they must allot cities for the Levites to live in and own. They must provide them with suburbs around their cities to live in, 3which have pens for their cattle and all their animals.4‘These suburbs that they are to give to the Levites must run out and around their city walls for 3,000 feet (914m). 5So, they must measure out:• 3,000 feet (914m) on the east side, • 3,000 feet (914m) on the south side, • 3,000 feet (914m) on the west side, and • 3,000 feet (914m) on the north side...‘...and their cities must be in the center.6‘They must also give the Levites 6 refuge cities, which will become havens for those who kill someone [accidentally]. In addition, they must provide them 42 more cities.7‘So altogether, they must give the Levites 48 cities, in addition to their suburbs.8‘[As to the size and location] of these cities that the children of IsraEl are to give them; those who have much must give much, and those who have less may give less... But all [the tribes] must give some of the cities that they’re going to inherit to the Levites.’9Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:10‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them that when they cross the JorDan into the land of CanaAn, 11they must assign refuge cities to which those who accidentally kill someone may run.12‘These cities must be havens of refuge from those who would avenge the blood [of the one who was killed]. And there, no killer may be executed before he stands trial in a court.13‘There must be six of these cities that you are to set aside as places of refuge:14• Three on the east side of the JorDan, and • Three in the land of CanaAn.15‘They must serve as places of refuge for the children of IsraEl, for aliens, and for those who are just visiting in your land. These cities must be places of refuge where anyone may run who’s killed a man unintentionally.16‘However, if [a man] strikes [and kills a person] with something that’s made of iron, the man must die, for he is a murderer and all murderers must be put to death! 17And if he throws a rock in an attempt to kill him and the person dies, he’s a murderer and all murderers must be put to death. 18And if he hits him with a wooden instrument that he’s holding in his hands and kills him, he’s a murderer and all murderers must be put to death.19‘Those who would avenge the blood [of the one who was killed] must execute the murderer… When they catch him, they must kill him!20‘If someone is angry and stabs another, or throws something at him from ambush, 21or if he beats him in anger and the man dies; the one who struck him must be put to death, for he is a murderer. The blood avenger must absolutely kill the murderer when he finds him.22‘However, if someone is accidentally stabbed (where no anger is involved), or something hits him (other than from ambush), 23or he’s accidentally hit with a rock and he dies when no enemy was looking to harm him... 24Then the court must use these rules to judge between the one who did the striking and the blood avenger.25‘And [if he’s found innocent], the gathering must save the slayer from the blood avenger and allow him to stay in the refuge city that he ran to. And he must live there until the High Priest (the one who was anointed with the holy oil) dies.26‘But if the person who did the killing should ever leave the city that he ran to for refuge, 27and the blood avenger should find him outside the refuge-city limits, and the blood-avenger kills him, he has done no wrong.28‘For the man should have stayed in the refuge city until the High Priest died. Only after the death of the High Priest may the slayer return to his homeland.29‘These are the rules of judgment that are to be used throughout all your generations and wherever you live. 30You must execute someone as a murderer whenever there’s enough evidence. But, one piece of evidence against a person isn’t enough to have him put to death.31‘Also, you may not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who has been condemned to death… He absolutely must die. 32And you may not accept a ransom to keep a man from having to stay in a refuge city and live there until the death of the High Priest.33‘So, you must not pollute the land that you live in with murder, because blood pollutes the land. And the only way that the land may be purged of shed blood is with the blood of the one who shed it.34‘You must not dirty the land where you’re living and where I’m living among you!‘For I am Jehovah, who dwells in the midst of the children of IsraEl.’
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1Then the heads of the tribe of the sons of GalaAd (son of MachIr, grandson of ManasSeh of the tribe of the sons of JoSeph) spoke before Moses, EliEzer the Priest, and the heads of the houses and families of the children of IsraEl.2They said:‘Jehovah commanded our lord to assign the land that the children of IsraEl will inherit by lottery... Then Jehovah told our lord to give our brother SalpaAd’s inheritance to his daughters.3‘But, if they marry into one of the other tribes of IsraEl, their inheritance must then be taken away from them. Then, what belongs to our fathers won’t be inherited by the tribe they marry into, and we won’t lose any part of our inheritance.4‘For, during [the year of] Releasing of the children of IsraEl, their inheritance would be considered as being part of the tribe that the women married in to, and it wouldn’t be returned to our family’s tribe.’5So, following Jehovah’s instructions, Moses told the children of IsraEl:‘In accordance with [the request of] the tribe of the children of JoSeph, 6this is what Jehovah has said concerning the daughters of SalpaAd:‘They may marry whomever they wish, but they may only marry among their father’s tribe 7so that the inherited [lands] of the children of IsraEl aren’t moved from one tribe to another tribe. For the inherited lands of the children of IsraEl must remain in the same family’s tribe.8‘And whenever a daughter is heir to a property among the tribes of the children of IsraEl, she must marry someone in her father’s tribe so that the sons of IsraEl may each inherit property in their father’s tribe… 9For, the inheritance must not be passed from one tribe to another. Rather, the children of IsraEl must each hold onto their own inheritances.’10Well thereafter, the daughters of SalpaAd did just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.11Thersa, Egla, Melcha, Nua, and MalaA (SalpaAd’s daughters) married their cousins 12who were from the tribe of ManasSeh (of the sons of JoSeph), and their inheritance remained part of their father’s family tribe.13These are the commandments, laws, and decisions that Jehovah gave to Moses west of MoAb, by the JorDan River, near JeriCho.
1These are the things that Moses said to all the IsraElites while they were in the desert on the east side of the JorDan near the Red Sea (between Pharan-Tophol, Lobon, Aulon, and the gold works), 211 day’s journey from the Dry Place (Horeb) on the road between Mount SeIr and KaDesh Barne.3It was the 1st day of the 11th month of the 40th year that Moses spoke to the children of IsraEl, and [he recounted] all the instructions that Jehovah had given to Him concerning them. 4This was after he had cut down SeOn, the king of the Amorites (who lived in Hesh-EbonEh), as well as Og, the king of BaShan (who lived in AstarOth and EdraIn) 5in the land of MoAb.Moses said this about [God’s] Law:6‘It was while we were in the Dry Place (Horeb) that Jehovah our God spoke to us and said:‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7Now, turn around and go!‘Enter the mountains of the Amorites and of those who live next to the desert… From their mountains and valleys in the south to the coast of the land of the CanaAnites, to [the borders] of Lebanon, and on to the great EuPhrates River.8‘Look! God has given you all the land that is before you!‘So, go there and inherit the land that I swore that I’d give to your ancestors AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, and to their offspring.’9‘As I told you before... I was unable to lead you all by myself, 10for Jehovah your God has made you grow.‘Just look at how many you’ve become… Like the stars in the skies in number!11‘For Jehovah the God of your ancestors has made you grow a thousand-times more, and He has spoken to you and blest you! 12So, how could I handle all the work, burdens, and your complaints by myself?13‘Therefore, [I told you to] select some wise, understanding, and sensible men from your tribes whom I would appoint as your leaders.14‘Then you answered me and said:‘What you’ve told us to do is good!’15‘So, I took your wise, understanding, and sensible men and assigned them to be the rulers of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, to serve as your officers and judges... 16And at the time, I told your judges to hear the cases between your brothers and to judge honestly, whether it’s [a dispute] between a man and his brother, or with him and the converts who are living among you…17‘And they were not to favor one over the other when it came to their judgments. Rather, they were to judge both the rich and the poor in the same way. Nor were they to fear anyone, because the judgment is God’s.18‘And whenever a case was too hard for them, they were to bring it to me and then I’d hear it.’19‘So, just as Jehovah our God had instructed us, we left that Dry Place (Horeb) and traveled through the desert (which you saw was vast and terrible), and on through the mountains of the Amorites to KaDesh Barne.20‘Then, as we were approaching the mountains of the Amorites, I told you:21‘{Look!} Jehovah your God has given you all the land that lies before you.‘So, go there and inherit it… And just as Jehovah the God of your ancestors said to you: Don’t be afraid!’22‘But then you all came to me and said:‘Let’s send some men ahead of us into the land and have them bring back a report about which way we should travel and which of the cities we should enter.’23‘Well, that sounded good to me, so I chose 12 men, one from each tribe.24‘Then they turned and ascended the mountains and traveled as far as the Valley of the [Grape] Clusters to survey it... 25There they gathered some of the fruit of the land and brought it back to you, and they said:‘The land that Jehovah our God is giving to us is good!’26‘However, you refused to enter it and you rebelled against the words of our God Jehovah. 27For you went back to your tents and started complaining, saying:‘Jehovah hates us, because he’s brought us out of the land of Egypt just to put us into the hands of the Amorites – who’ll destroy us!28‘So, why would we want to go there?’‘Then your brothers grabbed at your heart strings when they said:‘It’s a big country, and they have many more people who are stronger than us… Their cities are huge, with walls that reach into the sky, and we saw the sons of the giants there!’29‘But I told you:‘Don’t be afraid and don’t fear them, 30because Jehovah your God is traveling before you and He will fight them for you and win, just as He did for you in the land of Egypt!31‘You have already seen Him do this [many times] while you were in this desert on the way to the mountains of the Amorites, because Jehovah your God carried you as dearly as any man could nurse his own children throughout all your travels on the way to this place.’32‘But you didn’t believe Jehovah your God 33who traveled before you, who chose the places where you would stay, and who guided you with a fire each night and showed you the way to go with a cloud each day.34‘And when the Lord heard the things you were saying, He became very angry!‘So He swore and said:35‘None of these men will be allowed to see the good land that I swore to give to their ancestors, 36except Caleb, son of JephonNe… He will see it and I’ll give this land that he traveled to, to him and to his sons, because he did what Jehovah said!’37‘Then Jehovah became very angry with me because of you!‘For he told me:‘You won’t enter the land either. 38Rather, JoShua son of NaWeh, who stands at your side, will enter [the land]. So, you must give him [your] strength, because he will help IsraEl to inherit it.39‘However, only the young children that haven’t yet come to know good from evil will enter [the land with him]… I’m going to give it to them and they’ll inherit it!’40‘Thereafter, you turned around and marched back into the desert, along the banks of the Red Sea.41‘But later, you said:‘We have sinned against Jehovah our God, so now we’re going to go back and fight, just as our God Jehovah had commanded!’‘So, everyone picked up his weapons of war and they gathered to return to the mountain.42‘However, Jehovah said to me:‘Tell them not to go and fight, because I’m not with them, so their enemies will destroy them!’43‘And that’s what I told you… But you wouldn’t listen to me!‘You disobeyed Jehovah’s commandments and you forced your way up the mountain... 44Then the Amorites who lived there came out to meet you and chased you like bees all the way from [Mount] SeIr to [Mount] Herman!45‘And thereafter, you sat down and bawled before our God Jehovah, but He wouldn’t listen to you or pay any attention to you.46‘Well, following that, you spent a long time living in KaDesh.’
1‘After that, we turned left and [traveled] through the desert, following the Red Sea, just as Jehovah had told me, and we circled Mount SeIr for many days.2‘And finally, the Lord said to me:3‘You have circled these Mountains long enough; now turn and head north.4‘Tell the people that you’re now going to cross the borders of your brothers, the children of Esau who live in SeIr, and that will really make them fear you! 5But don’t fight with [the children of Esau], because I won’t give you enough of their land to stand on, since I’ve given Mount SeIr to the children of Esau as their inheritance.6‘Rather, you’ll have to pay for any food that you buy from them to eat, and for any water that you’ll drink.’7‘Yet, Jehovah our God has continued to bless you in everything that you’ve done… Just think of how you were able to travel through that great and terrible desert!‘For {Look!} during those 40 years under Jehovah your God, you haven’t lacked for anything!’8‘Then we passed by our brothers, the children of Esau who lived in SeIr, walking through the desert between AiLon and GesiOn Gaber. And after that, we turned and walked through the deserts of MoAb.9‘It was then that Jehovah said to me:‘Don’t argue with the MoAbites and don’t fight with them, for I won’t give you their land as an inheritance either, since I’ve given AroEr to the children of Lot as their inheritance.’10‘The OmMin, a nation that was as large and powerful as the Anakim, used to live there 11(they were once known as the RaphaIn), as did the Anakim (whom the MoAbites called the OmMin). 12The ChorRhites also used to live in SeIr before the sons of Esau destroyed them and wiped them out. For then they took possession of the land, like IsraEl will take possession of this land that Jehovah is giving to them as an inheritance.13‘After that, I was told that we should leave and cross the Zaret Valley.14‘So, we spent the next 38 years traveling between KaDesh-Barne and the Zaret Valley, until the whole generation of the men of war had died (as Jehovah God had sworn to them). 15For it was Jehovah’s hand that wiped them out of our camp until they were all gone.’16‘Then after all the men of war had died, 17the Lord spoke to me and said:18‘Now, cross the borders of MoAb and go on to AroEr today, 19but don’t approach the children of AmMon… Don’t argue with them or war with them, for I won’t give you the children of AmMon’s land as an inheritance, since I’ve already given it to the children of Lot as their inheritance.’20‘It’s also called the land of the RaphaIn, because the RaphaIn (whom the AmMonites call the ZochomMin) also used to live there.21‘They were once a great nation with many more people and were mightier than you are (as were the Anakim), but Jehovah destroyed them and [the AmMonites] inherited their land, where they live to this day. 22[In the same way,] the children of Esau who live in SeIr destroyed the ChorRhites and inherited their land, where they live to this day. 23Also [like how] the Evites (who lived between AsedOth and Gaza) were conquered by the Cappadocians… They came from CappaDocia to destroy them, and now they live in their land.24‘So [then the Lord told us]:‘Get up and cross the Arnon Valley; for {Look!} I’ve given SeOn (the Amorite king of Hesh-EbonEh) and his land into your hands!‘Fight with him and inherit his land today. 25Start putting fear and terror into the faces of all the nations under the sky! For they’ll be disturbed whenever they hear your name, and they’ll become very sad when they hear that you’re heading towards them!’26‘Then, from the KedamOth Desert, I sent ambassadors to SeOn the king of Hesh-EbonEh with words of peace, saying:27‘I wish to pass through your land. I will just travel along the roads and I won’t turn to the right or to the left. 28We’ll pay for any food that we eat with money, and we’ll pay for any water that we drink.‘We’ll pass through on foot, 29like we did with the sons of Esau who live in SeIr, and with the MoAbites that live in AroEr, until we reach the JorDan and the land that Jehovah our God is giving to us.’30‘But SeOn (the king of Hesh-EbonEh) wouldn’t allow us to pass through his land, because Jehovah our God hardened his spirit and gave him a stubborn heart so that he would be delivered into our hands on that day.31‘For the Lord said to me:‘Look! I’m putting SeOn (the Amorite king of Hesh-EbonEh) and his land into your hands!‘So now, inherit his land!’32‘Well, SeOn (the king of Hesh-EbonEh) came out with all his people to fight us at JasSa... 33But our God Jehovah handed him over to us and we cut them all down (him, his sons, and all of his people)!34‘Then we took all of his cities, destroying each one in succession, along with their women and children… We left no one alive. 35However, we took their cattle and we looted their cities.36‘And all the way from AroEr (which lies at the edge of the brook of Arnon) to the cities in the valley to Mount GileAd, there wasn’t a town that escaped us! Jehovah our God gave them all into our hands.37‘However, following Jehovah’s instructions, we didn’t go near the children of AmMon or even get close to their border along the JaBoc Wadi and their cities in the mountains.’
1‘Then we turned and traveled towards BaShan, and Og the king of BaShan came out to fight us with all of his people at Edraim.2‘So the Lord said to me:‘Don’t be afraid of him, because I’m giving him, all of his people, and all of his land into your hands.‘Therefore, do to him as you did to SeOn, the king of the Amorites that lived in Hesh-EbonEh.’3‘So Jehovah our God did give him into our hands, as well as all of his people... We cut them down until none of their offspring was left; 4and then we captured all of their cities.‘For at that time, there were 60 cities all around the country of ArGob that belonged to King Og. 5They were all strong cities with high walls, high gates, and strong locks.‘[We also captured] many Pherezite cities 6and we destroyed everything, as we’d done to SeOn the king of Hesh-EbonEh. We destroyed each city in its order, as well as all the women and children. 7However, we took all their cattle and we looted the cities.8‘At that time, we also captured land that belonged to two Amorite kings who [lived on] the other side of the JorDan. Their land ran from the brook of Arnon to HerMon 9(The Phoenicians call HerMon ‘SaniOr,’ but the Amorites called it ‘SanIr’).10‘We captured all the cities of Misor, all of GileAd, and all of BaShan as far as ElCha and Edraim, which were cities of the kingdom of Og in BaShan.11‘Og, the king of BaShan was the last of the RaphaIn.‘{Look!} His bed (which was found in the capital city of the children of AmMon) was made of iron. {Look!} It was 13 feet (4m) long and 6 feet (1.8m) wide!12‘So at that time, we inherited all the land from AroEr (along the border of the Arnon), plus half of Mount GileAd, which cities I gave to ReuBen and Gad. 13Then I gave the rest of GileAd and all of Og’s kingdom of BaShan to the half-tribe of ManasSeh, which includes all the country around ArGob (which [used to be] the land of the RaphaIn).14‘Then JaIr (son of ManasSeh) took all the country around ArGob, as far as the borders of GarGasi and MachAthi, and he named them after himself – BaShan, ThavOth, and JaIr – which is what they’re still called today.15‘Then I gave GileAd to MachIr, 16and I gave the land below GileAd – from the middle of the Arnon Wadi, which borders the children of AmMon, all the way to JaBoc – to ReuBen and Gad.17‘So, the Araba and the JorDan are the boundaries of MachanAreth, running east from the Sea of [Galilee] to the [Dead] Sea below AsedOth Phasga.’18‘At that time, I told [the men of the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh] that Jehovah their God had given them this land [to be assigned] by lottery, and that all the mighty [men] should then arm themselves and march ahead of their brothers, the children of IsraEl.19‘However, they were to leave their women, children, and cattle (I know that they have many cattle) in the cities that I’d given to them, 20until Jehovah our God provides their brothers a haven (the same as He’s given to them) and they inherit the land that Jehovah is giving to them on the other side of JorDan…‘Yes, that’s when each one will have his own inheritance.21‘That’s also when I told JoShua:‘You’ve seen everything that Jehovah our God did to these two kings, and that’s what He’s going to do to all the kingdoms that you are crossing over to there. 22So, you must not be afraid of them, because Jehovah our God will fight for you!’23‘Then I went before Jehovah and asked:24‘Lord God,‘You’ve just begun to show Your strength, Your power, Your mighty hand and mighty arm to Your servants... For, what God is there in heaven or on earth who can do as You have done by Your might?25‘So, [please] allow me to cross into this good land and see what’s beyond the JorDan… Its wonderful mountains and the borders of Lebanon!’26‘But Jehovah replied:‘Because you didn’t show respect or listen to Me, don’t ask Me about this anymore!27‘Now, climb to the top of the rocks and look west, north, south, and east… Look with your eyes. However, you may not cross the JorDan.28‘Then speak to JoShua… Give him strength and encourage him, because he’s going to lead these people, and he’s the one who’ll give them their inheritance in the land that you’ve seen.’29‘Well thereafter, we camped in the valley near the house of PhoGor.’
1‘And now, O IsraEl,‘Listen to the rules and decisions – everything that I’m going to teach you today – so that you can live, grow, and inherit the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving to you!2‘Don’t add anything to or take anything away from these Commandments that I’m giving you today. Just obey the Commandments of Jehovah our God and do everything that I’m commanding you.3‘For, you’ve seen everything that Jehovah our God did to the men [who started worshiping] BeEl PhoGor… Jehovah destroyed them all from among you! 4And it’s only because you stayed close to your God that you’re all still alive today!5‘{Look} I’ve shown you all the rules and decisions, just as Jehovah gave them to me... So you must follow them in the land that you’re traveling to and which you’ll inherit. 6Obey them, and do them... Because this is what will brand you as a wise and understanding people to the nations!‘For when they hear all these rules they’ll say:‘Look! They’re a great nation of wise and understanding people!’7‘What other nation is there that’s so great that they have a God as close to them as our God Jehovah is [to us], and to whom we may call about anything?8‘And what other nation has rules and decisions that are as righteous as all these laws that I’m setting before you today?9‘So, keep an eye on yourselves and carefully guard your hearts! Don’t forget any of the things that you’ve seen… Keep them in your hearts throughout the rest of your lives!‘You must teach your sons and your grandsons 10the things that happened when you gathered before Jehovah our God at Horeb… When the Lord said to me:‘Gather the people to Me and have them listen to My words, so they can learn to fear Me for as long as they live in the land, and then teach this to their sons.’11‘You yourselves went and stood at the base of the mountain as it burned with fire all the way into the heavens… And there was darkness, blackness, and wind. 12Then the Lord spoke to you from the midst of the fire with a voice and with words that you heard… Yes, although you saw no shape, you heard the voice!13‘Then He proclaimed His Sacred Agreement with you, and He ordered you to keep the Ten Commandments that He wrote on the two tablets of stone.14‘And then Jehovah commanded me to teach you His rules and decisions, which you should obey in the land that you’re going to inherit.15‘Yes, keep them in your hearts! For you’ve never seen another day like the one when Jehovah spoke to you on Mount Horeb from the midst of the fire!16‘So, don’t sin by carving images of any kind… No, not in the shape of males or females, 17of any animals on the ground, of any winged creatures that fly in the sky, 18of any slithering animals that crawl on the ground, or of any creatures that live in the waters below the ground.19‘Nor should you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, stars, or any of the other heavenly bodies that Jehovah your God provided to all the nations under the heavens, and then go off and worship and serve them.20‘For God took you and led you out of the land of Egypt – out of that iron furnace – to be His people and His inheritance today.21‘Then Jehovah God became very angry with me over things that you said, and He swore that I wouldn’t cross the JorDan and enter the land that He’s giving to you as your inheritance!22‘So, I will now die in this land and I won’t [be allowed to] cross the JorDan… But you will cross it and inherit that good land.23‘Therefore, pay attention to yourselves and don’t forget the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah our God made with you.‘Don’t sin by carving images of any of the things that Jehovah your God told you not to [worship]. 24For Jehovah your God is zealous, and He can be a consuming fire!25‘Then, after you’ve fathered sons and they’ve grown old and had grandchildren… If they sin and carve images of things and start acting wickedly towards Jehovah your God and anger Him... 26I swear before heaven and earth that they’ll be destroyed from the land that you’re going to inherit across the JorDan… They won’t live to get any older and they’ll be cut off!27‘Then Jehovah will scatter them among all the nations and they’ll become the minority among all the [people] wherever Jehovah sends them. 28There they’ll serve other gods… Things that men make with their hands from wood and stone… Gods who can’t see, hear, eat, or smell.29‘But if they’ll search for Jehovah their God in that place, they’ll find Him!‘For, whenever you’re oppressed and you search for Him with your whole hearts and souls, [you’ll find Him]… 30And that’s what’ll happen to [your people] in the last days.‘They must turn to Jehovah their God and listen to His voice... 31Because, Jehovah your God is also a God of pity, so He won’t forget the Sacred Agreement that He made with your ancestors, and He won’t leave you or destroy you.32‘Ask from one end of the sky to the other… Since the time that God created man on the earth, has anyone ever heard of such a great thing happening?33‘Has any other nation ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of fire, as you’ve heard it and experienced it?34‘What [other] nation has God elevated and taken as His own with trials, signs, wonders, and war (with His mighty hand and mighty arm)… Yes, with all these great things that we saw Jehovah our God do in Egypt?35‘So, you should know that Jehovah your God is The God, and that there’s no other, than just Him!36‘For it was His voice that you heard coming from the sky and teaching you when He showed you His great fire and when you heard His words from the midst of that fire!37‘It was only because He loved your ancestors that He chose you (because you’re their offspring) and drew you to Him; and then with His great strength, He brought you out of Egypt... 38Thereafter, He destroyed nations that were much greater and stronger than you are – right in front of you – to bring you here today and to give you their land as your inheritance.39‘So, recognize all of this and consider it in your hearts. For Jehovah your God is the God of the skies above and of the lands below them… And there’s no other!40‘So if you keep His Commandments and rules – all that I’m giving you today – it will go well for you and your descendants, and you may live on the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you for a long time… Throughout the ages!’41Then Moses set aside these three towns on the east side of the JorDan 42as refuge cities where men who have unintentionally killed a neighbor (someone whom they’ve never hated) can run to and live:43• Bosor in the plains of ReuBen,
• RamOth in GileAd (Gad’s land), and
• GauLon in BaShan (ManasSeh’s land).44These were the laws that Moses laid out before the children of IsraEl…
45They are the testimonies, rules, and decisions that Moses told the sons of IsraEl after they left Egypt 46and while they were on the other side of the JorDan in the valley near the house of PhoGor in the land of SeOn (the king of the Amorites who lived in Hesh-EbonEh) and whom Moses and the sons of IsraEl destroyed.47So they inherited this land; the land of Og (the king of BaShan) and that of the two Amorite kings, which is east of the JorDan 48and runs from from AroEr (which borders the Arnon Wadi) to Mount SeOn (or HerMon)… 49All the plains from the JorDan east and down to [Mount Pisgah].
1Then Moses gathered all of IsraEl and said to them:‘Listen to the rules and decisions… All that I’m going to tell you today!‘Learn them and obey them, O IsraEl; 2for your God Jehovah made a Sacred Agreement with you at the Dry Place (Horeb)… 3He didn’t make it with your ancestors, He made it with you… Yes you who are all here and living today!4‘He spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire 5as I stood between you and the Lord, and then I reported His words to you, because you were afraid of the fire and you didn’t want to get any closer to the mountain.6‘He said:‘I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 7So, you must have no gods other than Me, 8and you must not make images for yourselves of anything in the skies above, on the ground below, or of things that live in the water under the ground.9‘You must not bow before them or serve them, for I (Jehovah your God) am a zealous God, and I bring the sins of the ancestors upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me, 10while I’m merciful to the thousands who love Me and keep My Commandments.’11‘Therefore:‘You must not misuse the Name of your God, Jehovah... For your God Jehovah won’t forgive those who misuse His Name.12‘Keep the Sabbaths and make them holy, just as Jehovah your God has commanded you! 13You may work and get everything done in 6 days, 14but the 7th day is the Sabbath of your God Jehovah, when you must do no work… Not you, your sons or daughters, your male or female servants, your oxen, your burros, any of your cattle, or any converts that are visiting among you.‘Both you and your servants must rest... 15Remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt before Jehovah your God brought you out of there with His strong hand and mighty arm.‘So, Jehovah has instructed you to keep the Sabbaths and to make them holy!’16‘Honor your father and mother, as Jehovah your God commanded you, so that things may go well for you and that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you.’17‘You must not commit murder.’18‘You must not commit adultery.’19‘You must not steal.’20‘You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.’21‘You must not desire your neighbor’s woman, his house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his burro, any of his other animals, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.’22‘Yes, these are the words that Jehovah spoke to the gathering with a loud voice at the mountain from the midst of the fire, darkness, blackness, and storms… And He didn’t add anything more.‘He then wrote them on two tablets of stone and He gave them to me.23‘Then after you heard his voice from the midst of the fire (for the mountain was burning with fire when all of you went there with the heads of your tribes and your elders), 24you said:‘{Look!} Jehovah our God has now shown us His glory and we’ve heard His voice coming from the midst of the fire.‘We’ve also seen that when God speaks to men, we can still live! 25However, we were all [afraid] that we would die… That this great fire would burn us up and kill us if we listened to the voice of Jehovah our God any longer!26‘For, what flesh has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking from a fire as we have, and still lived?’27‘[So you told me]:‘We want you to go up to Him and listen to whatever Jehovah our God has to say, then come back and tell us whatever Jehovah our God has said… For we’ll do [whatever He tells you that we must do]!’28‘Well, when the Lord heard what you said to me, He told me this:‘I’ve heard everything that these people have said to you… And everything that they’ve said is good... 29However, I just wish that they had the types of hearts in them that would cause them to fear Me and to keep My commandments, so that things would continue to go well for them and their descendants throughout the ages!30‘So now, go back and tell them to return to their homes.31‘Then you can stand here with Me and I’ll give you all the Commandments, rules, and decisions that you must then teach to them, and they must obey all of them when they enter the land that I’m giving to them as their inheritance.32‘They must pay close attention and do everything that Jehovah their God commands them to do… They must not stray to the right or to the left.33‘Rather, they must follow the path that Jehovah their God will tell them to walk so that He may provide them with rest, so that things may go well for them, and so that they may live even longer in the land that they’re going to inherit.’
1‘These are all the Commandments, rules, and decisions that Jehovah your God gave to you and taught you to obey in the land that you will inherit.2‘So, fear Jehovah your God and follow all the rules and Commandments that I’m giving to you, to your sons, and to your grandsons for as long as you all may live!3‘Now, listen to them, O IsraEl, and obey them so that things may go well for you and so that your [families] will grow, just as Jehovah the God of your ancestors promised that He would do for you when He gives you a land flowing with milk and honey.‘Yes, these are the rules and decisions that the Lord gave as Commandments to the children of IsraEl while they were in the desert, after they left the land of Egypt.4‘[He said]:‘Listen, O IsraEl!‘Jehovah your God is the only Lord, 5and you must love Him with your whole mind, with your whole life, and with your whole strength.6‘And these words that I am commanding you today must stay in your hearts and in your lives… 7then you must teach them to your children. Speak of them while you’re sitting at home, while you’re out walking, before you go to bed and when you get up.8‘You must tie them to your hands as a sign and keep them before your eyes… 9Write them on the doorposts of your homes and on your gates!’10‘And when Jehovah your God brings you into the land that He promised your ancestors AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob that He would give to you, along with:• Great and beautiful cities (that you didn’t build), 11• Houses that are full of all sorts of good things (that you didn’t put there), • Wells dug in rock (that you didn’t dig), • Vineyards and olive groves (that you didn’t plant)...‘...[places] where you’ll eat and be filled, 12you must be careful not to forget Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery!13‘So, you must fear Jehovah your God and serve only Him!‘You must stick to Him and swear by His Name!14‘Don’t follow other gods, such as the gods of the nations around you, 15for Jehovah your God (who is among you) is a zealous God! Otherwise, Jehovah your God will be very angry with you and [He will] destroy you from the face of the ground!16‘You must not test Jehovah your God as you tested Him in the [desert]!17‘You must absolutely keep all the Commandments, decisions, and rules that He gave to you, 18and you must do everything that’s pleasing and good before Jehovah, so that things will go well for you and you may enter and inherit the good land that Jehovah promised to your ancestors, 19from which He promised to chase all of your enemies away ahead of you.20‘Then if your son should ever ask you:‘What are the words, rules, and decisions that Jehovah our God has given to us?’21‘You must tell him:‘We were once slaves to PharaOh in the land of Egypt; then Jehovah brought us out of there with His strong hand and mighty arm! 22For Jehovah performed signs and great miracles on our behalf there in Egypt, before PharaOh and His house.23‘Then He brought us out of there to give us this land, which He promised our ancestors that He would give to us. 24Then the Lord taught us to obey all His rules and to fear our God, so that things will go well for us throughout the ages that we’ll live here, [starting from] today.25‘For, Jehovah our God will be merciful to us if we pay attention and obey all these Commandments that He gave to us.’
1‘And when Jehovah your God brings you in and gives you the land where you’re going; [He] will remove great nations from before you – the Hittites, Gergesites, Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites – 7 nations that are larger and stronger than you are.2‘Jehovah your God will give them into your hands and you must cut them down… Destroy them!‘You must not make any treaties with them or feel pity for them, 3nor may you marry among them or give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. 4Otherwise, they’ll draw your sons away to serve other gods, and Jehovah will be very angry with you and quickly destroy you.5‘This is what you should do to them:‘Destroy their altars and break down their [sacred] columns, then cut down their sacred poles and burn the carved images of their gods with fire… 6For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and He chose you to be His people over all the other nations on the face of the earth!’7‘But, Jehovah didn’t prefer and choose you because there are more of you than there are in other nations… For you’re smaller than the rest. 8Rather, He chose you because He loves you and because He wants to keep the promise that He made to your ancestors. So He brought you out of the house of slavery – out of the hand of PharaOh, the king of Egypt – with His strong hand.9‘Therefore, you should know that Jehovah your God is a faithful God who keeps promises, and that He’s merciful to those who love Him and keep His Commandments through thousands of generations... 10Yet, He pays back those who hate Him to their faces by destroying them… He doesn’t cut any slack for those who hate Him.11‘So you must keep His Commandments, rules, and these decisions that I’m giving to you today. 12And after you hear them (and if you decide to keep them), Jehovah your God will keep His Sacred Agreement with you and show you the mercy that He promised to your ancestors.13‘He will love you, bless you, and make you grow.‘He will also bless the children who come from you, as well as the fruitage of your [fields] – your grain, wine, oil, herds of oxen, and flocks of sheep – in the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to you.14‘You’ll be blest beyond all other nations, and neither you nor your cattle will be impotent or sterile.15‘Jehovah your God will also take away all illnesses… He won’t bring any of the terrible diseases that you saw in Egypt upon you, but He will send them upon all those who hate you.16‘You may eat whatever you take from the nations that Jehovah your God is giving to you. But you must not spare them, nor may you serve their gods, because that would be a sin!17‘Now, if you start thinking that some nation is stronger than you are, and you wonder if it’s even possible for you to destroy them... 18Just remember all that Jehovah your God did to PharaOh and to the Egyptians! 19For you’ve seen all the great signs, wonders, and the strong hand and mighty arm that Jehovah your God used to bring you out of there; and that’s the same thing that He will do to those nations… They’ll [shake in] fear when they see you!20‘Jehovah your God will send hornets against them until all that are left and hiding from you are destroyed. 21Yet, none of you’ll even be wounded, because Jehovah your God who’s among you is a great and powerful God.22‘However, Jehovah your God will only destroy these nations a little at a time… You won’t be able to destroy them quickly; otherwise, the land would become desert again and there would be too many wild animals in your fields. 23Yet, Jehovah your God will give them all into your hands… So you must [keep on] destroying them until they’re all gone.24‘He will deliver their kings into your hands and you’ll wipe away their names… No one will be able to stand before you until you’ve destroyed them all!25‘Then you must burn all the carved images of their gods in fires… You must not loot their [images] of silver or gold, for that would offend Jehovah your God, since these things are disgusting to Him! 26So, don’t bring their disgusting things into your homes… Hate them and consider them as cursed, because they really are cursed!’
1‘You must be careful to obey all the Commandments that I’m giving you today so you can live and grow, and then enter and inherit the land that Jehovah your God has promised to your ancestors.2‘Don’t forget how Jehovah your God led you through the desert where He tested and tried you in order to show what’s in your hearts… Whether you’d keep His Commandments, or not.3‘For He tested you and corrected you with hunger, and then He fed you with manna (something that your ancestors had never heard of) to show you that men don’t only need bread to live, but [they also need] all the words that come from The God’s mouth.4‘Then your clothes didn’t wear out, nor did your shoes… And your feet never grew hard during these past 40 years!5‘In your hearts, you must realize that Jehovah your God has been disciplining you in the same way that any man should be disciplining his sons. 6So, you must keep His Commandments, follow His paths, and fear Him. 7For Jehovah your God will bring you into a large and good land where there are deep springs and rivers that flow down the mountains and into the plains.8‘It’s a land where there’s wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates… A land of olive oil and honey, 9where no one will go hungry and nobody will be [poor]… A land where stones are made of iron and copper is mined in the mountains!10‘Then, after you’ve eaten and are filled, you must praise Jehovah your God in the good land that He’s giving to you! 11Pay attention to yourselves and don’t forget Jehovah your God or overlook His Commandments, decisions, and rules, which I’m giving to you today.12‘So, after you’ve eaten and are full, and have built good houses and are living in them, 13and your herds of oxen and sheep have increased, and you’ve become wealthy and have many possessions... 14Don’t become too proud in your hearts and then forget Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery, 15and whom thereafter led you through that great and terrible desert where there were scorpions, biting snakes, and drought.‘For when there was no water, He brought you a fountain of water out of flinty rock. 16Then He fed you with manna in the desert, which was something of which you and your ancestors have never heard. He did all of this to [discipline] you, so He could do good things for you in the future.17‘Therefore, you must never say in your hearts:‘I’ve gained all this wealth with my own hands and by my own power!’18‘You must remember that it was Jehovah your God who has given you the power to gain your wealth… And this is because of the Promise that He swore to your ancestors.19‘And if you should ever forget Jehovah your God and choose to follow, bow before, and serve other gods... Then I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that you’ll be destroyed!20‘For, just as Jehovah is destroying the nations before you; that’s how you’ll be destroyed if you fail to listen to the voice of your God!’
1‘Listen [to me], O IsraEl!‘Today you’re going to cross the JorDan and you’ll inherit nations that are greater and stronger than you are, as well as large cities with walls that ‘reach into the skies.’2‘The people there are great, numerous, and tall… People like the sons of Enac, with whom you’re familiar and of whom you’ve heard it said:‘Who can stand before Enac’s children?’3‘But I want you to know today, that your God Jehovah will go ahead of you! For He is a consuming fire and He will destroy them… He will move them back before you and destroy them all quickly, just as He promised.’4‘Now, after Jehovah your God has destroyed all these nations before you, don’t say in your hearts:‘Jehovah brought me here to inherit this good land because I’m so righteous.’5‘For it isn’t because of your righteousness or due to the holiness in your hearts that you’re inheriting their land! Rather, it’s because these nations are so wicked that Jehovah will destroy them… And [He’s doing it] so that He may fulfill the Promise that He swore to our ancestors AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.6‘No, it isn’t because of your righteousness that Jehovah your God is giving you this good land as an inheritance; for you’re a [rebellious] people! 7Don’t forget how much you angered Jehovah your God in the desert, starting from the day that you left Egypt until you arrived here, because you’ve continued to disobey Him!8‘[Do you remember how] you made Jehovah so angry in the dry place (Horeb) that He wanted to destroy you?9‘Back when I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with you (the mountain that I was on for 40 days and 40 nights, and during which I had nothing to eat or drink), 10and the Lord gave me the two stone tablets that had been written on by the finger of God (yes, all those words that Jehovah said to you on the day that you gathered at the mountain)… 11At the end of those 40 days and 40 nights, when Jehovah gave me the two stone tablets containing the Sacred Agreement, 12He said to me:‘Now, get up and hurry down the mountain, because the people you brought out of the land of Egypt have sinned! They’ve already left the Commandments that I gave to them and they’ve made an image for themselves against Me!’13‘Then the Lord said to me:‘As I told you before, I’ve seen these people and {Look!} they’re rebellious. 14So, now I’m going to destroy them – blot their names out from under the sky – and make a great and mighty nation of you… One that’ll be greater than them!’15‘So, as the mountain was burning with fire that reached into the heavens, I turned around and went back down the mountain carrying the two tablets of Proofs, one in each hand... 16And when I saw that you had sinned against Jehovah your God and made yourselves an idol – something that Jehovah had commanded you not to do – 17I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands and broke them there before you!18‘Then I prayed and begged before the Lord (during another 40 days and 40 nights when I didn’t eat or drink anything), because of all your sins and the evil things that you did before Jehovah your God to anger Him.19‘And [this time] I was really frightened, because He was so angry with you that He wanted to destroy all of you! However, Jehovah listened to me one more time.20‘He was also so angry with Aaron that He wanted to destroy him… So I also prayed for Aaron. 21Then, because of your sins, I took that [gold] calf and burned it in a fire… I beat it down and ground it into dust, then I threw the dust into the brook that runs down the mountain!22‘You also angered Jehovah at the Burning, at the Temptation, and at the Graveyard of the Greedy.23‘And when Jehovah sent you from KaDesh Barne and said:‘Go and inherit the land that I am giving to you...’‘...you disobeyed Jehovah your God again! You didn’t believe Him and you wouldn’t do what He told you to do!24‘You’ve disobeyed everything that Jehovah has said since the day that you first came to know Him!25‘So I prayed to Jehovah for 40 days and 40 nights… That’s how long I prayed to Jehovah, begging Him not to destroy you!26‘I prayed this to God:‘O Lord,‘King of gods,‘Don’t destroy Your people… Your inheritance whom You purchased and whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with Your great power, strong hand, and mighty arm.27‘Remember Your servants AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, to whom You swore an oath by Your [Name]. Don’t look at the hard hearts of these people, at their lack of respect, and at their sins... 28Otherwise, those who live in that land from which You carried us away will say,‘Jehovah was unable to bring them into the land that He promised to them, because He didn’t care for them! So He carried them away from here just to kill them in the desert!’29‘But, these are Your people… Those whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with Your great strength, Your mighty hand, and Your mighty arm, because they’re Yours!’
1‘Then the Lord said to me:‘Cut two stone tablets for yourself just like the first ones; then come up here to Me on the mountain... Also make a wooden chest for yourself, 2[and I’ll] write the same words on these tablets that [I wrote] on the first tablets, and then you must put them into the chest.’3‘So I made a chest from boards of durable wood, and I cut stone tablets that were like the first ones; then I climbed the mountain with the two tablets in my hands, 4and there He wrote the Ten Commandments (which Jehovah spoke to you about from the midst of the fire on the mountain) on the tablets, the same as He did on the first ones, and then He gave them back to me.5‘So I turned and came down the mountain, and I put the tablets into the chest that I had made, just as Jehovah commanded.6‘Well from there, the children of IsraEl left BeerOth (of the sons of JaKim) and they traveled to MisadAi, where Aaron died and was buried, then his son EliEzer replaced him as the Priest.7‘And after that, we left and headed to GadGad.‘Then from GadGad [we went] to EteBatha, which is a land where there’s a lot of running water. 8It was there that Jehovah assigned the tribe of Levi to carry the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement and to stand before Jehovah to serve and praise His Name down to this day.9‘And from that point on, the Levites were to have no part in the inheritance of their brothers; for He told them:‘Jehovah is your inheritance.’10‘Well, I stayed on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, and Jehovah listened to me and decided not to destroy you.11‘Then He told me:‘Now, lead these people… Let them enter and inherit the land that I promised their ancestors that I’d give to them.’12‘So now, O IsraEl...‘What does Jehovah your God require of you other than that you fear Him, walk in His paths, love Him, and serve Him with your whole hearts and souls?13‘Therefore, you should obey the Commandments of your God Jehovah and follow all His rules that I’m telling you today, so that things will go well for you. 14Look into the skies and into the heavens of heavens; for they, all the lands, and everything that’s in them belong to your God Jehovah.15‘It’s Jehovah who chose your ancestors and their offspring (which includes you) over all the other nations, to be loved by Him. 16So, circumcise the hardness from your hearts and don’t be [rebellious], 17for Jehovah your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords!‘He’s the great, strong, and terrifying God who doesn’t [show special] favor to anyone or accept bribes. 18He brings justice to converts, orphans, and widows… Yes, He loves the converts and He provides them with food and clothing. 19Therefore, you must also love the converts, since you were once [aliens] in the land of Egypt.20‘You must fear Jehovah your God… Serve Him, stick to Him, and swear your oaths by His Name! 21He’s the One about whom you can boast, because He’s your God who did all these great and glorious things that you’ve seen while He’s been among you.22‘Remember that there were only 75 people among your ancestors who went down to Egypt… But now Jehovah your God has made you like the stars in the skies in numbers!’
1‘So, you must love your God Jehovah and follow His decrees, laws, commandments, and decisions throughout your lives.2‘Now, recognize that I’m not [addressing] your children here today; those who don’t know, and haven’t seen, [things like] the discipline of your God Jehovah, or:• His wonderful works, strong hand, mighty arm, 3miracles, and the wonders that He performed before PharaOh (the king of Egypt) and upon his whole land, or...4• What He did to the Egyptian army and their chariots and cavalry when He made the waters of the Red Sea cover them and destroy them as they were chasing us, or5• All the things that He did for us in the desert as we were coming here, or6• The things that he did to Dathan and AbiRam (the sons of EliAb and grandsons of ReuBen) when the ground opened her mouth and swallowed them, their families, their tents, and all their belongings there in the midst of all IsraEl.7‘Rather, [I’m addressing you]! For it was your eyes which saw all these mighty deeds that Jehovah performed among us.8‘As I’ve told you before...‘You must keep all His Commandments so you can live, grow, and inherit the land across the JorDan 9that’s flowing with milk and honey, and then live a long time on this land that Jehovah promised your ancestors that He’d give to them and to their offspring.10‘For the land that you’re going to inherit isn’t like the land of Egypt that you left, where you planted the seeds and then watered them under your feet as in an herb garden... 11Rather, the land that you’re going to inherit is a land of mountains and plains; so it’ll drink its water from the skies! 12It’s a land that Jehovah your God will keep an eye on and watch over throughout the whole year.13‘Now, if you’ll listen to all the Commandments that I’m telling you today and love and serve Jehovah your God with your whole hearts and souls, 14He will bring the rains to your land (early rains and late rains in their seasons); you’ll have a full harvest of grain, wine, and oil; 15and He will put food into the fields for your cattle.‘But after you’re full and satisfied, 16be careful not to allow your hearts to become proud and cause you to sin by worshiping and serving other gods!17‘For if Jehovah becomes angry with you, He will bind up the skies and there won’t be any rain, the earth won’t produce its fruit, and you’ll soon be destroyed from the good land that Jehovah’s giving to you.18‘Keep these words in your hearts and souls… Tie them on your hands as a sign, and keep them in front of your eyes, 19then teach them to your children… Talk to your children about them while you’re sitting at home, while you’re walking along, before you go to sleep, and when you get up.20‘Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates, 21so that your days and the days of your children will last a long time in the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to them for as long as the skies cover the ground.22‘Now, if you’ll listen to all these Commandments that I’m telling you today, and you’ll love Jehovah your God, walk in all His ways, and stick close to Him... 23He will drive out all these nations that are before you and you’ll inherit nations that are greater and stronger than you are.24‘Then everywhere that the soles of your feet touch the ground will become yours, from the desert to the borders of Lebanon, and from the great River EuPhrates to the [MediTerranean] Sea… These will all be your borders.25‘Then no one will be able to oppose you, and your God Jehovah will put the fear and dread of you over all the ground that you walk on, just as He promised.26‘Look, I’m putting a blessing and a curse on you today.27‘The blessing will come if you listen to all the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving to you today... 28And the curse will come if you don’t listen to the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving to you today, so that you stray from the path that I’m setting out, and then start serving other gods whom you don’t know.29‘Now, after our God Jehovah has brought you into the land that you’re going to inherit, you must put the blessings on Mount GiriZim and the curses on Mount Ebal.30‘{Look!} These [mountains] are on the other side of the JorDan, to the west in the land of CanaAn near GolGol and the big oak tree.31‘So, as you cross the JorDan to enter the land that Jehovah our God is giving you to live in and inherit throughout the rest of your lives, 32pay attention and obey all His rules and decisions… All that I’m setting before you today!’
1‘Now, these are the rules and decisions that you must be sure to follow in the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving to you as your inheritance and during the entire time that you’ll live in the land:2‘You must destroy all the places where they serve their gods, whether on high mountains, on hills, or under the trees. 3You must destroy their altars, break their [sacred] columns into pieces, then cut down their sacred poles and burn the carved images of their gods with fire… You must erase their names from the land!4‘However, you must never do that to [the Name of] your God.5‘For your God Jehovah will choose one of your cities where He will put His Name… And that’s where He’ll call for you, and where you must go to search for Him.6‘That’s where you’ll carry:• Your whole burnt offerings, • Your sacrifices, • Your first fruitage, • Your vow offerings, • Your freewill offerings, • Your thanksgiving offerings, and • The firstborn of your herds and flocks.7‘Then you must eat [the sacrifices] there before Jehovah your God, as you rejoice over all the things that Jehovah your God has touched and with which He’s blest you and your families.8‘At that time, you won’t be doing the same things as we’re doing here today… Where every man does as he wishes. 9For until now, you haven’t arrived at the resting place and the inheritance that Jehovah our God is giving to you. 10But soon you’ll cross the JorDan to live in the land that Jehovah our God is taking as an inheritance for you. And soon He will provide you with rest from all your enemies round about you, and you’ll live in security.11‘So, there’s going to be a place where Jehovah your God will choose to be called by His Name. And it’s there that you must bring all the things that I’m telling you to bring today… Your whole burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the first fruitage of your hands, and any gifts that you choose to offer as a freewill vow to Jehovah your God.12‘And it’s there that you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites who live outside of your [city] gates (since they won’t have their own inheritance among you) must rejoice before Jehovah your God.13‘So, pay attention to yourselves and make sure that you don’t offer your whole burnt offerings in just any place that you may see fit to choose… 14Only in the place that Jehovah your God will choose from among one of your tribes! That’s [the only place] where you may offer your whole burnt offerings, and that’s where you must do all the things that I’m telling you today.’[Editor note: Moses now begins to summarize and paraphrase the laws given earlier by God. The main subjects of these will be marked in bold. The story resumes in Deuteronomy 27:1.] 15‘Now, you may kill and eat any flesh (which has the blessings of your God Jehovah) that you may desire (such as male and female antelope) in any city that you may wish; both the clean and the unclean may eat it there.16‘But – you may not eat its blood… You must pour it out on the ground like water!’17‘And you may not eat any tithes of grain, wine, oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock that you’ve offered as a vow, or as offerings of thanks, or as the first fruitage of your hands, in your own cities. 18You, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the strangers who are staying inside your [city] gates may only eat such things before Jehovah your God in the place that He will choose for Himself; and it’s there that you must rejoice before Jehovah your God with whatever you’re bringing to Him.’19‘Also, be sure that you never abandon the Levites for as long as you live on the ground!’20‘Now, when Jehovah your God enlarges your borders, as He told you He would do, and you desire to eat flesh, you may eat all the flesh that your soul desires.21‘And if the place that Jehovah your God chooses for Himself (where His Name will be called) is far away from you; you may slaughter any [animals] from your herd or flock that God has given to you (just as I’ve told you), and you may eat as much of it as you want in your own cities.’22‘Also, everyone among you may eat male and female antelope, whether you’re clean or unclean. 23Just make sure that you don’t eat any of their blood, because their blood is their life, and the life can’t be eaten with the flesh. 24You must not eat it… You must pour it out on the ground like water!25‘No, you must not eat it if you want things to go well for you and for your descendants. Always do what’s good and pleasing before Jehovah your God!’26‘But whenever you have holy things, you must take them and your vow offerings to the place where Jehovah your God will choose to put His Name. 27It’s there that you must sacrifice the flesh of your whole burnt offerings on the Altar of your God Jehovah.‘The blood of your sacrifices must be poured out at the foot of the Altar of your God Jehovah, and then you may eat the flesh.’28‘Be careful!‘Listen to and obey all the Commandments that I’m telling you, and then things will go well for you and for your descendants throughout the ages… That is, as long as you do all that’s pleasing and good before Jehovah your God.’29‘Now, after Jehovah your God destroys the nations where you’re going and you inherit their land and start living there, 30be careful not to become like them after you’ve destroyed them and then say:‘How did those nations worship their gods? I think I’ll start doing the same thing!’31‘No, don’t do this to your God!‘For the things that they sacrifice to their gods are disgusting to Jehovah, and He hates those who offer their sons and daughters to their gods in fires!32‘So, obey every word that I’m commanding you today, and don’t add anything to them or take anything away from them!’
1‘And if a prophet or someone who [has visions] in dreams should arise among you and foretell a sign or a miracle, 2and the sign or miracle that he foretells comes true; and then he comes to you and says:‘Let’s go and serve other gods...’3‘Don’t listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer, because Jehovah your God may be testing you to find out whether you love your God with your whole heart and soul!4‘Rather, you must follow Jehovah your God and fear Him! You must listen to His voice and trust in Him alone!5‘Then that prophet or dreamer of dreams must be put to death for what he said in trying to make you turn from your God Jehovah who brought you out of the land of Egypt and purchased you from slavery, and for trying to lead you away from the direction that Jehovah your God has commanded you to walk.‘So, you must remove any evil that’s among you!6‘Even if your own brother (by your father or mother), your son or daughter, your beloved woman, or a friend whom you love as your own life should come to you and say:‘Let’s go and serve gods that our ancestors haven’t known…’7‘Or:‘The gods of the nations that live around us…’‘Or even:‘Those at the ends of the earth...’8‘...you must not agree with them or listen to them!‘Then your eyes shouldn’t spare them and you mustn’t feel sorry for them or try to protect them in any way. 9Rather, you must report them and you must be among the first to kill them, so that all the rest of the people don’t become involved in it.10‘They must stone him with rocks until that person dies, because he’s tried to draw you away from Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. 11And by doing this, all IsraEl will come to hear of it and be afraid to do such evil things among you.12‘Also, if you should hear people in one of the cities (which Jehovah God is giving you to live in) 13say that evil men have caused all the inhabitants of a land to fall away by saying:‘Let’s go and worship other gods!’14‘You must ask about it and see if this is true. And {Look!} if it’s true and this disgusting thing has really happened among you, 15you must destroy all those who live in that land with swords. Then you must pronounce the land and everything in it as cursed!16‘You must take all its valuable things into the streets and burn the city and its things with fire before Jehovah your God, and it must remain uninhabited throughout the ages, never to be rebuilt.17‘Don’t allow any of their cursed things to stick to your hands, so that Jehovah’s rage may be turned away from you and so that He may show mercy upon you.‘He will care for you and cause you to grow, just as He swore to your ancestors that He’d do 18if you’ll listen to the voice of your God Jehovah, keep His Commandments that I’m telling you today, and do everything that’s good and pleasing before Jehovah your God.’
1‘Because you’re the sons of your God Jehovah, you must not shave your heads when someone dies, 2since you’re a holy people to Jehovah your God and He’s chosen you as His alone from among all the nations on the face of the earth.’3‘Also, you must not eat anything that’s disgusting.4‘These are the animals that you may eat:• From the herd, calves; • From the flocks, lambs; • From the goats, kids; 5• Male and female deer; • Antelope; • Wild goats; • Wild sheep.6‘You may eat all animals that have split hooves and chew the cud.’7‘You may not eat these animals:‘Those that chew the cud but don’t have split hoofs, such as camels, hares, and rabbits… They’re unclean because they chew the cud but they don’t have split hooves.8‘And the same is true of pigs. They have split hooves, but they don’t chew the cud, so you must consider them unclean, and you may not eat their flesh or touch their dead bodies.9‘You may eat anything that lives in the water and has fins and scales... 10But anything that doesn’t have fins and scales must be considered unclean and may not be eaten.11‘You may eat all clean flying creatures. 12However, these are the ones that you may not eat:• Eagles, • Vultures, • Ospreys, 13• Falcons • Kites and the like, 14• Crows and the like, 15• Terns, • Owls, • Seagulls, 16• Herons, • Swans, • Storks, 17• Cormorants, • Hawks and the like, • Hoopoes, • Ravens, 18• Pelicans, • Diving birds, • Red bills, and • Bats.19‘Also, you may not eat winged creatures that slither[, that is, insects], for they’re unclean.’20‘You may eat any sort of clean winged creatures, 21but you may not eat anything that dies on its own. You may give them to people who are visiting in your cities and they can eat it, or you may sell it to strangers… But not you, for you’re a holy people to Jehovah your God.’‘You must not boil a lamb in its mother’s milk.’22‘You must bring 1/10th of all the grain and fruit of your fields as a tithe each year, 23and you must eat it in that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called. That’s where you must bring your tithes of grain, wine, oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.‘So, learn to always fear Jehovah your God!24‘Now, if the journey to that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called is too far for you, and you’re unable to take [your offerings] there because of the distance... 25Jehovah will bless you if you sell them for money and take the money to the place that Jehovah will choose. 26And there, you may use the money to buy whatever your soul desires, such as oxen, sheep, wine, liquor… Anything that your soul desires.‘Then you must eat it there before Jehovah your God, and you and your family must rejoice 27along with the Levites who live in your cities. For since they won’t have a share in your inheritance, they’ll have nothing to bring.28‘You may store the tithes in your cities; but, every three years, you must bring them all! 29Then you must invite all the Levites and all the strangers, orphans, and widows in your cities (those who don’t have anything to bring) to come with you, and they may eat until they’re full.‘Then Jehovah your God will bless you in everything that you do.’
1‘Every 7 years you must cancel all debts… 2And these are the rules:‘You must cancel any debts that your neighbor owes you personally, and you must not ask to have them paid back, because this is a cancellation [of debts] to Jehovah your God.3‘You may ask strangers to pay whatever they owe you, but not your brothers… You must cancel their debts! 4That way, there won’t be any poor people among you and Jehovah your God will surely bless you in the land that He’s giving to you as your inheritance.5‘Now, if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and obey all these Commandments that I’m giving you today, 6Jehovah your God will bless you (as He told you), and then you’ll lend to many nations. However, you must never borrow from them, nor may you rule over them… But then, they won’t rule over you either.7‘If you find a poor man among your brothers in your city in that land which Jehovah your God is giving to you, you must not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted with your brother who’s in need… 8You must reach out to him and lend him as much as he needs!9‘Now, be careful not to secretly say in your hearts:‘The 7th year (the Year of Release) is getting close!’‘...then allow your eyes to look wickedly at your brother who’s in need and not lend him anything. For then he’ll call out to Jehovah about you, and you’ll be guilty of a serious sin!10So, you must be sure to lend Him as much as he needs with no grudge in your hearts. For, because of your good deeds, Jehovah your God will bless everything that you do and everything that you touch.11‘There’ll always be poor people in your land, and that’s why I’m telling you to do this. You must reach out to your poor brothers and to anyone who’s having a hard time in your land.’12‘And if your brother (a Hebrew man or woman) should be sold to you, he may serve you for 6 years; but in the 7th year, you must set him free. 13And when you set him free, don’t send him away empty-handed!14‘You must give him provisions from your flock, from your grain, and from your wine… As Jehovah your God has blest you, that’s how you must treat him! 15Don’t forget that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt before Jehovah your God brought you out of there… That’s why I’m telling you to do this!16‘However, if [the slave] should tell you that he doesn’t want to leave you because he loves you and your family... If you approve of this, 17you must take an awl and punch a hole through his ear against the door. Then he will be your servant throughout the age… And female servants should be dealt with in the same way.18‘[None of] this will create hardship for you.‘For even though such people will only serve you for 6 years as hired hands, Jehovah your God will bless you in everything that you do.’19‘Now, when it comes to the firstborn among your oxen and sheep, you must offer the males as holy to Jehovah your God. You may not work a firstborn calf, and you may not shear a firstborn sheep.20‘You and your household must eat them before Jehovah each year in the place that Jehovah your God will choose. 21However, if it’s lame, or blind, or deformed, you must not sacrifice it to Jehovah your God.22‘Both the clean and the unclean among you may eat it in your cities, the same as you’d a male or female deer. 23But you must not eat its blood… You must pour it out on the ground like water!’
1‘You must celebrate the month of New Grain and sacrifice the Passover to Jehovah your God, because that’s the month when you left Egypt during the night.2‘You must sacrifice your Passover sheep and oxen in that place where Jehovah your God will select to have His Name called, 3and you may not eat bread that’s fermenting for 7 days. You may only eat fermentation-free bread, which is the bread of hard times, because you left Egypt in a hurry.‘You must remember the day when you left the land of Egypt for as long as you live.4‘Fermentation must not be seen anywhere inside your borders for 7 days, and none of the flesh that you sacrifice in the evening may be left over until the next morning. 5Nor are you allowed to sacrifice the Passover in just any of the cities that Jehovah your God is giving to you.‘6The Passover may not be sacrificed anywhere other than in the place that Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called, in the evening, after sunset… Which is the day that you left Egypt.7‘You must boil or roast [the meat] and then eat it in the place that Jehovah your God will choose; and then you should go back to your homes the next morning!8‘You must eat fermentation-free bread for 6 days, and then the 7th day is to be a holiday and a feast to Jehovah your God, during which you may not do any work other than that which is common to everyone.9‘Then, start counting off 7 weeks from the time that you first cut the grain with a sickle, 10and you must celebrate the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost) to Jehovah your God with as much strength and with as many things as Jehovah your God has given to you.11‘You must rejoice before Jehovah your God with your sons and daughters, with your male and female servants, and with the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows that live among you in that place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called.12‘For you must show that you remember the [time] when you were slaves in the land of Egypt by doing all these things and by obeying these Commandments.13‘You must also celebrate the Festival of Temporary Dwellings for 7 days, after you’ve stored away your grain and made your wine. 14Then you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows in your cities should rejoice.15‘You must hold a feast to Jehovah your God for 7 days in the place that Jehovah your God will choose for Himself. And you must rejoice over all the harvest that Jehovah your God has blest you with, and for all the things that you’ve accomplished.’16‘All your males must appear before Jehovah your God three times each year in the place that Jehovah will choose, for these festivals:• The Festival of Fermentation-free Bread, • The Festival of Weeks, and • The Festival of Temporary Dwellings.‘And don’t appear before Jehovah your God empty handed! 17Each one must bring whatever he can, as Jehovah your God has blest him.’18‘You must appoint judges and officials in the cities that Jehovah your God is giving to each of your tribes, and they must judge the people righteously... 19They must not be unfair, show anyone special favor, or accept gifts, because gifts blind the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the righteous.20‘You must always work at being just, so you may live and inherit the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you.’21‘You must never erect poles or plant any trees for yourselves near the Altar of your God, 22nor may you erect sacred columns for yourselves, because Jehovah your God hates such things!’
1‘You must not sacrifice a calf or a sheep to Jehovah your God that’s scarred or deformed in any way, for that would be disgusting to Jehovah your God.’2‘And if a man or a woman should ever be found among you (in any of the cities that Jehovah your God is giving to you) who chooses to do what’s evil before Jehovah and sins against His Sacred Agreement 3by going and serving other gods, or by worshiping the sun, moon, or any of the stars in the skies (something that He’s commanded you not to do), 4and someone tells you about it...‘You must inquire about it and investigate to see if this disgusting thing has really happened in IsraEl. 5[If so], you must bring that man or woman outside [the city] and stone them to death with rocks.6‘The person must be put to death if there are two or three witnesses to testify against him. But, no one should be put to death on the testimony of just one witness.7‘And then, those who testify against him must be the first to put them to death… They must [throw their rocks] in front of the rest, and you must remove the evil person from among yourselves.’8‘Now, whenever a matter is too difficult for you to judge in your cities (as between blood and blood, cause and cause, stroke and stroke, and contradiction and contradiction)... 9You must take the matter before the Levite priests who’ll then be at the place which Jehovah your God will choose, and they must judge the case.‘They must perform their own investigation and then report their findings to you, 10and you must do whatever they’ve decided in the place that Jehovah your God will choose.‘You must be sure to do whatever the Law tells you to do.11‘Yes, you must always follow the Law and abide by any judgments that are handed down. Don’t deviate to the right or to the left from any of the decisions that are reached.12‘For any man who acts so haughtily that he won’t listen to the Priests who stand and serve in the Name of your God Jehovah or to a presiding judge, must be put to death.‘You must remove that evil person from IsraEl, 13so that everyone who hears about it will thereafter be afraid to show so little respect in the future!’14‘And when you enter the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you (after you’ve inherited it and are living there), and you decide that you want a king to rule over you like the other nations around you...15‘He must be chosen by Jehovah your God.‘Kings may only be selected from among your brothers... So, don’t empower yourselves to select a king who isn’t a brother.16‘[And no king should] accumulate horses for himself, nor may he send [My] people back to Egypt! He may [decide to] do this if he starts collecting horses for himself… But Jehovah has told you not to go back there again!17‘Nor may he start accumulating many women for himself, for they’ll change his heart… And he shouldn’t collect a lot of silver and gold for himself.’18‘And when [such kingships] are established and they start to rule, the [kings] must each write their own copy of these Laws in a scroll with the help of the Levite priests.19‘Thereafter, they must keep [the scroll] and read from it all the days of their lives, so they’ll learn to fear Jehovah their God and keep and observe all these Commandments and rules.20‘By doing this, they won’t consider themselves more important than their brothers in their hearts, nor will they swerve to the right or to the left of the Commandments, so that they and their sons will continue to reign for a long time in their land among the children of IsraEl.’
1‘None of the Priests, including the whole tribe of Levi, will have any inheritance in IsraEl, because the burnt offerings of Jehovah are their inheritance and their food.2‘They’ll have no inheritance among their brothers, because Jehovah is their portion, just as He told them.3‘The Priests will get the things that the people offer as sacrifices, such as [a portion of] the calves and sheep (the shoulder, cheeks, and bellies), 4and the first-fruitage of your grain, your wine, your oil, and the fleece from your sheep... 5Because, Jehovah has chosen them from among all your tribes to stand before Jehovah your God to serve and praise His Name on behalf of His sons, the children of IsraEl.’6‘Also, if a Levite is living in any of the cities of the children of IsraEl (for he can live wherever he chooses), 7he must serve the Name of His God Jehovah.‘And he and all His brothers (the Levites who stand before Jehovah your God) 8must still be given their portion… Even if they’ve inherited any proceeds from property that was left to them by their fathers, which they’ve chosen to sell.’9‘And once you’ve entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you, you must not learn [any of] the disgusting things that those nations are doing, such as:10• Offering their sons or daughters in fire, • Using occult powers to tell the future, • Looking for omens, 11• Serving as witches, • Speaking incantations, • Consulting spirits to tell the future, • Looking for signs, and • Asking [questions of] the dead.12‘For, throughout the ages, those who’ve done such things have been disgusting to Jehovah your God!‘And if you do such disgusting things, Jehovah will destroy you from before His face… 13You must be perfect before Jehovah your God! 14So, although all those nations whose land you’ll inherit have paid attention to omens and [followed] occult practices, Jehovah your God doesn’t allow you to do that!’15‘Then Jehovah your God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers, and you must listen to him.16‘Remember that, after you’d received everything you desired from Jehovah your God in the dry place (Horeb), the whole gathering said:‘We don’t want to listen to the voice of your God Jehovah again or to see His great fire, so we won’t die!’17And then the Lord said to me:‘What they’re saying is good; 18so, I’ll raise a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I’ll put My words into his mouth and he will tell them whatever I command him to say… 19‘Then I’ll bring My vengeance upon anyone who doesn’t listen to what that Prophet says in My name.20‘But, any prophet that uses My Name in an irreverent way by saying things that I didn’t tell him to say, or speaks in the name of other gods, must die!’21‘Now, if you ever start wondering in your hearts which words weren’t said by Jehovah, 22[remember that] anything a prophet says in the Name of the Lord that doesn’t come true, is something that wasn’t said by Jehovah…‘So that prophet has spoken wickedly! Don’t have anything to do with him!’
1‘And when Jehovah your God has destroyed the nations that He’s giving to you, along with their lands, cities, and houses that you’ll inherit and live in, 2you must set aside three cities in the midst of the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you... 3Perform a survey and divide the borders of your land into three parts, [then assign central cities as] places of refuge for those who’ve [unintentionally] killed someone.4‘And this is the rule:‘Those who are guilty of manslaughter (anyone who’s accidentally struck his neighbor; someone whom he’s never disliked) may run to [one of these cities] and stay there.5‘For example:‘If someone should go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his ax head flies off its handle and hits his neighbor, killing him... He must then flee to one of these cities and live there, 6so that the angry blood avenger doesn’t chase him down and kill him (because he isn’t worthy of death, since he hasn’t hated his [neighbor] in the past)… But, that’s what will happen if [the refuge cities] are too far away.7‘This is why I’m telling you to set these three cities aside!’8‘And if Jehovah enlarges your borders (as He promised your ancestors that He would do), and if He gives you all the land that He said He would give to you, 9you must obey these Commandments that I’m giving to you today.‘[Since you must] love Jehovah your God and always walk in His ways, you must choose three cities within your borders, 10so that the blood of those who are innocent won’t be spilled in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance, and none of you will ever be found guilty of [spilling innocent] blood.’11‘However, if someone truly hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, then sneaks up and kills him, and he thereafter flees to one of these cities, 12the local elders must hand him over to the blood avenger, who must kill him.13‘Don’t feel sorry for him, because you must cleanse the [spilled] innocent blood from IsraEl, so that things may go well for you.’14‘Also, don’t move your neighbor’s property markers that were set by your ancestors as their inheritance… Those who’ll be assigned to you in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance.’15‘In addition:‘The testimony of a single witness may never be used against a person for any sins that he may commit… It requires two or three witnesses to prove anything.’16‘And if someone brings a charge against a person [that can’t be proven], 17both people in the controversy must stand before Jehovah and before the priests or judges in those days.18‘Then the judges must seriously investigate the matter to see if the person has brought a false charge against his brother... 19And if he has – you must do the same wicked thing that he wanted to do to his brother, to him!‘You must remove the evil from among yourselves, 20so that the rest will hear about it and be afraid to do such bad things among you.21‘Don’t forgive this person…‘It must be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot!’
1‘And when you go to war against your enemies and find that they have a larger army and more horsemen than you do, don’t be afraid of them, for Jehovah your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt will be with you!2‘But, before you go out to fight, the Priests must come and speak to the people, and tell them this:3‘Listen, O IsraEl!‘Today you’re going to fight against your enemies, so you must be courageous!‘Don’t be afraid, don’t get confused, and don’t retreat, 4because Jehovah your God is with you and He will fight against your enemies and save you!’5‘The scribes must also speak to the people and say:‘If any man has built a new house and he hasn’t consecrated it yet, he should go back home. For he might die in the war, and then someone else would be able to consecrate it.6‘And any man who’s planted a vineyard and not yet [enjoyed its wine] should go back home. For he might die in the battle and then someone else would get to enjoy it. 7‘Also, if any man is engaged [to marry] and he’s not yet taken his woman, he should go back home. For he might die in the battle and then someone else would take her.’8‘The scribes should also say to the people:‘If there’s any man who isn’t [brave] and is afraid, he too should go back home, so his fear doesn’t discourage his brothers.’9‘And after the scribes have finished speaking to the people, they must appoint generals over the army to lead them.’10‘Now, whenever you approach a city (before you go to battle against them) you must call out to them peacefully. 11And if they answer you peacefully and open [their gates] to you, all the people who are found there must become your subjects and serve you.12‘But if they don’t listen to you and they choose to fight a war against you, then you must [lay siege to the city] 13until Jehovah your God gives it into your hands. And thereafter, you must kill all the men with swords.14‘You may spare the women, their possessions, all their cattle, and anything else that’s in that city… You may loot it and take whatever you wish and eat whatever your enemies may have, because Jehovah your God has given it to you.15‘Now, that’s what you must do to the distant cities, but not to the cities of these nations that Jehovah your God is giving to you and whose land you’ll inherit... 16You must not leave anything alive there!17‘You must curse the:• Hittites, • Amorites, • CanaAnites, • Pherezites, • Evites, • Jebusites, and • Gergesites...‘...just as Jehovah your God has commanded you, 18so that they don’t teach you to do all the disgusting things that they’re doing before their gods and cause you to sin before Jehovah your God.’19‘And whenever you lay siege to a city and you don’t succeed in capturing it right away, you must not cut down and destroy any of its [fruit] trees.‘Rather, [pick the fruit] and eat it… For the trees in the fields aren’t men who must be cut down to capture [the city].20‘However, you must cut down and destroy any trees that you know aren’t fruit bearing, and then use them to build a mound against the [walls] of the city that has chosen to battle with you, until it’s captured.’
1‘If anyone is found murdered with a knife and [his body is] left in a field in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as an inheritance, and no one knows who did it... 2Your elders and judges must go there and measure the distances from the slain man to the cities round about.3‘Then, from whichever city is nearest to him, the elders of that city must choose a heifer from the herd that has never worn a yoke or been worked, 4and lead it into a valley that has never been tilled or planted, and you must slaughter the heifer there.5‘Thereafter, the Levite priests must go there (because they’re the ones whom Jehovah has chosen to represent Him and to praise His Name), and whatever they decide must stand.6‘Thereafter, all the elders of the city that went out to the murdered man must wash their hands over the head of the heifer that was slaughtered in the valley and say:7‘Our hands didn’t shed this blood and our eyes didn’t witness it.’8‘So, please be merciful to Your people IsraEl whom You have redeemed, O Lord, so that Your people IsraEl aren’t held responsible for this innocent blood.’‘And by doing this, the blood will have been paid for by them. 9For you must remove all innocent blood from among yourselves if you wish to do what’s good and pleasing before Jehovah your God.’10‘And when you’re going to fight a war against your enemies and Jehovah your God allows you to conquer them and carry away loot, 11and if you then notice a woman with a pretty face among the captives whom you wish to take as your woman...12‘When you bring her home, you must shave her head, cut her nails, 13and remove all the clothes that she was wearing when she was captured.‘Thereafter, she must be allowed to mourn for her father and mother in your home for a month. And only after that may you have sex with her, live with her, and take her as your woman.14‘But if you thereafter find that you’re unhappy with her, you must then send her away free… She can’t be sold, nor may you mistreat her, because you’ve dishonored her!’15‘Also, if a man has two women and he loves one and doesn’t care as much for the other, and both women have given birth and the son of the one he cares for less is the firstborn...16‘When he divides his property among his sons as their inheritance, he may not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the woman whom he loves more! 17He must recognize the rights of the firstborn and give him twice as much of the things he owns, because he’s the first of his children, and he owns that birthright.’18‘Now, if any man has a son who’s disobedient, likes to argue, and refuses to obey his father and mother or to listen when they correct him...19‘They must take him before the elders at their city gate 20and tell them:‘This is our disobedient son. He won’t listen to us and he’s become a drunk and a partier!’21‘Then the men of the city must stone him to death with rocks; for you must remove those who are evil from among yourselves, so that the rest will hear about it and fear.’22‘And if someone sins and is sentenced to death, and you choose to execute him by hanging him on a tree...23‘Don’t allow his body to remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it on that same day.‘Because, throughout the ages, anyone who’s hanged on a tree is cursed before God, and you must not [allow his body to] dirty the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance.’
1‘Whenever you see your brother’s calf or sheep wandering loose in the road, don’t just pass it by; rather, you must lead it back to your brother and give it to him.2‘However, if your brother doesn’t live near you and you don’t know [who owns the animal], you must take it home with you and keep it until your brother comes searching for it, and then you must give it back to him.3‘That’s what you must do for his burro, his clothing, or anything else that your brother may have lost… Don’t overlook anything!4‘And if you see your brother’s burro or ox fallen on the road, don’t just pass it by; be sure to help him get it back on its feet.’5‘A woman should never wear men’s clothing, nor should a man ever wear women’s clothing. For, throughout the ages, such a thing has been considered disgusting by Jehovah your God.’6‘And if you should find a bird’s nest where the bird is brooding eggs or chicks in the road, or in a tree, or on the ground, you must not take the nest with its young.7‘You may take the [eggs], but you must let the mother go, so things will go well for you and so that you may have a long life.’8‘Whenever you build a new house, you must build a wall around [the roof] to keep anyone from falling from it, so you don’t bring the guilt of someone’s blood upon your home.’9‘You must not plant different types of seeds in your vineyard; for the [plants] could [cross-pollinate] and make your vineyard unholy.’10‘You must not hitch an ox and a burro together to [pull] the same plow.’11‘You must not wear clothing made of both linen and wool.’12‘You must put twisted fringes on all four sides of your viel covering, no matter how you may dress yourselves.’13‘If any man should take a woman that he comes to dislike after he’s lived with her, 14and then he starts saying bad things about her and calling her bad names, saying:‘When I took this woman and had sex with her, she didn’t prove to be a virgin!’15‘Her father and mother must bring the girl’s proof of virginity to the elders at the city gate, 16and the girl’s father should tell the elders:‘I gave my daughter to be this man’s woman, 17and now he no longer cares for her and he’s saying that he found no indication of my daughter’s virginity. But here’s the proof...’‘And he must unfold the sheet with her [blood] before the city’s elders.18‘[If he can do this], the elders of that city must take the man and discipline him, 19then fine him 100 small silver coins and give it to the girl’s father for slandering the name of a virgin of IsraEl.‘Thereafter, she must continue to be his woman and he may never divorce her.20‘However, if what he says proves to be true and no proof of the girl’s virginity can be found... 21They must take her in front of her father’s house and stone her to death with rocks, because she has dishonored the children of IsraEl and the house of her father by her immorality.‘You must remove the evil person from among yourselves!’22‘Also, if [you find] a man having sex with another man’s woman, you must kill both the man and the woman…‘You must remove those who are wicked from IsraEl!’23‘And if a young woman is already engaged to a man and another man in the city has sex with her, 24you must take both of them outside the city gate and stone them to death with rocks… Her, because she didn’t scream, and him, because he dishonored the woman of his neighbor.‘You must remove the evil ones from among yourselves!’25‘However, if a man catches an engaged woman out in a field and uses force to have sex with her, you must put the man who did this to death, 26since, the woman hasn’t committed a sin for which she should be killed.‘Something like this is just as serious as when one man murders another, 27because he found an engaged woman out in the field who screamed, but no one was around to help her.’28‘And if any man should use force on a young virgin who isn’t engaged and has sex with her, and this can be proven, 29the man who assaulted her must pay her father 50 silver coins, then he must marry her and never be allowed to divorce her, because he dishonored her.30‘Also, no man may lay his father bare by having sex with his father’s woman.’
1‘No man who’s been castrated, or whose sexual parts have been damaged, 2or any son of a whore may enter the gathering of Jehovah.’3‘AmMonites and MoAbites may not enter the gathering of Jehovah… Not through the 10th generation or throughout the ages, 4because they didn’t meet you and bring you bread and water as you were coming from Egypt, and because they hired BalaAm son of BeOr from MesoPotamia to curse you.5‘Jehovah your God didn’t listen to BalaAm and He changed the curses into blessings, because He loved you.6‘So, you must not speak to them in peace or for profit for as long as you live, and throughout the ages.’7‘You must not hate Edomites, because they’re your brothers; and you must not hate Egyptians, because you were once strangers in their land.8‘So, their 3rd-generation sons may enter the gathering of Jehovah.’9‘Also, whenever you go out to fight with your enemies, you must refrain from doing anything that’s wicked.’10‘If any man happens to be unclean because of a release [of semen] during the night, he must leave the camp, or not return to it. 11Then that evening, he must wash his body in water and return to the camp after sundown.12‘So, you must set aside a place outside of the camp where [the unclean] may go.’13‘And [each of] you must carry a spade in your belts, so that when you need to relieve yourselves somewhere [outside of the camp], you may use it to dig [a hole] in the ground and then cover your excrement.14‘[You must do this] because Jehovah your God walks in your camp to save you and to give your enemies [into your hands]; therefore, your camp must be holy and nothing disgusting may be seen that will make Him turn away from you!’15‘You must not return a slave to his master after he has run away and come to serve you. 16He must live with you and among you, and you must not mistreat him for as long as he continues to please you.’17‘There may be no whores among the daughters of IsraEl, nor may there be any [men] among the sons of IsraEl who are whoremongers.’‘There may be no idol worshipers among the daughters of IsraEl or among the sons of IsraEl.’18‘You may not bring the wages of a prostitute or the price of a ‘dog’ into the House of your God Jehovah to pay any vow, because these things are disgusting to Jehovah.’19‘You must not charge your brother interest for borrowing silver, or meat, or anything else that you may lend to him.20‘You may charge interest on loans to strangers, but not to your brothers, so that Jehovah your God will bless everything you do in this land that you’re entering and will inherit.’21‘Whenever you swear an oath to your God Jehovah, you must be quick about paying it, because your God requires that you do this... And if you don’t, this will be held as a sin against you!22‘If you’re unwilling to offer anything, that isn’t a sin. 23But whatever you vow to offer as a gift to Jehovah God must be [paid] as promised.’
1‘If you take a woman and live with her, and then find that you don’t care for her because of some indecent thing that she’s done, you may write out a divorce certificate and put it into her hands, then send her away from your home.2‘And after leaving, if she becomes another man’s woman 3and he also finds that he dislikes her and writes a certificate of divorce and puts it into her hands and sends her out of his home, or if this last man who took her as his woman should die... 4The former husband may not take her back after she’s been defiled. For that’s a disgusting thing before Jehovah your God.‘You must not dirty the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance.5‘And whenever a man has recently married, he must not go to war, nor may anyone require him to do so. Rather, he must live free in his house for 1 year as a joy to the woman whom he’s taken.6‘You may not take another man’s millstone as collateral for a loan, because those who do this are requiring a life as part of the agreement.7‘Any man who’s caught kidnapping and selling one of his brothers of the children of IsraEl must die… You must remove those who are evil from among yourselves.’8‘Pay special attention when it comes to the plague of leprosy… You must be very careful to obey all the laws that the Levite priests may give you and you must do as I’ve instructed you.9‘For, remember all that Jehovah your God did to MiriAm while you were traveling from Egypt!10‘If your neighbor owes you a debt (no matter what kind), you may not enter his house to collect it! 11You must stand outside, and the man who owes you the debt should bring it out to you.12‘However, if the man is too poor [to pay it]; you may not go to sleep while you’re holding the thing that he pledged [as collateral]. 13You must return it before sunset, so he can sleep in his clothes… Then he will praise you, and Jehovah your God will be merciful to you.14‘You must not be unfair and withhold the wages of those who are poor and needy among your brothers, or [the wages] of strangers who come to live in your cities.15‘You must pay them their wages on the same day [that they do the work]… Don’t allow the sun to set before [paying them], because they’re poor and they need it... For if you do, they’ll call out to Jehovah about you, and this will be a sin for you.16‘Fathers shouldn’t be put to death for what their children may do, nor may sons be put to death for what their fathers may do.‘Rather, each person must be put to death for his own sins.17‘You must not be unjust to strangers, orphans, or widows; and you must never take a widow’s clothing as collateral. 18For, remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah your God bought you out of there.‘So, do what I’m telling you to do!19‘And when you’re harvesting the grain in your fields and you realize that you’ve missed some, you must not return to get it.‘Such things must be left for the strangers, orphans, and widows, so that Jehovah your God will bless you in everything you do.20‘And when you’re picking your olives, you must not go back and pick them all… Some must be left for the strangers, orphans, and widows.‘Don’t forget that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, so I’m commanding you to do this!21‘And whenever you pick the grapes in your vineyard, you must not glean everything... Rather, you must leave some for the strangers, orphans, and widows.22‘Don’t forget that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt, so I’m commanding you to do this!’
1‘Whenever there’s a dispute between two men, they should carry it to the judges and allow them to decide who’s right and who’s guilty.2‘And if the guilty one is sentenced to be beaten with a whip, he must be held down in front of the judges and they must have him whipped there before them for his sin... 3However, they must not have him lashed more than 40 times; for if you whip your brother more than that, he will be disgraced.4‘You must not muzzle the ox that [is used to] thresh the grain.5‘If brothers should live together and one of them dies without producing an offspring, his woman may not marry someone who isn’t related to her husband. Rather, her husband’s brother must go and take her as his woman and live with her.6‘Then, any children whom she gives birth to thereafter will carry her deceased husband’s name, so his name won’t be blotted out of IsraEl.7‘However, if the man isn’t willing to take his brother’s woman, she should go to the elders at the [city] gate and say:‘My husband’s brother has refused to keep my husband’s name alive in IsraEl.’8‘Then the city elders should call him and make him stand before them and tell them why he refuses to take her. 9And thereafter, his brother’s woman must come up before the elders and remove one shoe from his foot, then spit in his face and say:‘This is how they treat the man who won’t build his brother’s house in IsraEl.’10‘And from then on, everyone in IsraEl must speak of his house as being, The house of the man whose shoe was removed.11‘Also, if a man gets into a fight with a brother and then one of his women should come and try to stop the other man from beating her husband by grabbing him by the testicles, 12you must cut off her hand… Don’t allow your eyes [to feel sorry for] her!13‘You must not carry [dishonestly] oversized and undersized weights in your bag, 14nor may you keep oversized and undersized units of measure in your house.15‘You must have accurate weights and units of measure, so that you may live a long time in the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance.16‘For, throughout the ages, all who have done such unrighteous things have been disgusting to Jehovah your God.17‘Don’t forget what the AmaLechites did to you as you were traveling from the land of Egypt... 18For they got in your way and harassed those who were worn out at your rear, leaving you hungry and tired, and they didn’t fear God.19‘So, when Jehovah your God finally provides you rest from your enemies in the land that He’s giving you to inherit, you must wipe the name of the AmaLechites out from under the skies…‘Don’t forget to do this!’
1‘Once you’ve entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you as your inheritance and you’ve each received your individual inheritance and started living there, 2you must collect the first fruitage [from the harvest] in the land that He’s giving to you and put it into a basket, then carry it to the place where Jehovah your God will choose to have His Name called.3‘And when you bring it to the Priest (whomever it may be then), you must say to him:‘I’m testifying before My God Jehovah today, that I’ve come to this land which the Lord swore to our ancestors that He would give to us.’4‘Then the Priest must take the basket from your hands and set it before the Altar of your God Jehovah, 5and you must say this before Jehovah:‘A small group of my ancestors (who came from Syria) went down to Egypt and stayed there, where they grew into a large number and a mighty nation... 6But the Egyptians made life difficult for us, humiliated us, and put us to work at hard labor.7‘However, when we called out to Jehovah our God, He heard us. And when He saw our humiliation, our hardships, and how hard we were working, 8He brought us out of Egypt with His great strength, strong hand, and mighty arm through great miracles, signs, and wonders.9‘Then He brought us into this place and gave us this land… A land flowing with milk and honey!10‘So now {Look!} I’m bringing the first fruits of the land that You gave to us, O Lord, from this land that flows with milk and honey.’‘Then you must leave [the basket there] before Jehovah your God and bow low before Him, 11as you rejoice over all the good things that Jehovah your God has given to you, to your family, and to the Levites and strangers that are living among you.12‘And in the 3rd year, after you’ve brought in all the tithes of your harvest, you must bring a second tithe for the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, so that they may eat it and enjoy themselves in your cities.13‘At that time, you must come before Jehovah your God and say this:‘I’ve collected a full measure of the holy things from my home and given them to the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, just as You commanded. I didn’t sin against Your Commandments and I didn’t forget them, 14nor did I eat any of it during difficult times, or use it for any unclean purpose, or offer it to the dead.‘I’ve listened to the voice of our God Jehovah, and I’ve done just as He commanded me.15‘So now, look down from your Holy House in the heavens and bless Your people IsraEl, as well as this land that flows with milk and honey, which You swore to our ancestors that You’d give to us.’16‘Yes, today Jehovah your God is instructing you to keep all of His rules and decisions… You must obey them and follow them with your whole hearts and souls!17‘For on this day, you’re choosing Him to be your God, and [you’re agreeing] to walk in His ways, follow His rules and decisions, and listen to His voice... 18And today Jehovah has chosen you to be His people exclusively – as He promised in His Commandments – 19to be above all the other nations.‘For He has made you famous, glorious, and something to brag about… A holy people to Jehovah your God, just as He promised.’
[Editor note: Moses has mostly finished his summary of the laws, and the story continues here.] 1Then Moses addressed the elders of IsraEl and said:‘You must keep all these Commandments that I’m giving to you today!2‘And after you’ve crossed the JorDan and entered the land that Jehovah your God is giving to you, you must erect [two] huge stone [monuments] and cover them with plaster.3‘Then, write all the words of this Law upon them as soon as you’ve crossed the JorDan into the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving to you… The land that’s flowing with milk and honey, which Jehovah the God of your ancestors promised to you.4‘And after you’ve crossed the JorDan, you must erect these stones with the Commandments that I’m giving you today upon Mount Ebal, then coat them with plaster.5‘Also, build an altar there to Jehovah your God from rocks that haven’t been cut with an iron tool. 6Use whole stones and build an altar to Jehovah your God, then place whole burnt offerings to Jehovah your God upon it…7‘You must sacrifice them as peace offerings, which you must eat until you’re full, as you rejoice before Jehovah your God… 8Be sure that the Law is clearly inscribed on the [monuments]!’9Then Moses addressed the Levite priests of IsraEl and said:‘Be quiet and listen, O IsraEl!‘For today you’re becoming the people of your God, Jehovah. 10Listen to His voice and obey all His Commandments and rules… All those whom I’ll be [giving] to you today.’11And on that same day, Moses addressed the people and said:12‘After you’ve crossed the JorDan, these [tribes] must assemble on Mount GiriZim [to pronounce the blessings]:• Levi, • Judah, • IsSachar, • [both tribes of] JoSeph, and • BenJamin.13‘And these [tribes] must assemble on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curses:• ReuBen, • Gad, • Asher, • ZebuLon, • Dan, and • NaphTali.14‘And from there, the Levites must shout to all IsraEl:15‘Any man who carves an idol or any other disgusting thing or has one which has been manufactured and puts it in a secret place, is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’16[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who shows disrespect to his father or mother is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’17[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who moves his neighbor’s property markers is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’18[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who misleads a blind person is cursed!’ ‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’19[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who’s unfair to a stranger, orphan, or widow is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’20[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who uncovers his father’s [naked body] by having sex with his father’s woman is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’21[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who has sex with an animal is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’22[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who has sex with [his sister] is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’23[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who has sex with his daughter-in-law is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who has sex with his woman’s sister is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’24[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who secretly [murders] his neighbor is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’25[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who’s paid to kill an innocent man is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’26[‘And the Levites must then shout:]‘Any man who doesn’t observe and obey all the words of this Law is cursed!’‘And all the people must answer and say:‘May it be so!’
1‘Now, if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and follow and obey all these Commandments that I’m giving to you today, you’ll be raised higher than all the other nations on the earth by Jehovah your God, 2and then these blessings will search for you and find you.‘For if you listen to the voice of your God Jehovah:3• Your fields and your cities will be blest.4• The offspring that comes from your bodies, the fruit of your land, your herds of oxen, and your flocks of sheep will be blest.5• Your barns and your storage bins will be blest.6• You’ll be blest when you leave and blest when you return.7• Jehovah will give your enemies [into your hands], and those who oppose you’ll fall before you... If they come against you from one direction, they’ll run from you in 7 directions.8• Jehovah will put His blessings on your barns and on everything that you do in the land that He’s giving to you.9• Jehovah will raise you as a holy people to Himself, just as He promised your ancestors that He would do – if you would listen to His voice and walk in all of His ways. 10Then, all the nations on the earth will see that you’re called by the Name Jehovah, and they’ll stand in awe of you.11• Jehovah your God will bring [many children] from your bodies, many young from your cattle, and much fruit from your land… This land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to you.12• Jehovah will open His treasures in the skies and bring rain to your land in [the proper] seasons, and He’ll bless everything that you do.• You’ll lend to many nations and not borrow, and you’ll rule over many nations and not be ruled. 13For, Jehovah your God will make you the head not the tail, putting you on the top… You’ll never be on the bottom if you’ll listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and obey all the things that I’m telling you today.14• You must not swerve to the right or to the left from any of the Commandments that I’m giving to you today, or follow and serve other gods.’15‘However, if you don’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and obey all His Commandments that I’m giving to you today, these curses will come here and catch up with you:16• You will be cursed in your cities and in your fields.17• Your barns and your storage sheds will be cursed.18• [The children] who come from your bodies, the fruit from your land, your herds of oxen, and your flocks of sheep will be cursed.19• You’ll be cursed when you leave and when you return.20• Jehovah will send shortages and famines [among you], and everything you do will be consumed until He’s totally destroyed you... Yes, if you leave Him and start doing evil things, you’ll be quickly exterminated.21• Jehovah will bring plagues among you until you’ve all been wiped from this land that you’re going to inherit.22• Jehovah will strike you with dysentery, fever, chills, inflammations, sores, and paleness.• They will chase you down and destroy you.23• He will turn the sky above you into brass and the ground beneath you into iron.24• Jehovah your God will turn the rain that falls from the skies into dust, until it destroys you and quickly consumes you.25• Jehovah will hand you over to your enemies and they’ll slaughter you. You’ll attack them from one direction, but you’ll run from them in 7 directions, and then you’ll be scattered throughout all the kingdoms of the earth.26• Your dead will become food for the flying creatures in the skies and the animals on the ground… And nothing will scare them away.27• Jehovah will strike your bottoms with the sores of Egypt… And the scabs will itch and never heal.28• Jehovah will strike you with mental illnesses, blindness, and anxiety, 29so you’ll grope around in the daytime like the blind grope around in their darkness.• Nothing you do will prosper... You’ll be treated unfairly; you’ll be looted continuously, and no one will come to your aid.30• You’ll take women for yourselves, but other men will have them.• You’ll build houses and not live in them.• You’ll plant vineyards and not gather their grapes.31• Your calves will be butchered before you, but you won’t eat any of the [meat].• Your burros will be taken from you and never be returned.• Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and no one will get them back for you.32• Your sons and daughters will be given to other nations, then you’ll search for them as your eyes are wasting away and your hands are growing feeble.33• A nation that you’re unfamiliar with will eat the produce of your land, and all your hard work will be crushed and done away with… 34You’ll be amazed by the things that you’ll see!35• Jehovah will strike you with bad sores on you knees and legs that won’t heal… From the soles of your feet to the tops of your heads.36• Jehovah will drive you and the leaders whom you’ll set over yourselves away, and you’ll be sent to a nation that neither you nor your ancestors have ever known... There you’ll serve gods made of wood and stone. 37And there, [the things that happened to you] will be used as amazing examples and illustrations among all the nations where Jehovah your God will send you.38• You’ll plant many seeds in your fields but harvest little, because the locusts will eat whatever you plant.39• You’ll plant vineyards and cultivate them, but you won’t drink the wine or enjoy any of it for yourselves, because worms will eat them.40• You’ll plant olive trees all around your land, but you won’t receive any oil to anoint yourselves, because your trees will drop their fruit.41• Sons and daughters will be born to you, but they’ll never be yours, because they’ll be carried away as captives.42• All the trees and produce of your land will be consumed by blight.43• The strangers who live among you will be lifted high, while you’ll be dragged down... 44Then they’ll lend to you but you won’t be able to lend to them, for they’ll be the heads and you’ll be the tails.45‘All of these curses will come upon you and chase you down until they’ve consumed and destroyed you, if you don’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep the Commandments and rules that He’s given to you.46‘They’ll serve as signs and wonders among you and among your offspring throughout the ages, 47if you fail to serve Jehovah your God happily and with a [cheerful] heart, because of all the many [good] things that you’ll have received.48‘Then you must serve the enemies whom Jehovah will send against you. You’ll be hungry, thirsty, naked, in need of everything, and you’ll have to wear iron yokes on your necks until they’ve destroyed you.49‘Jehovah will bring a nation against you from the ends of the earth that will come like fast-flying eagles, and you won’t understand their language... 50They’ll be a fearsome people who won’t respect your old people or pity your young.51‘They’ll eat the young of your cattle and the fruit of your land, and they won’t leave any grain, wine, oil, herds of oxen, or flocks of sheep for you, until they’ve destroyed you 52and totally crushed your cities.‘For even your highest and strongest walls will be destroyed, and all your land and all the cities that He’s given to you [will be theirs].53‘Then you’ll eat the fruit of your bodies… The flesh of all the sons and daughters that He’s given to you. For your enemy will bring a great time of stress and difficulty upon you. 54And even those who are kind and gentle among you will look at their brothers, their loved women, and any children that may be left in an evil way, 55and they won’t offer them any of the flesh of their children to eat, because they wouldn’t have enough for themselves.‘That’s how your enemies will pressure you and make life difficult for you in all of your cities!56‘Then, even the tender, gentle women among you – those who’ve never searched the ground for delicacies – will look at their loved husbands, sons, and daughters in an evil way. 57For they’ll eat the newborn that come from between their legs secretly in their [hunger].‘Yes, that’s how your enemies will make life difficult for you in your cities!58‘So, if you won’t listen to and obey all the words of the Law that have been written in this scroll and fear the glorious and wonderful Name of your God Jehovah, 59He will bring these horrible plagues and unending illnesses upon you and your offspring.60‘He will bring all the pain of Egypt that you were so afraid of, and make it stick to you.61‘And Jehovah will even bring sicknesses and plagues that haven’t been written about in the scroll of this Law, until He’s destroyed you.62‘Then, although you were once as many as the stars of the sky, there won’t be many left, due to the fact that you didn’t listen to the voice of your God Jehovah!63‘And as Jehovah once rejoiced over you, did good things for you, and made you grow... He will rejoice over destroying you and in quickly removing you from the land that you’re going to inherit!64‘Then Jehovah your God will scatter you among all the nations – from one end of the earth to the other – and you must serve other gods there, which are made of wood and stone, and of whom you and your ancestors have never heard.65‘In addition...‘[In the places where you’ll be living] among those nations, He won’t provide any quiet, nor will the soles of your feet find any rest. For there, Jehovah will give you weak hearts, failing eyes, and wasted lives.66‘You won’t know [what each day will bring], and you’ll be afraid both night and day; for nothing in your lives will be sure.67‘In the morning, you’ll say:‘I wish it were evening!’‘And in the evening, you’ll say:‘I wish it were morning!’‘You’ll have fear in your hearts and you’ll be afraid of everything you see.68‘Then Jehovah will take you back to Egypt in ships – back to the place that He said you should never see again – where you’ll be offered for sale to your enemies as slaves…‘And nobody will [wish to] buy you!’
1These are the words of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah commanded Moses to make with the children of IsraEl in the land of MoAb, which were added to the Sacred Agreement that He’d made with them at the dry place (Horeb).2Moses then called all the sons of IsraEl and said to them:‘You’ve seen all the things that Jehovah did to PharaOh, to his servants, and to his entire land of Egypt. 3Yes, you’ve seen the great signs and wonders with your eyes.4‘Yet, down to this day, Jehovah God hasn’t given you the heart to understand, the eyes to see, or the ears to hear. 5However, as He was leading you through the desert during [the past] 40 years, your clothes didn’t wear out, your sandals didn’t wear off your feet, 6and you didn’t eat bread, or drink wine or liquor.‘[He did this] so you’d know that He is Jehovah your God!7‘Then when we got to this place and SeOn (the king of Hesh-EbonEh) and Og (the king of BaShan) came out to meet us in war, 8we cut them down and took their lands, which I gave to ReuBen, Gad, and half of the tribe of ManasSeh, as their inheritance.9‘So now, pay attention to all the words of this Sacred Agreement and understand all the things that you must do.10‘Here you stand before Jehovah your God today… The heads of your tribes, your elders, your judges, your officers – every man of IsraEl – 11as well as your women, children, and the converts who’ve come to live in your camps (from the wood cutters to those who draw the water).12‘And now, you must conclude a Sacred Agreement with your God Jehovah and swear as many oaths as Jehovah your God will be asking of you today, 13so that He may appoint you to be His people and for Him to be your God, as He told you and as He swore to your ancestors, AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.14‘Understand that this Sacred Agreement and these oaths aren’t just for you… 15They apply to everyone who’s here before Jehovah your God today, as well as to anyone who isn’t here with you today.16‘For you know how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we came through the midst of [several] nations, 17where you saw their disgusting things and their idols of wood, stone, silver, and gold.18‘So, if the hearts of any man, woman, family, or tribe here aren’t with Jehovah your God, they should leave you now and go to serve the gods of those nations, so that there’ll be no root that’s filled with gall and bitterness among you!19‘And if there’s anyone who listens to these words and their curses and then chooses to flatter himself by saying in his heart:‘Good things will happen to me even if I keep on walking in the errors of my heart!’‘...[he should also leave]! Otherwise, the innocent may be destroyed along with the sinners… 20For God won’t pardon him.‘Rather, Jehovah’s rage and zeal will blaze against that man, and all the curses of this Sacred Agreement that are written in this scroll will come upon him… Jehovah will blot his name out from under the skies!21‘Jehovah will also hold the children of IsraEl responsible for all their evil [and bring] all the curses of the Sacred Agreement that are written in this scroll of Law upon them.22‘Then, future generations – your descendants who come after you and strangers who come from far away lands – will see the plagues on your land and the diseases that Jehovah has sent here... 23For then there’ll be sulfur rocks and burning salt, and the entire land won’t be cultivated, nor will anything green grow there. It’ll become like [the cities of] Sodom, GomorRah, Adama, and Seboim, which Jehovah destroyed in His anger and rage.24‘Then all the nations will ask:‘Why has Jehovah done this to His land… What made Him so fierce and so angry?’25‘And others will answer:‘It’s because they broke the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, the God of their ancestors. For, this is what He warned their ancestors that He would do to them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt!26‘However, they still went and served other gods… And this is [how He showed] His disapproval!27‘So Jehovah became very angry with that land and He brought all the curses upon it that are written about in the scroll of this Law.28‘Then, in His rage, anger, and indignation, He removed them from their land and threw them into other lands… It’s why all these things have happened to them!’29‘Remember that even the things that are done in secret [are known by Jehovah] our God, and He uncovers them. So, the responsibility of our children and us is to obey all the words of this Law throughout the ages.’
1‘And after all these things have happened to you, you must recall to mind the blessings and the curses that I’ve set before you today, wherever [you may be] among all the nations where Jehovah will have scattered you.2‘Then you must return to Jehovah your God, listen to His voice, and [obey] everything that I’m telling you today with your whole hearts and souls, 3so that Jehovah may heal you from your sins, feel pity for you, and gather you back from all the nations to which He will have scattered you.4‘It won’t matter whether you’ve been dispersed from one end of the skies to the other... Jehovah will gather you from there and take you 5back to the land that your ancestors inherited, and you’ll inherit it once again.‘Then He will do good things for you and cause you to grow greater than your ancestors.6‘For Jehovah will purge your hearts and those of your offspring, and then you must love Jehovah your God with your whole hearts and souls, so you may live!7‘And after that, Jehovah your God will put all these curses on your enemies (on those who’ve hated and persecuted you), 8if you’ll turn back and listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep all His Commandments that I’m telling you today.9‘Jehovah your God will bless everything that you do, as well as the offspring of your bodies, of your cattle, and of the crops in your fields. Then Jehovah your God will be happy over you once again… But [this time], in even a better way than He was happy with your ancestors.10‘[This will all happen] if you’ll just listen to the voice of your God Jehovah and keep His Commandments, rules, and decisions that are written in the scroll of this Law, and if you’ll return to Jehovah your God with your whole hearts and souls.11‘For these Commandments that I’m giving you today really aren’t a burden, nor are they far away from you.12‘They aren’t in the skies above, so you’d have to say:‘Who’ll go up into the sky and get them for us so we can hear them and obey them?’13‘Nor are they beyond the sea, so you’d have to say:‘Who’ll cross the sea and fetch them for us so we can hear them and obey them?’14‘These words are near to you… In your mouths, in your hearts, and in your hands!15‘Look, I’m setting life and death, as well as good and evil before you today.16‘If you’ll listen to the Commandments of your God Jehovah that I’m giving to you today… If you’ll love Jehovah your God, walk in His ways, and follow all His rules and decisions; you’ll live, grow in numbers, and Jehovah your God will bless you throughout the land where you’re going and which you’ll inherit.17‘But if you have a change of heart and choose not to listen to Him, and then go to worship and serve other gods... 18I’m warning you today that you’ll be destroyed and you won’t live long on the land that you’re crossing the JorDan to inherit!19‘So I now call the land and the sky as witnesses against you today, that I’ve set life and death, the blessings and the curses, before you.‘Choose life so that you and your offspring may live!20‘Love Jehovah your God!‘Listen to His voice and stick to Him, for He is your life, and [He’s] the length of the number of days that you’ll live in the land that Jehovah promised your ancestors AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob that He would give to you.’
1Well, after Moses had finished telling the children of IsraEl all these things, he said:2‘I’m 120 years old today, and I won’t be able to [lead] you anymore. For Jehovah has told me that I may not cross the JorDan.3‘However, Jehovah your God will continue to walk before you… He will destroy the nations before you and you’ll inherit them.‘And He told me that JoShua will now lead you.4‘Jehovah your God will do the same things to [those nations] that He did to the two Amorite kings, SeOn and Og, and to their land on [this side] of the JorDan, when He destroyed them... 5Jehovah has given them to you, and you must do all that I’ve said you must do to them.6‘So, be courageous and strong! Don’t be afraid or act cowardly… Don’t let them scare you!‘For Jehovah your God is marching with you and among you, and He won’t forget you or leave you!’7Then Moses called JoShua and said to him before all IsraEl:‘You must be courageous and strong, for now you must lead these people into the land that Jehovah swore to your ancestors that He would give to them as their inheritance.8‘Jehovah will be going with you, and He won’t forsake you or abandon you – so, don’t be timid or afraid!’9Then Moses wrote the words of this Law in a scroll and gave it to the priests (those sons of Levi who bear the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement) and to the elders of the sons of IsraEl.10And then Moses told them this:‘After 7 years, during the Year of Release and on the Feast of Temporary Structures 11when all IsraEl assembles before Jehovah your God in the place that Jehovah will choose; you must read this Law so that all IsraEl can hear it.12‘The whole assembly – the men, the women, the children, and any converts who are living in your cities – must all hear it, so that they may learn to fear Jehovah your God and to obey all the words of this Law.13‘Also, the sons that haven’t [been born yet] must hear it and learn to fear Jehovah your God for as long as they live in the land that you’re crossing the JorDan to inherit.’14Then the Lord said to Moses:‘Look; the day of your death has arrived.‘Now, call JoShua and go stand at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs, where l can [explain things] to him.’So, Moses and JoShua went to the Tent of Proofs and stood at the entrance... 15Then the Lord descended in a cloud and stood next to the entrance in a column of clouds.16And He said to Moses:‘{Look!} [It’s time] for you to go to sleep with your ancestors.‘However, from among these people [some] will arise who will commit adultery with the strange gods of the land that they’ll be entering… They’ll leave Me and break the Sacred Agreement that I made with them.17‘And when that happens, I’ll be very angry with them and I’ll leave them… I’ll turn My face away from them and they’ll thereafter be devoured.‘But, after many bad things and plagues have come upon them, they’ll [finally] say:‘These bad things have happened to us because Jehovah our God isn’t with us!’18‘However, I’ll still just look away, because of all the wicked and evil things that they’ll do, and because they’ll have turned to other gods.19‘Now, write the words of this song and teach it to the children of IsraEl… Have them learn to sing it, so this song may testify about Me to the faces of the children of IsraEl. 20For I’m bringing them into the good land that I swore to their ancestors that I’d give to them… A land flowing with milk and honey.‘But, after they’ve eaten and are full and satisfied, they’ll turn and follow other gods and serve them… They’ll break their Sacred Agreement with Me and anger Me. 21And it’s this song that will stand as a witness against them, because they won’t forget it, nor will their offspring ever forget it!‘For, I’ve known how wicked they are and of the wicked things that they’ll do long before I brought them to this good land that I promised to their ancestors.’22So Moses wrote the song that day, which he would thereafter teach to the children of IsraEl. 23Then he spoke to JoShua and said:‘Be courageous and strong, because you’re now going to lead the sons of IsraEl into the land that Jehovah promised to them… And He will be with you!’24It was then that Moses finished writing the words of this Law all the way to the end. 25And thereafter, he gave these instructions to the Levites who bear the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, saying:26‘Take this scroll of the Law and put it inside the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of your God Jehovah, so it’ll [always] be there among you as a testimony.27‘Oh, I know how irritating and rebellious [these people] can be; for, throughout my life with them – down to this day – they’ve been provoking God by the ways that they act.‘So, how can I expect them to be any different after my death?28‘Now, gather all the heads of your tribes, as well as your elders, judges, and officers, so that I can speak all these words into their ears as I call the land and the sky as witnesses against them.29‘For I know that after my death they’ll become very sinful and turn from the ways that I’ve commanded them [to follow]… Then bad things will eventually happen to them because they’ll make their God Jehovah angry with all the evil things that they’ll do.’And thereafter, Moses spoke the words of this song, teaching it to the whole gathering:
1‘Listen, O heavens, and I’ll speak… May even the ground hear the words from my mouth. 2May the things that I say be looked for like rain, And may my words fall like dew… Like a shower on the plants and snow on the grass.3‘For, I’ve called on the Name of the Lord, And I’ve spoken of the greatness of God. 4His works are true and His ways are all just… He isn’t unrighteous, but faithful… Jehovah is holy and fair.5‘Against Him, they’ve all sinned, For they’re children with spots… A generation of the pushy and perverted. 6Is this how they pay back Jehovah?‘Are these people all foolish and stupid? Didn’t He become their own Father? Didn’t He purchase them back? Didn’t He form them and make them?7‘Remember the days of long ago… Think of the years of past ages. Ask your fathers and they’ll remind you… Ask your elders and they’ll explain.8‘When the Most High divided the nations… When the sons of Adam, He moved apart, He set the borders for all of the nations By the numbers of the messengers from God.9‘Jacob (His people), became the Lord’s portion; IsraEl was what He’d inherit. 10So He kept them alive in land that was dry, And in the desert, [He sated] their thirst. Thereafter, He led them and taught them, And He kept them as the apple of His eye.11‘As an eagle that watches over his brood, And as one that yearns for his young; They were chosen by Him. So [for them], He spread out His wings And He lifted them onto His back.12‘It was only Jehovah who led them, When no other gods had they known. 13He raised them on the strength of the land, And fed them with the fruit of the fields. So, out of rocks, they sucked honey, And out of boulders, sucked oil.14‘With the butter of cows and the milk of their sheep… With the fat of their lambs and their rams, calves, and kids… With the fat of kidneys and wheat. They also drank wine… The ‘blood’ of the grape. 15So, Jacob ate and was filled.‘Then this loved one kicked and grew fat… He soon became thick and broad. And from the God who made him, he turned… From the God who’d saved him, he strayed.16‘With strange gods, they enraged Me, And with loathsome things, made Me mad. 17To demons unknown, they then sacrificed, And not to the God [of all] gods.‘Then they turned to things that were new… [Things] of which their fathers knew not, 18And they left the God who gave them birth… They forgot the God who provided their food.19‘Jehovah was jealous when He saw this… By His sons and daughters, He was enraged. 20So He said:‘From them, I’ll now turn My face, And I’ll show them what the last days will bring. For, they’re a perverted generation, And they’re unfaithful sons.21‘They’ve made Me angry and jealous, With gods that are nothing at all, And they also disturbed Me with idols. So I’ll make them angry and jealous Over others that are not [of your] nation… I’ll enrage them with people whom they never knew.22‘For a fire has been started by My rage, Which will burn to the place of the dead down below. It’ll devour their land and its fruitage, And burn to the bottoms of their hills.23‘Evil things, I’ll now bring upon them… I’ll fight them with all of My weapons. 24With hunger, they’ll be consumed, And their [bodies] will be eaten by birds… Their destruction won’t be repaired.‘I’ll send against them the teeth of wild beasts, And the rage of things that crawl on the ground.25‘Their children will be taken from them without swords, And in their beds, they’ll know terror. Young men will be killed with the virgins, As well as the newborn and those who’ve grown old. 26For I told them that they’d be scattered, As their memory is erased among men.27‘Were it not for their enemies’ rage, They’d have lived a long time. But their enemies will have gathered to attack them.‘Yet, may their enemies never be able to say:‘I did this with my own mighty arm. For, it’s Jehovah that will do all these things.’28‘They’re a nation that has lost its direction, And there’s no understanding among them… 29They have no sense, so they won’t understand, That after they’ve made such a choice, This is what will happen to them.’30‘How can one man chase a thousand, Or two men route tens of thousands, Unless they’d been sold by their God… If Jehovah hadn’t handed them over?31‘Since their [new] gods are not like our God, Our enemies won’t understand. 32For, their vine is like that of Sodom, And the branch of their vines are GomorRah. All their grapes are like gall, And all their clusters are bitter. 33Like the rage of snakes is their wine… Like the deadly anger of asps.34‘{Look!} Weren’t they all assembled by Me? Weren’t they sealed with My treasures? 35So, in the time of My vengeance, I’ll pay them back, And their feet will be tripped in that day When their destruction has arrived, And My decisions have fallen upon them.’36‘For, Jehovah will judge all His people, And take comfort [in the fall of] His servants. Because He saw they were failing and weak; In a hostile invasion, they’ll [fall].37‘So, where are these gods in whom you’ve put trust? 38Where is the fat that they ate? And the wine that you offered, which they drank? Let them arise and come to your aid! Let them become your protectors!39‘Look! I am… There are no gods other than Me! I alone can kill or make it alive… Only I can strike down or heal… They can’t wrest this power from My hands!40‘So I’ll lift My hand to the heavens and swear; Yes, by My right hand, I can say: I am alive throughout the ages!41‘Then, I’ll grab hold of My sword, And make it like lightning, there in My hand. I’ll grab My enemies and judge them in justice, And pay back all those who hate Me.42‘My weapons will then be drunk on their blood, And My sword will devour much flesh… With the blood of the wounded and captured, And the heads of My enemies who ruled them.’43‘So, rejoice with Him, O you heavens, And may God’s messengers all bow low before Him. Rejoice with His people, you nations, And may all of God’s sons be strengthened by Him.‘For, He will avenge the blood of His sons, And on His enemies, bring vengeance and justice. He’ll bring what’s due to all those who hate Him, When they’re purged from the land of His people.’44This was the song that Moses wrote on that day, and which he then taught to the children of IsraEl.And thereafter, Moses and JoShua (son of NaWeh) [stood up] and [read] all the words of this Law where the people could hear it.45And when they’d finished, 46[Moses] added:‘Pay whole-hearted attention to these words that I [read] to you today, and command your sons to follow and obey all the words of this Law.47‘Don’t allow these just to be words to you, for they’re your life… They’ll allow you to live for a long time in the land that you’re crossing the JorDan to inherit!’48Then the Lord spoke to Moses and said:49‘Now, go to the mountains of your forefathers and climb Mount Nebo, which is in the land of MoAb near JeriCho, and gaze at the land of CanaAn that I’m giving to the sons of IsraEl.50‘Then you’ll die in those mountains and be added to your people, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Or and was added to his people. 51For, you disobeyed [Me before] the children of IsraEl at the Waters of Rebellion at KaDesh in the Sin desert, when you failed to [speak of] Me in a holy way among the sons of IsraEl.52‘However, [I want you to] see this land that’s before you, which you won’t be allowed to enter.’
1Then Moses, the man of God, gave this blessing to the children of IsraEl before he died.2He said:‘Jehovah came down from Mount SinAi, And He appeared to us at Mount SeIr. Then He quickly moved to Mount Pharan With 10,000 Holy Ones at His right, And [all] of His messengers with him.3‘To His people, He then brought salvation… His holy ones, [He kept] in His hands. Below Him, they [all heard] His words… 4The Law, which Moses gave as their own To the whole gathering of Jacob.5‘He will be with the leader He loves, And the rulers of the peoples, among IsraEl’s tribes.6‘May ReuBen live and never die out, And may he grow into a crowd.’7And this is the blessing of Judah:‘O Jehovah,‘Listen to what Judah asks, And pay attention to his people. With his hands, he will wage war, And against his enemies, You’ll give him aid.’8And for Levi he said:‘Give Levi the signs and the truth Of a man who’s been very holy. For they tested him at the Temptation, And spoke against him at the Waters of Rebellion.9‘He’s the one who must say to his father and mother, ‘[Sorry], but I can’t [come to] visit.’ He knows not his brothers, and he knows not his sons, But he’s kept Your words and Your Sacred Agreement.10‘[Levi] will proclaim Your rules among Jacob, And Your Laws among IsraEl. They’ll always burn incense on Your Altar, Even in times of Your rage.11‘O Jehovah,‘Please keep on blessing his strength, And accept the things that he offers. Break all the enemies who may come against him, And don’t allow those who hate him to stand.’12And to BenJamin he said:‘Jehovah’s beloved, in safety will live; For, God’s shadow will always be with him, And between [God’s] shoulders, he will rest.’13And to JoSeph he said:‘His land is the blest of Jehovah… [A land of] seasons, sky, dew, and deep wells… 14Of the fruitage of the changes in the seasons and sun, And the produce of [each of] the months.15‘[Water runs down] from the tops of old mountains… From the tops of the hills of the ages, 16To produce full crops in their seasons.‘May the things that please him be poured on his head; On the crown of this one who’s been glorified Above all of His brothers. 17Like a first-born bull, is his beauty, And as a rhinoceros, are his horns.‘He will use them to thrust out at nations To the ends of the earth. For, his are Ephraim’s tens of thousands, As well as the thousands of ManasSeh.’18And to ZebuLon [and IsSachar] he said:‘Rejoice O ZebuLon, as well as all those Who dwell in IsSachar’s tents. For, you’ll arise 19and destroy many nations.‘Many men, you’ll call that will gather To offer sacrifices that are righteous. The wealth of the sea will be your provisions… The stores of those living by water.’20And to Gad he said:‘Praise the One who’s given Gad more; For, he will rest like a lion That has crushed many arms along with their their kings.21‘He will see that his land bears the first fruits, And leaders will gather with his people’s chiefs. For [he will do what the Lord says is] righteous, And to IsraEl, he will bring justice.’22And to Dan he said:‘Dan is the cub of a lion, And he will leap out of BaShan.’23And to NaphTali he said:‘NaphTali will be filled with good things, And he will receive the blessings from God. For, he will inherit the west and the south.’24And to Asher he said:‘With many children, Asher is blest, And he will be approved by his brothers. With oil, his feet are anointed, 25And his sandals are like both iron and brass.‘He will be strong for as long as he lives, 26Since his helper is the God whom he loves… The One who rides throughout the firmament… The Magnificent One of the cosmos.27‘[And as long as he stays under] God’s rule, He will [be there] to protect you. He will drive your enemies away By the great might of His arm. He will drive them away throughout the ages, Saying to them, ‘Be destroyed!’28[And Moses continued:]‘So, IsraEl will live by themselves In safety, within Jacob’s land; With grain, and wine, and the clouds in the sky, And with plenty of dew.29‘You’re blest, O IsraEl, for who else is like you… You who’ve been saved by your helper, God.‘He will hold His shield over you, And of His sword, you’ll boast. Then, you’ll tred on the necks Of the enemies who’ve dared to lie before you.’
1Finally, Moses went from ArabOth in MoAb to the Nabau Mountains, and climbed to the top of Mount Pisgah (near JeriCho)... There Jehovah showed him all of GileAd to the land of Dan, the land of NaphTali, 2the lands of Ephraim and ManasSeh, the land of Judah all the way to the Sea, 3the whole desert, the country around JeriCho, and the land between the City of Palm Trees and Segor.4Then Jehovah said to Moses:‘This is the land that I swore that I’d give to the offspring of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.‘And now that you’ve seen it, you may not go there.’5So Moses, the servant of Jehovah, died there in the land of MoAb, as Jehovah said, 7When he died, Moses was 120 years old.Yet his eyes were still sharp and he still had all of his natural functions.8Thereafter, the children of IsraEl cried for Moses (in ArabOth of MoAb at the JorDan near JeriCho) for 30 days, which was the [maximum traditional] period for mourning.9Then JoShua (son of NaWeh) became filled with the spirit of knowledge, because Moses had laid his hands upon him. So, the children of IsraEl listened to him as they did when Jehovah was commanding Moses.10But there was never again a Prophet in IsraEl like Moses, whom the Lord knew face-to-face, 11whom Jehovah sent to perform all the signs and wonders to Egypt (to PharaOh, his servants, and his entire land), 12and who displayed before all IsraEl the other great wonders and powers that He had.
1After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Moses’ servant JoShua (son of NaWeh) and said:2‘My servant Moses is now dead; so I want you and all of these people to get up and cross the JorDan [River] into the land that I’m giving to them.3‘I’m giving you every place that you step as yours, just as I told Moses, 4from the desert and the borders of Lebanon to the great River EuPhrates and to the Sea…‘Your borders will run to the sunset.5‘No man will be able to stand against you during all the days of your life; for, as I was with Moses is how I’ll be with you…‘I won’t fail you and I won’t leave you.6‘Therefore, be strong and act like a man, because, now you must divide up the land among these people, [a land] that I swore to their ancestors that I’d give them. 7So, you must be strong, behave like a man, and pay attention and obey, just as My servant Moses instructed you…‘Don’t swerve to the right or to the left, so that you may prove to be wise in everything that you do.8‘And don’t allow the Law that has been written on the scroll to leave your mouth… You must think about it day and night, so that you’ll know how to do everything that’s written in it.‘Then you’ll be blessed, you’ll succeed, and you’ll be wise.9‘Look; I’m commanding you to be strong and courageous! Don’t be a coward or fearful, for Jehovah your God will be with you no matter where you may go.’10Then JoShua gave this commandment to the people’s scribes:11‘Go throughout the camp and tell the people to get ready, for in three days we’ll cross the JorDan to enter and take possession of the land that Jehovah the God of your ancestors is giving to you.’12And thereafter, JoShua said this to [the tribes of] ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh:13‘Remember what Moses the servant of Jehovah told you to do.‘He said:‘Jehovah your God has allowed you to rest by giving you this land. 14So now, settle your wives, children, and cattle here in the land that He’s given to you; then, all who are strong and willing to fight must arm themselves to cross [the JorDan] before their brothers.15‘[You must be willing to do this] until Jehovah your God has allowed your brothers to rest, just as He’s [allowed] you [to rest], after they’ve inherited the land that Jehovah your God is giving to them.‘Only then may you each return to the inheritance that Moses allotted to you east of the JorDan!’16So they answered JoShua and said:‘We’ll do everything that you’ve commanded and we’ll go wherever you may send us. 17For, just as we listened to Moses, we’ll listen to you… And may our God Jehovah be with you as He was with Moses!18‘If anyone chooses to disobey you, or doesn’t listen to you and obey whatever you tell him to do, he must die… But you must be strong and courageous!’
1Then from SatTin, JoShua (son of NaWeh) sent two young men as spies into the land, saying:‘Go there and look at the land… And [specifically] at JeriCho.’So, the two young men went and entered JeriCho and stayed at the house of a prostitute named RaHab. 2However, [someone] reported this to the king of JeriCho, saying:‘Men of the sons of IsraEl have come here as spies!’3Then the king of JeriCho sent [men to the house of] RaHab, that said:‘Bring out the men who entered your house this evening, for they’ve come to spy in our land!’4But the woman had hidden the two men, and she told [the king’s] messengers:‘The men came here, 5but before the [city] gate was closed this evening, they left… And I don’t know where they went.‘You should chase after them to see if you can catch them!’6However, she’d taken them up on the [roof] and hidden them under some hay that she’d spread there.7So the [king’s] men left and traveled towards the fords in the JorDan, and the [city] gate was closed once again.8Then, after the men who were chasing them had left (and before the spies had fallen asleep), she went up to them on the roof of her house and said:9‘I know that Jehovah has given you this land, so we’re all afraid [of you]... 10We’ve heard how your God Jehovah dried up the Red Sea before you when you left the land of Egypt, and of the things that He did to the two Amorite kings across the JorDan… To SeOn and Og whom you destroyed.11‘When we heard about this, our hearts were stunned and we were barely able to breathe because of you; for Jehovah your God is truly the God of the skies above and of the lands below!12‘So now, swear to me by Jehovah your God that, since I’ve been merciful with you, you’ll be merciful to the house of my father, 13and that you’ll allow the house of my father – my mother, my brothers, myself, and everyone in my home, as well as everything that we own – to be saved from death.’14And the men replied:‘[We will offer] our lives for yours, even to death.’Then she said:‘When Jehovah gives this city to you, you must be merciful and true to me!’15And at that, she lowered them [outside the city gate] through her window 16with instructions to head towards the hill country where they should hide for three days before returning, for fear that they would run into the men who were chasing them.17And the [spies] said:‘We promise to do what you’ve asked.18‘{Look!} But because we’re going to [destroy] this city, you must give us a sign... Tie this scarlet cord in the window from which you let us down, then bring everyone – your father, mother, brothers, and your father’s entire family – into your house.19‘However, if anyone goes outside the door of your house, they’ll be guilty and no part of our promise. We’ll just be responsible for those found inside your home.20‘And if anyone harms us or betrays us, the promise is broken.’21Then she told them:‘May it be as you said.’And at that, she sent them away.22Then they headed towards the hill country where they remained for three days… So although the people who were chasing them searched all the roads, they couldn’t find them.23Then the two young men left the mountains and returned to JoShua (son of NaWeh) and told him everything that had happened to them.24They said:‘Jehovah has put the entire land under our power, because everyone who lives there is shaking in fear of us.’
1Well, JoShua got up early the next morning, and thereafter, [the whole camp] left SatTin. Then when they reached the JorDan, they stayed there [until it was time to] cross.2And [for the next] three days, the scribes went throughout the entire camp 3telling the people that as soon as they saw the Levite Priests bearing Jehovah God’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement, they were to follow behind it…4But at a distance of as much as 3,000 feet (914m), because they weren’t to get near it. And that’s when everyone started to realize that things weren’t going to be the same as they’d been in the past.5Thereafter, JoShua said to the people:‘Now, make yourselves holy, because tomorrow Jehovah will perform a miracle among you!’6And [on the next day], JoShua told the Priests to pick up Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement and lead the people onward. So, the Priests picked it up and walked ahead of the people.7Then Jehovah said to JoShua:‘Today I’m going to start [raising your prestige] before all the children of IsraEl, so they’ll know that I’m with you, just as I was with Moses... 8Therefore, tell the Priests who are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement that as soon as they get to the edge of the water, it’ll part! And then they are to go down and stand still in the middle of the JorDan.’9So JoShua gathered the children of IsraEl and said:‘Come here and listen to the words of our God Jehovah, 10for this is how you’ll know that the living God is among you and that He will destroy the CanaAnites, Hittites, Pherezites, Evites, Amorites, Gergesites, and the Jebusites ahead of you:11‘Watch what happens when the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of the Lord of the whole earth [is being carried] into the JorDan!12‘You must choose 12 men, one from each of your tribes, 13and these will [serve as witnesses] to the fact that when the feet of the Priests that are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement [step into] the JorDan, the water will [move away], and that which is pouring down from higher up will stop flowing.’14So then, the people packed up their tents to cross over the JorDan, as the Priests walked ahead of them carrying the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement... 15And when the feet of the Priests who were carrying the Chest entered the JorDan, the water parted – even though it was harvest time and the river was at flood stage!16The water that was flowing down from higher up stopped in a solid wall – backing up all the way to the region of KiriAth JaiRim, and the water that flowed down to the Salt Sea dried up!So, there the people were, standing across from JeriCho.17Then the Priests who were carrying the Chest continued on and they stopped in the middle of the JorDan and just stood there until all the children of IsraEl had passed through it on dry ground.
1Well, after everyone had crossed the JorDan, the Lord spoke to JoShua and said:2‘Now, select one man from each tribe, 3then tell them to go out to the middle of the JorDan and pick up 12 appropriate rocks and carry them back to the place where you’ll be camping tonight.’4So JoShua selected 12 important men from among the children of IsraEl, one from each tribe, 5and he told them:‘Now, walk in front of me to the middle of the JorDan, and there in the presence of the Lord, each of you must pick up a rock and carry it on your shoulders – one [rock] for each of the 12 tribes of IsraEl.6‘These will serve as signs to future [generations], so that when your sons ask you:‘What do these rocks mean to us?’7...you can tell them:‘The JorDan River dried up in front of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of the Lord of the whole earth as it started passing through.’‘So, these rocks are to serve as reminders of this event to the children of IsraEl throughout the ages.’8And that’s what the children of IsraEl did… They did just as the Lord had commanded JoShua. They picked up 12 rocks from the middle of the JorDan (after all the children of IsraEl had finished crossing), then they carried them into their camp and laid them there.9And JoShua also had 12 further rocks placed in the JorDan where the feet of the Priests who carried the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah had entered… And they’re still there today!10Well, the Priests who were carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement just kept on standing there in the middle of the JorDan until JoShua had finished doing everything that the Lord had commanded, and until everyone had crossed.11Then, after all the people had crossed, they carried Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement and the rocks [to the other side]. 12Also, the sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh led the way for the children of IsraEl, just as Moses had commanded them… 1340,000 of their armed men crossed [the river] before Jehovah so as to join in the attack against the city of JeriCho.14As a result, on that day, Jehovah raised JoShua’s prestige [in the eyes of] all the people of IsraEl, and they started fearing him as they [had once feared] Moses!15Then the Lord spoke to JoShua and said:16‘Now, tell the Priests who are carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement [that it’s time for them to] to come up out of the JorDan!’17So JoShua told the Priests to come from the JorDan... 18And as soon as the Priests carrying the Chest stepped out of the JorDan and put their feet on dry ground, the water quickly returned and overflowed its banks, like it’d been doing before.19It was on the 10th day of the 1st month that the children of IsraEl crossed the JorDan, and they set up camp at GilGal, east of JeriCho. 20It was there at GilGal that JoShua set up those 12 rocks that they’d taken from the JorDan.21And he said:‘When your sons ask you what these rocks are, 22tell them that IsraEl walked over them while they crossed the JorDan on dry ground, 23back when our God Jehovah dried up the JorDan’s waters in front of them until they’d all crossed... The same as He did at the Red Sea, when He dried up its waters until we’d all crossed.24‘[They’re here] to remind every nation on earth of the mighty power of Jehovah, and that you should always be bowing low before Jehovah your God!’
1Well, when the kings of the Amorites on the [west] side of the JorDan and the kings of Phoenicia heard that Jehovah God had dried up the JorDan River in front of the children of IsraEl as they crossed it, their hearts dropped, they were terrified, and they were beside themselves because of the children of IsraEl!2And thereafter, the Lord said to JoShua:‘You must now make yourself some knives out of sharp stones, then sit down and circumcise the children of IsraEl.’3So JoShua made some very sharp knives out of stone, and he circumcised the children of IsraEl at a place [that came to] be known as, ‘The Hill of Foreskins.’4By doing this, JoShua cleansed all the children of IsraEl that had been born along the way, as well as all the uncircumcised that had come with them from Egypt. 5He circumcised all [the males] that had wandered in the MabDaris Desert for the past 40 years.6[Of course, this didn’t include] the uncircumcised fighting men who’d left the land of Egypt but then disobeyed the commandments of God, for God had decided that they wouldn’t see the land that He’d sworn to their ancestors that He would give to them… A land flowing with milk and honey.7But in their place, He elevated their sons… These were the ones whom JoShua circumcised, since those who had been born along the way hadn’t been circumcised.8So, after they were circumcised, they had to stay there in the camp and rest until they’d all healed.9It was then that the Lord said to JoShua (son of NaWeh):‘On this day, I’ve removed all the shame of Egypt from you.’And that’s when He named the place GilGal (Circle of Stones).10It was on the 14th day of the month, in the evening, in a field to the west of JeriCho on the [west] side of the JorDan, that the children of IsraEl then celebrated the Passover.11There they ate the yeast-free new grain [that they’d found] in the land; 12and after they’d eaten the grain, the manna stopped coming.So, the children of IsraEl no longer had the manna, and they went on to eat the fruitage from the land of the Phoenicians for the rest of that year.13Well, as JoShua was approaching JeriCho, he looked up and he saw a person standing in front of him that had a drawn sword in his hand.So he went up to him and asked:‘Are you for us or are you on the side of our enemies?’14And he replied:‘I have come here as the leader of the army of Jehovah!’Well at that, JoShua fell with his face to the ground and he asked:‘Lord, what would you command your servant to do?’15And the leader of Jehovah’s army said to JoShua:‘Untie the sandals from your feet, for the place where you’re standing is holy ground!’
1Well, by this time, JeriCho was all closed up and ready for a siege, so nobody could enter or leave.2But then the Lord said to JoShua:‘{Look!} I’m giving JeriCho to you, along with its king and all its mighty men. 3So, station your army around the city, 4and when they hear the trumpets blowing, all the people must shout.5‘For it is this shouting that will bring down the walls of the city. And thereafter, everyone must rush straight into it.’6So JoShua (son of NaWeh) went to the Priests and said:7‘Give the sacred trumpets to 7 of the Priests, and have them blow [the trumpets] loudly as they walk before Jehovah, followed by the Lord’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement.8‘Also tell the people to walk in a circle around the city with the men all armed and ready for war before Jehovah. 9The army is to walk ahead of the Priests, who must keep blowing the trumpets, [and they’ll] be followed by the Lord’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement.’10Then JoShua told the people:‘Don’t shout or say a word until [God] Himself tells you it’s time to shout.11‘For, the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of God will circle the city, and then it must immediately be returned to the camp and be left there.’12So on the next day, JoShua got up in the morning and the Priests picked up the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah. 13Then the 7 Priests who had the 7 trumpets walked ahead, followed by the men of war, then the rest of the group, and finally by the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, as the Priests were blowing the trumpets.14The group circled the city closely 6 times, then they returned to the camp… And they did this for 6 days.15Then on the 7th day, they all arose early and circled the city 7 times…16And on the 7th round, the Priests blew their trumpets.Then JoShua told the children of IsraEl:‘Now shout, for Jehovah has given you the city!17‘You must dedicate it and everything that’s in it to Jehovah of Armies, except for the prostitute RaHab and the things in her house.18‘You must stay free from the cursed things that are there, for fear that you might be tempted to take some and bring a curse upon the camp of the children of IsraEl, which would cause us [all] to be destroyed!19‘Also, all the gold, silver, brass, and iron there is to be considered as holy to Jehovah, so it must be taken to the Lord’s treasury!’20[Well, on the 7th round], the Priests blew their trumpets; and when the people heard that, they all started shouting together as loudly as they could… And all the walls around the city collapsed.So the people rushed in.21Thereafter, JoShua dedicated it and everything in it (the men and the women, both the young and the old, as well as their cattle and burros) to destruction by the edge of the sword.22However, JoShua told the two young men who’d served as spies to go to the house of the woman [that had sheltered them] and bring her and everything that was hers out of it. 23So, the two young men went to her house and brought out the prostitute RaHab, along with her father, mother, brothers, all of her relatives and everything she owned, and set her up outside of the camp of IsraEl.24And thereafter, they burned the city along with everything in it, except for the gold, silver, brass, and iron, which they carried into the treasury of Jehovah.25However, JoShua allowed RaHab the prostitute and all the house of her father to live… And she still lives in IsraEl today, because she had hidden the spies that JoShua sent to JeriCho.26Also on that day, JoShua made everyone swear before Jehovah that any man who rebuilt the city would be cursed… The one who laid its foundation would lose his firstborn, and the one who rebuilt its gates would lose his youngest son.Yet, that’s what Hozan of BethEl did! He laid the foundation [with the body of] AbiRom his firstborn, and he set up its gates [with the body of] his youngest son.27Thereafter, because Jehovah was with JoShua, his name became [famous] throughout all the lands.
1However, the children of IsraEl committed a serious sin by taking some of the things that had been cursed. It was Achar (son of CharMi, son of ZamBri, and grandson of ZaRa) of the tribe of Judah that took the cursed things, which made Jehovah very angry with the children of IsraEl.2Well, [after JeriCho had been destroyed], JoShua had sent men as spies to Gai (which was close to BethEl). 3And when they returned, they told him:‘We won’t need the whole army. All we’ll need is two or three thousand men to take the city, because not many of our enemies are there.’4Therefore, they sent about 3,000 there to fight…But these had to turn and run from the people of Gai, 5and the [people there] killed 36 of their men as they chased them away from their [city] gate, destroying them as they were running down the steep hill.Of course, this upset the [IsraElites], and it caused their hearts to become as [weak as] water. 6So, JoShua started ripping his clothes, and he and the elders of IsraEl threw dust on their heads and fell with their faces to the ground before Jehovah, [just lying there] until the evening.7Then JoShua prayed:‘O Lord,‘Why did You have Your servant bring these people across the JorDan and then allow the Amorites to destroy us? We would’ve been better off if we’d stayed on the other side of the JorDan and settled there!8‘What can I tell them now that IsraEl has [been forced to] flee from our enemies? 9And when the CanaAnites and all the other inhabitants of the land hear about this, they’ll surround us and wipe us out of their land…‘And then, what will You do for Your great Name?’10But the Lord said to JoShua:‘Why have you fallen to your face? Get up!11‘[I allowed this because] the people have sinned and broken the agreement that I made with them by stealing things that are cursed and hiding them among their possessions.12‘Because of this, the children of IsraEl won’t be able to stand before their enemies… They’ll have to run from them, because they’ve brought a curse upon themselves. So, I won’t be with you anymore until you remove those cursed things from among yourselves!13‘Now, get up and make the people holy… Yes, tell them to make themselves holy! Then explain to them that Jehovah the God of IsraEl says that there are cursed things among them and that they won’t be able to stand before their enemies until they’ve removed these cursed things.14‘You must gather all the tribes in the morning, and Jehovah will indicate which tribe, which family line, which household, and which man [is guilty] of doing this. 15Then, those to whom He points must be burned with fire for breaking the agreement with Jehovah and bringing wickedness upon all IsraEl!’16So JoShua got up early [the next morning] and he assembled the people by their tribes.Well, the tribe of Judah was the first to be indicated; 17so, all of their families [were set aside].Next the family of the Zaraites was indicated; 18and all of their people were set aside.[And finally], Achar (son of ZamBri and grandson of ZaRa) was indicated.19So JoShua said to Achar:‘Give glory to Jehovah the God of IsraEl today and confess.‘Tell me what you’ve done… Don’t [try to] hide it from me!’20And at that, Achar said to JoShua:‘Yes, I have sinned against Jehovah the God of IsraEl… This is what I did:21‘I noticed an embroidered shawl, 200 silver coins, and a piece of gold among the treasures. So because I wanted them, I took them and hid them inside my tent [under the shawl].’22Well at that, JoShua sent messengers who ran to his tent in the camp, and they found those things hidden under the shawl. 23Then they brought them to JoShua and the elders of IsraEl and laid them before Jehovah.24As a result, JoShua took Achar (son of ZaRa), along with his sons, daughters, calves, burros, sheep, tent, all his belongings, and all the people who lived with him, and he brought them to the Valley of Achar at Emec.25There, JoShua said to Achar:‘You’ve destroyed us, so today Jehovah is going to destroy you!’Then all IsraEl stoned him along with all who were with him with rocks, and they burned [their bodies] in a fire, 26after which they covered [their bones] with a huge pile of rocks… Which are still there today.This brought an end to Jehovah’s rage, and it’s why that place is still called The Valley of Achar (the Troublemaker) to this day.
1Then Jehovah said to JoShua:‘Don’t be afraid or tremble anymore; for, now you must take all the men of war and return to Gai. Look; I’ve given the king of Gai and his land into your hands!2‘So you must do to Gai as you did to JeriCho and its king; however, [this time] you may take their cattle.‘Now, go and set up an ambush behind the city.’3Therefore, JoShua got the men of war ready to go to Gai. He chose 30,000 mighty men and sent them during the night, 4giving them these orders:‘Wait in ambush behind the city… Don’t go too far, and everyone must be ready.5‘Then I’ll take [a group] up to the city [gate]; And when the people of Gai come out to meet us, we’re going to turn and run from them, 6so they’ll chase after us and leave the city… For they’ll think that we’re running from them as we did before.7‘That’s when those lying in ambush must get up and enter the city. 8You must do exactly as I’ve commanded you!’9So JoShua sent them on, and they waited in ambush to the west of Gai, between BethEl and Gai.10Well, early the next morning, JoShua got up and counted off the people. Then he and the elders went up to face the people of Gai, 11approaching it from the east, 12as the rest hid in ambush to the west of the city.13[verse 13 not present in LXX source]14And when the king of Gai saw them, he and all his people rushed out to meet them head on, not realizing that an ambush had formed behind their city. 15Then JoShua and IsraEl turned and retreated from them, 16and they chased the children of IsraEl for some distance, 17which left very few people inside Gai… They’d left the city wide open as everyone was out chasing IsraEl.18Then Jehovah said to JoShua:‘Now, raise the spear that’s in your hand towards the city, for I’ve given it into your hands.‘Those who are hiding must quickly get up and enter it.’19So then JoShua raised his spear towards the city, and when those who were hiding in ambush saw him raise his spear, they quickly arose and entered the city, capturing it and setting it on fire.20Well, when the inhabitants of Gai turned around and looked back, they saw the smoke from their city rising high into the sky, and they [realized] that they then had nowhere to run.21And when JoShua and all IsraEl saw that the city had been taken and its smoke was rising into the sky, they turned around and started cutting down the men of Gai. 22Then the men [who were burning] the city came out and attacked them from their rear, cutting them all down until no one was left… Not a survivor or an escapee!23They also captured the king of Gai and brought him before JoShua.24Well, after the children of IsraEl had finished killing everyone in Gai in the fields and on the descent from its mountain where they’d started chasing them, JoShua returned to Gai and cut down all those who remained with his sword. 25So, 12,000 inhabitants of Gai fell and were destroyed that day (both the men and the women).26[verse 26 not present in LXX source]27Then the children of IsraEl took all their cattle and they looted the city for themselves, following the instructions that Jehovah had given to JoShua.28Thereafter, JoShua finished burning the city. He turned it into an uninhabitable pile of rubble, which is how it’s remained throughout the ages down to today.29Then he hung the king of Gai [on a tree] and left [his body] there until the evening. But after the sun set, JoShua gave instructions to take his body down, and they threw it into a pit and piled a heap of rocks over it, [which can still be seen] today.30Then JoShua built an altar to Jehovah the God of IsraEl on Mount Ebal, 31just as Moses (Jehovah’s servant) had commanded the children of IsraEl, like it’s written in the Law of Moses... It was an altar made of rocks that hadn’t been cut or touched by iron. And there he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and a peace offering to Jehovah.32Thereafter, JoShua inscribed the Law of Moses on those rocks in front of all the children of IsraEl.33Then everyone in IsraEl (including their elders, judges, and scribes) filed past the [Sacred] Chest, passing on either side, as the Levite Priests were carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah.And after that, all the native [IsraElites] and the aliens were divided into two groups:Half were stationed near Mount GiriZim, and the other half were stationed near Mount Ebal, just as Moses (Jehovah’s servant) had commanded, so as to receive the first blessings on the people.34Then JoShua read all the words of the Law… all the blessings and curses that were written in the Law of Moses.35There wasn’t a word that Moses had said to JoShua that wasn’t read within the hearing of the entire assembly of the children of IsraEl… The men, the women, the children, and all the aliens that had joined themselves to IsraEl.
1Well when the kings of the Amorites on the [west] side of the JorDan (all those in the mountain country, those in the plains by the [MediTerranean] Sea, and those near the borders of Lebanon), as well as the Hittites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, Amorites, Gergesites, and the Jebusites heard what had happened there, 2they all banded together to fight against JoShua and IsraEl.3However, when the inhabitants of GibeOn heard what Jehovah had done to JeriCho and Gai, 4they craftily made [a plan to save themselves]...They put old sacks over their shoulders, they carried old torn and patched wine skins, 5and they tore off the upper parts of old shoes and sandals and put them on their feet. Then they dressed themselves in old clothes and carried along some bread that was dry, moldy, and rotting; 6and they went to JoShua at the camp of IsraEl at GilGal, and said:‘We’ve come from a faraway land, [and we want you to] make a treaty with us.’7But [JoShua] asked the GibeOnites:‘How can I sign a treaty with you if you live near to us?’8And they told JoShua:‘We’re [coming here to be] your servants!’Then JoShua asked:‘So, who are you and where have you come from?9And they replied:‘Your servants have come from a far away country in the Name of your God, Jehovah.‘For we’ve heard of His Name and of all that He did in Egypt, 10as well as of the things He did to the kings of the Amorites across the JorDan, and of what He did to SeOn the king of the Amorites and to Og the king of BaShan who lived in AstarOth and in EdraIn. 11And when our elders and the people who live in our land heard of this, they spoke to us and said:‘Take along enough provisions for the trip and travel to meet with them; then tell them that we’ll be their servants and that [we want to] make a treaty with them.’12‘Look at our bread! On the day that we started our journey to come here, it was hot. But now it’s all dry and moldy. 13And look at these wine skins! When we filled them they were new, but now they’re torn… And our clothes and shoes are worn out because of the long journey!’14So the leaders [of IsraEl] shared their provisions with them. And because they’d failed to ask Jehovah’s direction, 15JoShua concluded a peace treaty with them and agreed to allow them to live… And the leaders of the gathering also swore to this.16Well, it was three days after they’d made the treaty [with the GibeOnites] that [the IsraElites] found out that they were [actually] close neighbors who lived in their midst!17So the children of IsraEl went to their cities (GibeOn, KePhira, Berot, and the cities around JaRim). 18However, they didn’t fight against them, because all the leaders had sworn not to do this in an oath that they’d made before Jehovah the God of IsraEl… And this caused the whole gathering to start grumbling against their leaders.19So the leaders spoke to the gathering and said this:‘Because we’ve sworn [an oath] to them by Jehovah the God of IsraEl, we can’t touch them!20‘However, we will do this:‘We’ll let them live and we’ll protect them, so [God] won’t be angry with us for [breaking] the oath that we swore to them. 21But they’ll have to serve our entire gathering as woodcutters and water bearers, just as our leaders have told them.’22Well thereafter, JoShua assembled the [GibeOnites] and he asked them:‘Why did you deceive me?‘Why did you say that you live far away from us, when you’re really the fellow countrymen of the other people who live here? 23Because you did this, you are cursed! And you’ll always have to serve as slaves, woodcutters, and water drawers for me and for my God!’24And they replied to JoShua:‘We were told that Jehovah your God ordered his servant Moses to [take] this land and to destroy us, along with everyone else who lives here.‘So it was because we feared for our lives that we did this thing! 25And now look… We’ve surrendered to you, so you may do to us whatever pleases and seems good to you.’26Well, that’s what they did.JoShua saved them from the hands of the children of IsraEl, and he didn’t allow them to be killed. 27Then JoShua made them woodcutters and water bearers to the whole gathering and for the Altar of God.[And he said]:‘The inhabitants of GibeOn will continue to serve as the woodcutters and water bearers for the Altar of God even in that [future] place that will be chosen by Jehovah.’
1Well, when Lord Bezek (the king of Salem) heard that JoShua had taken Gai and destroyed it in the same way as JeriCho and its king, and that the inhabitants of GibeOn had gone over to JoShua and IsraEl, 2this frightened him. For he knew that the cities of GibeOn were large… They were some of [the land’s] primary cities, and [were widely-known] for their mighty men.3So Lord Bezek sent [messages] to ElAm (the king of HebRon), PhiDon (the king of JeriMuth), JephTha (the king of LachIsh), and Dabin (the king of OdolLam) which said:4‘Come and help us to conquer GibeOn, because the GibeOnites have gone over to JoShua and the children of IsraEl!’5And at that, the five kings of the Jebusites joined with the king of Salem (this included the kings of HebRon, JeriMuth, LachIsh, and OdolLam). Then they and all their people went and camped around GibeOn, laying siege against them.6So the GibeOnites sent [a message] to JoShua at his camp at GilGal, which said:‘Hurry and send your servants to help us!‘Save us from the Amorite kings of the hill country, for they’ve all united against us!’7Well at that, JoShua collected the best of his army [and marched them] from GilGal.8And the Lord told JoShua:‘Don’t be afraid, for I’m giving them into your hands… There won’t be anyone left to oppose you!’9Then, because JoShua had marched all night from GilGal, he caught them by surprise, 10and Jehovah struck them with terror before the children of IsraEl. So they destroyed them all with a great slaughter there at GibeOn.He chased them to the road that leads to OroNin, Azeca, and MakeDa, 11and as they were fleeing the children of IsraEl along the descent from OroNin, the Lord threw hailstones from the sky at them – all the way to Azeca!And more died from the hailstones than were killed in battle by the children of IsraEl.12JoShua spoke to Jehovah that day while He was delivering the Amorites into the [hands] of IsraEl, and while they were destroying [their enemies] at GibeOn.JoShua said:‘May the sun stand still over GibeOn and may the moon [stand still] over the valley of AiLon!’13And at that, the sun and the moon actually stood still as God brought vengeance on their enemies… The sun stood still in the midst of the sky and it didn’t move for a whole day!14There’s never been a day like that before or since. For God listened to a man and He fought on the side of IsraEl! 15And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. [spurious words]16Well, the five kings had all run away and hidden themselves in a cave at MakeDa. 17And when JoShua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at MakeDa, 18he said:‘Roll boulders to cover the mouth of the cave, and then appoint men to guard them. 19But don’t stop there; just keep on chasing your enemies and attacking them from the rear.‘Don’t allow them to go back into their cities, for Jehovah our God has given them into our hands!’20However, although JoShua and IsraEl wiped most of them out, those who escaped finally did take refuge in their fortified cities.21Well, after the battle, all the people returned safely to JoShua at MakeDa, and none of the children of IsraEl grumbled against him after that.22Then JoShua said:‘Now, open the cave and bring out those five kings!’23So they brought the five kings out of the cave… The king of Salem, the king of HebRon, the king of JeriMuth, the king of LachIsh, and the king of OdolLam.24And when they brought them out to JoShua, he assembled all IsraEl and said to the chiefs of the army that went with him:‘Now, come here and put your feet on their necks.’So they came and put their feet on the necks [of the kings], 25and JoShua said:‘You must not be afraid or cowardly… You must be courageous and strong!‘For this is what Jehovah will do to all the enemies you’re going to fight against!’26Then JoShua killed them and hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until the evening.27It was about sunset when JoShua commanded them to be taken down from the trees, and their [bodies] were thrown into the cave where they’d run for refuge. Then stones were rolled back over the cave, and [their bodies] are still there today.28Also on that same day, they captured MakeDa and destroyed its inhabitants with swords… They destroyed every living thing that was there… No one was left or escaped. Then they did the same thing to the king of MakeDa as they’d done to the king of JeriCho.29Well, after MakeDa, JoShua and all IsraEl left and laid siege against LebNa, 30and Jehovah gave it into their hands... They captured it and its king, then they killed all the inhabitants with swords. They killed everything that breathed there… No one survived or escaped. Then they did the same thing to its king as they’d done to the king of JeriCho.31Thereafter, JoShua and IsraEl left LebNa and went on to LachIsh, where they camped around the city and laid siege to it... 32Then Jehovah handed LachIsh over to IsraEl.They captured it on the 2nd day and put all the inhabitants to death with swords, after which they destroyed [the city], just as they’d done to LebNa.33Well, because ElAm (the king of GaZer) had gone to help LachIsh, JoShua also cut him and his people down with swords until there were none left and none had escaped.34And from LachIsh, JoShua and all IsraEl went on to OdolLam, laid siege to it, and took it. 35Yes, Jehovah gave it into the hands of IsraEl on that same day, and they killed all the inhabitants as well as every breathing thing that was there with swords, as they’d done at LachIsh.36Thereafter, JoShua and all IsraEl went on to HebRon and camped around it. 37Then they cut it down along with all the living creatures in it with swords, leaving nothing alive there. They destroyed the [city] and everything in it, as they’d done to OdolLam.38After that, JoShua and IsraEl returned to DabIr and camped around it. 39Then they took it, its king, and its villages, cutting them down with swords… They destroyed everything that breathed there. They left nothing alive! And what they’d done to HebRon and her king is what they did to DabIr and its king.40Then JoShua attacked all the hill country, the Negev, the plain country, and AsedOth and all their kings… They didn’t spare anything. They destroyed everything that had the breath of life (just as Jehovah the God of IsraEl had commanded), 41from KaDesh BarNea to the Gaza, and all of Goshen as far as GibeOn.42JoShua struck down all of their kings and he took their lands, because Jehovah the God of IsraEl was fighting on his side.43[verse 43 not present in LXX source]
1And when JabIsh (the king of Asor) heard about this, he sent for:• Jobab (the king of MaRon),
• The kings of SymoOn and Aziph,
2• The kings around Sidon,
• Those in the hill country,
• Those in the Araba across from KenerOth,
• Those in the plains,
• Those in PhenaEdDor,
3• The CanaAnites along the eastern border,
• The Amorites along their borders,
• The Hittites,
• The Pherezites,
• The mountain Jebusites,
• The Evites,
• All those living near Mount HerMon in the land of MasSyma.4And when all those kings and their armies came together, they were like the sands on the seashore in numbers, with multitudes of horses and chariots! 5All the kings were there in person, and they camped at the waters of MaRon to prepare for war with IsraEl.6Then Jehovah said to JoShua:‘Don’t be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this same time I’ll make them flee before IsraEl. Then you must hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.’7So JoShua and all the men of war made a surprise attack on them at the waters of MaRon and in the hill country, 8and Jehovah gave them into IsraEl’s hands. They struck them down and chased them all the way to Sidon, MasEron, and eastward to the plains of MasSoch… They kept destroying them until there were no more.9Then JoShua did as Jehovah commanded, he hamstrung the horses and burned their chariots in a fire.10Next, JoShua went back and took Asor and her king (back then, Asor was the capital city of those kingdoms), 11and they killed everything that breathed with swords… They destroyed them all and nothing was left alive there. Then they burned Asor with fire.12Thereafter, JoShua conquered all the cities that belonged to those kings, and he had everyone put to death by the sword. He left no survivors, just as Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had commanded.13However, they didn’t burn down all the walled cities, just Asor. 14This time, the children of IsraEl looted the cities and killed all the people with swords, leaving no breathing survivors, 15for this is what Jehovah had commanded His servant Moses to do, and it’s what Moses commanded JoShua to do.So JoShua did everything that Moses had commanded.16Next, JoShua took all the hill country, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the plain country, all the [country] to the west, the mountains of IsraEl, the low country near the mountains 17from Mount ChelCha to SeIr (all the way to BalaGad), and the plains to the borders of Lebanon near Mount HerMon.He captured all their kings and he destroyed everyone.18This war that JoShua waged with those kings went on for quite some time, 19and there was no city that IsraEl warred against which they failed to conquer. 20For Jehovah had hardened all the hearts [of the people in those cities] when they went to war against IsraEl, so that they might be destroyed without mercy, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses.21Then JoShua went and destroyed the Enakim in the hill country from HebRon, to DabIr, to AnabOth, as well as all the other races in the land of IsraEl, including those in the mountains of Judea and their cities… JoShua destroyed them all, 22for the children of IsraEl left no one. And among the Enakim, the only survivors were found in Gaza, Gath, and AselDo.23Thereafter, JoShua took all their land, just as Jehovah had commanded Moses, and he and [divided] it among IsraEl by their tribes as their inheritance.And that’s when the wars ended.
[Editor note: Now begins a series of lists of conquered kings, cities, and the geographic borders of the 2½ tribes east of the JorDan. The narrative resumes at Joshua 14:1]1These are the kings in that land whom the children of IsraEl killed and whose land they inherited [on the east side] of the JorDan, which ran from the Arnon Valley to Mount HerMon, and all the land of the Araba in the east:2SeOn, the king of the Amorites.He lived in Hesh-EbonEh and ruled [over the area] from the Arnon (which is on the side of the valley) and half of GileAd as far as the JaBoc, to the borders of the children of AmMon 3and the Araba, up to the Sea of [Galilee], then down to the [Dead] Sea and along the road to AsimOth, from ThaEman to AsedOth Phasga.4Og, the king of BaShan.He lived in AstarOth near EdraIn, which was [inhabited by] giants.5He ruled over all the land of BaShan from Mount HerMon and SecChai to the borders of GerGesi, Machi, and half of GileAd, up to the borders of SeOn, the king of Hesh-EbonEh.6They were the ones whom Moses (the servant of Jehovah) and the children of IsraEl had struck down, and whose [land] Moses gave as an inheritance to ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh.7These are the kings of the Amorites whom JoShua and the children of IsraEl killed [on the west side of] the JorDan along the [MediTerranean] Sea, from the plains of Lebanon to Mount ChelCha and along the road to SeIr (which JoShua gave to the tribes of IsraEl as their inheritance), 8to the mountains and plains, in the Araba and AsedOth, and to the desert and the Negev…The [lands] of the Hittites, Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites:9• The king of JeriCho,
• The king of Gai (near BethEl),
10• The king of JeruSalem,
• The king of HebRon,
11• The king of JeriMuth,
• The king of LachIsh,
12• The king of ElAm,
• The king of GaZer,
13• The king of DabIr,
• The king of Gader,
14• The king of HerMath,
• The king of Ader,
15• The king of LebNa,
• The king of OdolLam,
16• The king of ElAth,
17• The king of Taphu,
• The king of Opher,
18• The king of Ophec and Aroc,
19• The king of Asom,
20• The king of SymoOn,
• The king of MamBroth,
• The king of Aziph,
21• The king of KaDesh,
• The king of ZachAc,
22• The king of MaredOth,
• The king of Jecom and CarMel,
23• The king of OdolLam [who was] under...
• PhenNeAldor, the king of Gei of Galilee, and [lastly]
24• The king of Thersa.A total of 29 kings.
1Well by then, JoShua had grown very old, so the Lord said to him:‘You’re getting very old and there’s still a lot of land to [divide as] inheritances...2‘For all of this is still left:• The borders of the Philistines, Gesirites, and CanaAnites 3from the desert across from Egypt to the borders of AcCaron (the CanaAnites are thought to have had five principalities among the Philistines), they’re the inhabitants of Gaza, including Azotus, AshCalon, Geth, and AcCaron.
• The Evites 4from ThaEman through the land of CanaAn to the Gaza.
• The Sidonians from Aphec to the borders of the Amorites.
5• The Philistine land of GoliAth from the border of Lebanon east of GilGal at Mount HerMon and the road to Emath.
6• All those who inhabit the hill country from Lebanon to MaserEth-MemphoMaim, and all the Sidonians.‘I’m going to destroy them all before IsraEl... So, divide their land as an inheritance among IsraEl, as I told you. 7Divide it [and let it be offered] in a lottery to the 9 tribes and to the half tribe of ManasSeh.8‘Its boundaries will run west from the JorDan to the [MediTerranean] Sea.’Now, Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had already given the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh their inheritance in the east across the JorDan.9[It went] from:AroEr (at the brook of Arnon) to the city in the middle of the valley, as well as all of Misor to MaEdAban 10and all the cities of SeOn (the king of the Amorites who reigned from Hesh-EbonEh) to the borders of the children of AmMon.11Also, the region of GileAd, the borders of the Gesirites and Machatites all around Mount HerMon, the land of BaShan to Acha, 12and the entire kingdom of Og in the region of BaShan (he reigned in AstarOth and in EdraIn near the giants before Moses struck him down and destroyed him).13But the children of IsraEl didn’t destroy the Gesirites, Machatites, and CanaAnites; so the king of the Gesiri and the Machatites are still living among the children of IsraEl to this day.14However, no inheritance was given to the tribe of Levi, since Jehovah the God of IsraEl is their inheritance, like He told them.This is how Moses divided the land among the children of IsraEl at ArabOth in MoAb on the other side of the JorDan near JeriCho:15To the tribe of ReuBen and their families he gave all of this:16Their borders ran from AroEr across from the Brook of Arnon (which includes the cities in the valley of Arnon and all of Misor) 17to Hesh-EbonEh.So theirs included all the cities in:• Misor,
• DaEbon,
• BaEmonBaAl,
• BethMeElBoth,
18• BaShan,
• BakedMoth,
• MaEphaAd,
19• KiriAth JaiRim,
• Sebama,
• Serada,
• Sion (on Mount Enab),
20• BaethPhogor,
• AsedOth,
• Phasga,
• BaethThasinOth,
21• All the cities of Misor, and
• All the kingdom of [king] SeOn.[Now, this man SeOn was] the king of the Amorites whom Moses struck down, along with the leaders of MidiAn – Evi, Roboc, Sur, Ur, and Robe, who was the leader of the looters in Sion, all the inhabitants of Sion, 22and BalaAm son of BeOr, yes, they also killed this prophet in the battle.23The [western] border of ReuBen started at the JorDan.So, those are the boundaries and inheritance of the children of ReuBen, which were divided among all their families, as well as their cities and villages.24He gave this inheritance to the sons of Gad and to their families:25Their borders run from JaZer (they include all the cities of GileAd and half the land of the children of AmMon) to the Araba near Arad.26Then on from Hesh-EbonEh to ArabOth through MasSepha, Botanim, and MaAn, to the borders of DaEbon, 27EnAdom, OtharGai, BaenThanabra, SocCotha, and Saphan, and the rest of the kingdom of SeAn (the king of Hesh-EbonEh) to the JorDan, then up to the Sea of Galilee on the east side of the JorDan.28This is the inheritance of the children of Gad and their cities, which was divided among their families. They had to [stick together when facing] their enemies, because those cities and villages were to be distributed among their families.29He gave this inheritance to half the tribe of ManasSeh and their families:30Their borders ran from MaAn, through the kingdom of BaShan, and the entire kingdom of Og (the king of BaShan), all the villages of JaIr that are in the region of BaShan (some 60 cities), 31half of GileAd, and AstarOth and EdraIn (the royal cities of Og in the land of BaShan).That’s what Moses gave to the sons of MachIr (the son of ManasSeh) and their families, which comprised the half tribe of ManasSeh 32(they’re the ones who urged Moses to give them all the land east of the JorDan at ArabOth MoAb).
[Editor note: The narrative resumes here.]
1And these were the children of IsraEl who received their inheritance in the land of CanaAn – those to whom EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (son of NaWeh), and the family heads of the tribes of the children of IsraEl gave an inheritance.2The 9-1/2 tribes received their inheritances in a lottery, just as Jehovah had commanded JoShua. 3But the Levites received no inheritance among them 4other than their own cities and suburbs, where their cattle were kept separate from those of the rest.5So the children of IsraEl did just as Jehovah commanded Moses, and they divided up the land.6Then, [one of] the sons of Judah (Caleb, son of JephoNe the Kenite) went to JoShua at GilGal and said to him:‘You know what Jehovah said to Moses (the man of God) about me at KaDesh BarNea. 7For I was 40 years old when Moses (the servant of God) sent me from KaDesh BarNea to spy in this land, and I returned to him and gave him an answer that pleased him.8‘Although my brothers who went with me preferred to listen to the people, I kept following my God Jehovah...‘9So Moses swore on that day, saying:‘The land where you went will become the inheritance of you and your children throughout the ages, because you made sure that you followed our God, Jehovah.’10‘Well, Jehovah has kept me alive until now, and it has been 45 years since Jehovah said that to Moses back when IsraEl [lived] in the desert. So today, {Look!} I’m 85 years old! 11Yet, I’m still as strong as when Jehovah sent me!‘In fact, I’m still strong enough to fight as a soldier!12‘So now I’m asking you for this mountain [in order to fulfill Jehovah’s promise] which you heard on that day. And although the Enakim are here in large fortified cities... If Jehovah is with me, I’ll destroy them just as Jehovah has instructed me!’13So JoShua blessed him and gave HebRon to Caleb (son of JephoNe and grandson of Kenez) as his inheritance. 14And since then, HebRon has been the inheritance of Caleb, because he followed the commandments of Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.15The name of that city used to be ArGob when it belonged to the Enakim, but after the war, it was renamed HebRon.
[Editor note: Now begins the geographic description of the borders of the 9½ tribes west of the JorDan. The narrative resumes at Joshua 15:13.]
1The border of the tribe of Judah (which land was divided among their families) runs south from Idumea and the Sin Desert, as far as KaDesh 2in the south.It runs from part of the Dead Sea into the high country, 3then it goes towards the base of Mount AcraBin, around Sena, then south to KaDesh BarNea, over to AsoRon, up to SaraDa, then along the road west of KaDesh, 4out to SelMona towards the valley of Egypt, and it ends at the Sea.These are their southern borders.5Their borders on the east run from the Dead Sea and up the JorDan.Their borders in the north run from the Sea over to part of the JorDan. 6They run from BethLehem in the north to the House in the Plains, along the stone [wall] of BaeOn to the borders of the sons of ReuBen.7The border continues through a quarter of the Valley of Achor and goes down towards GilGal to the approach to AdamMin (on the south side of the valley), and terminates at the water [that flows from] the Spring of the Sun and the Spring of RogEl.8Then it runs southward to the valley of EnNom behind Jebus (which is now JeruSalem), and ends at the top of the mountain facing the seaward side of the valley of EnNom, with the land of the RaphaIn in the north.9Then the border runs from the top of the mountain to the spring water of NaphTho, and on to Mount EphRon along the [road] that leads to BaAl (which is now the city of JaRim). 10Then it runs from BaAl to the sea across Mount AsSar, which is behind the city of JaRim to the north (ChasLon), and down to the City of the Sun. From there, it heads south.11This border terminates behind AcCaron (to the north), then it runs on to SocChoth and southward to LebNa, then over to the Sea. The [MediTerranean] Sea is their [western] border.12These are the borders of the [land that was distributed among] the families of the children of Judah.[Editor note: The narrative resumes here.]
13And to Caleb (son of JephoNe), JoShua set aside a [special] portion in the midst of the children of Judah, as God had commanded JoShua. He gave him the city of ArBoc and the metropolis of Enac, which is now called HebRon.14So, Caleb (son of JephoNe) destroyed the three sons of Enac (Susi, Tholami, and Achima) there, 15then he [attacked] DabIr, which used to be called The City of Letters.16Then Caleb swore:‘To whoever takes, conquers, and destroys the City of Letters, I’ll give my daughter AsCha to be his woman.’17And it was GothoniEl (son of Chenez, Caleb’s brother) who took [the city], so [Caleb] gave him AsCha his daughter to be his woman. 18But as she was leaving [her father], she said to [Chenez]:‘I’m going to ask my father for a field.’So she got off her burro and started crying.And Caleb asked her:‘What’s wrong?’19Then she said:‘Give me a blessing, for you’re sending me into the land of Negev… Give me [a place where there are] springs!’So he gave her both the upper and lower springs.[Editor note: Now the geographic descriptions resume. The narrative resumes at Joshua 17:12, although there’s an important brief account about daughters receiving inheritance in Joshua 17:3-4.]20This is all the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah.21Their cities on the border of Edom next to the BaeSeleEl desert are:• Ara,
• Asor,
22• Icam,
• RegMa,
• AruEl,
23• KaDesh,
• AsoriOnain,
• MaEnam,
24• BalmaEnan and its suburbs,
25• The cities of AseRon (which are now called Asor),
26• Sen,
• SalmaA,
• MoLada,
27• Seri,
• BaePhalath,
28• CholaseOla,
• BeerSabee (and its suburbs and villages),
29• Bala,
• Bacoc,
• Asom,
30• ElBoudad,
• BethEl,
• Herma,
31• SekeLac,
• Macharim,
• SethenNac,
32• Labos,
• Sale, and
• EroMoth.[A total of] 29 cities and their villages.33In the plain country, [the cities are]:• AstaOl,
• RaA,
• AsSa,
34• Ramen,
• Tano,
• IluthOth,
• MaeAni,
35• JerMuth,
• OdolLam,
• MemBra,
• SaoCho,
• Jazeca,
36• SacArim, and
• GadeRa with its villages.[A total of] 14 cities and their villages.37Also:• SenNa,
• AdaSan,
• MagadalGad,
38• Dalad,
• MasPha,
• JaChareEl,
39• Lachish,
• BasedOth,
• IdeaDalea,
40• Chabra,
• Maches,
• MaAchos,
41• GedDor,
• BagadiEl,
• Noman, and
• MacheDan.[A total of] 16 cities and their villages.42Also:• LebNa,
• Ithac,
• Anoch,
43• Jana,
• Nasib,
44• KeILam,
• AkiEzi,
• Kezib,
• BethEsar, and
• AiLom.[A total of] 10 cities and their villages.45Also:• AcCaron and her villages and towns,
46• AcCaron-Gemna,
• All the cities near AsedOth and their villages,
47• AsiedOth and her villages and towns,
• Gaza and its villages and towns, which run to the river of Egypt and along the [MediTerranean] Sea.48In the hill country, [the cities are]:• SamIr,
• JeTher,
• Socha,
49• RenNa,
• The City of Letters (DabIr),
50• Anon,
• EskaiMan,
• AiSam,
51• Goshen,
• Chalu, and
• ChanNa.[A total of] 11 cities and their villages.52Also:• AiRem,
• RemNa,
• Soma,
53• JemaIn,
• BaethAchu,
• Phacua,
54• Euma,
• the city ArBoc (HebRon), and
• SoraIth.[A total of] 9 cities and their villages.55Also:• MaOr,
• CarMel,
• Ozib,
• Itan,
56• JariEl,
• AriCam,
• Zacanaim,
57• GabaA, and
• ThamNatha.[A total of] 9 cities and their villages.58Also:• AiLua,
• BethSur,
• GedDon,
59• MagarOth,
• BethAnam, and
• Thecum.[A total of] 6 cities and their villages.60Also:• Theco,
• EphRatha (BethLehem),
• Phagor,
• AiTan,
• Culon,
• Tatam,
• Thobes,
• Carem,
• Galem,
• Thether, and
• ManoCho.[A total of] 11 cities and their villages.61Also:• KariAth-BaAl (JaiRim) and,
• SoTheba.[A total of] 2 cities and their villages.62Also:• BadDargeIsh,
• ThaRabaAm,
• AiNon,
• AiOchiOza,
• NaphLazon,
• Sadon, and
• AnKadesh.[A total of] 7 cities and their villages.63Well, the Jebusites lived in JeruSalem, because the children of Judah couldn’t destroy them… And they still live there today.
1The borders of the children of JoSeph[, that is Ephraim and ManasSeh] run from the JorDan past JeriCho on the east, and from JeriCho to the hill country, to the desert, then up to BethEl Luza.2And from BethEl they proceed on to the borders of AchaTarOthi, 3then they go across towards the sea along the borders of ApTalim, and to the borders of Lower BethOron, then on to the sea.4[And that’s where] the sons of JoSeph (Ephraim and ManasSeh) claimed their inheritance.5The borders of the children of Ephraim that were divided among their families as their inheritance run eastward to AtarOth and Eroc, then on to Upper BethOron and Gazara.6They run from the sea to IcasMon north of TherMa, then east to TheNasa and SelLes, and on to JaNoca, 7Macho, and AtarOth (which are their villages), then towards JeriCho, ending at the JorDan. 8From there they run on to Tapho, to ChelCana, and back to the sea.This is the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim and their families.9Many of the cities and their villages that were given to the sons of Ephraim were in inside [the land] inherited by the sons of ManasSeh. 10And Ephraim failed to destroy the CanaAnites who lived in GaZer; so the CanaAnites lived in Ephraim until PharaOh, the king of Egypt [possibly Ramses the Great] went there, took it, and burned it with fire.Then PharaOh gave the CanaAnites, Pherezites, and those who live in Gaza to his daughter as her dowry.
1Now, these are the borders of the tribe of the children of ManasSeh (JoSeph’s firstborn):MachIr was the firstborn of ManasSeh and the father of GileAd, who [took] the land of GileAd and BaShan. 2And the other sons of ManasSeh were also given land, which was divided among their families, [which are] the sons of:• Jezi, • Kelez, • JeziEl, • SheChem, • Symarim, and • Opher.[These were] the family heads.3SalpaAd (son of Opher) had no sons, just daughters, and these are their names:• SalpaAd, • MaAla, • Nua, • Egla, • Melcha, and • Thersa.4They’d gone before JoShua, EliEzer the Priest, and the rulers and said:‘God commanded Moses to give us an inheritance in the midst of our family.’So at the command of Jehovah, they were given an inheritance among their uncles. 5In the lottery, these women were assigned all [the land] from AnasSa to the plain of Labec in the land of GileAd [west of] the JorDan.6And because these daughters of the sons of ManasSeh inherited land inside of GileAd, the rest of it was assigned to the other sons of ManasSeh.7Thus, the borders of the sons of ManasSeh start at DelAnath (close to the sons of Anath) and proceed to the edge of JaMin and JasSib, to the spring of ThaphThoth. 8It all belongs to ManasSeh – but ThaphEth on its border belongs to the sons of Ephraim.9Then the borders go down to the valley of CaraNa, and southward past the valley of JariEl where there’s a pine tree that belongs to Ephraim near the city of ManasSeh. Then its border runs northward to the brook and over to the sea.10The land to ManasSeh’s south belongs to Ephraim, and it runs along their border from the seacoast, then northward along the border of Aseb, and eastward up to [the land of] IsSachar.11And in the land of IsSachar, ManasSeh owns:• Asher, • BethSan and their villages, • The inhabitants of Dor and its villages, • The inhabitants of MegidDo and its villages, and • A third of MaphEta and its villages.[Editor note: The narrative resumes here.] 12However, the sons of ManasSeh weren’t able to destroy those cities, so the CanaAnites started living there. 13But when the children of IsraEl were strong enough, they made the CanaAnites their subjects (they didn’t destroy them).14Then the sons of JoSeph went to JoShua [and complained]:‘Why did you just give us just one inheritance and one border? For God has blessed us and made us a large group of people!’15But JoShua replied:‘If you have a lot of people and the hills of Ephraim are too small for you, then go up to the forest and clear more land for yourselves.’16However, they replied:‘We don’t like the hills of Ephraim, and the CanaAnites are living there in BethSan and its villages, as well as in the JezreEl Valley… And they have many horsemen and iron [weapons]!’17But JoShua told the sons of JoSeph:‘If you have lots of people and you’re very strong, you may claim more inheritance. 18Also, if you need wood, there’s [plenty of] wood there. Clear it and the land will be yours!‘Then destroy the CanaAnites; for even if they’ve got good horsemen, you are stronger than they are!’
1Well, the entire gathering of the children of IsraEl assembled at ShiLoh, and there they set up the Tent of Proofs (since they’d already conquered that land)… 2And the sons of IsraEl that hadn’t received their inheritance yet (7 tribes), stayed there.3Then JoShua asked the sons of IsraEl:‘How much longer are you going to hold back from inheriting the land that our God Jehovah has given to you?4‘Now, appoint three men from each tribe and have them travel throughout the land. Then come and describe it to me so it can be properly divided.’5And thereafter, they came to him and he [arranged for them to] divide it into 7 sections.For he said:‘Judah’s borders to the south will stand, as will [the land of] the sons of JoSeph to the north. 6But now you must divide the [rest of] the land into 7 parts and then bring the descriptions here to me, so I can parcel them out in a lottery before Jehovah our God.7‘However, the sons of Levi won’t receive a share among you; for the Priesthood of Jehovah is their portion.‘Also, Gad, ReuBen, and the half tribe of ManasSeh have already received their inheritance east of the JorDan, which was given to them by Jehovah’s servant Moses.’8Then as the men got up to leave, JoShua gave these orders to those who were to explore the land:‘Go and survey the land, then come to me and I’ll divide it in a lottery here in ShiLoh, before Jehovah.’9So they went and explored the land. And after examining it, they divided it into 7 parts by cities, and [they drew a map], which they brought back to JoShua. 10Then JoShua threw lots for them before Jehovah there at ShiLoh.[Editor note: Now follows long geographic descriptions of the tribal borders. The narrative resumes at Joshua 19:47.]
11It was the tribe of BenJamin and their families that came first, and the borders they received were between the children of Judah and the children of JoSeph[, that is, Ephraim and ManasSeh].12Their borders to the east went up the JorDan behind JeriCho, northward to the mountains in the west, and to BethOn of MabDara.13It runs around the south side of Luz (BethEl), and down to MaAtarob-Orech into the hill country that’s south of Lower BethOron.14Then it proceeds to the part that faces the sea, south of the mountain in front of BethOron, and ends at KariAth-BaAl (KiriAth JaiRim), a city of the children of Judah. This was their boundary on the west.15On the south side, it runs from the border of KiriAth-BaAl across to Gasin, and to the Spring of NaphTho.16Then it runs in front of the forest of SonNam (which is east of Emec-RaphaIn) in the north, and comes down to the EnNa Valley behind JebuSai; Then it runs south to the Spring of RogEl 17and over to the Spring of BethSamys.18From there, it goes in front of GalilOth by way of AiThamin, then down to the stone of BaeOn (of the sons of ReuBen), where it passes behind the north side of BethAraba to the sea in the north.19These borders end at the creek of the Dead Sea and run north along the JorDan (which is their southern border)… 20So the JorDan is their boundary on the east.This is the inheritance of the children of BenJamin and their families, and these are their borders.21The cities of the children of BenJamin and their families are:• JeriCho,
• BethAgaeo,
• the AmeCasis,
22• BethAbara,
• Sara,
• BesAna,
23• AiEin,
• Phara,
• EphRatha,
24• CarApha,
• Cephira, and
• Moni.[A total of] 12 cities and their villages.25[Also:]• GibeOn,
• Rama,
• BeerOtha,
26• MasSema,
• Miron,
• Amoke,
27• Phira,
• Caphan,
• Nacan,
• Selecan,
• ThareEla,
28• Jebus (JeruSalem), and
• GabaOth JaiRim.[A total of] 13 cities and their villages.This is the inheritance of the sons of BenJamin and their families.
1The 2nd lot fell to the children of SymeOn, so their inheritance is within the land of the children of Judah.2They were given:• BeerSabee,
• SamaA,
• CalaDam,
3• ArSola,
• Bola,
• Jason,
4• ErThula,
• Bula,
• Herma,
5• SikElac,
• BethMachereb,
• SarSusin, and
6• BathAroth.[A total of] 13 cities and their villages.7Also:• EremMon,
• Thalcha,
• JeTher, and
• Asan.[A total of] 4 cities and their villages.8Their cities run from Balec and the road to Bameth southward. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of SymeOn and their families. 9It’s part of the lot of Judah, because Judah’s portion was very large, so the inheritance of the children of SymeOn is within [the borders of] theirs.10The 3rd lot fell to ZebuLon and their families.The boundaries of their inheritance run from EsedekGola 11to the sea and on to MagelDa, then it reaches to BethAraba in the valley across from JekMan. 12From there it goes back to SedDuc and heads east to BethSamys along the border of ChaShilohThaith, and passes on to DabIrOth, then it goes up to PhanGai.13From there it goes back eastward to GeBere and the city of CataSem, and on to RemMonaA-MatharaOza. 14Then it goes north to AmOth and ends at:• GaEphaEl,
15• CataNath,
• NaBaAl,
• SymoOn,
• JeriCho, and
• BethMan.16This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of ZebuLon and their families.17The 4th lot fell to IsSachar.18Their borders include:• Jazel,
• ChasalOth,
• Sunam,
19• Agin,
• Siona,
• ReErOth,
20• AnaChereth,
• DabIron,
• Kison,
• Rebes,
21• RemMas,
• Jeon,
• TomMan,
• AiMarec, and
• BerSaphes.22They border on GaethBor, Salim, and BethSamys in the west, and then the border runs to the JorDan. 23This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of IsSachar and their families.24The 5th lot fell to Asher and their families.25Their borders include:• ExelEketh,
• Aleph,
• BethOk,
• KeAph,
26• EliMelech,
• AmiEl, and
• MaAsa.Their border runs west from CarMel and on to Zion and LabaNath. 27Then it runs west from BethEgeneth to where it joins ZebuLon (EkGai and PhthaeEl), then northward to SaphthaeBethMe and InaEl; then it goes on to:• ChobaMasomEl,
28• ElBon,
• RaHab,
• EmeMaon,
• CanThan, and
• Sidon.29From there, it turns back and runs to Rama, to the Spring of MasPhasSat and the border of Tyre. Then it returns to JaSiph and ends at the sea (it includes ApoLeb, EchoZob, 30ArchOb, Aphec, and RaAu).31This (and these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher and their families.32The 6th lot fell to NaphTali.33Their borders include:• MoOlam,
• Mola,
• BesemiIn,
• Arme,
• Naboc,
• JephThamai (as far as Dodam),...and then end at the JorDan.34Then it runs west at AthAbor and goes on to JaCana. It borders on ZebuLon in the south, Asher in the west, and the JorDan in the east.35Theirs includes the walled cities of the Tyrians:• Tyre,
• OmaThadakEth,
• KenerEth,
36• ArmaIth,
• AreAl,
• Asor,
37• KaDesh,
• AsSari,
• The well of Asor,
38• Keroe,
• MegalaArim,
• BeatThame, and
• BethSamus.39This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of NaphTali.40The 7th lot fell to Dan.41Their territory includes:• SarAth,
• Asa,
• the cities of SamMaus,
42• SalaMin,
• AmMon,
• SilAtha,
43• Elon,
• ThamNatha,
• AcCaron,
44• AlCatha,
• BegEthon,
• GebeElan,
45• Azor,
• BanaeBacat,
• GethRemMon, and
46• Towards the west of HierAcon (whose border is near JopPa).[Editor note: The narrative resumes here.]
47This (including these cities and their villages) is the inheritance of the children of Dan and their families.However, the children of Dan didn’t drive out the Amorites. So, they constantly harassed them in their mountains and wouldn’t allow them to come down into the valley... They also forcibly took a portion of their land.48Then the sons of Dan went and fought against LachIsh and took it. They cut [the people] down with swords and started living there, and they renamed the city LasenDan. However, the Amorites continued to live in Edom and in SalamIn, but the Ephraimites held them down and forced them to pay a tribute.49So the children of IsraEl proceeded to take possession of the land inside their borders, and they gave an inheritance to JoShua (son of NaWeh) among them. 50Following the command of God, they gave him the city that he asked for, ThamnaSarach in the hills of Ephraim. So, he built the city and lived there.51These are the divisions that EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (son of NaWeh), and the family heads of the tribes of IsraEl assigned in a lottery before Jehovah at ShiLoh, at the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.And thereafter, they each went out to take possession of their lands.
1Then the Lord spoke to JoShua and said:2‘Speak to the children of IsraEl and tell them to assign the refuge cities that I spoke to you about through Moses. 3They are to be havens for those who accidentally kill another person…‘Cities to run to, so the one who killed the other won’t be put to death by the person acting as next-of-kin (over the blood).4‘He must flee to one of these cities and go to the city gate to speak to the city elders about his case. Thereafter, he’s to be handed over [to those who are living there] and given a place where he can stay among them.5‘And when the person acting as the next of kin over the blood (the one who is pursuing him) arrives, they’re not to hand him over for unintentionally striking his neighbor (someone whom he didn’t dislike on the previous days).6‘The person must continue to dwell in that city until he stands trial before the congregation, and thereafter, he must stay there until the death of the High Priest (whomever it may be in that day).‘So then, the blood-avenger must just return to his city and home (the place they fled from).’7Therefore, [JoShua] set aside:• KaDesh, in the hills of NaphTali in Galilee,
• SheChem, in the hills of Ephraim, and
• The city of ArBoc (HebRon), in the hills of Judah.8And across the JorDan, he set aside:• Bosor, in the desert plain of the tribe of ReuBen,
• AremOth in GileAd, of the tribe of Gad, and
• Golan in the country of BaShan, of the tribe of ManasSeh.9These were the cities selected for the sons of IsraEl (and for the aliens who lived among them), where those who unintentionally killed another could run, so they wouldn’t be put to death by the blood avenger before they stood trial in front of the gathering.
1Then the heads of the families of the sons of Levi came to EliEzer the Priest, JoShua (son of NaWeh), and the heads of families of the tribes of IsraEl 2at ShiLoh in the land of CanaAn, and said:‘[Remember that Jehovah] gave the commandment through Moses that we should be given cities to live in, as well as land roundabout them for our cattle.’3So, following the commands of Jehovah, the children of IsraEl gave the Levites cities and their surrounding countrysides as their inheritance.[Editor note: Here follows a list of Levite cities. The narrative resumes below at Joshua 21:39.]
4The first lot fell to the children of CaAth:So the sons of Aaron (the Levite Priests) received 13 cities from the tribes of Judah, SymeOn, and BenJamin, which were divided among their families in a lottery. 5And then the remaining sons of CaAth were given 10 cities from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half tribe of ManasSeh.6The sons of GedSon received 13 cities, which were divided [among their families] by lottery from the tribes of IsSachar, Asher, NaphTali, and the half tribe of ManasSeh in BaShan.7The sons of MeraRi received 12 cities, which were divided among their families by lottery from the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and ZebuLon.8The children of IsraEl also gave the Levites the land around their cities, as Jehovah had commanded Moses, which were divided in a lottery.9These are the cities that the tribes of the children of Judah, SymeOn, and part of the tribe of the children of BenJamin assigned 10to the sons of Aaron (the family of CaAth of the sons of Levi), for whom the first lot fell.11[There was] KiriAth-ArBoc and the metropolis of the sons of Enac (HebRon) in the Mountain country of Judah and the surrounding suburbs... 12However, JoShua gave the city itself and its villages to the sons of Caleb (son of JephoNe) as his [family’s] possession.13He also assigned:• HebRon and its suburbs (as a refuge city for unintentional killers),
• LemNa and its suburbs,
14• AiLom and its suburbs,
• Tema and its suburbs,
15• GelLa and its suburbs,
• DabIr and its suburbs,
16• Asa and its suburbs,
• Tany and its suburbs, and
• BethSamus and its suburbs.[A total of] 9 cities from these two tribes.17And from the tribe of BenJamin, they were given:• GibeOn and its suburbs,
• GathEth and its suburbs,
18• AnathOth and its suburbs, and
• Gamala and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.19So all together, the sons of Aaron (the Priests) were given these 13 cities.20And the remaining families of the sons of CaAth (the Levite Priests) were given 21these cities from the tribe of Ephraim:• SheChem and its suburbs (which was also a refuge city),
• Gazara and its appendages and suburbs,
• KibZaim and its suburbs,
22• BethOron and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.23And from the tribe of Dan [they were given]:• HelcoThaim and its suburbs,
• GethEdan and its suburbs,
24• AiLon and its suburbs, and
• GethEremMon and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.25And from the half tribe of ManasSeh [they were given]:• Tanach and its suburbs, and
• JeBatha and its suburbs.[A total of] 2 cities.26So in all, 10 cities and their suburbs were assigned to the remaining families of the sons of CaAth.27And JoShua gave the sons of GedSon (the Levites) these cities from the other half-tribe of ManasSeh:• Golan in the country of BaShan and its suburbs (which was also a refuge city),
• Bosora and its suburbs.[A total of] 2 cities.28And from the tribe of IsSachar [they were given]:• Kison and its suburbs,
• DebBa and its suburbs,
29• RemMath and its suburbs, and
• The Well of Letters and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.30And from the tribe of Asher [they were given]:• BaselLa and its suburbs,
• DabBon and its suburbs,
31• Chelcat and its suburbs, and
• RaHab and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.32And from the tribe of NaphTali [they were given]:• KaDesh in Galilee and its suburbs (which was a refuge city),
• NemMath and its suburbs, and
• ThemMon and its suburbs.[A total of] 3 cities.33All together, the families of GedSon received 13 cities.34The remaining families of the sons of MeraRi (the Levites) received these cities from the tribe of ZebuLon:• MaAn and its suburbs,
• KaDesh and its suburbs, and
35• SelLa and its suburbs.[A total of] 3 cities.36Then on the other side of the JorDan near JeriCho, they received these cities from the tribe of ReuBen:• Bosor in the Miso Desert and its suburbs (which was a refuge city),
• JaZer and its suburbs,
• DecMon and its suburbs, and
• Mapha and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.37Then from the tribe of Gad [they received]:• RamOth in GileAd and its suburbs (which was a refuge city),
• Camin and its suburbs,
• Esbon and its suburbs, and
• JaZer and its suburbs.[A total of] 4 cities.38So the families of the sons of MeraRi of the tribe of Levi received a total of 12 cities and their outlying land.[Editor note: The narrative resumes here.]
39The Levites received [a total of] 48 cities 40and all their surrounding land and suburbs.Then after JoShua stopped dividing the land and setting their borders, the children of IsraEl gave JoShua his portion, because this is what Jehovah had commanded them. They gave him the city that he asked for, ThamnaSarach in the hills of Ephraim. Then JoShua built the city and lived there.Thereafter, JoShua took stone knives and circumcised all the children of IsraEl who had been born along the way, and he let [them recuperate] at ThamnaSarach.41So, Jehovah gave IsraEl all the land that He’d promised to their ancestors… They inherited it all and lived there.42He also gave them a time of peace, as He had promised to their ancestors;
For, none of their enemies could stand against them and He gave them all into their hands.
43As a result, all the good things that Jehovah had promised to the children of IsraEl started to be realized.
1Then JoShua called the sons of ReuBen, the sons of Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh together 2and said to them:‘You’ve [obeyed] all that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) commanded you to do, and you’ve paid attention to everything that I told you about his instructions, 3for you haven’t deserted your brothers during all this time and you’ve followed the commandments of your God Jehovah.4‘So, now that our God Jehovah has given our brothers [a place] where they can rest (as He promised), you can return to your land and to the homes that Moses gave to you on the other side the JorDan.5‘However, be careful to obey the Commandments and the Law that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) gave you… Love Jehovah your God, walk in all His paths, keep His commandments, stick with Him and serve Him with your whole minds and souls.’6Then JoShua blessed them and dismissed them, and they returned to their homes.7Now, Moses had given a portion of the land of BaShan to half of the tribe of ManasSeh, and JoShua gave the other half a portion with their brothers on the west side of the JorDan... And when JoShua sent them home, he blessed them 8with much wealth; For he divided the loot that they’d plundered from their enemies among them and their brothers, which included great numbers of cattle, as well as silver, gold, iron, and clothing.9So at that, the sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh left the children of IsraEl in ShiLoh (in the land of CanaAn) and they headed towards GileAd and the land that they’d inherited at the command of Jehovah through Moses.10Then, when they got to GileAd near the JorDan (in the land of CanaAn), they built a huge altar there next to the JorDan. 11And when the [other] children of IsraEl heard about it, they said,‘Look! The sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh have built an altar at the border of the land of CanaAn – at GileAd next to the JorDan – directly across from [the rest] of the children of IsraEl!’12And as a result, they[, that is, the tribes west of the Jordan] all gathered at ShiLoh to go and fight against them.13But first, the children of IsraEl sent PhiNeas (son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron the Priest) to talk to the sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh in the land of GileAd, 14along with 10 of the chiefs... One chief from each of the households of the rest of the tribes of IsraEl, who were generals over thousands in IsraEl.15So when they got to the sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh in the land of GileAd, they said:16‘This is what the whole gathering of Jehovah wants to know:‘What is this sin that you’ve committed before the God of IsraEl by building yourselves an altar? Did you do this so that you could turn away from Him?17‘Was the sin at PhoGor – from which we’ve yet to be cleansed – that insignificant to you, despite the fact that it brought a plague among the entire gathering of Jehovah?18‘So, now that you’ve revolted against Jehovah, you’ll come to know the wrath of all IsraEl!19‘If your land has become too small for you, then you should cross [the JorDan] and come into into the land that Jehovah [has given to us] and where the Tent of Jehovah stays, so you can receive an inheritance here among us... You must not turn away from God by building an altar apart from the Altar of Jehovah!20‘For look! Didn’t Achar (son of ZaRa) sin by taking things that were cursed and bring the wrath [of God] on the whole gathering of IsraEl? And [remember] that he died for his sin!’21However, the sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh replied to the generals of the thousands of IsraEl:22‘God – our God – is Jehovah.‘As God Himself knows, and as IsraEl knows; if we’ve broken away from Jehovah and become apostates, He won’t save us today.23‘But we didn’t build an altar for ourselves to turn away from Him or to sacrifice whole burnt offerings or peace offerings on it (those things that Jehovah requires). 24Rather, we [built this Altar] as a testimony… We did it because we were afraid that sometime in the future, your sons might ask our sons what portion we have in Jehovah, the God of IsraEl!25‘For now that Jehovah has set a boundary between you and us (the JorDan), we don’t want your sons to alienate our sons and keep them from worshiping Jehovah. 26So, this is why we gave orders to build this altar… Not for burnt offerings or for meat offerings, 27but as a witness between you and us and between our children, that we do serve Jehovah, and that we’ll sacrifice our burnt offerings, meat offerings, and peace offerings to Him.‘Then your sons won’t be able to say to our sons that we don’t [belong to] Jehovah.28‘Therefore, it was in order to prevent them from ever saying such a thing to us and our descendants [that we want them to] see our representation of the altar of Jehovah. It wasn’t built for the sake of burnt offerings or meat offerings, but as a witness between you and us and between our sons.29‘Far be it from us to turn away from Jehovah today by building an altar for burnt offerings or peace offerings separate from the Altar of Jehovah that stands before His Tent.’30And when PhiNeas the Priest and all the chiefs of the gathering of IsraEl that were with him heard what the children of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh said, they were pleased.31Then PhiNeas the Priest said:‘Today we know that Jehovah is with us, because you aren’t guilty of a serious sin against Jehovah and you’ve saved the children of IsraEl from the hand of Jehovah.’32So, PhiNeas (the Priest) and the leaders left the children of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh at GileAd and they all returned to the land of CanaAn, where they reported what was said to the children of IsraEl, 33and everyone was very pleased.Then they spoke to the children of IsraEl and praised them [for their zeal], and told them not to go to war against the children of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh, or to destroy their land… And they all agreed.34Thereafter, JoShua named the altar of the children of ReuBen, Gad, and the half tribe of ManasSeh, and said:‘It’s their testimony that Jehovah is their God.’
1Well, Jehovah had allowed IsraEl to rest from all their enemies [living] around them for a considerable time, until JoShua was old and up in years.2Then JoShua called all the children of IsraEl together – their elders, leaders, judges, and their officers – and said to them:‘I’m old and up in years, 3and you’ve seen all that Jehovah our God has done to these nations around us and how your God fought for you.4‘Now look... I’ve given all these remaining nations to your tribes in a lottery; for even though I’ve destroyed some of them, our borders run from the JorDan to the [MediTerranean] Sea in the west, 5and Jehovah our God will keep on destroying them before us until they’re all gone.‘Then He will send wild animals against them until He’s wiped out them and their kings! So you’ll inherit their land, just as Jehovah our God has promised.6‘However, you must be sure to observe and do all the things that are written in the book of the Law of Moses… Don’t stray to the right or to the left!7‘And don’t associate with the remaining nations, nor should the names of their gods even be mentioned among you… Don’t serve them or bow before them!8‘Rather, you must stick to Jehovah your God, just as you’ve been doing until now. 9Then Jehovah will destroy even the great and strong nations from among you – for no one has been able to stand against us so far! 10Each one among you has been able to chase thousands, for our God Jehovah has fought for you just like He promised.11‘So, be sure to love our God Jehovah.12‘But if you turn away from Him and start associating with these nations that still remain, then marry among them and get mixed up with them (and them with you)... 13Realize that Jehovah won’t destroy them. Rather, they’ll become snares and stumbling blocks – nails in your heels and darts in your eyes – until they’ve wiped you out of this good land that Jehovah your God has given to you.14‘And now I’m getting ready to die, as everyone on this earth does...‘But, know in your hearts and souls that not a single word has failed of all the things that Jehovah our God has [promised] about us. 15And after all the good things that Jehovah God will bring upon you are completed, remember: He will also do bad things until He wipes you off of this good land that He’s given to you 16if you break the Sacred Agreement of our God Jehovah, then go and serve other gods by bowing before them.’
1So JoShua gathered all the tribes of IsraEl at ShiLoh, where he summoned their elders, officers, and judges; then he stood them there before God.2And JoShua spoke to all the people and said:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl said:‘Your ancestors (such as Terah, the father of AbraHam and NaHor) once stayed beyond the [JorDan] river and served other gods... 3But I took AbraHam (your ancestor) from the other side of the river and guided him throughout this entire land. Then I made his offspring grow…4‘I gave him IsaAc, and to IsaAc [I gave] Jacob and Esau. Then I gave Mount SeIr to Esau as his inheritance, as Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt, where they became a great and mighty nation.‘But then, the Egyptians started oppressing them, 5so I struck down Egypt with the miracles that I sent among them. 6And afterwards, I brought your fathers out of Egypt.‘Then when they approached the Red Sea, the Egyptians chased them into the Sea with their chariots and horses. 7But when they called out to Jehovah, I put a cloud and darkness between [them and] the Egyptians, and brought the Sea down upon [the Egyptians] and covered them.’[And JoShua continued:]‘So with your own eyes, you’ve seen all that Jehovah did in the land of Egypt, and of how you spent a long time in the desert. 8And now He’s brought us into the land of the Amorites that lived across the JorDan, and Jehovah has given them into our hands…‘You have inherited their land and destroyed them!9‘[Do you remember when] Balak, the king of MoAb, son of SepPhor, went to war against IsraEl, and of how he called BalaAm to curse us?10‘Yet, Jehovah your God wouldn’t destroy you; he blessed us and saved us from their hands, then He handed them over to us!11‘Thereafter, you crossed the JorDan and came to JeriCho, where the people of JeriCho fought against us – as did the Amorites, CanaAnites, Pherezites, Evites, Jebusites, Hittites, and the Gergesites – and Jehovah gave them all into our hands.12‘You didn’t chase them with swords or bows; instead, He sent hornets ahead of you and drove them away… The 12 kings of the Amorites!13‘Now He’s given you a land that you didn’t clear and cities that you didn’t build, where you’ve now settled and where you’re eating from vineyards and olive groves that you didn’t plant.14‘So, fear Jehovah and serve Him righteously and justly… Get rid of all the strange gods that our ancestors served across the river and in Egypt, and serve Jehovah!15‘However, if you don’t wish to serve Jehovah, then choose whom you’ll serve today… Whether it’s the gods whom your ancestors [served] while they were on the other side of the [JorDan] river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you’re now living.‘But as for me and my household, we will serve Jehovah, because He alone is holy!’16And the people answered:‘We won’t leave Jehovah and serve other gods, 17because our God Jehovah is The God!‘He was the One who brought our ancestors and us out of Egypt, and that protected us from all the nations that we passed along the way that we walked.18‘And it was Jehovah who threw out the Amorites and all the other nations that lived in this land.‘Yes, we’ll serve Jehovah, for He is our God!’19Then JoShua said to the people:‘You won’t really be able to serve Jehovah, because He’s holy.‘And because He’s very zealous, He won’t forgive your sins and your errors.20‘So when you leave Jehovah to serve other gods, He will come against you, oppress you, and consume you, because He’s the One who did all these good things for you.’21Then the people replied:‘No! We will serve Jehovah!’22And JoShua said:‘Then, you’re witnesses against yourselves that you’ve chosen to serve Jehovah.23‘So now, get rid of all the strange gods that you have and set your hearts right with Jehovah the God of IsraEl.’24And the people replied:‘We will serve Jehovah and listen to His voice!’25So JoShua made a sacred agreement with them that day, and he gave them the laws and rules there in front of the Tent of the God of IsraEl, in ShiLoh. 26And then he wrote those words in the Scroll of the Laws of God.Thereafter, JoShua took a large block of stone and erected it under the oak tree before Jehovah.27Then he told the people:‘Look, this stone will serve as a witness among you, for it has ‘heard’ all the words that you’ve spoken before Jehovah... And because He’s spoken to you on this day, this stone will serve as a witness against you in the last days when you deal treacherously with my God Jehovah.’28Then JoShua dismissed the people and they each returned to their homes.29Thereafter, JoShua (son of NaWeh), the servant of Jehovah, died at the age of 110, 30and they buried him in the land that he’d inherited in ThamNa Sarach in the hills of Ephraim north of Mount GileAd.They put his [body] in a tomb, along with the stone knives that he’d used to circumcise the children of IsraEl at GilGal after Jehovah had brought them out of Egypt… And they’re all still there today.31Well, IsraEl served Jehovah for as long as JoShua and the elders of JoShua’s era (who knew all that Jehovah had done for IsraEl) were still alive.32And thereafter, the children of IsraEl brought the bones of JoSeph ([which they’d carried from] Egypt) and buried them in Sicima, in the tract of land that Jacob bought from the Amorites in Sicima for 100 ewes, and which was given to JoSeph as his property.33Shortly thereafter, EliEzer (Aaron’s son) the High Priest also died and was buried in GabaA in the hills of Ephraim (which had been given to his son PhiNeas). And on that day, the children of IsraEl took the Chest of God and carried it among the people.Then, after EliEzer’s death and burial at GabaA, PhiNeas was appointed as [High] Priest in place of his father.Well, the children of IsraEl each left and returned to their own cities and homes, and then they started worshiping Astarte, AstarOth, and the gods of the nations roundabout them.So Jehovah handed them over to Eglom, the king of MoAb, who ruled over them for the next 18 years.
1After the death of JoShua, the sons of IsraEl asked Jehovah:‘Who’ll lead us in battle against the CanaAnites now?’2And the Lord replied:‘The Judeans must take the lead, for I’ve delivered this land into their hands!’3Then the Judeans said to their brothers [of the tribe of] SymeOn:‘Come join us, and we’ll go to war with the CanaAnites… We’ll all go together!’So the SymeOnites joined the Judeans, 4and Jehovah delivered the CanaAnites and Pherezites into their hands… Cutting down 10,000 men at Bezek.5For they caught up with AdoniBezek at [the city of] Bezek and fought against him, and there they cut down the CanaAnites and the Pherezites. 6However, AdoniBezek escaped, so they chased after him, and when they caught him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes… 7After which AdoniBezek said:‘70 kings whose thumbs and big toes were cut off have gathered under my table.‘So, God has now repaid me for the things that I did to them.’Thereafter, they carried him to JeruSalem, and that’s where he died... 8For the sons of Judah had fought against the people of JeruSalem and captured the city, and then they cut down [all who lived there] with swords and burned it with fire.9Then the sons of Judah went down to fight with the CanaAnites who lived in the plains, in the hill country to the south, 10and with those who lived in HebRon (formerly KiriAth Arbo-Sepher). There the people came out to fight with them, and that’s when they cut down SesSi, AchiMan, and TholMi (the sons of Anak).11From there, they went on to fight the inhabitants of DabIr (formerly KiriAth-Sepher, or, The City of Letters).12And Caleb said:‘I’ll give my daughter Ascha to be the woman of the first one who can take and destroy The City of Letters.’13Well, it was GothoniEl (the youngest son of Kenez, Caleb’s brother) who captured it; So Caleb gave his daughter AsCha to be GothoniEl’s woman.14Then when he came to claim her, GothoniEl urged her to ask her father for a plot of land. So, as she was sitting on her burro, she started complaining and crying, saying:‘You’re sending me away into that land in the south!’And Caleb asked her:‘What else do you want?’15And AsCha replied:‘I beg you to give me a blessing. For, since you’re sending me into a land in the south, you must also provide me with watered [land] as my ransom.’So Caleb gave her what her heart desired as a ransom… The upper and lower [springs].16Meanwhile, the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (‘His Excellence’ the Kenite) had left the City of Palm Trees with the sons of Judah, and they traveled into the desert south of Judah, to the edge of Arad, where they took up living among the people there.17Thereafter, the Judeans went with their brothers the SymeOnites, and they cut down and killed all the CanaAnites that lived in SephEth, then they renamed their city, AnaThema.18However, the Judeans didn’t claim anything within the borders of Gaza, AshKalon, AcCaron, Azotus, or any of the lands around them as their inheritance.19But because Jehovah was with the Judeans, they inherited all the hill country, although they weren’t able to destroy the inhabitants in the valley, because they had iron chariots.20Then they gave HebRon to Caleb, just as Moses had instructed, and he inherited the three cities of the sons of Anak.21The sons of BenJamin didn’t take JeruSalem from the Jebusites as their inheritance either... So the Jebusites [reinhabited the destroyed city and] still live among the sons of BenJamin in JeruSalem to this day.22Then the sons of JoSeph went up to BethEl, and Jehovah was with them. 23So they camped there and [sent spies] into the city (which was then called Luza).24And when the spies noticed a man leaving the city, they captured him and said:‘If you’ll show us a way into the city, we’ll be merciful to you.’25So he showed them how to get into the city, and they cut down everyone there with swords. And thereafter, they set the man and his entire family free, 26so he went to the land of ChetTin and built a city there, which he named Luza… And it’s still called that today!27ManasSeh also failed in their drive against BethSan (in Skythia) and against its towns and suburbs, as well as against Thanac and its towns, Dor and its suburbs and towns, Balak and its suburbs and towns, MegidDo and its suburbs and towns, and JeblaAm and its suburbs and towns.So, the CanaAnites continued living in their land.28But after IsraEl became strong enough (although they failed to drive them out), they made the CanaAnites pay tributes to them.29Nor did Ephraim drive out the CanaAnites that lived in GaZer. So the CanaAnites also lived in their midst, but they were forced to pay tributes [to Ephraim].30ZebuLon too failed to drive out the inhabitants of Kedron and Domana; so the CanaAnites lived in their midst and paid tributes to them.31Also, Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of AcCho (who thereafter paid tributes to them), or those of Dor, Sidon, DalAph, AsChazi, ChebDa, Nai, or EreO.32So Asher lived in the midst of the CanaAnites, because they couldn’t drive them out.33And because NaphTali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of BethSamus or BethAnath, NaphTali too had to live in the midst of the CanaAnites; but the inhabitants of BethSamus and BethAnath had to pay tributes to them.34Also, the Amorites drove the sons of Dan into the mountains and kept them from moving down into the valley. 35So Dan took up living on Shell Mountain (in MyrSinon and ThalaBin), where there are bears and foxes.Yet, the house of JoSeph [made life difficult] for the Amorites and made them pay tributes. 36So at the time, the Amorite border ran from AcraBin into the hill country.
1Well, a messenger of Jehovah had traveled from GilGal to The Place of Tears at BethEl, to address the house of IsraEl.There he told them:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘I brought you out of Egypt and into the land that I promised to your ancestors, and I said that I’d never break the Agreement that I made with you. 2However, I told you not to make any agreements with [the people] who live in this land, and that you were not to worship their gods!‘Rather, [I told you to] destroy their carved images and to pull down their altars!‘However, you haven’t listened to My voice, and you’ve done [many bad] things... 3Therefore, just as I told you, I won’t drive them out from in front of you, so they’ll harass you, and their gods will oppress you!’4Well, after the messenger of Jehovah said all of this to the sons of IsraEl, the people started shouting and crying... 5And that’s why they named it The Place of Tears.Then they offered sacrifices to Jehovah there, 6and thereafter, JoShua dismissed the people and they each returned to the lands that they were given as their inheritances.7So the people served Jehovah [faithfully] for as long as JoShua and all the elders who knew of the great things that Jehovah had done in IsraEl were still alive... 8But then JoShua (the son of NaWeh), the servant of Jehovah, died at 110 years old, 9and they buried him along the border of his inheritance in ThamNa-Thares in the hills of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount GaAs.10Also, the rest of that generation was laid to rest with their ancestors. So, another generation came along that didn’t know Jehovah or of the things that He had done for IsraEl. 11Therefore, the sons of IsraEl started doing evil things before Jehovah, and they started serving the BaAls!12Yes, they left Jehovah (the God of their ancestors) who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and started following and worshiping other gods – the gods of the nations roundabout them – 13and this made Jehovah very angry… They left Him and started serving BaAl and the stars!14Well, because Jehovah was very angry at IsraEl, He handed them over to looters who plundered them… He sold them into the hands of their enemies [who lived] roundabout them, and they were no longer able to stand against their enemies.16Also, even though Jehovah had appointed Judges to save them from the hands of those who were looting them, they wouldn’t listen to the Judges! 17They just continued in their immoral relations with other gods by worshiping them, and they quickly turned from the way that their ancestors had walked, refusing to listen to the words of Jehovah.18But because Jehovah had appointed those Judges, He blest them and continued to save [IsraEl] from the hands of their enemies during the entire era of the Judges; for Jehovah was moved by all their groaning about those who were attacking and looting them.19Yet, after each Judge died, they’d just go right back to being corrupt – even worse than their ancestors – by worshiping and serving other gods... And they stubbornly refused to abandon their evil ways, 20which made Jehovah very angry with IsraEl.So He told them:‘Because this nation has broken the Sacred Agreement that I made with their ancestors and refused to listen to My voice, 21I will no longer drive away a single man from those nations among them who were allowed to stay in the land by JoShua, son of NaWeh.22‘[I’m doing this] to see whether IsraEl will ever choose to follow and walk in My ways, as did their ancestors.’23So, Jehovah didn’t bother all those nations that JoShua didn’t conquer, and He didn’t drive them away.
1These are the nations that Jehovah left [in the land] to test those in IsraEl who didn’t know about the wars in CanaAn 2(because that generation of IsraEl hadn’t fought in the wars):3• The five kingdoms of the Philistines and,
• All the CanaAnites,
• Sidonians, and
• Evites who lived south of Lebanon from Mount HerMon to LaboEmath.4He used them to test IsraEl and to find out whether they’d obey the commands that He’d given their ancestors through Moses.5So, the sons of IsraEl lived in the midst of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Evites, and Jebusites, 6and they married their daughters, gave their daughters to their sons, and they started serving the gods [of these nations].7[Of course], this was all evil in the eyes of Jehovah, for they had forgotten Jehovah their God and were serving the BaAls and the sacred poles.8As a result, Jehovah became very angry with IsraEl and He sold them into the hands of Chushan RishaThaim, the king of Syrian MesoPotamia, and the sons of IsraEl served him for 8 years.9It was then that the sons of IsraEl once again started calling to Jehovah, so Jehovah appointed a savior for IsraEl who delivered them… [Judge #1] GothoniEl (son of Kenez), Caleb’s younger brother.10Jehovah poured His Breath upon him, and this man served as IsraEl’s Judge. Then when he went to war against Chusar Sathaim, Jehovah gave the king of Syrian MesoPotamia into his hands, and he was conquered.11So thereafter, the land was quiet for 40 years… Until GothoniEl (son of Kenez) died.12However, the sons of IsraEl kept doing evil things before Jehovah... So, because of their evil ways, He allowed Eglom (the king of MoAb) to grow stronger and then come against IsraEl.13First, he brought together all the sons of AmMon and Amalec, and then he went and cut down IsraEl, capturing The City of Palm Trees. 14So, the sons of IsraEl served Eglom (the king of MoAb) for the next 18 years.15Well, once again the sons of IsraEl called to Jehovah and He provided them a savior, [Judge #2] Aod (son of Gera and grandson of JeMeni), who was just as strong with his left hand as he was with his right.And when the sons of IsraEl sent him to carry tributes to Eglom, 16Aod made himself a two-edged dagger that was 8 inches (20cm) long, which he hid on his right thigh under his robe. 17And thereafter, he went and carried the tributes to Eglom, who was a very fat man.18So, after he had presented all the tributes, he sent those who had carried the gifts away 19(he did this after they’d all returned from the quarries at GilGal).And he said:‘I have a secret message for you O king!’Then Eglom told him not to say anything further until he’s dismissed all of his attendants.20So, later, Aod went to see Eglom while he was sitting in his upper summer chamber all by himself.And Aod said:‘I have a message for you from God, O king.’Then, as Eglom rose from his throne, 21Aod reached in with his left hand and grabbed the dagger from his right thigh, and he plunged it into [Eglom’s] belly… 22He drove it in so far that the handle went in and the fat closed over it… And he left the whole dagger inside his belly!23Then Aod just walked out on the porch, passing the guards on the way, and he closed and locked the chamber doors as he left.24Well when Eglom’s servants came and saw that the doors to the upper chamber were locked, they said:‘Doesn’t he usually [lie undressed] in the summer chamber?’25Then they waited so long that they finally became embarrassed. And when they saw that no one had opened the doors to the upper chamber [for a long time], they got the keys and opened them…And that’s when they found their lord lying dead on the floor!26Meanwhile, Aod had escaped during the confusion, for nobody had paid any attention to him. So he passed the quarries and ran to Setir Otha.27Then when Aod got back to the land of IsraEl, he blew his horn in the hills of Ephraim, and the sons of IsraEl came down from the mountains to him.So he he stood before them and said:28‘Now follow me! For Jehovah God has given our enemies the MoAbites into our hands!’Well, they all followed him and they captured the fords of the JorDan near the land of MoAb, and they wouldn’t allow anyone to cross it.
29Thus, they cut down MoAb that day, killing about 10,000 mighty men, and no one escaped.30As a result, MoAb was put back into the hands of IsraEl, and the land rested for the next 80 years… And Aod judged them, until he died.31Well after him, Jehovah appointed [Judge #3] SamEgar (son of DiNach).
He’s the one who cut down 600 Philistines with an ox plow.And he too delivered IsraEl.
1But once again, after Aod died, the sons of IsraEl went back to doing evil things against Jehovah, 2so He sold them into the hands of JaBin (the king of CanaAn) who ruled from Hazor. The leader of his army was SiSara, and he lived in The Ironworks-of-the-Nations.3Then the sons of IsraEl started calling to [Jehovah again], because [SiSara] had 900 iron chariots, which [he used to] oppress IsraEl for 20 years.4Well, [Judge #4] DeborAh (the wife of LapidOth) was a Prophetess, and she was the Judge of IsraEl at the time. 5She would sit under [what came to be known as] ‘The Palm Tree of DeborAh,’ which was located between Rama and BethEl in the hills of Ephraim, and the sons of IsraEl would come to her for judgment.6Then DeborAh sent for BarAk (son of AbiNeEm) who was in Cades of NaphTali, and she asked him:‘Hasn’t Jehovah the God of IsraEl given you any instructions?‘Take 10,000 men from among the sons of NaphTali and ZebuLon, and go to Mount Tabor!7‘There He will send SiSara (JaBin’s general) against you with his army and chariots at the Kison Wadi, and He will give them into your hands!’8But BarAk replied:‘I’ll go if you’ll go with me. But if you won’t go, I’m not going!‘For I’m not sure on which day Jehovah will bless me [by sending] His messengers.’9So she said:‘Then I’ll go with you, but understand this:‘You won’t be honored by this expedition, for Jehovah will give SiSara into the hands of a woman!’As a result, DeborAh then left Cades and went with BarAk.10He also called [for help from] ZebuLon and NaphTali there at Cades, and 10,000 men showed up who all then traveled with DeborAh.11Now, Heber (the Kenite) had moved away from the sons of Jobab (Moses’ brother-in-law) at Cana and pitched his tent beside the Oak-of-the-Envious, which is near KaDesh.12And when SiSara was told that BarAk (son of AbiNeEm) had left for Mount Tabor, 13he called for all his iron chariots (all 900 of them) and for all the people [who lived between] the Ironworks-of-the-Nations and the Kison Wadi.14Then DeborAh told BarAk:‘Now [get ready], for this is the day that Jehovah will give SiSara into your hands…‘Yes, the Lord will travel before you!’So BarAk descended Mount Tabor with 10,000 men, 15and because Jehovah had created problems for SiSara, his chariots, and his army, BarAk cut them down with swords.Meanwhile, SiSara had jumped from his chariot and run away!16Well, BarAk pursued the chariots and SiSara’s army [all the way] to Ironworks-of-the-Nations and cut them all down, leaving no survivors. 17But, SiSara had run towards the tent of JaEl, the woman of Heber the Kenite (because [Heber] was his friend, and there was peace between JaBin the king of Hazor and Heber’s family).18So, JaEl went out to meet SiSara and said to him:‘Hide in here, my lord… Come here to me and don’t be afraid.’Therefore, he turned to her and entered her tent, then she covered him with a blanket.19There SiSara said to her:‘I’m very thirsty… Please give me some water to drink.’So she opened a jar of milk, gave it to him to drink, and then she covered him again.20Then SiSara said to her:‘Now, stand by the entrance to the tent, and if anyone comes and asks if you’ve seen me, tell him that you haven’t.’21Well, JaEl (Heber’s woman) thereafter grabbed a tent pin and a hammer, and she crept up to him and drove the pin through his temple… Driving it all the way into the ground!So he passed out, everything went dark, and he died.22And when JaEl finally saw BarAk (who was pursuing SiSara), she went out to meet him and said:‘Come in here and I’ll show you the man you’re looking for.’Then he entered [her tent] and saw SiSara lying dead with the pin through his temple!23So God drove JaBin (the king of CanaAn) away from before the sons of IsraEl that day, 24and they kept attacking JaBin until they had finally destroyed him.
1Well, on that day, DeborAh and BarAk (son of AbiNeEm) sang this song:2‘IsraEl was shown what to do,
And the people were made willing… Praise Jah!3‘Hear, O you kings and listen you rulers;
For, this is what I’ll sing…
It’s the song that I’ll sing to Jehovah…
A psalm to IsraEl’s Lord and their God.4‘O Jehovah,‘You went up to SeIr…
With You, we approached Edom’s land.
Then the ground started shaking and the skies dripped with dew,
And from clouds up above, poured the rain.5‘The ground shook before the face of Jehovah…
SinAi [trembled] before the face of the Lord
6In the days of SamEgar, son of Anath,
And in the days of JaEl.‘For, [IsraEl] had strayed from their way
And followed in paths that were crooked.
7In IsraEl, there were no more mighty men;
They’d failed until DeborAh arose…
A mother within IsraEl.8‘For, because they had chosen new gods;
When their cities and rulers went out to fight,
There wasn’t a spear or a shield to be seen
Among the 40,000 of IsraEl.9‘But, my heart had so yearned
For IsraEl to see order again
Among those who still praised Jehovah…
10To have someone mount a burro at noon,
And go sit on the seat of judgment once more,
For the sake of those who travel the roads…
Someone to sit and judge on the way.11‘Now, you should proclaim that you’ve been saved
From those who once brought disturbance to us.‘O Lord,‘May those who go out to draw water,
Speak of the righteous things that You’ve done.
May Your righteous deeds in IsraEl grow,
And may Jehovah’s people return to their towns.12‘Awaken… Yes, wake up, O DeborAh!
Awaken and sing us a song.
Arise O BarAk… Lead your captives away!
O son of AbiNeEm; lead them away.13‘A small group of [God’s] mighty went with him…
These mighty ones came from among us.
14Ephraim used them to pry Amalec’s roots,
As BenJamin and others traveled behind.‘The sons of MachIr also arrived,
To search for the rest of our foes.
And from ZebuLon also came those
Who recorded it all with the pens of their scribes.15‘With DeborAh and BarAk, came IsSachar’s leaders.
Then, to the valleys of ReuBen,
BarAk made him run for his life.‘With fluttering hearts, 16they then sat between pens,
Where they heard the bleating of Ruben’s flocks,
As each man searched through the things in his heart.17‘Yet, the GileAdites stayed in their tents
On the other side of the JorDan,
And the [men of] Dan remained in their ships.‘Those of Asher just sat by the shore,
And they stayed in their tents at the ports,
18While ZebuLon’s men [laid] their lives [on the line],
And NaphTali marched ‘cross the hills of their land.19‘Then the kings of CanaAn formed to wage war,
And fought ThanaAch at MegidDo’s waters.
20Yes, the stars in the heavens formed for war,
As they traveled to beat SiSara.21‘So, the Kison Wadi then swept them away…
The ancient brook Kison (my mighty soul),
[Is what] really trampled them down.
22For in it, the hoofs of their horses got mired,
So those mighty men had to flee.23‘May you be cursed, O Meroz;
For God’s angel then cursed all who lived there,
Since they didn’t [fight] for Jehovah,
And they failed to give aid to His mighty.24‘Bless JaEl, the woman of Heber the Kenite…
May she be praised above female tent-dwellers.
25For he asked for water and she gave him milk…
In a bowl, she brought butter for a leader.26‘Then, she leaned with a nail in her left hand,
And hit it with the hammer in her right.
She cut SiSara down with a nail through his head…
She pinned him with a nail through his temples.27‘Beneath her feet, he fell and he rolled.
But after that, he just lay there…
He bowed and fell where he bowed, lying dead.28‘SiSera’s mother then looked through her window…
She looked out of her peephole and asked:‘Why has his chariot been shamed…
Why did the wheels of his chariots stop?’29‘But, thus replied her wise ladies:‘You answered yourself when you said,30‘They’ll find him dividing the loot…
He’s dividing dyed clothes with his men…
For SiSara, are the spoils of many dyed clothes…
Embroidered dyed clothes are the spoils for his neck.’31‘O Jehovah,‘May Your enemies all perish this way,
And may those who love You become just as strong
As the journeys of the sun as it’s [crossing the skies].’32Well after that, the land rested [for the next] 40 years.
1However, the sons of IsraEl kept doing evil things in the eyes of Jehovah, so He put them under the hand of the MidiAnites for 7 years. 2They proved to be so strong against IsraEl that the IsraElites took up living in mountain caves, in [animal] dens, and in holes in the rocks.3And whenever the sons of IsraEl would plant anything, the MidiAnites, AmaLechites, and sons of the east would get together 4to [fight] against them and destroy their crops.Also in Gaza, they stole all their [cattle], leaving nothing to support life in the land.5So [the IsraElites] moved into temporary shelters along with their livestock and camels, living like locusts, as their land was being destroyed... 6And because they’d been driven into such an impoverished state by MidiAn, 7the sons of IsraEl once again started calling to Jehovah.8As a result, Jehovah sent a Prophet to the sons of IsraEl, who told them:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl says:‘I’m the One who brought you out of the land of Egypt… Out of that house of slavery!9‘Yes, I saved you from the hands of the Egyptians, then I saved you from these people who are now persecuting you… These whom I once drove away and whose land I gave to you.10‘Then I told you that because I am Jehovah your God, you shouldn’t fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live…‘But you refused to listen to Me!’11Well thereafter, a messenger from Jehovah came and sat down under the fir tree at EphRatha (BethLehem) in the land of JoAs (of the line of ObiEzri) where his son [Judge #5] GideOn was threshing wheat in a wine press, so that the MidiAnites wouldn’t notice [what he was doing].12The messenger appeared to him and said:‘Jehovah is with you, you mighty [man].’13And GideOn replied:‘Please be patient with me, my lord; for if Jehovah is really with us, then, why are all these bad things happening to us?‘Where are all His miracles that our ancestors told us about, as when He brought them out of Egypt?‘But He’s obviously rejected us now, for He’s given us into the hands of the MidiAnites!’14Then the messenger of Jehovah turned to him and said:‘Go and use your strength to save IsraEl from the hands of MidiAn...‘Look! I’m sending you!’15But GideOn replied:‘Be patient with me my lord... How can I save IsraEl?‘For look, even though there are thousands in [the tribe of] ManasSeh, they’re all weak… And I’m the very least one in the house of my father!’16And the messenger of Jehovah said to him:‘Because Jehovah will be with you, you’ll cut the MidiAnites down like [they’re] just one man.’17But GideOn said:‘If I’ve found mercy in your eyes and if you’re really going to do all these things that you told me about today... 18Don’t leave this place until I return with an offering and lay it before you.’And [the messenger] replied:‘I’ll stay here until you return.’19So, GideOn went back and prepared a kid goat and a quart of fine fermentation-free flour. Then he put the [cooked] meat in a basket, poured its gravy into a jar, and he carried it to [the messenger, who was still sitting] under the fir tree.20And God’s messenger said to him:‘Now, take the meat and the fermentation-free cakes and lay them on that rock, then pour the gravy over it.’So that’s what he did.21Then Jehovah’s messenger stuck out the walking stick that was in his hand and touched the meat and the fermentation-free bread, and fire came out of the rock, which consumed it all!And at that, the messenger of Jehovah vanished from his sight!22Well, that was when GideOn realized that this [really] was a messenger from Jehovah.So he said:‘Ah… Ah… Jehovah my God!‘I’ve seen a messenger from Jehovah face to face!’23And the Lord replied:‘May you have peace.‘Now, don’t be afraid, for you’re not going to die.’24And so GideOn built an altar to Jehovah there and called it, ‘The Peace of Jehovah.’ It’s still there today in EphRatha, [at the home of his] father EsDri.25Then that night, the Lord said to him:‘Now, take the [second bull] that belongs to your father, the seven year old one. And thereafter, you must destroy your father’s altar to BaAl along with his sacred poles.26‘Then you must build an altar to Jehovah your God on the top of this hill, and get everything ready… Then, take the calf and sacrifice it as a whole burnt offering, using the wood from the sacred poles that you are to cut down.’27So GideOn took 10 of his servants and did just as the Lord said. However, because he was afraid of the house of his father and the men of the city, he did it at night.28Well, when the men of the city woke up early the next morning and saw that the altar of BaAl and the nearby sacred poles had been demolished, and they saw the calf that GideOn had offered on an altar that he had built, 29they each started asking their neighbors:‘Who did this?’So after asking around, they found out that it was GideOn (son of JoAs).30Then the men of the city went and told JoAs to send out his son so they could kill him for destroying their altar of BaAl and their sacred poles.31But GideOn asked the men who had come for him:‘Are you now pleading for BaAl, and are you trying to save him?‘If so, may all those who have come to plead on his behalf die this morning!‘Yes, if he’s really a god, let him plead for himself [before the one] who’s torn down his altar!’32Well, from that day on, [they started calling GideOn] JeroBaAl [meaning, May BaAl Plead], since he said:‘Let BaAl plead for himself [before the one] that has torn down his altar.’33Meanwhile, all the MidiAnites, AmaLechites, and sons of the east had gathered and set up camp in the JezreEl Valley.34Then the Breath of Jehovah came over GideOn and he blew his [battle] horn, and he called for the AbiEzerites to come with him.35GideOn also sent messengers throughout [the lands of] ManasSeh, Asher, ZebuLon, and NaphTali, calling for them to join him.36And GideOn said to God:‘If You’re really going to use me to save IsraEl, as You said...37‘Look, I’ve put some wool fleece on the threshing floor.‘If only this fleece is covered with dew and the ground all around it’s dry [in the morning], I’ll know that You’re going to use me to save IsraEl, as You said.’38Well, when he got up early the next morning, he wrung out the fleece, and a full bowl of water poured from it!39But GideOn then said to God:‘Please don’t be angry, but allow me to ask for just one more thing...‘So I can be sure, let the fleece be dry [in the morning], while dew is all over the ground.’40And this is what God did that night… There was dew all over the ground, but the fleece was dry!
1So, JeroBaAl (GideOn) got up early and camped his army at the Spring of Harad, with the camp of MidiAn to the north… [Their camp] stretched from BabaAh and ThamorAi down into the valley.2And the Lord said to GideOn:‘There are too many people with you, so I won’t deliver MidiAn into your hands; for then IsraEl would boast before Me and claim that they’d saved themselves!3‘So, tell the people this:‘All that are nervous or afraid may now leave Mount GileAd.’Well, of the 22,000 that came with him, only 10,000 remained.4Then the Lord said to GideOn:‘There are still too many people!‘So now, lead them all down to the water, and I’ll reduce their numbers for you. Then, whichever ones I select and say:‘This one must go with you.’‘...you must take.‘And those whom I tell you not to take must not go with you… Make sure that they don’t come along!’5So GideOn led the people down to the water, and the Lord said to GideOn:‘Now, I want you to set aside all those who lap the water like a dog from those who get down on their knees to drink.’6Well, 300 men lapped water with their hands to their mouths, while all the rest got down on their knees to drink.7Then the Lord said to GideOn:‘Now I’m going to save you and give MidiAn into your hands with these 300 men who lapped the water... All the rest must leave.’8So, they gathered the provisions from the rest of the people and took their trumpets before sending them back to their tents.And after that, he armed the 300 and got them ready; for the army of MidiAn was camped just below them in the valley.9And that night, the Lord told {GideOn]:‘Now, get up and go down into their camp, for I’ve given it into your hands!10‘However, if you’re still afraid, I want you and your servant Phara to go down into their camp 11and listen to what they’re saying…‘Then you won’t be afraid anymore!’So he went down to the edge of where the companies of fifties were camped, along with his servant Phara... 12For MidiAn, Amalec, and all the sons of the east were scattered throughout the valley like locusts, and their camels were like the sands on the seashore.13Then GideOn overheard a man telling his comrade about a dream he had, saying:‘{Look} I had a dream! And in it, I saw a cake of barley bread roll into [our] camp; then, when it reached a tent, it knocked it down.‘And as [the tent] fell, it turned upside down!’14And his comrade said to him:‘This was none other than the sword of GideOn, son of JoAs, an IsraElite man... For God has given MidiAn and our entire army into his hands.’15So when GideOn heard the story of the dream and its interpretation, he thanked Jehovah.Then he returned to the camp of IsraEl and said:‘Now get up, for Jehovah has given the camp of MidiAn into our hands!’16So he divided his 300 men into three companies, and he gave each of them trumpets, torches, and empty pitchers. He had them put their torches inside the pitchers, 17and he said:‘Now, watch me and do what I do!‘For I’m going down to the edge of their [camp]... 18Then I’ll blow my trumpet, and at the same time, you must each start blowing your trumpets all around their camp and shout:‘For Jehovah and for GideOn!’19So GideOn and his company [crept] down to the edge of their army towards the start of the middle watch, and he aroused the guards by blowing his trumpet and breaking the pitcher that was in his hands.20Then all three companies blew their trumpets and broke their pitchers, and they held the torches in their left hands as they blew their trumpets with their right hands and shouted:‘A sword for Jehovah and for GideOn!’21Well, all [that GideOn’s people] really did after that was just stand around the camp while the [MidiAnite] army sounded alarms and everyone started running about!22For, after the 300 blew their trumpets, Jehovah caused the entire [MidiAnite] army to start attacking each other with swords! 23And then they started running away, retreating as far as BethSeEd and TagaraGatha, from AbelMeula to TaBath.Then the men of IsraEl (those from NaphTali, Asher, and everyone from ManasSeh) also came to chase after MidiAn. 24So, GideOn sent messengers throughout the mountains of Ephraim, telling them:‘Come down to join [in my fight against] against MidiAn… Take [control of] all the water and the JorDan as far as BethEra!’Well, all the men of Ephraim started shouting, and they took control of all the water along the JorDan up to BethEra, 25where they captured the leaders of MidiAn, Oreb and Zeb.Then they killed Oreb at Oreb’s Rock, and they killed Zeb at Zeb’s Winepress. And after they chased down MidiAn, they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeb back to GideOn from across the JorDan.
1But then, the men of Ephraim asked GideOn:‘What were you doing?‘Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight against MidiAn?’They were very angry with him.2And he replied:‘What have I done in comparison to you? For, aren’t the gleanings of Ephraim better than the full harvest of AbiEzer?3‘It was Jehovah who delivered the leaders of MidiAn (Oreb and Zeb) into your hands… And what did I do to compare to that?’Well, after he said that, they calmed down.4Then GideOn went to the JorDan and crossed it all by himself, as his 300 men (who were very hungry) lagged behind. 5He went on to SokChoth, and he said to the men there:‘Please give me some bread to feed these men who are arriving after me, because they’re starting to get weak... For look! We’re in pursuit of ZebeE and SalMana, the kings of MidiAn.’6But the leaders of SokChoth replied:‘Have you already captured ZebeE and SalMana, so that we should now have to feed your army?’7And GideOn said,‘Okay then... But when Jehovah gives ZebeE and SalMana into my hands, [I will come back here] and then I’ll tear your flesh with thorns in the Desert of the Sons of Kainan.’8Well from there, he went up to PeniEl and he made the same request of them… But they answered in the same way as did the men of SokChoth.9So GideOn told them:‘When I return in peace, I’m going to tear down your fortifications!’10Meanwhile, ZebeE and SalMana were in CarCar with their army, but there was only about 15,000 left of their mercenary army, for 120,000 of their soldiers had already been killed.11Then GideOn traveled past the tent dwellers east of NabAi and JegEbal, and he cut down and captured their army. 12But ZebeE and SalMana fled... So he chased after them and caught the two kings of MidiAn after he’d routed their army.13Well, as GideOn (son of JoAs) was returning from the battle, 14he questioned a young man among the captives who was from SokChoth, and he got him to write down the names of the leaders and elders of SokChoth… All 77 men.15Then GideOn went to those leaders of SokChoth and said:‘Look! Here are ZebeE and SalMana about whom you so rudely asked:‘Are ZebeE and SalMana now in your hands, so that we should have to give your hungry men bread?’16So thereafter, he took those elders [and had them dragged through] the thorns of the Desert of the Sons of Kainan, tearing them to pieces! 17And then from there, he went and tore down the fortifications of PhanuEl and killed all the men in that city!18Well, after that, he asked ZebeE and SalMana:‘Who were those men whom you killed in Tabor?’And they replied:‘They looked like you… Like the sons of a king!’19And GideOn said:‘Those were my brothers… The sons of my mother.‘So, as Jehovah lives, if you’d left them alive, I wouldn’t have to kill you!’20Then he said to JeTher (his firstborn):‘Take them out and kill them!’But the young man wouldn’t draw his sword, because he was young and afraid.21And ZebeE and SalMana said:‘If you’re a man, then why don’t you kill us yourself?’So GideOn got up and killed ZebeE and SalMana... Then he took all the round ornaments that were hung around the necks of their camels.22Well thereafter, the men of IsraEl [came to him] and said to GideOn:‘Our lord; become our ruler… You, your sons, and the sons of their sons, for you’ve saved us from the hands of MidiAn.’23But GideOn replied:‘I’m not going to rule over you, nor will any of my sons; for Jehovah alone must be your ruler!’24And GideOn added:‘All I ask from you is one thing: I want each man to give me an earring from his loot.’[He asked this] since [the people they’d conquered] were IshMaElites, [and] he knew they all had gold earrings.25And they replied:‘Yes we’ll give them to you.’So he unfolded his robe and each man tossed one of the ear rings that they’d looted into it.26Well, the weight of these gold earrings that he’d asked for amounted to about 40 pounds (18kg)… So he had this in addition to the purple robes of the kings of MidiAn and the collars that were around the necks of their camels!27Then GideOn took the ornaments and robes and made a sacred vest, which he then placed in his city of Ophrah. However, later on, all IsraEl came and committed immoral acts before it there. So it became a snare to GideOn and to his house.28Meanwhile, MidiAn had been so shamed by the sons of IsraEl that they were couldn’t even raise their heads! And everything was peaceful in IsraEl during the 40 years that GideOn [judged the land].29JeroBaal (GideOn), son of JoAsh, lived in his own home, 30and 70 sons came from him, because he’d taken many women. 31In addition, he also had a son born to his concubine in SheChem, whom he named AbiMelech.32Well eventually, GideOn (son of JoAsh) died (with a good head of grey hair), and he was entombed with his father JoAsh in Ophrah of the AbiEzerites.33And after GideOn died, the sons of IsraEl turned around and started having immoral relations with the BaAls once again, agreeing that [a] BaAl would be their god. 34So the sons of IsraEl forgot their God Jehovah who’d saved them from the hands of their neighbours who had oppressed them. 35And they no longer treated the house of JeroBaAl (GideOn) well, despite all the good things that he’d done for them.
1Well, [one day], AbiMelech son of JeroBaAl [or GideOn] went to see his mother’s brothers in ShiKima, and he spoke to them and all his relatives in his grandfather’s house, saying:2‘Please speak to all the men of ShiKima and ask them:‘Which is better for you... To have 70 men –all the sons of JeroBaAl– rule over you, or just one man?‘And remember that I’m your own flesh and [blood]!’3So his uncles spoke about him to all the men of ShiKima and told them all the things that he said. And this moved their hearts [to follow] AbiMelech... For they said that he was their brother.4Then they gave him 70 silver coins from the [temple] of BaAl Berith, which AbiMelech thereafter used to hire some vain and cowardly men to be his followers.5So, he went to the house of his father in EphRatha and killed all of the legitimate sons of JeroBaAl [or Gideon], his own brothers, on a rock… That is, all except JoAtham the youngest, because he ran away and hid!6So after that, all the men of ShiKima and the house of BethMaAlo got together and appointed AbiMelech to be their king at the Oak of Sedition in ShiKima. 7But when [GideOn’s surviving son] JoAtham heard about this, he went and stood on top of Mount GiriZim and shouted to them:‘Listen to me, you men of ShiKima; for God is listening also!8‘The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they asked the olive tree to be their ruler.9‘But the olive tree replied:‘Must I now give up my oil that men use to glorify God in order to be promoted over the [rest of the] trees?’10‘Then they said to the fig tree:‘Come rule over us!’11‘But the fig tree replied:‘Must I leave all my sweetness and good fruit to be promoted over the [rest of the] trees?’12‘Then they said to the [grape] vine:‘Come rule over us!’13‘And the vine replied:‘Must I leave my wine that brings happiness to God and to men just to be promoted over the [rest of the] trees?’14‘And finally, all the trees said to the brier bush:‘Come rule over us!’15‘And the brier bush replied:‘If you’ll really anoint me to be your king, [all of you] must come and stand under my shadow. But if you refuse to do this, I’ll send out fire that’ll burn down the cedars of Lebanon!’16‘Now, [judge for yourselves whether] what you’ve done was the right thing when you made AbiMelech your king!‘And ask if you’ve been fair with JeroBaAl and his house… Whether you’ve given him the reward that he deserves...17‘Even though my father fought for you and put his life on the line when he saved you from the hands of MidiAn, 18you’ve risen against the house of my father today and you’ve murdered his sons, who had [once] numbered 70 men, on a stone!‘Then you made this AbiMelech, son of his slave [woman], the king over the men of ShiKima, just because he’s your brother!19‘Now, if you think that you’ve dealt with JeroBaAl and his house faithfully and righteously, then find joy in AbiMelech, and may he rejoice over you!20‘But if you don’t do that, may fire come from AbiMelech to devour the men of ShiKima and the house of BethMaAlo… And may fire come from the men of ShiKima and the house of BethMaAlo to devour AbiMelech!’21Thereafter, JoAtham ran away and lived at BaeEr, to get way from his brother AbiMelech.22Well, it turned out that AbiMelech reigned over IsraEl for just 3 years, 23for God created a bad relationship between AbiMelech and the men of ShiKima, and the men of ShiKima started dealing treacherously with the house of AbiMelech… 24[Which is what he was due] for the bad things that he’d done to the 70 sons of JeroBaAl [or Gideon].[God] had laid the blood of his brothers upon AbiMelech who’d murdered them, as well as on the men of ShiKima, since they were the ones who had empowered him to kill his brothers.25So the men of ShiKima made trouble for [AbiMelech] by sending highwaymen into the mountains, where they robbed everyone who passed that way… And all of this was reported to King AbiMelech.26Well, GaAl (a son of JoBel) and his brothers had moved to ShiKima. And because the men of ShiKima trusted him, 27they all went into his field where they gathered grapes and had a good time pressing them [into wine].Then they brought the [wine] into the temple of their god, where they ate, drank, and cursed AbiMelech.28It was GaAl (son of JoBel) that asked:‘Just who’s this AbiMelech? Just who is this son of ShiKima that we should serve him?‘Isn’t he JeroBaAl’s son, and isn’t ZeBul his steward EmMor’s son? Why should we be serving him?29‘If these people would [start serving] me, I’d remove AbiMelech… I’d say to him:‘Gather your army and come here!’30Well, when ZeBul (the ruler of the city) heard what GaAl (son of JoBel) said, it made him very angry. 31So he sent messengers to AbiMelech secretly, who said:‘Look! GaAl (son of JoBel) and his brothers have come to ShiKima and they [are stirring up] the city against you!32‘So, come here tonight with your army and lie in wait for them in the fields... 33Then at sunrise, approach the city; and when he and his people come out to confront you, you can do whatever you wish to him…‘That is, if you’re mighty enough!’34Therefore, AbiMelech and his army marched by night and formed an ambush against ShiKima with 4 companies. 35And when GaAl (son of JoBel) went out and stood before the city gate, AbiMelech’s army came to attack him.36Well, when GaAl saw them coming, he said to ZeBul:‘Look, there are people coming down from the tops of the mountains!’And ZeBul replied:‘You’re just seeing the shadows on the mountains [and thinking that they’re] men.’37But GaAl kept talking. He said:‘Look, there are people coming from the west, near the middle of the land, and another group is coming down the road from Helon-MaOnenim.’38And ZeBul asked him:‘Just what were you thinking when you said:‘Who is AbiMelech that we should serve him?’‘These men whom you showed so much disdain for, are now coming! So we’d better get ready and form battle lines!’39So at that, GaAl gathered the men of ShiKima and set up battle lines to fight AbiMelech. 40But AbiMelech attacked and killed many people all the way up to the city gate! And GaAl had to retreat.41Then AbiMelech returned to AreMa.But, ZeBul thereafter drove GaAl and his brothers out of ShiKima.42Then the next day, when the people [of ShiKima unlocked the gates] and went out into their fields, someone reported this to AbiMelech. 43So he gathered his army and divided them into three companies, then he once again formed an ambush out in the fields.And when he saw the people leaving the city, he attacked them and cut them down.44Meanwhile, AbiMelech and his generals rushed up and attacked the city gate, as the other two companies were outside attacking the people in the fields. 45So AbiMelech fought against the city all that day and captured it.
Then he killed all the people, [burned] the city, and poured salt over its land.46However, when the men in ShiKima’s citadel saw what was happening, they all gathered inside the temple of their god, [BaAl] Berith.47And when AbiMelech heard that all the men in the citadel had gathered in one place, 48he took his army up Mount SelMon. Then he grabbed an axe, cut off a tree branch and laid it on his shoulders, and he told his troops:‘Now, do the same thing I’m doing as quickly as you can!’49So they each cut a branch off of a tree and they followed AbiMelech... Then they laid the [branches] against the temple and set them on fire, burning it and killing all the people in the citadel of ShiKima (about 1,000 men and women).50And after that, AbiMelech left the temple of Berith and then he attacked TheBez, and captured it. 51It also had a citadel in the middle of the city, and all the people ran there and locked the door, then they climbed to the top of the citadel.52Well, AbiMelech attacked the citadel and laid siege to it; and when he got close to the door, he set it on fire... 53But as he was doing this, a woman dropped a piece of a millstone on his head, fracturing his skull!54So he quickly called to the young man who was his armor bearer and said:‘Draw your sword and kill me, for I don’t want anyone to say that I was killed by a woman!’Therefore, the young man ran him through with a sword, and he died.55Then when the men of IsraEl saw that AbiMelech was dead, they all just went back to their homes. 56And that’s how God paid AbiMelech back for the bad things that he’d done against his father, and for murdering his 70 brothers.57It’s also how He paid back the men of ShiKima… God brought their guilt down on their heads, and the curse of JoAtham (son of JeroBaAl [or Gideon]) came true.
1Well, after AbiMelech [died], [Judge #6] Thola (son of Phua) arose to save IsraEl. He was from the family of IshSachar and he lived in SamIr in the mountains of Ephraim. 2He judged IsraEl for 23 years, and then he died and was buried in SamIr.3And after him, there was [Judge #7] JaIr from GileAd; he judged IsraEl for 22 years.4He had 32 sons, they had 32 burros, and they ruled over 32 cities in the area of GileAd… Which are still called JaIr’s cities to this day. 5And when JaIr died, he was buried in RhamNon.6Then the sons of IsraEl once again started doing evil things in the eyes of Jehovah, and they [turned to the worship of] BaAl Im, the Ashtar Oths, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of MoAb, the gods of the sons of AmMon, and the gods of the Philistines.So they abandoned Jehovah and no longer served Him.7As a result, Jehovah became enraged with IsraEl and He gave them into the hands of the Philistines and the sons of AmMon. 8During this time (some 18 years), they had totally broken and crushed the sons of IsraEl who lived on the other side of the JorDan [in the east] in the land of the Amorites and in GileAd.9And after that, the AmMonites crossed the JorDan to battle with Judah, BenJamin, and the house of Ephraim. So they made life exceedingly difficult for all the sons of IsraEl.10And the sons of IsraEl started crying out to Jehovah once again, saying:‘We sinned against You when we abandoned our God and started serving BaAl Im!’11But this time, the Lord said to the sons of IsraEl:‘Haven’t I [already] delivered you from the oppression of Egypt, and from the Amorites, the sons of AmMon, the Philistines, 12the Sidonians, the AmaLechites, and the MidiAnites?‘When you called out to Me, didn’t I save you from them?13‘But you still left Me and served other gods! So I won’t be saving you anymore... 14Go and call to the gods that you’ve chosen for yourselves and let them save you whenever you’re in trouble!’15And at that, the sons of IsraEl said:‘We have sinned!‘Therefore, do whatever You find good in Your eyes… But just save us today!’16Then they got rid of all their other gods and they started serving Jehovah once again! And before long, [God] became impatient over all the wailing of IsraEl.17Meanwhile, the sons of AmMon went and camped around GileAd, so the sons of IsraEl got together and camped on the hill just above them.18Then the leaders of the people of GileAd asked each other:‘Who will lead us in battle against the sons of AmMon?’And they decided:‘Whoever is willing to do so will become the head over all who live in GileAd!’
1Well, [Judge #8] JephThah (the GileAdite) was a mighty man who was the son of GileAd by a whore. 2Meanwhile, GileAd’s wife had also given birth to sons, and when they grew up, they drove JephThah out of the house, saying:‘You aren’t going to receive an inheritance in the house of our father, because you’re the son of [his] mistress.’3So JephThah left his brothers and went to live in the land of Tob, where a lot of worthless men started following him and traveling with him.4Then later, when the sons of AmMon were preparing to fight against IsraEl, 5the elders at GileAd sent [messengers] to call JephThah from the land of Tob, 6saying:‘Come and lead us in our fight against the sons of AmMon.’7And JephThah replied:‘Aren’t you the ones who disliked me, drove me out of my father’s house, and banished me? So, why are you calling for me now?’8And the elders of GileAd said:‘Well, we’re turning to you because we’re asking you to lead us in our war against the sons of AmMon. If you’ll do this, you can be the head over all the inhabitants of GileAd.’9So JephThah told the elders of GileAd that if they’d bring him back to fight against the sons of AmMon, and if Jehovah would hand them over to him, he would become their leader.10And the elders of GileAd replied:‘Jehovah is our witness that we’ll do just as you said.’11As a result, JephThah returned to GileAd, and the elders made him the head [of their army and their] ruler.Well, JephThah first prayed to Jehovah about this (at MasSepha). 12And after that, he sent messengers to the king of the sons of AmMon to ask:‘What have I done to you that you’ve come to fight against me and against my land?’13And the king of the AmMonites told JephThah’s messengers:‘[We’re doing this because] IsraEl took all our land from the Arnon, to the JaBoc, and to the JorDan after they came from Egypt.‘But now, if you’ll return it peacefully, we’ll withdraw.’14Then JephThah sent messengers to the king of AmMon again, who told him:15‘JephThah says that IsraEl didn’t just take the land of MoAb or the land of the sons of AmMon. 16For when we left Egypt, IsraEl traveled through the desert along the Red Sea until we got to Cades. 17And there, IsraEl sent messengers to the king of Edom and asked if [he’d let us] to pass through their land. But the king of Edom wouldn’t let us do that.‘And IsraEl asked the same thing of the king of MoAb, and he wouldn’t allow us [to cross his land] either; so, we stayed in Cades.18‘Thereafter, we traveled through the desert and went around the lands of Edom and MoAb. Then when we got to the east side of MoAb, we camped in the country on the other side of the Arnon; So, we never crossed the borders of MoAb (for the Arnon is their border).19‘Then IsraEl sent messengers to SeOn (the king of the Amorites and the king of HeshBon) to say:‘Please allow us to cross your land so that we may get to our land.’20‘But SeOn didn’t trust IsraEl to just pass through his land, so he gathered all of his people, then he set up camp at Jasa and formed battle lines against IsraEl... 21However, IsraEl’s God Jehovah gave SeOn and all of his people into the hands of IsraEl, and they cut them all down.‘Thereafter, we inherited all the land of the Amorites that lived there, 22from the Arnon to the JaBoc, and from the desert to the JorDan. 23So, now that Jehovah the God of IsraEl has removed the Amorites [and given their land to] His people IsraEl, are you trying to take it back?24‘Why not accept the land that your god CheMosh has given to you as your inheritance and allow us to inherit all the land that our God Jehovah has taken from you?25‘Are you any better than Balak (the son of SepPhor) the king of MoAb… Didn’t he start a war and fight with IsraEl? 26And after IsraEl had been living in HeshBon and its suburbs, and in AroEr and its suburbs, as well as in the cities around the JorDan for some 300 years… What [land] did he recover then?27‘So, I haven’t sinned against you, and you’re doing me wrong by preparing to war against me. Therefore, may Jehovah serve as the judge between the sons of IsraEl and the sons of AmMon today!’28Nevertheless, the king of the sons of AmMon refused to listen to the words that JephThah had sent to him… 29And then the Breath of Jehovah came over JephThah, so he went up to GileAd (in ManasSeh), passed by its watchtower and the sons of AmMon, and he went to the other side of the city.30There he made a vow to Jehovah. He said:‘If you’ll give the sons of AmMon into my hands, 31whoever is the first to come out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in peace after [conquering] the sons of AmMon must belong to Jehovah… I’ll offer him as a whole burned offering!’32So thereafter, JephThah advanced to meet the sons of AmMon in battle, and Jehovah gave them into his hands. 33He cut them down all the way from AroEr to the Arnon… 20 of their cities as far as Ebel Charmim.It was a huge destruction and the sons of AmMon were conquered by the sons of IsraEl.34Well, when JephThah returned to his home in MasSepha, it was his daughter whom he first saw coming out to meet him, dancing and shaking a tambourine! [She was] his only child… He didn’t have any other sons or daughters.35And when he saw her, he ripped his clothes and shouted:‘Oh no, my daughter! You’ve ruined me!‘I’m so sad, because I made a promise about you to Jehovah, and now I can’t change it.’36But she said:‘Father, do to me whatever you’ve promised to Jehovah, for He’s given you vengeance on our enemies, the sons of AmMon.’37And she went on to say:‘Father, I know that you must do this thing, so allow me to have 2 months with my friends as we travel through the mountains to wail over my virginity.’38And he replied:‘Then go.’So he allowed her to leave for 2 months, as she and her friends went into the mountains to weep over her virginity. 39And after 2 months, she returned to her father so that he could keep his vow concerning her… And she never [had sex with] a man.40As a result, it became a rule for the daughters of IsraEl to go and cry over the daughter of JephThah (the GileAdite) for 4 days each year.
1Well after that, the men of Ephraim got together and traveled north to see JephThah, and they asked him:‘Just why did you go over to fight with the sons of AmMon and not call for us to go with you?‘Because you did that, we’re going to burn down your house with you in it!’2And JephThah said to them:‘My people and I were very busy fighting the sons of AmMon, and when I called for you, you didn’t come to save me from their hands.3‘So, when I saw that you weren’t going to be any help, I put my life in my own hands and attacked the sons of AmMon… And Jehovah gave them to me.‘So now, just why are you coming against me today?’4Well, JephThah gathered all the men of GileAd and fought against Ephraim, and the men of GileAd cut them down.However, those who escaped warned him:‘[Don’t forget that your town] GileAd is right in the middle of [the territory of] Ephraim and ManasSeh!’5So the GileAdites took the fords of the JorDan River before the Ephraimites could get there, and when they tried to cross [to get back home], the men of GileAd asked each one:‘Are you an Ephraimite?’And when they said:‘No.’6They then told them to say ‘Stachys’ (for the Ephraimites couldn’t pronounce it properly). Then [if they couldn’t say it right,] they killed them there at the fords of the JorDan, and 40,000 men of Ephraim died that day!7Well, JephThah (the GileAdite) judged IsraEl for 6 years, and then he died and was buried in his city of GileAd.8Thereafter, [Judge #9] Papa IbSan from BethLehem judged IsraEl.9He had 30 sons and 30 daughters. He [married off his 30 daughters to men outside of his land], and he brought in 30 [women] for his sons from [outside of their land].He judged IsraEl for 7 years, 10then Papa IbSan died and they buried him in BethLehem.11After him, [Judge #10] AiLom from ZebuLon judged IsraEl for 10 years. 12Then AiLom died and was buried in [the town of] AiLom in the land of ZebuLon.13Thereafter, [Judge #11] AbDon (son of ElLel the PhaRathonite) judged IsraEl.14He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons that rode upon 70 young burros. He judged IsraEl for 8 years. 15Then AbDon (son of ElLel the PhaRathonite) died, and he was buried in PhaRathon, in the land of Ephraim on Mount Amalec.
1But then, the sons of IsraEl started sinning against Jehovah again; so He handed them over to the Philistines for the next 40 years. 2Well, during that time, a man [from the town of] SaraAh named ManoEh (of the family of Dan) who had a woman who hadn’t given birth to any sons 3was approached by a messenger from Jehovah, that said to her:‘I see that you have never given birth to a son.4‘Now, you must be very careful not to drink any wine or liquor, or to eat anything that’s unclean... 5For {Look!} you’re now pregnant and you’ll give birth to a son, upon whose head an iron [razor] may never [be used].‘This child will be dedicated to God, a Nazarite, from the time that he’s born, and he will start saving IsraEl from the hands of the Philistines.’6Well at that, the woman went back inside and said this to her husband:‘A man of God just came to me who looked very impressive… Like a messenger of God. So, I didn’t dare to ask him where he came from, and he didn’t tell me his name.7‘But he said to me:‘{Look!} You’re now pregnant and you’ll give birth to a son, upon whose head an iron [razor] may never [be used]. This child will be dedicated to God, a Nazarite, from the day he’s born until the day that he dies.’8So ManoEh prayed to Jehovah and said:‘I wish to beg You, O Jehovah my Lord, concerning the man of God who you just sent. Let him come to us once again and teach us what we must do concerning this child that’s to be boon soon.’9Well, Jehovah listened to the voice of ManoEh and He sent His messenger to the woman again. But at the time, she was sitting in a field… ManoEh (her man) wasn’t with her.10So she ran home and said:‘Look! The man who came the other day has appeared to me again!’11Then ManoEh got up and followed his woman, and when they got to him, ManoEh asked:‘Are you the person who spoke to my woman?’And the messenger replied:‘I am.’12Then ManoEh said:‘May [your] words come to pass… But tell us how we must raise the child and how we must deal with him.’13And the messenger of Jehovah said to ManoEh:‘Your woman will remember all that I’ve told her…14‘She must not eat anything that comes from the vine, or drink any wine or liqueur, or eat anything that’s unclean… She must follow all of these [instructions] that I’ve given to her.’15Then ManoEh said to the messenger of Jehovah:‘Please stay here for a while and let us prepare a young goat as a meal for you.’16And the messenger of Jehovah said to ManoEh:‘If you want me to stay, I won’t eat your bread.‘But if you wish to sacrifice a whole burnt offering to Jehovah, you should do it.’Well, because ManoEh didn’t realize that [this person] was really a messenger [from God], he said:17‘Tell us your name, so that when your words come true, we can come to you and bow before you.’18And the messenger of Jehovah replied:‘Why do you ask my name? It’s just too wonderful.’19So ManoEh then took a kid goat along with its grain offering, and he offered it to Jehovah on a rock. And that’s when the messenger did something that was very unusual, as ManoEh and his woman looked on...20Suddenly, the flames on the altar rose high into the sky, and the messenger of Jehovah flew away in the flames!And when ManoEh and his woman saw this, they both fell with their faces to the ground.21Well, the messenger never appeared to ManoEh and his woman again. But after ManoEh realized that it was a messenger of Jehovah, 22he said to his woman:‘We’re going to die, because we’ve seen God!’23However, his woman replied:‘If Jehovah wanted to kill us, He wouldn’t have accepted our whole burnt offering and food offering, nor would He have revealed and let us hear all these things.’24Well thereafter, the woman did give birth to a son whom she named Samson – and Jehovah blest him as he grew. 25For the Breath of Jehovah entered him there in the camp of Dan between [the towns of] SaraAh and EsthaOl.
1[Then several years later], [Judge #12] Samson went down to ThamNatha, and he noticed a woman there that was the daughter of one of the Philistines.2So he went and told his father and mother:‘I saw a girl in ThamNatham, a daughter of one of the Philistines, whom I want you to take to be my woman!’3And his parents asked:‘Aren’t there enough daughters among our brothers or any women among all our people? Why do you want to take a woman from among the uncircumcised Philistines?’And Samson replied:‘Take her, because she really appeals to me.’4Well, what his father and mother didn’t realize is that this [action] had come from Jehovah... For He wanted to bring His vengeance upon the Philistines that were dominating IsraEl at the time.5So, Samson traveled with his father and mother down to ThamNatha, and when he got to the vineyard there, a young lion roared and ran out to meet him! 6Well, the Breath of Jehovah came over him in a powerful way, and he crushed the lion as though it were a kid goat, leaving nothing in his hands!However, he didn’t tell his father and mother what he’d done, 7for they were off speaking to the woman whom Samson had found so attractive.8Well, sometime later, as he was returning to take the girl, he went back to look at the carcass of the lion, and he noticed that a swarm of bees had taken up living in its mouth... 9So, he took some of the honey and traveled on. He ate part of it, then he went and offered the rest to his father and mother.They also ate it, because he didn’t tell them that he’d taken the honey out of a lion’s mouth.10Well thereafter, his father went [and took] the woman [for Samson], and Samson held a wedding banquet in that place that lasted 7 days (which was customary for young men to do at the time), 11to which 30 [local] guests were invited, and that stayed with him.12Then Samson said to them:‘Let me tell you a riddle, and if you can answer it correctly during the next 7 days of the banquet, I’ll give [each of you] a wrap and a new set of clothes.13‘But if you can’t answer it, you must each give me a wrap and a new set of clothes.’And they replied:‘Okay, tell us your riddle.’14Then he told them this:‘The eater came for the meat, but sweetness came from the strong one.’Well, they tried to solve the riddle for three days, but they couldn’t figure it out... 15Then on the 4th day, they went to Samson’s woman and said:‘We want you to fool your husband. For, unless you make him explain that riddle to you, we’re going to burn down your father’s house with you in it!‘Surely you didn’t invite us here just to [rob] us?!’16So Samson’s woman went to him and started crying, saying:‘You don’t really care for me…‘You don’t love me, because you haven’t given me the answer to the riddle that you posed to the sons of my people!’And Samson asked her:‘If I haven’t given the answer to my own father and mother, why should I tell it to you?’17Well, she just kept on crying in front of him throughout their banquet; so on the 7th day he gave her the answer, because she kept bothering him…And then she told it to the [guests].18So before sunrise on the 7th day, the [guests] (who were from the city) came to him and answered:‘What’s sweeter than honey, and what’s stronger than a lion?’Then Samson said to them:‘If you hadn’t been plowing with my heifer, you would have never figured out my riddle!’19And at that, the Breath of Jehovah came over him and he went down into the city and destroyed 30 men, then he took their clothes and gave them to the ones who had answered the riddle. And after that, Samson was so angry that he just went back to the house of his father.20Meanwhile, [her father] gave Samson’s wife to his best man… To one of his friends!
1Well, sometime later (during the wheat harvest), Samson went to visit his wife, bringing along a kid goat.And he said:‘I want to go in to my woman… Into her bedroom.’2But her father spoke to him and said:‘Because I felt that you must surely hate her, I gave her to one of your friends. Now, isn’t her sister better than her? Let her [sister] become yours instead!’3And Samson said:‘Well, I finally have a good reason to harm the Philistines, and no one can blame me.’4So Samson trapped 300 foxes. He paired the foxes and tied each pair’s tails together, and tied torches to their tails... 5Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the Philistine’s grain fields, and everything that they owned (their threshing floors, their fields of grain, their vineyards, and their olive groves) was burned.6Well, when the Philistines asked:‘Who did this?’They were told:‘It was Samson, the son-in-law of the Thamnite… Because he gave [Samson’s] woman to one of his friends!’As a result, the Philistines went and burned down the house of Samson’s father-in-law, with his woman inside it.7Then Samson went to them and said:‘Because you did this to her, I’m going to get even… For, only then will I be satisfied!’8So he cut off all of their legs to their thighs and left… And he went down and lived in a cave in The Rock of Etam.9Well, sometime thereafter, the Philistines went into Judah and set up camp all around Lechi. 10And when the men of Judah asked why they were getting ready to attack them, the Philistines replied:‘We’ve come here to capture Samson; for we want to deal with him in the same way that he dealt with us!’11So, 3,000 men of Judah went down to the Hole in The Rock of Etam and said to Samson:‘Don’t you know that the Philistines rule this country… What have you done to us?’And Samson replied:‘I’ve just treated them the way that they’ve treated me.’12And they said:‘Well, we’ve come here to take you and hand you over to the Philistines.’Then Samson told them:‘Swear to me that you won’t do anything bad to me yourselves.’13And they promised:‘No, we’ll just tie you up and hand you over to them… We won’t kill you.’So they tied him up with two new ropes and led him away from the Rock.14Well, when they reached [the place that he later called] ‘The Jaw,’ the Philistines started shouting and they all ran to meet him. Then the Breath of Jehovah came down upon him and the ropes became like burned hemp in his arms… They just melted away!15And noticing the jawbone of a burro that had been tossed aside, he reached down and picked it up, and he [used it to] strike down 1,000 men.16Then Samson [sang this song]:‘With a burro’s jaw, I destroyed them…
A thousand men, I cut down
With the bone of a burro.’17Thereafter, he threw the jawbone away… And that’s when he started calling that place,‘Destroyed by the Jaw.’18Meanwhile, he’d become extremely thirsty; so he called to Jehovah and said:‘Although it has pleased You to use Your servant’s hands to bring about this great deliverance; must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?’19That’s when God broke open a hole in the ground [near] that jawbone, from which water started flowing! So he drank it, his spirit was renewed, and he regained his strength. Then he named that spring, ‘The Well of the Calling,’ which is still in Lechi today.20Well, after that, [Samson] Judged IsraEl for 20 years (during the period of Philistine [domination]).
1Sometime later, Samson went to Gaza, and there he [met up with] a prostitute and [had sex] with her.2Well, when this was reported to the Gazites (when they were told that Samson was there), they surrounded [the house] and quietly waited for him all night long inside the city gates... [Their plan] was to wait until he left at dawn, then [catch him] and kill him. 3However, Samson only slept there until midnight.For he got up and went out to the city gate, and [because it was locked], he pulled its two posts [out of the ground], lifted them (along with the locked gate) onto his shoulders, and he climbed to the top of the mountain in front of HebRon and left them there!4Well after this, he fell in love with a woman who lived by the river at Sorech, whose name was DeliLah. 5So the leaders of the Philistines came to her and said:‘Seduce him and find out where he gets all his great strength (what the real source of his strength is), so we can take him, bind him up, and humble him!‘[If you’ll do this], we’ll give you 1,100 silver coins.’6So DeliLah said to Samson:‘Please tell me where you get all your strength… Is there any way that you could be tied up, captured, and imprisoned?’7And Samson replied:‘Yes; if I were tied up with 7 ropes that have been soaked in water, I’d be as weak as any ordinary man.’8So the leaders of the Philistines brought her 7 wet ropes and she used them to tie him up, 9as their men hid in her bedroom.Then she shouted:‘The Philistines are coming, Samson!’And he broke the ropes as though they were burned threads; for no one realized how strong he really was.10And then DeliLah said to Samson:‘You’ve misled me and lied to me!‘Now, tell me how you can really be held.’11And he said to her:‘I would have to be tied up with new ropes, not with ropes that have been used for work… Then I’d be as weak as any other man.’12So DeliLah took new ropes and tied him up, as the men who were waiting in her bedroom [prepared themselves to] run out when she shouted:‘The Philistines are here Samson!’But he broke the [ropes] off his arms like threads.13And again, DeliLah said to Samson:‘Look, you’ve deceived me and lied to me!‘Now, please tell me how you can be held.’And he said to her:‘If the 7 locks on my head were woven together into a braid and then nailed to a wall, I’d be as weak as any other man.’14So after he fell asleep, DeliLah took the 7 locks on his head and braided them, then she nailed them to the wall and shouted:‘The Philistines are here, Samson!’But when he woke up, he just jerked the nail that held the braids out of the wall... 15And DeliLah asked Samson:‘How can you say that you love me when your heart doesn’t belong to me?‘This is the third time that you’ve deceived me! For you haven’t really told me where you get all your strength.’16Well, she kept nagging him and complaining all night long, until he was exasperated to the point of dying. 17So he told her all the things that were in his heart, saying:‘A razor must never touch my head; for I have been a person dedicated to God since [I came from] my mother’s belly... So if [my hair] should be shaved, my strength would leave me and I’d become as weak as any other man.’18DeliLah realized that what he said this time came from his heart, so she sent for the Philistine rulers and said:‘Come here one more time, for he’s told me what’s in his heart.’And as a result, all the Philistine rulers came there and laid the silver in her hands.19So then DeliLah allowed Samson to fall asleep on her knees, and she [motioned to] a man who cut the 7 locks off his head… And his strength left him.20As a result, when DeliLah shouted:‘The Philistines are here, Samson!’...he woke up thinking, ‘I’ll just shake myself free and leave, as I’ve done before.’ However, he didn’t know that Jehovah had left him.21So the Philistines captured him, put his eyes out, bound him in brass fetters, and took him down to Gaza, where they locked him in a dungeon.22However, during the time he was there, his hair started to grow back again… And soon it became as long as it had been before.23Well thereafter, the leaders of the Philistines assembled to offer a big sacrifice to their god Dagon and to celebrate what they claimed their god had done by giving their enemy Samson into their hands... 24So when the people saw him, they started singing praises to their god, saying:‘You’ve given our enemy who destroyed our land and who killed many of our people into our hands!’25And after everyone had been worked into a joyful frenzy, they said:‘Now, bring in Samson and have him [act the fool] before us.’So they sent for Samson, and he was brought from the dungeon to stand as a fool before them. They led him by the hand and stood him between the [temple] columns.26And Samson said to the young man who was holding his hand:‘Please let me feel the columns that support the building, so I can steady myself on them.’27Well, the building was filled with men and women, including all the leaders of the Philistines, and almost 3,000 more people had perched themselves on the roof (they’d all come to watch and to make fun of Samson).28Then Samson called to Jehovah and said:‘O Jehovah, my Lord,‘Please remember me and give me strength just one last time, O God, so that I can make the Philistines pay for the loss of my eyes.’29And at that, he braced his hands against the two columns that supported the building and pushed – one with his right hand and the other with his left.30And Samson said:‘Let my woman also die along with the Philistines!’So he bent over and shoved, and the temple collapsed, killing the leaders and all the people in it! And in his death, Samson killed more than he’d killed during the rest of his lifetime.31Well thereafter, his brothers and the rest of his father’s house went there and recovered his body, then they buried it between SaraAh and EsthaOl, in the tomb of his father ManoEh.For he had Judged IsraEl for 20 years.
1Then there was a man from the mountains of Ephraim named MicaYas. 2He had said this to his mother:‘Do you remember those 1,100 silver coins that you once had and which you cursed me for taking?‘Well, here they are, for I did in fact take them.’And his mother said:‘May Jehovah bless you, my son.’3So he returned her 1,100 silver coins, and his mother said:‘I had dedicated this money to the Lord and set it aside for [you], my son, to make a molded and carved image… So it’s yours anyhow.’4However, he went on and gave the money back to his mother. Then his mother took 200 of the silver coins and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to mold and carve an idol for the house of MicaYas.5So, the house of MicaYas was thereafter used as the temple to his god. Then [MicaYas] made a sacred vest and a religious emblem, and he anointed one of his sons to be his priest. 6For back in those days, there was no king in IsraEl and everyone did whatever seemed right in his own eyes.7Well, there was a young Levite from BethLehem of Judea who happened to be passing by one day... 8He’d left BethLehem in Judea, heading towards whatever place he might find. And when he got to the hills of Ephraim and to the house of MicaYas, his journey ended.9For MicaYas asked him:‘Where have you come from?’And he replied:‘I’m a Levite from BethLehem of Judah, and I’m traveling to any place that I may find.’10So MicaYas said to him:‘Then, live with me!‘If you’ll become a father and a priest to me, I’ll give you 10 silver coins every year, as well as a change of clothing, and I’ll also provide you free room-and-board.’11So the Levite lived there with MicaYas and became like one of his sons, 12for he’d anointed the Levite to serve as his priest, and from then on, he lived in MicaYas’ home.13MicaYas said:‘Now I know that the Lord will treat me well, because a Levite has become my priest!’
1Well, there was no king over IsraEl back then, and the tribe of Dan was looking for its own land to inherit, because they hadn’t received an inheritance among the tribes of the sons of IsraEl.2So, the sons of Dan selected 5 mighty men from among their families and sent them to spy in the land around SaraAh and EsthaOl, in order to find a land [that they could inherit]. Then when they reached the hills of Ephraim and the house of MicaYas, they spent the night there... 3For, because they’d recognized the voice of the young Levite man, they stopped and asked him questions such as:‘Who brought you here? What do you do here?’And:‘Do you enjoy [living] here?’4Then he explained how MicaYas had taken him in and hired him to be his priest.5So they said:‘Please use your powers to ask God whether the direction we’re headed in will be blest.’6And the priest told them:‘Go your way in peace, for the direction you’re heading is the direction of the Lord.’7Well thereafter, the men traveled on, and when they got to LaiSha, they saw that the people there lived peacefully and leisurely (like the Sidonians). For there was no crime or violence in the land or any robbery, because they were a long way from the Sidonians, and they were quite isolated.8So then the 5 men returned to their brothers at SaraAh and EsthaOl and they said:‘Why are you just sitting here? 9Let’s get up and attack these people, for we’ve looked at their land and found it to be very good!‘Don’t be silent and don’t restrain yourselves from going there and inheriting their land, 10for we’ve found a place where the people are living in security and where the land is large enough for all of us, and God has given it into your hands…‘It’s a place where the ground produces everything that we need!’11So thereafter, the families of Dan sent 600 armed troops to SaraAh and EsthaOl. 12First they went and camped in KiriAth JaiRim in Judah (that’s why that place is still called ‘The Camp of Dan’ to this day. Look, it’s there behind KiriAth JaiRim.13Then they marched on to the mountains of Ephraim, and when they reached the house of MicaYas, 14the 5 men who had come as spies into the land of LaIsha told their brothers:‘There’s a sacred breast piece, a religious emblem, and a molded and carved image in this place. So, let’s think about what we should do next.’15Well, they stopped there and they went up to the house of the young Levite man (which was really the house of MicaYas), and they asked him how things were going. 16But meanwhile, the 600 armed men of the sons of Dan were standing just outside of the gate!17Then the 5 men who had come as spies in the land [forced their way into] the house of MicaYas where the priest was standing 18and they grabbed up the image, the breast piece, and the religious emblem... And when the priest asked them what they were doing, they said:19‘Put your hand over your mouth and be quiet, for we want you to come with us to serve as our father and priest!‘After all, which would be better for you, to be the priest of the house of one man, or to be the priest of a whole tribe and to become a house among the families of IsraEl?’20Well, this sounded good to the heart of the priest, so he went along with the men who had taken the sacred breast piece, the religious emblem, and the molded and carved image.21Now, these men had brought all their sons, all their property, and all their baggage with them. 22So even after they’d gone some distance from MicaYas’ house, MicaYas and his neighbors (who had seen them in his house) were able to catch up with them and they started shouting at them.23But the sons of Dan then turned and faced MicaYas, and asked:‘What’s the matter with you? Why are you shouting at us?’24And MicaYas replied:‘Because you’ve taken the image that I made and my priest!‘So, what have you left for me… Why do you think I’m shouting at you?’25And the sons of Dan said:‘Stop shouting or you’ll make us angry and our men will kill you and your entire household.’26Well thereafter, the sons of Dan traveled on... For MicaYas realized that they were more powerful that he was, so he just went back to his home 27and let them carry off the things that MicaYas had made along with his priest (who went with them).Then from there, the army traveled on to LaiSha, where the people had been living peacefully and securely, and they attacked them with their broadswords and burned down their city.28No one came to their aid, because the city was so far from Sidon that there was no way to communicate with the people there (it was located in a valley near the house of ReHob). Then [the sons of Dan] rebuilt the city and took up living there, 29renaming it, ‘the City of Dan’ (after their ancestor, the son of IsraEl), although it used to be called LaiSha.30And it was there that the sons of Dan erected the carved image for themselves.So from then on, JoNathan (son of GerSon and grandson of ManasSeh) and his sons continued to be the priests of the tribe of Dan until the time that the nation was captured and carried away.31Also, the carved image that MicaYas made remained there for as long as the House of God was in ShiLoh; because back then, there was no king in IsraEl.
1Now, there was a Levite that had been staying in the hills of Ephraim, and there he took a concubine for himself who was from BethLehem of Judah.2However, his concubine got angry and left him, returning home to her father in BethLehem. Then after 4 months, 3he went there (along his servant and a pair of burros) to plead with her to come back to him... So she let him into her father’s house, and she and her father met with him (for she was really very happy to see him).4Then his father-in-law (the father of the young woman) urged him to stay there for three days; so, they all ate, drank, and stayed together there. 5Then on the 4th day, when he got up early in the morning to leave, the girl’s father said to his son-in-law:‘Have a bite to eat before you go.’6So the two of them sat down together and ate and drank once again.Thereafter, the girl’s father said to her man:‘Stick around for a while; spend another night and enjoy yourself!’7And when the man got up to leave, his father-in-law wouldn’t allow him to go, so he spent another night there.8Then when he got up early the next morning (on the 5th day) and got ready to leave, the girl’s father said:‘Stop acting like a soldier… Stay here and build your strength until later in the day.’So the two [sat down to] eat.9And when the man, his concubine, and his servant got ready to go, his father-in-law said to him:‘Look, it’s almost evening… Spend the night and let’s enjoy ourselves!‘You can leave early tomorrow morning and start your trip back home then.’10But he didn’t want to spend another night there, so he got up and left… He saddled his burros and set off with his concubine... 11Well, they got as far as Jebus (JeruSalem) and it was getting very late.So the servant said to his master:‘Let’s stop here in this Jebusite city and spend the night.’12But his master replied:‘We don’t want to stay in a city of foreigners; for there are no sons of IsraEl here. 13Let’s just continue on and spend the night in GibeAh.’14So they traveled on and arrived at BabaAh (in the tribe of BenJamin) later that night.15Well, when they got to BabaAh, they prepared to stay in the street, because no one had invited them in to spend the night in their home. 16But then an old man came in from working in the fields. He was from the mountains of Ephraim, but at the time he was living in BabaAh among the sons of BenJamin.17And when he saw the travelers sitting in the street, the old man asked them:‘Where have you come from? And where are you heading?’18And [the Levite] replied:‘We’re coming from BethLehem of Kudag, and we’re heading towards the side of Mount Ephraim. I live there, and I’ve gotten this far from BethLehem in my journey home… But no one has invited us into his house.19‘We have enough straw and food for our burros, and enough bread and wine for me, the girl, and my servant; so your servants really won’t be deprived of anything.’20Then the man brought them into his home, provided a place for their burros, washed their feet, 21fed them, and gave them something to drink.22Well, as they were sitting there enjoying themselves, some men from the city (sons of criminals) surrounded the house and started banging on the door.
Then they shouted at the old man who owned the house:‘Send out the man who came into your house, so we can [have sex] with him!’23But [the old man] stepped outside and said to them:‘No brothers; please don’t do him any harm, for he’s a guest in my home! Don’t do such a terrible thing!24‘Look, here’s my daughter who’s a virgin, and here’s the man’s concubine... I’ll bring them out to you and you can treat them however you wish… But, don’t mistreat this man!’25However, because the men wouldn’t listen to him, he grabbed the concubine and brought her outside to them, and they raped and abused her all night long, releasing her in the morning.26After that, she came and fell at the door of the house where her man [had hidden] himself. 27And when her man got up and opened the door to continue his journey the next morning, he found her lying there by the door with her hands on the threshold.28So he spoke to her and said:‘Get up, let’s go!’But she didn’t answer, because she was dead.Then he lifted [her body] onto his burro and he returned home.29Well, [when he got home], he took his sword and cut his concubine’s body into 12 parts and sent them to [all the tribes] of IsraEl.30And everyone who saw this said:‘We’ve never seen such a day, nor has anyone seen such a day since the sons of IsraEl left the land of Egypt!‘So, let’s assemble and decide what we must do.’
1Thereafter, the whole gathering of the sons of IsraEl (from Dan to Beer SheBah) assembled to meet before Jehovah at MasSepha in the land of GileAd. 2They all stood there before Jehovah as an assembly of the people of God… 400,000 sword-carrying men!3Meanwhile, the sons of BenJamin learned that they had gathered there.Well, after everyone had arrived, they asked:‘Where did this terrible thing happen?’4And the Levite (the owner of the woman who was killed) said:‘My concubine and I had gone into BabaAh of BenJamin to spend the night.5‘Then men who lived there came and surrounded the house during the night, for they wanted to kill me. But they abused and raped my concubine instead, until she was dead.6‘So I picked her up and cut her into pieces, and I sent them to all the inheritances of the sons of IsraEl… For these men have done a lewd and disgusting thing in IsraEl!7‘Look, all you sons of IsraEl... Think about what happened and then discuss it among yourselves.’8Well, all the people agreed and said:‘None of us will return to our tents or houses 9until this thing that was done in BabaAh [is settled]. Let’s hold a lottery to choose who’ll go to fight against that city… 10We’ll choose 10 men from among every 100 of all the tribes of IsraEl, 100 out of every 1,000, and 1,000 out of every 10,000.‘Then we’ll gather enough provisions and send [these men] to BabaAh of BenJamin to pay them back for the disgusting things that they’ve done in IsraEl.’11Well, all the men of IsraEl agreed, and they prepared to march on the city. 12So thereafter, they sent messengers throughout the whole tribe of BenJamin to say:‘What’s this wicked thing that has been done among you?13‘Now, surrender those sons of criminals that are in BabaAh, and we’ll execute them to purge their wickedness from IsraEl.’However, the sons of BenJamin refused to listen to the voices of their brothers, the sons of IsraEl, 14and [men from] all of their cities gathered at BabaAh to fight against the rest of IsraEl. 15The sons of BenJamin sent 23,000 soldiers, along with 700 of the best men from BabaAh, all of whom were capable of fighting with both hands… 16They could sling a stone at a hair and not miss!17Meanwhile, the army of IsraEl (those other than the tribe of of BenJamin) numbered 400,000 men of war. 18But [before they went to battle], they went to BethEl to ask God:‘Who must lead us in the fight against the sons of BenJamin?’And Jehovah replied:‘Judah must go first and serve as your leader.’19So the next morning, the sons of IsraEl went and camped around BabaAh, 20and the battle began!21Well, the sons of BenJamin came out of BabaAh and attacked, cutting down 22,000 men of IsraEl. 22So the men of IsraEl sent for reinforcements and got ready to fight in the same place where they’d fought on the previous day.23[But first] they went and spent the day crying before Jehovah; and in the evening, they asked Him:‘Should we go to fight against our brothers the sons of BenJamin again?’And Jehovah said:‘Go and fight them.’24So the sons of IsraEl advanced against the sons of BenJamin on the 2nd day. 25And again the sons of BenJamin came out of BabaAh to meet them, and they killed 18,000 more of [IsraEl’s] soldiers.26Then, all the sons of IsraEl (the people and their troops) went to BethEl and just sat there crying before Jehovah, fasting all day long until the evening, as they offered whole burnt offerings and perfect sacrifices to Jehovah. 27For back then, the [Sacred Chest] of Jehovah God was there [in BethEl]. 28And PhineAs (son of EliEzer and grandson of Aaron) would go and stand in front of the chest whenever the sons of IsraEl wanted to ask Jehovah for anything.So they again went to him and asked:‘Must we go once more to fight with our brothers, the sons of BenJamin?’And Jehovah’s reply was:‘If you go there in the morning, I’ll give them into your hands.’29Therefore, the sons of IsraEl [went back] and encircled BabaAh; [but this time], they set up an ambush. 30And when the sons of IsraEl went to fight the sons of BenJamin on the 3rd day, it looked like they were planning to attack BabaAh much as they had done before.31So the sons of BenJamin once again came out to meet them and they started cutting them down in the middle of the road that leads from BabaAh to BethEl, and they killed about 30 men… But this drew them all outside of the city, 32as the sons of BenJamin were shouting:‘They’re falling before us the same as they did before!’However, the sons of IsraEl had planned their retreat to draw everyone out of the city and into the roads… And that’s what they did. 33For all the men who came to fight had assembled at BaAl Thamar, while the rest of IsraEl hid in MaraAgabe.34So, as 10,000 of IsraEl’s best men were attacking BabaAh, and [BenJamin’s] troops were fighting them fiercely, they didn’t realize that they were doomed.
35For Jehovah allowed the sons of IsraEl to cut down BenJamin that day.All together, the sons of IsraEl destroyed 25,000 of BenJamin’s soldiers.36For when the sons of BenJamin thought that they were winning, the men of IsraEl turned around and attacked them, because they trusted in the ambush that they’d prepared against BabaAh. 37[The plan was that] when they pulled back, those who were hiding were to get up and attack BabaAh and cut down [everyone who was left in] the city with swords.38The sons of IsraEl had also arranged for a battle signal from those who’d been hiding… When they captured the city, they were to send up a smoke signal. 39And when the sons of IsraEl saw that they’d taken BabaAh, that’s when they turned and attacked.For by then, the sons of BenJamin had started killing the wounded among the men of IsraEl (about 30 of them), and they were saying:‘Surely they’re going to fall again as they did in the first [two] battles.’40But then the [smoke] signal started to arise, and it kept growing into a huge column of smoke rising into the sky.Well, when the men of BenJamin looked behind them, they saw that their city was being destroyed. 41So when the men of IsraEl turned back and attacked, the men of BenJamin started running, because they saw that something bad had happened.42Then they retreated all the way into the desert before the sons of IsraEl, who soon overtook them, and even people from the [surrounding] cities came to fight them… 43They chased the men of BenJamin from Nua to GibeAh in the east, 44and some 18,000 mighty men of BenJamin fell that day.45Well, the rest [of BenJamin’s army] then turned and ran through the desert to the Rock of RemMon, where the sons of IsraEl picked off 5,000 of them; and then they chased the remaining ones as far as GeDan, where they cut down 2,000 more men.46So, BenJamin lost 25,000 of their finest soldiers, 47and the rest (about 600 of them) turned and ran through the desert to the Rock of RemMon, where they hid out for 4 months.48Meanwhile, the sons of IsraEl returned to the territory of BenJamin and cut down [everyone] in the cities around MethLa, including their cattle, burning all the cities and everything that they found there in a fire.
1Now, while they were in MasSephath, the sons of IsraEl all swore not to give their daughters as wives to the BenJaminites. 2Then they all went to BethEl and sat before God until that evening, calling out to Him and crying:3‘O Jehovah the God of IsraEl,‘Why should one tribe of IsraEl now be missing?’4Well, the next morning, the people got up early and built an altar there, upon which they sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings.5And the sons of IsraEl started asking:‘Who among the tribes of IsraEl failed to come here and assemble with the rest of gathering of Jehovah?’For, they’d all sworn an oath that those who didn’t come to Jehovah at MasSephath would be put to death.6The sons of IsraEl also grieved over their brothers of [the tribe of] BenJamin, saying:‘Today, one tribe has been cut off from IsraEl.7‘So, what must we do to provide wives for those [among BenJamin] who have survived, since we’ve all sworn by Jehovah not to give them our daughters as their wives?’8Then they again asked:‘Are there any among the tribes of IsraEl who failed to come to Jehovah at MasSephath?’And they found that no one had come there from JabIsh in GileAd 9(they counted all the people who were there and found that no one had come from [that city]).10So the gathering sent 12,000 of their mightiest men to JabIsh of GileAd, giving them the orders to take their swords and kill everyone there. 11They told them to kill every man – and every woman who’s [had sex] with a man, but not to kill the virgins… And that’s what they did.12And among the inhabitants of JabIsh GileAd, they found 400 young virgins that had never [had sex] with a man, and they brought them back to ShiLoh in the land of CanaAn.13Then the entire gathering agreed to send [ambassadors] to speak to the remaining sons of BenJamin at the Rock of RemMon and invite them to make peace. 14As a result, [the tribe of] BenJamin returned to the sons of IsraEl that day, and they gave them the women whom they hadn’t killed among the daughters of JabIsh GileAd… And they were satisfied.15The reason why the people made this concession to BenJamin was because Jehovah had allowed this breakup among the tribes of IsraEl.16Then the elders of the gathering asked,‘What must we do to provide more women for those of BenJamin that are still alive, since all their women have been destroyed?’17For they all agreed that the BenJaminites that escaped must be allowed an inheritance so that a tribe wouldn’t be destroyed from IsraEl. 18However, they couldn’t give them their daughters as wives, because the whole gathering had sworn that anyone who gave a woman to those of BenJamin would be cursed.19Then they said:‘Look, there’s a feast of Jehovah that’s held each year in ShiLoh.’Now, this is a town located north of BethEl, east of the road between BethEl and ShiKima, and south of Lebona.20And they told the sons of BenJamin this:‘You may go and hide in the vineyards there and watch.21‘Then, whenever you see any of the daughters of the people in ShiLoh come out to dance, you should each run from the vineyards and grab a woman and carry her back to the land of BenJamin.22‘And if their fathers or brothers should come to argue the matter with you, you should tell them:‘You must give them to us freely, for we haven’t taken them from you in battle. Rather, we’ve taken them to keep you from sinning against the oath that you made.’23And that’s what the sons of BenJamin did... They went and took women from among the dancers and brought them back to their inherited land, where they rebuilt their cities and lived in them.24Well thereafter, all the sons of IsraEl returned home to their own tribes, families, and inheritances. 25For back in those days (since there was no king in IsraEl), every man did whatever he thought was right.
1Back in those days, during the time of the Judges, there was a famine that came to the land. As a result, a man from BethLehem of Judah traveled into the fields of MoAb with his wife and two sons. 2The man’s name was EliMelech, his wife’s name was NaOmi, and his two sons were named MahLon and ChiLion… They were EphRathites.And after they’d moved there from BethLehem of Judah, 3EliMelech (NaOmi’s husband) died, leaving just her and her two sons. 4Thereafter, the sons married Moabite women; one was named Orpah, and the other was named Ruth.Then, after [NaOmi] had been there for about 10 years, 5both MahLon and ChiLion (the sons of her and her husband) also died. 6So she got up and told her two daughters-in-law that she was going to return to her own country, because she’d heard (from someone in the land of MoAb) that Jehovah had turned back to His people and that He was once again providing them loaves of bread to eat.7Well, [as she was preparing] to leave the place where she was staying, both of her daughters-in-law came and met with her, because they wanted to go with her to the land of Judah.8But NaOmi said to her daughters-in-law:‘Go back home to your mothers… And may Jehovah show as much mercy to you as you’ve shown to my dead ones.‘Thank you for meeting with me, 9but may Jehovah now provide each of you rest in the house of a husband.’Then she kissed them and they both started to cry, 10and they said to her:‘We want to return with you to your people.’11But NaOmi said:‘No! Please, my daughters! Why do you want to go with me?‘Do you think that I still have sons in my belly that I can give as your husbands?12‘Please go home, my daughters!‘Go, because I’ve grown too old to have a man anymore. I’ve asked myself:‘Might it be possible for me to marry again and to give birth to sons 13for whom you should wait, and not marry again until they’ve grown into men?’‘No, my daughters; for I’ve become very bitter since the hand of Jehovah has come against me.’14Then they all started to cry again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and returned to her family. However, Ruth continued to follow her; so NaOmi said:15‘Look, Ruth,‘Your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods. So, please turn back and catch up with your sister-in-law.’16And Ruth replied:‘Don’t force me to leave you and go back; for wherever you go, I’ll go, and wherever you stay, I’ll stay! Your people will be my people and your God will be my God!17‘Where you die is where I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried.‘May Jehovah [curse] me and add more to it if anything other than death will separate me from you!’18Well when NaOmi saw that she was so determined to go with her, she no longer tried to discourage her. 19So they both traveled on together until they arrived at BethLehem.And when they got there, the whole city of BethLehem cheered for them, asking:‘Is this really NaOmi?’20And she said to them:‘Please don’t call me NaOmi, call me Mary (Bitter), because [God] has made me very bitter.21‘For after I left, Jehovah sent me back with nothing.‘So, why call me NaOmi [meaning, Pleasure], when Jehovah has humbled and persecuted me?’22Thus NaOmi returned from the country of MoAb with her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, arriving in BethLehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
1Well, there was a very wealthy man [in BethLehem] that NaOmi knew (because he was a relative of her husband EliMelech) whose name was BoAz.2So Ruth (the Moabite) said to NaOmi:‘If he approves of me, should I go into his field to glean grain?’And NaOmi replied:‘Go, my daughter.’3So she went into the field and followed behind those who were doing the harvesting... And it so happened that the portion of the field she was in was being harvested by some of BoAz’s relatives at the time.4Then {Look!} when BoAz came from the city (BethLehem), he said to those who were harvesting there:‘May Jehovah be with you.’And they replied:‘May Jehovah bless you.’5Then BoAz asked the servant that was supervising the harvesting:‘Whose young woman is that?’6And the supervisor replied:‘She’s the Moabite servant who just came here from the country of the MoAbites along with NaOmi.’7So [Ruth] then [went up] to him and said:‘Please, may I collect grain here… I’ll just follow behind those who are doing the harvesting.’Well, she’d been working all day long, from morning until evening, and she hadn’t stopped at all to rest.8So BoAz said:‘Hasn’t anyone told you, my daughter? You don’t have go into my field to just glean… [go and work] with the rest of the young women [who are my relatives].9‘Look around the field and see where they are, and work along with them, for I’ve instructed my servants not to bother you... And when you get thirsty, you may go and drink from the water in the jugs that belong to my servants.’10Well at that, she bowed low before him with her face to the ground, and then she asked him:‘What have I done to find so much favor in your eyes that you should treat me this well, since I’m just a stranger?’11And BoAz answered:‘All the things you’ve been doing for your mother-in-law since the death of her son, your husband, have been reported to me... I’ve heard about how you arrived in this unfamiliar land just two days ago after leaving your father, your mother, and your country.12‘So, may Jehovah repay your good deeds, and may the God of IsraEl that you’ve come here to serve shelter you under His wings.’13Then she said:‘I [hope] that may I find your favor, my master, and [that I can prove worthy] of the comfort that you’ve given to me; for your words have touched the heart of your slave girl.‘Look, I’m your servant!’14Then BoAz said to her:‘It’s almost suppertime.‘Here, take some of my bread… And here’s some vinegar to dip it in.’15And at that, Ruth sat down next to the rest of the harvesters, and BoAz gave her a large amount of toasted grain, which she ate.Then, after she’d eaten enough, she left.16So, [the next day] she got up to collect [grain]. And BoAz gave orders to his servants, saying:‘Absolutely let her collect for them middle of the sheaves – and don’t give her any trouble! Definitely reserve some of what’s heaped up for her, and leave her be! She’ll collect – and you won’t bother her.’ 17So she worked all day long... And when she beat out the grain, she found that she’d collected a heaping bushel full, 18which she then carried back to the city.Now, when her mother-in-law saw how much she’d collected and how much she’d been given, she asked:‘Where did you go today, and where did you get this? May the one who recognized you be blest!’19Then Ruth told her mother-in-law where she did [the harvesting] and said:‘The man who let me to do this today is called BoAz.’20And NaOmi said:‘Praise Jehovah!‘For He hasn’t forgotten to be merciful [to the widows] of those who’ve died.’Then she added:‘This man is our next-of-kin… One of our closest relatives!’21And Ruth said to her mother-in-law:‘He also told me to [work alongside] his servants until I’ve finished harvesting everything I need!’22Then NaOmi told Ruth:‘My daughter, it’s good for you to work alongside his servants, for you likely wouldn’t have been able to meet his relatives in any other field.’23So thereafter, Ruth worked along with the young women of BoAz’s family through both the barley harvest and the wheat harvest (about 50 days).
1Well, while she was staying there with her mother-in-law, NaOmi said to her:‘My daughter,‘How else can I give you some rest and allow good things to happen to you?2‘BoAz, the one whose young women you’re working among, is a close relative... And tonight he will be threshing barley in his barn. 3So... Take a bath, [rub your body] with [fragrant] oils and dress up – then go to his barn.‘However, you must not reveal yourself to him until after he’s finished eating and drinking. 4But then, when you see that he’s fallen asleep, go uncover his feet and lie down there at his feet and go to sleep!‘Thereafter, he will tell you what to do.’5And Ruth said:‘I’ll do whatever you say.’6So she went down to the barn and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed... 7[She saw] BoAz eating and drinking until his heart was quite satisfied, and then he went to sleep in the hay.So Ruth crept up quietly and uncovered his feet, then she got down to go to sleep. 8However, this woke BoAz – and when he saw the woman lying at his feet, 9he asked:‘Who are you?’And she replied:‘I’m Ruth, your servant girl... Wrap me in your blanket, for you’re my relative.’10So BoAz said:‘May Jehovah God bless you for your goodness and mercy, my daughter, because you’ve chosen the last over the first!‘You could have looked for a younger man, whether rich or poor.11‘But daughter; don’t be afraid, for I’ll do whatever you ask, since my whole tribe knows what a mighty woman you are.12However, there’s someone who’s a closer relative than me. 13You may spend the rest of the night here, but in the morning we’ll go and find out if he’s willing to do right by you, since he is your closest relative...‘Now, as Jehovah is living, you may just go to sleep until the morning.’14So [Ruth] went back to sleep at his feet and she stayed there until the next morning.And when she awoke (while [it was still too dark] to be seen), BoAz said:‘Don’t tell anyone that a woman spent the night in my barn.’15Then he said to her:‘Now, bring me the apron that you wore.’So she held it out, and he poured 6 quarts (5.7l) of barley into it for her; and thereafter, she returned to the city.16Well, when she got back, her mother-in-law asked:‘What happened, my daughter?’And she told her everything that the man had done, saying:‘He also gave me 6 quarts (5.7l) of barley, 17and he told me to carry this to my mother-in-law.’18Then [NaOmi] said:‘Now, let’s just sit here and wait, my daughter, to see how this thing works out. For the man won’t be satisfied until he’s finished everything that has to be done.’
1Well, the [next morning], BoAz went and sat down at the [city] gate.Then {Look!} before long, he saw the man he’d told [Ruth] about, so he asked him to come and sit in a secluded spot. 2He also found ten of the city’s elders and asked them to come and sit with them. So, they all sat down together.3Then BoAz said to the relative:‘This matter is regarding the portion of the field that belonged to our brother EliMelech, which he passed on to NaOmi...‘Since she’s just returned from the land of MoAb, 4I thought that I should whisper in your ear and urge you to purchase the field before others in the city do so, or before the elders claim it, for you’re [EliMelech’s] closest living relative.‘However, if you aren’t interested in buying it, let me do that, since I’m next in line as his relative.’And [the man] replied:‘I’ll [claim it] as his next of kin!’5And BoAz said:‘Well, on the day that you buy the field from NaOmi, you must also take the Moabite woman, Ruth. For she was the [wife] of your dead relative, and you have to keep his name alive to receive his inheritance.’6Well at that, the relative said:‘Oh! Then I won’t be able to accept the responsibility of being his closest relative, for I’m afraid that it would ruin the rights of my own inheritors.‘So, you may go and claim the right.’7Now, it was the custom in IsraEl at the time (when it came to establishing matters to do with inheritances and such) for the man who [was giving up his right], to untie his sandal and give it to the one who would be the acting next-of-kin, as proof that the right of inheritance was being given to him.For this is how they testified to such things in IsraEl back then.8So when the relative told BoAz that he could buy it for himself and the right of inheritance would be his, he untied his sandal and gave it to BoAz...9Then BoAz said to the elders and to everyone else who was sitting there:‘You people are all eye-witnesses today that I’ve acquired the right to buy everything that belonged to EliMelech, ChiLion, and MahLon from NaOmi… 10Including Ruth, the Moabite woman.‘So I’ve now acquired MahLon’s woman as mine, and I’ll raise a [son] in the name of the one who died, so that his inheritance won’t be lost.‘For I’m his brother, and you and all the people at this gate are my witnesses.’11Well, the elders all agreed, saying:‘We are eye-witnesses. And may Jehovah make the woman who’s entering your home like RachaEl and LeAh who built the house of IsraEl!‘May they succeed in doing that in a powerful way in EphRatha, and in making a name in BethLehem.12‘May your house become like the house of Perez, whom Thamar bore to Judah; and regarding your offspring, may Jehovah give you children from this maidservant.’13So BoAz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he [slept with] her and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son.14And thereafter, she said to NaOmi:‘May Jehovah be praised, because He didn’t rest until He provided a son for you today!‘May [this son] speak of your name in IsraEl, 15and may he restore life and nourishment to your grey hair; for your daughter-in-law has given birth to a good child who’s better than seven sons!’16Well after that, NaOmi took the boy and held him to her breasts, becoming his wet nurse. 17Then she called the neighbors in and named him…She said:‘Since NaOmi has now given birth to a son, I’ll call him Obed [meaning, Servant].’This one became the father of JesSe and the grandfather of David.18Now, these are the descendants of Perez:• Perez fathered HezRon, 19• HezRon fathered Aram, • Aram fathered AmiNadab, 20• AmiNadab fathered NaShon, • NaShon fathered SalMon, 21• SalMon fathered BoAz, • BoAz fathered Obed, 22• Obed fathered JesSe, and • JesSe fathered David.
1There was a man from RamAh of Zophim in the Hills of Ephraim whose name was ElKanah. He was the son of JerHam, grandson of EliHu, great-grandson of ToHu, and the great-great grandson of Zuph, all of whom were from the hills of Ephraim.2He had two women, the first was named HanNah and the second was PeninNah. Now, PeninNah had [given birth to] children, but HanNah had no children.3Well, each day [ElKanah] would leave his city and go up to ShiLoh to bow and offer sacrifices to Jehovah of armies, along with Eli and two of his sons, HophNi and PhineAs, who were Priests of Jehovah.4And one day, when ElKanah was there offering sacrifices, he gave his woman PeninNah and her sons and daughters their inheritances; 5however, he only gave HanNah a single portion, because she didn’t have any children.Yet, ElKanah loved HanNah more than he loved PeninNah, despite the fact that Jehovah had kept her womb locked 6(for He hadn’t given her a child to love and to remove her sorrow). As a result, she became depressed and she believed that Jehovah wouldn’t allow her to have a baby.7Well, each year she would go up to the House of Jehovah to cry and fast there.8Then [one day], her husband ElKanah asked her:‘HanNah, why are you always crying?‘Why won’t you eat and why is your heart [so sad]?‘For I [love you more] than ten children!’9Well, HanNah then went to ShiLoh and stood before Eli, who was the High Priest then. She’d gone without eating or drinking for some time; 10and because her soul was in such great pain, she [just stood there] praying and crying before Jehovah.11Then she made a vow, saying:‘O Jehovah of Armies,‘If You’ll just look at me, You’ll see how Your slave woman has been disgraced!‘Please remember me and don’t forget that I’m your servant… Remember me and don’t forget me!‘If You’ll give me a son, I’ll stand him before You and dedicate him to You throughout his entire life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’12Well, as she was praying there before Jehovah, the Priest Eli was watching her mouth, 13and he recognized that she was speaking from her heart. He could see that her lips were moving, but he couldn’t hear her saying anything, so he figured that she was probably drunk.14So he said to her:‘How long have you been drinking?‘Why don’t you get rid of your wine?’15But HanNah said:‘No, my lord! I’m just a woman who has seen hard times. I haven’t had any wine or liquor to drink, and I’m not drunk!‘Rather, I’m pouring out my soul before Jehovah! 16Please don’t consider your servant a delinquent daughter; for my worries and depression have grown into a mountain.’17And Eli told her:‘Then, go in peace, for the God of IsraEl will give you all that you’ve asked from Him!’18And she said:‘Your maidservant has found favor in your eyes.’So then, she went back to her husband and she started eating and drinking again, and her face wasn’t sad anymore.19Then they both got up early the next morning and bowed before Jehovah, and they went back home.And after ElKanah got back home to RamAh, he [had sex] with his woman HanNah, and Jehovah remembered her and she got pregnant.20Well, when the time came, HanNah gave birth to a son whom she named SamuEl [meaning, God Heard], for she said:‘He’s what I asked of the Almighty God.’21And after that, whenever ElKanah left home to go up and offer the required sacrifices at ShiLoh and pay his vows, 22HanNah didn’t go with him, for she said:‘I’ll wait until the boy is weaned to stand him before Jehovah.‘Then he can spend the rest of the age there.’23And ElKanah told her:‘Do whatever you see is best until he’s weaned, but may Jehovah bring about what you vowed.’So the woman nursed her son until the time he was weaned, 24then they took him up to ShiLoh along with:• A 3-year-old calf, • A quart of fine flour, and • A skin flask of wine.There they entered Jehovah’s House in ShiLoh, bringing the boy inside with them, 25and then they stood him before Jehovah.Thereafter, they slaughtered the calf, and HanNah brought the child to Eli 26and said:‘My Lord, I swear that as you’re living... I’m the woman who stood before you while praying to Jehovah; 27I prayed for this boy, and Jehovah granted my request to Him!‘So, I now loan him to the Lord all the days of his life that he’ll live, to be used by the Lord!’
1Then HanNah prayed and sang [this song]:‘My [faith] is now firm, O my God, And my heart [belongs to Jehovah]. For, my horn has been raised by my God, And against my enemies, my mouth’s opened wide.‘I thank You for my salvation; For, this salvation has given me joy. 2There are none as holy as Jah, Or any as righteous as God… No, none are more holy than You.3‘So, we should never be boasting, Or allow haughty words to come from our mouths. For, Jehovah is a God of [great] knowledge, And a God who accomplishes all that He plans.4‘He weakens the bows of the mighty, And gives strength to those who are weak. 5Although those full of bread now have less, And the hungry have been overlooked in our land; The one who was sterile gave birth 7-fold, As the one with many grew weaker.6‘Both life and death come from Jehovah… He takes them to the grave and leads them back out. 7It’s Jehovah that makes the poor and the rich… He’s the One who humbles and raises.8‘From the ground, He raises the needy, And He lifts the poor from the dirt, To seat them among the mightiest of men, Where a throne of glory, they inherit.9‘He gives what’s asked to those who make vows, And He blesses the years of the righteous. For, men can do nothing by their own strength… 10Jehovah alone makes their enemies weak… Yes, He’s their [great] Holy Lord.‘May the smart not boast of their smartness, And may the mighty not boast of their strength. May the rich not boast of their wealth, But, let them all boast of this:‘Let those who boast come to know That it all really comes from Jehovah; So, may they observe His decisions, And recognize His justice throughout the whole earth.‘For, Jehovah descends from the heavens, And from the skies, He sends thunder. He [searches] and judges the wicked, And to the ends of the earth, seeks the righteous.‘He’s the One who gives kings all their power, And raises the trumpets of His anointed.’11So thereafter, she left [her son] there before Jehovah, and she went back home to her house in RamAh. And from that day on, the boy served Jehovah before Eli the Priest.Now, Eli’s Sons were very wicked, 12because they didn’t [really believe in Jehovah]. 13As a result, these Priests felt that all the sacrifices the people brought belonged to them.And whenever there was some boiled meat in the kettle, they’d reach in with the 3-pronged hook and take [the whole thing]… 14They’d drop the meat hook down into the large kettle and grab whatever they could. So, rather than allowing [the people to eat their portion of the sacrifices], the Priests would take whatever they wanted.And that’s how they treated all the people of IsraEl that came to ShiLoh to offer sacrifices to Jehovah.15Also, when the servants of the Priests were burning the [sacrificial] fat on the Altar, one of them would say to the other who was doing the sacrificing:‘Give the roasted meat to the Priests, because we don’t want any of that boiled meat in the kettle.’16But if the one who was doing the sacrificing said:‘Allow me to burn the fat first, because that’s what’s required.’They would say:‘No! Give it to me or I’ll take it myself!’17And that’s how the young men were sinning before Jehovah in such a great way, for they viewed His sacrifices as worthless.18Well, SamuEl served there in the presence of Jehovah as a boy, wearing a sacred chest piece of linen. 19He wore a little doubled robe that his mother had made for him, which she carried to him when she returned with her husband to offer the sacrifices that were required back then.20Eli also praised ElKanah and his woman.For he said:‘The Lord has taken the offspring of this woman as a loan, because of the way that she has acted towards Jehovah.’Well thereafter, 21Jehovah again visited HanNah, so she got pregnant and gave birth to three more sons and two daughters! However, it was the responsibility of the boy SamuEl to stay and serve in the presence of Jehovah.22Now, Eli had gotten very old, and he knew about all the things that his sons were doing to the people of IsraEl; for they were even sleeping with the women who stood around the Tent of Proofs.23So he asked them:‘Why are you doing all these bad things that the people of Jehovah are talking about?24‘No, my sons, no!‘The things that I’m hearing aren’t good! I don’t want to hear any more about this, for you’re here to serve the people of God!25‘If you’re sinning against the people, they’ll go and pray to Jehovah about it… And if you’re the ones who are sinning against Jehovah, who will there be to pray for you?’But they wouldn’t listen to their father, because Jehovah really wanted to destroy them... 26Meanwhile, the boy SamuEl went on to become great, for he was in good standing before both God and men.27Well thereafter, a man of God went to Eli and told him:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘I revealed Myself to the house of your fathers in the land of Egypt who were servants in the house of PharaOh, 28and I chose the house of your fathers from all the tribes of IsraEl to serve Me as Priests who will approach My Altar, burn incense, and wear My sacred chest piece.‘I also gave the house of your father all the sacrifices that were burned on the fire as their food.29So, why have you looked at My incense and My sacrifices in disgust? And why have you treated your sons better than Me by allowing them to bless themselves with the first fruitage of all the sacrifices that IsraEl brings before Me?30‘Because you’ve allowed this,’ says Jehovah, the God of IsraEl... ‘your house and the house of your father will fall before Me throughout the ages!And from now on, only those who are glorifying Me will be glorified, while those who are treating Me with contempt will be disgraced!31‘Look! The days are coming when I’ll destroy your offspring… The sons of the house of your father. 32And after that, you’ll see how well things will be done in IsraEl!But, never again will there be a man who grows old in your house. 33For I’ll destroy every man among you who serves at My Altar… I’ll make their eyes fail and cause their lives to flow out of them, then men will cut your family down with swords!34‘This is the sign that I’ll give to your two sons, HophNi and PhineAs in the day that they’re both going to die:35I’ll appoint for Myself a [High] Priest who’s trustworthy, and I’ll do for him whatever things are in My heart and soul... Then I’ll build his house into one that I can trust, and he will be My anointed for the rest of his life.36‘So after that, anyone who’s left in your house will have to come and bow before him bearing a silver coin and a loaf of bread and say: ‘Allow me to be one of your Priests, so I may eat some of the food.’
1Well, the boy SamuEl served as an official of Jehovah under Eli, the [High] Priest. And back then, the Word of Jehovah was prized, because the [Priests] weren’t being given any visions of what they were supposed to do.2Then one day, Eli went to sleep inside [the Tent of God], and because his eyes had grown weak and he was [almost] blind, 3the [sacred] lampstand of God had been left burning.Well, SamuEl had also [slept] in the Holy Place of Jehovah, near the Chest of Proofs; 4and there the Lord called SamuEl.He said:‘SamuEl!’And SamuEl replied:‘I’m here!’5Then he ran to Eli and said:‘I’m here… You called for me?’And Eli replied:‘I didn’t call you, go back to sleep!’So he went back to his bed.6But then the Lord called to him again, saying:‘SamuEl.’So he went over to Eli again and said:‘Look! I’m here, for you called me.’And Eli said:‘I didn’t call you, child! Go back to sleep!’7Well, SamuEl didn’t realize that it was God speaking, and that the words of Jehovah were about to be revealed to him. 8So when the Lord called SamuEl a third time, he got up and went to Eli and said:‘Look, I’m here; for you did call me!’And it was then that Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy.9So he said to SamuEl:‘Go back to bed, child; but if you hear Him calling again, you should say:‘Speak to me O Lord, because Your servant is listening.’Well, SamuEl then went back to his bed, 10and the Lord came and called to him again, saying:‘SamuEl… SamuEl!’And SamuEl replied:‘Speak, because Your servant is listening!’11And the Lord said to SamuEl:‘Look! Although the people have come to think that My words have been extinguished in IsraEl, from now on, everyone will hear them in both of their ears!12‘For the day has come when I’ll bring about all the things that I said against the house of Eli, and I’ll finish them off!13‘I told [Eli] that I’d punish him and his house throughout the ages for the unrighteousness of his sons, because he knows of the evil things that they’re doing against God and he hasn’t punished them!14‘So, I swore an oath against the house of Eli that throughout the ages they’ll pay for the sins that they committed while they were offering up the incense and the sacrifices.’15Well thereafter, SamuEl went back to bed until the morning.And when he got up early in the day and opened the entrance to the House of Jehovah, he was afraid to tell Eli what he saw.16But Eli called to him, saying:‘SamuEl… SamuEl… Child!’And he replied:‘I’m here!’17Then [Eli] said:‘Tell me every word that you were told… Don’t try to hide it from me! May God [punish you] if you don’t tell me every word that He spoke into your ears!’18So SamuEl reported everything that was said to him… He didn’t try to hide a single word.And Eli said:‘Jehovah is good, and He will do everything that He said He will do.’19Well thereafter, SamuEl became great, because Jehovah was with him, and there wasn’t a word he was told that failed to come true in the land. 20So all of IsraEl, from Dan to BeerSheba, came to know that SamuEl was a faithful prophet of Jehovah.21For Jehovah started showing Himself at ShiLoh again, revealing Himself to SamuEl and speaking to him there. Thus SamuEl became the trusted prophet of Jehovah throughout all of IsraEl from one end of the land to the other.However, Eli was very old, and his sons kept doing things that were wicked before Jehovah.
1Well from then on, whatever things that SamuEl said [were spread] throughout all IsraEl.Thereafter, the Philistines assembled to go to war with IsraEl, so IsraEl went out to meet them in battle. They camped at EbenEzer, while the Philistines had set up camp at Aphek. 2And when the Philistines attacked, the battle went badly for IsraEl, for they lost 4,000 men.3So when they returned to their camp, the people asked:‘Why did Jehovah allow us to fall before the Philistines today?‘[Next time] we should take Jehovah’s Chest of Proofs from ShiLoh and carry it in our midst, for it will save us from the hands of our enemies!’4So they sent people to ShiLoh to get the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement [to summon the power] of the cherubs [on its Lid], and both sons of Eli (HophNi and PhineAs) traveled with the [sacred] Chest of God.5Well when the Chest was brought into the camp, the IsraElites let out a shout that resounded throughout the land. 6And when the Philistines heard it, they started asking each other:‘Why are they shouting in the camp of the Hebrews?’And they concluded that it was because the Chest of Jehovah had been brought into the camp, 7which frightened them.So they said:‘They’ve brought their gods into their camp.8‘Woe to us! Please save us today, O Lord, just as you’ve done for the past three days!‘O woe to us, for who will rescue us from the hands of their mighty gods? They’re the same gods who brought the calamity upon Egypt and [to those] in the desert!9‘O Philistines,‘We must be strong and act like men so we won’t have to serve the Hebrews. [Since our Gods] want them to serve us, we’ll have to act manly when we go to battle against them!’10Then the Philistines attacked, and the men of IsraEl started falling before them… They chased them all the way back to their tents! It was a huge defeat and 30,000 of their soldiers were lost! 11Also, the Chest of God was captured, and both of Eli’s sons (HophNi and PhineAs) were killed.12Well, there was a man of the tribe of BenJamin that had returned from the battle; and when he got back to ShiLoh that day, his clothes were torn and it looked as though the earth had fallen on his head.13And when he got there, he saw Eli sitting on his chair [atop] the gate that faces the road... And since this man’s heart was broken over the loss of the Chest of God, when he got there, he yelled out his report to the whole city.14And when Eli heard him yelling, he asked:‘Who’s doing all that shouting?’So the man went up and reported to Eli.15By then, Eli was 98 years old, his eyes were dim, and he couldn’t [hear well]. So he asked the Priests around him:‘What’s he saying?’And when the man came up before him, 16he said:‘I’ve just come here from our camp, and we all had to flee from the battle today!’Then Eli asked:‘What about my [sons]?’17And [the man] replied:‘All the men of IsraEl turned and ran from the Philistines… It was a huge loss for our people!‘Both of your sons were killed and the Chest of God was captured as well!’18Well, when Eli heard [the news] about the Chest of God, he fell backward out of his chair [from the top of] the gate and landed on the ground, breaking his back.So he died, because he was old and fat.But he’d judged IsraEl for 40 years.19And after that, when Eli’s daughter-in-law (PhineAs’ woman, who was pregnant) heard the message that the Chest of God had been captured and that her husband and her father-in-law had died, she started crying and went into labor… 20And then she started to die.Well, the women around her said:‘Don’t be afraid, for you’ve given birth to a son!’However, she didn’t answer, because she couldn’t understand them... 21But she named the boy IchaBod [meaning, Where’s the Glory?] after the [Sacred] Chest of God, her father-in-law, and her husband.22For she said:‘The glory of IsraEl is gone, now that they’ve taken the Chest of God.’
1Thereafter, the Philistines took the Chest of God from EbenEzer and carried it to AshDod, 2where they put it into the Temple of Dagon, next to his [image]!3But when the people of AshDod got up early the next morning and entered the Temple, {Look!} they found Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground before the Chest of God! So they lifted Dagon up and set him back in his place.Well, Jehovah’s hand continued to be heavy against the people of AshDod and the surrounding country throughout the rest of that day; for He tormented them and struck them all [with boils] on their backsides.4Then once again, when they got up the next morning, {Look!} they found that Dagon had fallen on his face before the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement... But this time, his head had fallen off and both of his hands had broken off at their wrists and were lying by the [front] door… So all that was left of him was his torso!5And this is the reason why the Priests of Dagon will no longer cross the threshold of Dagon’s Temple in AshDod.6Well, Jehovah continued to oppress and torment the people of AshDod, and He struck [the people with boils] on their backsides throughout its borders.7And when the men of AshDod realized what was happening, they said:‘Don’t leave the Chest of the God of IsraEl with us, because that’s [what’s making Him angry] with us and with our God Dagon!’8So the Philistines sent officials throughout the land asking:‘What should we do with the Chest of the God of IsraEl?’And the people of Gath said:‘You can send it to us!’So as a result, they sent the Chest of the God of IsraEl to Gath.9But as they were moving it there, Jehovah created a tremendous problem for them; for He struck all the people of the city (both the small and the great) [with boils] on their backsides.10Therefore, they sent the Chest of God on to EkRon.But when it got there, the people started shouting:‘Why are you bringing the Chest of the God of IsraEl to us? Are you trying to kill us?’11So, they called all the Philistine governors together, who decided that they should send the Chest of the God of IsraEl back to where it belongs, so it didn’t destroy them and all of their people.12But thereafter, confusion set in... For throughout the city, people started dying as the Chest of the God of IsraEl was being brought there, and both the living and the dying were struck [with boils] on their backsides.So, cries from the city reached into the heavens!
1Well threafter, the Chest of Jehovah just laid there in a Philistine field for 7 months, and soon their land became overrun with mice! 2So the Philistines called a meeting of their priests, clairvoyants, and witches, and they asked:‘What should we do with the Chest of Jehovah? Tell us how we can go about returning it to where it belongs!’3And they replied:‘If you return the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah the God of IsraEl, return it empty.‘For by doing this, you’ll really upset them… But the thing will be settled. [Their God] will no longer [oppress you] and everyone will be healed [from the plague].’4Then [the leaders] asked:‘But, what should we do to make up for all the torment that it caused us?’And they replied:5‘Each of the 5 Philistine governors should send along a gold [image of their] buttocks, since the fault was theirs… Both the rulers and the people.‘Also, send along a representation of 5 gold mice, the type that are overrunning the land.‘However, [don’t forget to] give glory to Jehovah if you want Him to [stop being angry] with you, your gods, and your land. 6Don’t allow Him to oppress your hearts the way that He oppressed the hearts of the Egyptians and their pharaoh... For it was only after He mocked them that [His people] were finally set free.7‘So now, take a new wagon and two first-born oxen that have given birth to their first calves, and hook them to a yoke. Then hitch the oxen to the wagon and lock their calves inside the temple.8‘Next, take the Chest of Jehovah and put it on the wagon, then replace the things in the Chest with the gold representations of your torment.9‘After that, send it on; and if it travels across their border continuing on to BethShemesh, we’ll know that He’s the One who brought all those evil things upon us.‘But if it doesn’t, we’ll know that it was just a coincidence.’10Well, that’s what the Philistines did. They took two first-born oxen and hitched them to the wagon (after locking their calves inside their temple). 11Then they put the Chest of Jehovah on the wagon and placed the gold mice and the images of their buttocks inside the chest 12(after removing all the [sacred] things that were in there).Thereafter, they sent it along the road to BethShemesh… And [the oxen] didn’t turn to the right or to the left!Meanwhile, all the Philistine governors followed behind it until it had reached the borders of BethShemesh.13Well at the time, the people of BethShemesh were out harvesting their wheat in the valley. And when they saw the Chest of Jehovah, they started cheering and ran to meet it.14Then they took the wagon into the field of JoShua (which was near BethShemesh) and they led it up to a huge rock, where they split the wood of the wagon and sacrificed the oxen as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah.15Thereafter, the Levites took the Chest of Jehovah and removed the items of gold that were in it, placing them all on that large rock.
And there the men of BethShemesh sacrificed the whole burnt offerings (along with other sacrifices) to Jehovah.16Meanwhile, the 5 Philistine governors were watching all of this. Then they turned around and headed back to EkRon that day.17These are the gold buttocks that the Philistines sent to remove the torment of Jehovah:• One from AshDod,
• One from Gaza,
• One from AshKelon,
• One from Gath, and
• One from EkRon.18Also, each of the well-fortified Philistine cities sent gold mice, one from each of the 5 governors. And that large rock where they placed the Chest of Jehovah can still be found in the field of JoShua near BethShemesh to this day.19But then Jehovah struck down the men of BethShemesh because they’d gotten too close to the Chest of Jehovah… He struck down 70 of their [leaders] and 50,000 of their people!So they went into mourning, because Jehovah had struck so many people with such a great calamity.20And the people of BethShemesh asked:‘Who can stand in the presence of this holy God Jehovah, and whom can we use to carry this Chest?’21So they sent messengers to the people of KiriAth JaiRim saying:‘The Philistines have returned the Chest of Jehovah, so please come here and take it!’
1Well thereafter, people from KiriAth JaiRim went to [BethShemesh] and took the Chest of Jehovah’s Sacred Agreement, then they carried it to the home of AmiNadab, [who lived on] a hill.And EliEzer and his sons [purified] themselves there, so they could serve as guardians of the Chest.2But the ‘day’ that the Chest was to be kept in KiriAth JaiRim became many days… In fact, it stayed there for 20 years!Meanwhile, the whole house of IsraEl had started [returning to the worship of Jehovah].
3So SamuEl spoke to the house of IsraEl and said:‘If you wish to return to Jehovah with your whole hearts, you must remove the gods of the foreigners who live among you as well as their sacred poles, then you must prepare your hearts to serve Jehovah alone.‘If you’ll do this, He will rescue you from the hands of the Philistines!’4So the sons of IsraEl [got rid of their images of] the BaAls and their sacred poles of AstarOth, and they started serving only Jehovah.5Then SamuEl said:‘All of IsraEl must now gather at MizPah, and I’ll pray to Jehovah for you there.’6So all the people traveled to MizPah.There they drew water and poured it out on the ground before Jehovah, and they fasted throughout the whole day; for they said:‘We have sinned against Jehovah.’Then SamuEl prayed on behalf of the sons of IsraEl there at MizPah.7Well, when the Philistines heard that all the sons of IsraEl had gathered at MizPah, the Philistine governors assembled their armies to attack them! And when the IsraElites heard of this, they were frightened because of what the Philistines were doing.8So they went to SamuEl and said:‘Don’t just remain silent! Call out to your God Jehovah and ask Him to rescue us from the hands of the Philistines!’9Then SamuEl took a newborn lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to Jehovah before all the people, and he called to Jehovah on behalf of IsraEl, and Jehovah listened.10Meanwhile, just as SamuEl was offering up the sacrifice, the Philistines started their attack… And then the voice of the Lord spoke like thunder to the Philistines, which confused them, so they turned and retreated.11And at that, the men of IsraEl swarmed out of MizPah and they pursued the Philistines, cutting them down all the way to the borders of BethCar.12Well thereafter, SamuEl took a [block of] stone and erected it between MizPah and the old city, which he named EbenEzer, which means, The Rock of the Helper.For he said:‘This is where Jehovah came to our aid.’13So, Jehovah humbled the Philistines on that day, and they didn’t enter the borders of IsraEl thereafter; for the hand of Jehovah was against the Philistines during the entire lifetime of SamuEl.14And the Philistines also had to give back all the cities between EkRon and Gath that they’d taken from the sons of IsraEl. So, the borders of IsraEl remained free of the Philistines, and there was also peace between IsraEl and the Amorites.15Well, SamuEl served as the mediator between IsraEl [and God] for the rest of his life. 16And each year, he would make the circuit between BethEl, GilGal, and MizPah, where he would speak to God on behalf of IsraEl.17Then he would return to his home in RamAh, where he served as the mediator for IsraEl and where he built an Altar to Jehovah.
1Well, after SamuEl had grown old, he appointed his sons to be judges in IsraEl. 2The firstborn was JoEl and the second was AbiJah. They each served as judges in BeerSheba.3However, they weren’t like [SamuEl], because they accepted contributions and took bribes, so they didn’t [always] make righteous decisions. 4As a result, the men of IsraEl got together and went to SamuEl at RamAh and said:5‘Look, you’re getting old and your sons aren’t doing things the way that you did them! So, appoint a king to settle matters between us, like the rest of the nations have.’6However, SamuEl viewed this as something wicked when they said, ‘Appoint a king to settle matters between us.’ So he prayed to Jehovah.7And Jehovah replied:‘Listen to the voice of the people and do all that they’re asking.‘For they aren’t treating you with contempt, 8they’re just doing the same things they’ve been doing to Me since the day that I led them out of Egypt... And as they’ve abandoned Me to serve other gods; that’s how they’re treating you now.9‘So, do whatever they ask. However, explain what will happen when you appoint a king to rule over them.’10Well, SamuEl did tell them everything that Jehovah said about kings, saying:11‘This is what you can expect from the kings who’ll rule over you:• They’ll take your sons and mount them on chariots or appoint them as cavalry to ride in front of their chariots.12• Then they’ll appoint commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and [your sons] will have to plow and harvest their fields and pick their grapes before they send them to war on chariots.13• They’ll also take your daughters to serve as perfume makers, cooks, and bakers.14• They’ll take the best food from your fields, vineyards, and olive groves to feed their servants.15• Then they’ll claim 1/10th of your grain and grapes for their eunuchs and servants.16• They’ll take the best of your male and female slaves, as well as your burros… 1/10th of everything that you own!17• They’ll take 1/10th of your flocks.‘And you’ll then be their servants!18‘Also, the day will come when you’ll call out to the king whom you’ll choose for yourselves, and he won’t pay any attention to Jehovah.’19Well, the people didn’t want to listen to what SamuEl was saying, so they told him:‘We want you to appoint a king over us 20just like all the other nations have! Someone who can settle matters between us, lead us, and wage our wars.’21Then after SamuEl heard what the people were saying, he spoke to them before Jehovah and said:22‘Jehovah told me to listen to whatever you have to say and to appoint a king over you.‘So now, each of you should return to your cities.’
1Well, there was a man from the sons of BenJamin named Kish (son of ZerOr, the grandson of BechOrath, and the great-grandson of AphiJAh, of BenJamin), and he was very strong. 2He had a son named Saul, who was very tall and handsome… None among the sons of IsraEl were taller, for he stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the land.3Well, Saul’s father Kish had lost two burros, so he said to Saul:‘Take one of the servants with you and go look for my burros.’4Then Saul traveled throughout the hills of Ephraim and the land of ShaliSha [searching for them], but he couldn’t find them.5Well, when they got to Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was traveling with him:‘Come on, let’s just go back to my father [and tell him that we couldn’t find] the burros, because he’s probably worried about us.’6But his servant said:‘Look, there’s a man of God in this city... He’s an honorable man, and whatever he says will happen, will happen.‘So, let’s go to him and ask which way we should travel.’7And Saul replied:‘Okay, let’s go there.‘However, what do we have with us that we can offer to this man of God, since even the loaves of bread that we were carrying are gone?’8And the servant said:‘I’ve been carrying a coin in my hand. We can give it to the man of God, and then he’ll show us the way.’9Well, in IsraEl back then, whenever people wanted to ask something of God, they’d say:‘Let’s go ask the seer.’Because the people used to call the prophets ‘seers.’10So Saul said to his servant:‘What you’ve suggested is a good idea. Come on, let’s go there.’And they went to the city where the man of God lived.11Then as they were going up to the city, they noticed some young women who were coming out to draw water, and they asked if the seer was there.12And they replied:‘Yes, he is. Look, he’s just up ahead!‘But you’d better hurry, because he’s going to the house of worship to offer sacrifices for the people... 13As you enter the city, you’ll find him getting ready to go there for a meal, and the people won’t start their meal until he blesses the sacrifice.‘But after he does that, the people will [sit down to] eat.‘So, go on, because this may be the only day you can find him!’14Well, they entered the city, and as they were traveling towards its center, they saw SamuEl coming to meet them, since he was on his way to the place of worship. 15However, Jehovah had opened the ears of SamuEl [on the previous day] and told him:16‘At this time tomorrow, I’ll send a man from the land of BenJamin to you. You must anoint him to be the ruler over My people IsraEl, and he will save My people from the hands of the Philistines… For I’ve watched their humiliation [long enough], and I’ve heard them calling out to Me.’17So when SamuEl noticed Saul, Jehovah said to him:‘Look, this is the man I was telling you about.‘He will rule My people.’18Meanwhile, Saul had walked up to SamuEl there in the center of the city to ask where the seer lives.19And SamuEl told him:‘That’s me!‘Now, come with me to the place of worship and eat with us today. Then in the morning, I’ll show you everything that’s in your heart…20‘And I’ll also tell you where those burros are that you’ve been searching for over the past three days! Don’t let your heart be concerned about them, because they’ve been found!‘And what could be more beautiful among the things of IsraEl than you and the house of your father?’21Well at that, Saul replied:‘I’m just a man of the sons of BenJamin, one of the smallest of the tribes of IsraEl, and my family is the least of all the families of BenJamin!‘So, why have you spoken to me that way?’22Then SamuEl took Saul and his servant along with him to the place where they’d eat, and he called for them to sit at the head of the table before the 30 men who were there.23And he told the cook:‘Give him the portion [of the meat] that I gave to you and asked you to set aside.’24So the cook brought out a whole hindquarter and placed it before Saul.And SamuEl said:‘Look, we’ve set what’s left over before you. Eat it… Since this is the proof that you’ve been placed over the people, you should pull off a piece!’So Saul ate with SamuEl that day, 25and when he returned to the city from the place of worship, the [people] spread some carpets on the roof for Saul, where he bedded down.26Then at dawn the following morning, SamuEl called up to the roof for Saul, and said:‘Get up, for I’m going to send you on now.’So Saul got up and went outside to meet SamuEl.27Then, as they were walking from the city into the fields, SamuEl said to Saul:‘Tell the young man to walk on ahead of us. Then you must stop here so you can hear the Word of The God!’
1Well at that, SamuEl took a flask of oil and poured it over [Saul’s] head, and he kissed him and said:‘Jehovah is anointing you to be the ruler over His inheritance.2‘Now, just as soon as I leave you today, you’re going to find two men near the tomb of RachEl on Mount BenJamin who’ll be jumping up and down, and they’ll tell you that they’ve found the burros you’re searching for.‘However, your father has already stopped worrying about the burros and now he’s worried about you and asking:‘What should I do about my son?’3‘Nevertheless, before you go there, you must travel on until you reach the oak tree at Tabor, where you’ll find three men who are going up to [worship] God at BethEl.‘One will be carrying three goat kids, the second will be carrying three containers of bread, and the third will have a skin flask of wine.4‘They’ll all wish you peace and offer you two loaves of their first-fruit bread. You should just go ahead and accept them, 5then travel on to the Mountain of God, where you’ll find a Philistine fort.‘And when you enter the city, you’ll meet a group of prophets who’ll be dancing as they leave the place of worship to the music of a lute, a tambourine, pipes, and a harp, and they’ll all be prophesying.6‘Then the Breath of Jehovah will come over you and you should prophesy with them… For you will become another man!7‘And when you see these signs happening to you, do everything that you’re moved to do, because God is with you.8‘After that, I want you to come and meet me at GilGal, where I’ll give you [animals] to sacrifice as whole burnt offerings and peace offerings... Then you must stay there with me for 7 days, as I teach you everything that you have to do.’9Well, just as he turned his shoulder to leave SamuEl, God changed [Saul’s] heart, and then all the signs started coming true that day! 10For when he reached the hill and saw the group of prophets dancing directly opposite him, God’s Breath came over him and he started prophesying in their midst.11So all the things that he was told would happen to him came true during those three days, and there he was in the midst of the prophets prophesying, as all the people were asking each other:‘What’s happened to the son of Kish?‘Has Saul become one of the prophets?’12Then one of them asked:‘So, who’s his father?’And because of this, the saying was created:‘Might Saul be one of the prophets?’13Well, after he’d finished prophesying, Saul went back down the hill.14[Then, upon their return], [Saul’s] uncle asked Saul’s servant:‘Where have you both been?’And he replied:‘We’ve been out looking for the burros, and when we couldn’t find them we went to see SamuEl.’15So the uncle went to Saul and asked:‘Tell me, what did SamuEl say to you?’16And Saul said:‘He told me where to find the burros...’...but he didn’t say anything about what SamuEl told him about being appointed the king.17Then SamuEl summoned all the people of Jehovah and told them to assemble at MizPah.18And there he told the sons of IsraEl:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl has said:‘I led IsraEl out of Egypt, where I rescued them from the hands of its PharaOh and then from the hands of all the kingdoms that oppressed them.19‘Yet today, you’re treating the God who saved you from all of this badness and oppression with contempt! For you’ve all said that you want me to appoint a king over you!‘So, that’s why you’re all standing here before Jehovah today by your tribes and family lines.’20Then SamuEl led each of the tribes of IsraEl [past Jehovah], and the tribe of BenJamin was chosen.Then he led the tribe of BenJamin [past Jehovah] and the family of MatRi was chosen.21Then they drew lots, and Saul (son of Kish) was chosen.However, when they went to look for him, he couldn’t be found!22So SamuEl asked the Lord:‘Is the man still here?’And the Lord replied:‘Look, he’s hiding in the tool shed.’23So [SamuEl] ran over there and brought him back, then he stood him in the midst of the people.Well, [he was easy to see] because he stood head and shoulders above everyone else.24Then SamuEl said to the people:‘Do you see whom Jehovah Himself has chosen?‘There isn’t another man like him among you!’And because all the people recognized this, they shouted:‘Long live the king!’25Then SamuEl explained all the rules of kingship to the people, and he wrote everything that he said in a scroll and set it before Jehovah. Thereafter, he sent the people away, and they each returned to their homes.26Well, after Saul got back home to GibeAh, he found that many powerful men whose hearts had been touched by Jehovah were there to meet with him.27However, the worst among them were asking:‘Just who is [Saul] that he should be appointed as our savior?’And although these people said many bad things about him and they didn’t bring him any gifts, Saul didn’t say anything.
1Well after that, NaHash the AmMonite [went to attack] JabIsh GileAd, and the people of the city said:‘Make peace with us and we’ll become your servants.’2But NaHash replied:‘I’ll make a treaty with you if I can gouge out all of your right eyes; for I detest IsraEl!’3And the men of JabIsh told him:‘Give us 7 days, and we’ll send messengers throughout IsraEl. Then if no one comes to save us, we’ll just surrender to you.’4So they sent messengers to Saul at GibeAh, who told the people there what NaHash had said. And at that, all the people started wailing and crying.5Then when Saul returned from the fields behind the town with his oxen, he asked:‘Why are all the people crying?’And they [told him about] him the message that had come from the people of JabIsh.6Well, when he heard what was said, the Breath of Jehovah came over Saul and he was outraged!7So he took his two oxen and cut them up, then he sent [the pieces] throughout all IsraEl via messengers that proclaimed:‘Whoever refuses to follow Saul and SamuEl will be treated like these oxen.’And Jehovah then caused a change of heart to come over the people [of IsraEl], and they started shouting together as one person.8So thereafter, when [Saul] counted his forces at the house of worship in AbiEzek, he found that there were 300,000 in the army of IsraEl, and 30,000 more from the tribe of Judah.9So he said to the messengers:‘Tell the men of JabIsh GileAd this:‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun warms [the ground], you’ll be saved.’And when the messengers returned to the people of JabIsh and reported what Saul had said, they were jubilant. 10However, the men of JabIsh then [sent a message to] NaHash the AmMonite that said:‘We’re going to come out of the city tomorrow, and you may treat us any way you wish after that.’11Well, very early the next morning, Saul divided his army into three companies and they attacked the AmMonite camp… They kept slaughtering them until the day got hot and [the AmMonites] were all scattered, so that not even two men were still together!12Then, after [the battle], the people went to SamuEl and asked:‘Which are the ones who said that Saul shouldn’t be our king?‘[Point them out] and we’ll kill them!’13But Saul said:‘No, none of them are going to die today, because this is the day that Jehovah brought salvation to IsraEl!’14So, SamuEl spoke to the people and said:‘Come on! Let’s go to GilGal, and we’ll establish [the ruling part of] our kingdom there.’15Therefore, everyone went to GilGal, and SamuEl anointed Saul as king there before Jehovah. Then he offered sacrifices before Jehovah, and Saul and all the people of IsraEl were very happy.
1There, SamuEl spoke to all the people of IsraEl and said,‘Look; I’ve listened to everything that you’ve asked and I’ve given you a king to rule over you… 2So now you can see that you have a king who’s leading you!‘As for me... I’ve grown old and I’m ready to retire (although my sons are still among you), for I’ve been your leader since I was very young.3‘Yet look, I’m here!‘So, testify to this before Jehovah and His anointed one:‘Whose calf or burro have I taken?‘Whom have I tyrannized or pressured?‘And from whose hand have I taken a bribe or even a sandal?‘Tell me what I’ve taken and I’ll return it all to you!’4But they all replied to SamuEl:‘You haven’t wronged us or tyrannized us, nor have you taken anything from us… Not a single thing.’5Then SamuEl said to the people:‘So, Jehovah is my witness among you today, as is His anointed one here, that you haven’t found anything in my hands that I’ve taken from you.’And they replied:‘It’s a fact.’6So SamuEl said:‘Then Jehovah – the One who prepared Moses and Aaron and that led our ancestors out of Egypt – is my witness!7‘And now I’m going to judge you before Jehovah, and I’m going to remind you of all the righteous things that Jehovah has done for you and for your ancestors.8‘After Jacob and his sons moved to Egypt, the Egyptians made them slaves. So our ancestors called to Jehovah and He sent them Moses and Aaron... These [men] then led our ancestors out of Egypt and settled them here.9‘But [our ancestors soon] forgot Jehovah their God, so He gave them into the hands of SiSera (the commander-in-chief of JabIsh and the king of Hazor), then into the hands of the Philistines, and thereafter into the hands of the MoAbites… And they had to go to war with [each of] them.10‘But when they called to Jehovah and admitted that they’d sinned by abandoning Him to serve the BaAls and the sacred poles, and they asked Him to rescue them, 11Jehovah sent JeroBaAl, then BarAk, then JephThah, and finally SamuEl.‘So, He’s continued to save you from the hands of your enemies who live all around you, and now you’re finally starting to feel safe!12‘However, when you saw NaHash (the king of the sons of AmMon) coming against you, you said:‘We want a king to rule over us!’‘Yes, even though our God Jehovah is really your king!13‘So now, look!‘Here is the king whom I got for you and whom you chose.‘And because it was Jehovah who appointed him as your king, 14you must serve Jehovah and listen to His voice… Don’t argue with Him! Both you and the king who rules over you must continue to follow Jehovah your God!15‘And if you ever stop listening to the voice of Jehovah and you start arguing with Him, His hand will come against both you and your king.16‘Now, stand here and behold the great thing that Jehovah is going to do before your eyes today! 17Since this is the time of the wheat harvest, I’m going to call to Jehovah, and He will send thunder and rain... Then you’ll see and understand what a bad thing you did before Jehovah when you asked for a king!’18So at that, SamuEl called to Jehovah and He sent thunder and rain that day, which caused the people to fear both SamuEl and Jehovah. 19Then the people begged SamuEl to pray to his God Jehovah on their behalf, so they wouldn’t die for the great sin of asking for a king.20But SamuEl told them:‘Don’t be afraid because of the bad things you’ve done; rather, be in fear of ever turning away from Jehovah again!‘You must keep on serving Him wholeheartedly!21‘Never turn back to those other things that amount to nothing, for they can get you nothing, and they can’t rescue you from anything, because they’re in fact nothing at all!22‘Never allow Jehovah to be pushed away from His people again, because His Name is great, and He chose you to be His people.23‘Now as for me... May I not sin against Jehovah by ever ceasing in my prayers for you to live good and straight lives.24‘But you must fear Jehovah and truly serve Him with your whole hearts, because you’ve seen all that He’s done among you! 25And if you ever turn back to doing bad things and become evil and start sinning again, your king will be numbered among your dead!’
1Well, this all happened during the 1st year of Saul’s reign.And after the 2nd year, [spurious text]2Saul selected 3,000 men from IsraEl, 2,000 of whom stayed with him in MichMash (in the hills of BethEl), and the other 1,000 were with his son JoNathan in GibeAh of BenJamin.However, everyone else was sent back home.3Thereafter, JoNathan attacked a Philistine outpost that was nearby in the hill country, and the rest of the Philistines came to hear of it.So, Saul then sent trumpeters throughout the land 4that told all IsraEl about how they’d destroyed the Philistine camp, and of how [the Philistines] were planning to get even as a result.So the people of IsraEl gathered to Saul at GilGal to go to war.5Well, when the Philistines arrived, they set up camp at BethAven, which is just south of MichMash. They brought along:• 30,000 chariots,
• 6,000 mounted horsemen, and
• Foot soldiers numbered like the sands of the seas.6So when the IsraElites saw what they were facing, they were afraid to fight them. As a result, they went and hid in caves, in animal dens, behind rocks, in quarries, and in sink holes... 7Many also ran away and crossed the JorDan into the lands of Gad and GileAd.So, they all just abandoned Saul at GilGal!8Well, after Saul’s people had deserted him, Saul called for SamuEl. However, SamuEl didn’t come to GilGal right away.9So after 7 days, Saul said:‘Bring us some [animals] and I’ll sacrifice the whole burnt offerings and peace offerings myself.’And then he [personally] offered the sacrifices.10It was shortly after he did this that SamuEl finally arrived... And when Saul came to meet him and to ask for his blessing, 11SamuEl asked him:‘What have you done?’So Saul said:‘I did this because I saw that my men had left me… And then you didn’t come when you said you would.‘For since the Philistines are camped [just outside] of MichMash, 12I [thought to myself that] now the Philistines are going to attack me at GilGal, and I haven’t been able to beg Jehovah for His help!‘So I took charge and sacrificed the whole burnt offerings myself.’13But SamuEl said to Saul:‘You’ve done a foolish thing by not obeying the instructions that I gave you from Jehovah, for He had meant for your kingdom to last throughout the ages.14‘However, now the kingdom won’t stand, and Jehovah will search for another man – someone who [pleases] His heart – and He will appoint him to be the ruler over His people, because you failed to do what Jehovah said.’15And at that, SamuEl got up and left GilGal, traveling into the hills of BenJamin.So then Saul counted his troops to see how many he still had left, but he only found about 600. 16So he, his son JoNathan, and his remaining army sheltered themselves inside [the walls of] GibeAh of BenJamin, while the Philistines were camped outside at MichMash.17And since the Philistines planned to attack them there, they’d stationed a division of their army along the road that leads from Ophrah to the land of ShuAl, 18a 2nd division along the road to BethHoron, and a 3rd division along the road between GibeAh and the City of Zeboim (which is in the desert).19Well, back then, there were no ironworks anywhere in the land of IsraEl; for the Philistines had kept the IsraElites from [learning this trade], since they didn’t want them to be able to make their own broadswords or spear [tips].20So until that time, the IsraElites had been going to the land of the Philistines to have them forge all their pruning hooks, tools, axes, and sickles. 21And whenever such things were needed for the harvesting, the [Philistines] charged the same price for everything, three small silver coins, for a pruning hook, axe, or sickle.22As a result, none of Saul’s soldiers had any spears or broadswords. The only such things among them belonged to Saul and to his son JoNathan.23Well, meanwhile, the Philistines had stationed a contingent of guards just outside of MichMash.
1Then JoNathan (Saul’s son) said to the servant that was carrying his weapons:‘Come with me! Let’s go around to the other side of the Philistine camp.’And he didn’t tell his father what he was doing.2At the time, Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree on top of the hill at MagaDan. And this is where some of his [remaining] 600 men came to meet with him.3Also, AhiJah (the son AhiTub, who was the brother of IchaBod, son of PhiNehas and the grandson of Eli) the Priest of Jehovah in ShiLoh, arrived carrying the sacred chest piece of the Priest.But meanwhile, no one noticed that JoNathan had left the camp... 4For JoNathan had forded the river on his way to the Philistine camp at a place where there were jagged rocks on both sides (on one side it was called BoZez, and on the other side it was called SeNeh), 5along the road that leads from MichMash in the north and to Geba in the south.6Then JoNathan said to the servant that was carrying his weapons:‘Come on, let’s go to the town of MesSab [and attack] the uncircumcised who are camped there... For perhaps Jehovah will give them [into our hands]!‘After all, doesn’t [Jehovah give victory] over many to just a few?’7And the man who was carrying his weapons replied:‘You do whatever your heart moves you to do… Look, I’m with you!‘Whatever’s in your heart is in my heart too.’8So JoNathan said:‘We’ll just go up there and confront them. 9And if they say to us, ‘Wait there,’ we’ll just stay away and we won’t get any closer.10‘But if they tell us to come forward, that’ll be our sign… We’ll know that Jehovah has given them into our hands, and we’ll attack!’11Well, as they walked up to the Philistine camp at MesSab, a Philistine guard shouted out:‘Look! Here come some Hebrews who’ve crawled out of the burrows where they’ve been hiding!’12Then the men at MesSab called to JoNathan and the man who was carrying his weapons, and said:‘Come on up here to us and we’ll show you a few things.’So, JoNathan said to the man who was carrying his weapons:‘Now, follow me; for Jehovah has given them into the hands of IsraEl!’13Then JoNathan crawled up the hill on his hands and feet, with the man carrying his weapons close behind. 14And JoNathan and [his attendant] attacked them, killing 20 men using arrows, slings, and rocks that they’d found in the field… 15And this caused quite a change in attitude among the [Philistines] in and around MesSab!For they’d caught the men whom they destroyed off guard, and everyone was very disturbed over what had been done among them.16Meanwhile, Saul’s watchmen in GibeAh of BenJamin had noticed all the confusion on both sides of the enemy camp. 17And Saul said to the people who were meeting with him:‘Take a head count to see who’s left us.’So they took a head count and found that JoNathan and the man carrying his weapons were missing.18Then Saul said to AhiJah:‘Bring the sacred chest piece!’It was inside the Chest of God that day, there before IsraEl.19And as Saul was speaking to the Priest, he noticed that the sound in the Philistine camp was getting louder and louder.So he said to the Priest:‘Let’s gather all the hands!’20Then he gathered his troops, and they went and joined the battle.Well, the confusion was so bad in the Philistine camp that their men started attacking each other with swords. 21And at that, [Saul’s] men (who had [been hiding] for the previous two days) got up and joined the battle with Saul and JoNathan.22Also, when the IsraElites who had run to the hills of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were retreating, they came and joined in the battle too… And Jehovah gave the victory to IsraEl that day.23For, as the battle raged on through BethAven, about 10,000 men had joined Saul. And the war also continued to be fought in many of the cities and in the hills of Ephraim.24However, that’s when Saul did something very foolish; he placed a curse on the people when he said:‘Any man who eats before sunset is cursed, because I want my enemies to be punished!’As a result, none of his men had anything to eat.Meanwhile, many of his people had gathered in a grove of trees, 25and nearby (at the edge of a field), there were some beehives. 26And when some of his people went up to them, they found that they were full of honey. However, no one would taste any, because of the oath that [Saul] had spoken before Jehovah.27But, JoNathan hadn’t heard about the oath that his father had made in front of people, so he stuck his walking stick into a hive, snagged some honeycomb, and ate it.Then when he looked up, 28one of the men said:‘Your father swore an oath before the people that anyone who eats anything today is cursed.’Well, the men were famished, 29and JoNathan realized this, so he said:‘{Look!} My father is still cleaning out the land… And I’ve already eaten a little of this honey. 30If our people could have eaten what they took from their enemies today, they would have been able to kill even more Philistines!’31Of course, after they’d destroyed many Philistines at MichMash, the people were extremely tired. 32Then [that evening], while they were dividing up [the Philistine’s] flocks and herds, they slaughtered many calves and started eating the [raw] meat with its blood!33And when the report was brought to Saul that the people were sinning against Jehovah by eating the blood, Saul said:‘You’ve all sinned! Now, roll a large rock over here.’34Then Saul gave orders for each of his men to bring a calf and a sheep to be slaughtered there on the rock and then eaten.For he said:‘You must not sin against Jehovah by eating blood!’So, everyone brought [the animals] that night and slaughtered them there.35Then Saul built an altar to Jehovah, and he said:36‘Now, let’s go after the Philistines tonight and let’s keep on cutting them to pieces until the morning dawns… Don’t leave a single man alive!’And they replied:‘We’ll do whatever you say!’Then [Saul] called for the Priest and told him:‘Bring [the Chest] of our God here.’37And Saul asked this before God:‘If I attack the Philistines, will you give them into the hands of IsraEl?’However, [God] wouldn’t answer him.38So Saul said:‘Bring [all the men of] IsraEl here and stand them in front of me, because I want to know if anyone has been [guilty of sin] today! 39As Jehovah (the One who saves IsraEl) lives; if someone were to tell me that it was my son JoNathan, even he must die!’But, nobody said a word.40Then he spoke before all the men of IsraEl, and said:‘You are all part of this, and my son JoNathan and I [are part] of it.’And the people replied to Saul:‘Then, do whatever you must!’41And Saul said:‘O Jehovah, God of IsraEl, give us a sign!’So lots were thrown, and Saul and JoNathan were chosen; and at that, the people were excused.42Then Saul said:‘Now, throw the lots between me and my son JoNathan, and whichever Jehovah chooses must die!’Well, when they threw the lots between him and JoNathan, JoNathan was chosen.43So Saul asked JoNathan:‘What did you do?’And JoNathan replied:‘I took a little honey on the tip of my walking stick and tasted it.‘So look; I must die!’44Then Saul said:‘May God [kill] me again and again rather than allow JoNathan to die today.’45So Saul spoke to the people and asked them:‘Shall I now kill the one who brought deliverance to IsraEl?‘As Jehovah lives; not a hair of his head should fall to the ground over the mercy that God has performed for IsraEl today!’And thereafter, all the people then prayed on behalf of JoNathan, and he wasn’t put to death.46Well, because of this, Saul didn’t chase after the Philistines that day… Everyone just went back to their homes.47So Saul was alloted the rulership over IsraEl, and he went to war with all his enemies throughout the land:• The MoAbites,
• The AmMonites,
• The Edomites,
• The king of ZoBah, and
• The Philistines.And wherever he went, he was saved… 48He acted decisively and struck down the AmaLechites and anyone else who tried to walk on IsraEl.49Saul’s sons were:• JoNathan,
• IshVi, and
• MelchiShua.He also had two daughters:• Merob, and
• Michal.50Saul’s woman’s name was AhinoAm, and she was the daughter of AhiMaAz.The commander-in-chief of Saul’s army was AbNer (son of Ner), who was related to Saul.51Kish was Saul’s father, and AbNer’s father Ner was AbiEl’s son. 52He was a mighty fighter against the Philistines throughout Saul’s life.And thereafter, whenever Saul found a valiant or a very strong man, he was recruited to serve him.
1[Then later], SamuEl said to Saul:‘It was Jehovah who sent me to anoint you as king over His people IsraEl; so, listen to what He has to say!2‘For Jehovah of Armies told me to say this:‘Because I’m going to punish the AmaLechites for what they did to IsraEl when [IsraEl] was coming from Egypt; 3I want you to go and cut them down… Destroy them and burn everything that belongs to them!‘Destroy their men, their women, their children, their babies, their cows, their sheep, their camels, and their burros!’4As a result, Saul told his people that they had to do this. So he counted his troops at GilGal (there were 200,000, plus 10,000 from Judah), 5and then they marched towards the cities of the AmaLechites and set up camp next to a creek.6He also sent a warning to the Kainites (because they’d shown mercy to the sons of IsraEl when they were coming from Egypt), telling them to get away from the AmaLechites or he might have to destroy them too.So the Kainites separated themselves from the AmaLechites, 7and then Saul attacked all the AmaLechites from HaviLah to Shur (which is just across from Egypt), 8and he captured the AmaLechite king AgAg, then he had all the people cut down with swords.9However, Saul and his men [didn’t destroy] their flocks, their herds, their food, their vineyards, or any of their valuable things… They only destroyed the things that had no value.10So thereafter, Jehovah said to SamuEl:‘I have changed My mind about having Saul rule as king, because he’s turned away from Me and he doesn’t listen to what I say!’11Well, this saddened SamuEl, and he kept calling to Jehovah throughout the rest of that night.12Then, he got up the next morning and went to meet with [the king of] IsraEl, but SamuEl was told:‘Saul went to CarMel and look, he erected a pillar to himself! Then he turned his chariot around and headed down to GilGal.’13And when SamuEl caught up with Saul [on his journey to GilGal], he said to him:‘Saul, you were blest by Jehovah and I’ve told you everything that He told me. 14So, why is it that I can hear the sounds of herds of sheep and cattle?’15And Saul replied:‘My men took them from the AmaLechites... We only took the best of the herds, and we’re going to use them as sacrifices to your God Jehovah!‘We destroyed everything else.’16Then SamuEl said to Saul:‘Listen and I’ll tell you what Jehovah told me last night!’And [Saul] said,‘So, speak!’17Then SamuEl said:‘Weren’t you just a nobody before you became the chief of IsraEl? And wasn’t it Jehovah who anointed you to be the king of IsraEl?18‘Well, when Jehovah sent you here, He told you to destroy the AmaLechites for sinning against Him… He told you to fight with them until you’ve destroyed them all.19‘However, you paid no attention to what He said, for you took a lot of loot and you’ve acted wickedly before Jehovah.’20Then Saul replied:‘I just did this because I was listening to what my people were saying. I [personally] followed all of Jehovah’s instructions… And although I took the AmaLechite king captive, I did kill all of his people!21‘It was my men who took their flocks, herds, good things, and food… But they took it all so that they could sacrifice it before Jehovah our God at GilGal.’22So SamuEl asked him:‘Does Jehovah prefer whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, or does He want you to listen to what He says?‘Look! Obeying is better than sacrificing! And paying attention is better than the fat of rams!23‘Now, this sin is an omen of the grief and misery that’s going to come upon you!‘Because of the contempt that you’ve shown for the words of Jehovah, He’s going to treat you with contempt, and you’ll no longer be the king of IsraEl.’24Well at that, Saul said to SamuEl:‘I have sinned by violating the instructions that you gave me from Jehovah.‘But I did it because I was afraid of the people… I was just doing what they asked!25‘Now, if you’ll take away my sin and com back with me [to GilGal], I’ll bow [with my face] to the ground before your God Jehovah!’26But SamuEl replied:‘No, I won’t return with you, because you’ve treated the words of Jehovah with contempt.‘And now, Jehovah is going to treat you with contempt by removing you as king over IsraEl.’27Then SamuEl turned to leave, but Saul grabbed [the fringe] on [the bottom of] his robe and ripped it off.28And SamuEl said to him:‘That’s how Jehovah has ripped your kingship over IsraEl from your hands today. For now He’s going to give it to your neighbor, someone who’s better than you… 29And IsraEl is also going to be ripped into two parts!The Holy One of IsraEl isn’t going to change His mind about this or be dissuaded about doing this, because, He isn’t like a man who changes his mind.’30And once again Saul said:‘I have sinned!‘Please glorify me before the elders of my people and before IsraEl! Come back with me and I’ll bow with my face to the ground before your God Jehovah!’31So SamuEl returned [to GilGal] following Saul and he bowed low before Jehovah.Then Samuel said:32‘Now, bring the king of AmaLech to me.’Well, when they brought him in, he was trembling.Then AgAg asked,‘Is this how I’m going to meet my bitter end?’33And SamuEl replied:‘As you have used your sword to make orphans and widows, your mother is going to be childless.’Then SamuEl killed AgAg there in the presence of Jehovah in GilGal.34After that, SamuEl went back to RamAh, and Saul returned home to his house in GibeAh.35And until the day he died, SamuEl never again went to see Saul. Yet, [SamuEl] continued to mourn over Saul and over the fact that Jehovah became unhappy that He’d appointed Saul to be the king over IsraEl.
1But then the Lord asked SamuEl:‘How much longer are you going to mourn for Saul? Don’t I treat him with contempt, and didn’t I remove his rulership from IsraEl?‘Now, fill your horn with oil and go, because I’m sending you to JesSe in BethLehem, since I’ve found My [new] king among his sons!’2And SamuEl asked:‘How can I go there… For if I do, won’t Saul hear about it and kill me?’And the Lord replied:‘Take along a brown heifer and say that you’re going to offer it as a sacrifice to Jehovah. 3Then call JesSe and his sons to [participate in] the sacrifice… I’ll tell you what to do then.‘You must anoint whomever I indicate to you.’4So SamuEl did everything that Jehovah said and he went to BethLehem.However, the city elders were startled when they saw him, and they asked:‘Is your mission here peaceful?’5And he replied:‘Peace! I’ve come to sacrifice to Jehovah.‘So, make yourselves holy, then come and recline with me [to share in] the sacrifice!’Therefore, JesSe and his sons also made themselves holy and they went to [participate in] the sacrificing. 6And when they got there, [SamuEl] said concerning [JesSe’s eldest son] EliAb:‘Is this one who’s standing before [me] Jehovah’s anointed?’7But the Lord said to SamuEl:‘Don’t pay attention to what [a man] looks like [on the outside], nor should you treat his size with contempt, for God doesn’t look at what a person appears to be on the surface. Rather, He sees what’s in the heart.’8So JesSe next brought AmiNadab up to stand before SamuEl. And [SamuEl] said:‘He isn’t the one whom Jehovah has chosen either.’9Then JesSe brought ShamMah forward. But [SamuEl] said:‘Nor has Jehovah chosen this one.’10Well, JesSe sent 7 of his sons to stand before SamuEl, but he told JesSe:‘Jehovah hasn’t chosen any of these.’11So then SamuEl asked:‘Are these all the boys that you have?’And JesSe replied:‘Well, there’s still the youngest… {Look!} he’s out tending my flock.’And SamuEl said to JesSe:‘Then, send someone to get him, for we aren’t going to rest [tonight] until he gets here!’12So they sent for [David] and brought him there.[Now, David] had a ruddy complexion, beautiful eyes, and he was very handsome. And then the Lord told SamuEl:‘Arise and anoint him, for he’s the one!’13So SamuEl took his horn full of oil and anointed him there in the midst of his brothers, and the Breath of Jehovah came upon [and remained upon] David from that day forward.Well after that, SamuEl got up and returned to RamAh.14And that’s also when the Breath of Jehovah left Saul, for Jehovah sent a fearsome smothering spirit over him, 15so that even Saul’s servants were saying:‘Look! There’s a fearsome spirit from Jehovah that’s smothering you!16‘So please, O lord, allow your servants to speak before you, and allow us to search for a man who’ll play his harp before you. Then whenever that fearsome spirit of God comes over you, he can play his harp and make you feel better!’17So Saul said to his servants:‘Go search for such a man who’s a skilled musician and bring him to me!’18And that’s when one of his servants said:‘Look, I’ve seen the son of the BethLehemite JesSe, who knows how to play. He’s very alert, he’s a warrior, he’s good with words, he’s handsome, and Jehovah is with him.’19So then Saul sent messengers to JesSe, who told him:‘I want you to send your son David to me… The one who shepherds your sheep.’20As a result, JesSe loaded his burro with a bushel of bread, a skin flask of wine and a kid goat, and he gave it to David to carry to Saul.21Then, after David reached Saul and stood before him, Saul came to love him, and he appointed David to be in charge of his weapons.22So he sent a message to JesSe that said:‘Please allow David to stay with me, because he’s found my favor.’23And thereafter, whenever the fearsome spirit of God came over Saul, David would take his harp and play it, which made Saul feel better… And the fearsome spirit of God would leave him.
1Well after that, the Philistines once again gathered their army for war, and they set up camp near Socoh in Judea (between Socoh and AzeKah in EphesDamMin). 2So, Saul summoned the men of IsraEl and they set up their camp in the Valley of Pines, across from the Philistines.3The Philistines took up positions on one mountain, and IsraEl took up positions on the other, with the valley between them.4Then a mighty man came out from the Philistine camp who was known as GoliAth from Gath... He was more than 7 feet (2.1m) tall; 5he wore a bronze helmet; he had an iron and brass chain-link chest covering that weighed more than 150 pounds (68kg).6He also wore brass leg coverings, and he carried a large shield between his shoulders.7The shaft of the spear that he carried looked like a weaving loom and its iron tip weighed 18 pounds (8.2kg)!So, out he came in all his armor and weapons, 8and he just stood there and yelled to the battle lines of IsraEl:‘Why have you come to fight against us?‘Am I not a Philistine, and aren’t you the Hebrews of Saul?‘Choose [your best] man and have him come down here to fight me!9‘If he can beat me and kill me, we’ll all be your servants... But if I beat and kill him, you’ll be our servants and you’ll serve us.’10Then the Philistine shouted:‘Look! Here I’m mocking the battle lines of IsraEl today…‘Send out a man and we’ll fight for both sides!’11Well, Saul and all IsraEl heard what the Philistine said, which startled and frightened them.[Editor note: The following section, up to and including verse 31, doesn’t appear in the oldest Greek Septuagint manuscripts. Indeed, it appears to be a later interpolation, perhaps taken from another book telling the story. A second false section appears below.]
12Now, JesSe (an Ephrathite from BethLehem, who was very old) had sent [his son] David to Saul, 13because three of JesSe’s oldest sons (EliAb, AmiNadab, and ShamMah) had joined Saul to fight in the war. 14Since David was the youngest, these three older ones had been sent.15Meanwhile, because David had left Saul, he’d gone back to tending his father’s sheep in BethLehem.16Well, by the time he was ready to leave for the battle, the Philistine lines had already been facing IsraEl for some 40 days.17JesSe had instructed his son David to carry a bushel of toasted grain and 10 loaves of bread to his brothers that were in the camp [of Saul], 18along with 10 rounds of cheese for his brothers and for Saul’s generals. He also wanted him to check to see how they were getting along and if they were all well.19It was early in the morning when David left, and by this time, Saul and all the men of IsraEl were already down in the Valley of Pines ready to fight the Philistines.20David had left his sheep [in a safe place], and following JesSe’s instructions, he set out with the things he was carrying. But when he got to the battle lines, the war had already begun… 21The war cries had gone up and both IsraEl and the Philistines were confronting each other.22So David handed over the things he’d brought to the provisions officer, and then he ran down towards the battle to see how his brothers were doing.23And as he was speaking to them, {Look!} a man walked out [between the lines]… It was GoliAth the Philistine from Gath.He stood there in front of the Philistine lines and he shouted those words that David heard. 24However, all the men of IsraEl then moved back, because they were afraid of him.25Then one of the IsraElite soldiers said [to David]:‘Did you see that man who just stepped out? He just stepped forward to make fun of IsraEl!‘But if any man can beat him, the king promises to make him very rich, he’ll give him his daughter, and the house of his father [will never be taxed] in IsraEl.’26So David said to the men who were standing near him:‘Who will cut down that Philistine and remove his scorn from IsraEl?‘Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine who mocks the battle lines of the living God?’27And the men replied to him:‘Why don’t you go over and strike him down?’28Well, David’s older brother EliAb overheard him talking to those men, and he was furious with David.He shouted:‘Why did you come down here, and why did you leave the sheep alone in the desert?‘I know that it’s your pride and the evil in your heart that made you come down here to the battle!’29But David asked:‘What have I done now? Did I say something wrong?’30Then he turned to the soldiers he’d been speaking to and asked the same thing, and they repeated their challenge to him. 31And when they heard David [accept the challenge], they went and told Saul.32So David went up to Saul and said:‘My lord,‘Don’t allow that man to upset you, for your servant will go out to fight this Philistine!’33And Saul said to David:‘There’s no way that you can fight that Philistine…‘You’re just a boy, and he’s been a mighty warrior since he was young!’34But David told Saul:‘Your servant was tending his father’s flock when first a lion and then a bear came to grab a sheep from the herd. 35But I ran after each one and I pulled the sheep from their mouths.‘Then when they turned against me, I grabbed them by the throat and beat them to death!36‘So, if a lion and a bear can’t beat your servant, how can I be beaten by this uncircumcised Philistine who’s mocking the battle lines of the living God?’37And David added:‘It was Jehovah who rescued me from [the mouths] of the lion and the bear, and He’s the One who’ll rescue me from the hands of this uncircumcised Philistine!’So at that, Saul said to David:‘Then go, and may Jehovah be with you!’38Well thereafter, Saul put his own armor on David… He put the brass helmet on his head and the breast-plate on his chest, 39then David tied on his sword.However, he could hardly walk in the [armor], because he’d never worn such things before.So David said to Saul:‘There’s no way that I can use these, because I’ve never worn anything like this.’And at that, he took it all off.40So he picked up his walking stick and he went out and found 5 smooth rocks in the stream bed, which he put into his shepherd’s pouch. And with just his sling in his hand, he went out to meet the Philistine man!41Well, the Philistine walked out to meet David carrying his shield in front of him and his spear in his hand. [spurious text]42And when GoliAth the Philistine saw David, he was disgusted, because David was just a boy with a ruddy complexion and pretty eyes.43So he shouted at David:‘Am I a dog that you’re coming out to me with sticks and stones?’And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.44Then the Philistine said to David:‘Come over here, so I can feed your flesh to the flying creatures in the skies and the wild animals of the ground!’45And David said to the Philistine:‘You’re coming against me with a broadsword, a spear, and a shield; but I’m coming to you in the Name of Jehovah the God of armies!‘Yes, the God of the army of IsraEl, whom you’ve been mocking today... 46So may Jehovah give you into my hands and allow me to kill you!‘Then I’ll cut off your head and leave your body in the Philistine camp [where it’ll be eaten by] the flying creatures in the sky and the wild animals of the ground.‘And thereafter, [your people] will come to know that the whole earth belongs to the God of IsraEl, 47and these called ones will know that Jehovah doesn’t need their swords or spears to save them!‘For He’s a God of war, and He’s the One who’ll save them from you!’48Well at that, the Philistine came forward to meet David, and David ran right up to the Philistine battle lines... 49Then he reached into his pouch and grabbed a rock and slung it – hitting the Philistine in his forehead, which penetrated his head… And he dropped with his face to the ground!50So David went and stood over the Philistine with a sword, then he struck him with it and he killed him… And it wasn’t even David’s sword. [spurious text]51For when David ran up and stood over him, he grabbed [GoliAth’s] broadsword from its sheath and killed him with it by cutting off his head!Well, when the Philistines saw that their mighty one had been killed, they all turned and ran!52And at that, the men of IsraEl and Judah shouted and chased the Philistines all the way to the gates of Gath and EkRon, where they kept on killing the Philistines along the roads that led to the gates of [those cities].53And after the men of IsraEl finally stopped chasing the Philistines, they all went back and looted their camp.54Thereafter, David took the head of the Philistine and his weapons, and he brought them to JeruSalem and put them into his tent.[Editor note: This is the second large section which doesn’t appear in the oldest Greek Septuagint manuscripts. It’s probably a later addition from another book telling the story. It contradicts the Bible account, because it says that Saul didn’t know who David was, whereas the earlier chapters showed that David was already working for Saul as a musician in 1 Samuel 16:21-23, and 17:15 said that David had recently left Saul.]
55Now, when Saul first saw David going out to meet the Philistine, he’d asked AbNer (his general):‘Whose son is this young man, AbNer?’And AbNer replied:‘May you live a long life, my lord the king; but I don’t know.’56So the king told him:‘Then, go find out who he is.’57Well, after David had returned from killing the Philistine, AbNer invited him in and took him before Saul (he was still carrying the head of the Philistine in his hand).58Then Saul asked him:‘Whose son are you, young man?’And David replied:‘I’m the son of your servant JesSe from BethLehem.’
[Editor note: This chapter contains many parts that don’t appear in the oldest Greek Septuagint manuscripts. These additions were probably added later, taken from folk tales or some other account of David’s life. Removing these additions makes the account flow much better and it clears up a few contradictions.]
1Well, as Saul was speaking, [the heart of his son] JoNathan became bound to David… He loved him as he loved his own life.2Then Saul took him back that day, and he wouldn’t allow him to return to the house of his father thereafter. 3Also, because he loved David as he loved his own life, [Saul’s son] JoNathan made a sacred agreement with David…4And he took off the [royal] robes that he wore and put them on David… His uniform, his broadsword, his bow, and his belt.5Well after that, David went wherever Saul sent him, and Saul put him in charge of his entire army. So, all the people were very pleased with David, as were Saul’s servants.6[A while later,] one day, when David was returning to the city from a war with the Philistines, the people came from all the cities of IsraEl to meet Saul, joyfully singing and dancing with tambourines and cymbals... 7And the women (that were out in front) were singing and playing:‘Saul has cut down his thousands,
And David’s cut down his ten thousands.’8Well, this made Saul very angry… In fact, he considered it [treasonous]!So he said:‘They gave David tens of thousands and they only gave me thousands!‘What’s left for him now other than my kingdom?’9And as a result, Saul was suspicious of David from that day on.10Then the very next day, the fearsome Spirit of God came over Saul and he started prophesying there in his house. So David picked up [his harp] and played it for him throughout that whole day.Well, it so happened that Saul’s wooden spear was [nearby], 11and he picked it up and shouted:‘I’m going to pin David to the wall!’As a result, David had to run from him twice! [spurious text]12For Saul had come to fear David, since he realized that Jehovah was with him… So David again had to [leave Saul]. 13And after he left, Saul demoted him from his position as the commander over 1,000 men.However, he still [marched in victories] before the people; 14for David was capable in everything that he did, because Jehovah was with him. 15But since Saul recognized this, he was always very cautious when dealing with [David].16Meanwhile, all of IsraEl and Judah had come to love David, because he was always [marching in victory] before them.17Then Saul said to David:‘Look, I’ll give you my eldest daughter MerAb to be your woman, so you can become a powerful son to me, and then you can [be in charge of] the battles of Jehovah!’But Saul [was really thinking]:‘This way I won’t have to kill him… I’ll let the Philistines do it for me.’18However, David gave this reply to Saul:‘Who am I and how important is the life of my father in IsraEl, that I should be an in-law of the king?’19Well thereafter, Saul gave his daughter MerAb (whom he’d promised to David) to AdriEl the MehoLathite to be his woman. [spurious text]20Now, Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when this was reported to Saul, he was very pleased, 21for he [thought]:‘Then I’ll give her to him, because she’ll always be a trap to him and she’ll drive him into the hands of the Philistines.’So Saul said to David:‘I want you to form a marriage alliance between you and me today.’22And Saul also gave orders to his servants, telling them to talk to David in private and say:‘Look, the king really wants you, and [he wants] all of his servants to love you; so, form a marriage alliance with the king!’23But when Saul’s servants spoke to David about these things, David asked them:‘Do you really think it’s right for me to form a marriage alliance with the king? I’m just a commoner and I’m unworthy of such an honor!’24Well, Saul’s servants went back and reported everything that David said.25And Saul told them:‘Then, tell David that the king is asking a dowry for her… What he wants is the foreskins of 100 Philistines as vengeance against his enemies!’However, Saul’s plan was just to put David into the hands of the Philistines, 26and that’s why he told his servants to say these things to him.However, what they said to him sounded good to David, so he decided to form a marriage alliance with the king. And when the time came, 27David gathered his men and went out to fight the Philistines… And he brought back the foreskins of 200 of their men and carried them to the king.28Well, when Saul saw this, he knew for sure that Jehovah was with David, and that his daughter Michal and all IsraEl loved him.29So, throughout the rest of his life, Saul was afraid of David.30And the rulers of the Philistines also came to realize that David was the most important of Saul’s servants and that he was highly regarded by the people. [spurious text]
1So after that, Saul spoke to his son JoNathan and some of his servants about murdering David. 2But because JoNathan was very fond of David, he went and told him about the plan. He said:‘Saul is looking to kill you, so you had best be on guard tomorrow morning… Find someplace where you can hide, 3then I’ll walk out into the field with my father when he goes looking for you, and I’ll stand there and talk to him about you.‘Thereafter, I’ll report back to you whatever he says.’4So JoNathan did speak to his father about David, pointing out his good qualities.He said:‘The king shouldn’t sin against his servant David, because he hasn’t sinned against you, and he’s always done the right thing.5‘He even put his life on the line for you when he struck down that Philistine… For Jehovah brought a great salvation on that day, and all of IsraEl saw this and rejoiced!‘So, why do you want to sin against the blood of an innocent man and kill David, when he really hasn’t been charged with anything?’6Well, Saul [was moved by] what JoNathan had to say, and he swore:‘As Jehovah lives, I’ll let him [live]!’7And after that, JoNathan called for David and told him everything that was said. Then he brought David back to Saul, and everything was the same as it used to be.8However, another war came along, and David was put in charge of the battle against the Philistines. Then, after he defeated them and they’d to run from him, 9the fearsome Breath of Jehovah came over Saul.So, while he was sitting in his palace (with a spear in his hand) and David was nearby playing his [harp], 10Saul tried to hit David with the wooden spear! But David got out of the way, and he struck the wall [instead]. So that night, David fled and escaped.11And thereafter, Saul sent guards to David’s house to keep an eye on him, because he planned to have him killed the next morning.But [David’s] woman Michal warned him about this, saying:‘You must do something tonight if you value your life, because they’re planning to kill you in the morning!’12So Michal let David down through a window, and he ran away... 13Then she took a statue and put it in his bed, put some goat hair over its head, and covered it with a nightgown.14And when Saul’s guards came to take David, she told them that he was sick.15But the guards said:‘Well, he’ll have to get out of bed, because we’re taking him to be executed.’16And at that, the guards went into his [bedroom] and found the statue with the goat hair on its head.17So Saul then asked Michal:‘Why did you try to deceive me?‘Why did you protect my enemy and help him to get away?’And Michal replied:‘He told me that if I didn’t protect him, he’d kill me.’18Well, David got away safely and he went to see SamuEl at RamAh, where he reported everything that Saul had attempted to do to him. So SamuEl and David traveled to NaiOth and they stayed there.19But then the report was sent to Saul:‘Look, David is in NaiOth of RamAh.’20So Saul sent men to take David. However, when they saw a troop of prophets that were prophesying, with SamuEl taking the lead, God’s Breath came over them and they started prophesying too!21Well when Saul heard about this, he sent more men, and they too started prophesying!Saul also sent men a third time and they started prophesying!22So Saul was furious, and he went to RamAh himself... And when he got to the threshing floor there, he asked the prophets:‘Where are SamuEl and David?’And they replied:‘Look, they’re in NaiOth.’23So [Saul] then traveled to NaiOth... But the Breath of God also came over him and he started prophesying, just as he was entering the city…24He took off all his clothes and he started prophesying in front of SamuEl, going around naked all that day and the rest of that night!And [once again], the people were asking:‘Is Saul also one of the prophets?’
1As a result, David had to flee the city of NaiOth.So he went to see JoNathan, and he asked him:‘What have I done?‘What’s my offence?‘How have I sinned against your father to make him be seeking my life so vigorously?’2And JoNathan replied:‘That isn’t really what’s happening… He isn’t looking to kill you. There’s no way that my father would do anything, whether great or small, without telling me.‘So, why would my father hide such a thing from me? It just isn’t so!’3But David told JoNathan:‘Your father knows that I’ve found favor in your eyes, so he told the others:‘Don’t say anything to JoNathan, because he cares for him.’‘But, as Jehovah lives and as you live... The only thing that’s certain between your father and me is death.’4And JoNathan said to David:‘Then, do whatever you wish… How can I help you?’5And David told him:‘Look, tomorrow is the New Moon [Festival] and I’m supposed to come here to eat with the king. However, I want you to send me away... And thereafter, I’ll go out into the fields and hide there sometime after noon.6‘And when your father notices that I’m missing, I want you to say this to him:‘David asked me to excuse him, because he had to return to his city of BethLehem to offer a sacrifice for the Festival on behalf of his whole tribe.’7‘And if he says, ‘Fine!’ then your servant is at peace with him... But if he gives you a harsh reply, it’ll indicate that he’s got evil plans for me.8‘Now, you’ve shown great mercy to your servant, for you’ve made a sacred agreement with me in front of Jehovah... However, if you really believe that your servant has done anything wrong, then condemn me to death and take me to your father.’9But JoNathan replied:‘That won’t happen!‘Do you think that if I find that my father has evil plans for you, I won’t tell you?10And David said to JoNathan:‘Then, who will you send to tell me if your father answers harshly?’11And JoNathan replied:‘Come, let’s walk out into the fields.’And they both walked outside [of the city].12Then JoNathan said to David:‘Jehovah the God of IsraEl knows that I’ll question my father at least two or three times. And if things look good for you, I’m not going to send you to [live in] the fields.13‘May God [curse] me and add to it if I’ll allow anything bad to happen to you!‘[However, if the message is bad], I’ll tell you and send you away in peace. Then Jehovah will have to watch over you as He once did my father.14‘But throughout the rest of my life, you must agree to deal with me in the mercy of Jehovah!‘And after I die, 15you must be merciful to my house throughout the age, so that when Jehovah destroys the enemies of David from the face of the earth, 16the name of JoNathan will always remain in the house of David, even if Jehovah should allow me to die at the hands of your enemies!’17And thereafter, JoNathan swore an oath to David because of his love for him… For he loved him as much as his own life.18He said:‘Tomorrow is the New Moon, and they’ll be watching your chair.19‘But after three days, keep an eye out, then come back here and sit behind this boulder. 20For I’ll come here and I’ll shoot three arrows at a target... 21And when I send my servant to look for them; if I say to him:‘They’re in front of you, so go pick them up.’‘Then you’ll know that you can return safely, because everything is peaceful. As Jehovah lives, let’s do it this way, so there’s no miscommunication.22‘But if I tell the young man:‘The arrows are way beyond you.’‘Then you’ll know that I’m sending you away to Jehovah!23‘Now, when it comes to these things that you and I have agreed to, may Jehovah serve as the witness between you and me throughout the age.’24So thereafter, David went off into the fields and hid out.And when the New Moon [Festival] started, the king arrived to eat at his table as usual (as always, he sat in his chair by the wall), 25and JoNathan and AbNer were seated there next to him.Then everyone looked over to where David usually sat, 26and Saul didn’t say anything that day, for he thought it was just a coincidence (he thought that David had likely become unclean and had gone to cleanse himself).27But on the next day (the 2nd day of the month), Saul looked at the place where David sat, and he asked his son JoNathan:‘Why isn’t JesSe’s son here?‘This is the second day that he hasn’t come to the table!’28And JoNathan replied:‘He asked to be excused so he could go to his city of BethLehem. 29He asked me to send him there so he could offer a sacrifice on behalf of his whole tribe.‘But, since you’ve put me in charge of my brothers, and if it pleases you, let me go to check on my brother and find out why he hasn’t come to the table of the king.’30Well at that, Saul became furious with JoNathan and said to him:‘You son of a divorced woman!‘Don’t you know that when you call JesSe’s son [your ‘brother’], it shames you, and it shames the nakedness of your mother?31‘For, as long as JesSe’s son is alive on this earth, my kingdom will never be yours!‘Now, go and catch that young man, for he’s the son of Death!’32But JoNathan asked his father Saul:‘Why must he die?‘What did he do?’33Then Saul grabbed his spear and shoved it towards JoNathan in an attempt to kill him; and that’s when JoNathan finally realized that his father was planning to kill David.34As a result, he got up from the table in a fit of rage, and he wouldn’t eat anything for the rest of that day, because he was devastated by the fact that his father wanted to do away with David.35So the next morning, JoNathan went out into the field with his servant to meet with David as he’d told him that he would, 36and he instructed his servant to run and search for the arrows after he shot them.37Well, he shot way over [the target], and when his servant got to the place where he shot them, JoNathan yelled:‘They’re way out beyond that.’38And he added:‘Hurry, don’t just stand there!’As a result, after JoNathan’s servant finally retrieved all the arrows that his master had shot, 39he really didn’t understand what was actually happening... But JoNathan and David both understood the meaning of this.40Then JoNathan handed his weapons to his servant and told him to take them back to the city.41And after he left, David stood up from [inside an enclosed area] and fell with his face to the ground, bowing before [JoNathan] three times. Then each kissed his friend and wept over each other until David [couldn’t cry any more].42And JoNathan said to David:‘Now, go in peace!‘As we both swore oaths to each other in the Name of the Lord, Jehovah is the witness between you and me, and between your offspring and my offspring throughout the ages.’Then David got up and left, and JoNathan returned to the city.
1From there, David went to AhiMelech the Priest at Nob.He was surprised to see David, so he asked him:‘Why did you come alone… Why didn’t [your people] come with you?’2And David replied:‘The king sent me today, and he told me not to tell anyone why I came. [I also sent] my servants ahead to the place called PhalanNi AlomNi.3‘Now, if you can find 5 loaves of bread, please give them to me.’4But the Priest told him:‘I don’t have any regular bread, just the holy loaves. If your servants haven’t been near a woman [sexually], then they may eat.’5And David said:‘Yes, we haven’t been near a woman, for we’ve been traveling for three days, and my servants and I are clean. Although the reason for my journey is secular, it’ll be made pure by my weapons.’6So the Priest removed the loaves from the presence of Jehovah and gave them to him, because there was no other bread around, and [David] took them.7Now, it so happened that on that day, there was a certain servant of Saul [that had gone there to bow] before Jehovah. He was called Doeg the Edomite. And when these things happened, he’d been there feeding Saul’s mules.8Then David said to AhiMelech:‘See if you can find a spear or a broadsword, because I don’t have my weapons. Hurry, for this is a matter of the king!’9And the Priest said:‘Look, here’s the broadsword of the Philistine GoliAth whom you cut down in the Ela Valley!‘I’ve get it wrapped up in a cape behind his chest plate. Take it, because there isn’t anything else like it here.’And David said:‘No, there’s nothing else like it. [Please] give it to me!’10So [the Priest] went and got it and gave it to David… And David continued to run from Saul.From there he went to see AchIsh (the king of Gath), 11and AchIsh’s servants asked:‘Isn’t this David, the king of the land?‘Isn’t he the one about whom the dancing women sang, ‘Saul cut down his thousands and David his ten thousands?’’12Well, David took those words to heart and he was afraid to appear before AchIsh. 13So he started [putting on an act] in front of them. He crawled around on his hands [and knees], laid on the ground at the [city] gate, and let spit to run down his beard.14So AchIsh said to his servants:‘Look, you can see that the man is having convulsions!‘Why have you brought him to me? 15Do you want to bring a possessed person to me? Should I invite him into my house?’
1Therefore, David got away safely, and he went to the cave of OdolLam... Then when his brothers and the rest of his family heard about it, they went to him there.2Well thereafter, men who were poor, the debtors, and those with a lot of problems starting coming to him, and he became their leader.Altogether, there were about 400 men.3Then David moved from there to MizPah in MoAb, and he said to the king of MoAb:‘Please allow my mother and father to stay with you until I know what my God has planned for me.’4So, since he’d appealed to the king of MoAb personally, the king allowed them to live with him in his citadel.5Then the prophet Gad told David:‘Don’t settle down there in the citadel; you must return to the land of Judah.’So David went and settled in the city of Hareth. 6And when Saul heard where David and his men were staying, he went and stood on the hill (the one by the plowed fields at RamAh) with his spear in his hand and with all of his servants around him, 7and he said to his servants:‘Listen, you sons of BenJamin,‘Should I really give fields and vineyards to JesSe’s son? For then he would appoint all of you to be his lieutenants and generals, 8since you’re all against me!‘Why, which of you bothered to tell me that my own son had made an agreement with JesSe’s son, and which of you told me that my son has turned my servants into my enemies today?’9It was then that Doeg the Edomite (the one who was in charge of Saul’s mules) said:‘I saw JesSe’s son going to Nob to visit the Priest AhiMelech (son of AhiTub)... 10He went there to inquire of God, and the Priest gave him some food and the broadsword of the Philistine GoliAth.’11So the king sent for the Priest AhiMelech (son of AhiTub) and his brothers (who were also Priests who were living in Nob). And they all came to the king.12Then Saul said:‘Listen up, O son of AhiTub! For it’s me, your lord, that’s speaking!’13Then Saul asked him:‘Why did you go against me and agree to give JesSe’s son bread and a broadsword, and why did you speak to God on his behalf... This man who’s been my enemy down to this day?’14And AhiMelech replied:‘Who of all your servants is as trustworthy as David? He’s the son-in-law of the king, he’s in charge of your army, and he’s a man of honor in your house!15‘So, why are you asking me the reason for my going before God on his behalf?‘Please don’t blame your servant and the entire house of my father about these things that you’re saying, for your servant wasn’t aware of any of these matters, whether small or great.’16And King Saul said:‘You’re going to die, AhiMelech… You and the entire house of your father!’17Then he told his guards that were standing there:‘Take them out and kill the Priests of Jehovah, because they’ve sided with David… They knew where he’d run and they didn’t tell me!’However, the [guards] weren’t willing to lift a hand against the Priests of Jehovah.18So he said to Doeg:‘Then you – [kill] the Priests.’Well, Doeg the Edomite slaughtered the Priests of Jehovah on that day… 85 men who wore the sacred vests. 19Then [Saul] attacked the city of the Priests (Nob) and slaughtered all the men, women, children, babies, oxen, sheep, and burros, with broadswords.20However, one of AhiMelech’s sons (AbiAthar) survived, and he ran to find David... 21And when AbiAthar told David that Saul had executed all the Priests of Jehovah, David said:‘I knew that this would happen when I saw Doeg the Edomite…22‘I knew that he would report [seeing me] to Saul, so I’m to blame for the deaths of the house and family of your father.23‘Now, you stay here with me!‘Don’t be afraid, because, while I’m watching out for my own life, I’ll also be watching out for yours… I’m going to be your protector.’
1Then this report came to David:‘{Look!} The Philistines have attacked KeiLah and they’re destroying all the barns there!’2So David asked Jehovah:‘Should I go and fight these Philistines?’And Jehovah replied:‘Go fight the Philistines, and you’ll save KeiLah!’3However, the men who were there with David said:‘Look, we’re already afraid and we’re still here in Judea; so, how can we be of any [help to those in] KeiLah?‘Do we want to add ourselves to the Philistine’s spoils of war?’4So David went and asked Jehovah once again, and Jehovah replied:‘Go down to KeiLah, for I’m giving the Philistines into your hands!’5As a result, David went to KeiLah with his men, and they fought the Philistines and routed them. It was a great victory, and they took the Philistine’s cattle and saved the people in KeiLah.6Then, after the [Philistines] retreated, AbiAthar (son of AhiMelech) went to David at KeiLah, carrying his sacred vest in his hands.7Meanwhile, when Saul heard that David had gone to KeiLah, he said:‘God has sold him into my hands, for now he’s locked inside a city of gates and bars!’8So Saul told his people to go and attack David and his band of men there at KeiLah.9Well, David realized that Saul would soon hear [that he was in KeiLah], and that he would plan to do something evil.So David said to AbiAthar the Priest:‘Bring the sacred vest!’10Then David prayed:‘O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘Please hear Your servant. For Saul is planning to attack me in KeiLah, and he’ll destroy the whole city because of me. 11So, should we lock it up? For Saul will surely come here, now that he has heard your servant is in this place.‘O Lord God of IsraEl,‘Please tell your servant what to do!’And Jehovah replied:‘Lock it up!’12Then David asked:‘But, won’t the people of KeiLah hand me and my men over to Saul?’And Jehovah replied:‘Yes they will, in order to save themselves.’ [spurious text]13Therefore, David took his men (about 800 of them) and left KeiLah, and when Saul heard that David had gone, he spared that city.14Well from there, David traveled into the desert where he lived in narrow passes in the Ziph Desert. And although Saul kept searching for him for quite some time, Jehovah kept him out of Saul’s hands.15Now, David knew that Saul would keep on looking for him, so he stayed in New City in the Ziph Desert. 16And then Saul’s son JoNathan came to David in New City, which strengthened his trust in Jehovah.17For [JoNathan] told him:‘Don’t be afraid, because my father Saul will never find you!‘[Soon] you’ll become the ruler over IsraEl, with me as your second in command… And my father knows that.’18Then they [once again] made a treaty there in the presence of Jehovah.Well, David stayed in New City, and JoNathan went back home.19But thereafter, people from the Ziph Desert went to Saul [in GibeAh] and said:‘Look, David is hiding among us in New City, down in the narrows next to the hill of HachiLah, just to the right of JeshiMon. 20Therefore, every desire of the inner person of the king is here among us!‘And now that everything has been revealed to the king, you should come down to us.’21And Saul replied:‘May Jehovah bless you for coming to me!22‘Quickly go back and see if he’s still there and that he hasn’t tricked you. 23Search all the places where he can hide and come back and tell me… Then I’ll be ready to go there with you.‘For if he’s somewhere in that land, I’ll send thousands of soldiers from Judah to search for him!’24And at that, the Ziphites left the presence of Saul.Well, David and his men were in the MaOn Desert at the time, which is to the west and the right of JeshiMon. 25And when Saul sent his men to search for David, David heard about it. So he retreated to Petra, which was in the MaOn Desert.But Saul also heard where he’d gone and he followed David into the desert.26Well, Saul had camped his men on one side of the mountain, and David had camped his men on the other side. But although David was trying to hide from Saul, Saul had camped his men close to David so he could catch him.27Then a messenger came to Saul saying:‘Hurry and come, because the Philistines are attacking our land!’28So Saul had to break off his chase of David and go back to fight the Philistines. And that’s why that mountain is now called, ‘Slippery Rock.’29Well from there, David went and settled in the EnGedi Narrows.
1Then, after Saul returned from driving away the Philistines, he heard that David was in the EnGedi Desert. 2So he selected 3,000 of the best soldiers in all IsraEl and went to look for David along the edge of the Trap of the Wild Goats.3Then when their march was blocked by herds and flocks on the road, Saul stopped and entered a cave to ‘prepare himself’ [possibly a euphemism for emptying his bowels]. Well, this just happened to be the same cave that David and his men were hiding in!4Well at that, David’s men said to him:‘Look! This is the day that Jehovah spoke to you about when He said:‘I’ll give your enemy into your hands and you may deal with him in any way that you wish.’So then, David crept up to Saul and quietly cut the fringe off his robe... 5But afterward, David’s heart was bothered by the fact that he’d done this.6And he said to his men:‘Jehovah certainly didn’t mean for me to do such a thing to my lord. I should never have raised a hand against him, because he truly is the anointed of Jehovah.’7And after David said this, he persuaded his men not to get up and kill Saul.Well, after Saul got up and left the cave, 8David got up and followed him outside... And David shouted after Saul, saying:‘O my Lord! O king!’And when Saul looked back, David bowed to him with his face to the ground, 9saying to Saul:‘Why do you believe people when they tell you that David wants to kill you?10‘Look! Today you can see with your own eyes how Jehovah gave you into my hands, and I didn’t want to kill you… I spared you!‘For I said, ‘I won’t lift a hand against my lord, because he’s the anointed of Jehovah!’11‘Look here, my father; I’m holding the fringe of your robe in my hand… [I got so close] that I could remove it, and yet I didn’t kill you! Therefore, you should know that I don’t wish you any evil, nor am I disrespectful or rebellious!‘I haven’t sinned against you… Yet, you’re still determined to take my life!12‘So may Jehovah judge between you and me, and may He find me righteous when it comes to you, because He knows that I wouldn’t lift a hand against you.13‘As the [song] goes:‘There’s sin in the elder’s lawless ways,
For against you, I’ve not raised a hand.’14‘So, who are you chasing, O king of IsraEl?‘Are you pursuing the dead or chasing a flea?15‘May Jehovah be the judge… May He serve as the judge between me and you! Yes, may Jehovah look down and judge my case, and save me from your hands.’16Well, after David said this to Saul, Saul asked:‘Is that the voice of my child David?’Then he broke into tears, 17and he said to David:‘You’re a better man than I, because you repaid the bad things I’ve done to you with good things... 18Then you [took the time to] tell me about these good things, and of how Jehovah gave me into your hands, but you didn’t kill me.19‘For what other man, if he were to find his enemy vulnerable, would be good enough to send him away?‘So, may Jehovah repay the goodness that you’ve shown today!20‘And now I know that you’re going to become the king and that you’ll rule over the kingdom of IsraEl! 21So [please] swear an oath to me by Jehovah, that you won’t destroy me or my offspring, and that you’ll never remove my name from the house of my father.’22So David swore by an oath to Saul, and then Saul went back home, while David and his men went up into the narrows of MesSara.
1Well, shortly thereafter, SamuEl died, and all IsraEl went to mourn him. Then they entombed him inside his house in RamAh.In the meantime, David had traveled to the MaOn Desert. 2And a great man was there who had helped to build CarMel. He had 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats; and at the time, he was shearing his flock at CarMel.3This man’s name was NaBal, and his woman’s name was AbiGail. Now, the woman was not only smart, she was also very pretty; however, her husband [had the reputation for being] hardheaded and dishonest.4Well, while David was there in the desert, he heard that NaBal the CarMelite was out shearing his flock. 5So David sent 10 of his servants to NaBal at CarMel, and he told them to say:‘May you have peace, 6and may you and yours live a long and healthy life!‘Look, I’ve heard that your shepherds are shearing your sheep. 7And when we saw them out in the desert, we didn’t bother them or take [any of your sheep] as you were leading them to CarMel…8‘Just ask your servants and they’ll tell you!‘So now, if we, your servants, have found favor in your eyes... And we hope that we’ve come on a good day... We’re asking you to give whatever you can to your servants and to your son David.’9So David’s servants went to NaBal and told him all of that in the name of David. 10But NaBal jumped to his feet and asked:‘And just who is this David? Who does this son of JesSe think he is?‘Today, many of his servants are those who’ve run away from their masters!11‘So shall I take my bread, my wine, and my sacrifices with which I must pay those who are shearing my sheep and give them to others, when I don’t know who they are or where they’ve come from?’12And with that, he sent the servants of David on their way…And when they got back, they told David what he said.13Well, as a result, David told his men to tie on their swords, and then David tied on his sword, and 400 of them followed David, while the other 200 stayed behind to keep an eye on their things.14Meanwhile, one of NaBal’s servants brought a message about this to [NaBal’s] woman AbiGail, saying:‘Look, David sent messengers from [his camp] in the desert to bless our master, but he sent them away.15‘However, [David’s] men were very good to us; for they didn’t get in our way, and they didn’t mistreat us when we were out in the fields. 16In fact, they protected us both day and night while we were watching over the flocks!17‘So, think about what you should do, because our master has brought evil down upon his house… He’s being unreasonable, and there’s no way we can talk him out of it!’18So AbiGail then ran and prepared 200 loaves of bread and 2 large jugs of wine, then she roasted 5 sheep and toasted 5 bushels of grain, and she gathered 10 bushels of raisins and 200 clusters of dried figs, and she loaded it all on some burros.19Then she said to her servants:‘Take these on ahead… I’ll follow behind.’But she didn’t say anything to her husband.20Thereafter, she mounted her burro and traveled around the mountain until she reached David and his men… And they came to greet her.21Well at the time, David was saying:‘Perhaps I was foolish when I guarded all of NaBal’s things in the desert and didn’t try to take anything. For now he’s repaid my good deeds with evil.22‘So, may God [curse] me and add to it if I leave anyone who belongs to NaBal [alive] who can urinate against a wall by [tomorrow] morning!’23Well when AbiGail saw David, she got down off her burro and fell to her face before him, bowing low.And she said:24‘O my lord, hold me to blame! Please allow your female servant to speak to you, and listen to what I have to say. 25Please, my master; don’t set your heart against this despicable man NaBal.‘His name means foolishness, and he truly is foolish!‘I didn’t see the servants that you sent to my master. 26But, O my lord; as Jehovah lives and as you live, may God keep you from shedding the blood of the innocent!‘For in doing so, you may save your own life… And then may your enemies who are trying to do bad things to you become as NaBal.27‘Now, please accept these blessings that I’ve brought to my lord and distribute them among your servants. 28Also, please forgive [me,] your female servant, and may Jehovah make the house of my [husband] one that can be trusted. [I pray that] Jehovah will fight your wars and that He will never find you guilty of doing anything that’s evil.29‘If any man chases you and tries to kill you, may Jehovah God save the life of my master… May the lives of your enemies be thrown down as with a sling!30‘Yes, may Jehovah do all the good things for you that He said He would do, and may He make you the leader over IsraEl!31‘So, please don’t offend your heart by doing this terrible thing to my [husband], and don’t shed innocent blood without a good reason. Please save [him] from himself, and then Jehovah will do good things for you… And don’t overlook your female servant or fail to treat her kindly.’32Well at that, David said to AbiGail:‘Praise Jehovah the God of IsraEl who sent you to me today!33‘And may the way that you’ve handled this matter today be praised, for you’ve kept me from shedding blood and you’ve saved me from myself.34‘As Jehovah the God of IsraEl lives; you’ve kept me from doing something bad to you.‘For if you hadn’t hurried and come to meet me here, none in the house of NaBal who can urinate against a wall would have lived to see the light of dawn.’35Then David accepted all the things that she brought, and he said her:‘Now, return to your home in peace, for I’ve listened to what you’ve said and I have deep respect for the person whom you’ve shown yourself to be.’36Well, when AbiGail got back home to NaBal, she found him holding a banquet in his house that was fit for a king. He was also quite happy, because he’d had too much to drink. So AbiGail didn’t tell him what she’d done until the next morning.37Then in the morning (after NaBal had sobered up from the wine), she told him everything that had happened. And at that, his heart just died inside him… It became [as heavy as] a rock!38And after 10 days, Jehovah struck NaBal and he died.39Well when David heard that NaBal had died, he said:‘May Jehovah be praised, for He judged the case of my being scorned by NaBal, and He brought NaBal’s evil down upon his own head, keeping me from doing anything bad to him.’Then David sent for AbiGail, because he was talking about taking her as his own. 40So his servants went to AbiGail at CarMel and spoke to her, saying:‘David sent us, because he would like to take you to be his woman.’41And at that, she bowed with her face to the ground and said:‘Look, your female servant…‘A girl to wash the feet of my master’s servants.’42Thereafter, AbiGail quickly mounted her burro (bringing along 5 of her young women who followed behind), and she went with David’s servants and became his woman.43Now, David was also married to AhiNoam of JezreEl, 44as well as to Michal (Saul’s daughter), whom Saul had given to Phalti (son of LaIsh) from GalLim.
1Well thereafter, the Ziphites went up to see Saul again, and they told him:‘Look, David is hiding among us on HachiLah Hill, in front of JeshSemon.’2So Saul traveled into the Ziph Desert once more with 3,000 of IsraEl’s best men to look for David. 3Then Saul set up camp along the road to HachiLah Hill, in front of JeshSemon, as David was camped in the desert.And when David saw that Saul had come to the desert looking for him again, 4he sent spies to find out where he was and how prepared he was... 5Then David personally went to the place where Saul was and found him sleeping near his Commander-in-chief AbNer (son of Ner).Saul was there asleep in his royal chariot, with his men camped all around him.6[Before this], David had asked AhiMelech the Hittite and AbiShai (son of ZeruJah and the brother of JoAb):‘Who will come with me into the camp of Saul?’And AbiShai said:‘I’ll go with you.’7So David and AbiShai went down into the camp that night, and they walked among [Saul’s] Men!Well, {Look!} there was Saul sound asleep in his royal chariot with his spear stuck into the ground next to his head, and AbNer and his men were asleep all around him.
8So AbiShai said to David:
‘Jehovah has given your enemy into your hands today, so I’m going to run him through with his spear…
I’ll only do it once, I won’t have to do it twice!’9But David said:‘No, don’t kill him; for, who can lift a hand against the anointed of Jehovah and not be found guilty?’10And he added:‘As Jehovah lives, it’s up to Jehovah to strike him and kill him, or for him to die in battle and then be [buried] with his ancestors.11‘Since Jehovah hasn’t instructed me to raise a hand against His anointed, we’ll just take the spear that’s next to his head and his canteen of water, and leave.’12So David picked up [Saul’s] spear and canteen and they left… No one saw them or knew that they’d been there, for no one woke up! They were all sleeping tightly, because Jehovah had put them to sleep. 13David actually walked through their camp and then up the mountain.And when he was some distance away, 14David called to [Saul’s] men and to AbNer (son of Ner) saying:‘AbNer!‘Will you answer?’And AbNer asked:‘Who’s calling me?’15Then David said:‘Aren’t you a man?‘Who else is there like you in IsraEl? But, why weren’t you guarding your lord the king?‘For a man came there to destroy your lord the king this very night, 16so what you’ve done isn’t a good thing!‘As Jehovah lives; you’re all sons of death, because you weren’t guarding your lord the king… The anointed of Jehovah.‘For look! Where is the king’s spear? And where is his canteen of water? These things that he kept by his head?’17Well, Saul recognized the voice of David and said:‘Is that the voice of my child David?’And David replied:‘It’s my voice O lord… Your servant, O king!’18And he asked:‘So, why is my lord chasing his servant?‘How have I sinned and what’s the charge against me?19‘Now listen, O my lord the king to these words of [mine,] his servant!‘If it’s God who’s sending you against me, then may you smell your sacrifice. But if it’s the sons of men, may they be cursed before Jehovah, because they’ve driven me away from the inheritance that I received from Jehovah, telling me to go and serve other gods!20‘May my blood not be spilled on the ground away from the face of Jehovah... For the king of IsraEl is searching for this ‘flea’ as though he were hunting for long-eared owls in the mountains!’21And Saul said:‘I have sinned. Come back to me, my child David…‘I won’t do anything bad to you anymore, now that you’ve shown me how much you value my life.‘I’ve acted foolishly and ignorantly!’22And David replied:‘Look! Here’s the king’s spear... Send one of your servants to take it.23‘The Lord will repay each one for his righteousness and faithfulness, just as Jehovah has saved you from my hands today, since I didn’t wish to raise a hand against the anointed of Jehovah.24‘And look… As I’ve valued your life today, may my life be considered more valuable before my lord. May he shelter me and rescue me from all of my problems.’25Then Saul said to David:‘You’re blest, my child David... For whatever you do will succeed, and you can accomplish whatever you wish.’So David went his way, and Saul returned home.
1But David said in his heart:‘I’d best run to the land of the Philistines where I’ll be safe, because things don’t look too good for me here! Saul will keep searching for me in IsraEl, and by tomorrow I could be handed over to him.’2So David got up and left, taking his 600 men with him, and he went to see AchIsh (son of MaOch), the king of Gath.3Then David, his men, and both of his women (AhiNoam the JezreElite, and AbiGail the woman of NaBal the CarMelite) sat down to meet with AchIsh there at his house in Gath.4And when Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he stopped searching for him.5Well when David went to AchIsh, he said this:‘If your servant has found favor in your eyes, please give me a place in one of your rural cities, and I’ll settle there; for, why should you settle your servant in a city to rule right next to you?’6And AchIsh gave him ZikLag, which still belongs to the Judean kings to this day.7Then, after David had stayed there in the land of the Philistines for 4 months, 8he and his men attacked the Geshurites, the Gezrites, and the AmaLechites… These are the people who inhabited the land all the way from Shurand to the land of Egypt.9He attacked the entire land and he didn’t leave a man or woman alive. However, he took their flocks, herds, burros, camels, and clothing, and thereafter, he returned to AchIsh.10So then AchIsh asked David:‘Whom did you attack today?’And David replied:‘The [land] south of Judea, from JerahMeEl south to the [land of the] Kenezites… 11And I didn’t bring anyone back alive to Gath, so that no one can say, Look at what David did!’Well, that’s the way David handled matters for as long as he stayed in the land of the Philistines.12And AchIsh trusted David, for he said:‘It’s a shame that he’s being treated [so badly] by his own people in IsraEl. However, he’s welcome to serve me here throughout the age.’
1After that, the Philistines gathered their troops to go to war with IsraEl, and AchIsh said to David:‘I’m sure that you and your men who are staying with me will join us in this war.’2And David replied:‘May this prove your servant’s faithfulness.’So AchIsh said to David:‘Then I’ll appoint you as the chief of my royal guards during this period!’3Well, SamuEl had already died (after which IsraEl had mourned for him at his tomb in his city of RamAh), and Saul had also [killed off] all those who searched for omens and those who called out to [the dead] in his land.4Then the Philistines went and set up camp at ShuNem, and Saul gathered the army of IsraEl and set up camp in GilBoa. 5But when Saul looked at the camp of the Philistines, it frightened him and he became weak at heart.6So he asked for [direction from Jehovah], but the Lord wouldn’t answer him in his dreams, give him any signs, or answer him through the prophets.7So he said to his servants:‘Then search for a woman who can tell the future, and I’ll go ask her!’And his servants told him:‘Look, there’s a woman who can tell the future in EnDor.’8So Saul disguised himself [by wearing] different clothes, and he covered his face; then he took two men with him and they went to see the woman at night.And he said to her:‘Use your powers for me and lead me to the one I want to speak to!’9And the woman replied:‘Look! Now you know as much as Saul did… The one who killed off everyone in the land who ask the [dead] and who look for omens.‘So are you coming here to trap and kill me?’10But Saul swore an oath to her by God, saying:‘As Jehovah lives, I won’t treat you unjustly in this matter.’11So the woman asked Saul:‘Then, who do you want me to bring up for you?’And Saul replied:‘Bring up SamuEl for me!’12Well when the woman saw SamuEl, she screamed and she said to Saul:‘Why have you misled me, for you’re Saul!’13And the king said to her:‘Don’t be afraid! Whom did you see?’And she said:‘I see judges rising from the ground.’14Then he asked her:‘What else did you see?’And she replied:‘A very old man coming up [from the ground] wearing a doubled robe.’Well, Saul recognized this as SamuEl; so he fell with his face to the ground and bowed low before him.
15And SamuEl said:‘Why are you bothering me and why did you bring me up?’And Saul said:‘I’m in a lot of trouble; for the Philistines have come to war against me, and God has left me.‘He doesn’t listen to me anymore, nor does He answer the prophets or reply to me in my dreams… All I want to know is what I should do!’16Then SamuEl replied:‘If Jehovah has left you and taken up with your neighbor, why are you asking me?17‘For, all that Jehovah is doing to you is what I told you that He would do! He’s going to rip your kingdom from your hands and give it to your neighbor David, 18because you didn’t listen to His voice when He was showing His rage on the AmaLechites.19‘Therefore, Jehovah is going to give IsraEl into the hands of the Philistines… By tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me, while the camp of IsraEl will be handed over to the Philistines!’20Well at that, Saul dropped to the ground shaking, because he was so afraid of what SamuEl had said! He was already weak in the knees, because he hadn’t eaten anything all that day or night.21Then the woman went up to Saul, and when she saw that he was shaking, she said:‘Now, look at me and listen to your female servant, for I’ve put my life into your hands, and I’m trusting in what you said.22‘Do what I tell you… I’m going to give you a little food to eat so you can regain your strength, and then you should leave.’23However he wouldn’t listen to her, because he didn’t want anything to eat. Yet his aids and the woman kept insisting; so he got up off of the ground and sat in a chair, 24then the woman went out and butchered a calf that was by her house.After that, she took some flour and made some fermentation-free bread, 25and she brought it all to Saul and his servants, and they ate…Then they returned [to their camp] that night.
1Well, the Philistines had marched all their troops to Aphek, and IsraEl had set up camp at EnDor in JezreEl. 2Meanwhile, the Philistine governors were coming by the hundreds and thousands…Then David and his men showed up last, with AchIsh.3Well, [on seeing him], the Philistine governors asked AchIsh:‘Who’s [this person] that’s with you?’And AchIsh replied:‘That’s David, the servant of Saul the king of IsraEl.‘This is the 2nd year he’s been with me, and I’ve found no fault in him.’4However, the Philistine governors were outraged, and they said to him:‘Return this man to the people over whom you’ve assigned him… Don’t allow him to come with us to the battle, because he could be a traitor in our camp!‘After all, how do we know that he won’t reconcile with his lord? And if he does, our men will pay with their heads!5‘For, isn’t this the same David of whom the dancers sang:‘Saul killed his thousands and David his ten thousands?’6So AchIsh then called for David and said to him:‘As Jehovah lives, I know that you’re a good and honest man, and that’s why I invited you to come with me into the camp.‘But although I haven’t found anything evil in you since you came to me, the governors don’t trust you... 7So, return to [your city] in peace, and don’t allow yourself to be seen doing anything wrong in the eyes of the Philistine governors.’8But David asked:‘What have I done? What have you found wrong with your servant?‘Let me fight against the enemies of my lord the king!’9And AchIsh told him:‘I know that you’re a good man… Like a messenger from God.‘But the Philistine governors are saying, ‘He shouldn’t come with us to this battle.’ 10So when you and your men get up early in the morning, you should return to the city that I gave to you!’11As a result, when David and his men got up early the next morning, they went back and guarded the land of the Philistines, as the Philistines started their war against IsraEl.
1Well, while David and his men were returning to ZikLag (it was a 3-day journey), the AmaLechites had come from the south and attacked ZikLag… They captured it and burned it! 2However, they didn’t kill any of the young men or any of the women, they just led them away as captives.3So when David and his men got back to the city and found it burned, and that their women, sons, and daughters had been carried away as captives, 4David and his men sat down and cried… They wailed until they were just too weak to cry anymore.5Well, both of David’s women (AhiNoam the JezreElite, and AbiGail, the woman of NaBal the CarMelite) had been captured, 6which hurt David so much that his men said that they should stone him, because he was so grieved over the people and for each of his sons and daughters.However, his God Jehovah then gave him strength, 7and he said to the Priest AbiAthar (son of AhiMelech):‘Bring the sacred vest to me.’So AbiAthar came to David carrying the vest, 8and David asked Jehovah:‘Should I chase after them?’And Jehovah replied:‘Chase after them; for if you chase them, you’ll catch up with them and rescue [your people].’9So David went after them with all of his 600 men; and when they reached the Bosor Wadi, he left 200 of them behind [to guard their things]… 10So he only had about 400 men.However, he traveled on with the 400 men (after leaving 200 on the other side of the Bosor Wadi).11Well, on the way, [his men] found an Egyptian man [lying] in a field, and they took him to David, who gave him some food and water. 12They also gave him part of a dried cluster of figs and two portions of raisins, which revived him… For he’d gone without anything to eat or drink for more that three days.13Then David asked him:‘What are you doing here, and where did you come from?’And the Egyptian man replied:‘I’m the servant of an AmaLechite man.‘My master left me here because I was sick… And I’ve been lying here for three days. 14We’d just attacked parts of Judah that are south of the Cherethites and south of Caleb, and we burned the city of ZikLag.’15Then David asked him:‘Can you lead me to his troops?’And he said:‘Yes… If you’ll swear by God that you won’t kill me or return me to my master, I’ll lead you to them!’16So he led them, and by the time they caught up with them, everyone was scattered throughout the land and they were eating, drinking, and celebrating over the great quantity of loot that they’d taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.17Well, David started slaughtering them from morning until evening and then into the next day… He left no survivors, other than 400 boys who were able to escape by fleeing on camels.18Then David took back everything that the AmaLechites had captured, and he rescued both of his women.19Yet, none [of his men] (from the small to the great) had been killed, and all the sons and daughters, as well as the loot that had been taken, was returned. 20Meanwhile, David also took all their flocks and herds, and he looted everything (which was thereafter referred to as ‘the spoils of David’).21Then when they got back to the 200 men whom David had left behind at the Bosor Wadi, everyone came to greet David and the men who returned with him.So David went up to them and wished them peace.22However, all the wicked men and troublemakers among the warriors that went with David said,‘They didn’t go with us, so why should we divide any of the loot that we recovered with them?‘Let them just take back their own women and children, and [be satisfied with that]!’23However, David said:‘You must not mistreat the brothers of this confederation.‘For it was Jehovah that guarded us and gave the enemy to us, and He’s the One who protected the troops that came with us... 24So, watch your words, because these men are in no way less than you, and they’ll receive their share of the battle for staying here and watching our equipment!‘Yes, they’ll be given the same share as everyone else!’25Well from that day on, this became the rule in IsraEl.26And when David got back to ZikLag, he sent [a portion of] the spoils to the elders of Judah, as well as to some of his neighbors, saying:‘Look, here is a blessing from the spoils of the enemies of Jehovah.’27[He also sent some of the spoils to the people in:]• BethEl,
• Southern RamOth,
• JatTir,
28• AroEr,
• SiphMoth,
• EshTemoa,
29• RachAl,
• to those in the JerahMeElite cities,
• the Kenite cities,
30• the people in HorMah,
• BeerAshan,
• AthAch, and
31• to those in HebRon.David and his men carried it to each of those places.
1Meanwhile, in the war between the Philistines and IsraEl, the IsraElites had been routed by the Philistines, who slaughtered them all the way to Mount GilBoa. 2The Philistines also caught up with Saul and his sons, and they were able to cut down Saul’s sons JoNathan, AbiNadab, and MelchiShua.3However, the battle got bogged down as they were fighting Saul… But then a bowman shot at Saul and wounded him in the spleen.4And Saul said to his weapons bearer:‘Unsheathe your broadsword and run me through with it, so that one of these uncircumcised men doesn’t make fun of me before he kills me!’Well, the man who was carrying his weapons was afraid and he didn’t want to do it; so Saul took his broadsword and fell on it. 5And when the man carrying his weapons saw that Saul was dead, he fell on his sword and died also.6So Saul, all three of his sons, his weapons bearer, and all of his men died that same day.7And when the men of IsraEl that were on the other side of the JorDan Valley saw that Saul and his sons were dead, they all ran away… They just fled their cities and ran; and thereafter, the Philistines took [their cities] and lived there.8Well, it was when the Philistines came to strip the dead that they found Saul and his three sons dead on Mount GilBoa.9So they cut off [Saul’s] head and took his weapons, and they sent them all around the land of the Philistines to announce the good news to their idols and to their people.10Thereafter, they presented his weapons [to the goddess] Astarte, and they nailed [Saul’s] body to a wall in BethSham.11However, when the people in JabIsh GileAd heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12all their mighty men went out that night and recovered the bodies of Saul and his son JoNathan from the wall in BethSham, and brought them back to JabIsh, where they were burned [in a funeral pyre].13Then they took their bones and placed them in a tomb in the plowed field of JabIsh, and they fasted for 7 days.
1After Saul died and after David had returned from his battle with the AmaLechites, David spent a couple of days in ZikLag. 2Then on the 3rd day, a man came to him from the camp of the army of Saul.His clothes were all torn and his face was covered with dirt. And when he reached David, he fell to the ground and bowed low before him.3Then David asked him:‘Where have you come from?’And he said:‘I’ve struggled to make it here from the camp of IsraEl.’4Then David asked:‘What message are you bringing? Tell me!’And he said:‘Our army has fled the field of battle… Many have been injured and many more have been killed!‘Why, Saul and his son JoNathan have both been killed!’5Then David asked:‘How do you know that both Saul and JoNathan are dead?’6And the young man said:‘I happened to be on Mount GilBoa when I saw Saul leaning on his spear.‘The chariots and cavalry started coming towards him, so I went over to his side. 7And when he looked back and saw me, he called to me and I said:‘Look, I’m here.’8‘And he asked:‘Who are you?’‘And I said:‘I’m an AmaLechite.’9‘And he said to me:‘Stand over me and kill me, because an awful darkness is coming over me!’10‘So I stood over him and put him to death, because I knew that he couldn’t survive his wound. Then I took the [turban] from his head and the armlet from his biceps, and I’ve brought them here to you, my lord.’11Well, David started grabbing his clothes and ripping them, and all of his men started ripping their clothes, 12beating on their chests, and crying.Then they fasted for the rest of that day over Saul, his son JoNathan, the people of Judah, and the people of IsraEl who had been cut down with broadswords.13After that, David asked the man who’d brought him the message:‘Where are you from?’And he replied:‘I’m the son of an AmaLechite man who’s living in your land.’14Then David asked him:‘So, why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand and kill the anointed of Jehovah?’15And thereafter, David called one of his servants and said:‘Come here and kill him!’So he struck the man and he died.16For David told him:‘Your blood is on your own head, because your own mouth spoke against you when you said:‘I have killed the anointed of Jehovah.’17Well after that, David went into mourning over Saul and his son JoNathan.18And to teach the sons of Judah, he sang this song, for look, it’s written in the scroll of the righteous:19‘Erect a stele, O IsraEl, For those who’ve died in your hills, For how the mighty have fallen!20‘Don’t allow them to announce it in Gath, Or announce it as good news in AshKelon’s streets, So the daughters of Philistia won’t rejoice… So the daughters of the uncircumcised will never know joy.21‘May dew not fall on GilBoa, And may no more rain fall upon it, There in the fields of the first fruits; For the shields of the mighty have been treated with contempt.‘Saul’s shield was not anointed with oil, 22Nor with the blood of the slain, Or with the fat of the mighty. But, JoNathan’s bow didn’t come back void, Nor did the broadsword of Saul return bare.23‘Saul and JoNathan, beloved ones… These delightful men were not parted in life, Nor were they parted in death. They were swifter than eagles, And they conquered more than great lions.24‘IsraEl’s daughters, You should weep over Saul, For he dressed you in scarlet and jewels… He dressed you in clothes, and in gold, and in gems. 25How these mighty have fallen in battle!‘O JoNathan,‘You were killed in the mountains. 26I grieve over you, JonNathan, O my brother, you were always there for me. Your affection for me amazed me, More so than the love of women.27‘O how the mighty fell, And the weapons of war were destroyed.’
1Then after that, David asked this of Jehovah:‘Should I now return to one of the cities of Judah?’And the Lord replied:‘Go!’Then when David asked where he should go, the Lord told him:‘To HebRon.’2So David thereafter moved to HebRon with his women (AhiNoam the JezreElite and AbiGail the woman of NaBal the CarMelite) and his men. 3There, each man [obtained] his own house and they all started living in and around HebRon.4And after that, the men of Judah came and anointed David to be the ruler over the house of Judah.Well later, when David received the report that the men of JabIsh GileAd had put Saul’s [body] in a tomb, 5he sent a message to the leaders of JabIsh of GileAd that said:‘May you be blest by Jehovah for showing such mercy to your lord Saul the anointed of God by building a tomb for him and his son JoNathan, 6and may Jehovah grant you mercy and truth.‘From now on, I’ll treat you in the same [kind] way that you’ve treated [Saul and JoNathan].7‘So, prepare yourselves for this and make yourselves strong; because, now that your lord Saul has died, I’ve been anointed to rule over the house of Judah and to become your king!’8However, AbNer (son of Ner), Saul’s commander-in-chief, took Saul’s son IshBosheth from his camp to ManaEm 9and set him up as the ruler over:• GileAd,
• ThasiRi,
• JezreEl,
• Ephraim,
• BenJamin, and
• All the rest of IsraEl.10Well, when IshBosheth was appointed the king over IsraEl, he was 40-years old, and he ruled from there for the next 2 years.However, the house of Judah followed David as their ruler, 11and he ruled from HebRon for the next 7 years and 6 months.12Then AbNer (son of Ner) and the servants of IshBosheth came from ManaEm to GibeOn, 13and JoAb (son of ZeruJah) and David’s servants came from HebRon to meet with them at the spring of GibeOn. So they all sat down together at the spring, with each group sitting on opposite sides of the spring.14And AbNer said to JoAb:‘Have your servants get up and play [in combat] in front of us.’So JoAb said to them:‘[Okay men], get up!’15Then 12 of IshBosheth’s servants (BenJaminites) stood up as 12 of David’s men stood up, 16and they all grabbed each other by the head and jabbed each other in the side with their swords… And they all fell together.So from then on, that place was known in GibeOn as ‘The Place of the Plotters.’17As a result, a battle started that day, which was hard fought; and AbNer and the men of IsraEl lost to the servants of David.18Now, ZeruJah had three sons that were there; JoAb, AbiShai, and AshaEl… And AshaEl was very light on his feet… Like a deer in the field. 19Well, he chased AbNer without slowing or swerving. 20And when AbNer looked back and saw him, he shouted:‘Is that really AshaEl?’And he replied:‘It’s me!’21Then AbNer shouted:‘You should really turn aside and put on one of your servant’s armor.’However, AshaEl didn’t want to slow down, because he was hot on the heels of AbNer.22Then AbNer said to AshaEl:‘Turn back or I’ll have to kill you! And if I do that, how could I ever show my face to JoAb again?23‘What are you doing? Go back to your brother JoAb!’However, AshaEl wasn’t willing to stop! So AbNer threw his spear and hit him in the stomach, running him completely through, and he fell and died there under [AbNer].Well, everyone went to the place where he fell and just stood there looking [at the body].24Then JoAb and AbiShai chased AbNer until the sun set, getting as far as the hill of AmManin in front of Gai on the road between GibeOn and the desert.25Meanwhile, the sons of BenJamin had assembled and were coming to help AbNer (they’d reached to the top of one of the hills).26So AbNer called to JoAb and said:‘Do you really think that you can beat me with your broadsword… Don’t you know that this will lead to your own bitter end?‘Tell your people to stop chasing their brother!’27Then JoAb said:‘As Jehovah lives, it’s good that you said this; for our people would’ve been chasing each other all night long!’28So JoAb blew his trumpet, and all his people withdrew and stopped chasing after IsraEl, and the battle ended.29Well, AbNer and his men left at sunset and traveled throughout the night, crossing the JorDan and returning all the way to their camp, 30since JoAb had stopped chasing AbNer.Thereafter, [JoAb] gathered all his men to find out how many of David’s servants had been lost, and he found that they’d only lost 19, plus AshaEl.31However, David’s men had killed 360 of the sons of BenJamin under AbNer. 32Then he picked up AshaEl’s [body] and put it in the tomb in BethLehem where his father was buried.And JoAb and his men also traveled all night long, reaching HebRon at dawn.
1Well, the war between the house of David and the house of Saul lasted a long time and the house of David kept getting stronger while the house of Saul kept getting weaker.2In the meantime, David had sons born to him in HebRon.• His firstborn was AmNon through AhiNoam the JezreElite.3• The second was DaluJah through AbiGail the CarMelite.• The third was AbSalom through MaAcha the daughter of TholMi, the king of Gesir.4• The fourth was Ornia through PhegGith.• The fifth was SabaTia through AbiTal.5• The sixth was JetheraAm through AiGla.These were all David’s women and all of his sons that were born in HebRon.6Well, during the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, AbNer became [more powerful] in IsraEl.7Now, Saul used to have a concubine named ResPha (the daughter of Jal). Then Saul’s son IshBosheth went to AbNer and asked him this:‘Why are you [sleeping] with my father’s concubine?’8Well, this made AbNer furious with IshBosheth, and AbNer said:‘How dare you to speak to me like a dog after the mercy I’ve shown to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends!‘Since I never went over to the side of the house of David, why are you coming to me and complaining that I’ve been unjust over some woman today?9‘Now, as Jehovah swore in an oath to David; may God curse AbNer and add to it if I don’t do this:10‘I will now remove the kingship from the house of Saul and raise the throne of David to be over all of IsraEl and Judah from Dan to BeerSheba!’11Well, IshBosheth didn’t say anything more, because he was so frightened!12Then AbNer sent messengers to David right away (who was in ThaiLam at the time), with the message:‘Make a treaty with me, because I’m on your side now, and I’m going to give the whole house of IsraEl to you.’13And David replied:‘Yes, I’ll make a treaty with you!‘However, there’s one thing that I want to ask of you… I don’t want to see your face unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal with you when you come to me.’14Meanwhile, David also sent messengers to Saul’s son IshBosheth, telling him:‘Give back my woman Michal, for whom I paid with the foreskins of 100 Philistines!’15As a result, IshBosheth sent and had her taken from her man PhaltiEl (son of SelLe), 16who then followed her all the way to BarAkim. But after AbNer warned him to go back, he turned around and went home.17Thereafter, AbNer spoke to the elders of IsraEl and said this:‘Since you’ve been looking for David to rule over you a long time, 18you should do something now. For Jehovah has said concerning him:‘I will deliver IsraEl from the hands of the Philistines and all their other enemies at the hands of David!’19Then AbNer also went and spoke to the people of the tribe of BenJamin (before he went to speak to David at HebRon), and everyone in the house of BenJamin and the rest of IsraEl was pleased with this idea. 20It was then that AbNer went with 20 of his men to see David in HebRon… And David prepared a banquet for them.21So AbNer said this to David:‘I’ll go and gather all IsraEl to my lord the king, and I’ll conclude a treaty with you for you to rule over whomever you may wish.’Then David sent AbNer away in peace.22However, shortly thereafter, JoAb returned to David with his army after a battle, carrying many spoils of war. Well, AbNer was no longer there with David in HebRon, since he’d been sent away in peace.23But when JoAb and his men heard that AbNer (son of Ner) had come to David and that he’d been sent away in peace, 24JoAb came to the king and asked:‘What have you done?‘Look! AbNer actually came here and you sent him away in peace?25‘Don’t you know that AbNer just came here to deceive you? He just came to find out your plans!’26So, after JoAb left David, he sent messengers to AbNer (who was at the well of SeiRam), asking him to return… But David didn’t know anything about this.27And when AbNer returned to HebRon, JoAb called to him as he arrived at the city gate, saying that he wanted to speak to him. Well, it was a trap; for he stabbed him in the stomach and killed him! He did this to [avenge] the blood of his brother AshaEl.28Then when David heard about [what AbNer had done], he said:‘My kingdom and I are innocent before Jehovah throughout the ages over the blood of AbNer, son of Ner!29‘But may the guilt of this rest upon JoAb and the house of his father! May the house of JoAb always suffer from gonorrhea and leprosy; may they walk on crutches; may they starve and be cut down in battle... 30For it was JoAb and his brother AbiShai [that did this to] AbNer, because he’d killed their brother AshaEl at the battle of GibeOn.’31Then David told JoAb and all of his men to rip their clothes, wrap themselves in sackcloth, and to mourn for AbNer! And after that, David walked behind AbNer’s casket in his funeral procession.32For they buried him in a tomb in HebRon, where David screamed and cried, as did all the people.33The king mourned over AbNer, saying these words:‘Should AbNer have died like NaBal?34‘For his hands and feet were not tied, Nor like NaBal, was he led away… He was cut down by an unrighteous man.’So, all the people gathered to weep for him, 35and David invited them all to eat loaves of bread in a funeral meal that day.Then David swore an oath, saying:‘May God curse me and add more to it if I eat anything before the sun sets today.’36As a result, all the people were pleased by these things that the king had done before them. 37And all IsraEl got to know that the king had nothing to do with killing AbNer (son of Ner).38Then the king said to his servants:‘Don’t you know that a great leader has fallen in IsraEl today?39‘I feel like one of his closest relatives and like someone who’s stood in the presence of a king!‘However these men, these sons of ZeruJah, are hard for me to bear... May Jehovah repay the one who did this wicked thing with the evil that he deserves.’
1Well, when Saul’s son IshBosheth heard that AbNer (son of Ner) had been killed in HebRon, he and all the men in IsraEl just fell weak.2And at the time, there were two men who were leaders of the confederation of IshBosheth; one was BaAna and the other was RechAb. They were both sons of RimMon the BeerOthite of the tribe of BenJamin (for BeerOth was considered part of the tribe of BenJamin).3These BeerOthites had fled to GetThaim, where [their families] live to this day.4(Also, Saul’s son JoNathan had a 5-year-old son who was lame. For when the message came from JezreEl about [the death] of Saul and JoNathan, his nurse picked him up and ran away… But then she dropped him, which damaged his legs. His name was MephiBosheth.)5Well, as the sons of RimMon the BeerOthite (RechAb and BaAna) were leaving, they went to the house of [Saul’s son] IshBosheth in the heat of the day during his noontime nap. 6And because the doorman was out sifting wheat, they were able to slip in without being noticed… 7And there was IshBosheth in his bedroom asleep in his bed.So they struck him, killed him, and cut off his head, then they traveled west all that day and night so as to 8bring IshBosheth’s head to David in HebRon!Then they said to the king:‘Look, here’s the head of Saul’s son IshBosheth… Your enemy who would’ve killed you!‘Jehovah has given him to our lord the king as punishment to the enemies of his offspring. For Saul and his offspring have been your enemies down to this day.’9But David told RechAb and his brother BaAna:‘As Jehovah (the One who’s protected my life) lives, 10the man who reported to me that Saul had died thought he was bringing me good news... However, I had him taken away and killed in ZikLag, despite what he thought!11‘And now, you wicked people have killed a righteous man while he was in his house asleep in bed! So, I’ll require his blood from you… I’ll wipe you out of this land!’12Well at that, David gave orders to his servants, and they killed them both… They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies near the spring in HebRon, then they took the head of IshBosheth and placed it in the tomb of AbNer (son of Ner) in HebRon.
1Well thereafter, all the tribes of IsraEl came to David in HebRon, and they said to him:‘Look, we are your own flesh and bones.2‘And although Saul used to be our king, you were the one who led the people of IsraEl in our [battles], so you must be the leader over IsraEl.’3Then all the elders of IsraEl came [and met with] the king in HebRon, and King David made a treaty with them there in HebRon, in the presence of Jehovah.And thereafter, they anointed David to be the king over all IsraEl.4Well, David was 30 years old when he started his rule, and he reigned for 40 years. 5He reigned over [the tribe of] Judah in HebRon for 7-1/2 years, and he reigned over all IsraEl and Judah from JeruSalem for 33 years.6Thereafter, David and all his men [marched on] JeruSalem, where the Jebusites were living at the time.And the [Jebusites] said to him:‘You’re not going to enter here, for the blind and the lame will oppose you! Even they are saying:‘David will never enter [this city]!’7However, David took the citadel on Zion, and he made it his own city.8Then he told his men:‘Everyone who cuts down a Jebusite should also use his dagger on the lame, the blind, and on anyone else who hates the person of David.‘And thereafter, the people must say, ‘The blind and the lame will never enter the Temple of Jehovah!’9Well, David took up living there in the citadel, and the place became known as the City of David. Then he built a city around his tower and palace.10And from that point on, David kept getting greater, because Jehovah the Almighty was with him.11Then King HiRam [I] of Tyre sent envoys to David, who brought along much wood from his cedar trees, as well as some stoneworkers that built a palace for David.12Now, David knew that it was Jehovah who had made him king over IsraEl, and that He was the One who was blessing [David’s] kingdom, because of His people IsraEl.13Well, after David moved from HebRon to JeruSalem, he took more wives and concubines, so he had even more sons and daughters.
14These are the names of the children that were born to him in JeruSalem:• SamMous,
• SoBab,
• Nathan,
• Solomon,
15• EbeAr,
• EliSoWe,
• NapPek,
• JePhies,
16• EliSama,
• EliDae,
• EliPhalath,
• SamaE,
• JessiBath,
• YalaMaAn,
• YeBaAr,
• TheaEsous,
• EliPhalar,
• NaGed,
• NaPhek,
• JaNathan,
• LeAsamus,
• BaAlImath, and
• EliPhaAth.17However, when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed to be the king over IsraEl, they went looking for him. And when David heard about this, he made it back to his citadel 18just as the Philistines were forming for an attack in the Valley of the Titans.19So David went to Jehovah and asked:‘Should I fight the Philistines, and if so, will You give them into my hands?’And the Lord replied:‘Go, for I’ll save you and give the Philistines into your hands!’20So David attacked them from the mountain passes, and he breached their lines, defeating the Philistines.Then David said:‘Since Jehovah cut through my enemies the Philistines like He cuts through water, we’ll name this place the High Breaches.’21Well at the time, the [Philistines] had left behind all [the images of] their gods. So David and his men picked them up and carried them along.22But then the Philistines attacked again, coming to meet them in battle in the Valley of the Titans.23So David asked Jehovah once more, and the Lord replied:‘Don’t confront them; go around them to the other side of the Forest of Tears, and I’ll give them into your hands... 24Then, when you hear the sound of them marching from the Forest of Tears, you must attack! For I’ll lead you in your battle with the Philistines.’25So David did just as the Lord told him, and he cut down the Philistines all the way from GibeOn to the land of GeZer.
1Well, after [some 20 years], David gathered the young men of IsraEl (about 70,000 of them) 2and he and all his men, along with rulers from Judah, went to bring back the Chest of God which was used to call on the Name of Jehovah of Armies, which had the [covering of] cherubs.3So they went to the house of AmiNadab (which was on a hill) and picked up the Chest of Jehovah, and mounted it on a new wagon. Then the sons of AmiNadab walked ahead of the wagon that carried the Chest.4Well, as AmiNadab’s sons were leading the wagon along, 5David and his men were dancing in front of Jehovah and playing musical instruments (they were playing appropriate lively tunes on lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and pipes).6And when they arrived at the threshing-floor of NaChon, the oxen [that were hauling the chest] bolted; so, Oza stuck out his hand to grab the Chest of God in order to steady it.7But this enraged Jehovah, so God struck Oza and he fell dead next to the Chest of Jehovah… There, in the presence of God!8Of course, David was very depressed over the fact that Jehovah had cut down Oza. So he started calling that place ‘the Cutting Down of Oza,’ which is what it’s still called to this day.9And on that day, David became afraid of Jehovah; for he asked:‘How would it be possible for me to transport the Chest of God?’10So he decided not to move the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah into his city. Rather, he turned around and carried it to the house of Obed-Edom the GitTite, 11and that’s where the Chest of Jehovah was kept for the next three months.But as a result, Jehovah blest the household of Obed-Edom and everything that he owned.12Then when King David was told that that the house of Obed-Edom and all his things were being blest because of the Chest of God, David went and took the Chest of Jehovah from there and brought it into the city of David in a joyful [parade].13However, this time when the Chest of Jehovah was being transported, it was led by 7 companies of dancers, followed by the calf and the lambs that were to be sacrificed, and then by David, as [musicians] played music that was appropriate for the presence of Jehovah.14Well, David was wearing a fine robe 15as he and the whole house of IsraEl danced in front of the Chest of Jehovah, shouting and blowing trumpets. 16But when the Chest reached the city of David, Michal (Saul’s daughter) happened to be watching from her window... And when she saw King David dancing and playing music before Jehovah, in her heart she was disgusted.17Then they brought the Chest of Jehovah in and set it in its place in the middle of the Tent that David had made for it, and David sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings there before Jehovah.18He also blest the people in the name of Jehovah of Armies, 19and he distributed bread loaves, grilled meat, and pancakes among all the people of IsraEl, both the men and the women, some of whom had come from as far way as Dan and BeerSheba.So after that, everyone went back home, 20and David returned to bless his own house... But when he got there, Michal (the daughter of Saul) came out to meet David and she started shouting at him.She asked:‘So, how was the king of IsraEl glorified today as he danced naked in front of the daughters of his servants?‘For you exposed yourself while you were dancing!’21And David replied:‘When I’m in the presence of Jehovah, I’m going to dance!‘May Jehovah, who chose me over your father and his house, be praised for allowing me to take the lead over His people IsraEl.‘I’ll [always] strum and dance in His presence, 22and I’ll be uncovered again in front of the girls – before whom you said I dishonored myself – so that I can become even more useless in your eyes!’23Well, because she said this, Michal (the daughter of Saul) remained childless until the day that she died.
1It was after Jehovah had conquered all [of David’s] enemies roundabout him, that one day, as the king was sitting in his palace, 2he said to the prophet Nathan:‘Look, here I am, living in a palace of cedars, while the Chest of God is just sitting there in a tent!’3And Nathan said to the king:‘Then, do whatever your heart moves you to do, because Jehovah is with you!’4But that night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, which said:5‘Go and speak to My servant David, and tell him that this is what Jehovah says:‘You must not build a house for Me to dwell in, 6because I haven’t stayed in a house from the time that I led the sons of IsraEl out of Egypt until now.‘Rather, I’ve been moving about in a tent 7in all the places where IsraEl has traveled.’‘Now, as you speak to him, ask him this:‘Have I spoken to any of those whom I’ve assigned over My people, the tribes of IsraEl, and asked them to build a house of Cedars for Me?’8‘Then tell my servant David that Jehovah the Almighty says this:‘I took you away from your sheep pens to be the leader over My people IsraEl, 9and wherever you went I’ve been with you... I’ve destroyed all your enemies and I’ve made your name famous among all the great men of the earth.10‘And now I’ll establish a place for my people IsraEl… I’ll plant it in a place where they’ll camp by themselves, and where they won’t have to worry anymore.‘It’s a place where the sons of the unrighteousness won’t humble them as they did in ancient times, 11back when I put judges over My people IsraEl. And it’s only then, after I provide you with rest from all your enemies, that I’ll show you how to build a Temple for Jehovah.12‘And after your days are finished and you’ve gone to sleep with your ancestors, I’ll raise up your offspring after you – someone who’s come from within you – and I’ll prepare his kingdom.13‘He’s the one who’ll build a Temple to My Name, and I’ll establish his throne throughout the ages… 14I’ll be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me.‘So, whenever he misbehaves, I’ll discipline him with the type of switch that men use, and spank him in the same way that the sons of men do [to their sons].15‘But I’ll never remove My mercy from him in the same way that I’ve removed My mercy from others. 16Rather, his house and his kingdom will stand before Me throughout the age, and his throne will last throughout the ages.’17Well after that, Nathan went and spoke to David about all the words that he’d heard in the vision.18Then King David went in and sat down before Jehovah and asked:‘Just who am I, O my Lord Jehovah, and what is my house that You’ve shown such love for me?19‘Even though I was once very small before You, O my Lord Jehovah, You spoke about my house long ahead of time... So now, what laws are you giving to me, O my Lord, 20and what should David say before You?‘You know Your servant, O my Lord Jehovah, 21and You’ve treated Your servant as Your heart has directed… 22You’ve brought about all these great things to let your servant know that he should glorify You, O my Lord Jehovah; for there’s no one else like You, and we’ve heard of no God other than You.23‘And what are Your people IsraEl? For, no other nation on the earth is being guided by their God!‘However, now You’ve purchased a people to establish Your Name and to show Your greatness and grandeur! You drove nations away in front of these people whom You purchased out of Egypt, and then You had them live in tents.24‘So, You’ve set aside IsraEl to be Your people throughout the ages… And You, O Jehovah, have become their God!25‘And now, O my Lord Jehovah, may the things that You said about Your servant and his house prove to be true throughout the ages, just as You said.26‘And may Your Name, 27Jehovah the Almighty God over IsraEl, be glorified throughout the ages!‘For You’ve uncovered the ears of your servant and told me that I’ll build a Temple for You. This is why Your servant’s heart has been moved to speak this prayer to You.28‘And now, O my Lord; you are The God!‘So, the words that You said about the good things that You’ll do for Your servant will prove to be true! 29Therefore, start blessing this house of Your servant, which will stand before You throughout the ages.‘For You, O my Lord Jehovah, have spoken, and You’ve promised to bless the house of your servant throughout the ages.’
1So after that, David attacked the Philistines and routed them, and he took back everything that [IsraEl] had lost to them. 2David also attacked [and captured] MoAb, and he divided their army into two lines as they lay on the ground. Half were to be killed and the rest were to survive.Then the MoAbites became David’s servants and they were required to pay him a tribute.3Next, David attacked HadraAzar (son of RaAb) the king of Soba as he was marching towards the EuPhrates River... 4There David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 of his cavalry, and 20,000 of his foot soldiers!Then David had all the chariots destroyed, except for 100 that he kept for himself.5And when the Syrians came from Damascus to help HadraAzar (the king of Soba), David cut down 22,000 of their men! 6Then David sent a detachment to Syria, where they garrisoned near Damascus, and the Syrians had to pay a tribute to David also.So, Jehovah was with David wherever he went.7Well, David took the gold armlets that the sons of HadraAzar wore and brought them to JeruSalem. However, these were eventually taken by SusAkim [possibly Amenemope] the king of Egypt, when he attacked JeruSalem during the reign of RehoBoam, son of Solomon.8Then David attacked HadraAzar’s principal cities and he brought back huge amounts of brass, which was thereafter used by Solomon to create the Temple’s sacred Brass Sea, its columns, its bathing tubs, and all its utensils.9Well when the king of HaMath heard that David had conquered the armies of HadraAzar, 10he sent his son JedDouran to King David to sue for peace. He also congratulated David for beating HadraAzar (since HadraAzar was his enemy), and he brought along many items of silver, gold, and brass, 11which King David dedicated to Jehovah, as he’d done with all the silver and gold that he’d taken from the cities that he’d conquered, 12[which were] those of:• Edom, • MoAb, • The sons of AmMon, • The Philistines, • The AmaLechites, • From the spoils of HadraAzar son of RaAb, the king of Soba.13Well, after he did that, David became quite famous… And then on his return, he attacked the Idumeans in the Salt Valley, killing 18,000. 14Then he put detachments throughout all of Idumea, and the Idumeans became the king’s servants.Well, no matter where he went, Jehovah was with David, 15and he remained the ruler over all IsraEl; for he was fair and just with his people.16[At the time:]• JoAb (son of ZeruJah) was in charge of his army.• JoShaphat (son of AchiAd) was in charge of the records.17• ZaDok (son of AhiTub) and AhiMelech (son of AbiAthar) were the Priests.• Sasa was the Scribe.18• BenaiJah (son of JoDai) was David’s personal advisor.• The Cherethites, Phelethites, and David’s sons were the chiefs of his palace.
1Then David asked if there was anyone left from the house of Saul to whom he should be showing [kindness] to because of JoNathan. 2And at the time, he found that there was a servant from the house of Saul named Ziba, whom they brought to David.So the king asked him:‘Are you Ziba?’And he replied:‘I’m your servant.’3And the king asked:‘Is there anyone left from the house of Saul upon whom I should be showing the mercy of God?’And Ziba replied:‘There’s still one of JoNathan’s sons… The one whose feet had been damaged.’4So the king asked:‘Where is he?’And Ziba replied:‘Look! He’s in the house of MachIr, son of AmiEl of LodaBar.’5So King David sent for him and brought him from the house of MachIr. 6And when MephiBosheth (son of JoNathan and the grandson of Saul) came to King David, he fell to his face, bowing to the ground before him.Then David said:‘MephiBosheth!’And he replied:‘Look… Your servant!’7Then David said:‘Don’t be afraid, because [the reason why I called you] is to show you mercy because of JoNathan your father... I’m going to give you back all the fields of your grandfather Saul, and you’ll always eat at my table.’8And MephiBosheth bowed low again and said:‘Who am I, your servant, to find your favor? For I’m no better that a dying dog.’9Then the king called for Ziba (Saul’s servant) and told him:‘I’m giving everything that belonged to Saul and his house to your master’s son... 10So you, your sons, and your servants must work his land for him, and you are to bring your lord’s son loaves of bread to eat.‘Also, MephiBosheth, your lord’s son, will always eat at my table.’Now, Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.11And he said to the king:‘Whatever my lord the king asks, his servant will do.’And from that day on, MephiBosheth ate at the table of David as though he was one of the king’s sons.12Now, MephiBosheth had a small son named Micha, whom the whole of house of Ziba also served, 13and they all lived in JeruSalem and always ate at the table of the king.However, MephiBosheth had been lame in both feet since his birth.
1Then the king of the sons of AmMon died, and his son became the new king.2So David said:‘I’ll do something nice for HanNon, son of NaHash, because his father was so kind to me.’Therefore, David sent his servants to the land of the sons of AmMon to comfort him over his father.3However, the governors of the sons of AmMon went to their lord and asked:‘Is David really sending you comforters to glorify your father, or hasn’t he in fact sent them as spies to look at [our fortifications]?’4As a result, HanNon grabbed David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their uniforms to their hips, and then he sent them away.5Well, when this was reported to David, he sent men to meet those servants, because they’d been so extremely dishonored! And the king told them to stay in JeriCho until their beards grew back.6Meanwhile, when the sons of AmMon saw how David had been disgraced, they hired 20,000 Syrians from BaithRaAm, Soba, and RoOb, as well as 1,000 infantrymen from the king of AmaLech, and 12,000 men from IshTob.7And when David heard about this, he sent JoAb and all his best soldiers [to confront them]; 8for the sons of AmMon had gathered for war at their city gates… They’d sent the Syrians from Soba, RoOb, and [men of] IshTob and MaAcha into the field to fight with them.9And when JoAb saw what he was facing, with armies on both sides, he took the younger men of IsraEl and deployed them opposite the Syrians, 10then he put the rest of his army into the hands of his brother AbiShai, who [set up battle lines] facing the sons of AmMon.11And he [told his brother]:‘If Syria starts to beat me, you come to help me; and if the sons of AmMon start to beat you, I’ll come to help you.12‘However, we must act like men! For if we’re strong for our people and the cities of our God, [we can trust that] Jehovah will do whatever He sees is best!’13Well, when JoAb and his men attacked the Syrians, they fled from before him. 14And when the sons of AmMon saw the Syrians running, they turned and ran from AbiShai, back into their cities.So thereafter, JoAb left the land of AmMon and he returned to JeruSalem.15However, after the Syrians had lost before IsraEl, they returned and gathered at the same place again. 16But this time, HadraAzar sent for more Syrians from the other side of the river, stationing them in AiLam, and he put Sobak the general of his army to be over them.17And when this was reported to David, he gathered the whole army of IsraEl and they crossed the JorDan to march against AiLam. There the Syrians set up battle lines against David, and the battle began… 18And again, the Syrians fled from the IsraElites!This time, David destroyed 700 of their chariots and 40,000 of their cavalry! He also killed the general over their army, Sobak.19Then, when the servants of HadraAzar saw that they’d lost to IsraEl, they surrendered and became their servants… And the Syrians were afraid to come to the aid of the sons of AmMon after that.
1Well, it was the time of year when the kings [traditionally] went out to battle, and David sent JoAb, his servants, and the entire army of IsraEl, and they destroyed the sons of AmMon. Then they laid siege against RabBah. However, David had stayed at home in JeruSalem.2Then one evening, David got up from his bed and he walked up to the roof of the king’s palace... From there he saw a very pretty woman who was bathing on her roof.3So David asked about the woman, saying:‘Isn’t that BathSheba, the daughter of EliAb and the woman of UriAh the Hittite?’4And thereafter David sent messengers that brought her to him… He went to bed and [had sex] with her, then she went back home.However, she’d just been cleansed from her monthly period; 5so when she sent a message to David telling him that she was pregnant, David said:‘It’s my baby.’6As a result, David sent [a message] to JoAb, saying:‘Send UriAh the Hittite to me.’And JoAb sent UriAh to him.7Well when UriAh arrived, David first asked how JoAb was doing, how the army was doing, and then about how the war was going.8And David said to UriAh:‘Now, just go back home and wash your feet!’So UriAh left the king’s palace, and the king had a gift sent to him. 9However, UriAh bedded down next to the door to the king’s palace, along with his lord’s servants, and he didn’t go home.10Then when David was told that UriAh hadn’t gone home, he went and asked UriAh:‘Didn’t you just return from some distance? Why don’t you go home?’11And UriAh replied:‘Well, the [sacred] Chest and the armies of Judah and IsraEl are all staying in tents, and my lord JoAb and his men are also camped out in fields; so, how could I go to my house to eat, drink, and go to bed with my woman?‘As you are living, how could I do such a thing?’12Then David told him:‘Well, stay here for the rest of the [evening], and tomorrow I’ll send for you.’So UriAh stayed in JeruSalem throughout that night.And the next day, 13David called for him. Then he fed him and gave him so much to drink that he got him drunk! Yet that evening, he again went to bed with the servants of his lord, and he didn’t return to his home.14So the next morning, David wrote a letter to JoAb, which he asked UriAh to deliver.15It said:‘Send UriAh into the toughest part of the fighting, right up to the city gate; and then leave him there so he will be cut down and killed.’16So when JoAb attacked the city, he put UriAh in a place where he knew that the hardest fighting would be done... 17Then when the men of the city came out to fight with JoAb, many of David’s men died along with UriAh the Hittite.18And thereafter, JoAb sent a report to David with all the details of the battle. He also sent a private message to the king. 19He said this to the messenger whom he sent:‘When you’re describing the battle to the king, 20if the king should get angry and tell you to ask me:‘Why did you approach the city walls to fight them? Didn’t you know that they’d shoot down at you from the walls?21‘For, who struck AbiMelek, son of JeroBaal and grandson of Ner? Didn’t a woman drop a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, killing him there in ThamAsi?‘Why did you attack the wall?’‘You must answer:‘Well, your servant UriAh the Hittite also died.’22So JoAb’s messenger went to the king in JeruSalem and he told David everything that JoAb told him to say about the war. And predictably, David was furious with JoAb, and he said to the messenger:‘Why did he lead [the men] right up to the city to fight?‘Didn’t he know that they’d attack from the walls?‘For, who struck AbiMelek, son of JeroBaal? Didn’t a woman toss a piece of millstone from the wall and kill him in ThamAsi?‘Why did he attack the wall?’23And the messenger said to David:‘Well, the men attacked us… They came out into the field to meet us, so we fought them there at their city gate.24‘Meanwhile, they were also shooting at us from the walls, and many of the king’s servants were killed… Including your subject, UriAh the Hittite.’25So David said to the messenger:‘Then tell JoAb not to feel bad about it, because the sword cuts both ways. He should intensify the battle against the city, then tear it down and establish a garrison there.’26Well, when the wife of UriAh heard that her husband had been killed, she was deeply saddened... 27Then, after her period of mourning, David sent for her and had her brought to his palace.So he married her and she gave birth to his son.However, this whole thing appeared to be wicked in the eyes of Jehovah!
1As a result, Jehovah sent the prophet Nathan to David, who went in and told him this story:‘There were two men who lived in the same city; one was rich, and the other was poor.2‘Now, the rich man had huge flocks and herds, 3but the only thing that the poor man owned was a small female lamb that he’d purchased... He protected it and fed it, and it grew up with his children. It ate the same bread, drank from his cup, and slept inside of his robe; for it was just like a daughter to him!4‘Well, it so happened that a traveler came along who stopped in to see the rich man. Then, because he didn’t want to take anything from his own flocks or herds to prepare [a meal] for a stranger, he took the lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the person who had come to visit.’5Well, when he heard this, David was outraged and he said:‘As Jehovah lives, that man deserves to die!6‘He should also have to pay for the lamb with 7 of his own, because of this evil thing that he did!’7And Nathan said to David:‘But, you are the man who did this!‘So, Jehovah the God of IsraEl told me to say this to you:‘I’m the One who anointed you to be the king over IsraEl, and I’m the One who saved you from the hands of Saul.8‘I’m also the One who gave you the house of your lord and I brought his women to your chest; and thereafter I gave you the houses of IsraEl and Judah... And if you had remained faithful, I would have given you even more!9‘So, why have you treated the Word of Jehovah as worthless by doing this wicked thing before His eyes?For you cut down UriAh the Hittite with the broadsword and took his woman as yours… When the sons of AmMon killed him, it was really you who killed him!10‘And because you did this, the broadsword won’t leave your house throughout the ages! For you treated Me with contempt by taking the wife of UriAh the Hittite as your woman.’11‘And Jehovah also said this:‘Look, I will cause evil things to awaken in your own house… I will take your women from before you and give them to your neighbor, then he will go to bed with them in the daylight.12‘Although you did it in secret, I will do this in the daylight and before all IsraEl!’13Well at that, David said to Nathan:‘I have truly sinned against Jehovah!’And Nathan said to David:‘Well, Jehovah has forgiven your sin, so you’re not going to die... 14However, by doing such an unrighteous thing, you’ve even made Jehovah’s enemies angry.‘Therefore, the son who’ll be born to you will die.’15And at that, Nathan left David’s palace.So as a result, Jehovah caused the child that was born to the woman of UriAh by David to be sickly and weak. 16However, David [prayed to] God about the boy, and he fasted and slept on the ground.17And when the elders of his house came to lift him off the ground, he wouldn’t get up, nor would he eat with them.18Then after 7 days, the boy died… And David’s servants were afraid to tell him, for they said:‘{Look!} When we spoke to him about the boy while [the child] was still alive, he didn’t listen to us... So how can we now tell [David] that he’s dead, for he’ll surely do bad things to us!’19Well, David noticed that his servants had been whispering, and he suspected that the boy had died.So he asked his servants:‘Has the boy died?’And they replied:‘He has.’20Then David got up from the ground, took a bath, rubbed himself with oil, and changed his clothes. And thereafter, he went to the [Tent] of God and bowed before Him.And when he got back home, he asked for some food to eat, which they brought to him, and which he ate.21So his servants asked:‘Why have you acted this way concerning the boy?‘For while he was still alive you fasted, cried, and wouldn’t sleep, but after he died, you got up and ate and drank something.’22And David replied:‘I fasted and cried while the boy was still living, because I hoped that Jehovah would show mercy on me and allow the boy to live. 23But now that he’s died, why should I fast?‘I won’t be able to go and see him again, nor can I carry him to me, because I can’t bring him back.’24Then David went to comfort his woman, BathSheba.Well, he went to bed with her again, and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she named Solomon… And Jehovah loved him. 25So He sent for Nathan the prophet, who renamed him JediDiAh (Beloved of Jehovah), following the Lord’s instructions.26Then JoAb went to war with RabBah of the sons of AmMon again, and he conquered that kingdom’s capital city.27So JoAb sent messengers to David to say:‘I’ve fought against RabBah and subdued the City of Waters!28‘Therefore, gather your men and come to our camp so you can be the first to take it! I don’t want to be the first to take the city, for I don’t wish to have it called by my name.’29As a result, David gathered his men and he went to RabBah and captured it.30Then he took their king’s crown from his head (which was made of gold and precious gems) and had it placed on his own head... They also looted the city and brought back a tremendous amount of goods.31Then he took the [city’s] people away and put them to work as carpenters, farm laborers, iron smelters, blacksmiths, and brick makers… In fact, that’s what he did in all the cities of the sons of AmMon.And thereafter, David and his men returned to JeruSalem.
1Well, AbSalom (one of David’s sons) had a very pretty sister named Thamar, and AmNon (another son of David) was in love with her. 2In fact, he was so smitten with her that he was sick. Thamar (who was also his sister) was a virgin, and AmNon would’ve done anything to have her.3AmNon also had a friend named JoNadab (he was the son of David’s brother SamaA), and JoNadab was a very wise man.4Then one day, JoNadab asked AmNon:‘Why are you so puny every morning, O son of the king… Tell me what’s wrong.’And AmNon, replied:‘It’s because of Thamar, my brother AbSalom’s sister… I love her.’5And JoNadab said to him:‘Then do this: Go to bed and act like you’re sick... And when your father comes to see you, tell him:‘Send my sister Thamar to prepare my food before me and feed me, so I can see her and eat from her hands.’6So AmNon went to bed and pretended to be sick.And when the king came to see him, AmNon said:‘Send my sister Thamar to me and have her bake a couple of biscuits, then I’ll eat them from her hands’7Well, David sent for Thamar at her home, saying:‘Go to the house of your brother AmNon and prepare some food for him.’8Therefore, Thamar went to the house of her brother AmNon. And when she found him lying on a cot, she took some dough and mixed it in front of him to make some biscuits, then she fried them 9and took the frying pan and laid them before him.However, he wouldn’t eat them.So at that, AmNon [told his servants] to send everyone else away.10And AmNon said to Thamar:‘Now, carry the food into my bedroom and I’ll eat it from your hands there.’As a result, Thamar took the biscuits she’d made and carried them into her brother AmNon’s bedroom.11And when she brought them to him, he grabbed her and said:‘Now, come to bed with me, my sister!’12But she said to him:‘No, my brother, don’t rape me; for such things aren’t done in IsraEl!‘Don’t be so foolish, 13for I could never handle the scandal, and you’d be considered one of the fools in IsraEl!‘Just speak to the king and ask him to let you [marry me]!’14However, AmNon wouldn’t listen to her... He just overpowered her, shoved her onto his bed, and raped her!15Well, [after he was finished], AmNon’s love turned to hate... In fact, his hatred was greater than the love that he once had for her. So he told her to get up and leave.16But she said:‘No, O my brother!‘For sending me away like this is even worse than the terrible thing that you just did to me!’But AmNon wouldn’t listen to that.17So he called his head servant in and said to him:‘Take her away from me, then throw her outside and lock the door!’18Well at the time, all she had on was a long-sleeved slip (for that’s what the virgin daughters of the king wore under their clothes). Nevertheless, the servant led her outside and he locked the door behind her.19So, Thamar took ashes and put them on her head and she ripped the slip she was wearing, then she put her hands on her head and ran away screaming.20And later, her brother AbSalom asked her:‘Has your brother AmNon been with you?‘If so, my sister, don’t say anything, because he’s your brother… Don’t put it into your heart to say anything about this!’So from that time on, Thamar lived as a widow in the house of her brother AbSalom.21Well when King David heard what had happened, he was furious! But he wasn’t angry with his son AmNon, since he was his firstborn, 22nor did he say anything bad or good to AbSalom about AmNon.However, AbSalom detested AmNon because he’d raped his sister Thamar.23It was exactly two years later that [all the brothers] went out to shear sheep for AbSalom at BelAsor (near the land of Ephraim), because AbSalom had called for all the sons of the king to help him.24He’d gone before the king and said:‘Look, your servant has to do some shearing. So, may the king and his servants come along with me.’25However, the king said to AbSalom:‘No my son, we shouldn’t all go, for we’d just be a burden on you.’So David refused (because he really didn’t want to go), but he blest him.And AbSalom said:‘Then, send my brother AmNon along with me.’And the king asked:‘Why should he go with you?’27But because AbSalom kept insisting, he sent along AmNon and all of his other sons to help him.Well, when they got there, AbSalom prepared a banquet that was fit for a king.28Then he told his servants:‘When AmNon starts feeling the wine, I want you to strike him down and kill him! Don’t be afraid, because I’m the one who’s telling you to do this.‘Just be strong and act like men!’29So AbSalom’s servants did just as they were told… And after they did that, all the sons of the king mounted their mules and fled.30Meanwhile, as they were headed back, a [false] report came to David that AbSalom had killed all of the king’s sons… That none of them had been spared! 31So the king ripped his clothes and fell to the ground, and all his servants that were standing around him also ripped their clothes.32But then JoNadab (son of ShimeAh, David’s brother) said:‘They shouldn’t have told our lord that all of his sons were killed, for it was just AmNon!‘He died alone at the instructions of AbSalom, because this is the same day thatAmNon had raped his sister Thamar... 33May my lord the king not think in his heart that all of his sons have died, for it was only AmNon!’34Meanwhile, AbSalom had run away.Well just then, [David’s] watchman happened to look out and he noticed many people coming along the road down the side of the mountain.So he went and reported this to the king, saying:‘I see men coming down the mountain along the road to OrOnen.’35And JoNadab said to the king:‘Look, it’s your sons! They’re coming back, just as your servant said they would.’36Then, shortly after he’d finished speaking, {Look!} the king’s sons came in, shouting and crying! And the king and all his servants wailed and cried along with them.37Well at the time, AbSalom had run away and gone to stay with King TholMi (son of EmiUd) of GedSur in the land of HamAchad. And because King David mourned over his son for a long time, 38AbSalom spent three years in GedSur... 39But by then, the [wrath] of the king had abated and he was no longer chasing AbSalom, for he was no longer grieving over the death of AmNon.
1Now, JoAb (son of ZeruJah) knew that the king [still loved] AbSalom. 2So he sent for a woman in Thecoe who was very wise, and he said to her:‘I want you to dress in mourning clothes [and pretend] to be in mourning... Don’t rub yourself with oil, for I want you to appear to be a woman who’s been mourning over her dead for many days.’3So she went to the king and said the words that JoAb told her to say… 4This ThecoEthite woman went in to the king, fell with her face to the ground bowing before him, and said:‘Save me, oh king! Save me!’5And the king asked her:‘What’s wrong?’Then she said:‘I’m now a widow, because my husband has just died!6‘However, your servant had two sons who started arguing with each other while they were out in the fields where there was no one to break it up.‘Then the one hit the other and killed him!7‘So now, {Look} the whole family is against your servant, because they’re telling me to hand over my son so they can kill him for murdering his brother.‘But if they do that, they’ll be taking away my only heir and they’ll extinguish the little spark [of hope] that remains for leaving my husband a name and property on the face of this land!’8So the king said to the woman:‘Don’t worry; just go back home and I’ll handle this matter for you.’9Then the ThecoEthite woman said to the king:‘O my lord the king; may this lawlessness be on me and on the house of my father, not on the king and on his throne.’10And the king said:‘Who was the one who spoke to you?‘Bring [your son] to me, and don’t let anyone touch him!’11Then the woman said:‘May Jehovah your God remind the king not to allow them to take away my son so that our family line [may continue].’And he said:‘As Jehovah lives; not a hair of your son’s head will fall on the ground.’12Then the woman asked:‘May your servant say one more thing to her lord the king?’And he said:‘Speak.’13Then the woman said:‘Why have you made such a decision for the people of God?‘For when you say such things, you’re finding yourself guilty, since the king hasn’t allowed the one whom he banished to return to him!14‘Each of us is dying the death, and like water that’s being poured on the ground, we’re not returned to each other after that... Only God [has the right to] take a life, and only He has the means to drive someone away, if He wishes.15‘Now, as to the thing I came to speak to my lord the king about, the people told your servant to speak to you, to see what you’d do for your servant.16‘They said that you’d rescue your servant from the hands of the man who’s trying to take away my son and my inheritance from God... 17And they also told me that the words of my lord the king would be as good as a sacrifice.‘For my lord the king is like a messenger from God in that you listen to both the good and the bad. So, may Jehovah your God be with you.’18Well at that, the king said to the woman:‘I want to ask you something… And I want you to tell me the truth!’And the woman said:‘Please speak, my lord the king.’19And the king asked:‘Did JoAb put you up to this?’And the woman replied:‘As you are living, O my lord the king, doesn’t the king ever change his mind after he’s made a decision?‘Yes, JoAb is the one who put me up to this, and he put the words into my mouth.20‘But your servant JoAb did this just to bring the matter to a head. For my lord the king has the wisdom of a messenger from God in that he understands everything on earth.’21And the king said to JoAb:‘Look, I’m going to do what you’re asking.‘So, go and bring back the young man AbSalom!’22Well at that, JoAb fell and bowed with his face to the ground.Then he praised the king, saying:‘Today your servant knows that he’s found favor in your eyes, O my lord the king; for you have handled this matter for your servant.’23So then JoAb got up and went to GedSur, and he brought AbSalom back to JeruSalem.24However, the king had said:‘Let him go back to his home… But I don’t want to see his face!’As a result, AbSalom returned home, but he wasn’t allowed to see the face of the king.25Now, there wasn’t a man in all IsraEl that was more admired than AbSalom. For from the sole of his feet to the top of his head, there wasn’t a blemish! 26And when it came to cutting his hair, it took so long that it became bothersome, because whenever he cut it and set it aside, it weighed as much as two royal coins!27AbSalom had three sons and a daughter whose name was Themar. She was a pretty woman, and she [later] married Solomon’s son RehoBoam, to whom she gave birth to AbiJah.28Well, during the next 2 years that AbSalom stayed in JeruSalem, he never saw the face of the king. 29But then he sent for JoAb, because he wanted to send him to the king. However, JoAb wouldn’t come to him.So he sent for him a second time, but he just didn’t want to come. 30As a result, AbSalom said to his servants:‘You know that field of JoAb’s next to mine where he’s growing barley?‘Go and burn it!’So AbSalom’s servants went and burned JoAb’s field!Well at that, JoAb’s servants went to him ripping their clothes, and said:‘The servants of AbSalom have burned your portion of the field!’31So JoAb got up and went to the house of AbSalom, and asked him:‘Why did your servants burn my field?’32And AbSalom replied:‘Look, I called for you and asked you to come here, because I wanted to send you to the king and ask:‘Why did you bring me from GedSur, since things were good for me there? However, {Look!} since then I haven’t seen the face of the king!‘If [you consider me so] unrighteous, why don’t you just kill me?’33So JoAb went to the king and spoke to him... Then [the king] called for AbSalom, and he went in to the king and bowed before him, falling with his face to the ground before him, and the king kissed AbSalom.
1But after that, AbSalom obtained some chariots and horsemen, and he recruited 50 men to run in front of him. 2Then he would get up early each morning and station himself along the street by the city gate. And whenever he saw someone who was coming to try a case before the king, he would call out to him and ask:‘What city are you coming from?’And if he replied...‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of IsraEl.’3...he would say:‘Look, you have a good case; however, no one from the king will listen to it. 4Why doesn’t he appoint me to be the judge of the land and let me handle the disputes and cases? For I’d give you justice!’5And whenever some man would come and bow before him, he would reach out and grab him, then kiss him. 6Well, AbSalom was doing this to everyone from IsraEl who came to the king for a judgment, and as a result, he was winning the hearts of the men of IsraEl.7Then at the end of four years, AbSalom went to his father and said:‘I’m going to HebRon to pay a vow that I made to Jehovah...8‘For, while I was in GedSur, Syria, I vowed to Jehovah that if He would return me to JeruSalem, I’d be His servant.’9And the king said to him:‘Go in peace.’So he got up and went to HebRon.10Now, AbSalom had sent spies among all the tribes of IsraEl, who were told:‘When you hear the sound of trumpets blowing, you must shout:‘AbSalom is now reigning as king in HebRon!’11So after that, AbSalom left JeruSalem along with 200 men (who really didn’t suspect anything). 12Then, while he was offering his sacrifices, AbSalom sent for AhiThophel the Gelamonite (David’s advisor) from his city of Gola. And there he formed a strong confederation of quite a few people who started following AbSalom.13Well, when the report came to David that the hearts of the men of IsraEl had turned towards AbSalom, 14David said to all his servants in JeruSalem:‘We must get up and run from here, for nothing can save us from AbSalom!‘Let’s hurry and go, so he doesn’t overtake us and do bad things to us, then destroy the city with swords!’15And the king’s servants replied:‘We’ll do whatever our lord the king says…‘Look! We’re your servants!’16So the king and his whole house just walked away… However, he left 10 of his concubines behind to guard the house. 17Then the king and all his servants traveled on foot to a house that was very far away.18Well, while the king and his servants were on the way into the desert, they [met up with some] Cherethites and Phelethites that were waiting [for him] on the Mount of Olives.So, along with all the people who came with [David], there were now 600 great men and warriors from the Cherethites, Phelethites, and Gethites, because 600 men had walked from Gath to join the king.19But the king asked ItTai (the Gethite):‘Why are you traveling with us? You should return and stay with the [new] king!‘Since you’re foreigners who’ve just left your homes to join me, 20why are you [planning to] travel with us… Are you moving away from your homes?’And he replied:‘I’ll go wherever you are going.’[But David said]:‘Go back, and take your brothers with you; for Jehovah will bring you kindness and truth!’21But ItTai replied to the king:‘As Jehovah lives, and as my lord the king lives... No matter what happens to my lord, whether he lives or dies, I’ll be his servant.’22And the king said:‘Then come with me!’And ItTai the Gethite and all his servants (a huge number of them) traveled with the king.23Well, throughout the land, people were crying and wailing... Then the king and all his people crossed the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi and traveled towards the edge of the desert.24{Look!} There they met up with ZaDok and all the Levites who were carrying the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah from the [Sacred Tent]. Then they set the Chest of God down, and AbiAthar and all the people from the city [of JeruSalem] said that they were going to come with him.25But the king said to ZaDok:‘Just take the Chest of God back to the city... For if I should find favor in the eyes of Jehovah and He returns me, He will show it to me in all its glory once again.26‘But if He should say that He doesn’t want me; then look… Here I am, may He do to me whatever is good in His eyes.’27And the king told ZaDok the Priest:‘Look! You, your son AhiMaAz, your other two sons, and JoNathan (son of AbiAthar) should return to the city in peace. 28For, although I’m now going to live like a soldier in the desert, I’ll wait there for you to send word to me.’29So ZaDok and AbiAthar returned the Chest of God to JeruSalem, and it stayed there.30Then David climbed the Mount of Olives barefoot and with his head covered, crying. And all the people came with him with their heads covered and crying.31Well when David was told that AhiThophel had joined the confederation with AbSalom, he said:‘O Jehovah, my God,‘Confuse the counsel of AhiThophel!’32Then when David got to Ros, he bowed there before God.And {Look} coming to meet him was HuShai, David’s best friend, ripping his clothes and piling dirt on his head.33But David said to him:‘If you come with me, you’ll just be a burden to me. 34So, return to the city, and say this to AbSalom:‘Since your brothers left me to follow your father, I’m your servant now, O king; so, please allow me to live!‘Although I was once your father’s servant, I’m yours now.’‘And if you’ll do this for me, you’ll confuse the counsel of AhiThophel!35‘Look, there are the Priests, ZaDok and AbiAthar. Go back with them and report everything to them that you hear from the [palace] of the king! 36And here are their two sons, AhiMaAz (son of ZaDok) and JoNathan (son of AbiAthar)... Use them to send back every word that you hear.’37So HuShai (David’s best friend) returned to the city as AbSalom entered JeruSalem.
1Well, after David had traveled a short distance from Ros, {Look!} Ziba (MephiBosheth’s servant) came to meet him with a pair of saddled burros, 200 loaves of bread, a bushel of raisins, 100 clusters of dried fruit, and a skin flask of wine.2So the king asked Ziba:‘What’s this for?’And Ziba replied:‘The animals are for the house of the king to ride, the bread and the dried fruit are for your servants to eat, and the wine is for those who get weak [as they travel] through the desert.’3Then the king asked:‘So, where’s your lord’s son?’And Ziba replied:‘{Look!} He’s sitting in JeruSalem; for he said:‘Today the kingdom of IsraEl will return to the house of my father.’4Then the king said:‘{Look!} I’m giving everything that MephiBosheth has, to you.’And as he bowed [before David], Ziba said:‘May I find favor in your eyes, O my lord the king.’5Well, when King David got to BaUrim, {Look!} a man who was related to the house of Saul (ShiMei, son of Gera) came there cursing 6and throwing stones at David and all his servants.Meanwhile, all the people (including the mighty ones) were walking on either side of the king. 7And ShiMei shouted (as he was cursing):‘Get out of here you murderer… You criminal!8‘For Jehovah has finally brought all the blood of the house of Saul down on you for taking his place as the ruler, and He’s handed your kingdom over to your son AbSalom!‘So, now you’re getting some of your own badness for being a murderer!’9Well at that, AbiShai (son of ZeruJah) said to the king:‘Why does my lord the king put up with the cursing of this dead dog?‘Allow me to go over there and remove his head.’10But the king said to AbiShai:‘What does it matter to me and to you sons of ZeruJah?‘Leave him alone and let him curse.‘It was Jehovah who told him to curse David, so there’s no reason to ask him why he’s doing this.’11And then David said to AbiShai and his servants:‘The son who came from my own belly now wants to kill me; so, let the son of the BenJaminite curse, because Jehovah told him to do it!12‘May Jehovah see my humiliation and provide good things for me in place of [this man’s] curses today.’13So, David and all his men just kept traveling along, as ShiMei ran alongside them next to the mountain cursing and throwing stones and dirt. 14And then finally, the king and all his people got tired and they stopped to rest.15Well, when AbSalom, AhiThophel, and all of his men of IsraEl arrived in JeruSalem, 16HuShai (David’s best friend) went to see to AbSalom and said:‘Long live the king!’17But AbSalom asked HuShai:‘Is this the way you’re treating your friend?‘Why didn’t you go along with your buddy?’18Then HuShai said:‘I’ll follow whomever Jehovah and His people (the men of IsraEl) have chosen… I’ll stick with him and stay with him!19‘For, who will I be serving? I’ll be serving [David’s] son! So, as I served your father is how I’ll serve you now.’20Well at that, AbSalom turned to to AhiThophel and asked what he thought they should do next.21And AhiThophel told AbSalom:‘Your father left some concubines behind to guard his palace... Why don’t you go to bed with them, so that all IsraEl will hear how you’ve disgraced your father… For, that will strengthen your hand with the people!’22As a result, they set up a tent on the [palace] roof. Then AbSalom took his father’s concubines to bed with him in front of all IsraEl!23And from that point on, AbSalom sought AhiThophel’s council on how he should go about asking things of God. So as AhiThophel had once given council to David, he now gave council to AbSalom.
1Then AhiThophel said to AbSalom:‘I’ll choose 12,000 men and we’ll go after David tonight; 2for when I get there, he’ll be tired and weak. We’ll catch him unaware and startle him, then his people will flee, and I can kill the king when there’s no one around!3‘And after I do that, I’ll carry all his people back to you the way a bride is brought before her husband... So, after [we’ve taken] the life of the man you’re searching for, all the people will be at peace!’4Well, this sounded like a good idea to AbSalom and all the elders of IsraEl.5But AbSalom then said:‘Call HuShai the Arachite… I want to hear what he has to say about this.’6So HuShai came to AbSalom, and AbSalom told him about [AhiThophel’s] plan. Then he asked:‘Do you think we should do what [AhiThophel] is suggesting?‘If not, speak up!’7And HuShai said to AbSalom:‘This counsel that AhiThophel has given to you isn’t a good idea this time.8‘For you know your father and his men… They’re very brave and strong, and they’re as angry as a bear that’s lost its cub in a field, or a wild boar that’s been cornered!‘Also, your father is a warrior, so he would never sleep with his family. 9Look, he’ll be hiding in the hills or somewhere else. So when the attack begins, he’ll hear it and say:‘AbSalom’s people are attacking!’10‘However, this mighty man who has the heart of a lion will just melt away once he realizes that he’s finished! For all IsraEl knows how mighty your father and his men are...11‘So, this is what I advise:‘Gather all [the men of] IsraEl from Dan to BeerSheba, [and create an army] as large as the sands of the sea… And you should lead them. 12Then, when you catch up with [David] – no matter where he may be – you must camp all around him and [attack him] just as the dew is settling on the ground… Don’t leave him or any of his men alive!13‘Or, if you should find him in a city, you must bring all IsraEl against that city, tear it down, and throw each of its stones into a riverbed.’14Well, AbSalom and all the men of IsraEl said:‘HuShai the Arachite’s counsel is better than AhiThophel’s counsel.’However, it was Jehovah who had caused the good counsel of AhiThophel to lose out, so that He could bring bad things upon AbSalom!15Then after that, HuShai (the Arachite) sent word to ZaDok and AbiAthar (the Priests), telling them of the advice that AhiThophel had given to AbSalom and the elders of IsraEl.16And he said:‘Send a message to David quickly, so that the king and his people aren’t caught off guard!’17It was while JoNathan and AhiMaAz had stopped at RogEl Springs that a young female servant arrived bringing the message [from HuShai], so they traveled on to carry the report to King David... However, although they didn’t want to be seen entering the city, 18a young man had noticed them and he sent a report to AbSalom.So, the two men ran to the house of someone [they knew] in BaUrim and hid in a cistern in his courtyard. 19And although a woman came and took the cover off the cistern to allow the desert [winds] to cool the water, she didn’t notice them.20So when AbSalom’s men came to the house and asked her:‘Where are AhiMaAz and JoNathan?’She just said:‘They went to get some water.’Well, they looked around but they couldn’t find them, so the men returned to JeruSalem. 21Then after they left, [AhiMaAz and JoNathan] climbed out of the cistern and went to carry the report to King David.They said to him:‘You must get up and quickly cross the river, for AhiThophel has [planned a trap] for you!’22Therefore, David and his people got up and crossed the JorDan before daylight, so that no one would know.23In the meantime, when AhiThophel realized that his counsel had been rejected, he saddled his burro and went back to his home… Then he discharged his staff and hung himself!And thereafter, they buried him in the tomb of his father.24Well, David had traveled all the way to ManaIm, as AbSalom and all his men crossed the JorDan [in pursuit].25Now, AbSalom had put AmaSa in charge of his army (in place of JoAb). AmaSa was JeTher’s son, an IsraElite from JezreEl.26Then he went to see AbiGail (the daughter of JesSe and the sister of ZeruJah) who was JoAb’s mother, while AbSalom and the army of IsraEl had camped in the land of GileAd.27Meanwhile, after David had entered ManaIm, WesBi (son of NaAs from RabBath, an AmMonite), MachIr (son of AmiEl from LodaBar), and BarZilLai (the GileAdite from RogelLim) 28brought:• 10 cots, • Blankets, • 10 pots, • Dishes, • Wheat, • Barley, • Flour, • Toasted grain, • Beans, • Lentils, 29• Honey, • Butter, • Mutton, and • Cheese.And they gave it to David and his people to eat.For they said:‘They’re starving, thirsty, and weak from traveling through the desert.’
1It was then that David counted his men to see how many were with him, and he assigned generals and officers to be over them, 2as he readied them for battle.He put:• 1/3 under the direction of JoAb.• 1/3 under the direction of AbiShai, son of ZeruJah (JoAb’s brother).• 1/3 under the direction of ItTai the Gethite.Then David said to his men:‘From now on, I’ll be leading you.’3But they said:‘You can’t come with us; for if [AbSalom’s people] kill half of us, we might lose you, and that would be like losing 10,000 men!‘It’s really best for you to stay in the city and direct us from there.’4So the king said:‘I’ll do whatever you wish.’Thereafter, the king stood at the city gate as his army passed by in companies and divisions.5Now, the king had given orders to JoAb, AbiShai, and ItTai, saying:‘I want you to spare the young man AbSalom for me!’And everyone heard what the king had said to them about AbSalom.6Well from there, [David’s army] marched into a forest that was directly across from [the army of] IsraEl, and the battle started there in the Woods of Ephraim.7But the army of IsraEl didn’t fare well against the followers of David, for they lost 20,000 of their men, 8as the war raged on throughout the land… And the thick forest killed as many men as were killed with swords that day.9But soon, David’s men caught up with AbSalom. He’d been riding his mule, and the mule had taken off into a dense thicket. There, AbSolom’s head got caught in the branches of an oak tree, which left him hanging between the sky and the ground… The mule just took off and left him hanging there!10Well, when one of the men saw what had happened, he went and told JoAb:‘I’ve found AbSalom! He’s hanging in an oak tree!’11And JoAb said:‘You saw this and you didn’t cut him to the ground?‘I would’ve given you 10 large silver coins if you’d done that!’12But the man told JoAb:‘If you gave me 1,000 large silver coins, I wouldn’t do that! For, I’d never raise a hand against a son of the king!‘And we all heard the king tell you, and both AbiShai and ItTai, to guard the young man AbSalom for him... 13So, it would’ve been wrong for me to kill him!‘For the king would surely hear about it, and then you and I’d find ourselves on opposite sides.’14But JoAb said:‘Well, that’s what’s going to happen… I’m not going to put up with this!’So JoAb took three arrows and shot them into the chest of AbSalom as he was still alive, hanging there in the middle of the oak tree! 15Then 10 of his young men took JoAb’s weapons and stabbed AbSalom [to make sure] that he was dead.16Thereafter, JoAb blew his battle horn to call his people back from their pursuit of IsraEl, because he wanted to spare the rest of the people... 17Then JoAb took AbSalom’s body and threw it into a deep gulley in the forest, and he formed a huge pile of rocks over it as a monument, while the whole army of IsraEl was retreating to their tents.18Now, while AbSalom was still alive, he’d built a monument to himself in the Valley of the Kings; for he said:‘I have no sons to remind people of my name.’So he named the monument after himself, calling it ‘The Hand of AbSalom,’ which is still there today.19Well, after this had all happened, AhiMaAz (son of ZaDok) decided to run and bring the good news to the king that Jehovah had passed judgment on his enemies.20But JoAb told him:‘You shouldn’t bring this as good news today…‘Save that for another day, for it isn’t good news that a son of the king has died.’21Then JoAb told HuShai:‘You should go and tell the king what you’ve seen!’And at that, HuShai bowed before JoAb and left.22However, AhiMaAz (son of ZaDok) said to JoAb:‘Let me run after HuShai!’But JoAb asked:‘Why do you want to do this, my son?‘Come along, for there’s no good news that will be of any benefit to you if you go there.’23And AhiMaAz said:‘But what if I run?’Then JoAb said:‘Okay, then run!’So AhiMaAz ran along the road to KeChar, and he passed HuShai.24Well, David was sitting between the two city gates, as the watchman was on the roof of the gate next to the wall... And when the watchman looked out and saw a man running towards them, 25he yelled and reported it to the king.And the king asked:‘Is he is alone… Is he bringing good news?’Then, as this one was approaching, 26the watchman saw another man running.And he yelled out:‘Look, there’s another man running by himself!’And the king said:‘Surely he’s bringing good news!’27Then the watchman said:‘I see that the man running ahead is AhiMaAz, son of ZaDok… So he must be bringing good news!’28And at that, while he bowed to the ground before the king, AhiMaAz yelled out to the king:‘Peace!’ Then he said:‘Praise your God Jehovah!‘For he’s shut the mouths of those who’ve raised their hands against my lord, the king.’29So the king asked him:‘Do we now have peace with the young man AbSalom?’And AhiMaAz said:‘Well I saw a large happy crowd standing around the king’s servant JoAb, so I came here.‘However, I’m not sure of all that happened there.’30Then the king said:‘Step aside and stand over there!’So he stepped aside and stood nearby, 31as HuShai came and reported this to the king:‘I have good news to announce to my lord the king!‘For today Jehovah has passed judgment upon all those who’ve opposed you!’32And the king asked HuShai:‘So, how is the young man AbSalom?’And he replied:‘The young man has fared the same as all the enemies who’ve done evil things against my lord, the king!’33Well at this, the king became very upset, so he went up into the room above the gate and wept.He cried:‘O my son AbSalom! O my son! O my son AbSalom!‘Why couldn’t I have died instead of you, AbSalom?‘O my son! O my son!’
1So thereafter, a message was sent to JoAb that the king was crying and mourning over AbSalom, 2rather than celebrating a victory.And as a result, his people went into mourning too, because they heard that the king was [so disturbed over the death of] his son… 3They just melted away into the city like men who were running from a battle.4Meanwhile, the king refused to show his face, for he kept crying and sobbing:‘O my son AbSalom! AbSalom! O my son!’5Well finally, JoAb went into the king’s house, and said to him:‘You’re disgracing all your servants that fought to save you today, as well as your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your concubines; 6for you’re showing that you love the one who hated you, and that you hate those who love you!‘You’re giving the impression that your leaders and your servants are nothing, and you’d prefer it if AbSalom were alive today while all the rest of us were dead!7‘Now, get up and go outside, then talk to your servants and tell them how you really feel!‘For I swear by Jehovah that unless you go out there today, there won’t be a man standing with you tonight.‘Realize that the evil you’re doing here is worse that all the other evil things that have happened to you since you were young!’8Well at that, the king went out and sat down at the [city] gate.And then all the people started shouting:‘Look, the king is sitting at the gate.’So then, all his people gathered to him there.Now, [AbSalom’s men], the army of IsraEl, had all retreated to their tents, 9and these tribes of IsraEl had started discussing matters, saying:‘King David was the one who rescued us from our enemies, and he saved us from the hands of the Philistines... But then he had to flee the land and his kingdom, because he was running from AbSalom.10‘However, now that AbSalom, whom we anointed to be [our king], has died in the battle, we should just quietly return to the king.’So thereafter, all IsraEl then returned to the king.11Then King David sent for ZaDok and AbiAthar (the Priests), and he said:‘Speak to the elders of Judah and ask them why they’re the last ones to welcome their king back.’Well, as a result, these words of the king were spread throughout all IsraEl.12For he’d said:‘My brothers,‘You are my own flesh and bones, so why are you the last ones to welcome the king back to his palace?13‘Are you now going to turn to AmaSa and say, ‘You are our flesh and bones’? No!‘May God curse me and add more to it, if the one in charge of my armies is anyone except JoAb.’14Well, this turned the hearts of all the men of Judah, and they sent a message to the king saying:‘You and all your servants should return to us!’15So at that, the king traveled towards the JorDan, and all the men of Judah came to GilGal to welcome him and to accompany him across [the river].16ShiMei (son of Gera, son of the BenJaminite from BaUrim) hurried with his men of Judah to meet King David, 17and he brought along 1,000 men from BenJamin, as well as Ziba (the servant of the house of Saul) and his 15 sons and 20 servants.They all went straight to the king at the JorDan 18to officially welcome him as he crossed the ford (in order to satisfy his family, and to do the right thing in his eyes).Then ShiMei (son of Gera) fell to his face before the king at the JorDan and said:19‘Please, my lord,‘Forgive the lawless way that your servant acted when the king left JeruSalem… Please put it out of your heart, 20for your servant knows that he’s sinned!‘Now look; I’ve come here before all IsraEl and the house of JoSeph today, to welcome back my lord the king.’21But AbiShai (son of ZeruJah) asked:‘Shouldn’t ShiMei be put to death for cursing the anointed of Jehovah?’22And David said:‘Why are you sons of ZeruJah always coming to me with plots?‘No man of IsraEl will be put to death today, for I still don’t know whether I’m even their ruler!’23Then the king said to ShiMei, ‘You won’t die,’ and he swore this in an oath to him.24Well thereafter, MephiBosheth (JoNathan’s son and Saul’s grandson) came to welcome the king... However, he hadn’t washed his feet, cut his nails, or trimmed his mustache, and his clothes hadn’t been washed since the day he left to ask the king for peace.25So when he came from JeruSalem to greet him, the king asked:‘Why didn’t you come along with me, MephiBosheth?’26And MephiBosheth answered:‘O my lord, O king,‘It was because my servant had misled me.‘When I told him to saddle my burro and help me mount it, because your servant is lame, to go with the king, 27he wouldn’t do it!‘However, my lord the king is as a messenger of God; so, do whatever’s good in your eyes!28‘But, back when there was no one else left of the my father’s house, other than those who deserved death from my lord the king, you allowed your servant to eat at your table!‘So, what reason would I have to speak out against the king?’29And the king said to him:‘Why are you still talking?‘From now on, you must give your field to Ziba!’30And MephiBosheth said:‘Yes, may he take everything, now that my lord the king is returning in peace to his palace.’31Then BarZilLai (the GileAdite) came to the king at the JorDan from RogelLim, to accompany him on his way back home. 32BarZilLai was very old (80 years old), but he’d fed the king while he was living in ManaIm, because he was very wealthy.33So the king said to BarZilLai:‘Now, come to JeruSalem with me, and I’ll care for you in your old age.’34But BarZilLai said to the king:‘How many years do you think I have left, so that I should travel with the king to JeruSalem?35‘Since I’m 80 years old today, how could I really appreciate what you’re doing? Can I still enjoy the taste of the food and drink that you’ll offer me?‘Or can I still enjoy the voices of men and women singing?‘Why should I burden my lord the king?36‘So, your servant will just travel with the king for a short way to the JorDan… What greater reward or payment can you give me? 37Let your servant stay here to die in my own city and to be buried with my father and mother!‘But look; your servant’s son CamaAm will cross [the JorDan] with my lord the king… Please do for him whatever you find good in your eyes.’38And the king said:‘Then let CamaAm cross over with me, and I’ll do what’s good in my eyes for him… I’ll do whatever you ask of me.’39Well, as all the people were crossing the JorDan, the king also prepared to cross... Then he kissed BarZilLai and blest him, and he returned to his people.40And as the king was crossing over towards GilGal, CamaAm crossed [the river] with him, along with all the people of Judah and half of the people of IsraEl.41But then men from IsraEl approached the king and asked him:‘Why did you allow our brothers of Judah to steal you and help the king, his household, and his army to cross the JorDan?’42And the men from Judah shouted:‘Because the king is our close relative!‘Why are you so irritated about this?‘Has the king given us any more food, or gifts, or brought us a tribute?’43Then at that, the men of IsraEl replied:‘Since we have 10 [tribes] that serve the king, and since we’re the firstborn, how do you have [a greater claim] to David?‘We even came here [to welcome him back] before you did!‘So, why are you insulting us by not allowing us to be the first to escort the king?’However, the men of Judah just shouted the men of IsraEl down.
1Well, there was a man who was referred to as the ‘Son of a Criminal,’ and his name was SabeE son of BoChori, a BenJaminite.He then blew his horn and shouted:‘David [doesn’t have any respect] for us, nor does this son of JesSe have an inheritance for us!‘Therefore, men of IsraEl, let’s all return to our tents!’2And at that, all the men of IsraEl who were following David turned and started following The Son of BoChori! However, the men of Judah stuck by their king [and followed him] from the JorDan to JeruSalem.3Well, when David arrived at his palace in JeruSalem, he then took the 10 concubines whom he’d left to guard the house, and he had them put under guard. He took care of them, but he never went to bed with them after that.So they lived in custody as widows until the day that they died.4Thereafter, the king then said to AmaSa (the man who had served as the commander-in-chief of AbSalom’s army):‘Call the army of Judah to assemble here in three days… And I want you to return here.’5So AmaSa went and called [the army of] Judah, but he stayed away longer than David told him that he should, 6because David had told AmaSa that he was going to do something worse to The Son of BoChori than had been done to AbSalom.He told him to gather his servants and chase the man down before he could find a fortified city [where they couldn’t reach him]. 7So, JoAb’s men (the Cherethites, the Phelethites, and all the mightiest of his warriors) went to get AmaSa, and they’d also left JeruSalem to chase down The Son of BoChori.8Well, when they reached Great Stone in GibeOn, they found AmaSa standing there before them... Now, JoAb was dressed in full uniform, carrying a sword in its sheath, but [he let] the sword slide out and fall [to the ground].9Then JoAb asked AmaSa:‘Are you in good health, O brother?’Then he grabbed AmaSa’s beard with his right hand as if to kiss him 10(for AmaSa didn’t notice the [other] sword in JoAb’s other hand), and JoAb stuck the sword into his belly, pouring his guts out on the ground!Then he stabbed him a second time, killing him.Well after that, JoAb and his brother AbiShai got ready to chase after The Son of BoChori. 11And then one of JoAb’s servants stood up next to him and shouted to those who had been in AmaSa’s army:‘Which of you are on JoAb’s side and which of you are for David? Let them follow JoAb!’12Well, AmaSa was lying there dead in the middle of the road covered in blood, so one of his men carried his body from the road into a field and covered it with a cape, to keep people from coming there and stopping to look at it.13And after he took the body out of the road, all the men of IsraEl went with JoAb to hunt down The Son of BoChori.14Meanwhile, [The Son of BoChori] had traveled throughout all the tribes of IsraEl on his way to Abel BethMacha... 15And after he got there, JoAb formed to attack him in that city, building a ramp around its wall, because he planned to tear the walls down.16But a wise woman yelled from the wall:‘Listen! Listen! Tell JoAb to come here, because I want to speak to him!’17So he got up close to her, and the woman asked:‘Are you JoAb?’And he said:‘I am.’Then she said:‘Listen to what your servant has to say!’And JoAb said:‘I’m listening.’18So she said:‘There’s an old saying that goes:‘If you just choose to ask Abel, All of your problems will be solved.’19‘Now, I’m one of the peaceful ones who supports of IsraEl; however, you’re still planning to destroy our city… And a mother-city of IsraEl, at that!‘So, why would you want to sink the inheritance of Jehovah?’20And JoAb replied:‘Unless you people are kind and friendly with me, I’ll not only sink it, I’ll totally destroy it!21‘For, isn’t this the place where a man from the hills of Ephraim who’s called The Son of BoChori is staying? This one who lifted his hand against King David?‘Hand him over to me personally, and I’ll leave your city!’And the woman said to JoAb:‘Look! I’ll toss his head over the wall to you.’22So the woman went to her people and told everyone in the city about her wise plan... Then they cut off the head of The Son of BoChori and tossed it to JoAb!And at that, JoAb blew his horn and all his men went back to their tents, while he returned to the king at JeruSalem.23After that, [David once again put] JoAb in charge of all the armies of IsraEl.Then he put:• BenaiJah son of JehoiAda over the Cherethites and the Phelethites, 24• AdoniRam in charge of the tributes, and • JoSaphat son of AchiLuth in charge of the records.25[Also:]• Susa was his scribe, • ZaDok and AbiAthar were the Priests, 26and • Iras son of JaRin was David’s personal Priest.
1Well, there came three consecutive years of famine during the days of David, so he asked Jehovah, and the Lord said:‘This is happening because the house of Saul was guilty of shedding [innocent] blood when he killed the GibeOnites.’2So the king called the GibeOnites, and he said:‘You GibeOnites [really] aren’t IsraElites, you’re just what remains of the Amorites! However, although the sons of IsraEl swore an oath to your people, Saul attacked you in his zeal for the sons of IsraEl and Judah.’3Then David asked them:‘So, what must I do for you… What must I do to [pay for our sins], and to get you to bless the inheritance of Jehovah?’4And the GibeOnites replied:‘The problem can’t be paid for with silver or gold by Saul and his house, and none of [his family] remain anywhere in IsraEl whom we can put to death.’5So [David] again asked:‘Then, what can I do for you?’And they told the king:‘[Saul] would have finished us off!‘For he chased us down, tried to trick us, and he attempted to wipe us out!‘Therefore, we’d like to remove [any trace] of him, so that his ways won’t endure anywhere within the borders of IsraEl... 6Please give us seven of his descendants, and we’ll hang them in the sun before Jehovah, there in Saul’s town of GibeOn!’Then the king promised:‘I’ll give them to you.’7However, the king [had promised to] spare MephiBosheth (JoNathan’s son, and Saul’s grandson), because of the oath that they’d sworn before Jehovah… The one between David and JoNathan (Saul’s son).8So the king took [Saul’s sons] ErMoni and MephiBosheth ([who’s mother was] ResPha, who was the daughter of Saul’s concubine AiAh’s), plus the five sons of Saul’s daughter Michol (whom she’d born to EsdriEl son of BarZilLai the Moulathite), 9and handed them over to the GibeOnites, who hung them on the mountain in the sun before Jehovah.And there they died, all seven of them together!Well, this happened at the beginning of the barley harvest.10So ResPha (AiAh’s daughter) took sackcloth and made a bed for herself on the rock [beneath the dead bodies of the hanging men], [and she stayed there] from the beginning of the barley harvest until water from God dripped from the sky… She didn’t let the birds to rest on them during the day, nor the wild animals to come during the night.11Then, everything that ResPha (Saul’s concubine AiAh’s daughter) was doing was reported to David. 12So David had the bones of Saul and his son JoNathan taken from the sons of JabIsh GileAd (which they’d stolen from BethSan’s city square where the Philistines had put them after killing Saul at GilBoa), 13and they also gathered the bones of the men who’d been hung in the sun [by the GibeOnites], 14and carried all their bones (those of Saul, JoNathan, and the men who were hung in the sun) to the land of BenJamin, where they were buried on the side of a hill, in the tomb of Kish, Saul’s father.They did exactly as the king told them... And after that, God started paying attention to the land once again.15Meanwhile, there was still a state of war between the Philistines and IsraEl, so David took his men and went to fight the Philistines (however, by then David’s health had started to decline).16Meanwhile, JesBi (who was a descendant of Rapha) had a brass spear that weighed as much as 300 large silver coins, and he was wearing heavy armor when he decided to attack David... 17But AbiShai son of ZeruJah came to David’s aid and he struck down the Philistine, killing him.And that’s when David’s men swore an oath to him saying:‘You may never again come with us to a battle, so that the lamp of IsraEl won’t be extinguished!’18Well at the time, the war with the Philistines was still being fought at Gath, where SeboCha (the AstaTothite) eventually conquered the descendants of the ‘giants.’ 19They were also fighting the Philistines at Gob, which is where Ari’s son EleAnan killed LachMi, GoliAth the GitTite’s brother (whose spear was as large as a weaving loom).20Then, as the battle raged on in Gath, a man from Madon who had 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot (for a total of 24), Rapha’s son, 21came and shouted insults at IsraEl... However, JoNathan (son of David’s brother ShimeAh) cut him down!22All of these men were descendants of the ‘giants’ in Gath from the house of Rapha, but David and his servants had cut them all down.
1Then, after the Lord had rescued David from the hands of Saul and all his enemies, he sang this song to Jehovah:2‘Jehovah’s my rock and my fortress… He’s the One who comes to my rescue. 3My God is a guard that’s before me; So, upon Him, I’ll lean.4‘He’s the One who defends me; He’s the trumpet of my salvation… My shield and refuge from the unrighteous.‘You deserve all the praise, for You saved me; Since I called to the Lord and was saved. 5For, deadly battles had me surrounded, And by lawless dry streams, I was upset. 6Fear of death, had me enwrapped, And I awaited the harshness of death.7‘But, in my pain, I called to Jehovah; Yes, I yelled to my God, And from His House, He listened to me… My voice and my cries reached His ears.8‘Then the ground started to tremble, And the skies were disturbed by His anger. 9Smoke ascended, because of His rage; And the fire from His mouth became so consuming That even the coals burned away.10‘He leaned on the sky and it fell, As darkness was under His feet. 11He mounted a cherub upon its spread wings, And was seen on the wings of the winds.12‘He concealed Himself in the gloom of His Tent, And in the darkness of waters. Then, He thickened the clouds in the sky, 13As the brightness before Him lit fires.14‘He thundered from out of the sky… He shouted down from His place in the heights. 15Then He grabbed His arrows and shot them… With flashes of lightning, He scared them away.16‘Then the things in the sea were exposed, As were the foundations of the earth. [God] sent His accusations among them… The breath of the spirit of His rage.17‘From up above, He then grabbed me and took me… He lifted me from those deep waters. 18He rescued me from my enemies’ strength… From those by whom I was hated.19‘He saw all the problems I faced, And Jehovah became my foundation. 20He provided a space and He saved me… He chose to do good on my behalf.21‘Jehovah has rewarded all my righteous ways… It’s the reward of undefiled hands. 22For I’ve paid attention to His ways… Before my God, I’ve showed deep respect.23‘I’ve kept His decisions before me, And I’ve never turned from His Laws. 24So I’ll stand before Him unblemished, And away from the lawless, I’ll stay.25‘And Jehovah will reward me According to my righteous ways, Yes, before His eyes, According to my undefiled hands.26‘With the holy, You’ll always be holy; And with the perfect, You’ll always be perfect; 27The elected, You’ll treat as Your chosen, And to the crooked, You’ll send crooked ways.28‘By You, the poor will be saved, And You’ll humble the eyes of the proud. 29By You, O Jehovah, my lamp will be lit… My Lord sends me light in the darkness.30‘So in You, I’ll run lightly armed, And by my God, I’ll pass over walls. 31For, flawless are the ways of the Almighty, And the sayings of Jah are very refined.‘He’s the defender of all who obey Him; 32And who’s as strong as Jehovah? For, who other than our God can create; 33Since, He alone is the Almighty.‘He strengthens me with His power, And removes the flaws of my ways. 34He sets my feet firm like a stag, And into the heights, He then lifts me.35‘He teaches my hands to fight battles, And to break brass bows with my arms. 36He gives me a shield to protect me… Because I obeyed Him, He made me strong. 37He enlarges my footsteps beneath me, And my trembling knees, He [makes firm].38‘So, I’ll pursue and remove, And I’ll not return ‘til they’re gone. 39I’ll crush them and then they won’t rise again… They’ll fall [to the ground] under my feet.40‘You’ll strengthen me for great battles, And bend those who rise from beneath me. 41All my enemies, You’ve handed to me, And You’ve broken the backs of all those who hate me.42‘They yelled, but [God] didn’t come to their aid; For to them, He never would listen. 43So I ground them to dust on the ground, And made them fine like the mud in the streets.44‘You saved me when men came to fight me, And appointed me head over nations. So, people I didn’t know came to serve me… 45Then they listened and did as I asked.46‘The sons of liars will reel, And into confinement, they’ll stumble. 47As Jehovah lives; may my Great Guard be praised… May my God who guards me, be exalted.48‘For, Jehovah is strong and sends vengeance… He corrects the people who serve me. 49From those who hate me, He lifts me away… He lifts me high over those who oppose me.‘From unrighteous men, You’ll save me, 50And for this, to the nations, I’ll praise You.‘O Jehovah!‘I’ll strum tunes to Your Name, 51For You saved Your king in great awesome ways… You’ve shown mercy to Your anointed… To David and his offspring throughout the ages.’
1And those were the last words of David.David son of JesSe was a trustworthy man whom the Lord had elevated to the position of the anointed of the God of Jacob.He also wrote many of the beautiful psalms of IsraEl… Such as:2‘Through me, spoke the Breath of Jehovah,
And His words were there on my tongue.
3It was IsraEl’s God who guards us,
And who gave this parable to me.‘I once asked this of a man:
How can I teach you to fear [God’s] anointed?
4For it’s God who brings light in the morning…
The sun as it rises into the day,
And after its brightness, it then fades away.‘He’s the One who sends us the rain
That causes tender shoots to sprout from the ground.
5And He’s the One who made my house strong…
Who made it stand throughout the ages
Through the promise that He gave to me.‘He’s the One who guarded and saved me,
So I’ll serve Jehovah and not break His Laws.
6For, thorn-bushes couldn’t stand and oppose me;
And by the hands of men, they were taken away.7‘Although there were some who worked hard
Turning iron and wood into spears;
These things were then burned in the flames…
In their shame, they all were consumed.’8These are the names of the three mighty ones of David:JeBosthe the CanaAnite, who was the greatest of the three.He [was also known as] AdiNon the Asonite; for he was the one who unsheathed his broadsword and killed 800 men in one battle.9EliYanan (AdiNin’s nephew).He was with David in SeiRa when he berated the Philistines while they gathered for war against him. It was then that this man of IsraEl went right up to them 10and kept killing Philistines until his hand got tired... So he tied his sword to his hand [and kept fighting].Jehovah gave him a great victory that day, and the only reason why the rest of the people had to return to [the field] was just to strip the dead.11SamaiJa son of Asa the Arachite.When the Philistines went to Theria and people there were picking lentils in a field, they all ran from the Philistines... 12But he stood there like a stone monument in the middle of the field and protected it, cutting down the Philistines in a great victory!13It was these three (from among the 30 of the leaders) who went to David when he was at Kason in the cave of OdolLam, as the Philistines camped [against him] in the Valley of Rephaim.14Also, when David was in the citadel and the Philistines were in BethLehem, 15and David [got thirsty] and asked:‘Who’ll go to the well that’s at the city gate in BethLehem to get me some water to drink?’[Yes,] although all the Philistines were assembled in BethLehem!16It was these same three mighty ones who tore up the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well that was in BethLehem, and brought it to David.However, he wouldn’t drink it and offered it to Jehovah instead.17For he said:‘Please be kind to me, O Jehovah, for offering this.‘How could I drink it after these men risked their blood and their lives to bring it to me?’So he didn’t drink it. And it was these three mighty ones did these things.18Now, AbiShai son of ZeruJah (JoAb’s brother) was above the three. And because he’d killed 300 men, he was also considered to be with the three. 19He was never part of the group, but he was the most highly regarded, so he was put in charge over them.20Then there was BenaiJah son of JehoiAda.He also did many marvelous things. For at KabeseEl, he struck down the two sons of AriEl the Moabite. And he’s the one who went and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day!21He also cut down a remarkable Egyptian man who carried a wooden spear that was as large as a ladder... He went right up to him with a rod, grabbed the wooden spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his [own] spear!22Yes, these are things that BenaiJah son of JehoiAda did, and that’s why he was also considered among the mighty ones. 23So, he was viewed one of the three, but he was never part of their group... Although he was given more honor, for David had appointed him [to be the head of his guards].24And these are names of the [other] mighty ones of King David:• AshaEl, JoAb’s brother (who was also one of the 30),
• ElAnan (son of his uncle Dudi of BethLehem),
25• SamAi the Arudite,
26• Seles the KelOthite,
• Iras (son of EkKas the Thekoite),
27• AbiEzer the AnathOthite (from the sons of the Asothites),
28• ElLon the Awiite,
• MoOr the NetoPhathite,
29• Ethi (son of Riba of GabeOth, son of BenJamin the Ephrathite),
30• Adroi of the Brooks,
31• GadabiEl (son of the ArabOthite),
• AzMoth the BarSamite,
32• The sons of EliAsou the Salabonite:
• Jaban, and
• JoNathan.
33• SamNan the Arodite,
• Acian (son of Arai the SaraUrite),
34• AlipPhaleth (the son the Asbitite and grandson of MaAchathi),
• EliAb (son of AhiThophel the Gelonite),
35• AsarAi the CarMelite of Uraeoerchi,
36• GaAl (son of Nathan, a powerful son of Galaaddi),
37• ElYe the Ammanite,
• GelorAi the BerOthite (who was the arms bearer for JoAb son of ZeruJah),
38• Iras the Jethirite,
• Gareb the Ethenite, and
39• UriAh the Hittite.In all, they numbered 37 [mighty men].
1Well thereafter, the anger of Jehovah started to burn in IsraEl, because David was moved to say, ‘Go and take a census of IsraEl and Judah!’2Yes, the king had said to JoAb (who was in charge of the army):‘Go throughout all the tribes of IsraEl and Judah from Dan to BeerSheba, and count all the men, so I’ll know how many there are.’3But JoAb said to the king:‘May Jehovah your God add to your people, and may you find that they’ve grown to be 100 times greater. However, my Lord the king; why would you want to do such a thing?’4But the king refused to listen to JoAb and to those who were in charge of his army, so JoAb and his men left the presence of the king and went to take a census of the people of IsraEl.5They crossed the JorDan and camped to the right of AroEr in the ravine of Gad and EliEzer... 6Then they went to GileAd and into the land of ThaBason (AdasSai)... And from there, they traveled to DaniDan and UDan, and they camped around Sidon... 7Then they traveled to MapSar of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites and CanaAnites; and finally, they went to the south of Judah, into BeerSheba.8So they traveled throughout the entire land, returning to JeruSalem at the end of 9 months and 20 days, 9and JoAb gave the numbers of the people to the king.Altogether, he found that there were 800,000 men in the armies of IsraEl who carried the broadsword, plus 500,000 warriors from Judah.10Well, after the census was completed, David [became ashamed] of what he’d done, and he said to Jehovah:‘I’ve really sinned by doing this thing... However, O Lord, please overlook this lawlessness on the part of your servant, for I was very foolish!’11But when David got up the next morning, [he found that] the Word of Jehovah had come to the prophet Gad (the Seer), who was told:12‘Go and speak to David.‘Tell him that this is what Jehovah said:‘I’m giving you your choice of three [penalties]. You must choose the one you prefer, and I’ll then bring it against you!’13So Gad went to David and told him:‘Choose for yourself which of these is going to come upon you:1. Three years of famine in our land,2. Three months when your enemies will chase you and you’ll run from them, or3. Three days of death in your land.‘Now, give me a reply for the One who sent me.’14And David said to Gad:‘Those are all tough choices, but of the three, I choose to put myself into the hands of Jehovah, because He’s very compassionate... He will never allow me to fall into the hands of [my enemies].’15So David chose the death.Now, it was the season of the wheat harvest when Jehovah sent death throughout IsraEl from the morning until dinnertime. Devastation started among the people, killing 70,000 men from Dan to BeerSheba.16Then the messenger of God turned his hand towards JeruSalem… To destroy it! However, [Jehovah then forgave] the evil that was done, and He said to the messenger that was destroying the people,‘That’s enough!’Well at the time, the messenger of Jehovah was at the threshing-floor of Orna the Jebusite. 17And David said to Jehovah (when he saw the messenger striking the people):‘Look… I was the one who did the wrong!‘Yes, I’m the shepherd who sinned, and these are just the sheep… What have they done? May Your hand come against me and the house of my father instead!’18Then Gad came to David that day and said to him:‘Now, go and erect an Altar to Jehovah at the threshing-floor of Orna the Jebusite.’19So, following the instructions of the prophet Gad, he did what the Lord told him to do. 20And when Orna saw the king and his servants coming towards him, he bowed before the king with his face to the ground.21Then Orna asked:‘Why is my lord the king coming to his servant?’And David replied:‘I’m here to buy your threshing-floor from you in order to build an Altar to Jehovah, so that He will stop destroying the people.’22And Orna said to David:‘Then, take it and offer it to Jehovah, my lord the king… Do whatever is good in your eyes!‘Look, here are some oxen to sacrifice as whole burnt-offerings… And use the wooden [ox-cart] and its wheels to burn [the sacrifices]!’23So Orna offered it all to the king.And he said:‘May Jehovah your God bless you.’24But the king said to Orna:‘No, I want to purchase it from you for a price, because I won’t offer a whole burnt-offering to Jehovah my God free-of-charge.’So, David bought the threshing floor and the oxen, paying for it with 50 large silver coins... 25And there he built an Altar to Jehovah, where he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings.Then [later on], Solomon added to the size of the Altar, because it was small at first. But [Jehovah’s favor] returned to the land, and He ended the devastation that He was bringing upon IsraEl.
1King David had grown very old, and even when they wrapped him in [heavy] clothes he couldn’t get warm.2So his servants said:‘Have them search for a young virgin girl who’ll wait on the king, treat him well, and lie with him… Who’ll keep him warm.’3So they searched for a pretty young woman throughout the borders of IsraEl, and they found AbiSag the Somanite and brought her to the king.4The young woman was extremely beautiful, and she treated the king very well and served him; but, he never [had sex] with her.5Meanwhile, AdoniJah (son of [David’s woman] AgGith) tried to elevate himself, saying:‘I will be the king!’So he prepared himself [by collecting] chariots and horses, and having 50 men run ahead of him. 6Yet [David] never discouraged him or asked him why he was doing this.AdoniJah was a very handsome man, to whom his mother had given birth after AbSalom. 7And he went to meet with JoAb son of ZeruJah and AbiAthar the Priest, who then they became his supporters.8However, neither the Priest ZaDok, nor BenaiJah son of JehoiAda, nor the prophet Nathan, nor Semei, nor Resi, nor any of David’s mighty men supported AdoniJah.9Then AdoniJah went to the Rock of ZoeLethi (near RogEl) to sacrifice sheep, calves, and lambs, and he called for [most of] his brothers, the king’s servants, and all the adult men of Judah…10But he didn’t invite the prophet Nathan, BenaiJah, any of the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.11So, Nathan went to BathSheba (Solomon’s mother) and asked:‘Have you heard?‘AgGith’s son AdoniJah has started ruling. However, our lord David doesn’t know about it yet.12‘So, please allow me to offer you some council that will save your life and the life of your son Solomon.13‘Hurry and go to King David, then say to him:‘O my lord the king,‘Didn’t you swear to me (your handmaid) that my son Solomon would reign after you and sit on your throne? And if so, why is AdoniJah reigning?’14‘Then, while you’re still there speaking to the king, I’ll come in after you and confirm what you’re saying.’15As a result, BathSheba went to see the king in his bedroom.Well, the king was very old, and AbiSag (the Somanite) was there serving him... 16Then BathSheba bowed low before the king and he asked her:‘What do you want?’17And she replied:‘My lord,‘Didn’t you swear to your handmaid by Jehovah your God, saying:‘Your son Solomon will reign after me and sit on my throne?’18‘But look! AdoniJah has now started to rule, although you, my lord the king, don’t know anything about this!19‘He’s already sacrificed many calves, lambs, and sheep, and he’s invited all of the king’s sons, as well as AbiAthar the Priest and JoAb, the commander-in-chief of your army, to come with him.‘Of course, he didn’t invite your servant Solomon.20‘So now, O my lord the king,‘All IsraEl is watching and waiting for you to tell them who’ll sit on your throne after you. 21And as it presently stands; after my lord the king goes to sleep with his fathers, my son Solomon and I shall be [in great jeopardy].’22Then, {Look!} while she was still speaking to the king, the prophet Nathan arrived, which was reported to the king with the words:23‘Look, the prophet Nathan has arrived.’So, Nathan went into the king’s presence and bowed to him with his face to the ground, 24then he said:‘My lord, O king,‘Did you say that AdoniJah will reign after you and sit on your throne?25‘For today he’s gone to sacrifice many calves, lambs, and sheep, and he’s invited all your sons, the chiefs of the army, and AbiAthar the Priest.‘Look! They’re eating and drinking before him now, saying:‘Long live King AdoniJah!’26‘But he didn’t invite me, your servant, or the Priest ZaDok, or BenaiJah son of JehoiAda, or your servant Solomon.27‘Has this matter been authorized by my lord the king, and have you failed to tell your servant who’ll succeed you on the throne?’28Then King David said:‘Call BathSheba back in.’So she came in and stood before the king.29Then the king swore [an oath to her], saying:‘As Jehovah, who saved my life from all danger, lives, 30and as I swore to you by Jehovah the God of IsraEl, saying:‘Your son Solomon will reign after me and sit on my throne after me’...‘I’m saying the same thing today.’31And at that, BathSheba bowed low with her face to the ground, and said:‘May my lord King David live throughout the ages.’32Then King David said:‘Call ZaDok the Priest, the prophet Nathan, and BenaiJah son of JehoiAda to me.’So they came in and stood before the king, 33and the king said to them:‘Take my servants with you and mount my son Solomon on my personal mule, then take him to GiOn.34‘There, ZaDok the Priest and the prophet Nathan should anoint him to be the king over IsraEl.‘Then you must blow the trumpets and shout:‘Long live King Solomon!’35‘For he will sit on my throne and be the ruler in place of me… I’m giving the order that he will now be the leader over IsraEl and Judah!’36Then BenaiJah son of JehoiAda said to the king:‘May it be so! May Jehovah, the God of my lord the king, make it so!37‘And as Jehovah was with my lord the king, may He be with Solomon… May He raise his throne even higher than the throne of my lord King David.’38So ZaDok the Priest, Nathan the prophet, BenaiJah son of JehoiAda, and the Cherethites and Phelethites went and mounted Solomon on King David’s mule, and led him away to GiOn.39Then ZaDok took the horn of oil from the Sacred Tent, anointed Solomon with it, and blew the trumpets, as all the people started shouting:‘[Long] live King Solomon!’40And thereafter, so many people came to him dancing and singing in joy that the ground literally shook with the sounds of their voices.41Well, when AdoniJah and his guests heard all the commotion, they stopped eating.And when JoAb heard the trumpets being blown, he asked:‘Why is the whole city in such an uproar?’42Then, while he was still speaking, {Look!} JoNathan (AbiAthar the Priest’s son) came in. And AdoniJah said:‘Welcome!‘Since you’re such a powerful man, you must be bringing good news!’43And JoNathan replied:‘It’s true! For our lord King David has made Solomon the king!44‘He sent ZaDok the Priest, Nathan the prophet, BenaiJah son of JehoiAda, and the Cherethites and Phelethites, and they mounted him on the king’s mule; 45then they anointed him in GiOn.‘So, the sounds that you’re hearing from the city are the sounds of rejoicing!46‘For Solomon is now seated on the throne of the kingdom, 47and the king’s servants are going in to praise our lord King David, saying:‘May God make the name of Solomon even better than your name and his throne greater than your throne!’‘Right now, the king is bowing before [God] from his bed and 48saying:‘May Jehovah the God of IsraEl be praised, because today He’s appointed one of my offspring to sit on my throne while my eyes can still see it!’49Well at that, all the guests of AdoniJah were shocked… And then they just left. 50And because AdoniJah was afraid of Solomon, he got up and walked out, then he went and grabbed hold of the horns on the Altar.51Thereafter, when it was reported to Solomon that AdoniJah was afraid of him and that he was holding onto the horns of the Altar and saying:‘Let Solomon swear to me today that he won’t kill his servant with his sword,’52Solomon said:‘If he’s an honorable man, not a single hair will fall to the ground; but if he’s evil, he will die.’53So King Solomon sent and had him brought back from the Altar.Then [AdoniJah] bowed low before King Solomon, and Solomon said to him:‘Now, just go back home!’
1Well, the time for David’s death drew near, so he spoke to his son Solomon and said:‘I’m going the way of all on the earth. 2Therefore, you must now be strong and prove that you’re a man.3‘Follow the instructions of Jehovah your God, walk in His ways, and follow the Commandments, rules and decisions that are written in the Law of Moses, so you’ll understand what you should do when it comes to all the things that I’ll tell you.4‘If you’ll do this, Jehovah will make the thing that He promised come true, when He said:‘If your children will pay attention to the way that they should walk before Me wholeheartedly and in truth, there’ll never fail to be a man from you who sits on the throne of IsraEl.’5‘Now, you know all the things that JoAb son of ZeruJah did to me and to the two generals of the army of IsraEl… To AbNer son of Ner, and to AmaSa son of JeTher.‘He murdered them and shed their blood like in wartime, even though we were at peace… He wrapped his waist and the sandals on his feet in innocent blood! 6So, deal with him as your wisdom directs, and don’t allow him to take his grey hair to the grave in peace.7‘However, I want you to deal kindly with the son of BarZelli the GileAdite… He should eat at your table, because [BarZelli] came to my aid when I had to run from your brother AbSalom.8‘And {Look!} there’s also Semei son of Gera, a BenJaminite of BaUrim, who’s still among us! He cursed me when he came down to the JorDan to meet me as I was returning to JeruSalem... Back then, I swore to him by Jehovah that I wouldn’t use the sword to put him to death. 9However, he isn’t free of guilt.‘Now, you’re a wise man, and you know what you must do to him… You must take his grey hair to the grave covered in blood.’10Then shortly thereafter, David went to sleep with his ancestors, and was entombed in the city of David. 11David had reigned over IsraEl for 40 years… 7 years in HebRon and 33 years in JeruSalem.12But then Solomon came to sit upon the throne of his father David, and his kingdom became very great.13Well, [after David had died], AdoniJah (AgGith’s son) went to see BathSheba (Solomon’s mother).He bowed before her, and then she asked:‘Have you come in peace?’And he replied:‘Yes, in peace… 14For I have some business with you.’So she said:‘Then speak.’15And he said:‘You know that the kingdom was mine, because all IsraEl turned to me as their king. But the kingdom was taken away from me and it became my brother’s, because it was given to him by Jehovah.16‘So, I just want to ask one thing of you… And please don’t ignore me.’Then BathSheba said:‘Keep talking.’17And he said to her:‘I beg you to speak to King Solomon, because he won’t ignore you... Ask him to give AbiSag the Somanite to me, to be my woman.’18And BathSheba said:‘Well, I’ll speak to the king for you.’19So BathSheba went to King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of AdoniJah.Well, the king arose to meet her, then he kissed her and he sat down on his throne. Thereafter, he had a throne placed there for the mother of the king, so she sat down at his right hand.20Then she said to him:‘I’d like to make one little request… And please don’t ignore me.’So the king said:‘Ask, my mother, and I won’t ignore you.’21And she said:‘Please give AbiSag the Somanite to your brother AdoniJah as his woman.’22But King Solomon asked her:‘Why are you asking me to give AbiSag to AdoniJah?‘You could ask me to give him the kingdom also, because he’s my older brother… And his friends are the Priest AbiAthar and my commander-in-chief, JoAb son of ZeruJah!’23Then King Solomon swore an oath by Jehovah, saying:‘May God curse me and add to it if AdoniJah hasn’t spoken these words against his own life!24‘For now, as Jehovah lives – the One who established me, set me on the throne of my father David, and made me a house just as the Lord had promised –
AdoniJah will die today!’25So King Solomon sent out BenaiJah son of JehoiAda to kill him, and AdoniJah died that day.26Then the king said to AbiAthar the Priest:‘You must quickly return to your farm in AnathOth, because you also deserve to die today!‘However, I’m not going to kill you, because you carried Jehovah’s Chest of the Sacred Agreement before my father, and because you also shared in all the sufferings of my father.’27So Solomon removed AbiAthar as the Priest of Jehovah, which fulfilled the words that the Lord had spoken at Salem concerning the house of Eli. 28And when the news of this reached JoAb son of ZeruJah – because he’d supported AdoniJah (not Solomon) – he ran to the Tent of Jehovah and grabbed hold of the horns on the Altar.29Well when Solomon was told that JoAb had fled to the Tent of Jehovah and he was hanging onto the horns of the Altar, he sent [a message] to JoAb, asking:‘What’s wrong with you?‘Why have you fled to the Altar?’And JoAb replied:‘I fled to Jehovah for refuge because I’m afraid of you!’So Solomon told BenaiJah son of JehoiAda to go and kill him, then bury him.30Well, when BenaiJah son of JehoiAda reached JoAb at the Tent of Jehovah, he said to him:‘The king had commanded that you to come away from there!’But JoAb said:‘I’m not coming… For I’d rather die right here!’So then, BenaiJah son of JehoiAda returned to the king and told him what JoAb said, 31and the king told him:‘Then, go and do what he told you to do… Kill him there, and then bury him!‘That way, you’ll remove the blood that he shed for no reason from me and from the house of my father... 32For, Jehovah has brought the blood of his unrighteousness down upon his own head, because he attacked two men who were more righteous and better than himself, killing them with his sword…‘Although my father David didn’t know that he’d kill AbNer son of Ner the commander-in-chief of IsraEl, and Amesa son of JeTher, the commander-in-chief of Judah.33‘Now, their blood is on his head and on the head of his offspring throughout the ages! But upon David, his offspring, and his house and throne, may there be peace from Jehovah throughout the ages.’34So BenaiJah son of JehoiAda went back and killed him, and then he converted his house in the desert into his tomb.35Well thereafter, the king appointed BenaiJah son of JehoiAda to be the commander-in-chief of his army, and his kingship became firm in JeruSalem.As for ZaDok the Priest, the king appointed him as the High Priest in place of AbiAthar.So, Solomon son of David started reigning over both IsraEl and Judah from JeruSalem, and Jehovah gave Solomon as much wisdom, understanding, and greatness of heart as there’s sand on the seashore! For the wisdom of Solomon was greater than that of all the ancient peoples, and it was far greater than the wise men of Egypt.36Then the king called for Semei and said this to him:‘You may build yourself a house in JeruSalem and live there… However, you must not leave it!37‘For I want you to know that on the day you cross the Cedar (Kidron) Valley, you’re going to die and your blood will be on your own head!’38And Semei said to the king:‘What you’ve said is good, O my lord the king… And that’s what your servant will do.’Then the king made him swear an oath to this.So Semei lived in JeruSalem for the next 3 years. 39But after the three years, two of his slaves ran away (to Anchus son of MaAcha, the king of Geth)... And when Semei was told that his slaves were in Geth, 40he saddled his burros and went to Anchus in Geth to bring his slaves back!41But when Solomon was told that Semei had left JeruSalem and gone to Geth to bring back his slaves, 42the king sent for Semei and said to him:‘Didn’t you swear by Jehovah, and didn’t I warn you that if you left JeruSalem (whether to the right or to the left) you will surely die?43‘So, why haven’t you kept your oath to Jehovah and followed the instructions that I gave you?’44Then the king told Semei:‘In your heart you know of all the bad things you’ve done, and of the bad things that you did to my father David!‘So now, Jehovah is bringing your badness down upon your own head, 45while King Solomon will be blest and the throne of David will be established before Jehovah throughout the ages.’46Then Solomon commanded BenaiJah son of JehoiAda to take him out and kill him.
1Well, under Solomon, the kingdom was united.Then Solomon contracted a marriage with PharaOh, the king of Egypt... He took PharaOh’s daughter and brought her to the city of David. He did this after he’d finished building his palace, the Temple of Jehovah, and after building the wall around JeruSalem.2Now, before the Temple was built, the people had been burning incense [to Jehovah] in the high places. 3And since Solomon loved Jehovah (and because he was following the orders of his father David), he also offered his sacrifices and burned incense there.4So Solomon then got up and went to offer sacrifices at GibeOn (since that was the highest place at the time). There he had 1,000 whole burnt offerings placed on the Altar.5And then the Lord appeared to Solomon while he was sleeping that night, and said to him:‘Solomon,‘Ask for whatever you wish for yourself.’6So Solomon replied:‘You’ve shown great mercy to your servant, my father David, and he walked with You in truth, justice, and with a pure heart... Then You guarded him and showed him great mercy by allowing his son, to sit upon his throne, which has come true today.7‘And now, O Jehovah my God; although You have appointed Your servant in place of my father David, I’m still just a boy that doesn’t know when to enter or when to leave!8‘Yet Your servant [now rules] in the midst of this mighty [nation] that You’ve chosen, which has [so many people] that they can’t be counted... 9Therefore, please give your servant a heart to listen so as to make [wise] decisions for Your people in justice, and to recognize the difference between what’s good and what’s bad.‘For, who could possibly bear the weight of such judgments?’10Well, this thing that Solomon asked of Jehovah was pleasing to Him, 11so He replied:‘Because you’ve asked this thing from Me and you didn’t ask for a long life, or for wealth, or for the lives of your enemies, and all you asked for yourself is the understanding to judge righteously... 12{Look!} I’ve done what you asked!‘{Look!} I’m giving you an intelligent and wise heart… There has never been anyone before you, nor will there ever be anyone who shall arise after you who’ll be like you!13‘And I’m also giving you the things that you didn’t ask for… Including wealth and glory; for there’s never been a king like you.14‘And if you’ll do things My way and obey My Commandments and instructions as did your father David, I’ll also grant you a long life.’15Well, after Solomon awoke, he remembered the dream.So he got up and returned to JeruSalem; and there he went and stood before the Altar that was in front of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah in Zion. Then he sacrificed whole burnt offerings and peace offerings, and he held a great banquet for himself and for all his servants.16It was sometime later that two women who were prostitutes came to stand before the king for a [judgment].17One of the women said:‘Hear me, my lord!‘This woman and I both live in the same house and we both gave birth to [sons] there... 18It was three days after I gave birth that this woman also gave birth in the same place while no one else was around… There was just the two of us in the house.19‘Then this woman’s son died during the night when she rolled over on top of him! 20So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my arms and put him to her breasts; then she took her son who’d died and laid him at my breasts!21‘Well, when I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I saw the one who had died... But I studied him, and then I realized that this wasn’t my son to whom I’d given birth.’22But then the other woman shouted:‘That isn’t true!‘The living one is my son, and the dead one is hers!’23Then the king said to her:‘So you’re saying that the living son is yours, and the dead one is hers... And she’s saying that isn’t true; hers is the living son, and yours is the one who’s dead.’24Then the king said:‘Now, bring me a sword!’And they brought him a sword.25Then he said:‘Cut this living, nursing child in halves, and give half to this one and the other half to that one.’26Well, the real mother of the living son spoke to the king, because she was disturbed to the womb about what was going to happen to her son!So she said:‘Hear me, O lord!‘Give the child to her… Don’t kill him!’But the other [woman] said:‘May he be neither mine nor hers…‘Cut him in two!’27Then the king said:‘I’m giving the child to the woman who said, ‘Give it to her, don’t kill him,’ because she’s his mother.’28Well, all IsraEl soon came to hear of this decision of the king, and they were in fear whenever they were in his presence! For they knew that the intelligence of God was in him, and that justice would prevail.
1Back when King Solomon was reigning in IsraEl, 2these are the men who were with him and that were in charge:• AzariAh (son of ZaDok) was the [High] Priest.3• EliAm and AhiJah (the sons of Saba) were his scribes.• JehoShaphat (the son AchiLud) was the recorder.4• BenaiJah (son of JehoiAda) was the commander-in-chief of the army.• ZaDok and AbiAthar were the Priests.5• AzariAh (son of Nathan) directed his staff.• ZaboUth (son of Nathan) was the king’s right-hand man.6• AciSar was his manager.• EliAb (son of Saph) was over his family.• AdoniRam (son of AphDon) was in charge of the tributes.7So Solomon assigned 12 men over all IsraEl to handle matters for him and his house.8Then there were others who were assigned to [bring the things that Solomon required] for just 1 month each year, and these are their names:• The son of Or was responsible in the mountains of Ephraim.9• The son of DaKar was responsible in MachEmas, SalaBin, BethSamus, AiLon, and BethAnan.10• The son of Esdi was responsible in ArabOth, SochOth, and all the land of Opher.11• The son of AmiNadab (who was married to Solomon’s daughter) was responsible in all of NephthaDor and TephAth.12• BaAna (son of AchiLouth) was responsible in IthAnak, MegidDo, and over the whole house of San near SesaThan and below EsraE, from BethSan to SebelMaula, to MaEber and Lucam.13• The son of Gaber from GileAd was over a piece of measured land around EreGaba (which is in BaShan) and which included 60 great walled cities that were [protected by] bronze bars.14• AchiNadab (son of SadDo) was responsible in MaAnaim.15• AchimaAs (who was married to Solomon’s daughter BasEmath) was responsible in [the land of] NaphTali.16• BaAnah (son of HushAi) was in charge of BaAlOth and [the land of] Asher.17• JehoShaphat (son of ParuAh) was responsible in [the land of] IsSachar.18• Shemei (son of ElAh) was responsible in [the land of] BenJamin.19• Gaber (son of AdAi) was responsible in the land of GileAd, [the land of] King SeOn of HeshBon, [the land of] King Og of BaShan, and [the land of] NaSeb (in the land of Judah).20Now, Judah and IsraEl had grown so large that [their people] were as the sands of the seas in number, and they all ate, drank, and rejoiced; 21for Solomon was the ruler in all their kingdoms from the river in the land of the Philistines to the borders of Egypt.They also brought Solomon many gifts, and they served him throughout all the days of his life.22These are the things that Solomon required at his table each day:• 200 bushels of fine flour,
• 400 bushels of beaten flour,
23• 10 choice calves,
• 20 grass-fed oxen,
• 100 sheep, plus
• Well-fed male and female antelope.24Solomon was also the ruler of all the land on the [east] side of the [JorDan], and there was peace throughout the whole country. 25[So, during all the days of Solomon, the people] in Judah and IsraEl (from Dan to BeerSheba) harvested their own grapevines and [lived] under their own fig trees.26During his lifetime, Solomon had gathered some 40,000 breeding horses for his chariots and 12,000 more for his cavalry.27Those whom he put in charge brought the required things to the king’s table (each one in his own month) did just as they were told and they didn’t change a word... 28They brought barley and hay for the horses, and they took the chariots wherever the king needed them and arranged for them to be.29Well, Jehovah gave intelligence and great wisdom to Solomon, and it kept growing in his heart like the sands of the seas! 30Solomon’s intelligence grew greater than that of all the men of ancient times, including all the wise men of Egypt… 31His understanding was greater than everyone, so he was wiser than GaitThan the Zarite, or AiNan, or ChalKal, or DarDa (the sons of Mal).32[During his lifetime], Solomon spoke 3,000 parables and he [wrote] 5,000 songs!33He spoke of the cedars of Lebanon, of the hyssop, and of [plants that grow] through walls. He spoke about cattle, flying creatures, things that crawl, and about things that live in the water… 34And people from everywhere on the earth would come to hear the wisdom of Solomon.Also, all their kings, when they heard of his wisdom, would bring him gifts.
1Then King HiRam [I] of Tyre sent his servants to anoint Solomon in place of his father David; for HiRam loved David throughout his whole life.2And Solomon sent [a message] to HiRam, saying:3‘You know that my father David was unable to build a Temple to the Name of my God Jehovah, because he was fighting the wars that were going on around him, until Jehovah finally put his enemies under the soles of his feet.4‘And now, my God Jehovah has provided rest for me all around [my land], for there are no more plotters or wicked people anywhere near me... 5So now I’m talking about building a Temple to the Name of my God who once said to my father David:‘Your son whom I’ll put on your throne after you will build a Temple to My Name.’6‘Therefore, please have your men cut some timber for me from the trees in Lebanon, and I’ll pay whatever you ask for their wages... {Look!} I’ll also send my servants to go with your servants; for no one understands timber cutting better than the Sidonians!’7Well, when HiRam received Solomon’s message, he was overjoyed and said:‘May the God who gave David such an intelligent son to rule over this great people be praised today!’8So he sent [a message] to Solomon replying:‘I’ve heard everything that you asked of me, and I’ll send all the pine and cedar lumber that you’ve requested! 9My servants will cut it in Lebanon then carry it to the sea and haul it all on barges to wherever you tell me to drop it off… You can carry it on from there.‘All I ask from you in return, is that you send me some loaves of bread for my house.’10So HiRam gave Solomon all the cedars and pines that he wanted, 11and Solomon sent HiRam 130,000 bushels of wheat and 120,000 gallons (450,000l) of beaten olive oil for his house.In fact, he sent that amount to HiRam every year after that!12Well, Jehovah gave Solomon all the wisdom that he’d asked for, and there was peace between HiRam and Solomon, for they’d concluded a treaty between themselves. 13And the king sent him (as a tribute from all IsraEl) 30,000 men… 14He would send 10,000 of them to Lebanon each month in rotation, and they’d thereafter spend a month in Lebanon and 2 months at home.AdoniRam was the person whom he’d put in charge of this tribute.15Meanwhile, Solomon had 70,000 laborers and 80,000 stonecutters [working] in the mountains... 16And in addition to those whom Solomon placed in charge of his construction project, he had 3,600 supervisors on the job, 17whom the king had instructed to set huge, valuable stone blocks in place as the foundations for the building.18Also, the sons of Solomon and HiRam [were in charge of] assembling everything after all the blocks and timbers had been cut (which took three years).
1It was 400 and [80] years after the sons of IsraEl had left Egypt (in the 4th year and 2nd month of King Solomon’s reign over IsraEl) that the Temple of Jehovah [began construction].2It was [going to be]:• 90 feet (27.4m) long, • 30 feet (9.1m) wide, and • 30 feet (9.1m) tall.3The Temple had a columned front entryway that was about 30 feet (9.1m) deep and it was as wide as the building.4There was also a window in the Temple that was hidden, because it leaned inward... 5And there was an eve along [the top] of the wall that ran all the way around the Temple Sanctuary to the entryway.He then built side [rooms] around the structure.6The lowest [part of the] side [room] was 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) wide, the one in the middle was 9 feet (2.75m) wide, and the one at the [top] was 10-1/2 feet (3.2m) wide... He built the rooms around the Temple on the outside, so they wouldn’t touch the Temple walls.7The Temple was constructed from rough-chiseled stone; for the sound of hammers, axes, and other metal tools wasn’t to be heard during its construction.8There was a vestibule that was attached to the right side of the bottom room of the building, which had a winding stairway in the middle that led up to the third story.9Then, after the [exterior] was built, Solomon had the [interior walls] covered with cedar [panels]. 10He also built the interior chamber in the middle of the Temple, which stood 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) high, and it was held together with cedar beams.11Thereafter, Jehovah sent word to Solomon, saying:12‘Regarding this Temple that you’re building for Me... If you’ll follow My instructions and decisions, and obey all My Commandments, the thing that I said to your father David will prove true; 13I will camp in the midst of the sons of IsraEl, and I won’t abandon My people IsraEl.’14Well after that, Solomon went on to finish the Temple.15He covered all its interior walls with cedar panels, from its floors to its beams. It was vaulted with timbers on the inside, and the walls were ribbed with pine.16So inside, the measurement from the floor to the ceiling beams was 30 feet (9.1m). And inside the entryway, he built the Holy of Holies.17However, the Temple Sanctuary itself was 60 feet (18.3m) in front of the entrance.18Now, the interior cedar panels were all carved with decorations of gourds and spread leaves, and none of the stonework could be seen from the inside.19Also, [they made] the entrance within in the center of the Temple, to make a place to hold the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah. 20That room was 30 feet (9.1m) long, 30 feet (9.1m) wide, and 30 feet (9.1m) tall, and it was totally enclosed and covered in gold.21Then he built an Altar in front of the entrance and he covered it with gold. 22In fact, by the time of its completion, the whole Temple [interior] was covered with gold!23He also made two wooden cherubs of cypress, which he placed in the entrance. These stood 15 feet (4.6m) tall, 24each of their wings were 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) long, and the distance from wing-tip to wing-tip was 15 feet (4.5m). 25Both of these cherubs were the same size.26He [also made] a 17-foot (5.2m) tall cherub, along with a second one, and he placed these in the innermost part of the Temple. 27They too had spread wings that touched each other and ran to the walls on either side of the building’s interior.28These cherubs were also covered in gold, 29and the walls around the Temple were engraved with cherubs and palms… Both the innermost and outermost portions. 30And he even covered the floors of the whole building with gold… Both the innermost portions and the outermost portions.31For the entrance doorway, he made doors of juniper wood. Now, there were [a total of] 5 doorways... 32Two of the doors were made of pines that were carved with cherubs and palms, panels that could open and spread out. And everything was covered with gold, including the engraved cherubs and palms.33The Temple Sanctuary vestibule had juniper doorposts and 4 columns. 34Both of the doors were made of pine, and they were hinged into a bi-fold configuration. 35They also had panels that were carved with cherubs and palm leaves, and then they were entirely covered in gold.36Thereafter, [Solomon] built the inner courtyard... It had three rows of uncut stones who were surrounded by cedar posts.37So, it was in the 4th year [of his reign], during the month of Ziv, that the Temple foundation was laid... 38And it was in the 11th year and the 8th month (Bul) that the Temple was finally completed per [Solomon’s] instructions and design.So he took 7 years to build it.
1Then over the next 13 years, Solomon finished building his palace, 2which was also constructed of wood from the forests of Lebanon.It was:• 150 feet (45.7m) long,
• 75 feet (22.8m) wide,
• 40 feet (12.2m) tall, and
• It had 4 rows of cedar columns that ran up to cedar rafters.3The whole building was decorated with latticework on the upper parts of the columns, and there were 45 columns in rows of fives and tens. 4There were also three windows on each of three sides, to provide lighting, 5and the windows and doorways were four-cornered, with arches over the three doorways.6The palace had a columned entryway that was 75 feet (22.8m) long and 40 feet (12.2m) wide, which had a porch in front with columns and thick beams.7This was where [Solomon’s] throne was located and where he did his judging. There was a [special] columned porch for his judgment seat, 8and then there was a courtyard in front of the place where he sat, which could be expanded whenever needed.He also built a house for the daughter of PharaOh whom he’d taken as his woman, which looked a lot like his columned porch.9Everything was constructed of valuable stones that had been chiseled at intervals on the insides (from the foundations to the windows) and on the outsides, up to the great courtyard.10The foundation was constructed of valuable stones that were each 12 feet (3.65m) by 15 feet (4.6m) wide, 11and the roof was made of valuable stones of the same size, which were mounted over cedar beams.12In addition, there was also a large courtyard that was circled by three rows of uncut stones and a row of carved cedar posts... It was built much like the courtyard and the columned porch at the Temple of Jehovah.13Solomon had called for HiRam at Tyre 14(who was a widow’s son from the tribe of NaphTali and his father was a Tyranian man); for he was gifted when it came to working bronze (as well as at other crafts), and he was filled with knowledge on how to do all sorts of metalwork.So he was brought to King Solomon, because he was able to do everything that needed to be done.15It was [HiRam] who smelted and cast the two columns for the Temple’s columned porch. They were both 24 feet (7.3m) tall, 18 feet (5.5m) in circumference, and grooved to a depth of 4 fingers.16He also molded two bronze capitals for the tops of the columns that were each 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) tall. 17Then he made bronze decorations for each capital, 18which consisted of rows of hanging pomegranates, 19and the top of each column was shaped like a lily.Thereafter, he finished off the columns for the porch with a ridge that ran between the capitals. It was 6 feet (1.8m) wide 20and it was covered with 200 rows of pomegranates.21He then erected these columns at the columned porch of the Temple Sanctuary, and he named one column JaKin, and the other BoAz.22He also topped [the rest of] the columns with [bronze] lilies. And with that, he finally finished his work on the columns.23Next, he cast the [Sacred] Sea.It was round and 15 feet (4.6m) wide from rim to rim. It was 7-1/2 feet (2.3m) tall and [about] 45 feet (13.7m) in circumference. 24The base beneath it was 15 feet (4.6m) wide, and it was made of 2 rows of supports that were cast in a foundry furnace.25The Sea itself was supported by 12 metal oxen, three of which faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east... The Sea was then placed on top of them, 26and of course, all the posteriors faced inward. The middle of the Sea was shaped like a palm, but its rim was like that of a cup, with lily buds around the top.It had a capacity of about 1,100 gallons (4,100l).27Then [HiRam] made 10 bronze carts.They were each 6 feet (1.8m) long, 6 feet (1.8m) wide, and 4-1/2 feet (1.4m) tall. 28The carts were made of panels that were joined into frames 29that were [engraved with] lions, oxen, and cherubs. In fact, lions, oxen, and cherubs covered all parts of the carts, including their bases.30Each of the carts had 4 bronze wheels, and all their fastenings were made of brass. Then, coming up from the base were 4 supports that held the washtubs, each of which were 20 inches (50cm) long. 31[The tub supports] were round, 2 feet (60cm) wide at the top, and they were covered with engravings.However, the 4 supports were rectangular, not round.32There were bronze wheels mounted at the base of the supports, and the wheels each had spokes that were 2 feet long… 33In fact, they looked like chariot wheels. And all the spokes were joined to cast axels.34There were supports that stuck out at the corners of each of the cart’s bases as handles, 35and they were mounted along the top of each base. They were 9 inches (23cm) around and stood high enough [to serve as] handholds.36All these connecting parts [were carved] with cherubs, lions, and palms that were standing next to each other on the front, on the inside, and all around. 37He made all 10 carts exactly alike and to the same dimensions.38Then he made the 10 bronze washtubs.They each held 230 gallons (870l) [of water], and they were 8 feet (2.4m) long. Each of the washtubs was then mounted on a cart. 395 were placed on the Temple’s right side, and the other 5 on its left side.The [Sacred] Sea was placed to the right of the Temple, on its southeast corner.40Next, HiRam made the cooking pots, the tongs, and the bowls.41And soon he’d completed making all the things for King Solomon at the Temple of Jehovah… The two columns, the twisted decorations that were put on the capitals of the two columns, the carvings for the tops of the columns, 42and the pomegranates (400 of which were used as decorations).Two rows of [pomegranates] were put on each column, and the rest were used as decorations 43for the carts, the metal washtubs that were mounted on them, and their axels, rims, and spokes, as well as for 44the [Sacred] Sea and its 12 oxen that supported it, 45and for the cooking pots, tongs, and bowls.He [personally] made all these things for King Solomon and for the Temple of Jehovah.Altogether, he [decorated] 48 columns for the palace of the king and for the Temple of Jehovah. And everything that HiRam made for the king was entirely of bronze.46He did all his casting near the JorDan River, underground, in a place that was located between SokChoth and ZarEthan. 47Solomon already had all the materials stored away, since he’d received so much bronze.48Then Solomon went on to make the rest of the items [used] in the Temple of Jehovah… The gold Altar, the gold table for the showbread, 49the solid-gold lampstands that were placed at the entrance (5 on the right side and 5 on the left side), as well as their gold bowls, lamps, and oil funnels, 50plus the gold thresholds, fasteners, bowls, saucers, and incense pans.The doorways for the Temple’s doors to the innermost [room] (the Holy of Holies) and the doors of the Temple’s Inner Sanctuary were [both covered with] gold.51So, Solomon finally finished all his work for Jehovah’s Temple.Then he carried in all of his father David’s holy things, plus all of his own holy things, including much silver and gold, and other things for the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah.
1Thereafter, King Solomon held a meeting of all the elders of IsraEl there on [Mount] Zion, to talk about bringing the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah out of the city of David (which was on Mount Zion).2This was in the month of Athanim (the 7th month), and because it was a holiday, all the elders of IsraEl were already there.3Then the Priests removed the Chest 4from the Tent of Proofs (along with all the holy items that were there), 5and the king and all IsraEl stood before the Chest and sacrificed multitudes of oxen and sheep.6Thereafter, the Priests carried the Chest and put it into its place inside the Holy of Holies (which was near the entrance of the Temple) under the wings of the cherubs 7(for the cherubs had open, spread wings that covered the Chest and the other holy things that were on its lid).8And the only parts that stuck out of the Holy [of Holies] were the sacred carrying poles… But even these couldn’t be seen from outside [the Temple].9Of course, there was nothing in the Chest except the two stone tablets of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with the sons of IsraEl after they had left the land of Egypt, and which were put there by Moses at the Dry Place (Horeb).10Well, as the Priests were coming out of the Holy Place, a mist then filled the whole building! 11So the Priests were unable to stand and officiate before the mist, because the glory of Jehovah filled the whole Temple!12Then Solomon said this concerning the Temple after he’d completed its construction:‘Jehovah made the sun in the sky, and [yet] said he would live in a dimly-lit place.13‘[He said:]‘You [must] build a House for me.’‘[Yes,] a good, brand-new house for you to live in!‘Look! Isn’t this written in the song scroll?’14Then he turned around, and all IsraEl started praising the king; for the whole gathering of IsraEl was standing there.15And [the king] said:‘Praise Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, who spoke with His mouth about my father David, and that filled his hands, saying:‘From the day that I led My people IsraEl out of Egypt, I had never chosen a city [for Myself] in one of the chiefdoms of IsraEl where a Temple would be built to My Name. 16But now, I’ve chosen JeruSalem as the place to put My Name, and I’ve chosen David to lead My people IsraEl.’17And that’s why the heart of my father David was moved to build a Temple to the Name of Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.18‘Then the Lord said to my father David:‘Because your heart was moved to build a Temple to My Name, you’ve done a good thing, since it came from your heart! 19However, you may not personally build the Temple… It will be built by a son who comes from you.’‘He will build the Temple to My Name.’20‘So Jehovah caused these things that He spoke of, to happen. I replaced my father David and sat down on the throne of IsraEl, just as Jehovah said...‘And now I’ve built the Temple to the Name of the Lord God of IsraEl.21‘I’ve also created a place for the Chest that contains the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with our ancestors when He led them out of the land of Egypt.’22Then Solomon stood before the Altar of Jehovah, there in front of the whole gathering of IsraEl, and he raised his arms towards heaven, 23and said:‘O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘There are no gods in the skies above or on the earth below who are like You.‘For You’ve kept Your promise and shown mercy to Your servant… The one who’s walked before You with his whole heart, Your servant David, my father.24‘You spoke to him with Your mouth, and with Your hands, You’ve fulfilled what [You promised to him].25‘And now, O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘Keep [the promise] that You made with my father David when You said:‘There will always be a man who sits before Me on the throne of IsraEl for as long as your children continue to follow Me the same as you have followed Me.’26‘So now, O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘May the words that You said to my father David prove to be true.27‘However, will You really live on the earth with men, when the heavens of the heavens can’t contain You? Therefore, how can this Temple that I built to Your Name expect to do so?28‘Please listen to my prayer, O Jehovah, God of IsraEl… Hear the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today!29‘May Your eyes watch over this Temple both day and night... For it’s the place where You said that You’d put Your Name.‘Then from Your home in the heavens, please listen to the prayers that Your servants will pray in this place both day and night, 30and provide the things for which Your servant and all Your people IsraEl will ask when they pray here…‘Answer them and provide!31‘And if they should sin against their neighbors by vowing an oath to curse them, and then they come and openly confess such a thing before Your Altar in this Temple, 32may You listen from the heavens and act… Judge Your people IsraEl!‘Declare the lawless one lawlessness and bring his [evil] ways down upon his own head; but, give justice to the righteous… Treat the righteous with righteousness!33‘And when Your people IsraEl sin against You; may they fall before their enemies until they return and acknowledge Your Name, and then pray and beg before You in this Temple.34‘Please listen to them from the heavens and forgive the sins of Your people IsraEl, and return them to this land that You gave to their ancestors.35‘And when You hold back the sky and don’t allow rain to fall because of their sins against You, and then they come to pray in this place and acknowledge Your Name and turn away from their sins after You’ve humbled them...36‘Please listen from the heavens and forgive the sins of Your servants… Your people IsraEl. Show them a better way to act, and then provide rain for this land that You’ve given to Your people as their inheritance.37‘And if there should be a famine, a plague, a fire, an infestation of locusts, or a blight [on the crops], or if an enemy should come against one of our cities (no matter what the event or misery)...‘May all the prayers and supplications of every man be heard, so that You’ll come to know the pain in their hearts.38‘And whenever a man spreads out his arms in this 39Temple that’s been prepared for You; may You hear him from the heavens, forgive him, and act.‘Give each man what he deserves according to the way that he behaves; for, only You can know what’s really in their hearts.‘Yes, You alone know what’s in the hearts of all the sons of men. 40So, they should fear You all the days of their lives that they spend on this land that You’ve given to our ancestors.41‘And as for the aliens who are not from Your people...42‘When they come to this place that’s been prepared as Your Home to pray, 43please listen to them from the heavens and do everything that they ask, so that all the people on the earth will know Your Name and come to fear You…‘Just as Your people IsraEl should know that Your Name has been called upon this Temple that I built.44‘And if Your people must go to war against their enemies (following Your directions), and if they pray in the Name of the Lord in this city that You’ve chosen and in this Temple that I’ve built to Your Name... 45Please listen to their prayers and supplications from heaven and bring them justice.46‘And when they sin against You (for there’s no man who doesn’t sin) and You hand them over to their enemies who thereafter carry them away as captives into a land that’s nearby or far away;47‘And if, in the land where they are, they turn back and start begging for Your [help], saying:‘We have sinned; we have done wrong; we have acted lawlessly!’48‘And they turn back to You with their whole hearts and souls – there in the land of their enemies who took them there, and pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their ancestors, to the city that You’ve chosen, and to the Temple that I built to Your Name... 49Please listen from the heavens and from the home that has been prepared for You.50‘Forgive the wrongs that they did when they sinned against You, and for the wicked ways in which they’ve disregarded You, then give compassion to the ones who took them as captives so they’ll pity them.51‘For they’re Your people and Your inheritance… They’re the ones whom You led out of the land of Egypt and from the midst of that iron-foundry furnace.52‘May Your eyes and Your ears [always] be open to the cries of Your servants and to the pleas of Your people, IsraEl.‘Please listen to them, no matter why they’re calling to You... 53Because, You’ve drawn them and set them apart for Yourself as an inheritance from among all the peoples of the earth, and You spoke to them through Your servant Moses when You led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah.’54And after Solomon finished his prayer and his requests to Jehovah, he stood up before the Altar of Jehovah (because he’d been kneeling before it), then he raised his arms towards heaven 55and he blest the whole assembly of IsraEl in a loud voice, saying:56‘Praise Jehovah, for He’s brought rest to His people IsraEl today, just as He promised among all the many things that He said. For, not a word of the many things that He said through His servants has failed to come true!57‘May Jehovah our God be with us, as He’s been with our ancestors.‘May He not abandon us or turn from us.58‘May He move our hearts towards Him, so we’ll follow in all His ways and keep the Commandments and orders that He gave to our ancestors.59‘And may all the things that I’ve begged for here before Jehovah our God come true today!‘May they be heard by Jehovah our God day and night, and may He always do the right thing for His servant and for His people IsraEl, day in and day out, 60so that all the people on the earth will come to know that Jehovah is The God, and that there is no other!61‘May our hearts become perfect to Jehovah our God, and may we follow His orders and keep His Commandments in holiness, as we are doing today.’62Then the king and all the sons of IsraEl offered sacrifices before Jehovah.63King Solomon offered 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep as a peace offering to Jehovah.Then the king inaugurated the Temple of Jehovah before all the sons of IsraEl.64On that holy day, the king stood in the middle of the courtyard (in front of the Temple of Jehovah) and prepared whole burnt offerings as sacrifices. He offered the fat of the peace offerings there, since the bronze Altar that was before Jehovah was just too small and it couldn’t handle all the whole burnt-offerings, gift offerings, and peace-offering sacrifices.65Thereafter, Solomon held a holiday feast that was attended by all in IsraEl.It was a huge gathering, for people had come from as far away as HaMath and the [Nile] River to stand before Jehovah God at the Temple that [Solomon] had built.They ate, drank, and rejoiced before Jehovah their God for 7 days!66Then on the 8th day, [Solomon] sent the people away, and they offered ages of blessings to the king as they left... So they all returned to their tents rejoicing over all the good things that Jehovah had done for His servant David and for His people IsraEl.
1Well, after Solomon had finished building the Temple of Jehovah, his own palace, and all the other things that he wanted to do, 2the Lord appeared to him a second time (like He had appeared to him in GibeOn) 3and said to him:‘I heard what you said in your prayer, and of the things that you asked and begged of Me. So, I’ve now done everything that you asked for in your prayer… I’ve made this Temple (which you built to [honor] My Name) holy throughout the ages, and I’ll [always] watch over it and keep it in My heart.4‘And if you’ll continue to follow Me uprightly with holiness in your heart like your father David did, and do everything that I told him to do –following My orders and Commandments– 5I’ll lift the throne of your kingdom over IsraEl throughout the ages, as I promised to your father.‘For I told him:‘There will always be a man [descended from you] to lead IsraEl.’6‘However, if you or your descendants should turn away from Me and fail to keep My Commandments and orders that Moses set before you, and you then go and serve other gods and bow before them... 7I’ll remove IsraEl from the land that I’ve given to them, and I’ll turn My face away from this Temple that I’ve made holy to My Name!‘Then IsraEl will become extinct and a topic of discussion among all the people!8‘And everyone who passes this lofty Temple will be amazed and whistle, asking:‘Why did Jehovah do such a thing to this land and to this Temple?’9‘And they’ll be told:‘Because they abandoned their God – the God of their ancestors, Jehovah – who led them out of the house of slavery in Egypt!‘Then they took hold of alien gods, and bowed before them and served them… This is why Jehovah brought all these bad things upon them!’10Well, this all took place some 20 years after Solomon had [started] construction of the two houses – the Temple of Jehovah and the palace of the king.11King HiRam of Tyre had helped Solomon by providing the cedar and pine boards, [some of] the gold, and everything else [that Solomon had asked for]. So King Solomon gave HiRam 20 cities in the land of Galilee. 12But when HiRam traveled from Tyre to Galilee to look at the cities that Solomon had given to him, he wasn’t pleased with them.13And he asked:‘What kind of cities have you given to your brother?’So from then on, he just referred to them as ‘the border lands.’14Now, HiRam had sent Solomon 4-1/2 tons (4,000kg) of gold 15that he’d plundered for the construction of the Temple of Jehovah, the king’s palace, the walls around JeruSalem (to fortify the city of David), as well as the cities of MegidDo and GeZer.16Also, after PharaOh, the king of Egypt, took GeZer (he burned it and killed all the CanaAnites who lived in the city), he then gave it to Solomon as a dowry for his daughter when he gave her to Solomon.17Thereafter, Solomon rebuilt GeZer, 18as well as Lower BethHoron, BaAlAth, and TadMor (which is in the desert). 19He also built many other fortified cities, as well as forts for his chariots and cavalry; and he had many other construction projects in JeruSalem, Lebanon, and throughout all the land that he ruled.20However, the Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, CanaAnites, Hivites, Jebusites, and Gergesites (all those who weren’t sons of IsraEl) 21and their children remained in the land, because the sons of IsraEl weren’t able to wipe them out; so, Solomon forced them to pay a tribute to him, which they’ve continued to do down to this day.22And many of these non-IsraElites served Solomon as soldiers and as lieutenants over his chariots and cavalry. 23Also, many of them (some 550 of them) were put in charge over Solomon’s construction projects and they supervised the people who were doing the work.24The daughter of PharaOh didn’t actually live in the city of David, for she lived in a house that Solomon had built for her.And thereafter, he built MilLo.25Well, three times each year, Solomon would sacrifice whole burnt offerings and peace offerings on the Altar that he’d built to Jehovah. He also burned incense upon it there before Jehovah, until he had completed the Temple.26Then King Solomon built a ship at GeBer (which is next to the seaport of ElAth on the border of Edom), 27and HiRam sent some of his servants who were mariners and knew the sea [both] to do the rowing and as assistants to the servants of Solomon.28Then they [attacked] SopheRam and brought back gold to King Solomon – some 16 tons (14,500kg) of it!
1Well, the Queen of SheBa had heard of Solomon’s fame and of the Name Jehovah; so, she came to test him with problems.2When she came to JeruSalem, she brought a very large contingent [of servants], as well as camels that were carrying spices, a huge amount of gold, and many valuable gems.Then she went to King Solomon and spoke to him about all the things that were in her heart... 3And Solomon answered all her questions… He didn’t overlook a thing, but explained everything to her!4And when the Queen of SheBa saw how knowledgeable Solomon was and the palace that he’d built, 5as well as all the food that he had, the ways that his servants were assigned, the jobs that his officials were given, how they were dressed, and all of his wine servers and the whole burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah... She was beside herself!6Then she said to King Solomon:‘Everything that I’ve heard about you in my land and about your knowledge is true! 7I had to come here, because I didn’t believe the things that I was being told.‘However, I’ve found that it’s all beyond what was reported in my land!8‘Your wives and servants are blest to be able to stand before you all the time and listen to your wisdom. 9And your God Jehovah, who chose you and put you on the throne of IsraEl, must love IsraEl and [plan to] watch over it throughout the ages, since He’s the One who set you as king over them and to righteously hear and judge their cases.’10Then she gave Solomon 1-1/2 tons (1,300kg) of gold, a huge amount of spices, and many precious gems... Never before had anyone brought so many spices as those that the Queen of SheBa brought to King Solomon.11Thereafter, HiRam also sent a ship carrying gold from Ophir, as well as cut lumber and valuable stones. 12The king then used this timber to fortify the Temple of Jehovah and the king’s palace, and to make stringed instruments and lutes for the musicians.Never before had such wood been seen in the land (or anywhere else, for that matter).13Then King Solomon gave the Queen of SheBa everything that she asked for and desired… In addition to all the other gifts that King Solomon gave to her.And thereafter, she returned to her land with all her servants.14Well, the weight of the gold that came to Solomon that year was about 32 tons (29,000kg)… 15Which didn’t include the tributes that the people or the merchants brought, or that which was brought by kings on the other side of the JorDan or from the governors of the land.16Thereafter, King Solomon had 300 spears made from hammered gold, each of which was made from 600 gold coins. 17And he also had 300 small shields made of hammered gold that was equal to the weight of three large gold coins.Then the king had them all mounted in his Palace of the Forests of Lebanon.18The king also had a huge throne made from ivory that was plated with pure gold, 19which had 6 stairs that led up to the throne!There were [carved] reliefs of young bulls on its back, and handrails on each side, with [carved] lions standing beside them… 20Plus 12 [more] lions on both sides, next to the six steps.There had never been anything like it in any kingdom!21Also, all the [dishes, cups, and bowls] that were used by Solomon were entirely made of gold, as were the bathtubs and vases in the Palace of the Forests of Lebanon.Nothing there was made of silver, because it was too common in the days of Solomon.22In addition, Solomon owned a ship that sailed the sea from TarShish along with the ships of HiRam [the king of Tyre]. And once every three years, the ship would carry gold, silver, and cut gems to the king.23So Solomon became greater than all the other kings of the earth in both wealth and in intelligence... 24And all the kings of the earth came to Solomon to hear the wisdom that Jehovah had put into his heart.25Each one brought gifts of silver, gold, clothing, balsam, spices, horses, and mules every year.26Solomon also obtained chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he kept in forts throughout the land and with himself in JeruSalem.27The king’s silver was as common as stones in JeruSalem, and his cedars were as common as trees in the plains.28Solomon’s horses were from Egypt and the king’s merchants were from Kue, and they could come out from Kue [and pass through Israel] for a fee. 29So those [traders] who left Egypt [to pass through Israel] would pay [at least]:• 100 large silver coins for each chariot [of goods], and
• 50 large silver coins for each horse [carrying goods].So all the Hittite and Syrian kings came out by sea [to avoid paying the fees].
1King Solomon was also very fond of women, so he took several foreigners as wives, such as the daughter of PharaOh, as well as some:• MoAbites,
• AmMonites,
• Idumeans,
• Sidonians, and
• Hittites…2...which Jehovah had forbidden the sons of IsraEl to do!For He said:‘You must not [marry] them and they must not come to you, because they will turn your hearts to their idols.’However, Solomon [was a slave] to love... 3So before long, he’d taken 700 [wives] as well as 300 concubines!These foreign women changed his heart; 4they quickly turned his heart to bowing before other gods, and his heart was no longer perfect towards his God Jehovah, as was the heart of his father David.5For Solomon started serving Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Melchom, the disgusting thing of the AmMonites!6So Solomon started doing evil things before Jehovah, and he no longer followed he Lord, as did his father David.7Then Solomon built high places to Camus (the idol of MoAb) and to Melchom (the idol of the sons of AmMon) on the mountain across from JeruSalem. 8And there, all his foreign wives were burning incense and sacrificing to their idols!9Of course, this made Jehovah very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned from Jehovah the God of IsraEl, who had actually appeared before him twice, 10warning him not to serve other gods and to be careful to do everything that the Lord God had told him.11So, the Lord said to Solomon:‘Because you’ve done these things and you haven’t followed My Commandments or the instructions that I gave to you; I will take your kingdom from your hands and rip it in two, then I’ll give it to your servant.12‘However, I won’t do this during your lifetime [out of respect for] David your father. Rather, I’ll take it from the hands of your son. 13I won’t take your whole kingdom; I’ll leave your son as chief over part of it because of My servant David and because of JeruSalem, the city that I’ve chosen.’14So, Jehovah sent an enemy against Solomon under Ader (who was from the offspring of the kingdom of the Idumeans). 15David had wiped out [many of] the Edomites, and when his General JoAb went to [their land] to bury his dead, he also cut down more of their men, 16because JoAb had stayed there for the next 6 months.Yet, although JoAb had destroyed all the men there, 17Ader (who was just a small boy then) got away, along with many of his father’s servants, and they headed to Egypt... 18Then, after the men of Media attacked Pharan, the [people there] also went with him as he was on his way to the PharaOh (the king of Egypt).19Well, when Ader went to PharaOh, he was given a house, food, and some land, because he was well-liked by PharaOh. He also gave him his sister-in-law as his woman (the older sister of [Queen] ThekeMina), 20and she gave birth to GaneBath, whom ThekeMina raised in her house as one of the sons of PharaOh.21But when word reached Ader in Egypt that David had gone to sleep with his ancestors and that JoAb (the commander of his army) had been killed, Ader said to PharaOh:‘Please allow me to return to my country.’22And PharaOh asked him:‘What have I failed to give you that you now wish to return to your country?’To which Ader replied:‘Not a single thing! But please send me away.’23Meanwhile, Jehovah had also raised another enemy against [Solomon]: Rezon (son of EliAdah), who had run away from his master HadadEzer, the king of ZoBah.24He then gathered an army and became the ruler of a confederation that captured Damascus, where he settled in and started ruling as king, 25and where he (as the ruler of the land of Edom) remained an enemy to IsraEl during all the days of Solomon.26Then one of Solomon’s servants, JeroBoam (son of NaBat the Ephrathite from SariRa), whose mother was a widow, 27rebelled against King Solomon. This happened after King Solomon had built the Akra (high fort) and after he’d completed the outer wall around the city of his father David.28Now, JeroBoam was a mighty man, and when Solomon noticed that this young man was someone who could get things done, he put him in charge of the tributes from the house of JoSeph.29But one day, as JeroBoam was coming from JeruSalem, he met the prophet AhiJah (the Selonite), who stopped along the road to talk to him.Well at the time, AhiJah was wearing a new cape and they were alone there in the plain. 30Then AhiJah took off the cape that he was wearing and tore it into 12 pieces.31And he said to JeroBoam:‘Take 10 of these pieces for yourself, because this is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl said:‘{Look!} I’m ripping the kingdom from the hands of Solomon and giving 10 of its [tribes] to you!32‘However, two of the [tribes] will remain his because of My servant David and on account of JeruSalem, the city that I’ve chosen from among all the tribes of IsraEl. 33[I’m doing this] because [Solomon] has abandoned Me and is now making offerings to Astarte, the disgusting thing of the Sidonians, to Camus, the idol of MoAb, and to Melchom, the loathsome thing of the sons of AmMon!‘He is no longer walking in My ways or doing the right things before Me as did his father David.34‘I’m not going to remove the kingdom from him entirely, but I’ll oppose him throughout the rest of the days of his life... It was only because of My servant David that I chose him. 35But now, I’m going to take the kingdom from the hands of his son and give 10 of the [tribes] to you!36‘I will still give his son two [tribes], so that a descendant of My servant David will always stand before Me in JeruSalem, the city where I’ve chosen to put My Name.37‘Now, you may take and rule over whatever your soul desires, for you’ll be the king over IsraEl!38‘And if you’ll watch over all that I’m putting you in charge of, if you’ll walk in My ways and always do the right things before Me, and if you’ll follow My orders and Commandments (as did My servant David)... Then I will build you a house that’s as sure as the one that I built for David!39‘I’m giving you IsraEl, and I will mistreat the offspring of David because of these things [that Solomon is doing]!‘However, I won’t keep on doing this throughout the ages.’40Well after that, Solomon started looking for ways to kill JeroBoam… But [JeroBoam] got up and ran away to Egypt (to SusAkim, the king of Egypt), and he stayed there until Solomon died.41{Look!} The rest of the words of Solomon – all the many things [that he said] and did in his wisdom – have been written about in the scrolls of the sayings of Solomon.42So, Solomon reigned over all IsraEl from JeruSalem for 40 years, 43and then he went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David his father.44And thereafter, his son RehoBoam started reigning in his place.
1Well, King RehoBoam had gone to Sikima (because that’s where all IsraEl went to coronate him), 2and JeroBoam (son of NaBat) heard about it.At the time, he was still living in Egypt, where he settled after he had to run from Solomon. 3But the people of IsraEl called for him, and JeroBoam came back to them.For the people had spoken to King RehoBoam and told him:4‘Your father oppressed us and kept our necks in a yoke!‘So now, lighten the load of our service to you... For your father was a hard taskmaster and he kept us under a heavy load!‘If you’ll do this, we’ll always serve you!’5And he replied:‘Give me three days [to think about it]!’So they left.6Then King RehoBoam went to the elders who used to stand before his father Solomon while he was alive, and he asked for their advice about what he should say to the people.7And they told him:‘If you wish to serve [as king] over these people today, do as they ask, and they’ll always be your servants.’8However, he chose not to listen to the advice that the elders had given to him, and he took the advice of some young men whom he’d grown up around and whom he’d selected to be his advisors.9So when he asked what they recommended he tell the people who came to him and told him to lighten the neck-yoke that his father had put on them, 10these young men (who’d grown up with him) said:‘You should tell those people who said that your father put a heavy yoke on them and that you should lighten it:‘My thinnest part is thicker than the hips of my father!11‘Therefore, as my father saddled you to a heavy yoke, I’ll add more weight to it!‘And as my father disciplined you with whips, I’ll discipline you with scorpions!’12So when all IsraEl came before King RehoBoam on the 3rd day (the king of IsraEl had told them, ‘Return to me on the 3rd day’), 13the king spoke harshly to them and chose not to follow the advice that the older men had given to him.14Rather, he told them what his young men had told him to say:‘Although my father oppressed you with a neck yoke, I will now add to it!‘And although my father disciplined you with whips, I will discipline you with scorpions!’15So the king just wouldn’t listen to the people, because Jehovah had moved his heart to allow what He’d said (through the prophet AhiJah the Selonite) concerning JeroBoam (son of NaBat) to come true.16And when all IsraEl knew that the king wasn’t listening to them, they gave him this reply:‘What do we owe to David?‘We have no inheritance in JesSe’ son [David]!‘So, O IsraEl, run to you tents… Now!‘Let the house of David do its own grazing!’And with that, all IsraEl went back home to their tents.17Therefore, RehoBoam only ruled over the sons of IsraEl who lived in the cities of Judah after that... [spurious text; what it says is true, but the words are not in our LXX source manuscript]18Now, when the king sent AdoniRam to collect the tribute from them, all IsraEl stoned him to death… Even King RehoBoam had to get on his chariot and flee to JeruSalem!19So from that day on, [the 10 tribes of] IsraEl annulled its allegiance to the house of David.20And when [the people of] IsraEl heard that JeroBoam had returned from Egypt, they called for him to come to a meeting, where they gave him the rulership over IsraEl. So they no longer followed the house of David after that… Only the tribes of Judah and BenJamin continued to do so.21Well, after RehoBoam got back to JeruSalem, he held a meeting with the armies of Judah and the tribe of BenJamin – 120,000 young warriors – and he talked about going to war with the house of IsraEl so as to return them to the kingdom of RehoBoam, son of Solomon.22However, Jehovah sent word to His servant ShemaiJah… He told him:23‘Speak to RehoBoam, son of Solomon, the king of Judah, as well as to the houses of Judah, BenJamin, and the rest of the people, and tell them that 24this is what Jehovah has decreed:‘You must not go to war against your brothers, the sons of IsraEl. Return to your homes, because I’m the One who caused these things to happen.’So they paid attention to words of Jehovah, for they didn’t want to oppose what He said.25Thereafter, JeroBoam built Sikima in the hills of Ephraim and ruled from there, and then he built PenuEl.26But later, JeroBoam said this in his heart:‘{Look!} I’m not going to return the kingdom to the house of David; 27but if I let these people go to offer sacrifices at the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem, they’ll soon turn their hearts towards Jehovah and to RehoBoam the king of Judah, and then they’ll kill me!’28So the king held a meeting, and after that, he had two gold heifers made.Then he said to the people:‘I don’t want you going to JeruSalem anymore!‘Look, here are your gods who led you out of the land of Egypt, O IsraEl!’29Then he put one [of the idols] in BethEl, and the other in Dan... 30And because of this sin, the people started worshiping the [idol] that he put in Dan, and they no longer went to the Temple of Jehovah.31The king also had temples built on the hilltops, and he appointed priests from among those who weren’t of the sons of Levi.32Then JeroBoam appointed the 15th day of the 8th month as a holiday, the same as it had been in the land of Judah.Thereafter, he went to BethEl, where he built an altar for [his people] to offer sacrifices to his heifers. And it was there in BethEl that he appointed the priests to be in charge of the high places that he’d created.33And on the 15th day of the 8th month (which was the holiday that he’d created in his own heart for the sons of IsraEl), he went up to the altar that he’d created to offer some sacrifices.
1Well at that, {Look!} a man of God came to BethEl from Judah with a message from Jehovah.He climbed on top of the sacrificial altar there 2and shouted these words of the Lord:‘O altar, O altar,‘Hear what Jehovah has said!‘{Look!} In the house of David, a son has been born,
Who’s been given the name, JosiAh.
Then on these high places, he’ll offer the priests
Who now lay the sacrifices upon it;
And upon these [same altars], he’ll burn up their bones.’3Then he performed a miracle...He said:‘This is what Jehovah told me:‘{Look!} The altar has now been torn down,
And all the fat upon it has spilled [on the ground]!’4Well, when King JeroBoam heard what the man of God said as he stood there on the altar in BethEl, he reached out towards the altar and shouted:‘Seize him!’But just as he said that, the hand that he stuck out started to wither, and he wasn’t able to draw it back! 5And then the altar miraculously cracked and spilled all the fat that had been placed there, just as the man of God had told them that Jehovah said!6So King JeroBoam said to the man of God:‘Go before the face of Jehovah your God and beg Him to return my hand to me!’And the man of God [did speak before] the face of Jehovah, and the king’s hand did return to him, becoming the same as it was before.7Well after that, the king said to the man of God:‘Come with me to my palace and dine with me, and I’ll give you a gift.’8But the man of God said to the king:‘Even if you were to give me half of everything that’s [in] your palace, I wouldn’t go with you, nor would I eat food or drink water in this place!9‘For, this is what the Lord told me:‘Don’t eat any bread or drink any water,
And don’t return by the way that you came.’10So when he left BethEl, he traveled towards home by another route.11Well and at the time, there was another prophet living in BethEl (an older man)... So when his sons came to him and told him everything that the man of God had done that day in BethEl and of the things that the king had said, the face of their father changed, 12and he asked them:‘Which way did he go?’So his sons pointed out the way that the man of God was traveling (towards Judah), 13and he said to his sons:‘Saddle my burro for me!’14So they saddled his burro and he mounted it; then he went after the man of God and he found him sitting under an oak tree.And he asked:‘Are you the man of God who came from Judah?’And he replied:‘I am.’15So [the prophet] said:‘Come with me and have something to eat.’16But [the man of God] replied:‘There’s no way that I can come with you, nor may I eat bread or drink water in this place!17‘For Jehovah told me:‘Don’t eat any bread, nor drink any water,
And don’t return by the way that you came.’18However, the other man replied:‘But, I’m a prophet just like you! And a messenger [of God] came and gave me these words from Jehovah…‘He said:‘Take him back to your house and give him some food and water!’However, he was lying.19So [the man of God] went back with him and he ate bread and drank water there in [the prophet’s] house. 20But, as they were sitting down at the table, the word of Jehovah came to the prophet that did the inviting, 21and he said to the man of God who had come from Judah:‘This is what the Lord just told me:‘Because you disobeyed the Lord’s instructions and you didn’t do as you were commanded by Jehovah your God 22when you returned to eat bread and drink water in this place where He told you not to eat any bread or drink any water... There’s no way that your body will be buried with your ancestors.’23And that’s what happened.For, after he ate bread, drank water, and saddled his burro for the return, 24he was found by a lion and killed along the road! Then his body just laid there in the road with the burro standing next to it, as the lion stood nearby.25Well, when some men came along and found the body starting to decay, they pushed it off the road… But then the lion returned to it.Well thereafter, they went back and reported the matter in the city where the elderly prophet lived. 26And when the prophet heard what had happened to the man of God along the road, he said:‘This is what happens to those who rebel against the Word of Jehovah.‘For it was the Lord who sent the lion… It attacked him and killed him, just as Jehovah foretold.’27Then he spoke to his sons and said:‘Now, saddle my burro for me!’So they saddled it, 28and he went and found the body that had been tossed alongside the road next to his burro… And there was the lion standing by the body.However, the lion hadn’t eaten the body of the man of God, nor had it attacked his burro. 29So the prophet picked up the body, placed it on his own burro, and he carried it back to his city and buried him 30in his own tomb, as [the people] beat their chests over him, saying:‘Woe, O brother!’31Then, after beating their chests over him, the prophet said this to his sons:‘When I die, I want you to bury me in the tomb where we’ve put this man of God... Put me next to his bones, so that my bones will be preserved along with his bones.32‘For Jehovah used him to speak against the altar in BethEl and against the temples on the hilltops in Samaria.’33Meanwhile, what [the man of God] had said to JeroBoam didn’t really turn him from his evil ways. For he went and appointed any man who wanted the position to be a priest in the high places, and the posts were filled by all whom he chose.34This was the sin that eventually brought the house of JeroBoam to its ruin and extinction from the face of the earth.
1Well, after some time, AbiJah (JeroBoam’s son) became ill.2So [King] JeroBoam said to his wife:‘Get up and make yourself up, so people won’t recognize you as my wife, then go to ShiLoh and look for AhiJah the prophet, because he’s the one who first spoke to me about ruling over these people.3‘Carry along some bread for this man of God, and some small cakes for his children, as well as some raisins and a jar of honey.‘Go to him and ask him to tell you what will happen to our child.’4So JeroBoam’s wife did as he said. She got up and went the house of AhiJah in ShiLoh.Now, the man was too old to see well and [he had developed cataracts].5But Jehovah said to AhiJah:‘{Look!} JeroBoam’s wife is coming to you to ask about her son, because he’s very ill. This is what you should say to her…’6Therefore, when she got there (although she couldn’t be recognized) and AhiJah heard the sound of her feet coming up to his door, he said:‘Come on in, you woman of JeroBoam.‘Why are you coming as a stranger?’Then he said:‘I have a harsh message for you!7‘Return to JeroBoam and tell him that this is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl has said:‘I’m the One who elevated you from the midst of your people and appointed you over the sons of IsraEl… 8Yes, I’m the One who tore the kingship from the house of David and gave it to you!‘Yet you haven’t become like My servant David who kept My Commandments and followed me with his whole heart by doing what’s right in My eyes.9‘Rather, you’ve acted wickedly in everything that’s before you, and you’ve gone and made other gods and molded images to anger Me… You’ve pushed Me aside! 10And it’s because of this that {Look!} I will be bringing evil things upon the house of JeroBoam!‘For I will destroy all those of JeroBoam who can urinate against a wall… Those who are now living in IsraEl and those who are yet to come… They’ll all be treated like manure!11‘Then, those [who come from] JeroBoam who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and the flying creatures of the sky will eat those who die in the fields!’‘Yes, this is what Jehovah has declared!12‘So now, get up and go back home! Then, as your feet are entering your city, your child will die.13‘However, [his body] will be put in a tomb and all IsraEl will mourn him. He’s the only one of JeroBoam’s [children] who’ll be put in a tomb, because he’s the only one in the house of JeroBoam that [would have] said something good about Jehovah the God of IsraEl.14‘Also today – in fact, right now – Jehovah is raising a king for Himself over IsraEl who’ll cut down the house of JeroBoam. 15Then Jehovah will strike IsraEl as someone who stirs water with a reed.‘He will pluck IsraEl from the good land that He gave to their ancestors and toss them to the other side of the river because of all the sacred poles that they’ve erected to anger Jehovah!’16That’s how Jehovah actually showed His [dis]favor upon IsraEl because of the sins of JeroBoam. For, not only had he sinned, but he also led IsraEl into sin. 17Well after that, JeroBoam’s woman got up and returned to SariRa.As she stepped onto the threshold of her house, her child died.18However they put [his body] in a tomb and all IsraEl mourned for him, just as Jehovah said they would through His servant AhiJah the prophet.19Now, all the other things that JeroBoam did (the wars that he fought and the things that he said during his reign) are written about in the words of the scrolls of the lives of the kings of IsraEl. 20JeroBoam reigned for 22 years, then he went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son NaDab started ruling in his place.21And at the time, RehoBoam (Solomon’s son) was reigning over Judah.He was 41 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem (the city where Jehovah chose to put His Name for all the tribes of IsraEl) for 17 years. His mother’s name was NaAma, and she was an AmMonite.22But, during this time, Judah was also acting wickedly before Jehovah and making Him jealous with all the things they were doing, just as their ancestors did when they sinned... 23The [people] were building high places [of worship] for themselves and erecting monuments and sacred poles on every high hill and under every shady tree.24They got together throughout the land and started doing all the disgusting things that the nations which Jehovah had removed from before the sons of IsraEl were doing!25So, in the 5th year of the reign of RehoBoam, the king of Egypt attacked JeruSalem 26and took all the treasures in the Temple of Jehovah, as well as all the treasures in the king’s palace!He took the gold spears that David had taken from the children of AdraZar the king of Suba, and carried them [from] JeruSalem.He took everything!He even took the gold shields that Solomon had made and he carried them all back to Egypt.27Well after that, King RehoBoam had some shields made of bronze to replace [the gold shields], and they were set in place by the captains of his bodyguards (those who guarded the king’s palace). 28But one day, while the king was at the Temple of Jehovah, the bodyguards took them down and mounted them in their own barracks.29All the rest of the things that RehoBoam said and did are written about in the scrolls of the words and days of the kings of Judah.30And during the entire time, there was war between [king of Judah] RehoBoam and [king of Israel] JeroBoam! 31Then RehoBoam went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David.So his son AbiJam started ruling in place of him.
1It was in the 18th year of the reign of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) that AbiJam (son of RehoBoam) started ruling over Judah, 2but he only reigned in JeruSalem for three years. His mother’s name was MaAcha, and she was the daughter of AbSalom.3For he followed in the sins that his father had committed before him, and his heart wasn’t perfect towards Jehovah his God, as was the heart of his grandfather David.4But, because of David, Jehovah God had allowed him to establish his line of [kings] in JeruSalem (5for David had done the right things before Jehovah and he didn’t turn away from all that he was told to do during his lifetime, 6except in the matter of UriAh the Hittite).7And the rest of the things that AbiJam said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of the words of the days of the kings of Judah.Now, there was always a state of war between AbiJam and JeroBoam... 8But then, AbiJam went to sleep with his ancestors (in the 24th year of the reign of JeroBoam), and he was buried in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David.After him, his son Asa started ruling as king over Judah. 9That was in the 24th year of the reign of JeroBoam the king of IsraEl. 10He then reigned in JeruSalem for 41 years. The name of his mother was Ana, and she was also a daughter of AbSalom.11Now, Asa did what was right before Jehovah as his ancestor David had done.12For he removed all the mystic rites from the land and drove out all the bad practices that his fathers had established. 13He also removed his mother Ana after she’d held a meeting in her field of sacred poles and tried to seize power.Asa cut off her retreat and burned [her followers] in a fire next to the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi!14And even though he failed to remove the high places of worship, the heart of Asa was perfect towards Jehovah all the days of his life. 15For Asa returned the huge columns of silver and gold to the Temple of Jehovah, as well as its silver and gold utensils.16Then there was war between Asa and BaAsha (the king of IsraEl) that lasted as long as they both lived. 17BaAsha had attacked Judah and built Rama in order to cut off Asa the king of Judah.18But then, Asa took all the silver and gold that he found in the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah and in the treasuries of the palace of the king (he entrusted them to his servants), and he sent all the treasure to BenHader (son of TaberEma) the king of Syria in Damascus.19He said:‘May there be a treaty between you and me as there was between your father and my father!‘Look! I’m sending you gifts of silver and gold.‘So now, end your treaty with BaAsha the king of IsraEl, then come and drive him away from me!’20As a result, BenHader sent his officials along with an army to King Asa, and they attacked Ain in Dan, AbelMa and the house of MaAcah, and all of ChenNereth in the land of NaphTali! 21Then when BaAsha heard of it, he stopped building Rama and returned to TirZah.22Thereafter, King Asa gave instructions to the army of Judah to tear down every stone in Rama and all of its building timbers and to take it to the hills of BenJamin, where they thereafter built a high fortification and a lookout post.23{Look!} All the rest of the words and deeds of Asa and his kingdom, and the information about all the cities that he built, is written in the scrolls of the words of the days of the kings of Judah.Then in his old age, he developed pain in his feet... 24And thereafter Asa went to sleep with his ancestors and he was buried in the tomb of his fathers in the city of David.So his son JehoShaphat started ruling in place of him.25Meanwhile, NaDab (son of JeroBoam) had started ruling in IsraEl in the 2nd year of Asa (the king of Judah). He only reigned in IsraEl for 2 years, 26for he also acted wickedly before Jehovah and he followed in the steps of his father, committing the same sins and leading IsraEl into sin.27Then BaAsha (son of AhiJah) laid siege against him [because of what he’d done to] the house of BelaAn (son of AhiJah), and he cut him down at the Philistine city of GabaThon… For NaBat and [the army of] IsraEl had been laying siege to GabaThon.28So, BaAsha killed him in the 3rd year of the reign of Asa (son of AbiJah) the king of Judah, and thereafter, BaAsha became the ruler [of IsraEl].29Well, during BaAsha’s reign, he murdered the entire house of JeroBoam!He didn’t leave anyone alive… He killed them all, just as Jehovah had said through His servant AhiJah the Selonite, 30because of JeroBoam’s part in leading IsraEl into sin and provoking the anger of Jehovah the God of IsraEl.31All the rest of the things that NaDab said and did {Look!} are written about in the scrolls of the words of the days of the kings of IsraEl.32Well, there was war between [King] Asa [of Judah] and King BaAsha of IsraEl for as long as they both lived.33It was in the 3rd year of the reign of King Asa of Judah that BaAsha (son of AhiJah) started ruling over IsraEl from TirZah. He reigned for 24 years, and he also acted wickedly before Jehovah, for he followed in the footsteps of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) by sinning and leading IsraEl into sin.
1Then Jehovah sent word to BaAsha by Jehu (son of AnaNi), saying:2‘Even though I elevated you to be over the land and gave you the leadership of My people IsraEl, you’ve still chosen to follow in ways of JeroBoam and to lead My people IsraEl into sin, provoking Me to anger with your foolishness!3‘So, {Look!} I’m arousing enemies against BaAsha and his house, and I’m going to do to your house [the same] as I did to the house of JeroBoam (son of NaBat). 4For when those of BaAsha die in the city, dogs will eat them; and when they die in the fields, they’ll be eaten by the flying creatures of the skies.’5Well, the rest of the things that BaAsha said and did, and the areas of his conquests {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.6Then BaAsha went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in TirZah; and his son ElAh started reigning after him. 7For Jehovah had sent a proclamation against BaAsha and his house through Jehu (son of AnaNi) because of all the bad things that he was doing before Jehovah.These things made Jehovah very angry; so BaAsha’s house would soon become like the house of JeroBoam, whom he’d slaughtered.8It was in the 28th year of the reign of King Asa of Judah, after ElAh (BaAsha’s son) had ruled IsraEl for 2 years in TirZah, 9that ElAh’s servants plotted a coup by getting together with ZimRi, the captain over half of [the king’s] cavalry...And it was while [the king] was in TirZah, drinking and getting drunk in the house of Osa (the Mayor of TirZah), 10that ZimRi went in and stabbed him to death! Thereafter, he became the ruler [of IsraEl].11Then when he took over, he killed the entire house of BaAsha… He didn’t leave anyone who could urinate against a wall, including [BaAsha’s] friends and relatives... 12So, ZimRi wiped out the whole house of BaAsha, just as Jehovah had foretold through the prophet Jehu.13He did this because of all the sins of BaAsha and of his son ElAh, who had made Jehovah the God of IsraEl angry by leading IsraEl into sin with all their foolishness.14The rest of the things that ElAh said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.15Well, ZimRi only ruled in TirZah for 7 days!You see, at the time, IsraEl’s army was camped at the Philistine city of GabaThon;
16and when the people in the camp heard about how ZimRi had rebelled and killed their king, they appointed the commander of IsraEl’s army, OmRi, to be the king that day – there, in the camp!17So OmRi ascended to the throne, and all IsraEl met with him at GabaThon;
then they went and besieged TirZah! 18Now, when ZimRi realized that his city was lost, he went inside the king’s palace and set it on fire, burning it down around him, killing himself!19This happened because of all the sins that ZimRi had committed. For he’d also acted wickedly before Jehovah and he followed in the ways of JeroBoam (son of NaBat), committing the same sins and leading IsraEl into sin.20The rest of the story of ZimRi and of the people who supported him {Look!} has been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.21Thereafter, the people of IsraEl became divided, for half of them started following TibNi (son of GoNath), wanting him to be their king, while the other half followed OmRi!22However, the people who followed OmRi won out over the followers of TibNi (son of GiNath). Then TibNi died, leaving OmRi as the only remaining ruler.23(This all happened in the 31st year of the reign of [Judean] king Asa.)And thereafter, OmRi reigned over IsraEl for 12 years, 6 of which were from TirZah. 24Then he acquired Mount SemerOn from Semer (who owned the mountain) for a 150 pounds (68kg) of silver, and there he built [his city], which he named Semer [later to be named Samaria], after the man who’d owned SemerOn.25Well, OmRi also acted wickedly before Jehovah... In fact, he was worse than all those who’d come before him!26He followed in the ways of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) and committed all of his sins by leading IsraEl into foolishness and sin, which made Jehovah the God of IsraEl very angry.27The rest of the things that OmRi said and did, and the areas of his rulership {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.28Then OmRi went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria. So his son Ahab started ruling after him.29Ahab (son of OmRi) started his rule over IsraEl in the 38th year of Judah’s King Asa, and he reigned over IsraEl from Samaria for 22 years.30However, he also acted wickedly before Jehovah… Even more wicked than all those who’d come before him! 31For the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) weren’t bad enough for him.Then he took a woman, JezeBel (daughter of IthoBaAl, the king of the Sidonians), and he went and started serving BaAl, bowing before him.32He also erected an Altar to BaAl in the disgusting temple that he’d built in Samaria, 33and he set up fields of sacred poles, doing everything that he could to anger Jehovah the God of IsraEl, and to bring about his own destruction!He was much worse than all the other kings of IsraEl that had come before him.34It was during Ahab’s reign that AchiEl the BethElite rebuilt JeriCho with the loss of his first-born son AbiRon (for laying its foundation), and with the loss of his youngest son SegUb for erecting its gates, just as Jehovah had said through JoShua (son of NaWeh).
1Then the prophet EliJah (the Tishbite from Tishbon of GileAd) went to Ahab and said:‘As Jehovah the Almighty – the God of IsraEl before whom I stand – lives, there won’t be any dew or rain in the land for years, unless I call for it!’2And then Jehovah told EliJah:3‘Now, leave this place and head east!‘Go and hide near the Cherith Wadi, where it empties into the JorDan... 4There you’ll drink your water from the wadi, and I’ll send crows to feed you!’5So EliJah did what Jehovah said and he settled in by the Cherith Wadi near the JorDan. 6There, crows brought him bread loaves in the morning and meat in the afternoon, and he drank water from the wadi.7However, before long the wadi also dried up, because there was no rain in the land.8So Jehovah told EliJah:9‘Now, get up and go to the Sidonian [city of] SarEpta… {Look!} I’ve instructed a widow woman there to provide food for you.’10So he got up and went to SarEpta; and as he neared the city gate, {Look!} he saw a widow woman collecting wood.Then EliJah called out to her and said:‘Please take a little water from your jar and give me something to drink!’11However, she just started carrying [her wood] inside.So EliJah shouted at her again, saying:‘May I please have a little bit of your bread to eat?’12Then the woman said:‘As Jehovah your God lives; what good is a cake that must be baked in hot ashes?‘All I’ve got is a handful of flour in a jar and a little bit of olive oil in a pitcher!‘Look at this! I’ve just collected two sticks so I can go home and cook what’s left for my children and myself…‘Then we can eat it and die!’13But EliJah said:‘Don’t get discouraged... Just go on ahead and do what you said you’re going to do. However, bake a small loaf and bring it to me first. And after that, you and your children may eat.14‘For, this is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl has said:‘Her jar of flour will never fail, Nor will her pitcher of oil Until the day that Jehovah appointed For rain to fall on the ground.’15So the woman went inside and did as EliJah told her… She fed him first, and then she and her children ate. 16And thereafter, her jar of flour never became empty and her pitcher of olive oil never ran low… Just as the Lord had told her through EliJah!17But later, the lady’s son became very ill, and he kept getting worse until he finally stopped breathing.18So she asked EliJah:‘What have I done to you, O man of God, that you should be reminded of all my sins and kill my son?’19And EliJah said to the woman:‘Bring your son to me.’So she picked him up and held him to her breasts, and she carried him to [EliJah’s] bed in an upstairs room and laid him there.20Then EliJah yelled out and said:‘O Jehovah!‘Since You’ve seen how well this widow has treated me, why have You sent evil to kill her son?’21And after that, he breathed into the boy’s [mouth] three times as he called to Jehovah, saying:‘O my God!‘Give back this boy’s life!’22And at that, the boy suddenly shouted aloud!23Then EliJah led him downstairs and gave him to his mother, and said:‘See, your son is alive!’24And the woman said to EliJah:‘Now I know that you’re a man of God and that the words of Jehovah that come from your mouth are all true.’
1Then after three years, the Lord came to EliJah and said:‘You must now go and speak to Ahab, for I’m going to allow rain to fall on his land once again!’2So EliJah went to appear before [King] Ahab... And by then, the famine had become very severe in Samaria. 3Well at the time, Ahab had called for his Prime Minister AbDiu, who was a man who had great respect for Jehovah.4For, back when JezeBel had many of the prophets of Jehovah killed, he was the one who gathered 100 of them and hid them in two caves in groups of fifties, and sent food and water to them.5Then [King] Ahab said to AbDiu:‘Come!‘Let’s travel throughout the land and search all the streams and springs to see if we can find a pasture that has water where I can take my horses and mules, so they don’t die in their stalls!’6And at that, they parted company along the road, with [King] Ahab going one way and [Prime Minister] AbDiu going the other... 7So AbDiu was by himself when EliJah arrived.And when AbDiu saw him, he ran and fell to his face and asked:‘Are you my lord EliJah?’8And EliJah said:‘I am!‘Now, go tell your master that EliJah is here.’9But AbDiu replied:‘What has your servant done that you would hand me over to Ahab, for he will kill me! As Jehovah your God lives; there isn’t a nation or kingdom where my master hasn’t searched for you!10‘And when they said that you weren’t there, he burned the kingdoms and their cities when he couldn’t find you. 11So you just want me to just go and tell my master that EliJah is here?!12‘What if, after I leave you, Jehovah sends a wind that picks you up and carries you into an unknown land? Then, if I were to go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you here, he would kill me!‘Now, your servant has feared Jehovah since his youth... 13And perhaps you haven’t been told, my master, about what I did when JezeBel killed the prophets of Jehovah; I took 100 of them and hid them in caves in groups of fifties. Thereafter, I fed them with bread loaves and provided them with water.14‘But now you say that I should just go and tell my master that EliJah is here?!‘He’ll kill me!’15And EliJah said:‘As the Almighty Jehovah that stands before me lives; I’ll appear before him today.’16So AbDiu went to find Ahab and he reported what had happened.Then Ahab ran to meet with EliJah, 17and when he saw him, he asked:‘Are you finally going to [stop plaguing] IsraEl?’18And EliJah said:‘No. I’m not going to [stop plaguing] IsraEl!‘For you and the house of your fathers have left Jehovah your God and started following the BaAls!19‘But now, you must gather all IsraEl to Mount CarMel along with all the prophets of BaAl – all 450 of them – and all the prophets of the sacred poles – all 400 of them who eat at the table of JezeBel!’20Therefore, Ahab sent word throughout all IsraEl to call those prophets to Mount CarMel.21[And when they got there] EliJah stood up in front of all the people and said:‘How much longer are you going to be lame on both of your hams?‘If Jehovah is God, then you should follow Him!‘But if BaAl is God, he’s the one you should follow!’Well at that, no one said a word.22Then EliJah said:‘I’m the only prophet of Jehovah who is left [in the land]... But here are 450 prophets of the BaAl and 400 prophets of the sacred poles!23‘So now, have them bring two oxen to us, then let those men choose which one they want and cut it up, and put it on the Altar.‘Also pile some wood there, but don’t light the fire.‘I’ll do the same thing to the other ox, and I won’t light the fire either.24‘Then, they can call in the names of their gods, and I’ll call upon the Name of my God Jehovah! Whichever one is able to light the fire [will prove to be] the true God!’And at that, all the people said:‘What you’ve proposed is very good!’25So EliJah then turned to those prophets of shame and said:‘Now, choose the calf you want and get it ready.‘There are many of you, so you should all call on the names of your gods and have them light the fire!’26So they selected the calf and prepared it for offering, and they started calling on the name of the BaAl from morning until noon saying:‘Listen to us, O BaAl! Hear us!’However, there was no reply, because there was no one who could really hear them! So then they started dancing around the Altar that they’d made...27Well, by noon, EliJah (the Tishbite) had started making fun of them.He was saying:‘Keep on shouting!‘Perhaps he’s just thinking about it, or maybe he’s off handling some business… Or perhaps he’s sleeping and he hasn’t gotten up yet!’28But they kept on shouting and cutting themselves with knives and spears (which was their custom) until they were all running with blood! 29They kept [acting like] prophets until midday.But after their sacrifice had stayed there until noon without any reply, 30EliJah said to the people:‘Now, come here to me!’And all the people came to him.Then EliJah rebuilt an old Altar that had been knocked down. 31He took 12 stones (to represent the tribes of IsraEl), just as Jehovah told him to do. For this was the very same place where the Lord had once told [Jacob]:‘IsraEl will be your Name.’32And these were the same stones that [Jacob himself had] erected in the Name of the Lord… It was the same broken-down Altar of Jehovah that he rebuilt that day!Then he dug a moat around it that was deep enough to hold two sacks of seeds, and he put wood on the Altar that he’d erected... 33He then cut up the whole burnt offering and placed it over the wood (he piled it all on the Altar), and said:‘Now, bring four buckets of [sea] water and pour them over the offering and the wood!’34Then he told them to do it a second time, and they did it again.And he said:‘Now, do it a third time!’And they did it a third time.35And thereafter, EliJah filled the moat around the Altar with water.36Then he shouted into the sky, saying:‘Jehovah,‘The God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and IsraEl!‘Hear me today and send fire so that all these people will know that You are Jehovah the God of IsraEl!‘[Show them] that I’m Your servant and that the things I’m doing are Your works!37‘Hear me, O Jehovah,‘Send fire, so these people will know that You are the Lord God, and so that the hearts of these people will turn back to You!’38Well at that, Jehovah sent fire that fell from the sky, and it consumed the whole burnt offering, the wood, the water in the moat, the stones… And even the dirt around [the Altar] was all licked up by the fire!39Then all the people fell to their faces and said:‘Jehovah is truly God… The God!’40And EliJah said to the people:‘Now, seize all the prophets of BaAl… Don’t let any of them escape!’So they grabbed them, and EliJah took them down to the Kishon Wadi and killed them all there.41Well after that, Elijah told Ahab:‘Get up and eat and drink, for there’s the sound of rain coming!’So Ahab got up to eat and drink, while EliJah then walked up Mount CarMel, where he bowed to the ground with his face between his knees.42Then he said his servant:‘Now, climb to the top of the mountain and look towards the sea!’43So his servant climbed to the mountaintop and looked towards the sea, and [when he reported back, he] said:‘I didn’t see anything.’And EliJah said:‘Then, go back [and check again].’[He did this] seven times.44So the servant went back [to check] seven times; and on the seventh time he [reported back and] said:‘Look! I can see a cloud that’s as small as the sole of a man’s foot arising from the water in the sea.’So he said:‘Go to Ahab and tell him to get his chariot ready and hurry off, or the rain will overtake him!’45Well all of a sudden, the sky got dark with clouds, the wind started to blow, and a tremendous rainstorm began!So Ahab wept, and went off back to JezreEl... 46Then the hand of Jehovah came over EliJah, and he tightened his belt and ran to JezreEl ahead of Ahab.
1Well, [when he got home], Ahab told his woman JezeBel (the one who had the prophets killed with swords) about everything that EliJah did.2So JezeBel sent [a message] to EliJah that said:‘May the gods curse me and add to it if by this time tomorrow your life won’t be the same as the lives [of the prophets I killed]!’3Well, this frightened EliJah, so he got up and ran for his life!And when he got to BeerSheba, he left his servant there 4and traveled along the desert road for a day’s journey, where [he spent the night] under a broom bush.That’s when he prayed for his life to end, saying:‘It’s now fitting for You to take my life, O Jehovah, because I’m no better than my ancestors!’5And after that, he bedded down and went to sleep under that bush.However, {Look!} someone then came and touched him and said:‘Now, get up and eat!’6And when he looked around, he saw a loaf of oat bread that had been baked in ashes lying next to his head, along with a jar of water... So EliJah got up and ate and drank, then he went back to sleep.7But the messenger of Jehovah returned a second time and touched him, saying:‘Get up and eat!‘You’ll need this for your long journey!’8So he got up and ate and drank again, and he gained enough strength from the food to last the whole trip of 40 days and 40 nights to the Dry Mountain (Horeb).9And when he got there, he went into a cave to rest.But then, {Look!} Jehovah sent word to him.He asked:‘Why are you here, EliJah?’10And EliJah replied:‘Because of my zeal… Because I’m zealous for Jehovah the Almighty.‘Yet, all the sons of IsraEl have abandoned You… They’ve cut down Your Altars and they’ve killed Your prophets with swords; so, now I’m the only one left, and they’re looking [to kill] me too!’11Then he was told:‘Go outside and stand on the mountain before Jehovah.‘There {Look!} the Lord will pass by you in a strong wind that will split the mountain and break its rocks.’[So he went outside and stood] before Jehovah, and the wind blew…
But it wasn’t [just the] wind, it was Jehovah!Then after the wind blew, the ground shook…
But it wasn’t an earthquake, it was Jehovah.12And after the ground shook, there was fire…
But it wasn’t fire, it was Jehovah.And after the fire, there was a sound that came from a soft breeze...
Which was Jehovah.13Well after that, EliJah covered his face with a sheepskin and he went back inside the cave.But then {Look!} a voice again asked:‘Why are you here, EliJah?’14And EliJah once more replied:‘Because of my zeal… Because I’m zealous for Jehovah the Almighty!‘Yet, the sons of IsraEl have abandoned Your Sacred Agreement with them… They’ve demolished Your Altars and they’ve killed Your prophets with swords, and now I’m the only one left and they’re looking [to kill] me too!’15Then The Lord said to him:‘Continue on with your journey; and when you reach the desert road to Damascus, [I want you to] anoint HazaEl to be the king over Syria.16‘Also, anoint Jehu (son of NaMesSi) to be the king over IsraEl, and anoint EliSha (son of ShaPhat from AbelMaoOla) to replace you as [My] prophet.17‘Thereafter, all those who are saved from the broadsword of HazaEl will be killed by Jehu, and all who are saved from the broadsword of Jehu will be killed by EliSha.18‘However, there are still 7,000 men in IsraEl who haven’t bent their knees to the BaAl, and none of them have spoken reverently of him.’19So then he went and found EliSha (son of ShaPhat), who at the time was leading 12 teams of oxen that were pulling a plough... He went up to him and placed his sheepskin over him.20Then EliSha left his oxen and ran after EliJah, and he said:‘First let me kiss my father [goodbye]… And then I’ll follow you!’And [EliJah] told him:‘Go on then, and return here… For I’ve [got lots] for you to do!’21So [when he] came back to follow him, he took the teams of oxen and sacrificed them. He cooked them with the wood [of their yokes], and he gave [the meat] to his people, which they ate.Then he got up and followed EliJah, serving him.
1Well after that, King BenHader of Syria gathered his whole army along with 32 [vassal] kings and all their horses and chariots, and they went to lay siege against Samaria… They all went to Samaria to wage war against it.2Then he sent messengers into the city of King Ahab of IsraEl, who told him:‘This is what BenHader says:3‘Your silver and your gold are all mine. Also, your wives, children, and all the good things that you have are mine!’4And the king of IsraEl replied:‘Just as you have said, O my master, O king, I and all that is mine is yours.’5Then BenHader sent his messengers again, that said:‘I sent you the message telling you that you’re to give your silver, gold, wives, and children to me.6‘So at this time tomorrow, I will send my servants to you, and then they’ll search your palace and the homes of your servants and take anything that their eyes desire… Whatever they put in their hands, they can take!’7So the king of IsraEl called all the elders of the land and said:‘I want you to know of all the evil that this man intends to do... For even though I’ve offered him all my silver, gold, wives, sons, and daughters, he’s now asking for [everything else].’8And at that, the elders and all the people said:‘Don’t listen to him… And don’t worry!’9So he replied to the messengers of BenHader:‘Tell your master that I’ll give him all that he asked for at first, but I won’t be able to do this [other] thing that he’s asking.’And his people carried that message back.10But BenHader said this:‘May the gods curse me and add to it if the dirt of the foxes of Samaria and all its people is good enough for the feet of my soldiers!’11Then the king of IsraEl replied:‘That’s enough!‘May the hunchback not boast as though he were able to stand erect!’12Well, at the time that this message reached [King BenHader], he and all the other kings were inside his tent drinking. So he told his servants to go and build a siege mound around the city, which they did.13Then {Look!} a prophet came to Ahab (the king of IsraEl) and told him:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘You’ve now seen how large an army they have, but {Look!} today I’m giving them all into your hands… And then you will know that I am Jehovah!’14So Ahab asked him:‘Who will accomplish this?’And he was told:‘This is what Jehovah said:‘It will happen at the hands of the young princes of this region.’And Ahab asked:‘Then, who’ll join them in this war?’And he was told:‘You will!’15So Ahab counted the sons of the rulers of his realm and found out that there were 230 of them... Then he counted his troops and found that there were 7,000 of them… All mighty men.16So, he started his attack at noon.Meanwhile, BenHader and the other kings (all 32 of them) that were his allies, were in SokChoth, and they were all drunk.17Then in the first wave, [Ahab] sent the young princes to attack... And when King BenHader of Syria received word that men were coming from Samaria, 18he said:‘Whether they’re coming in peace or for war, let’s capture them alive!’19Well, the young princes then came out of the city (with the whole army following them), 20and each one cut down the soldier who faced him! Thereafter, they did it again… Each one cut down the soldier who came against him.So, the Syrians turned and ran, and the IsraElites started chasing after them! However, King BenHader of Syria grabbed a cavalryman’s horse and got away... 21But the king of IsraEl went and collected all their horses and chariots, which was a great calamity for Syria.22Then, [after the battle], the prophet went to the king of IsraEl again and said:‘Now, strengthen your forces and consider what you must do, for King BenHader of Syria will attack you once again this year!’23And after that, the servants of the king of Syria went to him and told him this:‘The God of IsraEl is a God of mountains, not a God of valleys, and that’s why they beat us. However, if you go to war with them in the straight plains, you can beat them!24‘So, this is what you should do:‘Send all the kings home and appoint governors to replace them... 25Then you must replace the men who were killed, get more horses, build more chariots, and go back and fight them in the plains, and you’ll overpower them.’Well, the king listened to them and went along with their proposal.26So, towards the end of the year, BenHader again gathered an army in Syria and marched them towards Apheka to war against IsraEl, 27and the sons of IsraEl gathered for war and went out to meet them.Then, like two flocks of goats, IsraEl stood opposite them on the right, while Syria literally filled the land on the left.28Then the man of God went to the king of IsraEl once more and told him:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘Because Syria says that Jehovah the God of IsraEl is a God of the mountains, not a God of the valleys, I’m going to give his huge army into your hands…‘And then you will know that I am Jehovah!’29Well, both armies just sat there camped against each other for 7 days...Then on the 7th day, the war started, and IsraEl cut down the Syrians… 100,000 foot soldiers in one day! 30All the rest retreated to the city of Apheka.But then its walls crumbled, killing 27,000 of the remaining men, and BenHader ran away and hid in a bedroom in the inner part of a house.31There he said to his servants:‘I know that the kings of IsraEl are merciful... So, dress yourselves in sackcloth and wrap your heads with ropes; then go to the king of IsraEl and see if he will allow us to live.’32So they wrapped sackcloth around their loins and wrapped ropes around their heads, and they went to the king of IsraEl and said:‘Your servant BenHader says:‘Please allow me to live!’And [IsraEl’s king Ahab] asked:‘Is my brother still alive?’33Then the men quickly got together and discussed what to say, and they replied:‘Yes, BenHader your brother [is still alive].’And he said:‘Well then, go get him.’So BenHader was brought [to the king of IsraEl] on a chariot.34And he said [to Ahab]:‘I’ll return all the cities that my father took from your father, and you may name the streets that my father built in Damascus after yourself, the same as my father did in Samaria.’And [the king of IsraEl said]:‘If you’ll sign a peace treaty with me, I’ll send you home.’So they signed a treaty, and he was allowed to return home.35Well after that, a man who was one of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor (by [the inspiration] of Jehovah):‘Strike me!’But his neighbor wouldn’t knock him down.36So he said to him:‘Because you didn’t listen to the voice of Jehovah... {Look!} after you leave me, a lion will strike you down!’And after he left him, a lion did in fact kill him.37So then, [the prophet] went and found another man and said:‘Strike me!’And this time the man struck him and wounded him.38Then the prophet went to see the king of IsraEl, and on the way, he wrapped a cloth around his eyes.39And when he got to the king, he shouted this at him:‘Your servant was in the army and we were in a battle; then {Look!} someone brought a prisoner to me and told me to guard him, and he told me that if he got away, I’d either have to pay with my life or I’d have to pay him 60 pounds (27kg) of silver.40‘But when I turned around, the prisoner had disappeared!’And the king of IsraEl said to him:‘{Look!} You were responsible, so you’ll have to pay!’41And that’s when the man removed the cloth from over his eyes, and the king recognized him as one of the prophets.42Then the prophet said to him:‘This is what Jehovah has declared:‘Because you allowed a man who escaped from you to live, your life will be required for his life, and your people’s lives must be paid for his people’s lives!’43Well at that, the king of IsraEl left dumbfounded and shaking, and he went back home to Samaria.
1Then there came the matter of the vineyard of NabOth the JezreElite.His vineyard was located near the threshing floor of King Ahab of Samaria [the northern 10-tribe Kingdom of Israel]. 2And Ahab had spoken to NabOth and asked him to trade vineyards with him, because [NabOth’s vineyard] was close to his palace, and he wanted it as a vegetable garden.He said:‘I’ll give you another very-good vineyard for it; or if you prefer, we can discuss terms and I’ll buy if from you, because I need it for a vegetable garden.’3But NabOth replied:‘No, I could never give it to you, because this is the inheritance that my God gave to my ancestors.’4Well, this matter bothered Ahab so much that he just went to bed, covered his face, and refused to eat.5So his wife JezeBel went to him and asked:‘Why is your spirit so disturbed, and why are you refusing to eat?’6And he said:‘I spoke to NabOth (the JezreElite) and asked him to sell me his vineyard… I offered to trade him another good one for it, but he said that he doesn’t want to give me the inheritance of his ancestors.’7Then his wife JezeBel said:‘Aren’t you the king of IsraEl?!‘Get up, eat, and start acting like yourself!‘I’ll give you the vineyard of NabOth the JezreElite!’8So she wrote a letter and [forged] Ahab’s name to it, put his seal on it, and then she sent it to the elders and free men who lived near NabOth.9In it, she wrote:‘I want you to declare a fast, and I want NabOth to be in charge over the people!’10Then she assigned two sons of convicted criminals to work with him, who were to accuse him of blaspheming God and the king, and then take him out to be stoned to death.11And that’s what happened.The men who lived in his city (the elders and free men to whom JezeBel sent the letter) 12called for a fast, and they appointed NabOth to be in charge... 13Then the two men who were sons of convicts and who sat right across from him, accused him of blaspheming God and the king, and they led him out of the city to be stoned to death.14So they sent a message to JezeBel that said:‘NabOth has been stoned and now he’s dead.’15Then when JezeBel got the message, she said to Ahab:‘Now, get up and take the vineyard that NabOth (the JezreElite) refused to sell you, because NabOth is dead!’16So when Ahab heard that NabOth had died, he went and claimed the field as his own inheritance.17Thereafter, the Lord spoke to EliJah (the Tishbite) and said:‘Get up and go to Samaria to meet with King Ahab of IsraEl.18{Look!} You’ll find him in the vineyard of NabOth, where he’s gone to claim it as his own inheritance!19‘Speak to him and tell him that Jehovah said this:‘Because you had to murder someone to inherit this field; everywhere that the pigs and dogs licked the blood of NabOth, they’ll also lick up your blood, and whores will bathe in your blood!’20So EliJah went to [King] Ahab, and Ahab said to him:‘O my enemy, I see that you’ve found me!’21And EliJah replied:‘Yes, I’ve found you, because you’ve acted foolishly and sold yourself into wickedness before Jehovah, making him angry![‘For he says:]‘{Look!} Bad things, I’m bringing upon you. To come after you, I’ll start a fire!‘Those of Ahab urinating against a wall, I shall destroy completely.‘[Even] the one who is [by illness] constrained, [Even] the very last one remaining in [all] Israel!22‘I’ll make your house like that of JeroBoam son of NaBat, And as that of BaAsha, son of AhiJah.‘Since you provoked Me to anger And led IsraEl into sin!’23‘And about JezeBel, Jehovah says this:‘The dogs shall devour her Next to JezreEl’s city walls.’24‘Anyone of Ahab who dies in the city The dogs shall eat.‘And anyone who dies in the field The birds of the skies shall eat!’25Yes, Ahab acted very foolishly when he sold himself into these wicked deeds before Jehovah through the perversions of his woman, JezeBel. 26All of his actions were disgusting… He even started doing the disgusting things that Amorites did, those whom Jehovah drove away from before the sons of IsraEl.27Well, after [EliJah] said these things, Ahab became very repentant before Jehovah... He started crying and ripping his clothes; then he tied sackcloth around his body and fasted, and he kept on wearing the sackcloth from the day that NabOth the JezreElite was killed.28So Jehovah spoke to EliJah (the Tishbite) and said:29‘I see that Ahab is repentant; therefore, I’m not going to bring the evil upon him during his lifetime... However, I will bring it during his son’s time, and upon his house.’
1As a result, there was no more war between IsraEl and Syria during the next three years.2But in the third year, King JehoShaphat (of Judah went to visit King [Ahab] of IsraEl... 3[And it so happened that at the time], the king of IsraEl had been talking to his servants about [the city of] RamOth GileAd, for it really belonged to him and he had yet to take it back from Syria.4So King [Ahab] of IsraEl asked JehoShaphat:‘Will you join us in our war for RamOth GileAd?’5And JehoShaphat replied:‘You and I and your people and mine are the same race, so my horses are your horses!‘However, why don’t you go and ask [Jehovah about this] today?‘You should definitely ask Him first!’6Well, the King [Ahab] of IsraEl gathered all his prophets (about 400 of them), and the king asked them:‘Should I go to war against RamOth GileAd, or should I wait?’And their reply was:‘Go, and the Lord will give it into the hands of the king!’7But then [King] JehoShaphat asked the King [Ahab] of IsraEl:‘Don’t you have any prophets of Jehovah?‘We should go to them to ask Jehovah about this matter.’8And King [Ahab] of IsraEl said to JehoShaphat:‘Well, there’s still one man of Jehovah whom we can ask... However, I detest him because he never tells me good things, just bad things!‘His name is MicaJah son of JemBlaAh.’So King JehoShaphat of Judah said to him:‘We should really hear what he has to say.’9Therefore, King [Ahab] of IsraEl called his primary eunuch and told him:‘Quickly, bring MicaJah son of JemBlaAh to me.’10So then King [Ahab] of IsraEl and King JehoShaphat of Judah both sat down on their thrones, and all the prophets came in and started prophesying before them.11ZedekiAh (son of HanaAn) actually made himself some iron horns, and he said:‘This is what the Lord says:‘With these you will gore the Syrians until you finish them off!’12And all the other prophets agreed, saying:‘Go to war for RamOth GileAd and you will be blest, for [God] will hand the king of Syria over to you!’13Meanwhile, the messenger who was sent to call for MicaJah finally found him, and he said to him:‘{Look!} All the prophets are telling the king good things, so you must go there and do the same!’14But MicaJah replied:‘As Jehovah lives, I’ll say whatever He tells me to say.’15However, when he went before the king and the king asked:‘Should I go to war for RamOth GileAd, or should I wait?’MicaJah told him:‘Go, and Jehovah will bless the hands of the king!’16But King [Ahab of IsraEl] said to him:‘How often do I have to ask you to promise to speak the truth to me when you’re speaking in the Name of Jehovah?’17And MicaJah replied:‘Well, [what I said really] isn’t true... For I saw all IsraEl scattered in the mountains like a flock with no shepherd!‘Then the Lord said to me:‘When these people no longer have a lord, they should return to their homes in peace!’18Well at that, King [Ahab] of IsraEl turned to [King] JehoShaphat and said:‘Didn’t I tell you that this one would only prophesy bad things?’19And MicaJah said to him:‘That isn’t true! For, all I do is listen to the words of Jehovah… And that’s what I’ve done!‘I saw Jehovah the God of IsraEl sitting on His throne and the whole army of the heavens was standing around Him on His right and on His left...20‘Then Jehovah asked:‘Who will fool King Ahab of IsraEl and make him go to war for RamOth GileAd?’‘And one said this and another said that... 21But then a spirit came and stood before Jehovah and said:‘I’ll deceive him!’22‘So Jehovah asked him:‘How will you do that?’‘And he replied:‘I’ll go and become a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’‘And God said:‘You will surely deceive him, so go on and do it!’23‘Therefore, {Look!} Jehovah has put a lying spirit into the mouths of all your prophets, and He’s really foretold bad things for you!’24Well at that, ZedekiAh (son of HanaAn) came up to MicaJah and hit him in the mouth!Then he asked:‘So, what kind of spirit has Jehovah prophesied for you?’25And MicaJah replied:‘{Look!} You’ll know [the answer] when you have to run and hide in the inner chamber of a storeroom!’26Then the king of IsraEl told his servants to take MicaJah to AmMon (who was the mayor of the city) and to his son JehoAsh, 27who should keep him under guard.He told them to say:‘Don’t give him anything to eat other than bread and water until after I’ve returned in peace!’28But MicaJah said:‘Since you won’t be returning in peace, the Lord told me to say this to you:‘Listen all you people!29‘The king of IsraEl [will go to war], and JehoShaphat the king of Judah will go with him.’30Well at that, King [Ahab] of IsraEl turned to King JehoShaphat of Judah and said:‘Let me disguise myself in the battle, and I want you to put on my clothes.’So the King [Ahab] of IsraEl put on [JehoShaphat’s] clothes, and they went to the battle...31Meanwhile, the king of Syria had given these instructions to the 32 men who were in charge of his chariots.He said:‘Don’t attack his foot soldiers or his generals… Go catch the king of IsraEl by himself.’32So when those who were in charge of the chariots saw the king of Judah [wearing Ahab’s clothes], they shouted:‘That looks like the king of IsraEl!’Then they circled and prepared to attack him. However, JehoShaphat shouted, 33and when the men in charge realized that it wasn’t the king of IsraEl, they turned away.34But thereafter, a skilled bowman recognized the king of IsraEl and shot him in the chest between his lungs!And [the king] said to his chariot driver:‘Turn around and take me away from the battle, because I’ve been hit.’35Well, this turned the tide of the battle, and King [Ahab] sat in his chariot across from the fighting for the rest of the day, as blood poured all over the chariot... Then he died later that evening.Well, as the blood started running from the chariot towards the enemy camp, 36a messenger went throughout IsraEl’s camp after sundown, shouting:‘Everyone should go back to his city and land, 37because the king is dead!’So, everyone returned to Samaria, and they carried the king back and buried him in a tomb in Samaria. 38However, when they started washing the blood off the chariot in the Spring of Samaria, pigs and dogs came and licked up his blood, and whores bathed in the bloody water, just as Jehovah had said!39Well, {Look!} the rest of the things that Ahab said and did, as well as [a description] of the house of ivory that he had built and of all the cities he created, have been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.40So after Ahab went to sleep with his ancestors, his son AhaziJah started ruling in his place.41Well, [King] JehoShaphat (son of Asa) had started his rule over Judah [much earlier on] in the 4th year of Ahab the king of IsraEl. 42He was 35 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for 25 years. His mother’s name was Azuba, and she was the daughter of SalAi.43He had followed in the path of his father Asa unswervingly, doing what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah! However, he never tore down the high places where the people burned incense and offered sacrifices.44But during his reign, he was at peace with the king of IsraEl.45The rest of the things that JehoShaphat said, as well as the area of his rulership, was written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of Judah.46And during his reign, he completed everything that had been started or neglected during the reign of his father Asa.47(Meanwhile, there was no king reigning in Syria.)48King JehoShaphat also had a Tharsis-style ship made in order to go to Ophir and bring back gold... But it never [reached Ophir], because it was wrecked at GeBer.49So King AhaziJah of IsraEl said to JehoShaphat:‘Your servants can travel there with my servants.’50But JehoShaphat didn’t want to do that.51Finally, JehoShaphat went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb of his fathers in the city of his ancestor David.So, his son JehoRam started to rule.52It was in the 17th year of the reign of JehoShaphat the king of Judah that AhaziJah (Ahab’s son) had started ruling over IsraEl from Samaria. However, he only ruled for 2 years, 53because he also acted wickedly before Jehovah, following in the steps of his father Ahab, his mother JezeBel, and of JeroBoam son of NaBat (who was the first one who led IsraEl into sin)…54For he served the BaAls, bowing before them, and this angered Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.
1So, after [King] Ahab died, [the Kingdom of] Moab terminated its alliance with Israel. 2Then [the new King of IsraEl] AhaziAh fell through the latticework on the roof of [his palace] in Samaria and he was badly injured.So he sent for messengers and told them to go ask the BaAl, the Fly God of EkRon if he was going to survive… And they went to ask him.3Meanwhile, a messenger of Jehovah went and spoke to [the Prophet] EliJah (the Tishbite) and told him to go and meet with the messengers of AhaziAh the king of Samaria to ask:‘Is it because there’s no God in IsraEl that you’re so anxiously going to see the BaAl, the Fly God of EkRon?‘You know that isn’t true!4‘So, go back and tell AhaziAh that he’s not going to get out of the bed that he’s lying in, because he’s going to die!’Well, that’s what EliJah did.5So the messengers returned to [King AhaziAh], and when he asked them why they’d come back so soon, 6they said:‘Because a man came to meet us, and he told us to return to the king who sent us and tell him that Jehovah asked:‘Why are you so anxiously going to see the BaAl, the Fly God of EkRon? Is it because there’s no God in IsraEl?‘There’s no need to do that, because he won’t be getting out of the bed he’s lying in, since he’s going to die!’7Then, after they reported what EliJah said, the king asked:‘What did the man look like that came to meet you and said those things?’8And they told him:‘He had a lot of hair and he wore a large leather belt around his waist.’Then [King AhaziAh] said:‘Ah, it’s EliJah the Tishbite!’9So he sent a contingent of 50 men to get EliJah, and when they found him, he happened to be sitting at the very top of a mountain.Then the lieutenant in charge of the 50 men said to him:‘O man of God,‘The king has called for you, so come down from there!’10But EliJah replied to the leader of the group:‘If I am a man of God, I can bring fire down from the sky to consume you and your 50 men...’And at that, fire came out of the sky, which destroyed him and all 50 of his men!11So thereafter, the king sent another contingent of 50 men. And when they got [to EliJah], the lieutenant over the group said:‘O man of God,‘The king says that you should come down from there… Right now!’12But EliJah replied:‘If I am a man of God, fire will come down from the sky and consume you and your 50 men...’Then fire again came out of the sky and destroyed him and his 50 men!13So the king sent a third contingent of 50 men.But this time, when they got to him, the lieutenant over the 50 got down on his knees before EliJah and begged him, saying:‘O man of God,‘Please value my life and the lives of your servants, these 50 men who are standing before you.14‘For {Look!} fire came down from the sky and destroyed the previous two groups of 50 men and their leaders... But, please value the lives of your servants that are standing here before you!’15Then a messenger from Jehovah spoke to EliJah and said:‘Get down and go with him… But, don’t be afraid of them.’So EliJah climbed down and went with them to see the king.16Then he told the king:‘Jehovah has asked why you sent your messengers to get a reply from the BaAl, the Fly God of EkRon.‘He says that won’t be necessary, because you won’t be getting out of the bed that you’re in, since you’re going to die!’17And at that he died, just as Jehovah had said through EliJah.18Well, {Look!} all the rest of the many things that AhaziAh said and did have been written about in the words of the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.
1Then Jehovah planned to take EliJah into the sky in a great shaking. And at the time, EliJah and EliSha had just left GilGal together.2So EliJah said to EliSha:‘Wait here, because Jehovah is sending me on to BethEl.’But EliSha asked:‘As Jehovah lives and as you live, should I just I abandon you?!’So they traveled on to BethEl together. 3[And when they got to] BethEl, the Sons of the prophets came to EliSha and said to him:‘Did you know that Jehovah is going to take your master and lift him over your head today?’And he replied:‘Yes, I know… But let’s not talk about it!’6Then EliJah told him:‘Now, you should just wait here, for Jehovah is sending me to the JorDan River.’And EliSha [again] said:‘As Jehovah lives and as you live, am I to abandon you?!’So they both traveled on.7Well, 50 of the Sons of the prophets were standing some distance away next to the JorDan, as both men walked up to the river... 8Then EliJah took off his sheepskin cape, folded it in half, and he struck the water with it, and [the river] parted before them… So they both crossed it on dry land!9And as they were crossing, EliJah said to EliSha:‘Tell me what I can do for you before I’m taken away from you.’So EliSha told him:‘Please bestow a double portion of your Spirit upon me.’10And EliJah told him:‘That’s a difficult request...‘If you see me being taken up from you, you’ll receive it. But if you don’t, it won’t happen.’11Then, as they were crossing the river walking along and talking, {Look!} a chariot of fire with horses of fire rode up between them, and carried EliJah into the sky with a great shaking.12And when EliSha saw this, he yelled out:‘O father, O father,‘The chariot of IsraEl and his horseman!’But, EliJah quickly passed out of sight.Then [EliSha] ripped his own clothes in half, 13and he picked up EliJah’s sheepskin cape that had fallen on top of him, and he raised it high as he walked back to the bank of the river... 14And after that, he took EliJah’s sheepskin cape that had fallen upon him and struck the water with it… But it didn’t part.So he cried out:‘Where is the God of EliJah now?’Then he struck the water again, and this time [the river] ripped apart on either side of him! So thereafter, EliSha was able to finish crossing the river.15Well, when the Sons of the prophets who’d come from JeriCho saw him standing on their side of the river, they said:‘Surely the Breath of EliJah now rests upon EliSha!’So they came to greet him, bowing to the ground before him.16Then they said to him:‘{Look!} We have 50 men [who are filled with God’s] power.‘Allow us to send them to search for your master; for the Breath of Jehovah may have tossed him into the JorDan or onto one of the mountains or hills!’And EliSha said:‘No, don’t send them.’17But they kept insisting until he [became exasperated] and said:‘Okay, then send them!’Therefore, they sent the 50 men who searched for him for three days, but they couldn’t find him.18And when they returned to where EliSha was staying in JeriCho, he said to them:‘Didn’t I tell you not to go?’19Well meanwhile, the men of [JeriCho] had come to EliSha and said:‘{Look!} As you can see, O master, this city is in a good location.‘However, the water is bad and nothing wants to grow here.’20And EliSha said:‘Bring me a new water jar filled with salt.’So they went and brought [the jar of salt] to him... 21And EliSha went to the place where they got their water and threw the salt into it, and said:‘This is what Jehovah has proclaimed:‘I’ve made the water good, so it will no longer cause death or destruction.’22And the water there has in fact remained good to this day, just as EliSha said.23Well after that, EliSha left [JeriCho] and traveled back towards BethEl. But on the way, some young boys who were following him from the city started making fun of him by shouting:‘Go into the sky O bald man… Go up into the sky!’24And when he saw this, he turned around and cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then {Look!} two bears came out of the woods and tore all 42 of the children to pieces!25Well thereafter, he traveled on to Mount CarMel, and then on to Samaria.
1In the 18th year of King JehoShaphat of Judah, [King] JehoRam (son of Ahab) started his reign in IsraEl, and he reigned for 12 years.2He also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, but he wasn’t as bad as his father or mother, 3for he removed the columns of BaAl that his father had erected. However, he still hung onto and practiced the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) who had led IsraEl into sin.4Now, King Mesha of MoAb was a shepherd, and he’d sent 100,000 lambs and 100,000 wooly rams to [Ahab] the king of IsraEl, as a good-will gesture. 5But after Ahab died, the king of MoAb ended his alliance with the kings of IsraEl.6So King JehoRam went from Samaria and took a census [of the army] of IsraEl, 7then he sent a message to King JehoShaphat of Judah, telling him:‘The king of MoAb has annulled his alliance with me. So, will you join me in a war against MoAb?’And he replied:‘I will… Since you and I are very much alike, and your people and my people [are related]. My horses are your horses!8‘Which road do you want me to take?’And JehoRam replied:‘[Join me] on the road to the desert of Edom.’9So the king of IsraEl, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom went on a march against the king of MoAb that lasted 7 days. However, because they were marching in circles, they finally ran out of water and they no longer had enough for both their animals and their troops.10Then the king of IsraEl said:‘Did Jehovah call us three kings and send us here just to hand us over to MoAb?’11And JehoShaphat asked:‘Did you bring along a prophet of Jehovah?‘We should be asking him!’And one of the servants of the king of IsraEl said:‘We can go to EliSha son of ShaPhat, the one who used to serve EliJah.’12Then JehoShaphat asked:‘He does have Jehovah’s word.’So thereafter, the king of IsraEl, the king of Judah (JehoShaphat), and the king of Edom went to see him.13And EliSha asked King [JehoRam] of IsraEl:‘Why have you come here… Why don’t you go to the prophets of your father and mother?’But the king of IsraEl asked him:‘Has Jehovah called all three of us kings here just to hand us over to MoAb?’14And EliSha said:‘As Jehovah the God of armies (before whom I stand) lives...‘Were it not for the fact that King JehoShaphat of Judah is welcome here, I would never have bothered to see you.15‘But now, bring me my harp.’Well, as he strummed his harp, the hand of Jehovah came over him 16and he said:‘This is the word of Jehovah:‘Dig cistern after cistern in the wadi,
17For, although the wind blows, it won’t rain,
But the wadi will still fill with water
For you, your men, and your animals.18‘And because this is not a light matter
In the eyes of Jehovah;
I will give MoAb into your hands.19‘But, you must destroy their fortified cities
And cut down all their good trees.
Then, stop up their wells and their springs,
And cover their land up with rocks.’20Well, the next morning, just after they’d offered sacrifices, {Look!} there was water running down the road to Edom, which covered the land!21Meanwhile, when the MoAbites heard that the three kings were coming to war against them, people started yelling all over the land and strapping on their [swords], then they all gathered for war along their borders.22But when they got up early the next morning and gazed at the sun rising over the water, it appeared to be fiery red… Like blood!23So they said:‘That’s blood from a battle!‘Those kings have clearly fought among themselves, and now they’re the spoils of MoAb!’24So the MoAbites then advanced towards the camp of IsraEl... [However, they were surprised] when IsraEl came out and attacked them!So they ran away, and IsraEl thereafter entered their land and destroyed MoAb, 25demolishing all their cities... And after that, each man picked up rocks and threw them over the good land, covering the ground with rocks, and they stopped up all the springs and wells.They also cut down all the good trees and broke the walls of the cities into rocks, then they surrounded the cities and pelted them with the rocks.26Well, when the king of MoAb realized that all was lost, he took 700 of his best men and tried to cut through the [lines of] the king of Edom, but he was unsuccessful... 27Then he [went back] and took his firstborn son (the one who was to be his successor) and sacrificed him as a whole burnt offering on his [city] wall.And since he’d offered his repentance to IsraEl in such a great way, they left his land and just went back home.
1Then a woman of one of the sons of the prophets called for EliSha and then she said to him:‘Your servant, my husband, has died, and you know that your servant was [a person] who feared Jehovah... However, the moneylender just came to take my two sons as his slaves.’2And EliSha said:‘Then, tell me what I can do for you… Is there anything that you own with which [you can pay for their release]?’And she replied:‘I don’t have a single thing in my house other than some olive oil that’s used for anointing.’3And he said:‘Then, go around to your neighbors and see how many empty jars you can get from them... 4After that, go back home and lock yourself and your sons inside, and fill each of the jars with [the olive oil], one at a time.’5So she went home and did as he told her... She gathered her sons and locked the doors, and then she started filling the jars.6Well, as she filled them, she kept saying to her sons:‘Now, bring me another jar!’However, they finally told her:‘There aren’t any more jars.’And at that, the flow of olive oil ended.7So she went and reported what had happened to EliSha, the man of God.And EliSha said:‘Now, go and sell the olive oil, and that will pay your interest. Then you and your sons can use whatever you don’t sell.’8Well, one day, as EliSha was passing through [the village of] Soman, a wealthy woman who lived there insisted that he come in for a meal. And thereafter, whenever he was passing by, he would stop there to eat.9So the woman said to her husband:‘{Look!} I know that this is a holy man of God who is always stopping here. 10Why don’t we make a small room for him upstairs? We can put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lampstand there, and whenever he comes to visit, he can spend the night here.’11And one day when he was in the area, he stopped in and went to his upstairs room, where he went to bed.12Then later, [EliSha] told his servant GeHazi:‘Call the Somanite woman and ask to speak to her. Tell her:‘{Look!} You’ve surprised us with [the good thing you’ve done for us]. So, what can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you with the king or with his generals?’13But she replied:‘No, I live among friends and I have a happy life.’14So he asked GeHazi:‘What [nice thing] do you think we can do for her?’And GeHazi replied:‘Well, she has no son, and her husband is very old.’15So EliSha said:‘Then call her!’So he called to her, and she came up and stood by the door, 16and he said to her:‘On this day next year, at about the same time, you’ll be holding a living son.’But she said:‘Oh no, my lord! You shouldn’t disappoint your female servant like this!’17However, the woman did get pregnant and give birth to a living son on the same day and [at the same] time the following year, just as EliSha had told her!18Well, the boy grew wonderfully. Then, one day he went out to where his father was harvesting, 19and he said to him:‘Oh, my head! My head hurts!’So the father told his servant:‘Carry him to his mother.’20And he carried him [home] to his mother, who put him to sleep on her knees.However, sometime around noon, he died.21Then she carried him upstairs and laid him on the bed of the man of God. And after she locked the door, she called for her husband 22and told him:‘Send one of the servants with me and a burro, because I’m going to run and find the man of God and bring him back.’23Well, he asked:‘Why do you have to go to him today?‘It’s not a New Moon or a Sabbath.’But she just said:‘Peace!’24Then she saddled her burro and told her servant:‘You lead… Go!‘Don’t wait for me to mount the burro… As I said, Go! Search throughout Mount CarMel and find the man of God!’25So they went to the mountain and found the man of God.Well when EliSha saw her coming, he said to GeHazi (his servant):‘Isn’t that the Somanite woman? 26If so, run to meet her and say:‘May you, your husband, and the boy have peace!’Then as she [approached GeHazi], she also said:‘Peace!’27Well at that, she went up to EliSha on the mountain and grabbed hold of his feet. However, GeHazi tried to push her away...But EliSha said:‘Leave her alone, because there’s a lot of pain in her life!‘I don’t know what it is yet, because Jehovah has concealed it from me.’28Then she said to him:‘I didn’t ask for a son from my lord, and I told you not to mislead me…’29And EliSha said to GeHazi:‘Tighten your belt, then take my walking stick and go!‘If you see any man along the way, don’t stop to bless him… Or if a man should bless you, don’t answer him.‘Go and place my walking stick against the face of the boy.’30But the boy’s mother said to EliSha:‘As Jehovah lives and as your body is living; are we going to leave you behind?’So EliSha got up and went with her, 31as GeHazi traveled ahead.Well [when GeHazi got there], he placed the walking stick against the boy’s face… But there was no sound and he couldn’t hear anything.So he went back to EliSha and said:‘The boy didn’t get up.’32Then EliSha went into the house and {Look!} he found the dead boy lying on his bed. 33So he went inside the room, locked the door behind him, and he prayed to Jehovah.34Then he got down on top of the boy, mouth-to-mouth, eye-to-eye, and hand-to-hand, and he just laid there warming his flesh.35Then he got up and he walked all around the house, and thereafter, he went back upstairs and leaned against the boy seven times…And suddenly the boy opened his eyes!36So EliSha yelled out to GeHazi:‘Call the Somanite woman!’Well, he called her and she went upstairs; and EliSha said:‘Here’s your son!’37So she went in, fell down upon EliSha’s feet, and bowed to the ground before him. Then she took her son [back downstairs].38Well after that, EliSha traveled to GilGal, because there was a famine in the land. There the sons of the prophets sat down before him, and EliSha told his servant:‘Go get the large cooking pot and boil up some stew for the sons of the prophets.’39So his servant went out into the fields to collect some vegetables. There he found a vine growing that had some [poisonous] wild gourds. So he [unknowingly] picked [them,] enough to fill his coat. Then he threw them into the stew pot (but they didn’t know anything about it).40However, afterwards, when he poured out the stew for the men and they started eating it, they yelled:‘O man of God… There’s poison in this!’And they weren’t willing to eat it.41However, EliSha told his servant:‘Just take some flour and add it to the pot.’Then he told GeHazi to pour some more for them to eat... Well, there wasn’t anything wrong with the food in the pot after that.42And later, a man from BethSariSha came to him carrying the first fruits of his harvest for the man of God… 20 barley loaves and [several] clusters of dried figs.And he said:‘Give this to these people and let them eat it.’43But [EliSha] said to his servant:‘Why should I feed those things to just 100 men?‘Give it to the [rest] of the people [of the city] and let them eat it, for Jehovah told me:‘They will eat it and then they’ll have leftovers!’44And for a fact, after everyone ate it, there were leftovers – just as Jehovah had said.
1There was a man named NaAman who was the commander-in-chief of the army of Syria. He was highly valued by his lord and everyone admired him. Jehovah had also used him to save Syria; for, he was a very strong and mighty man.However, this man had contracted leprosy.2Meanwhile, the Syrians had gone into IsraEl lightly armed, and they captured a young girl there, who was given to NaAman’s woman as a servant.3And it was she who suggested to her lady:‘My master should go to see the prophet of God who is in Samaria, for he will cure him of his leprosy!’4As a result, [NaAman’s woman] went in to [her husband] while he was [with the king] and told him what she’d heard the girl from the land of IsraEl say.5And the king of Syria said to NaAman:‘Then go there, and I’ll send along a letter for the king of IsraEl.’So thereafter, NaAman went [to Samaria] carrying along 700 pounds (320kg) of silver, 6,000 gold coins, 10 suits of clothes, 6and a letter to the king of IsraEl, which said:‘Along with this letter, {Look!} I am sending my servant NaAman to you and I’m asking that you cure him of his leprosy.’7Well when the king of IsraEl read the letter, he ripped his clothes and said:‘Am I God who can bring death to one and life to another that he would send me a man to be cured of his leprosy?‘How do I know that this really isn’t just an excuse to attack me?’8However, when EliSha heard about the king of IsraEl ripping his clothes, he sent [a message] to the king which said:‘Why did you tear your clothes?‘Allow NaAman to come to me, so he will know that there’s a prophet in IsraEl!’9And thereafter, NaAman went to him riding his horse-drawn chariot, stopping in front of the door of EliSha’s house. 10Then EliSha sent a messenger outside to him that told him:‘You should go and bathe yourself in the JorDan River seven times, and your flesh will be cleansed.’11Well, NaAman was outraged!He said:‘They told me that this man would come out and stand before me, then call on the Name of his God and put his hand on the leprosy and cure it!12‘Aren’t the Abana and Phaphar Rivers in Damascus superior to the JorDan and all the waters of IsraEl?‘If I want to wash myself, I can go bathe in them!’So he left in a huff!13But later, his servant spoke to him and gave him some great advice.He said:‘Shouldn’t you do what the prophet said?‘All he told you to do was to bathe and be cleansed!’14So then NaAman went down to the JorDan and dipped himself in the water seven times, just as EliSha had said… And he was cleansed!In fact, his skin became like that of a young boy!15So he returned to EliSha with his entire contingent of guards, then he stood before him and said:‘{Look!} Now I know for sure that there’s no God in all the earth other than just in IsraEl!‘Please accept these blessings from your servant!’16But EliSha said:‘As [Jehovah, the God] that I stand before lives; how could I accept such things?’Well, [NaAman] kept insisting, but EliSha kept resisting.17Then NaAman said:‘At least, let your servant give you this team of mules, and you can give me some of your red earth in return… Then I’ll quit insisting.‘For your servant promises that he won’t present whole burnt offerings or sacrifices to any gods other than to Jehovah alone, because of what this God has done!18‘However, may Jehovah deal kindly with your servant when I have to enter the temple of RemMan with my master! Because, when he goes there, he has to hold onto my hand when he kneels before RemMan… So I must bend down also.‘May Jehovah deal kindly with your servant in this matter.’19And EliSha told NaAman:‘Yes, go in peace.’So he left and headed towards the land of DebRatha.20But after that, GeHazi (EliSha’s servant) said to himself:‘{Look!} NaAman was saved, yet my master wouldn’t accept any of the things that he brought.‘As Jehovah lives, I’m going to run after him and accept anything that he’s willing to give!’21So then, GeHazi ran after NaAman, and when NaAman saw him running behind, he stopped his chariot and waited for him.And [after he caught up], GeHazi said:‘Peace!22‘My master has sent me and he told me to say:‘{Look!} two young men just came to me from the sons of the prophets in the hills of Ephraim. So, please let me have 70 pounds (32kg) of silver and two suits of clothes to give to them.’23And NaAman said:‘Here, take 140 pounds (63.5kg) of silver!’So GeHazi took the silver in two pouches, as well as two suits of clothes, and he handed them to his servants that carried the things on ahead of him... 24And when they got to a shady spot he sent them on, as he took it all for himself and carried it back home.25Well later, when he went to see his master, EliSha asked him:‘Where did you come from, GeHazi?’And GeHazi replied:‘Oh, your servant was just traveling here and there.’26And EliSha said to him:‘Wasn’t my heart traveling with you when the man stopped his chariot to wait for you?‘So, now you’ve taken the silver and the clothing, and you’re planning to buy gardens, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, oxen, and male and female servants... However, the leprosy of NaAman will stick to you and to your offspring throughout the ages!’Then, as he was leaving, his face became as white as snow with leprosy!
1Later, the sons of the prophets went to EliSha and said:‘Look, this place near you (where we’re living) is getting too small for us... 2So we’re going to the JorDan, and each man is going to carry along a timber that we can use to build a place for us there.’And EliSha said:‘Then go!’3But one of them said:‘We want you to come with us.’And he agreed to go.4So he traveled with them, and when they got to the JorDan, they started cutting trees. 5Then {Look!} when one of them was setting a rafter in place, an iron tool fell into the river.And he yelled:‘O Lord!’But it was gone.6Well, the man of God came to him and asked:‘Where did it fall?’And he showed him the place... Then EliSha picked up a piece of wood and threw it into the spot, and the iron tool floated to the surface.7And he said:‘Now, pick it up yourself.’So he reached out and grabbed the tool.8Well at the time, the king of Syria was at war with IsraEl.So he consulted with his servants and selected a certain concealed place to set up his camp. 9Then EliSha sent [a message] to the king of IsraEl, saying:‘Be careful not to get to close to (such and such) a place, because the Syrians are hiding there.’10So the king of IsraEl went to the place that EliSha had warned him about, but he was spotted watching the place not once, but twice! 11And when word of this reached the king of Syria, he was very upset.So he called his servants and said to them:‘Is anyone going to tell me who it is that betrayed me to the king of IsraEl?’12And his servants said:‘No one, our lord, O king; for it’s EliSha the prophet of IsraEl who tells the king of IsraEl the things that you say in your closet and in your bedroom.’13Then the king said:‘Go find him and bring him to me!’Therefore, they went, and before long they reported back to the king, saying:‘{Look!} He’s in [the area of] Dothan.’14As a result, the king sent horses and chariots there that night, along with many soldiers that surrounded the city... 15And when the servant that had been assigned to EliSha got up early in the morning and went outside, {Look!} he saw the army surrounding the city with all their horses and chariots!So he went back inside and said:‘O master, what should we do?’16But EliSha told him:‘Don’t be afraid, for there are many more with us than there are with them.’17Then EliSha prayed and said:‘O Jehovah, open wide the eyes of this servant.’So, Jehovah opened his eyes wide, and he saw {Look!} that the mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire that were surrounding EliSha!18And when they came to get him, EliSha asked this of Jehovah:‘Now, strike this nation so they can’t see!’And suddenly they were all struck [mentally] blind, just as EliSha had asked!19So then, EliSha shouted at them:‘This is the wrong city… You took the wrong road!‘Follow me and I’ll lead you to the man you’re searching for.’Well from there, he led them to Samaria, 20and when they got there, EliSha prayed:‘O Jehovah, now open their eyes and let them see!’So at that, Jehovah opened their eyes wide, and they realized that {Look!} they were right in the middle of Samaria!21And when the king of IsraEl saw them, he asked EliSha:‘Shall I cut them down, O father?’22But he told him that he shouldn’t do that, for he said:‘Unless you’ve captured and beaten them with your swords and bows, you shouldn’t cut them down. Rather, set some food and water before them so they can eat and drink, then let them return to their lord.’23As a result, the king laid a great feast before them, which they ate and drank, and then he sent them back to their lord. However, the Syrians continued to send their armies into the land of IsraEl after that.24Then one day, King BenHader of Syria gathered all of his troops and laid siege to Samaria, 25which brought a great famine to the city. {Look!} At the time, a burro’s head came to be worth 50 silver coins, and a pint of dove droppings was worth 5 silver coins!26Well when the king of IsraEl was walking along the city wall one day, a woman yelled to him, saying:‘Save us, O lord our king!’27And he replied:‘What can I save you from… The threshing floor or the wine vat?‘Only Jehovah can save you!’28Then the king asked her:‘What’s wrong with you?’And she replied:‘A woman came and said to me:‘Give me your son so we can both eat him today and tomorrow!’29‘So I gave her my son, and we boiled him and ate him. Then the next day, I told her to give me her son to eat, but she took him and hid him!’30Well when the king of IsraEl heard what the woman said, he started ripping his clothes! Then he traveled around the wall and he noticed that his people were wearing sackcloth as their underwear.31And he prayed:‘Curse me O God and add to it if I leave EliSha’s head on his [shoulders] today!’32At the time, EliSha was at his home and all the elders were sitting around him. So the king sent a man to get EliSha... But before the messenger got there, EliSha said this to the elders:‘Did you know that the king has sent an executioner to cut off my head today? When he gets here, I want you to lock the door and not let him in; for the feet of his lord will be following close behind him.’33And it was while he was still speaking to them {Look!} that the messenger arrived, who shouted at [EliSha]:‘{Look!} Since all this evil has come from Jehovah, is there any reason for us to keep on waiting for Jehovah to do something?’
1And EliSha replied:‘Listen to the word of Jehovah; for this is what He said:‘At this same time tomorrow, a scoop of fine flour will sell for a copper coin, and two scoops of barley will sell for a copper coin inside the gates of Samaria.’2But this envoy (the one who led the king by the hand and whom he leaned on) said to EliSha:‘{Look!} Are you saying that Jehovah will make it all pour from the sky?
It’ll never happen!’And EliSha said:‘Look! You’ll see it with your own eyes… However, you won’t eat any of it.’3Well that evening, there were four lepers who were standing outside the city gate.And one said to the other:‘Why are we just waiting here to die?4‘If we go into the city, there’s a famine and we’ll just starve to death there. However, if we go into the camp of the Syrians… Although they could kill us, they might also allow us to live.’5So they got up during the night and snuck into the camp of the Syrians... But when they reached the camp, {Look!} they found no one there. 6For Jehovah had created the sounds of horses, chariots, and a huge army, and all the people in the camp thought the king of IsraEl had hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to come and attack them.7So they all got up and just ran away in the darkness, abandoning their tents, their horses, and their burros, as they ran for their lives!8Well at that, the lepers went into the camp and entered one of the tents, and they ate and drank whatever they found there. They also took some silver, gold, and clothing.Then they went into another tent and took all that was there, and they hid everything.9But then, one said to the other:‘Let’s do the right thing today, because this is good news!‘We could just say nothing and wait until morning as we take more of these things; but let’s go and announce what’s happened to the house of the king!’10So they went up to the city gate and yelled:‘We entered the Syrian camp because {Look!} we couldn’t hear anything, and we found that no one is there!‘All we can find is their horses and burros, which are still tied, and their tents. And everything has been left just as it was!’11Well, the gatekeepers ran and announced this to the house of the king... 12Then the king got out of bed and said to his servants:‘Let me tell you what the Syrians are doing; they know that we’re starving, so they’ve left their camp and they’re hiding in the fields!‘They think that we’ll leave the city, then they can rush in and attack us… And after that, they can just walk into our city.’13But one of his servants said:‘Well, let’s go and take five of the horses that they’ve left behind, and then let us send out some of the sick and dying… And we can watch to see what happens.’14So then the king of IsraEl sent out two of his men on horses to look for the king of Syria.He said to them:‘Go search for him!’15Well, they traveled as far as the [River] JorDan and {Look!} all they found was clothing and other things that the Syrians had dropped as they fled... And after the messengers returned and reported this to the king, 16the people went out and tore the camp of Syria to shreds!17Then the king assigned his envoy (the one who took the king by the hand and whom he leaned upon) to be in charge of the [city] gate. Well, the [large crowd of] people crushed him underfoot at the gate and he died – just like the man of God said when this messenger came to see him.18So, just as EliSha had told the king at the same time on the previous day, two scoops of barley actually sold for a copper coin, and a scoop of fine flour sold for a copper coin inside the gates of Samaria!19And the envoy who had said to EliSha:‘{Look!} Will Jehovah make it pour from the sky? It’ll never happen...’...and to whom EliSha had said:‘{Look!} You’ll see it with your eyes, but you won’t eat any of it...’20Well, that’s what happened to him, for the king had put him in charge of opening the city gate, and the people trampled him to death as they rushed out.
1Thereafter, EliSha went and spoke to the woman whose son he had brought back to life.He said to her:‘You should get up and take everyone in your house to wherever you wish to go, for Jehovah has called for a famine on the land that will last for 7 years.’2As a result, the woman got up and did as EliSha told her. She took everyone in her home and went to live in the land of the Philistines for 7 years.3Then at the end of 7 years, the woman left the land of the Philistines and returned to her city. And when she got back, she went before the king to complain about the [loss] of her house and her fields.4Well when she arrived, the king happened to be speaking to GeHazi (the servant of EliSha, the man of God). And [the king] had just asked him to describe all the great things that EliSha had done.5So it was as he was describing how EliSha had brought the woman’s dead son back to life after he’d died that the woman arrived to complain to the king about the [loss] of her house and fields.And GeHazi said:‘O my lord the king; here’s the woman whose son EliSha brought back to life!’6So the king asked the woman, and she told him about all that had happened.Then the king said to one of his eunuchs:‘Return everything to her, including all the crops that have grown in her fields from the time she left the land until now.’7Then sometime later, EliSha went to see King BenHader of Syria in Damascus, who was very ill.And when they announced to him:‘The man of God is here!’8The king said to HazaEl:‘Bring along a gift and go meet with the man of God... Tell him to go before Jehovah quickly and ask if I’ll survive this illness.’9So HazaEl went to meet with him, and he brought along many fine gifts from Damascus that were carried on 40 camels.Then he went in and stood in the presence of EliSha, and said:‘Your son, King BenHader of Syria, has sent me to you to ask:‘Will I survive this illness?’10And EliSha said to him:‘Go and tell him:‘You will live your life!’‘However, Jehovah has shown me that he will die.’11Well thereafter, [HazaEl] brought the gifts in and set them before [EliSha] (but EliSha just let them sit there and rot, to shame him)... Then the man of God started crying.12So HazaEl asked:‘Why is my master crying?’And [EliSha] replied:‘Because, I can see all the many bad things that you’re going to do to the sons of IsraEl!‘You’re going to burn their forts, kill their best men with broadswords, destroy their little children, and you’ll cut open their pregnant women!’13But HazaEl asked:‘Do you think of your servant as a dead dog that I’d do such a thing?’And EliSha said:‘Jehovah has shown me that you’ll become the ruler over Syria.’14Well after [HazaEl] left EliSha and returned to his master, [King BenHader] asked him:‘What did EliSha tell you?’And he replied:‘He told me that you’ll live.’15But the next day, [HazaEl] took a rag, dipped it in water, and wrapped it over [the king’s] face, and he [suffocated and] died... So, HazaEl started reigning in place of him.16It was in the 5th year of the reign of King JehoRam (son of Ahab) of IsraEl that King JehoRam (son of JehoShaphat) of Judah began to reign over Judah. 17He was 32 years old when he became king, and he reigned from JeruSalem for 8 years.18However, he followed in the ways of the kings of IsraEl and the house of Ahab, because Ahab’s daughter was his woman. So he acted very wickedly before Jehovah.19However, Jehovah didn’t want [to harm] Judah because of His promise to His servant David that He would allow him and his descendants to be the lamplight throughout the rest of the days.20Then the Edomites rebelled against Judah and set up their own king... 21So, [King] JehoRam [of Judah] took his chariots and went to ZaIr to attack Edom.But then the Edomites surrounded JehoRam and his generals, so JehoRam’s army all ran back to their tents! 22And because of this, Edom hasn’t been ruled by Judah down to this day... And thereafter, [the city of] LibNah broke away from the rule [of Judah].23The rest of the things that JehoRam [of Judah] said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.24And when JehoRam [of Judah] went to sleep with his ancestors, they buried him in the tomb of his ancestors in the city of his ancestor David.Then his son AhaziAh started ruling in place of him.25It was in the 12th year of King JehoRam (son of Ahab) of IsraEl that King AhaziAh (son of JehoRam) [of Judah] started to rule. 26He was 22 years old when he started his reign in JeruSalem, which only lasted 1 year. His mother’s name was AthaliAh, and she was the daughter of OmRi, the king of IsraEl, who was related to the house of Ahab.27So he also followed in the ways of the house of Ahab and he acted wickedly before Jehovah.28But thereafter, [King] AhaziAh [of Judah] joined King JehoRam (son of Ahab) [of IsraEl] in a war against King HazaEl of Syria and against the Philistines at [the city of] Ramoth Gilead… And the Syrians wounded JehoRam there.29So he went to [the fortress of] JezReEl to have the wounds that he’d received in his war with [King] HazaEl at RamOth treated medically, and King AhaziAh (son of JehoRam) of Judah went to see this son of Ahab in JezReEl, because he was very ill.
1Well at that, the Prophet EliSha called one of the sons of the prophets in and said to him:‘Wrap your loins and take this flask of oil to RamOth GileAd... 2Go to see [General] Jehu son of JehoShaphat and grandson of NaMesSi, and you must elevate him over his brothers!3‘Take him into the bin of a storage shed then pour this flask of oil over his head, and tell him that Jehovah said this:‘I have anointed you to be the king over IsraEl.’‘Thereafter, open the door and run… Don’t wait around!’4So the young prophet went to RamOth GileAd, 5and as he entered the place, he found that {Look!} all the army generals had assembled there!Then he said to [General] Jehu:‘May I have a word with you, commander?’And Jehu asked:‘To which of us do you wish to speak?’And he replied:‘To you, general.’6So [Jehu] got up and they both went outside... Then [the prophet] poured the oil over his head and said:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl has said:‘I have anointed you to be the king over the people of Jehovah… Those in IsraEl.7‘Now, you must wipe the house of your lord Ahab away from before My face and avenge the blood of My servants the prophets as well as the blood of all the servants of [Jehovah who were killed] by JezeBel!8‘Kill all of them in IsraEl who can urinate against a wall, including their slaves and freemen... 9Then I’ll make the house of Ahab like the house of JeroBoam son of NaBat, the same as I gave [the kingship] to the house of BaAsha son of AhiJah.10‘And thereafter, JezeBel will be eaten by dogs in JezReEl, because no one will bury her.’Then, he opened the door and ran away!11So Jehu went to speak to the servants of his lord, and they said to him:‘Peace!‘Why have you come to us in such a rage?’And he said to them:‘You know who that man was and the kind of things that he says!’12And they said:‘Well, it would be wrong if you don’t tell us what’s happened!’And Jehu said to them:‘So-and-so spoke to me and told me that Jehovah said, ‘I have anointed you to be the king over IsraEl!’13Well when they heard that, they each took off their [official] robes and laid them on the steps beneath Jehu! Then they got the trumpeters and had them blow the horns and proclaim:‘Jehu now reigns!’14And after that, Jehu (son of JehoShaphat and grandson of NaMesSi) gathered his forces to attack [the former] king [of Israel] JehoRam... Until that time, the army of IsraEl had been protecting JehoRam from King HazaEl of Syria.15But when [the now former] King JehoRam went to [the city of] JezReEl for treatment of the wounds that he’d received during his war with the Syrians, Jehu said [to his men]:‘If you’re with me, don’t let anyone leave this city to carry a report to JezReEl.’16And at that, Jehu got up and rode on to JezReEl.Meanwhile, [former] King JehoRam of IsraEl was being attended to in JezReEl, because he’d been shot by bowmen at RamAmin (in the land of RamOth) during his campaign against King HazaEl of Syria… For he was a very powerful, mighty man.And at the time, AhaziAh (the king of Judah) had gone there to visit JehoRam.17Well when the watchman climbed to the top of the lookout tower in JezReEl, he saw the cloud of dust that was raised by Jehu’s chariot, and he shouted:‘I see a cloud of dust!’And JehoRam said:‘Send out a horseman to see if he’s coming in peace!’18So they sent out a horseman to meet Jehu, who said:‘The king wants to know if you’re coming in peace.’And Jehu replied:‘What does he know about peace?‘Now, follow behind me!’Well when the watchman reported that the messenger wasn’t coming back, 19he sent out a second horseman that rode up to Jehu and said:‘The king wants to know if you’re coming in peace!’And Jehu again said:‘What does he know about peace?‘Get behind and follow me!’20Well when the watchman reported that this messenger wasn’t returning either, he sent out a third horseman to ask if he was coming in peace.And Jehu said to him:‘What does he know about peace?‘Get behind me and follow along!’So the watchman reported back:‘This messenger isn’t returning either, and I can tell by the frenzied way he’s riding that the [man who is coming] is General Jehu, son of NaMesSi.’21Then JehoRam said:‘Team up my chariots!’So they teamed up the chariots and they (King JehoRam of IsraEl and King AhaziAh of Judah) rode out to meet him in their chariots... And when they got to Jehu, he happened to be in the same field [that used to belong to] NabOth the JezReElite.22Then the king shouted:‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’And Jehu replied:‘What do you know of peace?‘Isn’t [our land] still under the spell of your mother JezeBel?’23Well when he said that, JehoRam wheeled his chariot to flee, and he shouted to [King] AhaziAh [of Judah]:‘There’s treachery here, AhaziAh!’24But then Jehu took his bow and shot JehoRam in the middle of his chest, hitting him in the heart, and he fell to his knees!25And Jehu turned to his aid BadEkar and said:‘Now, take his body and throw it into the field of NabOth the JezReElite... For we both remember, back when we rode for his father Ahab, how Jehovah had said to him:‘Look! Wasn’t it just yesterday that I saw the blood of NabOth and his sons?’26‘And then Jehovah said:‘I will pay him back [for his sins] in this very field.’‘So now, throw his body into that field, just as Jehovah foretold!’27Well when King AhaziAh of Judah saw what was happening, he took off along the road to BethHagan!But Jehu chased after him shouting:‘Him too!’And then he shot him as his chariot was headed up to Mount Gai (at JeblaAm). However, AhaziAh kept riding on to MegidDo, where he finally died. 28Then his servants put his body in the chariot and carried it back to JeruSalem, where he was buried in his tomb in the city of David.29AhaziAh had started his reign over Judah during the 11th year of the reign of JehoRam the king of IsraEl.30Thereafter, Jehu rode back to JezReEl.And when JezeBel heard [that he was coming], she made up her face and decorated her head, and she sat down to watch what would happen from her window.31Then when Jehu entered the city, she said:‘Have you, like OmRi who also murdered his lord, come in peace?’32And when he looked up and saw her at her window, he asked:‘Who’s that?‘Come down here to me!’Then, when two of her eunuchs bent over to look out the window, 33Jehu shouted to them:‘Throw her down!’So they threw her out [of the window], and her blood splattered all over the wall and the horses! And thereafter, the horses trampled her body.34Well after that, Jehu entered [her palace], where he ate and drank.And he said:‘Now, go find the body of that cursed woman and bury it, because she’s the daughter of a king.’35However when they went to bury her, all they could find was her skull, the soles of her feet, and the palms of her hands... 36And when they returned to tell Jehu what they’d found, he said:‘This is what Jehovah foretold would happen through EliJah the Tishbite. ‘For He said:‘Dogs will eat the flesh of JezeBel in JezReEl, 37and her rotting flesh will become manure on the ground in JezReEl, so that no one can ever say that JezeBel lies here.’
1Ahab also had 70 sons who lived in Samaria... So Jehu thereafter wrote a letter and sent it to the governors and elders, and to the women who had raised Ahab’s sons in Samaria.The letter said:2‘I know that the sons of your lord are living among you with their chariots, horses, weapons, and fortified cities.‘So when you receive this letter, 3I want you to do a search among the sons of your lord to find a good upright man and then put him on the throne of his father.‘After that, I’ll go to war against all of his sons.’4Well, this frightened them, for they said:‘{Look!} The two kings weren’t able to stand against him, so how can we oppose him?’5As a result, they sent a reply to Jehu from the family heads, the city leaders, its elders, and those who’d raised Ahab’s sons, which said:‘We’re your servants now and we’ll do whatever you say, but we we won’t choose a man to rule over us. Just do whatever you find to be good in your eyes.’6So thereafter, he sent them a second letter that said:‘If you’re with me and you wish to do whatever I say, you must bring the heads of the sons of your lord to me here in JezReEl at this same time tomorrow…‘All 70 of them!’Well, [Ahab’s sons] were all big men, because the people of the cities used to provide a lot of food for them. 7But when the people received this letter, they killed all 70 of them, put their heads in baskets, and sent them to Jehu in JezReEl.8Then when the messenger arrived saying:‘I’ve brought the heads of the sons of the king...’Jehu told him to place the heads in two piles by the city gate [of JezReEl] and leave them there until the next morning.9Then the next morning, Jehu went out and stood at the city gatehouse and said to the people:‘{Look!} You’ve proven yourselves righteous; for although I plotted against my lord and killed him… Who is it that killed all of them?10‘{Look!} Now, everything that Jehovah said through EliJah concerning what would happen to the house of Ahab has come true... For it was Jehovah who did everything that He said He would do through His servant EliJah.’11And thereafter, Jehu struck down everyone who was left of the house of Ahab in JezReEl, as well as all his mighty men, advisors, and priests… He wiped out every trace of him.12From there, he went to Samaria.And as he was traveling along the road near BethAkad-of-the-Shepherds, 13Jehu met up with the brothers of King AhaziAh of Judah.And when he asked:‘Who are you?’They replied:‘We’re the brothers of AhaziAh, and we’ve come in peace to visit the sons of the king, as well as the sons of the woman who’s in charge.’14So he shouted:‘Seize them!’And he had all 42 of them executed at BethAkad… He left none of them alive.15And from there, he went and found JoNadab (son of ReChab), who was on his way to meet him.Then Jehu blest him and asked:‘Is your heart with my heart as my heart is with yours?’And JoNadab replied:‘It is.’And Jehu said:‘Well if it is, then give me your hand!’So Jehu stuck out his hand and lifted JoNadab onto his chariot, 16and he said:‘Come with me and see my zeal for Jehovah of Armies!’Then from there, they rode in the chariot 17to Samaria, where they killed all that were left of the house of Ahab… He wiped them all out, just as Jehovah had prophesied through EliJah.18Then Jehu gathered all the people and said to them [deceptively]:‘Although Ahab served the BaAl a little, Jehu will serve him in a great way!19‘So, find all the prophets of the BaAl and all his servants and priests, and send them to me! Don’t overlook a single man, because we’re going to offer a great ‘sacrifice’ to BaAl… Anyone who doesn’t show up will be killed!’(This was just a trick on Jehu’s part, so that he could destroy all the servants of BaAl.)20Then Jehu sent messengers out to tell them all to prepare the sacrifices for BaAl... 21For Jehu sent a proclamation throughout IsraEl that said:‘All the servants, priests, and prophets of BaAl must attend this.‘No one may be left behind, for we’re going to offer a great sacrifice to BaAl… And anyone who misses it won’t be allowed to live!’So all the servants of BaAl (all his priests and prophets) came, and everyone was there in the temple of BaAl… It was filled to capacity and people were jammed together head-to-head!22Then Jehu told the person who was in charge of the temple wardrobe to bring out the official robes for all the servants of BaAl to wear, and he brought them out.23Then Jehu and JoNadab (son of ReChab) said to the servants of BaAl that had assembled:‘Now, look around and make sure that there are no servants of Jehovah here… We only want the servants of BaAl!’24And thereafter, the people all went inside to offer the sacrifices and the whole burnt offerings.Meanwhile, Jehu had ordered 80 men to stand outside, and he told them:‘Don’t leave anyone alive here; for if you do, I’ll demand your lives for theirs.’25And as the [BaAl worshipers] were presenting the offerings, Jehu told the guards and soldiers:‘Now, kill them all… Don’t let a man get away!’So they killed them all with swords and threw their bodies outside.
Then the soldiers and guards traveled throughout this city of the temple of BaAl, 26and they dragged out all the images of BaAl and burned them... 27Then they tore down the temple of BaAl and turned it into a public latrine, which is what it’s still used for today.28So Jehu removed BaAl from IsraEl.29However, he still followed in the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) who led IsraEl into sin. For he bowed before the golden heifers in BethEl and in Dan.30Nevertheless, Jehovah said this to Jehu:‘Because of the many good and righteous things that you did before My eyes, and because of the things that you did to the house of Ahab (which was what My heart desired), your sons will sit on the throne of IsraEl through the fourth generation.’31Unfortunately, however, Jehu didn’t follow the Laws of Jehovah (the God of IsraEl) with his whole heart. And because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat), 32Jehovah once again started cutting IsraEl down... For King HazaEl [of Syria] attacked all the borders of IsraEl 33from the JorDan to the sunrise (all the land of GileAd of the sons of Gad, ReuBen, and of ManasSeh) from AroEr to the Arnon Wadi, and from GileAd to BaShan.34All the rest of the things that Jehu said and did, and the area of his rulership and alliances, {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls that tell of the days of the kings of IsraEl.35Then Jehu went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria. Thereafter, his son JehoAhaz became king in his place.36But Jehu had reigned over IsraEl from Samaria for 28 years.
1Well when AhaziAh’s mother AthaliAh heard that her son was dead, she had all the [heirs to the throne] killed.2However, JehoSheba (the daughter of King JehoRam and the sister of AhaziAh) took her nephew JehoAsh and hid him away, as the other sons of the king were being slaughtered... She hid him and his nurse in a storage closet for beds, so that AthaliAh couldn’t find him and kill him.3Then she kept him hidden in the Temple of Jehovah for 6 years.So thereafter, AthaliAh ruled the land.4But after 7 years, JehoiAda (the Priest) took the commanders who were in charge of patrolmen and couriers, and brought them into the Temple of Jehovah.Then he had them make an agreement with Jehovah and bound them with an oath in His presence… And that’s when JehoiAda showed the [dead] king’s son to them.5He told them:‘This is what you must do:6‘On the Sabbath, 1/3 of you must take control of the city gates, 1/3 must take control of the gate that leads to the road, and 1/3 must take control of the gate to the king’s guardhouse...‘Then everyone must [protect our king]!7‘Two of you must go to the Temple of Jehovah on the Sabbath to guard the king, 8and the rest must gather there and kill anyone who comes [to attack] him… He must be protected wherever he goes!’9Well, the commanders did just as JehoiAda had instructed them... For on the next Sabbath, each one gathered his men. And as the people were coming and going, they all went inside to JehoiAda the Priest.10Then the Priest gave the commanders the spears and shields of King David that were kept in the Temple of Jehovah, 11and they formed a contingent of armed bodyguards that stayed at the Temple extension to the right of the Altar, so as to form a protective circle around the [young prince].12Then they took the king’s son out and placed the royal turban on him, gave him [the royal scepter], poured the anointing oil [over his head], and made him the king, as everyone clapped their hands and shouted:‘Long live the king!’13However, when AthaliAh heard the sound of people running, she too went to the Temple of Jehovah, and that’s when she saw him standing at the columns acting as king!All the singers and trumpeters were there, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing their trumpets!14So AthaliAh started ripping her clothes and she shouted:‘Conspiracy! Conspiracy!’15But JehoiAda (the Priest) told the commanders and their lieutenants to take her outside and then kill her with their swords (because he didn’t want her to die there inside the Temple of Jehovah)... 16So they grabbed her and dragged her along the road that leads to the stables next to the king’s palace and killed her there.17Thereafter, JehoiAda proclaimed an agreement between Jehovah, the king, and his people, that they would be the people of Jehovah from then on.18Then all the people of the land went to the temple of BaAl and tore it down! They smashed its images and altars into fine pieces, and they killed Mathan (the priest of BaAl) right in front of his altar.And after that, the Priest appointed men to serve as overseers within the Temple of Jehovah.19Then he took the military commanders and their troops of patrolmen and couriers, along with all the people in the land, and they led the king from the Temple of Jehovah, through the gate of the royal bodyguards, and into the palace of the kings... There they seated him on the throne, 20as all the people of the land started rejoicing.And from then on, the city was once again at peace.
1Well, JehoAsh was just a 7-year-old boy when he started his reign (which was during the 7th year of the reign of Jehu), and he ruled in JeruSalem for 40 years. His mother’s name was SabiJah and she was from BeerSheba.2JehoAsh did what was upright before Jehovah throughout his entire life, for he had been well trained by the Priest JehoiAda. 3However, he still allowed the people to offer sacrifices and burn incense in the high places.4And JehoAsh told the Priests:‘[Regarding] the money for the holy things that comes in to the Temple of Jehovah, the valuation money for persons and lives, and freely donated money, 5the Priests themselves may take it, each man in his rank. But they must repair the damage to the Temple [of Jehovah] wherever a repair is needed.’6But by the 23rd year to JehoAsh’s rule, the Priests hadn’t repaired the damage to the Temple [of Jehovah] at all!7So he called JehoiAda and all the other Priests and asked them why they hadn’t repaired the damage to the Temple.Then he said them:‘From now on, you may not keep any of the money or anything that you collect from your rank! Rather, you must use it all to repair the Temple.’8And the Priests agreed that they would no longer accept money from the people, and that they’d no longer be in charge of the repairs to the damage of the Temple.9So JehoiAda the Priest thereafter built a chest, bored a hole in its top, and he placed it by the Altar of the Temple of Jehovah... Then Priests were assigned to stand next to the doorway, so as to guard all the money that was brought to Jehovah’s Temple.10And after a while, quite a bit of money had accumulated in the chest at the Temple of Jehovah.; so the Scribe and the High Priest carried it to the king, and after they closed the doors, they counted the money.11Then they put most of the money for the repairs into the hands of those who were in charge of the workers at the Temple of Jehovah 12(the woodcutters, carpenters, construction workers, fabricators, quarry workers, and stonemasons), so they could do the needed work…They told them to spend whatever was needed to complete the project.13However, they weren’t authorized to spend it for doors, or for items of silver, gold, nails, bowls, or trumpets, 14because those who were doing the work were expected to contribute such things themselves.15Well, all the repairs were finally made to the Temple of Jehovah, and no one was asked to account for it. They just paid out whatever was required, and those who were doing the work were trusted [to do the right thing].16And thereafter, any money that was brought to the Temple as a sin offering or a trespass offering once again became the property of the Priests.17Meanwhile, King HazaEl of Syria had attacked the city of Gath and was the first one to capture it… And after that, he turned his attention towards JeruSalem.18So, King JehoAsh of Judah gathered all the holy things of his ancestors (those of JehoShaphat, JehoRam, and AhaziAh) as well as his own holy things and all the gold that was in the treasury of the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and he then sent it to HazaEl, the king of Syria, so he would leave JeruSalem alone.19Well, all the rest of the things that JehoAsh said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.20Then, two of JehoAsh’s servants rebelled against him and attacked him at the house of MalLo in GaAla. 21JeziChar (son of JemuAth) and JezebUth (son of Somer) were the ones who cut him down and killed him... So he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son AmaziAh started ruling after him.
1Meanwhile, it was in the 23rd year of King JehoAsh (son of AhaziAh) of Judah that JehoAhaz (Jehu’s son) started reigning in Samaria [over the 10-tribes of IsraEl], and he ruled there for 17 years.2However, he acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, because he continued in the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat) who first led IsraEl into sin... 3So this provoked Jehovah’s rage against IsraEl, and he put them into the hands of King HazaEl of Syria and his son BenHader during that portion of the reign of JehoAhaz.4However, JehoAhaz then went before the face of [Jehovah to beg for help], and Jehovah listened to him, because He’d seen how badly the king of Syria was oppressing the people of IsraEl... 5So thereafter, Jehovah freed IsraEl from bondage to Syria, and the sons of IsraEl could [once again] sit in their tents in peace as they had in the past.6However, they continued in the sins of the house of JeroBoam, and they once again set up sacred poles in Samaria.7Meanwhile, JehoAhaz wasn’t left with much of an army.All he had was:• 50 cavalrymen,
• 10 chariots, and
• 10,000 infantry......because the king of Syria had considered them as dirt to be trampled on.8All the rest of the things that JehoAhaz said and did, and the area of his rulership, are written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.9Then [King] JehoAhaz [of IsraEl] went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria, and his son JehoAsh started ruling in place of him 10(this happened in the 37th year of the reign of King JehoAsh of Judah).And thereafter, JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz) ruled IsraEl from Samaria for the next 16 years. 11However, he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam (son of NaBat), who had first led IsraEl into sin.12All the rest of the things that JehoAsh said and did, and the stories of his conquests with King AmaziAh of Judah have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl. 13Then JehoAsh went to sleep with his ancestors, and JeroBoam succeeded him on the throne. So they buried him in a tomb in Samaria with the sons of IsraEl.14[However, before that, the Prophet] EliSha got very sick and was about to die, so King JehoAsh of IsraEl went to see him and cried in his face, saying:‘O father, O father… The chariot of IsraEl and his horseman!’15Then EliSha said to him:‘Go get your bow and some arrows.’So he got his bow and some arrows, 16and EliSha told him:‘Now, lift the bow!’And [King] JehoAsh raised his bow.Then EliSha placed his hands on the hands of the king and said:17‘Now, open the window that faces east!’And he opened it.Then EliSha said:‘Now shoot!’And he shot. Then EliSha said:‘This is the arrow of the salvation of Jehovah and the arrow of deliverance from Syria!‘For you’ll keep attacking Syria at Aphek until you’ve won!’18And then EliSha told him:‘Now, pick up the bow again!’So he picked it up.Then he said to King [JehoAsh] of IsraEl:‘Shoot into the ground!’So the king shot three arrows into the ground… And then he stopped, 19which upset the man of God and made him angry, for he said:‘If you would have struck the ground five or six times, you would have attacked Syria and finished them off!‘But now you’ll have to fight and conquer them three times!’20Well shortly thereafter, [the Prophet] EliSha died, and they buried him in a tomb.Then the next year, the land was invaded by armed bands of MoAbites... 21And it was during a funeral procession that {Look!} the people saw one of these armed bands of MoAbites coming! So they simply threw the body of the dead man into the tomb of EliSha, and when it touched EliSha’s bones, the man came back to life and stood up on his feet!22Meanwhile, throughout the reign of [King] JehoAhaz [of Israel], [King] HazaEl [of Syria] kept on squeezing IsraEl. 23However, Jehovah showed mercy on IsraEl…He pitied them and watched over them because of the promises that He’d made to AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob, and He didn’t allow them to be destroyed or to be torn from before His face.24Then King HazaEl of Syria died, and his son BenHader started reigning in his place... 25And that’s when [King] JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz) [of IsraEl] recovered his cities from the hands of BenHader (son of HazaEl), who had taken them from the hands of his father JehoAhaz in the war.However, JehoAsh had to attack him three times before he finally returned the cities to IsraEl.
1It was in the 2nd year of King JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz) of IsraEl that AmaziAh (son of JehoAsh), the king of Judah, started his reign. 2At the time, he was 25 years old, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 29 years. His mother’s name was JoAdeEn, and she was from JeruSalem.3And although AmaziAh proved to be an upright man in the eyes of Jehovah, he wasn’t as righteous as his ancestor David... 4He did all the [good] things that his father JehoAsh had done, but he never removed the high places where the people offered sacrifices and burned incense.5And after he’d become strong in his kingdom, he had all those servants that had murdered his father executed… 6But he didn’t have their sons killed, because of the Law that Jehovah gave to Moses that said:‘Fathers shouldn’t be put to death [for the sins] of their sons, and the sons shouldn’t be put to death [for the sins] of their fathers.‘Rather, each one should die for his own sins.’7Thereafter, AmaziAh attacked the Edomites at GeMela, killing 10,000 of them, and he captured The Rock in the war, renaming it JokTheEl [meaning, Conquered by God], which is what it’s still called today.8Then he sent messengers to King JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz and grandson of Jehu), the king of IsraEl, saying:‘I want you to come here and meet me face-to-face!’9So King JehoAsh of IsraEl replied to King AmaziAh of Judah:‘A thorn bush in Lebanon once sent a message to one of the cedars of Lebanon saying:‘Give your daughter to my son to be his woman!’‘But then the wild animals in the fields of Lebanon went and trampled the thorn bush!10‘So, now that you’ve beaten the Edomites (which has encouraged your heart), it would be best for you to just sit back in your palace and revel in your glory!‘For if you’re planning to do evil things, you’ll fall… And Judah will fall with you!’11Well, [King] AmaziAh refused to listen, so King JehoAsh of IsraEl went and faced the king of Judah [in battle] at BethSamus, 12and Judah then lost this battle to IsraEl… So all their soldiers ran back to their tents.13King JehoAsh of IsraEl also captured King AmaziAh (son of JehoAsh and grandson of AhaziAh) of Judah, and then he marched into JeruSalem and tore down almost 700 feet (213m) of its wall from the gate of Ephraim all the way to the corner!14He also carried off all the gold and silver utensils that he found in the Temple of Jehovah, everything in the kings’ treasury and palace, and all the sons of [AmaziAh’s] allies, bringing them all back to Samaria!15The rest of the things that JehoAsh said and did, as well as his area of rulership and the wars that he fought with King AmaziAh of Judah have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl. 16Then JehoAsh went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in Samaria with the kings of IsraEl.So his son JeroBoam started reigning after him.17King AmaziAh of Judah lived 15 years after the death of King JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz) of IsraEl. 18And all the rest of the things that AmaziAh said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.19For, conspirators had plotted a rebellion against AmaziAh in JeruSalem, so he fled to LachIsh... But they chased him down and killed him there in LachIsh.20Then they put his body on a horse and buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in JeruSalem, the city of David.21Well, after AmaziAh died, all the people of Judah chose his son AzariAh [also known as Uzziah] to be their king, who was only 16-years-old at the time.22He was the one who built ElAth after [AmaziAh] had gone to sleep with his ancestors.23Meanwhile, King JeroBoam [II] (son of JehoAsh) was reigning in IsraEl. His reign from Samaria lasted 41 years, starting from the 15th year of AmaziAh (son of JehoAsh) the king of Judah.24He too acted wickedly before Jehovah, because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) who led IsraEl into sin. 25However, he moved the boundary of IsraEl from the entrance of HaMath to the Sea, just as Jehovah the God of IsraEl said would happen through His servant the Prophet Jonah (son of AmaThi).26But Jehovah noticed the bitter humiliation of IsraEl; for, because no one would help them, they were becoming disorganized and abandoned, so they were becoming fewer.28Well, the rest of the things that JeroBoam [II] said and did (including his conquests and wars) and the story of how he returned Damascus and HaMath [from] Judah [to] IsraEl, have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.29Then JeroBoam [II] went to sleep with his ancestors the kings of IsraEl, and his son ZechariAh started ruling in his place.
1It was in the 27th year of the reign of JeroBoam (the king of IsraEl) that AzariAh (son of AmaziAh) the king of Judah started his reign. 2He was 16 years old at the time, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 52 years. His mother’s name was JeCheliJah, and she was from JeruSalem.3And like his father AmaziAh, AzariAh did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah. 4However, he too failed to remove the high places where the people sacrificed and burned incense.5So Jehovah touched the king and gave him leprosy until the day he died, and he had to stay inside his own house! As a result, JoTham (the king’s son) was put in charge of the palace family and staff, and he served as judge for the people of the land.6All the rest of the things that AzariAh said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.7Then AzariAh went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in the tomb with his ancestors in the city of David. So his son JoTham started ruling in his place.8It was in the 38th year of the reign of AzariAh (the king of Judah) that ZechariAh (son of JeroBoam) the king of IsraEl started his reign in Samaria, which only lasted 6 months!9He was very wicked in the eyes of Jehovah, for he did all the things that his ancestors had done… In addition to the sins of JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) who led IsraEl into sin. 10Then ShalLum (son of JaBish through KeblaAm) had him murdered, and he became the new king!11All the rest of the things that ZechariAh said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.12And as Jehovah had told Jehu, when He said that his sons would sit on the throne of IsraEl to the fourth generation, it came to be so!13Then ShalLum (son of JaBish) started his reign in the 39th year of the reign of King AzariAh of Judah, but he only ruled in Samaria for 1 month, 14because that’s when MenaHem (son of GadDi, from TharSila) marched on Samaria and killed him!15All the rest of the words of ShalLum and the stories of his plots {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.16Then MenaHem attacked TiphSah and its surrounding cities and killed everyone there, because they wouldn’t open their gates to him… He killed them all and ripped open all the pregnant women!17So in the 39th year of the reign of King AzariAh of Judah, MenaHem (son of GadDi) became the king of IsraEl in Samaria, where he ruled for 10 years.18He too acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, because he didn’t remove the sins of JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) who led IsraEl into sin.19It was during his reign that King Pul of Assyria [probably the first name of Tiglath-Pileser III], came against the land. Then MenaHem gave him 3-1/2 tons (3,200kg) of silver to satisfy him.20MenaHem sent the silver from IsraEl, and he had it delivered by mighty men who each carried 50 large silver coins to Assyria... And as a result, the king of Assyria didn’t post any garrisons in his land.21Well, the rest of the things that MenaHem said and did {Look!} have been written in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.22Then MenaHem went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son PekahJah started ruling in place of him.23So it was in the 15th year of King AzariAh of Judah that PekahJah (son of MenaHem) started his reign over IsraEl from Samaria. However, he only reigned for 2 years, 24because he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah by not removing the sins of JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) who first led IsraEl into sin.25So his royal proclaimer PekAh (son of RomeliAh) attacked PekahJah right in front of the royal palace with the help of ArGob, AriJa, and 50 GileAdites! And after they killed him, PekAh became the king.26Well, the rest of the things that PekahJah said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.27So, it was in the 52nd year of the reign of King AzariAh of Judah that PekAh (son of RomeliAh) started his reign over IsraEl from Samaria, which lasted 20 years.28But he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah by not removing the sins of JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) who first led IsraEl into sin.29It was during the reign of King PekAh of IsraEl that Assyrian King Tiglath Pileser [III] captured:• Ain,
• Abel-BethMaAcha,
• AniOch,
• Kenez,
• Hazor,
• GileAd,
• Galilee,
• the whole land of NaphTali......relocating all the people to Assyria.30Then HosheA (son of ElAh) rebelled against [King] PekAh (son of RomeliAh), and he attacked him and killed him. So in the 20th year of the reign of [King] JoTham (son of AzariAh) [of Judea], HosheA began his rule [in IsraEl].31All the rest of the things that PekAh said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of IsraEl.32It was in the 2nd year of the reign of King PekAh (son of RomeliAh) of IsraEl that JoTham (son of AzariAh) became the king of Judah. 33He was 25 years old at the time, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 16 years. The name of his mother was JeroUsa, and she was the daughter of ZaDok.34He did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah, as did his father AzariAh. 35However, he didn’t remove the high places where the people offered sacrifices and burned incense.But he was the one who rebuilt the upper gate to the Temple of Jehovah.36All the rest of the things that JoTham said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.37However, back in those days, Jehovah started sending King RasSon of Syria and [King] PekAh (son of RomeliAh) [of IsraEl] against Judah.38Then JoTham went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb along with his ancestors in the city of his ancestor David. And thereafter, his son Ahaz started ruling in place of him.
1So in the 17th year of [King] PekAh (son of RomeliAh) [of Israel], Ahaz (son of JoTham) became the king of Judah. 2He was 20 years old at the time, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 16 years.However, he didn’t do what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah his God or trust in Him, as did his ancestor David... 3Rather, he followed in the paths of the kings of IsraEl by offering up his own son in a fire in the same disgusting way as did the nations that God had driven away from the sons of IsraEl!4He also offered sacrifices and burned incense in the high places, on the hills, and under every tree in the woods.5Thereafter, King RasSon of Syria and King PekAh (son of RomeliAh) of IsraEl came against JeruSalem to war against Ahaz, but they were unsuccessful... 6However, King RaAson of Syria went to ElAth and drove all the Judeans out of that city. Then the Edomites moved into it, and that’s where they still live to this day.7But because of this, Ahaz sent messengers to King Tiglath Pileser [III] of Assyria to say:‘I am the servant of you and your son.‘So, please come and save me from the kings of Syria and IsraEl that have come to fight against me!’8Then Ahaz took all the silver and gold that he found in the treasuries of the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria.9So the king of Assyria listened to him and attacked Damascus… He captured it, killed King RaAsson, and then he repopulated the city.10So after that, King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet with King Tiglath Pileser [III] of Assyria, and when he saw the altar in Damascus, he examined its dimensions and its construction, and he sent a drawing of the altar to UriAh the Priest.11As a result, UriAh built a similar Altar, following the instructions that were sent to him from Damascus by King Ahaz. 12And when the king saw this [new] Altar, he climbed up on it and burned incense there, then he had whole burnt offerings (including his own offerings and a drink offering) sacrificed there, and he had the blood of the peace offerings poured out upon it!13This Altar was made of brass and it was placed before [the presence of] Jehovah; 14for [King Ahaz] had the Altar moved forward and put right in front of the Temple of Jehovah, between the Temple and the [old] Altar, which still stood on its north side.15And after that, he gave instructions to UriAh the Priest, saying:‘I want a great sacrifice offered on this Altar early tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening!‘I’ll bring my whole burnt offerings and other sacrifices, and then the people should also bring their sacrifices and drink offerings. I want you to offer the blood of the whole burnt offerings and other sacrifices there… Pour them over the brass Altar for me in the morning.’16Therefore, UriAh the Priest did exactly as King Ahaz told him.17Then King Ahaz had the bases for the washbasins and the Sacred Sea (the oxen) disassembled, and the brass Sea was lowered onto a new base that was made of stone.18He also built a foundation for the Sabbath Seat inside the Temple of Jehovah, and he had the outside of the king’s entrance relocated so that it wouldn’t face the king of Assyria.19All the rest of the things that Ahaz said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.20Then Ahaz went to sleep with his ancestors and he was buried in a tomb in the city of David. Thereafter, his son HezekiAh began ruling in place of him.
1It was in the 12th year of the reign of King Ahaz of Judah that HosheA (son of ElAh) started reigning over IsraEl from Samaria, and he ruled there for 9 years.2He also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah… However, he wasn’t as bad as the kings who came before him.3Then King ShalamaNasar [V] of Assyria came against HosheA and made him his vassal, forcing him to send many tributes.4However, the king of Assyria soon became [very unhappy] with HosheA, because he’d sent messengers to King Segor of Egypt [possibly Shabaka?], and he failed to send any tributes to him, the king of Assyria, that year; so he had him tied, shackled, and thrown into prison.5And thereafter, the king of Assyria marched through IsraEl and laid siege to Samaria for three years 6(this happened in the 9th year of HosheA’s reign.) Then the king of Assyria captured Samaria and moved all the people of IsraEl into Assyria – to Halae in Habor (next to the Gozan River), and into the mountains of the Medes.7Of course, all of this happened because the sons of IsraEl had sinned against Jehovah their God who had brought them out of the land of Egypt and from under the hand of PharaOh (the king of Egypt), and they started fearing other gods.8They’d also started following in the ways of the nations that Jehovah had removed from in front of them… And their kings were doing the same things.9There were so many things that the sons of IsraEl did to cover over the words of Jehovah and to not do any of the things that their God had told them:• For they [built altars] for themselves in high places near every town… From their guard towers to their walled cities.10• They also erected stone monuments and groves of sacred poles on every high hill and under every tree in the woods.11• Then they burned incense on the high places in the same ways that the nations whom Jehovah had moved far away from them had been doing.• And they formed alliances and [worshiped] carved images, so as to provoke Jehovah to rage. 12So, they started serving the very idols that Jehovah had warned them against!13Meanwhile, Jehovah had sent warnings to IsraEl and Judah through His prophets (the Seers), who told them:‘Turn from your wicked ways and obey My Commandments, My instructions, and all the Laws that I gave to your ancestors, which I sent through the hands of My servants the prophets!’14But they just wouldn’t listen to Him, and they made themselves even more stubborn than the stubbornness of their ancestors. 15He warned them time and again, but they just wouldn’t do any of the things that He said.Rather, they did foolish, silly things, and they followed in the paths of the nations around them… The very things that Jehovah had warned them against when He said:‘These are the things that you must not do.’16They also:• Abandoned the Commandments of Jehovah their God.• They made the two heifers for themselves of cast metal, as well as the groves of sacred poles.• Then they bowed before all the powerful things in the skies and they started serving the BaAls.17In addition:• They offered their sons and daughters in fires.• They went to fortunetellers to learn the future.Thereby, they sold themselves into wickedness in the eyes of Jehovah and provoking Him to anger. 18As a result, He became so enraged with IsraEl that He removed them from before His face… He didn’t leave any of them behind, other than the tribe of Judah.19However, even Judah didn’t follow the Commandments of Jehovah their God. Rather, they followed in the ways of IsraEl and did the same bad things, pushing Jehovah away!20So Jehovah became enraged with all the offspring of IsraEl and He just shook them off, handing them over to be ripped to pieces and thrown away from before His face! 21For IsraEl had rebelled against the house of David and made JeroBoam (son of NaBat) their king, and JeroBoam led IsraEl away from following Jehovah and into a great sin.22So from then on, the sons of IsraEl followed JeroBoam in all the sins that he committed, and they never changed their ways until Jehovah removed them from before His face… Just as He said He would do through all of His servants the prophets.23Thereafter, IsraEl was resettled into the land of Assyria, where they still live today.24Then the king of Assyria took all the people from HoUtha, Aia, HaMath, and SePharaim (cities around Babylon), and settled them in the cities of Samaria, replacing the sons of IsraEl. So it was these people who inherited Samaria and started living in its cities.25Well, from the very beginning, these [new] people didn’t fear Jehovah either, so He sent lions among them to kill them off! 26As a result, they [sent messengers] to the king of Assyria to tell him:‘Because the nations that you resettled and relocated into the cities of Samaria don’t understand the God of that land, He’s sending lions against them! [These lions] are killing them off thanks to their lack of understanding Him.’27So the king of Assyria said:‘Then, let’s take some of the IsraElites back to the land and have them start living there once again, so they can show the people [how to please] the God of their land.’28As a result, they brought one of the Priests from Samaria and returned him to BethEl, so he could teach the people there to fear Jehovah.29Meanwhile, all these nations had also started taking their gods and putting them in the temples on the high places that the Samaritans had once built in each of their cities.30Then:• The people who came from Babylon built [the city of] SukCoth-BenOth,
• The people from Cuth built [the city of] NerGal,
• The people from HaMath built [the city of] AsiMath, 31and
• The Hivites built [both] EblaZer and TarTak.At the time, the [people of] SePharaim had even started burning their sons in fires to their gods AdraMelek and AneMelek!32So although they’d started fearing Jehovah, they kept the images of their gods in the temples that they built on the high places in Samaria, close to the cities where each nation lived.And although they feared Jehovah, they still appointed their own priests to serve at the temples of the high places.33And although they feared Jehovah, they still served the gods of the countries from which they came… 34And they’re still following that same form of worship today!So although they feared Jehovah, they didn’t follow the instructions, Laws, or Commandments that He gave to the sons of Jacob (to whom He gave the name IsraEl).35For when Jehovah made a Sacred Agreement [with IsraEl], He told them:‘You must not fear other gods… Don’t bow to them, serve them, or offer sacrifices to them!‘36You may only serve Jehovah, the God who led you out of the land of Egypt with His great strength and outstretched arm! You must fear, bow before, and sacrifice to Him alone, 37and you must follow His decisions, rules, Laws, and the Commandments that He wrote down for you.‘You must obey these things for as long as you live, and you must not serve other gods, 38or forget the Sacred Agreement that He made with you.‘You must not fear other gods… 39You should only fear your God Jehovah, for He alone will rescue you from all your enemies. 40So, don’t pay attention to anything that [the other nations] are doing!’41However, although those nations [that lived in Samaria] feared Jehovah, they also served things that they carved for themselves… As did their sons and grandsons, and which they’re still doing today.
1It was in the third year of the reign of King HosheA (son of ElAh) of IsraEl that HezekiAh (son of Ahaz) the king of Judah started his reign. 2He was 25 years old when he started to rule, and he reigned for 29 years in JeruSalem. His mother’s name was Abou, and she was the daughter of ZachariAh.3HezekiAh did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah… Every bit as much as did his ancestor David! 4For he removed the high places of worship and all the monuments... He also destroyed the groves of sacred poles and the brass snake that Moses had made, because the people of IsraEl had started burning incense to it back in those days!So he called it, The Consumer.5HezekiAh placed his hope in Jehovah the God of IsraEl, and among the kings of Judah, there were none others like him… Not those who lived before him or those who came after him!6He stuck to Jehovah and never stopped following Him, and he obeyed all the Commandments of Moses. 7So, Jehovah was with him in everything that he did, and he became very wise.He also annulled Judah’s allegiance to the king of Assyria and refused to serve him. 8Then he attacked the Philistines in Gaza and throughout their borders, from their guard towers to their walled cities.9It was in the 4th year of the reign of King HezekiAh, which was the 7th year of King HoSheA (son of ElAh) of IsraEl, that King SalamaNasar [V] of Assyria came against Samaria and laid siege to it.10It took him three years, but in the 6th year of HezekiAh and in the 9th year of King HoSheA of IsraEl, he conquered Samaria. 11Then he relocated all the people of IsraEl to Assyria (in Halae of Habor on the Gozan River, and in the mountains of the Medes), 12[which happened] because they wouldn’t listen to the voice of their God Jehovah.For they’d violated the Sacred Agreement that He made through His servant Moses, and they just refused to listen and do as they were told.13Then in the 14th year of King HezekiAh, King SenNacherIb of Assyria came against the walled cities of Judah and captured them! 14So, King HezekiAh of Judah sent messengers to the king of Assyria (who was at LachIsh at the time), saying:‘I have sinned!‘Please turn away from me!‘Whatever you tell me to do, I will do!’Then King HezekiAh of Judah sent a tribute to the king of Assyria consisting of 10 tons (9,000kg) of silver and a ton of gold… 15He sent him all the silver that he could find in the Temple of Jehovah and in the treasuries of the king’s palace. 16He even cut off the Temple Sanctuary doors and their supports, which were covered with gold, and gave them to the king of Assyria.17But the king of Assyria sent Tharthan, Raphis, and RapSakes from LachIsh (along with a huge army) to King HezekiAh at JeruSalem. And when they got to JeruSalem, they stood outside by the aqueduct to the upper pool along the road to the field where [women] washed clothes, 18and they yelled for HezekiAh.Well, HezekiAh’s right-hand man EliAkim (son of HelkiAh), SomNas the Scribe, and JehoAsh (son of ShaPhat) the record-keeper, came out [to meet them].19And RapSakes said:‘Tell HezekiAh that the great king of Assyria says this:‘What is this thing that you’re putting your trust in? 20For with your lips, you’ve spoken of your power to go to war! So, who is it that you were trusting in when you annulled your allegiance to me?21‘{Look!} Are you leaning on that broken stalk of reeds called Egypt? Who would [be foolish enough] to lean on them, for they’ll puncture your hand and go right through it! Isn’t that what PharaOh, the king of Egypt, does to all those who rely on him?22‘Or if you should say to me that you’re relying on your God Jehovah... Aren’t you the one who removed His high places of worship and His altars, and who told the people of Judah and JeruSalem to bow before the Altar in JeruSalem?23‘Now, come and ally yourself with my master the king of Assyria and I’ll give you 2,000 horses upon which you can mount yourself and your cavalry!24‘But if you turn your back on even the least of my lord’s servants, you’ll have to trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen thereafter.25‘And do you really think that we came here to destroy this place without [the blessings of Jehovah]?‘It was Jehovah who told me to attack this land and destroy it!’26Then EliAkim (son of HelkiAh), SomNas, and JehoAsh said to RapSakes:‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, because we can also understand that.‘Don’t speak to us in the Judean language, because all the people who are on the walls can hear what you’re saying.’27And RapSakes replied:‘Do you think that my lord sent me here just to speak to you and to your lord? I’ve come here to speak to the people who are sitting on the walls… Those who’ll have to eat their own turds and drink their own urine – along with you!’28Then RapSakes stood up and shouted as loud as he could in the Judean language:‘Listen to the words of the great king of Assyria!29‘My king says:‘Don’t trust in HezekiAh, because there’s no way that he’s going to save you from my hands!30‘And don’t listen to HezekiAh when he tells you to put your trust in Jehovah… That He will rescue you and never give you into the hands of the king of Assyria.’31‘No, don’t listen to HezekiAh, because this is what the king of Assyria [has promised]:‘If you will praise me and come out to me, you’ll all drink [wine] from your own grapevines, eat figs from your own trees, and drink water from your own wells!32‘For I will come and take you to a land that’s like yours… A land of grain, wine, bread, vineyards, olive oil and honey, where you can live and not have to die!‘So, don’t listen to HezekiAh, because he’s fooling you when he says that Jehovah will rescue you!33‘Which of the gods of the rest of the nations have saved [their people] from the hands of the king of Assyria? 34Yes, where are the gods of HaMath and ArPhad, and where are the gods of SepharVaim, Ana, and Aba?‘They weren’t able to rescue Samaria from my hands!35‘So, since none of the gods of any of the lands have been able to save their countries from my hands, how can Jehovah rescue JeruSalem from my hands?’36Well at that, everything got very quiet and no one said a word in reply, because the king had commanded that no one should give an answer.37Then EliAkim (son of HelkiAh) the king’s right-hand man, SomNas the scribe, and JehoAsh (son of ShaPhat) the recorder, returned to HezekiAh and they started ripping their clothes as they told him all the things that RapSakes had said.
1Well, as King HezekiAh listened to this, he tore off his clothes and dressed himself in sackcloth; then he went to the Temple of Jehovah. 2He also had his right-hand-man EliAkim, SomNas the scribe, and the elders among the Priests put on sackcloth, and he sent them to see the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amos) 3with the message:‘HezekiAh [wants us to tell you that] today is a day of oppression, scolding, and rage, for even sons who can’t give birth are now experiencing ‘birth pangs!’4‘So if your God Jehovah has heard everything that RapSakes –this man sent by his lord the king of Assyria– said to berate the living God and to blaspheme Him... If He has heard all that was said, then pray to your God on behalf of the few of us that remain here!’5So the servants of King HezekiAh went to IsaiAh, 6and IsaiAh said this to them:‘Go back and tell your lord that this is what Jehovah said:‘Don’t be afraid of the words that you heard and the blasphemies of the servants of the king of Assyria.7‘For {Look!} I will just blow [My] Breath, and [the king of Assyria] will receive a message and return to his own land... Thereafter, I will cut him down with a sword in his own country!’8Meanwhile, when RapSakes returned to the king of Assyria, he found that he was no longer at LachIsh, for he’d gone to wage war against LobNa, 9because he’d heard that King TharHaka of the Ethiopians had declared that he was coming to fight him.But when [the king of Assyria] got back [to LachIsh], he sent messengers to HezekiAh to tell him this:10‘Don’t allow the God whom you’re relying on to encourage you… [don’t believe Him] if He says that JeruSalem won’t be given into the hands of the king of Assyria!11‘{Look!} Since you’ve heard of all the things that the king of Assyria has done and of all the lands that he’s destroyed, how can you believe that you’ll be saved?12‘Have any of the gods of the nations that were destroyed by me or by my ancestors been able to save them… Such as those in:• Gozan,
• Harran,
• Raphis,
• The sons of Edem, or
• The people of ThaEsthen.13‘Yes, where are the kings of HaMath and ArPhad, and where is the king of SepharVaim, or [the kings] of Ana and Aba?’14Well, after HezekiAh took the letter from the hands of the messengers and read it, he went to the Temple of Jehovah and unrolled it there before Jehovah.15Then he prayed:‘O Jehovah the God of IsraEl,‘The One who’s resting on cherubs,‘You alone are the God of all the kingdoms of the earth and the One who made the skies and the lands.16‘So, O Jehovah,‘Turn Your ears to me and listen!‘O Jehovah,‘Open Your eyes and Look… [read] the words that SenNacherIb sent to berate the living God!17‘For it was really You, O Jehovah, who allowed the kings of Assyria to destroy all those nations, 18and You’re the One who had their gods thrown into the fires, since they really aren’t gods, they’re just things that men made with their hands out of wood and stone, which will soon just rot away.19‘So now, O Jehovah our God,‘Please save us from his hands, so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that You – Jehovah – are the only [true] God.’20And thereafter, IsaiAh (son of Amos) sent a message to HezekiAh that said:‘Jehovah the God of armies and the God of IsraEl told me that He heard what you said to Him in your prayer concerning King SenNacherIb of Assyria... 21And Jehovah spoke these words against him:‘The daughters of JeruSalem will be shaking their heads at you who would treat the virgin daughters of Zion with contempt and sneer at them!22‘For who is it that you berated?‘And who is it that you’ve blasphemed?‘Yes, against whom have you raised your voice and put yourself higher in your own eyes?‘You did this against the Holy One of IsraEl!23‘You sent your messengers to berate Jehovah!‘Then you dared to say:‘I’ve ridden my chariot to the tops of the mountains of the the borders of Lebanon, and I’ve cut down their great cedars (their best ones)! Then I rode among the forests of CarMel!24‘There I cooled myself and drank from their alien waters, as I destroyed all the moats around their city walls with the soles of my feet!25‘Then I reshaped and moved things… In my pride I took all those combative peoples away from their fortified cities! 26Yes, by my own hand I made the peoples that lived there weak!‘Then I shocked and disgraced them, and they became like grass in the fields… Like green hay or like young shoots that grow on roofs, which are easily trampled by people walking on them!’27‘[However, Jehovah has said this to you]:‘I know when you sit down,
I know where you are going,
And I know of your rage against Me!28‘So it’s because of your rage against Me that the things you’ve been doing have reached My ears... Therefore, I’m now going to put My hooks in your nose and My bit between your lips, then I’m going to turn you around and send you back by the same way that you came!’29[And after that, IsaiAh told HezekiAh]:‘This will be your sign:‘This year you must eat the things that grow on their own and everything that grows on its own next year also. But in the 3rd year, you will again sow seeds, harvest, and plant vineyards and eat their fruit.30‘Then [Jehovah] will increase those of the house of Judah who’ve escaped... Yes, the left-over ‘root’ beneath the ground, will produce ‘fruit’ above it!31‘[Jehovah says:]‘For a remnant will come out of JeruSalem,
And a savior will come from Mount Zion
Through the zeal of Jehovah of armies.32‘So, this is Jehovah’s reply to the king of Assyria:‘You won’t enter this city,’ says Jehovah…‘You won’t even shoot an arrow here! So, no one will have to lift a shield, because you won’t be pouring any dirt to build a siege mound around this city!33‘And thereafter, you will return by the same way that you came,’ says Jehovah.‘No, you won’t enter this city, 34for I will put a shield around it and save it because of Myself and because of My servant David!’35And that’s what happened.During the night, a [spirit] messenger of Jehovah came and destroyed the camp of the Assyrians, killing 185,000 of their men!So when [the people of JeruSalem] got up the next morning, {Look!} all [they found] was dead bodies.36And after that, King SenNacherIb of Assyria did, in fact, go back to his home in Nineveh. 37Then one day, while he was bowing in the temple of his god MeserAk, his sons AdraMelek and SarAsar killed him with swords and fled to the land of Ararat!Then his son AsorDan started ruling in place of him.
1Well later, HezekiAh [developed an infection] and became sick to the point of dying. So the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amos) went to see him and said:‘Jehovah says that you should [settle your affairs], because you won’t live, you’re going to die.’2And at that, HezekiAh turned his face to the wall and made a vow to Jehovah, saying:3‘O Jehovah,‘Remember that I walked before You in truth with a heart that’s full of good, and I always did what’s right in Your eyes.’Then he broke down and cried.4Meanwhile, as IsaiAh was still walking out through the courtyard, these words of Jehovah came to him:5‘Return to HezekiAh, the one who’s leading My people, and say:‘I’ve heard your prayer and I’ve seen your tears. So, {Look!} I will heal you on the third day… And then you must go to the Temple of Jehovah.6‘I will add 15 more years to your life, and I’ll bring you and this city out from under the hands of the king of Assyria because of Myself and because of My servant David.’7Then IsaiAh told [King HezekiAh]:‘Have them take a cluster of dried figs and wrap it around the sore, and you’ll be healed!’8But HezekiAh asked him:‘What is the sign that Jehovah will heal me and that I’ll be able to go to the Temple on the third day?’9And IsaiAh said:‘This is the sign that Jehovah will do the things that He said:‘The shadow on your stairway will go up 10 stairs, then go back down 10 stairs.’10And HezekiAh said:‘It’s nothing unusual for a shadow to go up 10 stairs, but it never goes back down 10 stairs!’11But then the Prophet IsaiAh called out to Jehovah, and the shadow went back down 10 stairs!12Well at the time, King Maradak Baladan (son of Baladan) of Babylon, sent letters and gifts to HezekiAh, because he heard that he was sick, 13and this made HezekiAh very happy.So he showed [the messengers] everything in his palace.He showed them all his good things… His spices, silver, gold, perfumes, oils, weapons, and everything that he had in his treasury. In fact, there wasn’t anything in his house that he failed to show them.14Then when the Prophet IsaiAh came to HezekiAh, he asked:‘Who were those men and why did they come to you?’And HezekiAh replied:‘They came from far away… All the way from Babylon!’15Then IsaiAh asked:‘What did they see in your palace?’And he said:‘They saw everything that’s here.‘I showed them everything in my house and in my treasury.’16Then IsaiAh said:‘Listen to the words of Jehovah!17‘{Look} The days are coming,’ says Jehovah...‘When all the things in your palace and all the treasures that your ancestors have stored away until now will be taken to Babylon…‘None of these things that Jehovah spoke about will be left.18‘Also, the sons whom you sire and those who descend from you will be taken as eunuchs to serve in the palace of the king of Babylon.’19And HezekiAh said to IsaiAh:‘The words of Jehovah are good…‘But may there be peace during my lifetime!’20Well, the rest of the things that HezekiAh said and did, as well as the area of his rulership, the wells that he dug, and about the water duct that he built to bring water into the city, {Look!} they’re recorded in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.21Then HezekiAh went to sleep with his ancestors and he was buried in a tomb in the city of David.So after him, his son ManasSeh started ruling.
1ManasSeh was just 12 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 55 years. His mother’s name was OpSiba.2However, ManasSeh acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, for he returned to the disgusting practices of the nations that Jehovah had removed from before the sons of IsraEl.3He went and rebuilt the high places of worship that his father HezekiAh had torn down, he rebuilt the altar to the BaAl, he built groves of sacred poles like those that were built by King Ahab of IsraEl, and he bowed before and served the powerful objects in the skies!4He also built an altar inside the Temple of Jehovah, for he said:‘Because I did this, my name will be remembered in JeruSalem.’5In addition, he built an altar to all the powerful things in the skies inside two of the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah, 6and he thereafter sacrificed two of his own sons in fire!He even brought many fortunetellers, diviners, and seers into the land, setting aside sacred precincts for them... All of this was very wicked in the eyes of Jehovah, and it made Him very angry!7Thereafter, [ManasSeh] put carvings of sacred poles right inside the Temple… Yes, in that very place where Jehovah had said to David and his son Solomon:‘This is the Temple in JeruSalem that I chose out of all the other tribes of IsraEl as the place to put My Name throughout the ages.8‘So, I will never shake the feet of IsraEl off this land that I gave to their ancestors for as long as they do everything that I told them to do and they follow the Commandments that I gave to them through My servant Moses.’9However, the people just wouldn’t listen... For ManasSeh had misled them into doing things that were even more wicked in the eyes of Jehovah than was done by those nations that the Lord had once removed from before the sons of IsraEl.10As a result, Jehovah spoke to them through His servants the prophets and said:11‘I’m not going to allow ManasSeh the king of Judah to continue doing these disgusting things, for they’re even worse than what the Amorites used to do in front of Me!‘He has led Judah into sin with his idols, 12and this cannot continue!’Then Jehovah the God of IsraEl said this:‘{Look!} I’m going to bring so much evil upon JeruSalem and Judah that everyone will hear about it with both ears!13‘I’m going to stretch the measuring line out over JeruSalem the same as I once did over Samaria, when I brought all the weight of the house of Ahab down upon it!‘I’ll wipe away JeruSalem like someone wipes out an alabaster jar… I’ll wipe it clean and then turn it over on its face.14‘I’ll wipe away every trace of My inheritance and hand them over to their enemies, who’ll ravage and plunder them 15for doing so many wicked things before My eyes... Since they’ve been provoking Me to anger from the time that I led their ancestors out of Egypt down to this very day!16‘And now ManasSeh has shed the blood of so many innocent [people] that it’s filled JeruSalem from mouth to mouth… And this is in addition to all the rest of his sins and the ways that he’s led Judah into sin by acting wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah.’17Well, the rest of the things that ManasSeh said and did (including all of his sins) are written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of Judah.18Then ManasSeh went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the garden next to his house (the Garden of Oza). And after that, his son Amon started ruling in his place.19Amon was 22 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for just 2 years. His mother’s name was MesolLam (she was the daughter of Arus from JeTeba).20Like his father ManasSeh, he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, 21for he continued to do the same things that his father did. He served and bowed before the same idols that his father served, 22and he abandoned Jehovah the God of his ancestors... He certainly didn’t walk in the paths of the Lord.23But then Amon’s servants plotted a coup against him, and they murdered the king in his palace!24However, the people of the land took those who had plotted against King Amon and had them put to death, then they appointed Amon’s son JosiAh to rule in his place.25Well, the rest of the things that Amon said and did {Look!} have been written about in the scrolls of the words of The Days of the Kings of Judah.26He was also buried in his own tomb in the Garden of Oza.Then JosiAh started his reign.
1JosiAh was only 8 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled for 31 years in JeruSalem. His mother’s name was JediYa, and she was the daughter of EdeYa of BasorOth.2JosiAh actually did what was upright in the eyes of Jehovah, for he followed in the paths of his ancestor David and he didn’t swerve to the right or to the left.3It was during the 8th month of the 18th year of King JosiAh’s reign that the king sent for ShaPhan (son of EseliJah and grandson of MesolLam), who was the scribe at the Temple of Jehovah.Then he told him:4‘Go to HelkiAh the great High Priest and have him set aside the money from the treasury that the people have been bringing to the Temple [of Jehovah], 5then give it to the men who are assigned to work on the Temple of Jehovah!’So they gave the money to the men who were working on the Temple of Jehovah, and they used it to repair its walls. 6The money was given to the craftsmen, laborers, and stonemasons, who used it to buy wood and stones to fortify its walls, 7and no one required an accounting, for they were just trusted to do the right thing.8But then HelkiAh (the High Priest) went to ShaPhan the scribe and reported:‘We’ve found a scroll of the Law in the Temple of Jehovah!’So HelkiAh gave the scroll to ShaPhan and he read it, 9then he carried it to King JosiAh.Well, the first thing that the king spoke to ShaPhan about when he went before him, was that he wanted him to set aside more silver from the Temple of Jehovah, so it could be given to the servants who were appointed to do the repairs.10And after that, ShaPhan (the scribe) said to the king:‘HelkiAh the Priest also gave me this scroll...’Which he then read to the king.11Well when the king heard the Law that was written on the scroll, he started ripping his clothes!12And then the king gave these instructions to HelkiAh the Priest, AchiKan (son of ShaPhan), AchObor (son of MichaJah), ShaPhan the scribe, and to AsaJah (the king’s personal representative):13‘Go and search for Jehovah on behalf of myself and all of my people in the land of Judah, because, according to the things that are written in this scroll that you found, the anger of Jehovah is surely blazing against us, since we haven’t been paying attention to any of His instructions or doing any of the things that were written about us here!’14So, HelkiAh the Priest, AchiCam, AchObor, ShaPhan, and AsiAh went to the Prophetess HuldAh (the [wife] of SelLem, who was son of Thekou and grandson of Aras the keeper of the robes) who lived in Masena near JeruSalem, and they spoke to her about it.15Then she told them this:‘The Lord God of IsraEl says that you should speak to the man who sent you to me 16and tell him that this is what Jehovah said:‘{Look!} I’m bringing bad things against this place and upon all those who live here… Yes, everything that’s written in the scroll that the king of Judah read!17‘For they have abandoned Me and have started offering incense to other gods… They’re making Me so angry with those things they’ve made with their hands that My rage is blazing against this place, and now it won’t be extinguished.’18‘Also, tell the king of Judah, the one who sent you to inquire of Jehovah, that these are the words that you heard from the Lord God of IsraEl:19‘Because you are so tenderhearted and you felt ashamed when you heard the things that I said about this place and about those who live here... That they deserve to be cursed and extinguished... And [because] you’ve ripped your clothes and cried before Me, [then I say this]:‘I’ve heard you.20‘Therefore, none of these things will happen to you.‘Instead, {Look!} I’ll add you to your ancestors and you’ll be buried in your own tomb in peace. You won’t have to see all the bad things that I’m going to bring against this place with your eyes.’And with that, they returned to the king and told him what was said.
1Thereafter, the king sent for all the elders of Judah and JeruSalem and had them brought to him.2Then the king went to the Temple of Jehovah with the men of Judah and JeruSalem (the Priests, the prophets, and all the people, both the small and the great), and he read all the words of the scroll of the Sacred Agreement that had been found there.3And as the king was standing next to one of the columns, he promised Jehovah that they’d all return to Him and obey His Commandments, proclamations, and Laws with their whole hearts and souls, and that they would reestablish His Sacred Agreement that was written about in the scroll.And thereafter, he made all the people who were there affirm that they also agreed with his promise.4Next, the king had the High Priest HelkiAh, as well as all the other lesser priests and those who guarded the doors, go into the Temple Sanctuary of Jehovah and drag out all the objects for BaAl worship, the things for the groves of sacred poles, and the objects of worship of the things in the skies.Then he burned it all outside of JeruSalem in the Cedar (Kidron) Valley, and he had the ashes carried off to BethEl.5Following that, he had all the idolatrous priests (those who had been appointed by the kings of Judah and who burned incense in the high places around the cities of Judah and JeruSalem, as well as those who burned incense to BaAl, or to the sun and the moon, or to the Zodiac and the mighty things in the sky) [killed and] incinerated!6And he had the carvings of the groves of sacred poles carted out of the Temple of Jehovah and out of JeruSalem to the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi, where he had them burned and ground into dust, which was thereafter scattered among the tombs in the graveyards.7Following that, he had the rooms in the Temple of Jehovah where male prostitutes were kept and where women wove robes for the worship of the sacred poles, demolished.8Then he brought back all the Priests from the cities of Judah (from GabaA all the way to BeerSheba), and they went up to the high places where [the people] had burned incense, and they desecrated [those places].He also demolished the high place that was located next to the entrance of the gate of JoShua (who was the city’s mayor), which was to the left of the city’s main gate.9Thereafter, [the king] forbade the Priests who had served at the high places to ever be allowed to approach the Altar of Jehovah in JeruSalem or to ever again share in eating the fermentation-free bread among their brothers!10Next he defiled Topheth, which is the place [of worship] in the valley of the sons of Hinnom where people took their sons and daughters to be burned in a fire before [the image of] Moloch.11And he incinerated the horses that the kings of Judah had offered to the sun, which were kept inside the compound near the entrance to Jehovah’s Temple, in the treasury room of Nathan MelEch.He also burned the Chariot of the Sun, 12the altars that were on the roof of the upper room of Ahaz (which had been built by the kings of Judah), and he demolished the altars that had been built for ManasSeh inside two of the Temple courtyards.Then he had the dust and ashes thrown into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi!13The king also had the temple that stood in front of JeruSalem (on the right side of Mount MosOath) that King Solomon had built to Astarte (the disgusting thing of the Sidonians), to Chemosh (the disgusting thing of MoAb), and to Moloch (the disgusting thing of the sons of AmMon) desecrated.14He also broke up all the monuments and the groves of sacred poles, and he had the areas where they once stood covered with dead men’s bones.15After that, he went to the high altar in BethEl that [King] JeroBoam [I] (son of NaBat) built to lead IsraEl into sin, and he had it torn down, its stones crushed into fine dust, and its grove of sacred poles incinerated.16And when JosiAh noticed the tombs where the people of that city were buried, he had the bones taken from the tombs and burned on [JeroBoam’s] altar so as to defile it – just as the [prophecy] of Jehovah that the man of God spoke (on the holiday that JeroBoam had called for when he built the altar) was finally fulfilled!For back then, the man of God had looked towards this very graveyard and asked:17‘What are these tall rocks that I see?’And when the men of the city [heard] the man of God (who had come from Judah) foretell that all these things would happen to the altar in BethEl, they said:18‘Leave him alone, and may no man ever move his bones!’So his bones were thereafter placed with the bones of the prophets of Samaria.19Well after that, [the king] went throughout the cities of Samaria, and he had all the temples on the high places that the kings of IsraEl had built to provoke Jehovah to anger, torn down.JosiAh removed them all, along with all the things that were built for worship in BethEl.20And thereafter, he sacrificed all the priests of the high places on their own altars, and he incinerated their bones upon them!Then he went back to JeruSalem, 21and he told all the people that they would have to observe the Passover of their God Jehovah, just as it had been written about in the scroll of His Sacred Agreement... 22For the Passover really hadn’t been celebrated there since the time of the Judges, yes, not during the time of any of the previous kings of Judah!23So it was in the 18th year of King JosiAh’s reign that the Passover to Jehovah was once again celebrated in JeruSalem.24Then King JosiAh had all the witches, fortunetellers, objects for providing omens, idols, and all the other disgusting things and practices that were taking place in the land of Judah and JeruSalem removed, so that the words of the Law that was written in the scroll that HelkiAh the Priest had found in the Temple of Jehovah could be followed once again.25Never before had there been any king like him that had turned towards Jehovah and to the Law of Moses with so much of his whole heart, strength, and soul.And after him, no one like him ever arose again.26However, none of this turned Jehovah from His rage and great anger against Judah over the things that ManasSeh had done.27For Jehovah had said:‘I will indeed remove Judah from before My face the same as I removed IsraEl... I will throw this city of JeruSalem that I chose away, along with the Temple where I said that I’d put My Name.’28Well, the rest of the things that JosiAh said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.29However after that, PharaOh Necho [II] (the king of Egypt) attacked the king of Assyria at the EuPhrates River, and JosiAh joined in the war against [PharaOh].So when [PharaOh] Necho saw [King JosiAh] at MegidDo, he killed him... 30Then [the king’s] servants brought his dead body back from MegidDo to JeruSalem, and they buried him in his tomb in the city of David.Then the people of the land anointed JehoAhaz (JosiAh’s son), and he started reigning in place of his father.31JehoAhaz was 23 years old when he started his reign, and he only ruled in JeruSalem for three months! The name of his mother was AmiTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiAh of LobNa.32For thereafter, he followed in the paths of his ancestors and acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah. 33Then PharaOh Necho attacked him at DebLatha (in the land of HaMath) and removed him from [his throne] in JeruSalem, and he required the whole land to pay him a tribute of 4 tons (3,600kg) of silver and 4 tons (3,600kg) of gold.34Then he put EliAkim (another son of JosiAh) on [the throne] of Judah in place of his father, changing his name to JehoiAkim, and he had JehoAhaz carried off to Egypt, where he eventually died.35So thereafter, JehoiAkim had to tax all the people of the land (which was assessed by how much they each owned) so as to pay what the PharaOh had required, and he sent all the silver and gold to PharaOh Necho.36JehoiAkim was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 11 years. His mother’s name was JelDaph, and she was the daughter of PhadaEl of RoUma.37But he also acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah, and he did all the bad things that his ancestors had done.
1It was during the time of JehoiAkim that NebuChadnezzar became the king of Babylon, and JehoiAkim became his vassal for three years… But then he annulled his allegiance.2So, during that time, Jehovah sent armed bands of Chaldeans, Syrians, MoAbites, and AmMonites against him and the land of Judah until they actually overran the land, just as Jehovah had foretold would happen through His servants the prophets, 3because of His rage against Judah.As a result, He decided to remove them from in front of His face for the sins of ManasSeh and for all the [bad] things that he did 4when he [killed] so many innocent [people] and filled JeruSalem with innocent blood, over which he refused to repent.5Now, the rest of the things that JehoiAkim said and did have been written about in the scrolls of The Days of the Kings of Judah.6For then he went to sleep with his ancestors, and his son JehoiAchin started ruling in place of him.7Well thereafter, the king of Egypt no longer came into his land, because the king of Babylon had claimed all the land from the EuPhrates to the [River Nile]… Everything that had once belonged to the king of Egypt!8JehoiAchin was only 18 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for just three months. His mother’s name was NesTha, and she was the daughter of ElLaNathan of JeruSalem.9But JehoiAchin followed in the ways of his father and acted wickedly in the eyes of Jehovah.10So thereafter, King NebuChadnezzar [II] of Babylon came and laid siege to JeruSalem… 11NebuChadnezzar [himself] came to the city when his army attacked it.12Then King JehoiAchin of Judah surrendered to the king of Babylon, along with his mother, servants, governors, and eunuchs.So the king of Babylon [took him captive] during the 8th year of [NebuChadnezzar’s] reign, 13and he took all the treasures that were in the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, including all the things that King Solomon of IsraEl had covered with gold inside the Temple Sanctuary of Jehovah.He had it all cut off and removed, just as Jehovah said would happen!14Thereafter, he took all the governors and all the important people from JeruSalem and carried them into captivity (some 10,000 people), including all the contractors and their workers... So, all that was left in the land was just the poor people.15He carried off JehoiAchin, his mother, his wives, his eunuchs, and all the great people of the land. He took them all from JeruSalem and resettled them in [the Kingdom of] Babylon.16He also carried off 7,000 of [Judah’s] greatest men, 1,000 contractors and their craftsmen, and 1,000 of the best soldiers, and he took them all to Babylon.17Then the king of Babylon appointed MatThaniAh (JehoiAchim’s son) to be [the king of Judah], and he renamed him ZedekiAh.18Well, ZedekiAh was 21 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for 11 years. His mother was AmiTal (the daughter of JeremiAh).19And like his father JehoiAchin, he also acted wickedly before Jehovah. 20So, Jehovah’s rage continued against JeruSalem and Judah until He pushed them away from in front of His face.For then ZedekiAh also annulled his allegiance to the king of Babylon!
1It was in the 9th year of [ZedekiAh’s] reign (on the 10th day of the 10th month) that King NebuChadnezzar of Babylon came against JeruSalem with his whole army... He camped outside of the city and built a siege mound around it!2So the city remained cut off until the 11th year and 9th month of the ZedekiAh’s reign. 3For by then, famine was raging throughout the city, and none of the people there had any bread.4And that’s when its walls were finally breached.Well, when that happened, [the king] and his men slipped away during the night along a road that ran between the walls of the gate to the king’s garden... Then the Chaldeans (who were all around the city) chased after them along the desert road, 5catching up with the king in the desert near JeriCho, where his men had deserted him.6So they captured the king and carried him back to the king of Babylon (who was in DebLatha at the time), where he was put on trial. 7Then the king of Babylon had ZedekiAh’s sons slaughtered before his eyes, and he was blinded and carried off to Babylon in chains.8It was in the 5th month, on the 7th day of the month, in the 19th year of the reign of King NebuChadnezzar of Babylon that NabuZarDan (the king of Babylon’s chief body guard) came to JeruSalem.9He then burned the Temple of Jehovah, the king’s palace, and all the houses in JeruSalem… He burned everything, 10and he had his soldiers tear down JeruSalem’s walls!11The only people he left behind were those who had sided with the king of Babylon.And thereafter, NabuZarDan (the chief guard) removed his troops, 12leaving behind just the poor of the land as vinedressers and farmers.13The Chaldeans thereafter broke up the brass columns in the Temple of Jehovah, as well as the basins and the Sacred Sea, and carried all the brass back to Babylon!14They also took:• All the cooking pots,
• The shovels,
• The bowls,
• The incense pans......and everything else in the Temple that was made of brass, 15as well as the gold and silver censers and bowls.16Well, with the two columns, the Sacred Sea, and the bases that Solomon had made for the Temple of Jehovah, no one could estimate the weight of all the brass that they took!17For each column stood 30 feet (9.1m) tall, and the brass caps for each column stood 5 feet (153cm) tall... There was also the latticework, the brass pomegranates that were all around each of the caps, and the 100 of brass pomegranates that were around the latticework on each column.18The chief bodyguard also took the High Priest SaraiJah and his son ZephaniAh (who was in charge of [Temple] collections). 19In addition, he carried off:• All the eunuchs who were in charge of the troops,
• 5 of the king’s advisors,
• The secretary of the army (who handled recruiting), and
• 60 other people whom he found in the city.20NabuZarDan (the chief guard) then took them to the king of Babylon (who was in DebLatha), 21who had them all killed in DebLatha (which is in the land of HaMath).Then he removed all the people of Judah and resettled them [away from] their own land.22Thereafter, King NebuChadnezzar of Babylon appointed GedaliAh (son of AchiKam and grandson of ShaPhan) to rule over all those who were still left in the land of Judah.23And when all the army generals and their men heard that the king of Babylon had put GedaliAh in charge, IshmaEl (son of NathaniAh), JoAnan (son of Kareth), SariAh (son of ThanaMath the NetoPhathite), and JezoniJah (son of the Mahathite) and their men went to GedaliAh in MizPah.24There he swore an oath to them and their men, saying:‘You don’t have to be afraid when the Chaldeans leave, for if you’ll just settle yourselves in the land and serve the king of Babylon, all will go well for you.’25But in the 7th month, IshmaEl (son of NathaniJah and grandson of EliSama), who was related to the kings, took ten men and murdered GedaliAh along with all the Judeans and Chaldeans that were with him in MizPah!26So, all the people (the small and the great) and the army generals got up and fled to Egypt, because they were afraid of what the Chaldeans would do to them.27It was in the 37th year after King JehoiAchin of Judah had been carried away (on the 7th day of the 12th month), that Ebil Marodach became the king of Babylon.And during the 1st year of his reign, he released JehoiAchin (the king of Judah) from prison 28and said good things about him... Then he put him on a throne that was higher than those of all the other kings who were in Babylon!29He also gave him new clothes to wear and allowed him to eat [at his table] for the rest of his life… 30So he thereafter feasted in the palace of the king everyday [until he died].
1• Adam,
• Seth,
• Enosh,
2• Kainan,
• MaHalaleEl,
• JaRed,
3• Enoch,
• MethuSelah,
• Lamech,
4• Noah.Noah’s sons were:• Shem,
• Ham, and
• JaPheth.5JaPheth’s sons were:• Gomer,
• Magog,
• Madai,
• Javan,
• EliSha,
• Tubal,
• MeShech, and
• Thiras.6Gomer’s sons were:• AshKenaz,
• RiPhath, and
• TogarMah.7Javan’s sons were:• EliSha,
• Tharsis,
• KitTim, and
• Rodanim.8Ham’s sons were:• Kush,
• Mesraim,
• Put, and
• CanaAn.9Kush’s sons were:• Saba,
• HaviLah,
• SaBatha,
• RegMa, and
• SebethAha.RegMa’s sons were:• SheBa, and
• DeDan.10It was Kush who [also] fathered NimRod, who became a giant on the earth.[Editor note: Our Greek Septuagint source text doesn’t include verses 11 to 16, or verses 18 to 23. Perhaps someone added these extra names into the Hebrew text after the Greek translation was completed, or maybe there’s some other explanation.]
11Mizraim’s sons were:• Ludim,
• Anamim,
• Lehabim,
• Naphtuhim,
12• Pathrusim,
• Casluhim (where the Philistines came from), and
• Caphtorim.13Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, plus:• Heth,
14• The Jebusites,
• The Amorites,
• The Girgashite,
15• The Hivites,
• The Arkites,
• The Sinites,
16• The Arvadites,
• The Zemarites, and
• The Hamathite.[Editor note: As you’ll see, these insertions appear right in the middle of the list of Shem’s sons, but not in our Greek Septuagint source.]
17Shem’s descendants were:• ElAm,
• AsSur, 18Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber.19To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.20Joktan became the father of:• Almodad,
• Sheleph,
• Hazarmaveth,
• Jerah,
• 21Hadoram,
• Uzal,
• Diklah,
22• Ebal,
• Abimael,
• Sheba,
23• Ophir,
• Havilah, and
• Jobab.All these were the sons of Joktan.24and
• ArphaxAd.25[Then, from ArphaxAd came] SheLah, [whose son was] Heber...• [Whose son was] Peleg,
• [Whose son was] Ragau,
26• [Whose son was] Seruk,
• [Whose son was] NaHor, and
• [Whose son was] Terah.27AbraHam’s sons were:28• IsaAc, and
• IshMaEl.29These are the genealogies:The firstborn of IshMaEl was NabayOth, then:• Kedar,
• NabDeEl,
• MabSam,
30• MasMa,
• IdoUma,
• MasSe,
• Adad,
• ThaIman,
31• JetTur,
• Naphes, and
• Kedma.They were the sons of IshMaEl.32The sons of KeTurAh (AbraHam’s concubine) were:• ZemBram,
• JexAn,
• MidiAn,
• MeDan,
• Sobak, and
• Soe.The sons of JexAn were DeDan and SheBa.33The sons of MidiAn were:• GaiPhar,
• Opher,
• Enok,
• AviDa, and
• ElLada.These were the sons of KeTurAh.34AbraHam fathered IsaAc, and IsaAc’s sons were:• Jacob, and
• Esau.35Esau’s sons were:• EliPhaz,
• RagouEl,
• JeSous,
• JegLam, and
• Koreh.36The sons of EliPhaz were:• ThaiMan,
• Omar,
• ZepPhoue,
• GoOtham, and
• Kanez.Also, through ThamNa, he had a son named Amalec.37The sons of RagouEl were:• NaCheth,
• ZaRe,
• SamMah, and
• Mazeh.38The sons of SeEir were:• LoTan,
• Soubal,
• SebeGon,
• Ana,
• DeSon,
• Asar, and
• Disan.39LoTan’s sons were:• ChorRei, and
• Imam.LoTan also had a sister named ThamNa.40Soubal’s sons were:• AlouAm,
• ManaAth,
• Oubal,
• SapPhei, and
• Onam.SebeGon’s sons were:• Aia, and
• Ana.41Ana’s son was DeSon, and DeSon’s sons were:• Amadan,
• EseBan,
• JeThran, and
• CharRan.42Asar’s sons were:• BalaAn,
• ZaAn, and
• JoKan.DeSon’s sons were:•Uz, and
•Aran.43These are the kings who ruled in Edom before there were any kings in IsraEl:• First, there was Balak (son of BeOr), [who ruled from] DenNaba.44• When he died, Jobab (son of ZaRa) started reigning from BozRah.45• After Jobab died, Asom (who was from the land of the Temanites) became the king.• 46Then after Asom died, Adad (son of BarAd) started to rule – he’s the one who captured MidiAn in the plains of MoAb – and the name of his city was GetThaim.47• Then Adad died and SebLa from MasekKah became the king.48• After SebLa died, Saul from RobOth by the River became the king.49• Then Saul died and BelaEnNor (son of AchObor) became the king.50• And when BelaEnNor died, Adad (son of BarAd) started ruling after him. The name of his city was PhoGor.51These were the Governors of Edom:• Governor ThamNa,
• Governor GolaDa,
• Governor JeTher,
52• Governor EliBamah,
• Governor ElAs,
• Governor PhiNon,
53• Governor Kenez,
• Governor ThaIman,
• Governor MabSar,
54• Governor MagediEl, and
• Governor ZaphoIn.These were the Governors of Edom.
1These are the names of the sons and Lords of IsraEl:• ReuBen, • SimeOn, • Levi, • Judah, • IsSachar, • ZebuLun, 2• Dan, • JoSeph, • BenJamin, • NaphTali, • Gad, and • Asher.3The sons of Judah were:• Er, • Onan, and • SeLom.All three were born to him through the daughter of Shua the CanaAnite.Er was his firstborn, but he proved to be wicked before Jehovah, so He killed him. 4Then through his daughter-in-law Tamar, he fathered Perez and Zerah.So, all 5 were the sons of Judah.5The sons of Perez were:• HezRon, and • JemouEl.6The sons of Zerah were:• ZamBri, • AiThan, • HeMan, • KalChal, and • Darad.[A total of] 5 sons.7The son of CharMi was Achar, who brought trouble on IsraEl by breaking the agreement [with God] and was then destroyed.8The son of AiThan was AzariJah.9The sons of HezRon that were born to him through JaRameEl were:• Aram, and • ChelubAi.10Then Aram fathered AmiNadab, and AmiNadab fathered NahShon, who became the head of the house of Judah.11NahShon fathered SalMon, SalMon fathered BoAz, 12BoAz fathered Obed, and Obed fathered JesSe.13JesSe’s sons were:• EliAb (the firstborn), • AmiNadab (the 2nd), • SamaAh (the 3rd), 14• NathaniEl (the 4th), • ZadDai (the 5th), 15• Asom (the 6th), and • David (the 7th).16Their sisters were ZeruJah and AbiGail.The three sons of ZeruJah were:• AbiShai, • JoAb, and • AsahEl.17AbiGail gave birth to AmaSa (whose father was JoThor the IshMaElite) 18and Caleb (son of HezRon). He then took Azouba (the daughter of JeriOth) as his woman, and these are her sons:• JaSar, • Soubab, and • Orna.19Then Azouba died and Caleb married EphRath, who gave birth to Or.20Or then fathered Ouri, and Ouri fathered BeseleEl.21It was after this that Lord HezRon [had sex with] the daughter of MachIr (who was the father of GileAd); then he married her when he was 65 years old and she gave birth to SegUb.22Then SegUb fathered JaIr, who [ruled over] 23 cities in GileAd.23Then GedSur and Aram took JaIr’s villages (including KaNath – some 60 villages all together), which belonged to the sons of MachIr, the father of GileAd.24It was after HezRon died that Lord Caleb moved to EphRatha. HezRon’s woman was AbiJah, and she gave birth to AsChod, who became the father of ThekoE.25These are the sons of JaRameEl (HezRon’s firstborn):• Ram (his firstborn), • then BaAna, • then Aran, and • his brother Asom.26But JaRameEl also had another woman whose name was Atara, and she was the mother of Ozom.27These were the sons of Ram:• JaRameEl (his firstborn), • then MaAs, • JaMin, and • Akor.28Ozom’s sons were:• SamAi, and • JaDae.The sons of SamAi were:• NaDab, and • AbiShur.29Then AbiShur married AbiHail and she gave birth to:• AchAbar, and • ModDi.30The sons of NaDab were:• Seled, and • AphaIn.Then Lord Seled died without any children, 31but [his brother] AphaIn fathered IshEmiEl, who fathered SoSan, and SoSan fathered AadAi.32The sons of AadAi were:• AchiSamas, • JeTher, and • JoNathan.Then Lord JeTher died without having any children.33But the sons of JoNathan were:• PhalEd, and • Ozam.These were all descendants of JaRameEl.34Now, no sons were born to SoSan, just daughters. But SoSan was given a [male] Egyptian slave named JochEl, 35and he gave his daughter [to this slave] as his woman, then she gave birth to Ethi.36Thereafter:• Ethi fathered Nathan, • Nathan fathered Zabed, 37• Zabed fathered AphamEl, • AphamEl fathered Obed, 38• Obed fathered JeOu, • JeOu fathered AzariJah, 39• AzariJah fathered HelLes, • HelLes fathered EliaAsa, 40• EliaAsa fathered SosomAi, • SosomAi fathered SaloUm, 41• SaloUm fathered JechemiJah, • JechemiJah fathered EliShama, and • EliShama fathered IshMaEl.42The firstborn son of Caleb (JaRameEl’s brother) was MariSha, who fathered:• Ziph, and • HebRon.43HebRon’s sons were:• KorAh, • ThaPhous, • Rekom, and • SamaAh.44SamaAh fathered RaEm, and he fathered JekLan. JekLan then fathered SamAi, 45and SamAi’s son was MaOn, who founded BethZur.46Caleb’s concubine GaiPha gave birth to:• ArRan, • Mosa, and • GezoWe.47The sons of Caleb’s concubine AdDai were:• Ragem, • JoAtham, • Sogar, • Phalek, • GaiPha, and • SagaE.48And his sons through his concubine Mocha were:•Saber, • ThaRam, 49and • SagaE.[And SagaE] fathered:• MarMena, • MachaMena, and • GaiBaAh.Caleb also had a daughter named AshChah. 50These were the descendants of Caleb.The sons of Or were:• EphRatha (his firstborn), • SoBal (who founded KiriAth JaiRim), 51and • Arim (who founded BethGedor).52These are the sons of SoBal (the founder of KiriAth JaiRim, AraAh, AiSi, AmManith, 53OumasPhae, and the city of JaIr):• AiThalim, • MiphiThim, • EsamaThim, and • EmaSaraim.They were the ones who fathered the SaraThaeans and the sons of EsthaAm.54Salma’s [descendants] founded BethLehem, as well as:• The NetoPhathites, • AtarOth of the house of JoAb, • Half of the houses of MaLathi and EsAri, 55• The families of the scribes that live in JaBish, • The TharGathiIm, • The SamathiIm, • The Sochathim (the KinaEans), • Those who come from MeSema, and • He was the father of the house of RechAb.
1These are the sons of David who were born to him in HebRon:• The firstborn was AmNon, whose mother was AchinaAm the JezreElite.• The 2nd was DaniEl, son of AbiGail the CarMelite.2• The 3rd was AbSalom, son of Mocha, who was the daughter of TholMai the king of GedsoUr.• The 4th was AdoniJah, son of HagGith.3• The 5th was ShaphatiYa.4These sons were born to him in HebRon, where he reigned for 7 years and 6 months.After that, he reigned in JeruSalem for 33 years, 5and 4 sons were born to him there through BathSheba (the daughter of AmiEl). They were:• KamaAh, • SoBab, • Nathan, and • Solomon.6There was also:• Ebar, • EliSha, • EliPhaleth, 7• NagAi , • NaPhek, • HeAphie, 8• EliSama, • EliAda, and • EliPhala…Yes, 9 sons that were born to David, 9in addition to the sons of his concubines and his sister, Tamar.10The descendants of Solomon were:• RehoBoam, • Then his son AbiJah, • Then his son Asa, • Then his son JehoShaphat, • Then his son 11JehoRam, • Then his son AhaziJah, • Then his son JehoAsh, • Then his son 12AmaziJah, • Then his son AzariJah, • Then his son JoTham, • Then his son 13Ahaz, • Then his son HezekiJah, • Then his son ManasSeh, • Then his son 14Amon, and • Then his son JosiAh.15The sons of JosiAh were:• JoHanan (his firstborn), • The 2nd was JehoiAkim, • The 3rd was ZedekiAh, and • The 4th was ShalLum.16The sons of JehoiAkim were:• JeconiJah, and • ZedekiAh.17Then the sons of JeconiJah were:• Asir, • ShalathiEl, 18• MelchiRam, • PhadiJah, • SaneSar, • JeKemYa, • OsamAth, and • NabadYas.19The sons of ShalathiEl were:• ZerubBabel, and • ShiMei.The sons of ZerubBabel were:• MosolLam, • HananiJah, and • Their sister SalomEth.20He also had 5 more sons:• AsoUbe, • Ool, • BarachiAh, • AsadiJah, and • AsoBed.21The descendants of HananiJah were:• PhaletTiJah, • His son JesiJah, • His son Raphal, • His son Orna, • His son AbDiJah, • His son ShecheniJah, and 22• His son ShemaiJah.ShemaiJah had 6 sons:• HatTush, • Igal, • BeriJah, • NeaJah, and • ShaPhat.23NeaJah had 3 sons:• EliOnai, • HezekiJah, and • EzriKam.24EliOnai had 7 sons:• OdolJa, • EliAsEbon, • PhadaJa, • AkoUb, • JoHanan, • DalaiJa, and • Hanan.
1The sons of Judah were:• Perez,
• HezRon,
• Carmi,
• Or,
• Soubal, 2and,
• His son Rada.Soubal fathered Jeth, and Jeth fathered:• AchiMai, and
• LaAd.These are genealogies of SaraThi:3The sons of AiTam were:• JezreEl,
• JesMan, and
• IdBash.Their sister’s name was EselebBon.4PhanouEl was the father of Gedor, and Azer was the father of Osan.The firstborn son of Or was EphRatha, who was the founder of BethLehem.5And AsoUr (whose father was ThekoE) had two women, Aoda and ThoAda.6Aoda gave birth to:• OchaiJa,
• Ephal,
• ThaIman, and
• HaAsther.Those were all her sons.7And the sons of ThoAda were:• Serek,
• SaAr, and
• EthNan.8Kos fathered:• Enob, and
• SabaTha.They’re related to the brother of ReChab, son of JaRin.9JaBez was the most honorable among all his brothers, and his mother named him JaBez, because she said:‘I have given birth in pain [Hebrew: JaBez].’10And it was JaBez who called on the God of IsraEl, saying:‘O please bless me, expand my borders, and may Your hand be with me… Teach me Your wisdom so I don’t [make a fool] of myself.’And God gave him everything that he asked for.11Caleb (the father of AsCha) fathered MachIr, who became the father of AshSathon.12Then AshSathon fathered:• BathRaiAn,
• BesSee, and
• Thana (who was the founder of the city of NaHash and a relative of Eselom the Kenezite, who lived in Repha).13The sons of Kenez were:• GothoniEl, and
• SaraJa.GothoniEl’s sons were:• AthAth 14and
• ManAthi (who fathered GoPhera).SaraJa fathered JoAb, who was the father of the Harashim, who were craftsmen.15The descendants of Caleb (son of JePhonNe) were:• Era,
• ElAh, and
• NoOm.And ElAh’s son was Kenez.16The sons of GeseEl were:• Ziph,
• Zepha,
• ThephiJa, and
• EseraEl.17The sons of EseraEl were:• JeTher,
• Morad,
• Apher, and
• JaMon.JeTher was the father of:• MaRon,
• SemAi, and
• MaReth (who was the father of EsthaIMon).18Then his Judean woman gave birth to:• JaRed the father of Gedor,
• Heber the father of Socho, and
• JechoutiEl the father of ZaNoe.These are the sons of BethThouiJah (the daughter of PharaOh) who was taken by Marod, 19and the sons of his woman Hodia, the sister of Nahum ([who was also] the father of KeiLa the GarMite and EsthaIMon the Nochathite):20• Simon,
• AmNon,
• Rena (whose sons were HanNan and ThiLon), and
• Ishi, whose descendants were ZoHath and the ZoHathites.21The son of SeLom (Judah’s son) was Er.He became the father of LeChab and LaAda, who was the father of MariSha, as well as to all the descendants of the families of:• EphraDabak,
• The house of Esoba,
22• JoAkim,
• The men of ChozEba,
• JoAs, and
• ShaPhat (who lived in MoAb and returned [with Moabite women named] AbeDerin and Athoukiim).23This [family] became the potters who live in Ataim and GadeRa; and since they were supporters of the king, they became very powerful in these cities.24The sons of SimeOn were:• NamouEl,
• JaMin,
• JaRib,
• ZaRe,
• Saul, 25and
• Salem, whose son was MabaSam.[MabaSam’s] son was MasMa, and:
• His son was 26AmJaRameElouEl,
• His son was SaboUd,
• His son was ZakChour, and
• His son was ShiMei.27ShiMei had 16 sons and 3 daughters. And since there were so few daughters, their families didn’t grow as large in Judah as did those of their brothers.28The families [of ShiMei] lived in:• BeerSheba,
• Sama,
• MoLada,
• EserSouAl,
• 29BalaAh,
• BoAsom,
• ThoUlad,
30• BathOuEl,
• Erma,
• ZikLag,
• 31BethMariMoth,
• EmiSouseOsin, and
• BethBarouseOrim, where they lived until the reign of King David.32They also owned:• AiTan,
• En,
• RemMon,
• ThokKan, and
• AiSan (5 cities), 33as well as the land all around these cities all the way to [the city of] BaAl.They owned it all, and it was distributed among the families of:• 34MosoBab,
• Amalek,
• JosiJah,
• The sons of AmasiJah,
• 35JoEl (son of AsAbiJah, son of SaraiJa, son of AsiEl),
• 36EliOnai,
• JakAba,
• JasouJah,
• AsaiJah,
• JediEl,
• IsMaEl,
• BenaiJah,
• 37ZoUza (son of SaphAi, son of Alon, son of JediJah, son of SemRi, son of SamiJah).38These were the names of the rulers of their generations and the heads of their families (which grew in great numbers). 39Their land ran from GeraRa to east of Gai, because they needed a lot of pasture for all their animals.40This land had good pasture, and it was large enough for all their animals. It was also a peaceful, restful land… It was where the sons of Ham had lived previously.41But it was during the reign of King HezekiAh of Judah that an edict was passed and they attacked the houses there (as well as all the Minaeans whom they found there), and they’ve been wiped out until this day.So, [the family of Judah] moved in and claimed the pastures for their animals.42Also, 500 of the descendants of SimeOn moved there, near Mount SeIr.They were led by the sons of JesSie, who were:• PhalaEtiJah,
• NoAdiJah,
• RaphiJah, and
• OziEl.43They killed the rest of the AmaLechites who lived there, and they still live in that land to this day.
1 These are the sons of ReuBen, the firstborn of IsraEl.Although he was the firstborn; because he climbed onto the marriage-bed of his father, [his father] gave the blessing to his son JoSeph (son of IsraEl). So, the rights of the firstborn aren’t traced through [ReuBen’s] family line.2Also, since Judah was the most powerful among his brothers, a leader came from him, although the blessing [of the firstborn] went to JoSeph.3The sons of ReuBen (IsraEl’s firstborn) were:• Enoch,
• PalLu,
• AsRom, and
• Charmi.4The son of JoEl was ShiMei, and his son was BenaiJah.GoUg was [another] son of ShiMei, 5and his son was Micha...• Whose son was Recha,
• Whose son was JoEl,
• 6Whose son was BeEl.BeEl was relocated by King Tiglath Pileser [III] of Assyria, and he’s the leader of the ReuBenites.7These are the genealogies of BeEl’s brothers and countrymen who were also resettled [by Tiglath-Pileser III]:The first was JoEl, then ZachariJah.8[Then came:]• Balek,
• His son AzoUz,
• His son Sama,
• His son JoEl.They lived in AroEr, Nebo, and BelMasSon.9This family [was relocated] to the east and lived along the edge of the desert near the EuPhrates River. But, back in the land of GileAd, they had owned many cattle.10And during the time of Saul, they were known to attack and kill travelers from their tents that were located to the east of GileAd.11Bordering them was the territory of the sons of Gad, which ran from the land of BaShan to SelCha.12JoEl was his firstborn, then ShaPham and JaNin (who was the scribe in BaShan).13The 7 heads of their family lines were:• MichaEl,
• MosolLam,
• SebeE,
• JoReE,
• JoAchan,
• ZouE, and
• Heber.14These were the sons of AbiChiJah...• Who was Ouri’s son,
• Who was JaRoAh’s son,
• Who was GileAd’s son,
• Who was MichaEl’s son,
• Who was JeSai’s son,
• Who was JedDai’s son,
• Who was ZabouCham’s son,
15• Who was AbDiEl’s son,
• Who was GoUni’s son... The head of the house of those family lines.16They lived in the towns all around GileAd in the land of BaShan and in places all the way to the end of ShaRon. 17However, they were relocated in the days of JoTham the king of Judah and JeroBoam the king of IsraEl.18The sons of ReuBen, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh [had taken their land] with their army of trained swordsmen and bowmen… 44,760 men, who were fully prepared for battle.19They went to war with the:• Hagareans,
• Itoureans,
• NaphiSeans, and
• NaDabeans...20...and beat them.The Hagareans were all given into their hands, along with their tents, because, during the battle [the IsraElites] called out to God – putting their hope in Him – and He listened to them.21So they captured all their belongings:• 5,000 camels,
• 250,000 sheep,
• 2,000 burros, and
• The lives of 100,000 men.22That many were killed, because God was fighting the war. So, they lived in their land until they were relocated.23The large half-tribe of ManasSeh lived in the land that ran from BaShan, to BaAl HerMon, to SenIr, to Mount HerMon, and into Lebanon.24Here are the heads of their family lines:• Opher,
• Sei,
• EliEl,
• JeremiJah,
• OdouJah, and
• JediEl.They were all great, mighty, and famous men… The heads of their family lines.25However, they annulled their allegiance with the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land that God had removed from before them.26So, the God of IsraEl caused the spirit of King Pul of Assyria [also known as Tiglath-Pileser III], to become enraged with them. So, he sent 50,000 men and they relocated [the tribes of] ReuBen, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh... He moved them to Chalak and Mabor along the Gozan River, where they still are today.
1The sons of Levi were:• GedSon, • KoHath, and • MeraRi.2KoHath’s sons were:• AmBram, • IsSaAr, • HebRon, and • OziEl.3AmBram’s children were: • Aaron, • Moses, and • their sister MiriAm.Aaron’s sons were:• NaDab, • AbiHu, • EliEzer, and • IthaMar.4EliEzer fathered PhiNehas, and:• PhiNehas fathered AbiSou, 5• AbiSou fathered BokAi, • BokAi fathered Ozi, 6• Ozi fathered ZariJah, • ZariJah fathered MariOth, 7• MariOth fathered AmariJah, • AmariJah fathered AhiTub, 8• AhiTub fathered ZaDok, • ZaDok fathered AchimaAs, 9• AchimaAs fathered AzarYan, • AzarYan fathered JoHanan, 10• JoHanan fathered AzariJah (who was the Priest in the Temple that Solomon built in JeruSalem), 11• AzariJah fathered AmariJah, • AmariJah fathered AhiTub, 12• AhiTub fathered ZaDok, • ZaDok fathered SelLum, 13• SelLum fathered HelkiJah, • HelkiJah fathered AzariJah, 14• AzariJah fathered SaraiJah, • SaraiJah fathered JoSadak, 15• And JoSadak was carried off when Judah and JeruSalem were relocated to Babylon by NebuChadnezzar.16The sons of Levi were:• GedSon, • KoHath, and • MeraRi.17The names of the sons of GedSon were:•LoBeni, and •ShiMei.18The sons of KoHath were:• AmBram, • IsSaAr, • HebRon, and • OziEl.19And the sons of MeraRi were:• MoOli, and • OmoUsi.These are the descendants of Levi by their families:20• GedSon’s son was LoBeni, • His son was Jeth, • His son was SamMa, • His son 21was JoAb, • His son was AdDo, • His son was ZaRa, and • His son was JethRi.22The descendants of KoHath were AmiNadab:• His son Kor, • His son Aser, • His son 23ElKana, • His son AbiSaph, • His son Aser, • His son 24ThaAth, • His son OureEl and, • His son OziJa.25The sons of ElKana were:• AmaSi, • AchimOth, 26and • SoUphi.[SoUphi’s] son was NaAth and:• His son 27was EliAb, • His son was JereAm, • His son was ElKana, and • His son was SamuEl.28These are the sons of SamuEl:• His firstborn was JoEl, and • His 2nd was AbiJah.29The sons of MeraRi were:• MoOli, and • LoBeni.[And LoBeni’s] son was ShiMei, and:• His son was OziJah, • His son 30was SamaAh, • His son was AgGiJah, and • His son was AsaiJah.31These are the ones whom David put in charge of the chorus that sang at the Temple of Jehovah when the [Sacred] Chest was brought there.32They were also the ones who officiated at the Tent of Proofs until Solomon built the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem, and they each handled their own assigned duties.33And these are the ones who served there and their [assistants]:From the sons of KoHath there was HeMan, who was the lead singer. He was the son of JoEl...• The son of SamuEl, 34• Son of ElKana, • Son of JerEbam, • Son of EliEl, • Son of Thou, 35• Son of SoUph, • Son of ElKana, • Son of MaAth, • Son of AmaThi, 36• Son of ElKana, • Son of JoEl, • Son of AzariJa, • Son of SaphaniJah, 37• Son of ThaAth, • Son of Aser, • Son of AbiAsaph, • Son of KorAh, 38• Son of IsaAr, • Son of KoHath, • Son of Levi, and • Son of IsraEl.39[HeMan’s] assistant was Asaph (who stood on his right), who was...• The son of BarachiJah, • Son of SamaAh, 40• Son of MichaEl, • Son of BaAsiJah, • Son of MelchiJah, 41• Son of Athani, • Son of ZarAi, • Son of AdAi, 42• Son of Ethan, • Son of ZemMa, • Son of ShiMei, 43• Son of JeEth, • Son of GerShon, • Son of Levi.44The assistant of MeraRi (the one who stood on his left) was Ethan, who was...• The son of Kisa, • Son of AbDi, • Son of MaOch, 45• Son of AsEbi, 46• Son of AmasiJah, • Son of HelkiJah, • Son of AmasiJah, • Son of Bani, • Son of Semer, 47• Son of MoOli, • Son of MoUsi, • Son of MeraRi, • Son of Levi.48And these were their brothers who were assigned responsibilities over the Tent and the Temple of God by Levite family lines:49There was Aaron and his sons who offered whole burnt offerings on the Altar and burned incense on the incense Altar, working inside the Holy of Holies to atone for [the sins] of IsraEl, just as God’s servant Moses had instructed them.50These are the sons of Aaron:• EliEzer, • His son PhiNehas, • His son AbiSou, • His son 51BokAi, • His son Ozi, • His son ZaraiJah, • His son 52MariOth, • His son AmariJah, • His son AhiTub, • His son 53ZaDok, and • His son AchimaAs.54These are the places where the sons of Aaron who descended from KoHath lived, by towns and borders, which were assigned by a lottery:55They were given towns in the land of Judah that surrounded HebRon. 56However, the cities themselves and their fields were given to Caleb (son of JePhonNe).57The sons of Aaron were also given the refuge cities of:• HebRon, • LobNa and its outskirts, • SelNa and its outskirts, • EsThamo and its outskirts, 58• JeThar and its outskirts, • DabIr and its outskirts, 59• Asan and its outskirts, and • BasaMus and its outskirts.60Then in the tribe of BenJamin there was:• GabaE and its outskirts, • GalemEth and its outskirts, and • AnathOth and its outskirts.These 13 cities were assigned to their families.61The rest of the family of KoHath was assigned 10 cities in the half-tribe of ManasSeh by lottery, 62and the descendants of GedSon were assigned 13 cities in the tribes of IsSachar, Asher, NaphTali, and ManasSeh (in BaShan).63The descendants of MeraRi were assigned 12 cities (by lottery) in the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and ZebuLun.64In addition, the sons of IsraEl gave cities along their borders to the rest of the Levites. 65They assigned them by lottery in the tribes of the sons of Judah, SimeOn, and BenJamin.66The descendants of KoHath were given cities and refuge cities along the borders of Ephraim:67• In and around SheChem, • In the hills of Ephraim, • In and around GaZer, 68• In and around JekmaAn, • In and around BethOron, 69• In and around AiLon, and • In and around GethRemMon.70The half-tribe of ManasSeh gave to the rest of the descendants of KoHath:• Anar and its outskirts, and • JemblaAn and its outskirts.71They also gave to the rest of the descendants of GedSon:• Golan in BaShan and its outskirts, and • AstarOth and its outskirts.72The tribe of IsSachar gave them:• KaDesh (and its outskirts), • DaBor (and its outskirts), 73• RamOth (and its surrounding towns), • AiNan (and its outskirts).74The tribe of Asher gave them:• MaAsal and its outskirts, • AbDon and its outskirts, 75• Akak and its outskirts, • RoOb and its outskirts.76The tribe of NaphTali gave them:• KaDesh in Galilee and its outskirts, • HamOth and its outskirts, and • KiriAth JaiRim and its outskirts.77The tribe of ZebuLun gave to the remaining descendants of MeraRi:• RemMon and its outskirts, and • ThalLia and its outskirts.78On the other side of the JorDan (from JeriCho to the east of the JorDan) the tribe of ReuBen gave them:• Bosor (in the desert) and its outskirts, • Jasa and its outskirts, • 79KadMoth and its outskirts, and • MaEphla and its outskirts.80The tribe of Gad gave them:• RamOth GileAd and its outskirts, • MaAnaim and its outskirts, 81• HeshBon and its outskirts, and • JaZer and its outskirts.
1The 4 sons of IsSachar were:• Thola,
• Phua,
• JasoUb, and
• SomBran.2The sons of Thola were:• Ozi,
• RaphiJah,
• JeriEl,
• JaMai,
• JeBasam, and
• SamuEl....who were each rulers of their houses and family lines.Thola’s descendants were renowned for their greatness and strength through their generations. And during the time of David, their [army] was numbered at 22,600.3The 5 sons of Ozi were:• JezRaiJah,
• MichaEl,
• AbDiOu,
• JoEl, and
• JesiJah......who were all rulers.4Each generation, as well as their houses and families, were renowned warriors. For [they were once] numbered at 36,000, because they had many women and many sons. 5In fact, there were 87,000 mighty men listed in the genealogy of their family line!6The 3 sons of BenJamin were:• Bale,
• BachIr, and
• JaDiEl.7Bale’s 5 sons were:• AsEbon,
• Ozi,
• OziEl,
• JeriMoth, and
• Ouri....who were all the rulers of their houses and family lines.They were also mighty warriors, for in their genealogy there are 22,034 listed.8The sons of BachIr were:• ZemirAh,
• JoAs,
• EliEzer,
• ElioEnai,
• AmariJah,
• JeriMoth,
• AbiJah,
• AnathOth, and
• ElMemeth.9According to their genealogies, these were the rulers of their houses and family lines, among whom 20,200 are listed as mighty warriors.10The son of JadiEl was BalaAn, and his sons were:• JaOus,
• BenJamin,
• AOth,
• ChenaAnah,
• ZaiThan,
• Tharsi, and
• AchiSaAr.11All these sons of JadiEl were rulers of their families, and 17,200 are listed as mighty warriors. 12They include Saphin, Aphin, and the sons of RaOm… Especially his son Aer.13The sons of NaphTali through BalaA were:• JasiEl,
• Goni,
• IsSaEr, and
• SalLour.14The sons of ManasSeh were:• AseriEl (who was born through ManasSeh’s Syrian concubine), and
• MachIr, who was the father of GileAd.15MachIr took women [for GileAd] from among the Amphin and Mamphin, who were sisters. One was named MoOcha, and the second was SalpaAd.Now, SalpaAd only had daughters, 16but MoOcha provided MachIr [a male heir] named Perez, and another that was named Soros. His sons were:• OuLam, and
• Rokom.17And OuLam had a son named Badan.These were all the descendants of GileAd (son of MachIr and grandson of ManasSeh).18[GileAd] also had sisters. The one named MalechEth gave birth to:• IsAdek,
• AbiEzer, and
• MaEla.19And the sons of SemiRa were:• JaAim,
• SheChem,
• Lachim, and
• AniAn.20The sons of Ephraim were:• SothAla,
• BarAd,
• ThaAth,
• EliaAda,
• NomeE,
21• Zabed, and
• SothEle.Then he had two sons named Azer and EliaAd, who were killed by the men of Gath (the natives of the land) because they tried to take their cattle. 22So, Ephraim (their father) mourned for them a very long time, and their brothers came to comfort him.23Then he [had sex with] his woman and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son whom he named BarAga (Son of Trouble), because of the bad things that had happened to his house 24and to those who were left.Then he built:• Upper and Lower BethOron,
• Ozan, and
• SeEra.25[Thereafter, he had a son] named Raphe, who had sons named Saraph and ThaleEs.ThaleEs had a son named ThaEn, who had a son 26named LaDan.• His son was AmiOud,
• His son was EliSamAi,
• His son 27was NoUm, and
• His son was JesOue.28They lived in and owned:• BethEl and its surrounding villages,
• The villages east of NoAran and to the west of GaZer,
• SheChem and its villages, and
• All the villages up to Mount An.29The borders of the sons of ManasSeh included:• BethSaAn and its villages,
• ThaAnak and its villages,
• MegidDo and its villages, and
• Dor and its villages.These are the places where the descendants of JoSeph through ManasSeh lived.30The sons of Asher were:• JemNa,
• SouYa,
• IsoWi,
• BeriJah, and
• SoRe was their sister.31The sons of BeriJah were:• Chaber, and
• MelchiEl, who was the father of BerZaith.32Chaber was the father of:• JaPhlet,
• Samer,
• Chotham, and
• their sister Sola.33JaPhlet’s sons were:• Phasek,
• BamaEl, and
• Asith.34Samer’s sons were:• Achir,
• Rouga,
• Oba, and
• Aram.35The sons of his brother ([who was also known as] Bane ElAm) were:• SoPha,
• YamNa,
• SelLes, and
• Amal.36The sons of SoPha were:• SoWeh,
• ArnaPhar,
• SoUda,
• BarIn,
• ImRan,
37• Basar,
• JeoUd,
• SemMa,
• SaliSa,
• JethRan, and
• BeEra.38The sons of JethRan were:• JePhina,
• PhasPha, and
• Ara.39The sons of Oba were:• Orek,
• AniEl, and
• RasJa.40These were all descendants of Asher, and they were each rulers of their family lines. They were the best of their kind; strong, mighty men who were leaders and rulers, and whose line of descent can be traced through war records… All 26,000 of them.
1BenJamin fathered:• Baleh (his firstborn), then...
• AsBel (his 2nd),
• Ara (his 3rd),
2• Noa (his 4th), and
• RaPheh (his 5th).3The sons of Baleh were:• Adir,
• Gera,
• AbiHud,
4• AbiShua,
• NoAma,
• AchiJah,
5• Gera,
• SephouPham, and
• OuRam.6These are the sons of Ehud that were the family heads that lived in GabeE, but were relocated to ManaHath:7• NaAman,
• AchiA,
• Gera,
• JeglaAm (who fathered Aza and AhiHud), 8and
• SaArin (who fathered children in the plains of MoAb after he sent his women Osin and BaAda away).9Through his woman Ada, he fathered:• Jobab,
• SebJa,
• Misa,
• MelCham,
10• JoAs,
• SekiJah, and
• Marma.These were his sons and the heads of their families.11But through Osin, he fathered:• AbiTol, and
• AlphaAl.12AlphaAl’s sons were:• Obed,
• MisaAl,
• SemMer (who built Ono, Lod, and their surrounding villages),
13• BeriJah, and
• Sama.These were the family heads of the people who lived in AiLam and who drove out the people who lived in Gath.14They were related to the sons of BeriJah:• SoSel,
• JeriMoth,
15• ZabadiJa,
• Ored,
• Eder,
16• MichaEl,
• JesPha, and
• Joda.17Also to the sons of ElPhaAl:• ZabadJa,
• MosoLam,
• Azaki,
• Abar,
18• IsAlmari,
• JezliAs, and
• Jobab19Also to the sons of ShiMei:• JaKim,
• ZachRi,
• ZabDi,
20• EliOnai,
• SalaThi,
• EliEl,
21• AdaiJah,
• BaraiJah, and
• SamarAth.22Also to the sons of SoSek:• JesPhan,
• Obed,
• EleEl,
23• AbDon,
• ZechRi,
• Hanan,
24• HananiJah,
• Ambri,
• AiLam,
• AnathOth,
25• JephadiJah, and
• PhanouEl.26Also to the sons of JeroHam:• SamSari,
• SaAriJah,
• GotholiJa,
27• JarasiJah,
• EriJah, and
• ZechRi.28These are the heads of their families and their generations… The chiefs who lived in JeruSalem.29The founder of [the city of] GibeOn, JeEl, had a woman [called] MaAcha.30His firstborn son was AbaDon, then:• SoUr,
• Kish,
• BaAl,
• Ner,
• NaDab,
31• GedoUr,
• ZakChoUr, 32and
• MakelOth (who was the father of SamaiJah).They all lived around their families in JeruSalem.33• Ner fathered Kish,
• Kish fathered Saul, and
• Saul fathered JoNathan, MelchiShua, AmiNadab, and AsaBal.34JoNathan’s son was MeriBaAl, and MeriBaAl’s son was MiChah.35And MiChah’s sons were:• PhiThon,
• MelAk,
• TharAk, and
• Ahaz.36[In turn,] Ahaz fathered JaDa, and JaDa fathered:• SalaiMath,
• AsMoth, and
• ZamBri.ZamBri fathered MaiSa, 37and MaiSa fathered:• BaAna, and
• RaphaiJah.[RaphaiJah’s] son was ElAsa, and his son was EsEl.38EsEl had 6 sons:• EzriKam (his firstborn),
• IsMaEl,
• SaraiJah,
• AbDiA,
• Hanan, and
• AsaThese were all the sons of EsEl.39And the sons of EsEl’s brother EshEck were:• Ulam (his firstborn),
• Jas (his 2nd), and
• EliPhalet (his 3rd).40These were the strong and mighty bowmen of AiLam who produced 150 sons. And these were all the sons of BenJamin.
1IsraEl can trace its genealogy because {Look!} it’s all written in the scrolls of the kings of IsraEl.However, [the people of] Judah were among those who were resettled in Babylon because they sinned by breaking their Sacred Agreement [with God]. 2But in the land that they owned prior to that, as well as in the cities of IsraEl, there were the Priests and Levites who were in charge of everything.3In JeruSalem there were mostly Judeans, along with some sons of BenJamin and some of the descendants of Ephraim and ManasSeh.4There was also UthAi, son of SamMiHud, who was:• The son of OmRi,
• The son of BuNi,
• The son of Perez,
• The son of Judah.5ShiLoh and his firstborn son AsaiJah and his family lived in JeruSalem too, 6as did JeEl (son of ZaRa) and 690 of that family line.7Among the descendants of BenJamin there was Salo, who was:• The son of MosolLam,
• The son of HoDaviJah, and
• The son of SanaAn.8There was also:• JebNa (son of JeroBoam), and
• Elo.These are the sons of Ozi (son of MachIr).[Also] MosolLam [who was:]• Son of SaphatJa,
• Son of RagouEl, and
• Son of JemNai...9...and all the generations of their relatives, numbering 956 in all.All the men were the heads of their family lines and houses.10Then there were the Priests:• JehoiAda,
• JoArim,
• JaChin, 11and
• AzariJah......who was:• The son of HelkiJah,
• The son of MosSolLam,
• The son of ZaDok,
• The son of MaraiOth,
• The son of AhiTub......who was the leader in the Temple of God.12Then there was AdaiJa, [who was:]• The son of JeroAm,
• The son of PhasChor, and
• The son of MelchiJah.Also, MaAsaJa [who was:]• The son of AdiEl,
• The son of EziRa,
• The son of MosolLam,
• The son of MaselMoth,
• The son of EmMer.13[Also there were all] their families.There were 1,760 strong and mighty men who were the heads of their family lines and houses, and that worked at and oversaw everything in God’s Temple.14Among the Levites there was SamaiJah from the family line of MeraRi, [who was:]• The son of Asob,
• The son of EzriKam,
• The son of AsAbiJah.15And there was:• BakBakar,
• Ares,
• GalaAl, and
• MatThaniJah......who were the sons of Micha, [who was:]• The son of ZechRi,
• The son of Asaph.16Also, ObadiJah, [who was:]• The son of SamiJah,
• The son of GalaAl,
• The son of IdiThoun.Also, BarachiJah who lived in the courtyards of the NetoPhathites, [who was:]• The son of OsSa,
• The son of ElKan.17Then there were the gatekeepers (and their families):• Salom,
• AkoUm,
• TelMon, and
• AiMan.Salom was in charge 18of everything to the eastern King’s Gate. The gatekeepers for the camps of the sons of Levi were 19Salom (son of KorAh, son of AbiAsaph, son of SoRe) and his brothers of the paternal houses of the Korites.They were in charge of the work and administration of the watches for guarding the Sacred Tent, because their ancestors were once in charge of the entire camp of Jehovah, and they served as the guards to its entrances.20Back then, PhineHas (son of EliEzer) stood as their leader before Jehovah, 21and ZachariJah (son of MasaLami) was in charge of guarding the entrance to the Tent of Proofs.22Altogether, those who were chosen as gatekeepers to stand at the entrances were numbered at 212. The records of their genealogies and properties were all counted and established by the trusted offices of David and the Seer SamuEl.23Now, it was their sons that were in charge of the doors and that kept watch at the Temple of Jehovah and the house of the Tent. 24These gatekeepers were stationed as the four winds… In the east, west, north, and south. 25And their brothers had to leave their homes in shifts every 7 weeks and spend 7 days there.26There were 4 mighty men who were in charge of the gatekeepers. They were Levites, and they were over everything, including the treasury of the Temple of God. For this reason, they lived close to the Temple.27Their watch responsibility was to use the keys both morning and evening to unlock and lock the Temple doors. 28They were also responsible for the things that were used in the services... They had to count everything when it was taken out and when it was returned.29Also, some of them were over the equipment and holy things, such as:• The fine flour,
• The wine,
• The oil,
• The frankincense, and
• The aromatics.30In addition, some of the Priests’ sons were perfumers [who mixed] the fragrant [oils and incense].31The Levite MatTathiJah was the firstborn of Salom the Korite. He was entrusted with the work that had to do with the sacrifices of the pan of the High Priest.32BenaiJah the KoHathite was selected from among his brothers to be in charge of the loaves of showbread, which had to be prepared for each Sabbath.33When it came to the singers, the heads of the Levite families were in charge at the central place of worship... They worked on a daily rotation basis all day and all night long to get everything done.34So, throughout the generations, the heads of the families of Levites lived in JeruSalem.35The founder of GibeOn (JeEl) lived in the town of GibeOn. His woman’s name was MaAcha.36His firstborn son was AbaDon, then:• SoUr,
• Kish,
• BaAl,
• Ner,
• NaDab,
37• GedoUr (and his brother),[LXX]
• ZakChour, and
• MakelOth.38Now, MakelOth fathered SamaAh, and he and his family lived together in JeruSalem.39Ner fathered Kish, then Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered:• JoNathan,
• MelchiShua,
• AmiNadab, and
• AsBal.40The son of JoNathan was MeriBaAl, and MeriBaAl fathered MicAh.41The sons of MicAh were:• PhiThon,
• MelchiEl,
• Tharach, 42and
• Ahaz.[And it was Ahaz] who fathered JaDa.JaDa then fathered:• GaleMeth,
• AzMoth, and
• ZamBri.ZamBri fathered Masa, 43and Masa fathered:• BaAna, and
• RaphaJah.[And it was RaphaJah] whose son was ElAsa, and his son was EsEl.44EsEl had 6 sons:• EzriKam (his firstborn), then
• IshMaEl,[LXX]
• SaraiJah,
• AbdJah,
• Hanan, and
• Asa.[LXX]These were the sons of EsEl.
[Editor note: The story part of 1 Chronicles starts here. It begins with the death of the first king of IsraEl, King Saul.]1Back then, the Philistines were fighting a war against IsraEl and the army of IsraEl was losing, so they turned and fled from the Philistines at Mount GilBoa.2Then the Philistines started chasing [King] Saul and his sons, and they caught and killed Saul’s sons JoNathan, AmiNadab, and MelchiShua.3And thereafter, they pressed on in the battle to reach Saul... Then their archers found him and shot him – leaving him in great pain. 4As a result, Saul said to the aid who was carrying his weapons:‘Unsheathe your broadsword and stab me with it so these uncircumcised don’t come here and make sport of me!’But his aid didn’t want to do that because he was afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it!5And when the man who was carrying his weapons saw that Saul had killed himself, he too fell on his sword and died... 6So, Saul and his three sons all died that day, and that was the end of his house.7Then, when the men of IsraEl who had run into the valley heard that Saul and his sons had been killed, they all just ran back to their homes... So the Philistines then came and lived among them!8Well, on the day after the battle, when the Philistines came to loot the bodies, they found Saul and his sons dead on Mount GilBoa. 9So, they stripped his body and carried his head and weapons back into the land of the Philistines, where it was joyfully paraded before the temples of their idols and their people.10Then they put his weapons in the temple of their god and they carried his head and put it into the temple of Dagon.11But when the men of JabIsh GileAd heard what the Philistines had done to Saul and his sons, and to IsraEl, 12all their great warriors went and took the body of Saul and his sons and brought them back to JaBish. Then, they took their bones and placed them in a tomb that was located under an oak tree in JaBish, whereupon they fasted for the next 7 days.13So, Saul was killed because of the lawless ways in which he had acted against his God. For he’d gone against the instructions of Jehovah and he didn’t do what he was told.Saul also went to a fortuneteller to speak to the Prophet SamuEl.14So, because he failed to ask Jehovah, he was killed and his kingdom was handed over to David son of JesSe.
1Then all the men of [the army of] IsraEl came to David at HebRon and said,‘Look! We’re your own flesh and bones!2‘Although Saul used to be our king, you were the one who led the armies of IsraEl, and your God Jehovah said to you:‘You will take care of My people IsraEl and you will be their leader.’3And after that, all the elders of IsraEl came to him at HebRon and made an agreement with King David before Jehovah, and they anointed him to be the king over IsraEl, just as Jehovah had said through the Prophet SamuEl.4Then King David and [the whole army of] IsraEl marched on JeruSalem (which was called Jebus). And the Jebusites who lived there said to David:5‘You won’t come in here!’However, he was the first to capture the citadel on Zion, so it became known as the City of David.6Back then, David had said:‘Whoever is the first to beat the Jebusites will become my commander-in-chief and the general [over my army].’And the one who did that was JoAb (son of ZeruJah), so, he was appointed to be the commander-in-chief.7Thereafter, David stayed there and took up residence in the citadel, and he started calling it his city... 8For he had built a siege-wall around the entire city and captured it.9And from that point on, David kept getting greater and more famous, because Jehovah the Almighty was with him.10These are the leaders and the mighty ones who were with David and who became great along with him when he ruled over all IsraEl (because they were the ones who made him the king over all IsraEl, just as Jehovah had said):[Editor note: Some of the names here have very different spellings to those appearing in the parallel account in 2 Samuel 23, perhaps reflecting language changes, different Greek translators, and other factors. We’ve also had to add a large translator insertion into verse 13, which is discussed in the translator note.] 11Counted among the mighty ones of David was:• JeseBaAl (son of AchaMani).He was the first of the 30, because he once used his broadsword to kill 300 men all by himself.12• EliEzer (son of DodAi the AchoChite).He was one [of David’s] three greatest men, 13for he was with David at PhasoDomin when the Philistines had gathered for war in a field full of barley... [see translator note] [and all our soldiers had fled... He rose up and struck the Philistines until his hand muscles cramped and he couldn’t let go of his sword! Jehovah gave us a great victory that day, and the other soldiers only came back to strip the bodies.]• [Shammah (son of Aga the HaRarite).][When the Philistines had gathered together to battle against us in a field of lentils, after the rest of the army] turned and ran away from the Philistines, 14he stood there alone in the middle of the field and saved them by killing [all of] the Philistines… For Jehovah used him to bring a great victory!15He was also one of the three (from among the 30 generals) who went to David when he was at The Rock at the Cave of OdolLam, which was right in the midst of the camp of the Philistines, there in the valley of the giants. 16David was in the citadel and all the Philistines were in BethLehem 17when David asked:‘Who will bring me a drink of water from the well at the entrance to BethLehem?’18And it was these three men who attacked the Philistines, drew water from the well at the entrance to BethLehem, and brought it to David... But then, David refused to drink it. Rather, he offered it to Jehovah, saying:19‘It was because of Your kindness to me, O God, that they have done this thing... So, shall I now drink the blood of these men… Something for which [they offered] their lives?‘Why, they risked their lives to bring it to me, so I don’t want to drink it!’Yes, it was these three mighty men who did these things.20[There was also:]• AbiShai, JoAb’s brother.He was chief over the three [mightest men]. He had once unsheathed his broadsword and killed 300 men all by himself, and his name was [always mentioned] along with the three. 21In fact, he was more famous than the two [previously mentioned men] of the three, so he became their leader, but not one of them.22Then there was:• The mighty man BenaiJah (son of JehoiAda).He was the one who accomplished many great things at KaBasaEl, for it was there that he killed the two lion-like soldiers of MoAb! It was [also] there that he went down into a pit and killed a lion there on a snowy day.23And he also killed the remarkable Egyptian man who stood more than 7 feet (2.13m) tall and carried a spear that was as large as a weaving loom… BenaiJah went and grabbed the spear from the Egyptian’s hands and killed him with it!24Yes, these are the kinds of things that BenaiJah (son of JehoiAda) did, and that’s why his name is listed among the three mighty ones.25But although he was considered the greatest among the 30, he wasn’t one of the three, because David had put him in charge of his family.[Editor note: Now follows some very extensive lists. If you’re only interested in the story, it resumes in 1 Chronicles 12:16.] 26Also counted among the powerful mighty ones were:• AsahEl (JoAb’s other brother), • EliHanan (son of DoDoe) the BethLehemite, • 27SamMoth the Arorite, • HelLes the Phelonite, • 28Ora (son of EkKish) the Thekoite, • AbiEzer the AnathOthite, 29• SoboChai the Asothite, • Eli the Achonite, • 30MoorAi the NetoPhathite, • ChoLod (son of NoOza) the NetoPhathite,** • 31AiRi (son of RebiE) from the hills of BenJamin, • BenaiJah the PhaRathonite,** • 32Ouri from Nachali-GaAs, • AbiEl the Arabethite, • 33AzBon the Baromite, • EliAba the SaLobonite, • 34BenAsam the Gizonite,* • JoNathan (son of Sola) the Ararite,** • 35Achim (son of Achar) the Ararite, • ElPhat (son of ThuroPhar) 36the Mechorathite, • AhiJah the PhelLonite, • 37EseRe the Charmadite, • NaArai (son of AzobAi),* • 38JoEl (Nathan’s brother),* • MeBaAl (son of Agari),* • 39SelLek the AmMonite, • Nachor the BerOthite (who carried the weapons for JoAb, son of ZeruJah), 40• Ira the Jethrite, • Gareb the Jethrite, • 41UriJah the Hittite, • Sabet (son of AchaJa),* and • 42AdiNa (son of SaIZa), the head of the ReuBenites.*[see the translator note for the meaning of the * and ** markings]And with the 30 were:• 43Hanan (son of MoOcha), • JoShaphat the Mathnite, • 44OziJa the AstarOthite, • SamMa and JeiEl (the sons of HoTham) the Ararites, • 45JediEl (son of Sameri), • JoZae and his brother (the ThosSaites), • 46EliEl the Maoite, • JaRibi, • JosiJa and his son ElLam, • JethAma the Moabite, • 47DaliEl, • Obed, and • JesSiEl the Mesobite.
1These are the men who came to David at ZikLag as part of his band to [protect him from] Saul (son of Kish); they’re among the mighty ones who helped in his battles… 2Bowmen that could shoot with both their right and left hands, and that slung rocks and shot with their bows at the followers of the BenJaminite Saul; 3there was:• AhiEzer (their leader),
• JoAsh (son of Asma) the Gabathite,
• JoEl and JoPhalet (the sons of AsMoth),
• BarachiJah,
• Jehu the AnathOthite, 4and
• SamaYas the GibeOnite…...they were the mightiest among the 30 and they were the leaders.Then there was:• JeremiJah,
• JeziEl,
• JoHanan,
• JoZabath the Gederathite,
5• EliOzi,
• JarimoUth,
• BaAlJah,
• SamariAi,
• SaphatiJah the Haruphite,
6• ElKana,
• JesiJah,
• OzriEl,
• JoZara,
• SoboKam,
• The Korites 7JoEla and ZabadJa (the sons of JeroHam), and
• The sons of Gedor.8[The following] men came to David from the tribe of Gad when he was in the desert... They were great mighty men who all stood in battle lines dressed for war carrying shields and spears with faces like lions.They also moved as quickly as light does on the mountains!9There was:• Azer (who was their leader),
• AbDiJah (who was second in command),
• EliAb (the 3rd),
• 10MasMana (the 4th),
• JeremiJah (the 5th),
• 11Jethi (the 6th),
• EliAb (the 7th),
• 12JoHanan (the 8th),
• EliAzer (the 9th),
• 13JeremiJah (the 10th), and
• MachaBanai (the 11th).14These were all from the tribe of Gad, and they were all generals over the army… Some over hundreds and one of them over 1,000.15They all crossed the JorDan during the 1st month when it was at its highest level and drove away all the people who lived in the valleys from the east to the west.[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
16Some also came from the tribes of BenJamin and Judah to help David. 17And when David came to meet them, he said to them:‘If you’ve come to me in peace, may we share the same heart... But if you’ve come to hand me over to my enemies; may the God of your fathers discipline you!’18Well at that, [God’s] Breath came over AmasAi (the leader of the 30), and he said:‘Go on, O David, son of JesSe…
For you and your people, may there be peace!
Yes, may there be peace for you and your helpers,
And on your God, who is sending you aid.’So David welcomed him and appointed him as a general in his army.19Men from the tribe of ManasSeh also joined with David back when the Philistines attacked Saul. David didn’t join with the Philistines, because the Philistine generals said:‘He’ll just go back over to to his lord, Saul.’20So they sent him away, and David returned to ZikLag… And that’s when some from the tribe of ManasSeh joined him. There was:• EdNah,
• JoZabath,
• RodiEl,
• MichaEl,
• JosaBeth,
• Eliu, and
• Selathi...… generals over thousands from ManasSeh.21They and their troops fought alongside David, and they were all strong, mighty men and leaders of their armies. 22They came and fought for David every day like a great force from God![Editor note: Now follows more lists. The story resumes in 1 Chronicles 13:1.]
23And these are the names of the military generals that came to David in HebRon to fight Saul for his kingdom (following the words of Jehovah):24From the tribe of Judah there were 6,800 men, all bearing shields and spears, and ready for battle.25From the tribe of SimeOn there were 7,100 mighty men who were ready for battle.26From the tribe of Levi there were 4,600. 27And when JehoiAda (the head of the family line of Aaron) came to meet with him, he brought along 3,700 more men. 28Then there was ZaDok, who was a strong and mighty young man. He brought along 22 leaders from his father’s household.29And from the tribe of BenJamin (Saul’s tribe) there were 3,000 men; yet, most of them were guards in the house of Saul.30And from the tribe of Ephraim there were 20,800 strong, mighty, and famous men of their houses and family lines.31And from the half-tribe of ManasSeh there were 18,000, all of whom had sworn to make David the king.32And from the tribe of IsSachar came 200 men with their [armies] who understood the times and knew what IsraEl should do.33And from [the tribe of] ZebuLon came 50,000 men all dressed for war and carrying their weapons to help David (but not very wholeheartedly).34And from [the tribe of] NaphTali came 1,000 leaders with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears.35And from [the tribe of] Dan came 28,800 men all ready for war.36And from [the tribe of] Asher came 40,600 to help in the war.37And from the other side of the JorDan (from the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and the [other] half-tribe of ManasSeh) came 120,000, all carrying their weapons of war.38All of these men were warriors who were dressed and ready for battle, but peaceful in heart. They came to HebRon to make David the king over all IsraEl. And the rest of IsraEl was of the same heart when it came to making David their king.39Then they all stayed with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers were providing for them.40Those of IsSachar, ZebuLun, and NaphTali who lived nearby loaded up their camels, burros, mules, and oxen, and brought them huge quantities of food:• Flour,
• Dried figs,
• Raisins,
• Wine,
• Olive oil,
• Veal, and
• Lamb.Yes, because everyone in IsraEl was very happy.
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]
1Well after that, David met with his generals, lieutenants, and all the leaders.2Then he went before the entire gathering of IsraEl and said:‘If you approve, and if our God Jehovah blesses the effort, we should send [a letter] to all our brothers that are left throughout the land of IsraEl, and to the Priests and Levites in their cities, and invite them all to gather with us here.3‘And after that, we’ll bring the [Sacred] Chest of our God to us, for no one has gone before it since the days of Saul.’4Well, the entire gathering agreed to this, for in the eyes of the people it seemed to be the right thing to do... 5So David called all IsraEl from the borders of Egypt to the land of HamAth to gather there, and he had the Chest of God transported from the town of JaiRim.6And from there, all IsraEl traveled up to the city of David in Judah to lead [a procession before] the Chest of Jehovah God… The one with the cherubs sitting on top that was used to call on His Name.7So they then placed the Chest of God on a new wagon and carried it from the house of AmiNadab. Oza and his brothers walked in front of the wagon, 8as David and all IsraEl sang and danced before God with all their might… There were singers, stringed instruments, woodwinds, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.9But, as they were carrying [the Chest] up to a threshing floor, Oza stuck out his hand to steady the Chest (because one of the oxen [pulling the wagon] had bolted), 10and the Lord became enraged with Oza for doing this... So He struck him down for touching the Chest; and he died there before God!11Well, David was so upset over Jehovah cutting Oza down that he named the place The Severance of Oza which is what it’s still called today.12And from that day on, David became afraid of The God; for he asked:‘Then, how can I carry the Chest of God to me?’13So David didn’t go back to carry the Chest of God to himself into the city of David. Rather, he left it in the house of ObedEdom the GitTite, 14where it remained for the next three months... And during this time, God blessed ObedEdom and his entire household.
1After that, HiRam [I] (the king of Tyre) sent emissaries to David, along with cedar wood, tradesmen, and carpenters, to build a palace for him. 2David knew that Jehovah had prepared him to be the king over IsraEl, and that He would make his kingdom become more important because of His people, IsraEl.3Then after David moved to JeruSalem, he started taking more women and he had many more sons and daughters.4These are their names; those who were born in JeruSalem were:• SamaAh,
• SoBab,
• Nathan,
• Solomon,
5• IbaAr,
• EliSae,
• EliPalet,
6• NaGeth,
• NaPhag,
• JaPhie,
7• EliShama,
• BaAlJada, and
• EliPhalet.8Well, when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed as king over all IsraEl, their [entire army] came looking for him, and David went out to face them. 9So the Philistines assembled for battle in the Valley of the Giants.10Therefore, David went before God and asked:‘Should I go and fight the Philistines; and if so, will You give them into my hands?’And Jehovah replied:‘Go, and I’ll give them into your hands!’11So he marched to BaAl PharaSin and attacked them there.Then after [the battle], David said:‘God used my hand to cut through my enemies like cutting through water!’So he named that place, The Severance of PharaSin. 12For the Philistines just ran away, leaving [the images] of their gods lying there, and David [told his men to] burn them in a fire.13Then [David] marched after the Philistines and found them in the Valley of the Giants. 14So, David once again asked God what he should do, and [this time] God replied:‘Don’t go after them! Turn away and wait for them near the pear trees...15‘Then, when you hear the sound of rumbling from the tops of the pear trees, attack them, for [that will be the sound of] God going ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines!’16So David did exactly as God told him, and he thereafter kept on attacking the Philistine camps all the way from GibeOn to GeZer... 17And very soon, the name of David became known throughout the land; for Jehovah had put the fear of him upon all the surrounding nations.
1Well after that, he did quite a bit of building in the City of David. He also prepared a place for the Chest of God there, and he had a Tent built for it.2Then David said:‘No one is to handle the Chest of God other than the Levites, because Jehovah has chosen them for that purpose… To carry it and to officiate before Him throughout the ages.’3So David then gathered all IsraEl to JeruSalem, and he arranged for the Chest of Jehovah to be carried and put into the place that he’d built for it.4And thereafter, he collected the descendants of Aaron and the Levites.5• OuriEl was the leader from the line of KoHath, and there were 120 with him.• 6AsaiJa was the leader from the line of MeraRi, and there were 220 with him.7• JoEl was the leader of the line of GerShon, and there were 130 with him.8• Shemei was the leader of the line of EliSaphan, and there were 200 with him.9• EliEl was the leader of the line of HebRon, and there were 80 with him.10• AmiNadab was the leader of the line of OziEl, and there were 112 with him.11So David called the Priests (ZaDok and AbiAthar) and the Levites (OuriEl, AsaiJah, JoEl, Shemei, EliEl, and AmiNadab) 12and said to them:‘Since you are the heads of the families of the Levites, you must now purify yourselves and your brothers so you can carry the Chest of the God of IsraEl to the place that I’ve prepared for it13‘The first time you tried to do this you weren’t ready, and that’s why The God came among us and cut through us… For we didn’t ask Him exactly how we should do it!’14Then the Priests and the Levites purified themselves so they could carry the Chest of the God of IsraEl 15exactly as God had instructed them through Moses and in the way that Moses wrote it should be done, using the staves to bear it.16David also instructed the heads of the Levites to assign singers and musicians from among their brothers to play stringed instruments, woodwinds, and cymbals so as to make loud and happy music.17Then the Levites appointed HeMan (son of JoEl) from among his family, and Asaph (the son BarachiJah) from the line of MeraRi, as well as his [friend] Ethan (son of KishaJah). 18They met with them and also appointed others that were to be under them:• ZachariJah,
• OziEl,
• SemiRamOth,
• JeiEl,
• EliOhel,
• EliAb,
• BenaiJah,
• MaAseJah,
• MatTathiJah,
• EliPhaliJah,
• MakeniJah, and
• ObedEdom.They appointed JeiEl and OziAs to be in charge [of the Sacred Chest], 19and HeMan, Asaph, and Ethan to be in charge of the singers.Those who were put in charge of the brass cymbals (to make sure that the music was loud) were:20• ZachariJah,
• OziEl,
• SemiRamOth,
• JeiEl,
• Oni,
• EliAb,
• MasaiJah, and
• BenaiJah.And those who were put in charge of the stringed instruments and the many types of woodwinds (so the music would be loud enough) were:• AlamOth,
21• MatTathiJah,
• EliPhaliJah,
• MakeniJah,
• ObedEdom,
• JeiEl, and
• OziJah.22Then ChoNeniJah (the head of the Levites) was made the chief conductor of all the music, because he could orchestrate everything.23BarachiJah and ElKana were assigned to [carry] the [front end of the Sacred] Chest. Also, [these men] were assigned to blow the trumpets ahead of it:24• SobniJah,
• JoShaphat,
• NathaniEl,
• AmasiJah,
• ZachariJah,
• BaniJah, and
• EliEzer (the Priests).And ObedEdom and JeiJah were [to carry] the back end.25Of course, David, the governors of IsraEl, and his generals were to lead the joyful parade as the Chest of God’s Sacred Agreement was carried from the house of ObedEdom. 26And to be sure that God would empower them to carry the Chest of Jehovah, the [Priests] first sacrificed 7 calves and 7 rams.27So David [led the parade] dressed in fine linen, followed by the Levites who would bear the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah, followed by the singers, and then ChoneniJah, who led the musicians.David was wrapped in a fine linen cape, 28and all IsraEl walked ahead of the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah cheering, blowing ram’s horns and trumpets, loudly beating on cymbals, and playing stringed instruments and harps.29Well, as the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah was entering the city of David, Michal (the daughter of Saul) was leaning over and watching from her window... And when she saw King David dancing and acting like a child, she inwardly felt contempt for him.
1So they carried the Chest of God and placed it in the middle of the tent that David had made for it. Then, they offered whole burnt offerings and a salvation offering before God.2And after David completed these offerings, he blest the people in the name of the Lord. 3Then he gave every man and woman of IsraEl a freshly-baked loaf of bread and some honey bread.4Thereafter, he stood before the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and he ordered the Levites to shout aloud and acknowledge and praise Jehovah the God of IsraEl. 5Then Asaph (the orchestra conductor) and those under him (ZachariJah, JeiEl, SemiRamOth, MatTathiJah, EliAb, BenaiJah, ObedEdom, and JeiEl) led the stringed instruments and woodwinds while Asaph had them beat on the cymbals, 6and BenaiJah and OziEl (the Priests) blew the trumpets continuously before the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of God.7So, that was the day when David arranged for Asaph and his brothers to start praising Jehovah.
8[For they shouted]:‘Give praise to Jehovah!
Call on Him by His Name!
Tell the people of the things He’s done!
9Yes, sing praises to Him!‘Describe all the wonders the Lord has performed…
10Give praise to His Holy Name!
Make your hearts glad… Seek His favor;
11Seek the Lord and be strong!‘Always search for His face!
12Remember the wonderful things He has done…
The miracles and decisions that have come from His mouth,
13O offspring of IsraEl, His servants…
You sons of Jacob, His chosen.14‘He is Jehovah, our God!
His judgments have filled the whole earth!
15Throughout the ages, remember His Sacred Agreement,
16And the words that He had instructed
For thousands of generations to follow…
The things that He said to AbraHam,
And the oath that He spoke to IsaAc.17‘Then He established His Sacred Agreement
Throughout the ages with Jacob,
And He gave these orders to IsraEl:18‘I’ll give you CanaAn’s land as measured ground
To be your inheritance [throughout the ages]...’19‘Yet, at the time, they were few,
And [the nation] was growing much smaller.‘But first, they had to travel on foot
20As they passed from nation to nation…
Passing kingdoms of many foreign peoples.
21But, He wouldn’t allow them to beat them,
And He disciplined their kings with these words:22‘You may not touch My anointed,
Nor may you be wicked to My Prophets!’23‘So, may the whole earth sing to Jehovah
And proclaim His salvation each day!
24Tell all the nations of His glory,
And all their peoples of His wonders!25‘For, Jehovah is great and worthy of praise…
He’s more to be feared than all other gods;
26For the gods of the nations are just idols,
While the skies were made by Jehovah!27‘Stand before His face and give praise to His strength!
Boast of His Holy Place!
28Give praise to Jehovah, you families of nations…
Praise the Lord’s glory and strength!29‘Glorify the Name of the Lord…
Before His Face, carry gifts.
In His courtyard, bow low to Jehovah!30‘Before His face, be in fear,
All you who live on the earth!
May our land become stronger before Him,
And may it never be shaken!31‘You heavens be glad, and earth cry in joy!
May all nations admit that Jehovah’s their king!32‘May the seas, and the sun, and the trees in the fields,
And all else, tremble before Him.
33For, even the forests and trees in the fields
Find joy before the face of the Lord,
Who is the judge of the earth!34‘Acknowledge that Jehovah is good,
And His mercy lasts throughout the ages.
O God; deliver and save us…
35From the nations, please rescue and save us!‘Give praise to His Holy Name…
Boast of the blessings He brings!
36Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God,
Down throughout age of the ages.’Then all the people shouted:‘Amen!’And they started praising Jehovah.37So they left the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah there; and thereafter, Asaph and his brothers served before the Chest continually, each day, 38along with ObedEdom and his family; for ObedEdom (son of IdiThoun) and Osa were the gatekeepers.39ZaDok the Priest and his fellow Priests [set up camp] in front of the Tent of Jehovah, which was located on the High Place of GibeOn. 40And there they offered whole burnt offerings on the Altar to Jehovah continually, morning and evening, just as it was written in the Law of Jehovah and as it was given to the sons of IsraEl by the hand of Moses, God’s servant.41Those who assisted [the Priests] were HeMan, IdiThoun, and many others that were chosen by name to praise Jehovah throughout the ages for His mercy. 42There were also the trumpeters, the cymbal players, and all the rest of the musicians that could play their instruments loudly in the songs [of praise] to God.Then the sons of IdiThoun took their positions at the gates, as all the people returned to their homes, 43and David went back home to bless his family.
1Then one day, as David was in his palace, he said to the Prophet Nathan:‘Look; I’m here living in a palace of cedars, while the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah is sitting under a tent of leather skins!’2And Nathan said to David:‘Then do whatever is in your heart, because God is with you!’3But that night, the Word of Jehovah came to Nathan, saying:4‘Go and tell My servant David that this is what Jehovah has said:‘You may not build a Temple for Me to stay in, 5for I haven’t stayed in a Temple from the day that I started leading IsraEl until now. Rather, I’ve stayed in a tent protected by the covering...6‘So, in all the places that I’ve gone with IsraEl, did I ever ask any tribe of IsraEl or those whom I put in charge of taking care of My people why they didn’t build Me a Temple of cedars?’7‘Therefore, tell My servant David that Jehovah the Almighty said this:‘I took you out of the pastures where you followed the flocks to lead My people IsraEl, 8and I was with you wherever you went... I destroyed all your enemies from before you, and I’ve made your name one of the greatest on the earth.9‘I’ve also made a place for My people IsraEl and I’ve planted them there.‘So, although they must camp [separate from the nations], they’ll have nothing to fear, since no unrighteous person will humble them as has happened in the past. 10For from the days that I first arranged for the Judges [to lead] My people IsraEl, I’ve been humbling all their enemies so that My [nation] would continue to grow.‘However, a Temple will [eventually] be built for Jehovah... 11But that will happen after you’ve lived a full life and gone to sleep with your ancestors!‘For I’ll raise an offspring after you who’ll come from your belly, and I will prepare his kingdom... 12He will build a Temple for Me, and I’ll make his throne last throughout the ages!13‘I’ll be a father to him and he’ll be a son to Me, so My mercy will never be removed from him like I have removed it from those who preceded you. 14I’ll entrust My Temple to him and to his kingdom throughout the ages, and his name will be [remembered] throughout the ages.’15Well, Nathan relayed everything in that vision and told David all that was said.16Then King David went and sat before Jehovah and said this:‘Who am I, O Lord God?‘What is [so good about] my house that You’ve shown so much love for me through this age?17‘Yet now, although it seemed like this matter was unimportant to You, O God, You’ve spoken about this Temple that your servant [has long wanted to build] for You... And in a vision that was given to a man, You actually looked upon me and lifted me high, O Jehovah God.18‘So now, how should I proceed to glorify You?‘For Your servant knows that 19You will do whatever is in Your heart, and it’s all magnificent!20‘O Jehovah,‘There is no other like You, and there’s no god other than You… None that we’ve ever heard of!21‘And there’s no other nation like Your people IsraEl anywhere else on the earth that has been guided by You, O God… A people whom You’ve ransomed for Yourself.‘For You’ve given Your people a great name and driven all the others away from before those whom You ransomed out of the nation of Egypt, 22and You’ve appointed IsraEl to be Your people exclusively throughout the ages.‘Then You, O Jehovah, became their God.23‘And now, O Jehovah,‘Concerning what You’ve said to Your servant about this Temple…‘May the words that You said prove trustworthy throughout the ages, 24and may Your Name be trusted and magnified throughout the ages, O Jehovah the Almighty the God of IsraEl. For You are the God of IsraEl and of the house of Your servant David, who’s now standing here before You.25‘O Jehovah; you are my God!‘And now that You’ve opened the ears of Your servant when it comes to building this Temple; this is why I saw the need to come and pray before Your face.26‘For Jehovah,‘You are Him… You are The God!‘And now You’ve spoken about these good things to Your servant, 27and You’ve started blessing the house of your servant. So, may it all continue to stand in this same way before You throughout the ages.‘For You, O Jehovah, have blest us, and You’ve promised us Your blessings throughout the ages!’
1Well after that, David went and attacked the Philistines and drove them away, capturing Gath and all its surrounding villages. 2Then he attacked MoAb and made them serve him and pay a tribute.3David also attacked King HadraAzar of Souba at HamAth as he was marching towards the EuPhrates...4There he captured:• 1,000 chariots, • 7,000 horses, and • 20,000 of their infantrymen.And after that, David had all the chariots destroyed except for 100 of them.5And when the Syrians came from Damascus to help HadraAzar, David attacked them and killed 22,000 of their men! 6Then he left a garrison in Syria near Damascus, so Syria had to serve David and bring tributes to him.For Jehovah watched over David no matter where he went.7Then David took the golden collars and other items of gold that were worn by the servants of HadraAzar and had it all carried back to JeruSalem.8He also went to MataBeth (which was one of HadraAzar’s capital cities) and he brought back a tremendous amount of brass, which Solomon later used to make the Sacred Sea, the brass columns, and many other sacred utensils.9Well, when King Thoa of HamAth heard that David had beaten the army of King HadraAzar (of Souba), 10he sent his son AdouRam to King David to enquire of his welfare and to congratulate him on winning his war against HadraAzar and killing him, because Thoa had been at war with HadraAzar.11Then David took all the gold, silver, and brass items that he captured from the nations of Edom, MoAb, the AmMonites, the Philistines, and the AmaLechites, and set them aside as holy to Jehovah. 12For, AbiShai (son of ZeruJah) had attacked the Edomites in the Salt Valley, where he killed 18,000 of their men!13Then he placed a garrison in the Valley, and the Edomites also became David’s servants.Well, Jehovah watched over David no matter where he went; 14so David reigned over all IsraEl, and he served as a righteous judge over his people.15At the time:• JoAb (son of ZeruJah) was the commanding general of his army, • JoShaphat (son of AchiLoud) was the recorder, 16• ZaDok (son of AhiTub) and AhiMelech (son of AbiAthar) were the Priests, • SoUsa was the scribe, 17• BenaiJah (son of JehoiAda) was in charge of the Cherethites and Phelethites, and • David’s sons served as his second-in-command.
1In time, King NaHash of the sons of AmMon died and his son Hanan became the king in his place.2So David asked:‘What sort of kind thing can I do for NaHash’s son Hanan? For his father was very kind towards me!’And thereafter, David sent messengers to comfort him after the death of his father... 3But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the AmMonites and they went to Hanan to comfort him, the AmMonite governors said to [Hanan]:‘Isn’t David really glorifying your father over you by sending these comforters?‘And don’t you think that he might be really sending them to look at your city and to spy in our land!?’4Well, as a result, Hanan had the servants of David arrested, then he had [their beards] shaved and their clothes cut off halfway to the waist before he sent them away!5Then when the report of what Hanan had done to his men reached David, he sent people to meet them because they had been so disgraced; and the king told them to stay in JeriCho and not to return until their beards grew back.6Meanwhile, because the sons of AmMon realized that they had disgraced David’s emissaries, Hanan and his people sent 35 tons (32,000kg) of silver to MesoPotamia and to [King] MoOcha in Syria to hire an army along with chariots and cavalry... 7So King MoOcha brought his army that included 32,000 chariots, and they camped next to MaiDaba.Also, the AmMonites gathered an army from their own cities as they prepared for war [with IsraEl]. 8And when David heard about this, he told JoAb to gather his entire army to go and fight them.9Well, [the plan was that] the sons of AmMon would fight IsraEl from their city gates, while the kings set up camp out in the fields... 10So when JoAb saw that they were preparing to attack him from both sides, he gathered all the young men in his army to attack the Syrians [in the fields], 11while he put the rest of the army into the hands of his brother AbiShai, who was to attack the sons of AmMon [at the city gates].12He told [his brother]:‘If the Syrians start to win, you come and help me; but if the AmMonites start to win, I’ll come to help you...13‘Let’s fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God, and we’ll trust that Jehovah will do whatever He finds good in His eyes!’14So then, JoAb attacked the Syrians and they fled from before him!15And when the AmMonites saw the Syrians retreating, they turned and ran from AbiShai (JoAb’s brother), fleeing back into their city!Then JoAb returned to JeruSalem.16But when the Syrians saw that IsraEl had left the field of battle, they sent messengers to the Syrians that had camped on the other side of the river, and SoPha (the commander-in-chief of the army of HadraAzar) marched back. 17And when this was reported to David, he again gathered the whole army of IsraEl and they crossed the JorDan to set up battle lines once more.So the Syrians came and faced David, and the battle began.18Well, Syria once again turned and ran from IsraEl, for David’s [men] had killed 40,000 of their infantry, they captured 7,000 of their chariots, and they killed SoPha, the commander-in-chief of their army!19So when the servants of HadraAzar saw that they’d lost the battle to IsraEl, they signed a treaty with David and started serving him. And thereafter, the Syrians never again came to help the sons of AmMon.
1Well after that, during the time of year when the kings traditionally went to war, JoAb led the entire army [of IsraEl] against the cities of AmMon, starting first by laying siege against RabBah.Meanwhile, David had stayed behind in JeruSalem while JoAb was leading the attack on RabBah. And as [JoAb] was destroying the city, 2David [went there and] took the gold crown from the head of MolChom their king... It weighed 60 pounds (27.2kg) and it was covered with precious stones; so David took it and put it on.Then he looted the city and brought back a huge amount of treasures.3He also took the people and had them sawed in half [put them to work] with saws, iron axes, and threshing tools (that’s what David did to all the sons of AmMon). Then David returned to JeruSalem with his army.4However, there was still a war being fought with the Philistines in GaZer... And it was there that SoboChai cut down OuSathi the Raphite (who was from the family of giants) and dishonored him.5And as the war with the Philistines raged on, ElHanan (son of JaIr) killed LachMi (the brother of GoliAth the GitTite) whose wooden spear was as large as the rod of a weaving loom.6They also had a huge man there that had 24 fingers and toes (6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot), who was a descendant of the giants. 7And when he came forward and slandered IsraEl, JoNathan (son of David’s brother SamaAh) attacked him and killed him!8These men were all sons of Rapha of Gath, and although all four were giants, they all fell by the hand of David and his servants!
1Well, the Slanderer came to IsraEl and [he] urged David to count his people.2So King David said to JoAb and his generals:‘Go and take a census of IsraEl from BeerSheba to Dan, then bring [the numbers] to me, so I’ll know how many men I have [in my army].’3And JoAb said:‘May Jehovah multiply His people 100 times!‘But the eyes of my lord the king can see all of his servants; so, why do you want to do this, my lord?‘Be careful that you don’t bring a sin upon IsraEl!’4However, the king just wouldn’t listen to JoAb... So, JoAb traveled throughout all IsraEl, and then he returned to JeruSalem and gave the numbers of the people to David:• There were 1,100,000 men who could carry the sword.5• And among the sons of Judah there was an additional 470,000.6However, he didn’t count [the tribes of] Levi and BenJamin as being among them, because the king told JoAb not to do so.7Well, doing this was wicked [in the eyes of] God, so He struck IsraEl!8Then David said to God:‘I [was guilty of] a great sin when I did this thing!‘So, please forgive the evil of Your servant, for I’m the one who did this foolish thing.’9Then the Lord spoke to David’s Seer Gad, saying:10‘Go speak to David and tell him that this is what Jehovah has said:‘I’ll give you a choice of three punishments.‘Choose which you prefer, and I’ll bring it upon you...’11So Gad went to David and told him:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘Choose for yourself 12from these three:• Three years of famine,
• Three months of destruction and fleeing from your enemies,
• Three days of death in the land, when the messenger of the Lord will go among all the inheritance of IsraEl and destroy.’‘Now, give me an answer for the One who sent me… Which do you choose?’13And David told Gad:‘Those are three very tough choices, so I’ll leave it in the hands of Jehovah, for He’s exceptionally compassionate.‘I don’t want to leave myself in the hands of men.’14So the Lord sent death throughout all IsraEl, and 70,000 of their males died.15Then God sent His messenger to JeruSalem to wipe it out also.But, as he was destroying it, the Lord saw what was happening and felt sorry for the evil. So He said to the messenger that was doing the destroying:‘That’s enough! Withdraw your hand!’Well, at the time, the messenger of Jehovah was standing at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite... 16And when David looked up and saw the messenger of Jehovah standing in that place between the sky and the ground with an unsheathed broadsword in his hand that was stretched out over JeruSalem, he fell to the ground and he had the elders put on sackcloth and cover their faces!17So then David called out to God, saying:‘Wasn’t I the one who told them to count the people?‘Yes, I’m the one who sinned and who told them to do this bad thing!‘What did these sheep do, O Jehovah God?‘Please bring Your hand and Your destruction against me and the house of my father instead, not against Your people, O Lord!’18Then the messenger of Jehovah said to Gad:‘Tell David that he must build an Altar to Jehovah there at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.’19So David thereafter went and did what Gad had told him in the Name of the Lord... 20But when Ornan turned and saw the king and four of his sons coming to see him, he tried to hide (for he’d been threshing wheat at the time). 21But when David got there, Ornan came down from the threshing floor and bowed with his face to the ground before him.22And David said:‘I want to buy your threshing floor, because I wish to build an Altar to Jehovah upon it.‘Tell me how much you want for it, since this will bring an end to the calamity that has been plaguing the people.’23And Ornan said to David:‘Just take it… And may my lord the king do whatever he thinks is best!‘{Look!} Here are some calves to sacrifice as whole burnt offerings, as well as some wood and some grain.‘I’m giving it all to you!’24But David told him:‘No, I want to pay you whatever it’s worth.‘There’s no way that I’d take what’s yours for Jehovah and then sacrifice whole burnt offerings for myself without paying you.’25So David paid Ornan 600 weighed gold coins for his place, 26then he built an Altar to Jehovah and sacrificed whole burnt offerings and a deliverance offering, as he stood there calling out to Jehovah.Well, Jehovah listened to him from the heavens as he was standing there by the fire with the whole burnt offerings on the Altar... 27So the Lord spoke to the messenger, who then put his broadsword back into its sheath.28And David recognized that Jehovah had listened to him there at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where he’d offered the sacrifices.29Well, at the time, the Tent of Jehovah that Moses had made was out in the desert, as was the Altar for sacrificing whole burnt offerings… It was located on the High Place in GibeOn. 30But David wouldn’t go there right away to seek the face of God, because he didn’t want to turn away too quickly from the broadsword that was being held by Jehovah’s messenger.
1Then David said:‘This is where the Temple of Jehovah our God [will be built] and where the Altar for the whole burnt offerings of IsraEl will be located.’2And David said:‘Gather all the foreigners in the land of IsraEl and use them as quarry workers to cut, and work stones to build the Temple of Jehovah.’3And thereafter, he prepared many other things for the project, such as the nails, the doorways, the gates, and the hinges. He also collected a huge amount of brass… So much that its weight couldn’t be calculated, 4and there was unnumbered amounts of cedar lumber, which the Sidonians and the people of Tyre had brought to David.5Then David said:‘My son Solomon is still a young boy, but he will erect this great Temple of Jehovah, which will thereafter be renowned for its glory throughout the whole earth… And I’ll prepare for it.’So David did prepare for it by [collecting] many things before he died.6Then David called his son Solomon and told him that he’d have to build the Temple to Jehovah the God of IsraEl.7David said to Solomon:‘My child,‘It has been in my heart to build a Temple to the Name of Jehovah God.8‘But, the Word of the Lord came to me and said:‘You’ve spilled a lot of blood and fought many great wars, so you may not build a Temple to My Name because of all the blood that you’ve spilled on the ground before Me.9‘Yet, look! A son has been born to you who is a man of peace, and I’ll give him rest from all his enemies round about!‘The name that has been given to him is Solomon [meaning, Peace]; so, I’ll give him peace and rest, and I’ll appoint him [as king] over IsraEl when his time comes. 10He’s the one who will build a Temple to My Name...‘He will be My son, I’ll be a father to him... And I will establish the throne of his kingdom in IsraEl throughout the ages!’11‘Now, my son...‘May Jehovah be with you and bless you, for you’ll build a Temple to your God Jehovah, just as He said you would. 12May He give you wisdom, understanding, and make you strong over IsraEl! And may you preserve and keep the Laws of Jehovah your God... 13For if you carefully obey the instructions and decisions that Jehovah gave to IsraEl through Moses, He will bless you.‘So you must act like a man and be strong… Don’t be weak or afraid!14‘Now, {Look!} in my own poor way, I’ve made preparations for the Temple of Jehovah. I’ve collected hundreds of tons of gold, thousands of tons of silver, and so much brass that nobody can estimate its weight!‘I’ve also collected the wood and the stone, and you must add to all of this.15‘So may Jehovah be with you, and may you finish [this project]. You’ll have to assemble the huge number of craftsmen that will be needed… The stone workers, carpenters, and all the wise men 16who know how to work the gold, silver, brass, and iron.‘But if you’ll stand tall and act, Jehovah will be with you!’17Then David instructed all the governors of IsraEl to assist his son Solomon.He said:18‘Isn’t Jehovah with you, and hasn’t He provided you with peace roundabout?‘Hasn’t He put all those who live here into your hands so that the entire land is now subject to Jehovah and to His people?19‘Therefore, you must search for Jehovah your God with your whole hearts and souls, and then you must come here and build a Holy Place to Jehovah your God where the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah must be placed among all the rest of the holy things of God.‘Yes, you must build a Temple to the Name of Jehovah!’
1Well, after David had grown old and lived a full life, his son Solomon took his place as [the king] over IsraEl. 2But then, David assembled all the rulers of IsraEl, as well as the Priests and the Levites, 3and he took a census of all the Levites who were more than 30 years old… And he found that there were 38,000 qualified men.4So he assigned 24,000 of them to be in charge of the Temple of Jehovah, 6,000 of them to be scribes and judges, 54,000 [to be] gatekeepers, and 4,000 were anointed to praise Jehovah with the sacred musical instruments that had been made specifically for that purpose.6So at that time, David divided the Levites by family groups, and he worked out their daily rotations.Levi’s sons were:• GerShon,
• KoHath, and
• MeraRi.7In the family of GerShon, there was:• Edan, and
• ShiMei.8The three sons (and rulers of) of Edan were:• JeiEl,
• ZeThan, and
• JoEl.9The three sons of ShiMei were:• SalomIth,
• JeiEl, and
• Dan....who had been the rulers of the families of LaAdan.10The four sons of ShiMei were:• Jeth,
• Ziza,
• JoAs, and
• BeriJah.11Jeth was the firstborn and Ziza was second. But JoAs and BeriJah didn’t have any sons, so the whole house and family received the same assignments.12The four sons of KoHath were:• AmBram,
• IsaAr,
• HebRon, and
• OziEl.13The sons of AmBram were:• Aaron, and
• Moses.Then Aaron and his sons were set aside to [serve in] the Holy of Holies, to burn incense before Jehovah, and to officiate and use the power of His Name throughout the rest of that age.14Of course, Moses was the man of God, and his sons were assigned among the tribe of Levi. 15Moses’ sons were:• GerSam, and
• EliEzer.16GerSam’s son SoubaEl was the firstborn, 17and EliEzer’s son RabiJah was his firstborn. EliEzer didn’t have any other sons, but the family line of RabiJah became very large.18The son of IsaAr was SalomOth (the firstborn).19The sons of HebRon were:• JeriJa (the firstborn),
• AmadiJa (the 2nd),
• JeziEl (the 3rd), and
• JekemiJah (the 4th).20The sons of OziEl were:• Micha (the firstborn), and
• JesShiah (the 2nd).21The sons of MeraRi were:• MoOli, and
• MoUsi.MoOli’s sons were:• EliEzer, and
• Kish.22EliEzer died without any sons (just daughters), but the sons of Kish married them.23The three sons of MoUsi were:• MoOli,
• Eder, and
• JariMoth.24These were the names of the rulers among the descendants of Levi by houses and family lines that were more than 20 years old and that served at the Temple of Jehovah.25Then David said:‘Since Jehovah the God of IsraEl has provided rest for His people and He’s now camping in JeruSalem throughout the ages, 26the Levites won’t have to carry the Sacred Tent or any of its things anymore.’27And the last order that David [gave] was to count the sons of Levi who were 20 years old and older; 28for he’d appointed them to [assist the descendants] of Aaron as they served in the Temple of Jehovah... They were to be in charge of the courtyards and the place of worship, as well as to handle the cleansing of the holy things and the maintenance of the Temple of God.29They were also to be in charge of the place settings, and for mixing and measuring the fine flour for the bread loaves [that were to be used in] the sacrifice offerings, which included the fermentation-free bread and the fried cakes.30And every morning and every evening, they were to praise and acknowledge Jehovah.31In addition, they were also to prepare all the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the holidays (as they were instructed); so, their job was to always stand before Jehovah.32They were also to stand guard by watches over the Meeting Tent, over the Holy Place, and to be in charge of their brothers the sons of Aaron, as they did their jobs at the Temple of Jehovah.
[Editor note: Now follows a list of temple assignments followed by other genealogical records. The story resumes in 1 Chronicles 28:1.]1These are the [Priestly] divisions of the sons of Aaron:• NaDab,
• AbiHu,
• EliEzer, and
• IthaMar.2Since NaDab and AbiHu died in front of their father and they had no sons, the official Priests were Aaron’s sons EliEzer and IthaMar.3So David made a similar division...He appointed ZaDok (who was a descendant of EliEzer) and AhiMelech (who was a descendant of IthaMar) to be the heads over their houses and families for their duties [inside the Temple].4But David found that among the descendants of EliEzer there were many more leaders and powerful men than there were among the descendants of IthaMar, so he appointed 16 descendants of EliEzer as leaders of their houses and families, and he only appointed 8 from the descendants of IthaMar.5Thereafter, he assigned each of their responsibilities in the Temple of God by lottery, 6and SamaiJah son of NathaniEl (the scribe from the tribe of Levi) recorded the results for the king, the governors, the [High] Priest ZaDok, AhiMelech (son of AbiAthar), the heads of families, and for the family heads of the Priests and Levites.In the lottery for the [assignments of the] families of EliEzer and IthaMar:7• JehoArim was the 1st group chosen,
• JediJah was the 2nd,
8• Charib was the 3rd,
• SeOrim was the 4th,
9• MelciJah was the 5th,
• MeiJamin was the 6th,
10• Kos was the 7th,
• AbiJah was the 8th,
11• JeShua was the 9th,
• ShecheniJah was the 10th,
12• EliAbi was the 11th,
• JaKim was the 12th,
13• Opha was the 13th,
• JesBaAl was the 14th,
14• BelGa was the 15th,
• EmMer was the 16th,
15• Hezir was the 17th,
• ApheSe was the 18th,
16• PhetaiJah was the 19th,
• EzekiEl was the 20th,
17• Achim was the 21st,
• GamoUl was the 22nd,
18• DalaiJah was the 23rd, and
• MaAsiJah was the 24th.19So, this is the way that their duties were assigned and the order in which they were to enter the Temple of Jehovah, as the responsibilities were set out by their ancestor Aaron and as they were given to him by Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.20These are the names of the rest of Levi’s descendants.Among the descendants of AmBram there was:• SobaEl, and
• His son JediJah.21From the descendants of RaAbiJah there was his firstborn, JesiJah.22From the descendants of IsaAri there was:• SalomOth and,
• His son, Jath.23From the descendants of JediOu there was:• AmadiJah,
• JaziEl, and
• JekMoAm.24From the descendants of OziEl there was:• Micha, and
• His son Samer.25Micha’s brother was IsiJa, and his son was ZachariJah.26The sons of MeraRi were:• MoOli,
• MoUsi, and
• Through BonNi, OziJa.27So, OziJa was also one of MeraRi’s sons, and his sons were:• IsoAm,
• SakChour, and
• Abai.28MoOli’s only son was EliEzer, 29his son was Kish, and his son was JaRameEl.30The sons of MoUsi were:• MoOli,
• Eder, and
• JariMoth.These were the sons of the Levites by the houses of their families.
1King David also assigned some of the sons of Asaph, HeMan, and IdiThoun to be the heads of the orchestra that was to praise [God] with woodwinds, stringed instruments, and cymbals.And these are the numbers of the musicians who were working in their bands:2The sons of Asaph were:• SakChour,
• JoSeph,
• NathaniJah, and
• EraEl.These sons of Asaph worked under Asaph, who was a Prophet, and he reported directly to the king.3Under IdiThoun were his 6 sons:• GodoliJah,
• SoUri,
• IseAs,
• ShiMei,
• AsAbiJah, and
• MatTathiJah.They all played the woodwinds to praise and acknowledge Jehovah.4Under HeMan were his sons:• BoukiJah,
• MathaniJah,
• OziEl,
• SoubaEl,
• JeriMoth,
• HananiJah,
• Hanan,
• EliAtha,
• GodolLathi,
• RomethiEzer,
• JesBasaka,
• MalLithi,
• OthEri, and
• MeAzOth. 5These were all the sons of HeMan.They played music to the king about the Word of God with horns.6God had given HeMan 14 sons and 3 daughters, and they all (including their father) sang in the Temple to the music of the cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds during the services, and they all reported directly to the king (along with Asaph, IdiThoun, and HeMan).7In addition, many others in their families were taught to sing to Jehovah; so altogether, there were 288 in the chorus.8Then they threw lots for themselves to choose the daily rotations of singers… From the unknown to the famous and from the novices to the experts:9• The 1st lot fell to Asaph (son of JoSeph, who was also called GedaliJah) and his sons,
• The 2nd fell to EneiJa and 12 among his family members,
10• The 3rd fell to ZakChour and 12 among his family members,
11• The 4th fell to JesRi and 12 among his family members,
12• The 5th fell to NathaniJah and 12 among his family members,
13• The 6th fell to BoUkiJah and 12 among his family members,
14• The 7th fell to IshEriEl and 12 among his family members,
15• The 8th fell to JosiJah and 12 among his family members,
16• The 9th fell to MathaniJah and 12 among his family members,
17• The 10th fell to SemeiJah and 12 among his family members,
18• The 11th fell to AsriEl and 12 among his family members,
19• The 12th fell to AsabiJah and 12 among his family members,
20• The 13th fell to SoubaEl and 12 among his family members,
21• The 14th fell to MatTathiJah and 12 among his family members,
22• The 15th fell to JeriMoth and 12 among his family members,
23• The 16th fell to HananiJah and 12 among his family members,
24• The 17th fell to JesBasaka and 12 among his family members,
25• The 18th fell to HananiJah and 12 among his family members,
26• The 19th fell to MalLithi and 12 among his family members,
27• The 20th fell to EliAthah and 12 among his family members,
28• The 21st fell to OthEri and 12 among his family members,
29• The 22nd fell to GodolLathi and 12 among his family members,
30• The 23rd fell to MeAzOth and 12 among his family members, and
• The 24th fell to RometThiEzer and 12 among his family members.31Their brothers from the sons of Aaron also threw lots for themselves before the king, as did ZaDok and AhiMelech (who were the heads of the families of the Priests and the Levites), as well as the family heads and the younger ones.
1These are the groups of the gatekeepers:From the family of KorAh there was MoselLemiJa and his sons who descended through Asaph.2Under MoselLemiJa there was:• ZachariJah (his firstborn),
• JadiEl (the 2nd),
• ZabadiJa (the 3rd),
• JethNouEl (the 4th),
3• JoLam (the 5th),
• JoNathan (the 6th),
• EliOnai (the 7th), and
• ObedEdom (the 8th).4ObedEdom’s sons were:• SamaiJah (the firstborn),
• JoZabath (the 2nd),
• JoAth (the 3rd),
• Sachar (the 4th),
• NathaniEl (the 5th),
5• AmiEl (the 6th),
• IsSachar (the 7th), and
• PheLathi (the 8th) – for God had blessed him.6Then there was SamaiJah’s son RoshAi, who was the firstborn of the house of his father (they were all mighty men).7SamaiJah’s sons (they were the most powerful) were:• OthNi,
• RaphaEl,
• Obed,
• EliZabath, and
• AchiOud.Then there was:• EliOu,
• SabachiJah, and
• IshBakom.8These were the descendants of ObedEdom and their ancestor MoselLemiJa.They all became great in their positions (all 62 of them), 9and 18 of them became extremely powerful.10Then there was Osa (from the line of MeraRi), whose sons guarded the Temple. Although he wasn’t the firstborn, his father appointed him head of the 2nd division of gate guards.• 11HelkiJah was second under him,
• Then TabliJah (the 3rd), and
• ZachariJah (the 4th).There were 13 sons in the family of Osa, 12and it was from among them that the heads of the divisions of gate guards descended. They were all rulers and important men who handled the daily rotations of their families as they served in the Temple of Jehovah.13Thereafter, they all (from the least to the most important) threw lots by houses and families at the gatehouse...14• And the lot for the gates towards the east fell to SelemiJah and ZachariJah.• Then MelchiJah threw the lots for the family of JoAs, and they received the north gate.15• When the second lot was thrown, ObedEdom received the south gate, which was next to the collection boxes.16• [And the Family of] Osa received the west gate.Their job was to watch over the road that led into the Temple.17Six Levites were assigned to guard the east gate each day, and four were to be in charge of the north gate. Two shifts of two men each watched the south gate (by the collection boxes), 18and there were also four posted at the west gate, who worked in two shifts of two guards each and kept an eye on the road.19These were all the divisions of the gatekeepers from the family of KorAh and MeraRi.20The Levites and their families who received the responsibility of being over the treasury in the Temple of Jehovah and watching over the holy things 21were the family of LaDan (who was of the line of GerShon).JeiEl was the head of this family group. 22JeiEl’s sons were:• Zethom, and
• JoEl.They and their families were in charge of the treasury at the Temple of Jehovah, 23as were:• AmBram,
• IsaAr,
• HebRon, and
• OziEl.24SoubaEl (a descendant of Moses through GerSam) was [the chief of] the treasury.25The sons of his brother EliEzer were:• RabiJah,
• JosiJah,
• JoRam,
• ZechRi, and
• SalomOth.26SalomOth and his family [kept watch over] the treasures that were inside of the Holy Place… The things that King David had set aside as holy, which had been brought there by the generals, lieutenants, and family heads.27They were the things that they brought in from the cities that they’d captured, so, construction of the Temple of Jehovah God could begin soon thereafter. 28These men were also in charge of all the holy things that had been dedicated by the Prophet SamuEl, by Saul (son of Kish), by AbNer (son of Ner), and by JoAb (son of ZeruJah).All of these holy things were put into the hands of SalomOth and his family.29ChoNeniJah and his family (descendants of IsaAr) were assigned to work outside [of the Temple] as scribes and judges over IsraEl.30AsabiJah and his family (descendants of HebRon) – all 1,700 of them – were important people, for they watched over IsraEl on the other side of the JorDan up to its western border, where they served as representatives of Jehovah and of the king.31JoriJah was the leader of the Hebronites and all the generations of their families.It was in the 40th year of David’s reign that all the powerful men were counted at JaZer [in the land of] GileAd. 32There were 2,700 family heads; and (following Jehovah’s instructions) King David put them over the tribes of ReuBen, Gad, and the half-tribe of ManasSeh.
1Now, these are the sons of IsraEl by rank that were the heads of their families and who served as generals or lieutenants in the army each month, every month of the year, as it was recorded by the scribes that officially served the king and wrote all his declarations:In the 1st division there were 24,000. 2The general over this division was IshBoaz (son of ZabDiEl). His division included 24,000 3from the line of Perez. He was in charge of all the army officers during the 1st month.4The general in charge of the division during the 2nd month was DoDai (son of Ehok), and under him was MakelLoth. There were 24,000 in his division.5The general in charge during the 3rd month was BenaiJah (son of JehoiAda, the High Priest). In his division there were 24,000. 6BenaiJah was the greatest of [David’s] 30 men, and he was in charge of the 30. The man who served under him was his son Zabad.7In charge during the 4th month was AsaHel, JoAb’s brother, and his son ZabadiJah. There were 24,000 in his division.8The general in charge during the 5th month was SamaOth the JezreElite, and there were 24,000 in his division.9The general in charge during the 6th month was OdouJah (son of EkKes) the Thekoite, and there were 24,000 in his division.10The general in charge of the 7th month was HelLes of PalLu, from the tribe of Ephraim, and there were 24,000 in his division.11The general in charge during the 8th month was SoboChai the Ousathite from ZarAi, and there were 24,000 in his division.12The general in charge during the 9th month was AbiEzer from AnathOth, of the tribe of BenJamin, and there were 24,000 in his division.13The general in charge during the 10th month was MeEra from NetoPhathi of ZarAi, and there were 24,000 in his division.14The general in charge during the 11th month was BenaiJah from PharaThon of the tribe of Ephraim, and there were 24,000 in his division.15The general in charge during the 12th month was CholdiJah from NetoPhathi of GoThoniEl, and there were 24,000 in his division.16These were the leaders of each of the tribes of IsraEl:• [In charge of the tribe of] ReuBen was EliEzer (son of ZechRi) • [In charge of the tribe of] SimeOn was SaphatiAs (son of MaAcha) 17• [In charge of the tribe of] Levi was AsabiJah (son of KamouEl) • [In charge of the line of] Aaron was ZaDok 18• [In charge of the tribe of] Judah was EliJah (David’s brother) • [In charge of the tribe of] IsSachar was Ambri (son of MichaEl) 19• [In charge of the tribe of] ZebuLun was SamaiJah (son of AbDiOu) • [In charge of the tribe of] NaphTali was JeriMoth (son of OziEl) 20• [In charge of the tribe of] Ephraim was Ose (son of OziOu) • [In charge of the tribe of] half-tribe of ManasSeh was JoEl (son of PhadiJah) 21• [In charge of] the half-tribe of ManasSeh in the land of GileAd was JaDai (son of ZadiJah) • [In charge of the tribe of] BenJamin was JasiEl (son of AbNer) 22• [In charge of the tribe of] Dan was AzariEl (son of IroAb).These were all the patriarchs of the tribes of IsraEl.23Now, David never counted the men who were under 20 years old, because Jehovah said that He would cause IsraEl to grow like the stars in the sky... 24And although JoAb (son of ZeruJah) did start to take a census of the people, he didn’t complete it because this brought [God’s] anger against IsraEl.So the number was never written in the scroll of The Days of King David.25• The man who was in charge of the king’s storehouses was AsMoth (son of OdiEl).• The man who was over the storehouses in the countryside, towns, estates, and fortresses was JoNathan (son of OziOu).26• The man who was in charge of the farming was EzRai (son of CheloUb).27• The man who was in charge of the fields was ShiMei of RaEl.• The man in charge of the wineries in the fields was ZabDi (son of SephNi).28• The man who was in charge of the olive groves and mulberry trees (in the plains) was BailHanan the Gedorite.• The man who was in charge of the olive storehouse was JoAs.29• The man who was in charge of the cattle that grazed in ShaRon was SatRai the ShaRonite.• The man who was in charge of the cattle in the valleys was Shophat (son of AdLi).30• The man who was in charge of the camels was AbiJah the IshMaElite.• The man who was in charge of the burros was JadiJah of MeraThon.31• The man who was in charge of the sheep was JaZiz the Agarite.These were the superintendents over the personal possessions of King David.32• JoNathan (David’s uncle) was his advisor, because he was a very discerning man and a scribe.• JeEl (son of AchaMani) [watched over] the king’s sons.33• AhiTophel was also one of the king’s councilors.• HushAi was David’s best friend.34• After [the councilor] AhiTophel came JehoiAda (son of BenaiJah), then AbiAthar, and then JoAb (the king’s commander-in-chief).
[Editor note: The story resumes here.]1Well, David had called for an assembly of all the governors of IsraEl, the chief justices of the tribes, the king’s servants, the army generals and lieutenants, the treasury department, those in charge of the king’s property, his sons, his eunuchs, and the most outstanding warriors in JeruSalem.2Then King David stood in the midst of the assembly and said:‘Hear me, my brothers and my people!‘It came into my heart to build a House of rest for the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and as a footstool for the feet of our [God, Jehovah]... Therefore, I have prepared the things that will be needed to build it.3‘But God said:‘You may not build a Temple to Me that carries My Name, because you’re a man of war and you’ve spilled [too much] blood.’4‘Yet, Jehovah the God of IsraEl chose me from all the house of my father to be the king over IsraEl throughout the age, and He’s given the kingship to Judah and to the house of my father.‘From among all of his sons, God chose me, because He wanted me to be the king over IsraEl. 5And from among all of my sons –and Jehovah has given me many of them– He’s chosen my son Solomon and seated him on the throne of His kingdom over IsraEl.6‘For God said to me:‘Your son Solomon will build My Temple and My courtyard, because I have taken him to be My son, and I will be his Father... 7I will establish his kingdom throughout the ages, as long as he faithfully obeys My Commandments and instructions as he’s doing today.’8‘And now, before this entire assembly of Jehovah and within the hearing of our God, I say [to Solomon]:‘Guard and seek all the Commandments of Jehovah our God, so that you’ll inherit a good land, which your sons can thereafter inherit with you throughout the ages!9‘So, Solomon my son,‘Know the God of your fathers!‘You must serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing soul, for Jehovah regularly checks the hearts and He knows every thought!‘If you search for Him, you can always find Him…‘But if you leave Him, He will leave you in the end.10‘Now, look!‘Jehovah has chosen you to build a Temple as His most holy place.‘Therefore, you must be strong and act!’11Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the Temple and its surrounding buildings, its treasury, its upper rooms, the inner storehouses, and the place where the [sacrifices were to be offered] for the forgiveness of sins.12He had the plans all laid out in his mind for how the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah were to be assembled, as well as the places of worship, the storehouses around the Temple, the storehouses for the holy things, and the sleeping quarters. 13He had even planned the daily rotations of the Priests and Levites, the assignments of work at the Temple of Jehovah, the management of the storehouses, and how the sacred things were to be handled.14Then he weighed out all the gold and silver 15for the lamp stands, and he contributed money that had been weighed to make the lamps. 16Thereafter, he did the same thing for the tables and place settings (because each of the tables were to be made of gold and silver), 17the meat hooks, the drinking bowls, and the gold bowls.He also specified the weight of the gold and silver for the wash basin.18[Then he provided] pure gold for the incense Altar, clearly specifying how much each item should weigh, and he showed him the plans for the chariot of the cherubs (the ones with the opened, spread wings that were to cover the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah).19By the hand of Jehovah, David had written everything down for Solomon so that he would clearly understand how the plans were to be carried out.20Then David said to Solomon:‘Now you must be strong and act like a man!‘Don’t be afraid or terrified, because my God Jehovah will be with you.‘He won’t push you away and He will never abandon you, as long as you finish all the work of building the Temple of Jehovah.‘Look! Here are the plans for the Temple, for His Most Holy, for His treasury, for the upper rooms, for the inner storehouses, and for the place where [the sacrifices are to be offered] for forgiveness of sins at the Temple of Jehovah.21‘And look!‘Here are the daily rotations of the Priests and Levites for their services at the Temple of Jehovah, and for the people who are to help you... They’re all eager, wise, and skilled at all sorts of crafts, as are their supervisors, and they’re all ready to follow your instructions.’
1Then King David said to the assembly:‘My son Solomon, whom Jehovah has taken for Himself, is still young and inexperienced, and he has a great work to do!‘However, this isn’t going to be accomplished by a man, but by Jehovah our God.2‘Now, I’ve done everything in my power to prepare for the Temple of my God. [I’ve accumulated] all the gold for the things of gold, all the silver for the things of silver, all the brass for the things of brass, all the iron for the things of iron, all the wood for the things of wood, and all the stones for the things of stone.‘There’s onyx, precious gems, all types of costly colored stones, and large amounts of white marble... 3And yet, because I’ve favored myself by [preparing for] a Temple for my God, I’ve obtained even more gold and silver.‘And look… I’m now giving it all it to the Temple of my God!‘For in addition to what I’ve prepared for the Holy Temple, 4here is another 10 tons (9,000kg) of gold from Ophir and 20 tons (18,000kg) of pure silver with which to overlay the walls of the Temple 5and to make things of gold and silver…‘Whatever the craftsmen can do with it!‘Now, if anyone else is eager to contribute gold to make things of gold, and silver to make things of silver, may he fill his hands for Jehovah today.’6Well, the heads of families, the governors of the sons of IsraEl, the generals, the lieutenants, and the king’s supervisors and managers were eager to contribute to building the Temple of Jehovah. 7So he collected:• 30 tons (27,000kg) of gold,
• 10,000 gold coins,
• 60 tons (54,000kg) of silver,
• 600 tons (540,000kg) of brass, and
• 3,000 tons (2,700,000kg) of iron.8They contributed whatever gemstones they had to JeiEl the GerShonite, to put into the storehouses for the Temple of Jehovah.9Well, everyone there was very happy, because they’d all shown such eagerness, and their hearts had been so filled with their zeal for Jehovah!And because King David was so very happy, 10he then praised Jehovah before the assembly, saying:‘O Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, our Father throughout ages of ages; may You truly be praised!11‘For to You, O Jehovah, belongs the greatness, the power, the boasting, the victories, the recognition, and the strength!‘For You are the One who made everything in the skies above and on the ground below.‘Yet, You are our Lord, and the kings of all the nations are in fear before Your face, 12for from You comes all the wealth and the glory. You’re the Ruler over everything!‘O Jehovah,‘You are above all others!‘For in Your hand there’s every type of strength and control, and in Your hand [is the power] to create all fame and mightiness.13‘And now, O Jehovah,‘We acknowledge You and we praise the Name of which You boast... 14But, who am I, and who are my people, that we’ve felt such eagerness to [contribute] these things?‘For it’s really all Yours, and all we’re doing is giving Your things back to You. 15We’re just visitors before You, as were our ancestors… For [our lives] are like shadows on the ground that are just passing by.16‘O Jehovah our God,‘All of these things that I’ve prepared so as to build a Temple to Your Holy Name have come from Your own hands, because everything belongs to You.17‘And I know, O Jehovah, that You are the One who examines hearts and that You love justice. So, it’s with a pure heart that I’ve been eager to do all these things… And now I’ve also seen gladness and eagerness for You among Your people!18‘O Jehovah, the God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and IsraEl… The God of our fathers,‘Keep this feeling in the minds and hearts of Your people throughout the ages, and make their hearts straight towards You! 19Also, give my son Solomon a good heart and make him obey Your Commandments, instructions, and orders, so that he may take the lead in finishing Your Temple.’20Then David said to the entire assembly:‘Praise Jehovah our God!’And after that, everyone there praised Jehovah the God of their ancestors, as they bent their knees to bow low before Jehovah and before their king.21Thereafter, David offered sacrifices to Jehovah.And then on the next day, he sacrificed:• 1,000 calves,
• 1,000 rams, and
• 1,000 lambs......[all] as whole burnt offerings, along with drink offerings.Thereafter, [he offered] many more sacrifices on behalf of IsraEl.22So, everyone joyfully ate and drank there before Jehovah that day, and they held a second coronation for David’s son Solomon, anointing him as their king before Jehovah and before ZaDok the [High] Priest.23Well thereafter, Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king in place of his father David, and everyone thought highly of him. For all IsraEl – 24the governors, the mighty ones, and all the sons of his father (King David) – submitted to him. 25And Jehovah made Solomon great before all IsraEl, giving him greater glory than any king who had ever existed before him.26Well, David (son of JesSe) had ruled IsraEl for 2740 years… 7 years in HebRon and 33 years in JeruSalem. 28But after he was old and had lived a long and good life filled with wealth and glory, [he died]… And his son Solomon took his place.29The rest of the words of King David, from the beginning to the end, were written by the Seer SamuEl, by the Prophet Nathan, and by the Seer Gad; the things about his kingship, the area of his rule, the events of those times, and the things that happened to him and to IsraEl, as well as to all the other nations that lived in the land.
1Well, Solomon (son of David) grew stronger in his kingdom because his God Jehovah was with him and made him great.2Then, after Solomon had spoken to all the generals, lieutenants, judges, governors of IsraEl, and family heads, 3he and the entire assembly went to the high place in GibeOn where God’s Tent of Proofs that Moses (the servant of Jehovah) had made in the desert was kept. 4But at the time, the Chest of God wasn’t there, because David had it carried from the city of KiriAth JaiRim [and put in] a tent that he’d made for it in JeruSalem.5However, the bronze Altar that BeSeleEl (son of UriAh and grandson of Or) had made was still there in front of the Tent of Jehovah, and that’s why Solomon and the assembly went there.6There Solomon offered 1,000 whole burnt offerings as sacrifices to Jehovah on the bronze Altar before the Tent of the Proofs.7And that night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him:‘Ask for whatever you wish and I will give it to you.’8So Solomon said to God:‘You’ve been extremely kind to my father David, and now You’ve made me the king in his place.9‘Therefore, O my God Jehovah,‘May You prove true to Your Name by doing all the things that You [promised] to my father David.‘And since You’ve made me the king over a people who are as many as the dust on the ground; 10please give me the wisdom and understanding [that I’ll need] to stand before these people who’ll come before me.‘For, who can possibly judge so many people?’11And God said to Solomon:‘Because this is the desire of your heart, and because you didn’t ask for wealth, possessions, glory, the lives of your enemies, or for a long life, but for the wisdom and understanding to judge My people over whom I have appointed you king... 12I will be giving you the wisdom and understanding.‘However, I’ll also give you wealth, possessions, and glory… I’m giving you more than any of the kings who came before you or any who will come after you will ever know!’13So then, Solomon left The Tent of Proofs in the place of worship in GibeOn, and he returned to JeruSalem to begin his reign over IsraEl.14Thereafter, Solomon started collecting chariots and horsemen; and [in time] he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he stationed in cities that [he built] to hold the chariots, and he kept many of the men with him in JeruSalem.15Well, during that time, the king made silver and gold as common as stones in JeruSalem, and the cedar wood in Judah as common as mulberry trees in the plains!16Solomon also imported horses from Egypt, and the King’s merchants’ [fees] for going and trading 17and bringing [goods] from Egypt to the Hittite and Syrian kings (according to their means) was [as much as]:• 600 silver coins for a chariot [of goods], and • 150 silver coins for a horse [carrying goods].
1It was then that Solomon gave the word to start building the Temple to the Name of Jehovah, as well as a palace for his own kingship. 2So he brought together:• 70,000 laborers,
• 80,000 quarry workers to work in the mountains, and
• 3,600 supervisors.3Then Solomon sent a message to King HiRam [I] of Tyre, saying:‘I know what you did for my father David by sending cedars to build a palace for himself... 4But look; I (his son) am now building a Temple to the Name of my God Jehovah as a Holy Place for Him.‘It’s a place to burn incense before Him throughout the ages and a place for Him to stay where we can sacrifice whole burnt offerings in the mornings, in the evenings, and on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and on the Lord’s holidays.‘I am doing this for all of IsraEl.5‘Now, the Temple that I am to build will be great, because our God Jehovah is greater than all other gods... 6But, who is great enough to build a House for Him, since the skies and the heavens above them can’t bear His glory?‘So, who am I to build such a Temple since [I’m not even qualified] to burn incense before Him?7‘However, what I’m asking of you is to send me a wise man who knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as with blue [thread], purple [yarn], and scarlet cloth.‘[I must have such a man to take the lead] over those wise ones who are with me in Judah and JeruSalem, to do the carving and to make the things that have been prepared by my father David.8‘Also, please send me some cedar, juniper, and pine boards from Lebanon, because your servants know how to cut up the timber of Lebanon... And then {Look!} your servants can direct the servants 9that [I’ll send], who’ll bring back the large quantities of timber for the great and glorious Temple that I’m about to build.10‘And look!‘Then I’ll send you gifts of grain as food for your servants who’ll be cutting the trees… I’ll send:• 140,000 bushels of wheat,
• 140,000 bushels of barley,
• 20,000 barrels of wine, and
• 20,000 barrels of olive oil.’11So King HiRam of Tyre sent a return letter to Solomon that said:‘Jehovah must love His people very much to put such a king over them.’12And he added:‘Praise Jehovah the God of IsraEl who made the skies and the lands, and who gave King David such a wise son who knows enough and understands enough to build a Temple to Him, as well as a palace for his kingdom!13‘Now, I’ve sent you a man who’s wise and knowledgeable, my servant HiRam. His mother is one of the daughters of Dan, although his father is from Tyre.‘He knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood; and he knows how to weave blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and linen, as well as how to do carving. 14He’s good at doing everything that you’ll assign him to do alongside your wise men and the wise men of your father, my Lord David.15‘And concerning the grain, barley, olive oil, and wine that my lord spoke of... Let him send it to his servants, 16and we’ll fell all the trees of Lebanon that you need and send them to you by sea to JopPa on barges.‘You can then carry it on from there to JeruSalem.’17So Solomon gathered all the foreign men in the land of IsraEl who’d been counted by his father David (all 153,600 of them). 18Then he put 70,000 to work loading the carriers, 80,000 to work in the mountain quarries, and 3,600 were assigned as the supervisors.
1Thereafter, Solomon started the construction of the Temple of Jehovah on Mount MoriAh in JeruSalem; the place where Jehovah had appeared to his father David at the threshing floor and which he [bought] from Ornan the Jebusite.2He started this construction project in the 2nd month of the 4th year of his reign.3When Solomon built the Temple of God, he made it 100 feet (30.5m) long and 33 feet (10m) wide.4It also had a columned porch that adjoined its full width along the front, which was 33 feet (10m) wide and 33 feet (10m) tall. On the inside, [the Temple] was totally covered in pure gold.5It was a large building made of cedar wood that had been covered in pure gold and engraved with palms and chain work. 6Valuable stones were then added to make the Temple more glorious, and using gold that he got from PharaOh Aim, 7he gilded the Temple’s walls, gatehouses, roofing, and doorways, and he had cherubs engraved on its walls.8Next, he made the Holy of Holies.Its width (along the front side of the Temple) was 33 feet (10m), and it was 33 feet (10m) long. Then he had it covered with 13 tons (11,800kg) of gold… 9The weight of each nail was the same as the weight of 50 gold coins, and the upper rooms were also covered in gold.10Inside the Temple, facing the Holy of Holies, he made two cherubs of durable wood that were covered with gold. 11They each stood 33 feet (10m) tall and their wings were 8 feet (2.4m) long, 12so that they touched the Temple walls on either side, and they touched each other [in the middle].13Their [combined] wingspan was 32 feet (9.75m), and they stood on their feet facing the [Sacred Chest].14Then he made the separating veil of blue [thread], purple [yarn], scarlet [cloth], and linen that was woven into [the shape of] cherubs.15In front of the Temple there were 2 columns that each stood 50 feet (15.25m) tall, and their caps were each 8 feet (2.4m) tall. 16Then he made a chainwork for the corners that was put over the column caps, and 100 pomegranate figures were mounted over the chainwork. 17These columns were located on each side of the [entrance to] the Temple. He then named the one on the right Success, and the one on the left Strength.
1Next, he built a bronze Altar that was:• 33 feet (10m) long,
• 33 feet (10m) wide, and
• 16 feet (4.9m) high.2After that, he had the [Sacred] Sea cast. It was round and 16 feet (4.9m) in diameter. It stood 8 feet (2.4m) tall and it was 50 feet (15.25m) in circumference.3This bathing tub [was resting on metal] calves that were standing in a 16-foot circle beneath it. 4There were 12 calves that were cast in two types; 3 looked north, 3 looked west, 3 looked south, and 3 looked east, with their backsides facing inward and the Sea resting on top of them.5[The Sea] looked like a palm in the middle, and its rim was like the edge of a cup, with carved lily buds [all around]. It had a capacity of 20,000 gallons (75,000l).6After he finished the [Sacred Sea], he made 10 washbasins, 5 of which were put on its right and 5 on its left. They were used to wash and rinse those who sacrificed the whole burnt offerings.However, the Sea was only to be used for washing the Priests.7Then he made 10 of the unique gold lampstands and put them inside of the Temple, 5 on the right, and 5 on the left.8He also made 10 tables and put them inside the Temple, 5 on the right and 5 on the left.And he made 100 gold bowls.9Next, he made the Courtyard of the Priests. It was very large, and it had bronze doorways. 10He also located the [Sacred] Sea next to the corner of the Temple, on the right side, to the east.11Then HiRam made the meat hooks, the censers, the grate for the Altar, and all the other items. For by then, he had completed the rest of the work on the Temple of God for King Solomon.12He also made the two columns with their bases and caps. These caps had a meshwork that covered the tops. 13And he made 400 gold bells to go over the meshwork, and two types of pomegranates to cover the mesh that was on the bottom sides of the column caps.14HiRam then made the 10 wash tubs and their bases, 15the Sacred Sea with the 12 calves beneath it, 16the foot basins, the ladles, the cooking pots, the meat hooks, and everything else, which he thereafter presented to King Solomon at the Temple of Jehovah.All of these things were made of pure bronze 17that he’d cast for the king in a temporary structure that he’d built underground near the JorDan.18Solomon had a tremendous number of items made, because he had more than enough bronze. 19He had everything made [that was needed] for the Temple of Jehovah, including the gold Altar, the tables, the place settings for the bread, 20and the unique lampstands and their lamps for lighting [the Temple], which were all made from pure gold.21Then there were the tongs, lamps, bowls, and incense pans, which were also made of pure gold, 22as were the Temple doors and the inner door to the Holy of Holies.
1After Solomon had finished construction on the Temple of Jehovah, he carried in all the holy things of his father David (the things made of silver and gold) and put them into the Temple treasury.2Thereafter, he held an assembly in JeruSalem of all the elders, all the tribal heads, and all the family heads of the sons of IsraEl, which is when they brought the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah out of the city of David on [Mount] Zion.3At the time, everyone in IsraEl had assembled with the king during the holiday of the 7th month, 4along with their elders, and that’s when the Levites picked up the Chest, 5as well as the Tent of Proofs and the rest of the holy items, and they carried them before the Priests and Levites.6Then Solomon and the entire assembly of the God-fearing gathered around the Chest, and they sacrificed so many calves and sheep that they couldn’t be counted.7It was the Priests who thereafter carried the Chest of the Sacred Agreement of Jehovah and placed it inside the Temple, inside the Holy of Holies, beneath the wings of the cherubs. 8So, there it sat beneath the spread wings of the cherubs that watched over the Chest, with its bearing poles lying across the top.9These bearing poles could always be seen sticking through the veil to the Holy of Holies (but they couldn’t be seen from outside [of the Temple])... And they’re still there to this day! 10Of course, nothing was in the Chest except the two tablets that Moses had put there at The Dry Place (Horeb), when Jehovah first made the [Agreement] with the sons of IsraEl after they’d left the land of Egypt.11Then the Priests came out of the Holy Place.Note that, at the time, not all the Priests were viewed as being holy, since the assignments and daily rotations 12hadn’t been made yet.[But when the Priests came out of the Holy Place], the musicians and singers from the families of Asaph, HeMan, and IdiThoum (and those who were with them that were all dressed in fine linen) assembled in front of the Altar with their cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds, along with 120 Priests who’d been assigned to blow their trumpets, 13and they played a loud anthem that was accompanied by singing to acknowledge and praise Jehovah.Well, just as the voices, trumpets, cymbals, and the other musical instruments reached a climax with the words...‘Jehovah is good, and His mercies endure throughout the ages!’...the glorious cloud of Jehovah started filling the Temple!14And at that, the Priests were no longer able to stand there and serve before the face of the cloud, because the glory of Jehovah had filled the whole Temple of God.
1Then Solomon said:‘O Jehovah,‘You’ve said that You camp in the shadows.2‘So I’ve built a House to Your Name as something holy to You… A place for You to camp throughout the ages.’3And at that, the king turned his head and blest the entire gathering of IsraEl as they were standing nearby.4He shouted:‘Praise Jehovah the God of IsraEl who spoke to my father David with His mouth and who filled his hands, saying:5‘From the day that I led My people out of the land of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from among any of the tribes of IsraEl to build a Temple to My Name, nor had I chosen a man to be a leader over My people IsraEl... 6But now I’ve chosen JeruSalem as the place for My Name, and I have chosen David to lead My people IsraEl.’7‘Therefore, it came into the heart of my father David to build a Temple to the Name of the Lord God of IsraEl.8‘However, the Lord said to my father David:‘It’s a good thing that your heart has been moved to build a Temple to My Name, 9but you may not build it for Me. Rather, it will be a son who comes from your loins that will build a Temple to My Name.’10‘So now, Jehovah has made the thing that He said come true; for I’ve taken the place of my father David and I’m sitting on the throne of IsraEl, just as Jehovah said, and I’ve built a Temple to the Name of the Lord God of IsraEl, 11into which I’ve placed the Chest of the Sacred Agreement that Jehovah made with IsraEl.’12Then [he walked over] and stood against the Altar of Jehovah and raised his arms before the assembly of IsraEl... 13For Solomon had a bronze podium made in the midst of the Temple courtyard that was 8 feet (2.4m) long, 8 feet (2.4m) wide, and 5 feet (1.5m) high.So he got up on it and then fell to his knees before the whole assembly of IsraEl; and he raised his arms towards the sky and said:14‘O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘There is no other god like You in the heavens or on the earth that keeps his agreements and shows mercy as You’ve shown to Your children who are now wholeheartedly standing before You.15‘For You’ve honored [the agreement] that You made with Your servant David, my father, which You promised with Your mouth, and with which You’ve filled Your hands to this day.16‘And now, O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘Keep [the promise] that you made with Your servant David, my father, when You said:‘There will never fail to be a man from you who sits before My face on the throne of IsraEl – for as long as your sons are careful to always obey My Laws, as you have been doing before Me.’17‘And now, O Jehovah, God of IsraEl,‘May the things that You said to Your servant David prove to be true… 18That You will for a fact live as God upon the earth. But if the skies and the heavens of the heavens aren’t enough to hold You... Then, how can this House that I built possibly do so?19‘Please hear the prayers of Your servant and listen to these things that I’m begging before You, O Jehovah God.‘Please answer the prayers and petitions that Your servant has brought before You today.20‘May Your eyes watch over this Temple day and night… This place that You said would be called by Your Name. Hear the prayer that Your servant is praying in this place… 21Listen to whatever things that Your servant and Your people IsraEl pray for in this place.‘Listen from the place where You dwell in the heavens, and be forgiving.22‘For if a man should sin against his neighbor and then [his neighbor] comes before the Altar at this Temple to curse him; 23please listen to him from the heavens and act. Judge Your servants, and bring the bad ways of lawbreakers down upon their own heads.‘Give justice to the just, and repay each one for his righteousness.24‘And if Your people IsraEl should be devastated by their enemies for sinning against You, and then return and acknowledge Your Name and pray and beg before You in this Temple; 25please listen from the heavens and forgive Your people IsraEl. Then return them to the land that You gave to them and to their ancestors.26‘And if You should hold back the skies so there’s no rain because of their sinning against You, and they come and pray and praise Your Name in this place, turning away from their sins because You’ve humbled them; 27please listen to them from the heavens and forgive the sins of your servants and of your people IsraEl... Then show them the good ways to go, and bring back rain upon Your land that you’ve given to Your people as their inheritance.28‘Or if a famine should come upon the land, or a killing plague, or a wind-blown blight, or jaundice, or locust, or grasshoppers, or if an enemy should attack their cities – whatever the calamity or misery – 29please listen to the things for which they beg and pray.‘And if any man among Your people IsraEl knows of a man who has an infection and has become disabled, and then he raises his arms towards this Temple; 30please listen to him from this Home that has been prepared for You, and from the heavens, then forgive the man.‘Know [what’s in] his heart and give him the things that he deserves. For only You know the hearts of the sons of men. 31So, may they all fear Your ways for as long as they live on the face of the land that You gave to their ancestors.32‘And when foreigners who are not of Your people IsraEl come from far-away lands because of Your great Name, strong hand, and raised arm, and they come here to pray in this place... 33Please listen to them from Your Home in the heavens and do everything that they ask, so that everyone on the earth will come to know Your Name and fear You, as do Your people IsraEl. And may they recognize that this Temple that I built bears Your Name.34‘And if Your people must go to war against their enemies – wherever You may send them – and they pray in the direction of this city that You chose and towards this Temple that I’ve built to Your Name; 35please listen from the heavens to the things that they beg and pray, and bring them justice.36‘And when they sin against You (for there’s no man who doesn’t sin) and You strike them and hand them over to their enemies, and they’re carried away as captives to lands that are nearby or far away, 37and they then turn their hearts to the land they were taken from and turn and beg to You in their captivity, saying:‘We have sinned, we have broken [Your] Laws, and we were wrong!’38‘...and then they return to You with their whole hearts and souls, as well as to this land they were taken from as captives and pray towards this land that You gave to them and to their ancestors and towards this city which You chose, and towards this Temple that I’ve built to Your Name... 39From Your home in the heavens, please listen to the things that they beg and pray, and bring them justice!‘Forgive Your people for their sins against You, O Jehovah.‘Open Your eyes and ears to the things for which the people will beg in this place!41‘And now, O Jehovah our God,‘Awaken from Your rest when it comes to this Mighty Chest and to Your Priests, O Lord, our God... May they wrap themselves in Your salvation, and may Your sons rejoice in all Your good things!42‘O Jehovah our God,‘Please don’t turn Your face away from Your anointed one…‘Remember the [goodness] of Your servant David!’
1Then, as Solomon was finishing his prayer, fire came down from the sky and consumed the whole burnt offerings and the sacrifices!And the glory of Jehovah filled the Temple!2So, the Priests couldn’t enter the Temple at that time, because the glory of Jehovah filled the Temple... 3And when all the sons of IsraEl saw the fire come down and the glory of Jehovah filling the Temple, they all fell to the stone pavement with their faces to the ground, bowing low and praising Jehovah, [singing]:‘[He] is good, And His mercy endures throughout the ages.’4Well after that, the king and all the people offered [even more] sacrifices before Jehovah. 5King Solomon himself offered 22,000 calves and 120,000 sheep in dedication to the Temple of God.6Meanwhile, the Priests were standing watch and the Levites were playing songs that were written to Jehovah by King David on their [musical] instruments [and singing] the songs they’d written, which acknowledged before Jehovah His mercy throughout the ages.Then the Priests stood out in front and blew their trumpets, as the people stood there [listening].7Thereafter, Solomon made the middle of the courtyard of the Temple of Jehovah holy by sacrificing whole burnt offerings and the fat of salvation. However, the bronze Altar that Solomon had made wasn’t large enough to handle all the whole burnt offerings, gift offerings, and fat.8Well, Solomon observed the holiday for 7 days, and all IsraEl stayed there with him; for it was a huge crowd that had come from as far away as the entrance to HaMath and the River of Egypt. 9Then on the 8th day, he proclaimed a holiday recess to the Altar dedication ceremony, since they’d already celebrated the holiday during the previous 7 days.10So on the 23rd day of the 7th month he sent the people back to their homes, and they all left filled with joy and with happy hearts because of all the good things that Jehovah had done to David, to Solomon, and to His people IsraEl.11Well by then, Solomon had not only completed the Temple of Jehovah and his own palace, but everything else that he wanted to do for the Temple of Jehovah, and his house prospered.12Then Jehovah appeared to Solomon one night and said to him:‘I’ve heard your prayers, and I’ve chosen this place for Myself as a Temple for sacrifices.13‘So if I should stop up the sky and not allow it to rain, or if I should send locusts to eat all the trees, or if I should send a deadly plague among My people... 14and then they become ashamed and once more have My Name called upon them, and they pray to Me and search for My face and turn from their wicked ways... Then I’ll listen to them from the heavens, forgive their sins, and heal their land.15‘For My eyes will be open and My ears will pay close attention to the prayers of these people!16‘I have also chosen this Temple and made it holy to My Name throughout the ages, so it will remain in My eyes and in My heart each day.17‘And if you come before Me, as did your father David, and do everything that I tell you to do, following My instructions and Commandments; 18I will elevate the throne of your kingdom, just as I promised your father David when I said:‘No [descendant] of yours will be removed from the leadership of IsraEl.’19‘However, if you should turn away and abandon My instructions and the Commandments that I’ve set before you, and you go and serve other gods and bow before them, 20I will remove all of you from the land that I’ve given to you, and I’ll turn My face away from this Temple that I’ve made holy to My Name and make it an example that will be talked about among the nations!21‘Then people who pass by this Temple that I’ve made so important will be shocked and ask:‘Why did Jehovah do all of this to His land and to His Temple?’22‘And they’ll then be told:‘It happened because they abandoned Jehovah the God of their ancestors that led them out of the land of Egypt, then they started following other gods, bowing before them and serving them.‘That’s why God brought all of these bad things upon them.’
1Well, it was some 20 years after Solomon finished building the Temple of Jehovah and his own palace 2that he started developing the cities that HiRam had given to him, and he settled the sons of IsraEl there.3He went to ZoBah (in HaMath) and strengthened its defenses, 4then he built TadMor in the desert, and he built several other fortified cities in HaMath.5He also built both Upper and Lower BethHoron, and he fortified them all with walls, bars, and gates (for that’s where he kept his chariots and cavalry).6Then Solomon did whatever things he wanted to do in JeruSalem, Lebanon, and throughout his whole kingdom.7At the time, those who were left in the land who were descendants of the Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Hivites, and Jebusites (all those who weren’t IsraElites 8and who hadn’t been destroyed by IsraEl) were forced by Solomon to pay a tribute (which they still pay to this day).9And Solomon didn’t appoint any IsraElites as servants in his kingdom; for these people served as his warriors, governors, great men, and as those who were in charge of his chariots and cavalry. 10There were 250 [of them] who King Solomon had appointed as heads over the supervisors of public works among the people.11Then Solomon built a palace for the daughter of PharaOh outside the city of David where he had sent her to live.He said:‘You may not live as the [wife] of the king of IsraEl inside the city of David; for it’s holy, due to the fact that the Chest of Jehovah is there.’12Solomon also sacrificed whole burnt offerings on the Altar that he built to Jehovah in front of the Temple 13on each of the days that they calculated by the Commandments of Moses on the Sabbaths, on the [New Moons], and on the three annual holidays:• The Festival of fermentation-free Bread,
• The Festival of Weeks, and
• The Festival of Temporary Dwellings.14Then, following the instructions of his father David, he set up the divisions of the Priests and assigned their duties. He assigned the watches for the Levites for when they were to direct the other priests (as he understood it was to be handled each day), as well as the shifts for the gatekeepers of each of the gates.He did just as David (the man of God) had instructed… 15All the commandments of the king were followed when it came to the Priests, Levites, and everything that had to do with the Temple treasures.16Solomon continued to set everything in order from the day that the Temple foundation was laid to the day that it was completed.17Then Solomon built EziOn GeBer in ElAth by the Sea (in the land of Edom), 18and [King] HiRam [of Tyre] sent some of his servants (who were accomplished sailors) with boats that were to be used by Solomon’s servants, and they went to Ophir where they brought back 14 tons (12,700kg) of gold to King Solomon.
1Well, when the Queen of SheBa heard of Solomon’s reputation, she came to JeruSalem to test him with riddles. And when she came, it was with a very large contingent of [servants] and with camels that carried huge amounts of aromatics, gold, and gems.And when she spoke to Solomon, she talked about everything that concerned her; 2and Solomon replied to everything that she asked, not missing a word.3Well, after the Queen of SheBa saw the Wisdom of Solomon, the Temple he had built, 4the food on his tables, what his servants looked like, the stations and uniforms of his wine servers, and all the whole burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah, she was beside herself.5So she said to the king:‘Everything that I’ve heard about you in my own land and of the wise things that you say, are true!6‘However, I didn’t believe any of it until I came and saw it with my own eyes... And look, they didn’t tell me half the story, for I’ve [learned] so much from your wisdom!7‘Why, your men and your servants are blest to be able to always stand before you and listen to your wisdom! 8May your God Jehovah be praised for choosing you and putting you on His throne as their king.‘Your God Jehovah must have a great love for IsraEl and [and He must plan] for it to last throughout the ages, that He would put you as king over them as their righteous judge.’9Then she gave the king 3-1/2 tons (3,175kg) of gold and huge amounts of aromatics and gems. And the aromatics that she gave to him were without equal.10Then the servants of Solomon and [King] HiRam [of Tyre] brought more gold to Solomon from Ophir, as well as pine lumber and precious gems. 11The king used the wood to build the entryway stairs to the Temple of Jehovah and [the entrance] to his palace, as well as harps and other stringed instruments for his musicians.Nothing like this had ever been seen before in the land of Judah!12Then King Solomon gave the Queen of SheBa everything that she desired and asked for… Which exceeded the [gifts] that she’d brought to Solomon; and then she returned to her own land.13Well, the weight of the gold that was brought to Solomon that year was 20 tons (18,140kg)… 14And this was in addition to what his men had gained from their trading. For all the kings of Arabia and all the governors of the land brought gold and silver to the king.15So Solomon had 200 shields of pure gold hammered out, which were each made with 600 gold coins, 16as well as 300 more shields of 300 gold coins each, which were then taken and hung in the king’s palace, in [the room that he called] the Forest of Lebanon.17Thereafter, the king had a huge throne made for himself from ivory tusks that were covered with pure gold, 18and he had 6 steps to the throne that were overlaid with gold. There was a drop-off on either side of the throne, 19and there were 12 [carved] lions on either side of the throne that were positioned along the drop-off on the 6 steps leading up to the king’s throne.Nothing like this has ever been seen in any other kingdom!20Everything that King Solomon had was made of gold, and everything in his palace and in the Forest of Lebanon was overlaid with gold. For during the time of Solomon, silver was considered as nothing.21The king’s ships would sail to TarShish with the servants of HiRam once every three years, and they’d return to the king filled with gold, silver, ivory, and monkeys. 22So Solomon became greater than all other kings in both wealth and wisdom, 23and all the kings of the earth would come before Solomon to listen to the wisdom that God had put into his heart.
24And when they came (which they did each year), they all brought gifts:• Items of gold and silver,
• Clothes,
• Balsam,
• Spices,
• Horses, and
• Mules.25So Solomon soon had 4,000 mares for his chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the cities that he’d built for his chariots, in addition to those that he kept with him in JeruSalem.26He also ruled over all the kings from the river and the land of the Philistines to the borders of Egypt.27During his reign, gold and silver in JeruSalem became as common as stones, and cedar wood was as common as sycamores in the plains. 28Solomon also had horses delivered from Egypt and many other lands.29The rest of the things that Solomon said – from beginning to end – [Look!] were recorded by the Prophet Nathan, by AhiJah the ShiLonite, and in the visions of the Seer JoEl, who saw things concerning JeroBoam (son of NaBat).30So Solomon reigned over all of IsraEl for 40 years. 31Then he went to sleep and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David (his father); and his son RehoBoam started ruling in his place.
1Well, RehoBoam went to SheChem, which was where he was to receive his coronation as king over IsraEl. 2And when JeroBoam (son of NaBat) heard of it, he returned from Egypt (where he’d been living after he’d fled from King Solomon), 3because the assembly of IsraEl had called for him.And when he got there, he and the entire assembly went to the king and said:4‘Your father put a hard yoke on us... So now, free us from the hard service and the heavy yoke that your father laid upon us, and we will serve you!’5And [RehoBoam] replied:‘Leave me for three days, and then return [for an answer].’So, the people then left.6And thereafter, King RehoBoam assembled all the older men who had served his father Solomon during his entire life, and asked them:‘How do you suggest that I answer the people?’7And they told him:‘If you give a good reply to these people today and think well of them, they’ll serve you for as long as you live.’8However, he rejected this advice of the older men and listened to the advice of the younger men whom he’d grown up around and whom he’d chosen as his councilors.9For when he asked them:‘What do you suggest that I tell these people who came before me and asked me to remove the yoke that my father put on them?’10The young men who’d grown up with him replied:‘When you speak to them say:‘My little finger is greater than the hips of my father. 11So if my father disciplined you with a heavy load, I’ll add to the weight of your yoke.‘And if my father disciplined you with whips, I’ll discipline you with scorpions!’12As a result, when all the people and JeroBoam came before RehoBoam on the 3rd day (for the king had said, ‘Return to me on the 3rd day’), 13the king gave them the hard answer, because he’d rejected the council of the older men and told the people what the younger men had suggested.He said:14‘My father put you under a heavy yoke, so I will add to it.‘And my father disciplined you with whips, so I’ll discipline you with scorpions!’15However, the [reason why the] king had refused to listen to what the people said was because God had caused the words that He’d said through AhiJah the ShiLonite concerning JeroBoam (son of NaBat) 16and all IsraEl to be fulfilled… And that’s what kept him from listening to them.17So the people said to the king:‘What [do we owe to] David and the inheritance of the sons of JesSe?‘Run to your Tents, O IsraEl… And you can go back to your own house of David!’So, all the men of IsraEl returned to their homes, and thereafter RehoBoam only ruled over those who lived in Judah. 18For when King RehoBoam sent AdoniRam to collect their taxes, they threw rocks at him and killed him, and King RehoBoam had to run to his chariot and flee to JeruSalem!19Therefore, IsraEl annulled their allegiance to the house of David, which is still true to this day.
1Well, after RehoBoam returned to JeruSalem, he called an assembly of Judah and BenJamin – 180,000 young men – for the purpose of going to war. Then he went off to fight IsraEl, in order to bring them back under his rule.2But the Lord said to the Man of God ShemaiJah:3‘Tell RehoBoam, son of Solomon, who was once the king Judah and all IsraEl, not just of Judah and BenJamin, that Jehovah says:‘You must not go and attack your brothers!‘Everyone must just go back to their homes, because I said so!’4As a result, they obeyed the words of Jehovah and they didn’t attack JeroBoam [King of Israel]. 5So RehoBoam [reigned] in JeruSalem and he built [many] fortified cities throughout Judah.6He also refortified (in Judah and in BenJamin):• BethLehem,
• AiTan,
• ThekoE,
7• BethSoura,
• SocChoth,
• OdolLam,
8• Gath,
• MariSan,
• Ziph,
9• AdoRaim,
• LachIsh,
• Azeka,
10• SaraA,
• AiLom, and
• HebRon.11He built strong walls around them and appointed governors over them; then he sent them provisions of food, olive oil, and wine, 12and he armed each city with shields and spears. He made all the cities that he ruled in Judah and BenJamin very strong.13Well after that, all the Priests and Levites who had been scattered throughout IsraEl left their homes and came to [King ReoBoam]… 14They left their homes and all their possessions, and moved to Judah and JeruSalem, because [King] JeroBoam [of IsraEl] and his sons had driven them out so they wouldn’t represent [Jehovah in his land].15For he’d assigned his own priests for the high places, his idols, his foolish things, and the calves that he made. 16He also drove out all those of the tribes of IsraEl whose hearts belonged to Jehovah the God of IsraEl, and they all moved to JeruSalem, where they could sacrifice to Jehovah the God of their ancestors.17So, the [influx of] all these people strengthened RehoBoam (son of Solomon) and the kingdom of Judah, and he followed in the ways of David and Solomon for the next three years.18RehoBoam married MolLath, who was the daughter of David’s son JeriMoth and of AbiGail (the daughter of JesSe’s son EliAb), 19and she gave birth to her sons:• JaOus,
• ShamariJa, and
• ZaAm.20He also married MaAchah (AbSalom’s daughter), and she gave birth to:• AbiJah,
• JetThi,
• ZeZa, and
• SalemOth.21Now, RehoBoam loved AbSalom’s daughter MaAcha much more than his other wives and concubines (he had 18 wives and 30 concubines through whom he fathered 28 sons and 60 daughters); 22so he appointed MaAcha’s son AbiJah over his brothers to become king after him, 23and he became very powerful throughout the fortified cities along the borders of Judah and BenJamin.He sent huge amounts of provisions to them, but he also asked for many women.
1Well, once [King] RehoBoam [of Judah] was firmly established on his throne, he abandoned the Commandments of Jehovah, and all IsraEl followed along.2Then in the 5th year of the reign of RehoBoam, King Shishak of Egypt attacked JeruSalem because they had sinned against Jehovah.3He came with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 cavalrymen, and innumerable soldiers from Egypt, Libya, SukKia, and Ethiopia, 4and they captured all the fortified cities of Judah… Then they came to JeruSalem!5Well, the Prophet ShemaiJah went to RehoBoam and the governors of Judah (who had all fled to JeruSalem) and said to them:‘Jehovah says:‘Because you’ve abandoned Me, I will abandon you into the hands of Shishak!’6And at that, the king and all the governors of Judah became ashamed, and they said:‘Jehovah is just.’7Then when Jehovah saw their shame, He sent word to ShemaiJah, saying:‘Because they feel ashamed, I won’t destroy them totally... Rather, I will give them some small consideration and I won’t pour out all My rage upon JeruSalem.8‘Then, if they’ll become My servants, they’ll learn what serving Me really means and what it means to serve the kingdom of this land.’9However, King Shishak of Egypt did attack JeruSalem and he took all the treasures that were in the Temple of Jehovah, as well as all the treasures in the king’s palace, including the gold shields that Solomon had made 10(which RehoBoam later replaced with brass shields).Then Shishak stationed his own guards in the king’s gatehouse; 11so, whenever the king went to the Temple of Jehovah, they’d go along and watch him, and return with him.12Well, because [RehoBoam] had felt ashamed, the anger of Jehovah turned away from him, and he didn’t remain corrupt to the end. So things went well for Judah thereafter, 13as RehoBoam continued reigning in JeruSalem… And before long, he started regaining his power.RehoBoam was 41-years-old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem (the city where Jehovah chose to put His Name out of all the tribes of IsraEl) for 17 years. His mother’s name was NoOmMa (she was an AmMonite).14But he also continued to act wickedly, because he could never straighten out his heart when it came to seeking Jehovah.15[Look!] All the words of RehoBoam (from start to finish) and all the things that he did were recorded by the Prophet ShemaiJah and by the Seer AdDo.Well, RehoBoam stayed in a state of war with JeroBoam throughout his life. 16Then he died and was buried in a tomb with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son AbiJah became king after him.
1So in the 18th year of the reign of JeroBoam, AbiJah started his rule over Judah, 2and he reigned in JeruSalem for three years. His mother’s name was MaAcha, and she was the daughter of OuriEl from GibeOn.[During the lifetime of] AbiJah, there was war between him and JeroBoam. 3For although AbiJah had assembled a huge force of 400,000 mighty warriors, JeroBoam came against him with an even larger army of 800,000 mighty warriors!4However, AbiJah stood on Mount SomorOn (in the mountains of Ephraim) and shouted at them:‘Hear me, O JeroBoam and all IsraEl!5‘Don’t you know that Jehovah the God of IsraEl appointed King David to rule over IsraEl throughout the ages, and that He made an agreement of salt with his sons?6‘But then JeroBoam, son of NaBat and the servant of David’s son Solomon, went and rebelled against his lord, 7gathering a group of troublemakers and lawbreakers to come against Solomon’s son RehoBoam... And because RehoBoam was young and timid at heart back then, he didn’t oppose him face-to-face.8‘But now you’ve dared to speak of resisting the kingdom of Jehovah through the hands of the sons of David, and have you gathered a huge army against us! Yet, your gods are just the gold calves that JeroBoam made for you.9‘For you drove out the Priests of Jehovah – the sons of Aaron and the Levites – and you choose your own priests from among the people of the land, so that anyone who came and offered seven rams was made the priest of something that isn’t even a God!10‘However, we have Jehovah as our God, and we haven’t abandoned Him!‘His Priests – the sons of Aaron and the Levites – still serve before Jehovah in their daily rotations and offer whole burnt offerings to Jehovah in the mornings and in the evenings.‘They also burn the [sacred] incense, lay the [sacred] bread loaves on the table, and they serve before the sacred lampstand of pure gold, keeping the lamps burning to light the nights.11‘We’re also the ones who guard the watches of Jehovah the God of our ancestors – and you’re the ones who’ve abandoned Him!12‘So, {Look!} Jehovah is leading us, and His Priests are blowing the signal trumpets that testify against you and the sons of IsraEl! Therefore, you can’t fight against Jehovah the God of your ancestors, because you know that what you’re doing won’t be blest!’13Well at the time, [part of] JeroBoam’s [army] had marched around Judah to ambush them from behind... So while JeroBoam was there in the front, an ambush was forming behind Judah.Then, when the army of Judah looked around and 14found that they were being attacked from the front and from the rear, they yelled to Jehovah and the Priests started blowing their trumpets... 15And when the men of Judah started calling to Jehovah, He struck down [the army of King] JeroBoam and IsraEl there in front of [King] AbiJah and the Judeans, 16and the sons of IsraEl then turned and ran from Judah.So, Jehovah saved them from their hands.17Thereafter, [King] AbiJah and his men chased after and attacked the army of IsraEl, causing a great calamity for them; for they killed 500,000 of their mighty men! 18So the sons of IsraEl were disgraced that day, and the sons of Judah became stronger, because they’d put their trust in Jehovah, the God of their ancestors.19Well after that, [King] AbiJah pursued JeroBoam and captured the cities of BethEl and its surrounding towns, JeShanah and its surrounding towns, and EphRon and its surrounding towns. 20So, JeroBoam was no longer strong during the rest of AbiJah’s lifetime… And then Jehovah struck him and ended him.21But AbiJah grew stronger and took 14 women for himself, fathering 20 sons and 16 daughters. 22All the rest of the things that AbiJah said and did are written in the scrolls of the Prophet AdDo.
1Then AbiJah died and they buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in the city of David, and his son Asa started reigning after him.During the lifetime of Asa, all was quiet in the land of Judah. Because, for the next 10 years, 2he did good things and was righteous before his God Jehovah... 3He removed all the [pagan] altars and high places [of worship], he broke down their monuments, and he cut down their sacred poles.4Then he urged Judah to search for Jehovah the God of their ancestors and to obey His Laws and Commandments. 5Throughout Judah, he had all the altars and idols destroyed, and he brought peace to all the walled cities in the land.6So, everything was peaceful, and there were no more wars during that period, because Jehovah gave him rest.7Then [Asa] said to the people of Judah:‘We should rebuild all our cities and give them walls, towers, gates, and bars.‘For since we’ve been searching for our God Jehovah, He’s been searching for us, and He’s provided us with rest all around and blest us!’8Well at the time, Asa had 300,000 armed soldiers from the land of Judah who each carried shields and spears, as well as 280,000 bowmen from the land of BenJamin who carried small shields, all of whom were powerful warriors.9Then ZaRe the Ethiopian attacked them with 1,000,000 troops and 300 chariots! 10And when he reached MariSha, Asa came to meet him and attacked him in the ravine just north of the city.11Then Asa called to Jehovah his God and said:‘O Jehovah,‘It’s possible for You to save with many or with few...‘So, strengthen us, O Jehovah God, for we will trust in You.‘We’ve come against this huge army in Your Name, O Jehovah our God, so don’t allow any man to defeat You!’12Well thereafter, Jehovah cut down the Ethiopians before Judah, and they fled... 13Then Asa and his men chased after them all the way to Gedor! And there the Ethiopians couldn’t find a place to hide, so they were cut down and defeated before Jehovah and his army, and [the Judeans] carried away much loot.14So at that, because Jehovah was with them, the whole situation was reversed; for [Judah] then attacked and destroyed all the towns around Gedor, and they ravaged all the [Ethiopian] cities, carrying away huge amounts of loot.15They even destroyed the tents and property of the shepherds, carrying away many sheep and camels; and then they returned to JeruSalem.
1Thereafter, the Breath of Jehovah came over AzariAh (son of Oded), and he went to meet with Asa, as well as with all of Judah and [the tribe of] BenJamin.He said:‘Hear me Asa, and all you of Judah and BenJamin!2‘As long as you’re with Him, Jehovah will be with you; and if you’ll search for Him, you’ll find Him. However, if you abandon Him, He will abandon you!3‘Now, IsraEl has been without the true God for a long time... Therefore, there’s no Priest among them who can explain things clearly, and they have no Law! 4But now that you’ve returned to Jehovah the God of IsraEl, He will be found by you!5‘So although there has been no peace for those who entered or left [our cities] until now; Jehovah is going to bring a change of state to all those who live here.6‘Understand that the reason why nations fight against nations and cities fight against cities, is because God shocks them by bringing all sorts of problems upon them! 7But now, you must be strong and not lose your grip, because you’re going to reap the reward of your [good] deeds!’8Well, after he heard these words of the Prophet AzariAh, Asa was moved to drive all the disgusting things out of the lands of Judah and BenJamin! He dedicated [to destruction] all the [idols] that JeroBoam had [built] in the mountains of Ephraim, [and he repaired] the Altar of Jehovah that was in front of His Temple.9Then he [called an] assembly of Judah, BenJamin, and those of the tribes of Ephraim, ManasSeh, and SimeOn who were living among them (for many had moved there from IsraEl when they saw that Jehovah God was with them), 10and they all came to JeruSalem in the 3rd month of the 15th year of the reign of Asa.11He thereafter sacrificed part of the things that they’d captured to Jehovah on that day… 700 calves and 7,000 sheep. 12And they all agreed to search for Jehovah the God of their ancestors with their whole hearts and souls.13They also agreed that anyone who refused to search for Jehovah the God of IsraEl should die, whether they are young or old, male or female!14So, everyone swore an oath to Jehovah in a loud voice, as the trumpets and horns were being blown. 15And everyone in Judah was delighted to swear the oath with their whole souls… Freely and of their own will.Then thereafter, they did search for Jehovah and they found Him… And He rested among them.16Well, [Asa] thereafter forced his mother MaAcha to stop bowing before Astarte, and he cut down her idol, incinerated it, and had [its ashes] thrown into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi.17And even though he failed to remove the high places of worship that were then located all around Judah and IsraEl, Asa’s heart remained [true] throughout the rest of his life. 18He also recovered the holy things of his ancestor David and the holy things of the Temple of God… All the items of silver and gold.19And there was no more war through the 35th year of Asa’s reign.
1It was during the 36th year of the reign of King Asa [of Judah] that King BaAsha of IsraEl attacked Judah, and he fortified RamAh to keep [his people] from entering or leaving the land of King Asa of Judah.2Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasury in the Temple of Jehovah and from the king’s palace, and sent it to King BenHader [I] of Syria (who lived in Damascus), saying:3‘Let’s create a treaty between you and me, [as there had been] between my father and your father.‘Look! I’m sending you gold and silver!‘So, come and scatter King BaAsha of IsraEl and drive him away from me!’4Well, King BenHader listened to Asa and he ordered his generals to attack the cities of IsraEl. As a result, they attacked:• AiOn,
• Dan,
• AbelMain, and
• [Cities] throughout the land of NaphTali.5And when [King] BaAsha heard what was happening, he stopped working on RamAh and ended his projects. 6Then King Asa gathered all Judah and they gathered up the stones and timbers that BaAsha was using to build RamAh, and they used them to build GabaE and MasPha.7But after that, the Prophet HanaNi went to Asa (the king of Judah) and said to him:‘Because you relied on the king of Syria and you didn’t trust in your God Jehovah, the army of Syria won’t remain under your control.8‘Don’t [you remember] how large and courageous the armies of the Ethiopians and Libyans were, and how vast their cavalry was; and when you relied on Jehovah, didn’t He give them into your hands?9‘For the eyes of Jehovah search throughout the earth looking to strengthen any heart that is devoted to Him. But now, I want you to know that you’ll be going to war!’10Well, this made Asa furious with the Prophet, and he had him thrown in prison (because he was so angry), and he actually had several people killed.11{Look!} The rest of the things that Asa said and did (from start to finish) are written about in the scrolls of the kings of Judah and IsraEl.12It was during the 39th year of Asa’s reign that he became seriously ill; for he was having problems with his feet. And rather than going to Jehovah for help, he went to the physicians. 13So, Asa [died] and went to sleep with his ancestors, ending his reign in its 40th year.14Then they buried him in a tomb that he’d quarried for himself in the City of David. They placed [his body] on a bed that was covered with aromatics and expensive perfumes, and they held a great funeral for him.
1Well, after that, [Asa’s] son JehoShaphat took his place as the king. And JehoShaphat fortified his [land] against IsraEl 2by placing troops in all the walled cities of Judah. He also appointed governors over each city in Judah and over all the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.3Now, Jehovah was with JehoShaphat, because he started out by following in the ways of his ancestor David. 4He didn’t [worship] any of the idols… Just Jehovah, the God of his father. He also obeyed the commandments of his father and he didn’t follow in the ways of IsraEl.5So, Jehovah strengthened the kingdom under his hands, and all Judah sent him gifts. As a result, he became very rich and powerful. 6JehoShaphat continued to follow in the ways of [Jehovah faithfully], and he again removed all the high places of worship and all the sacred poles from the land of Judah.7Then, during the 3rd year of his reign, he sent his governors along with his sons and dignitaries (such as AbdiAn, ZachariAh, NathaniEl, and MichaiJah) to teach the people throughout the cities of Judah.8[In addition, he also sent] the Levites (ShemaiJah, NathaniAh, ZabDiAh, AsiEl, SemiRamOth, JoNathan, AdoniJah, and TobiAh) and the Priests (EliSama and JoRam).9They all traveled throughout Judah with the scroll of the Law of Jehovah, going to each city and teaching [God’s Laws] to the people. 10As a result, Jehovah brought a change over all the surrounding kingdoms, because they no longer went to war against JehoShaphat.11Even the Philistines brought gifts and things made of silver to JehoShaphat; and the people of Arabia sent him 7,700 male sheep, and 7,700 male goats. 12So he kept growing in stature and importance, as he built houses and fortified cities throughout Judah, 13and he started several public-works projects.JehoShaphat kept a contingent of mighty warriors in JeruSalem, 14and here are their numbers by houses and families:The generals of Judah were:• AdNah, who was the leader of 300,000 men,
15• JoAnan, who was the leader of 280,000,
16• AmasiAh (son of Zari, who was known for his zeal for Jehovah), who was the leader of 200,000 strong, mighty men.
17• Also, from [the tribe of] BenJamin came the strong, powerful leader EliAda, who had 200,000 bowmen that carried small shields.
18• And following him was JoZabad with 180,000 mighty men of war.19These men were also the king’s governors that were in charge of the fortified cities throughout Judah.
1Well, after JehoShaphat became very rich and famous, he decided to ally himself with the house of [King] Ahab [of IsraEl] through marriage. 2So after several years, he went to visit Ahab in Samaria with a large contingent of his people, and he sacrificed many calves and sheep on behalf of Ahab.Then to show his love for him, he consented to go with him to [fight at] RamOth GileAd. 3For King Ahab of IsraEl had asked King JehoShaphat of Judah:‘Will you go to RamOth GileAd with me?’And he replied:‘You and your people are the same as [me and] my people, so we’ll join you in the war.’4However, JehoShaphat said to the king of IsraEl:‘But first, let’s ask for [God’s direction]!’5So the king of IsraEl gathered all his prophets (some 400 men) and asked them:‘Should I attack RamOth GileAd or should I wait?’And they replied:‘Go there, and God will hand them over to the king!’6But then JehoShaphat asked:‘Aren’t there any Prophets of Jehovah that we can ask?’7And the king of IsraEl replied:‘There’s one man who searches for answers from Jehovah, but I detest him, because he never prophesies anything good for me. All he ever tells me is bad things!‘He’s MichaiJah, son of JemBla.’But JehoShaphat said:‘The king shouldn’t talk that way!’8Then the king called one of his eunuchs and said:‘Quickly! Go find MichaiJah, son of JemBla, and bring him to me!’9Well, at the time, the king of IsraEl and JehoShaphat (the king of Judah) were each sitting on thrones in the broad area near the city gate of Samaria dressed in [their royal] robes, and all the prophets were there prophesying before them.10Then one of them (ZedekiAh, son of CanaAn) made some iron horns for himself and said:‘This is what the Lord says:‘You will gore the Syrians with these until you’ve wiped them out completely!’11And all the rest of the prophets said the same thing.They said:‘Go to RamOth GileAd and you’ll succeed! For the Lord will give it into the hands of the king!’12Well, the messenger that had been sent to call MichaiJah said to him:‘Look! All the prophets are saying good things to the king, so it would be a blessing if you’d tell him good things too.’13And MichaiJah replied:‘As Jehovah lives, I’ll say whatever God tells me to say!’14So MicaiJah went before the king, and the king asked:‘Should I attack RamOth GileAd or should I wait?’And he replied:‘Go, and you’ll be blest, because it will be given into your hands!’15But the king said:‘How often do I have to tell you to swear to only tell me the truth in the Name of the Lord?’16And MichaiJah said:‘I see IsraEl being scattered in the mountains like sheep without a shepherd.‘For Jehovah said:‘They will be without a leader, so each one should return to his home in peace.’17Then the king of IsraEl said to JehoShaphat:‘You see… Didn’t I tell you that he wouldn’t prophesy anything good, just bad things?’18And MichaiJah said:‘That isn’t so! [These are] the words of Jehovah!‘For I saw Jehovah sitting on His Throne and all the armies of the heavens were sitting beside Him on His right and on His left.19‘Then Jehovah asked:‘Whom can I send to deceive Ahab the king of IsraEl so that he attacks RamOth GileAd and is defeated?’‘Well, one suggested this and another suggested that; 20but then a spirit stepped forward into the presence of Jehovah and said:‘I can fool him!’‘And when Jehovah asked how, 21he said:‘I will go into the mouths of his prophets as a lying spirit.’‘And [God] said:‘You will indeed be able to fool him, so go there and do it!’22‘As a result {Look!}, Jehovah has put a lying spirit into the mouths of all these, your prophets.‘And it was Jehovah that spoke these bad things against you, [not me]!’23Then ZedekiAh (son of CanaAn) [came up] and hit MichaiJah in the jaw and shouted:‘How has the Lord’s Breath passed from me to you, so that you should feel so free to speak?’24And MichaiJah replied:‘{Look!} You’ll know it in that day when you have to run from closet to closet to hide!’25Then the king of IsraEl gave the order:‘Take MichaiJah and hand him over to Emer the city mayor and to [my] son JoAsh the governor... 26Tell them that the king wants this man thrown in jail and just fed moldy bread and water until we return in peace!’27And MichaiJah said:‘Well, as Jehovah told me; you’re not going to return in peace… Listen to this, all you people!’28So the king of IsraEl and King JehoShaphat of Judah rode up to RamOth GileAd.29And the king of IsraEl said to JehoShaphat:‘I’m going to disguise myself when I go into battle, so I want you to wear my clothes!’Thus, the king of IsraEl disguised himself and rode into the battle.30Then the king of Syria told the generals who were standing near him (those who were in charge of his chariots):‘Don’t attack the regular soldiers, just attack the king of IsraEl.’31So when the generals in charge of the chariots saw JehoShaphat, they shouted:‘That’s the king of IsraEl!’And they surrounded him and prepared to attack... But JehoShaphat called out, and Jehovah saved him by turning them away from him. 32For when the generals in charge of the chariots saw that it wasn’t the king of IsraEl, they turned and left him.33Then a skilled archer pulled his bow tight and shot an arrow at the king of IsraEl, hitting him in the middle of his chest, between his lungs!And [the king] said to his chariot driver:‘Turn around and take me away from the battle, because I’m in a lot of pain!’34So the king of IsraEl left the battle that day; and there he sat on his chariot, right across from the Syrian lines, until the evening... Then he died just as the sun was setting.
1Well, as King JehoShaphat of Judah was returning to his palace in JeruSalem, 2the Prophet Jehu (son of AnaNi) came to meet him.And he said:‘O King JehoShaphat,‘Why did you befriend and help a sinner who is hated by Jehovah?‘Now, because you did this, you’ve brought Jehovah’s anger upon yourself!3‘However, good things have also been said about you, because you’ve removed the sacred poles from the land of Judah, and you’ve straightened your heart to search for Jehovah.’4So thereafter, JehoShaphat continued to live in JeruSalem, and he once again went to all the people (from BeerSheBa to the mountains of Ephraim) to turn them to Jehovah, the God of their ancestors. 5He also assigned judges in all the walled cities of Judah, city by city.6And he told the judges:‘Pay close attention to what you’re doing, because you aren’t judging for men but for Jehovah!7‘So, may the fear of God rest upon you!‘And be careful about how you act, for your God Jehovah isn’t unjust… He isn’t swayed by how a man looks, nor does He accept bribes!’8Then JehoShaphat brought the Levites, the Priests, and the patriarchs of IsraEl to JeruSalem to serve as judges for Jehovah and to judge the people of JeruSalem.9The instructions he gave to them were:‘You must [judge] with the fear of Jehovah… In truth and with a [pure] heart.10‘You must warn each man among your brothers who comes to you from any of the cities for justice – whether it’s a matter of blood, of order, of the Commandments, of the Law, or of the decisions [of God] – that they must not sin against Jehovah, so that God doesn’t become angry with you or with your brothers.‘No, you must not sin!11‘{Look!} I’ve appointed AmariAh the Priest to be over you, so that every decision is the word of Jehovah.‘Also, ZabDiAh, son of IshMaEl, is in charge of the house of Judah when it comes to the decisions of the king… And you have the scribes and Levites there [to help you].‘So, be strong and act, then Jehovah will bless those who are doing what’s good!’
1Then the sons of MoAb, the sons of AmMon, and some of the Minaeans marched against JehoShaphat in war.2And [the king’s messengers] spoke plainly to JehoShaphat and told him:‘A huge army has come against you from the other side of the sea and from Syria! Look! They’re already in AsaSan-Thamar (EnGedi)!’3Well, this frightened JehoShaphat and he went to seek [God’s] guidance, and he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. 4So, all of Judah gathered to seek Jehovah’s help, coming from all the cities of the land.5Then JehoShaphat stood up before the entire assembly of Judah in JeruSalem, there at the Temple of Jehovah (in front of the new courtyard), 6and said:‘O Jehovah, the God of my fathers,‘Aren’t You the God of all that’s above the skies, and don’t You dominate all the kingdoms of the nations?‘Don’t Your hands have the strength to dominate everything, and can anyone really stand against You?7‘You are Jehovah…‘You’re the One who destroyed those who lived in this land from before your people IsraEl, and it was You who gave this land to the offspring of AbraHam… This one whom loved you through that age.8‘So, this is where we now live and where we’ve built a Most Holy Place to Your Name.9‘Now, [the people have said]:‘Should any bad things come against us, such as war, judgments, plagues, or famines, we’ll all come and stand before You and You’ll save us; for the battle is Jehovah’s!’10‘But look!‘The sons of AmMon, MoAb, and [people from] the mountains of SeIr... Those whose lands You refused to allow Your people to pass through as they returned from the land of Egypt and from which they were driven away, but whom we couldn’t conquer... 11[They] have now come here to drive us out of the inheritance that You gave to us!12‘O Jehovah our God,‘Won’t You condemn them?‘We aren’t strong enough to resist such a huge army, and we don’t know what to do about them, so we’re all looking to You!’13Well at the time, all of Judah was standing there before Jehovah, including the women and children... 14Then the Breath of Jehovah came over OziEl (son of ZachariAh, a descendant of BenaiJah, son of EliEl, son of MathaniAh the Levite of the sons of Asaph) as he stood there in the assembly.15And he said:‘Listen all of Judah, as well as you who live in JeruSalem, and King JehoShaphat; for, this is Jehovah’s reply to you:‘Don’t be afraid of that huge army, because this battle isn’t yours, it belongs to God!16‘Therefore, ready yourselves to march against them tomorrow!‘Look; they’ll be marching along the road to Asa, and you’ll find them camped beside the river in the JeriEl Desert. 17However, don’t attack them. Just stand there and watch! And then you’ll see that the deliverance of Jehovah is with you, O Judah and JeruSalem!‘Don’t worry and don’t be frightened; for when you march to meet them tomorrow, Jehovah will be with you!’18And at that, JehoShaphat bowed to his face, and all Judah and the people of JeruSalem fell to their faces before Jehovah. 19Then the Levites (the sons of KoHath and KorAh) got up and started praising Jehovah the God of IsraEl, calling out loudly towards the heavens.20So the next morning, everyone got up early and started their march into the Thecoe Desert. And as they were marching, JehoShaphat went ahead of them, and he shouted:‘Hear me, O Judah and those who live in JeruSalem!‘Trust in Jehovah and you’ll find that He can be trusted…‘Yes, trust in His Prophet and you’ll be blest!’21Then, as he led the people on, he sent the singers and [the Priests] who offer holy praise and acknowledgements to march ahead of the army shouting:‘Praise Jehovah and His mercy throughout the ages!’22And as they were shouting these praises and acknowledgements, Jehovah caused the sons of AmMon to turn against the MoAbites and the people of the mountains of SeIr as they were marching against Judah, and they all turned and ran away!23Then the sons of AmMon and the MoAbites attacked the people from the mountains of SeIr and killed everyone who lived there… And after that, they started fighting among themselves until they were all destroyed!24So when Judah reached the ridge along the edge of the desert, they looked down on that whole army and found them all lying on the ground dead…None were left!25Well at that, JehoShaphat and his people went down and looted all their possessions (there were many cattle, personal things, desirable things, and loot)… They took it all… It took three days for them to pick it all up, because there was so much to be collected!26And on the 4th day, they all assembled in the Valley of Blessings, which is what they started calling that place because Jehovah had blest them there… And it’s still called the Valley of Blessings to this day.27Then all the men of Judah marched back to JeruSalem joyfully, with JehoShaphat taking the lead; for everyone was so happy over what Jehovah had done to their enemies. 28And as they entered JeruSalem, they were playing stringed instruments, woodwinds, and trumpets, as they headed towards the Temple of Jehovah.29And after that, Jehovah brought a change of state upon all the kingdoms of the land; for when they heard that Jehovah was fighting against the enemies of IsraEl, 30they allowed the kingdom of JehoShaphat to have peace and rest all around.31JehoShaphat had started his reign over Judah when he was 35 years old, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 25 years. His mother’s name was Azuba, and she was the daughter of Sali.32JehoShaphat followed in the ways of his father Asa, and he never turned aside from doing what was upright before Jehovah. 33But the high places of worship were still there, and the people never straightened out their hearts to Jehovah, the God of their ancestors.34{Look!} The rest of the things that JehoShaphat said, from start to finish, have been written about by Jehu (son of AnaNi), who put it all in the scrolls of the kings of IsraEl.35However, later on, King JehoShaphat of Judah [displeased Jehovah] by working with King AhaziAh of IsraEl to build boats in EziOn GeBer, which they could sail to TarShish... 36So EliEzer (son of DodiJa from MarIsis) prophesied against JehoShaphat, saying this:37‘Because you befriended AhaziAh, Jehovah has destroyed all your work and broken your boats to pieces!’And as a result, they never sailed to TarShish.
1Then JehoShaphat went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the city of David. So his son JehoRam started reigning in place of him.2Now, JehoRam had six brothers:• AzariAh,
• JeiEl,
• ZachariAh,
• AzariAh,
• MichaEl, and
• ShaphatiAh......all of whom were sons of JehoShaphat the king of Judah, 3and their father had given them many gifts of silver, gold, shields, and walled cities in Judah.However, he gave the kingdom to JehoRam, because he was the firstborn. 4But after JehoRam became strong in his kingdom, he had all of his brothers and some of the governors of IsraEl killed with a sword!5JehoRam was 32 years old when he became king, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 8 years. 6But he then started acting like the kings of IsraEl and doing the same things as the house of [King] Ahab [of Israel], acting wickedly before Jehovah, even marrying the daughter of Ahab!7However, Jehovah didn’t want to destroy the house of David, due to the agreement that He’d made with David when He told him that He’d set him and his sons [as] a lamp throughout all the days.8Then [the land of] Edom rebelled against Judah and appointed a king to rule over them. 9So JehoRam, his leaders, and his cavalry [marched on] Edom... However, during the night, the generals in charge of his chariots found themselves surrounded and they all retreated to their tents.10Therefore, Edom has continued their revolt against Judah down to this day.Then [the city of] LobNa revolted and became free of [JehoRam’s] rule, because he had abandoned Jehovah, the God of his ancestors, 11by building the high places [of worship] in the cities of Judah and leading the people of Judah and JeruSalem astray.12Then [JehoRam] received a letter from the Prophet EliJah saying:‘This is what Jehovah the God of your ancestor David has said:‘Because you haven’t followed in the ways of your father JehoShaphat or in the ways of Asa the king of Judah, 13and have gone in the ways of the kings of IsraEl, leading the people of Judah and JeruSalem into [spiritual] immorality (just as the house of Ahab is guilty of such immorality), and because you murdered your brothers, the sons of your father who were all better than you...14‘{Look!} Jehovah is going to bring a great calamity upon you, your people, your sons, your women, and everything that you own!15‘Then you’re going to become very sick and feel worse each day until your belly bursts!’16So Jehovah sent the Philistines, the Arabians, and the people from around Ethiopia against JehoRam, 17and they attacked the Judeans and defeated them... They carried off everything that they found in the king’s palace and in the houses of his sons and daughters!And the only son who survived was JehoAhaz (his youngest).18Then Jehovah struck JehoRam with a disease of the belly that couldn’t be cured, 19and which got worse day after day, for the next 2 years. And finally, his belly broke open from the disease and he died in agony!Well, his people didn’t even hold a funeral for him as they had done for his ancestors. 20He was 32 years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 8 years. But when he died, he wasn’t highly regarded, so they buried him in a tomb in the City of David, but not among the kings.
1Then the people of JeruSalem chose his youngest son, AhaziAh, to become their king (because all of JehoRam’s older sons had been murdered by a band of Arabian and AliMazonian highwaymen). 2So AhaziAh became the king of Judah and started his reign in JeruSalem when he was 25 years old. His mother’s name was AthaliAh, and she was the daughter of OmRi.3AhaziAh also followed in the ways of the house of [King] Ahab [of IsraEl], because his mother was his counselor in sin... 4So, like the house of Ahab, he acted wickedly before Jehovah, because [Ahab’s family] served as his counselors after his father died and they led him into destruction.5For he listened to their council and joined Ahab’s son King JehoRam of IsraEl in a war against King HazaEl of Syria at RamOth GileAd.[In this war], a bowman shot [King] JehoRam [of IsraEl], 6so he went to the hospital at JezreEl to be treated for the wound that he’d received in his war against King HazaEl of Syria at RamOth. Then King AhaziAh (son of JehoRam) of Judah went to see [King] JehoRam (son of Ahab) while he was recovering there in JezreEl... And that’s when (under God’s direction) the final event in the life of AhaziAh happened! 7For he joined with JehoRam to fight against Jehu (son of NimShi), the one whom Jehovah had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab.8Now, as Jehu was punishing the house of Ahab, he found the governors of Judah along with some of AhaziAh’s relatives, and he killed them all... 9Then Jehu told [his men] to search for AhaziAh, and they found him at the hospital in Samaria. So they [led Jehu to] him and Jehu killed him.But they buried him in a tomb, for they said:‘He’s the descendant of JehoShaphat, a man who searched for Jehovah with his whole heart.’Thereafter, with the death of [King] AhaziAh [of Judah], there was no one left to rule his kingdom... 10And when his mother [Queen] AthaliAh learned that her son AhaziAh had been killed, she tried to have everyone in the royal house of Judah murdered! 11But JehoShabeth (the king’s daughter) stole his son JehoAsh from the midst of the other sons of the king who were to be killed, and she hid him and fed him in a bed closet.Now, [Princess] JehoShabeth was the daughter of King JehoRam, [and was therefore King] AhaziAh’s sister; [she was also] the wife of JehoiAda (the Priest). And she kept JehoAsh with her, hidden from [Queen] AthaliAh so she wouldn’t have him murdered, 12inside the Temple of God, until he was 6 years old.But during that time, [Queen] AthaliAh ruled the land.
1Well, after 7 years, [the husband of Princess JehoShabeth, the Priest] JehoiAda, reckoned that the time had finally come... So he took several army lieutenants with him into the Temple of Jehovah.[They were:]• AzariAh son of JehoRam,
• IshMaEl son of JoAnan,
• AzariAh son of Obed,
• MaAseJah son of AdiJa, and
• EliShaPhan son of ZachariAh.2Then they traveled around Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and all the family heads of IsraEl and brought them to JeruSalem; 3and this whole gathering of Judah made a pact with the king there at the Temple of God.For [JehoiAda] showed the king’s son to them and said:‘Look… This is the king’s son!‘So, may he now become the king, just as Jehovah said concerning the house of David!4‘Therefore, this is what you must do:• A third of you Priests and Levites should come here on the Sabbath and occupy all the Temple gates and entrances;• 5A third must surround the king’s palace;• And a third must occupy the central gate.‘Then all the people must assemble in the courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah… 6Don’t let anyone enter the Temple that isn’t a Priest or Levite! Allow all the officiating Levites to enter, because they’re holy, and all the rest should guard the watches of Jehovah...7‘Each of the Levites should gather around the king with their weapons in their hands, and then kill anyone who dares to enter the Temple… They must protect the king as he’s entering and leaving.’8So the Levites and all Judah did exactly as JehoiAda the Priest told them... Each of [the lieutenants] kept his men in their stations from the time that the Sabbath started until its conclusion, and JehoiAda didn’t allow the Priests to rest after their daily rotations.9He gave the Priests and army lieutenants their orders, and then he armed them with swords, large shields, and even the small shields that King David had placed in the Temple of God.10Thereafter, he stationed them (bearing their weapons) everywhere, from the room on the right of the Temple to the room to the left of the Altar, and all around the king’s palace... 11Then he brought out the king’s son and placed the trappings and proofs of his kingship upon him, and the [High] Priest JehoiAda and his sons anointed him as the king, shouting:‘Long live the king!’12Well, [Queen] AthaliAh heard the sounds of the people running and shouting, praising the king, so she went to the Temple of Jehovah 13and she saw {Look!} the king standing at his station in the king’s entrance as the trumpets were blowing!Also, there were all the governors standing around the king, as the people of the land were joyfully shouting and blowing trumpets, the musicians were playing their instruments, and the singers were singing praises!So [Queen] AthaliAh tore her robe and shouted:‘Attack them!’14But JehoiAda the Priest told the army lieutenants:‘Throw her out of the Temple, then take her outside and kill her with your swords… Don’t kill her inside the Temple of Jehovah!’15Well at that, they released her... And as she was walking through the gate of the horsemen towards the king’s palace, they killed her.16Then JehoiAda proclaimed an agreement between himself, the people, and the king, that they were all going to be Jehovah’s people. 17And thereafter, all the people of the land went to the temple of BaAl and tore it and its altars down, and they ground its idols into a fine dust... Then they put Mathan (the priest of BaAl) to death in front of his altars!18Thereafter, [High] Priest JehoiAda commissioned the Priests and Levites to refurbish the Temple of Jehovah, and he re-established the assignments and daily rotations of the Priests and Levites as they were set up by David for the Temple of Jehovah.Then he sacrificed whole burnt offerings to Jehovah in the way that was written in the Law of Moses, as they played the joyful songs that were written by David. 19He also assigned gatekeepers to stand at the gates of the Temple of Jehovah so as to prevent anyone who was unclean in any way from entering.20After that, he gathered the family heads, the dignitaries, the people’s governors, and all the people of the land. Then they led the king into the Temple of Jehovah through the inner gate of the king’s palace, and sat him down on the king’s throne.21However, although all the people of the land were joyful, everything became silent as they executed Queen AthaliAh with a sword.
1So, JehoAsh was 7 years old when began his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 40 years. His mother’s name was SabiJa, and she was from BeerSheba.2JehoAsh did what was right before Jehovah for as long as the [High] Priest JehoiAda was alive. 3Meanwhile, JehoiAda [the Priest] had taken two women that bore sons and daughters to him.4Then it came into the heart of JehoAsh to repair the Temple of Jehovah. 5So he assembled all the Priests and Levites and said to them:‘Go into all the cities of Judah and IsraEl each year and collect enough money to strengthen the Temple of Jehovah… Starting from right now!’Well, the Levites didn’t do anything; 6so King JehoAsh called for JehoiAda their leader, and asked:‘Why haven’t you been overseeing the Levites, to make sure that they’re taking up the collections from Judah and IsraEl that were specified by Moses, the man of God, for the gathering of IsraEl at the Tent of Proofs?7‘[Queen] AthaliAh is to blame [for its poor condition], because it was her sons who wrecked the Temple of Jehovah, taking all its holy things and dedicating them to the BaAls.’8And the king said:‘Make a [collection] chest and place it just outside of the entrance to the Temple of Jehovah... 9Then, have [the officials] travel throughout Judah, JeruSalem, IsraEl, and into the desert, to tell [the people] to bring the amount that was specified by Moses, the servant of God, to Jehovah.’10Well thereafter, all the people and their governors did come and bring [their tithes], and soon the [collection] chest was filled! 11So when the Levites carried the chest to the king’s accountants, they found that they had more than enough money [to complete the Temple renovation project].Then the king’s scribe and the High Priest’s accountant emptied the chest and put it back into its place. They did this each day, and they gathered huge amounts of money, 12which the king then gave to the Priest JehoiAda and to those who were doing the work on the Temple of Jehovah... So they hired the stonecutters, carpenters, and metalworkers that were needed to repair Jehovah’s Temple.13Well, everyone did their jobs, and soon the project of rebuilding and refurbishing the Temple was completed. 14Then after it was done, they carried the rest of the money to King JehoAsh and to JehoiAda, and they made things that were required for the services at the Temple, such as gold incense pans and other items of silver and gold.And thereafter, whole burnt offerings were sacrificed at the Temple of Jehovah throughout the rest of the life of JehoiAda.15Well, [the High Priest] JehoiAda lived a very full life, which ended after 130 years. 16So they buried him in a tomb in the City of David among the kings, because he’d served IsraEl, God, and the Temple so well!17But after [High Priest] JehoiAda died, the governors of Judah came and bowed before the king, and King [JehoAsh] listened to them... 18So they abandoned the Temple of Jehovah the God of their ancestors, and started serving the Astartes and the idols… Which has brought [God’s] anger upon Judah and JeruSalem down to this day.19So [God] sent His Prophets to turn them back to Jehovah, and they warned the people… But they just wouldn’t listen!20Then the Breath of God came over AzariAh the Priest (JehoiAda’s son), and he went before the people and said to them:‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘Why are you overlooking My Commandments so that the things you’re doing won’t be blest?‘You have abandoned Jehovah, so now He will abandon you!’21Well, following the orders of King JehoAsh, they then attacked him and stoned him to death there in the courtyard of Jehovah’s Temple! 22For JehoAsh had forgotten the mercy that JehoiAda ([AzariAh’s] father) had shown to him and had his son murdered.And as [AzariAh] was dying, he said:‘Look down upon this O Jehovah, and judge!’23Well, as that year came to its end, the armies of Syria came and attacked Judah and JeruSalem, and they killed all the rulers of the people, then they carried away loot and brought it to their king in Damascus!24For even though the army of Syria that came against them wasn’t very large, God gave [Judah] and their huge army into their hands, because they’d abandoned Jehovah the God of their ancestors.They also punished JehoAsh, 25leaving him sick and broken.Then his own servants turned against him (over the blood of the son of JehoiAda the Priest), and they killed him in his own bed! So he died, and they buried him in a tomb in the City of David, but not in the tomb of the kings.26Well, the men who attacked him were:• SaBed (son of SamaAth the AmMonite),
• JoZabed (son of SomarOth the Moabite) 27plus his sons (all 5 of them joined in killing him).{Look!} The rest of the things [that JehoAsh] said are written in the scrolls of the kings.Then his son AmaziAh became the king in his place.
1AmaziAh was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he reigned from JeruSalem for 29 years. His mother’s name was JoAden, and she was from JeruSalem.2Although he did what was upright before Jehovah, he didn’t do it wholeheartedly.3When he became the king, he killed the servants who had murdered his father (the king), 4but he didn’t kill their sons, because of what was written in the Sacred Agreement of the Law of Jehovah, where Jehovah said:‘Fathers should not be put to death for their children, and sons should not die for their fathers.’5Then AmaziAh gathered [the troops] of Judah and divided them under the generals and lieutenants by the houses of their families throughout all Judah and JeruSalem. He had taken a count of all those who were 20-years old and up, and found that there were 300,000 mighty warriors that carried a spear and a shield.6But then he also hired 100,000 mighty, powerful warriors from IsraEl for 3 tons (2,700kg) of silver.7So, the man of God came to him and said:‘O king,‘You should not march along with the forces of IsraEl, because Jehovah isn’t with IsraEl or with any of the descendants of Ephraim... 8So if you should choose to build your army with them, Jehovah will make you run from your enemies.‘For Jehovah can either make you stronger or He can force you to run.’9Then AmaziAh asked the man of God:‘But, what should I do about the 3 tons (2,700kg) of silver that I paid for the soldiers of IsraEl?’And the man of God replied:‘Jehovah can repay you with more than that.’10So AmaziAh sent away the soldiers that had come to him from Ephraim. However, this made them furious with Judah, and they went back to their homes in a rage.11Well, [King] AmaziAh’s [army] did grow stronger, so he gathered his men and marched into the Salt Valley, where they attacked and killed 10,000 of the sons of SeIr, 12and brought back 10,000 captives to Judah. Then they led them to a high cliff and tossed them all over, ripping them to shreds.13But after that, the soldiers whom AmaziAh had sent away (the ones whom he didn’t allow to join him in the war) attacked all the cities of Judah from Samaria to BethOron, killing 3,000 and carrying away a lot of loot... 14And meanwhile, after [King] AmaziAh had attacked Edom, he brought back some of the gods of the sons of SeIr, erecting them for himself as gods, and he bowed and offered sacrifices to them!15So Jehovah became very angry with AmaziAh and sent His Prophet, who asked him:‘Why are you now looking to the gods that weren’t able to save their own people from your hands?’16And the king replied:‘Have I appointed you as one of the king’s councilors?‘Be careful that I don’t have you whipped!’So the Prophet didn’t tell him anything more.He just said:‘I know that He will now oppose you and ruin you, because He [sent me to you], and you refused to listen to my advice.’17Then King AmaziAh of Judah sent word to King JehoAsh of Israel (son of JehoAhaz and grandson of Jehu), saying:‘[Why don’t you] come and meet me face-to-face?’18And King JehoAsh of IsraEl replied:‘A thorn bush in Lebanon sent word to the cedars of Lebanon, saying:‘Give me your daughter to be my son’s wife.’‘But then the wild animals of the fields of Lebanon went and trampled the thorn bush.‘So now you’re saying [to yourself]:‘Why, look! I’ve attacked Edom!’‘And your heavy heart has been lifted!‘But [it would be better for] you to just go back home and sit in your palace... 19Why have you assembled [your army] to do evil?‘For you’ll fall, and Judah will fall with you!’20Well, [King] AmaziAh [of Judah] just wouldn’t listen, because Jehovah planned to hand him over to [King] JehoAsh [of IsraEl], due to his trusting in the gods of the Edomites. 21So King AmaziAh of Judah and King JehoAsh of IsraEl marched against each other, facing off at BethSamus in Judah.22Then the battle began, and Judah had to run from IsraEl – everyone ran back to their tents – 23and King AmaziAh of Judah, son of JehoAsh and grandson of JehoAhaz, was captured by King JehoAsh of IsraEl at BethSamus.Thereafter, they brought him back to JeruSalem, and they tore down the city walls from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate… 750 feet (230m) of it! 24[JehoAsh] also took all the gold and silver, all the things that he found in the Temple of Jehovah, all the things being cared for by ObedEdom, and all the treasures in the king’s palace... He also carried off several of the sons of [AmaziAh’s] allies, and then he returned to Samaria.25However, AmaziAh (son of JehoAsh) king of Judah then survived the death of JehoAsh (son of JehoAhaz) king of IsraEl by 15 years.26Well, {Look!} all the things that AmaziAh said, from start to finish, are written in the scrolls of the kings of Judah and IsraEl.27But thereafter, [King] AmaziAh [continued to rebel] against Jehovah, and there was an attempt to assassinate him, so he fled JeruSalem and went to LachIsh... But after he got there, they still found him and killed him! 28Then they mounted his body on a horse and buried him in a tomb with his ancestors in the City of David.
1So, all the people of the land took UzZiAh [also known as AzariAh], who was just 16 years old, and appointed him as king in place of his father AmaziAh.2He’d been away, building ElAth, but he returned to Judah after the king went to sleep with his ancestors. 3So UzZiAh was only 16 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for 52 years. His mother’s name was JecheliAh, and she was from JeruSalem.4[UzZiAh] did what was upright before Jehovah, every bit as much as did his father AmaziAh. 5He searched for Jehovah throughout the entire life of ZachariAh, who was the one who [showed him] the need to fear Jehovah.So, during the period that he was searching for Jehovah, all of his ways were blest... 6Therefore, when he went to war with the Philistines, he tore down the walls of Gath, JabNe, and AshDod, and he built cities around AshDod, right there in the midst of the Philistines.7For Jehovah gave him power over the Philistines, the Arabians, those who lived on The Rock, and the Minaeans. 8The Minaeans even brought gifts to him, and his name became famous beyond Egypt.9Thereafter, UzZiAh built [battle] towers around JeruSalem’s gates, at the corners [of the walls], at the gates and corners of the walls in the valley below, and he strengthened the [city walls]. 10He also built forts in the desert and he dug many wells, because there were so many cattle in the plains of ShepheLa.In addition, he sent vinedressers into the mountains and to CarMel, because he was fond of farming.11However, UzZiAh [was also fond of] war, because he fought many battles... The accounts of these were recorded by the Scribe JeiEl and Judge MasSiAh, from what they were told by AnaniAh, the king’s second-in-command.12There were 2,600 generals in his army 13[that were appointed over] 307,500 men. These were always prepared for war and ready to [fight for] the king against his many opponents. 14And UzZiAh took good care of [his army] by providing them with:• Shields,
• Spears,
• Helmets,
• Chest plates,
• Bows, and
• Stone slings.15He also had war machines built for them in JeruSalem by an engineer, which were used to attack the towers and corners of [the city walls]. The machines were used to shoot arrows and to throw huge boulders!In fact, they became famous throughout the whole earth at the time, for he had such wonderful help… That is, until he grew strong.16However, after he became strong, his heart became very corrupt and he started sinning against his God Jehovah; for he entered the Most Holy [in the Temple of Jehovah] to burn incense on the [sacred] Incense Altar!17Well, the [High] Priest AzariAh and 80 mighty Priests of Jehovah went in after him 18and they resisted King UzZiAh, saying to him:‘UzZiAh, you aren’t allowed to burn incense to Jehovah!‘That may only be done by the Priests who’ve descended from Aaron and have been made holy to burn the incense!‘Now, leave this Holy Place; for you have left Jehovah!‘This glory won’t be given to you by Jehovah our God!’19Well, this made UzZiAh furious!For there he was with the incense pan in his hand, ready to burn incense inside the Most Holy... And as he was raging against the Priests, leprosy started to appear on his forehead, right there in front of the Priests in the Temple of Jehovah and in front of the Incense Altar!20So when AzariAh (the High Priest) and the other Priests turned to look at him, they saw the leprosy in his forehead, and they pushed him out of the Temple... But even he was in a hurry to leave, because Jehovah was disciplining him!21Well, King UzZiAh had leprosy until the day he died, and he was kept in a home for lepers, cut off from the Temple of Jehovah. As a result, his son JoTham ruled over his kingdom and judged the people of the land.22{Look!} The rest of the things that UzZiAh said, from beginning to end, were written by the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amoz).23Then UzZiAh went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the graveyard of his ancestors, but not among the kings, because they said:‘He’s a leper.’Then his son JoTham became the king after him.
1JoTham was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 16 years. His mother’s name was JeroUsa, and she was the daughter of ZaDok.2[JoTham] did what was upright before Jehovah in the same way that his father UzZiAh did (but he didn’t enter the Holy Place of Jehovah). Yet despite this, the people still kept corrupting themselves.3[JoTham] built the tall gatehouse of Jehovah, and he did a lot of building along the wall of Ophel. He also built cities 4in the mountains of Judah, as well as forts and places to live in the forests.5He fought wars with the king of the sons of AmMon and conquered him... And thereafter, each year the sons of AmMon had to send him:• 3 tons (2,700kg) of silver,
• 300 tons (27,000kg) of wheat, and
• 300 tons (27,000kg) of barley.They did this for the first three years.6So JoTham grew strong, because he faithfully served his God Jehovah.7{Look!} The rest of the things that JoTham said and did, and the stories of his wars, are written about in the scrolls of the kings of Judah and IsraEl. 8Then JoTham went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in a tomb in the City of David.So his son Ahaz started reigning in his place.
1Ahaz was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 16 years. 2He didn’t do what was upright before Jehovah as did his ancestor David; rather, he went the way of the kings of IsraEl and made carved images, 3offering sacrifices to them in the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom.He also [offered] his children in fire, in the same disgusting way as the nations that Jehovah had destroyed from in front of IsraEl had once done! 4He burned incense on the high places, on roofs, and under every tree in the woods.5As a result, his God Jehovah handed him over to the king of Syria, who attacked him and carried off many prisoners to Damascus.He also allowed the king of IsraEl to bring a great calamity upon him; 6for [King] PekAh (son of RemaliAh), the king of IsraEl, killed 120,000 of his strong, mighty men (all on the same day); which happened because they had left Jehovah the God of their ancestors.7Then he executed ZechRi (the great man of Ephraim), MaAsa (the king’s son), EzriKan (who was in charge of the king’s palace), and ElKana (the king’s right-hand man); 8and he carried off 300,000 women and children, along with everything of value, to Samaria.9Now, there was a Prophet of Jehovah in Samaria whose name was Obed; and when the army of IsraEl was returning to Samaria, he went out to meet them and said:‘{Look!} The reason why these people have been given into your hands is because Jehovah the God of your ancestors is angry with Judah!‘But you have killed them in anger, and [news of this] has reached into the heavens!10‘Also, you’re now saying that the sons of Judah and JeruSalem can be sold as male and female slaves... But {Look!} here I am among you to testify about this before your God Jehovah, 11so listen to me!‘Return your brothers whom you’ve taken as captives; because, now the rage of Jehovah is upon you!’12Well thereafter, the leaders of Ephraim (AzariAh son of JoHanan, BarachiAh son of MoSolamOth, EzekiAs son of SelLem, and AmasiAh son of ElDai) said to those who were returning from the war:13‘There’s no way that we’ll allow you to bring these captives to us, because that would bring a sin against Jehovah upon us... By talking this way, you’re trying to add to our sins and our ignorance!‘For we’re already guilty of great sins, and the anger of Jehovah is already upon IsraEl.’14As a result, they released the captured warriors and laid all the loot they’d taken before the rulers of the gathering. 15Then the ones whose names were called out took the captives and covered those who were naked with clothing from the loot, tied sandals on their feet, and gave them food to eat and something to clean themselves with.16Thereafter, they mounted all those who were weak upon animals and took them to JeriCho and to The City of Palms, along with the rest of their brothers... Then [IsraEl returned] to Samaria.17Well, later on, King Ahaz [of Judah] sent for the king of Assyria and asked him for aid, because the Edomites had attacked Judah and carried off captives. 18Then the Philistines attacked his cities in the plains and to the south of Judah, capturing BethSamus, everything in the Temple of Jehovah and in the king’s palace, and all the governors.So they handed AiLon, GadEron, SoChor and its surrounding towns, ThamNa and its surrounding towns, and GamZo and its surrounding towns over to their king, and they started living there!19For Jehovah was humbling Judah because their king (Ahaz) had turned away from Him.20Then King Tiglath-Pileser [III] of Assyria came to his aid. 21So Ahaz took the things in the Temple of Jehovah, the things in his palace, and the things that belonged to his governors, and gave it all to the king of Assyria… Not for his help, 22but to keep him from attacking them!Well, King Ahaz continued in his course of [rebellion] against Jehovah; for he then said:‘I will [ask for help] from the gods of Damascus.’...[Yes, the gods of the people] who were overpowering him!23[And he said]:‘Since the gods of the king of Syria are making them strong, I will offer sacrifices to them and they’ll help me also.’Well, this became a trap to him and to all IsraEl.24Then Ahaz took everything out of the Temple of Jehovah, cut it all to pieces, and locked the Temple doors! And thereafter, he built altars in every city and on every corner of JeruSalem, 25and he erected high places in all the cities of Judah to burn incense to foreign gods, which made Jehovah (the God of their ancestors) very angry.26{Look!} The rest of the things that he said and did are written in the scrolls of the kings of Judah and IsraEl. 27Then Ahaz went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the City of David… But they didn’t bury him in the tombs of the kings of IsraEl.Then his son HezekiAh became king in his place.
1HezekiAh was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in JeruSalem for 29 years. His mother’s name was AbBa and she was the daughter of ZachariAh.2HezekiAh did what was upright before Jehovah, as his ancestor David had done. 3And after his kingdom was established, in the 1st month, he reopened the doors to the Temple of Jehovah and had it repaired.4Then he brought back the Priests and Levites… He had them assemble on the east side [of the Temple] 5and said to them:‘O Levites, listen to me!‘Now, purify yourselves, and then purify the Temple of Jehovah the God of your ancestors... Clear out everything from the Holy Place that’s unclean, 6because our fathers have been [guilty of] rebellion and they’ve done evil things before our God Jehovah when they abandoned Him and turned their faces away from the Tent of Jehovah, showing Him the backs of their necks!7‘They have locked the Temple doors; they extinguished the lamps; they stopped burning the incense; and they stopped sacrificing whole burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of IsraEl.8‘That’s why Jehovah has been so angry with Judah and JeruSalem, and why He appointed them as objects of wonder and destruction by the Syrians… As you can see is happening with your own eyes!9‘Look! Your fathers have been attacked with swords, and your wives, sons, and daughters have been carried off as captives into a land that isn’t their own… And that’s where they still are!10‘So, because of these things, you must decide in your hearts to conclude a sacred agreement with Jehovah, the God of IsraEl; for only then will He turn His anger and rage away from you!11‘Don’t give up, because Jehovah has selected you to stand before Him and to serve Him by officiating and burning the incense.’12Then all the Levites stood up.• From the sons of KoHath, there was MaAl (son of AmaSi) and JoEl (son of AzariAh).• From the sons of MeraRi, there was Kish (son of AbDi) and AzariAh (son of JalLelEl).• From the sons of GerSham, there was JodaAd (son of ZemMa) and JoAdam (son of JoAcha).13• From the sons of EliShaphan, there was ZamBri and JeiEl.• From the sons of Asaph, there was ZachariAh and MathanAniAh.14• From the sons of HeMan, there was JeiEl and Semei.• From the sons of IdiThoun, there was SamaiJah and OziEl.15These went back and gathered all their brothers, and they were purified just as the king had commanded them (and following the directions of Jehovah), so they could do the work of cleansing the Temple of Jehovah.16Then the Priests went inside and threw out everything that was unclean, both in the building and in the courtyards… The Levites took it all out and threw it into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi.17Well after that, on that 1st day of the month, they celebrated their first New Moon festival.And on the 8th day of the month, they went into the Temple of Jehovah to make everything holy, which took 8 days.So they finished the project on the 16th day of the month.18Then they went to see King HezekiAh and said:‘We have purified all the things in the Temple of Jehovah, from the Altar for the whole burnt offerings and its utensils, to the table where the [sacred bread] is placed (along with its utensils)… 19All the things that King Ahaz defiled during his defection.‘So, everything has been prepared and purified, and look… It’s all there in front of Jehovah’s Altar.’20Well, King HezekiAh arose early the next morning and gathered all the city officials, and they went up to the Temple of Jehovah.21They brought along:• 7 calves,
• 7 rams,
• 7 lambs, and
• 7 winter-yearling goats......as sin offerings for the kingdom, for the holy things, and for IsraEl.Then he told the Priests (the sons of Aaron) to go up to the Altar of Jehovah, 22where they sacrificed the calves and collected the blood and poured it out on the Altar.Then they sacrificed the rams and poured their blood on the Altar.And after that, they sacrificed the lambs and poured their blood on the Altar.23Finally, they brought the winter-yearling goats to be sacrificed as sin offerings before the king and the gathering.So everyone placed their hands on [the goats], 24and the Priests sacrificed them, pouring their blood against the Altar to cover the sins of all IsraEl.For the king said:‘We are sacrificing these whole burnt offerings and sin offerings [on behalf of] all IsraEl.’25The Levites had also come to the Temple of Jehovah carrying their cymbals, stringed instruments, and woodwinds, just as King David had instructed them, along with the king’s Seer Gad and the Prophet Nathan, following the Commandments of Jehovah… Since the order of events had been entrusted to the hands of the Prophets.26So the Levites stood there with the instruments of David, and the Priests had their trumpets. 27Then when HezekiAh [said it was time] to sacrifice the whole burnt offerings on the Altar, they all started singing to Jehovah, accompanied by the trumpets and the instruments of David (the king of IsraEl), 28as the whole assembly bowed with their faces to the ground.Well, the singers kept singing and the trumpets continued to be blown until all the whole burnt offerings had been sacrificed. 29And as they were completing the offering, the king and all his guests also bowed to the ground.30After that, King HezekiAh and his dignitaries told the Levites to [sing] praises to Jehovah in the [psalms] of David and of the Prophet Asaph.So they sang these praises joyfully, and they also fell and bowed low to the ground.31Then HezekiAh [told the people]:‘Now that you’ve filled your hands for Jehovah, come forward and bring your sacrifices of praise to the Temple of Jehovah!’So, the people eagerly started bringing their sacrifices of praise to the Temple as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah.32The gathering offered as whole-burnt-offerings to Jehovah:• 70 calves,
• 100 rams, and
• 200 lambs.33They also set aside some 600 calves and 3,000 sheep for sacred use.34Well, because there were so few Priests, they were unable to cut up all the whole burnt offerings; so their brothers the Levites had to assist them until all the work was done and all the Priests were purified (for the Levites had been more eager to purify themselves than the Priests had been).35But there was more than enough of the whole burnt offerings and fat for the sacred deliverance offerings and drink offerings.Well, the work in the Temple of Jehovah had finally begun [again]. 36And HezekiAh and all the people were very joyful, because God had prepared the people, and everything came together so quickly.
1Thereafter, HezekiAh sent letters to all IsraEl and Judah, as well as letters to Ephraim and ManasSeh, inviting them to come to the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem to observe the Passover to Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.2Then the king and his governors laid plans for the entire assembly to come to JeruSalem to observe the Passover in the 2nd month, 3because they hadn’t been able to celebrate it at the correct time (since the Priests weren’t sufficiently purified and all the people hadn’t gathered in JeruSalem).4Well, this pleased the king and the [people] so much 5that they decided to send a proclamation throughout IsraEl (from BeerSheBa to Dan), inviting everyone to come and observe the Passover to Jehovah the God of IsraEl in JeruSalem (because most of them hadn’t responded to the [first] letters).6So they sent runners with letters from the king and his governors into all IsraEl and Judah (following the king’s orders), saying:‘Sons of IsraEl,‘Return to Jehovah, the God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.‘For He will return to those who have escaped and survived the hand of the king of Assyria.7‘Don’t be like your ancestors and your brothers who turned away from Jehovah, the God of their fathers; for He handed them over for destruction, as you can see has truly happened.8‘Don’t stiffen your necks as did your fathers; give glory to Jehovah, your God! Come to the Holy Place that He made holy throughout the ages, and serve your God Jehovah, then He will turn His rage and anger away from you.9‘For when you return to Jehovah, your brothers and your children will be shown pity by those who’ve taken them captive, and He will return this land to you! Jehovah our God is merciful and He feels compassion, so He won’t turn His face from us if we return to Him.’10Well, the runners traveled from city to city throughout the mountains of Ephraim and ManasSeh and into ZebuLun... And everywhere, people made fun of them and ridiculed them!11However, some of the men of Asher, ManasSeh, and ZebuLun did feel ashamed, and they came to Judah and into JeruSalem; 12and the hand of God gave them a united heart to do as the king and his governors had ordered… To follow the instructions of Jehovah.13Then they all gathered in JeruSalem, and so many people attended to observe the celebration of the fermentation-free bread (in the 2nd month), [that it turned into] a huge assembly!14And thereafter, everyone got up and demolished all the [pagan] altars in JeruSalem and they tore down all the altars upon which they’d burned incense to their lying idols, and threw them into the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi! Then they sacrificed the Passover on the 14th day of the 2nd month.15Well, the Priests and the Levites all felt ashamed, so they purified themselves and carried whole burnt offerings into the Temple of Jehovah.16Then each one took his station and handled his responsibilities, just as Moses (the man of God) had commanded, and the Priests received the [sacrificial] blood from the hands of the Levites, 17because many of them had been purified.However, not all of the Levites who were to sacrifice the Passover had yet been purified to Jehovah, 18and most of the people who had come from Ephraim, ManasSeh, IsSachar, and ZebuLun had not purified themselves... Yet they all ate the Passover, which was contrary to [what was written in] the Scriptures.19Then HezekiAh prayed for them, saying:‘O Jehovah, the good God,‘[Please] cover [the sins] of those of us who’ve straightened our hearts to search for You, the God of our ancestors, and who haven’t been purified as the Holy Things have been purified.’20Well, Jehovah listened to HezekiAh and He healed the people.21Then all the sons of IsraEl who were found in JeruSalem celebrated the holiday of the fermentation-free bread for 7 days with great joy, singing praises to Jehovah each day, as the Priests and Levites played their instruments to the Lord.22Then at the conclusion of the holiday of the fermentation-free bread loaves (at the end of 7 days of sacrificing for salvation and for praising Jehovah the God of their ancestors), HezekiAh spoke to the hearts of the Levites and to all those who were searching for Jehovah with a pure heart.23And thereafter, the entire assembly agreed to observe [the festival] for another 7 days…
So they joyfully celebrated for 7 more days!24Then HezekiAh dedicated 1,000 calves and 7,000 sheep on behalf of those who had assembled from Judah, and the governors dedicated 1,000 calves and 10,000 sheep on behalf of the people… Giving many holy things to the Priests.25So, everyone was happy – the Priests, the Levites, the whole assembly of Judah, and everyone else who was found in JeruSalem, including the foreigners who had come from the land of IsraEl and those who were living in Judah.26It was a joyful day in JeruSalem, for there hadn’t been one like it since the days of Solomon, son of David, the king of IsraEl!27Then the Levite priests got up and blest the people… And the things they said were heard, because their prayers reached to the Sacred Home in the heavens.
1Well after that, all the IsraElites in the cities of Judah broke down the monuments and sacred poles, then they tore down the high places [of worship] and the shrines throughout Judah, BenJamin, Ephraim, and ManasSeh, until they were all gone; and all IsraEl returned to the lands and cities of their inheritance.2Then HezekiAh reestablished the different responsibilities and the daily rotations of the Priests and Levites for sacrificing the whole burnt offerings, for offering sacrifices of salvation, and for praising, acknowledging, and officiating at the gates and courtyards of the Temple of Jehovah.3He also set aside a portion of his own possessions as whole burnt offerings to be sacrificed early each morning, at dusk, on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the holidays, as it was written in the Law of Jehovah.4Thereafter, HezekiAh spoke to the people who lived in JeruSalem about giving their due portion to the Priests and Levites, so these men could do more in their services at the Temple of Jehovah, 5and he sent word to all sons of IsraEl to bring in the first fruits of their grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and the offspring of their fields.As a result, a huge number from IsraEl and Judah brought in their 1/10th portion... 6Also, those from the cities of Judah brought 1/10th of their calves, sheep, and goats, which they [offered] as holy to their God Jehovah. They brought it all in and piled it in heaps upon heaps!7It was in the 3rd month that they started the heaped piles of [offerings], which they [continued to bring] until the 7th month. 8And when HezekiAh and his governors came and saw all the heaps, they praised Jehovah and His people IsraEl.9Then HezekiAh spoke to the Priests and the Levites about the heaps.10He said to AzariAh (the High Priest and the head of the house of ZaDok):‘When the first-fruits were brought to the Temple of Jehovah; after we all ate and drank, we left a huge amount behind... Yes, Jehovah has blest His people so much that we still have a lot left over.’11Then HezekiAh told him to prepare a place for it in the Temple of Jehovah, which he did. 12So they carried in all the remaining first fruits and 1/10th portions, and stored them away.The Levite ConaniJah was thereafter put in charge of it all, and his brother ShiMei was assigned as his assistant, 13as were:• JeiEl,
• OzaziAh,
• NaEth,
• AsahEl,
• JeriMoth,
• JoZabad,
• EliEl,
• ShamachiAh,
• MaAth,
• BenaiJah ,
• his sons.They were all assigned under ConaniJah and his brother ShiMei by King HezekiAh and AzariAh (who was in charge of the Temple of Jehovah).14JemNa, the Levite (who was in charge of the east gate) was then assigned to distribute the gifts, the first-fruits that were donated to Jehovah, and the holy things in the Holy of Holies 15that were brought by the singers and from BenJamin, JeShua, ShiMei, AmariAh, and ShechoniJah, as well as the things that the Priests had stored away.Then he divided it among the Priests by the size of their families (counting all males from three years old and up) and their daily rotations, 16regardless of their genealogy, and to all those who served at the Temple of Jehovah by the number of days that they actually served in the arrangement of the daily rotations.17It was also distributed among the Levites by the houses and families of those who were 20-years-old and older, by their arrangement of daily rotations, 18classifications, genealogies, and by the number of sons and daughters they had, because they were entrusted with purifying the Holy Place.19Among the sons of Aaron (those who served as the officiating Priests from each of the cities), all the men were given assignments as Priests, as were those who were considered to be Levites.20HezekiAh did this throughout all Judah, and everything he did was good and upright before his God Jehovah!21In all that he did – whether it was the work at the Temple of Jehovah, or having to do with the Law, or with giving instructions – he relied upon his God with his whole soul, and his ways were blest.
[Editor note: By this point, the northern 10-tribe Kingdom of IsraEl had been previously destroyed by the Assyrians 10 years earlier, with its people deported to other parts of the Assyrian Empire. The details are covered in 2 Kings chapters 17 and 18.]1Well, when word of this was spread, the things that were happening there came to the attention of SenNacherIb, the king of Assyria... So he marched into Judah and camped around its walled cities, as he talked about conquering them!2Then when HezekiAh saw that SenNacherIb had arrived and that he intended to wage a war with JeruSalem, 3he met with his councilors and generals and discussed ways to stop up the springs and streams that were outside of the city wall… And they vigorously assisted him in doing this.4So he recruited a large number of people and stopped up the waters of the springs, as well as the river that runs [in front] of the city.For they asked:‘Should the king of Assyria be able to find a lot of water and grow strong?’5Then HezekiAh strengthened his position by rebuilding all the walls that had been torn down and all the battle towers. In fact, he built a perimeter wall all the way around the city wall!He also strengthened the citadel in the City of David, and he made many other preparations... 6Then he declared Marshall Law, and he gathered all his military leaders in the square at the gate that leads into the valley, and he spoke to their hearts, saying:7‘Be manly and strong!‘Don’t allow the king of Assyria or any of those nations that are marching with him to frighten or terrify you, because there are more with us than there are with him!8‘For while those who are with him have arms of flesh, we have our God Jehovah to save us and to fight our battles!’Well, the words of HezekiAh the king of Judah inspired confidence in the people.9But then SenNacherIb (the king of Assyria) sent his personal servant to JeruSalem (while he was marching on [the city of] LachIsh with his entire army), who spoke to HezekiAh and to all the Judeans that were gathered in JeruSalem, saying:10‘This is what SenNacherIb, the king of the Assyrians, has said:‘What are you people relying on that you’ve all [fled] to the stronghold of JeruSalem?11‘Has HezekiAh deceived you into thinking that he can save you from hunger, thirst, and death by telling you that your God Jehovah will save you from the hands of the king of Assyria? 12For, isn’t this the same HezekiAh that tore down His altars and high places of worship, and said to Judah and to those who live in JeruSalem:‘Now bow before this Altar, and here is where you should burn incense?’13‘Don’t you know what my ancestors and I have done to similar peoples?‘For none of the gods of any of the other nations on the earth have been able to save their peoples from my hands! 14Which of any of the gods of these nations that my ancestors and I destroyed were able to rescue their people from my hands, and how can your God save you from my hands?15‘Now, don’t allow HezekiAh to fool you and persuade you to do what he says… Don’t trust him! For there’s no way that any god of any nation or kingdom has been able to save his people from my hands… And there’s no way that your God will save you from my hands!’16Well, he just kept on speaking against Jehovah God and His servant HezekiAh.17[SenNacherIb] also wrote a letter to berate Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, that said concerning Him:‘No other god of any nation on earth has rescued his people from my hands, so there’s no way that the God of HezekiAh will save his people from me!’18Then [the envoy] yelled in the Jewish language to the people of JeruSalem who were manning the walls, telling them to tear down the walls so that he could just take the city... 19And he [again] spoke against the God of JeruSalem, as well as against all the gods of the rest of the peoples of the earth (those who men made with their hands).20Well, King HezekiAh and the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amoz) prayed about these things, calling into the heavens... 21Then Jehovah sent a messenger who wiped out all the mighty warriors, all the rulers, and all the leaders in the camp of the king of Assyria, forcing [SenNacherIb] to return to his own land in shame!And when he went to the temple of his god, those who came from his own belly overthrew him, [murdering] him with a broadsword.22So Jehovah saved HezekiAh and the people who were living in JeruSalem from the hands of SenNacherIb the king of Assyria (as well as all those who were with him), and He provided a period of rest throughout the land.23And thereafter, many people brought gifts to Jehovah in JeruSalem, and they brought presents to HezekiAh, the king of Judah. For after that, he became highly respected by all the surrounding nations.24However, sometime later, HezekiAh became ill to the point of dying... So he prayed to Jehovah, and God heard him and gave him a sign.25But after that, HezekiAh failed to deal with [Jehovah] in the same way that [God] had dealt with him; for he became proud in his heart, which brought [God’s] anger upon Judah and JeruSalem.26As a result, He started to humble the proud hearts of HezekiAh and those who lived in JeruSalem.However, thereafter, Jehovah’s anger didn’t come again to HezekiAh throughout the rest of his days. 27So HezekiAh became very rich and famous. He filled his treasuries with silver, gold, precious gems, aromatics, weapons, and all sorts of desirable things. 28His cities had all types of produce, grain, wine, and olive oil; and his towns had stables for all sorts of animals and huge pens for the flocks [of sheep].29Then he built cities for himself, and he came to own vast herds of sheep and oxen; for [Jehovah was blessing] all of his holdings.30It was HezekiAh who had blocked up the upper [spring] of GiHon and rerouted it to the south of the city of David… And all of HezekiAh’s projects prospered.31Then ambassadors came to him from the rulers of Babylon to ask about the miracles that had taken place in his land; and that’s when Jehovah left [HezekiAh], as a test, to find out what was really in his heart.32{Look!} All of the rest of the things that HezekiAh said (and of his mercy) are written about in the prophecies of IsaiAh (son of Amoz) the Prophet, and in the scrolls of the kings of Judah and IsraEl.33Then HezekiAh went to sleep with his ancestors and they buried him in the tomb that’s along the road that leads up to the tombs of the sons of David. And all the people of Judah and those living in JeruSalem showed him great honor after he died.Thereafter, his son ManasSeh started reigning in his place.
1ManasSeh was 12 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 55 years.2However, he acted wickedly before Jehovah and he started doing the same disgusting things that the nations Jehovah had destroyed before the sons of IsraEl had been doing:3• He rebuilt the high places [of worship] that his father HezekiAh had torn down.• He erected columns to the BaAls.• He erected sacred poles, and he bowed before them and served all the armies of the heavens!4• He even built altars inside the Temple of Jehovah, the place where Jehovah had said:‘[I will establish] My Name in JeruSalem throughout the ages.’5• He erected altars to all the armies of the heavens inside the Temple courtyards.6• He even [sacrificed] his own children in the fire at GeHenna.• He [personally] foretold the future.• He administered potions and went to fortunetellers.And he did many other bad things before Jehovah, so as to anger Him.7He also carved and molded images and placed them inside the very Temple of God where Jehovah had said to David and to his son Solomon:‘I have chosen this House and JeruSalem from all the tribes of IsraEl, and I will put My Name here throughout the ages.8‘And I will not shake the foot of IsraEl from this land that I gave to their ancestors, as long as they’re careful to do all the things that I’ve instructed them and they follow the Laws, orders, and decisions that they were given through the hands of Moses.’9So, ManasSeh misled Judah and the people of JeruSalem into acting worse than all the nations that Jehovah had removed from before the sons of IsraEl! 10And although Jehovah spoke to ManasSeh and his people, they just wouldn’t listen... 11As a result, Jehovah led the rulers of the army of the king of the Assyrians against them, and they captured ManasSeh and put him shackles, then they led him off to Babylon!12Well, it was while he was in this terrible situation that [ManasSeh] finally searched for the face of Jehovah his God, and he became very humble before the God of his ancestors... 13He prayed to Him, and [God listened]. He heard his cries and returned him to JeruSalem [as king] over his kingdom; for ManasSeh had finally learned that Jehovah is The God!14After that, [ManasSeh] built a wall around the City of David, from GiHon in the south, along the [Cedar] Wadi, and all the way around to the Fisherman’s Gate.He also had a huge number of weapons [made], and he assigned generals and troops to guard each of the walled cities of Judah.15Then he removed the foreign gods and carved images from the Temple of Jehovah, along with all the altars that he’d built on the mountain where the Temple of Jehovah was located, as well as those inside JeruSalem and outside of the city.16He also erected an Altar to Jehovah, where he sacrificed a salvation offering and a praise offering… And he told Judah to serve Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.17However, the people kept on offering sacrifices in the high places, which was something that wasn’t acceptable to their God Jehovah.18{Look!} The rest of the things that ManasSeh said… Of his prayer to God and of the [warnings that came from] the Seers who spoke to him in the Name of the Lord God of IsraEl, 19and of how he prayed and God listened to him, and of all his sins and defections, and of the locations of the high places that he built, and of the sacred poles and the images that he’d erected before he returned [to God], are written about in the words of the Seers.20Then ManasSeh went to sleep with his ancestors, and they buried him in a tomb in the garden [behind] his palace.So his son Amon started ruling in his place.21Well, Amon was 22 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for just 2 years.22As his father ManasSeh had done, he started acting wickedly before Jehovah. For he worshiped and sacrificed to all the idols that his father had made, 23and he was never humbled before Jehovah as his father ManasSeh had been humbled.So he then committed sins that were even worse than those of his father!24However, his own servants attacked him and killed him in his palace... Then the people of the land attacked those who’d killed King Amon, and they appointed his son JosiAh to be king in his place.
1JosiAh was only 8 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for 31 years.2He did what was upright before Jehovah and he followed in the ways of his ancestor David… He didn’t deviate to the right or to the left!3It was in the 8th year of his reign (while he was still a boy) that he started searching for Jehovah, the God of his ancestor David... And in the 12th year of his reign, he started cleansing Judah and JeruSalem of the high places [of worship], the sacred poles, the shrines, and the molded images.4He totally destroyed the things that were there before his face… The altars and high places of the BaAls, as well as all those who were in charge of them!He cut down the sacred poles and carved images, and he had the molded images crushed into a fine powder and the dust was thrown on the tombs of those who had sacrificed to them... 5He also incinerated the bones of the priests on their own altars, and he totally cleaned up Judah and JeruSalem.6Then he did the same things throughout the cities of ManasSeh, Ephraim, SimeOn, and NaphTali, and all the places around them. 7He tore down the altars and the sacred poles, and he cut the idols into fine pieces... And after beating down all the high places throughout the land of IsraEl, he returned to JeruSalem.8It was during the 18th year of his reign that he called for a cleansing of the land and of the Temple. So he sent ShaPhan (son of EseliJa), MaAsa (the city mayor), and the City Recorder JoAh (son of JoAhaz) to repair the Temple of his God Jehovah.9And thereafter, they went to the High Priest HelkiAh, and gave him the money that had been collected by the Levites at the gates, which had been donated to the Temple by those from ManasSeh, Ephraim, the governors, and all the rest of Judah, BenJamin, IsraEl, and the people of JeruSalem.10He in turn gave it to those who were in charge of doing the work in the Temple of Jehovah, to repair and fortify it. 11So they paid the builders and contractors that bought blocks of cut stone and wooden beams for the roof, since all of that had been destroyed by the kings of Judah.12Now, the overseers that were in charge of the men who supervised the construction were Jeth and ObadiAh (Levites who were descendants of MeraRi), as well as ZachariAh and MosShaloam (descendants of KoHath).Then all the Levites, including the musicians and singers, kept an eye on the project, 13while the Levite scribes, gatekeepers, and judges watched over the laborers and their foremen.14Well, it was while they were delivering the money that had been collected for the Temple of Jehovah that the High Priest HelkiAh found a scroll of the Law of Jehovah that [had been written] by the very hand of Moses!15And HelkiAh said to ShaPhan (the scribe):‘We’ve found the scroll of the Law in the Temple of Jehovah!’So HelkiAh gave the scroll to ShaPhan, 16and he carried it to the king, who started off by saying:‘All your servants have been paid for doing their work.17‘They also melted down the silver that was found in the Temple of Jehovah and used it to pay the overseers and laborers.’18Then the Scribe ShaPhan said this to the king:‘This scroll was given to me by HelkiAh the Priest.’And then he read it before the king.19Well when the king heard the words of the Law, he started ripping his clothes!20Then he gave orders to HelkiAh, AchiKam (son of ShaPhan), AbDon (son of MichaiJah), ShaPhan (the scribe), and his personal servant AsaiAh, saying:21‘Go and ask Jehovah about the things that are written in this scroll that was found, on behalf of myself and everyone who’s left in IsraEl and Judah... For Jehovah’s rage must surely be burning against us, because we’ve ignored what our ancestors told us about the words of Jehovah when they passed on the things that are written about in this scroll.’22So HelkiAh and the others whom the king had called went to see the Prophetess HulDah (the wife of SelLem, son of ThekoE and grandson of Aras, the one who was in charge of guarding the Commandments). She lived in JeruSalem, in the second section. And they told her everything that had happened.23Then she told them:‘This is what Jehovah the God of IsraEl has said:‘Tell the man who sent you to me 24that Jehovah says [He is] calling down evil upon this place because of the things that are written in this scroll that was read before the king of Judah.25‘For they have abandoned Me and burned incense to foreign gods to make Me angry over these things that they made with their hands! So My rage is burning against this place, and it won’t be extinguished!’26‘And say this to the King of Judah that sent you to search for Jehovah… Tell him that Jehovah the God of IsraEl says:27‘Because you felt shame in your heart over the words that you heard, and because you humbled yourself before Me when you heard what I said about this place and those who live here, and because you were humbled and ripped your clothes then wept before Me... I have listened to you.’‘And Jehovah said:28‘{Look!} I will count you among your ancestors and send you to your tomb in peace, so your eyes won’t see any of the bad things that I will bring upon this place and upon those who live here.’Well thereafter, they brought the message back to the king, 29and then the king gathered all the elders of Judah and JeruSalem, 30and they went to the Temple of Jehovah, along with all the people of Judah and JeruSalem (including the Priests and Levites)… All the people from the least to the greatest.Then he read all the words of the scroll of the Sacred Agreement that was found in the Temple of Jehovah.31The king got up on the podium and proposed a sacred agreement there before Jehovah… That they would obey His Commandments, testimonies, and orders with their entire hearts and lives, so as to observe the words of the Agreement that were written in the scroll.32Then he asked all those in JeruSalem, Judah, and BenJamin to ratify this agreement with the Temple of Jehovah, the God of their ancestors.33Thereafter, JosiAh removed all the disgusting things from the land that the sons of IsraEl had made, and he decreed that everyone in JeruSalem and IsraEl would start serving Jehovah as their God.And throughout the rest of his life, he didn’t turn aside from following Jehovah, the God of his ancestors.
1It was then that JosiAh observed the Passover to his God Jehovah… He offered the Passover sacrifice on the 14th day of the 1st month.2He also stationed the Priests at their watches and he granted them even more power to do their work at the Temple of Jehovah. 3Then he urged the most prominent Levites in all IsraEl to dedicate themselves to serving Jehovah and to returning the Holy Chest [to its place] in the Temple… And that’s what they did. They put the Holy Chest into the Temple that was built by Solomon (son of David), the king of IsraEl.Then the king said to them:‘It isn’t your job to be carrying anything on your shoulders… Your job is just to serve your God Jehovah and His people IsraEl!4‘So, prepare the houses of your families to handle your daily rotations according to the way it was written by David, the king of IsraEl, and by the hand of his son Solomon.5‘Then take your stations in the Temple by the order of your houses and families, so you can [help] your brothers, the sons of the people. Select some from each house of the families of the Levites, 6then sacrifice the Passover and prepare the holy things, so that your brothers may observe it as Jehovah had instructed through the hand of Moses.’7Well, JosiAh dedicated some 30,000 sheep, lambs, and goat kids for the Passover on behalf of the sons of the people, as well as 3,000 calves (which all belonged to the king). 8Then his governors dedicated [animals] on behalf of the people and brought them to the Priests and Levites.However, HelkiAh, ZachariAh, and JeiEl (the Chief Priests at the Temple of God) also offered 2,600 more sheep, lambs, and goat kids, plus 300 calves for the Passover.9And ConaniAh, BenaiJah, SamaiJah, his brothers NathaniEl, AsabiJah, JeiEl, and JoZabad (the heads of the Levites) dedicated 5,000 sheep and 500 calves on behalf of the Levites for the Passover.10So after everything was arranged, the Priests then took their stations, and the Levites handled their assignments as they had been commanded by the king. 11Then they sacrificed the Passover…The Priests poured out the blood, and the Levites did the cutting and skinning, 12as they prepared the whole burnt offerings, and they delivered each one’s portions to the sons of the people by houses and families, so they could present them to Jehovah as it is written in the book of Moses.This all lasted well into the morning.13Thereafter, following the Law, they roasted the Passover [sacrifices] over a fire, while the holy pieces were boiled in brass pots and kettles. Everything went well, and they then ran and [distributed the pieces] among the sons of the people.14Well after that, the Priests prepared to sacrifice whole burnt offerings on behalf of themselves, and the fat was burned for themselves and their brothers (the sons of Aaron) until that evening.15So the singers and musicians (the sons of Asaph) then took their stations.And following the instructions of David, Asaph, HeMan, and JediThun (the king’s Prophet), the gatekeepers and their supervisors who manned the gates didn’t have to go up to offer their holy things, because their brothers the Levites prepared it all for them.16Everything was set up for the service to Jehovah in observation of the Passover on that day, and their whole burnt offerings were placed on the Altar of Jehovah, following the commands of King JosiAh.17Thereafter, all the sons of IsraEl who had come to observe the Passover celebrated the holiday of the fermentation-free bread for 7 days. 18There hadn’t been another day like it in IsraEl since the time of the Prophet SamuEl, because none of the kings of IsraEl had observed the Passover [in the way that] JosiAh did!And the Priests, Levites, all those in Judah and IsraEl, and all those who lived in JeruSalem participated.19This Passover was observed in the 18th year of the reign of JosiAh.However, the oracles, fortunetellers, family gods, idols, and beloved things that had all still been commonplace throughout the land of Judah and in JeruSalem... So King JosiAh had them all collected and burned, following the Law that was written in the scroll that the High Priest HelkiAh had found in the Temple of Jehovah.There was never anyone else like him who had turned to Jehovah so wholeheartedly (with his whole soul and strength) when it came to following the Law of Moses, nor was there anyone like him after that.However, even this didn’t turn away Jehovah’s great anger and rage, because of the many ways in which Judah and ManasSeh had been provoking Jehovah.For Jehovah said:‘I will for a fact remove Judah from before My face as I removed IsraEl, and I’ll push away JeruSalem, the city that I chose, and the Temple where I said that I would put My Name.’20Then PharaOh Necho (the king of Egypt) set out to make war against the king of Assyria at the River EuPhrates, but King JosiAh went to [intercept him and] fight against him.21Well at that, [PharaOh Necho] sent messengers to JosiAh, to ask:‘What have I done to you, O king of Judah? I haven’t come to wage war against you today!‘I’m fighting my battle here, because God told me to come here quickly... So be careful, for God is with me, and He can also ruin you!’22However, JosiAh didn’t turn back… He got ready to wage war, and he refused to listen to the words of Necho (that came from mouth of God). So, he marched into the plains of MegidDo. 23Then a bowman shot and hit King JosiAh, and he said to his servants:‘Take me [home], because I’m in a lot of pain.’24So his servants took him out of his chariot and put him in a second chariot that was nearby, and they carried him back to JeruSalem, where he died. Thereafter, he was buried in a tomb with his ancestors, and all Judah and JeruSalem mourned for him.25[The Prophet] JeremiAh also mourned over JosiAh, and he spoke a dirge to all the governors and rulers over JosiAh, which is still spoken to this day. For he told IsraEl to say:‘Look! It’s written in the Lamentations.’26{Look!} The rest of the things that JosiAh said and hoped for concerning the Law of Jehovah – 27all of his words, from the start to finish – are written in the scrolls of the kings of IsraEl and Judah.
1Then the people of the land took JehoAhaz (JosiAh’s son) and anointed him as king over JeruSalem in place of his father. 2JehoAhaz was 23 years old when he started his reign, and he reigned in JeruSalem for just three months. His mother’s name was AmiTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiAh of LoBena.He acted as wickedly before Jehovah as his ancestors before him had done. Then PharaOh Necho had him imprisoned in DebLatha (in the land of HaMath), so he could no longer serve as his vassal in JeruSalem, 3and thereafter he took him to Egypt.[Necho] also demanded that [the people of IsraEl] were to pay him a tribute of 30 tons (27,000kg) of silver and 60 pounds (27.2kg) of gold.4PharaOh Necho then put JosiAh’s son EliAkim on the throne of Judah, and he changed his name to JehoiAkim.That’s when PharaOh Necho carried his brother JehoAhaz to Egypt, where he died. Then [JehoiAkim] paid the silver and gold to the PharaOh, and a tax was imposed on the land by the word of PharaOh. Each person was required to hand over his silver and gold (as they were able) to PharaOh Necho.5Well, JehoiAkim was 25 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 11 years. His mother’s name was ZeKora, and she was the daughter of NerYow from RamAh.He also acted wickedly before Jehovah… Every bit as bad as did his ancestors.It was during his reign that King NebuChadnezzar [II] of Babylon came to the land and made [JehoiAkim] his vassal for three years.But then he rebelled against him, and Jehovah sent the Chaldeans (as well as bands of Syrian robbers, bands of Moabite robbers, the sons of AmMon, and [the people of] Samaria) against him... However, they all left after Jehovah had sent a warning to them through His servants the Prophets.Yet, Jehovah was still in a rage against Judah because of the sins of ManasSeh and all the [bad] things that he did, and because of all the innocent blood that JehoiAkim had spilled (for he had filled JeruSalem with the blood of the innocents); so, He planned to remove Judah from before His face.However, Jehovah didn’t want to destroy everyone.6Then King NebuChadnezzar [II] of Babylon attacked [JehoiAkim] and had him carried off to Babylon in shackles, 7along with many things that he’d taken from the Temple of Jehovah, which he thereafter put into his own temple in Babylon.8{Look!} The rest of the things that JehoiAkim said and did were written in the scrolls of the words of the days of the kings of Judah.Then JehoiAkim went to sleep with his ancestors, and he was buried in a tomb at GanOza with his ancestors… So his son JehoiAchin started reigning in his place.9JehoiAchin was 18 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for just 3 months and 10 days; for he acted wickedly in the presence of Jehovah.10Then towards the end of the year, King NebuChadnezzar [II] had him carried off to Babylon, along with many more valuable things from the Temple of Jehovah; and then his uncle, ZedekiAh, became king over Judah and JeruSalem.11ZedekiAh was 21 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled in JeruSalem for 11 years. 12But he also acted wickedly before his God Jehovah, and when the Prophet JeremiAh brought him word from the mouth of Jehovah, he wasn’t shamed.13Thereafter, he annulled his allegiance to King NebuChadnezzar [II] (which he had sworn before God)… He just stiffened his neck and [hardened] his heart, and he refused to return to Jehovah, the God of IsraEl.14Well, during that time, all the most honored men of Judah, as well as the Priests and the people of the land, just got worse... They traded goodness for wickedness and the disgusting things of the nations, and they started defiling the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem!15So Jehovah the God of their ancestors sent messages through His Prophets. They got up early each morning and brought [warnings] to spare His people and His Holy Place.16But all [the people] did was sneer at His messengers, treat their words with contempt, and mock His Prophets to the point where Jehovah became furious with His people, since it was so [obvious] that there was no cure.17So He brought the king of the Chaldeans against them, and their young men were slaughtered with broadswords... They didn’t spare His Holy Place, or ZedekiAh, nor did they show any mercy to the virgins.All the elders were captured and carried away, 18and everything in the Temple of God (both large and small) – all its treasures, as well as all the treasures of the king and everyone of importance – was carried off to Babylon.19Then he burned the Temple of Jehovah, tore down the walls of JeruSalem, torched its palaces, and wiped away everything that was of any beauty!20And after that, he carried off everyone who was left to [Empire of] Babylon, where they served as slaves for him and his sons… Until the Medes came along. 21This was in order to fulfill Jehovah’s words through JeremiAh , until the land had enjoyed its Sabbath rest and Sabbath-keeping all the years of its desolation, until the 70 years were complete. [Jeremiah 25:11-12]22It was in the 1st year of Cyrus, the king of Persia, after the fulfillment of the words of Jehovah through the mouth of JeremiAh, that Jehovah awakened the spirit of Cyrus and commanded him to send a written proclamation throughout his kingdom, that said:23‘Cyrus the king of Persia says:‘All the kingdoms of the earth have been given to me by Jehovah, the God of heaven, and He told me to build a Temple to Him in JeruSalem in Judah.‘So, who of you are His people?‘His God Jehovah is now with him, so let him [return to JeruSalem]!’
1In the 1st year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Word of Jehovah came through the mouth of [the Prophet] JeremiAh to awaken the spirit of King Cyrus.2So, [Cyrus] sent a written proclamation throughout his kingdom that said:‘This is what Cyrus the king of Persia has decreed:‘All the kingdoms of the earth have been given to me by Jehovah, the God of the heavens, and He told me to build a Temple to Him in JeruSalem of Judah. 3So, who of you are His people? His God Jehovah is now with him!‘Therefore, let him [return to JeruSalem] and build a Temple for the God of IsraEl who is The God in JeruSalem.4‘Therefore, all the Judeans should leave the places where they’ve been staying and take up a collection of silver and gold, as well as of things from among their belongings and their cattle, [to rebuild] the Temple of God in JeruSalem.’5And thereafter, the family heads of Judah and BenJamin, as well as the Priests and Levites – everyone whose spirit God had awakened to go and build a Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem – got up and left, 6[carrying along] silver, gold, cattle, and gifts, in addition to their own offerings and personal belongings.7King Cyrus also brought out the things [that had been taken] from the Temple of Jehovah, which NebuChadNezzar had removed from JeruSalem and put into the temple of his god, 8and [Cyrus] sent them by the hand of his Royal Treasurer MithraDates, who counted everything and gave it all to SasaBasar, the [man who’d been appointed as] the ruler of Judah.9This is what he sent:• 30 wine-chillers of gold
• 30 wine-chillers of silver
• 29 sacrificial knives
• 30 gold washbasins
• 410 double-silver items
• 1,000 other items, plus 5,400 smaller things of silver and gold.SasaBasar had it all carried from Babylon to JeruSalem during the resettlement.
1These are the ones who returned from Babylon to resettle Judah and JeruSalem [whose families] had been relocated by NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon)… Each person returned to his own city.2Those who returned with ZerubBabel were:• JoShua,
• NehemiAh,
• SeraiJah,
• ReElaiJah,
• MardecAi,
• BilShan,
• MizPar,
• BigVai,
• Rehum, and
• BaAna.In numbers, the people of IsraEl included:3• 2,172 from ParOsh;
4• 372 from ShephatiJah;
5• 775 from Arah;
6• 2,812 from Pahath MoAb (descendants of JoShua and JoAb);
7• 1,254 from ElAm;
8• 945 from ZatTu;
9• 760 from ZacKai;
10• 642 from Bani;
11• 623 from BaeAi;
12• 1,220 from AzGad;
13• 666 from AdoniKam;
14• 2,056 from BigVai;
15• 454 from Adin;
16• 98 from Ater (descendants of HezekiAh);
17• 323 from BezAi;
18• 112 from JoRah;
19• 223 from Hashum;
20• 95 from GibBar;
21• 123 from BethLehem;
22• 56 from NetoPhah;
23• 128 from AnathOth;
24• 43 from AzMaveth;
25• 743 from KiriAth JaiRim, ChaPhira, and BeerOth;
26• 621 from Rama and GabaA;
27• 122 men of MichMash;
28• 223 men of BethEl;
29• 52 from Nebo;
30• 156 from MagBish;
31• 1,254 from ElAm;
32• 320 from Harim;
33• 725 from Lod, Hadid, and Ono;
34• 345 from JeriCho;
35• 3,630 from SenaAh;
36• 973 Priests of the house of JoShua from JedaiJah;
37• 1,052 from ImMer;
38• 1,247 from PashUr;
39• 1,007 from Harim.40There were also the following:• 74 Levites who were descendants of JoShua and KadmiEl from HoDaviJah;
41• 128 singers from the family of Asaph;
42• 139 gatekeepers from ShalLum, Ater, TelMon, AkKub, HatiTa, and ShobAi.
43• The Nethinim from SiHa, HaSupha, TabaOth, 44Keros, SiaHa, Padon, 45LebanAh, HagAbah, AkKub, 46HagAb, ShalmAi, Hanan, 47GidDel, Gahar, ReaJah and 48Rezin, and
• 12 from NekoDa and GazZam.49As well as [ones] from:• UzZa,
• PaseAh,
• BesAi,
50• AsNah,
• Mehunim,
• Nephousim,
51• BakBuk,
• HakUpha,
• HarHur,
52• BazLuth,
• MehiDa,
• HarSha,
53• Barkos,
• SiSera,
• ThamAh,
54• NeziJah,
• HatiPha, and
55• Descendants of the servants of Solomon from SotAi.From SopherEth there were:• Peruda 56of JaAlah,
• DarKon,
• GidDel,
57• ShephatiJah,
• HatTil,
• PocherEth,
• Zebaim, and
• Ami.58Altogether, there were 392 Nethinim and descendants of the servants of Solomon.59Those who came from TelMelah, TelHarsa, Cherub, AdDan, and ImMer were unable to report on their houses and children, because [it was questionable] whether they were actually IsraElites.60In addition, there were 652 from TobiJah and NekoDa.61Although the records of the priests from HabaiJah, Koz, and BarZilLai who married women from BarZilLai (in GileAd) had once existed, 62they couldn’t be found when they went looking for their genealogy, so they were suspended from the priesthood.63AtherSastha told them this:‘You may not eat from the Holy of Holies until a Priest returns [with] the Lights and Perfections [possibly meaning the Urim and Thumim, or the Revelation and Truth] to [tell us what we should do].64Altogether, there were 42,360 who returned, 65plus 7,337 male and female servants and 200 male and female singers.66They brought back:• 736 horses,
• 245 mules,
67• 435 camels, and
• 6,720 burros.68The family heads who went to the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem who were willing and able to contribute to its reconstruction, 69contributed 61,000 gold coins and 5,000 silver coins, plus 100 outfits for the Priests, which was all then put into the treasury.70However, the Priests, Levites, [dedicated] people, singers, gatekeepers, and Nethinim went and lived in their own cities, as did all the rest of IsraEl.
1Well, by the 7th month, all the sons of IsraEl had returned and were settled in their cities.And thereafter, all the people gathered in JeruSalem as one man, 2and JoShua (son of JoZadak), his brothers the Priests, and ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) and his brothers all got up and built an Altar to the God of IsraEl upon which they could offer whole burnt offerings, as it was written in the Law of Moses, the man of God.3They prepared the Altar in a [hidden] place, because they were afraid of the people in the land... However, they kept bringing the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah from morning until evening.4Thereafter, they celebrated the Festival of Temporary Dwellings, following the written instructions, and they offered whole burnt offerings each day for the number of days that they understood were required.5And from then on, they continued to sacrifice whole burnt offerings on the New Moons and on all the holy celebrations of Jehovah, in addition to the free-will offerings that they brought to the Lord.6It was on the 1st day of the 7th month that they started sacrificing the whole burnt offerings to Jehovah, but the foundation for His Temple hadn’t been laid yet.7So, they then hired quarry workers and laborers, and they offered food, drink, and olive oil to the Sidonians and the people of Tyre to get them to transport cedar boards from Lebanon across the sea to JopPa, as it had been decreed by Cyrus, the king of Persia.8Then when they assembled at the Temple of Jehovah God in JeruSalem, which was in the 2nd year and the 2nd month, ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl), JoShua (son of JoZadek), and the rest of their brothers among the Priests and Levites (as well as everyone else who had left captivity and returned to JeruSalem) assigned all the Levites who were 20-years and older to ensure the success of the ones who were doing the work on the Temple of Jehovah.9So, JoShua and his sons, as well as his brother KadmiEl and his sons (who were all Judeans) were put in charge over those who were doing the work at the Temple of God, along with the sons of HenAdad and their brothers the Levites.10Well, when they started laying the foundation for the Temple of Jehovah, the Priests donned their robes and got their trumpets, and the Levites (the descendants of Asaph) picked up their cymbals to praise Jehovah with [the songs] of David, the king of IsraEl.11Then, before Jehovah, they praised and acknowledged that He’s good and that His mercy would remain upon IsraEl throughout the ages.Meanwhile, all the people were shouting and praising Jehovah together as the groundwork for the Temple of Jehovah was being prepared.12There was so much noise, because many of the Priests, Levites, family heads, and elders that were standing there watching the groundwork for the preparation of the Temple started weeping, while many others were shouting in joy (which made the sounds even louder).13So, it soon became difficult to distinguish the difference between the sounds of people shouting in joy and the sounds of the weeping... For the sounds of the cheering and weeping could be heard for [miles]!
1Well, when the people who opposed Judah and BenJamin heard that those who had returned were building a Temple to Jehovah the God of IsraEl, 2they approached ZerubBabel and the family heads and said to them:‘You should allow us to build the Temple with you, so we can also ask [for things] from your God...‘For we’ve been offering sacrifices to Him since the time of EsarHaddon the king of Assyria, who brought us here.’3But ZerubBabel, JoShua, and the rest of the family heads of IsraEl replied:‘It isn’t up to us to decide whether you can help us to build a Temple to Jehovah the God of IsraEl, for we were told to do this by Cyrus, the king of Persia.’4But thereafter, the people of the land did whatever they could to weaken the people of Judah and to impede the construction project. 5They even hired advisors to strongly oppose their plans during all the days of King Cyrus of Persia, right up until the kingdom of Darius of Persia.6Then, at the beginning of the reign of AhaSuerus, they wrote a letter against the people who were living in Judah and JeruSalem. 7And in the days of ArthaSastha, MithraDates, TabeEl, and his fellow servants wrote to ArthaSastha (the king of Persia) about them.And because they wrote it in Syrian, [the king’s] tax collector had to translate it for him.8It was Lord Rehum that wrote the letter against JeruSalem to King ArthaSastha through his scribe ShimShai, which said:9‘This is what our lord, Judge Rehum, as well as the scribe ShimShai, the rest of our fellow servants, the Dinaites, ApharSathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Sousanchites, Dehavites, Elamites, 10and all the other nations that were resettled in the cities of Samaria and across the river by the great and esteemed Asnapper [AshurBanipal] have to say’…11This is what they wrote to King ArthaSastha:‘From your servants on the other side of the river;12‘We wish to inform the king that the Judeans whom you sent among us have come to JeruSalem (an apostate and wicked city), where they’ve raised a foundation and they’re getting ready to rebuild its walls.13‘So, we want the king to know that if the city should be rebuilt and its walls re-erected, they’ll stop paying their tolls and taxes, and they’ll treat the king wickedly!14‘It’s because we don’t wish to see such indecent treatment of the king that we’re sending [this letter], and we want to let the king know what’s really happening.15‘If you’ll examine the records of your ancestors, you’ll see that [JeruSalem] is an apostate city that treats their kings badly, and that they’ve been escaping and rebelling throughout the ages…‘This is why their city was destroyed!16‘Therefore, we’re informing the king that the city should not be rebuilt and that they should not be preparing its walls.17‘From us on the other side of the river, to the king.‘From Lord Rehum, ShimShai the scribe, and from the rest of their fellow servants that live in Samaria and across the river.‘We wish you Peace.’18[Then the king replied]:‘I just called the tax collector before me whom you sent, 19and as a result, I’ve issued a decree.‘For after examining [the records], this is what I found:‘That city has for a fact rebelled against the kings throughout the ages, and all sorts of uprisings and defections have happened there... 20For they once had [their own] mighty kings who ruled from JeruSalem all the way to the other side of the river, and that used to collect their own taxes and tolls.21‘So now, [I have] passed a decree that those men should stop their work and that their city must never be rebuilt again!22‘I appreciate the ways that you’ve followed my decrees, and for your concern that the power of the king may never be lost to evil deeds.’23[Then upon his return], King ArthaSastha’s tax collector read [the letter] in the presence of Lord Rehum and the scribe ShimShai and their fellow servants, and they quickly traveled to JeruSalem [and throughout] Judah with their army and cavalry to force them to stop doing their work.24As a result, construction on the Temple of God in JeruSalem came to a halt, and it remained on hold until the 2nd year of the reign of Darius, the king of Persia.
1It was then that the Prophets HagGai and ZechariAh (son of IdDo) [each] spoke prophecies about the Jews in Judah and JeruSalem in the Name of the God of IsraEl.2So, ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) and JoShua (son of JoZadek) got up and started rebuilding the Temple of God in JeruSalem once again, along with the Prophets of God who came to help them.3Then TatNai (the vassal king on the other side of the river) and ShetharBozNai and their fellow servants came to them and asked:‘By whose decree are you rebuilding this Temple?‘Where did you get the money? 4And what are the names of the men who have started rebuilding this city?’5Well, the eyes of God had been watching over the captivity of Judah and He didn’t make them stop working on the Temple during the time that a report was being carried to Darius by his tax collector, and while they were thereafter awaiting his reply.6This is what the letter that was sent to King Darius by TatNai (the vassal king from the other side of the river), ShetharBozNai, and their fellow servants (who were ApharSachaeans that lived on the other side of the river) said:7‘To Darius the king,‘May you have peace in everything.8‘Let it be known to the king that we went into Judea to the Temple of the great God, and found it being rebuilt with the best of stone and with timbers being inserted into the walls. We also found that the workmanship was well done and proceeding very well under them.9‘So, we asked the elders there by whose decree this Temple was being rebuilt, who was providing the money for the construction, 10and what their names were, so we could send [this information] to you.11‘And this was their reply:‘We are servants of the God of the lands and the skies, and we’re rebuilding the Temple that was built here many years ago by a great king of IsraEl, who prepared it for [His people].12‘But when our ancestors made the God of of the heavens angry, He handed them over to NebuChadNezzar, the Chaldean king of Babylon.‘So, this Temple was allowed to rest and the people were resettled in Babylon.13‘However, in the 1st year of Cyrus (the king [that conquered] the Babylonians), he issued a decree to rebuild this Temple of God, 14and to return the items of gold and silver to the Temple of God which NebuChadNezzar had taken from the Temple in JeruSalem and carried to his own temple in Babylon.15‘Then King Cyrus had these things taken from the temple in Babylon and he gave them to SheshBazzar (his royal treasurer), telling him to go and return it all to the Temple of God in JeruSalem, so that it could be rebuilt in the place where it once stood.16‘So, SheshBazzar went to JeruSalem and laid the Temple foundation… Which has been under construction since that time, but it hasn’t been finished yet.’17‘Now, if the king approves... Please send someone to the treasury in the king’s temple in Babylon to see if King Cyrus really did issue such a decree to rebuild the Temple of God in JeruSalem.‘And when the king finds out, may he send a reply to us.’
1Well, after examining the library at the treasury in Babylon, King Darius thereafter issued a decree. 2For in the city of AchMetha, in the palace of the Medes, he found a scroll with a record that was written in the 1st year of King Cyrus, where he rendered a decree concerning the Temple of God in JeruSalem.3It said:‘Allow a Temple to be built where they’ll offer sacrifices!‘Let them set in place the foundations.‘[The building] must be 100 feet (30.5m) high and 100 feet (30.5) wide.4‘It should be made with three layers of durable stones and a layer of durable timbers.‘It’s decreed that the expense [of this construction] will be paid for by the palace of the king. Also, the items of gold and silver that were confiscated from the Temple of God by NebuChadNezzar should be removed from his temple and returned to the one in JeruSalem… It should be taken from Babylon and transported to the Holy Place in JeruSalem, the Temple of God.’6So [the king] told King TatNai, ShetharBozNai, and his fellow servants (the ApharSachites from the other side of the river) to leave that place and to allow the work on the Temple of God [to be completed]… 7[not to bother] the elders and those who were directing the work of the Judeans, so they could rebuild [the Temple] where it once was.8[He said]:‘My decree through the elders of those Judeans is for them to build the Temple of God using tax money from the [vassal] kings on the other side of the river. The expenses must be carefully calculated and then paid to those men, so the work doesn’t stop.9‘Also, where they’re lacking enough male calves, rams, and lambs for their whole burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, or olive oil… Whatever the Priests in JeruSalem need, must be given to them each day.‘There must be no arguing... Whatever they ask for 10should be provided, so a pleasant aroma may be offered to the God of heaven, and so that prayers may be offered on behalf of the king and his sons.11‘This decree has come from me, and any man who challenges what I’ve said will have his house demolished and its boards placed upright! Thereafter, he will be impaled on top of them, and everything in his house will be looted.12‘May the God who camps and puts His Name there wipe out any people and their kings who raise a hand against, or change, or hide the Temple of God in JeruSalem.‘For I, Darius, have rendered this decree after thoughtful consideration…‘May it be so!’13Then TatNai (the vassal king) from the other side of the river (as well as ShetharBozNai and his fellow servants) did exactly as they were told, because of what King Darius had decreed.14So, the Judean elders kept on building… And they were blest, just as the Prophets HagGai and ZechariAh (son of IdDo) foretold. They got everything ready and did the rebuilding, following the instructions of the God of IsraEl by the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and ArthaSastha, the kings of the Persians.15Well, the Temple was completed by the 3rd day of the month of Adar in the 6th year of the reign of King Darius.16So, the sons of IsraEl, the Priests, the Levites, and all the rest that had returned in the resettlement joyfully declared a holiday of rededication of the Temple of God.17And this is what they offered for the rededication:• 100 calves,
• 100 rams,
• 200 lambs, and
• 400 winter-yearling goats as sin offerings for all IsraEl.And they repeated this 12 times (for the number of the tribes of IsraEl).18They also reestablished the divisions of the Priests and they distributed the duties at the Temple of God in JeruSalem among the Levites, just as it was written in the book of Moses.19Thereafter, those who had returned went on to observe the Passover on the 14th day of the 1st month. 20For by then, all the Priests had been purified and all the Levites were clean.So they slaughtered the Passover for those who had returned and for their brothers the Priests. 21Then, all the sons of IsraEl (those who had returned and separated themselves from the uncleanness of the gentiles so they could ask for things from Jehovah the God of IsraEl) ate the Passover, 22and they joyfully observed the holiday of Fermentation-free Bread for seven days, because Jehovah had filled them with joy.Thereafter, even the king of Assyria assisted them by providing [workers] for the Temple of the God of IsraEl.
1It was during the reign of ArthaSastha the king of Persia, that Ezra returned from Babylon.[Ezra was:]• The son of SeraiJah,
• The son of AzariJah,
• The son of HilkiJah,
2• The son of ShalLum,
• The son of ZaDok,
• The son of AhiTob,
3• The son of AmariJah,
• The son of AzariJah,
• The son of MeraiOth,
4• The son of ZerahiJah,
• The son of UzZi,
• The son of BukKi,
5• The son of AbiShua,
• The son of PhneHas,
• The son EliEzer,
• The son of Aaron, The first Priest.6He was a scribe who was well-versed in the Law that Jehovah the God of IsraEl had given to Moses. And because the hand of his God Jehovah was with him, the king gave him everything that he requested.7Then the sons of IsraEl, the Priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, 8and the Nethinim returned to JeruSalem in the 5th month of the 7th year of the reign of King ArthaSastha.9It was on the 1st day of the 1st month that he arranged for their return from Babylon, and it was on the 1st day of the 5th month that [Ezra] came to JeruSalem, because the good hand of his God was upon him.10Now, Ezra had prepared his heart to search the Law of Jehovah and then to practice and teach all its regulations and decisions to IsraEl.11King ArthaSastha also gave a copy of the following edict to the Priest Ezra (who was the scribe of the scroll of the words of the Commandments of Jehovah), which contained his orders concerning IsraEl.[The decree said]:12‘ArthaSastha (the king of kings) to the Priest Ezra, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven:13‘May my reply to this matter now be initiated, for I’ve sent a decree that tells all those in my kingdom among the people of IsraEl, including their Priests and Levites who wish to return to JeruSalem with you, that they may go there.14‘And here, before the king and his 7 advisors, I’m sending you to oversee Judah and JeruSalem according to the Law of your God! 15You are to carry all the silver and gold to the Temple of Jehovah that the king and his counselors are willing to donate to the God of IsraEl who camps in JeruSalem, 16as well as all the silver and gold that you can find in Babylon, as an offering.‘This is in addition to whatever your people may wish to offer to the Temple of your God in JeruSalem.17‘Now, for everyone who’s willing to go, you must (by this edict) arrange for them to bring along calves, rams, lambs, sacrifices, and drink offerings for presentation at the Altar of your God in JeruSalem.18‘Also, carry along anything that you and your brothers see that you [will need], in addition to the silver and gold.‘Do whatever pleases your God!19‘Carry with you the items that were given to you for the services at the Temple of God, and present them before your God in JeruSalem. 20Also, carry along anything else that you see will be needed for your God from the treasury in the king’s palace.21‘I, King ArthaSastha, have also sent a decree regarding the treasuries that are on the other side of the river, that whatever Ezra the Priest and scribe of the Law of the God of heaven asks of [those people] must be readily obeyed.22‘They must give you:• 3 tons (2,700kg) of silver,
• 600 bushels of wheat,
• 600 gallons (2,200l) of wine,
• 600 gallons (2,200l) of olive oil, and
• salt (no amount was specified).23‘They must supply whatever the God of heaven has decreed for the Temple of the God of heaven!‘They must be very careful to do this, for any attempt against the Temple of the God of heaven at any time will bring [my] rage upon the king of that kingdom and upon his sons.24‘And let it be made known that in regard to all the Priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, and officials at the Temple of God... No one is authorized to impose any sort of tax or toll upon them!25‘As for you, O Ezra:‘Use the wisdom of God that’s been placed in your hands to appoint scribes, as well as judges who know the Laws of your God, so as to judge all the people on the other side of the river and to teach them to anyone who doesn’t already know them!26‘Then you must decide whether any person who doesn’t diligently obey the Laws of God and the laws of the king must be killed, exiled, taught, fined, or locked in prison.’27O praise Jehovah the God of our ancestors who put it into the heart of the king to glorify the Temple of Jehovah in JeruSalem this great way, 28and for causing the eyes of the king, his advisors, and his leading men to look so mercifully upon me![And praise] the good hand of my God Jehovah that has strengthened me, so that I could gather all the leaders of IsraEl and bring them back with me!
1Now, these are the heads of families and the genealogies of those who came with me from the kingdom of ArthaSastha, the king of Babylon:2From the descendants of PhiNehas there was:GerSom.From the descendants of IthaMar there was:DaniEl.From the descendants of David there was:HatTush.3From the descendants of ShechaniJah and the sons of PharOsh there was:ZechariAh, and with him were 150 that could trace their genealogies.4From the descendants of PahathMoab there was:EliHoEnai (son of ZereHijah) and 200 males with him.5From the descendants of ShechaniJah there was:AziEl and 300 males that came with him.6From the descendants of Adin there was:Ebed (son of JoNathan) and 50 males that came with him;7From the descendants of ElAm there was:IsaiJah (son of AthaliAh) and 70 males that came with him;8From the descendants of ShephatiJah there was:ZebadiJah (son of MichaEl) and 80 males that came with him;9From the descendants of JoAb there was:ObadiJah (son of JehiEl) and 218 males that came with him;10From the descendants of ShelomIth there was:JoSephiJah and 160 males that came with him;11From the descendants of BebAi there was:ZechariAh (son of BebAi) and 28 males that came with him;12From the descendants of AzGad there was:JoHanan (son of HacKatan) and 110 males that came with him;13From the descendants of AdoniKam (the latter) there was:EliPhelet, JeiEl, and ShemaiJah, and 60 males that came with them;14From the descendants of BigVai there was:UthAi and ZaboUd, and 70 males that came with them.15I gathered them by the river that flows past Evi, where we camped for three days.But then I noticed that there were no Priests or Levites to be found among the people, 16so I sent [a message] to:• EliEzer,
• AriEl,
• ShemaiJah,
• ElNathan,
• JaRib ElNatham,
• Nathan,
• ZechariAh, and
• MeshulLam (who were their leaders)...as well as to JoiArib and ElNathan (their supervisors), 17and told them to go see IdDo, the ruler of the area of CasiPhiJa.I told them to tell IdDo and their brothers the Nethinim (who were the treasurers of CasiPhiJa) to send us officials and singers for the Temple of our God... 18And because the hand of our God was good to us, a very wise man from among the sons of MahLi (a descendant of Levi, son of IsraEl) was sent to us, along with SherEbiJah and his sons and family (18 people).19Also, HashAbiJah and JeShaiJah from the family line of MeraRi and their families and sons (some 20 people) came with them. 20And from the Nethinim whom David had appointed to be in charge of the services for the Levites, there were 220 more that were all [chosen by] name.21Then I called for a fast there at the Ahava River to humble ourselves before our God and to ask Him to straighten the way for ourselves, our children, and our possessions, 22because I was ashamed to ask the king for troops and cavalry to protect us from our enemies along the way, since I’d told the king that the hand of our God would be with all those who search for good things from Him, and that His might and rage would come upon all those who abandon Him.23So, we fasted and [put our trust] in our God about this matter, and He listened to us.24Then I selected 12 of the leaders from among the Priests and 10 from among the brothers of SherEbiJah and HashAbiJa, 25and I assigned them [to watch over] the silver, gold, and the items of the first-fruits that were dedicated to the Temple of our God by the king, his counselors, his governors, and by all the people of IsraEl.26I handed over to their charge:• Some 25 tons (22,700kg) of silver,
• 4 tons (3,600kg) of items made of silver,
• 3 tons (2,700kg) of gold, and
27• 1,000 gold bowls weighing 20 pounds (9kg) each,
• Plus many items of shiny high-quality brass that was as good as gold.28And I said to them:‘Now, you are holy to Jehovah God, and these items of silver and gold are also holy, for they’re voluntary offerings to Jehovah the God of our ancestors.29‘So, stay alert and watch over these things until we can hand them over to the Chief Priests, the Levites, and the heads of the families in JeruSalem for the place of worship in the Temple of Jehovah!’30Therefore, the Priests and Levites weighed all the silver, gold, and other items before they were to carry them to JeruSalem and to the Temple of our God.31Then we got up and left the Ahava River on the 12th day of the 1st month, as we started our journey towards JeruSalem, and the hand of our God was upon us, for He protected us from our enemies and everyone else along the way.32Well, when we finally arrived in JeruSalem, we [rested up] for three days... 33Then on the 4th day, we took all the silver, gold, and other items for the Temple of our God, and handed it over to:• MeremOth (son of UriJah) the High Priest,
• EliEzer (son of PhiNehas),
• JoZabad (son of JoShua), and
• NoAdiJah (son of BinNai the Levite).34[And these men] weighed and recorded everything once again.35Then all those who had traveled with us in our return from captivity brought whole burnt offerings to the God of IsraEl, which consisted of:• 12 calves (one for each of the tribes of IsraEl),
• 96 rams,
• 77 lambs, and
• 12 winter-yearling goats for the sin offering.It was all to be sacrificed as whole burnt offerings to Jehovah.36And thereafter (following the mandate that was given by the king and his administrators), the vassal kings on the other side of the river [provided the rest of the things that] the people needed for the Temple of God.
1Well after that, the leaders came to me and pointed out that we hadn’t yet separated the people of IsraEl (or even the Priests and Levites) from the peoples of the land and the disgusting things of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Pherezites, Jebusites, AmMonites, MoAbites, Moserites, and Amorites.2For [many] had taken these people’s daughters [as wives] for themselves and for their sons! So, the offspring of what is holy had become mixed with the peoples of the land… And even the governors and generals had become involved in this breach-of-contract.3Well when I heard about this, I ripped my clothes and underwear, and I was so furious that I ripped hair from my head and beard!Then I had to sit down to calm myself.4And all those who had gathered around me started trembling because of what the God of IsraEl had said about a breach-of-contract in the resettlement [of our people].So I just sat there calming myself until [it came time for] the evening sacrifice... 5Then I got up and I felt ashamed over ripping my clothes and underwear.So, I fell to my knees and spread my arms towards my God Jehovah, 6and I said:‘Lord, I’m so ashamed… I’m too ashamed to stand up and face You, O my God, because we’re in over our heads with lawbreaking, and our errors are so bad that they’ve reached into the heavens!7‘For from the time of our ancestors down to this day, we’ve been guilty of great sins. And it’s because of our lawbreaking that our kings, our Priests, and [our people] were handed over to the kings of the nations to be killed with swords and carried off into captivity…‘Yes we were seized, and our faces have been shamed to this day.8‘Now, O Jehovah our God,‘You’ve been patient with us and You’ve allowed us to return [to our land] so that we could be taught to rely on Your Holy Place, to open our eyes, and to put a little life into our service [to You].9‘And because we’re Your servants and we haven’t abandoned our service to our God, the kings of Persia have been merciful to us and given life to us, so that we could return to our deserted [homes] and rebuild the Temple of our God, and to fence Judah and JeruSalem off [from the surrounding nations].10‘So, what can we say to our God after this?‘For we’ve abandoned the Commandments 11that You gave to us through the hands of Your servants the Prophets when You said:‘The land that you’re returning to as its heirs is a land in motion... For the people who once inhabited that land have been removed from it because of the disgusting things and the filth that spilled from their mouths.12‘Therefore, you must not give your daughters to them or take their daughters for your sons… Nor should you expect peace with them throughout the ages!‘So now, to grow stronger, you must eat the good [produce] from this land, which you’ll share with your sons throughout the ages!’13‘Then after all of these things that happened to us because of our own wickedness and great errors, and after You (our God) [forgave] us for our lawless actions and delivered us, 14we still turned around and disregarded Your commandments by creating alliances with the people of these lands through marriages.‘But, please don’t become angry with us and destroy us, so that none of us remain!15‘O Jehovah, the God of IsraEl,‘You are righteous, for you’ve preserved us down to this day.‘And look:‘Here we stand before You in our errors… And we know that no one can stand before You in such a condition.’
1Then Ezra prayed, confessed, and cried as he fell [to his face] before the Temple of The God, along with a vast gathering of men, women, and young people from IsraEl that joined him, weeping bitterly.2Then one of them (ShechaniJah, son of JehiEl, a descendant of ElAm) said to Ezra:‘We’ have broken our contract with our God by [taking] women from among the people of this land... So because of this, there’s no hope of IsraEl ever having a contract with our God!3‘But, what if we agree (before our God) to lead away all the women and all those who were born to us, so that we can then start following the counsel of Jehovah, and so that those of us that are trembling before our God today can start following His commandments?‘If [He will accept this], we can make it happen!4‘So, you must now arise [and be strong], because this matter also affects you! Since we’re all with you, you must have the strength to do whatever must be done!’5Well at that, Ezra stood up and he made the leaders, Priests, Levites, and all IsraEl swear to do the thing that [ShechaniJah] had proposed.6And thereafter, he left from that place in front of the Temple of God, and he went to the treasury of JoHanan (son of EliAshib) and he started living there. But he refused to eat any food or drink any water as he mourned over the breach-of-contract by those who had returned to resettle [the land].7Well, this was soon reported throughout Judah, JeruSalem, and wherever the people had resettled, and everyone was then called to assemble in JeruSalem.
8In fact, the governors and elders [had decreed] that all those who didn’t come in [the next] three days would have everything they owned destroyed, and they’d be cut off from the gathering of those who’d returned in the resettlement!9So, all the men of Judah and BenJamin gathered in JeruSalem over the next three days. It was in the 9th month and on the 20th day of the month that all the people had finally arrived.Then they sat down in the square before the Temple of God… And they were all shaking, because of the seriousness of this matter.10Then Ezra (the Priest) stood up and said to them:‘You have added to the sins of IsraEl and broken our contract [with God] by settling here with foreign women!11‘Now, praise Jehovah the God of our ancestors and do whatever is pleasing before Him… Separate yourselves from the people of this land and from your foreign women!’12Then the entire assembly shouted loudly:‘We’ll do just as you said!’13But the crowd was huge and it was wintertime; one couldn’t even stand outside [for too long]... So, the job couldn’t be done in just a day or two, for that would’ve made all the wrongs even worse!14[Therefore, it was agreed that] the governors would call an assembly in each of the cities, and that all who’d taken foreign women were to come there at a prearranged time to meet with the city elders and judges, so that God’s anger and rage over this matter could be removed from them.15Now, with the help of JoNathan (the son AsahEl) and JahaziJah (son of TikVah) and their assistants MeshulLam and the Levite ShabBethAi, everyone who had returned in the resettlement did as they were told.16So the Priest Ezra and each of the heads of the family lines started their inquiry on the 1st day of the 10th month, 17and the process of questioning all the men who had settled in with foreign women lasted until the 1st day of the 1st month.18As a result, it was found that among the Priests, those who had taken foreign women were:• The sons of JoShua (son of JoZadek).And those of his brothers:• MaAseiJah,
• EliEzer,
• JaRib, and
• GedaliJah.19So they each gave their hand in a pledge to bring in their women, along with a sin offering of a ram from among their sheep, to cover their errors.20From among the sons of ImMer there was:• HanaNi and
• ZebadiJah.21From the sons of Harim there was:• MaAseiJah,
• EliJah,
• ShemaiJah,
• JehiEl, and
• UzZiJah.22From the sons of Phasur there was:• EliWenai,
• MaAseiJah,
• IshMaEl,
• NathaniEl,
• JoZabad, and
• ElAsah.23Among the Levites, there was:• JoZabad,
• Shemei,
• KelaiJah (also known as Kelita),
• PethAhiJah,
• Judah, and
• EliEzer.24Among the singers, there was:• EliAshib.And from among the gatekeepers, there was:• ShalLum,
• TelEm, and
• Uri.25From IsraEl there were:• The sons of ParOsh,
• RamiJah,
• JeziJah,
• MalchiJah,
• MiAmin,
• EliEzer,
• MalchiJah, and
• BenaiJah.26From the sons of ElAm there was:• MattaniJah,
• ZechariAh,
• JehiEl,
• AbDi,
• JeremOth, and
• EliJah.27From the sons of ZatTu there was:• EliWenai,
• EliAshib,
• MatTaniJah,
• JeremOth,
• Zabad, and
• AziZa.28From the sons of BebAi there was:• JehoHanan,
• HaNaniJah,
• ZabBai, and
• AthLai.29From the sons of Bani there was:• MeshulLam,
• MalLuch,
• AdaiJah,
• JaShub,
• SheAl, and
• RamOth.30From the sons of PahathMoab there was:• Adna,
• ChelAl,
• BenaiJah,
• MaAseiJah,
• MatthaniJah,
• BezaleEl,
• BinNui, and
• ManasSeh.31From the sons of Harim there was:• EliEzer,
• IshiJah,
• MalchiJah,
• ShemaiJah, and
• ShimeOn.32From BenJamin there was:• MalLuch and
• ShemariJah.33From the sons of Hashum there was:• MatTenai,
• MatTathAh,
• Zabad,
• EliPhelet,
• JeremAi,
• ManasSeh, and
• ShiMei.34From the sons of Bani were:• MaAdai,
• AmRam,
• Wel,
35• BenaiJah,
• BedeiJah,
• ChelLah,
36• VaniJah,
• MeremOth,
• EliAshib,
37• MattaniJah, and
• MattenAi.38There were also the sons of Bani:• ShiMei,
39• ShelemiJah,
• Nathan,
• AdaiJah,
40• MachNadebAi,
• SharAi,
• ShashAi,
41• AzareEl,
• ShelemiJah,
• ShemariJah,
42• ShalLum,
• AmariJah, and
• JoSeph.43From the sons of Nebo there was:• JeiEl,
• MatithiJah,
• Zabad,
• Zebina,
• JaDau,
• JoEl, and
• BenaiJah.44They had all taken foreign women for themselves that had each given birth to sons.
1These are the words of NehemiAh, son of HachaliJah.It was in the 20th year, during the month of Chislev, while I was in the city of Susa in AbiRa, 2that HanaNi (one of my brothers) arrived with some men from Judah.So I asked him about those who’d survived and escaped the captivity, and about JeruSalem. 3And he said to me:‘Those who survived the captivity and are still in [Judah] are a joke and they’re extremely wicked.‘As for the walls of JeruSalem; they’ve been knocked down and its gates have been burned.’4Well when I heard this, I sat down and cried... Then I mourned for days, and I fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.5I said:‘No, O Lord God of the heavens, the mighty, great, and fearful One who’s guarded our Sacred Agreement and who shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His Commandments...6‘May Your ears hear [what my brother is saying], and may Your eyes be open so that You pay attention to Your servant today – throughout this day and night – who is praying on behalf of Your servants, the sons of IsraEl!‘I openly admit to the sins that the sons of IsraEl have committed against You... For even the house of my father and I have sinned, 7because we left You and we haven’t obeyed the Commandments, decisions, and instructions that You gave to Your servant Moses.8‘However, please remember what You told Your servant Moses when You said:‘If you break our contract with Me I’ll spread you among the peoples.9‘But if you return to Me and start observing and obeying My Commandments… Even if you’re scattered to the wings of the skies, I’ll gather you back and return you to the place where I’ve chosen to camp and where I’ve put My Name.’10‘Now, they are Your children and Your people whom You ransomed by Your great power and with the ‘fortress’ of Your hand.11‘No, O Jehovah... Allow Your ears to pay attention to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayers of Your children who fear Your Name!‘Bless the way of Your servant today, and make the [king] compassionate before this man; for I’m [just] a wine server to the king.’
1Well, it was in the month of Nisan in the 20th year [of the reign] of King ArthaSastha that I was bringing him some wine… I took it up and handed it to the king in private, 2and then the king asked me:‘Why’s your face so downcast and why are you so unhappy? This appears to be nothing other than a [broken] heart!’Well, I was frightened, 3but I said to the king:‘O king, may you live throughout the ages!‘Why shouldn’t my face be sad? For the city where the houses and tombs of my ancestors are, has been destroyed – and its gates have been burned with fire!’4Then the king asked me:‘So, what is it that you’re looking for?’Well, I then prayed [silently] to Jehovah the God of heaven, 5and thereafter I said to the king:‘If the king is moved to do such a good thing, and if he’s pleased enough with his servant that stands before him... Please send me to Judah and to the city of the tombs of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it!’6Then the king (who was sitting next to his concubine) asked me:‘How long will this take and when will you return?’Well, the king [found my proposal] to be good and he sent me off. Then I [wrote a letter of] confirmation to him, which said:7‘To the king:‘If it pleases the king, please give me letters to the vassal kings on the other side of the river, so as to allow me safe passage to Judah.8‘Also provide me a letter to Asaph, the king’s groundskeeper, and ask him to provide me with enough wood to make roofs for the gates along the city’s walls and for the house where I’ll be staying.’Then, by the hand of God, the king provided this to me.9And when I reached the vassal kings on the other side of the river, I gave them the letters from the king. The king had also sent his top general along with me, as well as a contingent of cavalry.10But when SanBalLat the Horonite and TobiJah (his AmMonite servant) heard of it, all of this appeared wrong to them, since they were very unhappy that anyone would be coming to do good things for the sons of IsraEl.11Well, when I got to JeruSalem, I [rested] for three days.12Then I got up during the night and I took a few men with me. I didn’t have to report to anyone, because it was God who’d put it into my heart to do this for JeruSalem. And I didn’t bring along any animals, except the one that I rode.13I traveled through the City Gate out to the mouth of the Well of Dragons, and past the Manure Gate...Then I examined the walls of JeruSalem that had been torn down and the gates that had been burned with fire.14I passed by the Fountain Gate, then I went up to the Pool of the King to a place where I could get through [on horseback], 15then I rode down into the Cedar (Kidron) Valley that night, studying the walls, until I had reached the Valley Gate.That’s when I turned around and went back.16Well, the guards didn’t know why I went there or what I was doing, nor did I report what I was doing to any of the Judeans, the Priests, the important ones, the generals, or to any of the rest that had been doing the work until then.17But later, I said this to them:‘Do you see this wicked condition that we’re in? JeruSalem is a waste and its gates have been burned. Come on, let’s build a wall around JeruSalem so we’re no longer a joke!’18Then I explained how the hand of God had blest me with the things that the king had said to me, and I told them:‘Now, let’s get up and build!’Well, this emboldened their hands to do what was good!19But when SanBalLat the Horonite, his servant TobiJah the AmMonite, and the Arab Gesham heard about this, they laughed out loud... For were disgusted with us, and they asked:‘Just what do you think you’re doing? Have you chosen to revolt against the king?’20But I spoke right back to them and said:‘The God of the heavens will bless us, because we (His servants) are pure; therefore, we’ll arise and build!‘However, you may have no part in doing this or in giving us the legal right to do so, nor will your [names] be remembered in JeruSalem.’
1Well thereafter, the High Priest EliAshib and his fellow Priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate and made it holy. They set its doors in place and completed [the walls] from the Tower of the Hundred to the Tower of HanaNeEl.2Then, next to him, ZacCur (son of ImRi) and men from JeriCho rebuilt [the adjoining portion of the wall].3The sons of HasSenaAh rebuilt the Fish Gate… They roofed it and set its doors, bolts, and bars in place.4And from that point, MaremOth (son of UriAh and grandson of Kos) took control [of rebuilding the adjoining wall].Then MeshulLam (son of BarAchiJah and grandson of MeShezaBeel) did more repairs, and ZaDok (son of BaAna) also handled a section [of the wall].5From there, the Tekoites repaired the next section… Although their mightiest men refused to lift their necks in the service of their Lord.6Then JehoiAda (son of PaseJah) and MeshulLam (son of BoSodeiJah) repaired the Gate of JasanAh… They roofed it and set its doors, bolts, and bars in place.7Next to them, MeLatiJah the GibeOnite, JaDon the Meronothite, and the men of GibeOn and MizPah (who were being ruled by those on the throne on the other side of the river) made the repairs.8And next to them, UzZiEl (son of HarHaiJah the refiner) made the repairs, and HanaNiAh (son of the perfumers) made the repairs and rebuilt JeruSalem all the way to the Broad Wall.9From there, RephaiJah (son of Sur, the ruler of part of the area around JeruSalem) made the repairs.10And next to him, JedaiJah (son of HaruMaph) made the repairs all the way to his house.Then next to him, HatTush (son of HashaBaniJah) made the repairs.11The second section [of the wall] was repaired by MelchiJah (son of Harim) and Hashub (son of PahathMoab) all the way to the Tower of Furnaces.12And next to them, ShalLum (son of HaloHesh, the ruler of the other half of the area around JeruSalem) made the repairs with the help of his daughters.13Then Hanun repaired the Valley Gate with the help of the people of Zanoa… They built it and set its doors, bolts, and bars in place, and they also rebuilt 1,700 feet (520m) of the wall to the Manure Gate.14The Manure Gate was repaired by MelchiJah (son of RechAb, the ruler of the area around BethHakKarim) and his sons. They covered it and set its doors, bolts, and bars in place.15ShalLum (son of ColHozeh, the ruler of part of MizPah) was in charge of the Spring Gate... He rebuilt it, roofed it, and set its doors and bars in place, then he rebuilt the wall around the Pool of SiloAm, the King’s Garden, and the stairway that leads down from the [Citadel] of David.16And next to him, NehemiAh (son of AzaBuk, the ruler of half of the area around BethSur) made repairs from the garden of the Tomb of David to the man-made pool and the House of the Mighty.17Next to him, the Levites under Rehum (son of Bani) did the repairs, and then AsabiJah (the ruler of half of the area around KeiLa) made the repairs around his [house] by himself.18And after him, his friend Benei (son of HenAdad, the ruler of the other half of the area around KeiLa) made the repairs.19Then Ezer (son of JoShua, the ruler of MizPah) made the repairs to the corner of a second wall opposite the armory, all by himself.20After him, BarUch (son of Zabai) made the repairs from the corner of the second wall up to the door of the house of EliAshib the High Priest.21And after him, MeramOth (son of UriAh and grandson of HaKoz) rebuilt a measured section from the door of the house of EliAshib and all along the area behind that house (which was also being rebuilt).22And next to him, the Priests who were descendants of EkChechar repaired the wall.After him, BenJamin and Hashub did the repairs by their houses.23Then AzariAh (son of MaAseJah and grandson of HananiAh) did the repairs next to his house.24And BinNui (son of HenAdad) repaired another measured section from the house of AzariAh to the corner, and then around the bend.25Thereafter, PaLal (son of UzAi) did the repairs to the opposite corner and to the tower that protrudes from the king’s palace and overlooks the prison courtyard.Then PedaiJah (son of ParOsh) 26and the Nethinim that lived in Ophel rebuilt the eastern Garden-Watering Gate and the tower that protrudes from it.27Next, the Tekoites repaired a measured section that was across from the Great Tower, up to the wall of Ophel.28And from there, the Priests repaired the portion of the Horse Gate that was across from their own houses.29Then ZaDok (son of ImMer) did the repairs across from his own house. And ShemaiAh (son of ShechaniJah, who was in charge of the Eastern Gate) did the repairs there.30Also, HanaNiAh (son of ShelemiJah) and Hanun (the sixth son of ZalAph) repaired another measured section.MeshulLam (son of BarAchiJah) made the repairs across from his treasury.31And from there, MelchiJah (son of SarEfi) did the repairs up to the House of the Nethinim and the market that’s in front of the Gate of MiphKad, and then around the corner.32And [finally], the goldsmiths and venders repaired the section of wall that ascends back up to the Sheep Gate.
1Well, when SanBalLat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he thought this was a bad thing and he was extremely angry. He also laughed out loud about the Judeans 2when he spoke before his people and the army of the Samaritans.For he said:‘What do these men of Judah – these Jews – think they’re doing? Do they think we’ll just leave them alone?‘Do they think that they’ll be able to offer sacrifices there, and do they think that they’ll be able to finish the job?‘For today they’re making their repairs with stones that they find in heaps of rubbish that should have been burned!’3Then TobiJah the AmMonite (who was standing next to him) said:‘Even if they do build, won’t a fox go there and demolish their wall of rocks?’4[So I prayed:]‘Listen, O our God, to the people who are sneering at us, and bring their scorn down upon their own heads! Make them do their sneering as captives in [faraway] lands.5‘Don’t cover over their lawlessness, and may their sins never be wiped away from before Your face, because they’re taunting You in front of those who are doing the rebuilding!’6[not present in LXX source]7So, when SanBalLat, TobiJah, the Arabians, the AmMonites, and the AshDodites heard that the gaps in the walls of JeruSalem were being repaired, this appeared wrong to them, 8and they all gathered to distract us and to undo our work on JeruSalem.9So, we prayed to our God and we posted guards [outside the walls] both day and night.10But then the Judeans said:‘Our enemies have broken our resolve, and now there’s so much dust that we just can’t finish building the wall!’11And thereafter, those who were oppressing us said:‘They won’t know and they won’t see us when we come among them to murder them and make them stop the work!’12But the Judeans who lived in their midst came to us and told us what they were saying, and they warned us that our enemies were all around us!13So I posted men in fortified trenches behind the walls whom I armed with broadswords, wooden spears, and bows. 14And after looking the situation over, I got up and spoke to the leaders, generals, and the rest of the people, and said:‘When you face them, don’t be afraid… You must remember that our God is great and someone to be feared!‘So, prepare yourselves to fight in order to protect your relatives, sons, daughters, wives, and your homes!’15Well, when our enemies found out that we’d learned about their plans and that God had blocked their schemes, we were all able to start rebuilding the walls once again... Therefore, everyone went back to doing their jobs!16But from that day on, half of us did the work while the other half stood armed and ready for battle with their lances, shields, bows, and armor.
So, the rulers and the whole house of Judah 17protected those who were building the wall... And those who carried things on their shoulders did their work with one hand, while they held arrows in the other. 18Also, all the workers – every man – had his broadsword tied to his waist as he built.Meanwhile, I kept the trumpeters next to me, 19and I told the rulers, generals, and the rest of the people (since the work covers a vast area and we were spread all along the walls with each man working some distance from his brother) that 20whenever they heard the trumpets being blown, everyone was to gather here with me, and we would allow our God to fight the war for us.21Well, that’s how we did it… With half of us [ready for battle] as we worked from sunrise until we could see the stars.22Then I told the people:‘All those with children should sleep in the middle of JeruSalem, and we’ll keep guards posted all night long.‘However, during the day, everyone must work!’So I stood there with my brothers and the younger men flanked by guards, and nobody took off their clothes or removed their swords, even when they went to draw water.
1Then, many of the people (especially their wives) started complaining loudly about their brothers, the Judeans.2Some were saying:‘Even though we have many sons and daughters, we still have enough grain to eat and to get by.’3But others were saying:‘We had to mortgage our fields, vineyards, and houses to buy enough grain to eat.’4And others were saying:‘Because we had to borrow money to pay the king’s taxes on our fields, vineyards, and houses, our flesh now belongs to our brothers… Our sons have become their sons, and our daughters have become their daughters!5‘And look! They’re tyrannizing our sons and they’re using our daughters as though they were slaves… Many of them are being tyrannized, and there’s nothing we can do [to help them], because our fields and vineyards now belong to the important ones!’6Well when I heard the things they were saying in their outcries, I was deeply disturbed, 7and my heart moved me to do something... So I confronted the important ones and the rulers, and said to them:‘Should any man ask the things of you that you’re asking of your brothers?’Then I called for a great assembly against them, 8at which I said to them:‘We once had to ask you for contributions in order to buy back many of our Judean brothers who had been sold to the gentiles... So are you now going to sell your brothers back, or do you think that they should all be returned to us?’Well... No one said a word!9Then I said:‘What you’re doing here isn’t good, because it doesn’t reflect a fear of our God!‘Should we be giving our enemies from the nations even more reason to treat us with contempt?10‘Why, my own friends, brothers, and acquaintances have [had to lend these people enough] of their own money and grain money to repay you!‘However, I’m now bringing an end to these exacting accounting practices, 11and you must return these people today… Along with their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses.‘Also, you must provide them with some money, some grain, some wine, and some olive oil.’12And they replied:‘We’ll give it all back and we won’t ask any more of them…‘We’ll do just as you’ve said.’Then I called the Priests up and I made them swear with an oath that they’d be sure that these people did what they said.13And I shook off my cape and added:‘This is how God will shake off any man who doesn’t stand by his word on this matter… His house and everything he’s worked for will be shaken off like this!’Well at that, the entire assembly said:‘May it be so!’Then they praised Jehovah, and the people did just as they’d agreed to do.14Also, on that day, they appointed me to be their ruler in the land of Judah… From the 20th year to the 32nd year of the reign of King ArthaSastha (for the next 12 years). And during that entire period, my brothers and I who governed didn’t accept any [compensation].15But before that, those who’d been the rulers actually oppressed the people by taking the last of their bread and wine, and by applying a tax of 40 silver coins!So, although they and their servants had once dominated over the people, I didn’t do that, because of my fear before the Face of Jehovah.16I also worked on repairing the walls myself, and I didn’t acquire any land… I sent my [household] servants and field workers there to do the work! 17In addition, I allowed many of the Judeans and the rulers (about 150 men) who had returned to us from the nations roundabout, to eat at my table.Each day, they consumed:• 1 calf,
• 6 choice sheep, and
• 1 winter-yearling goat.18I also needed huge quantities of wine to be delivered every 10 days.Yet I didn’t seek any compensation for my work, because everyone else was slaving so hard. 19Please remember me, O my God, for all the good that I’ve done for these people!
1Well when SanBalLat, TobiJah, Gesham the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard that I was finishing the wall, they became quite dispirited.However, the doors hadn’t been set in the gates yet.2Then SanBalLat and Gesham sent me [a letter] that said:‘Come and meet with us in one of the towns in the plains of Ono!’But because they were just planning to [kill] me, 3I sent messengers to them that said:‘I still have a tremendous amount of work to do, and I can’t stop right now, because that would bring the work to a halt.‘I’ll come and see you after it’s finished.’4Well they sent me 4 more messages after that, but I just kept giving them the same reply. 5Then SanBalLat sent his servant a 5th time, who opened the letter and read it to me.6It said:‘Geshem told me (and it’s being rumored among the nations) that you’re planning to rebel, and that’s why you and the Judeans are building the wall… So you can become their king.7‘For you’ve appointed your own prophets to proclaim throughout JeruSalem that you’re now the king of Judah! So, tell the king that these words aren’t true… Come here and let’s discuss the matter!’8Well, I sent a reply that said:‘None of these things have happened, and you’re lying from your heart about this… 9All you’re really trying to do is frighten us.‘You’re saying:‘If we worry them enough, we can stop the work so it won’t be completed!’‘However, now I’m more determined than ever to get it done!’10Then later, when I went to the house of ShemaiAh (son of DalaiJah and grandson of MeHetaBeel), he acted like he was very worried, and he said to me:‘We must all gather in the middle of the Temple of God [for safety] and lock its doors, for they’re coming to murder you tonight!’11But I asked him:‘Which man must I run from?‘And who could possibly make me run for my life into the Temple?12‘I’m not going to do that!’And it was then that I realized that {Look!} God really hadn’t sent him.Rather, his ‘prophecy’ was just part of a plot against me, for he’d been hired by TobiJah and SanBalLat 13to scare me into doing something that would cause me to sin and give me a bad reputation, so they could thereafter have something bad to say about me.14O my God,Remember these things that TobiJah, SanBalLat, the prophetess NoAdiJah, and the rest of the prophets have done to frighten me!15Well, we finished the wall on the 25th day of the month of Elul, after 52 days!16And when our enemies heard about it, they and all the nations roundabout became extremely fearful, because they realized that it was our God who had brought the work to a completion.17Then I found out that during the entire time, several important men of Judah had been sending messages to TobiJah, and that he’d been sending messages back to them, 18because many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him, since he was the son-in-law of ShechaniJah (son of Arah), and his son JoHanan had married the daughter of MeshulLam (son of BarAchiJah).19So he’d been using these connections to his advantage when he was writing to me... For, everything that I said was being reported back to him, and the letters from TobiJah were just sent to frighten me.
1Well after the walls were finished and the gate doors were set in place, we took a census of the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites.2Then we assigned a job to my brother HanaNi and to HanaNiJah (the man in charge of the palace in JeruSalem), because they feared God and were more righteous than most of the rest.3I told them:‘Don’t let the city gates be opened before sunrise each morning, and as a safety precaution, make sure that they’re locked [each night].‘Also, select guards from among the people of JeruSalem and assign them to posts near their homes.’4I did this because the city was wide and spread out, not many people lived there yet, and none of their homes had been completed.5Then God inspired my heart and I gathered all of the important people, the rulers, and the common people into groups and I had them registered. That’s when I found a scroll that listed all the people who had first returned [to JeruSalem] and the 6cities that they’d returned to in Judah after the captivity and the resettlement by King NebuChadnezzar of Babylon.7The men of IsraEl that had returned with ZerubBabel, JoShua, NehemiJah, AzariAh, RaAmiJah, NaHamani, MordecAi, Balsan, MisPereth, BigVai, Nehum, BaAna, and Masphar were:8The descendants of ParOsh – 2,1729The descendants of ShephatiJah – 37210The descendants of Arah – 65211The descendants of PahathMoab (including the sons of JeShua and JoAb) – 2,81812The descendants of ElAm – 1,25413The descendants of ZatTu – 84514The descendants of ZacCai – 76015The descendants of BinNui – 64816The descendants of BebAi – 62817The descendants of AzGad – 2,32218The descendants of AdoniKam – 66719The descendants of BigVai – 2,06720The descendants of Adin – 65521The descendants of Ater (from the line of HezekiAh) – 9822The descendants of Hashum – 32823The descendants of BezAi – 32424The descendants of Hariph – 112The descendants of Asen – 22325The men of GibeOn – 9526The men of BethLehem and NetoPhah – 12327The men of AnathOth – 12828The men of BethAzmaVeth – 4229The men of KiriAth JaiRim, ChephiRah, and BeerOth – 74330The men of RamAh and GabaA – 62131The men of MichMash – 12232The men of BethEl and Ai – 12333The men of Nebo – 15234The men of ElAm – 125235The men of Harim – 32036The men of JeriCho – 34537The men of LodHadid and Ono – 72138The men of SenaAh – 3,93039The priests from the sons of JedaiJah and the house of JeShua – 97340The descendants of ImMer – 1,05241The descendants of PashUr – 1,24742The descendants of Harim – 1,01743The Levites from the sons of JeShua (son of KadmiEl) and the sons of HodeVah – 7444The singers that were the descendants of Asaph – 14845The gatekeepers that were the descendants of ShalLum, Ater, TalMon, AkKub, HatiTa, and ShobAi – 13846The Nethinim that were the sons of HashUpha, TabBaOth, 47Keros, Sia, Padon, 48Lebana, HagaBa, ShalmAi, 49Hanan, GidDel, Gahar, 50ReaJah, Rezin, NekoDa, 51GazZam, UzZa, and PhaseAh – 54.52From BesAi, there were the sons of:• MeUnim, • NephiShesim, 53• BakBuk, • HakuPha, • HarHur, 54• Bazlith, • MehiDa, • HarSha, 55• Barkow, • SiSera, • Tamah, 56• NeziJah, and • Hatiph.57Among the servants of Solomon, there were the descendants of:• SotAi, • SopherEth, • Perida, 58• JaAla, • DarKon, • GidDel, 59• ShephatiJah, • HatTil, • PochEreth, and • Zebaim (who were all AmMonites).60Altogether, the Nethinim and the servants of Solomon numbered 392.61Those who had come from TelMelah, TelHaresha, Cherub, AdDon, and ImMer weren’t able to say which houses and families they were from, or even if they were the offspring of IsraEl!62From the descendants of DalaiJah, TobiJah, and NekoDa, there were 642.63Priests who were descended from HabaiJah, Koz, and BarzilLai (those who married the daughters of BarzilLai the GileAdite and took their family name) 64searched for their family lines but couldn’t find them, so they were expelled from the Priesthood 65([King] ArthaSastha told them that they couldn’t eat from the Holy things until a Priest could stand and provide some light on this).66Altogether, the entire group consisted of 42,360, 67plus their male and female servants, who numbered 7,337, and 245 male and female singers.68There were 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, 69and 6,720 burros.70Then [King] ArthaSastha sent 1,000 large gold coins to the family heads for the reconstruction (which was all put into the treasury), plus 50 [gold] bowls and 530 robes for the Priests.71Thereafter, the family heads contributed 2,000 more large gold coins for the work, plus 2,300 large silver coins, which was all put into the treasury.72And then the rest of the people contributed 20,000 large gold coins, 2,000 silver coins, and 77 outfits for the Priests.73Well after that, the Priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and singers each returned to the cities that their families were from, as did the Nethinim and all IsraEl.
1By the 7th month, all the sons of IsraEl had had returned to their cities.Then all the people came and gathered as a single man in the wide area in front of the Water Gate, and they asked the Scribe Ezra to bring out the scroll of the Law of Moses that gave Jehovah’s instructions to IsraEl.2So on the 1st day of the 7th month, the Priest Ezra carried the Law before the gathering, because everyone (both the men and the women) wanted to hear what it said.3Then from sunrise until about noon, Ezra read it to them there in the square in front of the Water Gate, and everyone paid very close attention to what was written in the scroll of the Law.4Ezra did this as he was standing on a wooden podium that he’d made for such public speaking, while to his right were standing:• MatTithiJah,
• ShemaiAh,
• AnaiJah,
• UriAh,
• HilkiAh, and
• MaAseJah.And on his left were standing:• PedaiJah,
• MishaEl,
• MelchiJah,
• Hashum,
• HashBadana,
• ZechariAh, and
• MeshulLam.5So Ezra opened the scroll before all the people as he stood above everyone who was gathered there, 6and he praised their great God Jehovah.And the people said:‘May it be so, may it be so,’As they were raising their arms and bowing low before Jehovah with their faces to the ground.7Well, after that, the Levites along with...• JeShua,
• Bani,
• SherebiJah,
• JaMin,
• AkKub,
• ShabbethAi,
• HodiJah,
• MaAseJah,
• Kelita,
• AzariAh,
• JoZabad,
• Hanan, and
• PelaiJah...explained the Law to the people, as they were all standing in their places.8And as he read from the scroll of the Law of God, Ezra taught and instructed them in order to give them a deeper knowledge of Jehovah… And the people understood!9Then NehemiAh (who was also known as AtarSatha) stood up next to the Scribe and Priest Ezra and the Levites (who’d been explaining things to the people) and said:‘Because this is a holy day to our God Jehovah, you must stop being sad and crying’ (because all the people had been crying as they were listening to the words of the Law).10He continued:‘Rather, you should each [sit down] and eat the fatness and drink the sweetness, then share what you have with those who have nothing, because, this is a holy day to our God Jehovah!‘Don’t be shy before our God, because the joy of Jehovah is what will make us strong!’11Well thereafter, the Levites had to settle the people down.They shouted:‘You have to be quiet, because this is a holy day… You must stop falling to the ground!’12So at that, all the people started eating, drinking, and sharing whatever they had... For they were all very joyful after learning of the things that they’d just been told.13Then on the 2nd day, the governor gathered all the family heads, along with all the people, the Priests, and the Levites, before the Scribe Ezra, so that they could listen to the [reading of] more of the words of the Law.14That’s when they found that it was written in the Law that God gave to Moses, that the sons of IsraEl were to live in temporary dwellings during the holiday of the 7th month, and that this was to be announced by the blowing of trumpets throughout all their cities and in JeruSalem.15So Ezra said:‘Everyone should go into the mountains and gather olive branches, along with the branches of cypress trees, myrtle trees, palms, and branches from bushes (as we were told to do in the writing) to make temporary dwellings for ourselves.’16So all the people went out and gathered whatever they needed to make the temporary dwellings, and they erected them on their roofs, in their courtyards, in the courtyards of the Temple of God, in the square by the Water Gate, and in the square by the Gate of Ephraim.17Then everyone who had returned from captivity spent time living in the temporary dwellings, which is something that the sons of IsraEl hadn’t done from the time of JoShua (son of NaWeh) until that day, and everyone was extremely happy!18Thereafter, [Ezra] continued to read from the scroll of the Law of God from the 1st day to the last of the 7 days of the holiday.Then they ended it on the 8th day, just as they were told.
1Well, it was on the 24th day of the month that the sons of IsraEl had gathered to fast wearing sackcloth and with ashes on their heads.2Then, after separating the foreigners from among themselves, they all stood and openly confessed their sins and the lawbreaking of their ancestors.3They each took their positions, as the scroll of the Law of their God Jehovah was being read over the next 4 days, and they were each speaking openly to Jehovah and bowing before the Lord, their God.4All the while, the Levites (JeShua, son of KadmiEl; plus SecheniJah, son of SherebiJah and grandson of ChenAni) were standing on the ascent calling out loudly to their God Jehovah.5Then the Levites (JeShua, KadmiEl, Bani, SherebiJah, HodiJah, SecheniJah, and PethahiJah) said to the people:‘Stand up and praise Jehovah that’s been our God throughout the ages and into the ages of ages!‘Praise His glorious Name and raise it high with blessings and praises!’6Then Ezra said:‘O our only Lord,‘It was You who made the skies and the heavens above the skies!‘You’re the One who put everything in its position… The land and all that’s on it, the seas and everything that’s in them, and You gave life to everything... So to You, all the armies of the heavens must bow.7‘O Jehovah our God,‘It was You who chose Abram and led him out of the [land] of the Chaldeans; then You changed his name to ‘AbraHam,’ 8because You found his heart worthy before You.‘And You concluded a Sacred Agreement with him, promising to give the land of the CanaAnites, Hittites, Amorites, Pherezites, Jebusites, and Gergesites to his offspring…‘And then You did what You said You’d do, because You are righteous.9‘And when You saw how our ancestors were being humiliated in Egypt and You heard their cries at the Red Sea, 10You sent signs and miracles to the PharaOh of Egypt on their behalf and to all his servants and all the people of his land, because You saw how [the Egyptians] were dominating them.‘Then You made a Name for Yourself that has lasted to this day!11‘For You ripped open the sea before them and threw those who were chasing them to the bottom of that sea – like stones in turbulent waters!12‘And after that, You guided them with a column of clouds by day and by a column of fire by night… To light their way as they followed behind it.13‘And on Mount SinAi, You went down and spoke to them from out of the sky and You gave them Your righteous Commandments, Laws of truth, orders, and good [instructions], 14as You explained to them about Your Holy Sabbath, [which had been written about] among the Commandments, orders, and Laws that You gave to them by the hands of Your servant Moses.15‘Then You sent them bread from heaven as their provisions, and You brought water out of a rock to quench their thirst.‘Thereafter, You spoke to them and told them to enter and inherit the land that You stretched out Your hand to give them…16‘But our ancestors were too proud. They stiffened their necks and refused to listen to Your Commandments… 17They shook their heads and refused to listen, because they forgot the wonders that You had just performed among them!‘And although You [could have] appointed a leader to return them to their slavery in Egypt, since they’d stiffened their necks... Because You, O God, are merciful, compassionate, lenient, and filled with patience when it comes to forgiving sins, You didn’t abandon them.18‘But then they molded a calf for themselves and said:‘This is our God who led us out of Egypt!’‘...which made You very angry.19‘However, in Your great compassion, You didn’t abandon them in the desert or remove the column of clouds that guided them on their way during the day, or the column of fire that lit their way during the night! 20With Your beautiful Breath, You made them understand, and You didn’t withhold Your manna from their mouths or the water that You gave them to quench their thirst.21‘Thereafter, You fed them in the desert for 40 years, and they lacked nothing, because their clothes didn’t become old and their sandals didn’t wear out. 22And You gave them kingdoms… You divided the people from among them, and they inherited the land of SeOn the king of HeshBon, and the land of Og the king of BaShan.23‘And all the while, You multiplied their sons as the stars in the skies, and You brought them into the land that You told their ancestors they would enter and inherit.24‘Then, after their sons entered and inherited the land, You wiped out those who’d lived in the land before them. You gave the CanaAnites into their hands, both their kings and the people of the land, to do whatever they saw fit with them.25‘There, they conquered cities with high walls and entered a fertile land, where they inherited houses that were already furnished, as well as quarries, vineyards, olive groves, and plenty of things to eat.‘So they ate until they were full and fat, as they indulged in Your goodness.26‘But then they changed and rebelled against You… They threw away Your Laws and killed the Prophets whom You sent as witnesses and to turn them back to You, which made You extremely angry.27‘So You handed them over to those who oppressed them... And as they were being oppressed, they called out to You in their time of need, and You again heard them from Your heavens.‘Then in Your great compassion, You saved them and delivered them from those who were oppressing them, 28and You allowed them to rest.‘But then they turned around and started acting wickedly before You once more; So You abandoned them into the hands of their enemies, who started ruling over them.‘And they once again yelled out to You, and once again You listened from the heavens and rescued them, because of Your great compassion; 29and You advised them to return to Your Law.‘However, they acted superior and they wouldn’t listen to Your Commandments and judgments that bring life to a man… And they kept on sinning! They turned their backs and refused to be persuaded… They stiffened their necks and just wouldn’t listen.30‘But You put up with them for many years, until Your patience finally ran out. Then, through Your Breath, You warned them by the hands of Your Prophets, before handing them over to the people of the land.31‘Yet, in Your great compassion, You didn’t destroy them or abandon them… You were strong and merciful, and You felt pity.32‘And now, O our strong, great, fearsome, and mighty God who is merciful and guards His Sacred Agreement; Don’t allow all the troubles that have found us, our kings, our rulers, our Priests, our Prophets, our fathers, and all Your people since the days of the kings of Assyria down to this day, to go unnoticed.33‘For You have been just when it comes to all the things that have happened to us. You have acted righteously while we were being led into sin.34‘For our kings, rulers, Priests, and our fathers didn’t obey Your Laws or pay attention to Your Commandments and the things that You testified to them! 35Yet, they continued to live in Your kingdom, enjoying the abundant goodness that You gave to them, and they [inherited] the wide and beautiful land that You had set before them.‘However, they still wouldn’t serve You or turn from their wicked ways.36‘But look!‘We are Your servants today in this land that You gave to our ancestors, so that we might eat its fruit and enjoy its good things. Look… We are Your servants here!37‘Yet, the abundant fruitage of this land now belongs to the kings who were put over us because of our sins – as were our bodies and our cattle – to do whatever they pleased.‘So we are extremely oppressed, 38and we’re entrusting these things [to You].‘We’ve written all of this down, and now our rulers, Levites, and Priests will put their seal upon it.’
1Well, those in charge of setting the seal were:• Governor NehemiAh (son of HachaliJah),
• ZidKiJah,
2• AraiJah,
• AzariAh,
• JeremiAh,
3• PashUr,
• AmariJah,
• MelchiJah,
4• HatTush,
• ShebaniJah,
• Harim,
• MalLuch,
5• MeremOth,
• ObadiAh,
6• DaniEl,
• GinNethou,
• BarUch,
7• MeshulLam,
• AbiJah,
• MiJamin,
8• MaAziJah,
• Bilgai, and
• ShemaiAh (the Priests).9The Levites were:• JeShua (son of AzaniJah),
• BinNui (of the sons of HenAdad),
• KadmiEl 10(and his brothers),
• ShebaniJah,
• HodiJah,
• Kelita,
• PelaiJah,
• Hanan,
11• Micha,
• ReHob,
• HaShabiJah,
12• ZacCur,
• SherebiJah,
• ShebaniAh,
• HodiJah, and
13• The sons of BeniNi.14These rulers of the people [also agreed to the seal]:• ParOsh,
• PahathMoab,
• ElAm,
• ZatThu,
• The sons of Bani,
15• Agad,
• BebAi,
16• AdoniJah,
• BigVai,
• Adin,
17• Ater,
• HezekiAh,
• AzZur,
18• HodiJah,
• Hashum,
• BezAi,
19• Hariph,
• AnathOth,
• NebAi,
20• MagPiAsh,
• MeshuLam,
• Hezir,
21• MeShezaBeel,
• ZaDok,
• JadDua,
22• PelatiJah,
• Hanan,
• AnaiJah,
23• HoSheA,
• HanaNiJah,
• Hashub,
24• HalLohesh,
• PiLeha,
• Shobek,
25• Rehum,
• HashabNah,
• MaAseJah,
26• AhiJah,
• Hanan,
• Anan,
27• MalLuch,
• Harim, and
• BaAnah.28And thereafter, all the rest of the people also [agreed to the seal]... Yes, the Priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Nethinim, and all the other people of the land who had dedicated themselves to the Law of God, plus their wives, sons, and daughters… All who were able to know and understand.29They all supported their brothers and they swore bad things and curses upon themselves with an oath, that they’d follow the Law of God that had been given at the hand of Moses (the servant of God), and that they would guard and observe all the Commandments of our God Jehovah, as well as His judgments and orders.30[They also swore] not to give their daughters to the peoples of the land, or to take their daughters for their sons.31Then they agreed that they wouldn’t buy anything that the peoples of the land would bring in to sell on the Sabbath or on other holy days, and that every 7 years, they would each go up and forgive all debts.32In addition, they all agreed to pay 1/3 of a large gold coin each year to support the services at the Temple of our God, 33and to provide the show bread, the daily sacrifice offerings, the whole burnt offerings, and the sacrifices for the Sabbaths, the New Moons, and the holidays, along with the holy things for sin offerings for ourselves and for all IsraEl, and to help with the repairs and upkeep of the Temple of our God.34Then we [held] a lottery among the people (by houses and families) to determine who would carry wood to the Temple for the Priests and Levites during each season and by time of day each year, to be burned on the Altar of Jehovah our God – as it was written in the Law.35[We also agreed to] bring the first produce of our lands and the first produce of the fruit from every tree to the Temple of Jehovah each year, 36as well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle (as it’s written in the Law)… The first-born of our oxen and our flocks.We agreed to bring them to the Temple of our God for the Priests who serve there in the Temple of our God, 37as well as the first-fruits of our grain and other offerings (the fruit of every tree, and of our wine and olive oil), which was to be be delivered to the Priests and stored in the treasury in the Temple of our God.In addition, we agreed to pay a 10% tithe for the Levites (they were to receive 1/10th in each city for their services), 38in which the descendants of Aaron (the Priests) were also to share. Then, even the Levites were to offer 1/10th from their 1/10th to the Temple of our God, which would be put into the Temple treasury.39The treasuries were to be used to store all that the sons of IsraEl and the Levites would bring to the Temple – the first fruits of the grain, wine, and olive oil – where it would be stored in holy containers for the Priests, servants, gatekeepers, and singers.Then we all agreed that we’d never abandon the Temple of our God!
1Well, after the rulers had all settled in JeruSalem, the rest of the people threw lots to choose 10% [from among] them who would then [live in] the Holy City. The other 90% could settle in other cities, 2and they praised all the people who were willing to settle in JeruSalem.3So, the rest of the IsraElites, including the Priests, the Levites, the Nethinim [meaning, Temple servants], and the descendants of the servants of Solomon, brought their possessions to other cities.These are the rulers of the land who settled in JeruSalem 4along with many Judeans and some from the tribe of BenJamin:[The leader] of the sons of Judah was AthaliAh (the son UzziAh and grandson of ZechariAh, son of SamariAh, son of ShephatiJah, son of MaHalaleEl).[Over] the sons of Perez 5was MaAseJah (son of BarUch, grandson of ColHozeh, son of HazaiJah, son of AdaiJah, son of JoiArib, son of ZechariAh, son of Seloni).6Altogether, there were 428 mighty men who were descendants of Perez that settled in JeruSalem.7[The leader from] the tribe of BenJamin was SalLu (son of MeshulLlam, grandson of JoEd, son of PedaiJah, son of KolaiJah, son of MasSeJah, son of IthiEl, son of JesaiJah).8And under him were GabBai and SalLai, with 928 men.9JoEl (son of Zichri) was their overseer, and Judah (son of Asam) was second in charge of the city.10From the Priests, there was JedaiJah (son of JoiArib), JaChin, 11and SeraiJah (son of HilkiAh, grandson of MeshuLam, son of ZaDok, son of MaraiOth, son of AhiTub) that were in charge of the Temple of God.12And under them were 822 of their brothers that did the work.This included AdaiJah (son of JeroHam, grandson of PelaliJah, son of Amzi, son of ZechariAh, son of PashUr, 13and 242 of his brothers that were the rulers of families, including AmaShai (son of AzareEl, grandson of SikiAh, son of MeshilLemOth, son of ImMer) 14and his brothers, some 128 mighty men who were ready for battle.Their overseer was ZabdiEl, who was a descendant of a great line of warriors.15From the Levites, there was ShemaiJah (son of Hashub, grandson of AzriKam, son of HashabiJah, son of BunNi), 16and MatTaniJah, and JoZabad, who were in charge of the work outside the Temple of God, who were the rulers of the Levites.17There was also MatTaniJah (son of Micha, grandson of ZechRi, son of Asaph) who was in charge of the praises, Judah was in charge of the prayers, his brother BakBukiJah was second under him, and then there was AbDa (son of ShamMua, grandson of Galal, son of JediThun).18Altogether, there were 284 Levites in the Holy City.19Over the gatekeepers were AkKub and TalMon. And under them there were 172 of their brothers that guarded the gates.20All the rest of IsraEl and the Priests and Levites settled in the lands of their inheritance, in the other cities of IsraEl.21The Nethinim [meaning, the Temple servants] settled in [the area of JeruSalem called] Ophel; and Ziha and Gispa were [in charge of] the Nethinim.22The overseer of the Levites in JeruSalem was UzZi (son of Bani, grandson of SabiJah, son of MatTaniJah, son of Micha).The singers (who were descendants of Asaph) had to do their work before the Temple of God, 23for this was commanded by the king, and each one had his own daily assignment.24PethAhiJah (son of MeShezaBeel) from the line of Zerah of the Tribe of Judah, reported directly to the king on matters pertaining to the people, 25and regarding their properties and lands.Some from the Tribe of Judah settled in KiriAth Arba and its suburbs, in Dibon and its suburbs, in and around KabSel, 26in JeShua, in MolAdah, in BethPhelet, 27in HazarShual, in BeerSheba and its suburbs, 28in ZikLag, in MabNe and its suburbs, 29in RimMon, in ZeriJah, in JariMoth, 30in ZaNoah, in and around AdulLam, in and around LachIsh, and in AzekAh and its suburbs.They also camped near BeerSheba in the Valley of Hinnom.31The Tribe of BenJamin settled in GebaA, in MichMash, in AiJa, in BethEl and its suburbs, 32in AnathOth, in Nob, in AnaniAh, 33in Hazor, in RamAh, in GitTaim, 34in Hadid, in Zeboim, in NebalLat, 35in Lod, and in OnoKareSeim.36Also, some of the Levites settled throughout Judah and BenJamin.
1These are the Priests and Levites who came here with ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) and JeShua:• SaraiJah,
• JeremiAh,
• Ezra,
2• AmariAh,
• MalLuch,
• HatTush,
3• ShechaniJah,
• Rehum,
• MeremOth,
4• AdiJah,
• GinNetho,
• AbiJah,
5• MiAmin,
• MaAdiJah,
• BilGah,
6• ShemaiAh,
• JoiArib,
• JedaiJah,
7• SalLu,
• Amok,
• HilkiAh, and
• JedaiJah.8These are rulers of the Priests and their brothers in the days of JeShua and the Levites:• JeShua,
• BinNui,
• KadmiEl,
• SherebiJah,
• JoiAda,
• MatTaniJah (who, along with his brothers, was over [the gifts] of confession),
9• BakBukiJah,
• UnNi......and their brothers, who handled the daily rotations.10• JeShua fathered JoiAkim,
• JoiAkim fathered EliAshib,
• EliAshib fathered JoiAda,
11• JoiAda fathered JoNathan, and
•JoNathan fathered JadDua.12Now, during the days of JoiAkim, these were the Priests and the rulers of the families:The leader of the family of SeraiJah was MeraiJah;
The leader of the family of JeremiAh was HanaNiJah;
13The leader of the family of Ezra was MeshulLam;
The leader of the family of AmariAh was JehoHanan;
14The leader of the family of MeliKu was JoNathan;
The leader of the family of SecheniJah was JoSeph;
15The leader of the family of Ares was Adna;
The leader of the family of MaraYoth was HelkAi;
16The leader of the family of IdDo was ZechariAh;
The leader of the family of GinNethon was MeshulLam;
17The leader of the family of AbiJah was Zichri;
The leader of the families of MinJamin and MoAdiJah was PiltAi;
18The leader of the family of BilGah was ShamMua;
The leader of the family of ShemaiAh was JehoNathan;
19The leader of the family of JoiArib was MattenAi;
The leader of the family of JedaiJah was UzZi;
20The leader of the family of SalLai was KalLai;
The leader of the family of Amok was Eber;
21The leader of the family of HilkiAh was HashaiJah;
The leader of the family of JedaiJah was NethaneEl.22The Levites in the days of EliAshib were:• JoiAda,
• Joa,
• JoHanan, and
• JadDua.They were the recorded heads of their families and the Priests in the kingdom of Darius the Persian.23The [names of] the sons of Levi that were the family heads had been written in the scrolls of the records of those days until the time of JoHanan (son of EliAshib). 24The rulers of the Levites were:• HashabiJah,
• SherebiJah,
• JeShua,
• the sons ,
• family of KadmiEl.These were in charge of praising and acknowledging, [which was an office] that David (the man of God) had set up in daily rotations.25[Those] in charge of assembling and assigning the watches of the gatekeepers were:• MatTaniJah,
• BakBukiJah,
• ObadiAh,
• MeShulLam,
• TalMon, and
• AkKub.26It was in the days of JoiAkim (son of JeShua and grandson of JoZadak), and in the time of NehemiAh (the ruler) and Ezra (the Priest and scribe) 27and during the festival of dedication of the wall of JeruSalem that they went searching for the Levites in the places where they lived, to bring them to JeruSalem so they could handle the holiday of rededication with happiness, praises, and with music played on their cymbals, reed instruments, and stringed instruments.28Then they gathered singers from around JeruSalem (from NetoPhalthi, 29Beth GilGal, the fields of Geba, and from AzMaveth), because the singers had built homes for themselves close to JeruSalem. 30Then the Priests cleansed themselves, as well as the Levites, the people, and the [city] gates and walls.31Thereafter, the [singers] marched in front of the leaders of Judah around the tops of the [city] walls.I had stationed two large groups of [musicians and singers] along the walls that were to walk towards the Manure Gate, 32as HoshaiJah and half of the rulers of Judah walked behind them.33AzariAh, Ezra, and MeshulLam 34represented Judah, and ShemaiAh and JeremiAh represented BenJamin.35Under [the leadership of] ZechariAh (son of JoNathan, grandson of ShemaiAh, son of MathaniJah, son of MichaiAh, son of ZacCur, son of Asaph), some of the of the Priests were blowing trumpets, 36while the rest of his family (ShemaiJah, AzaraEl, GilalAi, MaAi, NathaniEl, Judah, and HanaNi) walked behind Ezra the scribe playing the songs of David (the man of God) on their instruments.37Then when they reached the Gate of the Spring, they marched down the stairway of the City of David and back up along the wall over the house of David, heading eastward towards the Water Gate.38And as they were marching along [playing and singing their] songs of praise, the 2nd group was marching to meet them, as I walked behind them. Half of the people walked along the wall near the Furnace Tower, then along the Broad Wall 39over the Gate of Ephraim, and over the Gate of EiSiana, the Fish Gate, the Tower of HaNaneEl and the Tower of MeAh, all the way to the Sheep Gate, and then on to the Prison Gate, 40where both groups stopped to offer their praises at the Temple of God, as half of the commanders and I stood there.41Then the Priests (EliAkim, MaAsiJah, MiniAmin, MichaiAh, ElioEnai, ZechariAh, and HanaNiJah) blew their trumpets, 42as MaAseJah, ShemiAh, EliEzer, UzZi, JehoHanan, MelchiJah, AiLam, Ezer (and their overseer, JezRahJah) started singing!43Well, they offered many sacrifices that day and everyone was extremely happy, for God had made them, their wives, and their children very happy!And the sound of their joy could be heard a long distance from JeruSalem!44It was on this day that they ordered those who were over the treasures in the treasuries (the first fruits and the tithes) to go out and gather the portions for the Priests and Levites from the cities and the fields.And everyone in Judah was very happy for the Priests, Levites, and the guards 45that kept the watches for their God, and for those in charge of the cleansing, for the singers, and for the gatekeepers, all of whom were doing everything according to the commandments of David and of his son Solomon.46Because, it was in the days of David and Asaph that singers were first assigned to sing praises to God. 47And it was during the days of ZerubBabel and NehemiAh that all the people started contributing a portion to the singers and gatekeepers each day.It was handed over as something holy to the Levites, who handed it over as something holy to the sons of Aaron.
1Well on that day (when they were reading the scroll of Moses before the ears of the people), they came to understand that it was written that the AmMonites and MoAbites were not to enter the gathering of God throughout the ages, 2because they hadn’t greeted the sons of IsraEl with bread and water, but hired BalaAm to curse them (which our God turned into blessings).3And when they heard this read in the Law, they separated such people who had been mixed among the IsraElites.4Before that time, however, the Priest EliAshib had assigned TobiJah to be in charge of the treasury of the Temple of our God, 5[and he had moved into] the large room in the treasury where the sacrifice offerings, the frankincense, the sacred utensils, the tithe grain, the wine, and the olive oil was supposed to be stored (as it was commanded) for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the first fruits for the Priests.6I wasn’t in JeruSalem when he did this, for (because it was the 32nd year of the reign of ArthaSastha the ruler of Babylon) I had gone to see the king, and then (after some time) I asked the king for a few things 7before returning to JeruSalem.But when I [got back and] saw the wicked thing that EliAshib had done for TobiJah by giving the treasury to him there in the courtyard of the Temple of God, 8this looked very wrong to me.So, I took all of TobiJah’s things out of the treasury and threw them outside!9Then I gave the order and they cleansed the treasury, and I had the Temple of God’s sacred utensils, sacrifice offerings, and frankincense all brought back.10I also realized that the Levites weren’t being given their portions, so the Levites, singers, and workmen had all returned to their own fields! 11Therefore, I had a heated exchange with those who were in charge, and I asked:‘Why has the Temple of God been abandoned?’And afterward, I called everyone back and assigned them to their stations, 12as everyone in Judah once again started bringing their tithes of the wheat, wine, and olive oil to the treasury. 13I then put all of this into the hands of the Priest ShelemiJah, the scribe ZaDok, and PedaiAh and Hanan (the sons of ZacCur and grandsons of MatTaniJah) who represented the Levites, since I thought that they could be trusted. And I left it up to them to divide it all among their brothers.14Remember me for this, O my God, and don’t forget my acts of mercy on behalf of the Temple of my God Jehovah and [the assignment of] His watches!15Well, it was then that I noticed that the people of Judah were treading their wine vats and collecting sheaves of grain and loading them on their burros (along with wine, grapes, figs, and everything else) and carrying them into JeruSalem on the Sabbath day!Yes, I can testify to the fact that they were even selling these things on that day!16People from Tyre were also bringing in fish and all sorts of things, and they were sitting there offering them for sale to the sons of Judah in JeruSalem on the Sabbath!17So I quarreled with the free men of Judah and asked:‘Why are you doing this wicked thing… Why are you profaning the day of the Sabbath?18‘Isn’t this the same thing that your fathers did that caused God to bring all the evils down upon this city and upon us?‘Now you’re adding to His anger upon IsraEl by profaning the Sabbath!’19Well, after I said that, they started locking the gates of JeruSalem before the Sabbath, and I told them not to unlock them until after the Sabbath.Then I had some of my young men stand at the gates to make sure that no one carried loads on the Sabbath day, 20and that all the traders were forced to find lodging.Oh, some did business outside of JeruSalem’s walls once or twice, 21but I spoke to them and asked:‘Why are you lodging so close to the city wall?‘If you do this a second time, I’ll be forced to take action against you!’Well from that time on, they no longer came on the Sabbath.22Thereafter, I had a talk with the Levites who were being cleansed and with those who had come to guard the gates, about the need to keep the Sabbath day holy.Remember me, O my God, and protect me by Your great mercy!23Back then, I saw Judeans that had settled in with women who were AshDodites, AmMonites, and MoAbites… 24They were even speaking the AshDod language and they weren’t learning Judean, for they were speaking the languages of these people and those people!25So I quarreled with them and I cursed them… I hit some of the men, pulled their hair, and made them swear before God not to take those people’s daughters for their sons or for themselves.26[I said]:‘Isn’t this how Solomon the king of IsraEl sinned?‘Yet among all the nations, there wasn’t another king like him, because God loved him and God appointed him to be the king over all IsraEl.‘But it was this thing that turned him aside… Foreign women!27‘So, should we allow you to do such wickedness and break your relationship with God by taking foreign women?’28[I said this to] the sons of JoiAda and to EliAshib (who was the High Priest and a relative by marriage of SanBalLat)… Then I threw them all out!29Remember them, O my God, because they opposed the rights of inheritance of the Priesthood [as was set forth in] Your Sacred Agreement for the Priests and the Levites!30I cleansed them of all their connections with foreigners, then I established the daily rotations for the Priests and Levites, so that every man had an assignment among the Priests, 31whether it was just to provide gifts of wood for the offerings by seasons and times, or [to bring in] the first fruits.Please remember me, O our God, for the goodness that [I’ve shown]!
1This all happened in the days of ArtaXerxes (the ArtaXerxes that ruled an area of 127 regions all the way to India).2Back in those days, after ArtaXerxes had been enthroned as king in the City of Susa and 3during the 3rd year of his reign, he held a great [wedding] banquet to which he invited his friends, foreign dignitaries, the most honorable Medes and Persians, and those who were in charge of the governors of the various regions.4Then, over the next 180 days, he took them and showed them all the wealth of his kingdom and the glory of the things that he’d accomplished.5Well, after the days for celebrating his wedding were completed, the king held another banquet inside the courtyard of the king’s palace for the foreigners who lived in his city, which lasted 7 more days.6The [banquet] area was decorated with fine linen and cotton cloth that was stretched over lines of fine linen and purple cloth, which were fastened with gold and silver cubes to Parian-marble columns.7[There were also] beds of gold and silver on a Parian-marble floor [that was set with] emerald stones and mother of pearl, and this was strewn with transparent beds that were variously decorated with cups of gold and silver.In addition, they had an abundance of the finest wines (the type that was reserved for the king).8The banquet wasn’t handled as it was specified in their laws, but because that’s the way the king wanted it, he gave instructions to those who were in charge of the workers to handle things his way.9Meanwhile, Astin (the queen) was holding a banquet for the women of the kingdom in the same place where ArtaXerxes was holding his.10Then on the 7th day, because the king was in a particularly happy mood, he gave orders to HaMan, BizTha, Harbona, BigTha, AbagTha, Zethar, and Carcas (the king’s 7 [most trusted] eunuchs) to bring the queen to him, 11so she could receive her coronation and be given a royal turban, and so that he could display her beauty before all the princes and the foreigners (because she was very beautiful).12But Queen Astin refused to go along with the eunuchs, which made the king very angry.13So he said to his friends:‘If this is how Astin has chosen to answer, then you deal with this matter according to the law and judge her!’14Well, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, TarShish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan (the 7 sub-rulers of the Persians and Medes who were closest to the king and who sat by him) came forward 15and told the king what the laws required them to do to Queen Astin for not following the orders that the king had given to his eunuchs.16Memucan spoke and said this to him and to the other rulers:‘Not only has Queen Astin dishonored the king, but she has dishonored all of the king’s rulers and leaders.’17Then after describing to them all the things that the queen had said and how she had disobeyed the king, he proclaimed:‘Because she has disobeyed King ArtaXerxes, 18and because all the wives of the sub-rulers and leaders of the Persians and Medes have heard what the queen said, they might also dare to dishonor their husbands!19‘Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let him write out and sign a royal decree passing a law among the Medes and Persians that she should not be treated as the queen and that she may no longer sleep with the king.‘Then may the king find a woman better than her!20‘This law should be announced throughout the entire kingdom, so that all the women will learn to respect their men, both the rich and the poor!’21Well, because what he said pleased the king and his rulers, the king did as Memucan had proposed... 22He sent a proclamation everywhere throughout his entire realm in each of their languages, requiring women to show respect for the men in their households.
1This ended the king’s rage, and he never mentioned Astin again, or the things that she said, or his condemnation of her.2So then the king’s servants said to him:‘Have them search for a young woman for the king who is both pure and beautiful to look at.3‘Send judges throughout your kingdom and have them choose young women who are virgins and pretty, then have them taken to your harem in the City of Susa where they’ll be handed over to the king’s eunuch that’s in charge of the women, to take care of them and give them beauty treatments.4‘And after that, the woman who best pleases the king will reign instead of Astin.’Well, because this pleased the king, it was done.5Now, there was a man (a Judean) in the City of Susa whose name was MordecAi. He was the son of JaiRus, the grandson of SemeYas, and the great-grandson of KisaYus from the tribe of BenJamin, 6who had been carried off as a captive from JeruSalem by NebuChadnezzar, the king of Babylon.7MordecAi had a child whom he’d raised who was the daughter of his uncle (his father’s brother), and her name was Esther. For after her parents died, he [agreed to] take [care of] the young woman, who was very pretty.8Well, after the king’s proclamation [was read], many young women were gathered to the City of Susa [to be seen by] Gai (the harem keeper), and then Esther was led before him... 9He found the young woman very pleasing and he liked her, so he hurried to give her the beauty treatments and her share [of good things], and 7 young women from the royal palace were brought there [to serve] her.Thereafter, he treated [Esther] and her handmaidens very well in the harem chamber. 10However, Esther didn’t discuss her race or her fatherland with him, because MordecAi had told her not to mention it.11Then, every day, MordecAi would walk by the women’s courtyard to see what was happening to Esther.12Well, at the end of 12 months, the time finally came for the young women to go in to the king (for that’s how long the beauty treatments were to last). They also underwent 6 months of treatments with fragrant oils.13It was then, after 6 months of being bathed in myrrh oil, that she was taken in to the king, along with any others that the king told them to bring from the harem chamber to the royal palace.14She was brought in to him that evening, and the next morning, she returned to the secondary harem where the Eunuch Gai (the king’s harem keeper) stayed, and she couldn’t go before the king after that, unless she had been called.15Well eventually, Esther (the daughter of AbiHail, MordecAi’s uncle) was brought before the king again, and she carefully followed all the eunuch’s instructions, so that everyone who saw her came to like her.16Esther had been taken to King ArtaXerxes in the 10th month (TeBeth) of the 7th year of his reign, 17and he fell passionately in love with her, preferring her to all the other virgins! He then placed the royal turban of the queen on her head, 18and he held a banquet for all of his friends and the governors that lasted 7 days.He also made the wedding feast of Esther greater by [releasing all the prisoners] in his kingdom.19Meanwhile, MordecAi had been put in charge of matters having to do with [the king’s] courtyard. 20And he reminded Esther not to mention her fatherland. Rather, he told her to just fear God and obey His orders, the same as she did when she lived in his home…And Esther never deviated from doing this.21Well, MordecAi kept growing more important, 22and when two of the king’s eunuchs (the chiefs of his bodyguards) became worried about ArtaXerxes and decided to assassinate him, MordecAi heard about this and sent a warning to the king through Esther about their plot.23So after the king interrogated the eunuchs, he had them hung, and he had a record written in the royal library about the goodwill that MordecAi had shown, saying that he was to be commended for this.
1However, after that, King ArtaXerxes honored HaMan (son of AmaDathes the AgAgite). He promoted him over all his friends and seated him in [the most prominent position].2So thereafter, everyone in the courtyard had to bow before HaMan, because the king said that they had to do so… However, MordecAi refused to do this. 3As a result, the people in the king’s courtyard started asking MordecAi why he was disobeying the order of the king.4And although they spoke to him about this every day, MordecAi just didn’t pay any attention to them... So someone thereafter pointed out to HaMan that MordecAi had been disobeying the king’s orders, and he also mentioned that MordecAi was a Judean.5Well, when HaMan found out that MordecAi wasn’t bowing before him, this made him very angry! 6So, that’s when he started making plans to remove all the Judeans from the kingdom of ArtaXerxes.7Then, during the 12th year of the reign of ArtaXerxes, he drafted a law, and he threw lots for each day and month to determine when the best time would be to destroy the race of MordecAi…And it fell on the 14th day of the month of Adar.8So he went and spoke to King ArtaXerxes and said this:‘There’s a nation that’s mixed among all the nations of your kingdom whose laws are different from those of the other nations, and they disregard the laws of the king!‘Therefore, it isn’t to the king’s advantage to keep them... 9So if it seems good to the king; may he approve this decree [that I’ve written], which says that they must be destroyed!‘Then I’ll appropriate 10,000 gold coins from the king’s treasury to get it done.’10Well, the king removed his ring and handed it to HaMan to seal the judgment that he had written against the Judeans.11And the king said to HaMan:‘As for the [money]; you have it.‘And as for that nation; treat them in any way that you wish!’12So then the king called in his scribes (on the 13th day of the 1st month) and they copied HaMan’s orders [and sent them to] all the military commanders and governors from India to Ethiopia… To 127 districts.[HaMan also] sent letters to all the rulers of the nations in their own languages in the name of King ArtaXerxes.13He sent them by couriers throughout ArtaXerxes’s kingdom, [telling the people] to wipe out the race of the Judeans on the [13th] day of the 12th month (Adar), and he told them that they could plunder all their possessions.14So, copies of the letters were put on display everywhere... And then the day was set and everything was being prepared and made ready… 15Even in Susa.And after that, the king and HaMan toasted each other, as the whole city was in an uproar.
1Well when MordecAi realized that this was the end, he ripped his clothes, put on sackcloth, [covered himself with] ashes, and he rushed to the city square, where he yelled as loudly as he could:‘A nation is being removed that has wronged no one!’2Then after that, he went and stood outside the palace gate (because he wasn’t allowed to enter the courtyard in sackcloth and ashes). 3And everywhere that the letters were on display there was crying, beating on chests, and great mourning among the Judeans, as they put on sackcloth and made beds for themselves in ashes.4Well, the queen soon learned about this plot through her handmaids and eunuchs, who came to her and told her about it… And she was very upset when she heard what had happened.Meanwhile, she sent a robe to MordecAi and told him to stop wearing his sackcloth; but he refused to do it.5Then Esther called Hatach (her personal eunuch) and sent him to MordecAi, 6so she could learn the details of the situation. 7And MordecAi explained to him how it all came about… Of how HaMan had gotten the king’s promise to receive 10,000 gold coins from his treasury so he could destroy the Judeans... 8And then he gave a copy of the decree that was on public display in Susa (which said that they were to be destroyed) to Hatach, who carried it to Esther.He also told the eunuch to ask her to [go before] the king [to beg for his mercy] and for her to prove worthy by speaking on behalf of her people.He said:‘Tell her to explain to him about how lowly she was once considered and of how I took her in and raised her, because HaMan (the king’s second in command) is talking about killing all of us.‘Tell her to call upon the Lord [our God], and then go speak to the king about us and rescue us from death!’9So Hatach returned and told Esther everything that [Modecai] had said.10And then Esther told Hatach to go to MordecAi and say:‘Everyone in the kingdom knows that there’s no hope for any man or woman who goes into the king’s inner courtyard without being called [first]. 11Only those to whom the king stretches out his scepter is safe… And I haven’t been called to see the king for some 30 days now!’12Therefore, Hatach went and told MordecAi everything that Esther said, and MordecAi told him:13‘Go and tell Esther not to think that she’s the only Judean who’ll be saved. 14And if she wants to ignore us this time, the Judeans will get help from somewhere else… Then she and the house of her father will be destroyed!‘But... Perhaps she was made queen for this very purpose?’15Then Esther sent a reply to MordecAi, saying:16‘Gather all the Judeans in the City of Susa and ask everyone to fast for me… Don’t eat or drink anything for three days and three nights!‘Also, my handmaids and I will go without food before I go in before the king, because I’ll be breaking the law.‘Yet, even if it’s necessary for me to die, I’ll do it!’17And thereafter, MordecAi did everything that Esther told him to do.
1Well on the 3rd day, Esther dressed in her royal clothes, then she went and stood in the palace courtyard, inside the inner courtyard, which is right outside of the king’s residence.And when the king went and sat down on his royal throne (which was inside his palace but it faced the front entryway) 2and he saw Esther the queen standing in his courtyard, he was pleased.So he stretched out the gold scepter towards her that he held in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.3Then the king asked:‘What do you want Esther… What’s your request?‘Ask for half of my kingdom and it’s yours.’4And Esther said:‘This is a special day for me... So if it seems good to the king, may both the king and HaMan attend a banquet that I will hold for them today!’5So the king said to HaMan:‘Hurry, let’s go and do what Esther has asked!’And they both went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.6Well, when they arrived, the king said to Esther:‘Tell me what it is that’s so important to you, Queen Esther, and I’ll do whatever is worthwhile.’7Then she said:‘My only request and petition is this:8‘If I’ve found the favor of the king, may you and HaMan come again tomorrow for [another] banquet that I’ll hold for you, the same as today.’9Well after HaMan left the king that day, he was very cheerful and happy. But when he noticed the Judean MordecAi standing in the courtyard, he was furious.10Then when he got home, he called his wife ZoSara and his friends, 11and he showed them all the wealth he’d gained. He also told them of the glory that the king had vested upon him, and of how the king had appointed him to be the most important and how he had given him the lead position in his kingdom.12Then HaMan said:‘Today, the queen didn’t invite anyone to a banquet that she held other than just me and the king, and she has invited me again tomorrow!13‘However, the thing that really bothered me was seeing that Jew – MordecAi – standing there in the courtyard!’14Then his wife ZoSara said to him and his friends:‘You should cut down a very tall tree, then at dawn tomorrow morning, you should go and speak to the king about hanging MordecAi on it, so that when you attend the banquet with the king, you can do it joyfully!’Well, because this seemed to be a good idea, HaMan went and prepared the tree.
1However, because the Lord [God] had removed sleep from the king that night, he gave orders to his servant to bring in the memorandum letters and to read them to him. 2And that’s when he found the letter concerning MordecAi, which told of how he’d reported that two of the king’s eunuchs were looking to get their hands on ArtaXerxes.3So the king asked:‘What glory or favor was shown to MordecAi for doing this?’And the king’s servants replied:‘Nothing has been done for him.’4Well, it so happened that, just as the king was asking about doing good things for MordecAi, {Look!} HaMan arrived in the courtyard... For he’d come to speak to the king about hanging MordecAi on the pole that he had prepared!So the king asked:‘Who is in the courtyard?’5And the king’s servants replied:‘Look, its HaMan standing in the courtyard.’And the king said:‘Call him in!’6Then the king asked HaMan:‘Tell me... What [would you suggest that] I do for a man whom I wish to honor?’Well, HaMan thought to himself:‘Whom would the king wish to honor other than me?’7So he said to the king:‘As for the man whom the king wishes to honor...8‘The king’s servants should bring him the same fine linen that the king wears, as well as the king’s horse.9‘Then one of the king’s most honored friends should dress the man who’s loved by the king in royal robes, mount him on the horse, and then lead him around the city square proclaiming:‘This is how any man who’s honored by the king must be treated!’10And at that, the king said to HaMan:‘Well spoken!‘That’s what I want you to do for my courtyard attendant, the Jew MordecAi…‘Be sure that you do everything that you said!’11Well thereafter, HaMan went and got the robes and the horse, then he dressed MordecAi and mounted him on the [king’s] horse, and he led him around the city square proclaiming:‘This is how any man who’s honored by the king must be treated!’12And after he brought MordecAi back to the courtyard, he went home extremely upset and with a worried mind.13So when he got back home, he told his wife ZoSara and his friends everything that had happened.Then his wife and friends said:‘Since MordecAi is of the Judean race and you’ve started being humbled before him, this means that you’re going to fall…‘There’s no way to defend yourself against that man, because the Living God is with him!’14Well, it was while they were still speaking to him that the eunuchs arrived to hurry HaMan along to the banquet that had been prepared by Esther.
1So then, the king and HaMan went in to [eat and] drink with the queen on the 2nd day of the banquet, 2and the king asked Esther:‘What would you like, Queen Esther?‘What’s your request or petition?‘Whatever you may ask is yours… Up to half of my kingdom!’3And she replied:‘If I’ve found favor before the king, my request and petition is for him to grant life to my people...4‘For my people and I have been sold for destruction, ravaging, and as male and female slaves… Including our children!‘I haven’t mentioned this to you before, but the one who slandered us is no longer worthy to sit in the courtyard of the king.’5Well at that, the king asked:‘Who would have dared to do such a thing?’6And Esther said:‘A man… An enemy… HaMan… This wicked man!’Well, HaMan became very upset before the king and queen, 7and the king just got up and walked out into the garden.So then HaMan appealed to the queen, because he saw that he was in a bad situation.8Then when the king returned from the garden, he found that HaMan had fallen on the queen’s bed as he was begging her.And the king asked:‘Are you attacking my wife here in my own home?’Well when HaMan heard that, he didn’t know what to say. 9Then Harbonah (one of the king’s eunuchs) said to the king:‘{Look!} HaMan has prepared a very tall pole [on which he’s planned to hang] MordecAi, the man who protected the king…‘He had it erected next to his home.’And the king said:‘Then let him be hung on it!’10So HaMan was hung on the pole that he’d prepared for MordecAi that day, and this ended the king’s rage.
1Then on that same day, King ArtaXerxes offered everything that had once belonged to the slanderer HaMan, to Esther.And after Esther explained how MordecAi was related to her, the king called him in 2and gave him the ring that he’d removed from the hand of HaMan! Esther also put MordecAi in charge of all the possessions of HaMan.3Then, later that day, [Esther] went in and spoke to the king.She fell to his feet and begged him to undo all the evil things that HaMan had [planned] to do against the Judeans. 4So the king held out his gold scepter to Esther, and she got up on her feet and stood next to the king and said:5‘If it seems good to you, and if I’ve found your favor; have those letters that HaMan wrote and sent out about destroying all the Judeans in your kingdom, recalled.6‘For, how could I watch my people being so mistreated, and how could I personally be saved when everyone else in my fatherland is being destroyed?’7But the king said to Esther:‘Since I’ve already granted you everything that HaMan owned, and I had him hung on a pole for raising his hands against the Judeans, what more are you asking?8‘You may write whatever seems good to you in my name and then seal it with my ring. However, once the king has given an order and has sealed it with his ring, it may never be changed!’9Well, it was the 23rd day of the 1st month (Nisan) of the same year that the scribes were called in, and [an edict] was written concerning the Judeans that was thereafter sent to all those in authority... To those who were in charge and to all the governors from India to Ethiopia, 127 governors by districts, in each of their own languages.10It was written in the name of the king, sealed with his ring, and sent out by couriers. 11It gave instructions on how his laws were to be executed in each city, and explained that [the Judeans] should be helped in dealing with their opponents and enemies in any way they wanted, 12all on a single day, throughout the entire kingdom of ArtaXerxes, on the 13th day of the 12th month (Adar)... 13And [how] copies should be displayed for everyone in the kingdom to see, and how all Judeans should prepare themselves for war against their enemies!14So, the king’s edict was carried on horseback to be quickly delivered throughout the whole realm, and it was also put on display in Susa.15Well after that, MordecAi was dressed in royal robes, and a gold crown was placed on his head over a purple turban.And when the people of Susa saw this, they all rejoiced…16And the Judeans were also very relieved and happy. 17Then in every place and city where the edict had been displayed, there was rejoicing and feasting among the Judeans!And as a result (because of their fear of the Judeans), many people of the nations got circumcised and became converts to Judaism.
1Well, by the 13th day of the 12th month (Adar), all the letters from the king had been distributed. 2So on that day, all the enemies of the Jews were destroyed, because everyone was afraid to oppose them!3And everyone (including the heads over the governors, the vassal kings, and the royal scribes) treated the Judeans with respect, because they were afraid of MordecAi, 4since the king had ordered his name 5to be proclaimed throughout the kingdom.6In the city of Susa alone, the Judeans killed about 500 people, 7including:• PharShandatha,
• Daiphon,
• Aspatha,
8• Pharadatha,
• Barea,
• Sarbaka,
9• MarMasima,
• Ruphaeus,
• Arseus,
• ZabuThaeus,
10• The 10 sons of HaMan, and
• The son of AmaDathes the Bougean (who were all enemies of the Judeans).However, they didn’t do any plundering that day.11Well when the king heard how many had been destroyed in Susa, he said to Esther:12‘Since the Judeans have destroyed 500 men in the city, how do you suppose they were treated in other areas?‘You can ask for whatever you wish and it’ll be yours!’13And Esther said to the king:‘Allow the Judeans to do the same thing tomorrow [here in Susa], and let them hang [up the bodies of] the 10 sons of HaMan.’14So he agreed to let it happen, and the Judeans in the city hung up the bodies of the sons of HaMan. 15Then they all gathered in Susa on the 14th day of Adar and killed 300 more men… But again, they didn’t plunder them.16Meanwhile, the rest of the Judeans throughout the kingdom had also gathered to protect themselves, which finally gave them some rest from those warlike men. Altogether, they destroyed 70,000 of them on the 13th of Adar… But they didn’t do any plundering either.17Then they rested on the 14th day of the month, proclaiming it a day of rest, joy, and gladness. 18The Judeans in the city of Susa also gathered for rest on the 14th day, then they celebrated on the 15th day with joy and gladness.19And because of this, all the Judeans who were scattered outside [of Judea] still celebrate the 14th day of Adar as a happy day, during which they each send food to their neighbors.20For MordecAi wrote that they should write this in a scroll that he would then send to the all Judeans throughout the kingdom of ArtaXerxes, both near and far, 21establishing the 14th and 15th days of Adar as good days of celebration, 22because those were the days when the Judeans were gained rest from their enemies…It was the month when their mourning was turned into joy and their grief was turned into happy days. As a result, they were to celebrate those days happily with wedding feasts and by sending food to their friends and to the poor.23The Judeans were also happy when MordecAi wrote of 24how HaMan (son of HamaDathes the Macedonian) had waged war against them by authoring a referendum to wipe them out, 25and of how he’d gone before the king to hang MordecAi [on a pole].Then he told of how [HaMan’s] attempt to do bad things to the Judeans resulted in his own hanging, along with his children.26So they call those days Purim (Lots), because these were the days [that HaMan] had chosen by throwing lots (which in their dialect was called Purim).Well, because of the words in that letter, all the things that [the Jews] had suffered and that had been done to them, came to an end.27And the Judeans adopted [Purim as a holiday] for them and their offspring, and they agreed to observe it exactly as [MordecAi] suggested. It was to be a memorial from generation to generation in every city, family, and place. 28These days were to be celebrated for all time, and were never to be forgotten throughout the generations!29Then Queen Esther (the daughter of AbiHail) and MordecAi (the Judean) wrote about all that they’d done, in confirmation of what was written in the letter about Purim.30MordecAi and Esther attested to all that they’d done, of how they had fasted, and to the things that they had each said. 31And thereafter, Esther established the matter throughout the ages by [having it written] as a memorial.
1Well after that, the king also wrote about this matter to everyone in his kingdom, both on land and at sea; 2however, he also wrote about his strength, valor, riches, and the glory of his kingdom.Look! It’s all written as a memorial in the scrolls of the Persians and Medes.3From then on, MordecAi provided great relief to King ArtaXerxes, and he became great in his kingdom. He was also highly praised by the Judeans, because he fondly [watched out for] the welfare of their nation.
1There was a certain man named Job who lived in the land of the AuSitidi.He was true, blameless, righteous, God fearing, and he distanced himself from all that was wicked. 2He had seven sons, three daughters, and he also had:• 7,000 sheep,
• 3,000 camels,
• 500 teams of oxen, and
• 500 grazing female burros.In addition, he had a huge work force to serve him, and many more to care for his land... 3For the man had been born into a prosperous family from the sunrise in the east.4[Job’s] sons prepared banquets for each other each day, and their three sisters were always invited to eat and drink with them. 5Then, after all the banqueting was done, Job would get up early each morning to purify them. He offered sacrifices on their behalf, which included a calf as a sin offering for their lives.As Job said:‘[I’m doing this] just in case my children even think something bad about God.’And that’s how Job always did things.6Then one day, {Look!} the [angelic] messengers of God went to stand before Jehovah, and the Opposer came along with them.7So, Jehovah asked the Opposer:‘Where have you come from?’And the Opposer replied to Jehovah:‘I’ve been on the earth, walking around everywhere under the sky.’8Then Jehovah asked him:‘Have you noticed and thought about My child Job? There’s no one else like him on the earth, because he’s blameless, true, God fearing, and he distances himself from anything that’s bad.’9So the Opposer stood up before Jehovah and said:‘Is Job really free to bow before You, Jehovah?10‘Haven’t You protected him and all in his household from anything that might be harmful to him? You’ve blest everything he does, and You’ve provided huge herds of cattle for him that cover the entire land!11‘However, if You were to just reach out Your hand and touch all the things that he has, then he’d surely rave against You to Your face!’12Then Jehovah said to the Opposer:‘{Look!} I’m putting everything he has into your hands… Just don’t touch him personally.’And at that, the Opposer left the presence of Jehovah.13Well, on that day, all of Job’s sons and daughters had all been enjoying wine in the house of their older brother. 14But then, {Look!} a messenger came to Job and told him:‘We were plowing with the teams of oxen, and the female burros were grazing nearby, 15when slavers came and took them all and killed all your servants with swords!‘I’m the only one who escaped, so I could bring this message to you!’16Then while he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said to Job:‘Lightning came out of the sky and burned up all the sheep! And the shepherds were destroyed the same way!‘I’m the only one who escaped, so I came to report it to you!’17And while he was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said to Job:‘Three companies of mounted troops attacked us, then they rounded up the camels and took them, and they killed all your servants with swords!‘I was the only one who escaped, so I’ve come to report this to you!’18Well, while that one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and told Job:‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking with their older brother, 19when a tornado came towards them from out of the desert and touched down on the four corners of his house and destroyed it, killing all your children!‘I’m the only one who escaped, and I came to report it to you!’20And with that, Job got up and started ripping his clothes, then he cut all the hair off his head, and he bowed all the way to the ground and said:21‘I came from my mother’s belly naked and I’ll return there naked… Jehovah gave it, and Jehovah took it away.‘So, what seems good to Jehovah has come to pass.‘May the Name of the Lord be praised!’22Well, despite all of these terrible things that happened to him, Job didn’t sin against Jehovah a single time, nor did he accuse God of foolishness.
1Then on another day, when God’s [angelic] messengers came to stand before Jehovah, the Opposer once more came among them to stand before the Lord. 2And Jehovah asked the Opposer:‘So, where have you come from?’And the Opposer again replied:‘I’ve been on the earth, walking around everywhere under the sky.’3So Jehovah asked him:‘Have you been paying attention to my child Job? For there are no others like him on the earth. He’s not a wicked man… He’s true, blameless, God fearing, and he avoids anything that’s evil, so he’s still innocent.‘However, you told me [that he wouldn’t remain faithful] if everything he had was destroyed without a reason.’4Then the Opposer said to Jehovah:‘Skin for skin… A man will give everything he has for his life! 5For a fact, if You send Your hand to touch his flesh and bones, he’ll surely rave against You to Your face!’6And Jehovah replied to the Opposer:‘{Look!} I’m giving him to you… Just don’t take his life!’7So the Opposer left Jehovah and struck Job with terrible sores from his head to his feet. 8And as a result, [Job] had to carry a broken piece of pottery to scrape the pus as he sat in a pile of ashes.9Then his wife asked him:‘How much longer are you going to endure this?‘Just speak a word to God and end it!’10But he looked at her and said:‘Why are you acting like such a foolish woman? If we’ve looked for good things from the hand of Jehovah, shouldn’t we also endure the bad?’11Then, when three of his friends heard of all the bad things that had happened to him, they each came from their lands to see him. There was:• EliPhaz the Temanite (a king),
• Baldad the Shuhite (a sovereign ruler),
• and Zophar the Minaean (a king).They had all come to visit him for the purpose of comforting him.12However, as they approached, they didn’t even recognize him! So they each started shouting, crying, ripping their clothes, and throwing dust in the air.13Then they all sat down beside him for seven days and seven nights without speaking a word... For they recognized that this was a terrible calamity, which was much worse than anything they’d anticipated.
1Well, after this, Job opened his mouth and cursed his day, 2saying:3‘May the day I was born be destroyed, Along with the night when they said, It’s a boy! 4‘May that night become very dark... May the Lord up above never seek it, And may it not see the coming of dawn.5May it be taken by darkness And by the shadow of death. ‘May that day forever be dimmed… May that day forever be cursed, 6And its night carried into the darkness.‘No more, may it be a day of the year, Nor may it be counted in one of the months. 7May that night become one of grieving, Not one who’s happy and joyful.8‘May the One who brought a curse to that day Also heap curses upon it. May it be [swallowed by] beasts of the sea 9And may darkness cover the stars of that night, So they’ll no longer be seen… And may they not shine ever after.‘May the morning star not arise, 10For it failed to close the womb of my mother, So my eyes wouldn’t see all of this misery.11‘Why didn’t I die in her belly Instead of having to ever be born? Why wasn’t I killed there and then? 12Why did her knees come to meet me, And why did her breasts come to nurse me?13‘May I go to my bed and lie still… 14May I sleep and find rest among kings… The councilors of the lands where they once pranced with swords… 15With the rulers that once had so much gold And that once filled their houses with silver.16‘O if I’d just been miscarried Within the womb of my mother, Like babies that don’t see light of day, 17And go where the anger and rage of the Godless Has all been burned up in fire.‘It’s that place where the tired find rest for their bones, 18And where none that have lived throughout the ages Hear tax collector’s voices again. 19It’s where the small and the great must all go… The servants [along with] their masters.20‘Why must those who are bitter see light, And why is life given to those who are grieved, 21Then long for death that won’t come… Those rooting for death as though it were treasure, 22And who’d be overjoyed to attain it?23‘For to such a man, death becomes rest, When there’s nowhere else he can go… Yes, when [our] God has opposed him.24‘My grain has now become groaning, And I’m crying and shaking in fear; 25For the things I once feared in my dreams have come true, And what I held in awe has now met me. 26I’m not at peace, or still, or at rest, For [His] rage has now come upon me.’
1Then EliPhaz the Temanite decided to speak. He said:2‘Do you often complain of your problems? Who can stand such strong talk?3‘To many people, you’ve given advice, And to the hands of the weak, you’ve brought comfort; 4You’ve lifted the timid with words, And encouraged the ones who had feeble knees. 5But now that this misery has arrived to touch you, You tend to be in a hurry!6‘Aren’t you rather in fear of your own foolish ways… Your own wrong hopes and bad paths? 7Can you think of any who are truly pure That [God has] ever destroyed, Or any of the true who’ve been wiped away?8‘I’ve seen people who plow in strange places, And those who plant there, reap grief for themselves. 9Then, by [God’s] order, they perish… With the spirit of His wrath, they’re then wiped away.10‘So the strength of the lion and the lioness’ roar, And the prancing of beasts is no more. 11Like the lion’s cubs that die without prey, The young won’t come to each other’s aid.12‘So, if the things that you said are all true, And if they’ve all really happened; Then, none of these things would’ve happened to you.‘Should my ears now start to believe That He’s done something so strange?13‘An echo in the night brings fear to all men… 14It stuns them, makes them tremble, and rattles their bones. 15But a spirit once came and looked in my face, Which made my flesh shudder and my hair stand erect. 16I jumped, for I didn’t understand what I saw; But, there it was in front of my eyes.‘Then I felt a breeze and I heard a voice say:17Why should a man be pure before God? For He doesn’t even trust His own servants, And He thinks of His angels as crooked.19‘Those who live in houses of clay Are made from its very same mortar; So, both are destroyed in the very same way. 20[They come] in the morning, then by evening, are gone… And they die, if they can’t help themselves.‘He just breathes upon them and they wither… They perish in their own foolish ways.’
1‘So, shout and see who’ll listen; Will holy angels appear? 2Even a fool will end all his madness, And a man who wanders will soon end his search.3‘I’ve seen fools making plans… And then, their homes were destroyed. 4And although their sons were in a safe place, At the doors of lesser men, they were crushed; For, no one would come to their aid.5‘Even though the hungry can eat what they harvest; Those who bear arms can siphon their strength. 6So the ground will only bring work, As misery sprouts in the hills.7‘Even though a man is just born to do work, And young vultures are made to fly in the skies; 8I’ll still beg to Jehovah… Yes, I’ll still call to the Almighty God 9Who does great things that can’t be explained… Things of honor, unnumbered, and odd.10‘He’s the One who sends water down to the ground And rain to all places under the skies. 11He’s the One who raises the humble And returns life to those who are dying.12‘He alters the plans of the clever, So that they’re unable to do what’s true. 13He conquers the wisdom of the wise, And surprises the plans of the crafty.14‘For, in daylight, darkness can still come to meet them, And at noon, they may grope as though it were night. 15They may also be killed in a war, While the weak may escape from the mighty.16‘So, there’s still hope for those without strength, And unrighteous mouths may also be closed.17‘Blest is the man who’s whipped by the Lord, And those who don’t ignore the Almighty! 18For, although He brings pain, He also restores… He strikes, and then He heals with His hands.19‘Six times, He will save you from problems, But in the seventh, He will give you what’s bad. 20In times of famine, He will save you from death; And in war, He will free you from shackles of iron. 21From the whip of the tongue, He will hide you, And you won’t have to fear the evils that come.22‘Then you’ll laugh at the unrighteous and lawless, And not have fear of any wild beasts. 23For with you, the wild will be peaceful, 24And you’ll know there’s peace in your house When you tent in your home without sin.25‘You’ll know that your offspring will be many, And your children will sprout like weeds in the fields. 26Then you’ll go to your grave like grain in the harvest… Like heaps on the floor at the time it’s reaped.27‘{Look!} These are the things that we’ve concluded, And these are the things that we’ve heard. But, within yourself, only you know Whether you’ve done something evil.’
1Then Job spoke. He said:2‘If you’d use a balancing scale To measure my anger against all my grief, You’d find that they both balance out… 3But they’re still as heavy as the sands of the seas.‘For it seems as though you’ve not heard what I’ve said… 4That my body has been pierced by God’s arrows… That His rage has been drinking my blood, And this stings me whenever I’m starting to speak.5‘Why do wild burros cry out When they aren’t looking for grain? And why do cattle bawl from their stables When there’s plenty of grain?6‘As bread should be eaten with salt; What taste can be found in your empty words? 7Yet, I still can’t drive them out of my life.‘Now I groan when I see my cereal grains; For [to me], they have the odor of lions.8‘If He would just give me the things that I ask… If the Lord would just give me the things that I’ve hoped… 9But, Jehovah has started to pierce me, And it’s not been withdrawn or come to its end!10‘So if the place of the dead could now be my city, Upon its walls I’d jump… Yes, I’d gladly accept it.11‘Since I haven’t lied about God’s holy words, Why have I still got the strength to remain… Why do I have the strength to live on? 12Am I as mighty as the rocks… Are my body parts made of bronze?13‘In Him, have I not put my trust? Yet His help has been taken away! 14Has His mercy to me been forbidden, And have the visits of the Lord overlooked me?15‘Those closest to me, now see me no more, For I’m like a stream that’s gone dry, Or a wave that’s already passed by; For now, everyone just walks past me.16‘Those who once showed deep respect Now view me like banks of ice or of snow 17That has melted away in the heat [of the day], And no longer is seen as what it once was. 18That’s how I’ve been abandoned by all… I’m destroyed and I’ve become homeless.19‘Behold the Temanite trails And all the passes of the Sabaeans, O you, who now think that you’re seeing things clearly. 20They [exist because of] those living in towns, And they’re the things that they rely upon there.21‘Now, with no mercy, you all stand [away], As if you’re afraid of my sores. 22Yet, what have I asked you to give me? And how much of your strength have I asked for? 23Just save me from my enemy’s hands, And snatch me away from the mighty!24‘Teach me, and I’ll then remain silent… If I’ve strayed, then prove it! 25For, you view the words of someone who’s true As though they’ve become very foul.‘I haven’t asked for your strength, 26And your scolding won’t stop me from speaking. I won’t put up with the things that you say; 27For you’re coming down on an orphan, And you’re attacking a friend!28‘Now, as I gaze at your faces, I’ll tell you no lies. 29So, just sit here and don’t be unrighteous… Just sit here together with one who’s just; 30For, nothing wrong has come from my tongue, And from my throat will come things to consider.’
1‘The purpose of man on the earth Is surely not just to be tried. For he lives his life as a hired day worker, 2And as a servant in awe of his master… One who stands in the shade of his shadow As he’s awaiting his wages.3‘Thus, for months, I’ve waited in vain, To only receive nights of grief. 4For, when I go to bed, I now say: How long will it be ‘til day comes again? And thereafter, I must ask when I rise, How soon will it become night?‘I’m filled with grief from morning ‘til night; 5For my body is rotting and covered with worms. Like clods of dirt, I’m melting away, As I’m scraping away all the pus. 6My life now weighs less than my words … It has perished in hopes unattained.7‘My soul has become like a breeze, And my eyes no longer see good. 8The eyes of those searching, don’t see me… Even though their eyes are upon me, I’m gone 9Like a cloud that drifts away in the sky.10‘When a man goes down to his grave, He doesn’t come back again. There’s no way he will return to his house… For, even his home doesn’t know him.11But, I’ll not close my mouth… Yes, I’ll still speak of my plight. I’ll bear open my soul To show you the bitterness it holds… 12I won’t be like the sea’s dragons.13‘I once said that my bed brings me comfort. But now, all I have to offer myself Are my own words, as I lie on my cot, 14Where I’m frightened by dreams And by visions that strike me with terror.15‘[Please] let my breath leave my soul, And may my bones be handed to death! 16May I no longer live in [this] age… For, why must I just keep on waiting, When all in my life is so empty?17‘O what’s a man that You’d make him so great, Or notice the things that he thinks? 18Why visit him until morning arrives And judge him as he lies there asleep?19‘How long will [You] keep me alive And refuse to provide my release, As I swallow my spit in my grief?20‘If I’ve sinned, then what can I do, O You who knows the minds of all men? Why have You made me [a person] who blames You, And why have You made me Your burden?21‘Why not rather forget the laws that I broke, And then cleanse me from all of my sins? Please let me go into the ground, And no longer rise early again.’
1Then Baldad the Shuhite spoke. He said:2‘How long will you use the breath from your mouth To speak in such a talkative way?3‘Does Jehovah sin when He judges, And does the Maker of all harm the righteous? 4Surely your sons had sinned before Him… Because they were lawless, He took them away!5‘To seek Jehovah, you always rose early, And before the Almighty, you’ve begged. 6But, if you were truly pure, He’d have listened to all your requests And restored your position in justice. 7Then, if at first, your men had been few; In the end, they’d be beyond number.8‘Ask the first generations, And trace the race of the fathers! 9For, while they were here, they were not aware That shadows would cover their lives in the ground. 10Doesn’t this tell you and doesn’t this teach? Don’t such sayings arise from your heart?11‘Can papyrus live without water? Can bulrushes live without drinking? 12As long as the plant has its roots, And before it has been cut down; If it can’t drink from the garden, Doesn’t it wither and dry?13‘As it is with those forgetting Jehovah; Since there’s no hope for the Godless, 14His home won’t be lived in again, And spiders will spread out their tents there.15‘If no one comes to care for his house, It won’t be able to stand… It won’t remain unless it’s claimed!16‘Whenever it’s wet under the sun, From things that are rotten, a branch starts to sprout. 17So, on a pile of stones, a man goes to bed, And he lives there amidst all the gravel; 18His place then swallows him down, And thereafter, it covers him over. Haven’t you witnessed such things?19‘Yes, that’s how the godless all come to their end… And then, from the ground, sprouts another.20‘No way will the Lord harm the good, And He accepts no gifts from the godless. 21With laughter, He fills the mouths of the true And those who use their lips in His praise. 22To their enemies, He will always bring shame, And the homes of the Godless, He soon wipes away.’
1Then Job spoke. He said:2‘I know for a fact, what you’re saying is true; For, how can a man say he’s righteous to God? 3So, if he wishes to argue this point, He won’t prove God wrong with thousands of words. 4For, all of God’s thoughts are wise, strong, and great.‘Thus, who can approach Him in anger And still have some hope of survival? 5Do the mountains know who destroys them in rage?6‘All that’s under the sky, He can shake to its core… And then He can shake all its columns. 7He can speak to the sun and it won’t rise, And He can also close up the stars.8‘By Himself, He can stretch out the sky, And walk on the sea like a floor. 9He’s the One who made the PleiAdes, As well as Hesperus and ArcTurus… He’s the One who arranged the skies in the south.10‘He does things that are great and unfathomed… Honorable things beyond number and odd. If He passed over me, I’d not see it… If He passed me by, I’d not be aware.12‘When He sends someone away, Who can thereafter return him, And who can ask why He did it?13‘For, God doesn’t turn back His rage… To Him, even the whales bow under the skies!14‘So, why should He ever obey me, Or why should He judge all my problems? 15And if could I prove myself righteous, He’d [have no reason to] hear men… Although I’d still ask Him for His decisions.16‘Thus, should I call, He may not give an ear, Nor should I trust that He’s heard my voice.17‘But He shouldn’t destroy me in darkness, Nor bruise me without any reason. 18For, although He’s allowed me to breathe, I’m now filled with what’s bitter.19‘Because He’s so mighty and strong, Who can stand and oppose Him? 20So, even if I’ve been righteous, My mouth would still say wicked things. And although I might [truly] be blameless, I’d still produce what’s wrong.21‘But, if I’m really ungodly, In my soul, I remain unaware… Even though my life has been taken away.22‘I’ve said:‘The mighty kill in their rage; 23And for the vile, death isn’t uncommon.‘They’re the ones who laugh at the righteous 24When they’re handed to those who are Godless.‘For He covers the eyes of the judges… And if He doesn’t do it, who does?’25‘O that my soul was as light as a sprinter… Yet, my days have passed by without notice. 26Can my ship still be seen on the horizon By eagles in search of their prey?27‘So to you here before me, I’ll say: If I’d just forget about speaking, Then bow my head and just groan; 28And if I’d just let my limbs shiver, Wouldn’t you still find me guilty?29‘But, if I’m someone who’s godless; Why haven’t I already died? 30If I’d wash myself in the snow, And if I scrubbed all the dirt from my hands, 31You’d still dip me in filth, And even my clothes would detest me.32‘Yet, you are men just like me By whom I’m judged and compared. Before His Judgment Seat, we all stand together… 33Before the lawyers and accusers, And in front of the One [who] listens to both.34‘So, may He set me free from the [whip], And may I not be twisted in fear. 35Then, I’ll speak and I won’t be afraid, For I’m still unaware of my crimes.’
1‘Since my soul has become tired of groaning; I’ll now tell Him how bad I now feel. 2Yes, to Jehovah, I’ll say:‘Don’t tell me that I’m ungodly… So, why have You judged me that way?3‘Would You think it good if I’d sinned, Or if I’d disavowed the works of Your hands? Why do You believe what the godless have said 4And look at things the way humans do?‘When You look, do You see as men see? 5Is Your existence like that of a man? Are Your years as those of just men?6‘Since You’ve searched for all my law breaking And You’ve traced out all of my sins, 7You must know that I’m not ungodly; But, from Your hands, who can wrest me away?8‘It was Your hands that made me and shaped me, Then You turned around and You struck me. 9O remember the day that You shaped me, Then, stand me erect on the ground once again!10‘You extracted me as though milking, And then I was curdled like cheese. 11You put me together with meat, skin, and bones, And then, with nerves, You entwined me. 12In mercy, You put life within me, Then You watched over me and guarded my breath.13‘You did all these things by Yourself; And it’s a fact that You can do all… There’s nothing that You can’t do. 14So, if I should sin, please protect me… Declare me free of law breaking.15‘[Don’t count me] among the ungodly! Yet, even though I’m righteous, I can’t raise my head; For, I’ve become so dishonored.16‘I’ve been caught like a lion for slaughter… For You’ve turned around to destroy me. 17You’ve disciplined me once again, And dealt with me in great rage By bringing these trials upon me.18‘Why did you lead me out of the belly? Why didn’t I die, so my eyes wouldn’t see 19As one whom had never been born? Why wasn’t I just sent away… Sent to the tomb like how I came from the womb? 20And why have I lived for so many years?‘Now, allow me to rest for a while 21And go to the place where I’ll not return… To a land that’s shrouded and dim… 22A land that’s dark throughout the ages, Where light and life can’t be seen.’
1Then Zophar the Minaean spoke, saying:2‘This One who has so much to say Should also listen in turn; Is this one who’s so very well-spoken Proclaiming himself to be just?‘Those born of women who only live short lives 3Are blest, because they have much less to say.4‘Now, no one’s comparing himself to you, And don’t try to say that your deeds are all pure… That you’re blameless, as you’re standing before Him.5‘O that Jehovah would speak And tell you what He has to say.6‘Should He speak to you of His wisdom? His wisdom is so much greater than yours! But if He did, you’d know that what’s happened Has come about because of your sins against God.7‘Search for the ways of Jehovah, And you’ll find the Almighty’s prepared for your end.8‘Because the heavens are ever so high; What can you do, and what do you know?‘There are things much deeper than the place of the dead… 9They’re longer than the span of the land, And wider than the breadth of the seas. 10And if He’d destroy all those on the earth, Who could question His reason?11‘He knows the deeds of those who break laws, And He doesn’t overlook their wrongdoing… 12Yet, men keep swimming in words. For all men who are born of a woman, Are no wiser than the desert’s wild burros.13‘But, if you have a truly pure heart, And you can spread your hands out before Him; 14Should He find that you’ve broken no laws, And you’ve stayed a long way from injustice (That you’ve kept it away from your home); 15Your face would then have a shine… Pure water would wash off your filth, And you’d have nothing to fear.16‘You’d forget all your troubles like waves passing by, And you’d have no reason for terror. 17In the morning, your vows would be like the stars, And at noon, your life would return.18‘You’d have some hope, if you would comply, And have peace in place of trouble and strife. 19For you, there would be no more battles, And many would turn and beg for your aid.20‘But for them, will come no salvation, Since their only hope is destruction, And the eyes of the godless will melt.’
1Then Job spoke. He said:2‘Have you and the men who are with you Reached the end of your wisdom?3‘I too have a heart that’s like yours. 4But it seems that a man who’s righteous and just Has only been born to be taunted!5‘There’s a time appointed when each man must fall, And for his house to be pillaged by crooks… But, may the wicked not trust [in their ways]. For the guileless will [be given] support, 6While [the bad] will be taught by God’s rage.7‘You could ask the four-footed creatures (If they could give you an answer), Or ask the things that fly in the sky (If they could give a report) 8To explain all they know of the earth, Or to even describe all the fish in the sea.9‘Are there any among them that don’t realize That they were made by God’s hand? 10For, in His hands are the lives of all things, As well as the breath of every man.11‘Men listen with their ears and examine each word, Then they taste the meanings inside their throats.12‘Wisdom is ancient, and knowledge is old, 13For from Him comes all wisdom and power… Along with understanding and all good advice.14‘So, if He chooses to tear something down, Who can thereafter rebuild it? And if He chooses to lock up a man, Who can thereafter release him?15‘If He should choose to hold back the rain, All the lands would go dry. But, He can also choose to release it, To destroy them and wash them away.16‘In Him, there’s both might and strength; In Him, there’s knowledge and all comprehension. 17He strips council away from advisors, And He [can also make fools of] earth’s judges.18‘He’s the One who sets kings on their thrones And who ties a sash ‘round their waists. 19But He’s also the One who sends priests off as slaves, And can wipe away all the mighty.20‘The lips of the honest, He understands, And the words of the elders, He knows. 21Upon rulers, He can pour out dishonor, While to those who are humble, He heals.22‘He uncovers the darkness of very deep things, And from the shadow of death, He can lead into light.23‘He destroys the nations that stray, And He cuts down those who mislead them. 24He knows the hearts of the rulers of lands, And He leads them in ways they don’t know.25‘So, may they corrupt the darkness, not light… May they wander like they’re drunk.
1‘{Look!} I’ve seen such things with my eyes, And I’ve heard such things with my ears.2‘I know the same things that all of you know, And I have as much sense as do you. 3Thus, I’ll speak before God, And I’ll scold you, if He will allow it.4‘For, you’ve been unrighteous doctors, And as healers, you’ve done a very poor job. 5So, it would be a blessing if you’d stay still… Yes, that would be the course that’s wise.6‘Now, hear these things that I’ll tell you, And heed the judgments that come from my lips.7‘Aren’t you speaking here before God, And before Him, aren’t you being deceitful? 8Isn’t it time for you to back off; For, aren’t you just judging yourselves?9‘If He should choose to examine your tracks And pay attention to all that you do, 10Then discipline you for the [bad] things you’ve done… You’d worry that He sees all your secrets.11‘Wouldn’t He spin you in His awesome power… Wouldn’t fear of Him overcome you? 12For your prancing would then become ashes, And your bodies would turn back to clay.13‘So, stay still as I pour out my rage; 14For, I’ll grab my flesh with my teeth now, And hold myself with my hands.15‘But, if the Almighty should grab me, I’d still speak to Him and complain… 16I’d argue that I should be spared, For He’d not find me guilty of evil.17‘Listen to me… Hear my words, For I’ll shout them into your ears! 18Look at me… Yes, gaze upon me! For, as I stand here before you in judgment, I know that you’ll not call me righteous… 19Yet, the One who’s my judge is impartial.‘Now, I’ll say nothing more, because I’m through, 20And I’ll allow you two things to finish me off… Then I’ll go and hide from your presence. 21But, keep your hands at a distance, And give me no reason to fear you.22‘You can call out to me and I’ll listen; So, speak and I’ll give a reply. 23Of how many sins am I guilty, And how many laws have I broken? Yes, tell me just what they’ve been!24‘What are you hiding from me, And why do you think I’m lesser than you? 25Will you avoid me like leaves in the wind, Or face me like grass in the air?26‘Against me, you’ve written so many bad things, And accused me of sins that are common to youth… 27You’ve opposed me, although I’m righteous. But by now, you’ve examined all of my deeds, And to the roots of my feet, you’ve reached.28‘Yet, I’ve been aging [so quickly], And I look like a bag made of leather, Or like a robe that’s been eaten by moths!’
1‘For men born of women, life is too short, And our lives are filled with rage… 2Then we drop like flowers that have blossomed, And escape like shadows that have passed.3‘But, you’ve required an accounting of me, And although I’ve stood in judgment before You; 4Which [of you] can claim that you’re free of all filth? I’m sure there’s not one among you!5‘Men live but a day on the earth, And we count off the months of our lives Until we reach the time we’re allowed… [A time that] we can’t go past. 6Therefore, leave me alone so that I can be still, And think well of the work that I’ve done.7‘For a tree, there’s still hope after it’s cut, Since it may blossom again; For the sprouting of its shoots never fail, 8Although its roots may be old in the ground. Yet, even rocks will grow old, And even the stones [eventually] melt away.9‘When the trunk of a tree can smell water, It’ll blossom and fruit once again, Like it was something that’s new. 10But, when a man reaches his end, That won’t be undone… When he falls, he no longer exists.11‘In time, even the seas will be gone, And all the rivers will become barren and dry. 12But, when man goes to sleep, he won’t rise again Until [the stars] are all sewn together… From that sleep, we never awaken.13‘O that in the grave, You’d hide me and guard me Until all Your anger has passed. Please order a time to be set for me, When You’ll mention my name once again.14‘Can a man live again after he dies, Once the days of his life have all past? As for me; I’ll wait ‘til I live again, 15When You’ll call out to me and I’ll hear You… Please don’t undo the work of Your hands!16‘You’ve counted all the things that I’ve done in my life, And none of my sins have You overlooked. 17So, take all the laws that I’ve broken, Then seal them up in a bag, And [remove] the ones that I meant not to do.18‘A mountain will fall into ruin, And a rock wears out where it stands. 19In water, even stones become smooth, And floods wash away the earth’s cliffs. This is how You’ve destroyed the lengths of men’s lives… 20You stab them through and they die… You just turn Your face and they’re gone.21‘We don’t know how many descendants we’ll have, And we’re unaware if they’re few. 22For, our flesh just knows aches and pains, And in mourning, our lives have been spent.’
1Then EliPhaz the Temanite spoke. He said:2‘May I reply to a man who’s so wise, And in a spirit that he understands… Who’s known misery since he came from the womb, 3But, who scolds with words that will never be true, And with things that will never bring profit?4‘Have you forgotten your fear As you speak before God? 5What’s come from your mouth has proven your guilt; For you’ve failed to examine the words of the great. 6So, may your own mouth now correct you (not me); Since against your own lips, you’ve spoken.7‘Were you the first man to ever be born Before the hills had been piled? 8Did you hear how Jehovah arranged it, And did God then ask your advice… Did He gain all His wisdom from you?9‘What do you know that we don’t know, And what do you see that we’ve missed? 10For, we’re each much older than you, And we’ve lived more days than your father!11‘Because of your sins, you’ve been whipped just a bit, And you’ve blown this all out of proportion! 12Dare you see with your eyes or examine with your heart, How this rage has torn you away from the Lord, 13By spewing such things from your mouth?14‘Which man do you know who’s free from all blame Among those whom from women are born? 15For, [God] trusts not even the holy… Before Him, the heavens aren’t pure! 16And the filth of man is disgusting… For he sucks unrighteousness down like a drink!17‘So now, pay attention and I’ll give my report… Yes, I’ll announce what I’ve seen, 18And mention the things that the wise men have said… Things that from their sons, they’ve not hidden.19‘This land was once given to our fathers When there were no strangers among them. 20And for the ungodly, there’s just been confusion, While years have been added to the mighty.21‘In times of peace, men listen in fear, And this brings about their undoing. 22So, may they not hope to return from the dark When they’re gripped by hands made of iron.23‘For, the grain of vultures, they’ve now become, As they await the death of their bodies… The dark day that whisks them away, 24As by distress and disaster, they’re sucked down, And they fall like generals in battle.25‘It’s against Jehovah that they’ve raised their hands, And before the Almighty, they’ve stiffened their necks. 26So, for their insolence, they’re forced to retreat, And behind their shields, hide their thickness, 27Since their faces have been covered with fat, And their thighs have become very flabby.28‘So, in abandoned cities, may they now lodge, And in houses where people no longer live… Where all those who had once been found there Have now been carried away.29‘May they not be rich or keep what they own, Or cast a shadow again on the ground, 30Nor may they flee from the darkness.‘May their buds soon wither away… May their flowers be taken by the wind. 31May they not trust that they’ll survive, For soon, they’ll have nothing at all.32‘Corruption will prune them away, So their branches won’t grow into trees. 33May they be gathered like unripened grapes, And fall like blossoms that don’t become olives.34‘For the unrighteous, the judgment is death; And for those taking bribes, their homes will be burned. 35This is all that comes from the womb… To all that are born, only comes grief. Emptiness is all that they’ll receive, And in their guts, they must live with their lies.’
1Then Job spoke, saying:2‘Things like this, I’ve heard all before; And as those who should offer comfort, You surely have done a poor job!3‘Where is the order to your windy words, And why do you bother to answer?4‘Now, I’ll speak the same as you’ve been doing, As if my life had been traded for yours. Then, with my words, I’ll attack you, And at you, I’ll now shake my head.5‘O may my mouth be given the strength… May the movement of my lips serve me well. 6For, if I speak, my sores won’t ache; And if I stayed silent, would they hurt me less?7‘Now, after He’s worn me out, You’ve latched onto this festering fool. 8As I’m sitting here, I’ve proven what I’ve said, And I’ve thrown back your lies in your faces.9‘I’ve been debased by the One I must deal with, And against me, He’s grinding His teeth. The arrows of marauders have struck me, 10And sharp darts from His eyes have been shot in my knees… They’ve all arrived to attack me!11‘He’s handed me over to the unrighteous, And delivered me to the ungodly. 12He’s removed my chance to ever make peace, And as an example, He plucked the hair from my head.13‘With their lances, they now have me surrounded, And they’ve stabbed them into my kidneys… They’ve done nothing at all that would spare me, And they’ve poured my bile on the ground.14‘They’ve knocked me down time and again… They’ve attacked me and won! 15Then, to my skin, they sewed sackcloth, And my strength, they’ve driven into the ground.16‘My belly now burns from my crying, And my eyelids are darkened with shadows. 17Yet, I’m guilty of nothing at all, And my hands are clean from the things that I’ve vowed.18‘O ground, don’t cover the blood of my flesh, And don’t allow room for my cries.19‘Look; the heavens have served as my witness, And the heights above testify for me. 20May the things that I beg reach up to Jehovah, And may the tears from my eyes drip before Him.21‘O that man might plead before God As he would on behalf of a neighbor. 22Yet, the days of my life have been counted and reached, And from where I’m going, there’s no return.’
1‘I’ve been destroyed and I’m borne on the wind… I’ve begged to be buried and had no success. 2So I wearily ask:‘Just what have I done? Have I stolen from strangers? 3For, who has shackled my hands?’4‘From these men’s hearts, You’ve hidden all wisdom, And You’ll never exalt them. 5You’ll announce their badness to all, And make the eyes of their sons melt away.6‘But, among the nations, You’ve made me a joke; And that’s why they’re laughing at me. 7Yet, my eyes are now callused to their rage, Since I’ve been attacked by them all. 8But the righteous have wondered and asked:‘Then, why can’t the just beat the lawless?’9‘O may the faithful maintain their [right] course, And the hands of the clean receive courage. 10Yes, may it all be established; For among you here, I’ve found little truth.11‘In groaning, my days are now spent, And the hopes of my heart have been ripped away. 12Night for me is now day, As the face of darkness draws closer.13‘Although I’m still here, the grave is my home, And I’ll make my bed where it’s dim. 14For now, my father is death, And decay is my mother and sisters.15‘O what hope do I have, And where will I ever find goodness? 16Along with me, it has gone to its grave, And we’ll all be buried together.’
1Then Baldad the Shuhite spoke, saying:2‘When are you going to end it? Stop for a while and let us speak too! 3Why must we stay silent before you Like beasts that walk on four feet?4‘Anger has gotten the better of you… So what, if you have to die? Will all life under heaven then come to an end? Will mountains be wiped from their bases?5‘The light of the godless will soon be put out, And his flame will be there no longer. 6The light in his home will be darkness, And his lamp will thereafter be gone.7‘The least of men search for the things they once owned, And they trip on their own good advice. 8So, may his feet fall into a snare, And in a net, may they get entangled.9‘Yes, let him fall into a trap, And may the snare hold him tighter. 10For the trip line is hidden under the ground… Yes, the thing that’ll grab and destroy him Is already there in the road!11‘May grief surround and destroy him, 12And may hunger encircle his feet. For him, a downfall has been prepared, 13And the soles of his feet will be eaten away.‘May death now consume his beautiful things, 14And may the place of his healing be taken away… For these things have happened by royal decree 15That will camp in his tent throughout the night.‘May his beautiful things be covered with sulfur; 16May his roots dry out underneath him. May what he has reaped fall upon him, 17And the memory of his face be wiped from the land.18‘May he be pushed from the light into darkness… 19May even his family forget his name. May his house remain under the sky; 20But, may it be lived in by others.‘For, even though he once lived in wonder, In the end, he just sits here and moans. 21This is the home of someone unrighteous… It’s the place where Jehovah is no longer known.’
1Then Job spoke again and said:2‘How long are you going to weary my soul, And demolish me with your words? All you know is the things God has done, 3And speak ill of me with no shame… You just keep on pressing against me.4‘It’s a fact that I’ve been misled, And delusions are lodging within me. For I’m speaking words that should never be said… That mislead, and at the wrong time.5‘Now you use me to look more important, And you attack me in scorn. 6But, know that the Lord is the One who’s disturbed… He’s the One who built this fortress against me. 7So look; I now laugh at your scorn!‘Therefore, I’ll stop all this banter; For if I shout, it won’t bring me justice. 8I’m stuck in a circle that I can’t get out of, And darkness now covers my face. 9He’s taken away all my glory, And removed the garland that I wore on my head.10‘He’s pulled me apart and scattered [my bones]; I was marked and cut down like a tree. 11In His rage, He’s treated me badly, As though I’d been His opposer. 12His marauders have gathered and attacked me, And in an ambush, they have me surrounded.13‘Now, all my brothers have left me, Preferring strangers to me; And my friends no longer feel pity, Pretending that they don’t know me!14‘Those dearest to me have forgotten my name… 15I’m a foreigner to all of my neighbors And a stranger to the women who’ve served me.16‘When I call to my servant, he doesn’t obey, Even though, with my mouth, I keep begging. 17I call out to even my wife, And call sweetly to my concubines’ sons. 18But they listen not… They just stand there.19‘Those who once knew me, dislike me, And those I once loved, now oppose me. 20For, my skin and flesh are festered with sores, And my teeth have come loose from my jaws.21‘Please show mercy… Show mercy my friends; For the hand of Jehovah has touched me! 22Why treat me the same as Jehovah has done… Aren’t you filled enough with my flesh?23‘May my words be written down in a scroll, And be preserved throughout the ages. 24With a pen of iron, inscribe them on lead, And may they be set within stone.25‘For I know that the One who made me this weak Has walked ‘round the earth throughout the ages; 26And it’s due to Him, that my skin has grown tired… I’m worn out because of Jehovah.27‘All I’m aware of and seen with my eyes, Has happened to me, not to others. 28But, what can I ask and what can I say… Is the root of my problem in Him?29‘Please turn around and send me what’s good, Or just cover me over. May Your rage be sent to the lawless instead… May they be the ones who reap this reward.’
1Then Zophar the Minaean spoke, saying:2‘So far, I’ve not disagreed With any of the words that you’ve spoken, Since we both view things in much the same way. 3So I’ll heed your instructions that shame me, And note the spirit of your reply.4‘But, haven’t you known about all these things… That since man was put on this earth, 5The irreverent one’s glee brings his downfall, And the joy of lawbreakers brings their destruction?6‘For, even if his gifts should ascend to the heavens, And his offerings should reach to the clouds; 7When he thinks that all’s going well, That’s when he’ll meet with his end.‘Then, those who know him will ask where he is. 8But like dreams, he’ll no longer be found. 9From then on, all eyes will overlook him, And no one will note where he’s been.10‘Even though his sons once destroyed weaker [peoples], And their hands lit fires that brought others grief… 11Their bones that once held the vigor of youth Will make their beds under the ground.12‘For, evil was sweet in their mouths, So they hid it under their tongues. 13It wasn’t left or abandoned, But they brought it up from their throats.14‘So, now they can’t help themselves; For, the poison of asps is inside of their guts. 15And all the wealth that they’ve unjustly gained Will be collected and vomited out, As angels drag them out of their homes.16‘May they have to endure the rage of wild beasts… May the tongues of snakes now destroy them. 17May they never again see cows being milked, Or see pastures of butter and honey.18‘Then their wealth will seem empty and vain, And for such things, they’ll lose all their taste, Since they’ll become too tough to be chewed, And they’ll find that they can’t take it with them.19‘And although they once crushed the homes of the mighty, And by force, took their houses; What they have will no longer be theirs… 20For, what they owned, will no longer be safe, And they won’t keep the things that they loved.21‘For them, there’ll be no more food, And good things will no longer blossom. 22Even though they once had [all they desired], Problems arose and then it was cursed.23‘When they’ve had enough to fill up their bellies, God sends someone else to succeed them. So, may He now send His anger and rage, And upon them, pour out floods of grief.24‘From hands of iron, may they not be saved… May they be shot through by a brass bow. 25May the arrows go clean through their bodies, And may fear then walk through their homes.26‘May they have to wait in the darkness, To be burned by the fire of the ages. May strangers bring what’s bad to their homes; 27May the heavens uncover all their lawless deeds; And may the ground rise up against them.28‘May their homes be destroyed ‘til the end, And may the day of rage come upon them. 29For, this is what the irreverent get… It’s their reward from the One who keeps watch.’
1Then Job spoke, saying:2‘Listen to me… Hear my words! I don’t need such comfort from you! 3Now, please help me up, and I’ll speak; For, I won’t accept such abuse!4‘Since it’s by men that I’m being accused, Don’t I have a good reason for rage?5‘Why are you looking at me in such wonder, As you put your hands under your jaws? 6When I try to think of a reason, I tend to be a bit quick to conclude, Because of the grief in my flesh.7‘Why do the godless continue to live, And why do they grow rich and old? 8For, they plant whatever their souls might desire, And their children are there in front of their eyes.9‘Their houses continue to prosper, And they don’t seem to know any fear; For they fail to feel the whip of the Lord.10‘None of their cattle are stillborn, And their pregnant are also protected; So, none of them stumble or fall.11‘Their sheep remain throughout the ages, And their children are playing before them. 12They hold their flutes to their mouths, And enjoy sacred hymns strummed on harps.13‘For as long as they live, they have good things… Then they lie down to rest in the grave. 14They say that God doesn’t see, Since they’ve chosen not to know of His ways.15‘So, why should we continue to serve Him… For us, what good does it do, 16Since He doesn’t inspect godless hands; So, they’re always filled with what’s good?17‘But, their lamps will soon be extinguished… Their reward is to feel the pain of His rage. 18They’ll be like straw that’s blown in the wind, And as clouds of dust in a storm.19‘May their possessions and sons all be lost, And may they know that God has repaid them. 20May they see their slaughter with their own eyes, When God won’t be there to save them. 21Then, what joy will they have in their homes When they see that their months have been numbered?22‘Doesn’t Jehovah send wisdom? For who else gives people their insight… Isn’t He the One who makes judges wise?23‘Yet, this one dies doing just as he wished, Enjoying prosperity and pleasure… 24Full, fat, and filled up with marrow. 25While another ends life with what’s bitter, Having never tasted what’s good. 26Then they both go to sleep in the ground; And with decay, they’re both covered.27‘So, I know what you’ll say as you’re pressuring me:28Where are the houses where princes will live And safe tents where the godless will dwell?29‘Ask those passing by on the roads, and you’ll see That the signs are all very clear; 30For the day of destruction will come When He will enlighten the wicked… And in that day of His rage, they’ll be gone.31‘Then, to their faces, He’ll accuse them, And speak of the bad things they’ve done. Yes, He will come to repay them 32As they lie awake upon heaps of trash, And then, to their tombs, they’ll be led.33‘In gravel, thereafter, they’ll be covered, As other men come to see them… Yes, they’ll come in great numbers to stand there.34‘So, why waste your time to offer me comfort, Since you’ve done nothing to bring any rest!’
1Then EliPhaz the Temanite spoke, saying:2‘Doesn’t wisdom and understanding come from the Lord? 3So, why should He be concerned If what you’ve been doing is pure?‘What good [do you think] it would do Him If all of your ways had been clean? 4Will He discipline you for the things that you say, Or join with you in your judgments?5‘Haven’t you done many bad things… Could anyone count all your sins? 6Haven’t you taken what your brothers need Without any justification? Haven’t you claimed the clothes of the naked… 7Refused to give water to the thirsty… And taken scraps of food from the famished?8‘You’ve shown favor to the faces of some, While you removed the poor from their land. 9You’ve sent away widows with nothing at all, And orphans, you’ve treated badly. 10So, the snares that you’ve set have now captured you, And this is why such a war has arrived.11‘So, light for you is now darkness, And when you sleep, you’re covered in dew. 12For the Living One is paying attention, And He humbles those who think themselves high.13‘You’ve asked, What does the Almighty know? And, Can He judge what happens in darkness? 14He’s concealed by the clouds, so He can’t be seen As He travels across the arc of the sky!15‘You can’t guard the roads of the ages, Which have been walked by the righteous 16Who were taken away in untimely [deaths], Like rivers overflowing their banks! 17Yet, even they had once asked:‘What will God do to us… Yes, what will the Almighty bring?’18‘He’s the One who filled their homes with good things, While the council of the the Godless, He’s pushed away. 19The righteous all laugh when they see this, And the blameless sneer at such ones. 20For, their supports will soon vanish, And their clothes will be burned up in fire.21‘So you must be strong if you want to survive, And then you’ll receive your reward For all the good things that you’ve done. 22Remove all the [bad] from your mouth, And keep His words in your heart!23‘Turn back and be humbled by God, And stay away from wrongdoing! 24Then you’ll lay away gold as though it were dust From the rivers of Ophir… 25The Almighty will then watch over you, And you’ll have plenty of silver.26‘So, confess [your sins] to Jehovah, And look to the heavens in joy. 27Make vows to Him and He’ll listen to you, Then He’ll give you the strength to do as you’ve vowed 28And restore you to a righteous condition, So your ways can be bright once again.29‘For, those who humble themselves Will admit that they’ve been too proud; And [God] will save those who are humble. 30Yes, He’ll rescue those free from guilt… But first, you must keep your hands clean!’
1Then Job spoke, saying:2‘I know for a fact that my change of state Is something that’s out of my hands. For, it’s His hand that’s been heavy on me, And He’s the source of my groaning. 3So who knows if I’ll ever find Him again, And bring these things to a conclusion.4‘Now, on myself, I’ll pass judgment, And with scolding words, I’ll fill my mouth. 5Then I’ll learn the cure, for He’ll show it to me… I’ll understand, because He’ll explain it!6‘He’ll come to me with great strength, And I know He won’t do so unsurely. 7He’ll send me truth and correction, And bring an end to my case.8‘But, if I should be the first one to go, And if I should no longer be; How could I know how it ends?9‘With His left hand, He acts… I can’t stop Him; And what He covers with His right, I can’t see. 10He already knows all my ways; For He’s searched me through as if I were gold.11‘My feet have walked in His footsteps… I’ve kept His ways and not swerved. 12I’ve never rejected commands from His lips, And I’ve held in esteem the words from His mouth. 13But, if He’s judged me as guilty, Who can say that He’s wrong?14‘So I’ve always turned towards Him quickly, And when I’m corrected, I keep Him in mind. 15For, grave are the things that come from His face… They’re things that leave me in terror.16‘Yet, Jehovah has softened my heart… The Almighty has moved me to action. 17For, I never suspected that darkness would come And that before my face, all would go dim.
1‘Why hasn’t Jehovah noticed this time 2When the godless are overrunning our borders… Those who seize both the shepherds and sheep?3‘From the orphans, they’ve taken their burros, And the cows upon which the widows relied. 4They keep the disabled from walking upright, So the gentle of the land must run off and hide.5‘They act like burros that stray into fields And find the bread of infants delicious. 6They harvest in fields not their own, And reap it before it’s ripe.‘The godless hire the disabled And put them to work in their vineyards… But then, they don’t pay them or feed them! 7They leave them naked, without any clothes, And they take all they need to survive. 8So, in mountain mists, such poor ones must bathe, And hide in the rocks for protection.9‘They then snatch away babies… They take them away from the breasts In payment for debts that are owed. 10They mistreat and rest of the naked, And take scraps of food from the famished.11‘In alleys, they lie in wait to do harm, And righteous ways, they don’t know. 12They throw people from their homes in the cities, And bring groaning to the lives of their children.13‘So, why does the One who’s watching Fail to act on this earth, While people like this just ignore Him, Disregarding all that’s just And taking the easiest way?14‘In the cover of darkness, they murder, And during the night, they break in and steal.15‘The adulterer waits for darkness and says:‘They won’t know that my eyes will be watching!’And as he keeps his face hidden, He carves peepholes in homes in the night.16‘Then, during the day, he locks himself in, So he never comes to know light. 17For at dawn, he would see the shadow of death, And observe the bad things that it brings… 18But when he looks in the [reflection of] water, he still sees a good face.‘May his portion on the earth be forever cursed, And may all that he plants wither and dry… 19For he even grabs the arms of orphans!20‘So, [please] remember his sins! Like fog, may he soon pass away, And may he vanish like dew.‘Please repay him for all that he’s done… Like rotting wood, may he just waste away. 21For, those with no sons, he’s mistreated, And he shows no mercy to those who need aid.22‘The disabled, he’s knocked to the ground in his rage; So, no man’s life can ever feel secure. 23Thus, may he get sick and never be healed… And may his illness then lead to his death!24‘Since many are harmed by his arrogant ways, Like mallows, may he wither in heat… Like an ear of grain that just falls on its own.25‘If such things aren’t so, then say that I’ve lied, And disregard everything I’ve said!’
1Then Baldad the Shuhite spoke and said:2‘What kind of insight and fear does he have… This one who makes it sound so important?3‘Let’s not think that [God] will save us from robbers Or that we’ll never be ambushed. 4For, which man can say that he’s righteous to God… Can men born of women make themselves pure?5‘[God] can order the moon not to shine, And before Him, the stars are impure. 6[So to Him], all mankind is rotten, And the sons of men are like worms.’
1Then Job spoke, saying:2‘Who are those closest to you… Those you’d turn to for aid? Aren’t they the ones who are mighty… Those with great muscled arms?3‘To whom do you turn when you need advice… Isn’t it to those who are known to be wise? And whom do you chose to follow… Isn’t it those who have power?4So, to whom are you speaking these words, And whose breath is now coming from you? 5Will giants start acting like midwives And go under the water for neighbors?6‘For, the grave lies naked before Him, And He’s wrapped in a robe of destruction. 7He stretches the north wind on nothing, And on nothing, He’s hung the earth.8‘He takes water and binds it in clouds; Yet, the bottoms of the clouds never rip. 9And He hides the face of [the moon] By spreading the clouds as its cover.10‘By His order, the sea’s face is round, From where the light reaches to darkness. 11The columns of the skies, He’s spread all around, And they shake when they hear of His rage.12‘By His might, He settled the seas in their beds, And in wisdom, He spread it for whales. 13Of Him, the bolts in the skies stand in awe, And by His order, the dragon defector is killed.14‘{Look!} These are just a small part of His ways; For when He breathes a word, we’ll listen! So, who knows when He will bring change… When He’ll bring the strength of His thunder?’
1Then Job continued in his own defense:2‘As God lives, He’s the One who has judged me… It’s the Almighty who’s made my life bitter. 3But, as long as my spirit is in me, And the Divine One’s Breath remains in my nose... 4My lips won’t speak lawless things, And my inner person won’t contemplate wrong; 5For, such things bring the sentence of death!‘I’m not saying that I’m free from blame… 6But, I’ll cling to what’s right and never let go, For, I know when I’m doing what’s wrong.7‘May my enemies disappear with the godless, And my opposers be destroyed with lawbreakers.8‘What kind of hope have the godless? Do they think they’ll be saved by Jehovah? 9That God will hear what they pray, Or He’ll come when they’re in need? 10Can they stand before Him as securely As those who can call and be heard?11‘I’ll tell you about the things [God] holds in His hands… I won’t lie about the Almighty. 12{Look!} For He piles what’s foolish upon the foolish… 13This is what the impious will get from the Lord, And it’s what their most mighty receive.14‘Should the Almighty One come to their aid, And should the sons [of the wicked] grow many? No! Their purpose is just to be slaughtered, And they’ll beg to be allowed to grow into men. 15But those who remain will die of the plague, And on their widows, none will show mercy.16‘If they gather silver like it was dirt, And set aside gold as if it was mortar; 17The righteous will [soon] own these things, And those who are true will control it.18‘Then his house will belong to the moths, And to the cobwebs of spiders. 19The rich man will sleep and not rise again… He’ll be dead – even though his eyes are wide open.20‘Grief will pour on him like water, And darkness will overtake him during the night. 21A burning wind will snatch him away, And like chaff, he’ll be blown from his place.22‘He’ll be sent where nobody can save him… By [God’s] hands, he’ll be taken to exile. 23Then, all men will be clapping their hands, And they’ll whistle at him from wherever they are.’
1‘There’s a place where silver is mined, And a place where gold is refined. 2Men take iron out of the ground, And copper is quarried like stones. 3This is how He’s established an order for darkness, And precisely set all its limits.‘Like the darkness [that’s inside a mine]… So is the shadow of death... 4And as they [pan for gold] in fast-running streams, The ways of the just are discovered… By mortal men, they’re sifted. 5Even our bread comes out of the ground As if roasted in fires down below.6‘There are places where sapphires are found, And places where gold may be mined. 7There are also roads that birds don’t know… By the eyes of eagles, they’re overlooked. 8They haven’t been walked by sons of the rich, Nor have lions ever been there.9‘For He sticks out His hand and chisels a place, And the roots of mountains, He overturns. 10The banks of rivers, He’s destroyed… And my eyes have beheld such great things.11‘The depths of rivers, He’s laid bare, And in the [day]light, He’s shown all their might. 12But where can wisdom be found? And what’s the source of great knowledge?13‘For no man really knows of its ways, Since such ways can’t be found among men. 14Says the abyss, ‘It’s not found in me,’ And says the sea, ‘Nor in me!’ 15So, nobody can invest in it, And with silver, it can’t be bought.16‘It can’t be compared to all Ophir’s gold, Nor to precious onyx or sapphires. 17With [diamonds] and gold, it can’t be compared, And it can’t be bought with gold coins.18‘I won’t compare it to crystals or coral, For wisdom is higher than everything we could want. 19To topaz from Etheopia, it can’t be compared, Nor can it be equaled by the finest gold.20‘So, where can wisdom be found? And where does great understanding come from? 21It escapes the notice of every man, And it’s hidden from the birds in the skies.22‘Thus says the days of destruction and death:‘We’ve heard of its fame, 23For, God well speaks its ways, And He alone knows where it’s found.’24‘He looks down from the heavens above, And from there, He passes inspection… For He sees all that happens throughout the earth.25‘He also weighs the things that He makes… He’s measured the wind and the water… 26When He made them, He saw them and counted it all, Then He made a way for the thunder.27‘He saw [what He made] and described it… The One who prepared it has tracked all its ways, 28And this is what He’s concluded:‘{Look!} [Having] wisdom is being like God, And [having] higher knowledge is staying away from what’s bad.’
1Then Job continued, saying this: 2‘O that He’d let me return, Back to that month once again… To those days when He watched over me, And His lamp was lit over my head.3‘By His light, I traveled through darkness, 4As I walked down the streets in importance, And when God watched over my house… 5When I was exceedingly plump, And I had all my children around me.6‘When all that I did poured like butter that’s warm, And mountainous things poured like milk… 7When, in the morning, I entered the city, And they’d set a chair for me in the square.8‘Before me, the young ran and hid, And the elders arose in respect. 9Stout men would all stop their speaking, And place their fingers over their mouths.10‘Then, all who listened said I was blest, And their tongues would stick in their throats. 11With their ears, they listened and praised me, And when they saw me, they all stepped aside. 12For I rescued the poor from the hands of the mighty, And to helpless orphans, I supplied aid.13‘So, you who are dying; please praise me again… May the mouths of the widows praise me once more! 14For, I once dressed up to give justice In a robe doubled over; 15Then I served as eyes for the blind, As well as feet for the lame… 16And to the disabled, I became like a father.‘When I didn’t know the right thing to do, It worked out well anyhow. 17I broke the molars of the unrighteous, And I snatched their prey from their teeth.18‘I said:‘I’ll grow old and round like the trunk of a palm, And I’ll live for many more years; 19For my roots have reached deep to the water, And on my harvest, the dew always settles.’20‘Back then, my glory meant little to me; For, I had entrusted my bow to His hands. 21Then, men would pay close attention to me, And stay silent as I offered council.22‘When I was speaking, they never spoke; And they were joyful whenever I talked… 23As the ground enjoys rain when it’s thirsty, That’s how they thought of my words.24‘For at them, I never laughed… Which is why they trusted my council. For the light of my face was before them, 25And I showed them the right ways to go.‘So I was always their prince... And even though I camped like a king ‘midst his army, I remembered to comfort the mourning.’
1‘Now, even their least are laughing at me; And those whose fathers I’ve viewed with contempt Now dare to give me correction… Those whom I once thought unworthy To serve as dogs to watch over my flocks.2‘So, what value is the strength of their hands before me, Since their vigor has already perished? 3They’re in need and hungry, with nothing… They’re miserable, like those who flee from a war To hide in a place with no water!4‘They stand on the shore and pick seaweed; For, plants from the sea are their grain. They have no honor, and nothing to give; They’re looked on as worthless and lacking all good.‘In hunger, they’ve gnawed upon tree roots… 5These who’ve risen against me like thieves… 6Those who once burrowed in rocks.7‘But now, they look for places to yell (Such ones with homes made of sticks). 8They’re the sons of dishonored fools, Whose fame will be wiped from the land.9‘Yet now, they’re strumming their harps about me… I’m the topic of all their discussions. 10They dislike me and stay far away, And into my face, they now spit.11‘For [God’s] opened His quiver and shot me, Then He led me away from His presence.12‘So, the hands of their sons have risen against me… They stick out their legs and kick me! 13They’ve wiped my ways from their wicked paths, And they’ve taken the clothes that I wore.‘For, He’s run me through with His spear, 14And He’s judged me the way that He wished. Thus, with anguish, I’m now befouled, 15And all my grief has returned. My hope has passed by like the wind, And my salvation has faded like clouds.16‘So, may my life soon be poured out, Since I’ve had enough days of this grief. 17All night long, my bones are burning within me, And my nerves are broken and shattered. 18With great power, my robe has been wrinkled… And within its folds, I’ve been wrapped.19‘So, now you treat me like dirt, And think that ashes are all I deserve. 20Even though I’ve cried out to you, you don’t listen… You just stand and think of my plight.21‘Together, you’ve joined to attack me, And with mighty hands, you’ve whipped me. 22You’ve handed me over to grief And removed any hope of salvation.23‘I know that death will soon wipe me away, For the ground is the home of all mortals. 24So, should I consider killing myself? Or ask someone else to do it?25‘Even though I cried over all the disabled, And moaned when I saw people in need, 26I’m still waiting for good things to come [to me], And I hope for good days, not bad.27‘My belly is noisy and rumbles, As more days of suffering confront me. 28I’m groaning because of discomfort, And among the gathering, I weep.29‘To trapped demons, I’m now a brother, And to the ostrich, I’m a companion. 30My skin has become very dark, As my bones continue to swelter in heat.31‘So in mourning, I now strum my harp, And my hymns are all about weeping for me.
1‘I’ve made a vow that my eyes
Won’t pay [inappropriate] attention to virgins.
2For, what I have, came from God up above…
It’s the inheritance of what the Almighty saw fit.3‘To the godless comes woe and destruction,
And those who break laws are alone.
4So, why won’t He look at my ways
And count all the footsteps I’ve taken?
5For, I haven’t traveled with those who play jokes,
And my feet haven’t rushed to do evil.
6So, I can now step on a scale
And prove myself just in the balance.‘For, Jehovah knows that I haven’t done wrong
7And my feet haven’t turned from His way
(although my eyes often follow my heart),
And my hands have never touched bribes.
8Yet, what I’ve planted, others now eat…
I no longer have roots in the ground.9‘If my heart had followed another man’s wife,
And if I had stood in wait at her door;
10May my wife then please other men,
And my babies be humbled thereafter.11‘For, the One who dirties another man’s wife
Should receive [God’s] unrestrained anger.
12May a fire burn in all of his parts,
And may he be destroyed to his roots.13‘If I’ve disregarded what I owe my servants,
And if my maids ever had to beg before me;
14What could I say to my God
When I’m beaten by Him…
When He visits, how could I reply?
15For, weren’t they also born from a womb…
Didn’t they come from the belly?16‘But the disabled and needy never missed out,
And the eyes of the widows weren’t wasted.
17For, when I ate my food all alone,
I always set some aside for the orphans.
18Like a father, I fed them the food from my mouth,
And I led them as though from my own mother’s womb.19‘If I hadn’t provided for those without clothes,
20Or to the disabled, failed to give aid,
Unless they gave me a blessing;
Or if I’d refused to take my lamb’s wool
And used it to warm up their shoulders;
21If I failed to lift a hand to aid orphans,
Or helped those who trusted in me to give aid;
22May my shoulders be pulled from my collars
And my arms be broken at the elbows.23‘It was the fear of Jehovah that caused me to act;
For, without His care, I couldn’t endure.
24If I’d trusted in gold for my strength,
Or in gems, had put all my trust;
25If I [did these things] to make myself rich,
Or to get my hands on great treasure;
26May my eyes see the sun growing dim,
And the moon, as it’s starting to darken.27‘So, if my heart has deceived me,
And if I’ve secretly [kissed] my own hand;
28May this be considered the worst of my crimes,
For I’ve lied to the Most High, Jehovah.29‘If I rejoiced at my enemy’s fall,
And if I’d said in my heart, ‘Well done’;
30Then, let my ears hear the curses I’m due,
And may everyone speak of my badness.31‘I’ve never said to my female attendants,
‘Please give me some of your flesh!’
32Nor have I forgotten the need to be kind,
And to lodge strangers, my door was kept open.33‘Unintentional sins, I’ve not hidden,
And I’ve never been swayed by the masses.
34The disabled, I’ve never turned from my door,
Or with empty stomachs, sent them away.35‘So, please may I find a person to listen…
Someone in awe of the hand of the Lord!
For I’ve never sent anyone bills,
36Nor read what they owed me while wearing a crown.
37I just tore up [the debts] and returned them,
Without getting whatever they owed.38‘Have I given the ground a reason to groan…
Have I given her furrows reasons to weep?
39If I’ve taken some of her strength,
40And ate it alone without paying;
Or, if I’ve made the land’s owner angry,
And he’s been bothered by this;
41May my wheat just become stinging nettles,
And may my barley be turned into weeds.’Well, with that, Job stopped speaking.
1Then, for a while, all got quiet... And Job’s three friends stopped contradicting him, for they started thinking that he was truly a righteous man.2That’s when EliHu (son of BarachiEl the Buzite, a descendant of Ram from Ausis) became very angry with Job for declaring himself righteous before God. 3He was also indignant with Job’s three friends, because they couldn’t give Job a reply and they found him to be a righteous man.4EliHu had patiently waited to give Job an answer, because the others were much older than him. 5But when he saw that no more replies were coming being said by these men, he became angry and went into a rage!6So, EliHu (son of BarachiEl the Buzite) then said:‘Because I’m younger in years, And you’re much older than me; I’ve chosen not to speak – until now, For I was scared to say what I’ve got to say.7I said:‘This isn’t the time to speak out; For, with their years, they’ve gained much more wisdom.’8Yet, even though there’s breath in humans, The Almighty’s Breath does the teaching. 9And since the wise don’t live long enough, The old don’t always know what’s right.10‘Now, I beg you all to listen to me, And I’ll tell you the things that I know. 11Give an ear to what I’ll say, And I’ll speak to you free of charge.12‘Examine my words and you’ll see That you’ve not given Job the correction. 13Don’t say that you’ve found wisdom from God, 14For you got your commission from men!’15Well at that, they were all afraid and they refused to say anything more, because the words they were hearing sounded mature. 16Also, he’d [politely] waited and refused to speak until they stood there with no [further] reply.17So EliHu [continued and] said:‘Now, I’m ready to speak, And I’ve got many things that I wish to say.18‘I can’t hold back the wind in my chest, 19For within me, it bubbles like very young wine… It’s been tied up in me like a bellows, And awaiting the time to break out! 20So now, I’ll speak and give myself rest, For the time has arrived to open my lips.21‘I’m not embarrassed to speak before men, Nor will I feel shame before humans. 22For, if I should show special favor to men, By moths, may I then be devoured!
1‘Listen, O Job, to my words… Give ear to what I’m saying! 2For, {Look!} I’ll now open my mouth And use my tongue to instruct. 3These words are pure and come from my heart, And what comes from my lips is all clean.4‘By the Breath of [God], I was made; And by the Almighty’s Spirit, I’ve been taught. 5So, if you’re able to answer, Then, reply to me about these things! Yes, wait… Just stand here [and face] me, And I’ll now stand up to you!6‘Both you and I were made from the clay… From the same dirt, we were formed; 7So don’t twist against me in fear.8‘Now, the things I heard you say, And the claims I heard you make, are:9‘I’m pure and I haven’t sinned… I’m blameless and I’ve broken no laws.10‘Yet, even though He doesn’t have a complaint, God thinks me to be His opponent.11‘For He’s put my feet into stocks made of wood, Even though He’s watched all the [good] things I’ve done.’‘But, how can you claim to be righteous And say that He’s paid no attention to you? 12For, He’s lived throughout the ages, And He’s far above all us mortals. 13Yet, you ask:‘Why hasn’t He seen my just ways… Why hasn’t He heard what I’ve said?’14‘Jehovah may only speak once, Or He may reply even twice. 15He may send a dream or a vision at night, Bringing us fear as we lie in our beds.16‘He uncovers the things that men think, And He sees the things that we fear… Then He uses such things just to scare us… 17To turn us away from our sins And to rescue our bodies from downfall. 18From death, He’s saving our lives, And protecting us from many battles.19‘When we’re sick in our beds, And when our bones can’t move; This discipline is coming from Him! 20So, when we’re offered grain, we won’t take it, Despite food being what we really need.21‘Our flesh will just lie there and fester Until our bones can be seen 22And death has finally approached… Then it sends our lives down to the grave.23‘But, even though thousands of [angelic] messengers may come to bring death, No way will one pierce you through, If in your heart, you’d just make a change, And turn to Jehovah again.‘So, it’s about ourselves that we should complain… We should speak of the laws that we’ve broken; 24For then, our God would support us… Not allow us to fall into death.‘Then like someone who plasters a wall, He’d make our bodies new once again, Refilling our bones with their marrow, 25And renewing our flesh like a child, To restore us to what we’d once been.26‘If you make a vow to Jehovah, And your vow is thereafter accepted, You’ll walk away with a face that’s clean And a mouth that’s speaking His praises… For, He always deals justly with men.27‘So, we each should blame ourselves and then say:‘What are the things that I’ve done? What have I done to be disciplined, And what are the sins I’ve committed? 28O save my soul from corruption, So I can see light once again!’29‘{Look!} This is how the Almighty deals with each one, And there are three things that He does. 30For, from death, He’s rescued my soul, So my life can go on to praise Him in light.31‘O Job,‘Lend me an ear and hear what I say… Be quiet, for I’m now speaking! 32But, if there are words you can use to reply, Then speak! For you should be given your due! 33Yet, if you don’t, then just hear me out… Be quiet, and I’ll tell you what’s wise!’
1Then EliHu continued:2‘And hear me now, O you wise men… Give ear, O you who have knowledge! 3For the ear judges words in the way the mouth tastes it’s food… 4And that’s how we should be judging ourselves, Since we already know if we’ve been good!5‘Now, Job has said:‘Although I’m righteous, Jehovah has ended my case, 6And when He judged me, He lied. So, at His injustice, I now shake my spear!’7‘Although Job is a man who drinks [wine], And sneers as if it was water, 8He says he’s not sinful or godless, And had nothing to do with the lawless, Or gone along with those who show no respect.9‘Now, perhaps you think it’s wrong For someone to watch over men. 10Yet, we’re all watched by Jehovah, And He searches through all our hearts!‘Listen, yes – hear me, my God; For, in no way do I wish to show disrespect… May the Almighty not think me unjust!11‘He pays men back for all they deserve, And in his own paths, each man finds Him.12‘Can you imagine Jehovah being guilty of wrong? Or the Almighty One of being unjust? Isn’t the earth His creation? 13Didn’t He make everything under the skies?14‘So, if He’d hold back His power, Or if He’d remove all His Breath; 15Life on earth would come to an end, And mortals would return to where they were formed.16‘But, what if He didn’t correct us? Shouldn’t we hear the sounds of His words? 17{Look!} He’s the One who hates all lawbreaking, And throughout the ages, He’s proven to be righteous; So, He will destroy all the wicked!18‘It’s impertinent to say to a king:‘You’ve broken the law!’Or to say to a prince:‘You’ve acted ungodly!’19‘So, who may show disrespect To such a person of honor? For, He’s never appointed the mighty Because He thought well of their faces.20‘Nothing good can come when we cry out to men; For they’re all unrighteous and they won’t help the poor. 21But, He observes all the things that they do, And their deeds don’t escape His attention.22‘There’s no place where the lawless can hide; 23For, He tolerates men no more than He must. 24So all men are inspected by God, And He notices all the wrong that they do.‘He observes the things that are hidden, As well as things to be honored… Extraordinary things unnumbered. 25He knows all the [bad] things we do, And He humbles us during the night.26‘He wipes away the ungodly Because He can see the things that they’ve done… 27When they’ve turned from God’s Laws, And given no thought to His rules.28‘The cries of the needy reach up to Him, And He hears the calls of the poor. 29So, since He’s the One who’s bringing them rest, Who would dare to condemn Him?‘If He hides His face, who’ll see Him, Whether a nation or just a man? 30But, He can appoint a hypocrite king If He finds the people unruly.31‘Has anyone heard a mighty one say:‘I’m so blest, so I really don’t need Him?’32Or:‘Unless He can prove that He knows of my sins, There’s nothing that He can require?’33‘Will He pay for the things that you’ve thrown away? Give me an answer… Yes, tell me!34‘Understanding hearts will reply to such things, And a wise man will hear what I’ve said. 35But, Job hasn’t thought about this, Since his words don’t reflect higher knowledge.36‘So learn, O Job… Don’t be a fool… 37Don’t add any more to your sins! For we’re all considered law breakers When we stand and speak [before God].’
1Then EliHu continued:2‘Why does justice matter to you… Who are you to call yourself righteous, And say you deserve no vengeance from God?3‘You’ve asked what sins you’ve committed. And about this, I’ll give you an answer, Then I’ll tell it to these, your three friends.4‘Look up to the sky and see How high the clouds are above you! 5So, if you’ve sinned, what will you do? 6Yes, what can you do if you’ve broken [God’s] laws?7‘And if you’re truly so righteous, What things can you offer to Him? And what will He take from your hands? 8Will He accept irreverence from men, Or unrighteousness from all their children?9‘Many call out when they’ve been robbed… But they yell at the strong one who robbed them! 10They don’t ask:‘Where is [God] who made me… The One who’s in charge of night watches, 11And made me different from the beasts of the earth, As well as from the birds in the sky?’12‘Oh, they can cry out, but no one will listen; For, there’s insolence in those who are wicked. 13Yet, there’s nothing that goes unnoticed by God, Because He’s the Almighty.14‘He observes all those who break laws, And you can ask Him to save you… That is, if you’re praising Him now!15‘He assigns no numbers to His rage, And He sets no limits on sins. 16Yet, Job has foolishly opened his mouth, And in ignorance, he’s weighed out his words.’
1EliHu continued, saying:2‘Be patient for a while and I’ll teach you... Because, I still have [much] more to say.3‘I was taught in a faraway land, And I’ve learned to do as I say. 4So, I’ll speak of what’s true and righteous, And you’ll find that I’m not telling lies.5‘I know that Jehovah won’t harm a good man… One who’s mighty and has strength of heart. 6But, to the irreverent, He won’t return life.‘He will give justice to those who are poor, 7And He doesn’t turn His eyes away from the righteous. For, they’ll sit as kings upon thrones… They’ll be raised and treated like winners!8‘The crook that’s led off in shackles, In poverty’s cords, will be wrapped. 9Then, He’ll speak of all the bad things he’s done, And of his many transgressions.10‘But, [God] listens to what the righteous ones say, And He warns them to turn away from all badness. 11So, if they should listen and serve [Him], They’ll live a very long time And spend many years having good things. Then, when they come to the end of their days, Many beautiful things, they’ll own.12‘But the godless won’t be preserved; For, they fail to look to Jehovah. And even though they’ve been warned time and again, They keep on refusing to listen.13‘Although the hypocrite’s heart will know rage, He won’t call out, for [God] has him bound. 14So his life will end while he’s still young, Since angels will come here to pierce him… 15If he’s mistreated the weak and disabled. Yet, they’ll be fair to the humble.16‘When an enemy uses his mouth to deceive, [God] opens a pit underneath him, Where his table of good things is thrown.17‘To the righteous, He’ll always bring justice, 18While on the impious, He sends His rage. For if, in godless ways, they’ve taken bribes; In justice, they’ll receive what they deserve.19‘So don’t be blind to the cries of the disabled, Or send away those who seek aid in the night. 20Rather, you should go out and help them, So that others can see your example. 21Be careful to never mistreat them, Or take advantage of their lowly condition.22‘{Look!} Although the strong use their strength to overpower… Who are these who are feeling so mighty? 23Who examines the things that they do, And tells them when they’ve done wrong?24‘Remember that it’s the great things we do That give us control over men. 25And each man knows deep within his own heart How many mortals he’s stabbed through.26‘{Look!} The Almighty is great… Yet, we don’t really know Him; For, there’s no end to His years. 27He can count the number of rain drops Before they’re even formed in the clouds. 28Then they fall and flow past the things that grow old… Past the shadows of the uncounted dead.‘He’s established a time for the animal’s lives, And this order of things, they comprehend. Yet, you haven’t bothered to think about this, And your heart doesn’t know your own body. 29But remember, as you watch the clouds passing by… This will also happen to the tent that is you.30‘{Look!} He’s stretched the light out above us, And the roots of the seas, He’s covered. 31Then, between them, He judges the people, And He nourishes those who’ve shown strength.32‘He can cover the light with His hands, And tell the clouds what to do. 33Yet, we can trust that He’ll speak to His friends, And provide them a place of refuge from evil.
1‘So, this is what’s bothered my heart… They’re the things that make my heart drop. 2Pay attention to my report on God’s rage; For, what I’ve said has come from His mouth!3‘He’s the sovereign of all under the heavens, And His light shines to the wings of the earth.4‘Although voices may yell out against Him; He thunders at the sound of their insults. For, He must bargain with no one… With none of those who may hear His voice.5‘When the Almighty speaks, it’s like thunder, Which tells of the great things He’s done. 6He orders the snow in the winter, And instructs it to cover the ground… And the rain also follows His orders7‘He’s the One who shackles men’s hands, To make them aware of their weakness.8‘Wild beasts live within His protection; So, in their lairs, they’re tranquil, 9While in your bedrooms comes grief, And from far away, comes a chill.10‘From the Almighty’s Breath comes the ice, And water is steered where He chooses. 11If He covers a cloud, it passes away, Followed by light in its order.12‘Cyclones are turned aside by His rules (The ways by which they must work), 13Sparing the land on which He shows mercy… He’s the One who orders such things for the land.14‘So, pay attention, O Job! You should stand in awe of God’s power! 15For we know that it all comes from God, Who created light from the darkness.16‘He knows the difference between every cloud, As well as the ways that the wicked will fall.17‘So, even though your clothes are all hot and sticky; From the south, blows peace for this land.18‘Can you join Him as He spreads out the skies, And turns them into bronze mirrors?19‘So now, teach me what I should tell Him, And let’s bring an end to this banter! 20Is there a scribe with a scroll next to me, To whom must I now be pleasing?21‘For the light is now shining so brightly, To illuminate everything that’s old. It’s as if He’s parted the clouds, 22And made them glow like gold in the north! So, their honor and glory reflect the Almighty; 23For, in no one else may such strength be found.‘Since He’s the One who brings honest judgments, Don’t you think that He’s listened to you? 24So, we’ve all got good reasons to fear Him… Even those who think that their hearts are wise!
1Then, after EliHu finished his speech... Jehovah spoke to Job from the clouds during a storm![He said:]2‘Who is it that’s hiding counsel from Me, And thinks he can cover the things in his heart? 3Now, wrap up your loins and act like a man, For I’ll ask the questions and you – answer Me!4‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of earth? Tell me, if you know, and if you understand! 5Who planned and laid out its measures… Do you know? And who laid the string down upon it? 6Upon what have its hooks been supported, And who set the slabs for its foundation?7‘When I did this, all the stars praised Me, And My angels shouted a cheer. 8Then I locked the seas in their gates, When they first burst from the womb.9‘I established the clouds as clothes [for the seas], And I wrapped it in fog, like a child. 10Thereafter, I established its limits And I bolted its gates into place. 11I said:‘This is as far as you go… You can’t go any farther, So your waves must now break within you.’12‘Did I use you to bring about morning light? Or to set the morning star in its place? 13[Can you] grab the wings of the earth, And shake off all the ungodly?14‘Have you picked up a piece of clay from the ground, And used it to make something living? And who brought the powers of speech to the earth?15‘Have you removed the light from the godless, Or broken the arms of the proud? 16Have you found the springs of the seas, And walked in the tracks of the deep?17‘Do the gates of death open before you, And do the keepers of the place of the dead Get alarmed whenever they see you?18‘If you’ve been told about everything under heaven, Then, tell Me how great it all is! 19Where’s the land that the light comes from? And from what kind of place does the darkness come from?20‘If you could lead Me up to their limits (That is, even if you even knew of their paths), 21You’d already know all these things. And if you were born on that day, Your years by now, would be many.22‘Have you found the treasuries of the snow? Have you seen where the hail is all stored? 23For you, has the time of enemies been reserved, Or the days for battle and war?24‘When the frost leaves, where does it go? And where under the skies goes the south wind? 25Who prepares the storms when they blow? 26And who holds back rain from the ground?27‘Who made the deserts where no men can live, But then fills unwalked, uninhabited lands With sprouts and new shoots of green?28‘Who is the father of rain, And who gives birth to the dewdrops? 29In whose womb does the ice start to form, And who gives birth to frost from the skies, 30And then turns it into drops to make streams?‘Who is it that changes the face of the godless, And who creates their alarm?31‘Have you seen what bonds the PleiAdes? Have you opened the barriers of Orion? 32Have you opened MazurOth when it can be seen? Or have you led Venus by its tail?33‘Do you know how the orbits of the heavens all work, Or how things under the sky work together? 34Can you call to a cloud and cause it to shake, Then obey you and pour out a storm?35‘Are you able to send for the lightning? Will it ask, ‘What is it?’ and obey you?36‘Who gave women the wisdom to weave, And who gave them the skill to embroider?37‘Who in his wisdom can count all the clouds? Who can lean on the sky and the ground?38‘Who poured out the powder that created the earth, And stuck it together as a stone block?39‘Will you hunt for lions as prey, And be filled with the souls of wild beasts? 40Yet, they must be feared when they’re in their lairs, Or when they’re lying in wait in the woods.41‘Who gives carrion to the crows for their young, As they call to Jehovah while searching for grain?’
1‘Tell Me this, if you know: When do rock antelopes give birth? And have you seen the birthing of hinds? 2Have you counted the months for them to give birth? And do you know how long they have birth pangs?3‘Do you know how their offspring are fed, And can you bring an end to their labor? 4For their young rip out and many are born… Then they just walk away.5‘Who is it that set zebras free… Who untied them from bondage? 6I’m the One who [gave him] his home There, in the deserts, and in the salt flats… I’m the One who gave him his dwelling.7‘He laughs at the complaints of those living in towns, And tax collectors, he can ignore. 8He views the mountains as his pastures, As he searches for green things to eat.9‘Can you make the rhinoceros do what you say? Can you force him to sleep in your barn? 10Can you tie him with straps and put on a yoke, Then use him to plow up your fields?11‘Can you trust him to do this because of his strength, And will he lighten the work that you do? 12Can you trust him to carry your grain, And haul it to threshing-floors for you?13‘Consider the wings of the ostrich… Whose feathers the storks use for their nests. 14They lay their eggs on the ground, Then incubate them in the dust.15‘If she forgets them, they then might be lost, Or crushed by wild beasts in the fields. 16So, she’s hardened herself against her own young, And she isn’t sad when her work is in vain.17‘It was God who removed all her wisdom, And gave her such scant understanding. 18But, when she spreads her feathers to run, She laughs at the horse and its rider.19‘Was it you who gave the horse all its strength, Or that caused his neck [to tremble] in fear? 20Are you the one who gave him full armor, And put the glory of daring in his breast?21‘In the fields, he grazes and prances, And with strength, he runs in the plains. 22He laughs when he meets up with spears, And from weapons of iron, he never retreats.23‘When he’s struck by arrows and swords, 24He just gets angry and tears up the ground. He doesn’t quit ‘til the trumpet is blown, 25And then he just says, Well done!‘He can even smell war from a distance, Then he stands on his [back] legs and whinnies.26‘Was it you who gave hawks their look of defiance As they set their wings to fly towards the south? 27Was it by your order that eagles fly high, Or vultures to lodge in nests 28among rocks?29‘From such places, [these birds] search for food, For their eyes can see from a distance. 30Then their young become covered in blood, Because they can find whatever has died.’31Then Jehovah God said this to Job:32‘Have you chosen to correct this One who’s so mighty… And can one who teaches God give an answer?’33Then Job replied to Jehovah:34‘So, why must I still go on begging? And for what am I being corrected? Why are my prayers just being ignored?‘Since I can’t reply [to Your questions], I’ll just cover my mouth with my hands… 35I’ve spoken and I’ll say no more.’
1Then Jehovah God replied to Job, asking:2‘Are you judging the One who’s so mighty… And when someone scolds God, must He reply?’3So Job thought about this and then he asked the Lord:4‘But, why must I stand here and beg… Being scolded and disciplined by God?‘No, I’m nothing at all, And yes, I’ve heard all that You said; So what answer can I give in reply?‘Now... I’ll cover my mouth with my hands, 5For I’ve spoken and I’ll say no more.’6Then the Lord once again spoke to Job from out of the clouds, saying:7‘Now, wrap up your waist and act like a man; Then, I’ll ask you, and you must reply!8‘Should you undo My decisions? And do you think it was Me who sent these [bad] things? Or that you’d have to prove yourself righteous to Me?9‘Is your arm like the arm of Jehovah? Is your voice like His… Can it thunder? 10If so, lift yourself in stature and might, And clothe yourself with glory and honor; 11Then, send out [His] [angelic] messengers in rage To humble those who are proud, 12And to bring an end to the haughty… Right now, cause the godless to rot! 13Hide them together inside of the ground, And with dishonor, then cover their faces! 14For, surely you know that your right hand can save![Editor note: It’s our opinion that many of the following verses have been somewhat corrupted (in both the Hebrew and Greek texts), making much of what follows is disjointed and unclear.We feel that part of the reason for this is that those who sang, copied, and translated this song, simply didn’t understand its cryptic message… That the ‘beast’ or ‘dragon’ in Job is a fictional animal representing the evil spirit who was bringing these woes upon Job.Such fictional, composite animals were common in the ancient world – the most famous one being the Sphinx in Egypt. Composite animals took features from different mammals, birds, and reptiles to create a super-animal, with each feature representing a different ability or trait. They were most commonly used to represent gods and spirits, such as the Egyptian gods.This cultural practice was very familiar to ancient people, but was entirely forgotten in later periods, leading people to misinterpret the ‘dragon’ as just another description of some unidentified animal, or even an extinct creature, like a dinosaur. However, what’s described fits the common ancient practice of creating a composite, mythological creature, to represent a powerful spirit.If true, this would explain why, later at Job 41:9, God remarks that Job can’t see the ‘dragon’ – because it wasn’t really an animal at all, but the spirit creature introduced in Job chapter 1.We’re not dogmatic about this point, we may be wrong. However, it’s important to tell you this, since it’s influenced how we’ve translated the remaining chapters.]15‘Now, notice the ‘dragon’ who’s standing beside you; He eats the same grass as the ox. 16Yes, behold the strength in his loins, And the power in the navel of his belly.17‘He makes his tail tall like a cypress, And his nerves are all closely entwined. 18His sides are like something that’s made out of brass, And his spine is much like cast iron.19‘He’s the beginning of the things [that I] shaped, And he was made to be mocked by My [angelic] messengers.20‘When he climbs upon chiseled mountains, He brings joy to those four-footed beasts That within Tarsos dwell.21‘He sleeps under all kinds of trees… By the papyrus, reeds, and bulrushes. 22In his shadow, [rest] birds in the trees, Who unknowingly sway in [his branches].23‘When storms come, he pays no attention; For, he trusts that it runs to the JorDan, And from there, it flows into his mouth.24‘When he’s on watch, who can take him? But if, in a snare, you could catch him, Would you drill [a hole] through his nose?
1‘Can you lead this ‘dragon’ around with a hook; Can you put a halter ‘round his nose? 2Will you put a hook through his nose as a clasp, And bore a hole in his lip?3‘Will he speak and beg you in an earnest, soft way… 4Will he make an agreement with you… Will you keep him as your servant throughout the age?5‘Will you play with him like a bird… Would you cage him like a sparrow for a child? 6Wouldn’t you rather feed him to the different races… To Phoenicians, carve him as [steaks]?7‘If all that floats were assembled, There’s no way they could carry his hide or his tail, Nor could fishermen’s boats bear his head.8‘Could you lay your hands down upon him, Then, consider the war in his flesh, And make it no longer take place?9‘[While it’s true] that you can’t see him. Haven’t those who’ve spoken ever wondered… 10Aren’t they in awe of this thing I’ve prepared?‘But, who can really stand and oppose Me… 11Yes, who can resist Me and win, Since all under heaven is Mine?12‘So, I won’t remain silent for his sake; For, the word of My power to show mercy Is greater than all that he has to say.13‘Who’ll uncover the front of his clothes And enter the fold of his chest plate? 14Yes, who’ll open the gates of his face, And see that in his teeth, there really is fear?15‘His insides are like shields of brass, And his sinews are like emery stone. 16They each cleave tightly together, And no wind [can blow] through them… 17They’re as close as a man and his brother, And they can’t be driven apart.18‘His sneezing brings about brightness, And his eyes are like morning stars. 19From his mouth come lamps that are burning Like the scattered coals of a fire.20‘From his nostrils come the smoke of a furnace, Burning with the fire of live coals. 21For his soul is much like live coals, And flames shoot out of his mouth.22‘Within his neck, there’s power, And before him, there’s much destruction. 23The flesh of his body cleaves tightly, So, he’s never bothered by rain.24‘His heart is fixed like a stone… He stands as an anvil that can’t be bent. 25When he turns, he frightens the four-footed beasts, As well as those [flying over] the ground.26‘With lances, he can’t be harmed, Nor does he fear armor or spears. 27He views iron weapons as straw, And brass ones, just like rotting wood.28‘By bows of brass, he can’t be pierced, And he views [stone] slingers as grass. 29He thinks of hammers as stubble, And he laughs at the quaking of those who bear fire.30‘His bed is strewn with sharp needles; And all the gold in the seas, Under him, are as coals on the grates or as mud.31‘From the abyss, he breaks, as though a brass pot; He thinks of the seas as his own ointment jar, 32And the depths of Tartarus as his captive. For to him, the abyss is just a promenade.33‘Nothing else on the earth is quite like him… He was made to be mocked by My [angelic] messengers.34‘He can see all things that are lofty, And he’s the ruler over everything in the waters.’
1Then Job spoke to the Lord saying:2‘I know that You can do all,
And there’s no end to Your power.
3So, who can hide their thoughts before You,
And who can hold back their words,
Thinking that You can’t [hear them]?‘You’ve just told me some things that I never knew…
Great and wonderful things,
Of which I had no understanding.4‘So, listen to me, O my Lord,
For, there are things that I’d like to say…
I’ll ask You, and You can teach me!5‘In the past, I’ve heard men talk about You,
But now that I’ve seen You with my own eyes,
6I think of myself as having no value.
For before You, I’ve melted away,
And I think of myself as ashes and dirt.’7Well, after the Lord had spoken about all these things to Job, Jehovah then said this to EliPhaz the Temanite:‘You and your two friends have sinned;
For, you haven’t spoken the truth,
As did My faithful friend Job.8‘So, take seven calves and seven rams,
And carry them to My faithful friend Job,
So that he can offer them on your behalf…
For, no way do I hold him in blame.‘If it wasn’t for him, I would have destroyed you,
Because of what you’ve said to My faithful friend.’9So, EliPhaz the Temanite, Baldad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Minaean went and did as Jehovah had told them. Then He forgave the sins that they’d committed against Job.10Thereafter, Jehovah blest Job. And because they were his friends, he vowed to forgive those men for all their sins.Then Jehovah [blest Job] with double, giving him twice as much as he had before!11And when his brothers and sisters heard of the good things that had happened to him, they all went to see him, and he ended up with twice as many friends as he had at first. Everyone ate and drank with him, and they offered him much consolation. Yet, they each wondered about all the things that had happened, and about all the things that Jehovah had done. Then each one gave him a lamb and an unmarked 4-drachma coin.12So, Jehovah blest the ending for Job, and he gained much more than he had before. For He came to have:• 10,000 cows,
• 4,000 sheep,
• 6,000 camels,
• 1,000 oxen teams, and
• 1,000 grazing mares.13Seven more sons were also born to him, and he had three more daughters. 14He named the first daughter Day, he named the second one Cinnamon, and he named the third one Horn of Plenty. 15And among all the women under the sky, nobody was prettier than Job’s daughters. He also gave them an inheritance among their brothers.16Well, after his calamity had passed, Job lived on for 170 more years, reaching the age of 240. Job lived to see his sons, and the sons of his sons, through to the fourth generation.17Thereafter, Job finally came to his end, an old man who had lived a full life.
1Blest is the one who ignores the impious And won’t side with the sinners, Or sit among the disgusting. 2For, he wants to do the Will of Jehovah, And consider His Laws day and night.3So he will be like a tree that’s planted near water, And he will bear fruit every season… He will thrive and his leaves won’t drop.4But, for the impious, this won’t be so; For they’re like the dust that’s blown ‘cross the earth. 5So, they won’t be raised in the Judgment, Nor will sinners see the [blessings] on the righteous.6For, Jehovah knows what the righteous have done, And the ways of the irreverent will perish.
A Psalm by David.[Editor note: Superscriptions, such as the one above, are all translated from the original source manuscripts. They’re notes that show things like: who wrote the song, to whom it was written, what tune it should be sung to, what inspired its writing, and when it should be sung.]1Why do the nations and all of the peoples Think about things that are worthless? 2For, the rulers of their lands and their kings Are against Jehovah and His anointed.3They say:‘We should strip off their bonds, And we should throw off their yokes.’4But, the One in the heavens is laughing… At them, Jehovah is laughing.5So, in His anger, He will speak, And in His rage, He will disturb them and say:6‘I’ve placed My king on Mount Zion To be the ruler over My Holy Place.’7Then the Lord spoke to me about His decree. [He said]:‘You are My son, And today, I’ve become your own Father. 8So, just ask and I’ll give you the nations All the way to the ends of the earth, As those whom you’ll inherit. 9With a rod of iron, you’ll lead them, And break them like pots made of clay.’10O kings of the earth, pay attention; And those judging the lands should now learn 11To serve Jehovah in fear… Yes, all should tremble and praise Him.12Give ear to all these instructions, So you don’t provoke Him to rage. For, if you should kindle His anger, Away from the righteous, you’ll perish, While those yielding to Him will be blest.
A Psalm by David, [written] when he was running from his son AbSalom.1O Jehovah,Why are so many against me And why are so many attacking? 2Concerning my life, they’re saying:‘He won’t be saved by [his] God!’3But, You are my shield, O Jehovah… You’re my glory who raises my head. 4So, with my voice, I’ve called to the Lord, And from His holy mountain, He heard me.5Then I went to bed and I slept, And when I awoke, God sent me His aid. 6So, I won’t fear tens of thousands Who’ve surrounded me and [planned to] attack.7Arise and act, O Jehovah… Deliver me please, O my God! Now, You’ve cut down all those Who had no reason to hate me, And You’ve broken the sinners’ teeth.8For from Jehovah, comes salvation, And His people, He blesses.
To the music director:A Psalm by David.1When I called to my God in difficult times, He felt pity and heard what I prayed.2[So hear me], O sons of men; How long will you stay so hardhearted, And why do you love what’s foolish, Always searching for things that aren’t true?3You must be aware of the wonders That God has performed for His clean one; For, He listened to me when I called out to Him.4So be angry with me, but don’t sin… Complain as you pray in your beds. 5To Him, offer pure sacrifices, And put all your trust in Jehovah!6Many have asked:‘Who’ll show us His good things… Who’ll show us the light from God’s face?’7He’s the One who put joy in my heart, And provided me with fruit, grain, and oil.8So, I’ll lie down in peace, O my Lord, Since You’ve filled me with hope.
To the music director:A Psalm by David to his heir.1Lend me Your ears, O my Lord, Please listen to me when I call… 2Hear my voice and the things that I beg As I pray to Jehovah, my King and my God!3Hear my voice in the morning… As I pray, stand by and watch over me. 4For, You aren’t the God of lawbreakers, And the wicked may never travel with You.5O Lord,You don’t put up with those who break laws, And before Your face, the lawless won’t stand. 6For, You’ll destroy all the liars And the men of blood and deceit, whom You hate.7Because of Your mercy, I’ll enter Your House, And towards Your Most Holy, I’ll bow… Yes, I’ll always [show that] I fear You.8O Jehovah,Lead me in ways that are righteous When my enemies are standing before me. Straighten out all of my paths, And on them, keep a close watch.9For, there’s no truth in their mouths, And foolish ways are bound in their hearts. Their throats are like open tombs, And they’ve used their tongues to deceive.10So, bring Your judgments against them, O God, And cause their council to fail. For their irreverence, drive them away, Since they’re rebelling against You.11All can be glad who’ve put trust in You… May they cry out and loudly shout cheers! For among them, You dwell in Your Tent, And those loving Your Name will boast about You.12You’re the One who blesses the righteous, O Lord… With the shield of goodness, You’ve crowned us.
To the music director:A psalm by David for the 8-string lyre.1O Jehovah,Don’t discipline me in Your rage, And please don’t correct me in anger. 2Show mercy on me, for I’m weak, O my God… My bones are shaking, so heal me, O Lord.3The man I am within is deeply disturbed! So, where have You gone, O my God… How long will You stay far away?4Return to me… Please save me [O Lord]; Deliver me please, in Your mercy! 5For the dead are unable to bow before You… In the place of the dead, who can praise You?6Of groaning, I’ve grown so tired… Each night, I soak my bed with my tears. 7For my eyes are very disturbed By all the troubles they see.I’ve grown old because of those who oppose me; 8So, please remove all that’s lawless in me And hear the sounds of my weeping, O God.9Then Jehovah heard the things that I begged… My God showed me favor and listened! 10So, may those young lions who hate me, [Forever] be shamed and disturbed… May my enemies all be dishonored.
A Psalm by David that he sang to Jehovah because of the things that were said by Cush [of the tribe] of BenJamin.1O Jehovah, my God,In You, I’ve put all my trust, So save me from those who pursue me. 2May those lions not snatch up my life… Those from whom I can’t be ransomed or saved!3O Jehovah, my God,If I’ve done many bad things, Or if, in my hands, there’s injustice… 4If I’ve repaid bad to those who’ve done good; Before my enemies, may I fall.5May those who hate me, chase me and catch me, Then trample my soul to the ground, And may it thereafter camp in the dust.6O Jehovah, my God,In Your rage, now arise… Before my enemies, stand tall! Awaken, O Jehovah, my God, And give the order to attack them!7For by many, I’ve been surrounded, So now’s the time for You to arise. 8Condemn all these people, Jehovah, But, please find me guileless and righteous.9O God,Bring an end to the badness of sinners, And straighten the ways of the righteous… Examine their kidneys and hearts. 10Then, send me aid, O my God, And save all those with straight hearts.11My God is just, forgiving, and strong… He’s not One who is angry each day. 12But, if you should try to oppose Him; He will shine up His sword And He will stretch tight His bow… 13 Yes, He will prepare His weapons of death, And get ready to shoot flaming arrows.14See how the wicked are slaves to their sins; For in misery, they’ve been conceived, And to lawless ways, given birth. 15But, whenever they choose to dig out a pit, They’ll fall into the cesspool they’ve made… Yes, into the same pit they dug.16May their misery fall upon their own heads, And may they receive their own wicked ways. 17But, I’ll follow my God’s righteous paths, And I’ll strum to His Most-Holy Name.
To the director.[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats:A Psalm by David.1O Jehovah, our Lord,How great is Your Name throughout the earth,
For Your majesty has reached to the heavens.2From the mouths of infants and babies,
You’ve ordered up praises.
And as for those who oppose You;
You’ll remove the opponents and avengers.3I see in the skies, the works of Your hands…
The moon and the stars that You founded.
4So, what is man that You’d think about him,
Or a son of man that You’d visit?5For, less than Your angels, You’ve made him,
Then You crowned him with glory and honor,
6And placed him over the works of Your hands…
You put it all under his feet.7You brought sheep and oxen together,
And all the cattle that live in the plains.
8[You put] flying things in the sky,
And You put fish in the water,
That are treading paths through the seas.9O Jehovah, our Lord,How wonderful is Your Name on the earth!
To the [music] director:A private Psalm by David to his son.1O Jehovah,Wholeheartedly, I’ll praise You, And I’ll describe all Your wonders.2O Highest One,In You, I’ll be joyful and glad, And I’ll strum to Your Name.3You’ve turned my enemies and made them retreat… Before Your face, they’re weak and destroyed. 4You’ve heard my case and my cause, And from Your throne, You sent righteous decisions.5For, You’ve scolded the nations, And wiped the irreverent away… Throughout the age and the age of the ages, You’ve wiped away all their names.6My enemy’s swords have all failed, And the memory of them and their cities Has all been wiped [from our land].7Jehovah lives throughout the ages, And He’s ready to judge from His throne. 8In justice, He will judge this place where we live; And He will judge all the peoples uprightly.9Jehovah is a refuge to the needy And a helper to those in distress. 10All who know You will trust in Your Name, Since You never reject the ones searching for You.11So, strum to Jehovah, you people on Zion… Proclaim His deeds to the gentiles! 12For, He remembers whose blood is required, [And He hears] the cries of the needy.13Show mercy on me, O Jehovah… From the gates of death, please lift me away, 14So I can shout in joy about Your salvation And laud You before Zion’s gates.15In their corruption, the nations are mired, And in their own snares, their feet have been caught. 16For, Jehovah is known as the One who brings justice, And the One who sets snares for the sinners With the same things their own hands have made.17Now, bring Your vengeance on the sinners, And send those who hate You away to their graves. 18Don’t forget those in need, Nor allow the hopes of the poor to be crushed.19Yes, please arise, O Jehovah… May You not be beaten by men! Stand the nations before You in judgment, 20And appoint [Your servant] to give them their laws… Then, remind them that they’re just mortals.
1O Jehovah,Why have You stayed far away? Why have You left us? For we need You now!2Because of their pride and their wicked ways, The Godless are chasing the poor. But, may those proud ones fall into a trap Because of their slanderous ways.3The sinners are blessing themselves With all the things that their [hearts] have desired… It’s how the unrighteous are blest.4But, those who are sinning provoke God to rage; For, they’ll not search for Jehovah. So, with them, our God never walks, 5And He views their ways as disgusting.O please don’t decide on their behalf… Make them rule among people who hate them. 6For, they’ve said in their hearts:‘I will never be shaken… Through generations, nothing bad will happen to me.’7Bitterness and cursing is what fills their mouths… Toil, misery, and treachery comes from their tongues. 8With the rich, they lie waiting in ambush To kill the innocent and poor.9They lie and wait in concealment Like lions inside of their lairs. They lie in wait to capture the poor, So they can snatch them away And keep them under their power.10But this domination of the needy, Is what will lead to their downfall. 11For they say in their hearts:‘God’s forgotten… God’s turned his face and He doesn’t see.’12So arise, O Jehovah my God! Raise your hand and remember the poor!13The irreverent keep making God angry, Because they’ve said in their hearts:‘There’ll never be an accounting.’14But, since You can see the misery they bring, In rage, don’t overlook them… Snatch them up with Your hands!For, the poor and the orphans have nothing, And their only helper is You. 15So, break the arms of those sinners… When we search for them, may they not be found!16Jehovah is king throughout the ages, And into the age of the ages. May the gentiles be wiped away from His land, 17And may He hear the cries of the poor.O Jehovah,Your ears have heard what they’ve planned… The things that they’re saying deep in their hearts. 18So, please bring justice to the orphans and poor, And may such men not find reasons to boast!
For the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1Since I’ve submitted to Jehovah, Why has He said to my soul:‘Like a sparrow, you must fly to the mountains?’2{Look!} For, sinners are stretching their bows, And preparing arrows for their quivers, To shoot at my heart in the moonlight.3Yes, all that You’ve built, they’ve demolished; And where are the righteous… What have they done?4Jehovah is in His Most Holy Place, And His throne is high in the heavens. Yet, His eyes pay attention to the needy, And His eyelids [are open] to see sons of men.5About the righteous, Jehovah inquires; But those loving injustice, He hates to the core. 6So upon the unrighteous, He will rain fire… They’ll get sulfur and wind in their cup. 7For, Jehovah is just and He loves what’s true, And His face sees the good things we do.
To the [music] director:David’s 8th Psalm.1O Jehovah,Please come down here and save me! For there are no holy ones left, And few among men tell the truth.2Each man, to his neighbor, now speaks foolish things… Deceit and wrong, they speak from their hearts.3O Jehovah,Please destroy the lips of the liars, And the tongues of those who boast of great things… 4Those who say:‘We’ll make our tongues great, And ask with our lips, ‘Who’s Jehovah?’’5[But Jehovah says:]‘Because of the misery of the poor And the groaning cries of the needy, I’ll arise and offer them safety… To them, I will openly speak.’6These wise words of Jehovah are like refined silver… They’re wisdom refined seven times in a fire.Even though you stand tall in the heights, O our Lord, On the sons of men, You still keep an eye. 7So, please watch over and keep us From [the bad of] this generation and age. 8For the Godless now have us surrounded, And around us, they walk everywhere.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1How long, O Jehovah, will I be forgotten? How long will You keep Your face turned? Will it be this way ‘til the end?2How long must my life endure grief, And plan for it, day and night, in my heart… How much longer will my enemies be stronger?3Listen to me, O Jehovah!O my God, please look down upon me! Brighten my eyes, so I won’t sleep in death… 4May my enemies never say that they’ve won. For, those who oppress me will cheer if I fall.5I’ve put faith in Your mercy, And Your salvation brings joy to my heart. 6So I’ll sing to Jehovah who’s blest me, And I’ll strum to His Name in the heights.
To the [music] director:A Psalm of David.1‘There is no God,’ says the fool in his heart, As he does what’s corrupt and disgusting… And none are doing what’s righteous!2But, Jehovah looks down from the heavens To see if men’s sons are searching for God. 3Yet, all are crooked and useless; For, no one does good… No, not any!Their throats are like open tombs, And they use the tongues in their throats to deceive; Under their lips, there’s the poison of asps, And with what’s bitter, their mouths have been filled.Their feet are in a great hurry To shed innocent blood and destroy; There’s misery in all of their ways; The road to peace they’ve not known; And in their eyes, there’s no fear of God.4Those who break laws don’t understand, For they swallow down people like bread. But, because they’ve not called to Jehovah, 5They’re afraid when there’s nothing to fear!With generations of the righteous, God is nearby; 6Yet, most look down on wise words from the poor, And on those putting faith in Jehovah. 7So, who’ll stand up for Zion? And to IsraEl, will bring its salvation?But, when Jehovah returns all the captured, Jacob will cry out in joy, And in IsraEl, there’ll be many reasons for glee.
A Psalm by David.1O Jehovah,Who is allowed to visit Your Tent? And on Your Holy Mountain, can camp?2Just the flawless who pursue righteous ways… Just those who speak truth in their hearts… 3Just those whose tongues don’t speak treachery… Just those who won’t harm their neighbors, Or scorn those who are living nearby… 4Just those who won’t join with the wicked.They’re the ones who praise those fearing the Lord, And speak well of those who do as they say. 5They don’t lend their money for interest, Nor ask the innocent for bribes… Throughout the ages, such ones won’t be shaken.
An inscription by David.1Please watch over me, O Jehovah, For in You, I’ve put all my hope. 2I’ve said to Jehovah:‘You are my Lord, And other than You, I have nothing good.’3In His land, the holy are in awe of Jehovah, And they’re all willing to serve Him. 4Yet, there are many who give in to weakness And hurriedly search to do what’s bad. I’ll never gather with such men for blood, Or mention their names with my lips.5O Jehovah,You’re the share that I've won, And You’re the [good] I’ve received in my cup… For, You’ve given me back what’s mine.6My borders have fallen across the best parts, And upon the choicest of portions. 7So, I’ll praise the Lord who directs me, And corrects my kidneys at night.8I see that Jehovah is always beside me… He’s at my right hand, so I’ll never fall. 9For this, my heart will always be glad, And my tongue will speak praises of Him.Upon Him, my flesh camps in hope, 10For, He won’t abandon my life in the grave, Or, let His holy one see corruption.11The ways of life, He’s shown me, And His face has filled me with joy. Therefore, to my delight, I’ll sit in perfection at His right hand.
A prayer of David.1Please listen, O Lord, to my cries, And pay attention to the things that I beg. Notice the things about which I pray; For my words are not being spoken With lips that have tried to deceive.2In Your presence, may my judgment be given, And may Your eyes look upon me in fairness. 3For You’ve tried my heart in Your visits at night… You’ve [tried] me by fire and found nothing To prevent me from speaking [to You].4Concerning the hard ways of men; Your lips have been my protection. 5Into Your ways, You’ve molded my steps, So my feet may never be caught in a snare. 6Yes, I called out to You and You heard me, O God… Your ears listened to the things that I begged.7O You who [will bring us] salvation; Please show Your wonderful mercies To those who put trust in Your right hand.8Guard me like the pupil of Your eye… Take me under Your wings, And there, provide a safe haven for me.9From the faces of the Godless, protect me… From those who wish to bring misery. For my enemies have me surrounded, 10And they speak with mouths filled with pride, As they’re wrapped in their fat.11They’ve driven me out and they have me surrounded… Their eyes have plans to cut me to the ground. 12They treat me like a lion prepared for the hunt… As a cub that must now run and hide.13So, please arise, O Jehovah! Cut them off and then knock them down! With Your sword, save my life from the godless… 14Use Your hands to destroy those who hate me. Yes, cut their bodies to pieces, And leave them there on the ground!Please, fill [righteous] bellies with good things, And also provide for their children, Then give what’s left to their babies.15May Your righteous one be seen once again, And may I be filled with Your glory.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by Jehovah’s servant David, which he sang to the Lord on the day that God rescued him from his enemies and from the hands of Saul.1O Jehovah,With all my strength, I’ll prove that I love You; 2For to me, You’re real, O my Lord… Yes, You are my refuge and savior.My helper is God, and in Him I’ll trust… He protects me and He’s my defender… He’s the trumpet of my salvation. 3So in praise, I’ll call to Jehovah, And from my enemies, I’ll be saved.4By the pangs of death, I was once surrounded… I was attacked by floods of the lawless. 5Of the place of the dead, I was in fear, And I was expecting death’s snares.6Then, in my distress, I called to my God. I shouted, and He heard me, there in His Home… My cries to Him reached His ears.7Then the ground trembled and shook, Which disturbed the foundations of mountains, As the rage of my God rumbled against them.8After that, came the smoke of His rage, Along with the fire that He sent, Which ignited the coals all around Him.9He leaned and came down from the heavens, As darkness was under His feet. 10He arrived riding on cherubs, With their wings spread out on the winds.11For concealment, He came in the darkness; For, He was wrapped in a tent of dark fog. 12The radiance of His presence was covered by clouds, As well as by hail and by fire.13Jehovah thundered from out of the sky, And the Most High spoke with His voice. 14All around them, He shot His arrows, And with lightning, He then filled the skies.15Then He opened the sources of water, And the foundations of homes were exposed. O Jehovah, this came from Your scolding… From the blast of the Breath of Your rage.16Down from the heights, He arrived, Then He grabbed me and took me away from the floods. 17From the mighty, He came down and saved me… From those mighty ones who detest me.18They opposed me during bad days, But Jehovah became my support. 19He then carried me to a [safe] place… Yes, because He chose me, He saved me!20The Lord will provide my reward According to the righteousness of my ways. Yes, for my clean hands, He will repay me, 21Since I’ve kept watch on His ways… Unlike the irreverent, I’ve never left God.22His decisions are now here before me, And from His Laws, I’ve never departed. 23So flawlessly, I’ll stand here before Him, As I guard against any Law breaking. 24Then Jehovah will repay me for my righteous ways, Since His eyes have seen that I’ve kept my hands clean.25To the holy, we must always be holy, And be blameless to those free from blame. 26Then, among the elect, we’ll be chosen… But, turned away if we’re crooked.27On the humble, Your people must watch, As they humble the eyes of the proud!28Light my lamp, O Jehovah my God… Please, light my way in the darkness. 29From bands of marauders, please save me… Then, by my God, I can scale any wall.30The ways of my God are all flawless, And His words have been proven by fire. He’s the defender of all that believe, 31And there’s no other God than Jehovah… Who else can be compared to our God?32He’s the God who wrapped me in power, And showed me ways that are flawless. 33He’s made my feet firm like those of a stag, And He’s lifted me into the heights. 34He taught my hands about ways of war, And He turned my arms into bows made of brass.35You’ve prepared a shield to protect me… You’ve taken me in Your right hand And given me all Your instructions; So, with Your guidance, I can stand ‘til the end.36You’ve widened the path underneath me, And You’ve given me strength. 37So I’ll chase my enemies and catch them, And not return ‘til I’ve won. 38I’ll squeeze them until they’re unable to stand, And at my feet, they’ve fallen.39You’ve wrapped me in the power of war… You’ve bound my enemies, both hand and foot. 40You’ve shown me my enemy’s backs, And destroyed all those who detest me.41They shouted, but no one could save them… They called to their Lord, but he didn’t hear. 42So I’ll grind them into powder and throw them away… Like dust in the squares that’s blown by the wind.43You’ll rescue me from their disputes, And place me as the head over nations. Unknown peoples will serve me… 44They’ll hear my voice and obey me. And those sons of foreigners who’ve told lies 45Will grow old and lame in their unrighteous paths.46Jehovah lives, so may [He] be praised… May [the Name] of the God who saves me be raised… 47The God who handles my vengeance, And makes all the peoples submit. 48From all my enemies, He’s saved me… Yes, from those who’ve attacked and opposed me.You’ve raised me above the unrighteous… You’ve rushed to my aid and You’ve saved me. 49So, I’ll praise You before all the nations… O Jehovah, I’ll strum to Your Name. 50For You’ve shown the ways that You can save the king… You’ve shown mercy upon Your anointed… To David and his offspring throughout the ages.
For the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1The heavens describe the glory of God, And the firmament speaks of things that He’s made with His hands. 2Day after day, His words bubble up, And He brings us knowledge night after night.3There is no more speaking nor words, And the sounds of voices can’t be heard. 4For, throughout the earth, their [death] knell has gone, And these words have reached to the ends of man’s home… That He’s put up His Tent on the sun!5Like a groom that has come from his [wedding], He makes a mighty shout in His journey. 6He leaves from one end of the sky, And from the other side of heaven, returns. So, no one can hide from His heat.7The Law of Jehovah is perfect, And it brings changes to lives! What God says can always be trusted, And from it, even young ones learn wisdom.8Jehovah’s rules are all straight, And they bring joy to our hearts. The Commandments of the Lord radiate, Providing light for everyone’s eyes.9The fear of Jehovah is pure… It lasts throughout the age and throughout ages of ages. The judgments of the Lord are all true, For they bring equal justice to all.10More precious than gold or gems are [His Laws], And they’re sweeter than honey in its comb. 11For, when His servants obey them, They’ll receive grand rewards.12Yet, none of us see all our sins, So from sins that are hidden, please cleanse us.13From foreign peoples, protect me; For, if they can’t control me, I’ll remain unblemished and free of all sins. 14Then, good prophecies will flow from my mouth, And all thoughts in my heart will be of Jehovah; For, He’s always my helper.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1In bad times, you should turn to Jehovah… Let the Name of Jacob’s God be your shield. 2For, from His Holy Place, He will send help… He will send you assistance from Zion.3May He remember what you’ve sacrificed… Yes, all of your fattened burnt offerings. 4May God provide you with what your hearts crave, And fulfill whatever you’ve planned. 5Then, all will shout about His salvation, And praise the Name of our God… So, may Jehovah grant whatever you ask.6I’ve now [seen] Jehovah’s salvation; For, from His holy place in the heavens He heard the things His anointed had asked, And now it’s all under control.Yes, with His right hand, He saved me 7From the attacks of chariots and horsemen. For, when I called on the Name of [my] God, 8They fell and were bound hand and foot, While I arose and stood firm.9O Jehovah, please save the king, And hear us whenever we call out to You.
A Psalm by David.1O Jehovah,The king submits to Your power, And for Your salvation, he cries out in joy, 2Since You’ve given him all that his heart could desire, And provided everything that he asked.3And even before he’d asked You, You [poured] great blessings upon him, And placed a gemmed crown on his head.4When he asked for life, You gave him long days, Into the ages of ages. 5Through Your salvation, You glorified him, And laid splendor and majesty upon him. 6Throughout the age, You’ve blessed him, And made him glad with the joy of Your face.7The king has put his hope in Jehovah, And he trusts in the mercy that comes from above. 8So, may his enemies be found in Your hands; May Your right hand grab all those who hate him, 9And in Your Day, throw them into an oven.In Your rage, please send them disturbance, And then, destroy them in fire. 10Destroy their fruit from the earth, And their offspring from among sons of men.11For, their purpose towards You was just to do bad, And they argued over plans unfulfilled. 12So, throw them away with Your garbage, And prepare their faces for this.13O Jehovah, may Your might be exalted, And we’ll sing and strum about Your mighty deeds.
To the [music] director:For help in the early morning.A Psalm by David.1O God, my God, please listen to me! Why have I been abandoned by You? Are the words about all my errors, Keeping me from Your salvation?2For, all day long, I call out to You; However, my God, You don’t listen… So don’t think that I’m thoughtless during the night.3You dwell within Your Most Holy Place As the One who sends IsraEl blessings. 4In You, our fathers put faith, And then You brought them salvation. 5They called out to You as their only hope, And they were never disgraced.6People think of me as a worm, not a man… I’m the scorn and contempt of my people. 7Yes, those who see me [are laughing]… They’re shaking their heads and they’re saying:8‘Since he’s putting his trust in Jehovah; If God wants him, let Him come down and save him!’9It was You who pulled me from [my mother’s] womb, And You were my hope when I nursed at her breasts. 10By You, I was thrust from the womb… And from the belly of my mother, You’ve been my God. 11So, please don’t leave me when trouble is near, For no one else will come to my aid.12I’m surrounded by great herds of ‘cattle,’ And by mighty ‘bulls,’ I’m encircled. 13Like lions, against me, they’ve opened their mouths… Like those who roar and drag off [their prey].14My bones have become just like water, And the heart in my chest has melted like wax. 15My strength has dried out like a clay pot, And my tongue is stuck to my throat; For, to the dust of death, I’ve been led.16Many dogs now have me surrounded, And the wicked have gathered against me. They’re cutting into my hands and my feet, 17And they count all my bones as they watch me and think. 18They’ve divided my garments among them, And thrown dice for the clothes that I wear.19O Jehovah,I know that Your help is not far away, For You’ll notice and come to my aid. 20So, please save my life from the broadsword… [Your] one-and-only from the hands of the ‘dogs!’21Save me from the mouths of the lions; On rhinoceros horns, May I not be disgraced. 22Then I’ll speak of Your fame to my brothers, And among the congregation, I’ll praise You.23All you who fear Him: Give praise to Jehovah! Yes, glorify Him, offspring of Jacob, And offspring of IsraEl, show Him your fear! 24For He’s never looked on you with contempt, And He’s never loathed the prayers of your poor… Nor from me, has He turned His face, For I’ve called out to Him and He listened!25So, before the gathering, I’ll praise Him, And before them all, I’ll confess. I’ll also pay all my vows In the presence of those who respect Him.26Then the stomachs of the poor will be filled once again, And those who are seeking Jehovah Will offer Him praise from their hearts Throughout the age and throughout ages of ages.27So, remember Him… Turn to Jehovah, All you to the ends of the earth. All the ethnic families should bow before Him, 28For the right to rule is just His.Yes, He’s the King of all nations, 29And He’d feed all the mighty on earth, If they’d just bow down before Him, [Instead of] choosing to be buried.So, with my whole soul, I’m living for Him, 30And my offspring will serve Him alone. They’ll proclaim Him to future generations, 31And they’ll speak of His justice to those not yet born.
A Psalm by David.1Because Jehovah has watched over me, There’s nothing that I’ve ever lacked. 3In Him, my life is renewed; And He’s guided me in righteous paths, For the sake of His Name.4So, should I travel through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because He is near… In His scepter and staff, I find comfort.5Now, before me, He’s set a spread table, Away from those who’ve opposed me. My head, He’s anointed with oil, And with His excellent cup, made me high.6Since His mercies have pursued me throughout my whole life; I’ll dwell in the House of Jehovah Throughout the rest of my days.
A Psalm by David [to be sung] on the Sabbath.1The land and its goodness belongs to Jehovah… The world and all that live in it. 2For, He’s the One who created its rivers, And the One who founded its seas.3Who can ascend the mountain of God, And who can stand in His Holy Place? 4Just those with innocent hands And those with hearts that are pure… Those who’ve chosen not to do what’s foolish, Or sworn evil things against neighbors. 5Yes, only such ones will be blest by Jehovah, And see the charity of our Savior, God.6This generation is seeking Jehovah… They’re seeking the face of Jacob’s God. 7So, open the gates of your rulers… Yes, open the gates of the ages, That your glorious King may now enter.8Who is this glorious King? He is the Almighty Jehovah… The dynamic Lord with the power of war.9Yes, open the gates of your rulers… Open the gates of the ages, So your glorious King may now enter.10And who’s this glorious King? His Name is Jehovah of Armies!
A Psalm by David.1O Jehovah,To You, I’ve lifted my soul, 2For You’re the God to whom I submit. So, throughout the age, may I not be disgraced, And my enemies not make fun of me.3Don’t bring disgrace to those clinging to You, But, bring shame to those who rebel without cause.4O Jehovah,You have shown me Your ways, And now teach me to walk in Your paths! 5In Your ways of truth, please guide me, And teach me that You’re My Savior and God; For I’ve waited on You all my days.6Remember Your compassions, O Lord, And the mercy that You’ve shown throughout the ages. 7Please overlook the sins of my youth… Forget the ignorant things that I’ve done. Speak to Yourself about mercy for me… Please be kind, O Jehovah!8Jehovah is upright and kind, But He enforces His Laws against sinners. 9He guides the meek ones towards justice, And He teaches the gentle His ways.10[God’s] ways are all about mercy, And to those hearing His words, He sends the truth… To those [who live by] His Sacred Agreement.11Because of Your Name, O Jehovah, Please cover over my sins!12To those in fear of Jehovah, He gives His laws [and straightens] their paths. 13Then their souls will lodge among good things, And their offspring will inherit the land. 14For, Jehovah’s a fort to all those who fear Him, And to them, He’s given His promise.15So, my eyes always look to my Lord, For He pulls the snares from under my feet. 16O look upon me and feel mercy, For I’m a poor only-child 17Whose pain of heart keeps on growing.Please lead me towards the things I need… 18Please notice my humiliation; Yes, look at my deeds and forgive all my sins!19For my enemies have kept on increasing, And the unrighteous all hate and detest me. 20So, guard my life and please save me… May I not be disgraced, for I’m trusting in You.21The guileless and upright have stuck close to me, Because I’ve been sticking by You, O [my God]. 22So, ransom us please, O IsraEl’s God… [Save us] in our time of distress.
A Psalm by David.1O God,Please provide me with justice! For, the ways that I’ve walked are free from all blame, And I’ve put my trust in Jehovah.2O Lord,I’ll never waver; So, test me and put me on trial… Set my heart and kidneys on fire!3Before my eyes are Your mercies, And I’m pleased with Your truths. 4I don’t sit in the high court with fools, Nor hang out with those who break laws.5I’ve detested the gatherings of those who are bad, And with the irreverent, I’ve never stayed. 6In innocence, I’ve washed my hands, As I’ve walked ‘round Your Altar, O Lord.7Hear my voice as I’m singing Your praises, And as I’m lauding Your wonders. 8The beauty of Your House, I’ve loved, O Lord… That place where You Tent in glory.9So, don’t destroy my soul with the Godless, Nor with men of blood, end my life… 10Those whose hands are filled with what’s lawless, And those who’s right hands take bribes.11Ransom me, for I’m free from all blame… Please show mercy upon me! 12For with my feet, I’ve walked a straight path, And among the congregation, I’ve praised You, O Lord.
A Psalm by David, [composed] before his anointing.1Jehovah’s my Light and my Savior; So, whom should I have reason to fear? The Lord is my life’s defender; So, before whom, should I ever be shy?2For, those who attacked to bring evil, And those who wished to ‘devour my flesh’ (Those enemies of mine who’ve oppressed me) Have now all weakened and fallen.3Should they set their camps up before me, And should they attack me in war; My hope is that my heart won’t show fear.4There’s one thing that I’ve asked of Jehovah (Yes, this is the one thing I’m seeking): To dwell in His House all the days of my life, Where I can see the delights of the Lord, And visit His Most Holy Place.5For, whenever evil arrives, He hides me inside His Tent, And during bad days, He’s my shelter. Within His Tent, He conceals me, And He stands me high on a rock.6For, look… He’s lifted my head Higher than my enemies! So, around His Tent, I’ll walk and bring gifts… A sacrifice of praise, I’ll offer, And I’ll sing and strum to Jehovah!7I’ve said to You in my heart:‘I’ll always search for my God!’8Yes, within my heart, I’ve been saying:‘I’ll always search for Jehovah!’My face will always be looking to You, And Your face, I’ll always be seeking. 9So, please don’t turn from me, O my God… Don’t turn from Your servant in anger; Rather, keep on being my helper!Don’t ever curse me or send me away… Don’t leave me and don’t overlook me. O God, may I trust that You are my Savior!10Even though my father and mother have left me, Jehovah’s chosen me as His own. 11So Lord, put Your ways in my heart, And before my enemies, straighten my paths. 12Don’t hand me to those who oppress me… Those who’ve witnessed against me and lied, And whose justice has lied to itself.13I trust that I’ll get what’s good from the Lord While I’m still in the land of the living. 14Thus I’ll wait on Jehovah and act like a man… I’ll wait on the Lord who strengthens my heart!
A Psalm by David.1I’ll call out to You, O Jehovah… My God, I won’t remain silent! So, don’t be silent with me, Or make me like those who enter the pit.2Listen, O Lord, to my voice as I beg And I raise my arms towards Your Temple.3Don’t draw me along with the sinners, Nor destroy me with the unjust. For, although they speak peace to their neighbors, Inside their hearts, there’s evil.4O Jehovah,Repay them for the bad things that they do, And for all of their wicked deeds. Return upon them the [bad] things they’ve done… Yes, give them a just compensation!5O Lord,Because they don’t notice the things that You do (All the works that You do with Your hands), You should wipe them away, And never rebuild them again.6Praise Jehovah, for He’s heard my prayers… 7He’s my helper and my defender, So in Him, my heart has put hope. And because He’s helped me, my flesh has done well, So to Him, I’ll always sing praises.8Jehovah’s the fort of His people… His anointed’s Defender and Savior. 9So upon Your inheritance, pour blessings, And bring salvation to Your people… Throughout the ages, please tend to them and lift them.
A Psalm by David, [composed] for when the Sacred Tent was being transported.1O sons of God,To Jehovah, you should bring sacrifices… The offspring of rams, you should offer to God. To the Lord, offer glory and honor… 2[Yes, speak] of His Glorious Name, And bow to Him in His courtyard.3His voice is over the waters… The glory of God causes thunder, And it also brings [rain]. 4The voice of Jehovah is mighty, And of His majesty, it speaks.5The voice of Jehovah breaks [trees]… Even Lebanon’s cedars. 6He thins them out like Lebanon’s calves, And as rhinoceros calves.7Like [lightning], the voice of Jehovah cuts through… 8The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The Deserts of KaDesh tremble before Him, 9For with His voice, He fashioned the hinds.So, He tears down all sacred poles, Since those who wish to glorify Him Should [worship Him at] His [Temple].10Jehovah brings calmness to storms, And He seats His king throughout the ages. 11Jehovah shows His strength for His people, And our Lord will bless them with peace.
A Psalm for the dedication of David’s palace.1O Jehovah,I praise You for lifting me high, And for not bringing joy to my enemies. 2I’ve called out to You, O my God, And You have sent healing to me.3O God,You’ve saved my life from the grave… And from those going into the pit. 4So You holy ones, play music to Him… Remember and acknowledge His pureness.5For, while there’s wrath in His rage, There’s also life in His Will. And even though weeping may come in the evening, In the morning, there’ll be much rejoicing.6In prosperous times, I once said:‘Throughout the ages, no way will I [stumble], 7For, by Your Will, I received [power].’But thereafter, You just turned away, And I was very disturbed. 8So, O Lord, I cried out to You… Before my God, I was begging.9What value has my blood if I die And rot away under the ground? Is there knowledge of You in the dust, And will dirt testify to Your trueness?10Jehovah then heard and showed mercy on me… He was my helper [once more]. 11So my [heart] which once beat in fear, Has now returned to rejoicing.12You tore off my sackcloth and wrapped me in joy, So I’ll strum to You in my glory. And, O Jehovah, my God, There’s no way that I’ll ever be angry [with You], And throughout the age, I’ll keep singing Your praises.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David about his change of state.1In You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my hope; So, may I not be disgraced throughout the age. Please rescue me in Your justice, And take me away from this place. 2Incline Your ear and listen to me… Hurry and take me away!Become to me a God of defense, And make Your House a place of salvation… 3A fortified place and safe haven!For the sake of Your [Holy] Name, Please direct me and feed me, 4Then, lead me away from their snares… For Jehovah, You are my defender.5Into Your hands, I’ve entrusted my breath, And You’ve paid my ransom, O God of truth.6You detest all those who waste time Doing things that are foolish; So I’ll put my trust in Jehovah, 7And I’ll shout in praise of His mercy.For He’s noticed my humiliation, And He’s witnessed the distress in my life. 8Then He saved me from my enemies’ hands, And He set my feet in a safe place.9So show mercy on me, O Jehovah, For I’m in great distress. My eyes are disturbed and enraged, As is my belly and soul.10My life has been wasted in grief, And through most of my years, I’ve had to groan. For my strength has been weakened by poorness, And there has been pain in my bones.11By my enemies, I’ve been scorned, And I’m even scorned by my neighbors. So, those who know me now fear me, And the rest have all run away.12I’ve been forgotten like one of the dead, And like a [chamber] pot, my heart has become. 13I’ve heard the complaints of those moving about, As they’ve gathered against me.Although they’ve assembled to kill me, 14I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. I’ve said to Him:15‘You are my God, And I’ve left my [life] in Your hands. So, please rescue me from my enemy’s hands, And from all those who pursue me. 16Please show Your face to your servant… In Your great mercy, please save me!’17O Jehovah, don’t let me meet with disgrace, For I’m calling to You. May all the godless be shamed, And let them be led to their graves.18May the lips of deceivers be speechless… Those who condemn righteous people In contempt and in proud, lawless ways.19O Jehovah, Your ways are all kind, But, they’re hidden from those who don’t fear You. Before them, You send aid to the faithful, 20And within Your face, You conceal them From the disturbance of those who are evil. Yes, You shelter them inside Your Tent, Away from all scolding tongues.21So, praise Jehovah for His mercy, And for the miraculous things that [He brings] To those cities that are under attack.22I said, when I saw things had changed:‘He’s thrown me away from His eyes!’But then, You listened to me, And You heard what I said when I called out to You.23So, love Jehovah, you holy ones; For such trueness is what God requires. But, He will send retribution To those who have too much pride. Therefore, act like men and strengthen your hearts, And put all your faith in Jehovah!
A prayer by David, [asking God] for understanding.1Blest are those forgiven for breaking the Law And those whose sins He’s covered. 2Blest are those in whom He doesn’t find sin, Or treacherous words in their mouths.3I’ve become more settled as my bones have aged… I no longer cry out all day long. 4For, day and night, Your hand pressed against me, And in misery, I writhed, as though run through by thorns.5My lawless deeds, I’ve admitted to You, And my sins, I’ve not tried to hide. I’ve openly confessed to the Lord About all of my lawless ways, And You forgave the godless thoughts in my heart.6For this, the holy should pray at right times, So the flood will never approach them:7‘You’re my refuge from the troubles I face, And You’ve ransomed my soul From those who had me surrounded.’8[And in response, God will reply]:‘I’ll send understanding to you… I’ll teach you the ways you should go, And I’ll always watch over you. 9So don’t act like horses or mules That have to be bridled and don’t understand, And whose jaws must be squeezed to behave.’10Sinners will be whipped many times, But, mercy surrounds those who trust in the Lord. 11So, you should find joy in Jehovah; Shout about Him in joy, all you righteous… Wholeheartedly boast about Him!
A Psalm by David.1You righteous ones – rejoice in Jehovah, Because He blesses the upright. 2Play psalms to Jehovah on harps; Strum to Him on your lutes of 10 strings; 3Then before Him, sing a new song… Yes play, shout loudly, and cheer!4The words of Jehovah are righteous; So, trust in the things that He does. 5For our God loves charity and fairness, And the earth is filled with His mercy.6By the Word of Jehovah, the skies came to be, And the Breath from His mouth formed their powers. 7As in a leather bag, He pulled them together, And in treasuries of the deep, He put water.8So, fear Jehovah, all dwellers on earth; Before Him, let all stand in awe. 9For, He just spoke and it all came to be… When He gave the orders, it started.10He wipes the plans of nations away, And annuls the devices and plots of their kings. 11But Jehovah’s Will lasts throughout the ages… From generation to generation are the things in His heart.12So, Blest is the nation whose God is Jehovah… Those whom He’s chosen to inherit.13From the heavens, Jehovah looks down, And He watches the things that sons of men do. 14From the home that He’s prepared, He watches those dwelling on earth. 15He’s the One who fashioned their hearts, And He keeps watch on the things that they do.16So, Kings can’t be saved by large armies, And giants may not be saved by their might. 17So don’t look to a horse for salvation, For, even with their strength, you can lose.18{Look!} Jehovah watches all those who fear Him… Those who put faith in His mercy. 19Only He can keep their lives from destruction, And in times of famine, provide them with food.20So, we must wait on Jehovah, For He’s our defender and helper. 21With your whole hearts, find joy in Him, And trust in His Holy Name.22Please send us Your mercy, Jehovah; For in You, we’ve put all our faith.
A Psalm by David talking about the time that his view of AbiMelech changed and about how it caused him to send him away.1Throughout the age, I’ll give praise to Jehovah… His praises will stay on my lips, 2And I’ll praise the Lord with my life.So, listen you meek and be glad… 3Glorify Jehovah with me… Let’s praise His great Name together.4I searched for the Lord and He heard me… He rescued me during my travels. 5So, come to Him… Be enlightened, And your faces will never be shamed.6A poor man once called out to God and He heard, Then He rescued him from all his problems. 7God’s messengers camped all around him, And He saved this one who showed fear of His Name.8Taste and see that our God is good, For those trusting in Him will always be blest! 9Yes, fear Jehovah, you holy; For those fearing Him will lack nothing. 10And although the rich may become hungry and poor, Those seeking the Lord won’t lack anything good.11Come to me, children, then listen, As I teach you the fear of Jehovah! 12Who is the man who doesn’t want life, And to see better days?13Remove all that’s evil from your lips… Take treachery away from your tongues… 14Turn from what’s bad and do what’s good… Search for peace and pursue it!15For, Jehovah keeps His eyes on the righteous, And His ears hear the things that they ask. 16But the face of Jehovah opposes the bad, And He wipes their memory from the land.17The righteous call out and God hears them, Then He rescues them from all their problems. 18God’s near to those who have broken hearts, And He saves the humble in spirit.19Although the righteous will have many problems; From such things, God will save them. 20For, Jehovah watches over their bones, And not a single one will be broken.21In sadness, the sinners will come to their end, And condemned are those hating the righteous. 22But Jehovah will ransom the lives of His servants, And no way will He harm those who trust Him.
A Psalm by David.1O Jehovah,Bring judgment on those who are doing me wrong… Wage war with those waging war! 2Take up Your weapons and shield me, my God; Arise and come to my aid!3Swing Your sword at those who pursue me… Say that You’ll deliver my soul! 4May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse… May those wishing me bad retreat in disgrace.5May they be like dust in the wind… May God’s messengers squeeze them all dry. 6May their road become slippery and dark, And may they be chased by God’s angels.7Although I’ve done them no wrong; Snares, they’ve hidden before me, And about my inner person, they speak badly. 8So, let them be caught in the snares that they’ve set… May the snares that they hunt with, catch them… Into the traps that they’ve set, may they fall.9I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole soul… Of His salvation, I’ll shout. 10With my bones, I’ll say to Jehovah:‘O Lord, there’s no one else like You! For You rescue the poor with a hand that’s greater Than those who tear the needy to shreds.11‘For, they sent lying witnesses against me, And asked questions that I didn’t understand. 12They’ve repaid me with bad for the good things I’ve done, And left my soul barren.[LXX]13‘Because of the troubles they’ve caused me, I’ve had to wear sackcloth and fast. So now, I pray that I might be restored.14‘As neighbors and brothers, they once were so kind; So in mourning and sadness, I’ve humbled my soul. 15But they happily gathered against me, And they were not sad when they cut me with whips.16‘They tried me and then they made fun… Against me, they were grinding their teeth. 17O Jehovah, how long will You let this go on? Rescue my soul from their evil plans!’18[Then God replied:]‘O My only begotten, From those lions, I’m coming to save you. Then, before the assembly, I’ll praise you, And before those bad ones, I’ll lift you!’19So, may those who hate me unjustly Not [be allowed to] rejoice… Those who detest me without any charge… Those who looked away with their eyes.20Even though to me, they once spoke of peace, In anger and treachery, they’ve plotted. 21They’ve opened their mouths against me and said:‘Well done… Yes, very well done. For we’ve seen it all happen with our own eyes.’22O Jehovah, You’ve witnessed it all! So, don’t remain silent or leave me. 23Awaken, O Lord… Pay attention! Take notice of my cause, O my God.24Judge me, O Lord, and bring justice… My God, don’t let them rejoice! 25Don’t allow them to say of my soul in their hearts:‘Well done… Yes, very well done.’And please don’t allow them to say:We’ve swallowed him down!26May those who’ve rejoiced at my harm feel ashamed, And may those who witnessed against me feel bad, 27As those who seek justice are joyful. Then, may they cry:‘Praise Jehovah, Because He brought peace to His servant!’28Then I’ll use my tongue to sing of Your justice, And I’ll praise You throughout the rest of my days.
To the [music] director:About David, Jehovah’s servant.1About his sins, the lawbreaker says:‘As I see it, there is no God we should fear.’2So before Him, he acts wickedly… Yet, [God] will expose his lawbreaking.3Their mouths speak of treacherous things, And they talk about breaking [God’s] laws, Since they have no desire to know what’s good. 4They dream of crimes as they lie in their beds And do nothing at all that’s worthwhile; For they’ve never learned to hate what’s bad!5O Jehovah, who lives in the heavens; Your mercy and truth ascends to the clouds. 6Your justice is like the mountain of God, But Your judgments are like an abyss, Which protects both men and their cattle.7O God,In many ways, Your mercies are seen. And sons of men put their hope In the protection of Your wings.8They feast on the things that come from Your House, And they delight in the water from its streams. 9For, the springs of life come from You, And from Your light, we’ve come to see light. 10So send mercy to all those who know You, And give justice to those with straight hearts.11May I not be kicked by the feet of the proud, Nor may hands of sinners ever shake me. 12May all those who work at lawlessness fall, Rejected and unable to stand.
A Psalm by David.1Never be jealous of the wicked, Nor envy those who break laws. 2For like grass, they’ll quickly be dried, And they’ll wilt away like young shoots. 3Rather, put your hope in Jehovah, And always act in kind ways.Its wealth will serve those who live off the ground, 4And they’ll find delight in Jehovah. For He will give you all that your hearts may desire.5Open your ways to Jehovah; Yes, trust in Him, and He will act. 6He will shine a light on your righteous deeds, And brighten them as though it were noon.7Yes, put your trust in Jehovah, And to Him, you must always keep praying. Don’t envy those who prosper from crime, 8And never be angry… Abandon your rage!Don’t let jealousy move you to do what’s wicked, 9For the wicked will soon be destroyed, As those who wait on Jehovah Will thereafter inherit the land.10Soon the sinners will no longer be here… You’ll look where he was and not find him. 11But, the meek will inherit the land, And find great delight in the abundance of peace.12For, sinners keep their eyes on the righteous And grind their teeth when they see them. 13But, at them, Jehovah is laughing, For He sees what He will do to them in His Day.14Sinners have unsheathed their swords And stretched their bows very tight To attack the needy and poor, And to kill all those with straight hearts. 15But, may their swords strike their own hearts, And may their bows be broken to bits.16A little is better to the righteous Than an abundance of wealth is to sinners. 17For the arms of sinners will be broken, And the Lord will support all the just.18He knows the ways of the flawless, And their inheritance will last throughout the ages. 19They won’t be disgraced in hard times, And when famine arrives, they’ll be filled.20But the sinners will all be destroyed. And then, those enemies of God Who think they’re glorious and exalted, Will be blown away just like smoke.21The sinners borrow and don’t repay, But the righteous feel mercy and lend. 22So, those praising them will inherit the land, While those who curse them will be wiped away.23Jehovah straightens the footsteps of men, And all should [walk in] His ways. 24Then, if you should fall, you won’t break; For the Lord will be holding your hand.25I was once young, and now I’ve grown old; Yet I’ve never seen the righteous abandoned, Or his offspring ever begging for bread. 26Because, each day, he shows mercy and lends; His offspring will always be blest.27So, turn from evil… Do what’s good, And live throughout ages of ages! 28For Jehovah is a lover of justice, And throughout the ages, He won’t abandon the holy… So the righteous will always be guarded, As the lawless are driven away.The offspring of the Godless will perish; 29But the righteous will inherit [the] land, And throughout ages of ages, they’ll camp there.30Mouths of the righteous think first and then speak… They talk of fairness and justice. 31And because they have God’s Law in their hearts, They won’t stumble and fall.32But, when the sinner thinks of the righteous, He searches for ways to destroy them. 33Yet, [God] won’t abandon them into their hands, Nor in the judgment, will they be condemned.34Wait on Jehovah and follow His ways, And you’ll inherit the land. Then, you’ll see the sinners destroyed, 35While they’ll see you lifted high… As high as Lebanon’s cedars.36Yes, I went to see… And look, he was not! I searched in his place and he’s gone!37So, guard your innocence and honest ways; For those who love peace are the ones who’ll survive, 38While the lawless will all be destroyed, Along with any godless who still might remain.39For Jehovah will save all the righteous And He will be their defender when they’re oppressed. 40Yes, the Lord will help them and save them… He will snatch them away from the sinners… He will deliver and save them, Because they’ve put faith in Him.
A Psalm by David, [intended] to be remembered on the Sabbath.1O Jehovah,Don’t discipline me in Your rage, And in anger, don’t give me correction. 2For Your arrows have already struck me, And Your hand has been heavy upon me.3My flesh has not healed from the rage of Your face, And there’s no peace in my bones because of my sins. 4All my bad deeds hang over my head… They oppress me and weigh me down.5The stripes of my foolishness fester and smell, 6And in misery and sadness, I walk through the day. 7My flanks have been covered by mocking, And in my flesh, there’s no healing.8I’ve been humbled and afflicted for my wicked ways. So from the groaning in my heart, I’ve roared:9‘O Jehovah, my desire is to stand before You, So by You, my groaning will be seen!’10For my heart is disturbed and my strength is all gone… Even my eyes don’t work. 11My friends and neighbors oppose me… They approach, but they stand at a distance.12Those seeking my life and wishing me bad, Speak foolishly as they plan to deceive me. 13But I pretend that I don’t hear them, As if I’m someone who’s deaf, And like the mute, I don’t open my mouth.14I became like a man with no hearing, And with nothing to say in reply. 15For in You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my trust… And my God, I’ve hoped that You’d listen.16May my enemies not rejoice at my fall… May my legs not shake as they’re plotting against me.17I’m ready for all of their whips… I’m prepared and ready to suffer. 18I’ll admit to all of my lawless deeds, And I’m anxious because of my sins.19My enemies have camped all around me… All those who hate me unjustly. 20They’ve repaid my good deeds with bad, And lied when I was on trial.21So, don’t leave me, Jehovah! Yes, my God, don’t desert me! 22Hear my pleas for help, O my God; O Jehovah, please come here and save me!’
To the [music] director:An ode by David to IdiThun.1I promised to guard all my ways, And not to sin with my tongue. So I always put a lock on my mouth When sinners are standing before Me.2Then, I became humble and mute, And I spoke not even good words, As my pains kept on growing.3Then, within me, my heart became hot, Burning away all my thoughts. So my tongue spoke out and I said:4‘Jehovah, please show me my limits, And the number of days I’ll live, So I’ll know what I haven’t accomplished.5‘{Look!} The days of a palm, You’ve given to me; Yet, I’m nothing before You. For, foolish are the ways of all men.’6When men travel, they may carry an idol… For they trust in things that are foolish. They may also carry their treasures along… Yet they know not why they collect them. 7But, I believe that I can endure With just the aid of [My God].8So, please save me from my lawless ways, And from the scorn of the foolish.9I was mute and I wouldn’t open my mouth, For these trials have come from Jehovah. 10But, please bring an end to the whippings, For in mighty hands, I’m failing. 11This correction is what You’ve sent me… And along with the lawless, You’ve disciplined me.Like spiders, men’s lives waste away, And this is the folly of humans. 12So, hear my prayer, O Jehovah… Listen as I beg in my tears!Please don’t stay silent with me, For, like my fathers, I’ve traveled with You! 13Refresh me and spare me before I must leave… Before I no longer exist.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1I’ve endured and waited on God, Then He noticed and heard what I prayed. 2He led me from the misery of the pit… From the mud and slime, He removed me.Then He stood my feet on a rock, And straightened the paths that I walk. 3He put a new song in my mouth… A sacred hymn to my God.When they’re afraid, many look to the Lord. 4And blest are those who trust in His Name… Those who don’t search for what’s foolish, And those who don’t act in rash ways.5O Jehovah,You’ve done such wonderful things… Wondrous and great are Your ways, O my God, And there are none who are equal to You! So I’ll speak and tell of Your glorious ways And the unnumbered ways they keep growing.6Sacrifices and offerings, You didn’t want, Nor did You seek whole burnt offerings Or sacrifices for [the covering of] sins; Yet, You prepared a body for me.7So I said:‘Look, I’ve arrived… In the knob of the scroll this was written about me:8‘I’ve come to do Your Will, O my God; ‘For Your Laws lie deep in my [heart].’9‘I’ve announced the good news of [Your] righteous ways Among the great congregation… O Lord, I’ve not held back my lips!10‘I’ve not hidden Your righteous ways in my heart, And I’ve told the truth about Your salvation… I’ve not hidden Your mercy and truth Before the great congregation.11‘So Jehovah, don’t hide Your compassions from me… May Your mercy and truth give me strength.12‘Bad things are now all around me, For my lawless deeds overtook me And I’m no longer able to see. They’ve multiplied like the hairs on my head, And by my own heart, I’m abandoned.13‘So think well of me and save me, O God… O Jehovah, pay attention and help me! 14May those who are seeking my life (Those who wish to lift it away) Together, feel shame and disgrace.‘May those who wish to do evil Feel shame and be forced to back off. 15Let them feel their shame right away… Those who are saying of me:‘Well done, yes very well done.’16‘May all those who seek You be happy, O Lord, And may they start shouting in joy… May all that love Your salvation Start shouting aloud, ‘Praise Jehovah!’17I now find myself poor and in need; So, please don’t forget me, my God. Since You’re my defender and helper, Please don’t wait or delay!
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1Blest are those who are paying attention
To the needs of the poor.
For God will save them when bad days arrive.2May Jehovah bless them and guard them…
May He keep them alive on the ground
And save them from their enemy’s hands.
3May God give them aid in their beds of grief,
And turn their beds when they’re ill.4I said:‘O Jehovah, show mercy on me;
Heal my soul, for I’ve sinned against You,
5And my enemies are saying bad things,
Asking about me, ‘When will he die?’’6Once foolishness came here to visit,
And he spoke to me from his heart.
He also brought the lawless along,
And they all went outside to talk.7To each other, my enemies whispered,
And developed a plot [to destroy] me.
8They planned to do something illegal…
They said:‘He will go to bed, but never arise.’9And a man with whom I always had peace
(One upon whom I had always relied
And who once ate bread at my table),
Against me, made plans of deceit.10But You, O Lord, showed mercy on me.
You lifted me up and repaid him.
11By this, I knew that you [loved] me,
And my foes will never find joy over me.12You helped me because I’m not guilty,
And throughout the age, I stood strong before You.
13So, Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God,
Throughout the age and the age of the ages…May it ever be so!
To the [music] director:The contemplation of the sons of KorAh.1As a stag searches for springs of water, Is how my heart longs for You, O my God… 2Since my soul thirsts for the Almighty God, When may I come and stand before You?3My tears have become my ‘bread’ day and night… Each day, people ask me, ‘So, where is your God?’ 4I think of such things and thereafter, [Before You], I pour out my soul.I’ll go to Your wonderful Tent… I’ll go to the House of my God. I’ll go shouting aloud, singing praises of You, As though it were a great holiday.5O man within me; why are you so sad… Why do you bother me so? We must put trust in our God… Sing in praise of the ways that He saves!6O my God,I’m so bothered within, And it’s about You that I’m concerned. In the land of the JorDan, I think about You, Here on little Mount Herman.7Because of the roar of floods in the deep, I cried out to You [in my fear]; For by Your waves and their crests, I’ve been covered.8Each day, I beg God for His mercy, And each night, I pray that He will send it… This God [who watches over] my life.9Then I say to God:‘Since You’re my shield, Why do You still overlook me… Why must I always look downcast, And have to push past my opposers?10‘They berate me as they’re breaking my bones, And afflict me each day, as they ask:‘So now, where is your God?’11O man within; why are you dejected, And why do you bother me so? We must put our hope in Jehovah… Give praise to our Savior and God!
A Psalm by David.1Judge me, O God… Try my case Here in an unholy nation… Save me from the unjust and deceitful!2Since You’re my God and my fortress, Why have you thrust me away… Why must I be so downhearted, And oppressed by my enemies?3From Your Tent and Your Holy Mountain, Send Your light and truth as my guide. 4Then I’ll go to the Altar of God… To the God of my youth who once brought me joy.5Why have You rejected my soul And allowed me to be so upset? Yet, I still have faith in my God, And I’ll still sing praises to Him… So, rescue my soul, O my God!
To the [music] director:A Contemplation of the sons of KorAh.1O God,With our ears, we’ve heard about it; For our fathers told us the stories Of the deeds that You did back in their day. 2How, with Your hand, You replanted nations, And of how You also destroyed them… How You oppressed them and drove them away, 3And how they couldn’t inherit this land with their swords; For, all of their arms couldn’t save them… Just by Your right hand and mighty arm, And by the light of Your face, if You liked them.4So, You are my King and my God… You’re the One who told us how Jacob was saved. 5So [we’ll trust] that our enemies will also be gored, And that in Your Name, those rising against us Will come to know Your contempt.6Thus, I won’t trust in my bow, Nor in my broadsword to save me… 7Just in the One who’ll save us, And disgrace all those who detest us.8Yes, we’ll praise our God every day, And throughout the ages, speak of Your Name.9But now, You’ve pushed us away in disgrace And no longer take the lead of our army. 10From our enemies, You’ve forced us to flee, And given us as plunder to them.11Like sheep, You gave us as food, And scattered us among all the nations… 12You treated Your people as worthless, And assigned us as having no value.13You’ve made us the scorn of our neighbors, To be taunted and sneered at by those roundabout. 14You’ve made us a parable to the gentiles… As those at whom they can just shake their heads.15So, all day long, I’m taunted, And with shame, my face has been covered. 16The sounds of berating and disrespect Is what I hear from our enemies, Who’ve carried us off.17Yet, even though all these things have happened to us, We’ve not forgotten our God, Nor have we broken our Agreement with You. 18We’ve not left our hearts in the rear, Nor have we turned from Your righteous paths.19In this God-forsaken place, we’ve been humbled, And we’re covered by the shadow of death. 20If we’d forgotten the Name of our God, And chosen the hands of foreign gods, 21We should have expected such things. For God knows all the secrets deep in our hearts.22Because of You, we’re slaughtered all day… We’re thought of as sheep to be butchered. 23So, wake up… Why are You sleeping, O Lord? Stand up… Don’t push us away ‘til the end.24O why have You turned away, And not noticed our misery and affliction? 25For our souls have been humbled down to the dust, And our bellies have been forced to the ground.26So arise, O Jehovah, and help us! Ransom us for the sake of Your Name!
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Regarding the Changes.An ode of contemplation of the loved one by the sons of KorAh.[Editor note: This appears to be a prophecy about the powers of the coming Messiah, with him being represented by the then-ruling king. So we’re not using the capitals normally used when talking about God, because the text is actually calling the human king a ‘god,’ who then prophetically represents Jesus in the future. Please read the commentary by one of our translators for more information.]1From my heart, I thrust out good words, Then quickly, I wrote my work for the king; For my tongue had become like a reed pen… As one who’s held in the hands of a scribe.2More beautiful than the children of men, Is the favor that pours from your lips. And for this, may our God be praised throughout the age.3So now, strap your sword to your thigh, And in your fineness, stretch tight your bow! 4Bless us and rule us in truth… In your gentle ways and in justice, Give us direction with your right hand!5Sharpen your arrows, O mighty one. For the peoples beneath you must fall… All the enemies in the heart of the king.6Your throne, O god, is throughout ages of ages, And your Kingdom is ruled by your scepter. 7For, you’ve loved what’s right, And you’ve hated law breaking.And for this, The God who is also your God Has anointed you with His oil And praised you above all your peers.8Your clothes smell of myrrh, balsam, and fruit, Which is found in your palace of ivory. 9In your honor, the daughters of kings find delight, While your queen is at your right hand, Wearing finest clothes embroidered with gold.10So listen, O daughters, and look… Incline your ears and forget your own kin… Those in the house of your father. 11For the king has desired your beauty, And he’s your [sovereign] lord.12So, you daughters of Tyre, bow before him, And you rich, bring gifts to curry his favor! 13The king’s daughter is glorious within, And she’s wrapped in clothes embroidered with gold.14Then, all the virgins who follow in her train (Those closest to her) will be carried to you. 15They’ll be carried there singing praises of joy, And led to the Most Holy Place of the king.16Then, in place of your fathers, sons will be born, And you’ll appoint them as rulers over the lands.17From one generation to another, All will remember your name. Yes, all the peoples will praise you, Throughout the age and the age of the ages.
To the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh, about secret things.1Our God is our refuge and powerful aid Against the many problems we face.2Because of this, we won’t be afraid When the whole earth is upset, And the mountains fall into the seas. 3For, by His force, the waters will roar, And the mountains will all be disturbed.4A river brings joy to the city of God… To the Holy High Tent of Jehovah. 5Since God is in there, [the city] won’t fall; For, morning-after-morning, God sends it His aid.6Kingdoms were tilted and nations had trembled, For the Most High shouted and then shook the earth. 7But, Jehovah of Armies is with us; Yes, Jacob’s God is our shield!8Come and witness the works of our God… The miracles that He brings to our land! 9For He’s driven wars to the ends of the earth… He’s destroyed all their bows, And He’s burned all their weapons and shields in a fire!10[For He says:]‘Relax and know that I am your God; And among the nations, I’ll be raised high… Throughout the whole earth, I’ll be praised.’11Yes, Jehovah of Armies is with us; The God of Jacob is our shield!
For the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh.1Clap your hands, all you nations And joyfully call to our God! 2Fear Jehovah, for He’s the Most High; Yes, He’s the King of the earth!3He’s caused the peoples to yield, And He’s put all the nations under our feet. 4For, as His inheritance, He chose us; And He loves the beauty of Jacob.5With a shout, our God has ascended… From Jehovah, the sound of the trumpet was heard. 6So, to our God, play your music… Strum [your harps] to our King. 7Since our God is the King of the earth, Before Him, play your instruments well.8God rules over the gentiles, And He reigns from His holy throne. 9So, under AbraHam’s God, The rulers of the peoples are gathered; For He owns all the kings of the earth, And by them, He’s greatly respected.
A Psalm; an ode by the sons of KorAh for the second Sabbath.1O how great is Jehovah… May He be praised in the city… Praise our God on His Holy Mountain!2Leap for joy, all you on the earth; For, just to the north of Mount Zion Is the city of the great king. 3In her estates, God is well known, And He’s the One who comes to her aid.4{Look!} The kings of the earth have assembled… Yes, they’ve all come to this place, 5And when they saw it, they were amazed… It shook them and they were disturbed. 6After that, they started to tremble Like a woman with birth pangs.7With storms, You’ll wreck boats from TarShish, 8And the things that we’ve heard are what we believe… That the city of Jehovah the Almighty (Yes, the city of God) Was established by Him throughout the ages.9We’ve received Your mercies, O God, And among Your people, we’re standing. 10O God, may Your Name always be praised To the ends of the earth; For, from Your right hand comes true justice.11So Mount Zion, you should be joyful… And shout in joy, you daughters of Judah Over the judgments of God.12Encircle Zion and grab hold of her… Describe each one of her towers. 13Keep her army close to your Hearts, And make her palaces strong, So that future generations can see her.14For this is our God throughout the ages And into the age of the ages. For, throughout the ages, He’s watched over us.
To the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh.1Listen to this, all you nations; Give ear, all you who dwell in the land; 2You earth-born ones and sons of men, Both the rich and the poor...3For my mouth will now speak about wisdom, And the thoughts that my heart has come to know. 4So, incline your ears and listen to proverbs, For I’ll explain my riddle in this song:5‘Why should I fear that wicked day When the lawless are chasing my heels, And when they have me surrounded… 6Those who enforce their own power, And brag of their wealth before all?7‘A man’s brother can’t serve as his ransom, Since he can’t pay God for even himself! 8And if he should try to ransom himself, Throughout the age, he will grow weary by trying. 9Thus, may he live ‘till the end, So his body won’t see corruption.10‘Whenever a wise man comes to his end; Along with the foolish and mindless he leaves, And his wealth is then passed on to strangers.11‘So thereafter, his home is his tomb… It’s his tent through the next generations. And even though they may call the land by his name, 12He will see no honor in that, For, he becomes like the cattle; And like them, he thinks nothing at all… 13So, this is the snare in his path.‘Although his mouth once found pleasure in the things that he said, 14Like a sheep, he goes to the the place of the dead, And he’s put in a place where he’s tended by death.‘In the morning, he may have been ruled by the upright, But their help grows old and ends in the grave Where they and their glory are banished.15‘For, only God can ransom our lives From the hands of the grave, Whenever He chooses to take us.16‘So, fear not those who make themselves rich, Or those whose houses receive all the glory. 17For when we die, we take nothing away, And all of our glory is gone.18‘Yet, while we’re alive, we think our lives blest, When men have given us praise. 19But, from one generation to another, We all just go down to our fathers, And throughout the ages, we never see light.20‘For an honored man doesn’t realize That he’s like his unthinking cattle, And [his end] is also like theirs.’
A Psalm of Asaph.1Jehovah is the God of all gods; For He speaks and calls the sun from the east, Where it crosses the earth to where it descends.2It’s from Zion that His beauty is shining, 3And when His coming is seen, He won’t be silent thereafter!For, a fire will go before Him and burn, And a gale will blow all around Him. 4He will call to the earth from the heavens above, And then, He will set separate people.5He will gather His holy ones to Him (Those who [follow] His Sacred Agreement), 6Then, across the skies, He will shout His decisions. For, God is truly our judge.7He says:‘Listen, My people, and I’ll tell you… Yes listen, O IsraEl, and I’ll testify! For, I am God… I’m your God!8‘I won’t discipline you over your sacrifices, Since your whole burnt-offerings have always been there. 9Yet, I never asked you for calves, Or for your winter yearlings or flocks.10‘For the beasts in the fields are already Mine, As are your cattle and oxen, 11And all the birds in the skies… The beauty of the fields came from Me!12‘If I were hungry, I’d never tell you; For, everything in man’s habitation is Mine. 13So, why should I eat meat of bulls, Or drink the blood of male goats?14‘Why not offer Me praise as your sacrifice, And just pay the vows that you’ve made? 15Then, you could call out to Me, And I’d [be there to] save you… And thereafter, you’d speak of My glory.’16So, to the sinners, God asks:‘Why do you bother to take up My Laws And speak of My Sacred Agreement, 17When you really hate My instructions, And disregard everything that I’ve said?18‘If you saw a thief, you’d run with him, And you’d join with those committing adultery! 19For your mouths are filled with what’s bad, And your tongues are twisted in lies.20‘Against your own brothers, you sit and speak ill… You set snares for the sons of your mother! 21Then, if I don’t speak when you’re breaking My Laws, You think that I’m like you!‘But, I’ll soon discipline you… I’ll stand in your face [and speak of] your sins! 22So notice, all you who’ve forgotten your God; For the time will come when I’ll snatch you away, And no one will be there to save you.23‘And even though you may have offered Me glory With your sacrifices and praises… There’s no way that I’ll then spare you!’
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David, [about the time] when the Prophet Nathan came to him over his taking BathSheba (the wife of UriAh).1Show mercy on me, O my God!
In Your abundant compassions,
Please erase the ways that I’ve broken Your Laws…
2Wash away all my lawless deeds,
And cleanse me from all my sins.
3For I know all the laws that I’ve broken,
And my errors are ever before me.4Against You alone, have I sinned,
And before You, I’ve done wicked things.
So, Your decisions are righteous,
And in Your judgments, You’ve proven just.5{Look!} But in lawlessness, I was conceived…
Yes, in the strange food of sin
That I’ve craved [since I came from] my mother.6However, You love what’s true,
And now You’ve revealed the bad things I did
From the hidden, private things of Your wisdom.7So, may I be sprinkled with branches of hyssop,
That I may be clean once again…
Wash me with the snow from above,
So I can stand whitened before You.8Please let me know cheering and gladness again…
Let my humbled bones be joyful once more!
9Turn Your face away from my sins
And erase all of my lawless deeds!10O God, please give me a heart that’s clean,
And with a righteous spirit, renew me within.
11Don’t reel and turn Your face in disgust,
Nor take away Your Holy Breath.12Return the joy of salvation to me…
Support me and [help me] rule [well].
13Then I’ll teach Your ways to the lawless,
And I’ll turn the irreverent towards You.14O my Savior and God,If You’ll save me from the guilt of this blood,
31My tongue will shout in praise of Your justice.15O Jehovah,To You, I’ll open my lips,
And with my mouth, I’ll praise You!16If You wanted sacrifices, I’d give them,
But You don’t think well of burnt offerings.
17What You want is a spirit that’s broken,
And You don’t overlook humbled hearts.18O Jehovah,In Your good will,
Do the best thing for Zion…
Let JeruSalem’s walls be rebuilt.
19Think well of our righteous sacrifices,
And we’ll bring burnt offerings to Your Altar.
[missing from our Septuagint source, probably added later]
To the [music] director:A Psalm of David’s musings about the time when Doeg the Edomite went to Saul to tell him that David had gone to the house of AhiMelek. [1 Samuel 22:9]1O you who think you’re so mighty; Why do you boast of the evil you’ve done, And of your lawless deeds, all day long?2For, unrighteousness thinks of your tongue Like the treachery of a razor, 3Since you’ve preferred evil to goodness, And lies to telling the truth. 4You’ve loved words that cause drowning, As well as tongues of deceit.5For this, our God will destroy you… He will pluck you out of your tent, And uproot you from the land of the living.6Of the righteous, you’ll come to know fear; For they’ll laugh at you and they’ll say:7‘Notice this one who won’t lean on God, But rather, puts trust in his wealth, And feels strong in his own foolish ways.’8But, in the House of my God, I’ve been like a tree of ripe olives. For, throughout the age, I’ve trusted His mercy… Throughout the age, I’ve put faith in my God.9Therefore, throughout the ages, I’ll praise Him, For He’s finally brought me good results. And I’ll trust in His Name, Because He provides for His holy ones.
To the [music] director:A Psalm for the harp.A contemplation of David.1‘There is no God,’ say the fools in their hearts; So, they’re corrupt and disgusting. For, they’re breaking [God’s] Laws, And they don’t choose to do what’s right!2God looks upon them from His place in the skies, Since He watches what sons of men do To see if they’re paying attention, And if any are searching for Him. 3But, they’ve all turned aside and are useless; There are none who do good… No, not one!4Don’t they know (those acting without law… Those eating [God’s] people like bread), That they should [search for] Jehovah? 5And for this, they fear when there’s nothing to fear.For, God will scatter the bones Of those who try to please men. And since they live their lives in disgrace, God treats them all with contempt.6Now, who’ll be appointed from Zion To become IsraEl’s savior? For, when God returns all the captives, Jacob will cry out in joy, And IsraEl will once more be happy!
To the [music] director:One of the hymns of contemplation by David, about the time when the Ziphites said to Saul: ‘{Look!} Isn’t David hiding among us?’ [1 Samuel 23:19]1O God,Please save me for the sake of Your Name, And use Your powers to bring us what’s fair.2O God, please listen to my prayer… Hear the words that come from my mouth. 3For, strangers have risen against me, And the mighty who don’t know You are seeking my life!4But look! God came and He helped me… Jehovah has shielded my soul! 5To my enemies, He’s sent what’s bad, And He’s used the truth to destroy them.6So I’ll offer sacrifices to You, And I’ll give praise to Your Name. 7For, from great danger, You’ve saved me, And my eyes have seen my prayers answered.
To the [music] director:One of the hymns of the contemplations of Asaph.1Give ear, O God, to my prayer… Don’t overlook the things that I beg… 2Please pay attention and listen!I sat alone and was worried; For, by my enemy’s voice, I became very disturbed, 3As well as by the oppression of sinners. For in lawless ways, they’ve all turned against me, And in anger, they’ve shown me their rage.4So my heart was pounding within me, And fear of death overcame me… 5I was afraid, shaking, and covered by darkness, 6So I begged:‘Please give me the wings of a dove, That I may spread them and go find some rest!’7{Look!} I was driven far away into exile, And I was forced to live in the desert, 8Where I waited for someone to save me From my own fears and the storms.9O Jehovah,Please sink them… Make them speak different tongues! For I’ve seen how lawless they are, And I hear of their wars in the cities.10Lawless ways and misery dwell in their midst… Day and night, they encircle our walls, 11Bringing injustice to our city squares, By treacherously charging interest for loans.12Had I been slandered by my enemies, I’d have been happy to endure it. And if someone who hates me had threatened, I’d have just hidden from him.13But it’s you, O man, someone like me… A leader of mine and a Seer! 14It was you who once sweetened my food, And we lived in the same house together!15But may death now come to them all, And alive, may they fall into their graves. For, wickedness travels among them, And in their midst, it is living.16Then I cried out to God, and He heard me. 17So at morning, noon, and during the night, I’ll beg Him for the things that I need, And He will listen to all my requests.18Because I was peaceful, He will ransom my soul… He will save me from those who were once on my side, But who’ve now come to attack me.19Yes, our God, who exists throughout the ages, Will listen and then make them humble… He won’t negotiate with them, Because they’ve not learned how to fear Him.20He will stretch out His hand and repay All those who’ve profaned His Sacred Agreement. 21With the rage of His face, He will cut them to shreds, And then He will snatch out their hearts. For although His words may sound as soft as olive oil, He can also shoot them like arrows.22So upon Jehovah, throw your concerns, Then He will nourish and watch over you. For He won’t allow ages to pass, As the righteous are being abused.23Yes You, O God, will soon lead them (Those men of blood and deception) Into the well of corruption. There’s no way that they’ll live half of their days; And Jehovah, I’m trusting in You.
To the [music] director:For the people.From the holy things of David and for an inscription [about the time] when the Philistines held him at Gath.1Show mercy on me, O my God; For a man has trampled on me all day long, And he’s oppressed me in war.2All day long, my enemies are winning… From higher ground, they’ve fought me. 3But today, I won’t be afraid, For in You, I’m putting my trust.4I’ll praise You with words throughout the whole day; For in my God, I’m putting my hope, So I’ll not be afraid of what flesh can do.5Every day, they’ve hated my words, And they think of ways they can hurt me. 6They run and hide, then watch for my heel, As they patiently wait for my soul. 7Yet, You won’t bring them salvation, But in rage, You’ll thereafter destroy them.8O God, to You, I’ve given My life, And as You promised, You’ve noticed my tears. 9So, when I must call out to You, Please drive my enemies away.{Look!} I’ve always known that you are my God, 10So I’ve [paid attention to] Your council, And I’ve spoken in praise of Your words. 11So because I’ve put faith in my God, I’ll not be afraid of what men can do.12Within me, O God, are the vows That I made as I was speaking Your praises… 13For from death, You ransomed my soul. There are also tears in my eyes, For You didn’t allow them to trip me. Thus, here in the light of the living, I can keep pleasing Jehovah.
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy by David.For an inscription on a monument about the time he ran away from Saul [and hid in] a cave.1O God, show mercy upon me… Yes, please be merciful to me! For to You, I’ve given my life, And in the shadow of Your wings, I’ve put faith.Until these lawless things pass me by, 2I’ll call out to God, the Most High… The One by whom I’m blest.3From the heavens, He’s sent me protection, And heaped scorn on those who were walking on me. God sent me His mercy and truth, 4And from those young lions, He saved me.For, whenever I went to bed, I was bothered when I thought about sons of men Whose teeth are just like their weapons, And whose arrows are like sharpened swords.5May You be exalted, my God, Above the highest of the heavens… Above all the lands, may Your glory be raised!6Now, they’ve set snares for my feet, And my soul, they’ve dragged to the ground. And even though they dug a cesspool in front of my face, They were the ones who fell in it.7So, my heart is now ready, O God, To sing and strum to Your glorious Name. 8Therefore, awaken my glory and ready my harp When I arise in the morning.9Then among the peoples, I’ll praise You, O Lord, And among all the nations, I’ll strum to [Your Name]. 10For, above the heavens, Your mercy is raised, And Your Truth is higher than the clouds. 11So, above the skies, may You ever be raised… O God, may Your glory [shine] over the earth.
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy by David.An inscription on a monument.1Won’t You speak out for righteous ways, And won’t You, in justice, judge sons of men? 2For their hearts have brought lawless ways to our land, And their hands are wrapped in injustice!3Sinners come out of the womb And wander from the belly speaking lies. 4Their rage is like that of serpents, And as asps that can’t speak, for their ears have been closed, 5So they can’t hear the sounds of [snake] charmers, [And they strike] with the potions of witches. 6But now, God has broken the teeth in their mouths… Their molars of lions, He’s shattered.7He views them as though they’re just water, And He will stretch tight His bow ‘til they’re conquered… 8Like melted beeswax, they’ll be removed; For, He will strike them with fire, And thereafter, they’ll not see the sun anymore. 9As white-thorned shrubs, He views their thorn-bushes; And He will swallow them down still alive.10We’ll all rejoice when we see they’ve been punished, And wash our hands in the blood of those sinners. 11Thereafter, each man will be forced to declare That this is the fruitage of justice, And there’s a God who brings what’s fair to the land.
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Corrupt by David.An inscription on a monument about the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.1From my enemies, please save me, O God… Ransom me from those attacking. 2Deliver me from those who are breaking the Law… From those men of blood, please save me!3{Look!} For, they hunted for my life… Yes, they’ve sent their mighty against me. But Jehovah; I’ve not broken Your laws, Nor are [they coming] because of my sins!4Although I’ve done nothing illegal, From them, I’ve been forced to flee… So awaken to meet me and notice!5O God, Jehovah of armies… O God of IsraEl, take notice… Come and visit those nations!Don’t pity those who are lawless… 6May they come back starved in the evening, And like dogs, may they roam through the [streets]!7They shout with their swords held up to their lips, As they ask:‘Who is paying attention?’8But You, O Lord, should be laughing out loud, And treating them all with contempt.9For, You’re my strength, O my God… You’re my shield [and protector]. 10So Your mercy travels before me, And to my enemies, You send whatever I ask.11But don’t kill them, so Your Laws are not overlooked; Rather, scatter them with Your power. O my defender, Jehovah; Have them be led far away!12For the sins of their mouths and the words on their lips, Let them be taken as captives… May they be cursed for their pride and their lies.13In Your rage, come down and consume them, So that they’ll no longer exist. Then, everyone to the ends of the earth Will know that Jacob’s Lord is the [only true] God.14When they arrive in the evening; May they be starved upon their return, And like dogs, may they roam through the [streets]. 15May they be scattered to search for their food, And let them grumble as they’re starving.16Then I’ll sing of all Your great powers, And I’ll praise Your mercies each morning; For, You’re my refuge and shield In my day of distress.17Because You’re my helper, I’m strumming to You… I’m playing to You, for You’re my God. O God, You truly are my shield, And You’ve shown mercy upon me.
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Changings.For an inscription on a monument by David, as a lesson about when he burned [the land of] Syrian MesoPotamia and [the nation of] SoBal in Syria, and [also] when JoAb returned and cut down 12,000 men of Edom in the Salt Valley [referencing 1 Chronicles 18:12-15 where 18,000 were killed, but perhaps JoAb was responsible for 12,000 of those deaths].1O God,You’ve knocked us down and pushed us away, But, along with Your rage, You felt pity. 2For although You shook our land and disturbed it; You’ve healed the cracks that resulted.3You’ve taught Your people hard lessons, And we’ve melted in the wine of Your rage. 4But, to those who feared You, You then sent a sign, To flee from the face of the bow. 5So, since You’ve saved all those whom You love, Please listen, and with Your hands, save me!6Then, from His Holy Place, our God spoke. He said:‘I’ll shout and I’ll divide SheChem… The Valley of Tents, I’ll split.7‘GileAd is Mine and ManasSeh is Mine; Ephraim is the fort of My head, And Judah is the place of My king.’8Then, over Edom He said:‘MoAb is the kettle of My hope; So, I’ll stretch out My sandal, And make the Philistines submit. 9So, who’ll take Me up to their forts, And who can guide Me to Edom?’10O Lord, Why did You thrust us away? O God, Won’t You be with our army?11Help us in our day of oppression, For, there’s no salvation from men. 12Only by God do we have any strength… Only He can show His contempt For those who’ve been our oppressors.
To the [music] director:One of the hymns by David.A Psalm.1Listen, O God, to the things that I beg… Please pay attention to my prayer!2From the ends of the earth, I called out to You When my heart was discouraged at the Rock [1 Samuel 23:25]; Then You lifted me high and showed me the way.3When my enemies were there in front of my face, You were my only reason for hope… You were my tower and strength.4So, I’ll go to Your Tent throughout the ages; In the protection of Your wings, I’ll seek shelter. 5For You, O God, have heard what I vowed, And an inheritance is what You’ll give To those who are fearing Your Name.6Day after day, add life to the king From one generation to another. 7Throughout the ages, may he live there before You And search for Your mercies and truth. 8Then, throughout the ages, I’ll sing to Your Name, And I’ll render my vows every day.
To the [music] director:For [the priest] IdiThun [1 Chronicles 16:41].A Psalm by David.1Shouldn’t my life be devoted to God? In His salvation, shouldn’t I trust? 2For, He’s my God and my Savior… He’s my shield, so I’ll not be afraid When I must fight larger armies.3So, how long will You pile so much upon men? For like walls that lean, we’ve become… Like fences that have many gaps… And then, to each one, You send death.4Because they’ve conspired to remove all my honor; From them, I’ve run away. For although, with their mouths, they’ve blest me; Within their hearts, they’ve cursed me.5But I’ve given my life to my God And I’ve trusted in Him to survive. 6He’s my God and my Savior… He’s my shield, so I’ll never leave Him. 7Yes, He’s my salvation and glory… God is my hope, so I’m trusting in Him.8In Him, the congregation should also put faith… Since He’s their helper, they should pour out their hearts. 9In the sons of men, they shouldn’t put trust, Since they’re the same as false weights That are used to cheat them on scales… To mislead them and do them wrong.10Nor should they trust in unrighteous ways, Or long for things they can steal. And should they find great treasures before them, They shouldn’t let it enter their hearts. 11For the Lord spoke to me and said this:‘God sends His mercy along with His might, 12And He pays each one back for the things that he does.’
A Psalm by David about the time he spent in the desert of Idumea.1God, O my God, I rise early, Because my inner person is thirsting for You. Yes, my flesh has been longing for You In this land that’s barren, unwalked, and dry.2So, to Your Holy Place, I’ve now come To behold Your power and glory. 3And since Your mercies are better than life, My lips will [sing praises about them].4With my whole life, I’ll praise You, And to Your Name, I’ll raise my hands. 5So may my life be filled with the fatness of fat, And with joyful lips, may my mouth offer praise.6I’m thinking of You as I lie in my bed… I’m meditating at the breaking of dawn. 7And because You’re my helper, I’m shouting in joy, As I lie in Your wings of protection.8To You, my soul will stick closely, And I’ll grab hold tightly of Your right hand; 9For, there are those who are seeking my life.May they be sent to the depths of the ground… 10May they be handed up to the sword… The reward of foxes, may they receive.11May the king find joy in [his] God, And may he swear oaths here before Him; For, He’s stopped up the mouths Of those who’ve spoken against him.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1O God, please listen to my voice; For, I’m begging before You. Of my enemies, I’m afraid… So, please come and save my life!2From the conspiracies of the wicked, give me shelter… And from the crowds of the unrighteous. 3For they’ve sharpened their tongues just like broadswords, And in bitterness, stretched tight their bows. 4They aim from hiding at the unblemished, Then shoot at me without fear.5They’ve decided to do evil things, And they’ve talked about how they’ll hide all their snares… Asking each other, ‘Who will see them?’6For lawless ways, they’ve searched, But, all their searching has failed; For, not a single man would step forward, Who had any depth of heart.7So, may Jehovah be praised; For, even to their infants, calamity arrived.8Although they spoke in contempt with their tongues, And all who viewed them were frightened; 9Of the works of my God, they all were in awe, When they realized He was with me.10So, may the upright find joy in Jehovah, And in Him, may they put all their trust; For He blesses those with straight hearts.
To the [music] director;A Psalm by David.1From Zion, I’m sending this hymn, O my God; From JeruSalem, I’m sending this vow. 2Please hear this prayer [that I offer]; For, before You, all flesh must approach.3Although we were overwhelmed by our errors, Our irreverent ways, You’ve covered.4Blest are those whom You’ve chosen and claimed; For, in Your courtyards, they’ll camp, And there, You’ll fill them with the good things That come from Your House and Your Holy Tent.5Of Your righteousness, we all are in awe; So, hear us, our God and our Savior! 6You’re the hope of all to the ends of the earth, And of those far away on the seas.You’re the One who made mighty mountains, 7And the One who brings disturbance to the seas (The roar of which no one can stand). 8But, that’s how the nations will soon be disturbed… It’s how those at our borders will come to know fear.9Your signs bless the comings of mornings and evenings, And You’ve made the land drunk with Your visits. With the river of God, You’ve enriched it… You’ve nourished [our land] with the water You sent.10Yes, You’ve sent [much water to the land] To saturate the rows and make them produce. You’ve sent raindrops to make it all grow, And we’re happy to watch as it springs from the ground.11You graciously bless the crown of the year, When You fill our fields up with fatness. 12Then the beautiful mountains will also be fat, Along with all of the deserts. And wrapped [in green], the hills will become, 13As the rams and sheep grow much wool. For, in the valleys, You’ve made the grain grow, So of You, we’ll shout and sing praises.
To the [music] director:An ode. A Psalm of awakening.1Shout to Jehovah, all you on the earth, 2And then play music to His Name! Shout in praise of His Glory!3Tell Him:‘We fear the things that You do; So may Your enemies submit to Your power. 4May the whole earth bow down before You, And may they strum to You in the heights.’5Come witness the works of our God, For they’re more to be feared than men realize… 6He changed the sea to dry ground, And He did the same to the river! For they walked across both on their feet.So in Him, we all should find joy, 7For, He’s the master of His domain. And throughout the age, He’s been watching the nations; So, may those who enrage Him not think themselves great.8O nations,Give praise to our God… May we hear the sounds of your voices! 9For, He’s the One who gave life to my inner person, And let nothing stumble my feet.10Yes, You’ve tried us, O God, For, You’ve refined us like silver. 11First, You led us into a snare, And upon our backs, laid oppression. 12Then, You assigned men to be over our heads… But through fire and water, You led us to rest.13So, with my offerings, I’ll go to Your House And render to You all my vows… 14Those things that my lips have opened to say… The words my mouth spoke in my distress.15I’ll bring burnt offerings before You, As well as incense and marrow… My rams, winter yearlings, and bulls.16Come listen to me and I’ll tell you About my fear of my God, And of the things He’s done for my soul.17To Him, my mouth has cried out, And with my tongue, I then shouted this:18‘If in my heart, You’ve found injustice; O Jehovah, please overlook me.’19However, He listened to all that I said… He heard the sounds of my prayers! 20So, may our God forever be praised, Since He didn’t overlook what I said, Nor did He remove His mercy from me.
To the [music] director:A hymn among the Psalms by David.1O God, feel pity and bless us… Show mercy and shine Your face on us!2Throughout the whole earth, may Your ways be made known, And may all the nations see how You save… 3May everyone come to know You, O God… May they all be aware of Your [powers].4You gentiles:Be glad and cry out [in joy], For He judges the peoples in straightness, And He’ll lead every nation on the earth. 5So, may all come to know You, O God… May they all be aware of Your [greatness].6The earth has provided us all with her fruit… And it was from God (our God) That such a blessing arrived. 7So, may our God continue to bless us, And may He be feared to the ends of the earth.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1May God chase away those who hate Him, And may those who detest Him, flee far from His face. 2Like smoke, may they just blow away, And melt like beeswax in fire. Yes, that’s how the sinners will all be destroyed Before the face of our God.3But the righteous have reasons for joy; So, may they happily shout in His presence… May they all be joyful and may they be blest!4So, sing to God… Yes, strum to His Name! Open the way to the One riding west… The One whose Name is Jehovah!May they all shout before Him in joy, And before His face, may they all be concerned. 5For, He’s a Father to orphans, And the One who gives justice to widows… He’s the God who dwells within our Most Holy.6He settles common people in homes, And releases all those bound in shackles. He [provides] for even the bitter, And for those who dwell among tombs.7O God,As You passed by Your people, And as You were crossing the desert, 8The land was shaken and the skies dripped with dew, Before the face of our God upon SinAi… Before the face of IsraEl’s God.9O God,You sent rain to Your people, And then, You set us apart. 10You also gave life to the beasts [in the fields], And Your kindness provides for the poor.11So, the Great God Jehovah will speak And announce the good news to our army, 12That the king and his armies of loved ones Will divide up the spoils in his palace.13Then, if you must sleep among sheep folds; You’ll also sleep amidst doves… The types that have silver wings, With the colors of green and gold on their backs.14The Heavenly One scatters kings Like snow when it falls on Mount SelMon 15(The mountain of God and the Hill of BaShan… The fourth great mountain of provision).16So mountains:Why does God dwell upon you? For Jehovah camps at the extremes, 17And His chariots number into the millions. Yet, from His Holy Place on Mount SinAi, The Lord still sends His provisions.18To the highest places, he’s stepped up, And he’s taken captives into captivity; Then, he gave gifts to the people, As he camps among those who resist Him!19So, praise Jehovah our God… Yes, praise Jehovah each day! For, He is the One who’s blest us… Our God is the One who’s saved us!20Yes, our God is the God of salvation… For, from the brink of death, He’s saved [us]! 21So our God will shatter our enemies’ heads… The tops of hairy heads of those walking in sin.22For Jehovah spoke and said this:‘I’ll bring them back from the depths of the seas… From BaShan, I will return them. 23Then I’ll dip their feet in their enemy’s blood, And it will stain the tongues of their dogs.’24O God,Your travels are seen from Your Holy Place… The comings and goings of my God the King. 25Rulers have traveled before You, As women played harps and [shook] tambourines.26May God be praised in the gathering All the way to IsraEl’s springs. 27It’s the place where (to our surprise), Young BenJamin was appointed the ruler Of the governors and princes of Judah, And the leaders of ZebuLun and NaphTali.28Give orders, O God, and send us Your power… Give us the strength to accomplish All the things that You want us to do! 29Then the kings [of the earth] will bring gifts To Your Holy Place in JeruSalem.30Scold those ‘wild beasts’ who live in the reeds, And the ‘bulls’ who are mixed among heifers. Lock away those putting trust in their silver, And scatter the nations… All those who want war.31Yes, send ambassadors from Egypt, With Ethiopians in front and their hands stretched towards God.32O you kingdoms throughout the whole earth:Sing before God and play music! 33Yes, strum to Jehovah who lives in the skies… In the heavens above, towards the east!{Look} Let them shout in a powerful voice 34And give glory to IsraEl’s God, Whose majesty and power [is seen] in the clouds.35God’s wonders are in His Most Holy Place. And from there, IsraEl’s God sends the power That He uses to strengthen His people. So, all should give praise to [Jehovah]!
To the [music] director:[Set to the music of the song called] For the Changes.A Psalm by David.1Save me, please, O my God, For my soul [is drowning] in water. It’s deep and slimy, and I have no support… 2I’ve gone into the depths of the sea, And by the winds of a gale, I’ve been sunk.3From shouting, I’ve become tired, And my throat is now very sore. But, although my eyes have started to fail, I still have faith in my God.4My enemies number more than the hairs on my head… Yes, there are many that hate me. And my foes are now very strong (Those who’ve unjustly driven me out). And for things that I didn’t steal, They tell me that I must repay.5O God,You know of my sins, And You know of my foolish ways… For from You, they’ve never been hidden.6But, may all those who put trust in You Never feel ashamed over me. Yes, O Jehovah of Armies; May those who are seeking IsraEl’s God Never feel ashamed about me.7But, because of You, I’m scorned, And my face has been covered with shame. 8I’ve been driven away from my brothers… I’m a stranger to the sons of my mother.9Although zeal for Your House has consumed me, The scorn of blasphemers has fallen on me. 10So my life is now wrapped up in fasting, And this gives them more reasons to laugh. 11For, when I was covered in sackcloth, I became a parable among them.12Those sitting at the gates now think about me, And about me, even drunks are singing songs. 13But to You, O Jehovah, I’ve cried out in prayer:‘O God, I’ll wait ‘til the time that You’ve set, When in Your mercy, You’ll heed me once more, And show them the truth of how You can save.’14O save me, for I’m stuck in this ‘mud’… Pull me out of the ‘waters’ of those who detest me! 15May the ‘gale’ not sink me in water, Nor swallow me down in the mouth of its ‘well.’16Please listen to me, O Jehovah, For Your mercies are all very tender. Yes, in Your compassion, please look upon me!17Don’t turn Your face from Your servant… In my time of affliction, please notice! 18Pay attention and ransom my soul… From my enemies, please come here and save me!19You know of my shame and remorse, And before You, my enemies scorn me. 20Although I thought they’d grieve over my misery; They didn’t, and they brought me no comfort.21As food, they offered me bile, And gave me vinegar instead, to quench my thirst. 22May [what they offered] become their own snare… May [it keep them] from their reward.23May their eyes become dark, so they can’t see, And may their backs be bent over double. 24Please pour out Your anger upon them… May they be caught in Your rage.25May the houses they own become empty, And may no one ever live in their tents. 26For they’ve chased this one whom You struck, And added to the pain of my wounds.27For their lawless ways, may they see lawless ways… May they not enter Your justice. 28In the Scroll of Life, may their names not be written… Among the righteous, may their names be erased.29I stand in Your presence, poor and in pain; So God, please take care of me! 30Then I’ll praise Your Name [every day]… With songs, I’ll sing of Your glory.31So, God above, I’ll please You… [I’ll offer] hoofed calves that are just sprouting horns. 32Then, may all the poor people see it, And may they all start rejoicing!Inquire of God who gives life to our souls; 33For Jehovah pays attention to the needy, And He listens to those bound in shackles… He never looks at them in contempt.34So, praise Him You heavens, you earth, and you sea, And all the things that may crawl there; 35For, Zion will be saved by our God, And the cities of Judah will then be rebuilt, Which the people will inherit thereafter… Yes, that’s where they’ll dwell. 36The offspring of Your servants will own it, And those loving Your Name will all camp there.
To the [music] director:A Psalm by David in remembrance of his being saved by Jehovah.1O God, please hear me and help me… O Jehovah, please rush to my aid! 2May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse… May those wishing me harm retreat in disgrace. 3May those saying of me, ‘Well done, well done,’ Turn back and then be ashamed.4But, may those who seek You be glad and rejoice… May those who love Your salvation Give praise to You, O Jehovah.5Help me, O God, for I’m poor and in need… Become my helper and Savior… I [need You now], so don’t delay!
A Psalm by David which was sung by the sons of JonadDab, who were the first to be carried off as captives.1In You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my hope; So, may I not be disgraced throughout the age. 2In Your justice, please take me and save me… Incline Your ear and deliver!3Become to me, a God of defense, And carry me to a fortified place. For, You are my trust and my refuge!4Then, from the hands of sinners, God saved me… From the lawless and those who were doing me wrong. 5O Jehovah; you’re the One who helped me endure… The One whom I’ve trusted since youth.6From the womb, I’ve always put faith in You, And from the belly of my mother, You watched over me. So to You, I’ll always sing praises.7You’ve been a miracle to many, And You’ve been my fortress and helper. 8So, may my mouth sing in praise Of Your glory and majesty, each day.9When I grow old, please don’t toss me away; Don’t abandon me when my vigor is gone.10My enemies met, and against me, they spoke… Together, those seeking my life laid their plans. 11They said:‘God’s left him, so let’s chase him down, Since there’s no one who’ll come to his aid.’12So my God, don’t stay far away… My God, pay attention and send me Your aid! 13May those slandering my soul become failures… May those wishing me bad feel shame and remorse.14In You, I’ll always trust, And I’ll continue to praise You. 15My mouth will speak of Your justice all day, And of Your salvation, I’ll write.16I’ll walk in the might of Jehovah… My Lord, I’ll speak of Your justice. 17O God; from my youth, You’ve taught me, And now, I’ll speak of Your wonders.18My God,Don’t leave me when I’m old and grey, Or until I’ve spoken to the next generation Of [the power of] Your mighty arm.19O God; I’ll speak of Your justice and might, And of the magnificent things that You’ve done… For my God, to no other, can You be compared.20You once showed me hard times and affliction, Then You turned around and gave back my life. You brought me back from the pit… You led me up out of the ground.21In the abundance of Your greatness, You blest me… You returned to offer me comfort. You led me up from the abyss, And lifted me out of the ground.22So Jehovah, I’ll praise You to all, And I’ll sing songs about Your just ways… About IsraEl’s Most Holy, our God.To You, I’ll also strum on my harp, 23And while I’m playing before You, I’ll be shouting aloud, Because You’ve ransomed my soul! 24With my tongue, I’ll speak of Your justice, And make those wrongdoers feel shame and remorse.
For Solomon.A Psalm by David.1O God, show the king Your decisions
And teach the king’s son to be just,
2So we can judge Your people uprightly,
And always be fair with the poor.3May the mountains send peace to Your people,
And may the hills send them justice that’s true.
4Help [my son] to be fair with the poor…
May he save the sons of the needy
And humble all those who’d extort them.5As long as the sun, may he live…
For generations of generations, like the moon.
6May he be like dew upon fleece,
And as the rain that falls to the ground.7May his days stand for justice and peace
Until the moon is no more.
8From sea to sea, may he rule…
From the river to the ends of man’s home.9Before him, may all Ethiopians fall…
May his enemies all lick the dust…
10May the Kings of Tharsis and the islands
Come to him bearing all of their best…
May the kings of Saba and Arabia bring gifts.11May all the earth’s kings bow before him…
May all the nations start serving him.
12For he’ll save the poor from the mighty,
As well as the needy, who have no one else.13May he spare the poor and the needy;
May he save the lives of those who have little.
14From interest and injustice, may he ransom their souls,
And may his name be valued among them.15May he live a very long life,
And may he receive Arabian gold.
May he be someone who they pray for,
And may they praise his name every day.16Let grain be abundant throughout his land…
On the tops of the hills, may it sway.
May the grain grow like Lebanon’s trees…
May it thrive like grass in the fields.17May his name be praised throughout the ages…
May his name endure [as long as] the sun.
May the tribes of the earth praise his name,
And may all nations call him the Blest One.18Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God,
For, He’s the One who brings wonders!
19Throughout the ages, praise His Name and His glory,
And on throughout the age of the ages…
May the earth be filled with His glory… Amen!20This was the last of the hymns of David, son of JesSe [before he died].
A Psalm by Asaph.1O how good is IsraEl’s God To those who have hearts that are straight!2But my feet had once been unsteady, So I slipped and fell in my tracks, 3Because I was jealous of unrighteous things, As I noticed the peace of the wicked.4I noticed that they have no fear of death, And I’ve not seen them whipped [for their badness]. 5They don’t work as hard as other men do, And they never seem to be beaten.6So because of this, they’re proud to the end… In injustice and irreverence, they’re wrapped! Injustice pours from their fatness, As they follow the ways of their hearts.8They think, and then speak wicked things… In their pride, they speak of injustice. 9But, since they’ve set heaven against their own mouths, Their tongues will go under the ground, 10While [from there], Your people will all be returned And then, full days, they’ll know.11Yet they ask:‘Doesn’t God ever notice? Aren’t all these things known up above?’12For {look!} the sinners continue to prosper, And throughout the ages, hold onto their wealth!’13This is why my heart justified foolish things, And from innocence, I then washed my hands. 14So, I deserved to be whipped all day long, And to be scolded each morning.15I said:‘This is how I’ll describe what I’ve done... {Look!} With Your sons, I’ve broken the contract, 16But now, I’ve stopped and thought it all through, And what I’ve done weighs heavily on me… 17So I’ll take it before God to see what I’m due.’18Upon the deceitful, He’s appointed what’s bad, And from their high perches, He will throw them down… 19Yes, how far they’ll fall to meet with this end… Because they’re lawless, they’ll be suddenly gone.20O Jehovah,When I came to my senses, I awoke and examined Your city, Then I noticed how You treat the bad with contempt. 21Then my heart came on fire and my kidneys were changed; 22For, I was the one deserving Your contempt… An unthinking brute, I’d become!23But You never left me, despite all I’d done… You held me by my right hand. 24You gave me correction and led me, Then into Your glory, returned me.25Now, what do I have in the heavens… Well, other than You, what else do I need? 26O God; although my heart and flesh have both failed, Throughout the age, You’ve been my portion and strength.27Look! All will perish, who stay far from You… The unfaithful, You will destroy. 28But, please keep me close to You, O my God, For I need to trust in my Lord. At Your gates, may I always sing praises of You Before the daughters of Zion.
A Psalm of contemplation by Asaph.1O God,You’ve pushed us away to the end… But, what made You angry with the sheep in Your pasture?2Remember the ones whom You purchased first… Your inheritance and those whom You’ve ransomed When You first arrived to camp on Mount Zion.3Please come and look at these ruins… See what they’ve done to Your Most Holy Place. 4For, those who hate You now feel that they can boast, And on Your Holy Days, claim success as their sign. 5But the thing that they really don’t notice Is that all this came from above.So, they went to the woods and cut down the trees, 6Then with axes and chisels, broke down our gates, 7And they burned Your [Tent] to the ground.They’ve profaned the Tent that carries Your Name, 8And they said in their hearts to their brothers:‘Let’s drive His Holy Days from the land!’9Now from You, we haven’t seen signs, Nor have we had a Prophet among us, For we’re no longer known by our God.10O God,How much longer will [You let them] berate us? Will they oppose Your Name throughout the ages? 11Why have You taken Your right hand away, And drawn it back on Your chest?12For our God and King lives throughout the ages, And to our land, He’ll bring back salvation. 13He’s the One whose might holds back the seas, And who smashed the head of the dragon… The one who rules over the waters.14Yes, You fractured the head of the beast And fed him to the peoples of [the wilderness like in] Ethiopia. 15You tore open his rivers and springs, And dried all the creeks that held water.16The days are Yours, and so are the nights; For it’s You who created the sun and the moon. 17You’re the One who set the earth’s borders, And the One who made summer and spring… 18So, please don’t overlook the things that You’ve made!Our enemies speak badly of [You], And the foolish are provoking Your Name. 19So, don’t leave the praise of Your Name to wild beasts, And [forever] forget those who need You.20Yes, we’ve overlooked Your Sacred Agreement, And for this, our land has grown dark… It’s covered with the homes of lawbreakers! 21But, please don’t turn from the humble And let them be brought to disgrace, For these poor and needy still praise Your Name.22So stand up, O God, and judge Your great cause… Then notice those fools who are laughing at You! 23Don’t overlook the voices of Your servants, Or the pride of all those who hate You And oppose You throughout the whole day.
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy.A Psalm by Asaph.1I will praise You, O God… Of You, I’ll speak, and I’ll call on Your Name. I’ll describe all Your wonders, 2For, at the right time, You’ll send justice.3Now the land has just melted away, As have [the righteous] who live there… In that place where You once set its columns.4But I’ve spoken to the unrighteous And warned them to stop breaking laws. Then, to the sinners, I said:‘Stop raising your trumpets [for battle]… 5Don’t lift your horns to the heights, Or say unrighteous things about God.6‘For, you can’t escape to the valleys, Or into the mountains or deserts. 7Since God is our judge, He humbles one, While He’s elevating another.’8A cup is now in the hand of the Lord, Which He’s filled with pure wine. And even though He leans it this way and that, His wine and its dregs never spill… And from it, the sinners must drink!9Throughout the age, I’ll shout in praise of Jehovah, And to Jacob’s God, I’ll strum. 10For the trumpets of the sinners, He will shatter, While the horns of the righteous, He will raise.
To the [music] director:One of the Psalms by Asaph.An ode about Assyria.1In Judah, our God is well known, And in IsraEl, His Name’s become great. 2Since His home is on Zion, this place now knows peace, 3And He’s broken all the bows, shields, and swords, So, there can be no more war.4From this mountain of the ages, You have sent us Your light, 5While You disturbed those with ignorant hearts. For, all the rich fell asleep, And then, in their hands, they found nothing.6The men riding horses slept also, And the God of Jacob was laughing at them. 7For, they should fear You, since none can oppose You, And none can [survive] when You’re angry.8From the heavens, Your decisions were heard, As the earth stood still in its fear. 9But then, You stood up for justice, O God, And You saved the meek of the land. 10So, the minds of men are [singing] Your praises, And the rest of their thoughts, celebrate You.11What you vow, you should pay to Jehovah… And you who are living nearby Should also bring gifts before Him!12Yes, always be in fear of Jehovah, Because He can break the spirit of rulers… And of Him, even kings are in terror!
To the [music] director:A Psalm by Asaph for IdiThun.1With my voice, I called out to Jehovah… I shouted to God [in hope] that He’d hear. 2In the day of attack, I begged to my God, And my hands were [folded] before Him all night.I could not [find any comfort], And my soul refused to find rest; 3For I thought of my God and was bothered… As I thought, my spirit grew faint.4Then, each time that I closed my eyes, All I saw was my enemies… Which disturbed me so much that I couldn’t speak.5So I reasoned about days of old, And I thought of the years of the ages. 6In my heart, I pondered it greatly… And I remembered the songs that I sung in the night, Then suddenly, my breath became still.7Has God pushed me away throughout the age? Will the Lord care about me no more? 8Throughout the age, will His mercy be gone? Through generations, will He not reply? 9Will God forget to show pity? In His rage, will He forget His tender compassions?10Then I said:‘I’ll now make a change… And perhaps His right hand will change. 11I’ll recall the works of Jehovah, And think about all of His wonders. 12Of the things He’s done, I’ll now meditate, And I’ll contemplate all of His works.’13O God,Your ways are all holy, And what God is as great as our God? 14You’re the One who does wonderful things, And among all mankind, Your powers are known. 15For, with Your arm, You ransomed Your people… The sons of Jacob and JoSeph.16O God,The waters beheld You… They looked at You and their depths were in fear. 17So, rain and thunder came from the clouds, And Your arrows shot both near and far. 18From the thundering of Your wheels, there came lightning, Which trembled and shook the home of mankind.19Your ways can be found in the seas, And Your roads are [covered by] rivers, So Your footsteps can never be seen. 20But, You guided Your people like sheep Through the hands of Aaron and Moses.
A contemplation of Asaph.1My people,Pay attention to my laws… Incline your ears to the words from my mouth! 2For, I’ll now speak illustrations, And I’ll talk in riddles from the start.3We’ve heard about it so many times, For our fathers told us the stories… 4From their children, they didn’t hide it… For the Lord and His rule, the next generation also praise, And the wondrous things that He’s done.5He provided a witness in Jacob, And to IsraEl, He sent us a Law, Which He ordered the fathers to teach to their sons, 6So each generation would know, And the sons being born would pass it along… 7That they all must trust in Jehovah, And never forget the things He’s done, Or fail to inquire about His Commandments, 8So they won’t become crooks like their fathers, Who were a crooked and a bitter generation That never straightened their hearts And had a spirit that God couldn’t trust.9Ephraim’s sons stretched tight their bows, Which they shot and which saved them in the days of their wars. 10But they failed to keep their Agreement with God, And His Laws, they chose not to follow.11They forgot all the good things He’d done, And all the wonders that He’d shown them… 12The wonders that He showed to their fathers in Egypt (In plains of Tanis, where it happened), 13When He ripped open the sea, And through its midst, led them through… As He held back the waters as though in a bag.14Then He led them with a cloud during the day, And by the light of a fire throughout the night. 15He split open the rock in the desert, And from a pit, gave them something to drink… 16He brought water out of a stone, And a river, thereafter flowed from it!17But then they turned and they sinned against Him… They embittered the Most High in that dry place… 18They put God to the test in their hearts By demanding the type of food that their souls craved. 19And of God, they spoke ill when they asked:‘Can’t God set a table in the desert?’20Since He struck the rock and from it flowed water (And a stream poured across the whole land); How could they ask if He’d provide bread, Or set a table for His people?21So when Jehovah heard all of this, It raised His anger against them. Then He lit a ‘fire’ within Jacob, And He brought His rage upon IsraEl. 22For they’d failed to put faith in their God And in His power to save them.23Then He ordered the clouds up above, And the gates of the heavens were opened. 24Manna rained down for them to consume… The bread of heaven, He gave them. 25So the bread of angels was eaten by men, And He sent enough to make them all full.26Thereafter, He sent the winds from the skies… By His power, He brought the winds from the south, 27And meat rained upon them like dust… Feathered creatures, as the sands of the seas. 28They fell in the midst of their camp, As well as all around their tents. 29So they ate and became very full, Since He’d brought them all they desired.30No, they weren’t deprived of the things that they’d asked; But, while the food was still in their mouths, 31The rage of Jehovah came upon them, And there amidst plenty, He killed them… IsraEl, His chosen, He then pushed away. 32For by saying these things, they had sinned, Since they’d failed to believe in His wonders. 33So in folly, they ended their days, And their years concluded too soon.34Then, after those deaths, they turned back to Him… They again arose early to search for their God. 35They remembered that God was their helper… The Most High God had redeemed them.36But, although with their mouths, they spoke of their love; With their tongues, they also told lies. 37With Him, their hearts had never been straight, Nor did they trust His Agreement with them.38Yet, He felt pity and covered their sins… He didn’t destroy them or show them His rage… Or allow His anger to blaze. 39He remembered that they were just flesh… Like winds that blow by to never return.40Then they made Him bitter in the desert, And provoked Him to rage in a waterless land. 41They turned around and put God to the test… The Holy One of IsraEl, they angered.42They forgot the hand that He used on that day To buy them from their oppressors… 43All the signs that He’d sent upon Egypt, And the miracles that came upon Tanis’ plains… 44How He turned their rain and rivers to blood, So they were unable to drink it… 45And of how He sent fleas there to bite them, Followed by frogs, bringing ruin… 46Or of how He appointed blight on their fruit, And sent them the misery of locusts.47Then He killed their grapevines with hail, And He sent killing frost to their sycamore trees. 48He also brought hail on their cattle, And burned their possessions in fire.49Then He sent them His rage to show His displeasure By commissioning wicked angels against them… 50He opened the road of His anger, And He didn’t spare them from death… Even their cattle were chosen to die.51He struck all the firstborn in Egypt… He sent misery upon the tents of Ham. 52But like sheep, He set His people aside, Then like a flock, He led them into the desert.53They weren’t afraid, so He led them; Then He covered their enemies under the sea. 54To His Holy Mountain, He brought them… All of those whom He’d purchased With His mighty right hand.55Then before them, He drove away nations, And created a place for them to inherit. He allowed them to set up their camps… The tents of IsraEl’s tribes.56But they tested and embittered God the Most High; For His [Laws], they chose not to keep. 57They turned and annulled their [Agreement with Him], And became crooked bows like their fathers. 58In their hills, they provoked Him to rage, And made Him jealous with things carved by hand.59Then, because God heard what they’d done, He turned from IsraEl in contempt. 60The Tent in ShiLoh, He then pushed away… The Tent where He’d camped among men.61Then, into captivity, He handed their strength… Their beauty, to their enemy’s hands. 62He gave His people to broadswords… His inheritance, He then overlooked.63Their young men were burned up in fires, And for their virgins, there weren’t any wedding songs. 64Their Priests all fell by the sword, And no one wept for their widows!65Then, Jehovah awakened from slumber Like a Mighty One who was dizzy from wine. 66He struck their enemies and made them retreat, Appointing them to scorn throughout the ages.67But the tent of JoSeph, He rejected, And Ephraim’s tribe, He no longer chose. 68It was Judah’s tribe that He wanted, And Mount Zion would be the place that He loved… 69It’s where His Most Holy Place would be built. So He laid its foundation out on the ground, [As something that would last] throughout the ages.70Then He chose David, His servant, And took him away from his flocks. 71To tend Jacob, He left [his sheep] giving birth… God’s inheritance… IsraEl, His servant. 72David cared for them with an innocent heart, And with skilled hands, he then led them.
A Psalm by Asaph.1O God,To Your inheritance, the nations have come, And defiled Your Temple in JeruSalem, Turning it into a storehouse for fruit!2The decaying flesh of Your servants Is now food for the birds in the skies… Yes, Your holy ones have become food For the wild beasts of the earth.3In [the streets of] JeruSalem, Their blood has been poured out like water, And their bodies have been left unburied. 4So, we’re now the scorn of those living nearby… We’re sneered at and taunted by neighbors.5O Lord,How long will You let this go on… Will You forever be angry with us? How long will Your zeal keep burning like fire?6Please pour out Your rage on the nations instead… On those who don’t know You and who don’t bear Your Name. 7For, they’ve swallowed down Jacob And turned his place into a ruin.8Please forget our past lawless deeds… Send Your compassions, for we [need Your aid]! 9Help us, O our Savior, God For the sake of Your glorious Name!Jehovah, for the sake of Your Name, Please save us and cover our sins, 10So the nations may never have reason to ask:‘What has become of your God?’To the nations before us, make [Your Name] known… Avenge the blood of Your servants! 11Bring an end to the moans of the shackled… By the might of Your arm, protect them from death!12Repay our neighbors with seven times worse For scorning and speaking badly of You.13O God,We are Your people, And we’re the sheep of Your pasture. Then, throughout the ages, we’ll tell about You… And praise You to coming generations!
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] For the Changings.A testimony by Asaph. A Psalm about the Assyrians.1Pay attention, O IsraEl’s Shepherd; May the One who sends cherubs arrive, And to JoSeph’s sheep, serve as our guide! 2Awaken before Ephraim, BenJamin, and ManasSeh, And use Your might for salvation!3O God,Please return to us once again… Show Your face and we’ll be saved! 4O Jehovah, [the Great] God of armies; How long will our prayers make You angry?5The bread of tears, You’ve fed us… A measure of tears, we’ve been given to drink. 6You’ve brought us war with our neighbors, And allowed our enemies to sneer in disgust. 7O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn Your face towards us and we’ll be saved!8You removed Your grapevine from Egypt, And in front of us, drove away nations, To provide a place for our planting. 9Before us, You opened the way, Then You sunk our roots deep into the ground. 10You gave us mountains to shade us, As well as the branches of cedars.11To the sea, we then spread our limbs, And we stretched our roots east towards the river. 12So, why have You now torn down our fences, And given our fruit to all that pass by? 13For we’re being destroyed by boars in the woods… You’re allowing pigs to consume us!14O God of armies, turn back… Look down from the heavens and visit this vine! 15Tend to those who were planted by Your right hand… For [the sake of Your Name], give strength to these men!16For, we’ve been dug up and burned… By reproach from Your face, we’re being destroyed. 17Again, stretch Your hand towards Your people… Towards these sons of men, please stretch out Your hand… To these ones whom You once made mighty.18Don’t allow this separation from You… Return our lives and we’ll call on Your Name. 19O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn Your face towards us and we’ll be saved!
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats.A Psalm by Asaph.1Shout in joy to our helper, God; Yes, call out before Jacob’s Lord. 2Sing and beat on your tambourines… Make beautiful music on harps. 3Blow trumpets on all the New Moons… On the holy days, blow your horns!4To IsraEl, He once gave these orders (They were the decisions of Jacob’s God); 5As a witness, He sent them to JoSeph After he had been taken to Egypt, Where he heard a language that he didn’t understand:6‘I removed the heavy loads from your backs, And I freed your hands from serving as slaves Who had to bear [heavy] loads.7‘It was there that you first called upon Me, And from their oppression, I saved you… I heard you when you had to hide from their storms, Then I tested you at the Waters of Dispute.8‘So, listen to Me, O my people, For, I’ll now testify. Yes, O IsraEl… You should listen and hear Me!9‘No new gods may you have, Nor may you bow before others. 10For, I am Jehovah, your God… The One who led you from Egypt. So now, widen your mouths and I’ll fill them!11‘But My people just wouldn’t listen… IsraEl paid no attention! 12So I drove them away for the things that they did, And for the bad they’d conceived in their hearts.13‘If only My people had listened… If IsraEl had followed My ways, 14They wouldn’t have been humbled by their enemies… For, against their oppressors, I’d have stretched out My hand!’15But although God’s enemies lay before Him, The time will arrive in this age, 16When you’ll be fed on the fatness of wheat, And out of the rocks, you’ll suck honey!
A Psalm by Asaph.1God stands in the gathering of gods, And among them, He’s passing judgment. 2So, how long will You judge their injustice And put up with the presence of sinners?3Please defend the orphans and the poor… To the afflicted and oppressed, please bring justice! 4Rescue the weak and the needy… From the hands of sinners, please save them!5Yet, the [sinners] don’t know, nor do they perceive (Because they travel in darkness), That the earth will be shaken to its foundations.6‘I said to them:‘You are gods… You are sons of the Most High! 7But, like men, you’ll perish too, And like their rulers, you’ll fall.’8‘So arise, O god, and judge the whole earth, For, You’ll inherit the nations!’
An ode. A Psalm by Asaph.1O God,To whom can You be compared?O God,Don’t remain silent.2For, {Look!} Your enemies have shouted their battle cries, And those who hate You have now raised their heads.3Against Your people, they’ve planned treachery… Yes, against Your holy ones, they’ve gathered. 4They’re saying:‘Come, let us destroy them, So they’re no longer a nation… May IsraEl’s name be forgotten!’5But it’s against You, that they’ve met and conspired, And now they’ve reached an agreement… 6Those tent-dwellers in Edom… Those of Hagar, 7AmMon, and Gebal… The Amalekites and Philistines, And all the peoples of Tyre.8Even Assyria has joined them, And to the sons of Lot, they sent aid. 9So, do to them as You did at the Kishon, To SiSera, MidiAn, and JaBin. 10For, You destroyed them at EnDor, And made them like manure on the ground.11Make their rulers like Oreb and Zeb, And like ZebeE and SalMona, 12Who said, ‘We’ll inherit God’s Most Holy Place.’13Make them like whirlwinds, O God… Like stubble that’s blown in the air… 14Like fire that burns down a forest… Like flames that consume on the mountains!15Send storms to chase them away… Send Your rage to disturb them! 16Fill their faces with dishonor, So they’ll have to search for Your Name!17O Jehovah,Make them ashamed… Disturb them throughout ages of ages. Make them all feel ashamed Just before You destroy them! 18Let them know that Your Name is Jehovah, And that You alone are God, the Most High!
To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats.By the sons of KorAh.1O Jehovah of armies,I have proven my love for Your Tent,
2And that I’ve longed for Your courtyards…
For, about my living God, my flesh shouts in joy,
3Since by Him, even sparrows find homes,
And doves find nests for their young!O Jehovah of armies,[How I’ve longed for] Your Altar;
For, You are my King and my God!
4Blest are those who’ve stayed close to You,
And those who’ve praised You throughout the ages.5Blest is the man who trusts in Your aid;
For, You’ll send joy to his heart.
6Then, when he must enter the valley of tears,
He’ll be in line for great blessings
From the One who gave him His Laws.
7For, He will be strong once again
Thanks to the God of all gods who is dwelling on Zion.8O God, Jehovah of armies,Please hear the things that I’m praying.
9Look upon me, my defender and God…
Gaze at the face of [the one] You anointed!10For a day that’s spent in Your courtyard
Is better than thousands spent elsewhere.
And I’d rather be one who’s rejected
In the House of my God,
Than to live in tents among sinners.11For Jehovah is a lover of truth,
And mercy comes from our Lord!
Because God cares, He will send glory…
To the blameless, He’ll send what’s good.12O Jehovah of armies,Blest are those who put faith in You!
To the [music] director:For the sons of KorAh. 1O Jehovah,You’ve thought well of Your land, For, You have returned Jacob’s captives… 2You’ve forgiven the lawless deeds of Your sons, And all of their sins, You’ve covered.3You’ve brought rest to Your anger, And turned away from Your rage. 4So, become a God of salvation to us… Turn from Your anger and rage!5Will You always stay angry with us? Will Your rage last through generations?6O God,Return to us and make us alive… Let Your people know joy once again!7O Jehovah,Please show us Your mercy, And send Your salvation to us!8O Jehovah,I’ll listen to all that You say, For, God will speak to His people in peace… He’ll speak to those who are holy And wish to return with their whole hearts. 9For He’s close to all those who fear Him… He saves, so in glory, we’ll camp in His land.10Now, mercy and truth have been joined, And justice and peace have now kissed. 11Truth has arisen throughout the whole land, And justice peers down from the heavens.12Because Jehovah kindly provides, Fruit will [grow] in our land once again. 13Then from Him, justice will flow, And in His footsteps, we’ll walk.
A prayer of David.1O Lord,Turn Your ear and listen to me; For, I’m poor and in need. 2Watch over my life, because I am pure… Please save Your servant who’s trusting in You!3O Jehovah,Show mercy upon me, And all day long, I’ll call out to You. 4Bring joy to the life of Your servant, For to You, I’ve lifted my soul.5O Lord,You are my provider… You’re merciful and You’re patient With all those who call out to You.6So, give ear to my prayer, O Jehovah, And heed my voice as I beg. 7In the day of distress, I called out to You, And to me, You paid close attention.8O Jehovah,You’re unequaled among other gods… No others can do what You do. 9So You’ll make all the nations bow before You, And they’ll glorify Your Name as their Lord. 10For You’re great and You perform wonders… You are the only [true] God.11Guide me, O Lord, in all of my ways, And I’ll walk in Your truth. Let my heart rejoice, O my God, And I’ll give praise to Your Name.12Jehovah, my God, I’ll praise You… With my whole heart, I’ll glorify You. 13For Your mercies towards me have been great, And from the place of the dead, You’ve rescued my soul.14But the lawless have risen against me, O God… They’ve ignored You and gathered to kill me.15Yet, You’re patient, Jehovah my God… You’ve displayed Your mercy, pity, and truth.16So now, look upon me… Please show mercy! Show Your might on behalf of Your child… Save the son of your slave girl… 17Give me a sign that [You’re with] me, And let those who hate me see it in shame… Let them know that it was You who came to my aid, And You’re the One who provided me comfort.
To the sons of KorAh; a Psalm of an ode.1Because you stand on His Holy Mountain, 2The gates of Zion are more loved [by Him] Than the rest of the tents within Jacob’s land. 3So, glorious things have been said about you, O you holy city of God.4To Babylon and RaHab, I’ll speak, As well as to all those who know me. {Look!} To the Philistines I’ll speak also, As well as to the peoples of Tyre, And to the Ethiopians, I’ll say:5‘There are men who call Zion their mother, For men have been born on her heights. 6This is how it’s described in the writings of men, Which tell of the kings who were born there.’7For all of these reasons, you should rejoice… You people who are dwelling upon her!
For the [music] director:An ode. A Psalm by the sons of KorAh to be played on the harp.The contemplation about HeMan, the IsraElite.1O Jehovah, my Savior and God; During the night, I’m calling to You. 2My prayer is ascending to You; So, hear the things that I’m begging.3With all kinds of trouble, my life has been filled, And my life is approaching the grave. 4Among those in the pit, I’ve been numbered… A man with no cure, I’ve become.5I’m free, like one of the dead… Like one who’s been killed and thrown into a tomb… I’m someone who You’ve forgotten… From Your hands, they took me and threw me away.6They’ve put me into the lowest of pits… In a place that’s dark like the shadow of death. 7For upon me, Your anger’s remained, And I’ve received all Your rage.8You’ve driven away all my friends, And made me disgusting to them. From them, I’ve been taken away, And no other place, may I go.9My eyes are now sore from crying, As I call to You throughout the whole day. To You, I’ve spread out my arms… Towards You, they’re now opened wide.10Can the dead speak to others of Your wonders? Will the dead arise and give praise to You? 11Will those in tombs tell of Your mercy? And will the destroyed [speak of] Your truth? 12Can Your wonders be seen in the darkness? Will Your justice be known in lands that are lost?13O Lord,In the morning, I cried out to You, And You knew my prayer before it was said! 14So why, O Lord, have You pushed me away? When will You turn Your face towards my soul?15I’ve been poor and troubled since youth… I was humbled and left with nothing at all. 16For upon me, You’ve poured out Your rage, And sent frightful things to disturb me.17Like water, they had me encircled all day, And now they have me surrounded. 18You’ve driven away all my dearest of friends, And because of my miserable condition, They’re [pretending that] they never knew me.
A Psalm of contemplation by Ethan the IsraElite.1Your mercies, O Lord, last throughout ages.
So, throughout generations, I’ll sing about them,
And my mouth will report of Your truths.
2For, throughout the ages, Your mercies will grow,
And Your truths will be lifted high into the skies.3[God says:]‘With My anointed, I’ve made an agreement…
I’ve sworn an oath to David, My servant,
4That I’ll watch over his offspring;
And from one generation after another,
I will establish his throne.’5So the heavens will praise all your wonders, O Lord,
And among the assembly, we’ll speak of Your truths.
6For, who in the clouds can be likened to [him],
And which of God’s sons is his equal?7So you councils of the holy: Glorify God!
For He’s great and He should be feared by us all.8O God of armies,There’s no other like You,
For You’re the Almighty Jehovah,
And You’re surrounded by truth.9Of the strength of the seas, You’re the Master;
For You can calm the waves when they rise.
10You humble and kill those who have too much pride,
And Your mighty arm drives our enemies away.11Yours is the heavens and Yours is the earth…
You founded man’s home and its fullness.
12It’s You who created the north and the west,
So, Tabor and Herman are shouting Your Name!13You dominate all with Your mighty arm;
So, strengthen Your hand and raise [Your arm] high.
14For, justice and fairness come from Your throne,
And from Your face, comes mercy and truth.15Blest are those who are shouting in joy…
In the light of Your face, may they travel, O Lord!
16May they shout in joy of Your Name every day,
For Your justice has lifted them higher.17You’re the power in which they can boast;
So may they trumpet in praise of Your goodness!
18For, Jehovah God is our helper…
The Holy One of IsraEl is our King!19In a vision, You spoke of Your son and You said:‘I’m sending them help through this great one I’ve raised…
This one whom I’ve chosen from My people.20‘For, I found David, My servant,
And with My holy oil, I anointed his head.
21So, with My right hand, I’ll help him,
And with My right arm, I’ll make him strong.22‘His enemies will take nothing from him,
And the lawless will do him no harm.
23Before him, I’ll cut his enemies down,
And I’ll chase away all those who hate him.
24My truth and My mercy are with him,
And his battle horn will be raised in My Name.25‘I’ll set his [left] hand over the sea
And his right hand over the river.
26Then he’ll call out to Me and he’ll say:‘Father, You are my God…
Yes, You’re my Savior and shield.’27‘I’ll appoint him to be my firstborn,
And put him over the kings of the earth.
28In mercy, I’ll guard him throughout the age,
And he can trust in the things that I’ve promised.29‘I’ll establish his offspring throughout the ages,
And his throne, as the days of the skies.
30But, if his sons should abandon My Laws
And choose not to walk in My ways…
31If My rules, they choose to profane,
And My Commandments, they no longer keep…
32For their lawless ways, I’ll send them My switch,
And whip them for all of their sins.33‘But in mercy, I’ll not wipe them away,
Nor in any way, will I wrong My truth.
34To My agreements, I’ll always be true,
And I won’t annul the things that I’ve said.
35So, after I’ve sworn My oath to him,
Could My holiness lie before David?36‘So, his offspring will last throughout the ages…
His throne will stand for as long as the sun,
37And it’ll endure like the moon…
These things I’ve prepared throughout the ages
As My trustworthy witness above in the skies.’38So, why have You thrust him away in contempt,
And against Your anointed, lifted [Your hand]?
39Have You wiped away the promise You made,
And defiled his safe havens throughout the land?40You’ve removed the barriers around him,
And turned his forts into places of fear.
41Those walking the roads have taken what’s his,
And he’s become the scorn of his neighbors.42You’ve raised the hands of those who oppress him,
And given his enemies joy.
43You’ve turned Your help from his broadsword,
And refused to assist him in war.44You’ve stopped making him clean,
And You’ve ripped his throne to the ground.
45You’ve shortened the days of his reign,
And upon him, You’ve poured shame.46How long, O Jehovah, will You turn away?
How long will Your rage keep on burning?
47Please notice these problems that I’m facing!In folly, You made sons of men;
48For, which living man will never see death?
Can he save his own soul from the grave?49So, where is Your mercy, O ancient Lord?
When You swore to David, were You telling the truth?
50Notice the scorn that Your servant’s received…
The scorn that the nations have sent to my belly…
51At Your anointed, Your enemies are laughing!52Amen… Throughout the age, may Jehovah be Praised!
A prayer of Moses, the man of God. 1O Jehovah, You’ve been our refuge From one generation to another. 2Before the mountains existed, And the earth (the dwelling of man) took its shape… Throughout ages of ages, You’ve been there.3So, please don’t humble Your people. For You said:‘Return to Me, sons of men!’4Why, a thousand years in Your eyes, O Jehovah, Are like yesterday, after they’ve passed… They’re like a watch in the night. 5But the years [of men] are looked on in scorn, For like sprouting plants, we just pass away… 6In the morning, we blossom and sprout, And in the evening, we dry up and fall.7Now, we’ve failed in the face of Your anger, And we’ve been disturbed by Your rage. 8For the Laws that we’ve broken are all there before You… They stand in the light of Your face.9Yes, all of our days have been failures, And we’ve even failed when it comes to Your rage. Our years are as brief as the time that it takes For a spider to think [of catching its prey].10Our days may last for 70 years, Or if You command, until 80. But they’re mostly spent in misery and toil, ‘Til we mellow and accept [Your] correction.11Who knows the power of Your rage? And because of the fear of Your anger, How can we number our days?12So, please expose Your right hand to me, And send Your wisdom into my heart, That I may receive Your correction.13How long will it be, O Jehovah, Until You turn back to us? Please send comfort to Your servants!14For, in the morning, O Lord, We were filled with Your mercy… We shouted in joy and were happy each day. 15We were grateful for even the days we were humbled, After many years of seeing the bad.16So please, look on Your servants (Your works), And to our sons, send Your guidance. 17Send us Your light, O Jehovah our God, And bless all things that we do with our hands… Yes, please bless the works of our hands!
A Psalm of Praise by David. 1Those who live in the care of the Most High And lodge under the God of heaven’s protection 2Will say:‘You’re my refuge and shield… You’re my God, and You’re the One whom I trust.’3From the snares of hunters, He’ll save you… He’ll rescue you from all your problems. 4With the shadow of His back, He will shield you, And under His wings, He will hide you, Where you’ll be surrounded by truth.5You won’t be afraid of things in the night; Of arrows that fly during the day; 6Of things that happen, which you haven’t planned; Of things that travel in darkness; Or of the demon at noon.7A thousand will fall at your right, And ten thousand, you’ll hold in your hand. 8You’ll see it all with your eyes and then think:‘This is the outcome for sinners.’9O Jehovah, You’re the One whom I trust.If you’ll make the Most High your refuge, 10Nothing bad will approach you And the whip won’t enter your tent. 11For, to His messengers, He will give orders… He’ll tell them to keep an eye on your ways, 12So then, with their hands, they’ll lift you, And no stone will stumble your feet. 13You can step on an asp or a cobra, And trample on lions or dragons.14[And God says:]‘Because he trusts Me, I’ll save him… I’ll be his shelter, for he knows My Name. 15He will cry out to Me and I’ll listen, And during hard times, I’ll be there.‘I’ll rescue and glorify him… 16I’ll extend the days of his life, And show him the many ways that I can save.’
A Psalm for the Sabbath Day. 1It’s good to praise You, O Most High Jehovah, And to strum to Your Name… 2To [sing] of Your mercies each morning And about Your truths every night, 3As [I strum] on my lute of 10-strings… Playing songs of You on my harp.4O Jehovah,You bring me much joy With all the things that You do. So I’ll shout in praise of the works of Your hands.5How great are Your deeds, O Jehovah, And how deep are the things that You think!6A foolish man won’t understand, And such things, the senseless can’t comprehend; 7Although sinners keep arising like grass, And the lawless keep on increasing; Throughout ages of ages, they’ll be destroyed.8Throughout the ages, You’ve been the Most High! 9So, when you notice Your enemies, Lord, {Look!} You’ll scatter them and they’ll perish… All those who work at doing what’s bad.10Like a great rhinoceros, I’ll raise my horn high, And until I’m old, offer You plenty of oil.11Although my eyes must look on my enemies (Those who are rising against me), And although my ears must still hear of the wicked; 12Soon the righteous will blossom like palms, And grow like Lebanon’s cedars… 13Those who are planted in the House of the Lord, And those in God’s courtyard, will bloom. 14There, they’ll grow old and have plenty, And take much pleasure in proclaiming:15‘Our God, Jehovah, is righteous, And in Him, there’s no injustice.’
For the Sabbath Day, after being resettled in the land. A song of praise by David. 1Jehovah reigns and brings beauty… He’s wrapped Himself in great power… Man’s home, He’s made steady and firm… 2And your throne, He’s prepared throughout the ages.3O Jehovah,The rivers have risen, And the waters have lifted their voices. 4But the rivers will be taken away… By the sounds of many waters, You’ll wear them away.How wonderful are the tides of the sea, As well as all the high places.5[And God says:]‘The witness that you’ve given can be trusted; So to your House, will come what’s clean, Throughout the rest of your days.’
A Psalm of David for the 4th Sabbath. 1Jehovah is a God who seeks vengeance, And this God who seeks vengeance has spoken. 2So arise, O Judge of the earth, And pay the haughty all that they’re due!3O Jehovah,How much longer will the sinners remain? How much longer will the sinners have reason to boast? 4For, when they speak, they do so unjustly, And they boast when they’re breaking [Your] Laws!5O Jehovah,They’re mistreating Your people… To Your inheritance, they’re doing what’s bad. 6They’re killing the orphans and widows, And murder the foreigners who come here.7They’ve said:‘Jehovah can’t see… Jacob’s God doesn’t know [what we’re doing].’8Look, you fools among [men]… You should think it over, then stop! 9Is the [maker] of ears unable to hear… Is the shaper of eyes unable to see?10Won’t the One who corrects all the nations And teaches knowledge to men, Also bring correction to you? 11Jehovah knows what wise men think, [and their thoughts] are useless.12O blest is the man who’s corrected by You… So please, Lord; teach him Your Laws. 13Back him away from his evil days, And then, he’ll dig graves for the sinners. 14For, Jehovah won’t push His people away… His inheritance, He will never abandon.15How long until righteous judgments return… Until those with straight hearts receive what’s fair? 16Who will oppose the wicked with me… Who’ll stand and oppose the law breakers? 17For, if it weren’t for the help of Jehovah, My soul would have gone to the place of the dead.18Did I ask for my feet to start shaking? O Jehovah, show mercy and help me! 19Despite all the grief in my heart; To my soul, You’ve brought comfort and love.20Will the thrones of the lawless continue before You… Those turning order into chaos? 21Will You let them keep hunting for the souls of the righteous, And keep on shedding innocent blood?22Jehovah has become a refuge to me… My God is my helper and hope. 23He will give the lawless what they deserve, And remove them from view for their badness.
A song of praise by David. 1Come and shout praise to Jehovah… About God, our Savior, we’ll yell! 2We should stand in His presence and praise Him… To Him we should sing sacred hymns! 3For God, Jehovah, is great… He’s the King of the whole earth!4In His hands, He holds the ends of the earth As well as the tops of the mountains. 5His are the seas, for He made them, And with His hands, He shaped the dry land.6So, let us all bow down before Him… Let’s weep before Him, since He made us. 7We’re the sheep of His pasture and He is our God… We’re the sheep that He holds in His hands.8Therefore, if you should hear His voice on this day, Don’t harden your hearts… Don’t be bitter like they were in that day When they put Him to the test in the desert.9[For God says:]‘I was tested and tried by your fathers, Although they’d already seen the things that I’d done. 10So I came to loathe that generation, And they wandered for the next 40 years.‘In their hearts, they knew not My ways, 11So I swore this oath in My rage:‘They will not enter My rest.’
1Sing a new song to Jehovah! Sing to the Lord of the earth! 2Yes, you should sing to Jehovah, And shout in praise of His Name!Proclaim the good news every day… The good news about how He saves. 3Speak of His glory to the gentiles… Tell others about all His wonders!4Jehovah is great and worthy of praise… He’s more to be feared than all other gods! 5For the gods of the nations are demons, But Jehovah created the heavens.6Before Him are beauty and praiseworthy things… Clean and majestic is His Holy Place.7O you families from all of the nations; You should offer [gifts] to Jehovah… To the Lord, give glory and honor, 8And speak in praise about His great Name!Bring offerings to His holy courtyard, And before the Lord, you should bow; 9For, in front of His face, the earth trembles!10Say to the nations:‘Jehovah is King… He’s the One who established man’s home So that it’ll never be shaken, And He will judge the peoples in justice!’11Be glad you heavens, and earth, shout in joy… May the seas and what’s in them be shaken! 12Rejoice, O you fields and you crops; And you trees in the forests should cry out in joy 13Before the face of Jehovah.For He’s coming to judge the whole earth, And bring justice to man’s habitation… All the people will be judged by His truth!
A Psalm of David for when his [kingdom] was established. 1Shout in joy, O earth, because the Lord reigns! Let all of the islands be happy! 2For, although He’s surrounded by darkness and clouds, On justice and judgments, He’s founded His throne, 3And flames shoot out from before Him To consume His enemies in fire.4The lightning that He sent was seen by [all men]. They saw it, and it shook the whole earth. 5Like bee’s wax, the mountains have melted before Him… Before the face of the Lord of the earth.6The heavens speak of His justice, And His glory is seen by all peoples. 7So those bowing to carvings are shamed, As are those who boast of their idols. For, before Him, the angels bow to their feet!8Zion is happy and Judah’s daughters are shouting in joy Over Your judgments, O Lord. 9For, You’re the Most High of the whole earth… You’re higher than all other gods!10All those who are loving Jehovah Must [learn] to hate what’s bad! For Jehovah guards the lives of the holy, And from the hands of sinners, protects them.11Upon the righteous, light is shining, And those with straight hearts will have reasons for joy. 12So you righteous: take joy in Jehovah! Remember and praise all His ways!
A Psalm of David. 1Sing a new song to Jehovah About the wonderful things He’s done. For He brings salvation with His holy right arm.2Jehovah is known to the nations [As a God] who can save and bring justice. 3For, He remembered His mercy to Jacob, And to the house of IsraEl, He sent His truth. Yes, to the ends of the earth, they’ve seen how He saves, And they know that our God can deliver!4So, shout to [Jehovah], all you on the earth! Yes, sing… Cry out and strum! 5Play to Jehovah with harps, And along with the strumming, sing psalms! 6With brass trumpets and the blowing of horns, Shout to Jehovah, our King!7Roar, O seas, and all that’s in them… Man’s home and all those who live there! 8Clap your hands, O you rivers, And mountains, cry out in joy at His face!9For He’s coming to judge the whole earth… In fairness and justice, He will judge Man’s home and all of its peoples.
A Psalm of David. 1Because Jehovah now reigns, Many people will be very angry. For the One who’s sitting on cherubs Is coming to shake up the earth.2Great is Jehovah on Zion, For, He’s above all the peoples. 3So, may they all give praise to His Name, Because He’s holy and fearsome.4Our Mighty King is a lover of justice; So, He’s prepared righteous judgments… Yes, He will bring justice to Jacob.5May our God Jehovah be raised… He’s holy, so all should bow at His feet!6Among His Priests, numbered Moses and Aaron, And SamuEl is someone who called on His Name. They called to the Lord and He heard them, 7Then He spoke to them from a column of clouds. For, they had guarded His words And they obeyed the orders He gave them.8Yes, O Jehovah, You heard them! O God, You became their provider, And You punished them for the bad things they did.9So our God Jehovah should be raised high, And to His holy Mountain, all should bow low; For Jehovah is the most holy God.
A Psalm of praise by David. 1Shout to God, all the earth… 2Yes, serve Jehovah in joy! Go before Him with happy shouts, 3And know that Jehovah is God!For, we didn’t do it… He made us! We’re His people… The sheep of His pasture. 4So, go to His gates shouting praises, And enter His courtyard with hymns.Go praising His Name and confessing; 5For, throughout the ages, He’s proven His mercy… Throughout generations, He’s proven His truth.
A Psalm of David. 1O Jehovah, I’ll sing of Your mercy and justice… 2Of Your perfect ways, I’ll strum. How long will it be until You return? For in my home, there are innocent hearts.3I’ve not set my eyes on things that are bad, And illegal things, I’ve hated. 4Towards things that are crooked, my heart has not turned, And evil men, I’ve rejected.5Those who privately speak ill of friends, I have driven away, And I’ll not eat beside eyes that are proud, Nor with those who have hungry hearts.6My eyes are on the trustworthy… They’re the ones with whom I’ll sit… Those who’ve chosen to walk in pure ways, And those who’ve shared in my rule.7For, no one with pride can stay in my house, And before my eyes, the unrighteous can’t stand. 8In the morning, I’ll destroy the land’s sinners, Along with the lawless who live in the towns.
A prayer for the poor when they’re discouraged and come before Jehovah to pour out their hearts. 1Please hear my prayer, O Jehovah… Please listen to my cries when I come before You. 2Don’t turn Your face when I need You, But incline Your ear closer to me… Whenever I call, please respond!3For my days have passed by like smoke, And my bones are parched like dry twigs. 4Like grass, I’ve been mowed down, So my heart forgets to eat bread.5My bones stick out from my flesh, And they’re [tired] of the sounds of my groaning. 6Like a pelican, I [travel] alone… I’ve become like the owl in its range.7Sleepless, [I lie throughout the whole night], And I live like a sparrow alone on the roof. 8All day, my enemies berate me, And those who once praised me now swear oaths against me.9Ashes, I’ve eaten for bread, And my drink has become my own tears. 10For, with the anger and rage of Your face, You lifted me up and then broken me down.11Like shadows, my days have declined, And I’ve dried up like hay. 12But You, O Lord, live throughout ages… From generation to generation, You’re remembered.13So arise and feel pity for Zion, Since the time for its pity is due. 14To Your servants, her stones are all very dear, And over her dust, they feel sorrow.15O Lord,Among all the nations, Your Name is revered, And all kings of the earth speak of Your glory. 16For Jehovah will rebuild Zion once more, And there, He will appear in His glory.17He [hears] the prayers of the humble, And He has no contempt for the things they request. 18So, let this be written for each generation, Then those born anew will all praise the Lord.19Jehovah looks down from His home in the heights… He sees the earth from the heavens. 20From there, He hears the moans of the shackled, And He releases the sons of the condemned.21In Zion, announce the Name of the Lord, And shout His praises in JeruSalem! 22For, all the peoples, as well as their kings, Will soon be serving Jehovah.23Then, in His mighty way, He will speak And tell me how few of my days yet remain. 24But, please don’t [give me] just half of my days; For Your years are throughout generations.[Editor note: Verses 25 to 27 are applied to Jesus at Hebrews 1:10-12, so for the remainder of this Psalm, we haven’t capitalized the words ‘you,’ ‘him,’ and ‘your,’ which is normally done for God Almighty. Greek and Hebrew didn’t have capital letters back then. 25In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, And the heavens are the works of your hands. 26Yet, they’ll pass by, while you still remain, And like clothes (an old robe), they’ll grow old.Then you’ll wrap them up and they will be changed. 27But, you’re the same, for your years don’t expire. 28So the sons of your servants will live in [your] camp, And throughout ages, their offspring will remain.
A Psalm of David. 1I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole soul… Yes I’ll praise Him with all that’s in me, And I’ll give praise to His Holy Name!2Praise Jehovah, my soul, And don’t forget how He’s blest us. 3For He’s covered our sins and law breaking, And He’s cured us from all of our ills… 4He’s ransomed us from life’s corruptions, And then He crowned us with mercy.5With good things, He fulfills our desires, And like mighty eagles, He gives back our youth. 6For Jehovah freely provides, And sends justice to those who’ve been wronged.7To Moses, His ways were revealed, And to IsraEl’s sons, He showed His desires.8Jehovah feels pity and mercy… He’s forgiving and filled with compassion. 9To the end, you won’t make Him angry, Nor throughout the ages, will He cherish wrath.10He hasn’t repaid us for our lawlessness deeds, Nor has He kept count of our sins.11As high as the heavens are over the earth Is His mercy towards all those who fear Him. 12And as the distance between east and west, Has He set us from the laws that we’ve broken.13As a father shows mercy upon his own sons, Is how He feels mercy for all those who fear Him. 14For, He remembers how we were once formed, And He doesn’t forget that we’re just dust.15For, the days of a man are like grass, Or like the blossoms of flowers in a field. 16So, when the wind blows, he passes away, And his place is thereafter forgotten.17God shows ages of mercy to all those who fear Him, And gives justice to the sons of their sons… 18On all those who guard His Sacred Agreement, And on those who obey His Commandments.19Jehovah has prepared His throne in the skies, And in His Kingdom, He’s the Master of all. 20So, praise Jehovah, you angels; For He shows His might and His strength To those who pay attention to His words.21Yes, praise Jehovah, His armies… All His servants who are doing His Will. 22Praise Jehovah, all of His works, Every place within in His dominion. Yes, praise Jehovah, my soul!
A Psalm of David 1O my soul; give praise to the Lord…
Give praise to Jehovah, my God!You’ve made Yourself great and praiseworthy,
And clothed Yourself in much beauty.
2You wrap Yourself up in light like a robe,
And You stretch out the heavens like leather.3With water, You’ve filled its ‘roof’ and ‘upper rooms,’
And as Your ‘chariot,’ You created the clouds,
Which You ride on the wings of a breeze.
4Your angels, You’ve made like the winds,
And Your servants are like flames of fire.5You’ve laid and made firm the foundations of the earth,
So throughout ages of ages, it won’t fail.6The depths [of the seas] are Your wrap,
And on the mountains, You’ve piled water.
7But, at Your reproach, they’ll all pass away…
They’ll quake at the sound of Your thunder.8Then the waters will pour down the mountains,
And descend from there to the plains…
To wherever You tell them to go.9You’ve set limits that [the seas] may not pass,
So they can’t cover the land.
10You send rain as springs into valleys,
So that, from the mountains, rivers will flow.11To wild beasts in the fields, You send water,
Which wild burros use to satisfy thirst…
12As do the winged creatures that live in the skies,
Which build their nests between rocks,
Where they can sound out their cries.13You send water to the mountains from Your upper rooms
To fill the lands with the fruits of Your works…
14And to make grasses grow for the cattle to eat,
As well as all the young sprouts,
Which bring us food from the ground.15[You give] wine to men to make their hearts glad,
And olive oil, as a blessing to their faces…
Then, for their hearts, You provide them with bread.16The plains, You’ve filled up with [trees],
And the cedars of Lebanon were Your planting.
17It’s there that the sparrows build nests,
Until herons take over their dwellings.18[You created] high mountains for wild goats to roam…
You made rocks as the refuge for badgers.
19You made the moon to show us the seasons,
As well as the sun, which knows when to set.20You made the darkness of night,
Where beasts in the woods roam about…
21It’s when lion cubs roar and attack,
Seeking by God, to find food.22But, when the sun rises, they gather
And return to their dens to lie down.
23That’s when men arise and then go to work,
Continuing their toil until dusk.24So, how great are Your works, O Jehovah;
You created it all in Your wisdom…
You’ve filled the earth with the things that You’ve made.25You made the vast lands and great seas,
Where animals that slither may dwell.
There’s no way to count all Your creatures…
All the great and the small.26For, boats pass over [other] wild beasts,
Which You created in fun.
27Yet, they all expect to be nourished by You,
And to receive it at the right time.28So, You’re the One [whom they trust] to provide…
You open Your hand and they’re filled with what’s good.
29But if You turn away, it upsets them;
And if you should hold back their breath,
They’d die and go back to the dust.30Then, with Your Breath, You’ll create them again,
When You renew the face of the earth.
31So, may God’s glory last throughout the ages,
And may He find joy in the things that He’s made.32He just looks at the earth and it trembles…
He touches the mountains and they start to smoke.
33So, with my whole soul, I’ll sing to the Lord…
For as long as I live, I’ll strum to my God.34May He find my verses delightful…
May they make Jehovah’s heart glad.
35May all the sinners expire from the earth,
And may all the lawless no longer exist!Yes, praise Jehovah, my soul!
1Praise Jehovah… Yes, call on His Name… Tell all the nations of the things He’s done! 2Sing to Him and strum well… Try to describe all His wonders, 3Then applaud His most holy Name… May the hearts of those who seek Him find joy!4Yes, seek Jehovah and you’ll grow strong… Always search for His face. 5Don’t forget the wonders He’s brought… The miracles and judgments that come from His mouth.6You offspring of AbraHam… His servants; You sons of Jacob… His chosen; 7He is Jehovah our God Whose decisions are [seen] throughout the whole earth.8He remembers His age-long Agreement… His promise throughout a thousand generations… 9The Agreement that He made with AbraHam, And the oath that He gave to IsaAc.10With Jacob, He set out the rules That IsraEl [was to follow] throughout the ages. 11Then He said:‘To you, I’ll give CanaAn’s land… Your inheritance is a measured allotment of ground.’12[Yet, back then], their numbers were few (Not many were visiting [the land]), 13And they traveled from nation to nation… From one kingdom on to another.14But, He allowed no one to harm them… He sent warnings to their kings, in which He said:15‘Don’t touch My anointed, And don’t do any harm to My Prophets.’16Then, to their lands, He sent famine, So they could not trust in their bread. 17And a man named JoSeph, He sent them… A slave who’d been purchased [with money].18He’d been humbled with shackles on his feet, And his soul had been pierced through by iron. 19But, after the Word had arrived, Signs from the Lord purified him.20For the king sent word to release him… By a ruler of the peoples, he was set free. 21Then this man made him master over his house, And put him in charge of all his domain.22So [JoSeph] appointed rulers, as he saw fit, And for wisdom, he looked to the elders.23Then IsraEl traveled to Egypt… Ham’s land was visited by Jacob. 24And there, his people grew greater… Mightier than their enemies, [God] made them.25Then [God] brought a change to [Egyptian] hearts, So they’d start hating His people, And with His servants, deal badly.26So, He sent His servants, Aaron and Moses (Those whom He’d chosen to serve Him), 27And through them, He sent the [Egyptians] His signs… To the land of Ham, He sent miracles.28[God] sent darkness and it became dark, But against His words, [PharaOh] chose to rebel. 29Into blood, He then changed their water, And He killed off all of their fish.30Then frogs crawled onto their land, And into the closets of kings. 31He spoke, and stable flies came, Which was followed by fleas, to their borders.32Into hail and fire, He then turned their rain, Which burned throughout the whole land. 33Thereafter, He struck their grapevines and figs… He broke every tree in their country.34He spoke, then locusts and grasshoppers came… So many that they couldn’t be counted, 35Which devoured all their grasses and fruit.36Thereafter, He struck down their firstborn… The first-fruits of all they’d accomplished. 37And with silver and gold, He then led us away, So our tribes were no longer poor.38The Egyptians were happy just to see us go, For with fear, they’d been overcome. 39Then He spread out a cloud to protect us, And sent fire as our light throughout the night.40We asked Him for [meat], so He sent us quail, And with bread from the sky, we were filled. 41He tore open the rock and water poured out; So a river then flowed through the desert.42For, He hadn’t forgotten His Holy Word… What He’d promised to AbraHam, His servant. 43So He led out His people shouting in joy… His chosen, thereafter left happy!44Then He gave us the lands of great nations… We inherited things for which others had worked. 45So, we should now guard His decisions, And always search for His Laws.
Praise Jah! 1Praise Jehovah, because He provides, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.2Who’ll tell of His mighty deeds, And speak out loud in His praise?3Blest are those who are honest, And do what’s righteous each season.4O Jehovah, please don’t forget us… Remember the kindness that You’ve shown Your people… Please come visit and save us!5Your elected find joy in seeing the good, And Your people should loudly applaud The inheritance that You assigned them by lots.6But, we and our fathers have sinned… We’ve broken [Your] Laws and done wrong! 7Why, even our fathers in Egypt, Didn’t understand all Your wonders, Nor did they remember Your mercies.For, they’d even rebelled, While going down through the Red Sea. 8Yet, You saved them because of Your Name, And You let them see all Your powers.9You scolded the Sea and it dried, Then You guided them through that abyss, [And led them up] into the desert.10From those who disliked them, You saved them… You ransomed them from their enemy’s hands. 11Then You covered their oppressors with water, Leaving not a single survivor.12When they trusted Your Word, they were blest… 13But, they quickly forgot the things that You did, And they failed to await Your instructions. 14For, they wanted the things they desired, And they put You to the test in the desert.15Then You gave them the things they’d asked for, And You sent them enough to satisfy them. 16But then, they provoked Moses to rage, As well as Your holy one, Aaron.17So You opened the ground, and it swallowed Dathan! Then it covered all of AbiRom’s group, 18As a fire blazed in the midst of the camp, Where its flames consumed all the sinners.19Then, in that dry place, they made a [gold] calf, And they bowed to the thing that was carved. 20They changed [Your] Glory to a calf that eats grass, 21Forgetting the God who had saved them… The One who did those great things in Egypt 22(The wonders [that He’d sent] to Ham’s land), And His awesome deeds at the Red Sea.23So He spoke and said He’d destroy them; But, Moses (His chosen) just stood there Among those whom God wished to destroy. [Then Moses] approached and turned back His rage, So He chose not to wipe them away.24But then, they looked with contempt On that glorious land, And in the things that He’d promised, they didn’t have faith. 25So they stood in their tents and they grumbled, Refusing to hear the voice of the Lord.26Thus against them, He then raised His hand, To cut them down in the desert… 27To scatter their offspring to the nations, And to spread them among many lands.28For, they also bowed to BaAl Peor, And sacrifices to the dead, they consumed. 29They did all that they could to provoke Him, And to bring more blows on themselves.30Yet, PhineHas stood and offered atonement, And held back [God’s plans to] destroy them. 31As a result, he was thought of as righteous, Throughout all generations and ages.32Then they made Him angry once more, There at the Waters of Dispute, Where a bad thing happened to Moses. 33For they made his spirit grow bitter, And then he drew open his lips.34Thereafter, they failed to destroy all the nations, As Jehovah had told them to do… 35They mixed with the gentiles and learned of their ways, 36Bowing to their idols, to offend Him, 37And offering their sons and daughters to demons!38They poured out innocent blood… The blood of their own sons and daughters! To the carvings of CanaAn, they sacrificed them, And polluted the land with murder and blood.39[So the land] was defiled by the things they did, And they became practicing whores. 40So with His people, Jehovah was angry… His inheritance, He started to hate.41Then He gave them into their enemies’ hands… Those who hated and ruled over them. 42He allowed their enemies to oppress them, And humble them under their hands.43Although He came back to save them time and again, They kept on making Him angry, And all they did was talk back. So, they were humbled for the bad things they did.44Yet, when He saw how they were oppressed, He listened to the things that they begged. 45He remembered His Sacred Agreement, And mercifully turned to them once again… 46Before those who had captured them, He showed them deep compassion.47So, Jehovah our God, please save us, And gather us back from the nations, So we may praise Your most Holy Name, And boast about You once again!48O praise Jehovah throughout ages of ages! To this, all should shout:‘May it be!’
Praise Jah! 1Praise Jehovah, because He provides… His mercies endure throughout the ages.2About Jehovah, this has been said By those whom He saved from their enemies’ hands… 3From the places from which He’d gathered them back… From the north, south, east, and the sea.4They wandered in the desert without water, And no town could they find as their home… 5So their lives were failing from hunger and thirst.6Then in great distress, they called to the Lord, And He rescued them from this condition. 7He guided them in a straight path To a city that they could call home.8So, may they give praise to Jehovah, For all the mercies [He’s shown], And the wonders that He brings to sons of men.9He sends fulfillment to empty lives, And He fills the hungry with good things… 10Those who sit in the shadow of death, And the poor who are shackled in irons.11But, against God’s Word, they rebelled, And counsel from above, they rejected. 12So their hearts were humbled and troubled… They were weakened and no one came to their aid!13Then, in their affliction, they called to the Lord, And He saved them from their distress. 14Thereafter, He tore off their shackles, And led them from the shadow of death.15So, let them praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He brings to sons of men. 16For He broke down all those brass gates, And He smashed their iron bars into pieces.17Due to their lawless ways, He kept humbling them to drive out their pride 18Until they no longer could eat their own food, And they were approaching death’s gates.19Then, in their distress, they called to the Lord, And He saved them from their condition… 20He sent them His word and it healed them, And saved them from their corruption.21So, may they praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He sends to sons of men. 22Sacrifices of praise, they should offer, And then shout in joy for the things He’s done!23The men who go down to the sea in their boats And those who work across many waters, 24Have all beheld the works of Jehovah, And they’ve seen the wonders that He brings to the depths.25For He spoke and established the winds and the gales, Which arise and create the tall waves 26That lift them high into the sky; Then, to the abyss, they descend… And this melts away the bad in their lives.27For, this upsets them and shakes them, Then they swallow their wisdom like drunks. 28When they’re in danger, they cry to the Lord, And from their distress, He then leads them.29For, He sends His orders to the gales, Which become just a breeze to quiet the waves. 30Then they’re all joyful after it’s still, And He guides them towards the harbors they seek.31So, let them praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He shows to sons of men. 32Before gatherings of peoples, they should praise Him, And before the seats of their elders.33Although He created a river in the desert, And to a thirsty land, brought water; 34The land still bore fruit that was bad, Because of the evil of those living there.35But He turned a desert into water-filled lakes, And into dry ground, [He put] springs, 36Where He thereafter settled the hungry, And led them to cities in which they’d live.37There they planted vineyards and fields, Which brought the produce of fruit. 38He blest them, and soon they were many, And not very few were their cattle, 39After they’d been decreased and mistreated… Afflicted with evil and grief.40Contempt had been poured on their rulers, And they’d wandered in places without any roads. 41But He removed poor conditions from their needy, And He treated their families like His own flock. 42Then, all the upright were joyful, As the mouths of the lawless were blocked.43So, who now has enough wisdom, To understand all the mercies of God?
A Psalm of David. 1My heart is prepared, O my God… In my glory, I’ll now sing and play! 2Awaken my glory, my lute, and my harp, As I’m arising at dawn.3O Lord,Among all the peoples, I’ll offer You praise; About You, I’ll strum to the nations, 4Because Your mercy is great… It’s higher than even the skies, And Your truth reaches into the clouds!5May Your glory grow higher than the heavens, O God… Yes, far above the whole earth.6Please bring salvation to Your loved ones… Please hear me and save me with Your mighty hand!7Then in Holiness, God spoke and said this:‘[My Name] will be lifted high. For, I’ll subdivide SheChem, And lay out My tents in its valley. 8GileAd is Mine, ManasSeh is Mine, And Ephraim is the pillow for My head. 9Judah [is the place of] My king, And of My plans against Edom, MoAb’s the kettle.‘So I’ll stick out My shoe [and step down], And to Me, the Philistines will bow. 10Can they save their fortified cities from Me? Can they serve as My guide into Edom?’11However, O God, You’ve pushed us away… So Lord, won’t You send us Your [angels]?12In this time of oppression, please send us Your aid; For the salvation of man has no value. 13Only by God do we have any strength… On our enemies, only He can show our contempt.
To the [music] director:A Psalm of David. 1O God of my praise, don’t stay silent, 2For sinners and liars have spoken against me. They speak against me with deceitful tongues, 3And I’m covered with their hateful words.4They battle with me for no reason… Instead of love, they send slander… So to You, I’ll lay out my prayer!5Instead of good, they’re bringing what’s bad, And they’re showing hate [in return for] my love.6So, send them away with the sinners, And put the Slanderer at their right hand. 7When they’re judged, may they leave as condemned, And may their prayers be thought of as sins.8May their days no longer be many, And may others take their positions. 9May all their sons become orphans, And may all their wives become widows.10Let their sons wander and beg… May they be driven away from their homes. 11May bankers search for the things that they own, And may strangers loot all they’ve worked for.12May no one come to protect them, And may no one pity their orphans. 13May all their children be wiped away… In one generation, may their names be erased.14May Jehovah remember the sins of their fathers… May the sins of their mothers remain. 15May they stand [in judgment] before You, O Lord… May their memory be wiped from the land.16For, they forgot to show mercy, And they chased a man who’s needy and poor… Someone whose heart has been broken.17Since they love curses, may they get them; Since they offer no blessings, may they go far away.18They wore curses as though they were clothes, Which poured like water within them, And became like oil in their bones.19So, may they wear their curses like robes… May they wear them like belts on their waists. 20May this be the reward from Jehovah For all those [guilty of] slander, And for those speaking bad of my soul.21O Lord, Jehovah, please help me, For the sake of Your Name and Your mercy. 22Rescue me, for I’m poor and in need, And my heart is deeply disturbed.23Like a shadow that passes, I’ve been removed… I’ve been [eaten] away as by locusts. 24My knees are now weakened from fasting, And for lack of oil, my flesh has been changed.25To them, I’m someone to laugh at… They look at me and just shake their heads. 26So help me, Jehovah, my God; In Your mercy, please send me your aid, 27And let them know that this came by Your hand… That it’s You, O Jehovah, that did this!28Upon themselves, may their curses fall, But please, [my God], send [me] blessings. May those who’ve risen against me be shamed; But, may Your servant find joy.29On those guilty of slander, bring shame… Wrap them in shame as though it were clothes. 30Then, I’ll offer You praises, my Lord… With my mouth, I’ll praise You to many.31Now He stands at this poor one’s right hand, To save me from those pursuing my soul.
A Psalm of David. 1Jehovah said this to my lord:‘Sit here at My right hand ’Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet. 2A powerful scepter, I’ll send you from Zion, And amidst your enemies, you’ll rule.3‘You’ll be sovereign in the day that you start to rule, And your holy ones will then shine. For, since the time that you came from the womb I’ve made you the [bright] morning star.’4This oath was sworn by Jehovah, And for it, He will never repent:‘You’ll be a Priest throughout the ages In the order of MelchiZedek, 5And at My right hand, you’ll sit.‘In the day of your rage, you will shatter kings, 6And you’ll be the judge of the nations.‘Then you’ll fill their [lands] with the dead, And you’ll shatter many heads on the earth. 7From the [Kidron] Wadi, you’ll drink, And there, you’ll raise your head high.’
Praise Jah! 1I’ll praise You, Jehovah, with my whole heart, And Your instructions, [I’ll share with] the righteous.2The deeds of Jehovah are great, And He searches for those whom He loves. 3Majestic and worthy are the things that He does, And throughout ages of ages, His justice endures.4He’s made His wonders not to be forgotten, And Jehovah shows pity and great empathy. 5He nourishes all those who fear Him, And throughout ages, remembers what He promised.6His powerful deeds, He’s announced to His people, And they’ll inherit the nations.7The works of His hands are all just and true, And His commands are very trustworthy. 8So, throughout the age of the ages His truth and uprightness will stand.9He will ransom His people, And throughout ages, He will give them instructions Concerning His Holy Sacred Agreement, And of how His Name should be feared.10Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah, And those who take this [to heart] Will be understanding and good… They’ll be praised throughout the age And into the age of the ages.
Praise Jah. 1Blest are those who fear Jehovah And desire to obey His Commandments. 2For their offspring will grow strong on the land, And throughout generations, their ways will be blest.3Glory and wealth will dwell in their homes, And throughout ages of ages, The good things they do will endure.4For the upright, they’ll light up the darkness, And show pity and mercy to the righteous.5Kind people feel compassion and lend, And they manage their matters uprightly. 6So, they’ll endure throughout the ages, And the righteous won’t be forgotten.7They won’t have to fear any bad news, For they’ve readied their hearts to trust in the Lord. 8And because their hearts are so sure; They’ll not fear enemies.9For, they contribute to the needy, And throughout the ages, they prove themselves just; So their trumpets will be lifted in glory.10But in anger, the sinners will see this… They’ll grind their teeth, and then melt away Along with the things they desired.
Praise Jah. 1His servants should all praise Jehovah… Yes, praise the Name of the Lord. 2May the Name Jehovah be praised Both now and into the ages.3From the time the sun rises until it descends, It praises the Name of the Lord. 4For Jehovah is above all the nations, And His glory exists in the heavens.5Who else is like Jehovah our God, The One who dwells in high places? 6To the humble, He pays close attention… Both those in the heavens and those on the earth.7He raises the poor from the ground, And from cesspools, He raises the needy. 8Then He sits them next to the rulers… Those who are over His people.9He provides homes for the childless, And large houses for those who have many [children].
Praise Jah. 1After IsraEl left Egypt, And the house of Jacob fled the barbaric; 2Judah was chosen for [God’s] Holy Place, And IsraEl was His power to accomplish.3So, when the sea beheld them, it shied away, And the JorDan turned around and flowed backwards. 4Then the mountains started leaping like rams, And the hills were behaving like lambs.What was it with you, O sea… Why did you withdraw from before them… Yes, why did you move away? And JorDan, why did you flow backwards? 6You mountains... Why were you leaping like rams? And Hills, why were you behaving like lambs?7In the presence [of the Lord], the ground rattled… It shivered before Jacob’s God! 8For, from a rock, He brought water, And from stone, He chiseled a spring.
The Idols. 1Don’t just do it for us, O Jehovah… Don’t just do it for our sakes! Do it to glorify Your Name, And to show them all Your mercy and truth, 2So the nations won’t ever have a reason to ask:‘What has become of your God?’3Our God dwells in the heavens, And on the earth, He does as He wishes. 4Yet, the nations worship idols of silver and gold… Things that are made by men’s hands.5These idols have mouths that can’t speak; They also have eyes that can’t see; 6Although they have ears, they can’t hear, And their noses smell nothing at all.7They have hands they can’t grab things with; And although they have feet, they can’t walk, Nor can they speak with their throats. 8So, let those who made them, be like them, Along with all who are bowing before them.9The house of IsraEl puts faith in Jehovah; For, He’s their defender and helper. 10The house of Aaron puts hope in the Lord; For, He’s their defender and helper. 11All those who are fearing Jehovah Are those who put trust in their Lord; For, He’s their defender and helper.12Jehovah remembered and blest us… The house of IsraEl, He blest, And the house of Aaron, He blest… 13He’s blest both the great and the small… All that put trust in the Lord.14May the Lord provide for you and your sons… 15May you all be blest by Jehovah… The One who created the heavens and earth. 16And even though the heavens belong to [our God], To the sons of men, He gave the earth.17The dead won’t praise You, Jehovah, Nor will those who are going into the grave. 18It’s only the living who’ll offer You praise, Both now and into the ages.
Praise Jah. 1I love the fact that Jehovah will listen To the words of [my prayers]. 2He leans His ears down to hear [what I pray], So I’ll call upon Him throughout the rest of my days.3In the pangs of death, I’d once been wrapped, And fear of the grave was around me; So, I was afflicted and grieved. 4But I called out in the Name of the Lord:‘O Jehovah, please rescue my soul!’5Merciful and just is Jehovah, For our God is the One who shows mercy. 6And this Lord who humbles and saves me Also keeps watch over the young.7O my soul,Return to your restful state, For Jehovah has watched over you.8O my soul,He’s saved you from death, And He’s removed the tears from your eyes By keeping your feet from taking wrong steps. 9So, to Jehovah, I wish to be pleasing, And to stay in the land of the living.10I was too proud and that’s why I spoke; But thereafter, I learned to be humble. 11For in ecstasy, I once said That every man is a liar.12With what can I repay Jehovah For all that He’s done for me? 13I’ll accept His cup of salvation, And continue to call on the Name of the Lord.14I’ll render my vows to Jehovah Before all of His people. 15For, when His holy ones die, They’re never forgotten by God.16O Jehovah,I’m Your servant… I’m the son of Your female slave, And it’s You who tore off my shackles. 17So I’ll offer sacrifices of praise, As I call on the Name of the Lord.18To You, I’ll pay whatever I vow There in front of Your people… 19There in Your Temple courtyard In JeruSalem’s midst.
Praise Jah. 1Praise Jehovah, you nations… May He be praised by you all. 2For His mercy upon us is strong, And His truth endures throughout the ages.
Praise Jah. 1Praise Jehovah, because He’s good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.2May the house of IsraEl say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.3May Aaron’s house say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.4May those fearing Jehovah say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.5In my time of distress, I called to the Lord, And He answered my prayers in great ways.6Jehovah’s my helper, so I won’t fear; For, what can men do to me? 7And because Jehovah’s my helper, I’ll also judge those who hate me.8It’s better to yield to Jehovah Than to give in to men. 9It’s better to hope in the Lord Than to trust in your rulers.10Many nations once had me surrounded, But in the Name of the Lord, I pushed them away. 11Yes, they once had me encircled; But, although they had me surrounded, In the Name, Jehovah, I pushed them away.12As bees on a comb, I was covered; But, they were then burned like thorn bushes… In the Name of the Lord, I pushed them away.13I was stabbed and fell flat on the ground, Then the Lord took hold of my [hand]. 14So, Jehovah’s my strength and my song of praise… He’s become my Salvation… 15He’s the voice of shouting in joy, And the Savior of the tents of the righteous.Jehovah’s right hand showed its power, 16And by His right hand, I was lifted… Yes, the Lord’s right hand showed its power. 17So, I won’t die, I’ll live, And I’ll speak of the works of Jehovah.18By Jehovah, I once was corrected, So He didn’t hand me over to death. 19The gates of justice were opened to me, So through them, I’ll walk and confess to the Lord.20Yes, this is the gate of Jehovah, Through which the righteous will pass. 21Because You heard me, I’ll confess, That You are truly my Savior.22So, the stone that the builders rejected Has become the foundation cornerstone… 23It’s by Jehovah that this came to pass, And in our eyes, it’s a beautiful thing.24This day was made by Jehovah, And for it, we’ll cry out in joy:25‘O Jehovah, please save us! O Lord, please bless all our ways! 26And blest is this one who comes in God’s Name… In the House of Jehovah, we’ll praise him!’27Our God Jehovah is shining on us; So, gather for a great holiday! Come with many sacrifices To present them on the horns of the Altar.28You’re my God, and I’ll confess That You are my Lord, and I’ll hold You high. I’ll confess that You’ve listened to me, And explain that You’re my Savior.29I’ll confess to Jehovah, because He’s good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.
Praise Jah. 1Those who are spotless are blest… Those who obey the Laws of Jehovah. 2And blest are those who search for His [words]… Those who seek Him with their whole hearts. 3But, those who practice what’s lawless Will never walk in His ways.4You’ve told us to follow Your orders; 5So, straighten our paths to follow Your Laws, 6Then we’ll never be shamed By failing to keep Your Commandments.7To You I’ll confess with a pure heart, And I’ll study Your judgments and justice. 8I’ll always follow Your Laws, So that You’ll never desert me!9How can a young man keep his ways straight? By wholeheartedly obeying Your words. 10So, from my heart, I’ve inquired of You, And from Your Commandments, don’t push me away!11I’ve hidden Your prophecies deep in my heart, So against You, I’ll not sin. 12May You be praised, O Jehovah… Please teach me Your ways!13With my lips, I’ll declare the decisions That have come from Your mouth. 14I’ve found delight in the things that You’ve said, And I view them as greater than treasure.15On Your Commandments, I’ll meditate, And I’ll contemplate all Your ways. 16I’ll also think of Your Laws, And never forget what You’ve promised.17So, bless and enliven Your servant, And I’ll do as You’ve told me. 18Uncover my eyes and I’ll contemplate The wondrous ways of Your Laws.19I’m just a sojourner on earth, So, please don’t hide Your Commandments from me. 20For my soul has longed for Your judgments… They’re the things that I’ve always desired.21You’ve scolded the proud, And those who reject Your Commandments are cursed. 22So, take away my scorn and contempt; For I’ve searched through the proofs that You’ve sent.23But against Your servant, the rulers speak badly, Even though I’ve pondered Your ways. 24I’ve thought about the proofs You’ve provided, And Your Laws have been my advice.25Although my soul has been pushed to the ground, Your Word has kept me alive. 26My [foolish] ways, I’ve admitted to you, And You’ve heard [all my prayers].So, teach me Your rules 27and show Me Your Laws… Teach me to fully understand them, And to contemplate all Your wonders.28My soul was asleep and indifferent; But now, make me firm in Your words. 29Remove injustice from all of my ways, And let Your Laws teach me mercy.30The way of truth, I’ve chosen, And Your decisions, I’ve never forgotten. 31In Your just paths, I’ve always remained, So Lord, don’t put me to shame.32Towards Your Commandments, I’ve run From the time that You widened my heart. 33So, establish Your Laws deep within me, And I’ll follow them always, O Lord.34Please teach me to understand, And I’ll search for Your Laws, Then guard them with my whole heart. 35Towards Your Commandments, please lead me; For they’re what I’ve always desired.36Lean my heart towards Your righteous ways, And remove my desire for wealth. 37To my eyes, please give good direction, So they’ll never desire what’s foolish.Enliven me in Your ways, 38And send Your servant an omen of fear! 39Remove my scorn and the things that I dread; For, all Your decisions are kind.40Your Commandments, I’ve always desired; So, make me alive in Your righteous ways. 41Then send me Your mercies, O Lord… And as You once promised, please save me, 42So I’ll be able to give a reply To those who speak ill of me, And I can put faith in Your words.43Don’t remove Your words of truth from my mouth; For, in Your judgments, I’ve raised hopes. 44I’ll guard Your Laws throughout the ages And into the age of the ages.45Because I’ve searched Your Commandments, My life has become more important… 46I’ve spoken of Your ways before kings, And for this, I’ve never been shamed.47On Your Commandments, I’ve pondered, And I’ve come to love them so dearly. 48I’ve sworn to obey all Your orders… I’ve considered and loved all Your rules.49Remember Your words to Your servant, For, they’ve given me hope. 50They’ve provided me comfort in times of shame, And Your signs have given me life.51Although the proud have all been unjust; From Your Laws, I’ve not turned away. 52Throughout the age, I’ve remembered Your rules; And Jehovah, they’ve brought me much comfort.53Because of the sinners, I was depressed… By those who’ve abandoned Your Laws. 54But Your rules became like music to me, And [remain within me] wherever I go.55During the night, I think of Your Name; And Jehovah, I’ve followed Your Laws. 56All the [good] that has happened to me, Has come because I’ve searched for Your ways.57O Lord, You’re the share I was given, And of guarding Your Laws, I’ve spoken. 58With my whole heart, I’ve begged to Your face:‘Show mercy on me as You’ve promised.’59Although against Your ways, I once argued; My feet then turned towards the things that You said. 60So, I’ve prepared to keep Your Commandments, And by them, I won’t be disturbed.61Although in the cords of the sinners, I’ve been twisted; I’ve not forgotten Your Laws. 62So at midnight, I wake up to thank You For Your decisions and justice.63I’m a partner to all those who fear You… To those who obey Your Commandments. 64For the earth is filled with Your mercy, And I’ve learned from Your rules.65You’ve used Your servant to do what’s good, According to Your Word, O Jehovah. 66Now, teach me to know what’s right And to ever trust in Your judgments.67I was a sinner before I was humbled; But since then, I’ve guarded Your words. 68You’ve provided so kindly for me, O my Lord, So in kindness, please teach me Your Laws.69The injustice of the proud is a burden to me; But I’ll seek Your Commandments with my whole heart. 70Although the hearts of such ones have curdled like milk, I’ve still pondered Your Laws.71It’s good that I’ve been humbled by You, So I’d learn to follow Your rules. 72For to me, the Laws that come from Your mouth Are worth more than silver and gold.73It was Your hands that made me and shaped me; So, help me to understand better And to comprehend Your Commandments.74Now, those who fear You, rejoice when they see me, For I’ve raised their hopes through Your words.75O Jehovah,Through Your judgments, I’ve learned to be just, And by Your truth, I’ve been humbled.76May Your mercy bring comfort to me As You’ve revealed to Your servant in signs. 77Show compassion on me and I’ll live, So I can continue to study Your Laws.78May the proud be shamed for treating me badly; For, they’ve broken Your Laws, While I’ve kept Your Commandments in mind.79May those who fear You support me… Those who’ve heard the things that You’ve said. 80So, put Your rules in my heart, Then I’ll never be shamed. 81Yes, Your salvation is what I’ve sought, And Your words have given me hope.82My eyes have failed as I’ve searched for Your signs; So, when will You send me some comfort? 83Although I’m like a leather bag in the frost, I haven’t forgotten Your rules.84How many more days will Your servant remain, And when will You judge those who chase me? 85For lawbreakers are plotting against me, But not by Your Laws, O Jehovah.86Your Commandments are true… So please help me! For, they’re chasing me down for no reason. 87Yes, soon they’ll wipe me out of this land, Even though I’ve never left Your Commandments.88In Your mercy, please strengthen my soul, And I’ll guard the words that have come from Your mouth. 89For, throughout the ages, O [God], Your Words have been in the heavens… 90From one generation to another, Your truth has always [been found] there.You laid the foundations of the earth, And it has continued to be… 91It’s at Your choosing that each day arrives; For, it’s all under Your power.92Had I not thought of Your Laws, In shame, I’d have now been destroyed. 93So, don’t let me forget Your rules throughout the age, Since they’ve given me life.94Because I’m Yours, please save me; For, I’ve searched for Your rules! 95But sinners now wait to destroy me, Because I’ve followed Your ways.96When I thought that I was seeing the end, Your Commandments brought me [more] time. 97So I’ve loved Your Laws, O Jehovah; Throughout the whole day, they stay on my mind.98For You’ve made me wiser than my enemies, And Your Commandments are mine throughout the age. 99I’ve seen more than all those who taught me, Because I’ve obeyed Your instructions. 100I’ve also seen more than the elders, Because I’ve searched for Your rules.101I’ve held back my feet from what’s evil, So I can guard all Your words. 102From Your judgments, I’ve not turned aside, And You’ve established my laws.103How sweet to my throat are the things that You say… They’re like honey inside of my mouth. 104And from Your Commandments I’ve learned To hate the ways of injustice.105Your Law is a lamp to my feet, And it’s a light to my paths. 106So I’ve stood before You and sworn with an oath To guard Your justice and judgments.107O Jehovah,I’ve been knocked down; So, lift me back up, as You promised.108The offerings that come from my mouth Bring pleasure to me, O my Lord. So, teach me all Your decisions.109O Lord,My life is now in Your hands, And Your Laws, I haven’t forgotten. 110Although sinners set snares in my paths, From Your Commandments, I’ve never strayed.111I’ve inherited Your proofs throughout the age, And they’ve made my heart leap for joy. 112I’ve inclined my heart to follow Your rules Throughout the age, in repayment to You.113I’ve detested lawbreakers, And I’ve loved all Your rules. 114So, You’re my helper and shield, And by Your words, I’ve raised other’s hopes.115Please turn me away from what’s wicked, And for Your Commandments, I’ll search. 116Take hold of me, [as You promised] in signs… Make me strong and don’t shame my faith.117Send me help and I’ll be saved… For I’ll always think of Your rules. 118But, those who turned from me in contempt Have broken Your Laws with unrighteous thoughts… 119This land’s sinners are breaking Your Laws, While I’ve loved the things that You’ve said.120Nail down my body[LXX] due to my fear of You, For I [reverentially] feared Your judgments, 121Yes, I’ve done what’s just and right… So don’t hand me over to those abusing me.122Keep an eye on Your servant for good… Don’t allow the proud to extort me. 123For my eyes await Your salvation And to hear the sacred words of Your justice.124Deal with Your servant in mercy And teach me all Your righteous ways. 125Help me to know, for I’m Your slave; Then, I’ll teach [others] Your words.126It’s now time to act, O Jehovah; For, they’ve wiped away all Your Laws! 127But, I’ve loved Your Commandments More than topaz or gold. 128I’ve also followed Your Laws, And their unrighteous ways, I have hated!129Wondrous are the proofs that You’ve given; So, with my whole soul, I’ll search for Your words. 130For, the revealing of them sheds much light, And they bring understanding to the simple.131I’ve opened my mouth and I’ve sighed… And for Your Commandments, I’ve longed. 132So, look upon me and show mercy… Show mercy to those who are loving Your Name.133Please straighten my steps towards the ways I should walk, And by lawless ways, may I never be ruled. 134From men’s extortions, please save me, And I’ll keep Your Commandments.135Please show Your face to Your servant And teach me Your righteous rules. 136For, streams of water will flow from my eyes Should I find myself breaking Your Laws.137You are so righteous, Jehovah, And all Your decisions are straight. 138For You’ve told us [that we must be] fair, And the things that we say must be true.139But Your zeal is being [overlooked], For my enemies have forgotten the things that You said… 140Although the signs that You sent them were blazing like fire, And Your servant has loved them as truth.141Because of my youth, I’m shown no respect; But Your rules, I haven’t forgotten. 142Throughout the ages, it has proven true, That You and Your Laws are righteous and just.143Although distress and afflictions have found me, About Your Commandments, I’ve pondered. 144Throughout the ages, Your words have all proven true; So, help me to fully understand them, That I may continue to live.145With my whole heart, I’ve cried out to You:‘Hear me, O Lord, and I’ll search for Your rules.’146To You, I’ve called out:‘Please save me; and in Your righteous ways, I’ll walk.’147Before midnight, I called out [to You], And in Your words, I’ve put hope. 148Then, as my eyes opened at dawn, I noticed the signs You provided.149In mercy, O Jehovah, please hear my voice… In Your justice, please save my life! 150Turn from those who chase me unjustly; For, they’ve turned from Your Laws.151You’re always near me, O Lord, And truthful are all of Your ways. 152From the beginning, I’ve known of Your words, And they’ve served as my rock throughout the age.153Look down and save me, so I’m not disgraced, For I’ve not forgotten Your Laws. 154Judge my case and [give justice]… For the sake of Your Word, let me live!155Take me away from the sinners… Those who haven’t searched for Your rules. 156But, You’re filled with compassion, O Lord… With Your righteous decisions, please save my life.157Although many are trying to drive me away, And many are those who oppress me; I haven’t strayed from Your words.158I’ve seen others that are lacking good sense, And because they don’t follow Your words, They’re just wasting away.159Notice how I’ve loved Your Commandments, O Lord! So in mercy, please save my life! 160For Your words have been true from the start… Age-long are Your judgments and justice.161Without any reason, I’m being pursued, And my heart is in dread of Your words. 162But I’ll shout in praise if You’ll send me a sign, As one who’s found great rewards.163I’ve detested and abhorred all injustice, And Your Law, I’ve always loved. 164Seven times each day, I praise Your decisions, And I think well of Your justice.165Peace comes to those who are loving Your Laws, And nothing can stand in their way. 166So, in Your salvation, I’ve trusted, O God, Because I’ve loved Your Commandments.167My soul has guarded Your words… I can prove how I truly have loved them. 168I’ve kept Your words and Commandments, And my ways, O Jehovah, are open before You.169O Lord, please hear what I’m begging, And help me to understand all Your signs.170If You find me worthy, please let me approach… Save me, as You’ve shown me through omens. 171Then, with my lips, I’ll sing hymns, And I’ll let You teach me Your rules. 172With my tongue, I’ll sing of Your omens, And of how Your Commandments are righteous.173Please send Your hand down to save me, For I’ve accepted all Your Commandments. 174Your salvation is what I’ve longed for, O Lord, And I’ve meditated on all of Your Laws.175So, if You’ll allow me to live, I’ll [continue to] praise You, And Your decisions will serve as my guide.176But, I’ve strayed like a lamb Who would’ve perished alone. So, please come and search for Your servant, For Your Commandments, I’ve never forgotten.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1In my despair, I called to the Lord, And to [my prayer], He then listened:2‘From unrighteous lips, please save me, O Lord… [Save me] from those with deceitful tongues.3‘What can I give and what can I add When it comes to those with tongues that tell lies? 4For against me, the arrows of the mighty Are now being sharpened in coals.5‘I’ve run far away to escape them, And in [the Valley of] Cedars, I’ve camped. 6My soul was forced to run off and hide From these men who hate peaceful ways… 7Although I’ve spoken mildly to them, They’ve battled with me for no reason.’
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’ve lifted my eyes towards that Mountain From which I receive all my aid. 2For, my help all comes from Jehovah… The One who made the heavens and earth.3He will never let your feet stumble, For the One who keeps watch doesn’t sleep… 4No, IsraEl’s protector never slumbers.5Jehovah’s your guard and protector… He’s always at your right hand. 6So by day, the sun won’t beat down upon you, Nor will the moon, in the night.7Jehovah will protect you from evil, For the Lord watches over your soul. 8Jehovah will guard your comings and goings, From now and into the ages.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’m overjoyed when they tell me:‘To the house of Jehovah, we’ll go, 2And we’ll stand within JeruSalem’s gates.’3JeruSalem was built as a city That we can all share together, 4And the tribes of Jehovah go up there; For, this is required by IsraEl’s Law.5There sits the throne from which judgments come… The throne of the house of [King] David. 6It’s where you can [pray] for JeruSalem’s peace, And prosperity for all whom you love.7[Pray:]‘Let there be peace for our army, And prosperity for our fortified towns. 8On behalf of my brothers and neighbors, I pray for peace upon all… 9I’ve come to the Temple of Jehovah our God To pray for good things [to come].’
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’ve lifted my eyes To the One who lives in the heavens. 2For, as the eyes of a slave look to his master, And as the eyes of a handmaid look to her lady; Our eyes should look to Jehovah, our God Until He shows His pity for us.3Show mercy upon us, Jehovah… Please extend Your mercy to us! For, we’ve been treated with much disrespect… 4Our lives have been filled with the scorn of the rich, And with the contempt of the haughty.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Unless Jehovah is with us… 2Say it, O IsraEl! 3Unless Jehovah is with us, The men who attack will swallow us down… 4In their rage, we would’ve been drowned, And their streams would’ve taken our lives… 5Their raging waters would’ve taken our lives!6So, praise Jehovah, because He provides, And we won’t be given as game for their teeth. 7Like sparrows, our lives will be rescued From the traps of men who are hunting us down.Yes, their snares have been broken and we’ve been saved, 8Since we’ve looked to the Name of Jehovah for aid… The One who made the heavens and earth.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1All those who put faith in Jehovah Are like those [who live on] Mount Zion. For, those who live in JeruSalem Have remained firm throughout the ages.2And as [that city’s] surrounded by mountains, The Lord will encircle His people From now and throughout eons of time.3For, He won’t allow whips of sinners To [fall on the backs] of the righteous… They won’t be stretched out before them, Or by their hands, be mistreated.4O Jehovah,Do good for those doing good And for those whose hearts have been straight. 5But remove those who are turning towards badness… Take them away with the lawless, O Lord; Then in IsraEl, may there be peace!
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1When Jehovah returns Zion’s captives, It’ll bring comfort to us. 2With joyful [cries], our mouths will be filled, And our tongues will be shouting cheers.Then, those of the nations will say:‘Jehovah has proven Himself to be great By the ways that He’s dealing with them.’3Yes, He will prove Himself great By the good ways that He treats us… Yes, He will make us all joyful!4O Jehovah,Please bring back our captives, As water returns to the streams in the south. 5Then, those who are planting with tears Will harvest with cries that are joyful.6For the ones who’ve been taken are gone, So those scattering seeds, now do so with tears. But, when they return, we’ll be shouting in joy As we carry our sheaves [to Your Temple].
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1If the house isn’t built by Jehovah, Its builders have [worked hard] in vain. And if He isn’t guarding a city, It’s in vain to stay awake and keep watch… 2Although they arise early and go to bed late, It’ll all be in vain.O you who must eat bread of grief; He will still bring rest to those He loves.3{Look!} The inheritance of Jehovah is sons, And your wage is the fruit of the belly. 4For the sons born to you are like arrows In the hands of the mighty.5So, those filling their [quivers] with [sons] are the blest, For, they’ll not be disgraced When they must oppose enemies Who’ve arrived at their gates.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Blest are those in fear of Jehovah… Those who walk in His ways. 2For from the works of their hands, they’ll eat… They’ll be blest and all will go well.3Your women will prosper like grape vines, Which grow on the walls of your homes. And your sons will be like young olive trees, As they sit ‘round your table.4{Look!} Those who fear Jehovah are blest… 5Yes, may He bless them from Zion. May they all see good from JeruSalem Throughout the rest of their lives… 6May they live to see the sons of their sons, And on IsraEl, may there be peace!
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Many times, they’ve waged war against me Since the time of my youth… Say it, O IsraEl! 2Many times, they’ve waged war against me Since the time of my youth, Yet, they’ve been unable to beat me.3Behind my back, the sinners conspired, As they continued in their lawless ways. 4But [our God Jehovah] is righteous, For He’s chopped them off at their necks.5Let them be shamed and be forced to retreat… All those who are hating Mount Zion. 6Let them become like grass on the roofs After it’s pulled up and dried.7Why hasn’t the harvester filled up his hands, Or collected the sheaves to his chest? 8Because, those passing by didn’t offer this blessing:‘We bless you in the Name of the Lord.’
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I cried out to You from the depths, O my Lord:2‘O Jehovah, please hear my voice… May Your ears hear the words of my prayers!3‘If You just look upon our lawless ways; O Lord, who’ll be able to stand? 4But, although we have reason to fear You, You’ve covered our sins.‘Because of Your Name, I’ve waited for You… 5O Jehovah; My soul has awaited Your word… 6My soul has put hope in the Lord From early-watches until late at night.’7Let IsraEl put faith in Jehovah, For in mercy, He’s paid our ransom… 8IsraEl has been repurchased by Him From their own lawless ways.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1O Jehovah,I haven’t exalted my heart, Nor have my eyes been too lofty. I haven’t traveled with great ones, Nor in the wonders of those who are above me… 2For if I’ve failed to be humble, I’ve sinned!But now, my life has been raised As one who’s been weaned from his mother. So, please ransom my soul, 3And may IsraEl put faith in Jehovah From now on and into the ages.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1O Lord,Remember [King] David, And all of his gentle ways. 2For he swore an oath to Jehovah… To the God of Jacob, he made this vow:3‘When I get home and I go to bed, 4Could I let my eyes fall asleep Or my eyelids to slumber as I rest in my house, 5Before I find a place for Jehovah… A Tent for the God of Jacob [to dwell]?’6Look! We’ve heard it was there in EphRatha… It was found in the plains among groves. 7So we went to His Tent and we bowed there, In the land that serves as His footstool.8Now, arise from Your rest, O Jehovah, And visit the Chest in Your Most Holy Place. 9Then Your Priests will make themselves righteous, And Your holy ones will cry out in joy.10Then, from [King] David Your servant… From Your anointed, You’ll not turn away. 11For Jehovah swore this to David as truth, And He will never annul it:‘On your throne, I’ll establish the fruit of your belly. 12So, if your sons guard My Sacred Agreement And obey all the rules that I’ll teach them; Throughout the ages, their sons will sit on your throne.’13Now, Jehovah has chosen [Mount] Zion… He took it as His place to dwell when He said:14‘Here, I’ll rest throughout ages of ages… ‘It’s [the place that] I’ve chosen and where I’ll stay.15‘I’ll bless the blest among her wild beasts, And with bread, I’ll fill up her poor. 16Her Priests, I’ll clothe with salvation, And her holy ones will sing songs of joy.17‘There, I’ll raise David’s trumpet, And for My anointed, I’ll prepare a lamp. 18Then I’ll clothe his enemies with shame, And on him, I’ll make holiness blossom.’
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1{Look!} How good and delightful it is When brothers can all live together. 2It’s like perfumed oil which runs down the beard… Upon Aaron’s beard and then down his clothes.3It’s like the dew on [Mount] HerMon That runs to the mountains of Zion. For it’s there that Jehovah gave meaning To the blessing of life throughout the ages.
A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Praise Jehovah, His servants… Those who stand in the House of the Lord… Those who stand in the courtyards Of the House of our God throughout the night.2Raise your hands to His Holy Place, And give praise to the Lord. 3May Jehovah bless you from Zion… The One who made the lands and skies.
Praise Jah. 1Praise the Name of the Lord… Yes, praise Jehovah, His servants… 2All you who stand in His Temple… In the courtyards of the House of our God.3Praise Jehovah, because He’s good… Play music to His Glorious Name. 4For, He chose Jacob as His own… IsraEl is the Lord’s prized possession.5I know that Jehovah is great, And our Lord is higher than all other gods. 6He’s done His Will in the Heavens and earth, As well as in the seas and their depths.7He leads the clouds from the ends of the earth… He made the lightning and rain, And He brings the winds from His storehouse.8He struck the firstborn of Egypt… All those from men to their cattle. 9Signs and wonders, He sent to [that land]… Upon PharaOh and all of his servants.10He’s the One who struck many nations, And brought death to their mightiest kings. 11There was SeOn, the Amorite king, As well as Og, king of BaShan, And all the kingdoms of CanaAn. 12Then He gave us their lands to inherit… For IsraEl (His people) to own.13O Jehovah,Your fame [will last] throughout the ages… For generations, it’s how You’ll be known. 14Jehovah will judge all His people, And they’ll bring Him much comfort.15The idols of the nations are silver and gold… They’re just the works of men’s hands. 16A mouth they have, but they can’t speak; Eyes they have, but they can’t see; 17Ears they have, but they can’t hear, Nor have they any breath in their mouths. 18So, may those who made them be like them, As well as all those who serve them.19O House of IsraEl, give praise to Jehovah! O House of Aaron, give praise to Jehovah! 20O House of Levi, give praise to Jehovah… All those fearing the Lord, praise Jehovah! 21May Jehovah be praised in JeruSalem… Praise [the God] that tents upon Zion.
Praise Jah. [Editor note: This is a ‘responsive’ form of song, and that’s why it has the repetitive phrase ‘And His mercies endure throughout the ages’ repeated so many times. A single singer will sing the main words, and the audience (or a choir) will respond by singing the repeated phrase. This was a common kind of song in ancient times, and very common among the Early Christians.]1Let’s confess to Jehovah, because He is good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 2Let’s confess to the God of all gods, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.3Let’s confess to the Lord of all lords, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 4Only He does things that are wondrous and great, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.5He crafted the skies with great skill, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 6Over water, He raised solid ground, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.7He alone made the lights [in the skies], And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 8He made the sun the ruler of day, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 9The moon and stars, He made rulers of night, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.10He’s the One who struck the firstborn of Egypt, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 11Then, from their midst, He led IsraEl, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 12With His arm and hand lifted high, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.13Then He split apart the Red Sea, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 14And through its midst, He led IsraEl, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 15He shook PharaOh and his army into the sea, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.16Then He led His people into the desert, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 17And there, great kings, He struck down, For His mercies endure throughout the ages… 18Yes, many strong kings He destroyed there, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 19Such as SeOn the Amorite king, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 20As well as Og, king of BaShan, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.21Then, as our inheritance, He gave us their land, For His mercies endure throughout the ages… 22An inheritance to IsraEl, His servant, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.23He didn’t forget us when we shamed ourselves, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 24He ransomed us from our enemies’ hands, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 25Then, He nourished our flesh, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 26So, confess to God, O you heavens, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.
A Psalm of David [handed down to us] through JeremiAh. 1At Babylon’s rivers we sat, And we wept, as we thought of [Mount] Zion. 2And there in [Babylon’s] midst, We hung our instruments on willows.3For there, our captors had asked us To sing the words of our psalms… Yes, those who took us away, dared to say:‘From the odes of Zion, please sing us a song.’4But, how can we sing the songs of the Lord, There in an alien land?5O [City of] JeruSalem,Should I ever forget you, May I also forget my right hand. 6May my tongue stick to the [roof of my mouth] If I ever fail to remember And prefer the joys of JeruSalem, Which I had known long ago.7Remember the sons of Edom, O Lord, In JeruSalem’s day… Those who said:‘Make it empty… Cut it down to its very foundations!’8O miserable daughters of Babylon; Blest are those who’ll repay you With the same sort of payment that you sent to us… 9Yes, blest is the one who’ll grab hold of you And dash your infants on rocks!
A Psalm for David, [composed] by HagGai and ZachariAh. 1With my whole heart, I thank You, O Lord, And I’ll sing Your psalms before angels… May You hear these words that will come from my mouth.2I’ll bow towards Your Holy Temple, And I’ll give thanks to Your Name. Because of Your mercy and truth, [I’ll sing] about Your Holy Name That You have raised above all.3In whatever day that I call upon You, Please quickly answer my prayer, And give my soul the strength to endure.4Let all kings of the earth give thanks to You, For they’ve heard all the words that came from Your mouth. 5Then, let them sing of the ways of the Lord, For the glory of Jehovah is great.6Even though Jehovah is higher than all, He still watches out for the lowly, While the haughty, He sees from afar.7Although I’ve had to walk through difficult times, It was You who gave me the strength. And against my enemy’s rage, You thereafter, lifted Your hands, And with Your right hand, You saved me.8O Jehovah… Repay them for me, For Your mercy, O Lord, lasts throughout ages… Don’t overlook the works of Your hands!
To the [music] director:A Psalm. 1O Jehovah, You’ve known me and tried me. 2You knew me when I got up or sat down… From far away, You’ve known all my thoughts.3You’ve traced out my path through bent grass, And looked ahead to the ways that I’ll go; 4So, You know that there’s no deceit on my tongue.O Jehovah,There’s nothing that You don’t know… 5Both the things that have past and the things that will be.It was You who shaped me and made me… You laid me out in [the palm] of Your hand. 6So the knowledge of You brings me wonder and strength, And no way can I fully comprehend it.7Where could I go [to hide] from Your Breath, And where could I flee from Your presence? 8If I flew to the sky, You’d be there; And I’ll still be in Your hand When I must go to the place of the dead.9If I could grow wings [and fly towards] the dawn, Or if I could camp at the ends of the seas, 10Your hand would be there to guide me, And in Your right hand, You’d hold me.11I said:‘I’ll surely be trampled by darkness, And around me, the light will turn into night.’12But the dark isn’t darkness to You… Night is as day and darkness as light.13For, You [have examined] my kidneys, And it’s You who took me from my mother’s womb; 14So, I’ll offer You praise.The wonders of Your works, I’ve thought of in fear… And the man within me knows this is true.15Even my bones weren’t hidden from You When You made me in secret. When I was conceived on the earth, 16You saw me before I was finished; For, You write the lives of all men in Your scroll On the day they’re formed and alone.17How precious are Your thoughts, O my God; They’ve been mighty ever since the beginning. 18And if I were able to count them, They’d be more than the sands [of the seas]… Yet, when I wake up You’re still with me.19Please destroy the sinners, O God… Turn [Your face] from all men of blood! 20For, concerning their thoughts, You’ve said:‘They’ve acted like fools in My [land].’21O Lord,I hate all who hate You, And against Your enemies, I’ve shown zeal. 22In perfect hatred, I’ve learned to detest them, And they’re my enemies too!23So, try me, O God, and examine my heart… Search me through and know all my paths. 24See if any lawless ways are within me, Then guide me towards the paths of the ages.
To the [music] director:A Psalm of David. 1Please take me away, O Jehovah, From all of these wicked men… Save me from the unrighteous… 2Those whose hearts are unrighteous all day, And are always ready for war! 3For like snakes, they’ve sharpened their tongues, And the poison of asps is under their lips.4From the hands of sinners, please guard me, O Lord… Remove me from the unrighteous… Those who’ve laid plans to stumble my feet. 5For against me, the proud have hidden their snares… Ropes, they’ve held out to trip me, And obstacles they’ve placed in my path.6I said to Jehovah:‘You are my God; O Lord, please hear the sounds of my prayers! 7O Mighty Lord, who else can save me? Watch over my head in the day of the war.’8O Lord,Don’t grant them the things that they want… Those sinners that are railing against me… Don’t leave me, so they won’t grow [stronger].9Bring trouble to those who surround me, And thereafter, close up their lips. 10Into coals of fire, please throw them… Into a miserable place where they’ll not rise again!11May those slandering me never prosper… May the unrighteous hunt them like prey And search for great ways to harm them.12I know that Jehovah keeps watch on the poor, And He stands up for the needy. 13So, may the righteous sing songs to His Name, And may the upright dwell in [the light] of His face.
A Psalm of David. 1O Jehovah,I’ve called out to You; So, please pay attention to my cries. 2May my prayers rise before You like incense, And the raising of my hands as an evening sacrifice.3O Jehovah,Set a watch for my mouth And a fortress door for my lips. 4Don’t allow wicked words to enter my heart, Or the deeds of the lawless to become my excuse.If I’ve ever been guilty of taking their things, 5May the righteous correct and rebuke me. May I not be considered a friend to the wicked, And may my prayers be in opposition To all the things they desire.6For their judges were swallowed down next to the rocks, So they didn’t hear the sweet words I’ve spoken. 7The ground beneath them ripped open, And pulled their bones into the grave.8In You, O Jehovah my Lord, My eyes have trusted in the hope That You’ll keep watch on my life.9So, keep me away from the snares that they’ve hidden… The obstacles that the lawless have set. 10Within their own nets, may those sinners be caught, And may they remain there until I’ve passed by.
A Psalm of contemplation by David about the time when he was praying in the cave. 1With my voice, I cried to Jehovah… Before Him, I [bowed down to] beg. 2I poured out before Him the things that I need, And I spoke of how I’m being oppressed. 3For He knows that my spirit has failed me, And they’ve hidden their snares on the roads that I walk.4Then I looked to the right and I noticed There was no one around whom I knew… There was also nowhere to run, And about my life, no one was concerned.5So I cried out to Him:‘O Jehovah!‘I’m calling to You, for You’re my hope… Since You’re all that I have in the land of the living, 6Please listen to the things that I’m begging; For before You, I’ve humbled my soul.‘Save me from those who pursue me, Because they’re stronger than me. 7Lead my soul out of this ‘prison’ So that I can keep praising Your Name. Then the righteous will gather around me, Because of the goodness You’ve shown.’
A Psalm of David about when his son was pursuing him. 1Please hear my prayer, O Jehovah… In Your truth, hear the things that I beg! Listen to me in Your justice, 2And please don’t pass judgment on me. For I know that none of the living Can ever be righteous before You.3My enemy had chased me and humbled my soul… My life had been cut to the ground! And throughout the rest of the age, He’d have me thrown into the darkness Which is reserved for the dead.4So the spirit within me was troubled, And my heart was very disturbed. 5Then, days of old, I remembered… I thought of the things that You’ve done, And I pondered the works of Your hands.6So I opened my [arms] and spread them to You, For my life had become like a desert. 7Then, quickly You heard me, Jehovah… [Before] I had to give up my breath.So from me, please don’t turn Your face, Or make me like those going into the pit. 8May I be heard in the morning once more; For, I’ve put faith in Your mercy.O Jehovah,Please show me the way I should go, For to You, I’ve lifted my soul. 9From those who hate me, please save me, O Lord; For I’ve taken refuge in You.10You’re my God, so teach me Your Will; For Your Spirit is good and will serve as my guide To lead me in paths that are straight.11Because of Your Name, O Jehovah; You’ll allow me to live, And Your justice will lead me away From all of this pain in my life.12To my enemies, please send destruction, And please show mercy on me… Wipe away those who are trying to kill me, For, I’m Your servant, O Lord.
A Psalm of David to GoliAth. 1Praise Jehovah my God Who’s taught my hands to fight battles, And the arts of war to my fingers.2He’s my mercy, my refuge, and shield… He’s my defender and Savior. Since He made my people obey me, In Him, I’ve put all my hope.3What is mankind to You, O Jehovah, That to us, You’d make Yourself known, Or the son of man, that You’d think about him? 4For we really don’t have any value, And our days pass by like the shadows.5O Jehovah,Lean down from Your heavens… Touch the mountains and cause them to smoke. 6Shoot Your arrows to disturb them… Flash lightning and drive them away.7Reach Your hand down from the heights, Then grab me out of the water… From the sons of strangers, please save me! 8For, with their mouths, they say foolish things, And their right hands are filled with unrighteous ways.9O God,To You, I’ll sing a new song, Which I’ll play on my harp of 10 strings:10‘Please bring salvation to this king… From the sword, save David, Your servant!11‘From these sons of strangers, please save me. For their mouths have said foolish things, And their right hands are filled with unrighteous ways.12‘Whose sons are these… They’re like newly-planted seeds, Which feel secure in their youth. Their daughters are well dressed and brightly adorned… As nicely as you’d see in a temple.13‘Their storerooms are all overflowing, And their sheep are very prolific… For they multiply in the streets, 14While their oxen have grown thick [and strong].‘None of their fences are broken; None of their streams are [befouled]; And no crying is heard in their squares.15‘Rather, bless the people of whom this is true… Bless those whose God is Jehovah!’
A praise of David. 1I’ll raise Your [Name] high, my God and my King, And throughout the age and the age of the ages, I’ll [sing] praises about You. 2I’ll praise Your Name every day… I’ll praise Your Name throughout the rest of the age And into the age of the ages.3Jehovah is great and praiseworthy… There’s no end to His greatness. 4To one generation after another, I’ll sing in praise of Your works And I’ll report of Your power.5I’ll speak of Your majesty also, And about Your holiness and glory; Then, I’ll describe all Your wonders.6I’ll speak of Your power and Your fearful deeds, And I’ll describe all Your greatness, 7So the memory of all the kindness You’ve shown Will keep on growing [among them].Then, about Your justice, they’ll shout:8‘Jehovah is very forgiving… He’s filled with kindness and mercy. 9The Lord is benevolent also… He shows compassion in all that He does.’10May all of Your works give praise to You… Yes, may all of Your holy ones praise You! 11May they speak of Your glorious Kingdom, And boast of the realm of Your rule.12To all sons of men, may Your rule become known, And the glory of the majesty of Your Kingdom. 13Your Kingdom is a kingdom of the ages, And Your authority is throughout generations.What Jehovah says can be trusted, And the things that He does are all holy. 14He gives support to the fallen, And He builds up all of the broken.15Yes, to You, all eyes look in hope, And at right times, You provide them their food… 16You just open Your hand, And all living things are then filled.17Jehovah is righteous in all of His ways, And the things that He does are all holy. 18Jehovah is near to those calling on Him… To those who call upon Him in truth.19He will do the will of all those who fear Him… He will hear their prayers and He will save them. 20For Jehovah guards all those who love Him, But the sinners, He will wipe away.21So my mouth will speak in praise of Jehovah… May all flesh speak well of His Name. Praise Him throughout the rest of this age, And into the age of the ages!
Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZachariAh. 1Praise Jehovah, my soul! 2With my whole life, I’ll give praise to the Lord And I’ll strum to my God for as long as I live!3Don’t put faith in your rulers; For, sons of men can’t save you. 4Their breath goes out and they’re gone from their land… In that day, their thoughts pass away.5Blest are those who have Jacob’s God as their aid… Those who put trust in Jehovah… 6The One who made the heavens and earth… The seas and everything in them… The One who guards truth throughout the ages… 7The One who brings justice to those who’ve been wronged, And who provides food to the hungry.For, Jehovah releases the shackled, 8And to the blind, He gives wisdom. Those who’ve been broken, Jehovah restores, And He loves all those who are righteous.9The Lord guards foreigners, orphans, and widows; But the ways of sinners, He wipes away. 10O Zion; Jehovah reigns throughout the age… Throughout all generations, He is your God!
Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZechariAh. 1Praise Jehovah, for our God is good, And praising Him is delightful! 2For our Lord will rebuild JeruSalem, And return all of His scattered people.3He’s the One who mends broken hearts, And wraps all those who are broken. 4He’s counted all of the stars, And He calls each one by its name.5Great is our Lord and great is His strength… There’s no way to count all the things that He knows. 6Jehovah watches over the meek, While sinners are humbled and led to the ground.7So, take the lead in praising Jehovah… Strum to our God on your harps! 8For He made the clouds that cover the skies, And from them, sends rain to the ground, Which makes the grass grow on the mountains, And shoots to sprout for men [to consume]. 9He’s the One who gives food to their cattle, And to the infants of crows… To all that are calling upon Him.10He doesn’t need the strength of a horse, Nor has He any use for men’s legs. 11But, Jehovah thinks well of all those who fear Him, And of those who trust in His mercy.12So, praise Jehovah, JeruSalem… O Zion, give praise to your God! 13For He’s strengthened the bars on your gates, And He allows you to give your sons blessings.14He’s the One who brings peace to your borders, And the fatness of wheat to your bellies. 15He’s the One who sends His signs to the earth, And the things that He says happen quickly.16He sends us His snow as though it were wool, And He strews the fog as though ashes. 17Like breadcrumbs, He scatters His ice, And who can withstand His chill? 18But, by His word, it’ll all melt… He can blow His breath and turn it to water.19He’s the One who gave signs to Jacob… To IsraEl, He sent His rules and decisions. 20He’s done this for no other nation… To no other lands have His judgments been shown… So we should [sing] praises about Him!
Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZechariAh. 1All you in the heavens; give praise to Jehovah… Yes, praise Him in all the high places. 2All of His angels should praise Him… Yes, praise Him, all you in His armies!3Praise Him, O sun and moon; Yes, praise Him, all stars and all lights! 4Praise Him, O heavens of heavens, And praise Him, you waters above the sky!5Praise the Name of the Lord, For He just spoke and they came to be… He gave the instructions, and then they began! 6He’s established them into the ages, And into the age of the ages. So, since He’s the One who set them in place, They’ll not pass away.7You beasts on the ground, give praise to Jehovah, As should those who dwell in the deep! 8For fire, hail, and snow, and icy wind blasts, All arrive by His Word, 9As did the mountains and hills, And all the fruit-bearing trees.He’s the One who made all the cedars… 10All the wild beasts and slithering things, And all the feathered, winged creatures. 11He made all the kings and their subjects… The rulers and all of the judges… 12The young men and virgins, the old and the young; 13So, let them all praise the Name of the Lord!His Name alone is the highest, And He’s higher than all the skies and the lands; 14So, all should be raising their horns And [singing] hymns to His holy ones… Yes, to the sons of IsraEl … A people whom He’s held so dearly.
Praise Jah. 1Sing a new song to Jehovah… In the gatherings of the holy, sing His praises. 2Let IsraEl [take pride in] their maker, And may Zion’s sons rejoice in their king.3Then, may they all dance to His Name… May they dance to the strumming of lutes, And to the beating of tambourines.4Jehovah finds pleasure in His people, And the meek, He will lift up and save. 5Then the holy will boast of their glory, And shout in joy from their beds.6They’ll praise God with their throats; For with a double-edged sword in His hands, 7He’s coming to punish the nations, And to scold them for the bad things they’ve done.8He will tie up their kings and put them in stocks, And put shackles of iron on their nobles. 9For He’s coming to bring execution Because of the judgments that He’s written about them, And to bring His holy ones glory.
Praise Jah. 1In His Most Holy Place, praise our God… Throughout all of the firmament, praise His power. 2In His dominion, shout praises of Him… In the expanse, give praise to His greatness.3Praise Him by the blowing of trumpets; Praise Him with lutes and with harps; 4Praise Him with tambourines, And with the company of dancers.Praise Him with the strings of the lyre, Praise Him with the sounds of woodwinds. 5Praise Him with the clashing of cymbals; And along with the cymbals, add shouts… 6May all that breathe praise Jehovah!
1These are the proverbs of Solomon, son of David, who reigned over IsraEl.2To get to be wise and to truly learn, You must understand intelligent words. 3[You must see how] words can be shifted and turned, And used to unlock enigmas.You must also understand true justice… How to make judgments that are straight, 4So that all your decisions can be guileless and wise. Yet, you must perceive and reflect like a child.5Yes, if you’ll listen, the wise will get wiser And receive intelligent guidance. 6You’ll understand dark illustrations… The sayings of the wise and enigmas.7True wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah; And all who follow that rule Will be understanding and good, Since perception begins with reverence for God. For, those who fail to respect Him, Treat wisdom and learning with contempt.8Hear, O son, the laws of your father, And don’t reject the rules of your mother. 9Then, a garland of favor, you’ll get for your head, And a gold chain for your neck.10O son,Don’t let the godless lead you astray, And don’t follow their ways. 11For they’ll offer you comforting words and then say:‘Come with us and we’ll [shed] blood! For we’ll treat the righteous unfairly, Then we’ll hide their bodies under the ground.12‘Like the grave, we’ll swallow them down still alive, And remove their memory from the land. 13Then we’ll take all their things that have value, And fill our houses with loot. 14So, come with us and join what we do, And we’ll each gain large sacks of money!’15But, don’t ever follow their ways… Turn your feet from their paths! 16For their feet always run to do evil, And they’re quick to shed blood.17Haven’t they wrongfully spread out their traps, As would be done to catch birds… 18Then murder to gain evil treasures? 19Yes, these are the ways of the unrighteousness; And because of their lack of respect, They’re bringing destruction upon their own lives.20However, the praises of wisdom are sung in the streets… She’s celebrated in all public places. 21For she shouts aloud from the tops of the walls, And at city gates, she courageously says:22‘As long as the honest have justice, They’ll never be shamed.‘But the insolent fools who crave [what’s not theirs], And those who don’t fear [God] Are the ones who are lacking good sense… 23So, they’ll be disciplined.‘{Look!} Now I’ll set free the sayings of my spirit, And to teach you, I’ll be speaking [wise] words.24‘Although I called out to you, you didn’t obey… I explained it, but you wouldn’t listen. 25You’ve ignored all my council, And to my scolding, you’ve paid no attention. 26So I’ll laugh when you’re destroyed, And I’ll shout in joy at your ruin.27‘Yes, when troublesome times come upon you, And in a blast, you’re quickly undone… When you’re oppressed and assaulted, 28And you feel the need to cry out to me, I won’t listen to you.‘For when evil men search, they can’t find me, 29Because they’ve detested what’s wise, And they’ve failed to show fear for Jehovah.30‘To my council, they chose not to listen, And when they were scolded, they sneered. 31So they’ll have to eat their own fruitage, And ever after, they’ll be disrespected.32‘Because they’ve done wrong to the simple, They’ll soon be destroyed… Yes, after they’re tried, they’ll be slaughtered. 33But, those who’ve chosen to listen to me Have camped in peace, and never fear what’s bad.’
1O son,Hear the things that I’m saying… Take them and hide them within you. 2Your ears should obey these wise sayings… Understand them and put them deep in your heart, Then pass them along to your sons.3If you should call out for wisdom, And if you’ll seek understanding… 4If you’ll search for perception like treasure, 5You’ll learn the fear of the Lord And find the knowledge of God. 6For, wisdom comes from Jehovah… In His presence, you’ll find understanding and knowledge.7For those who are walking straight paths, He has treasured away their salvation, And He’ll shield them wherever they travel, 8Since He guards the ways of the righteous, And protects those who show Him respect. 9Then, you’ll understand justice and judgments, And set yourself on a course to do good.10Now, should you decide to make wisdom your goal… If your soul decides to search for perception… 11If you’ll choose to follow good council, And if you’ll be careful to do holy things… 12From evil ways, this will save you, And from [the wiles] of men who tell lies.13They’re the ones who’ve abandoned straight paths, And in ways of darkness, they’ve chosen to walk. 14For, badness is what makes them happy, And about what’s perverse, they rejoice. 15All of their pathways are crooked, And curved are all of their tracks. 16Away from straight paths, they’ll lead you, And from righteous plans, they’ll drive you away.So, don’t let bad council mislead you… 17Rather, [follow] the things that you’ve learned since your youth, And don’t overlook God’s Sacred Agreement.18There are women who put death near their homes, For the things that they do lead to the grave. 19Those who approach them will never return, For they’ll not turn back to straight paths… From the road of life, they’ve strayed.20But, smooth are the roads that the righteous have found; For the meek will inherit the land, And the honest are those who’ll remain there. 21Then, only the upright will camp in the land, And those who’ll remain are the holy. 22Disrespectful ways will be gone, And those who break laws will be banished.
1O son,Don’t forget the laws [that I’ve shown you], And keep the things that I’ve said in your heart; 2For, this will add length to your life. Yes, you’ll live [many] years, And peace will be added to you.3May charity and faith never fail you… If around your neck, you’ll tie them And write them on the tablet of your heart, 4You’ll find the favor [of God].Before Jehovah and men You should always plan to do what’s good. 5Wholeheartedly trust in your God, And on your own wisdom, never rely.6Keep sight of [wisdom] in all of your ways; For before you, she cuts a straight path. 7So, in your own skills, never trust… Fear God and turn from all that’s bad. 8Then, healing will come to your body, And care will be shown to your bones.9You must always honor Jehovah… Work hard at doing what’s good. As first fruits, offer Him your righteousness ways, 10Then with grain, your stores will be filled, And wine will gush from your vats.11O son,Never treat Jehovah’s instructions lightly, Or give up when He disciplines you. 12For Jehovah loves those who accept His correction, And He whips those whom He welcomes as sons.13The man who finds wisdom is blest, As is the mortal that’s smarter. 14She’s a better trade than silver or gold, 15And she’s worth more than all that’s expensive.Nothing of value is worth more than her; 16For long life and survival are in her right hand, And in her left, is glory and wealth.Out of her mouth flows true justice; On her tongue, there’s mercy and law. 17Goodness is found in her ways, And all of her paths lead to peace.18She’s a tree of life to all who’ll grab hold (Those leaning on her as they do on the Lord)… They’re the ones who’ll get away safely.19For in wisdom, God founded the earth, And with intelligence, He assembled the skies. 20By His perceptions, the valleys were formed, As dew flowed down from the clouds.21So, don’t let my council slip by… Pay attention and learn to gain insight; 22Then, the person you are will continue to live And [God’s] favor will be tied ‘round your neck. For, to your flesh, this brings healing, And comfort to all of your bones.23Then, peace will follow in all of your ways, And your feet will never be stumbled. 24When you sit, it’ll be without any fear; And when you lie down, your sleep will bring rest.25You won’t tremble at terrible things, Nor will the godless push you aside. 26For Jehovah will watch all your ways And make straight paths for your feet, So you’ll never stumble and fall.27And don’t overlook those who are poor When you have what they need in your hands. 28Don’t say, ‘You should come back tomorrow… I’ll give you what you need at some other time.’ Give them what’s good when you have it, So you’ll never see the birth of what’s evil.29And never plot to do bad to a friend, Or to those with whom you must travel… Those who’ve put trust in you. 30Nor should you quarrel without a good reason, So people don’t try to get even.31Don’t follow the evil of those you despise, Or ever be jealous of the bad things they do. 32Since Jehovah considers lawbreakers unclean, The righteous should not sit among them.33The houses of those who show no respect Have all been cursed by the Lord, While the homes of the righteous are blest. 34For Jehovah opposes the proud, And shows favor to those who are humble. 35So the wise will inherit all glory, While the godless will just get dishonor.
1O child,Hear the words of your father! Listen, so you can gain insight! 2For I’m going to give you a gift, And from these instructions, don’t stray!3I was also the son of a father, And one who was loved by his mother; 4So, by them both, I was taught. [They said], ‘Keep our words in your heart… Don’t forget our instructions! 5You should seek knowledge and wisdom… Don’t forget or ignore the words from our mouths, Or ever turn aside from these things! 6Stick with this way, don’t leave it… Love it with passion and you’ll be kept [safe].’7Wisdom is the basis for all [that’s good]; So with all you acquire, gain wisdom! And among all the things you possess, Be sure that you gain understanding! 8Build her a fort and she’ll lift you… Hold her in esteem and she’ll watch over you… She’ll place a garland on your head… 9A luxurious crown that will shield you.10Hear, O son, and receive all my words; For they’ll multiply the years of your life, And many ways, you’ll then understand.11I’m teaching you the ways of the wise… On you, I’m piling tracks that are straight, 12So the ways that you go won’t hem you in, Or ever be a block to your footsteps; Thus, when you must run, you won’t tire.13Grab my instructions and don’t let them go… Hold them tight for yourself and your life!14Don’t follow in the ways of the godless Or be jealous of the ways of lawbreakers. 15Don’t go to places where they hang out… 16Yes, alter your course and divert; For they won’t sleep until they’ve done wrong. And since they can’t sleep, they don’t go to bed… 17On the grain of irreverence, they feed, And on the wine of lawless ways, they get drunk.18But the ways of the righteous are like light… They illuminate and shine until morning. 19While the ways of the irreverent are dark, And they don’t know how often they stumble.20O son,Pay attention to the things that I’m saying And listen to my words with your ears; 21For then, your wells won’t fail you. Yes, store them deep in your heart, 22For those who find them will live, And to your flesh, they’ll bring healing.23With all the things that you guard, Pay close attention to your heart, Because it’s the source of your life.24From your mouth, remove all that’s crooked, And keep unrighteous lips far away. 25Let your eyes always look straight ahead… And don’t let their lids wink at injustice.26Make straight tracks for your feet, And straighten out all of your paths. 27Don’t turn aside to the right or the left… Just turn your feet from what’s bad. For God knows the ways that are righteous, And those who pervert them, He puts on His left. But if you’ll choose to make your tracks straight, He’ll lead you in ways that bring peace.
1O son,Pay attention to my wisdom And lend your ears to my words So that you can understand clearly… 2Then my lips will tell you the things I’ve perceived.To bad women, you should pay no attention! 3For the lips of a whore drip with honey, Which may fatten the throat for a while… 4But then, you’ll find them more bitter than bile And sharper than a double-edged sword.5Foolish are the feet of those turning to her, For this leads to death and the grave… And the tracks aren’t easily noticed. 6Her ways don’t lead to life, And the tracks that she makes are slippery and dark.7O son, please listen to me… Don’t ignore these things that I’m saying! 8From them, you should stay far away… Don’t approach the doors to their homes 9So you don’t pass your life onto others And share your vigor with those who lack mercy.10No, don’t fill a stranger with your vigor… Your strength shouldn’t enter [a whore]… 11For you’ll then be sorry when your flesh falls away. 12And you’ll say:‘How I hated to be told… How discipline [bothered] my heart… 13So I wouldn’t accept their correction, And my ears wouldn’t hear the things I was taught. 14So, little by little, I fell into bad And away from [God’s] congregation.’15O son,Drink water from your own jar… Just that which flows from your own well! 16Let the waters of your springs overflow… Carry your own water when you go to the squares!17Let it be yours all alone… Don’t share it with strangers! 18Let your spring be just yours alone, And find joy in the wife of your youth… 19Your favorite filly, and your friendly hind.Let her share conversation with you… Hold her high and keep her nearby, For this friendship will mean a great deal.20Don’t spend time with strange women, And never hold one who’s not yours. 21For the eyes of God watch the ways of a man, And He’s tracking the things that we do.22Unlawful acts are a snare to all men, And for your sins, you’ll be wrapped up in chains. 23Those who don’t learn this will come to their end, And then they’ll lose all they own… They’ll perish in their own foolish ways.
1O son,When you co-sign a loan for a friend, You’ve put yourself in your enemy’s hands. 2From your own lips you’ve been captured and snared… By words that came from your own mouth.3O son,Save yourself by heeding my words. For, if you choose to do such a thing, Into evil hands, you’ll fall.Don’t leave yourself [in such a position]; For you’ll find that you’ll even anger your friend… The one for whom you co-signed the loan!4So, don’t let your eyes go to sleep 5Or allow your eyelids to slumber, Before you’ve escaped like a doe from a noose, And as wild fowl from a snare.6Lazy one; You should learn from the ant… Feel zeal when you see what he does. Yes, you should become just like him… But, you should also be wiser!7For he doesn’t own his own farm, And he has no one to urge him to work, Nor is he under a master. 8But, during the summer, he gathers much food, As he prepares to feast in the harvest.9O lazy one,How much longer will you continue to lie there… Yes, when will you awaken from sleep? 10You sit for a while, then rest for a while, And after a while, you slumber With your hands and arms on your chest, 11As poverty overtakes you like a mugger, And lack catches you like a sprinter.12A man (a fool and lawbreaker) Will travel in ways that are evil. 13He beckons with his eyes, Makes signs with his feet, And teaches with the motions of his fingers.14He plans to do bad, since his heart is perverse, And he brings disturbance into his own city. 15But because of this, his death will come soon… He’ll be cut off and not be brought back, 16Since he rejoices over things that God hates.He will be destroyed, since his life is unclean… 17Because his eyes are insulting… Because his tongue is unrighteous… Because his hands have shed righteous blood… 18Because his heart conspires to do bad And his feet have run to do evil.19When [a man] tells a lie [in a courtroom], This unrighteous witness lights fires, And between even brothers, brings lawsuits.20O son,Guard the laws of your father, And don’t cast aside the rules of your mother! 21Fasten them tight to your soul… Tie them around your neck with a cord!22Bring them along wherever you walk, And make sure they’re always nearby. When you sleep, you should let them keep watch, And have them remind you when you arise.23For the Law’s Commandments are a lamp and a light… They’re a complete way of life! They’re correction and instruction to guard you 24From bad women who are already married, And from the distractions that come from strange tongues.25Don’t let their beauty entice you… Don’t get trapped by the things you can see, Or be beguiled by their eyes. 26For, less than bread is the value of a whore, And a woman of men ensnares precious lives.27Can a man light a fire upon his own chest Without it burning his clothes? 28Can someone walk on live coals Without them consuming his feet?29For, when you [have sex with] another man’s wife, That’s what will happen to you, Since none that touch her are found free from guilt.30It’s no surprise when someone’s caught stealing, For, to fill a hungry soul, men will steal. 31Then, when they’re caught, 7 times they’ll repay… They’ll give all they own to be saved.32But by the lack of good sense, The man who’s committing adultery, Upon himself, brings destruction. 33For he suffers both grief and dishonor, And his scorn won’t be forgotten Throughout the rest of the age.34Because of the jealous rage of her man, He won’t be spared in the day that he’s judged. 35And because of the hate of this person, He’ll not be able to bargain, Nor will many gifts buy his freedom.
1O son,Keep my words and commandments… Hide them inside of yourself! 2Have deep respect for Jehovah, And He will make you grow stronger… In addition to Him, fear no other!Keep His commands and live [a long] life… Like the pupil of your eye, guard His words. 3Wrap them around all your fingers, And inscribe them in the depths of your heart.4Also guard wisdom as your own sister And intelligence as your best friend, 5So they’ll keep you away from strange women, As well as from all that is wicked. Then, about you, good things will be said.6She leans from the window of her house on the square, 7And whenever she views foolish offspring (Young men who are lacking good sense) 8Passing the corner near the path to her house; 9She speaks from the darkness of the evening, When all are at rest in the dimness of night.10She meets with him and she looks like a whore, And the young man’s heart starts to flutter. 11She’s so enticing and carnal… But, don’t let your feet stop by her [door].12At times, she’ll stray outside of her house, And stand on the corner of the square. 13There she reaches out and she fondles, And with an impudent face she might say:14‘A sacrifice of peace, I must offer, And today, I must render my vows… 15So, that’s why I’ve met up with you. I noticed your face [as you’re passing], And I came over here just to find you.16‘Now, while I was sewing, I laid out my bed, And spread it with sheets [made in] Egypt. 17With saffron, I sprinkled my bed, And cinnamon, I’ve put ‘round my house.18‘So, come and enjoy my friendship ‘til dawn… Come, and we’ll wrap up in passion! 19For, my husband isn’t at home… He’s gone away on a journey. 20He left with a bundle of silver, And he’ll not be back for several more days.’21She leads him astray and acts like a friend, While tying a noose ‘round his neck. By the words from her lips, she then reels him in; 22And he follows like an ox to the slaughter… Like a dog that’s being led on a leash, Or a stag that’s been shot in the liver. 23So he hurries like fowl towards a snare, Not knowing that he’s running for his life.24Now, hear and pay close attention To the sayings that come from my mouth! 25Don’t turn aside to her ways in your heart, And don’t be misled by her wiles.26Many she’s stabbed through and then thrown away… Unnumbered are those whom she’s murdered. 27Her house is on the road to the grave, And it leads to the storeroom of death.
1If you’ll call out for wisdom, Intelligence will also obey you! 2He’s higher than all of the others, And he stands in the midst of all roads.3He’s the home of the mighty, And in their doorway, he sings: 4‘O men, I’ll bring comfort to you, And I’ll sing this aloud to your sons:5‘All you guileless should learn to be shrewd, And the unlearned should store it deep in their hearts.]’6‘So, you should listen to me, For I’m speaking of serious things… From my lips comes something that’s true! 7So my throat will be speaking truly, Since those with lying lips, I’ve hated.8‘Righteous are the sayings that come from my mouth… Nothing in them is crooked or evil. 9So the discerning should stand face to face With the one who’s teaching them knowledge.10‘Seek instruction, not silver… Put knowledge above proven gold! 11And wisdom is better than most precious gems… Nothing is worth more than it, 12Since wisdom camps with counsel and knowledge!’‘And as I’m reflecting, I’ll say this:13‘Those fearing Jehovah will hate all injustice, As well as insolence and pride, And ways that lead to what’s evil… For He hates the perversions of those who do bad.’14‘Council and safety are mine! Intelligence and strength are mine also! 15For by me, the kings start their reigns, And the mighty write about justice.16‘By me, the great become sovereigns… Through me, they rule the whole earth. 17Those fond of me are always beloved, And those who seek me find favor.18‘By me, wealth and glory exist, As well as the lands of the just. 19So the blest will gather my fruitage Before seeking gold or rare gems… For my reward is better than silver.20‘I walk in the ways of the righteous And return in the pathways of reason. 21I provide for all those who love me, And I fill their treasuries with things that are good.22‘I’ll proclaim what happens each day, And I’ll speak of the things of the ages. For, by Jehovah I was created, And He made the head of His ways… I’m the one [in charge] of His works.23‘In the beginning, He made me, Before this age came to be… Before He decreed the creation of lands… 24Before He made the abysses, And before the springs gushed with water.25‘Yes, I was fathered by Him Before the mountains and hills… 26Before He made the places to live, Or the ends of man’s home under the skies.27‘As He was preparing the heavens, I’m the one who presented them to Him. Then He placed His throne on the winds, 28And moved clouds above with His strength.‘Then He made all the springs under the skies, 29And set limits for the waters of the seas, So they couldn’t cross over their borders. And when the foundations of the earth were made strong, I’m the one who stood there beside Him.30‘By Him, all things worked together, And He found joy in them all. Each day that I stood there before Him, In this, I also found much delight. 31Then He was pleased when He finished man’s home, And over sons of men, He was happy.’32Now, listen to me, O my son: Blest are those who are guarding his ways! 33Learn from wisdom and you’ll be wise… Don’t cover it over!Blest is the man who listens to it… The man who guards all its ways… 34The one who’s awake at its entrance each day, And that pays close attention at its doors!35For, those who seek it find life And receive the favor of God! 36But, those who are sinning against it Are disrespecting their souls… All who hate it are lovers of death.
1Wisdom has built a house for himself, And atop 7 columns, he’s propped it. 2He has offered the needed sacrifices… He’s mixed the wine in their jars, And he has readied his table. 3Then he sends his servants to call [all the guests], And with a grand proclamation, he says:4‘All you who are foolish; turn here to me!’5He says to those who are lacking good sense:‘Come eat my bread and drink my wine That I’ve mixed up for you! 6Stop being a fool, become smarter, So you’ll live a long time… Get straight with wisdom and knowledge!’7Those who attempt to straighten the godless, Upon themselves, bring dishonor. For, when you scold those who have no respect, You just make a fool of yourself.8So, don’t scold those who are evil, For they’ll just start to detest you! But, reprove the wise and they’ll love you… 9Give them help and they’ll be wiser… An explanation to those who are righteous, Will thereafter, bring them much more.10Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah, And counsel about holiness brings understanding. Also, knowledge of the Law is good to consider; 11For if you learn it, you’ll live a long time… Many years, it’ll add to your life.12O son; if you choose to seek wisdom, You’ll make yourself wise. But, if you choose to seek evil, You’ll just bring bad things on yourself.13A woman without food who’s foolish and bold, Has no knowledge of shame. 14She sits at the door of her house in a chair To make herself seen in the square.15Then she calls out to those who pass on the street, And to those who are walking straight paths:16‘You who are the most foolish; Turn aside and come here to me!’She arouses the stupid by saying:17‘You’ll touch secret bread loaves in pleasure, And steal sweet water to drink!’18But the thing that they don’t understand, Is that she brings destruction upon earthly men… That she’s perching them on the edge to the grave!
1A wise son gladdens a father; But a foolish son brings his mother distress.2Treasures bring no help to the lawless; But, they can rescue the righteous from death.3Jehovah won’t let the righteous go hungry; But, impious ways [lead to famine].4Poverty humbles a man; But, hard-working hands will enrich him.Correcting a son makes him wiser; So the foolish, he’ll treat as his servants.5An intelligent son will be saved And he won’t [have to slave in] sweltering heat; But wind will destroy all the harvest Of the son who’s a lawbreaker.6Jehovah sends blessing to the heads of the righteous, And mourning to the mouths of the wicked.7The righteous are remembered and commended; While the names of the irreverent will perish.8A wise heart does as it’s told; But, back-talking lips will be stumbled.9For those who comply, things go easy; But, resistance won’t be forgotten.10The eye that winks at bad things Is creating distress for the rest. But, the man who openly scolds, Is the one who’s bringing them peace.11Mouths of the righteous are like springs of life; But a mouth that curses, leads to destruction.12Hatred leads to a war; But, those who won’t fight create friendships.13Those whose lips bring forth wisdom Are beating the heartless with a stick.14The wise learn to hide their perceptions; But, mouths that speak rashly, bring destruction.15The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, While poverty brings ruin to the poor.16The deeds of the righteous bring life, While the fruit of the irreverent brings sin.17Following instructions leads you to life; For, without instructions, you’ll stray.18Righteous lips cover your hatred; But, those who shout insults are fools.19A sin can’t be covered with many words; So it’s wise for your lips to say little.20A righteous tongue is like refined silver, But the hearts of the irreverent are worthless.21The lips of the righteous speak of high things, While fools die for the lack of understanding.22Jehovah blesses the heads of the righteous… He enriches and brings no distress to their hearts.23The fool will laugh when he’s doing what’s bad; But, wisdom makes a man act much smarter.24By destruction, the impious are carried away, While the righteous will receive the things that they crave.25A blast will come to destroy the impious; But the righteous will turn and escape in that age.26As green grapes are bad for your teeth, And smoke is bad for your eyes; So are lawless ways to those who are harmed.27The fear of Jehovah adds days to your life, While the lives of the irreverent are shortened by years.28Happiness stays with the righteous, While the irreverent one’s hopes are destroyed.29Jehovah’s a fort of those who show mercy, But a ruin to those who are doing what’s bad.30The righteous will live throughout the ages; But the impious won’t live long in the land.31From the mouths of the righteous, drips wisdom, While unrighteous tongues lead to ruin.32From the lips of the righteous comes loving care; But rejection comes from the mouths of the godless.
1Dishonest scales are disgusting to [God]… Fair weights are what He approves.2Those who shout insults show their dishonor, While the mouths of the humble speak wisely.3The righteous leave no regrets when they die; But, the irreverent are ridiculed when they’re gone.4The perfection of the righteous will guide them, While the Godless are plundered by failure… In the day of [God’s] rage, their possessions will fail, As the righteous are rescued from death.5Holiness keeps the righteous on their straight paths; But by their godless ways, the unrighteous fail.6The right ways of the good is what saves them; But the thoughtless ways of lawbreakers Is the thing that leads them to jail.7When a righteous man comes to his end, The things that he’s hoped for are never destroyed. But the boastful ways of the godless Will soon bring about their destruction.8When the righteous are saved from a trap, The irreverent thereafter fall in it.9The mouths of the irreverent are snares to their friends; But the mouths of the righteous bring blessings.10By the good of the righteous, a city is born, And the destruction of the irreverent brings it joy.11By the praises of the upright, a city is raised; But the mouths of the impious tear it back down.12A senseless man sneers at his comrades; But, an intelligent man leads them to rest.13A double-tongued man reveals other’s plans, While the trustworthy keep matters hidden.14Those with no guidance will fall like the leaves; But, salvation is found [by seeking] advice.15The wicked act badly among righteous men, And the sounds of their safety, they hate.16A praiseworthy woman brings glory to her man, But those hating what’s right, bring dishonor.The lazy will never be wealthy, While those who work hard will be rich.17A merciful man brings good to his soul, While the merciless bring themselves ruin.18The impious receive what’s wrong as their wage, While the offspring of the righteous is their reward.19A righteous son will gain life, While an irreverent son will bring his own death.20Twisted ways are disgusting to [God]… He just approves of those who walk in straight paths.21Those who lay hands on another for bad reasons Won’t go unpunished for their evil ways. But, those who are fair are assured a reward.22As a gold ring in the snout of a pig Is a pretty woman with evil desires.23The righteous will receive what’s good, While the hopes of the godless will perish.24There are those who’ll plant seeds and reap more… But, there are some that will also reap less.25A generous man will be blest… For, those who water will be watered.26A man who hoards grain will leave it to [others], While the heads of those who share it are blest.27Those planning to do good, seek its blessings; But, those who plan to do evil, Will be captured by those who do what’s good.28Those who trust in their wealth won’t succeed; But, those who help the righteous will last.29The man who doesn’t love those in his own home Will just inherit the wind… To the intelligent, he’ll be just a fool and a slave.30From the tree of life, the righteous [gather] fruit, While the souls of the lawless are lost.31If the righteous will be saved [by the skin of their teeth]; What hope is there for the impious and sinners?
1Those who love to be taught, love understanding, While those hating correction are fools.2Those who find the favor of [God] Are the ones who’ll receive what’s best, While the lawless just get condemnation.3Those who break laws won’t endure; While the righteous won’t be uprooted.4A virtuous woman is a crown to her man; But, one who’s bad will eat him away Like a worm that’s boring through wood.5True judgments are the ways of the righteous, And treacherous are the ways of the godless.6The impious lie in wait to shed blood, While righteous mouths offer protection.7When the irreverent lose, they just pass away, While the homes of the righteous remain.8The mouths of the discerning are praised by all men, While those with dull hearts are just sneered at.9It’s best for the dishonored to be servants Than be too proud and go without bread.10The righteous are concerned for the lives of their cattle, While the impious feel no compassion or mercy.11Those who work their ground will eat bread, While those who chase vain things go hungry.There are those who drink wine as their pastime… But they leave their honor behind.12The desires of the impious are evil; But the roots of those who show deep respect Will become strongly entrenched.13By the sins of his lips, a sinner is snared, While the righteous will flee from such things.14From the fruits of his mouth, a man’s soul receives good… He’ll be repaid for the things his lips say.15Fools will follow in their own ways, While the wise will follow advice.16A fool bares his rage before all, But the wise will hide his dishonor.17The righteous put trust in telling the truth; But an unrighteous witness will lie.18There are some that speak as though stabbing with swords, While the tongues of the wise send healing.19Lips that are straight will speak what’s true, While unrighteous lips are too hasty.20Those planning to do bad have treachery in their hearts, While those planning peace will find joy.21Injustice displeases the righteous, While the godless [find pleasure] in all that’s bad.22Lying lips are disgusting to [God]… He only accepts those whose lips He can trust.23The wise don’t show all the things that they know; But the hearts of fools blurt their folly.24Hands that are honest, easily win, While the hands of the deceitful are plundered.25Frightful words disturb hearts of men, But a message that’s good brings them joy.26A friend is one who suggests what’s right. But, sinners support evil and impious ways.27A deceitful man won’t get what he wants, While those with pure hearts will be wealthy.28The ways of the righteous lead them to life… From death, it turns them away.
1A wise son does as his father directs, While those who won’t listen will meet with destruction.2From the fruit of righteous lips, good people will eat, As the lives of the lawless are all wiped away.3Those who keep watch on the things that they say Are also keeping watch on their lives; While those who let their lips go Are turning their lives into failure.4While idle men think of the things that they want, Hardworking hands bring results.5The righteous hate words that aren’t true, While the lies of the wicked bring themselves shame.6Righteousness guards the ways of the honest, While the irreverent are led into sin.7There are those who seek wealth and get nothing; And there are those who put themselves low that get rich.8A man’s wealth may be used to ransom his life, While the poor have nothing to fear.9The righteous will always have light, While the light of the irreverent is extinguished.10Those practicing evil, [shout] insults, While the wise argue just with themselves.11Things gained in haste by the lawless Will soon lose all of their value, As things that are gathered by the righteous Will keep on growing in worth.12Those who plan in their hearts to help others Are better than those who just promise And raise [false] hopes in [the poor].A tree of life is the will to do good; 13But those who hate to do what’s right Will be hated for that very same reason.Those who deceive will get nothing good, While the wise ways of a servant will prosper.14The Law is a well of life to the wise, Which turns them away from death’s snares.15Understanding what’s good, brings [God’s] favor… Knowing and considering [His] Law, is what’s good. But the roads of all those who hate it Are the paths that lead to destruction.16A wise man acts on the things he’s learned, While the fool continues in his evil ways.17A hasty king will find trouble… But wise counselors can save him from this.18Poverty and dishonor are removed by instruction, And those following correction, will be blest.19The irreverent desire whatever delights them. But, ignorance is all they accomplish.20Those who travel with the wise will be wise, While those traveling with fools will also be fools.21Sinners will do evil things. While the righteous will do what’s good.22A good man will inherit the sons of his sons, And the wealth of the impious is reserved for the righteous.23The righteous will spend many years with their wealth, While the wicked will suddenly perish.24Those who don’t spank them, dislike their sons, While those who love them give careful correction.25The righteous will eat and make their lives full, As the lives of the godless go lacking.
1A woman who’s wise will strengthen her home; But the foolish rips theirs down with their own hands.2Those on straight paths fear Jehovah, While those on crooked paths [truly] hate Him.3From the mouth of a fool comes an insult, While the lips of the wise hold it back.4Where there are no cattle, the stables are clean; But the strength of the ox is apparent In barns that are prospering well.5A trustworthy witness won’t lie; But a lying witness will commit other sins.6The bad who seek wisdom, won’t find it; But, to the discerning, it comes easily.7Whatever the foolish say will be wrong; But wise lips are the weapons of those with good sense.8From their wisdom, the wise get direction, While fools are misled by their own thoughtless ways.9The homes of the lawless need cleaning, While the homes of the righteous are worthy of praise.10A man whose heart is easily hurt Will always be in distress. But, insults won’t bother a heart filled with joy.11The homes of the impious will meet with destruction, While the tents of the upright will last.12There are ways that may seem straight to a man, But they end in the depths of the grave.13Bold hearts are always filled with their ways, While a good man is filled with his thoughts.15A gullible man believes every word, While the wise will think it all through.16In fear, a wise man will turn from what’s bad, While a fool gives in and breaks laws.17A man prone to rage will act without thought, While the wise will endure many things.18A fool will share in doing what’s bad, While the wise will maintain their good sense.19Evil men slip in among those who are good, And the irreverent watch the doors of the righteous.20Friends dislike friends that are poor, While many are the friends of the rich.21Those who dishonor the needy are sinners, While those who show mercy are blest.22Those who stray, contrive evil schemes, While the good contrive mercy and truth.The bad have no mercy or faith, While the good are generous and trusting.23For those who care, there’s more than enough, While those who seek pleasure are lacking.24The crown of the wise is their wealth; But, evil is the pastime of fools.25A trustworthy witness snatches lives from the evil, While a deceitful man will just lie.26Those who trust in the strength of Jehovah, Will leave an inheritance for their children.27The rules of Jehovah are life-giving springs That lead men away from death’s snares.28A prosperous nation brings glory to its king; But a nation in want brings him ruin.29An intelligent man forgives freely; But a faint-hearted man [holds a grudge].30A practical man is a healer of hearts; But a sensitive man is a moth to the bones.31The man who’s extorting the needy Is provoking the One by whom he was made; But, those whom He holds in esteem Are the ones who show mercy to the poor.32For their evil, the irreverent will be shunned, While the righteous will be looked on as holy.33In the heart of a good man, rests wisdom, Which can’t be found in the heart of a fool.34Justice will build up a nation; But, sinners will bring its decline.35Wise counselors are [a joy to] the king, For they can remove his dishonor In very ingenious ways.
1Even the smart are destroyed by their rage; For harsh words will make others angry, While an answer that’s mild turns back rage.2Tongues of the wise bring forth knowledge; But the mouths of fools just speak evil.3The eyes of Jehovah see all… He watches both the good and the bad.4A tree of life, is the tongue that brings healing… Those who have it are filled with [God’s] Breath.5A fool will sneer at his father’s instructions, While the wise will do what he says.Where there’s justice, [a nation] is strong, For the irreverent will be rooted out of their land.6There’s strength in the homes of the righteous, While the fruits of the impious bring them ruin.7The lips of the wise are bound by good sense; But, the hearts of fools can’t be trusted.8Sacrifices of the irreverent are disgusting to God… He accepts just the vows of those who walk straight.9The ways of the irreverent are disgusting to God; But He loves those who do what’s righteous.10Those who heed the instructions of the guileless Will be the ones who follow straight paths.Those who dislike correction Will come to their end in disgrace.11Of destruction and the grave, God has warned us; So, why isn’t this in the hearts of all men?12The ignorant hate those who correct them, And they don’t wish to stay near the wise.13A happy heart makes a face shine; But a heart in distress makes it downcast.14An upright heart will seek understanding; But an ignorant heart knows just evil.15Evil eyes enjoy seeing what’s evil, While the [eyes] of the good [search for] peace.16It’s better to have little and the fear of Jehovah, Than to have great treasures and no fear of God.17It’s better to eat vegetables in a place where there’s love, Than to dine on calves where there’s hatred.18An outraged man is ready to fight; But, with an apology, he can be soothed.A forgiving man prevents lawsuits, While the irreverent would rather create them.19The roads of the lazy lead into thorns, As the industrious travel on busy highways.20A wise son brings joy to his father; But a foolish son sneers at his mother.21The paths of the unthinking don’t make any sense; But the ways of the wise lead them in a straight line.22From the hearts of advisors, there’s much to be [learned]; 23But a man who’s bad won’t [take their advice], Nor will he learn from what’s useful. For to him, what’s good is mundane.24The thoughts of the discerning lead men to life, And they’ll turn a man back from the grave.25Jehovah tears down the homes of the proud, While He gives support to the widows.26The ways of the unrighteous are disgusting to God… He only respects the requests of the pure.27Those who takes bribes, bring themselves ruin, While those who hate them are saved.Mercy and faith wipe away sins, And the fear of Jehovah turns us from bad.28Faithful hearts think of what’s righteous, While irreverent mouths speak of what’s evil.The ways of the righteous are accepted by God… By them, even enemies become friends.29From the irreverent, God stays far away; But He hears the vows of the righteous.It’s better to be fair and gain little Than to gain many things through injustice.30An eye that sees good, brings joy to the heart, And good news puts fat on the bones.31Those who heed the corrections of life Will find themselves lodging with those who are wise.32Those who won’t listen to instruction, Really don’t care for themselves, While those who heed correction, love life.33The fear of Jehovah is instruction and wisdom… Heeding Him is the sum of all glory, And the humble will be led to this glory.
1May the heart of a man consider what’s righteous, So that God can set their feet on straight paths.[LXX]2The deeds of the humble are apparent to God… But He’ll destroy the irreverent in His day.[LXX]3[no equivalent verse in LXX source][LXX]4[no equivalent verse in LXX source][LXX]5To God, proud hearts are unclean, And He will never forgive Those who lay their hands on another unjustly.6Goodness starts with doing what’s right… 7It’s better than offering sacrifices.8Those seeking Jehovah find knowledge and justice… Those who righteously seek Him, find peace.9A man’s heart is what sets his direction, But Jehovah sets the course for his feet.10Although a curse may be on the lips of a king, His mouth must not err in his judgments.11A scale that gives a true measure Is something that’s righteous with God… And His ways require honest weights.12The king is disgusted by those who are bad, For the sovereignty of his throne is based upon justice.13Righteous lips are what the king will accept… Your lord loves things that are straight.14The rage of a king is a messenger of death; But a man who’s wise can appease him.15The sons of a king are the light of his life, For to Him, those he loves are like gentle rain.16Sources of wisdom are better than gold, And understanding is worth more than silver.17The road [to long] life avoids what’s bad, And righteous ways lead to growing old.Those willing to learn are counted as good, And those accepting correction are thought of as wise.The man who keeps watch on his ways Is someone who’s protecting his soul… So, those who love life will watch what [they say].18Insolent ways lead to destruction, And evil thoughts lead to a downfall.19It’s better to share a little with the meek Than to share great spoils with the haughty.20The discerning are inventors of good things, And those yielding to God find His blessings.21Although the vile may shout to the wise and discerning, Those with sweet words are the ones they’ll hear.22Understanding brings life to its seekers, While the instruction of fools brings bad results.23From their own mouths, the hearts of wise learn, And from their own lips, they’ll gain knowledge.24Sweet words are like combs filled with honey, For their sweetness brings healing to the soul.25There are ways that may seem straight to a man, But they end on the road to the grave.26A hardworking man works for himself, And this leads him from poverty, As the rest wear failure over their mouths.27The foolish search for what’s evil, And to their own lips, they bring fire.28A man who’s crooked spreads evil… With treachery, he lights many fires, And in this, he drives friends apart.29A lawbreaking man puts his friends to the test, And he leads them into corruption. 30for his eyes are fixed as he plans to do wrong, And he confirms what’s bad with his lips… Such a man is a furnace of evil.31Old age is a crown of which one can boast When it’s found among those who are righteous.32It’s better to be forgiving than strong, And smartness is better than owning much land. But, better than taking a city, Is the ability to keep your temper in check.33Unrighteous lips will bring what’s bad; While all that’s good comes from [God].
1A scrap of food that’s eaten in peace Is better than a house of feasting with fights.2Over foolish masters, a smart slave will win, And he’ll divide what he takes with his brothers.3As silver and gold are refined in a furnace, Is how Jehovah tries hearts.4A bad man obeys what lawbreakers say, And the unrighteous will heed lying lips.5Those who make fun of the poor Provoke the One by whom they were made.Those who rejoice at the downfall of others Won’t [find their sins overlooked]; For, mercy comes to those who show that they care.6The crown of old age is grandchildren, And fathers will boast of their sons.The arrangements of [God] can be trusted; But the faithless won’t know how [He] did it.7Trustworthy lips aren’t enough for a fool, Nor will lying lips pleasure the righteous.8Instruction pays well to those who’ll learn, And all who use it, will prosper.9Those covering offenses are looking for love; But the unforgiving leave family and friends.10Intimidation breaks the heart of someone who’s wise; But a fool who’s whipped never learns.11All evil men like to argue; But against them, Jehovah sends merciless angels.12An intelligent man will be anxious [for right]; But, about evil things, fools will argue.13The one who repays good things with bad, Will never see evil removed from his home.14When a ruler supports righteous words, There are fewer fights and divisions.15When the righteous must judge the unjust, They’ll find them unclean and disgusting.16Value means nothing to fools; For, in their hearts, there’s no wisdom.As those who are building tall houses Make plans for something that will fall… Evil plans bring the downfall of the crooked.17Use your time to gain friends; For in bad days, they’ll be your brothers… It’s for such favor that they’ve been born!18A foolish man claps and shakes hands, Then he [co-signs] a loan for a friend.19Those fond of sinning bring strife, And those with hard hearts bring nothing good.20A tongue that twists words will bring evil, And the heart of a fool brings grief to himself.21A father won’t be proud of an ignorant son… But, smart ones bring joy to their mothers.22While a joyful heart brings good health; A worried heart dries a man’s bones.23The unrighteous want gifts to be dropped in their laps So that they can pervert true justice.24Faces of the discerning look wise; But the eyes of the foolish look distant.25A foolish son angers his father And brings grief to the [mother] that bore him.26It’s wrong to penalize the righteous And unholy to plot against a just king.27Those holding back harsh words show insight, And a man who concedes shows his wisdom.28When an unthinking man asks a question, He’s often thought of as wise; And when he refuses to argue, He’ll be thought of as a person who’s smarter.
1Those making excuses are rejected by friends, And they’ll always be spoken of poorly.2Those lacking good sense have no use for wisdom; For, by what’s foolish, they wish to be led.3When the irreverent reach the depths of their evil, They don’t notice that they’re scorned and dishonored.4A word that touches the heart Is like very deep water… Like a river or a life-giving spring.5It’s evil to favor the wicked, And unholy to deny justice to the righteous.6A fool’s lips will lead him towards bad, And the boldness of his mouth beckons his death.7The mouth of a fool will destroy him, For his lips are snares to his own soul.8The lazy are easily frightened, And timid souls will go hungry.9A man who won’t work for himself Is a brother to the one who brings himself ruin.10In the Name of the Lord there’s power… It’s where the righteous can turn for their strength.11The wealth of the rich is a fortified town, And its glory casts a long shadow.12Before his ruin, a man’s heart is proud, And just before glory, it’s humbled.13When a man replies before hearing, It’s foolish and it brings him much scorn.14A man can endure a [long] illness; But, who can endure a spirit that’s worried?15The hearts of the smart gain perception And the ears of the wise search for insight.16When a man brings a gift, he makes friends, And he will sit beside rulers.17Before speaking, the righteous examine themselves; For they know that they’ll be reproved By those who don’t agree.18Choosing by lottery ends a dispute And it defines the boundaries of rulers.19A brother who’s helped by his brothers Is like a high city with fortified walls, And a castle that’s well-built and strong.20From the fruits of his mouth, a man’s belly is filled… From the fruits of his lips, he will get what he needs.21The handle of the tongue carries both life and death, And those who fail to restrain it Will end up eating its fruitage.22The man who’s found a good woman Has done himself a great favor… Joy from Jehovah is what he’s received.The man who sends a good woman away Doesn’t recognize things that have value; But the one who keeps an adulteress Is a foolish and irreverent man.23Although those in need make many requests, The rich will respond very harshly.24A man should seek many friendships, For some friends will stick closer than brothers.
1[not present in LXX sources]2[not present in LXX sources]3Doing what’s foolish lays waste to men’s ways; But in their hearts, they’ll blame it on God.4Wealth will bring many friends; But, friends will be few when you’re poor.5A lying witness won’t go unpunished, And a false accuser will never escape.6Many will seek the king’s favor, And all that bring gifts are his friends.7Those who hate a brother who’s poor Will never be good at making friends.Insight is good for all those who seek it, And an intelligent man will soon find it.The evil are good at doing what’s bad, And those who aggravate won’t be saved.8Those [willing to learn], love themselves; For those seeking what’s wise will find what’s good.9A lying witness won’t go unpunished, And those bringing evil will perish by it.10Luxury is no advantage to the fool; And it’s wrong for a servant who’s been given some power To use it in ways that are haughty.11A merciful man is forgiving, And he triumphs over those who’ve sinned against him.12Intimidation from a king is like a lion’s [roar]; But, bringing him joy is like dew on the grass.13A foolish son will bring shame to his father.Impure, are all of the vows That are paid with the wage of a whore.14Although fathers may leave us homes and possessions, A sensible wife comes from [God].15Worry holds back a cowardly man, And the lives of the idle go hungry.16Those keeping the Commandments are protecting their souls, While those hating its ways will soon perish.17God lends to those showing mercy to the poor, And He repays them according to the gifts that they give.18Although correction builds confidence in sons, You can’t make them better with insults.19An evil-minded man will be punished; And if he [kills], he must pay with his life.20Listen, O son, to the words of your father, So that in your last days, you’ll be wise.21There are many choices in a man’s heart; But counsel from God lasts throughout ages.22Charity is what’s desired of a man; And it’s better to be righteous and poor Than to be rich and a liar.23The fear of Jehovah brings life to a man; But, those who have no such fear Will lodge where no knowledge is found.24The unrighteous hide their hands behind folded arms, So they can’t bring [what’s good] to their mouths.25When you whip a foolish man for his mischief, It’ll make all simple men wiser; But an intelligent man will understand more, And he will make the needed corrections.26Those who show their fathers disrespect And push their mothers away, Will always be reviled and disgraced.27Sons that disobey their father’s instructions Will focus on the evil that they hear.28The man who [co-signs] a loan Is the same as a child that’s foolish.The mouths of the irreverent will swallow All those who show disrespect for the Law.29Whips are prepared for all those Who fail to watch what they say, And for the backs of the foolish.
[Editor note: In the oldest Greek Septuagint manuscripts, verses 14-22 are missing. Of those, verses 20-22 do appear in very similar wording, but elsewhere in the chapter – inside verse 9. Nobody knows why that happened, and we don’t know what the original order was, however most scholars believe the words in verses 14-22 are genuine and original. Therefore, we show them here from the Greek manuscripts that include them.] 1Wine and strong drink can make you drunk, And fools will get involved in such things.2The intimidation of a king is like a lion’s rage, And those who dare to provoke him Are sinning against their own lives.3It’s glory for a man to avoid shouting insults; But a fool stays involved in such matters.4If you scold the lazy, he’ll never be shamed… He even borrows grain in the harvest.5Instruction is deep water within a man’s heart From which the intelligent can draw.6A respected man has much value, And a merciful man isn’t easily found… But it’s harder to find one who’s faithful.7Those who offer true justice Will leave many blessings for their children.8When a just king sits on a throne, He won’t abide evil in his presence.9Who can boast that he has a pure heart, And openly say that he’s clean from all sins?The man who speaks badly to his father or mother Will find that his torch is extinguished, And the pupils of his eyes will see darkness.Whenever a thing is easily gained, In the end, it’ll have little value.Don’t ever say you’ll get even… Just wait on Jehovah to help you.10An untrue weight, whether large or small, Is something unclean to Jehovah… So, both the weights and their makers Will be bound hand and foot for using such things.11A young man who’s [a friend] to the holy Will surely find his ways straight.12Ears can hear and the eyes see; For they’re both the works of Jehovah.13Don’t love too much sleep, So that you don’t end up as poor; Rather, open your eyes and be filled with bread![Editor note: The following verses are missing from the earliest Septuagint manuscripts.]14The barterer says, ‘It’s bad, it’s bad!’ But, after he [buys it], he’ll boast.15There [are treasures] of gold and of precious gems; But understanding lips have more value.16If you should offer all of your clothes As security for the loan of a stranger; May that stranger thereafter reclaim them.17The bread of deceit may seem good to a man; But he’ll find his mouth filled up with gravel.18Make plans with discussion, counsel, and guidance, Before you go to fight battles.19Double-tongued is the man who reveals someone’s plan When he’s speaking to others; For his lips shouldn’t speak of things that aren’t his.[Editor note: The above verses are missing from the earliest Septuagint manuscripts.]20[appears in verse 9]21[appears in verse 9]22[appears in verse 9]23Two different weights are disgusting to [God], And a balance that’s off is evil to Him.24A man’s steps must be set straight by [God]; For, how can mortals know the right ways to go?25It’s a snare to offer something as holy too quickly; For, after you vow, you might change your mind.26A wise king rejects those who don’t show respect, And he’ll have them put on the wheel.27The spirit of men is a light to Jehovah, Which He uses to see what’s inside them.28Mercy and truth safeguard a king; For, to his throne, they’ll bring justice.29The glory of young men is their strength, And the glory of old age is gray hair.30The bad will have bruises and broken [bones], And illness will come to their bellies.
1The heart of a king is like waves [of the sea] When it’s in the hand of our God. For, wherever He wishes, He nods, And that’s the way he will go.2All men like to think themselves righteous; But, Jehovah’s the One who weighs all their hearts.3Telling the truth and doing what’s right Is more pleasing to God than a blood sacrifice.4A high-minded man is insolent and bold, And the torch of the impious is sin.5The thoughts of hard-workers are of [gaining much] more; But, those who’re too hasty will end up with less.6Those who seek treasures by lying Are really pursuing in vain; For, in death’s snares, they’ll be caught.7The ruin of the irreverent is welcomed as a guest By those who prefer righteous ways.8To the crooked, God sends what’s crooked; For His ways are all straight and pure.9It’s better to live on the corner of a roof Than in a house whitewashed with injustice, Or to live in one that’s unclean.10Since the godless prefer to do what’s bad, They’ll never see mercy from others.11When you discipline men for their lack of restraint, You make the guileless more clever; For, by his insight, the wise man will learn.12Impious hearts are examined by the righteous Who treat their evil ways with contempt.13Those who close their ears to the weak Will call out and no one will listen.14A gift that’s given in private Will soothe [a person who’s angry]; But, where there’s no gift, the rage may remain.15The pure are joyful when the righteous get justice; But this terrifies those who do evil.16A person who travels in righteous ways, Will rest among gatherings of great ones.17A man who loves pleasure won’t end up with much; And those fond of wine and [olive] oil Will never [find themselves] wealthy.18To the righteous, the wicked are trash… And that’s also how they view the Law-breakers.19It’s better to live in the desert Than with a wife who argues and fights, Or with one who’s prone to be angry.20Treasure rests in the mouths of the wise, For the foolish just swallow theirs down.21Those who seek charity and justice, Will also find glory and life.22A wise man can attack a fortified city, And he can demolish the forts In which the irreverent put trust.23Those who keep watch on their mouths and their tongues Are saving their souls from the problems they cause.24A bold, self-willed, and presumptuous man, Is one who’s considered a plague; For, all resent those who live without law.25Lazy desires bring death to a man, For his hands will choose to do nothing.26The irreverent just want to do evil, While the righteous show pity and mercy.27The sacrifices that the irreverent bring Are viewed as disgusting by [God]; For, whatever they bring is not by the Law.28Since a witness that lies deserves death; A [wise man] will watch what he says.29The irreverent impudently stand in the front, But the upright know what they’re planning.30The godless have no wisdom or courage, And the advice that they offer is bad.31Although a horse is prepared for the day of the war, Help really comes from Jehovah.
1A good name is better than wealth, And good favor is better than silver and gold.2The rich and the poor should meet with each other; For, both were made by Jehovah.3When a clever man sees the bad being punished, He makes corrections in himself… But this escapes the fools that pass by.4The fear of Jehovah is the father of wisdom… Its rewards are wealth, glory, and life.5Thistles and snares line ways of the crooked; But those guarding their souls will avoid them.6Raise your child [in good] ways, And when he grows old, he won’t leave them.7The rich are in control of the poor… They’re the masters of all those who borrow.Those planting evil will harvest what’s bad… Calamity is what they’ll reap From all the bad things that they sow.8God loves those who are cheerful givers, And overlooks the foolish things that they do.9Those who show mercy to the poor Will eat the same bread that they give them.Gift-givers buy victory and honor, While those who withhold them may lose their lives.10If you keep mischief-makers out of your group, Their unpleasantness also goes with them. For, you’re dishonored when they sit in your midst.11Jehovah loves hearts that are holy… Those with pure ways, He accepts.12The eyes of Jehovah keep guard on good sense, And He treats lawbreakers as [refuse].13The lazy make many excuses… They say, ‘There’s a lion out in the street; So, I could be killed in the square.’14The mouths of the lawless are cesspools, Into which those whom God hates will fall.15Foolish ways delight the hearts of the young; But instruction and spankings will drive them away.16Those who swindle the needy, Upon themselves, bring what’s evil… And they’ll give all they’ve gained to the wealthy.17Lean your ears towards these wise words from my mouth… Pay attention to the things that I’m saying. Yes, prepare your heart to fully comprehend; 18For, what I’m saying is good! If you’ll store it all deep in your heart, You’ll see that it’ll bring joy to your lips.19Put your hope in Jehovah, And He will show you His ways. 20Write them down three times for yourself, For your own instruction and knowledge.21I’m teaching you words that are true; So, listen closely and learn. Then, you can reply with words that are true, When people are asking you questions.22Don’t push away the needy and poor, And don’t dishonor the weak at your gates. 23Since it’s Jehovah who argues their cause, You’ll save your soul from reprisal.24Don’t be a friend to a man prone to rage, And don’t lodge men prone to anger, 25So that you don’t learn from their ways, And bring a noose to your life.26Don’t shame your face by ensuring a loan; For, if [your friend] can’t repay it, They’ll take the bed that’s under your back.28Never move the markers of the ages, Which were set in place by your fathers.29An observant man who’s sharp in his ways Will also stand beside kings… He won’t stand beside the dull witted.
1If you’re invited to dine with a ruler, Pay attention to all that’s around you. 2Especially pay attention to your hands… Have them prepared at such [times]. And although you may be very hungry, 3Don’t be too fond of his meal, For that won’t save your life.4And should you find yourself in great need, Don’t reach out to the wealthy… Use insight and stay at a distance. 5For, although you keep watch, they won’t appear, Since they have the wings of an eagle, Or they can stay in their homes.6Don’t dine with a man prone to envy, Nor should you desire his food… 7Eat and drink like you’re swallowing hair. And don’t bring him into your house for a meal; 8For, he will just vomit it out And lay waste to the things you’ve prepared.9Don’t speak into the ears of a fool, So he doesn’t sneer at your wisdom.10Don’t move the markers of the ages, And never take an orphan’s possessions, Since their ransom is paid by Jehovah… 11He’s mighty and He’ll argue their case.12Open your hearts to great learning, And prepare your ears for sensible words!13Don’t avoid correcting the young… For, if you spank him, no way will he die. 14And if you give him a spanking; From death, you may rescue his soul.15Son,If you teach yourself to be wise, You’ll bring much joy to my heart. 16And if [what you say] should prove to be straight, We’ll spend time sharing the words from our lips.17Don’t let your heart be jealous of sinners… Fear Jehovah all day! 18For, if you choose to take this advice, You’ll have many descendants, And you’ll get all that you’ve hoped for.19Hear me O son and be wise… Straighten the thoughts in your heart! 20Don’t be a person who drinks too much wine, Or reclines with the meat in the markets! 21For, whoremongers and drunks will be poor… The nightgowns they wear will be ragged and torn.22O son, pay attention to your father, And don’t disrespect your old mother. 23With all you have, [search for] the truth… And don’t reject wisdom, instruction, or knowledge!24A righteous father is one who provides, And a son who’s wise brings joy to his soul. 25So, please bring joy to your father and mother… May the one who bore you, rejoice!26Lend me your heart and your eyes… O son, pay attention to my words! 27The house of a [whore] is a keg with a hole… It’s a well that’s narrow and strange, 28And all [who enter] will perish! For, those who break laws are destroyed.29Who is the one who has problems and woes… For whom are there many disputes… For whom is there intrigue and rancor… Who is destroyed for no reason… And who’s the one with dark eyes? 30It’s those who linger with wine, And those who go looking for parties! So, don’t be a man who drinks too much wine, Or hangs out with [the unrighteous]… Don’t go around [with those who are bad]! 31For, if you search for [the contents of] cups, You’ll end up as bare as a pestle… 32Stretched out like one who’s been struck by a snake, Or one poisoned by the bite of horned vipers.33When your eyes behold a strange woman, And your mouth starts to speak perverse things; 34For if you lie with her, you’ll then be Like one who’s fallen in the depths of the sea… As a sailor who’s been covered by waves!35You’ll say:‘They beat me, but I felt no pain; They mocked me, but I didn’t know it. How long will it be ‘til it’s dawn So I can go back and do it again?’
1Son,Never be jealous of evil men, Or desire to go along with them. 2For their hearts just think about lies, And misery is found in their lips.3Wisdom has built a house for himself, And it was erected with skill. 4Its storerooms are filled with good sense… Things of value, goodness, and wealth.5Gaining wisdom is better than gaining strength, And being smart is better than owning much land.6Seek guidance before going to war; For from the hearts of advisors, comes aid.7Wisdom and insight are good, And they’re found in the gates of the wise.The wise won’t turn from the Laws of Jehovah, 8And they consider His things in their meetings. Those who fail to learn this will die, 9Since the fool will fail because of his sins.With what’s dirty, don’t get involved; 10For when a day of trouble arrives, You’ll see how such things have worked out.11Rescue those being led to their deaths, And ransom those about to be slain! 12Don’t say that you never knew them, For the Lord knows what’s in the hearts of all men, Since He’s the One who put breath in them all. So, He’s aware of all that we do, And He pays us back for the [sins] we commit.13Son,To eat honey from the comb is delightful; For into your throat, this brings sweetness… 14And that’s how wisdom should be in your life; For, if you find it, your death will be good, And your hopes won’t be abandoned.15Never lead the irreverent into the field Of any man who’s righteous, Or join with them in deception. 16For, even though the righteous may fall seven times, They’ll also stand up again, While the irreverent will be plagued for their badness.17Don’t rejoice if your enemy falls, And after his fall, he can’t rise. 18For, Jehovah will see this and He will be displeased, Then He will send His rage upon you.19And don’t rejoice over those doing evil, Or ever be jealous of sinners! 20For the lives of the wicked will come to an end, And the torch of the irreverent will be extinguished.21Fear God, O son, as well as the king… Never resist their persuasion! 22For they both can bring sudden death Upon those who show no respect. So, who can know how they’ll punish?23I’m saying this to the wise and to you: If you’re in awe of a person you’re judging, That’s a poor way to start out a trial. 24For a man who declares the irreverent just Will be cursed among all his people And detested within every nation. 25But, those who reprove will look better, And upon such one will come praise… 26Lips will kiss his righteous decisions.27Now, prepare to stop what you’re doing, And let’s go out to work in your field… Then, follow me, and we’ll work on your house!28Don’t ever be a witness that lies, And don’t be too quick to open your lips. 29Don’t say, ‘I’ll do what he did to me… I’ll get even with the one who’s wronged me!’30A foolish man is much like a farm, And one lacking good sense, like a vineyard. 31For, if you just leave them alone, They each will become overgrown… Their stone walls will fail and fall down.32I once decided to change… I planned to just [sit back] and learn. 33Then I started to doze and fell fast asleep With my hands folded over my chest. 34And if you allow this to happen to you, Poorness will soon overtake you, And lack will pass you like a sprinter.
1These are the [proverbs] of Solomon that were recorded by friends of HezekiAh, the king of Judah. 2God’s glory covers a matter; But, kings view all things as important.3As the heavens are high over the earth… So is the heart of a king.4Beating out unrefined silver Is one way to make it more [pure].5Slay the impious surrounding the king, And you’ll make his throne one of justice.6Don’t boast when you’re standing in front of the king, Nor do it in gatherings of the mighty.7It’s better if [a king] says, ‘You may approach,’ Than to be humbled in the presence of the mighty.Tell the king only those things That you’ve seen with your eyes.8Don’t be too quick to start fights; Or in the end, you’ll wish you had not.Whenever a friend wants to scold you, 9Don’t pull away or get angry. 10For, if his scolding makes you hate him, It’s the same as bringing his death. Since favor and friendships bring freedom, Pay close attention to the things that you do, And give him no reasons to scold you… Don’t do things that cause trouble!11As a gold apple in a pendant of rubies Is the value of words that are wise. 12And as a gold earring with a setting of [gems] Are wise words to ears that will listen.13A trustworthy messenger is like falling snow In the heat of the harvest; For he benefits the lives of all whom he tells.14As winds, clouds, and rain are apparent; So is the man who chooses to boast Of gifts that he didn’t give.15Patience before a king brings success, And a mild reply will break bones.16When you find honey, just eat what’s enough, Lest you should get filled and vomit it out.17Be sparing in the ways that you [visit] your friends So they don’t get tired and start to detest you.18The same as clubs, swords, and arrows, Is the person who slanders a friend.19For their evil, the lawless will die In the bad days that are [coming].20As vinegar on a [cut] will bring [pain] Is a heart in distress to its body. Like a moth in [wool] clothes and as worms inside wood Is how worry [will eat] a man’s heart.21If your enemy is hungry, you should feed him, And if he’s thirsty, you should give him a drink! 22By this, you’ll pile burning coals on his head, And Jehovah will repay you for the good things you did.23As a wind from the north will bring clouds… An impudent tongue will cause aggravation.24It’s better to live on the corner of a roof Than with a woman who likes to complain.25As cold water is enjoyed by the thirsty; So is good news that comes from afar.26As unbecoming as plugging a spring, Which results in wasting the water, Is the fall of someone who’s righteous Before those whose ways are impious.27As eating too much honey isn’t good; Kind words can also give too much praise.28As a city without walls and protection Is the person who won’t take advice.
1As snow in the summer and rain in the harvest; It’s wrong for a fool to be honored.2As sparrows and other winged creatures May spread [their wings, but not] fly; An undeserved curse won’t happen.3Like a whip to a horse or a spur to a mule; A nation of the lawless must be beaten.4Don’t answer a fool in his same foolish way So you’re not thought of being just like him. 5Rather, reply to show how he’s foolish, So he doesn’t think himself wise.6The man who sends a foolish report Heaps scorn upon all his ways.7Remove from fools their reasons [to speak], And take their proverbs out of their mouths. 8For, as a man who ties a stone to a sling, Is the person who gives glory to a fool.9As thorns will grow in the hands of a drunk; Slavery grows in the hands of a fool.10As a bad storm may cause damage; The flesh of fools will meet with destruction Over things in which they find pleasure.11As a dog returns to its vomit; A fool will return to the evil he’s done And commit same sins again.12I’ve seen men who thought themselves wise, Yet, they were no better than fools.13When you send out the lazy, they’ll say: ‘There are lions in the roads and murderers in the squares.’14The lazy one rolls in his bed Like a door that’s swinging on hinges.15When the lazy one hides his hands in [his robe], He’s unable to bring them up to his mouth.16The lazy one thinks himself wiser When something he says appears to be true.17As one who grabs hold of the tail of a dog Is the man who joins in a quarrel not his.18As doctors also need healing; Those who give council will stumble.19When a man is caught stealing from friends, He’ll claim that it was a joke.20Where there’s plenty of wood, a fire will grow; But, when there’s no reason to disagree, There’s also no reason to fight.21As a grate filled with coals or wood on a fire; A man who shouts insults is seeking a fight.22The words of those who are bad may sound soft; But they beat the insides of the bowels.23Silver that you get from treacherous deeds Is the same as a fine pot that’s cracked.Comforting [words] will bring rest To hearts that are deeply distressed.24An enemy who cries will always agree, As he makes wicked plans in his heart.25When an enemy is calling to you, Don’t pay him any attention; For, there are 7 kinds of evil in his heart.26Treacherous are those who hide hatred; But in a court, their sins are revealed.27The man who digs a pit for his neighbor Will be the one who falls in it; And the one who’s rolling a boulder Will roll it back on himself.28A lying tongue hates the truth, And an open mouth can bring problems.
1Don’t boast of the things that you’ll do tomorrow; For, [no one] knows what tomorrow will bring.2Let your praises come from your friends (not from you)… Let them come from the lips of strangers (not yours).3Rocks and sand are heavy to bear; But the rage of a fool is greater than both.4Rage has no mercy and anger is sharp; But, before the zealous, no one can stand.5It’s better to offer correction Than to use many flattering words.6The wounds of a friend can be trusted More than an enemy’s kisses.7At honeycombs, the foolish will laugh; And to the starving, what’s bitter tastes sweet.8Like a bird that flies from its nest, Is the man who strays from his home.9Perfume, incense, and wine Can make the heart very happy; But, things that go wrong will shatter a soul.10Don’t leave a friend or a friend of your father, And in hard times, don’t go to the house of your brother. For a friend who’s near is much better Than a brother who lives far away.11Become wise, my son, and make my heart glad… Don’t shout hateful words!12When the clever see evil, they flee; But a fool passing by gets involved.13Take the clothes from the man who shouts insults And from one who destroys the goods of a stranger.14Shouting praises of a friend too early in the day Is the same as when you shout curses.15As a house leaking rain in the winter; A nagging wife drives a man from his home.16Since wind from the north blows so hard, It’s fittingly called the north wind.17As iron is sharpened by iron; A man can sharpen the face of a friend.18The man who’s planting a fig tree Is the one who’ll gather its fruit; And the man who guards [the life of] his master Is the one who’ll be held in esteem.19As faces aren’t like other faces; Men’s hearts are also quite different.20As the grave and destruction can never be filled; The eyes of men can’t be satisfied. But the [desires] of the eyes are disgusting to [God], As are the stupid that don’t mind their tongues.21As silver and gold are refined in a fire; A man is refined by correction.22You can dishonor a fool with a whip before crowds, But you can’t drive his foolishness from him.23Know the condition of the lives of your flock, And keep your herd in your heart.24A man’s might and strength won’t last throughout the ages… Through generations, he can’t retain them.25If you tend the greens that grow in your field, You’ll take their cuttings for food. And if you’ll gather hay from the hills, 26You’ll also have wool for your clothes. Therefore, hold your fields in high esteem, So you can own many lambs.27O son,All of these proverbs that I’ve spoken Will add many years to your life… And they’ll also bring life to your servants.
1The godless will flee when they’re not being chased; But, as secure as lions, are the righteous.2From the sins of the irreverent come lawsuits; But a clever man can avoid them.3An energetic man who does evil things Can damage the poor like a storm.4Those leaving the Law will praise godless ways; But for those who love it, the Law is a wall.5The evil don’t understand fairness… But those seeking Jehovah know what it means.6It’s better to be poor and walking in truth Than to be rich and a liar.7A discerning son will follow the Law; But those driven by lust dishonor their parents.8Those who gain wealth from interest on loans Will [pay it] to those who are kind to the poor.9[God] hates the prayers of any man Who turn his ears from the Law.10Those who lead the righteous towards evil Will also fall into corruption. Then the honest will claim all their good things, And won’t let them enter among them again.11A rich man thinks himself wise; But, an intelligent poor man sees through him.12When the righteous triumph, there’s glory; But when the wicked succeed, men will hide.13Those who excuse their ungodly ways Won’t live to see prosperous times. But, those who admit and make the correction Will find themselves truly loved.14Blest is the man who worships in awe When those with hard hearts see only what’s bad.15Like a thirsty wolf or a lion that’s starved Is the king who rules a poor nation.16A king who doesn’t tax learns to extort; But those hating corruption will live a long life.17The man who stands good for a loan Is the same as a man blamed for murder; For, he will be sent into exile, Where he won’t find a safe place to hide.18The one who travels right ways will be helped, While those walking crooked paths will get tangled.19The man who works his land will eat bread; But, the lazy will always be poor.20A trustworthy man will be praised over much; But, any evil won’t go unpunished.21The evil look down on the righteous… For a scrap of food, I’d sell such a man.22Although evil eyes quickly want to get rich; They don’t know that poverty awaits them.23Those offering correction will be loved More than those who just flatter.24Those who throw out their fathers and mothers Assume that they haven’t sinned… But, to the godless, they’ve become partners.25A dissatisfied man makes bad choices; But those trusting in God find His [love].26Fools will yield to rash ways in their hearts, While those who act wisely stay safe.27Those who give to the poor won’t be in want, While those passing them by will never be filled.28Where the rulers are godless, the righteous will groan; And the righteous will prosper when they’re destroyed.
1It’s better to accept your correction Than to be someone who’s proud. For, upon the proud will come flames From which they’ll never be healed.2When the righteous are honored, the people rejoice; But, when the godless rule, people groan.3Lovers of wisdom bring joy to their parents; But, those who seek whores destroy wealth.4A righteous king makes his land firm, While a lawless king tears it down.5The one who sets a snare for a friend, Wraps it around his own feet.6A snare is set for those who choose sin… Which brings gladness and joy to the righteous.7The righteous give justice to the poor… But, because the godless don’t understand justice; To the poor, they’re very bad judges.8Those fond of mischief will burn their own city; But the wise can turn back their rage.9A wise man will judge many nations, While the ignorant will only bring rage, Along with ridicule and disrespect.10Partners in blood hate the holy and upright, So they’re always seeking their lives.11A fool will show all his rage, While the wise will hold it within.12A king who’ll listen to unrighteous things Brings joy to [the hearts] of the lawless.13In meetings between lenders and debtors; Jehovah observes their agreements.14When a king gives justice to the poor, He brings good reports to his throne.15Spanking and scolding brings wisdom; But a child who’s left to his own ways Will soon bring shame to his parents.16When the godless are many, many will sin. But, when they fall, the righteous learn fear.17Correct your son and he’ll bring you rest… He’ll be a decoration throughout your whole life.18No one can save a lawbreaking nation; But, those who obey the laws will be blest.19You can’t correct stubborn servants with words; For, if they understand, they still won’t obey.20When you see a man who speaks hasty words, Know that he shares the same hopes as a fool.21A man who’s raised without purpose Will soon become somebody’s servant, And he’ll grieve for himself in the end.22An angry man looks for reasons to fight, And a man who’s enraged will seek ways to sin.23Insolence tears down a man; But, meekness brings glory from God.24The man who shares with a thief Is a man who hates his own life. And if he should hear public cursing, He will never report it.25Those who fear men will be stumbled; But those yielding to God will find joy.Disrespect is what stumbles a man; But the one who yields to his lord will be saved.26Although many come to stand before rulers, True justice comes from Jehovah.27To the wicked, the righteous are foolish; And to the lawless, those walking in straight paths [are fools].
The proverbs of Agur, son of JahYeh. 1Thus says this man to those trusting in God: ‘I’m weary, 2for I’m the most foolish of men, And the intelligence of man isn’t in me. 3Yet, God has taught me much wisdom, And the holiest of knowledge, I know.’4Who’s gone up into the sky and returned? Who has gathered the winds to His chest? Who has bundled the seas in His robe? Who has held the ends of the earth? Yes, what’s the name by which He’s known, And by what names has He called His sons?5All of God’s words are truly pure, And He’s a shield to those showing respect. 6But don’t add to His words or He will whip you, And He will prove you a liar.7These are the things that I’ve asked Him to do:• May I find Your favor [throughout my life].8• Please take away my vain, foolish words.• Don’t give me poverty or wealth… Just give me the things that I need So I can remain self-sufficient.9• Don’t leave me in need, so I’d steal, And thereby profane the Name of my God.10Don’t return a [slave] to his master So he will have no reason to curse you.11A bad son curses his father And doesn’t speak in praise of his mother.12A bad son is one who judges himself And refuses to clean up his ways.13A bad son is one who’s [proud] And holds himself high in his own eyes.14A bad son has teeth that are swords And molars that are like pruning knives, Which he uses to consume the weak of the land And to take from the needy.15To the leech was [born] three beloved daughters; But, with the three, she wasn’t satisfied, So she also [gave birth to] a 4th, Since she couldn’t say, ‘That’s enough!’ 16For, the desires of a woman and the grave can’t be filled, As the ground never gets too much water… As with fire and water, it’s never enough!17May the eyes of those who make fun of their fathers And dishonor their mothers in their old age Be removed by crows in ravines, And be devoured by the chicks of vultures.18There are three things that I can’t comprehend, And there’s a fourth that I don’t know:19• The tracks of the flight of an eagle,• The ways of a snake on a rock,• The path of a ship as it travels the seas,• And the ways of men in their youth.20As an adulterous wife is still washing herself, She’ll claim that she has done nothing wrong.21These three things shake the ground, And the fourth it’s unable to bear:22• When someone’s servant becomes king,• When a fool has plenty of food,23• When a handmaid’s released by her lady,• When a hateful woman gets a good man.24There are four lesser things on the earth, And these are wiser than the wise:25• The ants that are weak, But spend their summers storing food.26• Rabbits that form a weak nation, But make their houses in rocks.27• Locusts that live all alone, But march in order when given the command.28• And the lizard with hands that are sticky… For, although they’re easily caught, They live in the castles of kings.29There are three things that continue to prosper, And a fourth that’s best overlooked:30• The cub of a lion; for although it’s not strong, It won’t turn away and it doesn’t know fear.31• A rooster that struts among hens.• A male goat that takes the lead of his flock.• And a king who addresses his nation.32When you lose your joy and raise fists to fight, You’ve lost all your honor.33If you churn cream, you’ll get butter; If you squeeze your nose, it’ll bleed; And if you just keep on talking, Arguing and fights will result.
The words of the King Belonging to God.1These words [that I’ve written] were spoken by God… Through a king came an answer divine.He was once asked by his mother: 2‘What, O my child, what should I tell you… Which saying of God should I tell my firstborn? What, O child of my belly… What, O child of my vows?3‘Don’t [waste] your money on bad women, Nor your abilities and mind seeking pleasure. Think it all over and follow [my] words… And [don’t] drink [too much] wine!4‘Since the mighty are easy to anger; Never offer them wine, 5Lest they lose their wisdom in drink. For they make poor decisions when they’re weak.6‘Give liquor to those in distress; Offer wine to those who are grieving, 7So they can forget their condition, And remember their misery no more.8‘O son,Open your mouth to speak Godly words, And offer fair judgments to all. 9Open your mouth with righteous decisions… Stand up for the needy and weak!10‘Who can find an industrious wife? More than precious gems, is her value! 11If the heart of her man courageously guards her, He’ll never be lacking good treasures; 12For, she’ll uses her strength to support him, And she’ll not waste her life in doing what’s bad! 13She’ll work with her hands spinning linen and wool, 14And act like a ship that trades far away… For, that’s how she’ll gather her money.15‘She gets up while it’s still dark, Along with her female attendants, To ready the food for her household. 16She may see a farm and then buy it… From the fruits of her hands, she’ll gain more.17‘She wraps her waist to give it support, And readies her arms to do work. 18She’s tasted and found work to be good, And keeps her lamp lit all night long.19‘She reaches for things advantageous, And applies her hands to the spindle. 20She opens her hands to the needy, And stretches her arms towards the poor.21‘She wouldn’t consider using what’s yours Whenever you’re gone for a while; And all that are hers will have enough clothes.22‘A doubled coat made of goat’s hair, She has sewn for her man; And from the bolt-ends of linen and purple, She’s also made one for herself. 23So, her man is admired when he sits at the gate, And meets with the rest of the elders.24‘She takes fine linen to make loincloths For all of her CanaAnite [servants]. 25She’s [proud] of her strength and her beauty, And is happy throughout the rest of her days.26‘She opens her mouth to speak wisdom and Law, And charity rests on her tongue. 27Her pastimes are things that shelter her home, And the grain of laziness, she doesn’t eat.28‘She raises her sons so they’ll grow rich, And her man sings praises of her. 29Her many daughters will also be rich By doing the things that she’s [taught them].‘But, you’re still the first [in her eyes]… Above all the rest, she holds you.30‘For, beauty and allurement are false; So, that isn’t what you should seek. Rather, find a woman who’s praised and discerning… One who’s known for her fear of God. 31Take from her, the fruit of her lips, And you’ll always be praised at the gates.’
1These are the sayings of the great congregator, son of David, the king of IsraEl in JeruSalem.2The Great Congregator said:‘All is foolishness and waste, Foolishness and waste… All that’s done is in vain.’ 3‘What value does man gain from the things he’s done, And the things he’s worked hard for under the sun?4‘For, one generation passes away, And then another arrives… Yet, the earth remains throughout the ages.5‘The sun keeps on rising and setting As it draws to it’s place, 6And the winds blow in from the south, As they move north in a circle… Then they go back and come ‘round again.7‘Even though all the rivers flow into the sea, The sea doesn’t become filled. For, to the places from which they all came, They return and flow back again.8‘So, no man can speak all the words he might say, And his eyes can’t be filled with all he can see, Nor can his ears handle all that they hear.9‘What’s this thing that [just] happened? The same thing will happen again! What’s this thing being done? The same will be done in the future… For there’s nothing that’s new under the sun!10‘Who can say, Look, here’s something new? For the same thing has happened for ages To those who have lived before us. 11But the things that they did were forgotten, And those who are born in the future Won’t remember the things that we’re doing now.'12The great congregator is the king over all of IsraEl from JeruSalem.13‘So I set my heart to survey and inquire About all that has happened under the sky. God gave me this to distract me from bad, And to lead sons of men back to Him.14‘I’ve seen all that’s done under the sun, And I find it to be a waste of [good] breath. 15For, things that go wrong are never made right, And there’s too much that’s wrong to be counted.16‘Once I spoke in my heart and I said:‘Look how great I’ve become! For, I’ve been given more wisdom Than all who have lived before me!’‘So, I set my heart to learn wisdom and knowledge; 17And wisdom and knowledge, my heart then beheld, As well as higher learning and proverbs.‘So, it became the resolve of my spirit 18To gain an abundance of wisdom, Along with vast volumes of knowledge. But, those who gain knowledge also gain pain.’
1‘Then I said to my heart:‘Well come now; I’ll [fill] you with joy and then you’ll know good!’‘But, even that was just folly.2‘To laughter, I said, ‘You’re a burden!’ And to joy, I asked, ‘What have you achieved?’ 3So I thought in my heart:‘I’ll drink wine for my flesh!’‘But my heart then led me towards wisdom.‘Next, I decided to hold onto joy Until I could see just what kind of good There is to be found among sons of men, And what they can do in their short years of life.4‘So thereafter, I went into action… I planted vineyards and built many homes. 5I made myself gardens and parks, Which I planted with all sorts of fruit.6‘Around them, I dug ponds and lakes To water the groves filled with trees. 7I acquired many slaves (both men and women), And many native servants were born.‘I also acquired great herds and flocks… More than all who had come before me. 8I collected much silver and gold for myself… The possessions of kings and estates.‘I prepared for myself, many singers… Men and women, I brought to amuse me. I had men and women who just served me wine.9‘Then, I became great as my wisdom increased (More than all who had come before me); And indeed, my wisdom was proven.10‘Everything that I could ask for Was there in front of my eyes, And no joy was withheld from my heart. But, although these efforts of my heart brought me joy; This was the sum of all I’d achieved.11‘For, when I looked at the things I had done, And the things that I’d made with my hands… When I considered the effort it took, I saw that it all was just folly. Since, no matter what our spirits may choose to do; It brings no advantage under the sun.12‘So thereafter, I examined my wisdom, And I saw that it too was just folly. For, who under the sun will follow my words… Which man will do [what I’ve said]? And although the wise may have eyes in their heads, The fools will still travel in darkness.‘I also realized that both them and I Will eventually all meet together. 15So, in my heart I said this:‘Since the fate of fools will also take me; What value is there in my wisdom?’‘And I also said this in my heart:‘The things that I’ve said about being a fool Are also just [wasted breath]; 16For, both the wise the fools are forgotten, And what they do won’t be remembered. So, how are the wise any better than fools?’17‘Then, I became disgusted with life; For, all that I’ve done under the sun Will eventually end up as bad… It’s all foolish and a waste [of good] breath.18‘I became disgusted with all of the things That I had accomplished under the sun, For I’ll leave it to the one who comes next… 19And who knows if he’s wise or another poor fool… Who knows if he’ll care for the things I’ve made, Or the things I’ve learned under the sun? So, all of this is just folly!20‘Thus I turned to dismiss it all from my heart… All the results of my efforts, And all that I’d made under the sun.21‘For there’s a man who worked hard to gain wisdom, As well as knowledge and courage. But, there’s also a man who made no such effort, And he will receive the same fate. So, this is a great wicked folly.22‘What happens to a man and his efforts, And the resolves of his heart under the sun? 23During all of his days there’s pain, And rage over things that are being destroyed; So, during the night, his heart knows no rest… Indeed, this too is just folly.24‘Nothing worthwhile comes to a man But eating, drinking, and searching for good… These things truly come from God’s hands; 25For, without Him, who’s able to eat or to drink?26‘To those whom He declares to be good, He bequeaths wisdom, knowledge, and joy… But, from the sinners, He rips this away! They’re just given to those whom He finds to be good, And to those who can stand before Him. Yet, this is also just folly, And just a waste of [good] breath.’
1‘For all that’s under the sky There’s a season and time…2‘There are times to give birth and times that bring death; There are times to plant and to harvest;3‘There are times to heal and times to destroy; There are times to build and tear down;4‘There are times to laugh and to cry; There are times for mourning and dancing;5‘There are times to pick stones and to throw them; There are times to hug and times to reject;6‘There are times to lose and to find; There are times to collect and discard;7‘There are times to plant and times to rip out; There are times to speak or be quiet;8‘There are times to love and times to show hate; There are times for peace and for war…9‘So, what can your efforts accomplish?10‘I’ve seen the amusements God’s given To the sons of men to distract them… 11Yes, all that God’s made is good in its time. And although He’s put the ages into our hearts, No man can know all that’s been done From the most ancient times to the present.12‘I knew that there’s nothing good in [his efforts], Unless they please [him] And do him good in life; 13So, when a man has it all (All that he needs to eat and to drink), He will know that his ways have been blest, And he’ll know that these gifts came from God.14‘All that God does lasts through ages; So to them, you can add nothing more, Nor can you take it away. For, all that God has accomplished Was done so we’d live before Him in fear. 15And all that is, has been before… Yes, it’s all happened before, And God searches to see what we’ve chosen.16‘I’ve also noticed that under the sun, There’s a place where the godless are judged And a place where the righteous are judged. 17So, in my heart, I’ve concluded That both the unrighteous and just will be judged. Yes, there’s a season for all, And for every deed, there’s a right time.18‘I said in my heart what sons of men say… That God views us like we’re cattle. 19For, man’s outcome is the same as his herds… As this one dies, so dies the other, Since we all share the very same breath.‘So, how are men better than cattle? They aren’t, And it’s all just a joke! 20For we all return to the very same place… We come from the dust and return to the dust. 21So, who knows if man’s breath goes upward, Or the breath of his cattle goes into the ground?22In all of this, I saw [little] that’s good, Except to find joy in the things that we do… Yes, this is all we’ve been given. For, who’ll lead us to see The things that will happen after [we’re gone]?
1‘Yes, I’ve turned and I’ve seen it all… The extortions and other such things That will happen to all under the sun. I’ve seen power in the hands of extorters, And I’ve seen the tears of the swindled… Then, no one arrived to bring comfort.2‘I’ve also praised the things of the dead; For, more have died than have lived, 3And the best of these two is the one not yet born… The one who has not seen the evil In what will be done under the sun.4‘I beheld all their efforts and acts of great courage… Men’s rivalries with their companions. And I see that it all is just foolish… It’s all a huge waste of breath.5‘The fool folds his hands… Then he eats his own flesh! 6But it’s better to enjoy a handful in peace Than to have twice as much in distress; For, this is also a waste of good breath.7‘I turned and noticed man’s foolish ways… All that he’s done under the sun. 8For, there are those who live all alone, And who have had no dependents. But, although they have no brothers or sons, They deprive their lives of things that are good. And indeed, this too is just folly… It’s just a distraction from evil.9‘Two are better than living alone, For the efforts of two return a good wage… 10If he stumbles, his partner will lift him. But, woe to the one who stumbles and falls, And has no partner to raise him.11‘When two share a bed, they’ll be warm… But, one alone can’t keep himself warm. 12And a person alone can be beaten, While two make a better defense… Yet a three-corded rope is harder to break.13‘It’s better to be a poor but wise child Than a king who’s foolish and old… One who no longer listens [to council]. 14For he reigns within his own ‘prison,’ And in his own kingdom, has nothing.15‘I’ve gazed upon all of the living (All who are walking under the sun), And I see the next generation That will soon become their replacements.16‘There’s no limit to all of the people, Or to those who have come before. And since the last take no joy in the first; This too is foolish and a waste of good breath.
1‘Watch your feet as you enter God’s House (Whenever you go there to listen), And bring an offering that’s better Than the rest of the gifts of the foolish Who are unaware of the evil that comes.2‘Don’t let your mouths speak too quickly Or let your hearts be too hasty When making [a vow] in the presence of God. For, God is up in the heavens, And you’re here on the earth; So, let your words remain few.3‘As many [concerns] bring [bad] dreams; Many words are heard from the voices of fools. 4So, when you make a vow to [your] God, Don’t waste any time to repay it, Since He doesn’t like vows that are foolishly made.‘So, whatever you vow, you should bring! 5And it’s best that you don’t make a vow Than to vow and then fail to pay it!6‘Don’t let your mouth lead your flesh into sin, And don’t say too much in the presence of God. [Don’t say] stupid things, And don’t make Him angry with your words, Or He’ll bring destruction to the works of your hands.7‘So, although you may have many daydreams and follies, Fear to say many words, Whenever you stand before God.8‘If you see the needy extorted and robbed By lawsuits or other legal actions; Don’t give this too much attention. For, from above, the High One keeps watch… He sees all that happens under [the sky].9‘And although the land’s bounty is there for us all, Even a king needs his fields to be worked.10‘But for those who love silver, there’s never enough, And with plenty comes even more young… And indeed, this too is just folly. 11For, when you have many good things, There’ll also be many to eat it. So what value is there in getting much more, When it’s just to be seen by your eyes?12‘Sleep is always sweet to a slave, Whether he has little or much… But the rich never get enough sleep.13‘I’ve seen all this illness under the sun… For there are those who store up much treasure, 14Which is thereafter lost in hard times. So, wealth is just a distraction from bad.‘When a man fathers a son, The child arrives here with nothing at all. 15Naked he comes from his mother’s womb, And when he dies, he leaves the same way… With nothing to show for his efforts, And nothing to carry back in his hands.16‘Indeed, this is illness that’s evil; For, as he arrives is how he returns. And what advantage has he gained from his efforts, When they’re [blown away] in the wind?17‘In darkness and mourning, men fill their days… In anger, illness, and rage. 18Yet, I’ve seen good in the things that we eat and drink, And I’ve also seen good from man’s efforts… In the things he’s accomplished under the sun, And in the portion that God has allowed him.19‘For, those who gain wealth and possessions from God, Are allowed to own them and eat them. Thus, they reap the joy of their efforts… And these are [the true] gifts from God! 20So, although they’ll forget most days of their lives, God amuses them with the joy in their hearts.
1‘There’s something bad that I’ve seen, Which is common to all under the sun. 2It’s when God gives a man wealth, Along with possessions, and glory, So that he lacks nothing his soul could desire… Then he’s not allowed the time to [enjoy] it, And thereafter, it’s given to strangers… Yes, this is a sickness and folly.3‘If a man should live to 100 (No matter how long the days of his years), And his life has never known good things; Before he’s buried, I’d say:‘It would have been better if he’d been miscarried.’4For, from darkness he came and in darkness he left, And in darkness his name will be covered.5‘Indeed, he knew not the sun, And none would know him from others. 6And if he came back and lived thousands [of years], But he still never saw any good; Wouldn’t things still be the same?7‘So, all men can do is just fill their mouths, Since their lives never reach their fulfillment. 8And what advantage have the wise over fools? For, only the poor put just living first.9‘It’s better to have a dream in your eyes Than to see what will really happen in life; So, all of that’s just folly… It’s just a waste of good breath.10‘Whenever something new comes along, It was already named [in the past]. And although a man may know his own [strength], He can’t know when someone is stronger.11‘There’s so much that makes foolishness grow, 12And what does this mean for a man? Who knows what will be the best parts in his life, Or how many of his days will be foolish? For, his life is much like a shadow, And who can report to a man What under the sun will succeed him?’
1‘A good name is better than oil, And the day that you die is much greater Than the day you were born.2‘So it’s better to go to a funeral Than to spend time at a banquet… For, that’s the end of all men, And it’s good for all who are living To take such good warnings to heart.3‘Indignant rage is better than laughter; For a face that’s been hurt creates a good heart. 4So the wise at heart are at funerals, While the foolish heart [searches for] pleasure.5‘It’s better to hear the scolding of the wise Than to listen to the [praising] of fools.6‘As the [crackling] of tinder under a pot, Is the sound of the laughter of fools; For, this is also just folly.7‘Extortion makes wise people crazy; For it destroys the greatest plans of their hearts.8‘The way that a matter turns out Is [more important] than how it began.‘It’s better [for a man] to forgive Than to have a high-minded spirit.9‘Don’t get angry too quickly; For, rage rests in the bosoms of fools.10‘Don’t ask why past days were better; For in asking such things, there’s no wisdom.11‘True wisdom brings plenty of good To those who can still see the sun; 12For, wisdom is in the sun’s shadow, And in the shadow of silver.‘The advantage of those who have wisdom Is that those who’ve found it will live [longer] lives.13‘Behold the actions of God; For, who can add to the things that He brings?14‘Enjoy the good life during good days, For you know that bad days will come!‘Look! Harmonious words, God sent through this man, So people will need nothing more!15‘I’ve seen it all in my foolish days… I’ve seen the righteous unjustly destroyed, And the irreverent allowed to keep doing what’s bad.16‘Don’t be too discerning or righteous, So you won’t overwhelm all the others. 17Nor should you be disrespectful of them, Lest you harden and die before it’s your time.18‘It’s best to hang on to all that’s good And not to get your hands dirty; For, everything comes to those who fear God.19‘Wisdom has much greater power Than 10 mighty men in a city.20‘There’s no man on earth who’s righteous… There are none who are good and free from all sins.21‘Don’t keep all the bad that’s said in your heart, And don’t notice when you’re cursed by your servants. 22For, against you, they’ll say wicked things, And often they’ll hurt you at heart… Just as you’ve often cursed others.23‘All of these things, I’ve tested as wisdom; But, although I may say that I understand, It has stayed too far from my grasp… 24It’s too high above me and too deep below; So, who’s able to find it?25‘To understand, I’ve searched my heart through… I’ve looked it all over and sought what’s wise. I’ve reasoned and seen how the godless are fools, And of how they’re misled to do wrong.26‘I find her more bitter than death… The woman with snares and nets in her heart, And who creates slaves with her hands. Only those who are found to be good before God Will be delivered from her, While those who sin will be captured.’27The Great Congregator says:‘Look! This is what I’ve found, I’ve counted and carefully searched… 28Seeking for such ones with my whole soul… But, I was unable to find A man in a thousand who’s [righteous], And none at all among women!29‘Yet, this is the one thing I’ve found: God deals with the man who’s upright, And He searches for ways to reward him.’‘But, who knows who truly is wise, And who understands the meanings of proverbs?’
1‘Wisdom will make faces brighter, While impudent faces are hated.2‘Watch the mouth of a king Because of the oath that God swore! 3Don’t depart from his face in a hurry, And don’t go to him for wrong reasons; For, he’ll do whatever he pleases, 4And then, who can ask of the king:‘Why did you make [that decision]?’5‘Those who keep the Commandments don’t contemplate evil; For, wise hearts discern right ways and right times.6‘There’s a time and a ruling for all, And the knowledge of men ranges widely. 7But, since no one knows what will happen, Who can foretell what the future will hold?8‘No man controls [his own] life, Nor is he able to keep it in check. None can avoid the day of their deaths, And none can avoid days of war… Nor can the irreverent avoid what they’re due.9‘I’ve now seen it all… I’ve given my heart to all under the sun… And I’ve found that all men can do, Is just bring to bad on themselves.10‘I’ve seen the irreverent carried to tombs From a place that’s Holy. They were also praised in the city For the things they’d done… And this is also just folly.11‘When no one opposes the wicked, Men’s hearts feel safe in turning towards bad. 12And those who are guilty of sins, Just go on living their lives.‘But, I know that good comes to those who fear God, And before Him, the rest should feel fear. 13For, good doesn’t really come to the godless, And what they do doesn’t lengthen their days. So, they’re nothing but shadows [that pass], Because they’ve shown no fear of God.14‘There’s even more folly that’s done on the earth… As when the righteous receive what the guilty deserve, And the godless receive what the righteous deserve… Yes, this is also just folly!15‘So, although I may sing their praises in joy, There’s nothing good that happens to men Anywhere under the sun, Other than eating, drinking, and pleasure… Yes, that’s all there is to man’s efforts… It’s what he’s been given by God As [his portion] under the sun.16‘So I turned my heart to learn wisdom And to overlook what’s done on the earth. For, both day and night, men sleep with [closed] eyes, So they can’t see all that happens.17‘Then I started to observe the actions of God, Which men under the sun haven’t noticed. For, despite all the efforts they put in their search, They’ve been unable to find it. And although the wise speak of knowledge, They too are unable to find it. But because I gave my heart to discernment; These are the things that my heart came to see.’
1‘The deeds of the righteous and wise Are in the hands of our God. And with all of their loves and dislikes, Man can’t really comprehend it… 2For, foolish are the ways of all men!‘There are things that happen to the righteous, And things that happen to the godless… And to either, can come good or evil.‘There are also the clean and unclean; There are those who bring sacrifices, And those who offer God nothing. Yet, the same things [can happen to] both… To the good as well as the sinners… To those who choose to swear oaths, And to those who fear to swear oaths. 3In all of this, there’s evil In what’s done under the sun… For the same things can happen to both.‘Indeed; men’s hearts are filled with what’s bad, And it leads them to madness throughout their lives… Then they go to the grave.4‘But, for the living, there’s still hope, Since a living dog is much greater Than a mighty lion that has died. 5For the living know that they’ll die, While the dead know nothing at all, Nor do they have a wage, Since the memory of them is forgotten.6‘Their loves and dislikes are both gone, And their zeal has already perished. Then, throughout the age they’ll not be involved In whatever is done under the sun.7‘So, eat your bread in contentment, And drink to your heart with fine wines… And God will think well of your actions.8‘May your clothes always be white, And may there be plenty of oil for your head.9‘Share what you have with the woman you’ve loved All the days of your wasted life. For it’s all that you’ll get under the sun, Since the days of your life are a folly… Yes, this is the sum of your life For all of your efforts under the sun.10‘So whatever your hands find to do, Do it with all of your power! For, there’s no doing, thinking, wisdom, or knowledge In the place of the dead where you’re going.11‘I turned and I saw that under the sun, The race isn’t won by those quick on their feet, Nor are battles all won by the mighty. The wise aren’t always those who eat bread, And the discerning aren’t always the rich; Nor are those with knowledge shown favor.‘Yet, there’s a time and a meeting for all, 12And no one knows when this time will arrive. As fish being caught in a net, And as birds being trapped in a snare; The sons of men will be swiftly caught In a bad time that arrives all too quickly.13‘I’ve beheld all this wisdom under sun, And it rests heavily upon me.14‘If a city is small with just a few men, And a mighty king comes to attack, Building high siege mounds around it; 15And if a wise man who’s poor can be found there, And his wisdom results in saving that town; All will forget that he’d been poor.16‘So, this is what I can tell you:‘Wisdom is better than power.’But the wisdom of the poor is treated with contempt, And none pay attention to their words. 17Yet, the words of the wise who have nothing Should be heeded over the words of the foolish Who may have been given the power, 18Since wisdom is better than weapons of war, And a single error can wipe out the good.’
1‘As a dead fly can spoil a good ointment; A little folly can conquer great wisdom.2‘The hearts of the wise are at their right hands, But the hearts of fools stay on their left. 3So, whichever way a fool chooses to go; In his heart, he’s sure that he’ll fail, Since he thinks that he can’t succeed.4‘If the spirit of a ruler flares against you, Don’t turn away from your place; For, [patience] heals all great sins.5‘I’ve observed a wickedness under the sun… It’s when a ruler does something in haste, 6And puts a fool over important things, While those who’ve proven their worth are put low… 7I’ve seen ‘slaves’ who are riding on horses, And ‘princes’ who are walking as slaves on the ground.8‘The one who’s digging a cesspool Is also the one who’ll fall in it; And those who move boundary markers, Will find themselves bitten by snakes.9‘Quarry workers may be harmed by the rocks [they’ve hewn], And those who split logs are in danger.10‘If the axe isn’t sharp, you’ll work harder; So, doing what’s wise paves the way to success.11‘If a snake-charmer whispers and the serpent still bites; All of his charming is worthless.12‘Words from a wise mouth bring favor, While foolish lips rip it away. 13And if foolish words are accepted; It’ll end in what’s wicked and crazy.14‘The fool often speaks many words, Although he doesn’t really know what will happen, Or what will soon come to be. So, who’ll walk behind and announce him?15‘The efforts of fools bring them trouble… For, they know not the right ways to enter a town.16‘Woe to you, O great city, Where your king is just a young [man], And your princes eat meals in the mornings. 17Rather, blest is the land Where the king has been born of nobles, And whose princes eat at the right times. For, the things that they eat makes them strong, So they’ll never be shamed.18‘By sloth and neglect a home [falls apart], And with idle hands, [its roof] starts to leak.19‘Bread, wine, and oil are made to cause laughter, And to bring joy to the living… But, they must also be [paid for].20‘Never curse a king in your mind, Nor curse the rich in your bedrooms or closets. For your words will be carried by birds in the skies, And those with wings will report what you’ve said.’
1‘Scatter your seeds on the water, And after some time, you’ll find them. 2Yes, share what you have with seven or eight [other people], Since you don’t know what bad may come to the land.3‘If clouds become filled, they’ll send rain to the ground. And if a tree falls towards the north of the south, Wherever it falls, it’ll stay. 4So, those who look to the wind may not plant, And those who look to the clouds may not reap. 5For, attempting to know which way the wind blows, Is like knowing the bones in the womb of a mother… You don’t know the actions of God, Or any of the things He will do.6‘So, start your planting in the morning, And don’t rest your hand ‘til the evening; For, you never know what will grow over there, Or what will grow best over here… Or if the two will grow well together.7‘Daylight is sweet and it’s good for the eyes To be able to see by the sun. 8But, although a man’s years may bring him much joy, He will also know many days that are dark… And all that will come is just folly.9‘Take joy, young man, in your youth; And may your heart do good while you’re young. May your heart walk in ways that are pure, Not in the ways that you see with your eyes… For, know that this leads to God’s judgment.10‘So, remove all the rage from your heart, And all the wicked ways from your flesh; For, youth’s thoughtless ways are all folly!’
1‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth; For, bad days will come [all too soon], And the years will arrive when you’ll say:‘I never really wanted [to see] them!’2‘[It’s a time when] the ‘sun’ becomes dark, And you’ll not see the light of the moon or the stars, Or the clouds passing by after rain.3‘It’s a day when the ‘watchman’ starts to tremble… When the powerful man is bent double, And the grinders cease, because they’re few.Then, ‘women’ will stare from their ‘windows’ at darkness, 4And they’ll lock all their doors In fear of the sounds of those grinding in the market.‘Then the sound of a sparrow will wake you, And the daughters of song will be humbled. 5From above, you’ll look down and see Frightening things on the road.‘Then, at the time when ‘almonds’ should blossom, The ‘locusts’ will grow to be many, And ‘capers’ will drop on the ground… For, you’ll have gone to your home of the ages.‘Then, people will circle the market, Beating their chests in mourning for you. 6For the silver cord has been severed; The gold decoration is broken; The bucket at the well has been shattered; And the wheel has rolled into the pit.7‘For, that which is dust went back to the ground From which it once had been taken; And the breath has also returned To the God by whom it was given.’8Says the great congregator:‘Oh how silly and foolish!’9Yet to him, came even more wisdom, And he taught all his knowledge to men… He traced it all out and composed it as proverbs.10The Great Congregator searched for the words, And he wrote them as right ways of truth:11‘As words to the wise and as ox goads… As nails that are hammered in tight. They’re agreeable things from a shepherd; 12So, carefully guard them, my son!‘For, many scrolls have been written (Yes, to them, there’s no end), And spending much time thinking about them Is just a weariness to the flesh.13‘But listen, for this is what I’ve concluded:‘Fear God and keep His Commandments… This is all that there is for a man!14‘The rest just leads to judgment by God, Who decides whether we’ve been bad or good.’
1The song of all songs by Solomon.2[The Shulamite Girl says:]‘May you kiss me with kisses from your mouth; For, [the feel] of your chest is better than wine. 3And the smell of your scent is much better Than the odor of all the perfumes That have been poured in your name…‘And because of this, young women have loved you. 4For, they’re the ones who drew me towards you, And towards the scent of your fragrance, we ran.‘Even though the king has carried me off Into his private apartments; I shout in joy and am glad over you, For I love your chest more than wine, And what I have for you is [pure] love.5‘O daughters of JeruSalem; I’m as pretty and tan As the tents in the Valley of Cedars, And as [King] Solomon’s leathers.6‘Yet, don’t bother to look, for I’m very dark, Because [I’ve worked hard] in the sun.‘For the sons of my mother quarreled with me And made me work hard in a vineyard… Yes, I tended to vines not my own. 7‘So, tell me, O love by my life; Where is the place that you tend [your sheep], And where are you napping at noon?‘For I wish to be wrapped all around you There among your companions of flocks.’8[So the Shepherd Boy says:]‘Well, if you don’t know, O my fair one, Follow at the heels of the flocks; For I tend my kids near the tents of the Shepherds.9‘As my horse from the chariots of PharaOh, Is how I [view] you, my dear one.10‘Your cheeks are as pretty as doves, And your neck is much like the pendant 11That I’ll make for you out of gold accented with silver.’12[To which the Girl says:]‘When the king came here to lie down with me, The oils I was wearing gave off their scent.13‘But for me, the man whom I truly love Is like a bundle of balsam, And between my breasts, I want him to stay.14‘For my love is a cluster of cypress… And like the vineyards of EnGedi.’15[And the Shepherd Boy says:]‘Look… You’re so pretty, my dear one, And your eyes are like those of doves.’16[And the Girl replies:]‘And look… You’re so handsome, my dearly-loved man; And beautiful will be our bed in the shade, 17Where the beams of our house will be cedar, And our barns will be made out of cypress.’
1‘I am a flower of the fields… Yes, I’m a lily of the valley.’2[And the Boy says:]‘Like a lily in the midst of thorn bushes, Is my dear one among many daughters.’3[And the Shulamite Girl replies:]‘And as apples among other trees in the grove, Is my loved one amidst other sons. To rest in his shadow, is what I desire, For I’ve found his fruit to be sweet.4‘So, carry me away to the tavern, And when we get there, order me love! 5Then rub me with fragrant oils, And pile apples upon me… For, I’ve been pierced through with love.6‘Now, his left hand is under my head, And with his right, he’s drawing me near.7‘O you daughters of JeruSalem; Swear by the powers and strengths of the fields That you won’t arise and awaken your love Until [the time] it’s desired.8‘O hear the voice of my dearly-loved man… {Look!} He’s coming, springing over the mountains, And leaping above all the hills. 9For my dearly-loved man is [a fawn], And a stag among many hinds!‘{Look!} He’s standing outside of my window, And peeking at me through the shades.10‘The man whom I love is calling and says:‘Get up and come here, my dear one… Yes, my fair one and dove; 11For look, the winter has passed, And the rains have poured down and ended.12‘Flowers have blossomed throughout the whole land, And the time for pruning’s arrived. You can hear the voices of doves calling out; 13The fig trees are putting out buds; And you can smell the blossoms on grape vines.‘So, arise and come here, my dear one… Get up and come here, my dove! 14Come, my dove, and stay near the rocks That are piled outside of the wall.‘Please let me see what you look like, And let me hear your voice once again For I love the way that you speak, And I [love to gaze at] your beauty. 15So, grab hold of the foxes destroying the vines; For my grapevines are now in full bloom!’16[So the Shulamite Girl continues:]‘Yes, my dearly-loved man is for me, And I’m his one and only. But he’s [outside] tending the lilies, Until a new day when the clouds will be gone.17‘O my dearly-loved man; Be like the fawn or a buck among hinds, And [stay nearby] in the mountains.’
1‘During the nights, there in my bed; Whole-souled, I searched for the one whom I love. But although I searched, I was unable to find him… I called to him, but he didn’t reply.2‘So I’ll get up and go through the city, Then I’ll search the markets and squares For the one whom I love with my whole soul.‘Well, I searched, but I couldn’t find him. 3And then they found me… The ones keeping guard… Those who do rounds in the city. [And I asked], ‘Have you seen the love of my life?’4‘But, shortly after I passed them, I found the love of my life. I grabbed hold of him and didn’t let go, Then I took him to the house of my mother… To the bedroom of the one who conceived me.5‘O daughters of JeruSalem; Swear by the powers and strengths of the fields That you won’t arise and awaken your love Until [the time] it’s desired.’6[And the Shepherd Boy asks:]‘Who is this woman who comes from the desert Like smoke arising from the odor Of myrrh, frankincense, and the powders of all the perfumers?’7[And the Girl says:]‘{Look!} There’s King Solomon’s couch With 60 mighty men standing [guard] ‘round it From among all of IsraEl’s great ones.8‘Each one is holding his broadsword, And in ways of war, they all have been trained. They wear their swords on their hips, [As they keep watch] throughout the night.9‘King Solomon has a carriage made from Lebanon’s cedars, 10Which has columns of silver, couches of gold, And purple carpets that line all its steps… Gifts of love from JeruSalem’s daughters.11‘So, come and behold, O daughters of Zion… See Solomon and the garland he got from his mother On the day that he took me, And when his heart was so filled with joy!’
1[And the Shepherd Boy says:]‘{Look!} You’re so pretty my dear one… See how pretty you are! Your eyes look like doves inside of your veil; Your hair is as [luxuriant as] herds of GileAd’s goats.2‘Your teeth [are as white] as freshly-sheared sheep After they’ve come from the bath… All of whom have born twins, And none are childless among them.3‘Your lips are like scarlet ribbons, And the way that you talk is so pretty. Your cheeks, when they’re outside your veil, Are red like pomegranate skins.4‘Your neck is like the tower of David (The one which was built for protection), In which hangs the shields of a thousand, As well as the arrows of his mighty. 5And your breasts are as [charming as] twin fawns, Which are feeding there among the lilies.6‘But until a new day arrives, When all the shadows are gone, I’ll go to the mountain of myrrh, And wait for you at the frankincense hill.7‘For, entirely lovely is my dear one… Yes, she is totally perfect.8‘So, come from Lebanon, my bride… From Lebanon, please come here to me! Come to me through the Archway of Trust… From the peaks of Shinar and HerMon… From the mountains of leopards and lions.9‘For, you’ve captured my heart, O my sister and bride… You’ve captured my heart with your eyes And your neck of garlands [and flowers].10‘Pretty are both your breasts, O my sister and bride. They’re better than the finest of wines, And the scent of your clothes exceeds all perfumes.11‘Your lips are like honey as it drips from the comb… Honey and milk are under your tongue, And like frankincense, is the smell of your clothes.12‘But you’re locked in a garden, my sister and bride… Like a well that’s been covered and sealed.13‘All the messages that you’ve sent Are like pomegranate gardens to me… They’re like the fruit from the trees… They’re like the scent of cypress and nard…14‘Yes, cypress, nard, calamus and saffron… The smell of cinnamon and Lebanon's cedars, Along with aloes and the best of perfumes.15‘They’re like life-giving wells in a garden, And the springs of life-saving waters, Which from Lebanon, still pour down to us.16‘So wake up, O north wind… Come now! And south wind, breathe life to [you], my garden… Come and let its scents flow!’
1[To which the Shulamite Girl replies:]‘May the man whom I love enter his garden, And may he eat the fruit from its trees!’[So the Shepherd Boy says:]‘Yes, I’ll go to my garden, my sister and bride, And I’ll gather my harvest of spices and myrrh. For I’ve eaten my bread and its honey, And I’ve drunk its milk and its wine.’[And the Girl says:]‘Please eat, my dear one, and drink… Let’s both get drunk, my dearly-loved man! 2Although I [want to] sleep, my heart tells me no; For my loved one knocked on my door, then he said:‘Open to me, O my sister… Yes open, my dear one… My perfect dove. For my head is covered with dew, And my curls [are wet] with the mist of the night.3‘I've removed all of my underclothes… So now, must I put them back on? I’ve also washed off my feet… Must I run and get them dirty again?’4‘Then my dearly-loved man stuck his hand through [my door], And he was aroused [by the touch of my skin]. 5So I got up and opened to him, As my hands were dripping with myrrh… My fingers dripped with myrrh on the lock. 6But, when I opened for the one whom I love; The man whom I love... Wasn’t there...‘With my whole soul, I yearned for his voice; So I searched, but I couldn’t find him… I called for him, but he couldn’t hear me.7‘Then they found me (the guards who make rounds through the town)… They struck me and hurt me, and took off my wrap (Those who keep watch at the walls).8‘So, O JeruSalem’s daughters; Swear by the powers and strengths of the fields… Please tell me if you've seen my dearly-loved man, For, I’ve been pierced through by love!’9[And the daughters of Jerusalem ask:]‘Who is this man whom you love above all, O prettiest one among women? Who’s this one whom you so dearly love That you’ve bound us with such an oath?’10[To which she replies:]‘My man is impressive and virile… He's the choicest and my one and only...11‘His head is like gold from Kephas; His curls are flowing like fir trees, And they’re as black as a crow.12‘His eyes are like doves near deep pools… As though bathed in milk over water.13‘His mouth is like a bowl filled with spice, Which is set out to give a fresh smell.‘His lips are also like lilies, Dripping with full-bodied myrrh...14‘And his hands are like gold from Tharsis and gems.‘His belly is a tablet of ivory, Upon which is mounted a sapphire.15‘His legs are like columns of marble, Resting on bases of gold.‘He looks like the finest of Lebanon's cedars, 16And his [voice] is desirable and sweet.‘O daughters of JeruSalem; He’s my dearest and the man whom I love!’
1[So the daughters ask her:]‘O prettiest one among women; Where has he wandered… Yes, where has he gone, So we can go search on your behalf?’2[And the Shulamite Girl replies:]‘My loved one has gone to his garden To gather his bowls filled with spices. He’s gone to tend to his garden, And to gather his lilies.3‘I belong to my dearly-loved man, And my dearly-loved man is [just] mine… This one who’s tending his lilies.’4[The Shepherd boy says:]‘You’re so pretty, my dear one… As pleasing [to me] as JeruSalem! But you’re also as disturbing As [men] preparing for war. 5So, turn your eyes from before me, Because they excite me too much!‘For your hair is like that of GileAd’s goats, 6And your teeth [are as white] as freshly-sheared sheep That have just come from the bath, All of which have born twins, And none are childless among them.‘Your lips are like scarlet ribbons, And the way that you talk is so pretty. 7Your cheeks that show through your veil, Are as red as pomegranate skins.8‘Yet, there are now 60 queens, And 80 concubines more, As well as unnumbered young women… 9And one of them is my perfect dove!‘She’s the only daughter of her mother… The most-loved one of the mother who gave birth. The daughters and queens call her blest, And the concubines all [sing] her praises.10‘Who is this one who looks like the dawn And is as fair as the moon… The chosen one of the sun, Who's as disturbing as men preparing for war?’11‘To the grove of walnuts, I traveled… I went down to gaze on their fruits, Which are there by the stream in the valley. I went there to see if grapevines had flowered, And to view the pomegranate blossoms. 12For my soul had made me like the chariots of nobles.13‘Please return, O Shulamite girl! Return, return, for I’m searching for you! How would you know it’s the Shulamite girl? She arrives like an army in the camp.’
1‘How pretty are your feet in your sandals, O you daughter of nobles. Your thighs are shaped like fine pendants… The works of the hands of a craftsman.2‘Your navel is like a finely-shaped bowl, Not lacking a mixture of wines. Your belly is like a mound of best grain, That’s wrapped within fields of lilies.3‘Your breasts are as [charming as] two young fawns… A pair of twins of the doe. 4Your neck is [like] a tower of ivory, And your eyes are as [deep as] HeshBon’s lakes (Those by the Gates of Many Daughters).‘As [strong as] Lebanon’s Tower, is your nose… The one overlooking Damascus. 5Your head [has the beauty of] CarMel, And its braids are like the purple cloth In which the king’s wrapped as he passes.6‘How beautiful and delicious you are, O my love, In the luxurious things you possess. 7In greatness, you’re much like a palm tree, And your breasts are as [desirable as] clusters of grapes.8‘So I said that I’d climb up that ‘palm tree,’ And to its top, I’d cling. For your breasts are as [desirable as] clusters of grapes on the vine; The scent from your breath is [sweet] like apples; 9And [the taste] of your [mouth] is like the finest wines.’[And the Shulamite Girl says:]‘I’m going to my dearly-loved man straight away, For [I need him close] to my lips and my teeth. 10I’ll turn to the man whom I love, And he will then turn towards me.11‘Come, O man whom I love; We’ll run to the fields and lodge in the little villages! 12We’ll get up early [and go into] the vineyards, To see if the grapevines have bloomed; To see if the flowers have blossomed; To see if the pomegranates have budded; And there, I’ll give you my breasts.[LXX]13‘The mandrakes have given their odor, And new and old fruit trees are outside our doors. O man whom I love; I’ve saved them for you!’
1[And the Shulamite Girl says:]‘O man whom I love, Whom I’d grant to nurse at my mother’s breasts; If I found you outside, I’d kiss you, And let none ever be disrespectful.2‘Yes, I’d come there and take you… I’d bring you to the house of my mother, And into the room where I was conceived, Where I’d allow you to drink the spiced wine That comes from my pomegranate nectar.3‘O… His left hand is under my head, And with his right hand, he’s holding me close.4‘O daughters of JeruSalem; Swear by the powers and strengths of the fields That you won’t arise and awaken your love Until [the time] it's desired.’5[And the daughters of Jerusalem ask:]‘Who is this who ascends from the desert, Hanging onto the man whom she loves?’[And the Shepherd Boy says:]‘From under apple trees, I awoke you, And there was your mother beside you… The one who through pain, gave you birth.6‘Please set me as a seal on your heart, And as a seal on your arm! For, as strong as death is [my] love for you, And [my] zeal is as hard as the grave.‘It sparks with the fire of [love’s] flames, 7Which can't be extinguished with water, Nor can the rivers engulf it. But, should a man give all he owns for his love, [Most] others would think him [a fool].8‘Our sister is [young], without breasts; So, what should we do on the day she's engaged? 9If she should be like a wall, We’d build a silver parapet around her. But, if she should be like a door, With cedar planks, we would board her up.’10[And the Shulamite Girl says:]‘I’m a ‘wall,’ and my breasts are like towers; So, in their eyes, I’m [safe and] at peace.11‘[King] Solomon owned a vineyard in BaAl HerMon, He entrusted it to others to maintain it. Every man had to pay 1,000 silver pieces for its fruit.12‘Well, my ‘vineyard’ is before me... And to Solomon, you must pay your thousands, And 200 more to those tending his fruit...13‘O you who now sits in the garden!‘My companions have noticed your voice, And the things that you’ve said to me!‘So, man whom I love, you must now run away! [Escape] like the doe or young stag, Upon the scented mountains!’
1These are the visions that IsaiAh (son of Amoz) saw during the reigns of UzziAh, JoTham, Ahaz, and HezekiAh, (the kings of Judah) about things that were to come upon Judah and JeruSalem [in the future].2Hear, O heavens, and [pay attention] O earth, For Jehovah spoke and said this:‘I fathered sons and I raised them, But, they’ve paid no attention to Me.3‘Although every ox knows its owner And every burro knows its own master’s barn; By IsraEl, I am unknown, And My people do not understand.’4So, woe to you, sinful nation; For, you’re a people that’s filled with its sins… You’re an evil offspring and lawless sons, Since you have abandoned Jehovah, And IsraEl’s Holy One, you have provoked… So now, you’ve been pushed to the rear!5Why be struck down for [your] lawless ways? For your head is in a miserable condition And your heart is in great distress… 6Nothing is healthy from your head to your feet.Your wounds and contusions are inflamed and unhealed, Since no one has dressed them or applied oil, Nor have they come here to wrap them.7Your land has been completely destroyed And all of your cities are burned. They’ve devoured the [land] that’s before you… By strangers, it has been destroyed, And foreign peoples have wiped it away.8For, the daughter of Zion has now been abandoned Like an old shack in a vineyard Or a shed in a cucumber garden, Or like a city that is under attack.9So unless Jehovah of Armies Should choose to leave us an offspring… Like Sodom and GomorRah, we will be!10Therefore, hear the word of Jehovah O you rulers of Sodom And you people of GomorRah… Pay attention to the Laws of our God; 11Because, He is asking you this:‘What good are the things that you offer to Me? For, of your whole-burnt-offerings of rams, I’ve received more than enough… And too much fat from your lambs!‘Yet, I never asked for the blood of your bulls, Or the blood of your goats… 12And I don’t want you coming to stand before Me! Who asked for your hands to contribute such things?‘So I’ll not let you trample My courtyard again; 13And if you should bring fine flour to Me, You will do it in vain… Since I find your incense disgusting! Nor will I accept your New Moons, Or your Sabbaths or holiday feasts.14‘With My whole soul, I’ve come to detest All of your fasts and your Sabbaths… As well as your holidays and your New Moons! For with you, I am filled [to the brim], So I’ll not [overlook] your sins anymore.15‘Then I’ll turn My eyes when you hold out your hands And not listen, no matter how often you pray, Because your hands are so filled with blood!16‘Why not bathe yourselves and get clean… Then, remove your wicked [ways] from My eyes? Stop being bad and 17learn to do good… Insist on [judgments that are] fair!‘If you’ll rescue those who’ve been wronged, Decide [in favor of] orphans, And give justice to widows… 18Only then, can you come and plead before Me,’ says Jehovah! And if your sins should be crimson red, As white as snow, [I will make them]. Even if they are like scarlet, I’ll make them as white as fine wool!19‘If you should choose to listen to Me, You’ll eat good things that come from the ground. 20But if you choose to not listen and to rebel, I’ll send the sword to consume you.’[Yes, Jehovah actually] said these things.21How did Zion, that city of faith, Become a whore so worthy of judgment? For, murderers exist where justice once slept; 22All of your silver is tainted; And your merchants all water their wine.23Your rulers resist all persuasion And they serve as partners to thieves. They are also lovers of bribes… None will stand up for orphans, And none will give justice to widows!24‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah of Armies; ‘Woe to you, O IsraEl’s mighty! For My rage against the contrary won’t cease, And on My enemies, I’m now passing judgment!25‘Against you, I’ll be raising My hand, And I’ll scrub you until you get clean! I’ll destroy those resisting persuasion; I’ll remove all the lawless among you; 26And I will cut down your proud.‘Then I’ll give you judges like those in the past, And counselors like those who lived long ago. Then, the Righteous City, you will be called… The trusted mother-city of Zion.27‘Through justice and mercy, she will be saved, 28When I break the lawless and sinners And those leaving Jehovah are gone.29‘Of the idols that they have preferred And those [sacred] gardens, which they have loved, They will then be ashamed. 30For they’ll be like fallen pine needles… Like parks that don’t have any water.31‘Their strength [will be weak] like the stubble of hemp, And the things that they do will then be the sparks That burn the lawless and sinners… Flames that no one can extinguish.’
1These are the words that came to IsaiAh (son of Amoz) regarding Judah and JeruSalem.2In the last days, The Mountain of Jehovah will be seen, And the Temple of God will be over the hills, Raised above the highest of mountains, And all the nations will go there.3Many nations will go there and say:‘Come, let’s ascend the mountain of Jah… Let’s go to the Temple of Jacob’s God, For there, He will show us His way, And that’s the way we will go.’Then, Law will come out of Zion, And the Word of the Lord from JeruSalem. 4He’ll judge in the midst of the nations, And he will correct many peoples.Then they’ll cut their swords into plowshears, And [shape] their spears into sickles… [Against other] nations, they won’t raise their swords, Nor will they learn war anymore.5O House of Jacob; Return to the light of Jehovah! 6For, from Jacob’s house, He’s now turned [His face], Since it’s become like it was at the start… A [land] that is filled up with takers, And where Philistine children are born.7They’ve filled their [land] with silver and gold, And there is no limit to all of their wealth. They’ve also filled it with horses, And chariots they have, beyond numbers.8With the disgusting works of their hands, They’ve also filled up their land… They bow before things made by their fingers… 9Yes, to such things, the people bow low, Bringing disgrace to each person.‘So, now there’s no way I can spare them!’10Therefore, go to the rocks and hide in the ground In fear of Jehovah and the glory of His Might; For He’s coming to wipe out the land!11The eyes of Jehovah are lofty, While the eyes of men are debased; So, in that day, these men will be low, And Jehovah will be lifted high.12For the day of Jehovah of Armies Is coming upon the insulting and proud. And those who are high and important Will soon be brought [to the ground].13Then, all of Lebanon’s great cedars, And every tall oak tree of BaShan… 14Yes, every high mountain and every high hill… 15Every high tower and every high wall… 16All ships in the seas and their beauty, 17And every man will be small. For the pride of men will [fall] in that day, And Jehovah alone will be high.18When He arises to wipe out the land, Men will then hide [all the idols] That they have made with their hands. 19They’ll hide them in caves and in cracks between rocks, As well as in burrows under the ground, Because of their fear of Jehovah, And before the might of His glory.20Then the disgusting things that they’ve made with their hands (Those worthless things made of silver and gold, Which they’ve made to bow down before) Will be tossed before bats in their caves And in the cracks between rocks, In fear of Jehovah and the might of His glory, When He arises to wipe out the land.
1So stop acting like men who breathe through their nose, For [what value] do they really have? Consider Jehovah of Armies (our Lord); For, throughout Judah and JeruSalem, He’ll remove the men and the women, Along with the strength of [their] bread And all the strength of [their] water… 2Their giants, their strong, their soldiers and judges… Their prophets, their thinkers and elders… 3Their generals and finest of counselors, As well as their wisest of builders… Yes, the most discerning among them.4Then He’ll appoint young men as their rulers In order to make them look foolish 5And to make the people act like they’re drunk. The men will all be rebellious And arise against their own neighbors; Young boys will be attacking the old, And by those without any honor, Their mighty ones will be shamed.6Then, men will grab hold of their brothers, And families will go to their fathers and say:‘You have clothes; so, you be our leader… Then you can provide us with food!’7But, in that day, such men will reply:‘I will not act as your leader… Since I have no bread or clothes in my home, I don’t choose to serve as your ruler.’8Yes, JeruSalem has been forsaken, And Judah has now been debased! For the tongues of their people speak against [God]… They just discuss what is lawless And refuse to make any changes.9Their glory is also debased, For their faces no longer show any shame, And they publicly announce and admit To sins that are as those of Sodom.So now, woe to their souls; For they have sought wicked council! 10They say:‘Let’s [lock] up the righteous Because they’ve become inconvenient.’So, they’ll reap the fruitage of their bad deeds, 11And woe will come to the lawless. For the evil that their hands are now doing Will soon be brought back upon them!12O my people,Those whom you owe are gleaning from you, And those whom you owe are your masters!O my people,Those who say you are blest, are misleading you, And they’re [clouding] the paths for your feet. 13For, you’re being judged by Jehovah… Yes, against His own, He’s arisen as judge. 14Jehovah Himself is judging the elders, As well as those ruling His people.‘And you, [O elders and rulers]; Why are you burning My vineyard, And why are the poor [now slaves] in your homes? 15Yes, why are you wronging My people, And disgracing the faces of the poor?’This was asked by Jehovah of Armies (our Lord).16And Jehovah said:‘Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with their [noses] held high, As they beckon with their eyes and walk tiny steps Then drag their underwear with their feet; 17I’ll bring down the daughters of Zion, And expose their true state in that day. 18I’ll remove the glory of their clothes… The fringes, crescents, 19and necklaces that they wear, As well as their facial adornments.20‘[I’ll remove] their armlets and bracelets… Their wreaths, their rings, and right armbands… 21Their earrings, purple fringes, and all decorations, 22As well as the cloths for their homes… Their coverings through which you can see… 23Their fine linens interwoven with scarlet and blue… The linens embroidered with gold and blue threads, And the lightweight covers for their divans.24‘Then instead of pleasant odors, there’ll be only dust… Instead of belts, they’ll tie ropes on their [waists]. Yes, because of the things that they’re doing, Instead of gold [combs], they’ll be bald… And instead of their purple underclothes, They will be forced to wear sackcloth.25‘Then the sons you most love will fall by the sword, As your mighty are disgraced and cut down. 26You’ll mourn [the loss] of your [most precious things], And then, you’ll be left all alone, Beaten down to the ground.’
1In that day, Seven women will reach for one man, And this is what they will say:‘We’ll [make] our own bread and wear our own clothes; But, let us be called by your name In order to remove all our scorn!’2In that day, The glory of the council of God Will shine upon the whole earth In order to raise and bring glory To those few in IsraEl who still remain.3And the few in JeruSalem and Zion Will then be called Holy Ones… This will happen to those in JeruSalem [Whose names] have been written for life.4Then Jehovah will wash away all the filth Of the sons and daughters of Zion. He’ll remove all the blood from JeruSalem’s midst With the spirit of judgment and fire.5When He comes, every place on Mount Zion Will stand in the shade of a cloud every day, And the light of a fire each night… So, His glory will then be their shelter. 6It’ll be a shade of protection from heat, And a shelter from rain and bad weather.
1I’ll now sing [a song] to the One whom I love… A song of my loved One concerning His vineyard:‘A vineyard belonged to One who was loved… A horn of plenty in a bountiful land. 2Around it, He built a fence and palisade, Then the choicest of grapevines, He planted.‘In its midst, He then built a tower, And thereafter, He dug out a winepress. Then he waited for grapes to start growing, But, all that grew was thorn bushes.’3Now, you who dwell in JeruSalem… Yes, you men of Judea… Judge between Him and His vineyard!4What can He do for His vineyard That hasn’t already been done? He waited for it to grow grapes, But all it produced was thorn bushes.5So I’ll tell you what He’ll do to His vineyard: He’ll remove its gate and let it be ravaged… He’ll demolish its walls and let it be trampled. 6He’ll abandon His vineyard, so it won’t be pruned, Nor will it be hoed anymore.He’ll return it [to the way it once was]… An uncultivated land of thorn bushes. And to the clouds, He’ll then give the order To not provide it with rain.7The house of IsraEl is the vineyard Of Jehovah of Armies, And Judah’s people are His beloved plants, On whom He waited to give Him what’s due. But they just produced lawless ways… Instead of a tower of justice, Cries of distress is all that they’ve brought.8So, woe to those who gather in homes And in the fields roundabout. For, after your neighbors are taken away, You’ll live all alone in the land, 9Since Jehovah of Armies has heard what you’ve done!So, where there were once many houses, There will just be desolation, And no one will live there again.10Then, although you’ll plow with ten oxen teams, You’ll harvest just enough to fill one clay pot. And although you may plant six large measures, Just three measures will grow.11So, woe to those who rise early To spend their days chasing liquor And stay up late as they drink it; For, they will burn along with their wine.12They drink to [the sounds] of the harp and the lute As well as pipes and tambourines, As they fail to think of the works of Jehovah… The works of His hands, they have failed to consider.13So, my people will all become captives Because they’ve forgotten their Lord. Many will die from hunger and thirst; 14For the place of the dead has widened its soul And opened its mouth to consume them. Then, the glorious will fall with the great and the rich, And all of those who respect them.15My people will then be cut down, And their men will all be dishonored… Yes, those who [walked proud] will be shamed.16Then the justice of Jehovah of Armies will arise… And because He will have [proven His] justice, Our Holy God will be glorified.17Then, there will come those who will rip you apart, And on your bulls, they will graze… Yes, those who will come to wipe out your land Will also be eating your lambs.18So, woe to those drawing sins as with ropes, And lawless ways as the yoke on a bull… 19Those saying:‘Let Him come and do whatever He wants… Let Him do it soon, so we’ll see it… Let the Holy One’s Will come to pass, So we can all know what it is!’20Yes, woe to those who call evil, good And those who are calling good, bad… Those who turn what’s dark into light And turn what’s light into darkness… Those who make bitter sound, sweet And those who turn sweet into bitter.21Woe to those who think themselves wise, And think that they have greater knowledge. 22Woe to your strong ones and those drinking wine… The mighty who are mixing their liquor… 23Those who favor the wicked, because they’ve been bribed, And from the righteous, snatch justice.24For this, they’ll be burned up like stubble… They’ll be burned like coals leaping with flames. Their roots and flowers will be turned into dust For rejecting the Laws of Jehovah of Armies… They’ve despised IsraEl’s Holy One’s words.25For with His people, Jehovah of Armies is angry, And to strike them, He’s lifted His hand.[The smell] of rotting flesh will drive mountains to rage… For, like manure on the roads, they’ll become. Yet, even this won’t [soften] His rage Or still the raising of His hand.26So He’ll lift a sign to nations far away... He’ll whistle to them from the ends of the earth, And they’ll take quick notice and come here.27They won’t get hungry or tired, Nor will they slumber or sleep. They’ll not untie their belts from their waists, Nor will they loosen their sandals.28With stretched-tight bows [they will come], And with the arrows that they’ve sharpened. The feet of their horses will be like hard rocks, And blasts will come from their chariot wheels.29Like lions, they will then advance With their cubs all walking beside them… They’ll snatch you and yell like wild beasts, As they carry you off… When no one will be there to save you.30Yes, because of you, they’ll yell in that day Like the sounds of the roar of the seas. Then you’ll look to the heavens above, And [to the ground] underneath you, And all you will see is hard darkness In your terrible time of distress.
1It was in the year King UzziAh died, that I saw Jehovah sitting on a high, lofty throne, and the Temple [of Jehovah] was filled with His glory... 2The seraphim stood all around Him, each of whom had six wings that touched the wings next to them. Their first [pair of] two wings covered their front sides, the second [pair of] two wings covered their feet, and they flew with their third [pair of] two wings.3They were shouting to each other and saying:‘Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of Armies… The whole earth is filled with His glory!’4Well, the threshold of the Temple shook at the sound of their shouting, and the Temple became filled with smoke!5And I said:‘Oh, I’m so unworthy and hurt by this, because I’m just an unclean man who lives among people with unclean lips!‘Yet now, I have beheld the King, Jehovah of Armies… I’ve seen Him with my own eyes!’6Then one of the seraphim was sent to me, and in his hand he carried a [live] coal that he’d taken from the Altar with tongs.7So touched it to my mouth and said:‘{Look!} Now that your lips have been touched by this coal, It has removed all of your lawless deeds And it has purged you of all your sins.’8Then I heard the voice of Jehovah ask:‘Whom shall I send?‘Yes, who will go to these people?’And I replied:‘Look! I’m here! Send me!’9And He said:‘Then, go to these people and say:‘When it comes to hearing, you’ll hear, But no way will you comprehend. And when it comes to seeing, you’ll see, But no way will you understand!’10‘Since the hearts of these people have hardened, Their ears now listen too slowly, And their eyes cannot see, since their eyelids are closed. Thus, they will not hear with their ears Nor will they see with their eyes. So their hearts will not understand And make them turn back, so I’d heal them.’11And I asked:‘How long [will this be true], O Lord?’And He answered:‘Until all the cities lie wasted And there are no people living there anymore… Until no one is left in their homes And until the whole land has been ravaged.12‘Then, God will stay far from these people, As those who survive, multiply. 13But, only 1/10th will remain there, For the rest will be [cut down] like pine trees.‘However; like an acorn that stays in its shell, The holy seed will remain in the stump.’
1It was in the days of Ahaz (son of JoTham and grandson of UzziAh) the king of Judah, that King Rezin of Aram and PekAh (son of RemaliAh) the king of IsraEl came to JeruSalem to wage war against it… However, they were unable to conquer it.2But when the house of David was told that [the Kingdom of] Aram had joined forces with Ephraim, they were startled and the souls of the people were shaken like a forest of trees in a windstorm!3Then the Lord said this to IsaiAh:‘You and your son JaSub, the one whom you left behind, must now go to meet with [King] Ahaz at the upper pool of the washer women, 4and you must tell him:‘Do nothing at all and don’t be afraid…
Don’t let those two pieces of smoking wood
Make you feel weak [in your knees].
For, when I [send] them My rage,
You will be saved once again.’5‘And as for the sons of RemaliAh and Aram... Because they met and wickedly agreed 6to come to Judah together to conquer and rule over you by setting TabeAl’s son [on the throne]… 7Tell him that Jehovah of Armies said this:‘There’s no way that your plan will succeed…
It will never take place.8‘For the head of Aram is Damascus,
And the head of Damascus is Rezin.
Thus in six, plus another five years,
These people will destroy Ephraim.9‘For the head of Ephraim is Samaria,
And the head of Samaria is the son of RemaliAh…
But, no one will understand, unless they believe.’10Then Jehovah [sent a message to] Ahaz, that said:11‘Ask for a sign from Jehovah your God,
Whether from the depths or the heights.’12And Ahaz replied:‘There’s no way that I’ll ask, nor will I put Jehovah to the test!’13So [the messenger] said:‘Listen to this, O house of David…
If it’s too unimportant a thing
To supply enough men for a battle;
How can you fight a war for the Lord?14‘Now, Jehovah will give you a sign…
{Look!} A virgin will get pregnant and then bear a son
Whom you must call, ImManuEl [meaning, ‘God is with us’].
15He’ll eat butter and honey before he is sure
Whether he wants to be wicked or good.16‘But, before the boy can know good from bad,
By resisting wicked persuasions,
He will choose to do what is right. [see note]
Even the land of two kings of which you’re afraid
Will be totally abandoned!17‘But first, God will bring Assyria’s king
Upon you, your people, and the house of your father…
These will be unlike any days that have come
Since Ephraim split off from Judah.18‘For, in that day, Jehovah will whistle
And call for the flies on the [Nile],
As well as for Assyria’s bees.
19Then they’ll come and settle in your valleys…
In the burrows, rocks, and in caves…
In every hole and in all the trees.20‘In that day, Jehovah will speak,
And He’ll tell Assyria’s king
To bring his razor and shave off those drunks
[Who live] on the river’s [east banks].
Then he’ll shave their heads and the hair on their feet,
Before he cuts off their beards.21‘But, in that day, each man who is left
Will have a cow and two sheep.
22So, there will be milk for those who remain,
And [plenty of] butter and honey.23‘Yet, in that day;
Where once grew thousands of grapevines
Valued at thousands in silver,
Only thorn bushes will grow.
For, grape cultivation will have ceased.
24Then, with bows and arrows they’ll [hunt] there;
For the land will be wild and covered with thorns.25‘But thereafter, they’ll plow up the mountains,
And they won’t be afraid anymore;
For that uncultivated land of thorn bushes
Will then become a pasture for sheep,
And a land that is trampled by oxen.’
1Then the Lord said this to me:‘Go [buy] a large, new scroll of papyrus, And write on it with the pen of a man About the plundering and looting That will be coming upon them!2‘Then appoint these two trustworthy men Who will serve as witnesses on my behalf: Choose UriAh the Priest, And ZechariAh, son of BarachiAh.’3Well after that, I [had sex] with the Prophetess, and she got pregnant and gave birth to a son.Then the Lord said to me:‘Call his name, ‘Quick Gloom and Swift Looting’ [Hebrew: Maher-shalal-hash-baz], 4For, before the child learns how to call out To his father and mother, Someone will carry the power of Damascus And Samaria’s spoils to Assyria’s king.’5Then the Lord spoke to me again and said:6‘Because these people have refused to return To SiloaAm’s waters in peace, But prefer Rezin (son of RemeliAh) To serve instead as their king; {Look!} Jehovah will be bringing against them The waters of a great mighty river… The king of Assyria and his glory. 7For, he will then enter their valleys And walk right up to their walls.8‘Thereafter, he’ll sweep into Judah And overrun it up to its neck. So then, the out-spread wings of his camp Will fill the whole [land] of ImManuEl!9‘Know this, O nations, and then be nailed shut! Pay attention, all you peoples to the ends of the earth… Ready yourselves to be nailed down tight! And if you should ever grow strong after that, Once more, you’ll be nailed down tight!10‘Then, no matter whom you ask for solutions; Jehovah will wipe them away. And no matter what you say you’ll accomplish; Because Jehovah’s [against] you, Nothing that you do will succeed!11‘For, this is what Jehovah has said:‘These people have resisted [My] persuasion About the ways they should go. And they say:12‘What You’ve told us is too hard [to do]!’‘Yet, whatever they’ve said is too hard to do Should not be feared or disturbing. 13Just treat Jehovah of Armies as holy, And only Him, should they fear… 14If they’ll yield to Him, He’ll be their Most Holy, And upon no stones will they stumble, Nor upon any rocks will they trip!‘But the house of Jacob is [now] in the trap Of those lying in wait in their valleys. 15Since many of their people are already weak, They’re about to fall and be broken. Then [those armies] will come and carry the people Away from the land where they’ve lived so securely!16‘Then, it will be easy to see Which ones were [the chosen and] sealed, And which wouldn’t [follow] the Law. 17For, one will say:‘I’ll wait on The God From whom Jacob’s house has now turned its face, And in Him, I will put all my trust… 18{Look} Both the children God gave me and I!’‘Then, to the house of IsraEl, they will serve As the miracles and signs of Jehovah of Armies… The One who dwells on Mount Zion.19‘And if, at that time, they should tell you To seek those who interpret omens That are sent by those who speak from the ground, Or to those who speak empty words from their guts… [You should ask them this]:‘Shouldn’t a nation first ask of its God? Why ask the dead on behalf of the living? 20For He gave us His Law as our helper. So we shouldn’t be turning to those who can’t help!’21‘This is why a great famine is coming to you!‘So, when you’re hungry and worried, And speak wicked things of your fathers and kings… When you look to the sky up above you, 22And to the ground underneath you, What you’ll see is darkness, distress, and hard times… A darkness that will last a long time!’
1‘Drink this first and fast… Do it quickly,
O lands of ZebuLun and NaphTali…
You on the coasts and the JorDan’s east shore,
And you, O Galilee of the gentiles!2‘The people who were traveling in darkness
Then saw a [very] bright light.
For a light will then shine upon those
Who live in the place of the shadow of death.3‘To a time of joy, He will lead them,
And they’ll all be as happy before Him
As those who take joy in the harvest,
Or as those who’re dividing up loot.
4For they’ll not be wearing a yoke anymore,
Nor [will they feel] the whip on their backs.‘He’ll destroy the [whip] of all those who use it
As He did in the days of MidiAn’s war.
5Then, those who did this must pay for the clothes
That they, through treachery, have taken;
For the people will [demand] the return of their clothes,
Even if they have been scorched!6‘Because a child has been born for us,
And for us, a son has been given;
Upon his shoulders, that authority came,
And by the name Great Councel’s Messenger, he is called.
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace [spurious words]‘Then, to this prince, I’ll bring peace and good health;
7And from the throne of David, his rule will be great.
There will be no end to his peace,
For his kingdom will be founded on justice and judgments
Both now and into the age…
Which will come through the zeal of Jehovah of Armies.8‘But now, upon IsraEl and Jacob,
Jehovah is just sending death.
9And all the peoples of Ephraim
(Those with haughty and insolent hearts
Who within Samaria, have settled),
Will realize this and then say:10Since all our bricks have now fallen,
Please come and help us shape stones;
Then we’ll cut down some cedars and sycamore trees,
And we’ll build ourselves a great tower.11‘But, God will knock down all those
Who will come against Zion and Him.
He’ll wipe all His enemies away…
12The Syrians from where the sun dawns
To the Greeks in the place where it sets…
Those who’ve swallowed IsraEl down with their mouths.‘But, this won’t bring an end to His rage;
For His hand will still be held high…
13Because His people refused to repent
Or to search for Jehovah of Armies
Until [the day] they were struck.
14For the Lord will remove the head and the tail…
All of IsraEl’s small and great in one day.15‘Their head is the elders and highly regarded,
And the prophets (those teaching lawless ways) are the tail.
16They’re the ones who say, ‘These people are blest,’
And mislead them to swallow them down.17‘Yes, it is because of these things
That God won’t show favor upon their young men,
Nor will He show mercy on their orphans or widows…
Because they’re all lawless and wicked,
And every mouth is unrighteous.
Yet, none of these things will turn back His rage,
For His hand will still be raised high.18‘Then the lawless will be burned as in fire…
They’ll be devoured like flames through dry grass…
They’ll be burned like thickets in the woods,
And consumed like hay in the hills.19‘Because of Jehovah’s anger and rage,
All of their land will be burned,
And its people will be as those burned in fire;
For a man won’t show mercy to even his brother.20‘Then they’ll look at their right hands in hunger,
And they will eat their left [arms]…
But the flesh of their arms will not fill them.21‘ManasSeh will gnaw upon Ephraim,
And Ephraim will chew on ManasSeh…
Then together, they’ll come against Judah.
Yet, none of these things will turn back [God’s] rage,
For His arm will still be held high.’
1‘Woe to those who write wicked [laws]; For the reasons that they write them are evil… 2To deny equal rights to the poor, And snatch away justice from the needy… To loot the orphans and ravage the widows!3‘So, what will you do in the day of inspection… When hard times come from afar? Yes, whom will you run to for aid, And to whom will you give all your wealth… 4For, won’t you be forced to be slaves?‘And if you should hide under those who are killed, You’ll see that this won’t bring an end to His rage… For His hand will still be held high.5‘Woe to Assyria (the rod of My wrath)… Those who hold My rage in their hands. 6But, on that lawless nation, I’ll also send rage… I’ll order My people to plunder and loot them, Then trample their cities and turn them to dust.7‘But now, they aren’t thinking about this, For their souls have failed to reflect. [No, Assyria’s king] doesn’t know… He just wants to destroy many nations.8‘He’ll ask:‘Am I not your sole ruler? 9Isn’t all above Babylon mine, As well as CalNeh, where the tower was built?‘Haven’t I conquered Arabia, As well as Samaria and Damascus? 10Thus, in the same way that I’ve taken all these, I will conquer the rest!‘So shriek, O carvings in JeruSalem; 11For, as I did to Samaria and her idols (Those things that they made with their hands), I’ll also do to JeruSalem And to all of the idols that are there!’12‘But, after Jehovah completes all these things That He’ll do to JeruSalem and Zion; He’ll arise and strike that great mind… Yes, the mind of Assyria’s king, And the haughty glory of his eyes.13‘For, [this great ruler] has dared to say:‘I will act in a very strong way. And in my wisdom and great understanding, I’ll remove the boundaries of nations And bring an end to their powers.14‘I’ll shake the cities in which they all live, And grab hold of the people who live there As I’d take a bird’s nest in My hands… And then, I’ll deport the survivors.‘No, none will evade or oppose me… They’ll just open their mouths and let out a chirp.15‘Does the axe really have any glory Unless there is someone to swing it? Does the saw really have any value Unless there is someone to draw it… And can a rod swing itself?16‘So, dishonor will replace all his honor… And this will be done by Jehovah of Armies. Upon his glory, He’ll send fire, And [that king] will be consumed by its flames… 17Then this fire will serve as IsraEl’s light.‘For He’ll make her holy through fire, Which will eat her like grass in the woods in that day. 18It will burn through her mountains, forests, and hills, And devour all the life from her flesh.‘Then, those who flee will be running from flames, 19And very few will remain… An infant could write down their numbers!20‘But in that day, those who remain in JeruSalem Won’t go along [with what’s bad] anymore. For [the sons] of Jacob who then will be saved Won’t put up with those who have wronged them. They will only be yielding to God, And to the truths of IsraEl’s Most Holy One.21‘Then, those of Jacob who survive Will return to their Almighty God. 22And the people of IsraEl will then grow to be As many as the sands of the seas From the very few that were left.23‘So, this matter will be finished in justice; For, Jehovah is the One who is drawing the line. Yes, Jehovah of Armies will act Throughout the world [of mankind].24‘For this reason, Jehovah of Armies has said:Don’t fear the Assyrians, My people… Yes, you who are dwelling in Zion. Although they’ll strike with a rod And distress you as they’re [marching] towards Egypt; 25In a very short time, My anger will end, And I’ll turn My rage towards their plans.26‘The God of Armies, Jehovah, will rise And bring calamity upon them As He did to MidiAn’s people In the Place of Oppression.‘For His rage [will be expressed] by the sea As they are traveling towards Egypt. 27Their terrible yoke, He’ll lift from your shoulders, After He has destroyed them.28‘They’ll enter the City of AngAi; But, they will bypass MegidDo… Then they’ll drop their weapons at MichMash.29‘They’ll enter the valley at AngAi; So, those in Rama will be gripped with fear, And the city of Saul will then flee.30‘At that time, O daughter of GalLim; Your voice will sound just like snorting. And be careful [O you] at LachIsh… And you at AnathOth must also be wary.31‘There’ll be fear in Gebim and MadMenah… 32To survive, you must all band together As [Assyria] is marching your way!‘O daughter of Zion; You must then flee to the mountains, And gather upon JeruSalem’s hills!’33O Lord, Jehovah of Armies,How Your strength has scattered the famous And broken the insolence of the haughty To teach them the need to be humble! 34For the haughty will all be cut down with swords, And Lebanon will fall with the rest of the proud!
1From the root of JesSe, a [shoot] will then sprout, And a flower will grow from his root. 2The Spirit of Jehovah will rest upon him… The spirit of wisdom and understanding… The spirit of purpose and strength… The spirit of reverence and knowledge.3The Spirit will fill him with fear of The God, And he won’t judge men by their wealth, Nor scold them for the things that they’ve said. 4He’ll judge the case of the lowly, And [give justice to] the poor of the land.He’ll strike the earth with the words from his mouth, And wipe the godless away with the breath from his lips. 5Justice will be wrapped ‘round his waist And his sides will be girdled in truth.6Then the wolf and the lamb, together will feed; The leopard will nap with the kid; Bulls, calves, and lions will all graze together, And by a small child, they’ll be led.7Together, the ox and the bear will eat grass, And together, their young ones [will play]; For then, the lion will eat straw like the ox.8On the burrow of an asp, an infant will play, And lay his hands in a bed of young cobras.9‘For, on My holy mountain, none will destroy, Nor will they not do any harm;’Since the earth will be filled with the knowledge of [God] As the seas are covered by water.10In that day, the root of JesSe [will sprout]… He’ll arise to rule [all] the nations. In him, the gentiles will trust, And upon him, honor will rest.11In that day, God will show the zeal of His hands On behalf of the few who remain… The remnants of the few who’ll return From Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt, As well as Ethiopia and ElAm… Those who will come back from the sunrise And from Arabian lands.12For He’ll raise a sign to the nations And collect the IsraElites that were being destroyed… He’ll gather the scattered of Judah From the four [corners] of the earth.13Then, at that time, Ephraim’s envy, And the enemies of Judah will all be destroyed. For, Ephraim will no longer be jealous of Judah, And Judah will oppress Ephraim no more.14At that time, they will all get together To [attack] the Philistines that live in the west, And plunder the Edomites at the sunrise. MoAb will be conquered first, But the sons of AmMon are first to submit.15Then the Lord will [split] Egypt’s Sea, And He’ll lay His hands on their River… He’ll send gales to its 7 ravines, So it can be walked through in sandals.16Then, it will serve as a road for His people… A path for those left behind, And for those in Assyria that have yet to return. Then for IsraEl, it’ll be the same as that day When they first came out of Egypt.
1And in that day, they will say:‘O Jehovah, we praise You! For, although You were angry with us, Your rage has now turned away And You have shown mercy upon us.2‘Look… My God and my Savior! I’ll do what You say and not be afraid! For, Jehovah’s my glory and praise, And He has become my salvation.’3Then, water will be drawn from life-giving springs, 4And in that day, you will say:‘Sing in praise to Jehovah… Yes, yell aloud about His great Name! To the nations, announce His honorable deeds… Say that His Name has been raised!5‘Sing in praise to the Name of the Lord For all of the great things He’s done… Yes, announce these things throughout the whole earth!6‘Shout aloud and be joyful, All who you are living in Zion; For the Most Holy One of IsraEl, Has now been raised in her midst!’
1This is the vision that IsaiAh (son of Amoz) saw against Babylon:2‘Raise a flag on top of the mountains. Then, don’t be afraid, shout it loudly. Open [your mouths], O you rulers… Put your hands [to your mouths] and call out for aid!3‘For I’m in command and I’ve given the order To giants that are coming to fulfill My rage… Together they’re coming, shouting insults.’4There’s a voice like the sound of great crowds That [you’ll hear from the tops of] the mountains. It’s the sound of a gathering of kings, And a great assembly of troops.For, Jehovah of Armies has given the order To a nation of warriors with weapons 5That are coming from a faraway land… From the pillars of the skies they’ll arrive. Yes, the Lord and His warriors are coming To bring ruin to the place where you dwell.6So shriek, for the day of the Lord is at hand, And destruction from God will come quickly! 7So, all of their hands will go limp And the soul of each man will know fear.8Their elders will all be disturbed And have pains like women about to give birth. They’ll discuss it and they will be sad for each other, And together, they’ll all be in shock… Their faces will be changed into flames!9For {Look!} the day of the Lord is about to arrive… It’s a day of incurable anger… The rage to destroy the place where you live And wipe away all the sinners.10Then the stars in the skies (including Orion) And the heaven’s arrangement will no longer shine. The rising sun will be darkened, And the moon won’t give out its light.11‘I’ll punish this dwelling place for its evil, And the irreverent, I’ll destroy for their sins… I’ll end the insolence of the lawless, And bring the haughty ways of the proud to the ground.12‘Then, those left behind will be rarer than gold… They’ll be rarer than gold from Ophir. 13For the skies will then be enraged, And the foundations of the land will be shaken By the anger and rage of Jehovah of Armies On the day that He sends His wrath.14‘Then, those who remain will be fleeing like deer… Like sheep, they will all run away… No way will a man return to his house, For they’ll all be fleeing their homes.15‘The captured will then all be [slaughtered]… Yes, those who are caught will fall by the sword. 16Before them, their young will be dashed to the ground, All of their homes will be ruined, And their women will all be dishonored.17‘{Look!} For against you, I’m arousing the Medes… Those who think nothing of silver And those who have no need for your gold!18‘They’ll break the bows of your young men, And on your young, show no mercy… Their eyes will not spare your children!19‘Then Babylon, home of the king of Chaldea, Will be wiped away by our God, As He did to Sodom and GomorRah. 20And throughout ages, no one will live there again, For generations, no one will [want to] go there… No Arabs will go there, and shepherds won’t stop there to rest. 21But wild beasts will surely be found there, And fill all the houses with growling.‘It’ll be a place where demons will dance… 22A place where vultures will dwell, And where hedgehogs build nests in the homes.’
1This will all happen quite quickly… It won’t take very much time And the days [‘til it comes] won’t drag on.But, [God] will show mercy on Jacob, For IsraEl will still be His chosen, And they will find rest in His land.To them, foreign peoples will come (To the house of Jacob, they’ll come), 2And they’ll accept the gentiles among them… As an inheritance, they’ll all then be welcomed.At that time, within the land of our God, There’ll be many servants (both women and men). For, those who once took them as captives Will, in turn, be their [slaves]… They’ll dominate those who once ruled them.3In that day, the Lord will send rest And an end to your anger and grief, As well as to the hard labor Under which you had once slaved.4Then you’ll take up this wail against Babylon’s king… In that day, you’ll say this about him:‘O how much rest [we now can enjoy] From this one who once demanded so much… How much rest [we now have from] our masters!5‘For, Jehovah broke the yoke of those sinners, As well as the yoke of their rulers. 6In His rage, He struck down a nation… He brought calamity upon them… He didn’t spare any and He didn’t hold back!7‘So now, our land is shouting in joy… 8The trees of Lebanon are happy and say:From the time that you were laid low, No one has come here to cut us!9‘From below, the grave has arisen to meet them; And all the giants that once ruled the earth (Those who stood and opposed you) Have now been gathered down there.’Then the kings of those nations will rise from their thrones, 10And they will say [to those giants]:‘Now, you have been captured as we were… So, are you now considered to be one of us? 11For your glories and joys have gone down to the grave, And beneath you, they’ll make a bed of decay Where you will be covered with worms!’12O how the bright one has fallen (The [star] that arises at dawn); For this one who [once conquered] nations, Has been broken down to the ground.[Editor Note:The previous verse could also be translated as:‘O how you have fallen from the sky; So, howl, O one who arises at dawn; For, you who [once conquered] nations, Have now been broken to the ground.’] 13You’re the one who once said in his heart:‘I will ascend to the heavens And I’ll put my throne above all the stars. Then I’ll sit upon a high mountain… On the highest one in the north. 14Yes, I will ascend above all the clouds, And I will be like the Most High!’15But now, you’ll go down to the grave… Down to the foundations of the earth. 16Then, those who see you will wonder and ask:‘Isn’t he the one who provoked the whole earth? Isn’t he the one who once shook its kings? 17Isn’t he the one who brought desolation Upon mankind’s habitation… The one who demolished its cities And the one who set no slaves free?’18So, while all the kings of the nations Will go to sleep in full honor (As will every man within his own house); 19You’ll be tossed in the mountains along with the slain.Yes, you’ll be abhorred the same as the rest Who have been run through with swords And gone down to the place of the dead.20‘Like clothes that are dirtied by blood, You won’t be pure or clean anymore; For, to My land, you brought desolation, And you have murdered My people. So, no way will you last throughout the age, O you offspring of all that’s evil!21‘Prepare your young to be slaughtered Because of the sins of their fathers! So, they won’t arise and inherit the land, Nor again fill the whole earth with wars!22‘For, I will rise up against them,’ Says Jehovah of Armies; ‘I’ll destroy their names, their remains, and their offspring.’And Jehovah said:23‘The land of Babylon, I will destroy… I’ll make it a place where hedgehogs will dwell. I will bring it to nothing… It’ll be just a pit of destruction.’24Then Jehovah of Armies said:‘This is how it will happen… Yes, this is the way it will be; For this is what I’ve decided:‘I’ll allow [Babylon] to remain For just a little while longer, 25So that it can wipe the Assyrians away From My land and My Holy Mountain. They’ll be trampled and their yoke will then be removed, As their dignity is cut from their shoulders.’26Yes, this is the plan that Jehovah laid out For the rest of man’s habitation, As His hand is raised over the gentiles. 27For, who can erase the Holy One’s plans, Or hold back His hand once it’s been raised?28In the year that King Ahaz died, these words came [to IsaiAh]:29O Philistines; do not be joyful, For He’s breaking the yoke of those you’ve attacked. And from the snake’s offspring, young asps will arrive, Which will then become flying serpents.30While God will feed all the poor And peace will rest on the paupers; Your offspring will starve and be wiped away… Yes, those who are left will be gone.31So, shriek, O you city of gates, And may your towns start crying aloud! For the Philistines will all be disturbed As they see smoke arise in the north… And no one there, will be left alive.Now, what answer can the kings of the nations supply? For although the Lord will destroy the foundations of Zion; He’ll still bring salvation to His people!
1This is the word against MoAb:‘In one night, MoAb’s land will be wiped away… In the dark, its walls will be broken. 2In Dibon, your altars will all be destroyed, And then, you’ll just go there to weep.‘In MoAb, there’ll be shrieking on Nebo; For, every head will be shaved, And you’ll all wear chains on your arms.3‘In your squares, you all will wear sackcloth, And under every roof, there’ll be mourning; For, you will be shrieking and crying In your squares and in all your streets!4‘In HeshBon, there will also be shouting, As well as in EliAleh… As far as JaHaz, the sounds will be heard.‘In MoAb’s land, the mothers will cry; For, in their souls, they will know… 5In their hearts, they’ll know there’ll be screaming All the way up to ZoAr.‘Then they’ll be like 3-year-old heifers [That are being led to the slaughter]; For there’ll be much weeping in LuHith, And yelling on the road to HoroNaim, Where they’ll tremble before they’re defeated!6‘At NimRim, the waters will dry, So her crops will fail and there’ll be no green grass, 7And then, how will they save her? For, I will send Arabs into her valleys And everyone there will be captured.8‘Yes, there will be screaming and shrieking In the lands of MoAb and EglaIm. There will also be screams at their wells, 9For the waters of Dibon will be filled with blood.‘Yes, against Dimon, I’m bringing the Arabs, And they will remove MoAb’s offspring… Those remaining in AriEl and Adama.’
1‘Then I’ll send a male lamb to be lord of their land… For Mount Zion’s daughter is not just bare rock. 2Then you, O daughter of MoAb, Will become like a bird that flies all about After her young have been carried away!‘O Arnon; sit down and discuss it, 3Then prepare for continuous mourning. For at noon, everything will go dark, And [your people] will be startled and flee.‘So, do not start celebrating; 4For, with exiles of MoAb, you’ll flee From the faces of those who pursue you. They will then be your only protectors, Since your allies will all have been lifted away, And your rulers will have been crushed to the ground.5‘Then, from a throne [based on] mercy, [This lamb] will make all things right. For a man from the tent of David Will thereafter sit [on a throne] From which, he will judge righteously. He’ll demand to know what is true… Then swift justice, he’ll bring [to the land].6‘For I’ve heard the insults of MoAb… And they have been very insulting. [I’ve noticed] their pride, their insults, and rage… And there was no reason for this.7‘So, there will be shrieking in MoAb… Throughout the land, there’ll be screaming. But you’ll think of those who were dwelling in Seth, And then, you’ll feel less ashamed.8‘In the plains of HeshBon, you’ll mourn Over the grapevines of SibMah; For the nations will swallow you down… And as far as JaZer, they’ll trample your vines.‘Then no way will you get back together; But, through the desert, you’ll wander! And those who were carried away will be lost Like those who were carried over the sea.9‘And I will cry over this, As will [the people] of JaZer Who are weeping for the grapevines of SibMah.‘O HeshBon and EliAleh; Your trees will all be cut down, And I’ll trample your harvests and crops… Yes, all of these things will soon fail!10Then in your vineyards, there will be no leaping for joy, Since the reasons for joy will be gone… And none will be treading your wine vats, For the [growing of grapes] will have ceased.11‘Then my belly will sound like a harp over MoAb, And I’ll [groan for her cities of bricks].12‘This should bring shame on them all; For, MoAb’s shrines will no longer be strong… Those places where they go to pray Before the things that they’ve made with their hands… Which won’t be able to save them!’13This is what Jehovah proclaimed against MoAb.14Then the Lord spoke again and said this:‘In just three years, In the length of someone’s employment, MoAb will meet with dishonor… All of her wealth [will be gone], And just a few peasants will live there.’
1This is the word against Damascus.‘{Look!} Damascus will be lifted away
From among the rest of the cities…
It will [soon] meet its downfall.2‘Then, throughout the ages, it’ll serve as a bed…
A resting place and safe haven for flocks.
3No more will it be a fortified city
(A place of Ephraim’s refuge);
For, the kingdom in Damascus will be gone,
And the Syrians will no longer dwell there.‘But, it will be better for [those in that city]
Than for IsraEl’s sons and their glory,’
Said Jehovah of Armies.
4‘For the glory of Jacob will end in that day…
His bountiful glory will be shaken.5‘It’ll be as it is in a harvest
Where someone reaps grain in a valley of rocks.
6For, stubble will be all that’s left…
Just two or three olive pits
On the tops of very tall trees
That only have four or five branches.’This is what The God of IsraEl said:7‘In that day, all the people will have to rely
On the One by whom they were made…
To the Holy One of IsraEl, their eyes should then turn.8‘They shouldn’t rely on their shrines
Or on the things that they’ve made with their hands.
In that day, they’ll not look to their trees,
Or to the disgusting things [that they’ve made].9‘For their cities will all be abandoned,
As were the cities of the Amorites and Hivites
Before the faces of IsraEl’s sons.‘Desolate places, they will become,
10For they have forsaken their Savior…
Yes, they have forgotten their God!‘So, when they are planting, they’ll do so unsurely,
For they’ll be unsure of their seeds.
11And about the right day to do planting,
They will then be misled.
So, although they may sow in the morning,
Their seeds will rot before the harvest.‘Then fathers will be forced to choose
Which of their sons they will [feed],
By casting lots on their behalf.12‘And woe to you, the rest of the nations;
For, you will also be shaken…
You’ll be disturbed like the sea [in a storm],
13And by raging floods, you’ll be carried away.‘For I’ll scold them all and then they will flee…
Yes, I’ll chase them a very long way,
And they’ll be like dust on the mountains
That is [blown about] by the winds,
Or like clouds of dust raised by wheels.14‘In the evening, there will be much mourning,
And by dawn, they’ll no longer exist.’This is what will happen to those who’ve brought ruin…It’s the inheritance of those who inherited us.
1Woe to you, O land of winged boats Beyond Ethiopia’s rivers… 2Those sending paper treaties and letters Across the waters [to us].For, messengers will be sent by a nation Of strange and ill-tempered people By whom you don’t want to be trampled.3They live in a land divided by rivers, And their place will [soon] be a flag That is lifted above the tall mountains… Like a signal of the blowing of trumpets.4Then, this is what I was told by the Lord:‘Although I have protected My city From the afternoon heat And by clouds of dew before harvest; 5When the flowers have blossomed and young grapes have formed, I’ll remove their clusters with a sickle… Yes, I’ll cut the small branches off of the vines, 6Then leave them behind for the birds of the skies And for the wild beasts of the earth.‘So then, all winged creatures that fly in the skies And all the wild beasts of the earth Will gather there to consume them.7‘Then those people who’ve been afflicted and plucked Will offer gifts to Jehovah of Armies. They’re a people who’ve been great [throughout] the ages… But they’re a nation whose hopes will be trampled.‘They live in a place that runs from a river To where the Name Jehovah of Armies Is found upon His Holy Mountain.’
1This is the vision against Egypt:{Look!} The Lord will arrive upon a swift cloud, And down to Egypt, He’ll go. There He’ll shake the idols that they’ve made with their hands (Those that stand in front of His face), And then, their hearts will be pierced.2Egyptians will [war] with Egyptians… Against their own brothers and neighbors, they’ll fight. City will rise against city, And houses [will rise] against houses.3The Egyptian’s spirits will all be disturbed, And He will wipe out their plans. Then they’ll ask their statues, their prophets, and gods, And those who speak from the ground.4But, over the Egyptians, He will assign Men who will make them work hard… Bad kings, He’ll appoint over them.For, this was said by Jehovah of Armies.5Egyptians will be drinking sea water, Because their rivers will dry up and fail… 6Their aqueducts and their rivers will fail, And all their water will dry.7Then, papyrus marshes and reeds, As well as what’s green by the rivers (Including the crops that are planted nearby), Will dry up and be blown away.8So, those who go fishing with hooks, Those who catch fish with dragnets, And those who cast nets in the rivers Will all start mourning and groaning.9Also, those who shred flax and weave linen 10Will all be grieved and ashamed. There’ll also be great concern Among the ones who brew beer, As the lives of all become painful.11Then, fools will be appointed their rulers; And those who speak stupid things Will be the king’s councilors in Tanis.For, they will say to the king:We are the sons of the wise… Yes, as sons of kings, [we were born]!12But, where will all your wise men have gone? Yes, let them return and explain What Jehovah of Armies has planned against Egypt!13Then the princes in Tanis will fail, And the haughty rulers in Memphis Will cause Egypt and its tribes to wander. 14For the Lord has concocted for them The spirit of addiction to delusions, Which will cause the Egyptians to [stagger] Like a drunk that goes outside to vomit.15Egypt won’t know its head from its tail, Or discern a beginning or end. 16In that day, Egypt’s men will be acting like girls, And they’ll tremble before the hand of Jehovah… He’s the One who will cause this to happen.17Then Egyptians will fear the Judeans… Yes they’ll fear those who call themselves Jews; For against them, Jehovah of Armies has plans.18In that day, in 5 cities of Egypt, They’ll speak the CanaAnite tongue And swear oaths in the Name of Jehovah of Armies. Then ‘The City of [the Sun]’ will be called ‘The City of the [Living God].’19There’ll be an Altar to Jehovah in Egypt, And a monument to the Lord at their border, 20Which will serve as a sign throughout the ages That, to Jehovah, Egypt belongs.Then they’ll call to [Him] when they are oppressed, And He will send someone to save them… He’ll save them and He’ll bring them justice.21So, to the Egyptians, our God will be famous… All Egypt will know who is Lord in that day. Sacrifices and gifts, they’ll offer to Him… They’ll make vows to Jehovah and pay them.22For, after He brings bad things upon Egypt, He’ll heal them, and then, they’ll turn to Jehovah… He’ll listen to them and He’ll cure them!23In that day, between Assyria and Egypt, There will then be a road Where the Assyrians will travel to Egypt, And to Assyria, the Egyptians will go… For Assyrians will then serve the Egyptians.24In that day, along with Assyria and Egypt, IsraEl will then be the third When it comes to their land being blest.25For Jehovah of Armies will offer this blessing:’Praise My people in Egypt, And praise those who live in Assyria… And praise My inheritance, IsraEl.’
1It was in the year that Tartan entered AshDod (when he was sent by King Sargon [II] of the Assyrians to wage war against AshDod and captured it) 2that the Lord spoke to IsaiAh (son of Amoz) and said this:‘Now, remove the sackcloth from your loins, And untie the sandals from your feet.’So thereafter, that’s what IsaiAh did… He started walking around barefoot and naked!3And the Lord said:‘As My servant, IsaiAh, walks barefoot and naked; The same signs and miracles will be sent Throughout Ethiopia and Egypt In the coming three years.4‘For the king of Assyria will lead you as captives (Ethiopians and Egyptians, both young and old) Naked and barefoot, to show Egypt’s shame.5‘The Ethiopians who rely on Egyptians Will then be vanquished and shamed; For their [only] glory was [Egypt].6‘And they’ll say to those in the islands:‘{Look!} Although we thought we could turn to you to protect us, You couldn’t save us from Assyria’s king… And since even you couldn’t save us, How can we now be delivered?’
1The Desert Vision.As a blast of wind from the desert Blows through a land that is dry; 2I received a frightening hard vision Concerning those who have no regard… Those who have no respect for the Law.[I dreamt] that the Persians attacked me; So I moaned and tried to find comfort. 3And because of this, my loins became weak As though I was going through birth pangs.Unrighteously, I chose not to hear, And I rushed away, so I couldn’t see it. 4For, in my heart I had strayed, And in lawlessness, I had been wrapped… Then my soul became covered with fear.5So, prepare the table to eat and to drink… Awaken the rulers and ready the shields! 6For, this is what I was told by the Lord:‘You must go and stand as a watchman, And you must announce all that you see!’7Well at that, I looked up and I saw two riders approaching; one [was riding] a burro, and the other [was riding] a camel.8[And then I was told that] I should listen and that I should call out to UriAh from Jehovah’s observation tower. So I stood there throughout that whole day, and I kept watch over the camp all throughout that night... 9And then, look! I spotted someone riding on a double chariot, and he was shouting that Babylon had fallen along with all of her idols… Yes, all of her idols had been dashed to the ground!10So listen, all of you who’ve survived, And all of you who are grieving… Hear what Jehovah of Armies has said… Hear what IsraEl’s God is announcing to you!11The vision of Edom.From SeIr, He called out to me and He said:‘Now, you must keep watch on the walls… 12Stand there from morning ‘til night… Keep watch with Me and you’ll live!13‘Then, you should bed down in the evening In the woods on the road to DeDan. 14And bring some water for the thirsty you’ll meet… Those who are coming from TeMan!‘Also bring bread for the fleeing… 15Because of those being slaughtered… Because of all who must wander… Because of those who are brandishing swords… Because of those with tightly-stretched bows… And because of those who have fallen in war!’16Then the Lord said this to me:‘In a year (in the time of someone who’s hired) The glory of Kedar will end, 17And few will remain of their bowmen; For the Lord God of IsraEl has spoken.’
1The matter of the valley of Zion.‘O what has happened to you That made you foolishly climb to your roofs?2‘Although your city is now filled with screaming, Your slain were not killed by the broadsword And your people haven’t died because of a war.3‘But your rulers all fled [in fear of] the bow, And now they’re all tied up together… Yes your mighty have all run away!’Well, because of this, I said:‘Now, please let me go and find someplace to cry… 4And don’t try to offer me any comfort over the destruction of the daughters of my people, 5for this has been a very disturbing day… It’s been a day of trampling and destruction and a day of addiction to delusions that’s come to us from Jehovah of Armies!‘But, in the valleys of Zion, they wander… All from the small to the great… Yes, between the mountains, they wander.6‘For the people of ElAm have collected [their arrows] And their men have mounted their horses, Then they gathered in battle array. 7So with their chariots, our valleys will be filled, And their horsemen will block all our gates.8‘In that day, they’ll reveal Judah’s gates And survey the city’s best homes. 9Through the palace of David, they’ll search, And they’ll see how much they can find there.10‘You’ll divert the water to the city’s ancient pool And demolish the outsides of your homes To strengthen the walls of JeruSalem. 11Yes, between the two walls, you’ll bring water And send it inside to that ancient pool. But to the One who made it, you’ll still fail to look… To its Creator, you will fail to turn.12‘For this, Jehovah of Armies Has called for tears in that day… For the beating of chests, For the shaving [of heads], And for the wearing of sackcloth.’13Yet, they were all happy and leaping for joy… Slaughtering calves and offering sheep, Then eating the meat and drinking the wine, And saying:‘We should all eat and drink, For tomorrow we’re going to die!’14Since this reached to the ears of Jehovah of Armies, These sins will not be forgiven Until the day that you truly die!15Jehovah of Armies said this:‘Now, go and enter My [Holy Place]… Go to the store-keeper ShevNa and ask:16’Just what are you doing here… What [business] have you been conducting? Why did you carve a memorial for yourself, And why have you made an engraving Of yourself in the stones of this Temple?’17‘{Look!} Jehovah of Armies will now throw you out… He’ll wipe away such a man! Your [official] clothes, He’ll remove, Along with your garland of honor!18‘Then He’ll throw you into a dungeon, And that is where you will die! On your chariot, He will bring dishonor, And He’ll trample the homes of your princes… 19[He’ll] remove your position and station!20‘In that day, I will call to My servant (EliAkim son of HelkiAh), 21And I’ll put your garments on him… Yes, I will give him your garland… Your duties, I’ll put in his hands… And then he’ll become like a father To those in Judah and JeruSalem.22‘And around his shoulders, I’ll also put The key to the palace of David… Yes, he’ll be the one who unlocks it!‘To him, I’ll give the glory of David… He’ll rule and no one will argue with him. 23For I’ll make him the ruler of a place that’s secure, And he’ll sit on a glorious throne Within the house of his father.24‘Then the honorable ones of his father’s house (Those from the least to the greatest) Will thereafter rely upon him… Yes, all the small vessels and cups Will depend on him in that day.’25Jehovah of Armies also said:‘This man [ShevNa] will now be removed And another will then be entrenched Within that trustworthy place.‘He’ll be removed and he’ll fall, And all of his glory will just waste away. For, Jehovah [of Armies] has spoken!’
1The matter of Tyre.Now shriek, you on boats out of Carthage; For, [Tyre] has been wiped away, And they won’t be [sailing] from Cyprus again, Since [the people of Tyre] are all captives!2To whom can I liken their [people]… To Phoenician traders who pass through the seas, 3Or to the offspring of those traders Who transport the harvests of the nations.4‘And you, O Sidon, be ashamed,’ said the sea! Then the power of the sea told them this:‘I have no pains and I’ve not given birth, Nor have I fed young or raised virgins. 5But when Egypt hears what’s happened to Tyre, They’ll be overtaken by grief.’6So, travel to Carthage and shriek, All you who live on the islands! 7For, she was the source of your insolent ways Back before she had fallen.8Who was it who planned these things against Tyre? For, isn’t she the strongest and best… Aren’t her merchants the glorious rulers of nations?9It was Jehovah of Armies who laid out the plans To end the insolence of these glorious ones… To dishonor the glories of the whole earth!10So now, you’ll be forced to be farmers, Since boats won’t be sailing from Carthage again, 11And your hands won’t control the seas anymore, O you provokers of kings.Yes, it was Jehovah of Armies Who ordered the destruction of CanaAn’s strength, 12So that you would not keep on insulting And wronging the daughter of Zion.Then, if you should travel to Cyprus, You will not find any rest there. 13And if you should go to Chaldea, You won’t find rest, for her walls will soon fall… The Assyrians will come and destroy it.14So Shriek, you on boats who are coming from Carthage, Because your fort will soon be destroyed!15This is how it will be in that day: Tyre will remain in that state For the next 70 years… The length of the lives of both men and kings. Then, after the 70 years have elapsed, Tyre will become like the song of a whore.16So, pick up your harp and wander away, O whore who will soon be forgotten! Play your harp and sing very well, So there’ll be someone who doesn’t forget you!17Then, after those 70 years have elapsed, God will come and revisit Tyre… He’ll restore her as she’d once been… She’ll be a market for all kingdoms again Throughout man’s home on the face of the earth.18Then her trading will pay a holy wage to the Lord; For their [profits] will not be carried to them… [They’ll be sent] to those who dwell before [God]… All [the wealth of] her trading [will then go to them], Which they’ll use to eat and drink ‘til they’re full, As a compact memorial before God.
1{Look!} The Lord will lay waste to the place where you live… He will totally destroy it! Yes, He will uncover its face And scatter those living within it.2Then, [common] people will serve as the priests; The servants will then be the masters; The handmaids will then be the ladies; Those who buy will be those who sell; Those who borrow will be lenders, And the debtors will be the ones who are owed.3‘With corruption, your land will be wasted, And by looting, your place will be plundered!’Yes, these things were said by the mouth of the Lord.4‘Then your land will go into mourning, For your system of things will be ruined.‘The land’s most important will mourn 5For [the place] that’s considered so lawless… They’ll wail for the people who lived there… Those who have broken [God’s] Laws… Those who’ve wiped out and traded away The Sacred Agreement of the ages!6‘This curse will then devour [your] land; For, those who live there have sinned! Then, only the poor will be left … Just a few men will remain.7‘So the wine will mourn and the grapevines will groan Over the souls of all those To whom they once brought great joy.8‘Happy sounds of tambourines will have ceased, And those pleased with themselves will be gone, Along with the wealth of the godless, Who’ll no longer hear the sounds of the harp.9‘And because they’ll be shamed, they won’t drink the wine… For the liquor will be bitter to even the drunks!10‘Your cities will then become empty, And the houses will all be locked up, So that no one will enter thereafter.11‘Therefore, shriek for the wine everywhere, Since the joy of the land will have ceased… Yes, it will be taken away, 12And all that will be left behind Is desolate cities and empty homes, Which thereafter, will just waste away. 13Yes, all of these things will come to that land There in the midst of the nations.‘In the same way that you would glean olives, Is how such ones will be gleaned… As though the harvest of crops will have ceased.14‘So, they will cry out in loud voices… But, those who remain in the land Will rejoice to the glory of God.‘Then the waters of the seas will be shaken, 15And the glory of Jehovah will be [seen] On all the islands throughout the seas… And the Name of the Lord will be honored.16‘[For, all the peoples will say]:O God of IsraEl, Jehovah; Of [Your] miracles, we’ve heard, throughout the whole earth, And there’s hope for those who respect You.‘And once again, they will say:Woe to those who’ve annulled… Yes, those who’ve ignored the Laws [of our God], 17Since fear, the pit, and a snare Have come upon those who lived in that land. 18For those fleeing in fear fell into the pit, And those climbing out were captured in snares.‘Then the windows of the heavens will open, And the foundations of the earth will be shaken. 19Disturbance will come to the ground, And perplexity will grip the whole land.20‘For, it will be shaken and tipped As [a horn] that’s filled with the fruits of the earth… Yes, it will topple and fall Like someone who’s dizzy and drunk, And never be able to stand up again [In that land] where the lawless grew strong.21‘For, God will raise His hand in that day Against the arrangement of the heavens, And against the kings of the earth. 22They’ll be gathered as one congregation, And in castle dungeons, they’ll be locked away, Where they’ll stay through many generations.23‘Then the bricks will melt and the walls will all fall; The moon will be sad and the sun will be shamed; For the Lord will start reigning in JeruSalem… And before Zion’s elders, he’ll be glorified.’
1O Jehovah, my God, I’ll glorify You, And to Your Name, I’ll sing praises, Because of the wonderful things You have done, And because [Your] ancient council proved true… May it ever be so!2The towns have been turned into rubble, As have the foundations of cities… And these cities of the godless will not be rebuilt Throughout the rest of the age.3Because of this, I offer You praise… With the poor and the wronged, I praise You! 4For to cities of the meek, You sent aid, And You’ve rescued all the depressed… Those whom You saved from the wicked.To the thirsty, You are a protector… You’re an inviting breeze to those who’ve been wronged. 5For You’ve rescued Zion’s worried and thirsty… From godless men, You have saved us!6At that time, Jehovah of Armies Will hold a great feast for the nations… Yes, on this mountain, they’ll drink wine in joy, 7And with perfumed oil, they’ll anoint on this hill.Then, even for the gentiles, You’ll do this, Since this is a plan for all nations.8And from the mouth of the Lord came these words:‘Then death, which prevails, will be swallowed; Yes, Jehovah will wipe the tears from each face, And remove the disgrace from earth’s peoples.’9And in that day, they will say:‘{Look!} This is our God in whom we have hoped… The One who brought us salvation. This is Jehovah… We’ve waited for Him! And because He has brought us salvation, We’ll joyfully shout praises of Him!’10Then, on this mountain, God will bring rest, While the land of MoAb is trampled Like a threshing floor rolled on by wagons.11He’ll unfold His hands and snatch up the haughty… For their insolence, He will destroy them… And the high walls of their homes will be broken.
1In that day, in Judah, they’ll be singing this song:‘Look! [Ours is now] a fortified city… To save us, He made our walls strong! 2So, open the gates and let all those enter Who have guarded justice and truth… 3Those who grabbed truth and guarded the peace!4‘Upon You, we’ve hoped throughout the ages, O Jehovah, God of ages. 5For You’ve humbled and brought down those who lived high… Fortified cities, You have thrown down… You’ve torn them down to the ground, 6And as footstools, You’ve set them under Your feet.7‘The road for the righteous, You’ve straightened… You’ve prepared a way for the Godly; 8For, just are the paths of Jehovah!‘We have put hope in Your Name, And You, we have never forgotten, 9Since You’re what our souls have desired!‘In the [morning], my God, I’ll rise early to You, For Your orders bring light to the land.‘So, learn justice, all you who live on the earth! 10For the irreverent will soon all be gone, Because they’ve never learned to be fair, Nor have they ever been truthful. So, please remove the ungodly, That they may not gaze on Your glory!11‘O Jehovah,‘Although You’ve always held Your arm high, They’ve been unable to see it… But, when they see it, they all will be shamed. Then You’ll snatch up those ignorant ones in Your zeal, And send fire to consume our oppressors.12‘O Jehovah our God, send us peace; For, all that we have was given by You! 13Please own us, O Jehovah our God; For, we have known no other as Lord… We have only called on Your Name.14‘But those dead ones will never see life, Nor will any doctors revive them, Because You attacked and destroyed them… From among them, You took every man.15‘O Jehovah,‘Add to them all that is bad, And bring evil upon their glorious ones!16‘O Jehovah,‘We thought of You when we were oppressed, And Your instructions were with us during hard times.17‘Just like a woman with birth pangs (One who screams before she gives birth), Is how we are in Your presence, O Lord. 18For we fear You, Jehovah [our God].‘In fear of You, we conceived in the womb… We went into labor and then we gave birth To the spirit of salvation that You’ve brought to our land.‘So, we will not stumble… Although others may fall, 19And our dead will be raised from their tombs. Then, all in our land will be joyful; For like morning dew, You’ll send them a cure, While those in the lands of the godless will fail.20‘O my people,‘When you awaken, just stay in your bedrooms… Remain inside and lock all your doors, Then hide in [your homes] for a while! For, this will happen, then that; And the rage of Jehovah will pass.21‘Look… From His Most Holy Place, Jehovah sends rage to those on the earth. For, He’s uncovered all of the blood, And He won’t allow the killers to hide.’
1So in that day; God will forbid the swords of the mighty… The Dragon’s great ones who will then flee (Those [that belong to] the crooked-back Beast).2Then, in that day, there will be a good vineyard, And about it, we’ll be singing this song:3‘She’s a fortress that’s under attack, So it’s foolish to [offer her] water, Since she will be captured during the night, And her walls will fall before morning.4‘Because none have failed to have [sex with] her, Jehovah will do as He promised… For, she’s about to be burned!5‘Then, those who live there will be yelling this:‘We should make peace with Him… Yes, let us make peace [with Him]!’6‘Then, Jacob’s offspring will return, And IsraEl will burst forth and blossom… So their homes will be filled with its fruitage.7‘It won’t be the same as when He struck others; For, He would be striking Himself! No, it won’t be as when He destroyed them; For, He’d be destroying Himself!8‘He’s been their warrior and caretaker. But, did you study the harsh spirit they showed? And then, didn’t He embody the spirit of rage?9‘On account of this; The lawless will be taken from Jacob, And then, [God] will offer this blessing:I will remove all your sins, When you rip down the stones of their shrines And grind them to powder and dust… When their poles and idols are gone, Like a far-away forest that’s being [erased].10‘Then, any flocks that remain will dwell there… Any flocks that have been left behind. They will spend time in your pastures, And there, they will have time to rest. 11But, they won’t be eating green grass, Because it all will have dried [into hay].‘So come, you women, who’ve seen all this happen; For you’re a people who did not [believe]. He’ll show no mercy on those who made [idols]… Nor feel pity for those who have shaped them!12‘In that day, Jehovah will lock them together, From the aqueducts to the RhinoCorura, As one by one, IsraEl’s sons are returned, 13Blowing their horns on that day!‘For, those lost to Assyria will then be returned, As well as those who went down to Egypt… They’ll all come back and bow to Jehovah On His Holy Mountain in JeruSalem.’
1Woe to that insolent garland… Ephraim’s faded flower and those whom he hired… Those who have fallen from glory There on their mount of thick branches… Yes, those who get drunk without wine.2For {Look!} the rage of Jehovah is both strong and hard… It’s like hail that falls with great force In a place where there’s nowhere to [hide]. It’s like a flood that drags away [homes] In the land where He once sent rest to your hands.3Then the feet of Ephraim’s hired Will trample their insolent garland, 4And its flowers (its hope of glory) will fall Like the shoots of figs on their mountains. Then, all who see it in front of their hands, Will wish to take it and swallow it down.5In that day, Jehovah of Armies Will be the only true garland… A crown of glory for His people. 6For by the spirit of fairness, they will survive… By justice and the strength of destruction withheld.7But there are also those who will stagger and reel Because of their liquor and wine. Yes, it is because of the liquor And because they’ve swallowed the wine That the priests and prophets are out of their minds. And then, when they sober, they’ll stagger… Which will be witnessed by all.8A curse will thereafter devour their plans; For the plans that they have are just to get rich.9To whom have we announced all this evil? To whom have we spoken this message? To those being weaned from the milk, And to those being drawn from the breast.10Problems on problems, hope after hope… Still a little, and then a bit more! 11For in foreign tongues, they’ll speak these foul words:12‘Since those who are starved are unworthy, We will have to destroy them’(Which is something that no one wishes to hear).13Then this oracle from God is what they’ll receive:‘Problems on problems, hope after hope; Still a little, and then a bit more.’And thereafter, they’ll be faced with great danger. For, first they will have to retreat, And then they’ll be broken and captured.14Thus, hear these words of Jehovah:‘O men who are being attacked And you rulers of JeruSalem; 15You say that you’ve made a pact with the grave… That you’ve made a treaty with death, And that, if a windstorm should blow, It won’t be blowing on you. So, you have put hope in [your] lies… And do you [think] that these lies will protect you?16‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘{Look!} Upon the foundation of Zion I’ll place a valuable stone… A costly, select cornerstone, In order to serve as its base… And those trusting in him will never be shamed.17‘Then, in place of hope, will come judgments; And to My charity, I’ll attach weights. So those trusting in vain in the lie Will not be passed by the storm. 18For, your treaty with death will be gone, Along with your pact with the grave.‘Then, by a blast, you’ll be crushed… 19When it’s passing by, it will take you. Morning after morning, it will blow upon you, And it will blow throughout the nights… So, what happens to you will be bad.20‘Learn how to hear, O you who’ve been squeezed… There’s no way you’ll be able to fight it! For, you will be weakened, then captured.21‘From the godless, the Lord will make hills, When to GibeOn’s valley, He brings His rage… That’s where His bitter deed will be done.‘His rage will be brought in strange ways… Yes, these rotten deeds will be odd. 22And for you, there’ll no longer be joy, Since you won’t have strength, in your chains.’Yes, all these things will come soon… It’s what He will bring to this land… It’s what Jehovah of Armies has said. 23So give ear and listen to all that I say… Pay attention and hear all my words!24Doesn’t it take a full day To get things ready for plowing? And doesn’t the planter have to prepare Before he starts working the ground?25Doesn’t he level its face Before he plants pepperwort or cumin, At the borders of wheat, barley, and spelt?26So, that’s how you’ll be corrected… In the fair ways of your God… Then once more, you’ll [have reasons] for joy.27‘You don’t scrub Pepperwort to clean it, And you don’t run wagons over cumin! You beat out pepperwort’s [seeds], 28And cumin should be eaten with bread.‘So I won’t stay angry with you throughout the age, Or with bitter words, will I trample you down.’29Rather, from Jehovah of Armies, Miracles will [be sent to your land]! So, you should accept all this counsel, And not raise hopes of comfort in vain!
1‘Woe to the City of the Altar of God, On which King David waged war.‘Gather your crops year after year, And share them with the people of MoAb. 2Then I’ll squeeze the City of the Altar of God, And all her strength and wealth will be Mine.3‘I’ll encircle [your city] like David, And throw up a siege mound against it. With siege towers, I will surround it, 4And your words will be brought to the ground… Yes, your words will go down to the ground! Then you’ll speak like those who speak from the grave, And from the ground, your voices will get weaker.5‘Then the wealth that you gained from your godless ways, Like clouds of dust, will become… As that which is raised by the passing of wheels. For then, all those who oppress you Will be as many as pieces of dust!’6It will happen right away (in a moment); Then Jehovah of Armies will arrive And consume you with thunder, shakings, and noise, As well as with wind blasts and flames.7It will be like a nightmare to you, When the wealth of many nations come marching Against the City of the Altar of God. For the armies of all her oppressors Will gather against JeruSalem.8Then, to all those who are sleeping, And to those who are eating and drinking, It will seem as though it’s a dream… And this is what they’ll be dreaming...Those who get thirsty and drink Will still be thirsty when they awake. And there’ll be no more hope in their lives When the wealth of many nations marches on Zion.9Be tipsy, be dizzy, and then be amazed… But not from liquor or wine; 10For the Lord will send you frustration to drink!Then He’ll close the eyes of your prophets, As well as the eyes of your seers and rulers. 11And all that’s written in this sealed-up scroll Will be given to a man who knows how to read.Then you’ll say to him, ‘Please read these things!’ But he will reply: ‘I can’t read it, Because the scroll has been sealed!’12Then you’ll hand this scroll to a man who can’t read, And you’ll also ask him to read it; But he’ll answer and say, I can’t read.’13For, this is what was said by the Lord:‘With their mouths, these people approach Me, And with their lips, they offer Me praise… But they’re far away from Me in their hearts. So they’re wasting their time when they bow before Me, Since they’re teaching the ideas and instructions of men!14‘And it’s because of this, that I’m coming To bring a change to these people… Yes, I will come and transpose them! The wisdom of their wise, I’ll destroy, And the understanding of their discerning, I’ll hide.’15So, woe to those who’ve come up with plans That haven’t been approved by Jehovah! And woe to those who make them in secret, As they do things in darkness and ask:‘Since no one can see us or recognize us, Who can know what we’re doing?’16Aren’t you just clay in the hands of a potter? So can the thing that is shaped say to its shaper:‘You’re not the one who has shaped me?’Or can something that’s made say to its maker:‘I don’t like the way that you made me?’17Soon Lebanon will meet with a change… Her mountains will be changed into crop fields, And the crops on her mountains, into forests.18Then, in that day, even those who are deaf Will hear the words of this scroll. And those in the darkness and those in the fog, And the eyes of the blind ones will see it!19So the poor will cheer because of the Lord, And those without hope will be joyful. 20For the lawless and evil will then have all failed… The proud will all be destroyed… And those who break laws will be gone, 21With those whose words led them to sin.Then, all that reprove at the gates Will be known as those who have stumbled; For, they have twisted [the law], And the righteous ones, they have wronged.22‘And concerning the house of Jacob,’ said the Lord… ‘Those whom I have selected From among AbraHam’s sons… Jacob’s [offspring] will not come to shame, Nor will their faces be saddened again.23‘For, when their young see the things that I’ll do; {Look!} They’ll treat God’s Name as holy once more… They’ll [praise] the Holy One of Jacob, And learn to fear IsraEl’s God.24‘Then, those with wandering spirits Will have to gain understanding… Yes, those who complain must learn to obey, And stuttering tongues will learn to speak peace.’
1The Lord said:‘And woe to you children of apostates… You who’ve looked for direction from others And made treaties that were not by My Spirit. For by this, you have added to your sins!2‘You [sent ambassadors] to Egypt And asked for help from their PharaOh… Yes, you sought shelter from Egypt… But, you failed to ask Me!3‘So, because you sought PharaOh’s protection, You will come to know shame. And because you’re relying on Egypt, You will also know scorn… 4For, the envoys from Tanis are evil.5‘You are foolish to labor for others Who won’t bring help or send any aid, While upon you, they heap shame and scorn.’6This is the vision of the four-footed creatures in the desert:‘In difficult times of distress, [There stands] the lion and its cub, As well as asps and the young of winged asps.‘These are the ones who are bearing your wealth On the backs of camels and burros To a nation that will bring you no help, Rather, that will just bring shame and scorn. 7For, all that Egypt can send Is waste and [words] that are empty… So the comfort they send is in vain!’8[Then the Lord told me]:‘You must now sit down and write this… Record these words in the tablet of a scroll. For these are the days and times I’ve appointed… [They’re the things that will happen] in this age:9‘You people have resisted my persuasion… You are liars who won’t listen to God’s Law. 10You’re the ones who say to the Prophets:‘Don’t bring His pronouncements to us!’And to those who see visions, you say:‘Don’t tell us the things that you’ve seen! But, if you must give us a message, Tell us an addictive delusion! 11Turn us away from this road… Yes, shift us away from this course, And bring an end to these curses upon IsraEl!’12‘It’s because of this, that thus says the Holy One of IsraEl:Since you’ve chosen to resist My persuasions And preferred to put hope in a lie… Because you’ve grumbled and failed to have faith, 13This is what will happen to you:‘Your sins will be like the walls of a city That fall and lead to a capture… For your downfall is now close at hand.14‘And like the breaking of a thin vase, This crash won’t lead to a breaking of parts… Pieces you can find and pick from the coals With which you can hold little water.’15‘This is what the Lord Jehovah proclaimed… It’s what IsraEl’s Holy One said:‘You should groan, then turn back and be saved!’‘Think about all of these foolish things In which you’ve been putting your hope… Think of how you chose not to hear, And then, about how weak you became!16‘But you say that you will escape From those coming against you on horses… You think that you’ll flee and then say:‘We are very light riders!’But those chasing you will be faster!17‘For, thousands will flee at the voice of one man, And ten thousand will flee at the voices of five. So, you will be left all alone Like a pole on top of a mountain, Or a banner flying high on a hill.18‘Then, once again, you’ll [turn back] to God And [hope] that He will feel pity. And because of this; he will show mercy upon you, Since your judge is Jehovah, your God.‘Blest are those who stick close to Him; 19For the holy will live upon Zion once more!‘JeruSalem will cry, ‘Show mercy on me!’ And He will show mercy upon her. For, when He hears the sounds of your cries, Once more, He’ll pay attention to you.20‘Then Jehovah will provide you with water and bread, And those who misled you will no longer be. You’ll remember those who tried to mislead you, 21And those who followed to trick you… Those who said, ‘This is the way you should go… Yes, you should go this way or that!’22‘Then, you’ll get rid of your silver-plated idols, As well as those who are gilded with gold, And crush them into fine powder, Then toss it into the wind. You’ll reject them like a [menstruation rag], And throw them away like manure.23‘Then, rain will fall on your ground to sprout seeds… There’ll be plenty of bread and fat in your land. Your cattle will graze in large fertile fields, 24And your bulls will work the ground and eat straw, As you prepare to harvest the barley.25‘And in that day; After many people have been destroyed And the towers have all been knocked down; Water will flow from the mountains and hills.26‘Then the moon will be as bright as the sun, And the sun will be seven times brighter, In that day when Jehovah brings healing To His people who’ve been broken down, There’ll be an end to the grief of disaster.27‘{Look!} Then, after a while, the Name of the Lord Will arrive in glory and in burning rage… For, the omens from His lips are omens of rage, And the flames of His rage are consuming!28‘His Breath is like water that races through valleys, Then comes to the neck and divides. So, for their addictions to delusions, He will disturb all the nations And [allow] their delusions to trap them.29‘Then, whenever you enter [God’s] Holy Place, You’ll do so thereafter in joy… As though it were a great holiday! And as you do this, you’ll be happy… Singing songs as you travel to the Mountain of [God]!30‘Yes you’ll sing to Jehovah with the glory of your voice; For by His arm, He can send both His anger and rage… Like lightning, He violently strikes, And as flames [of fire], He can consume… Like rain and hail being driven by storms.31‘By the voice of Jehovah, Assyria will fall… He’ll strike and bring calamity to them. 32For, He is always nearby To aid those who put faith in Him… Those playing their harps and shaking tambourines.‘He’ll wage war with those who revolt… 33But, after some days, He’ll let them return. For, He’s prepared His Kingdom for them.‘As a ravine that is very deep And as piles of wood near a fire, Is the rage of Jehovah… Like a ravine that is burning with sulfur!’
1‘Woe to those who seek help from Egypt… Those trusting in their chariots and horses Because their chariots are many, And because they have many horses.‘These are people who just will not listen… In IsraEl’s Holy One, they’ve not put faith And they haven’t searched for their God!2‘Thus He’ll wisely bring evil upon them, So His Word will not be annulled. Against their houses, He will arise, And oppose their vain, wicked hopes.3‘Egyptians are men… They aren’t Gods; And their horses are no help at all, Because they too are just flesh! So against them, Jehovah will soon raise His hand And make those who are helping them tired… And thereafter, they’ll perish together.’4Then the Lord told me this:‘In the same way that a lion or its cub Will roar over game that it’s taken, And then continue to roar over it Until the mountains are filled with its voice And all the prey has been scattered, Because they’ve been frightened away; That’s how Jehovah of Armies will be In the time that He comes against Zion.5‘But Jehovah of Armies can be like a bird That flies above JeruSalem, In order to rescue, save, and protect.6‘O you sons of IsraEl who have gathered So as to discuss lawless things; It’s time for you to turn back! 7For, the day will come when you’ll turn from your idols… Those things that you’ve molded from silver and gold… The things that you’ve made with your hands!8‘Then [Assyria] will fall, but not by men’s swords… No, she’ll not be devoured by swords, Nor will she flee before daggers! But her young men will all have been conquered… 9They’ll be picked up and beaten like rocks for a siege, And those who flee will be captured.And this is what Jehovah said:‘Blest are those who have offspring in Zion, And those with families in JeruSalem.’
1‘{Look!} Then a righteous king will start reigning, And in justice, his princes will rule. 2Each man will be like a shelter from wind And a place to run from the storms… Like streams of water in a dry land, And the shade of a rock in the desert.3‘Then, men will no longer put trust in men, And ears they’ll be given to hear. 4Hearts of the weak will be paying attention, And stammering tongues will learn to speak peace.5‘They’ll not [appoint] morons to rule anymore, Or tell their officials not to speak! 6But now, the morons just say foolish things, And in their hearts, they’re just planning what’s wasteful.‘They are doing things that are lawless, And against the Lord, they’re speaking delusions To scatter the souls of the hungry, And bring waste to the lives of the thirsty.7‘What the wicked recommend are plans to do evil… They speak of taking advantage of the meek, And they overrule with unrighteous words Any judgments that would favor the lowly.8‘But, those who love God will then consult With those who have understanding, And the things they suggest are the things that will last.9‘Hey, all of you wealthy women… Wake up and hear what I’m saying! O you daughters that still live in hope; To My words, you should pay close attention!10‘Speak of each day in grief… But with hope. For the crops have all been consumed, And the planting has come to an end, So, things are not getting any better.11‘Now, be amazed, and then start to worry, O you who have tried to mislead! 12Strip off your clothes ‘til you’re naked, Then wrap your waists and beat on your breasts On behalf of the crops in the fields, As well as for the produce of vines!13‘For the land of My people has now become thorns… Even the grass will soon dry, And joy will be gone from each home.14‘The houses will then be abandoned, As wealth [flows] out of your towns, And all the best cities and homes Will exist as caves throughout the ages… Places of joy for wild burros, As well as pastures for shepherds.15‘But when Breath flows from the heavens again, The deserts will become fruitful fields, And the fields will be thought of as forests.16‘Then, judgment will rest in the deserts, Yes, justice will dwell on [Mount] CarMel, 17And of peace and righteous ways, there’ll be plenty.‘This righteousness will thereafter be spread, And bring rest to the faithful throughout ages. 18So, God’s people will live in cities of peace, And those who are saved will rest and live well.19‘Then if hail should fall, it won’t fall on you; And the meek that dwell in the forests Will be as those who live in the plains… 20For, those who plant crops will be blest. And in places where only wild burros could live, There will be water again.’
1‘Woe to those who bring misery, But, who are made miserable by no one, As well as those who show no respect, But who are highly regarded. For, those who don’t show respect Will then be captured and [squashed] Like a moth that’s caught in a robe and destroyed.’2O Jehovah,Show mercy upon us, For we are relying on You. Destroy the offspring of those who oppose us, But save us in our time of oppression!3Your fearful sounds will startle the people, And in fear, the nations will scatter. 4But then, You will gather Your spoils great and small As though You were picking up locusts.5Holy is The God who lives in the skies; For, He will fill Zion with fairness and justice. 6In that time, He’ll become a foundation that’s firm… A source of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. For in Him, all wisdom and knowledge exists… And fear of God [is the key] to this treasure.7{Look!} Yes, those fearing You will be frightened… They’ll scream in fear over You! For, You will send angels that will bring peace, And this will cause the unrighteous to weep, 8Since that will bring an end to their [evil] ways.And the nations will also have reasons for fear, Because of the treaties they’ve broken, And because they’ve [not shown You] respect.9So the lands will all go into mourning, And Lebanon will be brought to shame. But our marshes will then be like ShaRon, And like Galilee and CarMel, they’ll shine.10‘Yes, that’s when I will stand tall,’ says Jehovah… ‘I’ll be glorified and respected. 11When you see it, you’ll then understand That their other efforts have all been in vain.‘For their spirits will be burned as by fire… 12By the gentiles, they will be consumed Like thorn bushes out in the fields, Which have been tossed in the flames.13‘Then, from far away, they’ll hear what I’ve done; And those who come here will know of My might. 14For, when the lawless are taken from Zion, The irreverent will all start to shake.‘So, who will make the announcement… The announcement that the fire has been lit? Yes, who will speak of such things In this ancient place of the ages? 15Just the one who is walking uprightly; The one who tells things just as they are; The one who hates lawless ways and injustice; The one whose hands shake off bribes; The one who won’t listen to judgments of blood And whose eyelids are closed to injustice.16‘At that time, he will stay in a cave in the heights, Which is surrounded by boulders. His bread will also be given to him, And he can trust [that he will have] water.17‘Then your eyes will see a glorious king Coming from a far-away land… 18And your souls will contemplate fear.‘Then, what will happen to all of the scribes… What will happen to all the advisors… What will happen to the accountants and their records?19‘From the small to the great, they don’t take advice, Nor do they heed any warnings About the ways they’re mistreating the people… So, none understand what [I’m saying].20‘O great city on Zion; Look and see your salvation… See JeruSalem as a city of wealth, Filled with unshakable tents.‘There the tent poles will last throughout the ages, So their cords won’t have to be pulled, 21And they’ll be called by the Name of Jehovah.‘There’ll be aqueducts and wide rivers; But, you will not travel upon them, For boats will never be rowed there.’22So my God, Jehovah, won’t pass me by, Because the Lord is our judge… Yes, He is our ruler and king, And He will bring us salvation!23But now, all their ropes will be pulled up, And the masts on their boats will be weak… They’ll lean, so their sails cannot be unfurled, And their flags will never be raised Until all that they have has been plundered… Yes, taken by even the lame! 24But those who are left won’t say they are tired, For their sins will have all been forgiven.
1So, listen to this, O you nations… And your rulers should pay close attention! Yes, hear, O earth and its dwellers… The habitation of man and all those who live here; 2For Jehovah is bringing His rage to the nations… His rage upon all of their numbers, To destroy and hand them to slaughter.3Their slain and dead will be just thrown away; Their smell will ascend [to the heavens]; And their blood will pour down the mountains.4Then the powers of the heavens will melt; The sky will be wrapped like a scroll; And all the stars will then fall Like the leaves of a grapevine or fig.5[The Lord says:]‘For My sword will then become drunk in the sky, And {Look!} upon Edom’s land, it will fall… Upon people who’ve been judged for destruction.6‘In BozRah, My sword will become thick with blood And with the fat of the lambs, goats, and rams That to God, will be sacrificed, When this great slaughter comes to Edom.7‘Then, even the stout will be cut down and killed, Along with the rams and the bulls. So the ground will then be drunk on their blood, And it will be filled with their fat All the way to the ends of their borders.8‘For this is the great Judgment Day of the Lord… It’s a year of judgment and payback for Zion. 9Their valleys will then be filled up with pitch And their ground [will be covered with] sulfur.10‘Throughout the ages, it’ll burn with pitch day and night, And the flames will not be extinguished. For generations, her smoke will ascend, And it will all be desolation… Then, it will lie barren for a very long time.11‘Only crows will be able to dwell there, Along with ibis, hedgehogs, and birds. A surveyor’s line will mark her destruction, And she’ll be inhabited [by demons].12‘Then, she will be without rulers, Since her kings and great men will be gone. 13So, thorns will grow in her cities and forts, And they will be owned by chained demons… A place where ostriches roam.14‘Then, [loose] demons will meet with the chained ones, And they will yell to each other. Chained [spirits] will also find rest there, And they’ll find a place to retire.15‘There, hedgehogs too, will build their nests, And in safety, their young will play on the ground. It’s where stags will all meet together, Then stare face to face at each other.16‘They’ll pass in large numbers and none will be lost… They’ll not have to search for each other, Since Jehovah will give them instructions, And by His Breath, they’ll be gathered.17‘Then, on their behalf, He will cast lots, And divide up the land for their grazing, Which they will inherit throughout the ages… So, from one generation to another, They will find rest in this place.’
1So, thirsty desert, you should be glad… Yes, shout in joy and blossom with lilies! 2For the desert by the JorDan will cry out and bloom, And the beauty of Lebanon will be given to it, Along with the honor of CarMel.For, at that time, my people will see The glory of Jehovah their God, And come to know the full stature of Him.3So be strong, forsaken hands and weak knees… 4Take comfort, O you with faint-hearts! Be strong and don’t be afraid, For {Look!} the judgments of our God will [bring] justice… Yes, He will come here and save us!5Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be able to hear. 6The lame will be leaping like stags, And stammering tongues will speak clearly.Then springs will burst forth in the desert, And through thirsty lands, water will flow. 7For, deserts will be turned into marshes; In the dry lands, there’ll be springs; And among reeds and marshes, birds will find joy.8Then, there will be a pure road That’s called, ‘The Way of the Holy.’ And nothing unclean will pass on it; So, it will always be pure.Those who were scattered will travel that way, And from it, they won’t stray again. 9No lions or fierce beasts will roam there, Nor will they even be found there. There’ll just be those who’ve been ransomed… 10Just those gathered by the Lord will walk there.They’ll return to Zion in joy Feeling the glee of the ages. For, blessings will come upon all their heads… They’ll be happy and leaping for joy, Since, from distress, groaning, and grief, They will then have escaped.
1It was in the 14th year of the reign of [King] HezekiAh [of Judah] that King SenNaCherib of Assyria [marched against] the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 2Then the king of Assyria sent RabShakeh from LachIsh to King HezekiAh in JeruSalem with a huge army, and he [set up camp] by the aqueduct to the upper pool, which is on the road to the field of the washerwomen.3So, EliAkim (son of HilkiAh) [the King’s] house manager, the scribe ShebNa, and JoAh (son of Asaph) the recorder, went out to meet with him. 4And RabShakeh said to them:‘Speak to HezekiAh and tell him that this is what the great king of Assyria has said:‘On what are you really relying? 5Have you worked out a plan with the words from your lips about how you’re going to fight this battle? On whom are you relying so that you’re resisting my persuasion?6‘Look! If you’re relying on that fractured reed cane Egypt… If a man should put his weight on [that reed], it will go all the way through his hand! Yes, this is all that PharaOh, the king of Egypt, and those who are relying on him amount to!7‘And if you should say that you’re relying on your God Jehovah… Isn’t He the same One whose high places and altars were removed by HezekiAh, and who then told Judah and JeruSalem that they had to come and bow before the Altar here in this place?8‘Why not rather join with my lord the king of Assyria? For if you do, I’ll give you 2,000 horses… That is, if you’re able to provide enough riders for them!9‘Can your governors who are relying on the Egyptians provide you with that many horses and riders?10‘And do you think that we were able to come up to this place and wage war against it without [the aid of] Jehovah? It was Jehovah that told us to come to this land and destroy it!’11Well, EliAkim, ShebNa, and JoAh then said to RabShakeh:‘Please speak to your servants in Syriac, so we alone can [understand] what you’re saying. Don’t speak to us in the Judean tongue! Why must you speak so that all the men along the walls can hear you?’12And RabShakeh replied:‘Do you think that my lord sent me to speak these words to just your lord? For, aren’t these men who are sitting along the walls the ones who’ll have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?’13And at that, RabShakeh stood up and yelled in a loud voice in the Judean language:‘Pay attention to the words of the great king of the Assyrians! 14For this is what the king said:‘Don’t be fooled by what HezekiAh has told you, because there’s no way that he can save you! 15And don’t let HezekiAh tell you that his God will rescue you; for there’s no way that He can save this city from the hands of the king of Assyria!’16‘The king of Assyria says:‘Don’t listen to HezekiAh!‘If you want to receive his blessings, come here to me and you’ll each eat from your own grapevines and fig trees, and drink water from your own wells. 17Because, when I come here, I’ll carry you to a land that will become yours… A land of grain, wine, bread, and vineyards!’18‘So, don’t let HezekiAh deceive you and say:‘Our God will come and save us!’‘Have any of the gods of the nations been able to rescue their own places from the hands of the king of Assyria?19‘Where are the gods of HaMath or ArPhad? Where is the god of the Cities of Scrolls… Was he able to rescue Samaria from my hands? 20Since none of these gods of the nations could rescue their lands from my hands, how can Jehovah save JeruSalem from my hands?’21Well, everyone stayed silent and no one replied with a word, because the king had decreed that no one was to answer him.22Then EliAkim (son of HelkiAh) the house manager, ShebNa the scribe, and JoAh (son of Asaph) the recorder ripped their clothes and returned to HezekiAh to tell him what RabShakeh had said.
1Well, when King HezekiAh heard this, he tore off his clothes and put on sackcloth, then he went to the Temple of Jehovah. 2He also sent EliAkim his house manager, ShebNa the scribe, and all the elders among the priests (that were each wearing sackcloth) to the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amoz).3For he told them to say:‘These are the words of HezekiAh:‘This is a day of affliction, scorning, scolding, and rage… It’s a day of all the pain of a woman who doesn’t have enough strength to give birth!4‘So, may Jehovah your God hear the words of RabShakeh who was sent by his lord the king of Assyria to berate the living God… May Jehovah your God hear the words that he said to berate Him! Please go to Jehovah your God to beg before Him concerning those of us that are still left here!’5So the servants of King HezekiAh went to IsaiAh, and this is what IsaiAh said to them:6‘Tell your lord that Jehovah says you shouldn’t be afraid of the words that you heard the ambassador of the king of Assyria say to berate Him!7‘For {look!}, He’s going to send a spirit against him, and when he hears its message, he’ll just go back to his own place, where he will fall by the sword within his own land!’8Well at the time, RabShakeh had returned to the king of Assyria, who was busy attacking LibNah. He was no longer at LachIsh, 9because he was told that TirHakah, the king of Ethiopia, was coming to fight him.Then [King SenNaCherib] sent his people back to HezekiAh with a message that said this:10‘Tell HezekiAh the king of Judah not to allow his God upon whom he’s relying to deceive him when He says there’s no way that JeruSalem will be given into the hands of the king of the Assyrians!11‘{Look!} Haven’t you heard what the kings of Assyria have done throughout the whole earth and of the destruction that they’ve brought? Really, who is going to save you now?12‘Have the gods of any of the nations that my father destroyed been able to rescue them… Those of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph in the region of Tel AsSar? 13Where are the kings of HaMath, and where is ArPhad? Where are the cities of SepharVaim, Henah, and Hivah?’14Well, after HezekiAh took the proclamation from [SenNaCherib’s] messengers and read it, he went up to the Temple of Jehovah again and unrolled [the scroll] before the Lord, 15and he prayed to Jehovah, saying:16‘O Jehovah of Armies, God of IsraEl… The One who rests upon cherubs,‘You’re the only God over all the kingdoms of the habitation of mankind, for You’re the One who made the lands and the skies.17‘So, O Jehovah,‘Lean Your ear towards me and please listen O Lord! O Jehovah, open Your eyes! Look down, O Jehovah, then hear and understand all the words that SenNaCherib sent to berate the living God!18‘It’s a fact, O Jehovah, that the kings of the Assyrians have conquered the entire habitation of mankind everywhere. 19And there amidst all the flames, they’ve erected their idols to replace those that were never gods but are just the works of men’s hands – things made of wood and stone – after they did all their destroying.20‘But now, O Jehovah our God,‘Please rescue us from his hands, so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that You are the only God!’21Well thereafter, [God sent] IsaiAh (son of Amoz) to HezekiAh, and he told HezekiAh that Jehovah the God of IsraEl said that He’d heard everything that he’d prayed concerning King SenNaCherib of Assyria, and that this was Jehovah’s reply to [King SenNaCherib]:22‘You’ve sneered at the virgin daughter of Zion,
And you’ve treated her with disrespect.
So, [the virgin] daughter of JeruSalem
Has nodded her head against you!23‘Do you know whom you’ve provoked and berated,
Or against whom you’ve raised your voice
And against whom you’ve lifted your eyes to the heights?
It’s against the Holy One of IsraEl!24‘Through messengers, you’ve berated Jehovah
When you said:I’ll climb over their mountains
With huge numbers of chariots behind me
That will stretch to Lebanon’s borders.
Then, on their heights, I’ll cut down their cedars
And the beauty of their cypress trees.
Then I’ll climb to the tops of their forests,
25And I will dam up their [rivers].26‘Haven’t you heard of the things I can do,
And of the things that I ordered to be done long ago?
For I’ve shown how I can destroy
Nations and fortified cities,
As well as those in their towns and their forts.
27I’ve weakened and dried up their hands,
Turning them into dry hay…
Like the grass that grows on their roofs.28‘I know that you have been resting
From all of your comings and goings.
29And now, all your hatred and rage
Is being directed towards Me!
So I’ll put a rein ‘round your nose,
And a bit in your lips,
Then I’ll send you back by the way that you came.30‘This is the sign that I’ll do it:
This year, you’ll eat what you’ve planted,
Then in the 2nd, you’ll eat what is left.
And in the 3rd, you’ll plant and you’ll reap…
Once more you’ll plant vineyards and eat their fruit.31‘The same will also be true of all those
Who still remain in Judea…
They will sprout roots from below,
And from above, they’ll reap grain.32‘Then, those who are left in JeruSalem
(Those who remain on Mount Zion)
Will thereafter be brought to the fore
Through the zeal of Jehovah of Armies.’33Then, concerning the king of Assyria, Jehovah said this:‘There’s no way that he’ll enter this city…
[His men] won’t shoot arrows against it,
Nor will any even lift up their shields
Or build a siege mound around it.
34They’ll just return by the way that they came,
And they will not enter this city!’Jehovah said:35‘I will shield this city and save it
Because of Myself and My servant David.’36Well thereafter, a messenger came from Jehovah and he destroyed the camp of the Assyrians… 185,000 of them! So when the [people] awoke the next morning, all they found was just dead bodies!37Then King SenNaCherib of the Assyrians [packed up] and left for Nineveh, where he went to live. 38And it was while he was there bowing to the ground in the temple of his god Nisroch, that AdramMelech and ShaRezer (his sons) struck him with swords and fled to Armenia. So, another son, EsarHaddon, started reigning in his place.
1Well, it was shortly after this that HezekiAh became ill to the point of death. And the Prophet IsaiAh (son of Amoz) went to him and told him:‘This is what Jehovah has said:Give orders regarding your house, Because you won’t live… You will die.’2Then HezekiAh turned his face to the wall and started praying to Jehovah, saying:3‘O Jehovah,‘Remember that I’ve walked before You in truth and with a true heart, and remember all the things that I’ve done to please You.’And at that, HezekiAh broke down and cried.4Well, the Word of Jehovah then came to IsaiAh and said:5‘Go tell HezekiAh that Jehovah said this:‘The God of your ancestor David Has heard your prayer and seen your tears. So, {Look!} 15 more years, I will add to your [life]… 6And I will also save you and this city From the hands of Assyria’s king. For, around this city, I am putting a shield.’7‘And Jehovah says that this is your sign that He’s going to do all these things...‘He said:8‘{Look!} I will cause the shadow of the sun That moves down 10 stairs in the house of your fathers, To go up the 10 stairs it went down.’9Well, this is the prayer that HezekiAh the king of Judah prayed after [learning that he would] recover from his illness:10‘I prayed to the heavens concerning my days, For I’d approached the gate to the place of the dead, And I had been robbed of the rest of my years.11‘So I said that I’ll not look to Jehovah again Within the land of the living. And no way will I [be seen] anymore By any of those who are living.12‘My family, I had forsaken, And I’d [written off] the rest of my life. For my life was ending and leaving like those Who [that spend just a night] in a tent, And my breath had become like the end of the weave, To be cut off like wool from a loom.13‘In that day, I was spared through the morning; Then, like a lion, He broke all my bones… From morning ‘til night I was conquered. 14So, should I call out like a swallow, Or like a dove, just take time to think?‘When my eyes could no longer see into the heights, Jehovah became my salvation… 15He acted and removed the grief from my soul.16‘Yes, to Jehovah, I [prayed] about this, And then He awakened my spirit… I’m alive, because He sent comfort to me.17‘{Look!} The thought of resting in peace Was something truly bitter for me… But You gave back my life, so I’d live, And You pushed all my sins to the rear. 18So, those in the grave should all praise You, And those who are dying should bless You.‘But, it’s too late for those in the grave, 19Since only the living can praise You. So, from this day, I’ll raise many children Who will shout in praise of Your justice.20‘O [Jehovah] my Savior,‘For the rest of my life, I will praise You… I’ll not cease to strum on my harp about You In the Temple of my God.’21Then IsaiAh said to HezekiAh:‘Now, take a cluster of dried figs and grind them up to make a plaster [for your chest], and thereafter, your health will return.’22And that’s when HezekiAh asked:‘What’s the sign that I’ll be able to go up to the Temple of my God once again?’
1Well, at the time, MeroDach Baladan (son of Baladan, the king of Babylon) had sent letters, ambassadors, and gifts to HezekiAh, because he’d heard that he was ill to the point of death and that he’d been [granted a recovery], 2and this made HezekiAh very joyful.As a result, he showed them his storehouses that were filled with spices, silver, gold, balsam, incense, and perfumes, as well as his treasury buildings and everything that was in his treasuries… There wasn’t anything that HezekiAh failed to show them.3And thereafter, the Prophet IsaiAh went to King HezekiAh and asked:‘What did you say to those men, and from where did they come to visit you?’And HezekiAh replied:‘They came from a faraway land… From the land of Babylon.’4Then IsaiAh asked:‘Did they see your [palace]?’And HezekiAh said:‘Yes, they saw everything in my house… There isn’t anything that I failed to show them, including everything in my treasuries.’5Then IsaiAh said:‘Hear the word of Jehovah of Armies:6‘Look! The day will soon come When all that your fathers have collected Down to this very day, Will be carried off to Babylon… They’ll leave nothing behind!’7‘God also said:‘They will take your children – those whom you have fathered, And in the houses of Babylon, they will be eunuchs.’8Then HezekiAh said to IsaiAh:‘The word of Jehovah that you spoke to me is good… But may there be peace and justice during the days [of my reign]!’
1‘Take comfort, take comfort, My people,’ Says [Jehovah], Your God. 2O Priests, you must speak and bring comfort To JeruSalem’s heart.For the humbling of her has now been fulfilled, And all of her sins are untied. Yet, it was because of her sins That she received twice as much from His hand.3Then I heard a voice that was calling from the desert. It said:‘Prepare the way for the Lord… Straighten the roads for our God! 4Fill the valleys and flatten the mountains and hills… All crooked paths must be straightened And the ruts in the fields must be smoothed! 5Then the glory and salvation of God will be seen; For Jehovah has told you to do this.’6Then the voice again shouted:‘Now, yell!’And I asked:‘What should I yell?’[And it replied:]‘Yell that all flesh is just grass And man’s glory is like the flowers of grass. 7But now, the grass has all dried, And all of their flowers have dropped; For upon them, God has blown His Breath.‘The people are really the grass… 8And although grass may dry and its flowers may drop; God’s Word endures throughout the ages.9‘So, climb to the top of that mountain, O you who are bringing good news to Zion, And shout it as loud as you can! Yes, those bringing good news to JeruSalem Must shout it out loud and not be afraid!‘To the cities of Judah, you must shout this:‘Look and see… For here comes Your God! 10Your Lord, Jehovah, is coming in strength, And to conquer, His arm has been raised!‘Look… He’s bringing the wages For the things being done here before Him! 11Like a shepherd, He’s arrived to tend to His flock; Then He’ll gather His lambs in His arms, And within His womb, bring them comfort.’12‘Who can measure all the water in the skies With just the span of His hand, And who holds the whole earth as a handful? Who established the weight of the mountains, And weighs the forests in the yoke of a scale?13‘Who knows the mind of Jehovah… Who has become His advisor And who can give Him instructions? 14Whom has He asked for advice, And who’s told Him the things He should do?‘Who taught Him how to be just, Or shown Him the right ways to think? 15For the nations are like drops from a bucket That are [weighed] in the yoke on a scale And found to be [no more than] spit.16‘To Him, all of Lebanon is unfit to burn, And unfit for sacrifice are its four-footed beasts. 17Before Him, the nations are also unfit… For He views them as nothing at all.18‘To whom can our Lord be compared? How would you [make an image] of Him? 19Aren’t statues created by [artists]… Aren’t they each carefully designed, Then cast and gilded by smiths?20‘Doesn’t the maker choose durable wood, And wisely choose the best place To stand it where it cannot fall?21‘Don’t you know, and haven’t you heard… Weren’t you told this from the beginning… Do you know how the earth was established?22He’s the One who holds fast the curve of the earth, And those dwelling upon it are like locusts. He’s the One who established the skies like a veil, And stretched it like a tent in which we can dwell. 23Then He made our rulers from nothing, And from nothing, He brought forth their lands.24‘[Without Him], we can’t plant or sow, Nor can plants spread their roots in the ground. For, He can just breathe and they’ll wither… With a blast, like twigs, they’ll just blow away.25‘And this Most Holy One is asking you this:‘Whom can you liken to Me… Can you make Me look more important? 26Look high in the sky [and then tell Me] Who introduced all these things?’‘He’s the One who assembled them all… All the things within His arrangement! Then, in His great glory and strength, He named it before you had seen it!27‘Would you dare to say before Jacob:O IsraEl, why have you spoken to me, For my ways have been hidden from God, So I won’t stand in judgment before Him?28‘Don’t you know… Yes, haven’t you heard? God [exists] throughout the ages! He’s the One who prepared the ends of the earth, Yet He doesn’t get hungry or tired, Nor can His wisdom be fathomed.29‘He’s the One who gives strength to the famished, And brings comfort to those who are grieving.30‘While the youngest of men will get hungry and tired, And the best of men will lose all their strength; 31Those who wait on Jehovah will grow stronger, And like eagles, they will grow wings. Then they’ll run without getting tired… They’ll keep going without getting hungry.’
1‘O [you gentiles who live] in the islands; You should start holding feasts to His [Name]… For the powers that be will be altered!‘So now, let them come and confer, Then announce what they have decided!2‘For [He’s] stirred up one in the east Who’ll bring justice and call it to walk on its feet. To him, those gentiles will be given, And before him, their kings will all be removed.‘He’ll force them to bury their swords, And like twigs, he will shatter their bows. 3But, although he’s the one who’ll chase them, His feet will walk peaceful paths.4‘By whose might will he accomplish these things? By the One who called for this generation Back in the very beginning… By the One who said: I am God…‘I’m the first, and I’m into [the future]! 5Nations will see Me and fear… They’ll be startled to the ends of the earth, And then, they’ll be gathered together.’6‘At that time, all their neighbors will choose To help their brothers, and they’ll say:7The one who brought us together is strong, The blacksmith who forged it with a hammer; But how long can [this unity] last?‘And He will give this reply:‘The bond [between them] is good; For I’ve made it stronger with rivets… I’ve made it so it can’t be broken!’8‘But you, O IsraEl, My servant… Yes, Jacob, the one whom I’ve chosen… AbraHam’s offspring whom I’ve loved… 9Those whom I’ve snatched from the ends of the earth… Those whom I’ve called from the heights… Those to whom I said this:‘To be My servant, I chose you, And you, I’ve never abandoned. 10So, don’t be afraid, for I’m with you… Don’t stray from Me, for I am your God… I’m the One who gives you your strength, And sends aid with My righteous right hand.11‘Look! Your enemies will all come to shame, And no more will they fail to respect you; For, they won’t exist anymore, Since all who oppose you will perish!12‘Then you’ll search and you will not find them… Those drunks who’ve been shouting insults at you, Because they will no longer be… There’ll be none to wage war against you, 13For, I am your God who is at your right hand!‘I’m the One who is saying to you, 14O Jacob, don’t be afraid… O IsraEl’s remnants, don’t [tremble], Because, I’m your helper… Your God.’‘O IsraEl,‘I’m the One who paid the ransom for you, 15{Look!} And I’ve made you like a threshing device That’s been fitted with many new teeth. So, you’ll thresh the mountains and thin out the hills… Then, into dust, you will turn them.16‘Yes, you will winnow them all, And the winds will blow them away… By a windstorm, they will be scattered. And among IsraEl’s holy, there will be joy.17‘Then the poor and needy will start to rejoice, As will those who’ve been searching for water But haven’t been able to find it… Those whose tongues have dried out from thirst.‘For, I am Jehovah, IsraEl’s God… I’ll pay attention and I’ll not desert you. 18From the mountains, I’ll open up rivers, And into the plains, I’ll put springs.‘Deserts, I’ll turn into marshes, And into thirsty ground, I’ll put canals. 19In the waterless land, I’ll plant boxwoods and cedars, Along with white poplars, myrtles, and cypress.20‘Then, all who see them will know That it came by the hand of Jehovah… By IsraEl’s Holy One, they were planted.21‘But now, your time of judgment has come… Yes, the time for deciding is now,’ Says the King over Jacob.22‘So, let all [your idols] step forward And tell you the things that will happen. For, they’re the ones to whom you have said:‘We’ll pay close attention you, So we can know what will happen, And how it will be [in the end]!’23‘Therefore, ask [your idols] to tell you… Yes, have them announce the things that will come! Then we’ll know if they truly are gods Who can choose good or bad for themselves… We’ll wonder and see it at the same time.24‘Then we’ll know the places from which they have come And we’ll see the source of the things they can do… These ones whom the people have chosen… These disgusting things whom they have preferred.25‘But, from the north, I’ll be raising one man, And I’ll raise another from the sun in the east… And they will be called by My Name.‘Then, both of these rulers will come here, And like the clay of a potter (The clay that he works [with his feet]), They will trample you down.26‘Now, which [of your idols] can tell you How, in the beginning, it all came to be, So we can know how it started? Yes, have them tell us how it began!‘Aren’t any of them able to speak? For, no one has heard a reply!27‘I am the One who raised Zion… The One who sent comfort to JeruSalem. 28Yet, {Look!} the nations have heard nothing at all… No announcements have come from their idols!‘So, if I should ask where they came from, No way could they give a reply. 29But you say that you were created by them… How foolish are the ways in which you’ve been led!’
1‘Jacob, My child, I’ll hold onto you…
O IsraEl, you’re the one whom I’ve chosen.
So [I’m sending someone] who will pour out My Breath
And who will pass judgment on the gentiles.
2He won’t cry out or raise his voice,
And his words won’t be heard out of doors.3‘No crushed reed will he break,
And no smoking flax wick will he snuff.
But, he will truly bring what is fair…
4He’ll endure and not be destroyed
Until he brings justice to the earth.‘In his name, the nations will hope,’
5Said [Jehovah our] God,
The One who made and assembled the skies,
Who founded the earth and everything in it,
And that poured out His Breath
On those who choose to walk [in His ways].6‘I’m Jehovah, who called you in justice…
I’ll grab hold of your hand and I’ll give you strength.
For with you, I made a Sacred Agreement
To make you a light to the nations…
7To open the eyes of the blind…
To lead out those who are shackled,
And those who now sit in dark dungeons.8‘I’m [Jehovah your] God; yes, that is My Name!
And My glory, I’ll give to no other…
I won’t give My glory to things that are carved!9‘Look! The ancient things have all come to pass,
And now, the new things that I will announce
Will happen before I pronounce them!’10‘So, sing a new hymn to Jehovah…
Glorify His Name to the ends of the earth,
O you who sail and go down to the seas,
And you who live on the islands!11‘And you in the deserts, be joyful,
As should you in the cities and lands,
And those who dwell among cedars…
Yes, those living in [caves] should be joyful,
And from the tops of the mountains, be shouting in joy.12‘For they’ll all give glory to God,
And the Islands will speak of His virtues.
13Then the God of Armies, Jehovah, will come
And bring an end to all wars.‘He’ll awaken His zeal and His strength,
And against His enemies, He will say this:14‘Throughout the age, I have remained silent;
But must I always be patient and quiet…
Must I endure like a woman with birth pangs?‘I’ll amaze you by making them wither away…
15I’ll destroy their mountains and hills,
And I will dry up their grass.
Then, into their rivers, I will put islands
And I’ll turn their marshes into dry ground.16‘I’ll lead these blind ones in ways they don’t know,
And make them walk on roads they can’t see.
Then their darkness, I’ll turn into light,
And their crooked ways, I will straighten.‘Yes, these are the things that I’ll do,
For, I will not abandon [my people]…
17Although they’ll be forced to retreat.‘So, be ashamed (yes, you should feel shame),
O you who put faith in carved [idols]…
You who say to things that were formed by your hands,‘You are [truly] our gods!’18‘Listen to Me, you deaf mutes…
Yes, look and see, all you blind ones!
19For, who are as blind as My servants,
And who can hear less than their rulers?’‘Yes, who are as blind as those who’ve had all?
For God’s servants have now all gone blind!
20How many times have you looked, but not seen,
And with opened ears, been unable to hear?21‘Yet, the Will of Jehovah is righteous,
And it will be praised and held high again!22‘Then I saw that it all came to pass…
The people were plundered and looted,
And in all their stores, there were snares.‘So they gathered to hide inside of their homes,
Since they had all become plunder…
There was no one to save all the captured,
And no one to say, Give them back!23‘Therefore, who will listen to what’s being said…
Who’ll pay attention to the things that will be?24‘Yes, who gave Jacob to be ravaged,
And who gave IsraEl to serve as their loot?
Hadn’t they sinned against God?
Didn’t they choose not to walk in His ways
And to ignore all His Laws?25‘So He sent upon them His anger and rage…
He sent their neighbors to burn them in war.
Yet, none understood or took it to heart.
1‘So, thus says Jehovah, [your] God (The One who made you, O Jacob; The One who shaped you, IsraEl):‘Don’t be afraid, for I’ve paid your ransom… I called you for My Name, and now you are Mine!2‘So, if you must pass through the waters, I will be there [to guard] you, And the rivers won’t swallow you down. Or if you should travel through fire, It won’t be able to burn you… You won’t be consumed by its flames.3‘For, I am Jehovah your God… I’m IsraEl’s Holy One and their Savior… I’m the One who bargained for you With Egypt, Ethiopia, and SheBah.4‘I’ve viewed you with value and esteem… You were glorious and loved [in My eyes]. For you, I traded other peoples, And for your heads, I gave rulers away.5‘So, don’t be afraid, for I’m with you, And from the east, I’ll lead back your offspring… From the [east and the] west, I’ll return them.6‘Then, I will say to the north:‘Send them back to the south… Do not try to restrain them! Return My sons from your faraway lands, And My daughters from the ends of the earth… 7Release all those who’ve been called by My Name!’‘For I made them to glorify Me… I’m the One who shaped them and formed them. 8But I sent them away because they were blind… They couldn’t see, although they had eyes, And they were deaf, although they had ears. I’m also the One who gathered their rulers.9‘So, who will announce all these things… Who’ll explain the things that have happened? Bring on those who will witness for them, And they must [now speak the truth]… Let’s hear them explain what has happened!10‘But, about Me, you must also testify,’ Says Jehovah. ‘Then, I’ll be a witness [for you]… I’ll say that you’re the servant I’ve chosen.… But, you must know and believe that I am!11‘For, no other gods came before Me, And none will come after Me! Yes, I am the only true God… Other than Me there are none… I’m the only One who can save!12‘I’ve announced, delivered, and berated, When no alien God was among you. So, you are the ones who must now testify That I [alone] am The God!13‘Even in the most ancient times, No one could wrest you out of My hands, And no one could change the things that I did!’14‘Thus says Jehovah, IsraEl’s God… The Holy One who has paid your ransom:‘I’ll send to Babylon on your behalf To arouse all those who carried you off, And in boats, the Chaldeans will then bring you back.15‘So, I am [your] Most Holy God… IsraEl’s defender and king!’16‘Thus says Jehovah, The One who put roads in the seas, And through mighty waters, made paths… 17The One who led chariots and horses, Along with many strong [men], To a sleep from which they’ll never awake, And who snuffed them out like flax wicks:18‘You can forget the things that came first, And you don’t have to consider what happened before. 19For {Look!} now, I will bring about new things… And you all will know what they are!‘I’ll make a road through the desert, And through waterless lands, I’ll cut rivers. 20Then, all the wild beasts will give praise to Me… Even ostrich daughters and those who are chained.‘For, into their deserts, I will bring water… Yes, rivers into [all the] dry places For My chosen people to drink. 21For, they are the people I purchased, And they should describe all My virtues!22‘O IsraEl and [people of] Jacob: I am the One who has called you, And I’ve done nothing at all to wear you out.23‘Yet, you brought Me no sheep or [burnt] offerings… No sacrifices to glorify Me. So to offerings, you were never enslaved, And by frankincense, you were not wearied.24‘You offered no silver to Me, And I didn’t desire the sacrificed fat… But before Me, you stood in your sins, And in all of your unrighteous ways.25‘I am… I’m the One who wiped them away… All of your lawless deeds. 26Because of Myself, I’ll forget all your sins; But, you must remember all that you did! So, come here and let us discuss them! Yes, come and confess all of your lawless ways, So you can be righteous again!27‘For your fathers were the first to have sinned, And your rulers were lawless against Me… 28My holy things were defiled by your kings, So to destruction, I then handed Jacob… Yes IsraEl, I gave to be scorned!’
1‘Now hear Me, O Jacob, My child; Yes IsraEl, the one whom I’ve chosen!’2‘Jehovah, your God (the One who made you and shaped you) says this:‘Don’t be afraid, for I’ll help you, O Jacob, My dearly-loved servant… IsraEl, the one whom I’ve chosen.3‘To your thirsty, I’ll provide water As they enter a waterless land. Then I’ll place My Breath on your offspring, And I will bless all your children. 4They’ll grow like grass near [a river], And like willows next to a stream.5‘This one will say, ‘I’m God’s [servant];’ That one will say, ‘I am Jacob’s;’ Another will write, ‘I am God’s;’ And they’ll call themselves by IsraEl’s name.’6‘This was said by your God, Jehovah of armies, IsraEl’s Savior and King:‘I am the first and the last, And there are no Gods other than Me!7‘Who else [can claim] that he’s like Me? Let him arise and announce it… Let him stand up and tell How man was made in that age!‘And have them tell you the future… 8Don’t let them [hide] or wander away!‘For, didn’t you hear these things long ago… Didn’t I give a report? So, you are the ones who can now testify That there are no gods other than Me!9‘But they failed to listen back then… Those who carved and shaped worthless things… Those who did whatever they pleased… Things that did them no good. So, against themselves, they have testified!‘For, they didn’t see and they didn’t know That by their bad deeds, they were shamed, When they formed the things that they thought of as gods, And cast moldings of things that are worthless!‘{Look!} Those sharing in this will be shamed 10(Those who shaped gods and carved worthless things), 11For the places that they came from will wither away.‘So, let these dumb ones now gather Then stand together and feel some remorse… Together, let them all feel ashamed!12‘For the smith sharpens his tools, And with a hammer, he works it in coals… Then he drills holes for [its handles].‘He shapes it with the might of his arm, As he grows hungry and weak, Because he won’t drink any water.13‘And the carver selects a good piece of wood, Then he measures, before he starts carving It into the shape of a man.14‘He cuts down an oak tree or cedar… Yes, he takes a tree that was planted by Me And which I made grow with the rain. 15Then part, he burns to get warm; Part, he burns to bake bread; And with what’s left, he shapes into a god, To which he thereafter bows!16‘He carves it and then bows before it… Yet, half he burned to cook meat To prepare a roast that would fill him. And as he sat there warming himself, He said:‘Ah, this is so good, For I’ve seen the fire and now I am warm!’17Then the rest, he carves into a god, And to it, he then bows and prays:‘Please save me, for you are my god!’18‘He doesn’t realize, nor does he think… For his eyes are just too blind to see, And he doesn’t comprehend in his heart… 19Yes, He’s just too stupid to see… Half was burned in a fire to bake bread; Then, over the flames, roasted meat that he ate, And with the rest, he made something disgusting Before which, he bowed with his face to the ground!20‘Know that these [men] have all erred; For the hearts [of their gods] are just ashes, And none are able to save them!‘{Look!} Don’t say that My right hand has lied About the things it’s accomplished. 21And, O IsraEl and Jacob; Don’t forget the things that I’ve done! For, you [alone] are My servant… I shaped you and you are My slave! So IsraEl, do not forget Me!22‘{Look!} Your lawless deeds, I’ve wiped out like clouds, And I’ve thrown all your sins in the shadows. So, return to Me and I’ll buy you back!’23Now, shout in joy, O you heavens; For IsraEl’s God has shown mercy upon you! And foundations of the earth, blow a trumpet… Yes, yell in joy, you mountains and hills, As well as the trees that live on them; For, Jehovah’s made IsraEl glorious, And He’s [paid the] ransom for Jacob!24So says the Lord (the One who shaped you in the belly, and the One who ransomed you back):‘I am Jehovah… I’m the One who accomplished it all! I’m the One who stretched out the sky, And the One who made solid ground!25‘I’m the One who wipes away the conclusions Of the signs and omens that men bring from their hearts. And I cause the intelligent to backtrack By making their counsel look stupid.26‘I’m the One who causes to happen Whatever My servants ask in their prayers, And that makes the council of My messengers true.‘I’m the One who says to JeruSalem, ‘You will be lived in again!’ To the cities of Judah, ‘You’ll be rebuilt!’ And to her desolate places, ‘I’ll raise you!’27‘I tell the abyss, ‘You’ll be empty!’ And I say to the rivers, ‘I’ll make you dry!’‘I’m the One who’ll say this to Cyrus: ‘Think first and then you must do All the things that I’ll tell you to do. For JeruSalem must be rebuilt, And My Temple’s foundation must be laid.’
1This is what God is saying to Cyrus ([The one whom He] will anoint… The one to whose hand He will grab, And who’ll cause the nations to listen):‘[For you], I will rip strength from kings, And no doors or gates will be closed before you! 2I will travel before you, And before you, I’ll level the mountains! Doors of brass, I will break, And their iron bars will be shattered.3‘I’ll give you treasures unfathomed And open to you what’s concealed and unseen, So you’ll know that I am Jehovah, The God… The God of IsraEl, who called you by name.4‘Because of My servant Jacob… Yes, because of IsraEl, My chosen, I’ve accepted you and called you by name, Although you have never known Me.5‘I am Jehovah, The God… And there are no gods other than Me!‘I’m the One who gave you your power Before you knew who I was, 6So that those from the sun in the east And those from where it sets in the west Will know that there are no others beside Me.‘I am Jehovah, The God, And other than Me, there are none! 7I’m the One who prepared both the light and the darkness… I’m the One who created peace and hard times.‘I’m Jehovah, The God who accomplished it all; 8So be glad you heavens above, And let the clouds sprinkle justice… Let the ground arise and grow mercy, And together, let justice burst forth!‘I’m the Lord who made all there is, 9And what excellent things I did make, As though it was done with the clay of a potter.‘Will those who plow land, plow in one day, And will the [thing made of] clay ask the potter:‘What is it that you’ve really accomplished? For, you don’t do any work, And you don’t really have any hands!’10‘Woe to those who would ask of their fathers:‘Why did you sire me? And those who would ask of their mothers, Why did you give me birth?’11Thus says IsraEl’s Most Holy Lord… The One who created it all:‘Ask Me concerning My sons And about the works of My hands… Yes, just go on and ask Me!12‘I made the earth and put man upon it, And I established the skies with My hands. I’m the One who instructed the stars, 13And the One who raised a just king.‘I’m the One who made his ways straight So that he would rebuild My city And allow the return of My people… But, not for a ransom or gifts,’So says Jehovah of Armies!14Thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘I’ll wear out Egypt before you, And Ethiopians and Sabean traders… You’ll pass over men who were proud before you, And they will then be your servants.‘Thereafter, they’ll follow behind you, Shackled and walking in chains. I will hand them over to you, And before you, they must then bow.‘To you, they will pray [as though] you’re a god, And to them, there won’t be any other. 15Yet, [I am] a God whom you’ve never known… IsraEl’s God and your Savior.16‘So your enemies will be shamed and remorseful Before they’re led off in dishonor.‘O islands, dedicate yourselves to My [cause], 17For IsraEl will be freed by Jehovah And [remain that way] throughout the age… Throughout the ages, they’ll not feel shame or regret.’18Yes, this was what was said by Jehovah, (The One who created the heavens… Who [formed] the earth and made it distinct… Who did not leave it empty or void, But shaped it as a dwelling [for man]):‘I alone am Jehovah… And other than Me, there are none. 19I’ve never spoken in secret, Nor explained things in earth’s darkest places. And I never told Jacob’s offspring That they should seek what is foolish!‘I’m Jehovah, the One who speaks what is just, And the One who announces the truth. 20So, all should gather and come here… Yes, come here and let’s meet together, O you who’ve been rescued from the nations!‘Yet, they still do not understand… Those who [cut] wood and shape it, Then pray to gods which can’t save them.21‘Let all the announcers approach So the whole congregation may know Who it was that accomplished these things.‘From ancient times, it has been announced That I am [Jehovah], The God! There are none others that are truly righteous, And there are none others that can save them… Yes, other than Me, there are none!22‘So, turn to Me and I’ll rescue All those who’ve been scattered to the ends of the earth… Yes, I’m the only God, and there aren’t any others!23‘Now I’ve sworn an oath by Myself That what comes from My mouth will be righteous… None of My words will be twisted.24‘So to Me, every knee shall bend low, And by Me, every tongue shall swear oaths. 25Justice and glory shall be offered before Me, And those leaving Jehovah shall feel shame. 26For, IsraEl’s offspring must be righteous And [speak] gloriously of their [most holy] God.’
1‘Bel has fallen and Dagon is broken; For their images were bound to wild beasts and cattle, And the load proved to be just too heavy, So they tired and fainted from hunger. 2Thus, they were unable to save them in war, And they too were taken as captives.3‘Listen to Me, O house of Jacob! O house of IsraEl, listen to this! You’re the ones whom I raised from the belly And the ones I’ve corrected since childhood 4Until the time you grew up.‘I am and [will be] until you grow old… I am and I’ve had to endure you. But because I made [you], I’ve spared [you]; And once more, I’ll remake you and save you!5‘To whom can I be compared? {Look!} Contrive [and answer], O you who mislead. 6You’re the ones who take gold from a bag And weigh out silver on the yoke of a scale, Then hire smiths to make idols by hand, Before which, you bow to your faces.7‘If you carry them on your shoulders, they’ll move; But, when you put them down, they just sit there. For, they cannot move by themselves… And if you should yell, they can’t hear you; So, they are unable to save you!8‘Consider these things and start groaning. Then, change your minds, O you the misled… Yes, turn around in your hearts! 9Remember all the things that have happened Before this age came to be!‘I am the only true God, And there are no others like Me! 10For, only I can tell you what happens Before it ever takes place And before it comes to an end.‘Now, I’ve [told you] that My purpose will stand And all that I’ve planned, I’m going to do. 11So I’ve summoned the [eagle] out of the east To do the things that I’ve [told you about]… Yes, I made him, I’ll lead him, and he’ll do it… I’m the One who will send him and prosper his ways.12‘So hear Me, O you heartbreakers, And you who’ve strayed so far from true justice! 13I’m the One who sent you My justice, And it has never been far away.‘So I’ll not be slow about your salvation, For Zion was appointed by Me To be IsraEl’s savior and glory!’
1‘Now, get down and sit on the ground You virgin daughter of Babylon! Yes, you should sit on the ground, O virgin daughter of Chaldea; For, you won’t always [sit on] a throne… ‘Delicate and soft,’ you won’t always be called.2‘Rather, get a millstone and start grinding flour… Remove the veil from your face, Then expose your gray hairs and uncover your legs! For, that’s what you’ll do when you’re crossing your rivers, 3And showing everyone your shame and your scorn.‘I’ll remove My righteous from among you, And no more will I hand My people to you. 4For their Savior’s Name is Jehovah of Armies… IsraEl’s Most Holy One!5‘So sit down and then be stabbed through… Yes, enter the darkness, O daughter of Chaldea! For you’ll be called a mighty kingdom no more!6‘Because My inheritance provoked Me, I allowed you to dirty My people And I gave them into your hands… But you showed no mercy upon them.‘For, you then oppressed their old men And made them work hard under yokes. 7Then you said:‘Throughout ages, I’ll rule them.’‘Yet, in your hearts, you had failed To understand why this all came to be And how this situation will end.8‘Hear [what I’m saying], O delicate one… Yes, you who are now sitting [so proudly]… The one who so easily yields… The one who says in her heart:‘I am, and there are no others [like me], So I’ll never sit as a widow And I will never know sorrow!’9‘But, these two things will happen to you Suddenly and in just one day:• You will be childless and widowed • And they’ll instantly come upon you...Despite your sorcery and enchantments.10‘For you’ve trusted in your own wicked ways, And you said, ‘I am… And other than me, there are none!’ But, you should know and understand this: Your whoring will soon bring you shame, Because you said [these words] in your heart: ‘I am… And other than me, there are none!’11‘So, instant destruction will come upon you, And into a cesspool, you’ll fall, Where you’ll know misery and never get clean. Yes, sudden destruction will happen; And you’ll not be aware until it arrives!12‘Now, stand there in your enchantments And in the witchcraft you’ve learned since your youth. Then, see if it does any good… 13For your magic words have grown tired.‘So, let your astrologers who gaze at the skies (Those who examine the stars) Now arise and announce what’s coming to you!14‘{Look!} Like torches of sticks, your people will burn… No way will they save their lives from the flames. Then, you’ll be forced to sit on the coals 15Of those who looked to you for their aid.‘For you’ve worn yourself out with the traffic of youth, And now that the men have all wandered away, No one will be there to save you!’
[Editor Note: The text says that much of the following is not being spoken by God, but by ‘the Lord,’ who communicated God’s words. So, we have not capitalized the personal pronouns where we think he was speaking.]1‘So, pay attention, O house of Jacob… Yes, you who are called by IsraEl’s name… You who’ve come from the waters of Judah… You who swear oaths by IsraEl’s God… 2You who’ve forgotten justice and truth… You who view your city as holy And lean upon IsraEl’s God, Whose Name is Jehovah of Armies!3‘For I’m saying the same things that I’ve said before… I’m saying the same things that came from my mouth… The things that you heard and then happened… The things that I spoke and then came to be!4‘I know that you’re a hard [people]… That the nerves in your necks are like iron And your heads are [as solid as] bronze.5‘I told you in the past what would happen Long before it all came to be. I shouted it loudly, so you couldn’t say:‘This was done by my idols; Yes, my carved idols foretold it!’6‘But, although you heard it, you didn’t understand, And now that I’m telling you new things; You’ve not spoken a word in reply.7‘For the things that I’ve said will happen to you Won’t be the same as were done in the past… They’ll not be the same as they were long ago Or the same as I told you before, So you cannot say that you already knew.8‘Yes, these are things that you haven’t known Since the time that I opened your ears long ago, And which I already knew that you’d disregard. For, since you were called from the belly, You’ve continued in your lawless ways.9‘[For Jehovah says]:‘Because of My Name, I’m sending My rage… My noble deeds, I’ll be bringing upon you… Yet, I won’t completely wipe you away.10‘{Look!} With silver, I’ve never bartered for you, But I saved you from poverty’s furnace. 11And now, because of Myself, I will act… Because My Name is being profaned, And My glory I’ll not give to others!12‘So, hear Me, O Jacob, O IsraEl… Yes you, the ones whom I’ve called… I’m from the beginning and into the ages!13‘The foundation of the earth, I laid with my hands, And with my right hand, I fixed the skies. So I’ll call to them and they’ll gather… 14They’ll assemble and listen together!‘But now, I’ll also speak of the things That I’m bringing against Babylon Because of my love for you… For I’ll lift away the offspring of Chaldea!15‘I’m the one who spoke and called out to you… I’m the one who prospered your ways. 16So, turn your ears and hear what I’m saying! What I said long ago wasn’t a secret, For I was there when it happened.’‘But now, I’ve been sent by Jehovah, the Lord Along with His [Holy] Breath. 17And thus says Jehovah, your Savior… IsraEl’s Most Holy One:‘I am Jehovah your God, I’m the One who showed you the right ways to go. 18And if you’d obeyed My Commandments, Your peace would have flowed like a river, And your righteous ways as the waves of the seas.19‘Your offspring would have been like the sands… Those from your bellies, as the dust on the ground. You would never have met with destruction, And your names would not be erased.’20‘But, after all of this has happened to you, You’ll get up and leave Babylon… Yes, you will flee from Chaldea! Thus, in joy, announce this out loud So that all will know what will happen! Yes, send the report to the ends of the earth That Jehovah will save Jacob, His servant! 21And when they get thirsty in their trek through the desert, He’ll bring them water out of a rock!‘For I’ll split the rock and water will flow, And then, My people will drink it… 22But the godless will not rejoice over this, Says Jehovah, [your God].’
[Editor Note: The text says that much of the following is not being spoken by God, but by ‘the Lord,’ who communicated God’s words. So, we have not capitalized the personal pronouns where we think he was speaking.]1‘O islands; listen to this! Yes, pay attention O nations; For after some time, it will happen,’ said the Lord.‘From the belly of my mother, He called me by name 2And He made my mouth a sharp sword. In the protection of His hand, He then hid me; Yes, I’m the one He selected As the favored arrow in His quiver. 3Then He said, ‘You are My servant! And through you, I’ll be glorified.‘4‘But I replied:‘I’m useless and tired. So, it will all be in vain, Since I’ve used all my strength and gained nothing. I have been judged by Jehovah, And all my works [were examined] by God.’5‘But now,’ says Jehovah (The One who shaped me as His servant from the belly), ‘You must collect Jacob for Me So that IsraEl will all be returned.’‘He said that before Him, I’ll be glorified, And in my God, I’ll gain strength. 6He said:‘To be called My servant Is truly the greatest of things; For the tribes of Jacob, you will return, And you’ll bring back the scattered of IsraEl.‘{Look!} I’ve made a Sacred Agreement with them To be a race that will serve As a light to the nations, And I’ll bring them salvation to the ends of the earth.7‘Yes Jehovah, IsraEl’s God (The One who will bring them salvation) says this:‘You must treat [this person] as holy Who views his life as having no value… The one whom the nations will hate, And be abhorred by the servants of rulers.‘But, kings will see him and rulers will rise; Then before him, they all will bow low, Because this Lord is trustworthy… He’s My chosen and IsraEl’s most holy one! Yes this most holy one can be trusted, And he’s the one whom I’ve chosen,’ 8said Jehovah.‘So at a time that I have appointed, I’ll pay attention to you, And I’ll save you on the Day of Salvation.‘For, I’m the one by whom you were formed, And now I have promised the nations That I’ll reestablish your land… You’ll inherit an inheritance that’s been wiped away.9‘So, tell those in chains that they can now leave, And tell those in the darkness to walk towards [the light]! For in all your paths, there’ll be grazing, And along all your roads, there’ll be pastures.10‘There, you’ll no longer be hungry or thirsty, And you won’t be burned by the sun or hot winds. For My merciful one will send comfort to you And lead you beside springs of water… 11He’ll flatten the mountains that stand in your way, And the roads will serve as your pastures.12‘{Look!} [My people] will come from a distance… Some from the north and some from the west, And others from the land of the Persians.13‘So be glad, you heavens… Yes, cry out in joy, O you earth… And mountains, be splitting with glee! For on His people, our God has shown mercy, And to those who are meek, He brought comfort.14‘For in Zion, these words have been spoken:‘By Jehovah, I had been abandoned… By the Lord, I had been forgotten!’15‘But, Jehovah replied and said this:Will a woman forget her own child… Will she forget to show mercy On the one who sprang from her belly?‘Yet, if a woman could ever forget; I will never forget you. 16For {Look!} I’ve sketched your walls on My hands, So that you are always before Me. 17Thus, what was demolished will soon be rebuilt, And those who destroyed you will soon be destroyed!’18‘Look up, look around, and see it with your eyes! {Look!} They’ve all been gathered and returned!’‘As I live,’ says Jehovah; ‘You’ll wear them as ornaments over your clothes… You’ll wear them as the jewels of a bride.19‘Now, all of your desolate places (Those which had once been destroyed, As well as those which had fallen) Will then become too confining For all of those who will dwell there; Since, those who once swallowed you down Will then be sent far away.’20‘And at that, my [people] will say in your ears:‘This place is too cramped for the sons we had lost; So, please make new places where they can live!’21‘And then you will ask in your hearts:‘Who made me a father to them? For I’m childless, widowed, and an unwelcome stranger. But these… Who told me to feed them? Yes, I had been left all alone… But these… From where did I get them?’22‘Look, says Jehovah, the Lord, I’ll be lifting My hand to the nations, And on the islands, I’ll be raising My sign. Then they’ll lift your sons to their chests, And your daughters, they’ll lift on their shoulders.23‘Their kings will then serve as your [butlers], And their queens will be your wet nurses. Before you, they’ll bow to the ground, And they’ll lick the dust from your feet.‘Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah, And those waiting for Me will never be shamed.’24‘Can someone take loot from a giant, And will the captured be saved without ransom? 25No, for thus says Jehovah:‘If someone can capture a giant, He can take all the things that he owns… In safety, he can loot from the strong.‘Now, I’m the One who is pleading your case, And I’m the One who will rescue your sons. 26So, those who oppress you will eat their own flesh, And the wine that they drink will be their own blood.‘Then, they will get drunk and all flesh will see That I am Jehovah, your Savior… The One who gives Jacob his power.’
[Editor Note: The text says that much of the following is not being spoken by God, but by ‘the Lord,’ who communicated God’s words. So, we have not capitalized the personal pronouns where we think he was speaking.] 1And then the Lord said this to me:‘What kind of divorce certificate is this, By which I sent you back to your mother… Yes, whom did I owe that I’ve sold you?‘{Look!} You were sold because of your sins, And I sent you home to your mother Because of your lawless ways!2‘When I was there, was there no man? Yet, when I called you, no one replied.‘And now, aren’t my hands strong enough To rescue you and return you… Am I unable to save you?‘{Look!} I can scold the seas and wipe them away, And I can desolate rivers, Leaving their fish without water, So they will die in their thirst!3‘With darkness, I can clothe skies, And wrap them in robes made of sackcloth!’4‘Jehovah gave me a tongue to instruct And a knowledge of when to speak the right words. Morning after morning, He stood there by me And gave me ears, so I’d listen… 5[He] opened my ears to instructions, And I didn’t resist Him or argue.6‘So my back, I gave to be whipped, And my jaws, [I left open] to slaps. Then to shame those who were spitting on me, I did not turn my face.7‘For the Lord Jehovah is my helper, And for this, I won’t let them shame me. Then I set my face as solid as rock So that I would not bring [Him] dishonor. 8For the One who’s declared me righteous is close… And by Him alone, am I judged.‘So, which [of you] would now judge me? Let him [stand up and] oppose me! Yes, who is the one who would judge me? Let him come and resist me!9‘{Look!} Since Jehovah will come to my aid, Who is able to harm me? {Look!} For like an old robe, such ones will wear out, And then they’ll be eaten by moths!10‘Who among you has fear of Jehovah? If you do; obey the voice of His servant! So, may those who travel in darkness (Those for whom there has been no light) Yield to the name of the Lord, And lean upon The God for support!11‘{Look!} Although you’ve lit a fire and helped the flames grow, You were then [drawn] to its light… Towards the very same flame that you kindled! And because of me, this has happened, So in anguish, you’ll spend the rest of your nights!’
1‘Listen to me, O you righteous… You who are seeking Jehovah; Look to the rock that you’ve quarried And into the pit of the well that you’ve dug! 2Look to AbraHam, your father, And to SarAh, who bore you!‘Although he was just [flesh], I called out to him… Yes, I loved him and blest him, And I prospered his [ways].3‘So, I will bring comfort to Zion… To your desolate places, I will [bring rest]… A paradise of God, I will make them.‘Then, your western lands will be gardens, And those dwelling there will be happy… They will be leaping for joy, And [raising] their voices in praise.4‘Listen… Yes, hear me, my people; And kings, give an ear to the things that I say! For, I will send you my laws And my judgments will enlighten the nations.5‘My justice will come to them swiftly, And my saving light will quickly arrive. Then, they will put faith in my arm… Yes, even the islands will wait upon me, And they will trust in [the might of] my arms.6‘So, lift your eyes to the skies, Then look to the ground underneath you! For the skies [will be filled with] smoke, And the earth will wear out like old clothes… And although those who live there will die; My salvation will last throughout the age… There’s no way that my justice will fail!7‘Hear me, O you who know justice; For you people have my laws in your hearts. So, don’t fear the scorning of men, And don’t let their bad words defeat you!8‘Although clothes will wear out with time, And wool will be eaten by moths; My justice will last throughout the ages, And my salvation is through generations.9‘Wake up… Wake up, O JeruSalem, And put on the might of your arm! Wake up as you did in past days… Like generations that lived in past ages!‘Haven’t you [people] been dug up And ripped apart by the dragon? 10But, for your sake, I parted the sea (All that abundant, deep water), And then I made a road through its depths To create a ford for those being saved… 11For those whose ransom I paid!‘So it’s by Jehovah that they’ll be returned… They’ll go back to Zion in gladness… Throughout the ages, they’ll be leaping for joy!‘Upon their heads, there’ll be blessings, And with great joy, they’ll be overcome, Since their anguish, grief, and groaning will have ceased.12‘I am… I am the one who brings comfort! So, know who it is that you should fear, Since men and their sons will dry up like grass!13‘For, you’ve forgotten your Maker, your God… The One who created the skies And that laid the foundations of the earth! You should fear Him throughout all your days, Before the oppressor [arrives]… The one who [has plans to] carry you off!‘[But don’t fear] the rage of your oppressor; 14For, when it comes to bringing salvation, [Your God] won’t stop or waste time. 15He’s the One who jostles the seas… The One who makes its waves roar… His Name is Jehovah of Armies.16‘He’s the One who puts His words in your mouths And shelters you inside His hand. He’s the One who established the heavens… The One who founded the earth… And the One who said, ‘You’re My people,’ to Zion,17‘So wake up… Yes arise, O JeruSalem… You who will drink the rage from the cup That comes from the hand of Jehovah! Receive your blows from that cup, And drink them until they’re all gone!18‘For no others gave comfort to the children you bore, And no others held the hands of the sons that you raised. 19So, when all these bad things come upon you, Who will share in your grief… When downfall, defeat, and hunger arrive, Along with the edge of the sword… Whom do you think will bring comfort?20‘At that time, your sons will all be confused, And like half-boiled beets, they’ll sleep in the streets… They’ll feel the rage of the Lord, And before Jehovah, they’ll faint.21‘So, you who’ve been humbled should listen (Yes, you who are drunk, but not from the wine)! 22For, thus says [Jehovah your] God… The One who is judging His people:‘{Look!} I’ve taken the cup of blows from your hands, Which is the cup of My rage, So that you must no longer drink it!23‘For then, I’ll put it into the hands Of those who’ve been doing you wrong… Those who are humbling you… Those telling your souls to bow as they pass… Those who’ve cut all your things to the ground, And laid them outside for all passing by.’
1‘Wake up… Yes, wake up, O Zion! O Zion, put on all your strength! O holy city of JeruSalem, Put on [all of] your glory! For the uncircumcised and unclean Will no longer be passing through you.2‘So, shake off the dust and arise… Sit down and remove the chains from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3For, thus says Jehovah [your God]:‘Since you were not sold for money, You won’t be ransomed with silver.’4‘Yes, thus says Jehovah, your Lord:‘My people once went down to Egypt And they stayed in that place for a while… But then, to Assyria, they were taken by force… 5Do you know why all these things happened?’Then the Lord told me this:‘Since my people were taken without money, [All should] wonder and shriek! For, this was said by Jehovah:‘It’s because My Name was being blasphemed By you, among all the rest of the nations. 6But then, you’ll remember My Name once again… Yes, in that day, you’ll know who I am… For this One who is speaking will come there!’7‘As a time of beauty on the mountains… As welcome as the feet of those bringing good news… As joyful as a message of peace When good things are being announced, Will be the day when I save you, And your God is reigning on Zion again.8‘Then the voices of those keeping watch will be raised, And all their shouts will be joyful. For they’ll see it happen with their own eyes… When Jehovah shows mercy on Zion.9‘Then JeruSalem’s desolate places Will applaud together in joy, Because Jehovah’s shown mercy on them, And brought salvation to JeruSalem!10‘Jehovah will bare His great holy arm Before all of the nations, And it will be seen to the ends of the earth… This salvation that comes from our God.11‘So, leave… Get out… Get away, And stop touching the thing that’s unclean! Get out of its midst and stay far away, You who bear the Lord’s [holy things]!12‘For you’ll leave without any trouble, And as you go, you won’t have to run, Since your Lord will travel before you, And IsraEl’s God will cover your rear.13‘{Look!} My servant will then understand… He’ll be glorified and exalted… He’ll be raised exceedingly high 14To the amazement of all.‘Although men will despise his appearance, And his glory will be hated by sons of men; 15The nations will wonder at him, And at him, [their] kings [will cover] their mouths. For, things untold, they’ll see about him… Things they’ve not heard or understood.’
1‘O Jehovah,Who has trusted the report of the Lord And to whom has Jehovah’s arm been revealed?2‘We’ve announced that a boy has appeared before Him As a root in land that is dry. He doesn’t have glory or looks… We’ve seen him, and he doesn’t have beauty.3‘He’s appeared as one who’s dishonored, And by sons of men, he seemed lacking. He’s a man [who was born] for disaster, And he knows how to bear the illness of men.‘Since he turned his face in dishonor, He wasn’t [thought of as great]. 4But, he has carried our sins; And because of us, he came to know grief.‘He came here to know misery… For calamity and ill treatment by God. 5He was wounded because of our sins, And for our lawless deeds, he was bruised.‘[To bring us] peace, he was whipped, And by his stripes, we were healed. 6For, just like sheep, we’ve all strayed, And in our own ways, we have wandered.‘So [God] sent him to [cover] our sins; 7And when evil was inflicted upon him, He did not open his mouth… He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And like a lamb with no voice before shearers, He did not open his mouth.8‘In humiliation, his justice was taken away… Who can speak of the evil of that generation? His life was lifted away from the land, And he was led to his death For the lawless ways of My people.9‘Although they made his grave with the wicked, Among the rich, [he was buried]. For, he had broken no Laws, Nor was treachery found in his mouth.10‘It was [God’s] Will to cleanse him [with stripes]. But [because he] was brought as an offering for sins, Your offspring will live very long lives.11‘It was the Will of Jehovah… It was by His hand that He would remove The misery that his life came to know… As well as to show him the light… To give him great understanding… And to prove this righteous one just… This good one who would serve for so many In order to bear all their sins.12‘For this, he inherited many, And he’ll share his spoils with his mighty, Because his soul was handed to death And among the lawless, was numbered. For, the sins of many, he bore… And for their lawless deeds, he was given.’
1‘So be glad, all you who are sterile, And yell, O you who haven’t given birth… Yes you, the ones without birth pains! For the children of the barren will be many… More than those who have [their own] man! For the Lord Jehovah spoke and said this:2‘Widen the place for your tent, And hang leather upon all [its walls]! Don’t scrimp… Take plenty of land, And then, you should strengthen your tent pegs… 3Spread out [your tent] to the right and the left! For your offspring will inherit the nations, And in their empty cities, you’ll dwell.’4‘So, don’t be afraid that you’ve been disgraced Or be ashamed that you have been scolded; For you’ll soon forget all this shame, And the scorn of the widows will pass, 5Because the Lord has remade you… The One whose Name is Jehovah of Armies. Yes, you’ve been saved by IsraEl’s God, And He will be called, the God of the earth.6‘[He] didn’t call you as a woman forsaken… One broken-hearted and hated since youth. For, this is what was said by your God:7‘Although I left you alone for a while; Upon you, I’ll now show great mercy. 9This has long been My plan Since the waters fell upon Noah. For the oath that I swore towards the earth at that time Was to send My rage against it no more… I no longer want you to fear Me.10‘So your mountains [will never] be changed, And your hills will not be taken away. My mercy on you will not fail, And My Agreement for peace will not be removed. Yes, that’s how Jehovah spoke kindly of you.11‘Although I’ve humbled you and I’ve confused you, And you’ve not received any comfort from Me, {Look!} I’ve prepared garnets as your building stones And sapphires for your foundations. 12I’ll make your parapets of jasper; With crystal stones, I’ll build your gates; And I’ll use the choicest of [gems] for your doors.13‘Then, all of your sons will be taught about God, And much peace will be sent to your children. 14You’ll be established on justice Far away from all the unrighteous. For then, you’ll have nothing to fear, And trembling will never approach you.15‘{Look!} Because of Me, strangers will come, And with you, they will then wish to stay… For they’ll run to you as their refuge.16‘{Look!} I did not make you a forge to blow coals, Nor did I buy you as tools to do work. For corruption or destruction, you were not made; 17So no weapons that they bring against you will win.‘Then the voices of those who’ve condemned you will end… This is what God’s servants will inherit. And before Me, you will be found righteous,’ says Jehovah.
1‘So you thirsty, now come to the water… Come buy and eat without money… Yes, come here and buy without paying For even fat calves and the finest of wines!2‘Why place money higher than bread… Your efforts into things that won’t fill you? Listen to Me and eat good things… Yes, your souls will find joy in things that are good!3‘So your ears must pay close attention, And then you must walk in My ways… Yes, come and listen to Me, And your souls will receive all that is good!‘I’ll proclaim an Agreement with him throughout the age For the sacred, trusted things of [King] David. 4{Look!} I’ll seat him as a proof to the nations… As a ruler and signal to the peoples.5‘{Look!} Nations you don’t know will call upon him… Those you don’t know will seek refuge in him, Because of your God Jehovah… Because of IsraEl’s Most Holy One… For by Him, you’ll be glorified.6‘So you each must search for Jehovah, And when you find Him, you must call out to Him… Then, He will draw close to you.7‘The irreverent should leave their bad ways, And the lawless should abandon their evil plans! For, if they’ll return to Jehovah, Our God will show mercy upon them… He’ll even forgive the worst of their sins!8‘Your plans are not like My plans, And your ways are not like My ways,’ says Jehovah. 9‘As far as the heavens are over the earth, Are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.10‘For as rain and snow fall from the skies And do not return ‘til they soak the ground, And the earth gives birth and sprouts [plants], Which give seeds to the planters and bread as their food; 11So are the words that come from My mouth… To Me, they won’t return empty, Until they complete whatever I wish… So I’ll prosper your ways in ways I see fit.12‘Then, you will travel in joy, And you will be led out in gladness. For the mountains and hills will be leaping And be ready to receive you in favor and care, As the trees in the fields clap their branches.13‘Instead of brush piles, cypress will grow, And instead of briars, myrtles will sprout. Then Jehovah’s Name will be known, And throughout the ages, it will serve as a sign That will never come to an end.’
1‘Jehovah says:‘Guard right decisions and justice, For salvation from Me has approached… Yes, you will soon witness My mercy.’2‘Blest is the man who is doing these things, As well as the one who is holding them [dear]… The one who is guarding the Sabbaths And is careful not to profane them, As well as the one who keeps watch on his hands, So he never does what’s unrighteous.3‘Don’t let the foreigners say (Those who’ve come to be joined to the Lord), ‘Jehovah has set me apart from His people.’ And may the eunuch not say, ‘I am just a dry tree!‘4‘For, thus says Jehovah to eunuchs And to those who are keeping His Sabbaths… To all that choose to do as He wills And live by His Sacred Agreement:5‘I’ll give you something better than daughters and sons… From My [Temple] and famous walled [city], I’ll give you a name throughout the ages… [A name] that will never expire.6‘I’ll give it to those foreign peoples Who come to be joined to the Lord… To those who love him and bow to his name… To those women and men who will serve him, And to all that are keeping My Sabbaths (To those who do not profane them), And to those who hold onto My Sacred Agreement.7‘To My Holy Mountain, I’ll bring them, And I’ll give them joy in My House of Prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings And all that they bring to My Altar. For, at that time, My [Temple] will be called ‘A House of Prayer for all Nations.’8‘Yes, this was all said by Jehovah… The One who’ll return IsraEl’s scattered. He’ll call them for an assembly 9To which the wild beasts are invited… The wild beasts of the woods will go there and eat!10‘See how they all have been blinded… Those dumb dogs that don’t know how to bark… Those dreaming of beds and those fond of slumber… 11Those impudent dogs with unfulfilled lives.‘Because they’re wicked, they don’t understand, So they’ve followed the ways that they’ve chosen To gain an unfair advantage… Those who say, 12‘Come here and get wine; Then, let’s all drink ‘til we’re drunk. For tomorrow will be a much better day!’
1‘See how the righteous ones perish Because they don’t keep watch on their hearts. So the righteous are lifted away, And no one gives it a thought.‘Yes the just are lifted away Before the face of injustice. 2And although they’ll find peace in their graves, They’ve been lifted away from your midst.3‘Then the sons [of the] lawless are led before Me… The offspring of adulterers and whores!4‘In what have you found such enjoyment? Against whom have you opened your mouths To say wicked things with your tongues? Aren’t you the sons of destruction… An offspring without any honor?5‘Aren’t you the ones who call out to idols From under all the bushes and trees? Aren’t you the ones who kill your own babies Between the rocks in the valleys?6‘Yes, this is your portion… This is your lot; For to [idols], you’ve poured out drink offerings, And to them, you’ve brought sacrifices… Wouldn’t such things provoke Me to rage?7‘You make your beds on the tops of high hills, And you carry sacrifices up there. 8Then, behind your doors, you place [idols]… Do you think that if you leave Me, you’ll prosper?‘You’ve loved all those with whom you have slept… 9Those with whom you’ve been whoring… O how many [lovers] have you left behind?‘You’ve sent ambassadors across all your borders; And for this, you’ve been [cursed] to the place of the dead. 10But, although you’ve tired of your many [bad] ways, You’ve never said, ‘I’ll repent!’ Yes, you have done all these bad things; And for this, I won’t listen to the things that you beg!11‘You’ve held sacred those things that you fear, And against Me, you have all lied… You’ve never stopped to consider Or to think of Me in your hearts! 12So, I will report your [in]justice, And your evils won’t benefit you.13‘Then, in your [time of] affliction, And when you must call out [for aid], Ask [your idols] to save you! For the wind will take all your things, And a gale will blow them away.‘But, those who choose to hold onto Me Are the ones who’ll inherit [the] land, As well as My Holy Mountain.14‘Then, at that time, I will say:‘Come and smooth out the roads… Take the rocks from the paths of My people!’15Thus says the Most High God in the heights… The One who rests in His Most Holy Place… That place where He dwells throughout the ages, In His Most-Holy of Holies… Jehovah is His [great] Name. He’s the One who is patient with the meek And gives life to those who have broken hearts:16‘I’ll not punish you [again] through this age, Nor will I remain angry with you. I will pour My Spirit upon you; For I’m the One who gave you your breath!17‘Because of their sins, I grieved them a while… I turned My face and I struck them… I brought them grief and they traveled in gloom.18‘But I saw all their ways and I healed them; I gave them comfort… Comfort that’s true. 19Yes, I brought peace upon peace To those who are near and those far away.’And Jehovah said:‘As a result, I will heal them! 20But the unrighteous will roll like the waves, And they’ll be unable to rest… 21There’ll be no peace for the godless,’ said God.
1‘Yell it out loud… Don’t hold it back!
Raise your voices like trumpets,
And announce the sins of My people…
Tell the house of Jacob how lawless they’ve been!2‘But the day will come when they’ll seek Me
And wish to know all My ways.
For they’ll be a righteous people again,
And they won’t abandon the justice of God.‘Even now, they ask for My righteous decisions,
And they want to come closer to God.
3They have repeatedly asked Me:‘Why haven’t You looked when we fasted?
Why didn’t You notice when we humbled our souls?’‘[But, this is what you should tell them]:‘On the days that you fast, you do as you please…
And you oppress those whom [you employ].4‘You fast [to win] lawsuits and battles,
As you beat the humble with your fists.
So, why are you fasting to Me
In the ways that you’re doing today…
Just to hear the sounds of your voices?5‘I never chose fasts for such reasons;
For, when you fast, you should humble your souls.
So don’t bend your necks in a crook,
Or wear sackcloth with ashes beneath you;
For, when you call fasts for such reasons,
I will refuse to accept them.’6‘Jehovah says:‘I’ve not asked you to fast for such things.
I’ve asked you to loosen the bonds of injustice,
And to end your violent exchanges.‘Send away freely, those who’ve been wronged,
And tear up your unrighteous [contracts]!
7Break bread with those who are hungry,
And accept the homeless and poor in your homes!‘If you see someone naked, provide him with clothes!
And concerning the offspring of your family;
You should dislike them no more!
8Then, the next morning, light will break through,
And the things that need cures will be gone.’‘[Then, if you should choose to do all these things],
The righteousness will travel with you,
And the glory of God will protect you.
9When you call to Jehovah, He’ll listen,
And while you’re still speaking, He’ll say, ‘Here I am!’‘If you’ll get rid of your evil plans,
[And happily] stretch out your hands…
10If you will open your hearts
And give bread to the hungry
Until the souls of the humble are filled;
Your light will arise from the darkness,
And your darkness will be as midday;
11Your God will always be with you,
And you’ll [get] all the things that you want.‘Like well-watered gardens, your bones will grow fat,
And you’ll be like springs in a desert.
12Your desolate places will all be rebuilt…
For generations of generations, their foundations will last.
You’ll be called a builder of walls,
And there’ll be no stones in your paths.13‘If you’ll turn your feet towards the Sabbaths,
And not do as you wish on this holy day;
If you’ll call the Sabbaths delightful
(Things that are holy to God);
If you won’t lift a foot to do work,
Nor let angry words flow from your mouths,
14And you just rely on Jehovah;
To your land, He will send blessings…
He’ll feed the inheritance of Jacob (your father).’From the mouth of the Lord, these things were all said.
1Is the hand of Jehovah too weak to save… Are His ears too heavy to listen? 2It’s your sins that have brought this division Between yourselves and your God… It’s because of your sins that He’s turned away So as not to show mercy upon you.3For your hands are tainted with blood, And your fingers [are covered with] sins. Your lips speak about lawless things, And your tongues discuss what’s unrighteous.4Of righteous things, you no longer talk, Nor is there any true justice. You’re relying on things that are foolish, And the words that you speak are all empty.To things that are lawless, you’ve given birth, And to misery, you are a father. 5You hatch eggs of asps and weave spider’s webs; But before they can be devoured, A rotten egg breaks and out comes a cobra.6So, they won’t weave your webs into clothes, And you’ll not wear the rest of the things that you’ve made; For, all that you’re doing is lawless.7Your feet now run towards what’s wicked, And you’re quick to shed innocent blood. Your thoughts are all about murder… In your paths, are misery and destruction.8The ways of peace, you’ve not known, And in your roads, there’s injustice. The paths that you walk are all twisted, And peaceful ways, you’ve forgotten. 9Yes, things that are fair have all left you… There’s no way that you will be just.So, as these people are waiting for light (As they’re awaiting the sunrise), All that comes will be darkness, And they’ll walk as though it were midnight.10Along the walls, like blind men, they’ll grope (They’ll grope like men with no eyes), And they’ll stumble at noon as at midnight… Then, groan like those who are dying… 11They’ll travel like a bear with a dove.So although we have waited for justice, Our salvation is still far away, 12Since our lawless ways before Him are great, And our sins haven’t been left behind.Yes, our lawless ways are still in us, And we’re aware of all our offenses. 13We’ve lied and we have been godless… We have departed from God.We’ve spoken unjustly and don’t wish to change… Of unrighteous things, we think in our hearts. 14We’ve left behind all that is fair, And justice is now far away.Truth is being consumed in our ways, And we’re unable to walk in straight paths. 15Yes, truth has been lifted away, And the thoughts of the knowing are twisted.Jehovah saw this and He wasn’t pleased; For nowhere could fairness be found. 16He thought and beheld that there’s no one… Not a man who’ll give aid [to another].So, with His arm, He became their defender… In His mercy, He gave them support. 17He put on the chest plate of justice, And the helmet of salvation, He raised to His head. 18In the coat of vengeance, He then wrapped Himself (In the robe of deserved retribution) To repay the scorn of His enemies.19So, Jehovah’s Name will be feared in the west, And in the east, He’ll be honored and respected. For the anger of the Lord is now blazing Like the rage of a river.20‘Then a savior will come out of Zion Who’ll remove the irreverence from Jacob,’ said Jehovah. 21‘And this is My Promise to him: My Spirit will rest upon you And I’ll put My words in your mouth. At that time, your mouth will not fail you, Nor will the mouths of your offspring From now and into the ages.’
1So now, you should walk towards the light… O JeruSalem, be lighted once more! For His light is shining upon you, Since the glory of Jehovah has risen!2{Look!} Although darkness will cover the earth And the nations will be covered with gloom; Over you, the Lord will appear, And His glory will shine down upon you. 3Then the nations will be drawn to your light, And their kings will [head towards] your brightness.4So, lift your eyes and look all around, For you’ll see your children being gathered… From far-away places, your sons will return, And your daughters will be carried on shoulders.5You’ll see it in fear and your hearts will [skip beats]; For the wealth of the seas will then turn towards you, And to you, the nations and peoples will stream.6Then, you will own teams of camels! For the camels of MidiAn, Ephah, and SheBa Will arrive bearing gold and frankincense… And with the good news of Jehovah’s salvation.7[And God says:]‘The sheep of Cypress will be gathered to you, And NebAiOth’s rams will come also To be sacrificed on My Altar, And My House of Prayer will be glorified.8‘Who are these who fly by like clouds… Passing by like doves with their young?9‘Islands have waited upon Me… But first, the boats of TarShish must come To return your children from faraway lands, Along with much silver and gold, To honor the Name of the Lord… To glorify IsraEl’s Most Holy One.10‘Then, foreigners will come to rebuild your walls, And their kings will be standing beside you.‘And although I struck you because of My rage; It’s because of My mercy that you will be loved.11‘Then your gates will always be open (Both day and night they’ll never be locked) To bring in the might of the nations… And their kings will be leading the way!12‘The nations and kings who won’t serve you will die… They’ll be wiped away and destroyed. 13But to you, the glories of Lebanon will come… They’ll bring cypress, pine lumber, and cedars In order to glorify My Holy Place… I’ll glorify the Place where you stand.14‘Then the sons of those who once humbled you Will stand before you in awe. And those who provoked you will bow With their heads at the soles of your feet. You’ll be called the City of [God]… And IsraEl’s Most Holy Place, Zion.15‘Because you were abandoned and hated, And no one came to your aid; Throughout the ages, I’ll make you a leaping for joy, And a gladness throughout generations.16‘You’ll drink the milk of the nations, And from the wealth of kings, you will eat. Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah… Jacob’s God, who rescues and saves.17‘Then instead of bronze, I’ll bring gold; Instead of iron, I’ll bring silver; Instead of wood, I’ll bring bronze; And instead of stones, I’ll bring iron.‘I’ll appoint your rulers for peace, And your overseers for justice. 18No more will injustice be heard in your land… No misery or destruction within your borders. For your walls will be known as Salvation, And your gates will be called Shouts of Joy.19‘No longer will your days be lit by the sun And the moon won’t be the light for your nights. For throughout ages, Jehovah will serve as your light… Yes, God will then be your glory!20‘Upon you, the sun will not set, And the moon will never subside. For the Lord is your light throughout the ages, And your reasons to mourn will be gone.21‘Then, all your people will be righteous And they’ll inherit the land throughout the ages. They will keep all the things that they plant, And the works of their hands, they will own.’22The remnant will then become thousands, And the least will become a great nation; For in time, Jehovah will bring them all back.
[Editor Note: The text says, in verse 8, that much of the following is not being spoken by God, but by ‘the Lord,’ who communicated God’s words. So, we have not capitalized the personal pronouns where we think he was speaking.] 1‘The Breath of Jehovah is upon me, And I’ve been anointed by Him To announce good news to the poor.‘He sent me to heal broken hearts, To proclaim a freedom to captives And a recovery of sight to the blind… 2To call for a year of Jehovah’s favor, As well as a day of vengeance, And to comfort those who are sad.3‘Instead of ashes, I’m bringing glory To those who are mourning for Zion… An anointing of gladness to all those who mourn That will serve as glorious clothing, Instead of the spirit of being unclean.‘They’ll be called, ‘A Generation of the Righteous’… ‘A Planting to the Glory of [God].’ 4Then, throughout the ages, they’ll build in the deserts… In places that were once desolation.‘They’ll arise and revive desert cities, Which, throughout generations, lay wasted. 5Foreign peoples will come there to tend your sheep, And Philistines will be your vinedressers and plowmen.6‘Then, Priests of Jehovah, you will be called… They’ll say you’re the servants of God. You’ll devour the strength of the nations, And be admired because of your wealth. 7So, once again, you’ll inherit the land, With ages of joy over your heads.8‘For, I am the Lord… A lover of justice, And one who hates unrighteous seizures. So, to the righteous, I will return The things for which they’ve worked hard, And I’ll make an age-long Agreement with them.9‘Then their offspring will be known by the nations, And their descendants will be known by all people. Yes, all that see them will recognize them, For they’ll be an offspring that’s blest by God 10And find joy in the joy of the Lord.‘May my soul shout in praise of Jehovah, For He’s wrapped me in a coat of salvation And in an inner garment of joy! A garland, He’s placed on my head, like a groom, And like a bride, He’s adorned me with jewels.11‘As flowers that grow from the ground And as seeds that sprout in a garden, The Lord Jehovah will raise what is righteous, And bring joy to all of the nations.’
1‘For Zion, I will not stay silent, And for JeruSalem, I will spare none Until my justice goes forth like the light, And my salvation burns like a lamp.2‘Then the nations will look at your justice, And their kings will see all your glory. They will then call you by your new name… A name that will come from the mouth of Jehovah. 3For, in His hand, you’ll be a crown… A royal turban in the hand of our God.4‘You’ll no longer be called ‘The Forsaken,’ And your land won’t be called ‘Desolation.’ ‘My Will,’ is what you’ll be called, And your land will be called ‘Habitation.’ For the Lord has found pleasure in you, And with him, you’ll dwell in your land.5‘As a young man joins with a virgin Is how your sons will stick close to you. For as happy as a groom with his bride Is how the Lord will find joy in you.6‘O JeruSalem,‘Upon your walls, I’ll place guards Who will not stay silent throughout days and nights… And to the end, they will speak of Jehovah.7‘For to you, there’ll be no other like Him, Because He will set matters straight, And JeruSalem will be the earth’s navel.8‘For, Jehovah swore this by His right hand And by the strength of His arm:‘Your enemies won’t eat your food or your grain, Nor will foreigner’s sons drink your wine. 9Only the harvesters will eat it, And they will give praise to Jehovah… And those who pick [grapes] will drink their [own wine] Within My Holy estates.10‘So, get up and open My gates… Open the way for My people! Remove the stones from their roads, And raise a sign that the nations will see.’11‘Then, to the ends of the earth, The Lord will broadcast these words. He’ll, say to the daughter of Zion:‘Look, your Savior has come, And before his face is his work and reward!12‘Then He’ll call you, ‘A Most Holy People Who have been Ransomed by [God].’ And you’ll be called, ‘The City We’ve Searched For,’ And no longer, ‘The One that’s Abandoned.’
1Who is this that’s coming from Edom (From BozRah, wearing clothes with red stains)… This handsome one with that great, mighty arm?‘I have [arrived to bring] justice And [to plead] your case for salvation.’2But, why are you wearing red clothes, As though you’ve been treading a vat?3‘I’m covered with the things that I’ve trampled, And none from the nations are with me; For I’ve trampled them all in my rage.‘I broke them [like plowing] the ground, And I’ve poured their blood out over the land… So, that’s why my clothes are defiled.4‘For the day of retribution has come And the year for paying the ransom is here.5‘But I searched and found no one to help me… I noticed that no one would come to my aid. So I brought salvation with my own mighty arm… I attended to it in my rage.6‘I trampled them down in my anger, And I led their blood into the ground!’7I’ve considered the mercies of [God], And the virtues of His retribution. [I found His] judgments on IsraEl just, For what He brings is justice and mercy.8He said:‘If My children will show Me respect; From their opposers, I’ll save them… Yes Me, not My angel or envoy!’9Because He loves them, He’ll save them… He’ll spare them, and [He’ll pay] their ransom. But, although He once took them and raised them; Throughout the days of that age 10They still refused to listen to Him, And by this, they provoked His Spirit.So Jehovah turned against them in hatred, And then He waged war against them. 11But He thought about days of old, And then, He raised a man from the ground Who would shepherd His sheep.12So, where is this one who poured out [God’s] Breath… The one who led Moses with his right hand… This one with the glorious arm?Before [Moses], he conquered the waters, And throughout ages, he made a name for himself. 13For he led them through the deep [sea]; Then like horses in the desert, they didn’t wear out.14Thereafter, as though they were cattle, [They traveled from there through] the plains… For the Spirit of the Lord came to guide them. And once more, this is how he will lead them, And make a glorious name for himself.15So, turn and look down from the heavens… Look down from your holy, glorious place! Where is your zeal and your strength… Where is the mercy and compassion That you’ve been withholding from us?16Our father, you have become; For by AbraHam, we wouldn’t be known, Nor would IsraEl be able to recognize us. So Lord, please come to our aid; For you have become our [true] father!17From ancient times, we’ve carried [God’s] Name; So, why did He let us stray from His ways And harden our hearts not to fear Him?Please return to us, because we’re Your servants… We’re the tribes that You have chosen by lot 18To inherit Your Most Holy Mountain.Your enemies have trampled on Your Holy Place, 19And we’ve returned to what we once were Before You became our Ruler And when we were not called by Your Name.
1If You should choose to open the skies, The mountains would tremble and melt As though they were beeswax in fire.2So, You will send flames to consume [our oppressors], And [among us], Your Name will then shine… Before You, the nations will quiver. 3And when You do Your honorable deeds, The mountains will all start to tremble.4Throughout the ages, no one has ever heard, Nor have their eyes seen a god who’s like You… None that have done the deeds You’ve done On behalf of those seeking Your mercy.5You will meet with the righteous, And remember how we had been just. {Look!} But now, we have sinned and provoked You to rage, And for this, we’ve been forced to wander.6For we’ve pushed aside what is righteous Like a rag of menstruation. Into lawless ways, we have fallen like leaves, So the wind will blow us away.7Now, none among us call on Your Name, Nor have any remembered to grab hold of You. So from us, You have turned Your face, And You’ve handed us over because of our sins.8But Jehovah; you are our [true] Father, And we are just [clay]… The works of Your hands. 9So [please] don’t stay angry with us… Don’t always remember our sins!O Jehovah, please look down upon us, Because, we are your people! 10Your Holy City Zion, is now desolation, For JeruSalem has been destroyed. 11Your Temple and its Glorious Most Holy By which our fathers were blest, Lies scorched, and its honorable things are torn down.12All of this, You’ve had to endure, O Lord… As You’ve been silent and let us be humbled.
1‘I was seen by those not searching for Me And found by those not asking for Me… I said, ‘Here I am,’ to a nation That had never called on My Name.2‘For I’ve held out My hands all day long To a people who just wouldn’t listen, And to those who only talked back… Those who have not followed in good ways, But who’ve kept on [walking] in sin.3‘Before Me, they stand and [do evil things]… For they sacrifice in their gardens And burn incense on bricks before demons; 4They sleep in tombs and in caves to have dreams, Then eat pig flesh and [offer Me] gravy.‘So, all that [they offer] is tainted; 5Yet, they say, ‘Stay away… Don’t approach me! For, I have made myself clean!’‘Such things will bring them the smoke of My rage, And a fire that will burn throughout the rest of their days.6‘Look! It’s written that here in My presence, I won’t stay silent until I’ve repaid And [raked] all their sins onto their chests, 7As well as the sins of their fathers,’ says Jehovah.‘So on those who burn incense on the mountains And speak ill of Me in the hills; I’ll [rake] their [bad] deeds onto their chests!’8Jehovah says:‘When they find seeds in grapes, they often say:‘Do not throw them away, For they will bring us good luck!’And that’s how I’ll deal with My servants… It’s what I’ll do, so I don’t destroy all.9‘From Jacob and Judah, I’ll pick out one offspring Who’ll inherit my Holy Mountain. My elected, he’ll also inherit, And they will dwell with him there.10‘Then, flocks will live in their groves, And in the Valley of Achor, My people’s herds will find rest… Yes, the [sheep among those] that are searching for Me.11‘But, you are the ones who have left Me… From My Holy Mountain, you’ve turned away, As you’ve prepared tables for demons, And mixed [magic potions] to bring you good luck.12‘So, to the sword, I’ll now hand you, And you will fall in the slaughter. For I called out, but you wouldn’t listen… I spoke, but you paid no attention… You kept doing what’s wicked before Me, And the things I don’t want are the things that you chose.13‘So because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} My servants will eat, while you starve; {Look!} My servants will drink, while you’re thirsty; {Look!} And those serving Me will be happy, While you will be filled with shame.14‘Yes, those serving Me will cry out in joy, While you cry out in misery of heart… And you’ll shriek as you’re being destroyed!15‘Then the names that you’ll leave behind Will be a glut to My chosen ones. For the Lord will do away with you all, And I’ll give a new name to My servants.16‘Throughout the whole earth, they’ll be blest, And they will give praise to Jehovah. Then, those on the earth that swear oaths, Will swear them by the true God. They’ll forget the trials that they had to endure… Such things won’t enter their hearts.17‘For there’ll be new lands and new skies, And past things will not be remembered, Nor will they enter their hearts. 18Then, all will be leaping for joy Because of the happiness they’ll find there!‘{Look!} I’ll make JeruSalem a leaping for joy And a source of glee to My people. 19About that city, I’ll shout in praise, And be happy along with My people.‘No more will you hear sounds of weeping Or the sounds of crying among them. 20No way will there be a miscarriage, Or the old that don’t live out their days. For a man will be young at 100, And at 100, the sinners will be cursed and die.21‘The rest will build houses in which they will live… They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit, And they will drink their own wine. 22No way will they then build for others, And no way will they plant what others will eat.‘Then the days of My people will be like a tree, And what they make with their hands will grow old.23‘My elected won’t labor for nothing, Nor will they give birth to cursed children; For their offspring and all their descendants Will then be blessings from God.24‘Before they call, I will hear them, And when they speak, I’ll ask what they want.25‘Then wolves and lambs will all graze together, And lions will eat straw like the ox. The snake will eat the ground as its bread, And none will harm or destroy On My Holy Mountain,’ says Jehovah.
1Jehovah said:‘Since the heavens are My Throne and the earth is My footstool; What kind of Temple can you build for Me… What kind of place [can you build] for My rest? 2For, since it all was made by My hands, These things are [already] Mine!’Then Jehovah said:‘Upon whom will I look [in favor]? Just the unassuming and humble… Just those who tremble at the things that I say.3‘But a calf that is offered by the lawless Is to Me, like the slaps of a man. And when they sacrifice from the flock, I view it as though they are offering dogs.‘[I consider] their offerings of fine flour The same as the blood of a pig… And the frankincense that they offer As shouting blasphemies against Me.‘For they’ve each selected their own ways to go, And what they’ve chosen has proven disgusting. 4So I’ll choose My own ways to mock them, And I’ll pay them back for their sins.‘For I called out to them and they chose not to hear… I spoke and they just wouldn’t listen. Before Me, they’ve acted wickedly, And done things that I didn’t want.’5So, hear the word of Jehovah, O you who tremble when you hear His voice! Tell your brothers that hate and detest you To glorify the Name of Jehovah – [A Name] that should be looked on in joy And of which they should not feel ashamed!6There’s a voice crying out from the city… From the Temple, a voice can be heard… It is the voice of Jehovah, And concerning His retribution, He said:7‘Before her labor to give birth And before the misery of birth pangs, She fled and gave birth to a son.’8Who has ever heard such a thing… Who’s ever seen anything like it? Has the earth given birth in a day… Has a nation given birth all at once, As Zion will labor and bring forth [a son]?9Jehovah said:‘I told them what they should expect, But they failed to remember [My words]. For {Look!} I made the ones who give birth, As well as those who are sterile.’And your God says:10‘So JeruSalem; you should be glad… Those who love her should all celebrate. Yes, celebrate in joy, you who live there, And all of you who have mourned her!11‘For, you can now nurse and be filled With the comfort that comes from her breasts… In sucking, you too may indulge, When her glory is finally shown.’12Jehovah said:‘{Look!} Towards them, I’ll divert a river of peace, And they’ll be covered with the glory of the nations Who’ll carry your children on their shoulders, And on their knees, [your young] will find comfort, 13As any [good] mother gives comfort.‘This is how I will then bring comfort to you… And JeruSalem; you’ll find comfort. 14You’ll see it and rejoice in your heart and your bones… Then you’ll flourish like grass in a pasture!’Then, all will know that this came from [God’s] hand… Yes, all those who fear Him will know it. But, He will threaten all those Who choose to resist His persuasion.15For {Look!} the Lord will come like a fire… As a blast from his chariot wheels, in his rage, To pay back and punish in flames All those who’ve turned from [God] in contempt.16‘Then the lands will be judged by his fire, And all flesh [will be judged] by his sword. Many will be slain by the Lord in that day… 17Those who’ve gone to their gardens for cleansing And those who ate pork on their thresholds (The disgusting things and the mouse)… Together, they’ll all be consumed,’ said Jehovah.18‘I know of their works and their ways, And I’ve come to gather all nations and tongues… To see My glory, they’ll gather, 19And I will give them a sign.‘I’ll bring back those whom I gave to the nations… From TarShish, Pul, MeShach, and Lud… From Tubal, Greece, and the islands… From those far away who’ve not heard of My Name And from those who’ve not witnessed My glory.‘They’ll announce My glory to the nations… 20And then, as a gift from the Lord; From the nations, I’ll bring back your brothers, Along with horses and wagons, And royal chariots with awnings, drawn by mules.’And Jehovah said:‘Then the sons of IsraEl will bring sacrifices And sing songs in the Temple of God. 21And from them, I’ll choose Levites and Priests,’ said Jehovah. 22‘For, as the new lands and new skies that I’ll make Have been waiting before Me,’ says Jehovah; ‘I’ll establish your offspring and your name.23‘Then, there in JeruSalem; From New Moon to New Moon and Sabbath to Sabbath, All flesh will come and bow before Me,’ said Jehovah.24‘They’ll go out and see the bodies of men (Those who’ve rebelled against Me) Whose worms won’t come to an end, And whose fire will not be extinguished… It’ll be a sight for all flesh [to see].’
1These are the words of God which came to JeremiAh (son of HilkiAh), a Priest who lived in AnathOth, in the land of BenJamin.2God’s words came to him in the days of JosiAh (son of AmMon) the king of Judah in the 13th year of his reign.3All of this happened from the time of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah, until the 11th year of ZedekiAh (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah – and [the beginning of] the captivity of JeruSalem, [which happened] in the 5th month.4The Word of Jehovah came to me and said:5‘I knew you before you were formed in the womb And before you came from the belly. So I chose you and I made you holy To serve as a Prophet to the nations.’6But I said:‘O Great Being… O Lord… O Jehovah,‘{Look!} I don’t know how to speak, for I’m just a young man.’7And the Lord told me:‘Don’t say that you’re just a young man; For you’ll go to whomever I send you And you’ll speak whatever I tell you to say! 8So, don’t be afraid when you go before them, Since I’m with you and I will protect you.’9Then the Lord stuck his hand out towards me and touched my mouth, and said:‘Look! I’m putting my words in your mouth. 10For I’ve appointed you over nations and kingdoms To root out, cut down, and set free, And then to rebuild and replant.’11Thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me again and asked:‘What do you see now, JeremiAh?’And I said:‘I see a walnut walking stick.’12Then the Lord said to me:‘You are [very observant]; And I’m [watching to see if you’ll] do as I [say].’13Then the Word of Jehovah came to me a second time and asked:‘What do you see now?’And I replied:‘I see a kettle over a fire, and the front side of it is facing the north.’14Then the Lord said to me:‘Thus, from the face of the north, All those who are bad will be burned away From among those who live in the land. 15For, {Look!} this is what was said by Jehovah:‘From the north, I’ll be gathering kingdoms That will come, and then, they’ll each place their thrones On the thresholds of JeruSalem’s gates, And on the walls of the cities of Judah.16‘Then I’ll speak My judgments against them For all the bad things they’ve done… [I’ll speak of] how they have left Me And sacrificed to gods that they’ve never known, Then they bowed before the works of their hands.’17‘So arise and wrap up your waist, And say to them what I’ll tell you to say! Don’t be afraid when you go there, Nor be in terror before them; For, this was said by Jehovah:‘I’m with you and I will [protect] you.’18‘{Look!} So today, I’ve turned you into a fort… A fortified wall made of brass To resist Judah’s rulers and kings, And to oppose the people of your land.’19And the Lord said:‘Although they will wage war against you, There’s no way that they’ll be able to win; For I’m with you and I will [protect] you.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me again and said:2‘Go and yell in JeruSalem’s ears… Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘I remembered the mercy you had in your youth And the love that you had for perfection When you obeyed IsraEl’s Most Holy One.’‘Yes, this was said by Jehovah, IsraEl’s Most Holy Lord. 3For, IsraEl is Holy to Jehovah, And because they are His first born, He’s offended by those who are chewing them up, And on those doing this, He’s bringing bad things.4‘O house of Jacob (you families of the house of IsraEl); Hear the word of Jehovah! 5For Jehovah is asking you this:‘What defect in Me, did your fathers find That they’d leave Me to act in this way And start following after such foolish things?6‘They no longer ask, ‘Where’s Jehovah… The One who led us through the desert from Egypt… Through that vast land of no water or fruit… A land through which no man can travel… A land where none can survive?’7‘For I led you to CarMel, where you ate its fruits, As well as its other good things… Then you entered My land and defiled it, And My inheritance, you turned into something that’s foul.8‘But the priests don’t ask, ‘Where’s Jehovah?’ So, those who were resisting the Law Weren’t prompted to turn back to Me. Your shepherds also showed no respect, And your prophets spoke prophecies by BaAl, So they followed after things that were worthless!9‘But, despite all of this, I still chose them, says Jehovah; And the sons of their sons, I’ve [accepted].10‘Now, go to the Island of Cyprus and see… Yes, send to Kedar and you’ll understand! See if the gods of those nations Have ever had any effect… Then you’ll know that they really aren’t gods!11‘Yet, My people have left all their glory For things that do them no good! 12And by this, the heavens were amazed… [It caused them to] shudder, says Jehovah.‘To Me, My people did two wicked things:13• They abandoned the spring of the waters of life, • And they dug cracked cisterns that cannot hold water.14‘Is IsraEl a slave or a native-born son; For, why did he choose to be plundered? 15Now, lions are roaring before him That are ordered to wipe out his land. So his cities will be cut to the ground, Then no one can live there again!16‘The sons of Memphis and TahPanhes… Those who know you, are laughing at you! 17And this happened because you have left Me, Says Jehovah, your God.18‘Now, what are the ways of Egypt to you That you would [long for] their waters? And what are the ways of Assyria to you That you’d wish to drink from their rivers?19‘So because you’ve left Me, I’ll discipline you… For your evil ways, I will scold You… You’ll see it happen and then you will know How bitter are the ways of turning from Me, Says Jehovah, your God!20‘I’ve come to think [poorly] of you,’ Says Jehovah your God. ‘For, throughout the ages, you’ve broken My yoke And you have ripped off My bonds.‘You said:‘I won’t be [Your] servant; But I’ll climb up every high hill And bow beneath every shade tree… And there is where I’ll go whoring!’21‘Yet I planted you to be My grapevine For the purpose of bearing the fruitage of truth. So, why did you then turn so bitter And become a grapevine that’s strange?22‘Now, if I would wash you in lye, And if I’d use plenty of soap, You’d still be spotted in your sins before Me.23‘How can you say you’re not dirty And that you’ve not chased after BaAl? See how you’re acting in graveyards… Yes, you know all the things that you’ve done!24‘Upon desert waters, her ways have been spread, And she’s driven by the winds of desires. So to them, she’s been handed over, To turn her away from her [evil].‘Now those searching for her won’t get tired, And she will be humbled when they arrive.25‘Although she should divert her feet from this path And turn her throat from this thirst, This is what she’s still saying:‘I will act like a man; So, I will chase after strangers, And with them, I will make love!’26‘As a thief is shamed when he’s caught, Is how IsraEl’s sons will be shamed… Yes they, their kings, and their rulers, As well as their prophets and priests.27‘For they’ve said to a tree, ‘You’re my father;’ And they’ve said to a stone, ‘You gave me life.’‘Yet, although they have all turned their backs (But not their faces) towards Me; When hard times arrive, they’ll still say:‘O Jehovah, please save us!’28‘Will [your idols] still save you in difficult times, And will [you turn] to these gods that you’ve made?‘In Judah, each city now has its own gods, And in all of JeruSalem’s streets They offer sacrifices to BaAl. 29So, why are you even talking to me?’‘Jehovah says:‘You’ve been irreverent and lawless towards Me, 30And it’s in vain that I’ve spanked you like children; For, from My correction, you’ve failed to learn!‘So, although your prophets were devoured by swords, And although lions came and wiped them away, This hasn’t [taught you] to fear Me.31‘Therefore, hear the Word of Jehovah, For Jehovah is asking you this:‘To IsraEl, am I now a desert… Am I a land that’s barren to you?‘Why is it that My people say:‘Because you aren’t our Lord anymore, We’ll no longer be coming before You’?32‘Will the bride forget her tiara, And will virgins forget the bands for their breasts? Yet, I’ve been forgotten by you Through too many days to be counted.33‘What good can you make of your ways, So that you can seek [My] affection again? It just won’t do any good, Because you’ve made yourselves wicked.‘All of your ways are now dirty, And innocent blood is found in your hands. 34No, I don’t find [their bodies] in ditches, But [hanging] from every [tall] tree. 35Yet you still say, I’m not guilty… So, please turn back You rage!‘{Look!} I’m the One who’s passing judgment on you When you say that you have not sinned! 36And for you, I’ve come to feel great disdain Because of the things that you’re doing.‘Therefore, by Egypt, you will be disgraced, As Assyria has disgraced you before. 37You’ll be taken from here with your hands on your heads, For Jehovah has thrust you away… And then, none of your hopes will succeed.’
1‘If a man releases his woman And she [then moves in with] another… Then, if she thereafter [also leaves him], Can she return [to first one] again? For, once she has been defiled, Isn’t she always defiled?‘Yet, after [you’ve had] many shepherds, You want to come back to Me, said Jehovah. 2So now, raise your eyes to see the right way… See how you’ve been defiled!‘For you sat by the road [and waited] for them Alone and defiled like a crow In this land of your evil and whoring.3‘You’ve stumbled and had many shepherds, And because you looked like a whore, You have brought shame on them all.4‘Yet, didn’t you call Me [your] Father… The One who founded your virgin condition! 5[And wasn’t it you who once said], Throughout the age, I’ll still be a virgin… I’ll guard this state ‘til I’ve won? {Look!} Yet, although you made such a vow, You went and did this vile thing!’6Well, it was during the days of King JosiAh that the Lord came and said this to me:‘You saw what the house of IsraEl has done… For she’s climbed upon every high mountain And crawled under every tree in the woods, And there, she’s committing [adultery].7‘Then, after she does all her whoring; Although I’ve told her to turn from this badness, She still refuses to stop.‘So when I saw that Judah had broken [her vows]; 8I knew that in order to benefit all, I had to stand up [for what’s right].‘For the house of IsraEl fell into seduction, And then she committed adultery. So with a certificate of divorce I sent her away.‘But the [vow]-breaker Judah wasn’t bothered by this, And she continued in her whoring ways. 9For, whoring was nothing to her… She even did it with wood and stone things… 10Her heart refused to turn back, And all she offered was lies.’11Then the Lord said this to me:‘Even IsraEl was better than this [vow]-breaker Judah; 12So, go to the north and then read these words… Tell [those in the north] that thus says Jehovah:‘O house of IsraEl, if you’ll come back to Me, Against you, I’ll not set My face… I will show mercy upon you, says Jehovah, And throughout the age, I won’t be outraged.13‘Just be aware of your sins! For you’ve shown disrespect to Jehovah your God… [Your love] you’ve given to strangers Beneath every tree in the woods, And you chose not to do what I said, says Jehovah.14‘So return, you sons who’ve revolted, says God, And I’ll be your Lord once again. I’ll choose one man from each city, And I will choose two from each family; Then, I will take them to Zion 15And appoint these ones whom My heart has chosen To serve as shepherds for you, And with higher knowledge, they’ll watch over you.16‘Then, as you grow and spread in the land, says Jehovah; In those days, they’ll not speak anymore Of IsraEl’s Holy Chest of the Sacred Agreement… No, it won’t come into their hearts… It won’t be named or examined… This won’t be done anymore!17‘For, in those days and during that time, JeruSalem will everafter be known As the place of the Throne of Jehovah, And it’s where all the nations will gather With no wicked thoughts in their hearts.18‘And in those days, the houses of IsraEl and Judah Will become one [nation] again. They’ll be gathered from the lands of the north To the place that I gave to their fathers.’19Well at that, I shouted:‘May it happen, O Lord!‘For You told me that You will let me have children again, and that I will receive a choice piece of land… The inheritance of the Almighty God… [The God] that will be over all the nations! Yes, Father; you’ve called me, and now I’ll never turn away from You!’20But the Lord said:‘The house of IsraEl has left me, Like a woman who’s rejected her man. 21And for this, her lips will thereafter weep.‘So, tell IsraEl’s sons to turn back and beg, Because their ways have led them to sin, And they’ve forgotten their Most Holy God. 22So sons; it is time to turn back… Turn back and I’ll heal your broken condition!’[And I said]:‘Look… That’s how we’ll be with You then, for You are our God Jehovah, 23and all the powers of the hills and mountains are really the powers of our Lord… Our God who is IsraEl’s Savior!24‘However, the efforts of our fathers have been eaten away by shame since the time of their youth, and now all their calves and sheep (their sons and daughters) 25go to bed in shame and they’re covered by their dishonor. Yes, like our fathers, we have sinned before God from the time of our youth down to this day, and we’ve failed to pay attention to the voice of our God Jehovah!’
1Then the Lord said:‘If IsraEl should [choose to] return, I’ll also turn back to them. If they’ll wash the disgusting things from their mouths… If they’ll show that they will respect me, 2And if they’ll swear ‘As Jehovah is living’ in oaths; I’ll bless them with equity, justice, and truth. Then the rest of the nations will praise them, And in JeruSalem, all will praise God.3‘So to the men of Judah and JeruSalem Jehovah gave these instructions:‘Prepare your [hearts]… Yes, get them ready to plow… Don’t allow thorn bushes to grow here again!’4‘O men of Judah and JeruSalem,‘Circumcise yourselves to your God… Snip the hardness out of your hearts So He doesn’t send the fire of His rage… [A fire] that can’t be extinguished Because of the bad things you’re doing!5‘Announce [this message] to Judah, And let them hear it in JeruSalem:‘Blow trumpets throughout the whole land, And then, cry out in loud voices!’6‘Say:‘All should gather inside the walled cities… Gather your things and run to Mount Zion! Do this quickly, don’t wait, For from the north, bad things will arrive… A terrible destruction is heading your way!’7‘Now the lion has come from his lair, And he is wiping out nations. He’s arisen and now he’s come from his place To desolate lands and destroy them!‘So your cities will all be demolished, And you’ll no longer be living within them. 8Because of this, put on sackcloth… Yes, be sad, and then start to bawl! For the anger and rage of Jehovah Will not be diverted from you.9‘And in that day,’ said the Lord, ‘There’ll be no heart in the king… The hearts of the rulers and priests will be shocked And the prophets will all be confused.’10Then I replied:‘O Almighty Lord,‘You must surely be joking… Aren’t you misleading these people? Aren’t you saying that there’ll really be peace for JeruSalem and that the sword won’t be coming into our lives?’11[But He replied]:‘At that time, I’ll say to these people (To those who live in JeruSalem):‘An addiction to delusions has come from the desert; For the ways of the daughters of my people Can no longer be thought of as pure… None have kept themselves holy. 12So the spirit of fulfillment is coming from me, And I’m now speaking judgments against them.13‘Look! Like a cloud, someone has arisen Whose chariots are sending out blasts, And whose horses are lighter than eagles. So woe, for misery is headed your way!14‘Therefore, O JeruSalem,‘Rinse the evil out of your hearts So that somehow, you might be saved! For, how long did you think you can do all those things That are [the root] of your [problems]?15‘So from Dan, you’ll start hearing voices, And from Ephraim will come misery.16‘{Look!} Remind your nation of this, And shout this aloud in JeruSalem:‘From a far-away land will come an alliance That’s speaking against the cities of Judah!’17‘For Jehovah had told me this:‘They’ll [camp] around her and guard all her fields Because I’ve been neglected by you. 18It’s because of your [bad] ways and [evil] deeds That they are coming against you… Because your evil is now so bitter That it has reached into your hearts!19‘This [thought] brings pain to My belly… It causes My heart to feel spasms and ache… But My Soul has been forced to take action!20‘So, since I’ll no longer stay silent, My Soul now hears trumpet blasts And the cries of misery and war.‘This conflict is something that’s called for, And misery will come to your land. For, you have abandoned My Tent, And its covering of skins you have parted.21‘Why must I watch [people] fleeing And hear the blowing of trumpets? 22Yet, this will all happen because, The leaders of My people don’t know Me… They’ve become undiscerning, foolish sons… They’re just wise when it comes to doing what’s bad, And they don’t remember how to do what is good.’23Well at that, I looked down at the ground and I couldn’t see anything, then I looked up into the sky, and its lights weren’t there. 24I also noticed that the mountains were shaking and all the hills were being disturbed. 25So I looked around and I couldn’t see anyone, for even the birds in the skies had been frightened away. Then I noticed that CarMel was bare and all of its cities were burning… They had been set on fire by the face of Jehovah! 26For, due to His anger and rage, He had removed them from His view.27And at that, the Lord said:‘Although the whole land will soon lie in ruins; No way will it all be destroyed.28‘But the land should now start to mourn, Because the skies above will grow dark… I’ve spoken, and I won’t change my mind. No I won’t be dissuaded… It will happen!29‘So from the sounds of horsemen with tightly stretched bows, In every place, they will run… They’ll hide in caves and in sacred groves… Down among rocks, they’ll descend. Then their cities will all be abandoned… No one will be living there.30‘So now, what will they do… Will they wrap themselves in scarlet and gold? If they rub antimony on their eyelids, It will all be in vain! For, although they may dress in their finest of clothes, Their lovers have already pushed them away… And now they are seeking their lives!31‘So I hear the sounds of a woman in labor And the moans of one who is giving first birth. But the voice of the daughter of Zion grows faint, And her hands grow weak as she says:‘Woe to me, for my life has now failed And I am being destroyed!’
1‘Now, run through JeruSalem’s streets… Yes, seek and search in her squares… See if you can find just one righteous man… A single trustworthy person. Then to such a one, I’ll be kind,’ said the Lord.2‘As Jehovah lives, they often say, But, when they swear oaths, aren’t they lying?’3[And I, Jeremiah, said:],‘O Jehovah,‘Your eyes have searched for those who are true; But, when You whipped them, they felt no pain… Even when You brought destruction on them, They had still failed to learn… Their faces remained as solid as rocks, And they refused to turn back to You.4‘But perhaps it’s only the poor Who don’t understand the ways of the Lord, Or comprehend the fairness of God. 5So I’ll go and speak to the wealthy… For they’ll recognize the ways of the Lord And [trust in] the fairness of God.‘But look! Together, they’ve broken their yokes And they have torn off their bonds. 6And because of this, lions have attacked… Then, out of the woods came a wolf, Which entered their homes and [consumed] them, As leopards kept watch in their cities.‘That’s how those who leave Him are hunted, Since none have shown Him respect, And their rejection [of God] has grown worse.’7[And the Lord said]:‘What sort of kindness should they expect Now that their sons have all left me? Because they swear oaths by those who aren’t gods, I’ve become filled with [their disrespect]. For they’re even committing adultery, And whores find rest in their homes!8‘Like horses, they snort and are sex crazed… Each one for the wife of his neighbor. 9So for this, shouldn’t I come to visit?’ ...asked the Lord, ‘Shouldn’t my soul now take vengeance Upon a nation that’s acting this way?10‘So her battle towers, they will scale, And they’ll knock them down until none remain… Yes, these are the ones who will do it! They’ll destroy everything that supports them, For [their badness] didn’t come from Jehovah!11‘Jehovah says:‘They have not shown Me any respect… Not the houses of IsraEl or of Judah. 12And about their Lord, they have lied; For they’ve said:‘These things will not happen… What’s bad won’t really come upon us… Neither famine nor sword will we see.13‘For [His] Prophets are really just windbags, And they don’t [speak] the word of Jehovah; So it will happen to them, not to us!’14‘But because of this, says Jehovah the Almighty… Because you have said all these things, I’ve put My words like flames in your mouths, And they’ll consume you like wood [on a fire]!’15‘O house of IsraEl, pay attention: For, from a far-away land I’m bringing a nation against you,’ said the Lord, ‘Which speaks a tongue that you won’t understand.16‘The quivers of their mighty are like open tombs, 17And they’ll consume your harvests and bread, As well as your sons and your daughters.‘They’ll eat your sheep and your calves… They’ll devour your vineyards and fig groves, As well as all of your olives. They’ll thresh your fortified cities with swords (Those places that you have relied on).18‘And in that day,’ said the Lord; ‘God won’t allow you to come to fulfillment. 19And when you ask why this happened, Jehovah will give this reply:‘I did it because you have left Me And served strange gods in My land. So, you will now have to serve strangers In a land that is no longer yours.’20‘So, to the house of Jacob, announce all these things, And let it be heard throughout Judah:21‘Pay attention, you foolish and heartless… You who have eyes that can’t see, And you who have ears that can’t hear.22‘Why have you failed to show fear, And not bowed to your faces before Me? For, I’m the One who ordered the sands To be the limits of the seas! It’s the order [that I gave] throughout the ages That the seas cannot go beyond them… Its [waves] may never disturb them… No way can they ever defeat them. So, no matter how great the waves roar, They can’t pass beyond the limits I’ve set.23‘But these people have hearts that don’t listen, So they continue to resist My persuasion… They’ve turned aside and they’ve left [Me]! 24‘They haven’t said in their hearts:‘We should fear Jehovah our God… The One who gives rain in its seasons (Both the early and late rains), And that orders full harvests for us!’25‘But, by your lawless deeds, you have turned from these things… By your sins, you’ve removed what’s good from yourselves. 26For among My own people, the godless are found… Those who set snares to corrupt other men, As they devise plans to do evil.27‘As a trap is set to catch many birds… With treachery, their homes are now filled. And because of this, they are famous and rich… They have grown fat on injustice! 28The side of orphans, they never take, And they don’t give justice to widows.29‘Am I not watching such things,’ asks Jehovah? Won’t My soul bring vengeance upon them?30‘So, this is why things have changed… This is why they’ll shudder throughout the whole land! 31For their prophets now prophesy lies As their priests are applauding and clapping their hands. So, since this is what My people have loved, I must now do this bad thing!’
1‘O sons of BenJamin, be strong There in JeruSalem’s midst. But, you should start blowing your trumpets… From the House in the Vineyards, sound the alarm! For, bad things now loom in the north, And a great destruction is headed your way!2‘O you daughter of Zion; Your haughty ways will soon be removed! 3For to you, will come shepherds and flocks That will pitch their tents all around you, And there, each one will tend his own lot.4[‘They’ll say:]‘Get ready to wage war against her… Arise, and we will attack her at noon! But, woe to us, for the day is now gone And the shadows of daylight have failed. 5So, let’s get up and attack her at night, Then wipe her to her foundations!’6‘For, thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘Cut down all of her trees… Against that city of liars, send troops… Complete your tyranny against her!7‘Just like the cool taste of well water, You must cool off her evil. Since disrespect and misery are in her, Throw it back in her face!8‘O you [who live] in JeruSalem; In misery, with whips, you’ll be lashed, But My soul won’t totally leave you… I won’t make you a land that is no longer walked And which won’t be lived in again.’9‘For, thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘Glean them as you’d glean grapes (Those few who’ll be left in IsraEl)… Return as the picker returns to his [vines]!10‘To whom should I be saying these things… Yes, whom can I tell that will listen? {Look!} For, because their ears are uncircumcised, They are unable to hear. And since, Jehovah’s words are something they scorn, {Look!} They’ll be unwilling to listen!11[‘Jehovah says:]‘But although I waited, My rage wasn’t filled, And I didn’t completely finish them off… So I’ll pour it out on their children And upon their groups of young men.‘Their women and men will be taken away Along with the elders and those who’ve lived many days. 12Then their houses will be given to others, Along with their women and fields.’‘Jehovah says:‘Against all in this land, I’ll stretch out My hand… 13Against all from the small to the great… All those who are filled with their own lawless ways.‘For their priests and all their false prophets Have each acted in falsehood. 14And although they claim to bring healing, They are just bringing contempt. They also claim there is peace… But, where indeed is this peace?15‘So now they’ll be shamed, because they have failed. But, even though they’ll be disgraced, They’ll refuse to accept their dishonor. And because of this, they will fall… They’ll perish when I come to visit,’ says Jehovah.16‘And Jehovah said:‘Now, stand in the roads and behold… [Consider the] paths of the ages; Then, choose the best road and travel that way As you search for ways to clean up your lives!‘But because you have said, ‘We won’t go,’ 17I’m appointing watchmen for you, And you must listen for the sounds of their trumpets!‘But, although you’ll say, ‘We won’t listen,’ 18The nations [that are coming] will listen, As will those who are tending their flocks.19‘O land, pay attention and look, For I’m bringing what’s bad on your people… It’s the fruitage of their rejection [of Me]. For, because they’ve ignored My words and My Laws, I have pushed them away.20‘Why offer frankincense from SheBa to Me, And cinnamon from far away lands? For, your whole burnt-offerings, I will not accept, Since your sacrifices delight Me no more.21‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘Upon them, I’m bringing a weakness… Yes, fathers and sons will be weak, And their neighbors and loved ones will die.’22‘Then Jehovah said:‘{Look!} From the north, a people are coming Who’ll awaken the nations to the ends of the earth… 23They’ll come with their spears and their bows, And on you, they will not show mercy.‘Their sounds are like the roar of the sea, And with horses and chariots, they will attack… They’ll bring the fire of war against you, O you daughters of Zion.’24About them, we have heard the reports, And the things that we’ve heard have made our hands weak… Anguish has grabbed hold of us Like the pangs of a woman about to give birth!25So, don’t go out to the fields, And do not walk on the roads, For they’re filled with enemies who are carrying swords![And the Lord continues:]‘So, you daughters of My people; [It’s time for you] to wear sackcloth… Strew ashes and mourn for your loved ones, 26And in pity for yourselves, beat your breasts; For misery will suddenly come upon you.27‘Among you (you people on trial), I’ve appointed someone who’ll judge you; And as you’re tried, you’ll know I’m the One Who is judging your ways.28‘Yet, none have been willing to listen, Because they all walk crooked paths… They’re corrupted like brass touching iron.29‘Because the forge bellows have failed, It’s in vain that the smith works his silver; For their wicked ways will not melt.30‘So, call out and tell them That their silver has all been rejected… Yes, they’ve been rejected by [God].’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh and said:‘Go stand at the gate of [the Temple], And against them, you must read these words:2‘O Judah, ‘Hear the Word of Jehovah, For Jehovah of Armies (the God of IsraEl) says this:3‘If you’ll set right the things that you’re doing, And if you’ll choose to straighten your paths, I’ll settle you here in this place.4‘But you can’t rely on your lies anymore; For they’ll be no help when you’re shouting:‘O the Temple of Jehovah! O the Temple of [God]!’5‘You must change your deeds and your ways, And get yourselves straightened out. Each man must start being fair with his neighbors, 6As well as with foreigners, orphans, and widows.7‘[No, you] may no longer be tyrants… Innocent blood, don’t shed in this place… And stop chasing after strange gods!‘Then, [when you remove all this] badness, I’ll bring you back to this land once again That I gave to your fathers throughout the ages.8‘But now, you are trusting in words that are lies And which will do you no good. 9You commit adultery, murder, and steal, And when you swear oaths, you are lying! You also burn incense to BaAl, And follow strange gods that you’ve never known.10‘So, although there’s just badness within you, You still come and stand before Me In the [Temple] that’s called by My Name, And then dare to say, We are clean.11‘Hasn’t My House that’s standing before you And which is called by My Name Become just a den of thieves? Look… This is what I have seen,’ says Jehovah...12‘Go to My old place in ShiLoh Where I camped and placed My Name long ago, And see what I did because of their badness Before the faces of IsraEl, My people!13‘Now, because you are doing these things About which I warned you, but you failed to hear… The things that I shouted before you, But to which, you failed to change; 14I’ll do the same thing to this [Temple]… The one that is called by My Name, And upon which you have relied… The Place that I gave to your fathers and you.‘Yes, I’ll do the same as I did to ShiLoh… 15I’ll throw you away from My face Like I cast off your brothers (Ephraim’s offspring)!16‘Now, you must not pray for these people… But don’t come and petition for mercy, Nor approach Me with vows on their behalf… For, I will not listen to you! 17‘Don’t you see the things that they’re doing In all the cities of Judah And in JeruSalem’s streets?18‘The sons go out to gather the wood, So their fathers can then light the fires [To bake] the dough that their women knead As cakes for the armies of the heavens.‘They offer drinks to strange gods, So they can provoke Me to rage… 19Don’t they provoke Me to rage,’ asks Jehovah? But, shouldn’t they be the ones who’re provoked By the disgrace on their faces?20‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah, That I’ll pour out My anger and rage on this Place… Upon the men and their cattle… Upon every tree in their fields, As well as on the land’s produce. This fire has been lit and it won’t be put out!21‘Jehovah said:‘Gather up all your burnt-offerings, As well as your other sacrifices, Then go on and just eat all the meats!22‘For on the day that I led them from Egypt, I didn’t ask your fathers to offer such things… I didn’t really tell them to bring Me Whole burnt offerings or other sacrifices.23‘The only instructions that I gave them Was to pay attention to the things that I say! For you’ll be My people and I’ll be your God As long as you walk in My ways And do whatever I tell you is good!24‘But, they didn’t listen to Me, And their ears just paid no attention… They followed the evil thoughts in their hearts And became the butt not the head From the day that their fathers left Egypt ‘til now.25‘So I sent them My servants the Prophets Morning after morning and day after day. 26But they still didn’t listen to Me… Their ears just paid no attention, And then they made their necks stiffer… Yes, harder than those of their fathers.27‘So, go and tell them these things, But they won’t listen to you… Yes, call out to them, but they won’t respond.28‘Go tell them that theirs is the nation That refused to hear the voice of its God… They failed to believe or give heed To the instructions that came from [My] mouth.’29‘So, shear your [hair] and throw it away, Then let your lips start to wail; For Jehovah has rejected and pushed away The generation that has done all these things!30‘For, Jehovah says:‘The sons of Judah are wicked before Me, Since they’ve brought disgusting things to My House And defiled the Place that is called by My Name.31‘They’ve built a shrine of Topheth for themselves There in the Valley of Hinnom Where they burn their sons and daughters in fire… Something that I never told them to do Or ever came into My heart.’32‘Jehovah says:‘{Look!} Because they’ve done this, the days have arrived When, from the Valley of Hinnom’s sons And the Shrine that they [built there to] Topheth, Nothing more will ever be heard.‘For their valley will soon be destroyed And Topheth will thereafter be buried, Since his place will no longer exist.33‘His people will also be dead, And they’ll serve as food for the birds in the skies, As well as for the wild beasts on the ground, Since no one will come to chase them away.34‘From the cities of Judah, I’ll take them, And I’ll remove them from JeruSalem’s streets. Then all the sounds of joy will be gone, And the voices of brides and grooms won’t be heard; For the land will become desolation.’
1‘Then, during that time,’ says Jehovah, Within the graveyards of JeruSalem, They’ll dig up the bones of Judah’s kings, As well as the bones of its rulers, Along with the bones of its Prophets and Priests, And the bones of the rest of the people, 2And let them dry under the sun… Yes, under the moon and the stars, Beneath the armies of the heavens That they have served and so loved… Those whom they worshiped and followed, And those before whom they have bowed.‘Thereafter, they will not be lamented, Nor will their bones be returned to their tombs… 3They’ll just lie on the ground as examples… For, rather than life, they chose death. Then, all that remain of those generations Will be laid wherever I choose.’4‘Then Jehovah asked:Will the fallen not be resurrected… Will those who rebelled not return?5‘Why did they choose My rejection And hold so firmly to their resolve… Why didn’t they wish to [live once again]?6‘So give ear and pay close attention; For, since they’re not being told what is right, None have repented their badness, Nor have they asked what they have done wrong… They’ve just stopped running the race Like a horse that’s snorting and covered with sweat.’7‘Well, storks in the skies know their time, As do swallows and doves in the fields… Even sparrows keep watch for their end. Yet, my people do not understand The judgments that Jehovah has made.8‘So, how can they say, ‘We are wise, And we have the Law of Jehovah?’ For, all the lies that are written By the quills of their scribes are in vain!9‘[Jehovah continues:]‘Now the wise are frightened and shamed Because they’ve rejected My Word… So what wisdom do they truly have?10‘For I’ll give their women to other men, And I’ll leave their fields to other men’s heirs. Since, from the small to the great, They have chased after money; And from prophets to priests, they’ve all lied!11‘They’ve dishonored the daughters of My people, And they shout, ‘Peace! Peace!’ when there’s really no peace!12‘So, by the disgusting things that they’re doing, They have brought shame on themselves… Yet they’re not ashamed of their shame… They refuse to know any shame!‘And because of this, they will fall Along with the rest that will fall… In the time of My visit, they’ll fall,’ says Jehovah. 13And they will reap what they’ve [sown].’‘Now, there are no grapes on the vines, And there are no figs on their trees… Even the leaves have dropped off.14‘So, why are you just sitting there… You should flee to the fortified cities! But there, you will be turned away, Because your God has disowned you.‘Then, bile you’ll be given for water, Because you have sinned against [God]. 15And although you will gather for peace, You will not receive any peace… Just worry when you really need healing.16‘Then from Dan, you’ll hear sounds of swift horses (The sounds of snorting and those riding steeds)… So many that the ground will be shaken.‘They’ll come here and eat up your land Along with everything in it… The cities and all those who dwell there.17‘{Look!} I’ll send snakes against you to kill you (The types that have never been charmed). 18Then, they will incurably bite you, Adding grief to hearts already disturbed.19[And Jehovah says:]‘Look! Hear these cries of the daughters of My people, Which will come from far-away lands:‘Isn’t Jehovah on Zion… Don’t we have a king anymore?’‘But, they’ve provoked Me to rage With their carvings of idols, And by following many strange, worthless things.’20Now, although summer has already passed, We’ve not received any harvest. 21And about the destruction of the daughters of my people, I’m perplexed and swallowed by darkness… I’m in labor like a woman about to give birth.22For in GileAd, there aren’t any ointments, Nor do they have any doctors. So the daughters of my people will never be healed.
1Who’ll provide enough water to come from my head And feed the springs of tears from my eyes, So that, day and night I can cry for my people, And for the daughters of those who’ll be slain?2Who’ll provide me a hut in the desert Where I can escape from them all? For, they are committing ‘adultery,’ And they’re breaking their Sacred Agreement [with God].3[And Jehovah says:]‘Their tongues are stretched tight like bows, As lies and mistrust increase in the land; For, evil after evil is what they pursue, And they no longer know Me,’ said Jehovah.4‘So each man must keep watch on his neighbor And not rely on even his brother; For their brothers will stomp them under their heels And their friends will [try to] deceive them.5‘Now, they all [laugh at] their friends And no way do they tell them the truth. Since their tongues have learned to speak lies, They do whatever is wrong, And they feel no sorrow for the bad things they do.6‘They’re compounding interest on interest And treachery upon treachery; For they no longer wish to behold Me,’ says [God].7‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah of Armies; ‘{Look!} I’ll judge them and set them on fire! For, what else can I possibly do In the face of these wicked ways Being done by the daughters of My people?8‘Their tongues are piercing like arrows, And the words from their mouths are deceitful. Although each one speaks peace to his neighbors; Inside, they really feel hatred.9‘So, shouldn’t I pay them a visit,’ asks Jehovah, ‘And bring My vengeance upon them?’10‘[Thus, it’s time to] mourn for the mountains, And time to wail for their desert roads… They’re failing, because there aren’t enough men, And they no longer hear sounds from the birds in the skies… Why, even the cattle are gone!11‘Evacuation is coming to JeruSalem, And she’ll become a home for wild beasts. I’ve appointed extinction to the cities of Judah, And they will no longer be lived in.’12‘Now, who is the man who’s discerning? Let him recognize this… May the words of Jehovah be with him So he can tell you the reasons Why this land is being destroyed… Being burned away into a desert Where no one will thereafter live.13‘So Jehovah said:‘Because they’ve abandoned My Law That I set in front of their faces, And they’ve paid no attention to My voice 14As they chase after things that pleasure their hearts (Things that are evil and idols, Which their fathers had taught them to worship)… 15On account of this,’ says IsraEl’s God (Jehovah of Armies is His Name); ‘{Look!} Upon distress, I will feed them, And I’ll make them drink bile for their water.16‘They’ll be scattered among many nations That they and their fathers have never known; For against them, I’m sending the sword Until they’re completely consumed.’17‘Then Jehovah said:‘You should call for the women who wail… Yes, shout and tell them to come! Send for all the wise women And tell them that this is their time to speak out.’18‘So, they should start their lamenting And really bring tears to their eyes… Cause water to flow from their eyelids! 19For in Zion, this dirge will be heard:‘How have we come to such misery? We’re disgraced, for our land is abandoned And our tents have been thrown away!20‘Yes, listen to this, O you women; For, these are the words of your God! Let your ears hear the words from His mouth, Then teach this lament to your daughters… Let each one teach her neighbors to wail!21‘For, death has crept in through your windows… It has come to your land to wipe out your young And remove the young men from your squares.22‘Then your men must die on the face of the plains, To set an example for those in your land; And just like grass that’s been mowed, None will go out to collect them.23‘Then Jehovah said:‘Don’t let the wise boast of their wisdom… Don’t let the mighty boast of their strength… Don’t let the rich boast of their wealth! 24For when they boast, let them brag about this: That they perceive Me and know Me… That they know of My mercy and fairness, And that I’ve judged this land to bring justice… So these things being done, are My will,’ says Jehovah.25‘{Look!} For the days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll visit the uncircumcised, As well as the circumcised of Edom 26(Those in Judah, Egypt, and Edom; The sons of AmMon and MoAb… All those who are shaving their faces And those who live in the deserts). For although the flesh of the nations is uncircumcised, In their hearts, IsraEl is uncircumcised too.’
1‘O house of IsraEl; listen to the Word of Jehovah! 2‘Don’t learn the ways of the gentiles And don’t [follow] the [zodiac] signs… These things that are feared by the nations, 3For the customs of the nations are worthless!‘An idol is a tree that they’ve cut from the woods, Or it’s something that someone has cast [in a mold]. 4They adorn them with silver and gold, And nail them in place with a hammer… They [nail them tight] so they cannot move.5‘But they’re just carved pieces of silver… So, they are unable to speak, And they also have to be carried, For they can’t lift themselves into place!‘Thus, there is no reason to fear them, For nothing in them can do bad or good. 6They aren’t like You, O Jehovah; For You’re great… And great is the strength of Your Name.7‘Who won’t fear You, O King of the Nations? For to You come the wise from all lands; Because, in each of their kingdoms, They have no gods that are like You. 8[For their idols] are foolish and thoughtless, Since trees can just teach foolish things.9‘It’s by the hands of skilled goldsmiths That silver from TarShish is melded Into gold that comes from Uphaz… But it’s all just the workings of craftsmen! 10Then they deck those things in purple and blue.11‘As a result, tell them this:‘Let these gods that didn’t make the skies or the ground Be destroyed from all lands under heaven! 12For, it was Jehovah who made the earth… By His might, He erected man’s home. Then, in His intelligence and wisdom, Above it, He stretched out the heavens.13‘He gathers all the waters under the skies And [assembles] the clouds to the ends of the earth. He made the lightning and rain, And from His treasuries, He brings forth the winds.14‘The knowledge of men, He disgraces; And goldsmiths are shamed by the idols they carve. For false gods are just cast in ovens, And there is no spirit within them.15‘They are foolish works that are made to be mocked; And in that time [when God] comes to visit, They will all be destroyed.16‘But this isn’t the portion of Jacob; For the One who shaped everything (IsraEl’s inheritance and scepter) Is named Jehovah of Armies! 17And from the [nations], He will gather supporters Who will dwell among His elected.’18Then the Lord said:‘{Look!} I’ll stumble those who live in this land, And squeeze them to [show all that they’ve done]. 19So, woe to you, for you’ll be destroyed, And your wounds will be very painful.’Then I said:‘But I’ve already been wounded… And this has surely come from you! 20For my tent is in such a miserable condition that it is almost totally destroyed… Its coverings of skins have been ripped apart, my sons and my sheep are all gone, there are no walls for my tent, and I have no place to store its leather! 21Even my shepherds have been acting stupidly. For since they’ve also failed to search for Jehovah, they’ve allowed all of my sheep to be scattered and confused in their pastures.22‘{Look!} We’ve received a report that the sounds of great shaking can be heard from the land in the north, and that orders have been given to wipe out our cities… To scatter us like the nest of an ostrich!23But I know, O Lord, that our people don’t know the right way to go, and we don’t even know how to walk a straight path. 24So, correct us in fairness, O Lord… Don’t send your rage and allow only a few of us to remain! 25Pour out your rage on the nations [instead]… On those kingdoms that really don’t know you, and on those who don’t call on [God’s] Name. For IsraEl has already been completely consumed, all of our pastures lie desolate, and now they’re getting ready to come and consume the rest of Jacob!’
1Then these words came to JeremiAh from the Lord. He said:2‘Listen to these words about [God’s] Sacred Agreement, And then read them to the people of Judah, As well as to those in JeruSalem. 3This is what IsraEl’s God Jehovah declared:‘Cursed is the man who pays no regard To the words of the Sacred Agreement That I made with your fathers On the day that I led them from Egypt… From out of that furnace of iron.4‘If you’ll pay close attention to My voice And do all the things that I tell you to do, You’ll be My people and I’ll be your God. 5I’ll reestablish My oath (The oath that I swore to your fathers) To give them this land of honey and milk That has flowed to them to this day.’And I replied:‘May it be so, O my Lord.’6And the Lord said to me:‘Read these words in the cities of Judah And at JeruSalem’s [gates]. Then, tell them to pay close attention To the words of the Sacred Agreement, And be sure to obey them!7‘For, we bore witness together, And I’ve testified to your fathers From the day that I led them from Egypt Down to this very day… I came to them early each morning In order to witness to them. I told them to hear the words of my voice! But, they wouldn’t listen or turn an ear… They just followed the bad thoughts in their hearts.‘Although they agreed to the words of this Contract And to the things that I said they must do; 8Thereafter, they just didn’t do them.9‘So, because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah:A conspiracy has been found among Judah’s men And among those who live in JeruSalem! 10To their father’s bad ways, they’ve returned… The ways of those who had lived before them, And who also refused to listen to Me. {Look!} For, those in the houses of IsraEl and Judah Are following and serving strange gods… They’ve annulled My Agreement with their fathers!11‘And because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘{Look!} I’ll bring an evil upon them That they won’t be able to end.‘Then, once again, they’ll start calling to Me, But this time, I will not listen. 12And [what happens to] those in the cities of Judah, Will [be worse] than for those in JeruSalem.‘So then, they’ll have to call to their gods… Those to whom they burn incense… Those who can’t save them in times of [distress].13‘Now, each town in Judah has its own gods, And there are shrines on all of JeruSalem’s streets Where they burn incense to [a] BaAl.14‘So, you must not pray for these people… Don’t beg or petition for them! For when they call, I won’t listen In their time of distress.15‘Now, disgusting things are done in My House By those for whom I’ve shown love! So, will vows and holy meat atone for their bad… Are they putting their hope in such things?’16‘As a pretty olive tree providing much shade Was the sight of those who called on His Name. Then I heard the sound of it being chopped down… It was lit on fire [and burned]… So her tender branches were wasted.17‘Yet, it was planted by Jehovah of Armies… The One against whom they spoke evil. So, on the houses of IsraEl and Judah There also came very bad things That they brought on themselves by provoking His rage… By their burning incense to [a] BaAl.’18[But I said]:‘O Lord,‘Please tell me about it so I’ll know, because you’re the only one who’s fully aware of what they’re doing! 19However, I’m just an innocent lamb who doesn’t know he’s being led to the sacrifice; for they’re even plotting and making plans against me, saying:‘Come, let’s give him wood for his bread… From the land of the living, let’s wipe him away, And make sure that his name is forgotten!’20‘O Jehovah of Armies; please judge them fairly over such things… Try their kidneys and hearts! May I [live to] see Your punishment on them… But remember that I’ve acted uprightly.’21It was because of this that the Lord then replied concerning the men of AnathOth that were seeking my life. For these were the ones who were saying to me:‘Don’t prophesy in the Name of Jehovah anymore, for if you do, we’ll kill you!’22So concerning them, Jehovah of Armies said this:‘Look! I’ll pay them a visit, Then, all their young men will die by the sword, And their sons and daughters will starve.23‘None of them will remain; For, to those who are living in AnathOth, I will be bringing what’s bad In the year that I come to visit.’
1[And I said]:‘You are righteous, O Lord; so, let me plead my case before You, and I’ll leave it for you to decide.‘Why do the irreverent [seem to] succeed, And the wicked and disrespectful continue to prosper? 2Yet, they were planted and rooted by you, And they produced children and fruitage. So it seems as though you are near to their mouths But far away from their kidneys.3‘You know me, O Lord, And before you, my heart has been tried. So, may they be gathered like flocks That are dedicated for slaughter!4‘How long will the land have to mourn And all the grass in the fields become dry Because of their evil deeds? Although they offer God cattle and birds, They say He doesn’t see what they’re doing.’5[And the Lord replied]:‘Since your feet get so tired when they run, How can you be ridden like a horse? Why have you trusted that there will be peace And why do you whinny for the JorDan?6‘For, even your brothers and the house of your father Have failed to pay attention to you… Behind your back, they are yelling at you! So, don’t trust them when they speak kind words.’7[And I said]:‘I have abandoned my home… My inheritance, I have forsaken… And into the hands of her enemies I’ve given the love of my life.8‘For [she], (my inheritance) has now become Like a lion that lives in the woods… She roared, so I started to hate her.9‘She’s become a den of hyenas, And [this den] is now her protection. So, gather to her the beasts of the fields And let them go there to eat her!’10[And the Lord replied]:‘Many shepherds have corrupted my vineyard… Yes, they have tainted my portion… They’ve turned my portion into a land that’s unwalked!11‘So, destruction and extinction is what I have planned. And because of me, the land will all be destroyed. Yet, the people have failed to take this to heart.12‘Then, through every pass in the desert Will come those who bring misery… Those who will use my sword to consume. And from one end of the land to the other; There won’t be any peace for all flesh.13‘For, although I once planted wheat there, Thorn-bushes is all that it [grew]… So, all of my efforts were wasted. Therefore, be ashamed of your prideful words And for speaking in scorn to Jehovah!’14Then the Lord said:‘When it comes to the wicked around you (Those who have touched my belongings… IsraEl, my people and portion); {Look!} From their land, I will take them away… I’ll uproot the people of Judah.15‘But, after I drive them away, I will also let them return, And I will show mercy upon them. Yes I’ll let them return and resettle In the land they received from their fathers… I’ll return each one to his [home].16‘And if my people should learn the right way Then start swearing their oaths by [God’s] Name… If they’ll say, As Jehovah is living, As they’re now swearing by [a] BaAl; I’ll let them return and rebuild their homes.17‘But, if they should choose not to return, I will lift that nation away… I’ll remove them and then I’ll destroy them,’ said the Lord.
1Then the Lord said:‘Now, go buy a loin cloth of linen,
And thereafter, wrap it around you…
But, do not wash it in water.’2So I went out and bought the loincloth, just as I was told by the Word of Jehovah, and I wrapped it around my loins. 3Then the Word of Jehovah came to me a second time saying:‘Now you should take off the loincloth
(The one whom you’ve wrapped ‘round your loins),
4Then get up and go to the River EuPhrates,
And hide it in a hole among rocks!’5So I went and hid it by the EuPhrates, just as the Lord had told me to do.6Then after many days, the Lord said to me:‘Now, get up and go back to the River EuPhrates…
Go search and bring back that loincloth…
The one I told you to hide there.’7So I went back to the EuPhrates and dug up the loincloth from the place where I’d hidden it… And {Look!} it was ruined… There’s no way that it could have been used after that.8Then the Word of Jehovah came and told me [and said]:9‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘Like this, I’ll corrupt the insolence of Judah
Because of JeruSalem’s insolent ways…
10The insolence of those who don’t wish to obey…
Those who follow in the wicked ways of their hearts
By chasing and serving strange gods,
Then bowing to their faces before them.‘They will become like this loincloth,
Which will never be useful again.
11For, just as this cloth hugs the loins of a man,
I’ve stuck by the houses of IsraEl and Judah,’ says Jehovah.‘They’d have been a famous people to Me
And a reason for boasting and glory…
But they have paid Me no heed!12‘So, speak these words to those people…
Say that IsraEl’s God Jehovah says this:‘Your leather bags will be filled with wine!’‘And when they ask:‘Don’t you think that we already know
That our leather bags will be filled with wine?
Why have you have said this to us?’13‘Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I’ll fill those in this land with strong drink…
Their kings (David’s sons) that sit on their thrones,
As well as their priests and their prophets,
Along with all those living in Judah
And those who live in JeruSalem.14‘Then, I will send them away…
Each man will be torn from his brother,
And all sons will be torn from their fathers.
And thereafter, I will not miss them,’ says Jehovah…
‘I won’t spare them or pity their ruin.’15So, hear this… Yes listen, and then give up hope!
For, this is what the Lord said:‘Give glory to Jehovah, your God…
16Give glory before it gets dark…
Before your feet stumble amid mountain shade
Where you’ll wait for light in the shadow of death,
But where you will only find darkness!17‘For, if you choose not to listen,
You’ll weep in secret, because of your pride;
And there, your eyes will shed tears
For the scattered flock of Jehovah.18‘Now, go and say this to your king:‘Your rulers must sit down and humble themselves,
For their wreaths of glory will be knocked from their heads.19‘The cities towards the south will be also closed,
And not be opened again.
Then the people of Judah will be resettled
In a complete relocation.20‘So, raise your eyes, O JeruSalem,
And see what’s coming to you from the north!‘And where is the flock that was given to you…
[Yes, where are] the sheep of your glory?
21What will you say when those people arrive
And you’ll have to teach them hard lessons
Against yourselves and your rule?‘Won’t labor pangs then control you
As though you’re a woman about to give birth?22‘And if you should ask in your heart,
‘Why has this happened to me?’
It’s because your sins have been great!
So your butt will now be uncovered
To be an example to your heels.23‘If Ethiopians could change their skin color
Or leopards could change all their spots;
You’d also be able to do what is good
And learn [not to do] any evil.24‘So, your people will be scattered by [God]…
Like twigs that are blown in the desert by winds.
25Yes, this is your portion and lot,
Because of the ways you’ve opposed [Him],’ said the Lord.‘For, you forgot [Him] and trusted in lies.
26So, to your faces, I’ll now show your butts…
Your dishonor will be exposed before all.27‘Yes I’ve seen your snorting and adultery…
Your disgusting acts and the whoring
That you’ve done in your hills and in all your fields.‘So, woe to you, O JeruSalem,
Because you’re too dirty to follow me,
And for you, there’s no hope any longer!’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me (JeremiAh) to [speak about] the drought.[For I had said:]2‘Judah is mourning, for her gates are now empty, And the land is enveloped in darkness, As cries are ascending from JeruSalem.3‘Her great ones send young men for water, Who find nothing when they get to the wells; So, all they bring back is just empty jars.4‘The works in the land have failed also, For there hasn’t been any rain. So the farmers are shamed and they cover their heads. 5And when the hinds in the prairies give birth, They just abandon their young… For there’s not enough [grass] in the fields.6‘Wild burros in the woods must suck wind; And because there is so little hay, The eyes of the wild beasts have failed.7‘Because of our sins, [You’ve] opposed us, O Lord; But, help us for the sake of Your Name. However, our errors are many, And we’re [guilty] of sinning against You.8‘But Jehovah,‘You are IsraEl’s endurance… In hard times, You’ve been our Savior. So, why are You being a stranger to us… Like a native-born son on vacation?9‘Are You like a man who is sleeping, Or someone who is able to save us? For, You’ve been among us, O Lord, And we are called by Your Name; So, You should never forget us!’10And the Lord replied concerning these people:‘They’ve [sinned] and they have spared no one; So, God hasn’t prospered their ways, And because He is now recalling their sins… For their errors, He’s coming to visit.’11Then the Lord told me:‘Don’t request good things for these people; 12For, when they fast, I won’t hear their prayers. And if they should bring sacrifices, I won’t look kindly upon them. Rather, I’ll finish them off with the sword, And to the rest, I will then send a famine.’13And I said:‘O Great Being… O Lord,‘Our prophets have said that we won’t ever see the sword and that we’ll never go hungry… Rather, they’re saying that You’re going to bring peace to our land!’14And then the Lord said this to me:‘Those who prophesy such in [God’s] Name Are just telling them lies; For, I did not really send them, Nor did I tell them what they should say.‘So the visions that they have are all lies; And the signs and omens that they prophesy, Are just things that come from their hearts.15‘Therefore, this was said by Jehovah:‘You must tell those who prophesy lies in My Name (Those whom I didn’t send)… [Because you’ve said] that famine and the sword Will never come to this land; You prophets will die by diseases, And I’ll finish what’s left by starvation!16‘Yes, you who are telling such stories Will all die by the sword and by famine; Then your bodies will be tossed in JeruSalem’s streets.‘You won’t be buried in tombs… Nor will your wives, sons, or daughters. For I’ll pour your own badness upon you!’17‘Then tell them that Jehovah said this:‘Your eyes will be filled with tears day and night… For you will never stop crying! To the daughters of My people will just come defeat… Yes, they will be horribly beaten!18‘So, when you go out to the fields, You’ll see those cut down by the sword. And when you enter the cities, You’ll see the misery of famine. Then, to lands that you’ve never known, They’ll carry you prophets and priests!’19[And I asked:]‘Are you saying that Jehovah has rejected all of Judah and that He has removed His Soul from Zion? Why is He striking us instead of healing us? For although we’ve been waiting for peace, nothing good has happened… [we’ve been waiting for] healing, but things are just getting worse!20‘O Lord, we’re aware of our errors and the sins of our fathers… Yes we know that we’re guilty of sins before You. 21But please back off because of Your Name… Don’t destroy Your glorious throne! Please remember Your Sacred Agreement… Please don’t wipe it away!22‘For, which idol of the nations can bring rain… Which one can bring what they say they can bring from the skies? Who other than You can accomplish such things… [Who other than] our God Jehovah?‘Therefore, we’ll continue to wait upon You, since You’re the One who created it all!’
1And then the Lord said to me:‘If you’d stand SamuEl and Moses before me… Even for them, my soul wouldn’t change. So, send these people away from my face… Yes, let them [be carried away]!2‘And if they should ask, Where are we going? You should tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘As many as are [appointed for] death [Are the numbers of those] who will die; As many as are [appointed] to the sword [Are the numbers of those] who will die by the sword; As many as are [appointed] to famine [Are the numbers of those] who will starve; And as many as are [appointed] to be captives [Are the numbers of those] who’ll be carried away.’3‘And Jehovah said:‘I will take vengeance in 4 different ways:· They’ll be put to death by the sword, · They’ll be torn to pieces by dogs, · They’ll serve as prey for wild beasts, · They’ll be rotting flesh for the birds in the skies.4‘To many distresses, I’ll hand them To all the kingdoms throughout the earth Because of ManasSeh, king of Judah (The son of King HezekiAh), And for all that he did in JeruSalem.5‘O JeruSalem; who will spare you? Yes, who will be timid against you, And who will say, ‘May you have peace?’ For to Me, you have now turned [your backs],’ says Jehovah. 6So now, you will be [forced to] retreat;‘Then I’ll stretch out My hand to destroy you And I will not spare you thereafter.7‘I’ll scatter and disperse those inside the gates, And they will all become childless… They’ll destroy My people, because they’re so bad.8‘Then there’ll be more widows than the sands of the seas… For to mothers of young men, I’ll send misery… I’ll bring trembling and anxiety upon them at noon.9‘So the one who bore 7 will have none, For their lives will meet with misfortune And their sun will have set at midday. They’ll be disgraced and berated, And I’ll hand what’s left to the sword,’ says Jehovah.’10So, woe to you, O mother who bore me; For I’ve become a man who must judge And bring bad things to this land.Yet, none of this will benefit me, Since no one has offered to help me, And I’ve been weakened by all those who curse me.11So may it be, O Jehovah the Almighty… May they get no help in their time of distress, And may their enemies bring them no good. 12Let them know that [You are like] iron And Your strength is like a robe made of brass.13[Then the Lord said this concerning the people]:‘Because of the sins in your borders, I’ll hand all your treasures to them. 14Before them, you all will be slaves, And you’ll live in lands that you’ve never known. For a fire will start burning among you, Which will be lit by my rage.’15But Lord; please do not forget me… Save me from those who pursue me… Please don’t hold back [Your hand], Since it’s because of You, that I’m hated 16By those who don’t want to hear what You’ve said.If You’ll completely finish them off, Your words will bring joy to my heart. For, O Jehovah the Almighty; I’m a man who is called by Your Name!17I don’t sit among those who have mocked You, And before Your hand, I was cautious. I sat by myself all alone Filled with great indignation.18But, why do You allow those who bring grief to win? For my wounds by them have been so severe… And now, where can I go to get healed? Yes, to me, this is untested water… It’s something that I cannot trust.19Then the Lord said:‘If you should ever return [to this land], I’ll return everything that you’ve owned, And before my face, you’ll stand once again.‘But now, you must separate those who are worthy From all the rest that are not, And you must serve as my mouth.‘And although they may come before you, You must not go before them. 20For, to these people, I’ve made you A fortified wall of forged brass.‘So, although they’ll wage war against you, They won’t be able to beat you, Because I am here and I’ll save you.‘Yes, I’ll rescue you from their hands,’ said [the Lord]… ‘From the hands of the wicked, I’ll save you… I’ll ransom you from these cursed people.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘Don’t take another wife in this place And don’t father more daughters or sons. 3For, concerning the sons and the daughters That have been born in this place… And concerning the mothers that gave them birth, And those in this land that are fathers, [Your God Jehovah says this]:4‘They’ll die by death and disease, And not be entombed or lamented… As examples, they’ll lie on the face of the ground!‘Most will fall by the sword, And starvation will kill all the rest. Their corpses will serve as food for wild beasts And for the birds in the skies.’5And the Lord told me:‘Don’t join in their [funeral processions], And for them, don’t mourn or lament, Since I’m the one who took peace away, Along with compassion and mercy.6‘So the great and the small of this land will all die And they won’t be lamented or buried… No one will beat their chests over them, Nor cut on themselves or shave their heads.7‘No way will there be feasts of mourning… No bread will be broken to console Those who are mourning their dead. Nor will any drinks be provided For the deaths of their fathers and mothers.8‘So don’t enter their homes for a banquet… Don’t sit beside them to eat or to drink; 9For thus says Jehovah, IsraEl’s God:‘{Look!} Before your eyes, I’ll remove them, And during your [life, this will happen]. There’ll be no sounds of gladness or joy, Nor the voices of grooms and their brides.10‘Now, when you say this to the people, they’ll ask:‘Why has Jehovah pronounced such bad things… What wrongs have we really done… How have we sinned against God?’11‘And this must be your reply:It’s because your fathers have left Me,’ says Jehovah; And they have followed strange gods… They bowed before them and served them… They’ve abandoned Me and not kept My Laws… 12And you’re more wicked than them!‘{Look!} For you’ve chased all the evil that pleases your hearts, And you have refused to obey Me. 13So I’ll drive you away from this land To a land that is strange to your fathers and you, Where you’ll serve strange gods day and night… Those who will show you no mercy!14‘Yes, because of this, days will come when they’ll say:‘As Jehovah is living… The One who led IsraEl from Egypt...’15‘But then, they will also be saying:‘As Jehovah is living… The One who led IsraEl back From the lands in the north, And from everywhere else they were taken...’‘For then, I will bring them back to their land… This land that I gave to their fathers.16‘{Look!} To them, I will send men who fish,’ says Jehovah, And they will go fishing for them. I will also send out the hunters Who’ll hunt for them on the mountains and hills And even in holes among rocks.17‘But My eyes are now watching their ways, So they can’t hide their offenses from Me. 18And it’s because of all their unrighteous ways… For the sins with which they’ve ruined My land… For the disgusting things of their rotting flesh And for filling My inheritance with their lawless deeds, That I will pay them back double!19‘But thereafter, they will be saying:‘O Jehovah, our helper and strength… Our refuge during hard times… To You, all the nations will come From the ends of the earth.’‘And they will also be saying:‘How false were the idols that our fathers acquired; Because, in them, there was no hope at all… 20Although each man made his own gods, None of these really proved to be gods!’21‘{Look!} At that time, I will show them My hand… Yes, I will show them My might. Then they’ll learn that My Name is Jehovah!’
1‘Thus says Jehovah:All the sins of Judah have been inscribed With a stylus of iron… In the tablets of their hearts, they’ve been clawed, And upon the horns of their altars.2‘So their sons will remember their altars, As well as their sacred poles, Which were found under every tree in the woods And upon every high hill.3‘And on the mountains, there in your plains, I will give your wealth and treasures as loot For the sins [you’ve committed] upon these high peaks.4‘Then the inheritance that I gave to you will be gone, And you’ll have to serve people who hate you In a land that you’ve never known. For you’ve kindled the fire of My wrath, Which will blaze against you throughout the rest of this age.’5Then the Lord said:‘Cursed is the man who has any hope; For, although his flesh is still on his arms, His heart is far from Jehovah. 6So he’ll be like a tree in the desert, And when good things arrive, he won’t see them. For in a desert of salt, he’ll be planted… In a brackish land, where no one has lived.7‘But, praised is the man who relies on the Lord And puts his hope in Jehovah. 8For he’ll be like a tree planted near water That shoots its roots into moisture.‘He’ll have no fear of sweltering heat And grow fat like a tree in the woods. He’ll have nothing to fear in the year of the drought, And he’ll keep on producing good fruit.9‘Since hearts are the deepest of things, Who can know [what’s inside] a man? 10But, I can examine the hearts, And I also put the kidneys on trial, Then repay each one for his ways By the fruits of the things that he’s done.11‘As a partridge calls out to [eggs] that won’t hatch, Is the man who is rich but unfair. For in the last half of his days, He will lose all his wealth… And this [will prove] that he’s been a fool.’12[O Lord],Our Holy Place is Your glorious throne, Which we’ve held in esteem since most ancient times. 13But, IsraEl now awaits the disgrace That will come upon those who have left You.So, may the names of those who’ve rebelled Be written deep under the ground, Since they’ve left their Lord and the source of their life!14Make the Sabbath days holy again… Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed… Save me and I’ll be delivered, For, You are my reasons for boasting!15They ask:‘Where is this Word of Jehovah? May [whatever He says] come upon us!’16But I’ve never tired of following You, And I’ve had no desire to do what they’ve done.You know all the things that have come from my lips… Before Your face, they’re all here! 17So, please don’t push me away… Protect me when that bad day arrives!18May those who chase me be shamed, And may I not bring disgrace on myself. Although they may come to know terror, May terror never come upon me. Yes, bring that bad day upon them… Double the destruction upon them!19And then the Lord said this to me:‘Go stand at the gates of the sons of your people (The gates through which kings of Judah now walk … Those gates through which they must pass). Yes, go and stand at each of those gates, 20And this is what you should tell them:‘O you kings of Judea… You kings of Judah and JeruSalem And all the rest that enter these gates; Hear the Word of Jehovah!21‘For Jehovah has said you can save yourselves By not carrying loads here on the Sabbaths… Don’t carry anything through JeruSalem’s gates 22Or from your homes on the Sabbaths. He told you not to do any work, And to keep the Sabbath days holy; Since, that’s what He told your fathers to do!’23‘But, they’ll not turn and listen to you… They’ll have stiffer necks than their fathers… They’ll not pay attention or do what you say.’24Then the Lord [told me to say this to them]:‘If you will just listen to Me And not carry goods through these gates on the Sabbaths… If you’ll treat the Sabbaths as holy By refusing to do any work; Then, kings and rulers will enter these gates Who will still sit upon David’s throne.25‘They’ll come through here with horses and chariots, And I will appoint them the rulers Of Judah and JeruSalem… Then they’ll settle in this city throughout the ages.26‘And at that time, [the people] will come From Judah and JeruSalem. And from BenJamin’s land they’ll come also… From the mountains and fields in the south.‘Here they’ll be bringing burnt-offerings, Along with incense and frankincense, As well as offerings of praise and thanksgiving… Here to the Temple of Jehovah.27‘But, if you should choose not to listen And not treat My Sabbaths as holy… If you continue to lift and tote loads Through JeruSalem’s gates on the Sabbaths; I’ll kindle a fire inside of these gates To devour JeruSalem’s plazas… A fire that won’t be extinguished!’
1This message came to JeremiAh from Jehovah. 2He said:‘Get up and go to the house of the potter
And hear the words that I’ll say there.’3So I went to the house of the potter, and {Look!} there I found the man making a [pot] on his stone. 4However, the pot that he was making then fell apart, so he reshaped it into one that he was pleased with.5It was then that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:6‘Now, Jehovah is asking this question:‘O House of IsraEl;
Can’t I shape you in the same way
That the potter just [reshaped this pot]?
For, O house of IsraEl;
Like clay in the hands of a potter
Is what you are in My hands.7‘So, when I speak of bringing an end
To any nation or kingdom,
And I plan to destroy them and lift them away;
8If the nation should turn from the bad,
I can then change My mind
About the bad things that I’d planned.9‘And when I speak of building a nation or kingdom,
10And they [choose to be] wicked before Me,
Refusing to hear what I say;
About the good things of which I had planned,
I can then change My mind.’11‘So, say this to those men of Judea
And to those who live in JeruSalem…
Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I will shape bad things against you
And devise against you, a plot,
Unless you turn from your evil ways
And change your bad ways to good!12‘Yet, this is what they’ll say in reply:‘We’ll act like men and do as we please…
We’ll do whatever is bad in our hearts!’13‘And because of this, thus says Jehovah:‘Go and ask the gentiles this question:
Have you heard better reasons to shudder
Than what IsraEl, the virgin, has done?14‘Will snow leave the rocks on the mountains?
Will rain not fall when it’s blown by the wind?
15Yet, because My own people forgot Me,
It’s in vain that they’re burning incense to Me,
And they’ll now grow weak in their paths.‘On the roads of the ages, they will not walk;
For, since they don’t know the right way to go,
16They’ve ordered extinction upon their own land…
A hissing [that will last] throughout the ages.‘Then, all that go there will be stupefied,
And they will just shake their heads.
17For, enemies will blow them away
As though they are flames in the wind…
Yes, I’ll show them the rear not the front
In the day that they’re being destroyed!’18Well after that, [the people] started saying:‘We need to come up with a plot [to destroy] JeremiAh, for the Law won’t really pass away, nor will the wisdom or words of [our] prophets. Come on, let’s beat him on his tongue so we won’t have to listen to his words anymore!’19Hear me, O Lord,Hear the [results] of my righteous deeds! 20Should I be repaid with evil for the good [that I’m doing]? For right now they’re meeting and talking about doing something evil to my life!Please remember [all the times] that I stood here before You and asked You to do good things for them… When I urged You to turn from Your rage against them! 21But now, because of [these things that they’re saying], please bring a famine upon all their sons and hand them over to those who are carrying swords! Let their women become childless and widows… May all of their husbands be killed, and may all their young men fall by the sword! 22Let there be cries in their homes as You set looters upon them… For now they’re plotting to arrest me and they’re hiding snares to catch me!23Yes, You know, O Lord, that they’re planning to kill me; so don’t overlook their errors and sins, and wipe them away from before You. Let their failures always remain in Your [eyes], and then deal with them in the day of Your rage!
1Well at that, the Lord said to me:‘Go buy a shaped earthenware pitcher From the elders of the people and the priests. 2Then go to the graveyard of Hinnom’s sons At the threshold of the East Gate, And read all these words that I’ll tell you:3‘Say:‘O you kings of Judea, And you who live in JeruSalem; Hear the word of Jehovah! For Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl now says That He’ll bring so many bad things to this place That it will ring in the ears of those hearing about it!4‘For, they’ve left Him and [chosen] this place Where they burn incense to their strange gods (Gods that their fathers never knew). And the kings of Judah have filled up this place With the blood of innocent men.5‘Here, they’ve built [altars] to [a] BaAl, And they’ve burned their sons in a fire… Something that God never spoke of And which He never told them to do, Or ever came into His heart!6‘And because of this, days will come,’ said the Lord, ‘When they’ll call this [The Valley] no longer, Nor the Graveyard of Hinnom’s sons. It’ll be called, The Graveyard of Slaughter!7‘For there, I’ll slay the counselors of Judah, As well as those of JeruSalem… Before their enemies, I’ll cut them down Through the hands of those who are seeking their lives. Then I’ll hand their dead to the birds as their food, As well as to the wild beasts of the ground.8‘I’ll order the extinction of this city… It’ll be just a place where hissing is heard. And all that come here will look at it sadly, Then whistle [when they see] its disaster.9‘Here they’ll eat the flesh of their daughters and sons, And in their strongholds, the flesh of their neighbors, When their enemies (those seeking their lives) have arrived.’10‘Then, break that pitcher in front of their eyes, And before those who’ve traveled there with you, 11Then tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘This is how I will do it; I’ll break your city and its people Just like this pot has been shattered So that it cannot be repaired. Then they will be buried here in this place Where [they now play] tambourines… And there’ll be no other place to be buried.’12‘Jehovah says:This is what I will do to this place, And to all those who live here… I’ll hand this city to destruction… 13Yes, all of JeruSalem’s homes And the palaces of all of its rulers.‘It will all fall into ruin Because of the bad things they’ve done here. For here, they’ve burned incense on roofs To each of the [Zodiac signs], And they’ve offered drinks to strange gods.’14Then JeremiAh left [the valley] where The Lord had sent him to prophesy, and he went and stood in the courtyard of the [Temple] of Jehovah and said this to all the people who were there:‘Thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘{Look!} I’ll bring calamity on this city And to the rest of its cities and towns. I’m bringing all of the evils that I’ve spoken against her; For, you have hardened your necks, And not listened to the instructions that I sent.’
1Well, when PashUr son of ImMer (the Priest who had been anointed as the leader of the Temple of Jehovah) heard what JeremiAh was prophesying, 2he had him beaten and thrown into the dungeon near the Upper Gate of the House of BenJamin, which was near the Temple of Jehovah.3Then the next morning, as PashUr was leading JeremiAh out of the dungeon, JeremiAh said to him:‘Jehovah won’t call your name PashUr anymore. Rather, He’s going to call you Refugee. 4Because, Jehovah says this:‘{Look!} I will hand over you and your friends, And you’ll be taken away from this place. Then, each one will be cut down by enemy swords… And your eyes will see it all happen.‘Then I’ll hand over Judah to Babylon’s king, And he’ll move the people away Or cut them to pieces with swords.5‘I’ll remove the strength from this city – All its works and all the king’s treasures – And give them into their enemy’s hands.‘Then to Babylon, they all will be led; 6And you and all that live in your house Will be taken to Babylon as captives, And that is the place where you’ll die… It’s where you’ll be entombed with your friends To whom you prophesied lies.’7Then I said:‘You’ve deceived me, O Lord… Yes, I was truly deceived! Although You’ve held on and won, I’m the butt of their laughter every day and I’m the one they’re all sneering at! 8So from now on, I’m just going to laugh at the bitterness and call for more misery and rebellion, since all that speaking the word of Jehovah has brought me is scorn and taunting every day.’9And I said:‘There’s no way that I’m going to [speak of] Jehovah anymore… I won’t even mention His Name!’However, soon it became like a fire that burned and blazed in my bones and made me weak on the inside, until I was no longer able to bear it. [So I said:]10‘I’ve heard that they’ve said in their meetings:‘We should all rise up against him… Yes, let’s stand together against him As well as against all his friends!‘Let’s ignore what he says will be coming… Yes, let him keep on being deceived. For against him, we will prevail, And then, we’ll take vengeance upon him!’11‘However, Jehovah is with me, As a warrior that’s making me strong. So, they have chased me in vain… And although they will all meet with shame, They’ll fail to see their dishonor, Which will not be forgotten throughout ages.12‘O Lord,‘Try me according to Your righteous ways… Examine my kidneys and heart. May I witness Your punishment on them… For before You, I’ve laid out my pleas for defense.13‘So, sing to Jehovah and praise Him, Because He’ll save the lives of the poor From the hands of those who have power!14‘O cursed is the day I was born… May the day that my mother gave birth Never be longed for again!15‘And may that person be cursed Who brought this as news to my father: ‘Rejoice, for you have a male child!’ 16May he be as the cities that did not repent And were destroyed by Jehovah!‘Let him hear their cries in the mornings, As well as their shouting at noon! 17For [God] failed to kill me in my mother’s womb And let it serve as my tomb throughout the ages.18‘Why did I come from the womb… Just to see all of this misery And to spend all my days in such shame?’
1The following are the words that came to JeremiAh from Jehovah after King ZedekiAh had sent PashUr (son of MelchiAh) and ZephaniAh (son of MaAseJah) the Priest to him to say this:2‘Go beg to Jehovah for us, because the king of Babylon has us surrounded! [Ask] if the Lord will send wonders and drive that king from [our walls].’3So the Lord then told JeremiAh:‘Give this reply [from Jehovah] to King ZedekiAh:‘I’ll turn back the weapons of war in your hands That you’re using to fight those Chaldeans Who have come to oppress you, And that are outside of your walls; 4Then, I’ll bring them into your city.5‘For, I will wage war against you With My outstretched hand and My mighty arm In [My] anger and rage.6‘I’ll strike all those who live in this city In a slaughter of men and their cattle… Yes, they will all be destroyed!7‘And then,’ said Jehovah, I’ll hand over Judah’s King ZedekiAh, As well as all of his servants, Along with those who live in this city Who’ll survive death from the famine And the swords in the hands of those seeking their lives.‘By the mouth of the sword, they’ll cut them to bits… They will not spare or feel pity!’8‘Then, speak to these people and tell them… Yes, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} Before your faces, I’ve put life and death. 9And those who stay in this city Will die by famine or by the sword. But those who leave to join the Chaldeans (Those men who have you surrounded) will live… Your [reward] will be your own lives!10‘For against this city, I’ve now set My face To do just bad things, not good,’ says Jehovah, ‘It’s going to be handed to Babylon’s king, And he will then burn it in fire.11‘O house of the kings of Judea; Hear the Word of Jehovah! 12And to you, the house of [King] David; Against you, Jehovah said this:‘In the morning, discuss the judgment on you, And then get yourselves straightened out. Rescue those being shredded From the hands of those who are doing them wrong!‘Don’t let My anger be lit like a fire; For, after it has been kindled, No one will come here to put it out!13‘Look… It’s Me that’s coming against All you who live in these [mountains], And you who live in the plains… Those who have asked, ‘Whom must we fear?’ And, ‘Who could enter our homes?’14‘Yes, I am the One who is watching And the One who will light the fire, Which will burn everything that’s around [you]!’
1Then the Lord said:‘So now, go to the [palace] of Judah’s king, And these are the words you must speak there:2‘O you king of Judea, Hear the Word of Jehovah… Yes, you who are sitting upon David’s throne… You, as well as your servants, And all the people who enter your gates!’3‘Tell him that this is what was said by Jehovah:‘You must [learn to] be righteous and fair, And rescue those being plundered From the hands of those who are doing them wrong!‘Don’t tyrannize strangers, orphans, or widows… Don’t be irreverent anymore… And stop shedding innocent blood in this place!4‘For, if you [continue] doing such things, Their kings will enter the gates of this house, And on David’s throne, they will sit. Yes, they, their children, and people Will come here on chariots and horses!5‘If you choose not to listen to Me, I swear this oath by Myself,’ says Jehovah, ‘On your house, I will bring desolation!’6‘And Jehovah said this against the [palace] of the king of Judah:‘You’re the same as GileAd to Me; For, you are Lebanon’s head. So, shouldn’t I wipe you away And leave your cities deserted?7‘I’ll bring annihilation upon you By a man who carries the axe. He’ll cut down all your fine cedars, And throw them into a fire.8‘Then, nations will [march] through this city, And each man will ask his companion:‘Why did [God] let this happen?’9‘And the other will give this reply:‘Because they abandoned their Sacred Agreement With Jehovah their God… Because they bowed to and served other gods.’10‘So don’t weep or feel sorry for those who will die… Rather, weep for those who’ll be carried away. For, they will never return Or see the land of their fathers again.'11The Lord also said these words against ShalLum (JehoiAkim) king of Judah (son of [King] JosiAh), who reigned in place of his [brother] who’d been carried] off [to Egypt].He said:‘You will never return here, 12And you’ll die where I’ll have you taken… So this land will never see you again!13‘For your [palace] was built on injustice, And unfairly, its rooms were constructed, Since you made your neighbors work without pay… You didn’t even pay them their wages!14‘A well-designed house, you’ve built for yourself, With windows and good ventilation, And cedar walls that are painted vermillion. 15But, should you have started to rule Because you disliked your father?‘Of food and drink, he had plenty, Because he was fair, honest, and just! 16But, you have not [seen the need] To judge the humble in fairness, Or to be just with the poor!‘Jehovah asks:‘Have you done this because you don’t know Me?’17‘{Look!} There is nothing good in your eyes or your heart, And your desire is just to gain wealth. So, you are shedding innocent blood And committing such evils as murder!’18Then the Lord said this against JehoiAkim, king of Judah:'Because of all that he’s done, Woe [will come to] this man. So let no one feel sorry for him, And no one should wail, ‘O my brother!’‘Over him, they should never weep, Or say, ‘Too bad for you, O my Lord!’ 19For, he’ll be buried like a donkey… He’ll be scraped up and tossed from JeruSalem’s [walls]!20‘Now, go up to Lebanon and shout… Go to BaShan and call to the ends of the sea, [And you’ll see that] your lovers have been beaten!21‘I’ve spoken to you of your sins, And you said that you’d pay me no heed. This has been your way since your youth… You’ve paid no attention to my voice!22‘So your shepherds will just tend the wind, And your lovers will be taken as captives. Then, you’ll be shamed and disgraced Before all of those with whom you’ve made love.23[‘For Jehovah says:]‘O you who call Lebanon [your home], And you who nest among cedars; You’ll groan like a [woman] about to give birth; For, pangs of grief are coming to you!24‘As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘King ConiJah (JehoiAkim’s son) Will become a seal on My right hand; For, from your place, I will take you 25And hand you to the man who is seeking your life… The one before whom you are cautious… To the hands of King NebuChadNezzar And to the hands of all his Chaldeans.26‘I’ll throw you and the mother who bore you Into a land where you were not born… And then you will die in that place! 27So, to this land that’s the love of your life, You will never return.28‘ConiJah will also meet with disgrace… And like a pot [that’s been thrown] in the trash; He’ll be thrown in a land that he’s never known.’29‘O land, hear the Word of Jehovah:30‘Record this king as one who’s been banished, And thereafter, proclaim this in public:‘Nothing will grow from his ‘seed’ That will ever sit upon David’s throne, Or rule in Judah again!’
1[The Lord continues:]‘O you shepherds who scatter And destroy the sheep of His pasture; Against you, Jehovah said this… He said this to those who shepherd His [sheep]:2‘You have scattered My sheep… Yes, you have pushed them away And refused to [watch over] them. So, {Look!} I will take vengeance upon you For the wicked things that you’ve done.3‘Then, from wherever they are on the earth, I will gather them back (Those who are left of My people) From wherever they have been pushed, And bring them [back] to their pastures, Where they’ll multiply and grow once again.4‘Then, I will raise shepherds to tend them So they won’t know terror or fear, Nor will they have to be searched for again,’ says Jehovah.5‘Look! The days are now coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll bring a righteous dawning to David, And an understanding king will then reign, Who’ll bring what’s righteous and fair to the land.6‘In his days, he’ll bring salvation to Judah, And IsraEl will camp in submission. Then the Lord will call him, ‘Jehovah is Righteous.’7‘And because of this, {Look!} days will come,’ said the Lord; ‘When they’ll not say:‘As Jehovah’s alive… The One who led IsraEl from Egypt.’8‘But rather, they will be saying:‘As Jehovah is living… The One who gathered back IsraEl’s offspring From the lands in the north, And from everywhere else that they had been pushed… And then, He returned them to their own land.’9‘But their prophets have broken my heart… Yes, they have rattled my bones. I became like a person who’s broken, Or as one who’s had too much wine Before the face of Jehovah… Before His beautiful, glorious face… 10For the land is now full of adultery.‘Because of this, the land is in mourning, And all of its pastures have dried. For their race has become wicked and weak, 11And their prophets and priests are corrupt.‘Yes, I saw their wicked ways in My Temple,’ said Jehovah, 12‘So I allowed them to slip into darkness, Where they have stumbled and fallen! Then, in the year that I come to visit, I’ll bring more bad things upon them,’ says Jehovah.13‘Among Samaria’s prophets, I beheld the violations of [My] Law. For, it was by [a] BaAl that they prophesied To mislead IsraEl, My people.14‘Then, among the prophets in JeruSalem, I also saw reasons to shudder. For they committed adultery and lied, While shaking hands with the wicked… Not turning their hands from bad ways.‘So, they are like Sodom to Me, And like GomorRah, are the rest of those living there. 15And because of this,’ says Jehovah to those prophets; ‘{Look!} I will feed you on grief, And bitter water, I’ll give you to drink. For, everywhere throughout the whole land, JeruSalem’s prophets have brought what is foul.’16‘So, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Don’t listen to the words of those prophets… Those who speak prophecies before you. For their visions prove how foolish they are, And that what they speak just comes from their hearts, Not from the mouth of Jehovah.17‘They are told by those who have pushed the Lord’s Word aside:‘You will find peace if you’ll follow your hearts… No evil will come to any of those Who follow the delusions in their own hearts.’18‘O who has stood in the fort of Jehovah… Who has beheld and heard what He said… Yes, who has listened and paid close attention?19‘Look! A shaking will come from Jehovah… His anger will arrive as a shaking; Then a whirl-wind will come to the godless.20‘But this won’t turn back the rage of Jehovah Until His heart has been satisfied. And they won’t comprehend til their days reach their end.[‘For He said]:21‘Although I didn’t send those false prophets, They came to you anyhow. And although I’ve never spoken to them, They have still prophesied.22‘If they had followed My council And paid attention to what I had said, My people would have turned from their wicked ways.23‘But, I am a God who is near,’ says Jehovah! ‘I’m not a God who is far away. 24So, what can be hidden [from Me]… What is the secret that I cannot see… Weren’t the heavens and earth filled by Me?’ asks Jehovah,25‘Yet I’ve heard what those prophets have said… Those who speak lies in My Name… Those who say:‘This is what I saw in a dream!’26‘How long will their lies still continue To come from the hearts of those prophets… How long will they prophesy lies, And speak the things that their hearts desire?27‘They’ve come up with ways to forget My Name, Then they use their dreams to describe to their neighbors How [it was really] their fathers That had forgotten My Name, And then turned to the service of [a] BaAl.28‘Let those dreaming prophets describe all their dreams! And let those who say that they have My word Describe what I truly have said!‘As straw is to grain; so are My words,’ says Jehovah.29‘And aren’t My words like the flames of a fire,’ asks the Lord? ‘Aren’t they like an axe that cuts rocks?30‘Look! I am against all those prophets Who steal My words from their neighbors.31‘Yes, I am against all those prophets,’ says Jehovah, ‘Who roll prophecies from their tongues, While all they’ve really done is just sleep.32‘Look, I am against all those prophets Who prophesy from their false dreams; For, they are misleading My people With all their lies and delusions!‘No, I did not really send them, Nor did I tell them to do this… I gave them nothing to bring to these people,’ says Jehovah.33‘And if you are asked by these people Or if you’re asked by their prophets or priests, ‘What is bothering Jehovah?’ This is what you must tell them:‘What bothers Me is you people, For I’ll beat you down,’ says Jehovah… 34‘You people, you prophets, and priests… You who’ve dared to ask why I’m bothered! So I’ll punish you men along with your homes!’35‘Then each one will be asking his neighbor, And each man will be asking his brother:‘What was Jehovah’s reply… What answer came from the Lord?’36‘But don’t ask Jehovah about this again; For the things that He said should be your concern, 37Since you have twisted His words!’‘So, [in the future, when] those prophets ask, ‘What was said by Jehovah?’ 38Because they’ve spoken these words once again; I’ll send Jehovah’s concerns upon them! For I told them that they shouldn’t be asking What things Jehovah’s concerned with.39‘Yes, because they’ve done this again, I’ll take them and beat them down in this land That I once gave to their fathers. 40Throughout the ages, I’ll place scorn upon them… A dishonor that won’t be forgotten.’
1Well, after NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) had taken JeconiJah (son of JehoiAkim) the king of Judah and the governors from JeruSalem as prisoners and led them into Babylon; the Lord showed me two reed baskets of figs sitting before the Temple of Jehovah. 2The first basket of figs was much fresher and better than the other, for the second basket of figs was so bad that they couldn’t be eaten.3Then the Lord asked me:‘What do you see, JeremiAh?’And I replied:‘Figs… Some are good, but the others are so rotten that they can’t be eaten.’4Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:5‘Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, says this:‘These good figs are like those Judeans Whom I already sent away from this place Into the land of Chaldea.6‘I will fix My eyes upon them for good, And I’ll bring them back to this land… I’ll rebuild them and not destroy them again… I’ll plant them and not pluck them up.7‘I’ll give them hearts that will know Me… So they’ll realize that I am their Lord. Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God, And with their whole hearts, they’ll turn back to Me.8‘But, when it comes to those bad figs That no one could possibly eat… Because he has made himself rotten’, says Jehovah, I’ll hand over King ZedekiAh Along with all his great men.‘Then the rest of the people in JeruSalem And those who’ve remained in this land, As well as all those [fleeing to] Egypt, 9Will be scattered throughout the whole earth.‘As a parable of hatred, they will be scorned And cursed everywhere that I’ll push them. 10Upon them, I will bring famine, As well as plagues and the sword, Until they’ve been forced out of this land That I gave to their fathers and them.’
1Well, it was in the 4th year [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah that these words came to JeremiAh concerning all the people of Judah. And then, during the 1st year [of the reign] of NebuChadNezzar king of Babylon [over Judah], 2the Prophet JeremiAh went and spoke to all the people of Judah and to those who were living in JeruSalem.This is what he said to them:3‘From the 13th year of JosiAh son of Amon – for [the past] 23 years – Jehovah’s word has been coming to me, and I’ve been getting up early each morning to tell you [what God has said]. However, you just haven’t listened.4[‘So now, Jehovah says this]:‘Every morning, I sent you My servants the Prophets, But your ears refused to listen to them, And you chose to pay no attention.5‘They told you to turn from your wicked ways, And then, you’d continue to live in the land That I gave to your fathers and you Throughout the age and into the ages.6‘I told you not to follow strange gods… Not to serve them or bow down before them, So you wouldn’t provoke Me to rage With these things that you made with your hands, And I wouldn’t bring bad things upon you… 7However, you just wouldn’t listen!8‘So because of this,’ says Jehovah… ‘Since you didn’t trust the things that I said; 9{Look!} I’ve called for a family that lives in the north And led them down to this land… I’ve brought them against those who live here And against the nations roundabout, To bring desolation upon you… They’ll appoint you to extinction, hissing, and scorn Throughout [the rest of] the age.10‘They’ll destroy the sounds of happiness and joy… The voices of grooms and their brides, As well as the scent of lamps and perfumes, 11There’ll be an extinction throughout the whole land!‘And you’ll serve that nation for 70 years… As well as Babylon’s king. 12‘And after the 70 years are fulfilled; On the king of Babylon and his wicked nation, I will then bring My vengeance For the unrighteous things that they’ll do, says Jehovah.‘I’ll appoint the land of Chaldea To extinction throughout the rest of the age. 13And against that land, I’ll bring all the words That I have spoken against them… All the things that JeremiAh will write in this scroll, And which he will speak against them!14‘For, they will force many nations, And their great kings to serve them. Then I’ll pay them back for the bad things they’ll do… According to the works of their hands.’15‘Then Jehovah the God of IsraEl said:‘Take this cup of pure wine from My hand And give it to those nations where I’ll send you… Yes, give it to them as their drink! 16Then they’ll drink it and vomit it out, And go mad before the sword that I’ll send.’17So after that, I took the cup that the Lord had given to me and I gave it to the nations to drink (all of those to whom He had sent me… To JeruSalem and the cities of Judah… To the king of Judah and his governors), 18so as to appoint desolation upon them and to be lands that are no longer walked (places of hissing and curses), 19as well as on PharaOh (the king of Egypt), on his children, on his people, and on all his great men (yes, all that live in his realm), 20and upon the kings of Philistia and Uz; on AshKelon, Gaza, EkRon, and those who are left in AshDod, 21and on those in Edom and in MoAb.‘For He said:‘The sons of AmMon will then be extinct, 22As will be the kings of Sidon and Tyre, And the kings who [live] ‘cross the sea, 23Such as DeDan, Tema, and Buz (All those who are shaving their faces), 24And the kings of Arabia and their subjects (Those who rest in the desert)…25‘All the kings of ZimRi and ElAm; All the kings of the Medes; 26And all the kings from the east wind (Both those who are near and those far away), Along with all of their brothers, And the rest of the kingdoms on the face of the earth… Then Shishak will also drink with them!’27‘Yes, tell them that thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘They all will drink it and all will get drunk, And then, they will vomit and fall, For they will be unable to stand Before the sword that I’m sending to them!’28‘And if they refuse to drink from the cup; Explain that Jehovah of Armies said this:[‘You have no choice] but to drink it; 29For this affliction has already started In the city that carries My Name.‘And if you should try to clean yourselves up, There’s no way that you’ll ever be holy; For now, I have called for a sword To come upon all your lands, Says Jehovah of Armies.’30‘You must speak these words against them and say:‘From high above in His Holy Place, Jehovah will bring execution… He’ll speak a word with His voice, And against your place, He’s sending destruction.‘Then, those who gather this vintage will say To those who have settled the land:31‘Part of the earth has been ruined; And from Jehovah, this judgment of nations has come. For, with all flesh, He’s contending, And the irreverent will be given to the sword.’32‘Jehovah of Armies also said this:‘{Look!} From a nation, evil will come to the nations, And a storm will rage to the ends of the earth. 33And in that day; From one part of the earth to the other, Those who are slain by Jehovah Won’t be lamented, gathered, or buried… They’ll be like manure on the face of the ground!’34‘So shout, O shepherds, and cry out! Yes, beat on your chests, O rams of the flocks! For your days until slaughter have now been fulfilled, And you will fall like the choicest of rams.35‘For the shepherds; their chance for flight will be gone, And safety will flee from the rams of the flocks. 36So from the shepherds, cries will arise, As well as the bleating of rams, When Jehovah wipes their pastures away.37‘Then there’ll no longer be peaceful places to rest, In the face of Jehovah’s anger and rage. For He’ll arrive like a lion that’s abandoned its lair To make their lands unwalked places, With the face of His mighty sword.’
1It was in the first part of the reign of King JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) that this word came from Jehovah.[The Lord] said:2‘Go and stand in [the Temple] courtyard
And there, give orders to those in Judea…
To all who are coming to bow here.
Tell them all the things that I said,
And don’t forget any words!3‘Then perhaps they will listen and turn from their bad,
And I can bring an end to the evil
That I’ve arranged to send upon them
Because of the bad things they’re doing.4‘So, tell them that thus says Jehovah:If you refuse to listen to Me
And obey all the Laws that I’ve set before you…
[If you won’t] obey the words of My servant
5The words of the Prophet I sent,
But to whom you chose not to listen,
6I’ll make this Temple like ShiLoh
And appoint this city as a curse
Before all the nations on earth.’7Well, all the priests and false prophets, as well as all the people heard what JeremiAh said when he spoke those words in the Temple of Jehovah. 8And after he finished saying everything that the Lord had ordered him to say to the people, the priests, and the false prophets, they grabbed him and said:9‘We’re going to kill you for prophesying in the Name of Jehovah and for saying that this Temple will become like ShiLoh and that this city will be desolate with no one living in it!’So thereafter, they all gathered inside the Temple of Jehovah and put JeremiAh on trial. 10But when the rulers of Judah heard [what JeremiAh was saying], they went from the king’s [palace] up to the Temple of Jehovah, and they all sat down on the threshold of the New Gate. 11Then the priests and false prophets said this before the rulers and all the people:‘This man deserves the judgment of death for prophesying against this city… Something that you all heard him say with your own ears!’12And [in reply], JeremiAh said this to the rulers and the people:‘It was Jehovah that sent me here to prophesy all these words that you heard me speak against this Temple and this city. 13So, it would really best for you to change the ways that you’re acting and the things that you’re doing, and to start listening to the voice of your God Jehovah. For then the Lord would bring an end to all of these evils that He has spoken against you here.14‘However, {Look!} here I am in your hands! So, do to me whatever you think is going to be advantageous and best for yourselves! 15But know and understand that if you do away with me, you will have brought the guilt of innocent blood against yourselves, this city, and everyone who lives here; for it was really Jehovah that sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears!’16Well at that, the rulers and people said to the priests and false prophets:‘This man doesn’t really deserve the sentence of death, for he was speaking in the Name of our God Jehovah!’17Then, men from among the elders of the land stood up and spoke before the whole gathering and said:18‘MicAh the Morasthite was a Prophet in the days of HezekiAh, the king of Judah, and he spoke to all the people of Judah and told them that Jehovah of Armies had said this:‘Zion is now a field to be plowed,
For JeruSalem will be a storehouse of fruits,
And the Temple Mount will soon be converted
Into a grove of sacred poles.’19‘However, King HezekiAh and the people of Judah didn’t do away with him, because they were afraid of Jehovah. So they begged and bowed before [God], and He brought an end to the evils that He had spoken against them… And once again, we have [for a fact, been sinning] in a great way against our own souls!’20Well, around that same time, there was another man who had been prophesying in the Name of Jehovah, UriAh son of ShemaiAh (from KiriAth JaiRim). For he had also prophesied about the city and the land, using the very same words as JeremiAh.21But when he heard what King JehoiAkim and all the rulers had said about seeking to kill [JeremiAh], UriAh became afraid and he fled down to Egypt. 22However, the king sent his men (ElNathan son of AchBor, and some others) to Egypt 23and they brought him back from there. Then when he stood before the king, he was cut down with a sword and [his body] was thrown into the tomb of the sons of his people. 24But because the hand of AhiKam (son of ShaPhan) was with JeremiAh, he stopping him from being handed over to the people so they could do away with him.
1It was at the beginning of the reign of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah, that these words came to JeremiAh from Jehovah. [Editor note: These words are factually incorrect, and are probably an interpolation introduced in the Hebrew Masoretic text, not present in the original Greek Septuagint ordering of Jeremiah.]2The Lord said:‘Now, make some shackles for yourself
And a collar [of iron] to be put ‘round your neck.
3Then send them to the kings of Edom and MoAb,
And to those of AmMon, Sidon, and Tyre
By the hands of those who have come here
To see ZedekiAh, king of Judah.4‘Tell them that they must say to their Lords
That IsraEl’s God Jehovah of Armies said this:5‘I’m the One who created the earth and its people,
And all cattle on the face of the ground
By means of My strength and My mighty arm,
And I’ll hand it to whomever I choose.6‘So now, I have given all of your lands
To NebuChadNezzar (Babylon’s King),
[And all the people] must start serving him,
As must all the beasts in the fields,
7As well as your sons and the sons of your sons
Throughout the time that I’ve set for your land…‘Yes, all of this is now his!‘Many nations and kings will start serving him,
8And upon any nation or kingdom
That refuses to serve King NebuChadNezzar
(That won’t wear his yoke on their necks),
I’ll send the sword, famine, and plague,’ says Jehovah,
‘Until they yield to his hand.9‘So don’t listen to what your false prophets say
(Those who through dreams prophecy,
Or those who give omens through potions)
When they tell you not to serve Babylon’s king;
10For they are just lying to you,
And then you’ll be driven out of your land…
For I’ll drive you out and [destroy] you!11‘To the nation that puts its neck in the yoke
And chooses to serve Babylon’s king;
I’ll allow them to stay in their land, says Jehovah,
‘They’ll continue to work there and live.’12So I went and spoke all these words to ZedekiAh the king of Judah. I told him:‘If you’ll put your neck in the yoke of Babylon’s king 13and work for him and his men, you’ll live!‘Why should you and your people choose to die by the sword, famines, and plagues, as Jehovah told the nations would happen to them if they don’t wish to serve Babylon’s king?14‘You shouldn’t listen to the words of those prophets when they tell you that you must not serve him, for they’re prophesying unrighteous things! 15Jehovah says that He didn’t send them, and what they’re prophesying in His Name is unrighteous, so He’ll have to destroy both them and you…‘Yes, you’ll die along with those prophets who are lying to you!’16Then I spoke to the priests and to all the people, and told them that Jehovah said this:‘Don’t listen to the words of the prophets
When they speak prophecies and they tell you
That the items of the Temple of Jehovah
Will soon be returned from Babylon.
For, they are lying to you!17‘No, do not listen to them…
Serve Babylon’s king and you’ll live…
Why bring your city to ruin?’18[Then I said]:‘If they truly are Prophets
And if they really have the word of Jehovah;
Then, have them all come here and meet me,
So that the things which are left in the Temple
And the things that belong to Judea’s kings
(Whatever is left in JeruSalem)
Will not be taken to Babylon.19‘For Jehovah sent me this warning
About the [Temple’s sacred] columns,
And about the [Sacred] Sea and its base,
As well as about all the rest that is left,
20Which Babylon’s king didn’t already take
When he removed JehoiAkim’s son, JeconiJah…
The king of Judah and all of his rulers,
Then took them from Judah and JeruSalem,
And carried them to Babylon.21‘For Jehovah of Armies (the God of IsraEl)
Said this about the things left behind
At the Temple of Jehovah,
And all that is left in the homes of the kings
In Judah and JeruSalem:22‘To Babylon, it will be carried,
And there is where it will stay
Until the day that I come to visit,
And they bring it back to this place.’
1It was in the 5th month of the 4th year of the reign of ZedekiAh (king of Judah) that HananiAh (son of Azur) the false prophet from GibeOn spoke to me in the Temple of Jehovah before the eyes of the priests and all the people.He said:2‘Jehovah of Armies the God of IsraEl spoke to me and said this:I will break the yoke of Babylon’s king.
3And in two more years, I will return
All the things of the Temple of Jehovah,
4As well as JeconiJah and the [people] of Judah
Whom they have moved away.
For I’ll break the yoke of Babylon’s king.’5Then the Prophet JeremiAh replied to HananiAh, there before the priests and before the eyes of all the people who were standing in the Temple of Jehovah.He said:6‘May Jehovah indeed do what you’ve said in the words of your prophecy and return all the things of the Temple of Jehovah along with all the [people] that were carried off to Babylon. 7However, listen to the words that I’ll speak into your ears before all of these people!8‘Throughout the ages, long before you and me, there have been many men who’ve prophesied great things against this land concerning war, oppression, and plagues… 9And there were also those who prophesied peace. Then after it happened, the [people] started believing whichever prophet that had really been sent by Jehovah.’10Well at that, HananiAh tore the yoke from the neck of JeremiAh and broke it. 11And he said (there before the eyes of all the people):‘Jehovah told me that this is how He will break the yoke of the king of Babylon from the necks of all the nations in just two more years!’Well when he did that, JeremiAh left. And as he was leaving 12(after HananiAh had broken the yoke from his neck), the Word of Jehovah came to [JeremiAh] and said this:13‘Go back and tell HananiAh that Jehovah said this:‘Because you have broken that wooden yoke,
I’ll turn the wooden yokes into iron!14So JeremiAh [went back and said]:‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, said this:‘On the necks of all nations, I’ll put an iron yoke,
Then they’ll serve and work for Babylon’s king…
And to him, I’ll give all their cattle.’15Then JeremiAh said this to HananiAh:‘Listen, O HananiAh!‘Jehovah hasn’t sent you to these people just so they can learn to rely on the things that they’ve been doing wrong. 16And because of what you’ve been telling them, this is what the Lord told me to say:‘{Look!} I’ll remove you from the face of the earth…
Yes, this very year, you will die
For speaking against Jehovah!’17Well, he did in fact die that year, in the 7th month.
1These are the words of the scroll that JeremiAh the Prophet sent from JeruSalem to the elders that had already been relocated, as well as to the priests and false prophets… To all the people whom NebuChadNezzar had moved from JeruSalem to Babylon 2after King JeconiJah, his queen, his eunuchs, and all the freemen, servants, and craftsman had been taken from JeruSalem.3[He sent it] by the hand of ElAsah (son of ShaPhan) and GemariJah (son of HilkiJah). For they were the ones whom ZedekiAh king of Judah had sent to the king of the Babylonian [Empire] that lived in [the city of] Babylon.[The scroll] said:4‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, says this To those who were carried away (Those whom He’d moved from JeruSalem to Babylon):5‘Build houses and get ready to live there… Plant gardens and then eat their fruits… 6Take wives and also have children… Father both daughters and sons!‘Then, take [mates] for your daughters and sons; And they’ll also give birth to daughters and sons… They’ll multiply and not be reduced!7‘Yes, seek peace in the land where I’ve sent you, And pray to Jehovah on its behalf; For, in its peace, you’ll find peace!8‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, also said this:‘Don’t believe the false prophets among you… Do not be influenced by those Who say that you will find comfort… And pay no attention to the things that they’ve dreamed!9‘For, there will be those who will come in My Name, And they will prophesy falsely; But by Me, they were not sent!’ says Jehovah.10‘Then, this is what I was told by Jehovah:‘After the 70 years Upon Babylon have been fulfilled, I’ll come to visit and do as I said… I’ll bring you people back to your [homes].11‘I’ll work out a way that’s peaceful, not bad, To bring you back from this place. 12Then you can pray to Me and I’ll hear you… 13You can search for Me and you’ll find Me. And if wholeheartedly, you’ll search for Me, 14By you, I will be found!’15‘But you say that the Lord has put Prophets among those who are living in Babylon. 16Well, Jehovah says this to the king who is sitting on the throne of David and to all the people who are living in this city, as well as to all your brothers that didn’t leave and weren’t taken into captivity along with you… 17Yes, [concerning these prophets], Jehovah of Armies said this:‘{Look!} I’ll send them the sword, famines, and plagues… Like a bad fig, I will make them… [A fig] that’s too rotten to eat.18‘I’ll pursue them with swords, famines, and plagues, Then scatter them to all the kingdoms of earth. And to confusion, hissing, and scorn they’ll be cursed Among all the nations where I’ll send them.19‘For they’ve paid no attention to My words,’ said Jehovah, ‘That I spoke to them through My servants, the Prophets… Those whom I sent and rose early [each day], But to whom, they chose not to listen,’ said Jehovah.20‘Yet, those of you who’ve been moved away From JeruSalem to Babylon, Have also ignored the Word of Jehovah.21‘For Jehovah once spoke against Ahab (son of KolaiJah) And ZedekiAh (son of MaAseJah) Who prophesied lies to you in His Name. And this is what He has said about them:‘{Look!} To Babylon’s king, I will hand them, And he’ll cut them down in front of your eyes. 22So when Babylon’s Jews speak curses, they’ll say:‘May Jehovah do the same thing to you That He did to ZedekiAh and Ahab… Those who Babylon’s king fried in fires.’23‘For, JeruSalem’s people are lawless… They’re committing adultery with their countrymen’s wives. Yet [their prophets] are saying things in My Name That I didn’t tell them to say… And I am the witness [against them],’ says Jehovah!24Then [the Lord instructed me] to say this to ShemaiAh the NeHelamite:‘Although you were not sent in My Name; You wrote to the Priest, ZephaniAh, Saying that thus says Jehovah:25‘I’m the One who appointed you as the Priest To take the place of JehoiAda And to be in charge of the Temple, As well as to be over the prophets.26‘And now, I tell you to put every man Who acts [like a prophet], in prison… Put them in the [lowest of] dungeons.27‘So, why haven’t you joined in and scolded JeremiAh from [the city of] AnathOth Who has served as a Prophet to you?’28‘For to us who are living in Babylon And in its most-distant places, He says that freedom is still far away. So, they should build houses and dwell there… Plant gardens and then eat their fruits.’29Well, after the Prophet JeremiAh read this letter in the ears of ZephaniAh, 30the Word of Jehovah came to him again and said:31‘Send [a message] to those who’ve been sent away And say that Jehovah has brought condemnation Upon ShemaiAh the NeHeLamite.‘He said:‘Since ShemaiAh has prophesied before you Despite the fact that I didn’t send him, And he urged you to trust in the bad things you do… 32Yes, because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘I’ll visit ShemaiAh and all of his kind, And there won’t be a man left among them Who will see the good I’ll do among you,’ says Jehovah, ‘For he’s preached a turning from Me.’
1These words came to JeremiAh from the Lord. He was told that Jehovah the God of IsraEl said this:2‘You must write all these words [of Jehovah] that I’ve spoken to you in a scroll:3‘{Look!} The days are coming,’ said Jehovah, ‘When I will return those of IsraEl and Judah (All those who’ve been moved away)… Yes, I’ll bring them back to this land That I gave to their fathers, And once more, they will be its lords.’4And after that, these were the words that the Lord spoke concerning IsraEl and Judah:5‘Jehovah says:‘[But first], you will hear fearful sounds… You will hear fearful sounds and there’ll be no peace.6‘So, ask if a male has ever given birth… Yet I see all men with their hands on their hips As though they are women about to give birth, And their faces are [yellow with] jaundice.7‘For, that will be a great day of woe, And there couldn’t be any days worse… Yet, Jacob will still be returned to his land.’8‘For thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘In that day, I’ll break all the yokes from their necks… I’ll also tear off their bonds, And they’ll no longer be toiling for strangers. 9At that time, they’ll work for Jehovah, their God, And I will raise David to be their king.10‘So you, O My servant Jacob; Don’t be afraid,’ says Jehovah… ‘O IsraEl, do not be in terror, For {Look!} I’ll bring you back from those far-away lands!‘I’ll bring your offspring from that captive place… Jacob will be returned and find rest. Then he’ll receive an abundance of good things, And he will have nothing to fear.11‘Because I’m with you, I’ll save you,’ says Jehovah, ‘And I will appoint a conclusion To those nations where you have been scattered, For no way have I appointed your end. But I will correct you in fairness, And I’ll scrub you until you are clean!’12‘Jehovah said:‘I’ll remove the pain of destruction; 13For, no one else will be judging your case, And no one else will be treating your [wounds] To bring consolation to you.14‘But by your friends, you will be forgotten, And none will ask why I struck you… Why I let your enemies beat you.‘For My discipline will be very substantial, Because the things that you did were so bad! 15So don’t yell [to Me] about your destruction, And the incurable state of your misery!‘It will happen because your sins were so great, And because of the harsh things you’ve done… This is why I’m bringing these bad things upon you.16‘But those who [are now] eating you Will find themselves being consumed, And your enemies will be taken as captives… Those scattering you, will be scattered, And those looting you, will be plundered.17‘Then your grievous wounds, I will cure… Yes, I will treat all your ailments,’ says God, ‘Then Zion will be called ‘The Replanted Place,’ And none will [attack] her again.’18‘Jehovah said:‘{Look!} I’ll return those of Jacob who’ve been taken away… All that were led off as captives. Then, I will show mercy upon them And rebuild their city there in the heights, Where I will seat all the people According to the ways they’ve been fair.19‘And from among them, there will come singers, As well as the music of musicians That will grow in super abundance, And no way will it be diminished.20‘Each man will then enter [the Temple] Along with all of his sons, Just as they’ve done in the past, And their praises will rise up to Me, When I come against those who’ve oppressed them.21‘From among them, I’ll then choose a leader… Yes, their ruler will be one of them. I’ll collect them and bring them to Me All those whose hearts will want to return,’ says Jehovah… 22‘Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their Lord.’23‘For this is why the rage of Jehovah was sent… To change the godless, His anger went out In order to make them turn back to Him.24‘But no way will [God’s] anger and rage be turned back Until He has taken some action… Until He’s done what His heart has decided… And in the last days, you’ll understand why.’
1Then the Lord told me this:‘They’ll be the race of IsraEl’s God… Yes they’ll be His people once more.’2And the Lord said:‘Although they found it hot in the desert When they were destroyed by the sword; IsraEl will again find places to rest!3‘For they’ll see Jehovah off in the distance, And this is what He will say:‘With the love of the ages, I’ve loved you, So I’ve drawn you close to show mercy on you… 4I will rebuild you and you’ll be rebuilt, O virgin daughter of IsraEl.‘Your tambourines will be raised once again And you’ll play them before the assembly. 5You will also plant vineyards again Upon Samaria’s mountains… Yes, you will go planting and plant, And you will go praising and praise!6‘Then, on the day that I call out to you; On Ephraim’s mountains, the watchmen will cry:‘Get up and go to Mount Zion… Return to Jehovah your God!’7‘Then Jehovah said this concerning [the people of] Jacob:‘Be glad and shout to those leading the nations… Do it… Shout loudly in praise! Say, ‘Jehovah has rescued His people… Those IsraElites who survived!’8‘Look… From the north, I will lead them, And I’ll gather them from the ends of the earth To observe a [glorious] Passover… They’ll return, and they’ll have many children!9‘Although when they left, they did so in tears; I’ll send them comfort and lead them to rest Along straight roads with [pure] streams… It’s a path from which they’ll not stray. Then I’ll be IsraEl’s Father again, And [a Father] to Ephraim, My firstborn.’10‘O nations, hear the word of Jehovah And announce it as far as the islands! Say, ‘The One who blew IsraEl off like the chaff Will gather them back once again, And like a grazing flock, He will guard them!’11‘For Jehovah will [pay] Jacob’s ransom, And from mighty hands, He will save them… 12Then in joy, they’ll come back to Zion.‘And there in a land filled with grain, They will find good things from their God… Wine, olive oil, fruit, cattle, and sheep. So their lives will then be like fruit trees, And they will go hungry no more.13‘Then the virgins will all be rejoicing, And men young and old will be shouting in joy. For their mourning will be changed into cries of glee… They’ll be happy, and He’ll bring them comfort.14‘Then I’ll magnify the lives of the Priests And [the lives of] the sons of Levi… My people will own many good things!’‘Jehovah said:15‘A voice was heard crying from RamAh… The sounds of weeping, wailing, and grief. It was RachEl crying over her sons… She refused to accept any comfort, Because they aren’t here anymore.16‘Then to her, Jehovah said this:‘Stop crying and dry the tears from your eyes, For you’ll be paid a wage for your work… They’ll be returned from their enemies’ lands, 17And there is still hope for those who survived,’ says Jehovah, For your sons will return to their borders.18‘Then I heard Ephraim grieving; So I listened and he told Me this:‘You beat me and I was corrected; For I had acted like a [wild] calf. But You turned me around and now I’ve returned; For, You are Jehovah, my God!19‘Captivity brought a change to my mind In that day when You brought me shame. But, after I moaned, I then understood… Plainly, I showed You that I had accepted That, from my youth, [I deserved] all the scorn.’20‘Yes, Ephraim is My dearly loved son… A child in whom I find joy. And because My words are within him, I will never forget him.‘It was because of this, that I hurried; For, when it comes to showing him mercy, I will show mercy upon him,’ said Jehovah.21‘So erect the road signs and guideposts, And give your hearts to your shoulders, For they will be [coming back home]! Yes return, O IsraEl, the virgin… Return to the cities where they’re mourning [your loss]!’22[And Jeremiah? said:]O My daughter,When will you return from those places Where you were being disgraced? For the Lord has made new places for you Where it will be safe to do planting, And where people can travel in safety.[And the Lord said:]23‘Then Jehovah of Armies (IsraEl’s God) told me this:‘Once more, you’ll be speaking of Me In the land of Judah and in all your towns, When I bring back those who were carried away!’‘So, praise Jehovah on His Holy Mount! 24For, those who live in the cities of Judah And the farmers [that dwell] in His land Will grow once again, along with their flocks!25[For Jehovah says:]‘To thirsty souls, I’ll send something to drink, And all hungry souls, I will fill. 26Then, when you wake up [in the morning], You’ll see that your sleep has been peaceful.27‘Look! The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll sow both IsraEl and Judah With the ‘seeds’ of men and the ‘seeds’ of wild beasts.28‘It’ll be as when I watched over them (Not when I brought them destruction). And then, over them, I’ll be watchful… They’ll be rebuilt and replanted,’ said Jehovah.29‘In those days, no way will they say, ‘Although it was the fathers that ate unripe grapes, The teeth of their children felt chills.’ 30For then, only sinners will die Because of the bad things they do, And those eating green grapes will feel their own chills.31‘Look… The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll make an arrangement with IsraEl’s house, As well as with the houses of Judah.‘I’ll conclude a New Sacred Agreement 32That’s unlike the one that I made with their fathers In the day that I grabbed their hands To lead them from Egypt’s land. But because they didn’t keep My Sacred Agreement, I had to let them go,‘ says Jehovah.33‘So, this is My [New] Sacred Agreement That I will conclude with IsraEl then,’ said Jehovah, I will put My Laws in their minds, And into their hearts, I will write them. Then, they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.34‘There’s no way they’ll then teach their neighbors and brothers That they must learn of Jehovah; For, all will know Me from the least to the great. And when it comes to their errors and sins… I will kindly forget them!’35‘Yet, this is what Jehovah [says]... The One who appointed the sun To serve as light for the day, And the moon and the stars as light for the nights… The One who brought the roar of the seas, As well as the sounds of their waves… Jehovah the Almighty, is His Name:36‘If these Laws should [be voided] before Me, Then the race of IsraEl will no longer stand As a nation before Me Throughout the rest of the days.’37‘Jehovah says:‘If the skies can be raised even higher And the floor of the ground can be lowered, I can reject the race of IsraEl, says Jehovah, For all the things that they’ve done.’38‘But, look! The days are coming,’ said the Lord, ‘When the city of Jehovah will be rebuilt. [It’s walls will run] from the HananEl Tower All the way to the gate at the corner… 39To the hills of Gareb, I’ll measure it out And surround it with most precious stones.‘From the Valley of Phagarim and its ashes, And from AsaRemOth to the Wadi of Cedars, Then east to the corner of the Horse Gate, It’ll be a Holy Place to Jehovah, And its roots won’t be pulled up again… Throughout the age, it won’t be destroyed.’
1Well, all these words had come from Jehovah to JeremiAh in the 10th year [of the reign] of ZedekiAh, the king of Judah, which was the 18th year of [the reign of] NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon [over Judah].2And at the time, the army of the king of Babylon had built a siege wall around JeruSalem, and JeremiAh [was under arrest and being kept in] the courtyard of the guard, which was located inside the [palace] of the kings of Judah, 3since King ZedekiAh had him thrown in jail. [For the king had asked him]:‘Why did you prophesy and tell us that Jehovah said:‘{Look!} I will hand this city over to the king of Babylon and he will take it…’4And:‘ZedekiAh won’t escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon, where he will speak to him mouth to mouth and eye to eye…’ 5And:‘ZedekiAh will be taken into Babylon and stay there until I look favorably upon him. So, if you wage war against the Chaldeans, you won’t succeed.’6Then JeremiAh told him:‘The Word of Jehovah came to me and said:7‘{Look!} Your paternal uncle HanamEl, son of ShalLum, will come to you and ask you to buy his field in AnathOth… And it will be advantageous for you to acquire it!’8‘And thereafter, that’s what happened… My paternal uncle HanamEl son of ShalLum did what the Lord said he would do. It was there in the courtyard of the guard that he said to me:‘Buy my field, the one in AnathOth of the land of BenJamin, because you’re the eldest and it would be advantageous for you to acquire it!’‘And since I knew that this was the word of Jehovah, 9I purchased the field in AnathOth from my paternal uncle HanamEl; I paid him 7 large silver coins for it, 10then I recorded [the transaction] in a scroll, put a seal on it before witnesses, and weighed out the silver in a balance scale.11‘So then I took the scroll that had been testified to and sealed and gave it to BarUch son of NeriAh, son of MaAseJah, before the eyes of my uncle HanamEl, 12as well as before those who had served as witnesses of the deed scroll, and before the eyes of all the Judeans that were sitting in the courtyard of the guard at the time.13‘Then before them all, I gave BarUch these orders:14‘Jehovah the Almighty God of IsraEl says that you should take this scroll that has been sealed as my proof of ownership, then you must read it and then store it away in an earthenware jar, so that it will last [a long time]. 15Because, Jehovah of Armies the God of IsraEl told me this:‘Fields, houses, and vineyards Will again be restored in this land.’16‘Well, after I gave the deed scroll to BarUch son of NeriAh, I prayed to Jehovah, saying:17‘O Great Being,‘O Lord God,‘You who made the lands and the skies with Your mighty arm held high above You, and from whom nothing at all can be hidden,18‘O You who show mercy to thousands and who brings the sins of the fathers upon the chests of their children,‘The great and Almighty God whose Name is Jehovah of Armies,19‘[You are the God] of great counsel, And mighty are all of Your works. Your eyes see the things that the sons of men do, And You pay each one back for their deeds According to the fruits of their works.20‘You’re the One who brought the miracles and signs To IsraEl when they were in Egypt And which continue to happen down to this day. For, You have made Your Name known To all who’ve been born on the earth until now.21‘You’re the One who led IsraEl from Egypt With signs and miracles from Your mighty right hand… With Your arm held high and through visions. 22And thereafter, You gave them the land About which You swore to their fathers… A land that’s flowing with honey and milk.23‘So they entered this land and they claimed it, But they chose not to listen to Your orders or voice… They wouldn’t do what You told them to do, So You brought all these bad things upon them.24‘{Look!} Now, a great army has come to this city, And they have made plans to destroy it. To the hands of Chaldeans, it has been given… To those who are warring against it, Bringing the sword, famine, and plague… {Look!} All that You said has now come to pass!25‘Then You’ve told me to bring along silver, And before witnesses, purchase a field… Despite the fact that this city’s been given To the hands of Chaldeans!’26Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:[‘Jehovah says:]27‘Since I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh; [Did you think] that such things were hidden from Me?’28‘Then Jehovah said:‘I have allowed this city to be given Into the hands of the Chaldeans, And into the hands of Babylon’s king… So, he will [very soon] take it!29‘The Chaldeans will come and [capture] this city, Then they will burn it with fire, Consuming the houses where people burn incense Upon their roofs, before [a] BaAl, And where they offer [food] to their gods In order to make Me feel bitter.30‘Only the sons of IsraEl and Judah Would practice such evil in front of My eyes. For, since their youth, they’ve offered such things Before [those gods] that they made with their hands, In order to make Me feel bitter,’ says Jehovah.31‘So My anger and rage has been on this place From the day it was built until now, To remove it from in front of My face 32For the bad ways of IsraEl and Judah.‘They’ve done all these things to make Me feel bitter… Their kings, their rulers, their prophets, and priests… The men of Judah and JeruSalem.33‘They turned their faces and showed Me their backs… So each morning, I [sent someone] to teach them, But they chose not to listen or learn.34‘Then, in their unclean condition, They put disgusting things in the House That is called by My Name.35‘There, they built shrines to [a] BaAl; And to Molech, they’ve offered their daughters and sons Down in the Valley of Hinnom… Something that I never told them to do. Such disgusting things never entered My heart To make Judah sin [in this way].’36Then Jehovah the God of IsraEl made a pronouncement against the city, for He told me to say this:‘Through famine, sword, and the plague, I’ve handed this city to Babylon’s king. 37But {Look!} I’ll also gather them back from those lands Where I’ll scatter them in My rage… From all that I’ll do in My fury!‘I’ll bring them back to this place, And in safety, I’ll resettle them here; 38Then, they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.39‘I’ll give them new ways and new hearts So that they will learn how to fear Me For the rest of their days and for their own good, And for the good of their children.40‘A [New] Sacred Agreement of the ages I’ll make with them at that time… An Agreement that I won’t take away. Then I’ll put the fear of Me in their hearts, So from Me, they’ll not turn again.41‘Then I’ll visit them just to do good things; And with My whole heart and soul, I’ll plant them securely here in this land.42Then Jehovah said:‘And as I brought bad things upon them, I’ll also bring the good things that I promised. 43Then they will buy fields in this land That you say won’t be walked by man or by beast, For it’s been handed over to the Chaldeans.‘So with silver, they’ll buy these fields once again, Which they’ll record and seal in a scroll, And to which, witnesses will then testify.44‘[It will happen] in BenJamin’s land, And in JeruSalem and the cities of Judah… In all the towns in the mountains, And in the ShepheLa and Negev… From wherever they were taken, I’ll be bringing them back,’ says Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh a second time while he was still shackled in the courtyard of the guard.2He said:‘The Lord who shaped and created the earth Whose Name is Jehovah, says this:3‘Call out to Me and I will reply… I’ll report of things both mighty and great About which, you’ve never known!’4Then the Lord God of IsraEl told me how the houses of the city [of JeruSalem] and the [palace] of the king of Judah would be demolished for use as siege mounds and fortifications 5in their fight against the Chaldeans, and of how they would then be filled with the [bodies] of those whom [He will] strike down in His anger and rage when He turns His face away from the city because of all its wickedness.6[He said]:‘{Look!} Then I’ll bring a cure and a closing of wounds… I’ll treat them, and then I’ll make sure That they will all hear and then come to know That I’ll bring them peace they can trust.7‘I’ll return those of IsraEl and Judah That were [carried away] and resettled, And I will rebuild them as they once were.8‘I will cleanse them of all their errors, And from the ways that they’ve sinned against Me. No way will I remember their errors, Or all the ways that they left Me.9‘Then, before all those who live on the earth, I’ll give them a joyful, praised name. For, all will hear of the good things I’ll do, And they will be humbled and fearful Because of the good and the peace That I will be bringing upon them.’10Then the Lord said to me:‘In this place that you’ll call desolation, You’ll hear [the sounds of] both men and beasts Once more in the cities of Judah.‘And then, outside of JeruSalem, In those desolate places where the sounds of men and beasts are not heard, 11There’ll be the voices of gladness and joy… The sounds of grooms and their brides, And the sounds of men who are saying:‘Praise the Almighty God; For Jehovah really does care, And upon us, He’ll show mercy throughout the ages!’‘Then they’ll carry gifts to the House of Jehovah; And those taken from the land, I’ll return,’ said the Lord.12‘And Jehovah of Armies said:‘But this first must become a desolate place, And its cities will be void of cattle and men… It will be a place where shepherds will lodge, And a place for them to bed down their flocks.13‘In all the cities in the mountains… In the cities of the ShepheLa and Negev… Throughout BenJamin’s land… In the places outside of JeruSalem And in all the cities of Judah, There will just be those who count sheep,’ said Jehovah.14‘Look! The days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll [fulfill] all the good words I’ve spoken About the houses of IsraEl and Judah.15‘Yes, in those days and at that time; From David, a shoot that is righteous will sprout, And a king will reign who’ll bring understanding, As well as what’s righteous and fair to this land.16‘In those days, upon Judah, salvation will come, And JeruSalem will be lived in securely. Then they’ll call [Me] ‘Jehovah Our Justice.’17‘And Jehovah said:‘There’ll always be a man of David’s [line] That will sit on IsraEl’s throne.18‘And from among the Levites and Priests, There will always be a man who will stand To bring burnt offerings before Me, Along with sacrifices, incense, and gifts Throughout the rest of the days.’19Then the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh saying:20‘This is what Jehovah has said:‘If you could annul My Sacred Agreement – My Agreement with the day and the night – So there’d be no day and night in that time; 21Then, there would be no more need For [David’s] sons to reign from his throne, Nor for Levites and Priests to serve before Me.22‘For the offspring of My firebrand, David, Will become too many to be counted – Like the armies of the heavens and the sands of the seas – And the same will be true for the offspring of the Levites Who will be serving before Me.’23Then the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh and said:24[‘Jehovah says:]‘Don’t you hear what those people are talking about? They’re saying that the Lord selected two families, And then, He threw them both out… That [I am oppressing] My people, And they’re no longer a nation before Me.’25‘So, this was said by Jehovah:‘If My Agreement with the day and the night hadn’t been, And if I hadn’t sent them all of My Laws [To govern] the lands and the skies; 26Jacob’s offspring wouldn’t have been chosen, Nor would the offspring of My servant David, And the offspring of the rulers [which came] from the offspring Of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob… So no way could they come back to Me.‘But I’ll bring them back from their captive condition, And upon them, I will show mercy.’
1These words came to JeremiAh from Jehovah concerning NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon, as well as about the entire camp of his army and all the kingdoms of the earth that are under the domination of his hand… All those people who are waging war against JeruSalem and the cities of Judah. 2For the Lord God of IsraEl told me to go to ZedekiAh the king of Judah and tell him that this is what Jehovah had decreed:[‘Jehovah said:]‘When it comes to handing things over; I’ll hand this city to Babylon’s king… He’ll capture it and burn it with fire.3‘Then no way will you be saved from his hands; For he’ll capture you and snatch you away… He’ll look at you eye to eye And speak to you mouth to mouth… And to Babylon, he will then take you.’4‘Listen to what Jehovah’s decreed, O ZedekiAh, king of Judah:‘You will not die by the broadsword; Rather, in peace, you will die. 5And when you die, they’ll burn incense As they did for your fathers before you. And as they burn it, they’ll cry out ‘O Lord,’ While they are mourning for you!’‘Yes, this is what Jehovah has decreed.’6So I (JeremiAh) then went and said all these things to King ZedekiAh there in JeruSalem. 7And thereafter, the armies of the king of Babylon attacked JeruSalem and all the remaining cities of Judah (because the fortified cities of LachIsh and AzekAh in Judea still hadn’t [been conquered]).8And once again, the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh after King ZedekiAh [had issued a decree] to the people in JeruSalem concerning [God’s] Sacred Agreement, in which he called for everyone to set 9all their Hebrew male and female servants free (as well as all of the rest of their slaves), so that there would be no more slaves in Judah. 10And all the great men and all the rest of the people actually agreed to release their male and female slaves, so they wouldn’t have to serve them anymore… Yes, they actually paid attention and set them all free! 11But right after they did that, they went and took back their male and female slaves (whom they’d just set free) and once again put them back to work as their slaves!12So the Lord said to JeremiAh:[‘Jehovah says:]‘In the day that I saved your fathers from Egypt And from the houses in which they were slaves, 13I made a Sacred Agreement with them, 14Where I said that after every 6th year, They must release all their brothers (Those who’d sold themselves as their slaves)… That they may only toil for 6 years, And [on the 7th], they must be set free!‘But, they haven’t listened to Me, Or turned their ears so they’d hear what I say!15‘Yet today, they decided to do the right thing When you told them to release their neighbors; And before Me, they said they would do this, There in the Temple that’s called by My Name.16‘Then they turned and broke their promise to Me By reclaiming [all of] their slaves… Those whose lives had just been set free… They turned back and made them slaves once again!17‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah… ‘Because they refused to listen to Me And release their brothers and neighbors; {Look!} I’m calling the release on their behalf By the sword, by famine, and plague! And then, I will scatter these people Throughout the kingdoms of the whole earth.18‘As to those who voided My Sacred Agreement By not keeping the promise they made before Me With a calf that they cut in two pieces; 19I will come through the midst of those halves… To the rulers of Judah and JeruSalem (To the mighty, as well as the priests, And to all the people who live in the land); 20Then, to their enemies, I’ll hand them… I’ll hand them to those who are seeking their lives!‘Then their rotting flesh will serve as a meal For all the birds in the skies, And for all the wild beasts on the ground.21‘Then I’ll hand over Judah’s King ZedekiAh, As well as all of his princes To their enemies who are seeking their lives… To the armies of Babylon’s king… To those before whom they are fleeing!22‘Look! I’m the One who issued the order, said Jehovah, To bring them into this city, Where they’ll fight against it and take it, And then they will burn it with fire… I’ll make all the cities of Judah Places where no one will walk.’
1It was during the time of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah that the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh saying:2‘Call for the Rechabite families, Then bring them to the House of Jehovah And into one of the courtyards, Where you must offer them wine.’3So I went and brought JaAzaniAh (son of JeremiAh and grandson of HabaZiniAh), as well as his brothers and sons, and the rest of the families of the Rechabites, into the Temple of Jehovah. 4There, I [seated them] in the dining room of the sons of Hanan (son of IgDaliYah, a man of God), which was located next to the house of the Temple overseers and above the house of MaAseJah son of ShalLum (who was in charge of guarding the entryways), 5and I set a clay pitcher of wine before them and some cups, and I offered them some wine.6But they said:‘There’s no way that we’re going to drink any wine, because our ancestor JoNadab son of RechAb told us:‘You must never drink wine – you and your sons – throughout the ages. 7Nor should you build houses, sow seeds, plant vineyards, or own any; you should live in tents all your days, that you may live many days in the land you’re inhabiting.’8‘So we’ve obeyed the instructions of JoNadab son of RechAb our ancestor, and we haven’t done anything that he told us not to do. We haven’t drunk any wine throughout our lives – not us, our wives, our sons, or our daughters – 9nor have we built houses, owned vineyards, or planted seeds in fields… None of this has ever happened among us. 10We’ve done everything that our ancestor JoNadab told us to do, and we’ve been living in tents. 11Then when NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon came to this land, we told him:‘We will leave [our position] in front of the Chaldeans and the armies of the Assyrians and go up to JeruSalem…’‘...and we’ve been living here ever since then.’12Well after that, the Word of Jehovah came to me and told me that 13Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, told me to do this:‘You must go and speak to the men of Judea And to those who are living in JeruSalem; Then, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘There’s no way that you’ve heard the things that I’ve said; 14Yet, the sons of JoNadab son of RechAb Have obeyed the instructions he gave to his sons Not to drink any wine… And they’ve drunk no wine to this day! They’ve paid attention to their father’s commands. But, when I spoke plainly to you, You refused to listen to Me!15‘So each morning, I sent you My servants the Prophets… I sent them and told them to teach every man To turn from his evil ways… To be better and not follow or serve other gods, So you could continue to live in the land That I gave to your fathers and you. But, you have learned nothing at all… Your ears have paid no attention!16‘Yet the sons of JoNadab son of RechAb Have obeyed the commands of their father… They’ve not done the things he said [not to do], While you haven’t listened to Me!17‘So because of this,’ says IsraEl’s God, Jehovah of Armies, ‘{Look!} I will be bringing on Judah And on those who live in JeruSalem All the bad that I’ve spoken against them. For, when I spoke, they paid no attention… When I called out to them, they didn’t reply.’18Then JeremiAh said to the house of the Rechabites:‘This is what Jehovah has declared:‘Since the descendants of JoNadab son of RechAb Have paid attention to their father’s commands And done everything that he told them to do; It’s because of this,’ says IsraEl’s God, Jehovah of Armies, 19‘No way will a man of JoNadab’s sons Ever fail to stand before Me.’
1It was in the 4th year [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah that the Word of Jehovah came to me saying:2‘Get a papyrus scroll for yourself
And write all the words that I’ve said
About both IsraEl and Judah,
And about all the nations of which I spoke
From the time of King JosiAh of Judah
Down to this very day!
3Then perhaps the house of Judah will hear
About all the bad things I’ve planned
And then turn from their wicked ways,
So I can cover their failures and sins.’4Therefore, JeremiAh called BarUch son of NeriAh, who wrote all the words of Jehovah that came from the mouth of JeremiAh on a papyrus scroll.5Then JeremiAh said to BarUch:‘Because I’m being watched, I can’t enter the Temple of Jehovah. 6So you’ll have to go there and read this papyrus scroll into the ears of all the people who happen to be in the Temple of Jehovah on a fast day… Read it into the ears of all the Judeans that are coming there from all their cities, 7and perhaps their need for mercy will fall before Jehovah and they’ll turn from their evil ways. For the anger and rage that Jehovah has spoken against these people is great!’8As a result, BarUch son of NeriAh did everything that JeremiAh told him to do... He went and read the scroll of the words of the Lord there at the Temple of Jehovah. 9Then in the 5th year and 9th month [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah, all the people of JeruSalem and of the house of Judah held an assembly to fast before Jehovah, 10and BarUch again read the scroll of the words of JeremiAh into the ears of all the people who were there at the Temple of Jehovah. [He did this] from the [apartment] of GemariAh son of Shapha the scribe, in the upper courtyard, which is in front of the threshold of the Temple’s New Gate.11Well, after MichaiAh (son of GemariAh and grandson of ShaPhan) heard all the words of Jehovah being read from the scroll, 12he went down to the palace of the king and entered the house of the [royal] scribe, where {Look!} he found all the rulers gathered:• EliShama the scribe,
• DalaiJa (son of ShemaiAh),
• ElNathan (son of AchBor),
• GemariAh (son of ShaPhan),
• ZedekiAh (son of HananiAh),
• And all the supervisors.13Then MichaiAh told them everything that he’d heard BarUch read from the scroll into the ears of the people.14So, the rulers sent for BarUch son of NeriAh (son of JeHudi, son of NathaniAh, son of ShelemiAh, son of Cushi) and told him:‘Go get the scroll that you read into the ears of the people and bring it here!’Then BarUch (son of NeriAh) went and picked up the scroll and returned to them, 15and they said:‘Now, read that scroll into our ears!’And BarUch read it to them.16Well, after they heard all the words being read, each person started discussing it with their neighbor, and they said to BarUch:‘We’ve decided that we should announce all these words to the king!’17Then they asked BarUch:‘Just where were you when you wrote all these words?’18And he replied:‘These words came from the mouth of JeremiAh… He’s the one who spoke the words. All I did was record them in this scroll.’19Then the rulers said to BarUch:‘Go somewhere and hide… Both you and JeremiAh! Don’t let anyone know where you are!’20Then they had the scroll kept under guard in the house of EliShama the scribe, and they went into the courtyard of the king and told the king everything that it said. 21So the king sent JehuDi to get the scroll, and he went and took it from the house of EliShama the scribe, and JehuDi read it before the king and all the rulers that were sitting around him.22The king happened to be in his winter palace at the time (for it was the 9th month), and he was sitting in front of his fireplace. 23And after JeHudi had read just three or four lines, [the king] shredded [the scroll] with a scribe’s razor and tossed it into the fire in his fireplace. As a result, the papyrus scroll was entirely burned up and destroyed.24Well, nobody was surprised… None of those who were there ripped their clothes… Not the king, any of his servants, or any of those who heard those words. 25Although ElNathan, DalaiJa, and GemariAh had suggested to the king that he shouldn’t burn the papyrus, 26he refused to listen to them. Then the king told JerahMeEl (the king’s son), SaraiAh son of AzriEl, and ShelemiAh son of AbDeEl to go and arrest both BarUch the scribe and JeremiAh the Prophet. However, these men were already in hiding.27Well, after the king burned the scroll that BarUch wrote containing all the words that were spoken by JeremiAh, the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh again, and said:28‘Now take another scroll of papyrus
And write the same words that you wrote in the scroll
That King JehoiAkim burned.
29Then tell JehoiAkim (king of Judah)
That this is what was said by Jehovah:‘Although you have burned up this scroll,
You still asked why I had it written.
For it told you that Babylon’s king
Will enter this land and destroy it,
Wiping away all the men and their beasts.’30‘And because you did [such a thing],
Jehovah made this pronouncement against [you]:‘O JehoiAkim, king over Judah
Who is sitting upon David’s throne;
You’ll no longer sit [on that throne]…
For, into the sweltering heat of the day
And into the icy cold of the night,
Your decaying flesh will be tossed.31‘Yes, I’m coming against you, your family and sons,
Because of your lawless ways;
Then upon you and those in JeruSalem and Judah,
I’ll bring all the evils about which I’ve warned,
And to which you chose not to listen.’32Then JeremiAh took another papyrus scroll and gave it to BarUch son of NeriAh the scribe, and he once again wrote the same words that came from the mouth of JeremiAh upon it – all the words that JehoiAkim the king of Judah had burned in the fire – and he added many more words to it (such as these).
1Well thereafter, ZedekiAh (son of JosiAh) started reigning in place of ConiJah (son of JehoiAkim), whom NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon had appointed to reign in the land of Judah. 2But he, his servants, and the people of the land wouldn’t listen to the words that Jehovah had spoken through JeremiAh either.3Yet later, King ZedekiAh sent JehuKal (son of ShelemiAh) and ZephaniAh (son of MaAseJah) the Priest to JeremiAh to say this to him:‘Please pray to Jehovah your God for us.’4Well at the time, JeremiAh was free to come and go in the city as he wished, because they hadn’t locked him up yet. 5However, when the Chaldeans heard that the armies of PharaOh were marching from the land of Egypt, they [started their attack] on JeruSalem. 6And that’s when the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh and said:7‘Jehovah the God of IsraEl says that you are to go and shout these words to the king of Judah – the person who sent you to inquire of Me:‘{Look!} This army of PharaOh that is marching to help you
Will turn and flee back into Egypt.
8And then the Chaldeans will come here
To wage war on this city…
They will take it and burn it with fire!’9‘Jehovah says:‘Now your souls shouldn’t think about saying,
‘The Chaldeans will turn back once more,’
For there is no way this will happen!10‘And if you should beat the Chaldeans
Who are coming to wage war against you;
Even the wounded that they leave behind
Will arise and burn this city with fire.’11Well, that’s what happened… Soon the Chaldean armies [attacked] JeruSalem right in front of the armies of PharaOh.12Meanwhile, JeremiAh had left JeruSalem and gone to the land of BenJamin to purchase some land there among his people. 13But when he arrived at the gates of BenJamin, IriJah (son of ShelemiAh and grandson of HananiAh) had him arrested. He seized JeremiAh and accused him of running away to the Chaldeans. 14Yet, although [JeremiAh] told him that was a lie and he wasn’t running away to the Chaldeans, IriJah refused to listen. He arrested JeremiAh and took him before the local rulers.15Then, because the rulers [hated] JeremiAh, they had him flogged and sent him to the house of JoNathan the scribe, which had been turned into a prison. 16There JeremiAh [was thrown] into an [outhouse] pit [near] the [main] house, where he was confined for several days.17Fortunately, King ZedekiAh thereafter sent for him, and the king asked him secretly if he had received any word from Jehovah. And JeremiAh replied:‘Yes… He says that you’ll be handed over to the king of Babylon!’18Then JeremiAh asked the king this:‘How have I wronged you, your servants, or your people, so that you would have me thrown into a prison latrine… 19And where are those prophets that prophesied to you and told you there’s no way that the king of Babylon will ever come into this land?20‘Now, hear this, O Lord, O king; you must show mercy on me as I’m standing here before you… You must not return me to the house of JoNathan the scribe and allow me to die there!’21So the king gave orders, and then they locked JeremiAh in the guard house, where they provided him with a loaf of bread each day (which was baked outside of the city, because there was no bread left there). And after that, JeremiAh stayed in the courtyard of the guards.
1Well, ShephatiJah (son of MatTan), GedaliAh (son of PashUr), JuKal (son of ShelemiAh), and PashUr (son of MelchiAh) started thinking about the words that JeremiAh had spoken to the people when he warned them that 2Jehovah had said that anyone who remained in the city would die by the broadsword, famine, and plague, but those who [surrendered] to the Chaldeans could save their own lives and live.3For this is what he told them that Jehovah had said:‘When it comes to being handed over;
This city will be handed over
To the armies of Babylon’s king,
And soon thereafter, he’ll take it.’4So those rulers went to the king and said this to him:‘We have to do away with that man, because he’s weakening the hands of the troops that remain in this city and the hands of all the people when he says things like that. He doesn’t prophesy peace, he’s just telling us bad things!’5So because the king was unable to resist them, King ZedekiAh said:‘Look! He’s in your hands!’6And as a result, they took JeremiAh and threw him into the [outhouse pit] that belonged to MelchiJah (the king’s son), which was located in the courtyard of the guard. They took rough cords and lowered him into the pit, which contained no water (just manure), and that’s where he had to stay… In the filth!7Well, the Ethiopian Eunuch EbedMelech happened to be in the King’s courtyard when they threw JeremiAh into the pit. And at the time, the king was outside sitting on the Gate of BenJamin. 8So EbedMelech left the king’s palace and went to speak to the king.He said to him:9‘O my lord and king,‘These men have done something very wicked when they dropped the Prophet JeremiAh into the outhouse pit… He’ll starve to death there, since there’s no more bread left in the city!’10So the king gave orders to EbedMelech, saying:‘Take 30 men to the pit and pull him out, so he doesn’t die.’11Then EbedMelech gathered the men and they went to the sub-basement of the king’s palace and found some old rags and ropes, and they tossed them down to JeremiAh in the pit, 12saying:‘Wrap these around you!’And that’s what JeremiAh did. 13So they lifted him with the ropes and pulled him up out of the pit. And thereafter, JeremiAh once again stayed in the courtyard of the guards.14Well after that, the king sent for JeremiAh while he (the king) was staying in the house of AsaLiseEl (which is located inside the Temple [complex] of Jehovah). And the king said to him:‘I want to ask you something… And don’t hide the truth from me!’15But JeremiAh asked:‘If I answer you [truthfully], won’t you just have me killed? Besides, you haven’t listened to any of the advice that I’ve given to you up to this point.’16Then the king secretly swore an oath to him, saying:‘As Jehovah who gave us this life lives; I won’t kill you or hand you over to these men who are seeking your life!’17So JeremiAh said to him:‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, said this:‘If you will go and surrender
To the governors of Babylon’s king,
You’ll live… You will save your own life,
And this city won’t be burned with fire…
Both you and your family will live!18‘But, if you don’t go [and surrender],
This city will be handed to the Chaldeans
And they will burn it with fire…
When that happens, you won’t be saved from their hands.’19Then the king said to JeremiAh:‘But if I do that, I’ll have a problem with the Judeans who went over to the side of the Chaldeans… If I’m handed over to them, they’ll make [life miserable for] me!’20However, JeremiAh told him:‘There’s no way that you’ll be handed over to those people. Rather, you should listen to the words of Jehovah that I’ve spoken to you, because it would be better for you to save your own life and survive! 21But if you don’t choose to go out and surrender, this is what Jehovah has decreed:22‘{Look!} All the women who remain in [your] house
Will be carried to the king of Babylon’s princes.
Then these women will say that your allies deceived you;
For they care so little about you
That they’ll turn and stumble your feet,
And help them to bring you to ruin.23‘Then they’ll take your wives and your children,
And no way will you then be saved…
You’ll be taken by Babylon’s king,
And this city will be burned to the ground.’24Well at that, ZedekiAh said to JeremiAh:‘If you don’t speak about this to anyone else, you won’t die. 25But if the rulers hear that I’ve spoken to you about this and they come and ask you:‘What did you say to the king… If you don’t hide it from us, we won’t do away with you… What did you say to the king?’26‘You must tell them:‘I went to plead for mercy before the eyes of the king. I just asked him not to take me back to the house of JoNathan and let me die there.’27And in fact, the rulers did come to JeremiAh and say this to him, and he said what the king told him to say. So they didn’t ask him anything more, because they didn’t know what had happened. 28And after that, JeremiAh stayed in the courtyard of the guards until the time that JeruSalem was captured.
1Well, it was in the 9th year and 10th month [of the reign] of ZedekiAh the king of Judah that NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon came to JeruSalem with all his armies and attacked it. 2And it was in the 11th year, on the 4th month and 9th day of ZedekiAh’s reign that the city’s walls were breached. 3Then all the governors of the king of Babylon entered [the city] and they sat down at the Central Gate… These included:• NergalSharezer, • SamGar, • NeboSarsechim, • NebuSarkes, • NergalShareZer (the King’s advisor), • And all the rest of the governors of the king of Babylon.4Meanwhile, ZedekiAh king of Judah and all his soldiers had fled the city during the night, going through the king’s garden and then through the gate that leads between the city wall and the fortification around the wall, following the road to the ArabAh.5However, the Chaldean army chased them down and caught up with ZedekiAh on the other side of JeriCho. Then they carried him back to NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon, who was at RibLah (a city in the land of HaMath), where he passed judgment on him… 6And the king of Babylon had ZedekiAh’s sons killed there in front of his eyes (there in RibLah), along with all the rest of the rulers of Judah. 7Then he had ZedekiAh blinded and bound in shackles, before he was led off to Babylon.8Well after that, the Chaldeans set the King’s palace and the houses of the people on fire and demolished them. 9Then all those who were left in the city and the deserters were taken before the king of Babylon, 10and NabuZarAdan (the chief of the guards) had them carried off to Babylon. However, he did leave many of the poor people of the land of Judah and those who were of no importance behind, assigning them to watch over the fields and vineyards.11Then NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) gave instructions to NebuZarAdan (the chief of the guards) concerning JeremiAh. He said:12‘Take this man and keep an eye on him… But don’t do anything bad to him. Just treat him as you would like to be treated.’13So NabuZarAdan (the chief of the guards), as well as NabuShasban, RabSares, Nergel, SharEzer, RabMag, and all the princes of the king of Babylon sent for JeremiAh… 14They took him out of the courtyard of the guards and handed him over to GedaliAh (son of AhiKam and grandson of ShaPhan), who then led him outside to sit among the rest of the people. 15But it was while he was still in the courtyard of the guards that the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh and said:16‘Go speak to the black man, EbedMelech, And tell him that thus says Jehovah… Yes, say that the God of IsraEl said this:‘{Look!} I’ve fulfilled My words on this city To do just bad things, not good! And now, although you must stand before them; 17On that day, I will be there to save you,’ says Jehovah, ‘I will not be handing you over To stand before the faces of those whom you fear.18‘So when it comes to salvation, I’ll save you… No way will you fall by the sword… Your reward will be your own life, Because you trusted in Me,’ says Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to JeremiAh again after he had been led off in shackles by NabuZarAdan (the chief of the guards) and after he’d been separated from the rest of the Judeans who were being relocated from RamAh to [the empire of] Babylon. 2And as the chief of the guards was leading him away, he said this to JeremiAh:‘Your God Jehovah spoke to you against this place and against all of its badness, 3and then the Lord did just as He said He would do, because you had all sinned against Him and you refused to listen to His voice. So, these things that happened to you are just the things that He said He would do.4‘Therefore, after I remove the manacles from your hands, you can choose to travel with me to Babylon where I’ll watch out for you, or you can just run away from here! Look… The whole land before you is good! So you can go anywhere that pleases your eyes, 5or you can choose to return to GedaliAh son of AhiKam, grandson of ShaPhan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed to be over the land of Judah, and you can live among your people under him… Yes, if it seems good in your eyes to go there, then go!’Well after that, the chief of the guards held a feast for JeremiAh and they gave him some gifts before sending him away. 6Then [JeremiAh] went to GedaliAh at MizPah and stayed among the people who’d been left behind in the land.7Meanwhile, when all the [Judean] generals who were still in the fields with their armies heard that the king of Babylon had appointed GedaliAh to be over the land, they brought their men and their wives to him, along with the simple people and the poor of the land… All those who hadn’t been relocated by the Babylonians.8Then IshMaEl (son of NethaniAh), JoHanan (son of KareAh), SeraiAh (son of TanHumeth), the sons of EphAi the NetoPhathite, and JezaniAh (son of the MaAchathite) came to GedaliAh at MizPah… They and all their men went to him. 9And GedaliAh swore an oath to them and their men, saying:‘You will no longer have anything to fear from the servants of the Chaldeans. Therefore, I urge you to come and live in this land and work for the king of Babylon, since this would be the best thing for you to do!10‘{Look!} As I’m sitting here in MizPah, I’m doing so before the faces of the Chaldeans, and [they’re protecting us from anyone] who might come against us. So, collect your wine, autumn fruits, and olive oil in jars, then come and live in these cities that we’ve been able to retain!’11Well, when those Judeans who were in MoAb and all the rest who had stayed among the sons of AmMon (those who’d been scattered throughout the land of Edom) heard that the king of Babylon had given an allotment to Judah and that he had appointed GedaliAh (son of AhiKam) to be over them, 12they each returned from the places where they’d been scattered and they gathered to GedaliAh in MizPah in the land of Judah, bringing along all their wine, autumn fruits, and a tremendous amount of olive oil.13However, JoHanan (son of KareAh) and all the generals of the armies who were still in the fields then went to GedaliAh at MizPah 14and they warned him, saying:‘Don’t you know that BaAl Ish, the king of the sons of AmMon, is sending IshMaEl son of NathaniAh to [assassinate] you?’But GedaliAh (son of AhiKam) just didn’t believe them.15Then JoHanan (son of KareAh) went and spoke to GedaliAh in secret there in MizPah.He told him:‘I will go and strike down IshMaEl son of NathaniAh… However, don’t tell anyone! For he’s going to kill you and scatter all the Judeans who have gathered here with you, then he will wipe out the rest of Judah!’16But GedaliAh told JoHanan (son of KareAh):‘Don’t you dare to do this thing… For you’re really lying about IshMaEl!’
1Well, it was in the 7th month that IshMaEl son of NathaniAh, grandson of EliShama (who was related to the king), came to GedaliAh in MizPah with some of the royal appointees and 10 other men. Then, after sharing some bread, 2IshMaEl and the 10 men who came with him got up and struck down GedaliAh with their swords, killing him (the man who had been appointed over the land by the king [of Babylon]) 3as well as all the Judeans who were with him at MizPah, and any Chaldeans that they found there… He even killed the guards!4Then, two days after they’d killed GedaliAh (for no one had found out about it yet), 5some 80 men came there from SheChem, ShiLoh, and Samaria with their beards shaved off and wearing torn clothes, beating their chests and carrying gifts of frankincense in their hands [to offer before] Jehovah. 6So IshMaEl (son of NathaniAh) came out of MizPah to meet them, and they all started crying.Then [IshMaEl] said to them:‘Now, let’s all go and visit GedaliAh.’7However, as they were traveling through the city, [IshMaEl] and his men started striking them down and killing them next to a well.8But as they were seeing this happen, 10 of the men said to IshMaEl:‘You shouldn’t kill us, because we’ve brought along treasures from the fields… Wheat, barley, honey, and olive oil!’And as a result, he passed them by and left them alive there in the midst of their [murdered] brothers.9Now, the well where IshMaEl had killed the men was very large (it’s the one that King Asa [had dug] in fear of king BaAsha of IsraEl), so IshMaEl (son of NathaniAh) threw the men’s bodies into it. 10Then IshMaEl took all the people who were left in MizPah – which included the daughters of the king who had been left in the care of the chief of the guards by GedaliAh (son of AhiKam) – and he set out for the other side [of the land] of the sons of AmMon.11Well, when JoHanan (son of KareAh) and the generals who were with him heard of all the evil things that IshMaEl (son of NathaniAh) had done, 12they took everyone in their camp and went to wage war with IshMaEl, catching up with him next to the water of the great pool in GibeOn. 13And when all the people who were with IshMaEl saw JoHanan (son of KareAh) coming with the generals, they were very happy, 14so they all went over to JoHanan’s side.15Nevertheless, IshMaEl was able to escape along with 8 of his men, and they headed towards the [land of] the sons of AmMon. 16So JoHanan then took all the generals and their armies, along with all the remaining people from MizPah – those whom IshMaEl (son of NathaniAh) had captured after he killed GedaliAh (son of AhiKam), all the mighty men of war, as well as all the women, the eunuchs, and everything that was left in GibeOn – 17and they set up camp at KimHam (near BethLehem), as they planned to travel towards the land of Egypt. 18[For they had decided] to run from the Chaldeans, since they were afraid to face them because of IshMaEl’s striking down GedaliAh (the man whom the king of Babylon had appointed to be over their land).
1Well, they traveled on from there – all the generals, JoHanan (son of KareAh), JezaniAh (son of HoshaiAh), and all the people from the least to the greatest – and they went to JeremiAh the Prophet and said this:2‘May our need for mercy fall before you! Please pray to Jehovah your God about all these things; for there were once as many of us as your eyes could see, but now we are so few. 3Tell us which way Jehovah your God says we should go, and that’s the way we will go!’4And JeremiAh the Prophet said to them:‘I’ve heard you, so {Look!} I will pray to Jehovah our God about the things you’ve said, and then I’ll announce to you whatever Jehovah tells me to say… There’s no way that I’ll hide a single word from you!’5Then they replied to JeremiAh:‘May Jehovah be a righteous and trustworthy witness against us if we fail to follow every word that Jehovah your God sends to us. 6We will obey [every word] from the voice of our God Jehovah, the One we’re sending you to, whether it’s for the good or for the bad! We’ll pay attention and listen to the voice of our God Jehovah, so that things will go well for us!’7Well, it was 10 days later that the Word of Jehovah finally came to JeremiAh. 8So he called for JoHanan (son of KareAh), the generals, and all the people (from the least to the greatest), 9and he said this to them:‘Jehovah the God of IsraEl to whom you sent me, has heard all your prayers before Him. 10[He told me to tell you this]:‘If you wish to survive, you must stay in this land, For I’ll build you up, not wipe you away… I’ll plant you and not pluck you out… I’ll bring you rest from the bad that I’ve sent.11‘So don’t worry about Babylon’s king, The one whose face you now fear… No, don’t be afraid,’ says Jehovah; ‘For I’m with you, and I will save you… From his hands, I will save you!12‘I will grant you this one act of kindness, And I will show mercy upon you… For I’ll take you back to your land.13‘But if you should say to yourselves, ‘No way will we stay in this land,’ And you fail to obey the voice of your God… 14If you should say: ‘There’s no way… For we’ve chosen to go down to Egypt So that we will no longer know fighting Or hear the sounds of the trumpets, Nor will we go hungry, because there’s no bread… Yes, we’ll [go down to Egypt] and live there...’15‘Then, hear the Word of Jehovah, O you remnant of Judah! For Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl says this:‘If you point your faces towards Egypt, And enter [that land] and then plan to stay… 16The broadsword that you are now facing – The one of which you’re in fear – Will also find you in Egypt. And the famine that you have been facing Will also overtake you in Egypt… So, there is where you will die!17‘Yes, all those men whose faces are set To go down to Egypt and live, Will fall by the broadsword, famine, and plague… None will survive all the evils That I will be bringing upon them!’18‘Then Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, said this:‘As My rage has dripped on JeruSalem, My rage will then drip upon you, Should you choose to go down into Egypt.‘You’ll become a land that’s unwalked, And come under the hands of other men… You’ll be a cursed [people] who’s scorned, And never again will you see this [land]!’19‘Yes, this is what Jehovah spoke against you, O remaining ones of Judah… You must not go down into Egypt!‘Now, you’re aware of all this, for I’ve testified to you about it today! 20But you [weren’t really being honest] with yourselves when you sent me to Jehovah your God and said:‘Pray to the Lord for us and we’ll do whatever Jehovah our God tells us… Whatever He says, we will do!’21‘And now, although I’ve warned you, you won’t listen to the voice of Jehovah your God and follow [the words] that He sent to you.‘So, by means of the broadsword, famine, and plague You will come to your end in that place Where you’ve chosen to go and to live.’
1Well, just after JeremiAh had finished speaking all the words that Jehovah their Lord God had sent to them, 2AzariAh (son of HoshaiAh), JoHanan (son of KareAh), and all the proud ones started shouting at JeremiAh and saying:‘You’re lying! Our God Jehovah didn’t send you to tell us that we shouldn’t go down into Egypt and live there! 3And look at BarUch son of NeriJah… He has joined with you against us to hand us over to the Chaldeans, so that they can just kill us or move us to Babylon!’4Well, JoHanan (son of KareAh), the generals, and all the people refused to listen to the voice of Jehovah and stay in the land of Judah. 5So JoHanan took all the generals, all the rest of the Judeans, those who had returned from the nations where they’d been scattered to live in the land of Judah, 6as well as all the mighty men, the women, the children, the remaining daughters of the king (all the souls that had been left behind by NabuZarAdan the chief of the [Babylonian] guards), as well as GedaliAh (son of AhiKam), 7the Prophet JeremiAh, and BarUch (son of NeriJah), and they went to TahPanHes in Egypt. For the people refused to listen to the voice of Jehovah.8And it was while JeremiAh was in TahPanHes that the Word of Jehovah came to him again and said:9‘Now, take two huge rocks for yourself And [bury] them under the thresholds Of the gates of PharaOh’s house in TahPanHes. Do this in front of the men of Judea, 10And tell them that thus says Jehovah of Armies:‘{Look!} I’ll send for My servant NebuChadNezzar, And he’ll set his throne on these [buried] rocks, Then lay his shields down upon them. 11For he’ll come and then attack Egypt, Bringing death to those who are already dead, Resettlement to those who’ve been moved away, And the sword to those bearing swords.12‘Then he’ll burn the [temples] of their gods, And he will resettle them all… The land of Egypt, he will then fumigate As a shepherd fumigates his own clothes… Only then, will he leave there in peace.13‘He’ll destroy the columns of the City of the Sun, And he’ll burn Egypt’s gods in a fire.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah once again came to JeremiAh concerning the Judeans that were living in the land of Egypt… Those who had settled near the watchtower, or in TahPanHes, or in Memphis, or in the land of Pathros.He said:2‘Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl says this:‘You have witnessed all the bad things That I brought upon JeruSalem And upon the cities of Judah; For {Look!} they have lain desolate down to this day… No one lives there at all, 3Because of their wicked faces, And what they did to make Me feel bitter By burning incense to gods they’ve not known… Which you and your fathers have done also!4‘So [each morning], I sent them My servants the Prophets To tell them not to do those bad things… Those disgusting things that I’ve hated. 5But they chose not to listen to Me, Or lean their ears to pay any attention And then turn from their evil ways Of burning incense before other gods.6‘So My anger and rage dripped upon them. And now, all the cities of Judah (All those surrounding JeruSalem) Have been desolated and burned… They lie unwalked to this day.’7‘So Jehovah (IsraEl’s Almighty God) asks you this:‘Why are you still bringing evil Into your lives, O My people… Upon your women, your infants, and babies, So there’ll be no survivors in Judah?8‘For you continue to make Me feel bitter By the things that you do with your hands, When you burn incense to other gods In the land of Egypt where you’ve gone to live. So now, you’ll be cut off and cursed, And scorned among all the nations!9‘Have you forgotten all the evils That your fathers have committed [in the past]… The evil deeds of Judea’s kings… The evils of all of your rulers, And the bad things your women have done In JeruSalem and in Judah… 10And which they’re still doing today?‘For, they have not learned to fear Me, Nor have they followed the orders That I set before them and their fathers.11‘It’s because of this,’ Said IsraEl’s God, Jehovah of Armies; ‘{Look!} Against you, I’ve now set My face Because of all the bad things you’ve done Since the time that I sent destruction to Judah.12‘So I’ll take the remnant of Judah That went down to Egypt to live, And I’ll cause them to fail throughout the whole land… Yes, from their least to their greatest. They’ll all fall by the broadsword and famine… They’ll be cursed, scorned, and destroyed!13‘I’ll visit those who’ve settled in Egypt The same as I visited JeruSalem… I’ll bring the same broadswords, famines, and plagues, 14Which [JeruSalem’s people] could not escape.‘So, none of the remnant of Judah That went down to Egypt and hoped to return, Will be allowed to go back again. There’s no way that they’ll ever return… Except for a few who’ll escape.’15Well, [none of the men] would reply to JeremiAh, because they all knew that their women were burning incense to other gods. And at the time, there was a great gathering of the women among all those who had settled in the land of Egypt at Pathros.And there, these women said:16‘We won’t pay any attention to the words that you’ve spoken to us in the Name of Jehovah, 17and we’ll do whatever we choose to do… We’ll keep on burning incense to the Queen of Heaven! Yes, we’ll keep on offering her [food and drink] as our fathers, our kings, our rulers, and the rest of us have done in Judah and around JeruSalem in the past… Back when we were better off… Back when we had enough bread to eat and things weren’t so bad!18‘For it was only after we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and offering her [food and drink] that things became worse and we started falling by the sword and from famine!19‘Haven’t you noticed all that has happened since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven… Back when we (without the aid of our husbands) made cakes and offered drinks to her?’20Then JeremiAh replied to all the people (the mighty men, the women, and everyone else who had responded to him) saying:21‘When it comes to the incense that you’ve burned in the cities of Judah and in JeruSalem (you, your ancestors, your kings, your rulers, and the rest of the people of the land); Jehovah hasn’t forgotten this! Yes, it has reached all the way up to His heart!22‘And it’s because He was unable to bear all your wicked deeds and the disgusting things you were doing that He brought desolation upon your land… He made it an unwalked place and a curse to this day!23‘For you stood there before Him and burned incense – sinning against Jehovah – and you didn’t pay any attention to the voice of the Lord, or to His instructions, His Laws, or His proofs. Rather, you went and took up all these evil practices that you’ve continued to do down to this day.’24And JeremiAh said to the women and to all the people:‘Hear the Word of Jehovah, all you Judeans who are now living in Egypt!25‘For Jehovah the God of IsraEl says that you and your women have brought this [upon yourselves] by your own mouths and your own hands, when you said that you will continue to acknowledge and burn incense to the Queen of Heaven, and to offer [food and drink] before her.‘So, you still plan to continue making offerings before her, do you? 26Well, because of this, hear the Word of Jehovah all you in Judah and those of you who have settled in the land of Egypt:‘{Look!} I have sworn this oath by My Name,’ said Jehovah, ‘That My Name won’t remain in the mouths of these Jews, Because they have failed to say:‘O Jehovah, our Lord; Come and live among us in Egypt!’27‘{Look!} I’ll be zealous about bringing them harm (not the good)! So those Jews that are living in Egypt Will fall by the broadsword and famine Until [they all] cease to be!28‘Just the [few] that escape from the sword Will ever return to Judea… And there will be very few!‘Then, all the remnant of Judah (Those who went and started living in Egypt) Will know whose words have proved to be true… If it’s My words, or those [of their gods].29‘And this is your sign,’ says Jehovah, ‘That I will visit this place, So you’ll know that My words have stuck upon you Because of your evil deeds:30‘{Look!} I’ll hand the house of Egypt’s King HophRa To his enemies and those who are seeking his life, As I handed Judah’s King ZedekiAh To his enemy NebuChadNezzar, Who was seeking his life.’
1These were the words that the Prophet JeremiAh spoke to BarUch (son of NeriAh) as he was writing all the words that came from the mouth of JeremiAh in this scroll [back] during the 4th year of [the reign of] JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh) the king of Judah.He said:2‘Jehovah, the God of IsraEl, said this about you, O BarUch, 3because you made this complaint:‘Alas, to my misery, Jehovah has added hard labor; For I went to bed groaning and there found no rest.’4‘So Jehovah told me that I should say this to you:‘{Look!} That which I’ve built, I’ll demolish, And that which I’ve planted, I will pluck… Yes, even this land that is Mine.5‘Were you looking for great things to happen? If so, You had best remove that thought from your mind; For {Look!} upon all flesh, I’m bringing what’s bad,’ says Jehovah. ‘But as your reward, I’ll give you your life, No matter which way you may choose to go.’
1These are the words that Jehovah sent to JeremiAh the Prophet against the nations.2[He said this concerning] Egypt and the armies of PharaOh Necho the king of Egypt, who was at the EuPhrates River in CarChemIsh when he was [killed] by NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon, which happened [back] in the 4th year [of the reign] of JehoiAkim (son of JosiAh), the king of Judah:3‘Now, pick up your weapons and shields, And then get ready for battle! 4Saddle the horses and mount up their riders… Don your helmets and chest plates, And you should take up your spears!5‘Why are they frightened and running? It’s because their mighty have fallen, And into exile, they’re going… They’ll not return to their land,’ says Jehovah.6‘Their nimble will not be able to flee, And their strong won’t be saved from those in the north… For at the EuPhrates, they’ll fall.7‘What is this that’s rising like a river… Yes, like a river that’s swollen? 8The waters of the river of Egypt arose, And said:I will rise and cover their land… I’ll destroy their cities and all those who live there.9‘So, ready the chariots and mount up your horsemen… Assemble the Ethiopians and Libyans All armed and carrying shields!‘Come, O Lydians, and stretch tight your bows, 10For this day belongs to Jehovah of Armies, Who’ll arise to take vengeance on His enemies. Then the sword will devour and be filled… It will get drunk on their blood.‘There’ll be a ‘sacrifice’ to Jehovah of Armies [Being offered by those] from the land to the north At the River EuPhrates.11‘So, go to GileAd for ointment [To heal] the virgin daughter of Egypt! But the attempts to heal her will all be in vain, And the ointments will do her no good.12‘Now, the nations have all heard your voices, For your cries have filled the whole earth. Warriors fighting warriors have weakened together, And together, they’ve fallen [in battle].’13This is what Jehovah said through JeremiAh the Prophet concerning the coming of NebuChadNezzar (the king of Babylon) to strike the land of Egypt:14[‘God said:]‘Send the announcement to Egypt… Yes, let them hear it in Migdol, And then give warning to Memphis! Tell those who live in TahPanHes To prepare their yew to be [chopped] by the sword!15‘Why are your mighty all lying face down? They can’t get up, for the Lord knocked them down!16‘Yes your mighty [armies] have weakened, Then they turned to their comrades and said:‘Let’s get up and go back to our people and homes… Let’s [flee from] the faces of Greeks!’17‘You can call on the name, PharaOh Necho… The one who’s the king of all Egypt, But [his time of glory has past].18‘As I live,’ says the King, Jehovah of Armies, ‘As sure as Tabor is found among mountains, And as sure as CarMel is found by the sea, 19I’ve come here to settle up matters.‘So get ready, O daughter of Egypt, And those of you who are still left alive; For Memphis will now be destroyed, And she’ll be referred to as Woe, Because she’ll be left without people.20‘Egypt is a heifer prepared for the slaughter By a broken branch that will come from the north. 21For the soldiers they’ve hired are like calves That are cared for and very-well fed. But, they will all turn back and flee, 22Because they won’t wish to wait for the day When their destruction will come… The time when they will be punished.‘Since her voice is like the hissing of snakes That slither along in the sand; They will attack her with axes As though they are chopping up wood.23‘Then they’ll cut down all her forests,’ says Jehovah! ‘For, no one can imagine their numbers… As with locusts, there’s no way to count them!24‘Disgrace will come to the daughter of Egypt, And she’ll be given to the men from the north.’25‘Yes, IsraEl’s God, Jehovah of Armies says this:‘{Look!} Amun, Thebes’ God, will be punished; For, I will bring this on Egypt, As well as on her gods and her kings… To PharaOh and those who are trusting in him.26‘To those seeking his life, I will hand them… To the hands of King NebuChadNezzar, And to the hands of his servants.‘Once again, it will be as it was long ago,’ says Jehovah. 27So My servant Jacob should not be afraid, Nor should IsraEl ever feel terrified.‘{Look!} For I’ll bring you back from faraway lands… Your offspring, from where they were captives. Jacob will come and then sleep in peace, And no one will bring them more trouble.28‘So, don’t be afraid, O Jacob, My child, says Jehovah; For, I will be there with you! And all the nations to which you were led Will be appointed to destruction… The nations where I sent you will all be consumed.‘But although I’ll never appoint you an end, I will still judge and correct you. I won’t declare you free from all guilt, Nor will you ever be acquitted.’
1These words of the Lord came to JeremiAh the Prophet against the Philistines before PharaOh attacked Gaza:2‘Jehovah says:‘{Look!} From the north, the ‘waters’ will rise To become a ‘river’ that’s flooding. It will flood the land and all its good things… The city and all those who live there.3‘Then, all the men will start crying, And those living there will be shouting, Because of the sounds of the beating of hoofs And the rumble of chariot wheels.‘Fathers won’t [help] their own sons Because their hands will be just too weak 4In the day that he comes to destroy the Philistines… To wipe away Sidon, Tyre, and their friends.’‘To the Philistines, Jehovah is sending destruction, As well as to the islands of CappaDocia. 5Baldness will come upon Gaza, And AshKelon will be thrown away, Along with Anakim’s [giants].6‘How long will you strike with the sword of Jehovah… Until when, will it finally be stilled? Please put it back into its sheath… Yes, lift it away and put it to rest!7‘But, what can make it be stilled? For it came from Jehovah upon AshKelon And against [her cities] by the sea, So that all the rest would be shaken.’
1Jehovah of Armies, the God of IsraEl, said this against MoAb:‘Woe to Nebo, for it was destroyed,
And KiriAth JaiRim was taken…
Their forts were all vanquished and shamed.2MoAb won’t be dancing in HeshBon,
For God has planned many bad things against her.‘Come and cut her out of the nations…
Let’s bring her to an end with the sword!’3‘From HoroNaim comes the sound of men shouting,
For destruction and ruin have arrived,
4And MoAb will be wiped away!‘Announce this too in Zogora!
5For LuHith is now filled with weeping,
And on the road to HoroNaim, they’re crying.‘You can hear the cries of destruction;
6So escape, and run for your lives…
Go live in the desert like zebras!7‘But you’ll be captured because you’ve relied
On your treasures and forts.
So you’ll be taken away and resettled,
Along with your princes and priests.8‘To your cities, ruin is coming…
None of your towns will be saved.
So your valleys will then be destroyed,
As will even your plains,’ says Jehovah.9‘Post signs over MoAb that say she has the plague;
So, soon she’ll have to be burned.
Her cities will become unwalked lands,
For there’ll be no one living within them.’10O cursed is the one who’s indifferent
When it comes to doing the work of the Lord…
Cursed is the one who holds back his sword!11‘MoAb has rested since childhood,
Relying upon his own glory.
He’s never poured dregs from pitcher to pitcher,
Nor has he been carried away…
So his sense of taste hasn’t left him,
And his ability to smell still remains.12‘But because of this,’ says Jehovah,
‘{Look!} The days are coming when I will send
Those who wish to lean upon him.‘Then, they’ll water [the wine] in his pitchers,
And they will break all his trumpets.
13MoAb will be disgraced before CheMosh
As IsraEl was disgraced before BethEl.14‘So, how can you say, ‘We are strong…
All our men are mighty for war?’
15For, MoAb and his cities are gone…
His young men have fallen in slaughter,’Says the King, Jehovah of Armies.16‘MoAb’s day of harm has quickly arrived.
17So those around him should all move away,
And those who were trusting in him should now ask:‘Who broke this famous one’s staff?’
‘Who broke that magnificent rod?’18‘So, descend from your glory and sit where it’s damp,
O you daughters of Dibon!
For now that MoAb has been destroyed,
Someone is coming to you
Who will destroy all your forts!19‘Stand in the road and then look,
All you who are sitting in AroEr,
Then ask the fleeing what has happened.20‘MoAb is broken and he’s been disgraced.
So shriek, cry out, and announce it in Arnon
That mighty MoAb has fallen!21‘For, judgment has come to the land of Misor…
On MephaAth, JaHazah, and Holon,
22As well as on Dibon and Nebo,
And on the house of the DiblaThaim.23‘On KiriAth JaiRim, it has arrived,
And on the house of GaMul,
As well as on the house of MeOn.24‘It has come on KiriAth and BozRah…
Upon all the cities of MoAb,
Both those who are near and those far away.25‘The horn of MoAb has been broken
And his mighty arm is now destroyed,’ says Jehovah.
26‘So let [all of his people] get drunk;
For before them, he made himself great.‘In his own vomit, MoAb will wallow,
And he’ll be considered a joke.
27O IsraEl; you’re the reason why this came to be…
It was your cunning ways that brought this on them,
Because they were [your ally] in war.28‘The people of MoAb have all fled their towns,
And now they must live among rocks…
They must live like doves among stones.29‘I heard the insolence of MoAb,
And he was very insulting…
Then his insults and pride raised his heart.30‘But I’m aware of the [bad] things he’s done,’ says Jehovah,
‘And from him, I’ve endured far too much…
Yes, I know of his [wicked] deeds.31‘Because of this, MoAb will shriek,
And the men of KeIr will be yelling
Because of their squalid conditions!32‘The same as I’ve wept over JaZer
Is how I’ll cry over you,
O great grapevine of SibMah.
For your vines have reached to the sea,
And they’ve touched the city of JaZer.‘Now, ruin has come to your autumn fruits,
And on those who are picking your grapes.33‘But at CarMel, there’s reason for shouting and joy;
For there’s no one to tread MoAb’s wine vats…
Yes, from morning to evening, they’re [shouting in] joy.34‘From HeshBon, to ElYaleh, and to JaHaz
There now arises a cry;
From ZoAr to HoroNaim there’s bleating
As though coming from 3-year-old heifers…
For the waters at NimRim have dried.35‘To MoAb, I will bring destruction,’ says Jehovah…
‘To this one who goes up to his shrines
And burns incense there to his gods.36‘So like pipes, MoAb’s heart will soon resonate
The same as My heart resonates
For all the people of KeIr-Aras…
Where like pipes, their [hearts] will resonate too,
Since the things that they’ve gained will all perish.37‘Then all their heads will be shorn,
And all their beards will be shaved…
They’ll be beating their chests with their hands,
And every loin will wear sackcloth.38‘[There’ll be wailing] on the rooftops of MoAb,
As well as in all of their squares,
Because I will have smashed MoAb,’ says Jehovah,
‘Like a pot that is no longer used.39‘O how very contrite;
O how MoAb’s repented;
For, MoAb’s now laughed at and shamed…
An object of horror to those [passing by].’40Jehovah says:‘I’ll spread and stretch out My wings over MoAb…
41KiriAth and her forts will be seized.
In that day, the hearts of the armies of MoAb
Will become like the hearts of their women.42MoAb will [soon] be destroyed,
So he will no longer be many…
For against him, Jehovah will prove Himself great.43‘Snares, fear, and the pit have arrived
Upon you who have settled in MoAb,’ says Jehovah.
44‘For those fleeing in fear will fall into pits,
And those climbing out will be caught in a snare.‘I’ll be bringing these things upon MoAb
In the year that I go there to visit,’ says Jehovah.45‘In the shadow of HeshBon, they stopped…
The army that was running away.
For, fire arose out of HeshBon,
And in SiHon’s midst, there were flames
That devoured the forehead of MoAb
And the scalps of the sons of SiHon.46‘Woe upon you, O MoAb!
For the people of CheMosh have all been destroyed,
And their sons and daughters were carried away.
47But the captives of MoAb, I will return
In the last days,’ says Jehovah.This was the judgment upon MoAb.
1To the sons of AmMon:Jehovah asked this:‘Are there no sons in IsraEl… Is there no one left to inherit? Why has Moloch inherited Gad and his sons, And why does he dwell in their cities?2‘{Look!} Because of this, days will come,’ says Jehovah, ‘When I’ll cause the disturbance of war To be heard in RabBah by AmMon’s sons, And then, they will all be destroyed. So their land [will soon] be unwalked, And their shrines will be burned up in fire. Then, IsraEl will inherit its kingship,’ says Jehovah.3‘Shout, O HeshBon, for Ai was destroyed… Cry out, O daughters of RabBah, And then wrap sackcloth around you! Give in and lament over Moloch; For together, his priests and his rulers Will be carried away and resettled.4‘Why are there cheers in EmaKeim, O you presumptuous daughter… You who’ve relied on you treasures and asked:’Who would dare come against me?’5‘{Look!} I will bring you something to fear,’ Says Jehovah of Armies… ‘From your cities, [your people] will scatter In whichever direction their faces [will look], And those who flee will never return.6‘But the sons of AmMon, I will return From wherever they’ve been taken captive,’ says Jehovah.7To Edom:Jehovah says:‘There is no more wisdom in TeMan; For the council of their experts has been wiped away, And their wisdom has been beguiled and undone.8‘So, get accustomed to sitting, All you are living in DeDan; For, in the day that I come to visit, I will be bringing hard times.9‘Then, those who harvest grapes will arrive, And they will leave nothing behind… They’ll come upon you and snatch you away As though they are thieves in the night.10‘For, in the same way that I dragged Esau down; I’ll uncover the things that you’ve tucked away… No way can you keep them hidden. Then, you’ll be destroyed by a people Who are not your neighbors or brothers.11‘So abandon your orphans, that they might survive; For, I will keep them alive As I’ll also keep your widows alive, Because they’ve put faith in Me.’12Jehovah says:‘{Look!} Those who weren’t under [My] Law Were given the cup from which they must drink. And because you will be found guilty, You will also have to drink from that cup.13‘For I swear this oath by Myself,’ says Jehovah, ‘That your land will soon be scorned and unwalked… In her midst, you will be cursed, And throughout ages, your cities will be deserts!’14Then I listened and heard this from Jehovah. For He sent His messengers to all the nations in order to give them this warning:‘Gather and come here against her… Arise and get ready for war! 15Look! I’ve appointed her to be small among nations, And something despised by all people.16‘For her [schemes] have worked out against her, And because of the audacious ways of her heart, Her people will be living in the hills, And in the holes among rocks. So, if they set their nests higher than eagles, I will still bring them back down,’ says Jehovah.17‘Then Edom will be a land that’s unwalked… All that go there will just be amazed And whistle at all that has happened to her.18‘For as Sodom and GomorRah were destroyed Along with all those who lived there,’ said Jehovah; ‘No man will sit [in Edom] again, Nor will sons of men ever dwell there.19‘{Look!} Like lions, they will then arrive [And attack] AiTham from the JorDan… They’ll quickly drive them away from their land, And a young man [will serve as their ruler]!‘For, who else can be likened to Me, And by whom can I be opposed… Which shepherd can stand and oppose Me?’20So, hear the plan of Jehovah… His plan against Edom and what He’s devised Against those who are dwelling in TeMan:‘Even their smallest of sheep Will soon be taken away, And the places where they rest will be empty. 21The sounds of their downfall will shake the whole earth, And their cries will be heard ‘cross the seas.22‘{Look!} He’ll soar like an eagle and spot her, Then stretch out his wings towards her forts. In that day, the hearts of the mighty of Edom Will become like women with birth pangs.’23To Damascus:‘HaMath will soon be disgraced, And from Arpad, they’ll hear bad reports… They will be startled and enraged, And they’ll be unable to rest.24‘Damascus was weakened and she turned to flee… By trembling, she was overcome. Concern and grief held her down Like a woman who’s about to give birth.25‘O you praised city that was never abandoned… You town that was ever so loved; 26Your young men will fall in your squares, And your mighty will all be cut down,’ says Jehovah of Armies.27‘For I’ll kindle a fire on the walls of Damascus, And burn the Plaza of the Sons of Hadad.’28To Cypress and its queen in her courtyard, [concerning the attack by] NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon.[The Lord says:]‘Jehovah of Armies says this:‘Arise and go up to Cypress, And then attack Kedem’s sons. 29Take all their tents and their sheep, As well as their clothes, their camels, and jars; For I’ve called for destruction upon them.30‘Flee right away… Just grab what you need, O you who are resting in yards,’ says Jehovah! ‘Since King NebuChadNezzar has made plans against you, 31Get up and flee to a nation that’s safe, All you who are sitting and resting In a place with no gates and no bars.32‘Then, all your camels will be plundered, And your cattle will all be destroyed… I’ll blow them away with the winds And shave them away from your sides… I’ll bring your enemies to drive them away,’ said Jehovah.33‘Then your yards will become ostrich playgrounds… Places unwalked throughout the ages. No way will men ever sit there again, Nor will sons of men ever live there.’34Well, after the Lord told the Prophet JeremiAh that these things would happen to them, this is what did happen to ElAm around the beginning of the reign of ZedekiAh, the king of Judah.35For Jehovah of Armies said this [to JeremiAh]:‘Look! I will break ElAm’s bows, As well as his sources of power. 36I’ll bring the four winds against ElAm From the four corners of the skies, And to those four winds, they’ll be scattered.‘Many nations will come against ElAm To push them out of their land. 37Before their foes, they’ll be scattered (Before those who are seeking their lives). For upon them, I’m bringing My anger and rage,’ says Jehovah, ‘And I’ll chase them away with My sword Until they’re completely consumed.38‘Then in ElAm, I will establish My throne… And that’s where I’ll send a king and great men,’ says Jehovah. 39‘But in the last days, I will also return All the captives of ElAm,’ says Jehovah.
1These are the words that the Lord spoke against Babylon and the land of the Chaldea through the mouth of JeremiAh, the Prophet.[The Lord said:]2‘Announce it to all of the nations… Make it heard and erect a sign… Let them all know, do not hide it! [Tell them what Jehovah said, and] say:‘Babylon has now been captured, And to Bel, disgrace has arrived. MeroDach has been [destroyed]… All of his idols were shamed, And have now been [carried away].3‘For a nation from the north came against her And brought her land to extinction. So, no one will ever live there again… None from among men or beasts.4‘During those days and at that time, They will be entered and shaken,’ says Jehovah. ‘Then the sons of IsraEl and Judah Will get together and leave her.’[The Lord continues:]‘Before Jehovah, they’ll be weeping [in joy], For they will be seeking their God. 5They’ll ask for directions to Zion, And that’s where they’ll set their faces to go.‘In Jehovah, they will seek refuge, And they’ll remember His Sacred Agreement.[‘Jehovah says:]6‘For my people became as sheep that were lost, Since their shepherds had pushed them into the hills… They led them astray from mountain to hill, And then, they just walked away.7‘So, those who found them consumed them… Their enemies said, We won’t spare them Because they’ve sinned against God In those pastures [that He gave] to their fathers.8‘So, flee from Babylon’s midst… Get out of the land of Chaldea… Escape like sheep being chased by wild beasts! 9For {Look!} against Babylon, I will be bringing A great nation from the lands in the north, Which will then come and attack her, And take [her people] as captives… For the arrows of their finest of warriors Won’t return without seeing success.10‘Then all the Chaldeans will be plundered, And those who loot her will take what they want,’ said Jehovah.11‘For, she was glad and found glory When My inheritance was plundered by her… She leaped like a calf in My pasture, And then, she gored like a bull.12‘So, she will bring shame to her mother, And become the least of the nations… A barren parched land, and a desert.’‘{Look!} It will lie empty as a place that’s unwalked; 13For because of the rage of Jehovah, She will no longer be lived in… Yes, everyone there will be gone. And those who travel through Babylon, Will look sadly and whistle at her fate.14‘So, come and lay siege against Babylon… Stretch tight your bows and then shoot her down! Don’t spare the arrows in your attack, For against Jehovah, she’s sinned.15‘Then tie up her hands and lead her away… Raze her parapets and all of her walls! For, this is vengeance from God… Do to her as she once did to you!16‘May Babylon’s offspring be taken away (Those who [swing] sickles in the harvest) Before the swords of the Greeks, Who will carry them back to their people, As they are going back home![‘Jehovah says:]17‘IsraEl was a flock that had strayed, So lions pushed them out [of their land]. Assyria’s king ate them first, And then Babylon’s king chewed on their bones.18‘But because of the things they will do,’ says Jehovah of Armies; ‘{Look!} I’ll take vengeance on Babylon’s king and his land, As I’ve done to Assyria’s king.19‘Then I’ll bring IsraEl back to their pastures, And in BaShan and CarMel, they’ll feed… Yes, upon Ephraim’s mountains, And in GileAd, their souls will be filled.20‘In those days and at that time,’ says Jehovah; ‘In IsraEl, you’ll search for unrighteous ways, But they will no longer exist. And if they search throughout Judah for sins, They won’t be able to find them… They’ll only find kindness from those who return.21‘So, go to that land and attack her… Attack all the people who live there… Punish the ones who once clapped their hands… Wipe them away with the sword,’ says Jehovah… ‘Do to them, what I told you to do!22‘There’s the sound of destruction and war In the land of Chaldea. 23For they’ll be defeated and smashed By the hammer of the whole earth… O how the nations will bring Extinction upon Babylon!24‘They’ll attack her and she will be captured Before those in Babylon know That they’ll be relocated and taken away; For it’s Me, Jehovah, whom they have opposed!25The Lord has opened His storehouse And withdrawn the things of his rage To do the work of Jehovah of Armies Within the land of Chaldea.26So, because it’s her time, you must open her stores, Then search her through like a cave… And thereafter, you should destroy her… Don’t leave a trace [of where she has been]!27Then, dry up all of her fruits And carry them down to the slaughter! Woe to them, for their day has arrived… The time for them to be punished!28There’s the sound of [people] who are fleeing… From Babylon’s lands, they are running. So announce Jehovah’s vengeance to Zion… God’s vengeance over what they did to His Temple.29Urge many to come against Babylon… Tell all to stretch tight their bows! Around her, set up your camps And allow no one to escape.Pay her back for the things she has done… Do to her as she once did to you! For Jehovah’s the One whom she has opposed… IsraEl’s Most Holy God.[‘Jehovah continues:]30‘It’s because of this, that she’ll fall. And all the young men in her squares, As well as all of her warriors, Will be [run through] in that day,’ says Jehovah.31‘Look! I’m the One who’s against you, O proud one,’ Says Jehovah of Armies, ‘And your day has finally come… The day for you to be punished!32‘The insolence you had will now fall And no one will raise it again. In her woods, I’ll kindle a fire To devour everything that’s around her.’33‘Jehovah of Armies also said:‘To the sons of IsraEl, you were tyrants, And to the sons of Judah, you were even [more cruel]… You’ve been tyrants to all whom you’ve captured, And let no one return to their homes.34‘But the Almighty will ransom them back (Jehovah the Almighty is His Name). He judges His opponents in fairness, Before He takes them away from their lands. And now, He is sending His rage To those who are living in Babylon.35‘Bring a sword upon the Chaldeans,’ says Jehovah, ‘And upon all of Babylon’s people… Upon all her great men and experts!36‘Bring a sword against her clairvoyants, And prove them all to be fools! Bring a sword against all her soldiers, And let them each receive wounds!37‘Bring a sword upon all their horses, And upon their chariots also. Then those in her midst will be acting like girls!‘Bring a sword upon all her treasures… [Yes, haul them away] as your loot!38‘And although she’s relied on her waters, They will soon be disgraced. For, they are a land of carved idols Before which, those in the islands have bowed. 39So their idols will be sent to those islands, Where among chained demons, they’ll dwell.’[The Lord continues:]‘Throughout the ages, she’ll not be lived in again… Through generations, no one will camp there. 40For as God destroyed Sodom and GomorRah, As well as the places round-about them,’ said the Lord, ‘There’s no way that men will live there again, Nor will sons of men ever stay there.41‘{Look!} There are people who are coming from the far north… A great nation will come from the ends of the earth Along with many [great] kings, 42All brandishing arrows and swords.‘They will be very audacious; For, they will act without mercy, And their voices [will roar] like the seas.‘O you daughters of Babylon; They’ll come against you on horses, And with fire, as they’re preparing for war.43‘Babylon’s king will hear the report, And then his hands will grow weak… He’ll be gripped with pangs like a woman giving birth.[‘Jehovah continues:]44‘{Look!} Like a lion, he’ll ascend from the JorDan, And he’ll go to a place called AiTham. Then quickly, I’ll drive them upon her… I’ll set all their young men against her.‘For who else is like Me and who can resist… What shepherd can stand before Me?45‘So, hear the plan of Jehovah… His plans against Babylon And the equipment that He has devised Against those in the land of Chaldea.‘Surely their lambs will all be destroyed… Surely their fields will be captured!46‘From the sounds of Babylon’s conquest, All on the earth will be shaken, And her cries will be heard in all nations.’
1The Lord said:‘{Look!} I’ll awaken a wind that burns and destroys
Against Babylon’s people
And all the Chaldeans who live there.2‘Against Babylon, I’ll be sending the proud
Who’ll insult her and wipe out her land.
Woe to Babylon and those round-about
In the day that she is oppressed.3‘Let the bowman stretch tight his bow
And strap on all of his weapons!
Do not spare her young men…
Wipe all her armies away…
4May all in the land of Chaldea fall dead.‘May their [mercenary troops] be pierced through and fall.
5For, IsraEl and Judah aren’t the widows
Of Jehovah the Almighty God.‘It was because their land was filled with injustice,
And from IsraEl’s holy ways, they had strayed,
That they were allowed to be captured.6‘So, those in Babylon’s midst should now flee…
Each man should save his own soul!
In her unrighteous ways, don’t get involved,
Since it’s time for her to be punished…
To be repaid for the bad things she’s done!7‘Within the hands of Jehovah,
Babylon is like a gold cup
From whose wine, the earth became drunk.
For she forced all the nations to drink it,
And this is why they are reeling.8‘So, Babylon will fall and be broken;
Then the [time to] lament her will come when they’ll say:‘Bring an ointment to heal all her wounds,
And to see if she can be saved!’9‘Although we treated her, she couldn’t be healed…
So, all should return to their lands,
Since heaven has approached to pass judgment on her…
Before the stars, she has been exposed.’10Yes, Jehovah’s brought judgment upon her;
So come, let’s announce it in Zion…
For, this is the work of Jehovah our God.11‘Prepare your bows… Fill your quivers;
For, the spirit of the king of the Medes
Has now been aroused by Jehovah
To bring His rage against Babylon
And to wipe her away.
Yes, this is the vengeance from God…
He’s getting revenge for His people.12‘Raise the flags on Babylon’s walls!
Prepare the watchmen and ready the shields!
For Jehovah’s about to do what He said
Against those who are dwelling in Babylon.13‘O you who camp between waters
And you who [put trust in] your treasures;
The limit has finally been reached
As to what your bowels can hold.14‘For Jehovah has now sworn this oath
By [the power of] His mighty arm, [saying]:‘I’ll fill you with men; like locusts they’ll come…
And they’ll shout as they are attacking!’15‘He’s the Mighty One who created the earth…
The One, who in His great wisdom
Prepared mankind’s habitation,
And the One who with great understanding,
Stretched out the heavens above it.16‘With His voice, He sends waters down from the skies,
And He brings the clouds from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning along with the rain,
And from His treasures, He then draws the light.17‘He has proven all men to be foolish,
[And foolish] is the knowledge of their goldsmiths;
For, they have cast idols and they have carved gods,
Which are unable to breathe.18‘So their deeds are wasted and scornful,
And they’ll be destroyed when He visits.
19Yet, this won’t be the portion of Jacob…
Their inheritance is the One who shaped all,
Whose Name is Jehovah of Armies![‘He says:]20‘So before Me, lay out your items of war,
And I’ll scatter [many] nations before you…
Over many kings, I will raise you,
21And before you, I’ll scatter their horses and riders,
As well as their chariots and horsemen.22‘I’ll scatter before you, their husbands and wives…
I’ll scatter their elders and children.
Before you, I’ll scatter their young men and virgins,
23And I’ll scatter their shepherds and flocks.‘I’ll scatter before you their farmers and farms…
Governors and commanders, I’ll scatter.
24Before your eyes, I will pay back
Those of Chaldea and Babylon
For the evils they committed against Zion, said Jehovah.25‘Look… I’m against you, you mount of corruption,
And I oppose your iron that corrupts the whole earth.
So I’ll stretch My hand out against you,
Then upon you, I will roll rocks,
As I set your mountain on fire!26‘No way will your stones then be carried
To be used as foundation blocks…
You’ll be wiped away throughout the ages,’ said Jehovah.27‘So, raise the banners throughout the whole earth…
Signal the nations with trumpets;
Then, make them holy against her…
The Araratites and the AshKenazi!‘Bring many weapons against her…
Bring horses like locusts, upon her!
28Drag many nations [to fight] her…
The king of the Medes and the rest of the earth…
Their leaders and all their commanders!29‘Then the earth will be shaken and reel
By Jehovah’s plans against Babylon,
Since He’s arranged the extinction of Babylon’s land
So that no one will live there again!30‘Babylon’s soldiers will fail to wage war…
They’ll just sit in their forts as they’re losing control.
They’ll become like women whose tents are ablaze,
And then, her bars will be broken.31‘Those chasing will meet others chasing,
As they pursue the announcers
Who will meet with those who proclaim,
And make the announcement to Babylon’s king
That his great city was captured,
32And the last of his moats have been breached…
That his ramparts have been burned by fire,
And all of his men have surrendered.33‘For Jehovah of Armies (the God of IsraEl) says this:‘The palace of Babylon’s king
Will become a floor to do threshing…
And now is the season for threshing,
Because it’s time for the harvest!’34‘[And those living in Zion will say:]‘By NebuChadNezzar, Babylon’s King,
I was crushed and divided…
He caught up with me in the darkness;
Then, like a beast, he swallowed me down,
And his belly was filled with My good things.
35So in misery and in great trouble,
To Babylon, I was taken,
And my blood was laid upon those Chaldeans.’[‘And God says:]36‘But because of this,’ says Jehovah,
{Look!} I will judge your opponents
And send My vengeance to them for the ways
That they will be punishing you.‘I’ll destroy her [rivers] and dry up her springs,
37And Babylon will become an extinction
– A den for wild beasts and for snakes –
Which won’t be lived in again.38‘As lions and their cubs are aroused in the heat,
I’ll give them a drink that will make them all drunk…
I’ll stupefy them and put them to sleep,
39Which will be a sleep for the ages
From which they’ll never awaken,’ says Jehovah.40‘I’ll bring them like lambs for the slaughter…
Like rams that are mixed among [goats].41‘Thereafter, Sheshach will be captured,
And the earth’s boastful ones will be hunted…
For, Babylon will not be great again
Among the rest of the nations.42‘May Babylon be covered up by ‘the sea’…
May she be covered by the roar of its ‘waves’…
43May all her cities meet with destruction,
And may her land become dry and unwalked.‘Nothing alive will go there again,
Nor will sons of men ever rest there.
44For, I will take vengeance upon Babylon,
And from her mouth, I’ll snatch what she ate.
No more will nations gather with her,
And even her walls will soon fall.’45So, get out of her midst, O my people…
Let each man save his own life
From the anger and rage of Jehovah.[The Lord continues:]46‘And don’t let your hearts be consumed…
Don’t fear the reports that are heard in that land;
For in one year, there’ll come a report,
And in the next, another will come
Of misery and sin in that land,
And of one leader ruling another.[‘And Jehovah says:]47‘Because of this, {Look!} days will come
When I’ll bring vengeance on Babylon’s idols.
Then, all in their land will be shamed,
As in her midst, the slain will be falling.48‘Heaven and earth will be joyful,
As well as all those who live there.
For her destroyer will come from the north,’ says Jehovah.
49‘And as Babylon murdered the IsraElites,
The slain will fall in Babylon’s land.50‘So flee, O you who’ve been saved from the sword,
For you should stay there no longer!
Then speak of Jehovah in far-away lands…
And JeruSalem should remain in your hearts![‘You should say:]51‘We were shamed when we heard of our scorn,
And in dishonor, we covered our faces;
For, foreigners entered our Most Holy Place…
They entered the Temple of Jehovah!’[‘And Jehovah continues:]52‘And because of this, {Look!} days will come,’ said Jehovah,
‘When I’ll take vengeance upon her carved idols,
And the slain will fall in her land.53‘So if Babylon could climb up into the skies
And fortify her strength in the heights;
I’d still send those who’d destroy her,’ said Jehovah.54‘So from Babylon, you will hear cries,
As destruction comes to the Chaldeans.
55Jehovah will remove Babylon…
With the sounds of waves, He’ll destroy her,
And to her voice, He’ll bring ruin.56‘Misery will come upon Babylon,
For her warriors will soon all be captured,
And terror will come to her bowmen…
Yes, this is her payback from God.57‘The Lord will repay her with what she is due,
And he’ll make them all [reel like] drunks…
Yes, her governors, commanders, and wise men,’
Says the King, Jehovah the Almighty.58‘And thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘The broad walls of Babylon will fall,
And her gates will fail and be burned;
For the nations and peoples will tire of her pride.’59These were the words that the Lord had instructed JeremiAh the Prophet to say to SeraiAh (son of NeriAh and grandson of MaAseJah) [back] when he went with ZedekiAh (the king of Judah) into Babylon in the 4th year of his reign (SeraiAh was in charge of the gifts that were [brought to the king]).60Then JeremiAh wrote of all the bad things that were to come upon Babylon in a scroll, including all the rest of these words that were written against Babylon.61JeremiAh also told SeraiAh that when he got to Babylon, he was to read all of these words to [the people of Babylon], and then say:62‘It was Jehovah that spoke ill of this place…
He’s the One who said He’d destroy it
So that no one will ever live here again…
Neither man nor beast, throughout the ages.’63[Then JeremiAh told him:]‘Then, when you finish reading this scroll, tie it to a rock and toss it into the EuPhrates, and tell them:64‘This is how Babylon will sink
And not be raised up again…
She’ll vanish, because of the bad things He’ll bring.’Yes, these were all the words of JeremiAh.
1Well, King ZedekiAh was 21 years old when he started his reign, and he ruled from JeruSalem for 11 years. His mother’s name was HamuTal, and she was the daughter of JeremiAh of LibNah. 2For, like JehoiAkim, the things that he did were wicked before Jehovah. 3And this is why the wrath of Jehovah stayed upon JeruSalem and Judah until He finally cast them away from His face… For then ZedekiAh rebelled against the king of Babylon.4It was in the 9th year and 10th month of his reign, on the 10th day of the month that NebuChadNezzar the king of Babylon came against JeruSalem with all his armies. He camped outside of the city and built a rampart around it, 5and the city stayed under siege until the 11th year of King ZedekiAh. 6So by the 9th day of the 4th month, there was famine in the city, and there was no longer any bread for the people in the land.7Thereafter, the city’s [walls] were breached and all its warriors fled… They escaped during the night by way of the gate in the middle of the wall and the area around the wall that was next to the king’s garden. [They did this] as the Chaldeans were already in and around the city… And then they headed towards the desert.8Well, the army of the Chaldeans chased after the king, catching up with him on the other side of JeriCho, where all of his servants had left him.9So they captured the king and led him to the king of Babylon (who was in RibLah in the land of HaMath at the time), where he spoke to him and then passed judgment on him. 10Then the king of Babylon had all the sons of ZedekiAh killed before his eyes, and he killed all the rulers of Judah there in RibLah. 11And thereafter, he blinded the eyes of ZedekiAh, bound him in shackles, and the king of Babylonian had him carried to Babylon, where he was kept in a mill house until the day that he died.12It was during the 5th month, on the 10th day of the month, that NabuZarArdan (the chief of the guards who always stood before the king of Babylon) came to JeruSalem 13and he burned the Jehovah’s Temple, the king’s palace, and all the houses in the city, including all of its mansions. 14Then the chief of the guards had the Chaldean armies tear down all of the city walls, 15and he removed all of the poor people (those who had been left behind in the city) as well as those who had gone over to the king of Babylon, along with everyone else. 16However, the chief of the guards did leave some of the poor people behind to serve as vinedressers and farmers.17Then the Chaldeans broke up the columns of brass that stood outside the Jehovah’s Temple, along with their bases and the brass Sea, and they carried all the brass off to Babylon. 18This included:• The bowls,
• The meat hooks, and
• The rest of the brass items that were used to officiate [at the Temple]...19As well as the silver things:• The snuffers,
• The oil flasks,
• The lamp stands,
• The incense pans,
• And the cups.Then the chief of the guards took all the things that were made of gold and silver 20(along with the two columns, the Sea, and the 12 brass calves that were under the Sea, which King Solomon had made for the Temple of Jehovah) [back to Babylon].21No one could know the weight of all the brass; for the columns were each 33 feet (10m) tall, they had a circumference of 22 feet (6.7m), and their walls were 4 fingers thick. 22The moldings were also 8 feet (2.4m) long (one of them was very fine), and there was a net of pomegranates around the moldings, all of which was made of brass. 23There were 96 pomegranates on each [molding] and 100 pomegranates on each of the nets that encircled them.24Then the chief of the guards carried off:• SeraiAh (the High Priest),
• ZephaniAh (his second in command),
• And three of the Temple’s entrance guards.25And from the city, he took:• One of the eunuchs who was in charge of the warriors,
• Seven of the famous men who stood before the king (all of whom were found in the city),
• The scribe of the armies,
• The one who acted as scribe for the people of the land,
• And 60 men from among the people of the land who were found in the midst of the city.26NabuZarArdan (the chief of the guards) took them all away and led them before the king of Babylon in RibLah, 27and the king of Babylon had them all killed at RibLah (in the land of HaMath).Then the rest of the people of Judah were deported from the land.28There were 3,023 people whom [King] NebuChadNezzar [of Babylon] deported in his 7th year. 29Then in the 18th year of NebuChadNezzar’s [reign], he deported another 832 souls from JeruSalem. 30And in the 23rd year of [his reign], the chief of the guards deported 745 more souls from among the Judeans. So, all those [that were carried way] came to 4,600.31Then in the 37th year, on the 25th day of the 12th month after the relocation of King JehoiAchin of Judah, King EvilMerodach of Babylon took King JehoiAchin of Judah and led him from the house where he’d been kept under guard (he did this in the 1st year of his reign). 32Then he spoke to him kindly and gave him a throne that was higher than all the thrones of the other kings who were there with him in Babylon. 33He took him from his prison, provided him with better clothes, and allowed him to eat bread before him for as long as he lived. 34He was also provided a daily allowance by the king of Babylon until the day that he died.
1After IsraEl was captured and JeruSalem was desolated, JeremiAh sat down and cried, wailing this lamentation over the city:‘O how that city, once filled with people Must now sit all alone. Among the nations, she [sits as] a widow… She is ruled and [must pay] a tribute.2‘She cried and wept all through the night, As tears rolled down her cheeks; For, no one is left to offer her comfort Among all those who once loved her. Yes, those who cared have now left her, And her enemies, they’ve become.3‘Humiliation has come upon Judah, For [all of her people] were [taken away] And she has become just a slave.‘Now, she finds no way to rest, Because she [belongs to] the gentiles. Yes, all those who chased her have caught her, And [she lives] among those who oppress her.4‘The roads to Zion now mourn, For there’s no one who comes there To celebrate her holiday feasts.‘All of her gates have been broken, All of her Priests must now groan, And all of her virgins are captives; So, inside herself, she’s bitter. 5For her head is those who oppose her, And to her enemies, [she now must submit].‘Her humiliation was brought by Jehovah, Because she no longer showed Him respect. So her young were led off as captives Before those who have oppressed her.6‘The daughters of Zion (her beauty) are gone, [And others now serve as] their rulers. As rams without pasture, they left without strength In front of those who’d pursued them. 7So, when she thinks of these days of disgrace, She is very upset.‘All of her beautiful things [are now gone]… Those things that she’s had since most ancient times. For her people fell into the hands of oppressors, And no one came to their aid. Then all her enemies laughed When they saw these things being taken away.8‘It was because of JeruSalem’s sins That she was allowed to be battered. She was humbled by the One who’d loved her When He saw how indecent she’d become. So now, she [just sits there and] groans, And all she does is reflect.9‘Her filth lies there at her feet, Because she forgot how things would work out. So, she’s now been brought low, And there’s no place where she can find comfort.‘[She cries]:‘O Lord, see how I’ve been shamed; For, to my enemies, I now must submit!’10‘Those who oppressed her have reached out their hands To take her desirable things. She watched as the gentiles entered her [Temple]… Those whom [God] said should not enter Among the assembly [of His people].11‘Now, all of her people are groaning Because they’re searching for bread. Her desirable things, they’ve traded for food, In order to save their own lives.‘O Jehovah,‘Please look down upon this, For, she has been so disgraced![And she says:]12‘All those to whom You once became close But thereafter chose to reject You, Will see if there’s pain like the pain that I feel. For, I’ve been humbled by the One who addressed me… By Jehovah, in the day of His rage.13‘To my bones, He’s sent fire… Yes, fire is what He’s sent. Then He spread out a net for my feet To turn me back and make me retreat. He appointed me to be hidden from view And to grieve throughout the rest of my days.14‘He was aware of my godless deeds; For, they were close to my hands… And then they [crawled] up my neck. So, all of my strength has now left me, Since Jehovah’s put grief in my hands And I’m unable to stand.15‘All of my mighty have left me, As has Jehovah, [my God]. For the time arrived for His visit, And to break the best of my men. So the Lord has trodden the winepress Of the virgin daughter of Judah.’16‘It’s over such things that I weep… It’s why my eyes are now filled with tears. For, those who would offer me comfort (Those who would bring back my life) [Have now been carried] away. Yes, all of my sons are now gone… And by my enemies, I’ve been conquered.’17‘So, although Zion has spread out her hands, There’s no one who’ll come to console her. For Jehovah gave a warning to Jacob That they’d be surrounded by those who’d attack.‘JeruSalem was to serve as a woman Who was set apart from the unclean… Although she had to live in their midst. 18Yet, Jehovah has been proven righteous; For, we’re the ones who embittered His mouth.[‘For she says:]‘So, hear all you peoples and look at my pain, Since all my young men and virgins are gone… They’ve all been taken as captives!19‘I was misled by those whom I loved… My priests and my elders had failed me! They just wanted food for themselves, So they could save their own lives.20‘Behold, O Lord, my painful condition, For my stomach is very upset And my heart is rolling within me!‘I’ve become very bitter, For the sword has left me without any sons… It’s as though there’s death in my home.21‘Listen indeed to my groaning, For there’s no one to offer me comfort. Since our enemies had heard of our badness, They rejoiced at the things that they did. But upon them, You’ll bring a day and a time When they’ll become just like me!22‘Yes, may their evils fall upon them… Glean them as they’ve gleaned me for my sins! For, [they’re the cause] of my groaning, And they’re the ones upsetting my heart.’
1‘O how dark was the rage of Jehovah When it came to the daughter of Zion. For He pulled IsraEl’s glory out of the heights And threw it down to the ground… Yes, in the day of His rage, He forgot the stool for His feet.2‘[He] didn’t hold back, nor did He spare Jacob’s beautiful things. In His rage, He destroyed all the forts Of the virgin daughter of Judah. He cut them down to the ground, And profaned our rulers and king.3‘He broke them to pieces in anger and rage, Taking all of IsraEl’s strength… He turned His hand from the enemy’s face And allowed them to set Jacob ablaze… To consume everything that’s around him.4‘As an enemy, He stretched tight His bow, And as an opponent, he stiffened His hand To destroy all the things that my eyes had desired. On the Tents of the daughters of Zion, He poured out the flames of His rage.5‘So Jehovah became our enemy… He sunk IsraEl and all its estates. He also destroyed all its forts… The strongholds of the daughters of Judah.‘He multiplied those who were humbling us, And increased the numbers of humbled.6‘Like a grapevine, He spread out His Tent, And His holiday feasts, He corrupted. He forgot all the things He’d appointed for Zion… The holiday feasts and the Sabbaths. He did this, because we’d provoked Him, Then He threatened our king and our priests in His rage.7‘[He] thrust away His own Altar… His Holy Place, He’s brushed aside. So our enemies broke down our walls, And shouted in the House of Jehovah As we used to do on our holiday feasts.8‘Jehovah made plans to ruin the walls Of the virgin daughter of Zion. First, He stretched out His ruler, Then His hand sent a trampling upon us, Which caused us to mourn around all our walls, Because the walls were destroyed, 9And the gates had been cut to the ground… They broke and destroyed the bars for our gates!‘So now, her king and her rulers Have been scattered among all the nations, And there’s no longer a Law, Nor do our prophets see visions.10‘They silently sit on the ground (The elders of the daughter of Zion) As they throw dust on their heads… As they’re dressing in sackcloth… As the heads of JeruSalem’s virgins Are being pushed to the ground.11‘Then the tears in my eyes started to fail, Because my heart had become so disturbed. My glory had just been poured on the ground By the destruction of all the daughters And the nursing mothers with babies, There in our city squares.12‘From the mothers, they demanded their grain and their wine When they were as weak as the wounded. Then, in those squares, they poured out the lives [Of the babies] that nursed at their breasts.13‘And now, what more can I say, O virgin daughter of JeruSalem… To what can you be compared? Who can now come and save you, O virgin daughter of Zion… Since the cup of destruction was widened for you, Who can now bring you healing?14‘Although your prophets saw all of your folly, They refused to uncover your sins And save you from this captivity… Even though they were concerned about your foolish ways, And they knew that you had to be purged!15‘Now, people clap hands as they’re passing, And whistle as they shake their heads Over JeruSalem’s daughter:‘Isn’t she the one who was called glory’s crown… The most joyful place on the earth?’16‘But your enemies opened their mouths And whistled, as they ground their teeth. They said:‘We’ll swallow her down, And this is the day that we planned… We found it and [we made it happen]!’17‘So Jehovah did what He’d decided… He finished what He said must be done… The things that He said [He must do] long ago. So He didn’t spare, He demolished… He brought your enemies joy over you, And raised the trumpets of those who attacked you!18‘Before Jehovah, they were yelling:‘We’ll tear down all of Zion’s walls And make its people stream tears day and night! Don’t allow them the time to get sober, Or to let their eyes become still!’19‘So, during the night, awaken and think… At the start of each watch, pour out your hearts Before the face of Jehovah! Raise your arms up before Him On behalf of the children who are starving, Which are found on every street corner!20‘Behold, O Lord…‘See what You’ve gleaned! Should women eat the fruit of their bellies? Should the babies be murdered as they’re nursing on breasts? Will you kill the priests and the prophets Inside the Holy Place of Jehovah?21‘Young boys must now sleep in the streets Along with the old men and virgins. My young men were all taken captive, And then killed by the famine and swords. For, in the day of Your rage, You slashed and You haven’t spared any!22‘As a festival day (as no other day), You called to those living around us. Then because of Your rage, no one was saved… They left no one behind… My enemies were filled, and You won.’
1‘Now, I’m a man who’s helpless, For the rod of His rage has been laid upon me. 2He took me, then led me away Into the darkness (not into the light).3‘So, throughout the rest of my days, Against me, He’s turned His hand. 4My flesh and my skin, He’s made old, And He’s broken my bones.5‘Against me, He’s now built [a wall], And my head He’s encircled with trouble. 6Inside a dark place, He has put me, As though I’d been dead throughout the ages.7‘Against me, He’s constructed a wall Through which I can’t escape, And with a brass chain, He’s weighed me down.8‘Although I cry out and yell, He’s shut out my prayers… 9He’s blocked all my roads and my ways!10‘He’s become a bear that’s lying in wait, And a lion that’s lurking, unseen. 11When I rebelled, He then chased me down And caused me to no longer be… He established me to be wiped away.12‘He’s stretched tight His bow, And set me on a stone as His target. 13Into my kidneys, He’s shot poison arrows 14And He’s made me a source of His laughter… A psalm throughout the whole day.15‘With bitterness, He’s now filled me, And bile, I’ve been given to drink. 16With a small rock, He knocked out my teeth, And then He gave me ashes to eat.17‘He’s pushed peace from my life, And made me forget all the good things I had. 18So I said that my victory had perished Along with my hope in Jehovah.19‘But, this is what I remembered:‘Despite the state that I came to be in (My persecution, bitterness, and bile), 20I haven’t been forgotten… Yes, my life will continue! 21This is [the thought] that I’ve kept in my heart, And the reason why I keep on waiting.22‘For the mercies of [God] never end, And His compassions will never fail. 23Each morning, they’re renewed, And on Him, we can always rely.24‘The portion that’s mine is Jehovah,’ said my soul. And because of this, I’ll keep waiting. 25For Jehovah is good to all those who wait And wholeheartedly keep searching for Him.26‘So it’s good [for us all] to be quiet And await Jehovah’s salvation. 27And it’s also good for each man to bear His own yoke from the time he’s young.28‘Yes, we should sit all alone And quietly carry our loads, 29Then put our mouths to the dust, And believe that there’s still hope.30‘We should turn the other cheek when they slap us, And we should accept all their scorn. 31For, [in our hearts], we’ll know that Jehovah Won’t push us away throughout the ages. 32Since, in His abundance of mercy, He shows pity for those who humble themselves.33‘Harsh replies don’t come from His heart, As He teaches sons of men to be humble. 34And now He’s humbled the feet Of those who’ve been carried away from this land.35‘From before His face in the heights, He’s removed the decisions of men. 36But Jehovah never said that He’d bring Condemnation upon all mankind. 37And who could ever say such a thing… Yes, who could cause it to happen Without Jehovah saying it’s so?38‘From His mouth in the heights can come good or bad. 39So, why do the living choose to grumble At others concerning their sins? 40For before Him, our ways are stretched and examined To see how we can be turned to the Lord. 41So, we should lift our hearts with our hands Towards the Most High in heaven.42‘It’s because we’ve been irreverent sinners Who don’t deserve any forgiveness, 43That we’ve been wrapped in His rage… Yes it’s because we chose to reject Him That He decided to send us away… Why He chose to destroy, not to spare us.44‘So He wrapped Himself in a cloud And closed His eyes to our prayers… 45Then He pushed us away.46‘So against us, our enemies [shouted], 47Which stunned us and made us feel fear… And then, our destruction arrived.48‘So, tears have poured from my eyes For the destruction of the daughters of my people. 49But I’ll [drink the tears] from my eyes, And I’ll not hold back or be quiet 50Until the time that I can look through And see Jehovah in the heavens.51‘Now my eyes look back on my life in great rage For [what’s happened to] the daughters of my city.52‘By our enemies, we were hunted like sparrows, 53And now they’ve ended my life… They’ve tossed me into a grave And covered it up with a stone. 54Then, as water dripped down on my head, I said:‘I’ve just been thrown away.’55‘So I called on Your Name, O Jehovah, From out of the lowest of pits. 56I said:‘Don’t cover Your ears… Hear my voice and the things that I beg.’57‘Then You came to my aid on the day that I called, And You told me that I shouldn’t be afraid!58‘O Lord,‘You have pleaded my case, And then You ransomed my soul. 59For You’ve seen the things that they’ve done, O Jehovah; So pass judgement on them on my behalf.60‘You’ve beheld their vengeance upon me, And the plans that they’ve laid out against me. 61You listened to their scornful words And saw the [things that they did]… 62You heard from the lips of those who attacked me And You knew what they thought all day long. 63For, when they sat down and when they arose, You saw what they did through their own eyes!64‘O Jehovah,‘Will You pay them back for what they deserve, According to the works of their hands? 65Curse them for all the trouble they’ve caused, 66Then pursue them in rage and remove them From all places under the sky, O Lord.
1‘O how the gold’s lost its luster And how the silver’s been tarnished; For the [Temple’s] holy stones have been tossed in the streets.2‘For because the sons of Zion esteemed And gained their courage from things made of gold, They came to be looked on as earthenware pots… And as works in the hands of a potter.3‘Then, nursing cubs were stripped from the breasts By those who’d become like the Dragon, And the daughters of my people were abandoned Like sparrows that are lost in the desert.4‘Now the tongues of the nursing, stick to the breasts, In hope that their thirst can be quenched. And as the infants are crying for bread, It’s being snatched from their mouths.5‘So from those who once ate the best, All been taken away… And those who were raised wearing purple Are found in the streets embracing manure.6‘For the lawless ways of my people’s daughters Proved to be greater than Sodom… That place which none tried to save When it was being wiped away.7‘Her Nazarites were once like the snow… Radiant and whiter than milk… Yes, even better than sapphires! 8But now, their appearance is darker than soot, And they’re unrecognized in the streets. For their skin is now stuck to their bones, And they’ve dried up like lumber.9‘It was better for those who were killed by the sword Than for those who’ve been pierced by starvation… Those in want of the produce of fields.10‘And the hands of women [who were known for their] pity, Then boiled their own children as food… So amid the destruction of the daughters of my people, 11Jehovah completed His rage.‘Then, as He poured out the wrath of His rage, He lit a fire throughout Zion, Which burned her to her foundations.12‘To the kings of the earth who lived in that time, It was hard to believe… That an enemy could enter JeruSalem’s gates And then bring so much devastation.13‘But it happened because of the sins of her prophets… The failures of all her priests… And the shedding of innocent blood in her midst.14‘Then, in her streets, her watchmen were stunned; For, they became [spattered] with blood… It was something that they couldn’t avoid, Since the clothes that they wore had to touch it.15‘So, people started shouting:‘Get away… Get away, Because you’re all now unclean! Get away… Get away… Don’t touch them!’‘Then, after we fled and wandered about, The gentiles said:‘You can’t stay among us!’‘Yes the gentiles shouted at us:‘There’s no way that we want you to come here!’16‘Even though our portion was the person of [God], He no longer kept watch over us, For the people had shown no respect To their elders or Priests.17‘So our eyes had started to fail As we were searching for aid… They just watched us and offered no help… A nation with no one to save them.18‘Now, stay away from our city squares, For they’re hunting our young… Our time has approached and our days are fulfilled, So our end is now close at hand!19‘For, those who chase us are even more agile Than eagles [that attack from] the mountains… They’re sitting there and waiting for us From their perches high over the desert.20‘Jehovah’s anointed (our life’s breath and lord) Has also been seized and carried away Because we became so corrupt… Yes, this one about whom we’d once said:‘Among the nations, we’ll dwell in his shadow.’21‘So rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom… The one who’s residing in Uz! Yet you’ll also go into the cup of the Lord, Where, after you’re drunk, you’ll be poured.’22‘O great daughter of Zion; Your lawless acts have now reached their end, And [God] won’t be in the places you’re sent.‘And you, O daughter of Edom; He’ll also examine your lawless ways, And reveal your unrighteous deeds.
1‘O Jehovah,‘Remember what’s happened to us… Look down and see how we’ve been scorned! 2Our inheritance has been [given] to strangers, And our houses have been offered to gentiles.3‘Since we don’t have fathers, we’re orphans, And all of our mothers are widows. 4So now we must pay for our water, And we must barter for wood.5‘Because we were closely pursued, We tired and couldn’t find rest. 6Then to Egypt, we held out our hands, And also to Assyria’s bounty.7‘Since our fathers had sinned, they’re now gone… They’ve paid the cost of breaking Your Law. 8And as a result, we’re now slaves, Who have no one to redeem us.9‘We carry bread at the risk of our lives Before the swords in the desert, 10And our skins are dark, as though oven baked, For they’ve shriveled from famine.11‘They’ve [raped] the women of Zion, And the virgins in the cities of Judah. 12Rulers were hung by their hands, And no longer could elders be recognized.13‘So the best of men are now weeping, And from hauling wood, the young men are weak. 14Our elders no longer sit at our gates, And our [singers] no longer sing psalms. 15So what once brought joy and dance to our hearts, Has now been turned into dirges.16‘It’s because of our sins That the crowns of our heads reflect woe… 17The grief in our hearts is more grievous, And our eyes have become even darker.18‘Mount Zion has now been destroyed, And it looks like foxes ran through it. 19But You, O Jehovah, exist throughout the ages… Throughout generations of generations, Your throne has remained.20‘So, why did You forget to let us succeed… Will we be forsaken throughout the rest of our days?21‘Please turn back to us, O Jehovah, Then, when we return, we’ll renew our days As they’d been long ago! 22But we were pushed away and rejected Because we provoked You to rage.’
1It was during the 30th year, in the 4th month and on the 5th day of the month, as I was amidst the captivity by the Chobar River, that the heavens opened up and I beheld visions [from] God. 2This was 5 years and 5 months after King JehoiAchin had been carried off as a captive.3The Word of Jehovah came to me, EzekiEl son of Buzi (a Priest), near the Chobar river in the land of the Chaldeans. And this is what I received from the hand of the Lord...4For I looked up and I saw a wind that could lift iron coming from the north, along with a huge cloud that had bright lights all around it and flashes of lightning. I also had a vision of a bright bronze casting in the middle of a fire. 5Then there in its midst was something that looked like four animals. But in this vision, they also looked like men. 6Each had four faces and four wings. 7Their legs were straight, there were feathers on their feet, there were sparks like flashes of brass, and they had very fine wings.8Beneath each of their four wings was a man’s hand, and they had wings on each of their four parts. So, they each had four faces and four wings, 9and they traveled opposite to [the direction] they were facing. Also, their wings didn’t turn as they moved.10Each of the faces [in the front] were like those of a man, the faces on the right looked like lions, the faces on the left looked like calves, and there was the face of an eagle on [the back side of] each of the four.11[Two of] their wings stretched out high above the other [two] wings and they were yoked to each other, while their lower two wings were just used to cover their bodies. 12They followed each other [in a line], one in front of the other, and wherever [God’s] Breath led them they went, not turning aside.13Also, there among the animals, I had a vision of burning coals that looked like lamps that were spinning in their midst. The flames were very bright, and lightning shot from the flames. 14Also, the animals were moving up and back like lightning.15Then I looked and I saw wheels on the ground that were next to each of the four animals, 16and the wheels [sparkled] like peridots. There also appeared to be four wheels within each wheel, and they worked as though there were wheels within wheels. 17Each [wheel] moved in the direction that [the animals] faced, and they [moved together] 18(the rims were tall and awesome). Then I looked again and I noticed that their back sides were full of eyes that went all around each of the four wheels.19As the animals moved, the wheels moved next to them. And when the animals lifted up from the ground, the wheels went up also, 20along with a cloud that went wherever [God’s] Breath led it. The animals and the wheels moved up along with [the cloud], because the breath of life was in the wheels. 21Wherever [the animals] traveled, the wheels went along. For when they stood still, the wheels stood still, but when they rose above the ground, the wheels went up with them, because the breath of life was in the wheels.22Above the heads of the animals was what looked like a dome of ice that was stretched out over the tops of their wings. 23And under this dome, their wings were stretched out and flapping side by side, as the other two [wings] covered their bodies.24The sound that I heard from the movement of their wings as they traveled was like the sound of a lot of rushing water and the sound of someone very important whenever they moved. However, it was like the sound of [many] words being spoken in a camp whenever the animals stood still and rested their wings.25{Look!} There was also a sound that came from above the dome.26In the vision [that I had], above their heads there was what looked like a huge sapphire stone; and sitting above it was a throne upon which was sitting what appeared to be a man from the heavens. 27I saw what looked like molten bronze that was filled with fire around and above His loins; and beneath that, I just saw fire and brightness all around Him. 28He was like a rainbow that forms in the clouds on a rainy day, and there was just brightness all around Him.This was, in fact, a vision of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah!And when I saw this, I fell to my face.Then I heard a voice that started speaking [to me]...
1He said to me:‘Son of man; you must stand on your feet,
And thereafter, I will address you!’2And at that, His Spirit came over me… It picked me up and lifted me up on my feet!Then I heard Him speaking to me. 3He said:‘O son of man,‘To the sons of IsraEl, I’ll send you…
To those who’re rebelling against Me.
For against Me, they and their fathers
Have been in rebellion down to this day.4‘They’re a harsh and hard-hearted people,
And these are the ones to whom you’ll be sent.
So, tell them that thus says Jehovah:5You should listen in terror,
For you are a house in rebellion.
And [after you do this], they’ll know
That you’ve served as a Prophet among them.6‘And you, O son of man, should not be afraid
Or be upset by their faces.
For they will get all heated up,
Then they will rise up against you,
And they will have you surrounded.‘So, among these scorpions, you’ll have to live…
But don’t fear the things that they’ll say to your face,
For they are a house in rebellion.7‘You must then tell them My words,
So that they will hear them and fear…
For they are a house in rebellion.8‘Now you, O son of man, must pay close attention
To the One who’ll be speaking to you…
Don’t rebel, like that house in rebellion!‘Now, open your mouth very wide
And eat this thing that I’m handing to you!’9So at that, I looked and I saw a hand that was reaching out towards me with a rolled up scroll. 10But then He unrolled it before me… And written on both the front and backsides was a lamentation and a dirge.
1Then He said to me:‘O son of man, you must eat this… And after you eat it, You must tell the sons of IsraEl [what it says]!’2So He opened my mouth in order to feed me the scroll...3Then He said to me:‘O son of man'‘After I put this scroll in your mouth, Your belly will get filled with this thing That I am feeding to you.’So I ate it and found it to be as sweet as honey in my mouth.4Then He said to me:‘O son of man,Now, go to the house of IsraEl And tell them all that I have to say!5‘You won’t have to speak to those with thick lips Or to those who speak foreign tongues… For to the house of IsraEl, you’re being sent.6‘I will not send you to other nations … To those who speak words that you won’t understand Or to those who have foreign, thick tongues Those who won’t know what you’re saying, But to those who will understand you.7‘Yet, the house of IsraEl will not listen To the things that I’ll tell you to say… They’ll not agree to listen to Me, Since they are a hard-hearted people And all they do is talk back.8‘{Look!} Now, against their faces, I’ve made your face strong, So your face will be firmer than theirs… Yes, it will be harder than rock.9‘So, don’t be afraid [when you go] before them, And you should not be afraid, For they are a house in rebellion.’10And he said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now, take My words into your heart, And listen to them with your ears. 11Then, tell the captive sons of your people That The Lord Jehovah has spoken, And surely they’ll listen and yield.’12Well after that, [His] Spirit stood me erect, and from behind me I heard a rumbling sound that spoke to me and said:‘Praise the glory of Jehovah That has come [to you] from His realm!’13Then I heard the sound of the flapping of the wings of the animals (because [the wings] were touching each other), as well as the sounds of the wheels that were moving next to them with a great rumbling.14And thereafter, [God’s] Breath lifted me up and carried me away… So my spirit was being lifted and motivated by the hand of Jehovah that had come over me, and this made me extremely powerful!15Then, while I was in this elevated [condition], I traveled among the rest of captives that live next to the Chobar River, and I stayed there for 7 days. 16And at the end of the 7 days, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said this:17‘O son of man,‘Over the house of IsraEl, I have made you the watchman. So you must listen to the words from my mouth, And then, you must bring them my warnings.18‘For I’m saying that the lawless will die! And you will also die with them If you fail to give them my orders.‘Give these warnings to those lawless people And tell them that they will only survive If they’ll turn from their unrighteous ways! But, if they should choose to stay lawless, They will die for their sins, And I won’t require their blood from your hands.19‘If you give my word to the lawless, And they refuse to turn from their ways; They will die in their sins, But I will still rescue you.20‘For, if a righteous man should turn from right ways And start doing things that are evil; I’ll torment his face ‘til he dies. But, if you’ve failed to bring him my word, And this is what caused him to die, So his righteous deeds are forgotten; I’ll require his blood from your hands.21‘But, if you will give [my] word to the righteous, And you warn them that they must not sin… And they choose not to sin because they’ve been warned, And this results in their being saved; You will have saved your own life.’22And after that, the hand of the Lord came upon me and said:‘Now arise and go out to the plains; For there, I will tell you much more!’23So I got up and went out to the plains...And {Look!} there was the glory of Jehovah – the glory that I had seen by the Chobar River – and I fell to my face. 24Then [God’s] Breath came over me and stood me up on my feet… And it spoke to me and said:‘Go home and lock yourself inside your house; 25{Look!} For you, O son of man, are appointed to be bound… Yes, they will come here and then tie you up, And no way will you set yourself free.26‘They’ll also wrap your tongue in your throat, So you’ll be unable to speak, And you won’t be able to scold them; For, they are a house in rebellion.27‘But then, my voice will start speaking through you… I will open your mouth, and you’ll tell them That this was said by Jehovah:‘All that wish to hear, should now listen! But, those who don’t wish to make any change Can continue to resist My persuasion; For you are a house in rebellion!’
1‘And you, O son of man; Must go find a brick, Then set it in front of your face.‘Draw a map of JeruSalem upon it, 2Then surround it with a circle of forts. Also draw a siege mound and camps, And encircle the city with weapons.3‘Then, go find an iron frying pan, And set it as a wall between you and the city, Then prepare your face to oppose it… Prepare for a siege, then attack it… And to the sons of IsraEl, this will serve as a sign!4‘Then, go to sleep on your left side, And lay the sins of the house of IsraEl upon you… You must bear their unrighteous ways For the number of days that you’ll sleep [on that side].5‘For I’ve appointed two things that you must do Because of their unrighteous deeds:‘The unrighteous ways of the house of IsraEl Must be born upon you, For 390 [full] days.6‘Then, after that, you must sleep on your right For the house of Judah’s unrighteous ways. You must do this for 40 more days… A day for each year, is what I’ve established!7‘And as for the siege on JeruSalem; Prepare your face and stiffen your arm; For against [that city], you must then prophesy.8‘{Look!} Because I’ve appointed their bondage on you, Don’t turn from one side to the other, Until the days of your siege are fulfilled.9‘Take wheat, barley, and beans for yourself, As well as wild oats, lentils, and millet, And put them into an earthenware pot; Then, use them to bake loaves of bread.‘Make enough for the number of days (All the 390) That you must sleep on your side. 10And the weight of the food that you can consume Will be just 10 ounces a day, Which you may eat at various times.11‘You must also measure the water you’ll drink… You may drink just 10 ounces from time to time.12‘And bake the barley cakes that you’ll eat Over human manure, Which you must hide in the coals Before the eyes [of the people].’13‘For this was said by Jehovah, the God of IsraEl:‘This is the type of uncleanness That the sons of IsraEl will eat Among the nations where they will be thrown.’14But I said:‘Absolutely not, O Lord God of IsraEl!‘For my soul has never been defiled or made unclean by decaying flesh, nor have I eaten wild animals from [the day] that I was born until now… Nothing unclean has ever entered my mouth!’15So [the Lord] said to me:‘Then, rather than using human manure, I’ll allow you to use cattle dung… You may bake your loaves over that.’16And he said to me:‘O son of man,‘{Look!} I’ll break JeruSalem’s trust in its bread; For they’ll have to ration it out, And they’ll ration the water they drink ‘til it’s gone.17‘Since there won’t be enough water or bread, Each man [will steal] from his brother, And because of their unrighteous deeds, They will then melt away.’
1‘And you, O son of man,‘Go and buy a sharp blade (A razor that’s used by a barber), And shave your head and your beard.‘Then, [put the hair on] a scale, And divide it in portions by weight. 2A quarter must be used to kindle a fire, Which you must burn in the midst of the city, [To show] the number of days of its siege… Then toss the second quarter into the fire.‘And use a knife to cut the third quarter; Then scatter it throughout [the city]. And toss the last quarter into the wind; For I’ll empty them out with the sword.3‘Thereafter, you must take what little remains, And put it into a bag… 4Then, take out some [of the hairs], And toss them into the fire. And as they’re burning, tell the house of IsraEl That this was said by Jehovah:5‘This is what I’ll do to JeruSalem… I’ll place her amid many nations, And they will have her surrounded.6‘Then, speak of My righteous decisions… Yes, speak to that lawless nation, And to those lawless that are living around them. For they’ve pushed away My righteous decrees, And they haven’t followed My Laws.’7‘Yes, you must [give them this warning]:‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘That lawless ways will now come to you From the nations that have you surrounded.‘For, you haven’t followed My Laws, Nor have you observed My righteous decrees… You’ve not even raised to the standards Of the nations that are living around you!8‘So because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} I am now standing against you, And I’ll bring My judgments upon you, There in front of the gentiles!9‘I will bring [many bad] things upon you That have never happened before, Nor will they be done in the future, For the disgusting things that you’re doing!10‘For, fathers then eat their own children, Or children will be eating their fathers; And the rest will be scattered to the [four] winds… For My righteous decisions will be poured upon you!11‘As I live,’ says Jehovah… ‘Because you’ve dirtied My Holy Things With all that’s disgusting and loathsome, I will push you away… My eyes won’t spare or show mercy!12‘So a quarter will be consumed by the plague; A quarter will be finished by famine; A quarter will be scattered to the [four] winds; And a quarter will fall by the broadsword… Yes, you will all be surrounded, And the sword will be emptied upon you.13‘But, after I’ve brought My anger and rage, I’ll return and offer you comfort. For then, you’ll know that this happened Because I, Jehovah, had warned you, And in My zeal, I showed you My rage.14‘I’ll turn you and your daughters into waterless lands In the presence of all that pass by. 15For the nations will squeeze you and scoff When I bring My anger and judgments on you, Along with My vengeance and rage. For I, Jehovah, have spoken.16‘I’ll shoot the arrows of famine at you, And after you come to be in great need, I’ll send [the nations] to finish you off. Yes, I’m sending a famine among you, To break your reliance on bread.17‘I’ll not only bring a famine to you, But I’ll also send ferocious wild beasts! And with plagues, you will also be punished, Before your blood will be spilled; For upon you, I’m bringing the sword. Yes, I, Jehovah, have spoken!’
1Thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Now, turn your face towards IsraEl’s hills, And against them, you must now prophesy!3‘Speak to those in IsraEl’s mountains And tell them to hear the Word of Jehovah! Yes, hear what [God] has decreed To the mountains, hills, valleys, and forests:‘{Look!} Against you, I’m bringing the broadsword And it will destroy your high places. 4I will also break all your altars; Your [incense stands], I’ll tear down; And before their idols, I’ll leave all your slain.‘The bodies of IsraEl’s sons Will be offered in front of their idols; 5And then, on their altars, I’ll scatter their bones.6‘All the homes in your towns will be empty; All your high places will be wiped away; All your altars will be destroyed; Your idols will no longer be, And your incense stands will be lifted away… Your works will all be erased. 7Then, as the slain are falling among you, You will know that I am Jehovah.8‘Then, those who escape from the broadsword Will be scattered among all the nations. 9And those who escape from the nations Where they will be taken as captives, Will start thinking of Me once again.‘I vow this against the hearts of all those Who’ve committed adultery against Me And done so many bad things… They will slap their own faces Over the vile acts they’ve performed. 10Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah, And that this is why I sent them the warning That I’d bring such evil upon them.’11‘And thereafter, Jehovah said:‘Clap your hands… Yes, stamp your feet and then say:‘This is what they deserve For the disgusting things that IsraEl's done!’Yes, may they fall by the broadsword, As well as by famine and plague!12‘Then, those far away will die by the plague; Those who are near will fall by the sword; And those who remain after the siege Will be finished off by the famine, As I wear out My anger against them.13‘And you’ll know that I am Jehovah, When among your idols, you’ll see all your slain… The idols that you’ve placed on all the high hills And under each shade tree and bush, Before which, you have burned incense.14‘For, against such ones, I’ll stretch out My hand, And I’ll bring an end to their homes and their lands… I’ll dry them out like figs in the desert, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me again and said:2‘And to you, O son of man,‘Jehovah says this about IsraEl:‘To the 4 wings of the land, The end has finally come… 3Yes, the end has arrived; For upon them, I’m bringing My rage.‘I’m the one who is standing against them And I’ll punish them for the things that they’ve done… I’ll hold them to blame for their evil, 4And my eyes won’t spare or show mercy!‘Because they have been so disgusting, I’ll no longer forgive all the badness That’s being done in their midst… Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah!5‘Jehovah said:‘{Look!} Upon the evil, evil will come… 6For their end has reached its fulfillment, And their punishment has been awakened.7‘{Look!} The circle of the wreath has fallen on them (All those who live in the land), And the time has finally arrived… The day of tumult and distress.8‘For now, I’ll pour out My rage And finish My anger against them. They’ll be judged for the bad things they’ve done, And I’ll hold them to blame for their evil.9‘My eyes won’t spare or show mercy, For I’ll make them pay for their ways And the disgusting things that they’ve done. Then, they will know that it’s Me… I’m the One who is knocking them down!10‘Look! The day of the Lord has arrived, And his rod has [finally] blossomed. 11The time to injure has come, Which will break the resolve of the lawless. Then, nothing at all will remain… No wealth and nothing of value.12‘Look! The time has arrived… Today is truly the day! So, those who buy shouldn’t rejoice, And those who sell shouldn’t wail; For [God’s] wrath will cover such things.13‘Now the one who buys will not return What he bought to the person who sold it, Because neither one will survive.‘This vision is for all of you (As many as live in this place), And it will not be turned back.‘Yet, the eyes of these people won’t see [The things that are coming into] their lives. 14So, although they should be [preparing themselves] And knowing what is coming upon them, No one’s getting ready for war As My wrath is approaching her crowds!15‘For when the sword arrives on the outside, There’ll be famine and plagues on the inside. And those who carry their swords to the fields Will thereafter die [in those fields], While there’s famine and plague in their cities.16‘Then, those who try to escape Will sit on the mountains like pigeons and know That destruction has come because they’re so bad.17‘So, all their hands will be weak And all their loins will be wet, 18As around themselves, they’ll wrap sack cloth. For, they’ll be covered by shock; Upon every face will be shame; And every head will be bald.19‘Then they’ll toss their silver into the squares, And their gold won’t have any value; For their silver and gold will not save them In the day of the wrath of the Lord.‘Then their lives will not find satisfaction, Nor will their bellies be filled, Since the torment for their sins will then have arrived.20‘Of their [silver and gold], they are now so proud, So they used it to create their foul idols… And for this, I’ve handed them over to filth.21‘Yes, I’ll hand them to strangers Who will then rip them to pieces. To the pests of the earth, I will give them, And as their spoils, they’ll profane them.22‘For from them, I’ve now turned My face; And to those over whom I kept watch, Sudden destruction will come. The attack will arrive when it isn’t expected… And then, they will all be profaned.23‘Yes, a great befouling will come To a land that is filled with judgments of blood. For with all of their lawless ways, This city is now filled to the brim!‘So upon them, I will then bring The evil ways of the nations, And [the gentiles] will take all their homes.24‘So I’ll turn away all their neighing About how great they’ve become, And the things they hold holy will then be defiled.25‘Yes the time to repay has arrived, And those who seek peace will not find it. 26For there will come woe upon woe, As message after message arrives.‘Then, from their prophets, they’ll search for a vision; But the law of their Priests will be gone, As will the counsel of the king’s elders.27‘Then, after their rulers are gone, The peoples’ hands will go limp, And I’ll do to them the same as they’ve done… I’ll punish them with their own judgments, So they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1It was during the 6th year, in the 6th month, on the 5th day of the month, while I was sitting in my house and all the elders of Judah were sitting before me, that the hand of Jehovah came over me.2For I looked and I saw what appeared to be a man… But from his loins down he looked like fire, and from his loins up he looked as bright as molten bronze... 3Then he stretched out what appeared to be a hand, and he lifted me by the decorative fringes on my clothes. With the wind, he lifted me up between the ground and the sky and he blew me back to JeruSalem!Then in this vision from God, I found myself looking north towards the [city] gate, and there [I saw] a monument to [the god], The Consumer.4In this vision; {Look!} there in the plains, I saw the glory of Jehovah the God of IsraEl!5And He said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now raise your eyes and look towards the north!’So I raised my eyes towards the north and I saw that just north of the gate (on the east side of the Altar) there was the idol of Jealousy that was standing at the entrance [to the city].6And He said to me:‘O son of man,‘Do you see these things that they’re doing… These lawless deeds of the house of IsraEl To push Me away from My Holy Place? Yet, you’ll see even greater and worse lawless deeds!’7So then He carried me to the threshold of the Temple courtyard, and there {Look!} I saw an opening in the wall.8Then He said to me:‘O son of man,‘Dig [a hole] in this wall!’So I dug [a hole] in the wall, and there {Look!} I found a door!9And He said to me:‘Now, enter and see all the evil… All the lawless things being done there!’10So I went inside... And {Look!} I saw depictions of all sorts of crawling things, [unclean] animals, and all the idols of the house of IsraEl… Foolish and disgusting things that had been painted on the walls.11Then I saw 70 men among the elders of the house of IsraEl, with JaAzaniAh (son of ShaPhan) standing in front of them, and each man was holding a smoking incense pan in his hands.12And He said to me:‘O son of man,‘See what IsraEl’s elders are doing In the darkness of these hidden rooms… They’re saying that Jehovah is gone from the land!’13And then He said:‘But [I’ll show you] even greater lawless things.’14So He carried me up to the threshold of the Gate of Jehovah’s Temple (the one that faces north), and there I saw women sitting and wailing for TamMuz.15And He said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now, after you’ve seen all of this, You’ll see even worse being done here.’16So He carried me into the inner courtyard of Jehovah’s Temple, up to the threshold of the Temple of the Lord... And there between the columned porch and the Altar I saw about 25 men who were facing east with their backsides to Jehovah’s Temple… They were bowing to the sun in the east!17Then He asked me:‘Should I not be concerned About all of these lawless deeds That the house of Judah is doing? They’ve filled the land with their lawless ways… They’ve turned from Me and provoked Me to rage!‘And look! They’re holding out branches of grapevines As though they are sneering at Me!18‘So I’ll deal with them in My rage, And My eyes will no longer spare them Nor will I show mercy upon them. So, no matter how loud they shout in My ears… I won’t listen to the things that they’re saying!’
1Then He shouted into my ears with a great voice and said:‘The punishment on this city has arrived!’[And at that, some men appeared], and each one was carrying implements of destruction in their hands... 2{Look!} There were 6 men coming along the road that leads to the upper gate (the one that faces north), and they were each carrying battle axes in their hands.There was also a man in their midst who was wrapped in a robe that reached to his feet and he had a belt [covered with] sapphires wrapped around his waist. Then they entered [the Temple area] and stood next to the brass Altar. 3And at that, the glory of the God of IsraEl ascended from between the cherubs and hung there between them in the open air of the Temple.Then He called out to the man who was dressed in the full-length robe and who wore the belt of sapphires, 4and said to him:‘Now, go through the midst of the city – Through the midst of JeruSalem – And put a sign on the foreheads Of the men who are groaning and deeply upset For the lawless deeds being done here!’5And He said [to those who were carrying the axes] in my hearing:‘Now, go through the city behind him and strike… Don’t let your eyes spare or show mercy! 6Kill and wipe out the old and the young, Including the women, children, and virgins… And start here at My Holy Place… But don’t approach those who are marked with the sign!’So they started [by destroying] the elders who were there inside the Temple. 7For He said to [those who were carrying the axes]:‘Now, go and start defiling My Temple… Fill its courtyards [with those whom you’ll slay], And strike down all that are [fleeing]!’8Then as they started their destroying, I fell to my face and yelled out:‘O Lord!‘Are you going to wipe out all the remaining ones of IsraEl by pouring Your rage upon JeruSalem?’9And He told me:‘The sins of the houses of IsraEl and Judah Have now become just too great; For with [bloodshed], the land’s become filled, And the city is full of uncleanness and sin.‘For they’re saying that Jehovah’s abandoned the land, And that He’s no longer paying attention. 10So My eyes won’t spare or show mercy, And I’ll hold them to blame for their evil.’11Then {Look!} the man who was wrapped in the full-length robe and wearing the belt around his waist returned to Him and said:‘[We have] done everything that you said to do.’
1Well at that, I looked up and I saw a sapphire stone shaped like a throne that was upon the dome over the heads of the cherubs.2And [the One who was sitting on the throne] said to the man who was dressed in the robe:‘Go between the wheels that are under the cherubs
And fill your hands with the coals that you’ll find,
Then scatter them over the city!’So he went in [between the wheels] there in front of me 3(as the cherubs were standing to the right of the place where the man had entered), and a mist started to fill the inner courtyard... 4Then the glory of Jehovah (which had been hanging in the open air between the cherubs) entered the Temple, and the [inner] courtyard became filled with the cloud, as well as with the brightness of the glory of Jehovah.5Meanwhile, I could hear the sounds of the wings of the cherubs coming from the outer courtyard, which was like the voice of God when He speaks. 6And they said this to the man who was wrapped in the holy robe:‘Go between the wheels that are under the cherubs
And carry out some of the fire!’So he entered and stood next to the wheels. 7Then a cherub stuck his hands into the midst of the fire that was under the cherubs and he grabbed some of the [fire] and placed it into the hands of the man who was wearing the holy robe… Who then took it and left.8Well, as I was looking at the cherubs, I noticed that they had what appeared to be the hands of men between their wings. 9And {Look!} I noticed the four wheels that were standing beside each of the cherubs (there was one wheel for each cherub). These wheels looked like peridots, 10and there appeared to be wheels within each of the four wheels, 11but their four parts didn’t move as they traveled. Then, whichever way the [cherub’s] heads looked, the [wheels] would travel in that direction… But the [wheels] didn’t turn as they moved.12I also noticed that there were eyes all over the flesh [of the cherub’s] hands and wings, as well as on the four wheels… 13And it was then that I heard that these wheels were called ‘The Chariots.’14[I also noticed] that [each of the cherubs] had four faces:• One face was that of a cherub,
• The 2nd was the face of a man,
• The 3rd was the face of a lion, and
• The 4th was the face of an eagle.15Well thereafter, the cherubs started moving upward; and it was then that I started to realize that these were the [same] living creatures that I had seen [earlier] next to the Chobar River.16Well, wherever the cherubs went, the wheels traveled alongside them. Yet when the cherubs flew high above the ground with their wings, the wheels next to them didn’t turn. 17And whenever they stood still, the wheels stood still; but when they flew upward, the wheels flew upward with them, because the breath of life was in [the wheels].18Then the glory of Jehovah that was mounted on the cherubs left the open air inside the Temple. 19For the cherubs raised their wings and flew high above the ground in front of me (with their wheels alongside them), and [they settled] on top of the gate that’s in front of the Jehovah’ Temple, with the glory of the God of IsraEl above them.20Well, it was after I had first seen these animals traveling beneath the God of IsraEl back at the Chobar River that I came to realize that they were in fact cherubs. 21Each one had four faces, four wings, and what looked like the hands of a man under each wing… 22And these [cherubs] had the same faces that I saw under the glory of the God of IsraEl in the vision by the Chobar River, and they also traveled in whichever direction that they faced.
1Well at that, the wind lifted me up and led me to the East Gate of the Jehovah’s Temple. And {Look!} there on the threshold of the gate, I saw about 25 men. Among them I could see JaAzaniAh (son of Azur) and PedaiAh (son of BenaiAh)… The ones who were supposed to be guiding the people.2And [Jehovah] said to me:‘O son of man,‘These are the men who think foolish things
And discuss evil plans for this city.
3They are also the ones who are saying:‘Since we have just built homes for ourselves,
This [city] is our kettle and we are its meat!’4‘For this, you must say this against them…
Yes, O son of man; you must now prophesy!’5Then the Breath of Jehovah came over me and He told me to tell them that Jehovah said this:‘O you of the house of IsraEl:‘I know the things that you’re saying,
And I know what you’ve planned in your [hearts].
6To this city, you’ve brought many deaths,
And you’ve filled her roads with the murdered.7‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah,
‘Those whom you’ve killed are the meat in her midst,
And [JeruSalem] is their kettle…
For I’ll drive you out of her midst!8‘Since you’re so afraid of the broadsword,
I’ll be bringing the broadsword against you,’ said Jehovah,
9‘I will lead you out of her midst,
And bring My judgments against you,
For I’ll hand you over to strangers;
10And at their hands, you will fall by the sword.‘To the borders of IsraEl, I’ll judge you,
And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.
11Then [this city] will be your kettle no more,
And in her, you’ll not be the meat.12‘To the borders of IsraEl, I’ll judge you…
And then you’ll know that I am Jehovah.
For you chose to overlook My Commandments,
And you didn’t [respect] My decisions.
Then you walked in the ways of the gentiles…
Those who now have you surrounded.’13It was then that the prophecy came to pass, for PedaiAh (son of BenaiAh) dropped dead! So I fell to my face and yelled out in a loud voice, saying:‘Alas, O Jehovah!‘Have You appointed those who are left in IsraEl to be totally consumed?’14And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:15‘O son of man,‘Your brothers and your fellow captives
Have arrived at the place where I sent them.
But, those who are still in JeruSalem
Are saying these things about them:‘Because they are far from Jehovah,
We will inherit their land!’16‘So, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘I’ll push you away to the nations
And scatter you to many lands.
Then I’ll not be someone to whom you can turn
In the places where you will be taken.’17‘And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Yet, I’ll gather you back from the nations...
I’ll bring you back from those places,
And I will give back [your land].
18For by that time, you will have rejected
The disgusting lawless things that you’ve followed.19‘A new spirit and heart, I’ll then give you…
I’ll remove your hearts made of stone
And exchange them for hearts made of flesh.
20So you will then follow My orders…
You’ll guard My Laws and obey them…
You’ll be My people and I’ll be your God!21‘It’s because of the disgusting things that you’ve done
And the lawless ways of your hearts,
That your hearts have chosen to do such [bad] things,
And caused Me to pour your guilt on your heads,’ says Jehovah.’22Then the cherubs lifted their wings [and started flying], as the wheels moved alongside them and the glory of the God of IsraEl was above them.23So thereafter, the glory of Jehovah arose from the midst of the city and settled on the mountain that sits in front of it. 24And at that, the wind picked me up and blew me back to the land of the Chaldeans (back to the land of our captivity) in this vision that came from the Breath of God.Well, after I came out of this vision that I was seeing, 25I told [my fellow] captives every word that the Lord had spoken to me.
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me again and said:2‘O son of man,‘You live in the midst of unrighteous [men]… Those who have eyes that can’t see And those who have ears that can’t hear; For, they are a house in rebellion.3‘So you, O son of man, Must go and gather the things of a captive, Then act like someone in prison… [You must sit] there before them throughout the whole day. And before them, you must act like a captive… Someone who was carried away And taken to some other place, So that they will be able to see What a house in rebellion they’ve been.4‘You must set your things of a captive In front of their eyes, throughout the whole day, And walk as a captive before them each night.5‘Dig a hole in the wall and crawl in it, 6And carry [your things] on your shoulders… Act as though you are trying to hide, Then cover your face so you can’t see the ground. For, to the house of IsraEl, I’ve made you a sign.’7Well, I did that… Everything that He told me to do. I brought out the items of captivity that day, and that evening I dug a hole through the wall for myself (by hand), and I crawled into it as though I was hiding. And thereafter, I carried my things on my shoulders before them.8Then the Word of Jehovah came to me the next morning, and said:9‘O son of man,‘The house of IsraEl, those who are now in rebellion, Didn’t ask you what you were doing. 10So, tell them this concerning their rulers… Those who are giving direction To JeruSalem and its people.‘Say that Jehovah has spoken. 11Then explain to them that you’re acting out signs Of the things that will happen to them. For, [in the same way as you’re acting], They will be carried away.12‘Say [that Jehovah said the following:]‘The one who rules in their midst Will bear his things on his shoulders. Then he will dig a hole in a wall with his hands, Which he will crawl into and hide.‘He’ll cover himself, so he can’t be seen In a place where he can’t see the ground. 13Then around him, I’ll spread out My net, And he will be caught in its wraps.‘So, off to Babylon, I’ll lead him… Yes, into the land of Chaldea… But he won’t be able to see it, And there, he will come to his end.14‘Thereafter, I’ll scatter his helpers And those who’ve been his assistants To the [four] winds [of the earth]… I’ll send the broadsword [to chase] them away.15‘And they’ll know that I am Jehovah, When they’re scattered among many nations… [For, wherever they go], they’ll be scattered.16‘Yet, among their numbers, I’ll still leave a few As survivors of the sword, famine, and plague To speak of these things in great detail To all the nations where they will be sent. They’ll also tell how lawless they’ve been… And they all will know that I am Jehovah.’17Thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:18‘O son of man,‘In grief, you will now eat your bread, And in torment and affliction, you will drink water. 19Then speak to the men of this land, And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Very soon, there will be no bread, And the drinking water will vanish Both in IsraEl and in JeruSalem. Then, you will become extinct in the land, And the violence among those who live there Will have finally come to an end.20‘Then the cities where you dwell will be [empty] As extinction comes to your land, And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’21Well thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:22‘O son of man,‘Why are all the people saying this proverb about IsraEl?‘The days [that he speaks of] are still far away, And all the visions have perished.’23‘Because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘I will turn their proverb around And the house of IsraEl will say this no more. Instead, they will say that the days have arrived, As have the words of the visions!’24‘And [you must also say this]:‘False visions will come to an end, And there’ll be no more speaking of omens To curry the favor of IsraEl’s sons. 25For, after I tell them what I will do, I’ll act and not stretch out the time.’‘Yes, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘In your days, O you house in rebellion, I’ll just say the words and then act!’26Then the Word of Jehovah came to me again and said:27‘O son of man,‘See how IsraEl is rebelling, For this is what they are saying:‘The visions he sees are of some distant time, And he prophesies things [that won’t happen for years]!’28‘Because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘I’ll no longer stretch out the words that I speak; For now, I’ll speak and then do it!’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Against IsraEl’s prophets, you must now testify (Those who [say they can tell what will come])! You must speak to these prophets and tell them That their prophecies all come from their hearts.‘So, you must prophesy and tell them To hear the Word of Jehovah; 3For, these are the words that He spoke:‘Woe to those who speak prophecies From ideas that come from their hearts While they have seen nothing at all… Those following the direction of their spirits!4‘O IsraEl,‘Your prophets are like foxes that live in the fields, 5For they do not take firm positions. To the house of IsraEl, they don’t gather flocks, Nor are they getting them ready for war By warning them about the Day of the Lord.6‘The visions that they see are all false, And all of their omens are useless; For they say that Jehovah has spoken, And they make their words sound important; Yet, they were not sent by Jehovah.7‘Haven’t your visions all proven false… Aren’t the words that you’ve spoken untrue? For you speak when I haven’t spoken,’ says Jehovah!8‘Because of this, you must tell them,’ said Jehovah, ‘That since their words are all false And they prophesy things that are foolish… Yes, because of this, I’m against them!9‘So, towards those prophets, I’ll stretch out My hand Towards those who are seeing false visions And those who declare foolish things When they give instructions to My people; Then, among [the faithful of] IsraEl, Their [names] will never be written, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah!10‘For, they are misleading My people By saying there’s peace, when there’s really no peace… So the people are plastering walls that will fall.11‘Rather, they should say to those who are plastering walls: Your [walls] will soon fall and the rain will pour in. For I’m sending rocks to be hurled against them, And then your [walls] will just drop… [Yes, I’ll send] a mighty wind to destroy them!12‘{Look!} And after the walls have all fallen, They will then come here and ask:‘What happened to all of the plaster That we used to make repairs on these [walls]?’13‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘That I will send out a wind, Which will rip down [their walls] in My anger; And then, My rage will flood in.‘In My rage, I’ll cause rocks to be thrown As I bring it all to an end! 14For I’ll raze the walls that they’ve plastered… I’ll lay them out on the ground, And then, I’ll expose their foundations.‘And [you who’ve foretold better things] Will then be worn out by their shouting… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.15‘Yes, against those walls I’ll wear out My rage, And on those who are plastering them; For, all their walls will soon fall.‘Yet [the problem] is not with the walls Or with those applying the plaster; 16It’s with those who fortell a good future… Those who say there’ll be peace, When there really won’t be any peace,’ says Jehovah.17‘And you, O son of man, must now fix your face Against the daughters of your people… Against those who now prophesy According to the things in their hearts. Against them, you must prophesy this… 18Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Woe to those who sew pillows That are made to be placed under elbows, And those who create all sizes of veils That they say will serve as protection… Those misleading the lives of My people!19‘You profane Me in front of My people For a handful of barley or a few scraps of bread. You’re ending lives that don’t have to die, And offer protection to souls that won’t live… You promise foolish things to My people!20‘And because of this, says Jehovah, I am opposed to your pillows, Which you’re using to gather their souls. So from your arms, I’ll rip them away, And lead off those who you’ve misled… For soon, they all will be scattered.21‘I will also rip off your veils To save My people from your [wicked] hands. No, into your hands, they’ll not fall again… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.22‘You’ve perverted the hearts of the righteous And strengthened the hands of the lawless… Yes you’ve failed to turn them from bad, so they’d live!23‘And because of this, You will not see false visions again, And you won’t see any more omens. For, from your hands, I’ll rescue My people… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1Well after that, elders from among the people of IsraEl came to me and they all sat down in front of me. 2Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:3‘Son of man,‘The thoughts in the hearts of these people are set; So, lay out their badness before them, Since I will now give them an answer… 4Speak and tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Any man from the house of IsraEl, Who may start to think in his heart That he’ll not be punished for his badness, Should arrange his face and then come to the Prophet, And I, Jehovah, will tell him his thoughts 5So I can change the hearts of the house of IsraEl… Those whose hearts are so far from Me.6‘So, speak to the house of IsraEl And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Turn from the things that you’re doing… Turn your faces from your godless deeds!7‘For a man – any man – from the house of IsraEl Or from among foreign converts Who no longer chooses to [walk in My ways] And starts to think in his heart That he should never be punished For all the bad things that he’s doing, Must arrange his face and come to the Prophet, Then ask, and I will reply About the things over which he’s concerned.8‘For I’ll fix My face against such a man And assign him to a place in extinction… From the midst of My people, I’ll lift him away… And he’ll know that I am Jehovah.9‘And if a prophet should say that he’s been misled, And he says I’m the One who misled him; Against him, I’ll stretch out My hand And remove him from IsraEl’s midst.10‘So each one who [comes before Me] and asks Must bear the punishment he’s due For all of his unrighteous acts… According to the things that he’s done.‘Then the sins of the prophets will come upon them, 11So the house of IsraEl will not stay misled And remain defiled by its errors. Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God,’ says Jehovah.12Well after that, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:13[‘Jehovah says:]‘O son of man,If a land sins against Me and falls into sin; Against [that land], I will stretch out My hand, And break its reliance on bread… Famine I’ll send [to that land] And remove men and beasts from upon it.14‘But, should such good men be found in that land As Noah, DaniEl, and Job; I will save such a man,’ says Jehovah.15‘And if I must bring ferocious wild beasts As a punishment upon such a land; It will become an extinction… None will pass through it again Because of the faces of the wild beasts I’ll send.16‘But if three such good men can be found there; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘Although its sons and daughters will not be saved… [Those three men] will be saved, And the land will thereafter be ruined.17‘Or if I should bring the sword to that land, If I say, ‘Let the broadsword pass through it,’ And I cause men and beasts to be lifted from there… 18If three such men can be found in its midst; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘Although its sons and daughters will not be saved, Those [3 men] will be rescued.19‘Or, if I should send a plague to that land And pour My rage upon it in blood, Destroying both men and wild beasts… 20And among them, three such men can be found As Noah, DaniEl, and Job; As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘Its sons and daughters will not be saved… For the only thing that can save them Is becoming as righteous [as those three men]!21‘Then Jehovah said:‘To JeruSalem, I’ll be sending 4 things: The sword, famine, and plague, As well as ferocious wild beasts… They’ll destroy all the men and their cattle.22‘{Look!} And any of those who remain Those who escape all these things, Will then be carried away, Along with their sons and their daughters.‘Then {Look!} they will be brought here to you, And you’ll know of the things that they thought, As well as of the things they have done.‘And although you’ll be saddened by the harm that I’ll bring – All that I’ll do to JeruSalem – 23[Your mind] will then be relieved, Because you will see their ways and their thoughts, And you’ll know all the things that I did Weren’t done without a good reason,’ says Jehovah.’
1And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘[Let Me ask] you this, O son of man:‘What happens to the wood from all of the vines That live among trees in the forests? 3Do they find some use for this wood… Do they use their pieces as hangers? 4No!‘{Look!} Each year, they’re thrown into the fire, As [people] are cleaning [their yards]. So, the wood disappears in the end, Since no use for it can be found!5‘And even whole pieces aren’t useful; For, after they’re burned in the flames, They no longer have any value.6‘So Jehovah said this:‘As I’ve put the vines among trees To be burned in fires and consumed… That’s what I’ve done to those in JeruSalem.7‘For against them, I’ve now set My face, And fire, they’ll have to [endure]… For fire will [come and] consume them. And [when they see that] it’s My face against them, They’ll know that I am Jehovah.8‘I’ll appoint [their] land to extinction, Because they fell into sin,’ said Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘To JeruSalem, you must now testify About all of her lawless deeds! 3So tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Your roots and your birth are in CanaAn, Where an Amorite man was your father, And a Hittite [woman], your mother.4‘And concerning your birth and the day you were born; Your naval wasn’t cut, nor were you washed, No one [cleansed] you with salt, And you weren’t wrapped up in a blanket.5‘For their eyes didn’t feel enough pity for you To do such things on your behalf; They just threw you into the fields, Since your soul had been deformed since your birth.6‘Then I came and saw you defiled in your blood, And I said to you:‘Come to life!’Yes, I said this to you in your blood:‘Come to life… Become many!’7‘I made you like crops that grow in the fields, Then you became many and great And you entered the city of cities.‘Thereafter, your breasts and your hair both grew full… But you were still indecent and naked.8‘It was then that I came and beheld you, And I saw that it was your time… A time for you to find rest.‘So I opened and spread out My wings over you And covered your indecent condition. Over you, I then swore an oath, And concluded a Sacred Agreement,’ says Jehovah. So, that’s when you became Mine.9‘I bathed you in water and washed off your blood, And then, I rubbed you with oil. 10I dressed you in [the best] colored clothes… In blue and linen, I wrapped you, And I placed a braided belt [on your hips].11‘I decked you with ornamentation… I put bracelets on [both] of your [wrists], And around your neck, put a necklace.12‘I gave you a ring for your nose, As well as disks for your ears, And to boast, a garland [to wear on] your head.13‘So, you were adorned in silver and gold; Your wraps were the finest of linen; You had braided hair and colored clothes, And you ate the finest of flour, As well as the best honey and oil.‘So, you became exceedingly [great], And you prospered as one who’s a [queen]. 14Among the nations, your name became known, And this was true of your beauty; For I’d made your beauty complete… I’m the One who ordered it for you,’ says Jehovah.15‘Then, on your beauty, you came to rely, And you gave away [sex], because of your fame… You ‘poured it out’ on the roads.16‘Then you [ripped] your clothes, so that you could make strings To tie all your idols together, And you used them to do what’s immoral. So now, there’s no way that you can return… No way may you come back to Me!17‘Then you took the things of which you could boast – The silver and gold that I gave you – And made idols, with which you had sex. 18You dressed them up in your colored clothes, And set before them My incense and oil.19‘You took the bread that I made With the fine flour, honey, and oil, And set it in front of their faces As pleasing scents and aromas.‘And after you did all of this,’ says Jehovah, 20‘You took the sons and daughters you bore And offered them up to [your gods] Until [they had all] been consumed.21‘Yes you killed them to make your gods happy… You gave all of your children to them! 22And this is much more disgusting Than the rest of the bad things you’ve done.‘For, you forgot the days of your youth When you were indecent and naked, And lived befouled in your blood. 23And now that you’ve done all your evil, Woe, woe, upon you,’ says Jehovah!24‘A whorehouse you’ve built for yourself, And you’ve posted signs in the squares. 25You’ve erected them on each corner, And there, you’ve wasted your beauty.‘Between your legs, you’ve led all who would pass. And again, you made it much worse… 26You had sex with the sons of Egyptians… With the flesh of those who live just next door! Yes, you have done all these bad things That have driven Me into a rage.27‘So {Look!} against you, I’ll stretch My hand, And I’ll take away all your Laws, Then hand you to those who detest you… To the daughters of the Philistines, Whose godless ways you have followed.28‘With Assyria’s sons, you also had sex, Which brought you no more satisfaction… You had sex, but it wasn’t enough. 29So in CanaAn’s land, you also had sex, As well as with the Chaldeans… But you still couldn’t find satisfaction.30‘O what will I do to your heart,’ asks Jehovah, ‘As you are doing these bad things… The works of a woman that’s known as a whore, And who’s even had sex with her daughters!31‘Whorehouses, you’ve built upon every [street], But you don’t act as the madam! 32An adulterous woman is all that you are… One whose husband acts as her pimp!33‘You’ve even paid those you’ve had sex with… You’ve paid wages to all of your lovers As inducements for them to stay near And engage in all of your whoring!34‘Your perversions are worse than all others; For with other whores, you’ve even had sex… You paid them – they didn’t pay you; So, what you have done is perversion!35‘Because of this, O you whore, Hear the Word of Jehovah:36‘Because you paid others with your copper coins, Your shame will soon be uncovered… Your whoring with all of your lovers, As well as your evil thoughts… Your lawless deeds and the blood of your young, Which you have offered [to idols].37‘So, because of these things that you’ve done, I’ll gather your lovers against you And mix those you’ve hated among them. Together, I’ll bring them against you Until they have you surrounded. I’ll uncover your evils before them, And then, they’ll all see your shame.38‘I’ll punish you as an adulteress, And I will pour out your blood… In My zeal, I’ll appoint you for blood, 39And I’ll hand you over to them.‘Then, they’ll cut down your whorehouses… They’ll demolish your base, and rip off your clothes, Then take all the things about which you boast… They’ll leave you indecent and naked again.40‘Against you, they will lead mobs Who’ll stone you with rocks and stab you with swords, 41Then burn your whorehouses with fire… They will wreak vengeance upon you, There before other women.‘But I’ll turn you away from your whoring, And return the money that you’ve paid your lovers… 42Against you, I’ll slacken My rage And remove the jealous zeal I once had… So I can rest and be anxious no more.43‘Because you forgot the days of your youth And brought Me regret with your actions; {Look!} I’ll bring them down on your head,’ says Jehovah, ‘And then, you’ll be godless no more!44‘For against you, they all have said this:‘The daughter is just like the mother,’45And truly, you are just like your mother… A woman released by her man, And one who abandoned her children, As well as her brothers and sisters… Yes, she also pushed them away, Along with her husband and children.‘For an Amorite man was your father, And a Hittite woman, your mother. 46Samaria is your big sister, Whose daughters have lived to your left.‘Your younger sister, who lives on your right, Along with her daughters, is Sodom. 47And in their ways, you have traveled – Their lawless deeds, you’ve done also – So their ways are now better than yours!48‘As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘Has your sister, Sodom, or her daughters Ever acted like you and those who are yours?49‘The sin of Sodom, your sister, was pride. For, although she had plenty of bread (She and her daughters had more than enough), This thing that was found among them was true: They offered no aid to the needy and poor… 50Before Me they bragged and broke laws, And as you saw, I removed them!51‘Yet, Samaria didn’t sin with half of your sins, And you’re now more lawless than her. Yes, all the lawless things that you’ve done Prove your sisters more righteous. 52So now, you must carry your torment!‘For by your sins, you’ve corrupted your sisters… And your lawless ways are much worse than theirs, So that they now look better than you! Yes, be ashamed and accept your dishonor, For it’s you who made them look better.53‘So from them, I’ll remove My rejection – The rejection of Sodom and her daughters – And I’ll remove Samaria’s rejection (As well as that of her daughters)… And then, I’ll wipe you out of their midst!54‘Therefore, you must now bear the torment and disgrace For all that you did to provoke Me. 55And your sister, Sodom, and her daughters Will be restored as they were at the first, Along with Samaria and her daughters, Who’ll become as they were [in their youth]. Yes, her daughters will all be restored As they had been [long ago].56‘Wasn’t Sodom, your sister, a reason to boast In the days of your pride, 57Before your evils were seen… Those evils for which you’re now being scorned By all of Syria’s daughters And by those who are living around you… Like the daughters of the Philistines… Those who live just next door?58‘So, because of your godless ways, And the lawless deeds that you’ve done,’ says Jehovah, 59‘I’ll do to you as you’ve done to Me… For you’ve disgraced the promise you made By breaking your Agreement with Me.60‘Yet, I will remember My oath… The one that I made with you in your youth, To establish My Agreement with you throughout the age… 61Then, perhaps you’ll remember the right ways to act.‘But for following in the ways of your sisters – Both the younger and older – You will now be despised.‘And thereafter, I’ll give them to you, Then you can start teaching them... But not of your Agreement with Me, 62For My Sacred Agreement will just be with you… And you’ll all know that I am Jehovah.63‘So remember, and then be ashamed… Do not open your mouth, Since your face has been so dishonored. And I am the One who has born all the cost Of the sins that you have committed,’ says Jehovah!’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Tell this story and sing it as a song Before the house of IsraEl… 3Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘There was a great eagle with very great wings Whose claws were long and outstretched. To Lebanon, He was then led, Where He perched on the choicest of cedars.4‘The most tender tips, He plucked off, And to the land of CanaAn, He took them; Then He placed them in a city with walls.5‘He also took a seed from that land And planted it in ground fit for sowing A place with plenty of water, And He arranged for it to be tended.6‘Thereafter, [the seed] grew into a vine, Which proved that it would be great. Above, it grew many branches of vines, As its roots [spread out] underneath it… It became a vine with layers of vines, And its tendrils kept spreading abroad.7‘There was also another great eagle That had large wings and [long] claws. So {Look!} the grapevine then twisted towards him, As did its roots and its branches.‘[The vine] reached towards [the eagle] from her water, Which pulled her from her place in the sun… 8Even though the soil in which she was planted was good, And even though she had plenty of water. For, she was fat and putting out buds, And as a great vine, was bearing much fruit.’9‘Then Jehovah asked:‘So, will she continue to prosper? Will she continue to have tender roots? Won’t all her fruits start to rot?‘Yes, those early shoots will all dry, But not because of some great mighty arm Or because an army had pulled up her roots.10‘{Look!} This fat one will no longer prosper Because she’ll be touched by hot winds And she will be dried up by drought. Yes, when the east winds blow, she will shrivel!’11Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:‘Ask the rebellious house what all of this meant… Yes, [go ahead and just] ask them!12‘{Look!} Babylon’s king will come to JeruSalem And capture her king and her rulers; Then, they’ll be taken to Babylon.13‘Yes, he’ll take the offspring of the kingdom, Then force him to swear an oath of allegiance… As he carries the rulers away from their land.14‘So the kingdom will then be so weak That it won’t be able to lift itself up. And in order for them to survive, They’ll have to keep their treaty with him.15‘But [the king] will thereafter revolt And send his envoys to Egypt To beg them for horses and soldiers.‘Will he succeed? Will the one who disobeyed be preserved? Will the one who broke his oath then be saved?16‘As I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘Surely, here in the place of the king, He’ll disgrace the One who allowed him to rule And he’ll break the oath of his treaty. So to Babylon, he will be taken, And there is where he will die!17‘No, he won’t succeed despite his great power Or because of the [strength] of his [army]. For although PharaOh will join him in war And build many weapons and siege mounds, Which will bring many lives to an end; 18Because [the king] will have disgraced his oath – The one which he’ll swear before Me, When he breaks the agreement he made... {Look!} The one over which he held up his hand! For this, he will not escape.19‘So, tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘As I live… You will be disgraced For breaking the agreement you made before Me. So upon your head, I’ll lay this:20‘Over you, I’ll spread out My net, And in it, you’ll be wrapped up and captured… Then off to Babylon, you will be led, Where I’ll judge you for your sins against Me.21‘Then your armies that are ready for battle Will all be cut down by swords, And the survivors will be scattered to the [four] winds… Then they’ll know that I, Jehovah, have spoken.’22‘Thereafter, Jehovah said:But then, from the choicest of cedars, I will pluck off a top… Yes, out of its heart, I will pluck it, And on a high mountain, I’ll plant it.23‘On a Mountain in IsraEl, I’ll place it… I’ll plant it and then it will bud, And it will bear fruit once again.‘Once more, it will be a great cedar, And a place of resting for birds… In the shadow of its branches, they’ll rest, For the branches of her vines will then be restored.24‘So then, all the trees in the plains Will know that I am Jehovah… I’m the One who humbles the trees in their heights And who raises those who have been laid low.‘I’m the One who can dry up green trees Or make them flourish in dryness, Because, I am Jehovah… So I’ve spoken, and now I will act!’
1And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘How does the proverb apply To the land of IsraEl, which goes:‘When the fathers eat unripe grapes, The mouths of the children get toothaches?3‘Jehovah says:‘As I live, Will this proverb prove true among IsraEl?4‘I’m the One who owns all their souls… Yes the souls of both the fathers and sons. And since they are all really Mine; The sinners among them will die!5‘But the one who is fair, righteous, and just… 6Who doesn’t feast to idols on hills… Whose eyes are not [filled with pride]… Whose thoughts are of the House of IsraEl… Who doesn’t defile the wife of his neighbor Nor does he dirty his wife By approaching her in menstruation… 7Who does not tyrannize others… Who asks no collateral [for loans] – The things that he doesn’t return – Who takes nothing by force… Who gives bread to the hungry and clothes to the naked… 8Who doesn’t require interest on loans – Who asks no payment of interest – Who turns his hand from injustice… Who is fair when he serves as the judge Between a man and his neighbor… 9Who follows all of My orders… Who guards My Laws and obeys them… Such a man will be thought of as righteous, And he will then receive life,’ says Jehovah.10‘But, if he should father a bad son… One who sins and sheds blood, 11And won’t follow his father’s righteous ways, But feasts before idols on mountains, And willingly defiles the wife of his neighbor… 12Who tyrannizes the needy and poor And seizes collateral by force, Then chooses not to return it… Who turns his eyes towards the idols, Then practices all that is lawless, 13And lends his things out for interest… He will not receive life. For his lawless deeds, he will die, And his blood will be upon his [own head].14‘Then, if he should father a son Who fears all the sins of his father, And refuses to act as he did… 15If he’s one who won’t feast to idols on hills, And remembers the house of IsraEl… If he doesn’t defile the wife of his neighbor… 16If he doesn’t act like a tyrant… If he doesn’t require collateral for loans… If he doesn’t take things by force… If he gives bread to the hungry and clothes to the naked… 17If he doesn’t turn his hand towards injustice Or charge interest for the loans that he makes… If he’s righteous and follows My orders… He’ll live and not die for his father’s sins!18‘But because his father was oppressive and bad… Because he took things by force And was contrary among his own people… For his unrighteous ways, he will die!19‘But then, you will ask:‘Why won’t the son bear the sins of his father?’‘It’s because he is merciful, righteous, and fair… He’s kept My Laws and obeyed them, And as a result, he will live… 20Just the soul that is sinning will die!‘So the son won’t be blamed for his father’s bad ways, And the father won’t be blamed for those of his son. Yes, the righteous ways of each person And lawless ways of each person Are what they will bring on themselves!21But, if the lawless one turns from what’s bad And starts to keep My Commandments... If he becomes merciful, righteous, and just... He will be granted life, Yes, he will live and not die! 22I will forget all his sins, No matter how many there are… For his righteous ways, he will live!23‘Do I wish to bring death to the lawless,’ asks Jehovah? ‘No, I want them to turn from the bad, so they’ll live! 24But, if the righteous should turn from right ways And commit all the sins of the lawless… Yes, if they do such things, they will die… I’ll forget all the righteous things that they did And destroy them for their errors and sins.25‘But then, you will say:‘The ways of Jehovah aren’t right!’‘Pay attention, O house of IsraEl! Haven’t My ways proven straight? Aren’t yours the ways that are crooked?26‘When a righteous man turns from right ways, Shouldn’t he die for his sins… Since he’s the one who’s to blame, Isn’t he the one who should die?27‘And when the lawless turn from bad ways… When they start acting righteous and fair 28And recognize how godless they’ve been; All these people should live… No way should they have to die!29‘Yet, the house of IsraEl still claims That the ways of Jehovah aren’t straight.‘O house of IsraEl,‘Is it really My ways that aren’t straight? Aren’t yours the ways that are crooked?30‘Therefore, O house of IsraEl,‘I’ll judge each man by the things that he does,’ says Jehovah. ‘So, if you will turn from your bad ways, You won’t be punished for the bad things you’ve done!31‘But, you must discard all your bad ways, As well as your irreverence towards Me… Create for yourselves new breaths and hearts!‘O house of IsraEl,‘Why should you die? 32I want no one to die,’ says Jehovah… ‘So return [to Me] and you’ll live!’
1‘Now, against the rulers of IsraEl, I want you to sing this lament:2‘Your mother was a lion with cubs… For in the midst of lions, she had many cubs. 3Then, one of her cubs made the leap Into becoming a lion… He learned to attack and eat men.4‘But the nations soon heard about him, And in their corruption, they caught him, Then in a cage, they brought him to Egypt.5‘Well, when she saw that [her son] had been caught And that she had lost her support; She took another one of her cubs And made him grow into a lion.6‘So he started to walk among lions, And very soon, he became one… He captured prey and ate many men.7‘In their cities, he then boldly fed Until the whole land was destroyed And filled with the sounds of his roaring.8‘So the nations all came from their places… They surrounded and then they attacked him… In their corruption, they threw nets and caught him.9‘Into a cage, he was put, And to the king of Babylon, they took him. So, because he was kept in a cage, His roar was no longer heard In IsraEl’s mountains, thereafter.10‘Now, this mother was much like a grape vine Or a pomegranate planted near water. And because there was so much water, Soon she grew buds and fruit.11‘Among the head tribe, she became a strong rod, And she was esteemed for her greatness Amidst the rest of those great trunks [of trees]… And she saw that her branches were what made her great.12‘But in rage, she was thereafter broken… Yes, she was cut to the ground And by burning winds, she was dried. Then her choicest of branches – the rods of her strength – Were punished, dried out, and burned.13‘For, she’d moved herself into the desert… To a land that was thirsty and dry. 14So the flames on her choicest of branches Also reached down and consumed her, Which left her without the rod of her strength. So, to her tribe, she became a sad song About one who will surely be missed.’
1It was in the 7th year, in the 5th month, and on the 10th day of the month that men from among the elders of the house of IsraEl came before me to ask [things] from Jehovah. So after they all came and sat down in front of my face, 2the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:3‘O son of man,‘Speak to IsraEl’s elders And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Have you come to ask something of Me? As I live, I will not reply,’ says Jehovah! 4‘But I’ll punish you, O sons of men, For the lawless deeds of your fathers…‘Yes, this is what you must tell them!5‘And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘From the day that I took the house of IsraEl And to Jacob’s offspring, became known, When I let them know Me in Egypt… Yes, when I took hold of their hands, And told them that I am Jehovah their God...6Since the day that I took them into My hands And led them from Egypt’s land Into the land that I had prepared... A land that flowed with honey and milk… Honeycombs that are far greater Than those in all other lands... 7And I told them that they must abandon The disgusting things in front of their eyes And the defilements of Egypt… Since then, I’ve been Jehovah their God!8‘But then, they revolted against Me And refused to hear what I said. Their disgusting things, they didn’t remove The things [they could see] with their eyes, Nor did they leave the bad ways of Egypt.‘So I threatened to pour out My rage upon them, And finish My anger among them in Egypt. 9But I acted so My Name would not be profaned Before the nations among which they were living Those to whom I had made [Myself] known… And I led them from Egypt’s land.10‘Then I led them from Egypt into the desert, 11Where I gave them My orders and all of My Laws… Which, if a man does them, bring life.12‘And I gave them My Sabbaths to serve as a sign That they knew that I am Jehovah… The One who is making them holy.13‘But, in the desert, they made Me feel bitter; For they didn’t follow My orders, And My Laws, they then pushed away... Which, if a man does them, bring life, And they profaned all My Sabbaths.‘So, it was there in the desert That I threatened to pour out My rage And to completely wipe them away. 14Yet I didn’t, so My Name would not be profaned Among the gentiles who saw that I led them.15‘Then, in the desert, I lifted My hand So as not to bring them into the land A land that flows with honey and milk… Honeycombs that are greater than in other lands; 16For they’d pushed away all My Laws, And they chose not to follow My orders… They also profaned all My Sabbaths, And they followed the desires of their hearts.17‘Yet, My eyes continued to spare them… I did not wipe them away Or destroy them there in the desert.18‘In the desert, I then warned their children Not to follow the laws of their fathers, Nor to obey their [bad] rules… Not defile themselves with their fathers’ ways, 19For I am Jehovah their God.‘[I told them that they must] follow My orders… They must keep My Laws and obey them, 20And keep My Sabbath days holy. For, this is the sign between Me and them That I am Jehovah their God.21‘But against Me, they also rebelled, And their children wouldn’t follow My orders… They didn’t guard My Laws or obey them – The Laws that bring life to all who’ll obey – And they profaned all My Sabbaths.‘So I spoke to them in My anger… I threatened to pour My rage upon them And finish My wrath in the desert.22‘So against them, I then turned My hand And I acted because of Myself… That My Name would not be profaned Before the nations, from which they’d been led.23‘But in the desert, I lifted My hand To scatter them among all the nations, 24Because they’d refused to follow My Laws, And My orders, they’d just pushed away! Yes, they had profaned all My Sabbaths, And they followed the thoughts of their fathers.25‘So I [let them do as] their fathers had said And to follow their laws that do not bring life… 26Yes, I let their orders defile them! Then I scattered all those who opened the womb… I completely wiped them away So they’d know that I am Jehovah!’27‘And because of these things, O son of man, You must speak to the house of IsraEl And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘To this day, your fathers have enraged Me By the sins they’ve committed against Me. 28For, although I brought them into the land That I gave to them when I lifted My hand… When they saw its shady trees and [beautiful] hills, To other gods, they offered sacrifices.‘So on them and their gifts, I then brought My wrath; For to other gods, they also had offered Drink offerings, incense, and pleasing aromas.29‘Then I asked:‘What’s so great about your high places That you’re still choosing to go there? For they call them the High Places down to this day...’30‘So tell IsraEl that thus says Jehovah:‘Do all the lawless deeds of your fathers! With their disgusting ways, dirty yourselves! 31Offer [those gods] your first-fruits and gifts, Then pass your children through fire! Yes defile yourselves in all of your thoughts As you’ve continued to do to this day!‘So house of IsraEl; what must I reply? As I live,’ says Jehovah; ‘If I should give you an answer, Would your spirits pay any attention? 32Won’t you say that you’d rather be like the nations… Like all the [other] tribes of the earth That serve before wood and stone idols?33‘Because of this, as I live,’ says Jehovah, ‘With a strong hand, I’ll dominate you; And with My arm raised high in great rage!34‘But I’ll also lead you out of those nations… Yes, I’ll take you away from those places Where My strong hand has sent you With My arm raised high in great rage!35‘Then I’ll lead you into the deserts, And there, before all the nations, I’ll argue your case with them face to face, 36Just as I did for your fathers Back in the deserts of Egypt… And that’s how I’ll then be your judge,’ says Jehovah.37‘I’ll lead you away with My rod, And bring you back [to your homeland]. 38Then I’ll pick away all those among you That are irreverent and rebellious… I’ll remove them from those who [are righteous], And to the land of IsraEl, they’ll never return, So you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’39‘Jehovah says:‘As for you, O house of IsraEl; Move away from your evil deeds, And then you must listen to Me! You may not profane My Holy Name With your gifts and those [wicked] deeds 40That you practiced on My Holy Mountain, And upon all of IsraEl’s hills.‘Jehovah says:In their land, IsraEl must serve Me; For, that is where I’ll receive them And it’s where I’ll keep watch on their first fruits… The first-fruits of all that they offer, And the rest of their most-holy things.41‘And when I bring them back from the nations From the places where they will be scattered, I’ll accept their pleasing aromas again, And I will be holy among them Before the eyes of [the gentiles]… 42And they’ll know that I am Jehovah When I bring them back to IsraEl’s land… The land that I gave to their fathers.43‘Then, you will consider your ways, And think about all the bad things you did In order to make yourselves dirty, And you’ll slap your own faces for your evil ways… 44For you’ll know that I am Jehovah.‘You’ll also know that I did all these things So My Name would not be profaned By the bad things you practiced and your evil ways,’ says Jehovah.’45Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:46‘O son of man,‘Now, turn your face towards TeMan and look… You must look towards [the land in the south]; Then, you must prophesy this Towards the woods that lead to the Negev!47‘You must tell those in the Negev’s wooded lands To hear the Word of Jehovah! For, this is what He’s declared:‘{Look!} Within you, I’ll now light a ‘fire’ That will burn up all of your trees, Both those that are green and those that are dry. And after this ‘fire’ has been lit, It won’t be extinguished thereafter!‘All your faces will soon be consumed By ‘winds’ that come from the north and the east. 48And all flesh will know that I am Jehovah When I light a ‘fire’ that can’t be extinguished!’49But I said:‘O Lord… O Jehovah… By no means! For then they’ll ask:‘Aren’t you just telling us a parable?’
1And the Lord replied to me saying:2‘Because of these things, O son of man, [You must speak against them] this prophecy… Towards JeruSalem, you must now set your face And look towards its Most Holy place; Then to IsraEl, you must prophesy this… 3Tell IsraEl that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I’m the One who is coming against you; So I’ll pull My sword from its sheath And destroy your unrighteous and lawless.4‘I’ll pull My sword out of its sheath [That is, men] from the north and the east; 5And after I pull them out of the sheath, I won’t be putting them back, So all will then know that I am Jehovah!’6‘And you, O son of man,‘Groan as if you’ve broken your hips… Before their eyes, you must groan in grief. 7And when they ask why you’re groaning, This is what you must tell them:‘The message that comes will break [all your] hearts And all your hands will grow feeble. For all flesh and all that are breathing Will soon come to an end And all [bottoms] will be tainted by wetness.8‘Look… It’s coming and now it will happen,’ says Jehovah, [your] God.’9And thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:‘O son of man,‘Now you must prophesy this… You must tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘O broadsword, O broadsword, be angry and sharp, 10Then slay the victims for slaughter. Be sharpened until you are shiny, Then prepare for numbing and slay! Treat [them all] with contempt, And chop down all of their trees!11‘For He’s readied the sword that He holds in his hand... This sword which He has just sharpened... And prepared it for use by the one who stabs through.12‘So, cry out and shriek, O sons of men, For upon my people, it’s coming, And upon all of IsraEl’s guides… Yes this sword [is coming to them]!13‘It will come to all of my people, And because of this, clap your hands; For, this is justice that’s due.’So I asked him:‘But then, won’t my tribe be totally thrown away?’And the Lord said:‘Don’t worry, that just will not happen.’14‘But you, O son of man, must now prophesy… Clap one hand on the other To summon another broadsword against them. For this third one will be a sword of great slaughter… It’s one that will truly amaze.15‘It will break all their hearts, as many grow weak, When, at their gates, it arrives… And all will be killed by this sword.‘Well done, O sharp one that slaughters. Well done, O great shining one. Now like lightning, you must go forth and slay!16‘Sharpen both sides, the right and the left, Then swing it wherever your face is aroused.17‘But after that, I will clap my hands, And then I will slacken My rage… For I Jehovah, have spoken.’18Then the Word of Jehovah came to me again, and said:19‘And you, O son of man,‘Prepare two ways for the sword to arrive So that Babylon’s king may now enter.‘Two [armies] will come from one place; One will come from the right, And the other from the city’s top street… So, ready the corner of that street!20‘The broadsword [will first enter] RabBah; And then, from the direction of AmMon’s sons An attack will be launched on JeruSalem. 21Then, on those most ancient roads, The king of Babylon will stand.‘On the corner, between the two streets, [he will stand], Looking to his diviners for signs… [He’ll ask them] to stir with the rod And to question their idols, Then to look into the liver.22‘So, an oracle will give him instructions And tell him to throw up a siege mound On JeruSalem’s right.‘Then he’ll open his mouth and he’ll yell:‘Raise your voices and shout, And against her gates, erect siege mounds! Yes, build the mounds all around them, And create more weapons of war!’23‘For he’ll serve as an omen against them… He’ll provide divination concerning [their end]. He’ll remind them that they will be led off as captives Because they have been so unrighteous.24‘And he’ll also help them to remember,’ said the Lord… ‘That he came because of their unrighteous ways, And to reveal their irreverent condition.‘He will then show them their sins, As well as the laws that they’ve broken, Which they’ll think of after they’re captured.25‘And then [say to] that lawless profane one… Upon the one who is IsraEl’s guide:‘Your unrighteous days have now ended!’26‘For [the Lord] Jehovah said this [about him]:‘Remove the turban and take off the crown, Because they’ll no longer be yours. For, from your high place, you will be cut down, And then, what is low will be raised!27‘For, to the unrighteous, I’ll bring what’s unrighteous… And that’s all there’ll be ‘til the time That the one who is worthy arrives… And to him, I will give it all back.’28‘So now, prophesy now, O son of man… And to the sons of AmMon, you must say That Jehovah said this concerning their scorn:‘O broadsword, O broadsword, now be unsheathed… Be unsheathed for the victims of slaughter Arise and shine to consume them!29‘For, all their visions are worthless, And your oracles are just telling lies… So they won’t be able to save you. For your lawless ways, [I’ll bring swords to] your necks, And your unrighteous days will have ended.30‘Then return, [O sword], to your sheath! For, in this place where you were once born I’ll judge these [people] in their own land 31And I’ll pour My rage out upon them.‘Against them, I’ll breathe the fire of My rage, And to barbarians, I will hand them over… To those contriving corruption for them.32‘By fire, they will then be devoured, And blood will be flowing throughout their land. And thereafter, they’ll just be forgotten… For I Jehovah, have spoken.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘And you, O son of man, Must now judge that city because of its blood… You must make an example of her For all of her lawless deeds!3‘You must say that the Lord Jehovah said this:‘O city of so much shed blood The one who has made herself dirty... 4You’ve fallen into the blood that you’ve shed And defiled yourself with your thoughts. So the end of your days has drawn near… You’ve reached the end of your years!‘You are given to be scorned by the nations, And for every region to mock you… 5You’ll be mocked by those who are living nearby And by those who live far away. Yes, you unclean one, they’ll mock you, For your lawless ways are now famous.6‘Then, look at what IsraEl’s guides have been doing… They’ve joined with all their relations In order to spill innocent blood! 7Look also at your fathers and mothers… All they talk about doing is evil!‘They treat foreign peoples unjustly, And tyrannize orphans and widows. 8My holy things, they treat with contempt, And they are profaning My Sabbaths!9‘The men among you are robbers, And they are shedding innocent blood. Then, in the mountains, they feast to their idols… Such unholy things are now done in your midst!10‘You’ve uncovered the shame of your fathers, And you have defiled many women Who were sitting apart as unclean.11‘You’ve [had sex] with the wives of your neighbors… You’ve each defiled your daughters-in-law And done ungodly things to your sisters… You’ve debased the daughters of your parents!12‘You also take bribes and shed blood… Interest and rent, you require! So you’ve reached the end of your evil… In your tyranny, you have overlooked Me,’ says Jehovah.13‘Now, if I clap hand against hand Against all the evils you’re doing... Yes, against all those bad things, And the blood that’s been shed in your midst... 14Will your heart be able to stand [what I’ll do], And will your hands [still be strong] when I do it? For, I Jehovah, have spoken… Yes [I’ve spoken] and now I will act!15‘For I’ll spread you among all the nations… I’ll scatter you to many regions, And then your uncleanness will be wiped away. 16I’ll assign other nations to watch over you, And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’17Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:18‘O son of man,‘{Look!} Before me, the house of IsraEl’s become Like brass that’s mixed in with iron, Or like tin and lead mixed with silver.19‘So because of their [wicked condition], You must tell them that thus says [Jehovah]:‘Since you are all mixed together; I’ll bring you into JeruSalem’s midst 20As though you’re inside of a furnace.‘Then, just as silver that’s become mixed With brass, tin, iron, and lead, And air is blown in to refine it… That’s what I’ll do to you in My rage.‘In My anger, I’ll gather you all And throw you into a furnace. 21Then I’ll blow on you with the fire of My rage, And you’ll be refined in its midst.22‘Yes, as silver is refined in a furnace; I’ll throw you into an oven. Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah When I pour My rage out upon you.’23Well after that, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:24‘O son of man,‘You must tell them [that Jehovah said] this:At that time, they’ll call yours the land… The land without any rain… For there’ll be no rain in the day of [My] rage.25‘Since the leaders in your midst are like lions Who roar and seize prey by force… Since they dominate, destroy, and consume, And take whatever has value… The numbers of widows will grow in your midst.26‘For your priests have annulled all My Laws, And My holy things, they’ve profaned… They can’t tell the holy from the profane Or what’s clean from the unclean. 27From My Sabbaths, they’ve hidden their eyes, And I’ve been profaned in their midst.28‘So her prophets that do the anointing Will soon all be cut down… Yes, those who can see only vain things And omens that really aren’t true, But who say that Jehovah has spoken to them When He hasn’t spoken at all.29‘And even the land’s [common] people Call for what is unrighteous And [ask for their share] of the loot. They are tyrants to the needy and poor, And they treat foreign peoples unfairly!30‘Then I searched among them for one righteous man… One who’ll stand firm in the day of My rage, So I wouldn’t have to bring her conclusion And totally wipe her away… But, no such man could I find.31So, I will pour out My anger And send the fire of My rage In order to finish them off… I’m bringing their blame upon their own heads,’ said Jehovah.’
1And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,[‘Jehovah says:]‘Two women were the daughters of one mother, 3And they were immoral during their youth. For, they [had sex] down in Egypt… Yes, there is where their breasts fell [to others], And it’s where they lost their virgin condition.4‘The eldest one’s name was ‘Her Tent’, And her sister was named ‘Her Tent is Within Her’. To Me, they both had been given To bear My sons and My daughters.‘Are these really their names? No! I’m calling Samaria, ‘Her Tent’, And ‘Her Tent is Within Her’ is JeruSalem.5‘‘Her Tent’ [that is, Samaria] had been unfaithful to Me, And she doted upon all her lovers… The Assyrians, with whom she had [slept]… 6Their blue-clad commanders and leaders, And the choicest of all their young men, As well as those who ride horses.7‘To them, she offered herself… To the choicest of Assyria’s sons. She gave herself to those she desired, And wholeheartedly made herself dirty.8‘But her affair with Egypt hadn’t ended... Those with whom she had [slept] in her youth... She gave her virginity to them, And they poured [their semen] upon her.9‘So I handed her to all her lovers, To the sons of the Assyrians, whom she desired... 10And they uncovered her shame. Then they took her sons and her daughters And slaughtered them all with their swords. The women also gossiped about her, When [the Assyrians] brought vengeance upon her.11‘But when ‘Her Tent is Within Her’ [that is, JeruSalem] saw what had happened, She became more corrupt [than her sister]… Yes, even more immoral than her.12‘For she loved the sons of Assyria… Those nearby commanders and leaders Who wore such elegant clothes, And the men who rode on their horses… Yes, all of their choicest young men.13‘So I saw that they’d both been defiled, And that both were the same [kind of ‘women’].14‘Then, to her bad ways, she added, As she looked upon men who were painted on walls… Images of the Chaldeans, Depicted with brush strokes on [stone], 15Wearing colored belts on their hips, As well as deeply-dyed turbans, All giving the appearance of officials Among the sons of Babylon… Of her fatherland, the Chaldeans.16‘She doted on them with her eyes, And she sent her messengers to them There in the land of Chaldea.17‘So those sons of Babylon arrived, And on her marriage-bed they then rested… In their immoral ways, they defiled her.‘And as she was being defiled, She put her life in their hands… 18Her immoral shame, she uncovered… She removed My soul from her life As her sister had already done.19Then, she became even worse, As she forgot the days of her youth When she [had sex] down in Egypt 20And started thinking about the Chaldeans. For, they had flesh just like burros, And genitals like those of horses.21‘She turned from the lawless ways of her youth And from the things that she did down in Egypt... That place in which she’d once lodged And where the breasts of her youth had first fallen [to others].22‘So, because of this, O ‘Her Tent is Within Her’ [that is, JeruSalem]; {Look!} I’ve awakened your ‘lovers’ against you… Yes, those to whom you once gave your soul. And now, I will bring them against you, Then they will come and surround you… 23The sons of Chaldea and Babylon – Pekod, Shoa, and Koa – Along with Assyria’s sons And all of their choicest young men… Their governors, commanders, and tribunes, And the famous ones riding on horses.24‘From the north, they’ll all come against you With weapons and chariot wheels… Many nations with chest plates, helmets, and shields. They’ll surround you and throw up a siege mound; Then judgment, I’ll put on their faces, So you’ll be punished by their form of justice.25‘Against you, I will then show My zeal, And I’ll deal with you in My rage. They’ll cut off your nose and your ears, And they’ll cut up what’s left with the sword.‘Then they’ll take your sons and your daughters; And all that remains will be burned. 26They’ll strip off all of your clothes, And remove all the things of which you’re so proud.27‘Your impious deeds, I’ll remove, Along with the bad things you practiced in Egypt. To them, you won’t raise your eyes anymore, And you’ll not think of Egypt again.’28‘Jehovah says:‘{Look!} I’ll hand you to those who detest you... Those to whom you’ve given your soul. 29Then they’ll deal with you in their hatred And take all the things for which you’ve worked hard, Leaving you naked and disgraced. Your immoral shame, they’ll uncover, Including your irreverence and whoring.30‘They’ll do all these things, because you’re a whore Who defiled herself by thinking of them. 31So, since you’ve followed in your sister’s ways, I’ll now put her cup in your hands.’32‘And Jehovah said:You’ll drink deeply from the cup of your sister… You’ll drink so much that you’ll laugh, And in your drunken condition, you’ll sneer.33‘For from the cup of extinction, you will be filled, And it will make you feel weak… The same cup of Samaria, your sister.34‘You will drink and then you will vomit… Shards of broken pots, you will eat, And you will start pulling your breasts.‘Then, I will pervert your holiday feasts, As well as all your New Moons… Yes I’ve said that I will pervert them,’ says Jehovah.35‘Then Jehovah said:‘Because you forgot Me and pushed Me aside, You’ll get what you’re due for your whoring!’36‘And Jehovah said:‘O son of man,‘Now, judge between ‘Her Tent’ [Samaria] And ‘Her Tent is Within Her’ [JeruSalem]. Yes, speak to them of their lawless ways… 37Of their adultery and the blood on their hands. For, even their thoughts are adulterous, And they’ve led the children they bore Me through fire!38‘Then, as they did this against Me; They defiled My holy things in that day, And they have profaned all My Sabbaths.39‘They [offered] their children to idols, And entered My Holy Place to profane it… See what they’ve done in My Temple!40‘Then, to those in far-away lands, They sent messengers and begged them to come. And as they were coming, they bathed… They decked themselves out and [painted] their eyes.41‘Before a spread table, they sat on a bed And set before them My incense and oil... Which these men found very delightful.42‘Then the sounds of harmony and music Was played before men who were drunk… Men who’d just come from the desert. Then upon their arms, they put bracelets, And garlands of boasting, they put on their heads.43‘Although I told them that they must be [faithful]; In the ways of a whore, they [had sex]. 44So, they entered within them As a man would enter a whore… They entered ‘Her Tent’ [Samaria] and ‘Her Tent is Within Her’ [JeruSalem]… Two lawless ‘women’ with lawless ways.45‘But because [their lovers] are also just men, They will punish them both With the punishment that’s due an adulteress. In justice, they’ll pour out their blood For the adultery and blood on their hands.’46‘Then Jehovah said:‘Now, bring the armies against them… Bring disturbance and ravaging to them.47‘May those armies then stone them with rocks And run them through with their swords! Kill their sons and their daughters, And burn down all of their homes!48‘Yes, their godless [lovers], I’ll bring to this land In order to correct these two ‘women,’ So they’ll not be godless again.49‘I’ll bring their irreverence down on their heads, And they’ll bear their own sins and ideas… Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah!’
1It was in the 9th year, in the 10th month, and on the 10th day of the month that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Write the name of this day for yourself, Because this is the day that Babylon’s king Will conquer JeruSalem… Yes, that day has arrived!3‘And say these words to that house in rebellion… Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘Prepare the pot… Ready the pot and fill it with water, 4Then, you must put in the pieces… All the best pieces… The shoulders and legs, Then, rip the flesh from the bones!5‘I have gathered the choicest of cattle; So, start the fire to boil up the bones… Boil and cook the bones in its midst!’6‘For their Sovereign Lord Jehovah said this:O you city of blood,’There’s a pot that is filled with your venom. So, when they bring out your limbs, [None] will claim your parts as their own.7‘Upon a rock, they will pour out your blood… But it won’t be poured on the ground Or be covered by dirt. 8For I’ll punish you in My rage And I’ll have them pour your blood on a rock So that [no one] can cover it over.9‘Because of this,’ said Jehovah; ‘Woe to you, O city of blood For your funeral pyre will be great.10‘I’ll add much wood and kindle a fire To melt away all the meat. And then, to render a broth, The bones will have to be stewed.11‘You’ll stay on the coals until you’re burned through And all your brass ornaments melt… Until your uncleanness [is gone] And all of your venom has failed… 12Until little venom remains.13‘The venom of your filth, I’ll bring to disgrace Until it is all boiled away. Since you dirtied yourself and wouldn’t get clean, You’ll no longer be able to do that Until My rage on you is complete.14‘For, I Jehovah, have spoken… I’ll do it and I’ll make it happen! I’ll not warn you or show any mercy, Nor will I offer you comfort.‘I will judge you for the things that you’ve done, As well as for the things that you think,’ says Jehovah.’15Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:16‘O son of man,‘{Look!} With just one blow, I will now take away [The woman] you’ve treasured most dearly.‘Yet, you must not show any sorrow… 17Do all your groaning in silence… Over her, you must quietly groan, And you may not wail at her grave.‘Don’t take off your sandals or braid your hair, Nor let them offer you comfort… And don’t eat the [food] that they bring.’18Well, the next morning I told the people what he said to me; and then that evening, my wife died. So the [next] morning I did as I was instructed.19And when the people asked me to explain why I was doing these things, 20I told them that the Word of Jehovah had come to me and said this:21‘You must speak to the house of IsraEl And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} My Holy Place, I’ll profane… That wonderful place about which you neigh And the thing that your eyes have desired.‘Now, in order to save your own lives, You’ll have to abandon your daughters and sons… For, they will all fall by the sword.22‘Then, after you’ve done this, You won’t take comfort from anyone’s mouth, Or share in the bread of mankind!23‘Your hair will remain on your head, And your feet will be wearing sandals. So you won’t lament or be crying… You’ll just melt away in your sins, And none will comfort their brothers!24‘Now, EzekiEl will serve as an omen and sign; For, all that he says, you will do. And after these things have all happened, You’ll know that I am Jehovah.’25‘[Then He said]:‘O son of man,‘This is how it will be in the day That I take away all their strength And the things about which they boast… The desirable things of their eyes… All of their sons and daughters, Those in whom their souls take most pride.26‘Then, those who escape in that day Will come and tell you what happened. 27And in that day, you’ll open your mouth… Yes you’ll speak to those who’ve escaped… You’ll speak and be mute no longer… You’ll explain how you were a sign, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Against AmMon’s sons, you must now set your face… [You must speak] this prophesy against them! 3Tell the sons of AmMon to listen And hear the Word of Jehovah. For, this is what Jehovah declared:‘Because you were [filled with] rejoicing When My Holy Place was being profaned As the land of IsraEl was being destroyed, And the house of Judah was led off as captives; 4{Look!} It is for all of these reasons, That to the sons of Kedem, I’ll hand you… And their inheritance, is what you’ll become.‘They’ll camp among you as [masters], And spread their tents in your midst… Then they’ll drink your fatness and eat all your fruit!5‘I’ll give them the cities of AmMon To serve as pens where they’ll keep their sheep, And I’ll also give them your camels… Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’6‘Jehovah says:‘For you clapped your hands and stamped your feet… You rejoiced over IsraEl’s fall. 7And because of this, {Look!} I’ll stretch out My hand And appoint you to be ravaged by the nations.‘I’ll destroy you from among the rest of the peoples… I’ll wipe you out of your regions… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.8‘Jehovah says:‘And because MoAb and SeIr have proclaimed That the house of Judah is now like the gentiles; 9{Look!} For this, I’ll injure the shoulder of MoAb… The cities at the edge [of his land]… The choicest parts of BethJeshiMoth… The city of springs by the sea.10‘To the sons of Kedem, I will hand AmMon To serve an inheritance among them… Then the nations will forget about AmMon’s sons. 11And in MoAb, I will also wreak vengeance, So they’ll know that I am Jehovah.12‘And Jehovah says:‘Since Edom was very resentful And sought vengeance upon Judah’s house By bringing such punishment upon them… 13Yes, because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘I’ll stretch out My hand against Edom, And from man to beast, destroy all. I will make [their land] desolation, And from TeMan to Ledan, those being chased Will each be cut down by swords.14‘For against Edom’s land, I’ll bring vengeance At the hands of IsraEl, My people. They’ll deal with Edom as My rage demands And in the ways of My anger. Then, they will know of My vengeance,’ says Jehovah.15‘And because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘Because the Philistines took vengeance And they rejoiced in their souls When they wiped [My people] away throughout the age… 16Yes, because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘{Look!} Against the Philistines, I’ll stretch out My hand, And their Cherethites I will destroy, As well as the rest that are left on the coast.17‘Yes, against them, I’ll bring vengeance With the rebukes of My rage. Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah, When I wreak My vengeance upon them.’
1It was in the 11th year, on the 1st day of the month, that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Tyre has said this of JeruSalem:‘Well done, because she’s now broken! For, she had destroyed many nations, And then, she turned her attention towards me. But this one who once was so full Has now become desolation!’3‘Because of this,’ said Jehovah, ‘{Look!} I am against you, O Rock, And I’ll bring so many nations against you That they’ll be like the waves of the sea.4‘The walls of Tyre, they will tear down, And then they will knock down your towers. I’ll scatter your dust to the [four] winds And leave you like a smooth rock… 5A place where they will dry fish nets. For, I have spoken against you,’ says Jehovah.‘You will be a place that nations will loot, 6And your daughters in the plains will be cut down by swords… Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’7‘And Jehovah said this:‘O Tyre,‘I’ll bring NebuChadNezzar out of the north... Yes, this king of all kings, With his cavalry, chariots, and horses, And his army of many great nations. 8Then he’ll use the sword to destroy Your daughters that live in the plains.‘Against you, he’ll send advance guards Who’ll surround you and then they’ll dig trenches. He’ll close you in with a siege mound And arrange it with lances and shields. 9Then they will demolish your towers and walls, And they will destroy [all your] weapons.10‘You’ll be covered by the dust of his horses. And from the sounds of his horsemen, As well as the sounds of their chariot wheels, All your walls will thereafter be shaken. Then, when he enters your gates, To him, it’ll be like a [walk through] the plains.11‘His horse’s hooves will trample your squares And [his men] will kill all your people with swords… They’ll bring your supports and strength to the ground.12‘Then, they will plunder your army… They’ll take all their things, then tear down your walls And demolish the best of your homes. Thereafter, they’ll throw all the stones and the wood, As well as the dust, into the sea.13‘He’ll rip away your musicians, And the sounds of strings will no longer be heard. 14He will make you like a smooth rock And a place for the drying of dragnets. Then, no way will you be rebuilt, For I, Jehovah, have spoken,’ said the Lord.15‘Then Jehovah asked this of Tyre:‘When their swords are unsheathed in your midst; Won’t the sound of your downfall As well as the groans of your wounded Rumble all the way to the islands?16‘The rulers of the seas will step from their thrones, Then remove their crowns and colorful robes, Because they’ll be startled by this change of state. And of their destruction, they’ll then sit in fear, As they are groaning for you. 17So, this is what they will sing:‘O how great has been her destruction! For, she was removed from her place by the sea Along with all of [her people] By the one who brought terror upon them.‘You’re a city which was once so blest; For you got your strength from the sea. 18But now, all the islands are living in fear; For, since the day of your downfall, They’ve had many reasons to worry.’19‘Then the Lord Jehovah said this:‘I’ll bring desolation to your cities And leave them without any people… By the waters of the deep, they’ll be covered.20‘I will drag both you and your people Into the pit throughout the age. I’ll settle you in the depths of the earth As a desolate place throughout the ages, Along with the rest who’ve gone down to the pit.‘In the land of the living, you’ll no longer be; 21For I’ve appointed you to be wiped away So you won’t exist anymore… They’ll look for you and not find you,’ says Jehovah.’
1Then the Word of The Lord came to me and said:2‘And you, O son of man, Must sing a lament over Tyre.3‘You must say to the Rock (This city that dwells by the sea… The marketplace of all the islands) That thus says Jehovah to Tyre:‘You say that you’ve invested in beauty; 4For the heart of the sea is your border, And your sons have perfected your charms.5‘Cedar is [the wood] with which you were built, As well as with Lebanon’s cypress. With posts of fir, you make the ship masts; 6And in BaShan, they make all your oars.‘Your temples are constructed of ivory And your houses are made from the wood That comes from the Island of Cyprus.7‘Embroidered linens from Egypt Serve as your sails and your flags. And from the island of Aeolis You receive the purple and blue That you use to make the clothes that you wear.8‘The princes of Sidon and Arvad Come and serve as your oarsmen; And your navigators are their wise men, O Rock.9‘The elders among you are scholars Who grow in their powers to direct you. And all the oarsmen for your ships of the seas Come to you from the west.10‘Your warriors are Lydians and Persians Who hang their helmets and shields among you… And they also bring you much glory.11Sons of Arvad serve as your soldiers And they are stationed around all your walls, As Medes serve in your guard towers… They hang their quivers on your moorings, And they are perfecting your beauty.12‘Men from Carthage are also your merchants Who bring you abundance and strength With silver, gold, iron, and brass, And the tin and lead that they sell in your stores.13‘The Greeks and the rest of the world, Those from faraway lands, Trade their slaves [in your streets], Along with the brass that they sell.14‘From the house of ToGarmah, come horses… Horses and mules they bring to your stores.15‘Sons of Rhodes are also your merchants… From the islands, they bring you much trade. And those who bring you your ivory Are paid with the earnings from [slaves].16‘There are your great stores of balsam, As well as rolls of purple and linen, Along with colored works out of Carthage, Plus things from RamOth and ChoHor… Yes, all of these things are sold in your stores.17‘Judah and IsraEl are also your merchants In the sales of grain and perfumes, As well as the finest of honey, And the olive oil and the lotions That they bring to your stores.18‘Damascus too, trades in your wares, And [they also share in] your power. For they bring fine wines in from Helbon, And the best of wool from Miletus.19‘Dan, and Javan, as well as MoOzel, Bring their iron to your markets… They add many tools and wheels to your stores. 20DeDan too, is your merchant, Providing the choicest of saddles.21‘Arabia and the rulers of Cyprus Are merchants trading camels through your hands, As well as the lambs and rams that they bring.22‘Other merchants are SheBa and RamAh… Yes, these are also your traders Who bring choice spices and most precious gems, As well as gold to your stores.23‘Haran, CalNeh, and Edem Also do trading with you, As do Assyria, SheBa, and ChilMad, 24Who bring blue [cloth] and great treasures In [boxes of] cypress bound in rough cords.25‘Your many boats serve as your merchants; For they carry an abundance of things to your stores… Filled and weighed down in the seas.26‘Your oarsmen row it all into you From [the boats that are blown] by south winds As they sail through the heart of the sea.27‘But your armies, your wages, and stores… Your counselors, navigators, and oarsmen, As well as the goods that come from your stores And all the warriors among you, Those who have gathered within you, Will be thrown into the heart of the sea In the day of your downfall.28‘Those who navigate will be shaken By the sounds of your outcries… Yes, with fear, they’ll be overcome. 29So your oarsmen will abandon their boats, And their captains and crews will flee to dry ground.30‘Then, over you, they’ll shout loudly… Yes, over you, they’ll bitterly cry. Upon their heads, they’ll throw dirt And spread ashes as beds for themselves. 31They’ll shave their heads and wear sackcloth, And bitterly weep over you.32‘Their sons will also lament you And wail for The Rock as they ask:‘Who is as silent as Tyre, There in the midst of the sea?’33‘How much wealth you gained from the seas! For the nations are filled with the goods that you sell, And their kings are enriched by your stores.34‘But, there in the sea, you’ll lie broken, As your stores are sunk in deep waters, And those gathered there [will be carried away] Along with all of your oarsmen.35‘There’ll be gloom in all of the islands for you… Their kings will be startled and amazed, Then tears will burst from their faces.36Merchants from the nations will whistle at you; For you [will soon be] destroyed… Throughout the ages, you will be gone.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘And you, O son of man; Say this to the ruler of Tyre! Tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘You have made your heart haughty And proclaimed that you are [a] god; For you dwell among the gods of the seas! But you’re just [a] man, not [a] god, Although you made your heart as that of [a] god.3‘Are you someone who’s ‘wiser than DaniEl?’ Didn’t the wise teach you wisdom? 4Which was it… Intelligence or wisdom That brought you all of your power And your treasures of silver and gold? 5Which was it… Your trading or wisdom That gave you your power, and made your heart proud?6‘It’s because of this,’ says Jehovah… ‘Since you made your heart as that of [a] god; {Look!} I’m bringing strange pests from the nations to you, 7And they’ll empty their swords out against you… Against all the beauty of your wisdom, Which they will spread to destruction.8‘Yes, they will soon cut you down, And you’ll die the death of those who [have drowned] In the heart of the sea.9‘Will you say you’re [a] god to those who bring death? No you’ll be just [a] man, not [a] god In the hands of those who will pierce you.10‘Then you’ll die among the uncircumcised At the hands of those who are strangers. For, this is what I’ve decreed,’ says Jehovah.’11And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:12‘O son of man,‘Sing this lament to the ruler of Tyre. Tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘Yours is the image on a seal That’s depicted as someone who’s wise And who’s wearing a beautiful crown.13‘The paradise of gods is the place where you dwell, And every precious gem, you have owned… Sardius, topaz, and emeralds; Onyx, sapphires, and jaspers; Silver, gold, amber, and agates; Chrysolites, amethysts, and beryls. Your treasuries are filled with onyx and gold, And it’s also found in your stores.14‘From the day that you were created, A cherub was chosen on your behalf, Since you were anointed by God. Then you were allowed to dwell in [His] Tent… For on God’s Holy Mountain, I set you, And among stones of fire, you existed… 15Yes, you lived in perfection from the day you began Until the time that I found you guilty.16‘From the abundance of your trade, your storerooms were filled, Then you became lawless and sinned. So, you were removed from the mountain of God, From among [those great] stones of fire, And your cherub was taken away.17‘Because of your beauty, your heart became proud… Sins corrupted your wisdom and beauty. So I tossed you down to the ground To be an example to [others].18‘Because of your many great sins And the ways you’ve failed in your trading, You have profaned all your temples. So I’m sending fire into your midst, Which will burn you and turn you to ashes… And this will be witnessed by all.19‘Then, all the nations will mourn over you, For you’ll be destroyed and lost throughout the age.’20Well thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:21‘O son of man,‘Now, fix your face against Sidon, And against it, you must now prophesy! 22Tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I am against you, O Sidon, And by you, I’ll be glorified; For you’ll know that I am Jehovah When I bring My judgments against you… And then, I’ll be holy among you.23‘Against you, I’ll send death and blood, And your people will fall in your squares, As the men among you, those closest to you, Will all be wounded by swords… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.24‘IsraEl’s house will be gone… Yes, that bitter barb and thorn of great grief. And all those who are living around them, Those who will bring dishonor to them, Will know that I am Jehovah.’25‘Jehovah says:‘Then I’ll regather the house of IsraEl From the nations where they’ll be dispersed, And I will be holy among them Before all the peoples and nations.‘Thereafter, they’ll live in the land That I gave to My servant Jacob. 26There they’ll plant vineyards and there they’ll build homes In which, they’ll dwell in hope everafter, When I bring My judgments upon all of those By whom they had been abused, All those who were living around them, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah their God, As well as the God of their fathers.’
1It was in the 10th year (on the 1st day of the 10th month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Fix your face against Egypt’s King And against those in his Great House… Against him and Egypt, you must now prophesy! 3Tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I am against you, O PharaOh, The great dragon who waits between rivers… The One who says, ‘The rivers are mine… Yes, they were created for me!’4‘Now, into your jaws, I’ll put hooks, And the fish from your rivers, I’ll stick to you wings. Then I’ll lift you up from their midst And I will remove all their scales 5Before I throw you down with your fish.‘On the face of the plains, I will toss you; Then, you’ll be collected and not be [thrown back]. There I’ll feed you to the beasts of the fields, As well as to the birds in the skies… 6Then, all those who are living in Egypt Will know that I am Jehovah.‘For to the house of IsraEl, you’ve proven to be Just a reed, not a rod, 7Since you broke when they grabbed onto you with their hands. Then, by every hand, they were beaten, Because they trusted in you… Yes, because you broke [in their hands], The nations have shattered their hips.8‘And because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘{Look!} I’ll bring the broadsword against you To destroy all your men and your cattle.9‘Then the land of Egypt, I will appoint To be wiped away and destroyed… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah. [I’ll do this], because you once said, ‘All the rivers are mine… They were created for me!’10‘{Look!} I’m against both you and your rivers; So, I will now hand over Egypt To be destroyed by the broadsword From Migdol on to SyEne, All the way to Ethiopia’s borders.11‘Neither man nor beast will then travel that way… No way will any even walk through it. And for the next 40 years, you’ll lie empty.12‘I’ll appoint your land to destruction, And the ground will lie fallow and barren. All of your cities will be empty… For 40 years, they’ll all be extinct. I’ll scatter the Egyptians among all the nations… To many places, I’ll [blow] them away.’13‘Jehovah says:‘Then, after 40 years, I’ll gather them back From the nations where they’d been dispersed; 14I’ll return all the captured Egyptians And settle them back in their lands, Those from which they were taken, And there, they must humbly submit.15‘But by then, her rule will have ended, And she’ll not be the highest of nations again. For I’ll cause them to be very few… Uncounted among other nations.16‘So you’ll never again serve as IsraEl’s hope, And they’ll be reminded that it had been wrong For them to have trusted in you… And they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’17Well, it was in the 27th year (on the 1st day of the 1st month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:18‘O son of man,‘Because of Tyre, King NebuChadNezzar Has reduced his army to slaves. For, all of their heads are now bald And their shoulders are covered with falling hair Because of his army’s attack against Tyre, And the work that they’ve done without pay.19‘So because of this,’ says Jehovah, ‘To Babylon’s King NebuChadNezzar, I will now hand over Egypt. Then, he will loot and plunder her spoils And give it to his army, as their reward.20‘Yes, in return for his work against Tyre, I’ll give the land of Egypt to him Because of the things he’s accomplished for Me,’ says Jehovah.21‘In that day, in the house of IsraEl, A horn will thereafter be raised, And I’ll give you an opened mouth in their midst, So they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘You must now prophesy and tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘The day is near… 3The Day of Jehovah has approached… Yes, that dark day of the Lord, Which is also the time of the nations! 4For a sword will come against Egypt, And Ethiopia will then be disturbed.‘Egyptians will be cut down and slain, And her abundance will be carried away… She’ll be ripped to her very foundations!5‘Lydians, Persians, and Cretans, Libyans, Ethiopians, and other mixed peoples Will fall with My Covenant people,’ 6says Jehovah. ‘For the supporters of Egypt will fall Along with the insolence of her strength.‘From Migdol to SyEne, they’ll fall by the sword 7And lie amidst places that will be wiped away, As the cities in her midst are destroyed.8‘Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah When I bring fire against Egypt, And I break all those who have helped her.9‘In that day, messengers will quickly arrive And destroy any hope Ethiopians had. For in that day, there’ll be a disturbance in Egypt… And look, it has already happened!’10‘Jehovah says:‘I’ll destroy many Egyptians By the hand of King NebuChadNezzar. 11For, he and all of his people, With pestilent ones from the nations, Are being sent to destroy that whole land!‘They’ll empty their swords against Egypt And fill its land with the slain! 12I’ll also desolate all their rivers And give their lands to the wicked.‘I’ll wipe their land clean and empty it out, Then I’ll give its fullness to strangers… For I’m Jehovah, and I have declared that it’s so!13‘Jehovah God says:‘Their disgusting things, I’ll destroy. And to the [gods] of Memphis, I’ll provide rest… For the rulers of Egypt won’t be anymore.14‘To the land of Egypt, I will send fear, And the land of Pathros, I will destroy. Then to [the city of] Tanis, I will bring fire, And I’ll punish The City of Gods.15‘I’ll pour My rage out on [the city of] Sin, Which is the stronghold of Egypt. And the crowds of Memphis, I’ll also destroy.16‘Upon Egypt, I will send fire, And to [the city of] Sin, I’ll send a disturbance. On The City of Gods, I will spit, And I’ll take away all their water.17‘The young men of the City of the Sun, And those who live in BuBastum Will also fall by the broadsword, And their women will be taken as slaves.18‘In TahPanHes, the days will grow dark When I break the chiefdoms of Egypt. Then the strength of her insolence will end And she will be covered by clouds, As her daughters are led off as captives. 19Yes, I have passed judgment on Egypt, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’20Well, it was in the 11th year (in the 1st month and on the 7th day of the month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:21‘O son of man,[‘Jehovah says:]‘I will break PharaOh’s ‘arm,’ {Look!} And for ways to heal him, they’ll search. Then, upon his wounds, they’ll wrap dressings In order to help him carry his sword.22‘But because of this,’ says Jehovah; ‘{Look!} Since I’m against Egypt’s Great House and King, I will break both of his ‘arms,’ Including the one that’s [already] been broken, And I’ll rip his sword from his hand. 23Then I’ll scatter the Egyptians among all the nations… To many places, I’ll blow them away!24‘But I’ll strengthen the ‘arms’ of Babylon’s king And I’ll put My sword in his hand. Then, he will use it on Egypt… He’ll loot her loot and take all her spoils.25‘I’ll strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king, And the arms of PharaOh will fall. Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah When I give My sword to Babylon’s king, And he lifts it against Egypt’s land.26‘I’ll scatter Egyptians among all the nations… To many places, I’ll blow them away… And they’ll know that I am Jehovah!’
1It was in the 11th year (on the 1st day of the 3rd month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Ask this of PharaOh (Egypt’s king) and his armies:‘When it comes to being high minded, Who else is equal to you?3‘{Look!} Assyria is like Lebanon’s cypress, Since it had many dense branches. It was also protected and stood very tall… Amidst the clouds, stood its top. 4By waters from the deep, it was nourished, And as a result, it grew mighty.‘To the plants around him, a river was led… She poured her waters on the trees in his fields, 5And because of this, he grew even greater Than all the other trees on the earth.‘He had more branches and much taller shoots, And over many waters, he stretched. 6Among his boughs sat the birds of the skies; Beneath his limbs bred the beasts of the plains; And many nations dwelled in his shadow.7‘He became great in his height Because of his tender branches, And his long roots that reached down to the water.8‘In the Paradise God, none others were like him… No pines could be compared to his shoots; No firs had branches like his; And there in God’s paradise, None others could be compared to his beauty.9‘I’m the one who made him so great And gave him all his tender branches. So the rest of the trees in My paradise Soon became jealous of him… Yes the rest of the trees in that garden, Which was the delight of [Jehovah].10‘But because of this,’ said the Lord… ‘Because he grew to such greatness And put his tops high in the clouds As he lifted his heart to the heights; 11I gave him to those who rule other nations, And they brought about his destruction.12‘By strangers, he was cut to the ground… Yes, pestilent ones from the nations Threw him down on the mountains, And in the ravines, fell his branches, As his [wood was strewn] ‘cross the plains.‘He had fallen from his lofty position As the protector of all of his people… All the nations cut him down to the ground.13‘So that one among which the birds of the skies Had once found places to rest And under whose branches the beasts had once lived, Has now been cut to the ground.14‘So the trees next to him lost their greatness, Those trees that stood by his water, And no longer put their tops in the clouds… Those with whom he once had shared water Couldn’t stand as tall after that.‘So they were all handed to death And went into the depths of the ground… Like sons of men, they went down to the pit.15‘And thus says Jehovah, the Lord:‘In that day, he went down to the place of the dead, And in the abyss, he was mourned.‘Then I took control of the river And withheld its abundance of water. Lebanon then shadowed above him, And all the trees of the plains became weak.16‘From the sound of his downfall, the nations all shook When I brought him down to the place of the dead, Along with those who went into the pit.‘And there in the bowels of the earth, All the earth’s trees offered comfort… All the select and best trees… Those choice ones of Lebanon that once shared his water.17‘But with him, they too went into the grave; For, they were also slain by the sword. And the offspring of those whom he sheltered Were destroyed in the middle of their lives.18‘So to whom can you liken such power, As well as the glory and greatness Among all the choicest of trees?‘He went down with the choicest of trees Into the depths of the ground, Where he sleeps among the uncircumcised; Among those who were slain by the sword… And this is what will happen to PharaOh, As well as to all his friends,’ said Jehovah.’
1It was in the 12th year (on the 1st day of the 12th month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Sing this lament over PharaOh, king of Egypt… Yes, you must sing this about him:‘You consider yourself a lion among nations, But you’re the dragon of the sea. For from the midst of your rivers, you have gored… You have stamped your feet and you’ve trampled, And this [has muddied] your waters. 3So Jehovah has said this to you:‘By a great assembly of peoples, Around you, My net will be thrown; And then, I’ll lead you around by My hook.4‘I will stretch you out on the ground, And you will fill all the plains. Upon you, I’ll set the birds of the skies And use you to fill the wild beasts of the ground.5‘I’ll spread your flesh on the mountains And fill the ravines with your blood. 6With your manure, I’ll cover the land… And with those who are living within you, I’ll fill the valleys and fields.7‘Then, after you have been depleted, I will cover the skies… Yes, I will darken the stars… With clouds, I will cover the sun and the moon, And no way will your light shine again.8‘Yes the lights that shine in the skies Will all become dark over you. Then, over your land, I’ll send darkness,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.9‘To the hearts of your people, I will bring rage, When before them, you’re led as a captive Into a land that you’ve never known.10‘Many nations, thereafter, will mourn you… Their kings will be stunned and amazed As they also await their own downfall, Which will come to them after that.’11‘Then the Lord Jehovah said:‘Yes the broadsword of Babylon’s king Will thereafter come upon them.12‘With the swords of giants, you will be cut down, And to the pests of the nations, I’ll give all your strength… They’ll destroy the insolence of Egypt, And they will break down your power.13‘Then I will destroy all the cattle [That graze] around your great waters, So thereafter, men’s feet won’t stomp in [the Nile], And it won’t be trampled by cattle again.14‘Then your waters will all become still, For your rivers will pour out like oil,’ says Jehovah. 15‘When I bring destruction on Egypt, The fullness of the land will be [gone]. And after I scatter [your people], They’ll know that I am Jehovah.16‘Then they’ll [sing] a lament over you… Over Egypt, the nations’ daughters will [cry]… Yes, the loss of her strength, they’ll lament,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.’17Well, it was in the 12th year (on the 15th day of the month) that the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:18‘O son of man,‘You should mourn for the multitudes of Egypt, For her daughters will be defiled by the nations, And there will be death throughout their whole land.‘Then they will go into the pit… 19From their beautiful waters, they will descend To sleep among the uncircumcised!20‘With [PharaOh] and his might, they will fall Among those who’ll be slain by the sword. 21And the ‘giants’ of the earth will then say:‘It’s best that you have gone into the pit, Along with the uncircumcised, To sleep in the midst of those slain by the sword!22‘For Assyria is there, along with his crowd, And around his grave, they’re all standing… All those who were cut down by swords… 23All those with whom he now shares his grave Along the sides of the pit, And all of the crowd surrounding his tomb… All of the slain that were cut down by swords… Those who had once brought great fear Throughout the land of the living.24‘And there is ElAm with his army… Around his tomb, they [are standing], Along with the uncircumcised That have been cut down by the sword. [They all went down] to the depths of the ground At the hands of those who once brought fear To the land of the living.25‘They accepted their torment with those in the pit… In the midst of those who’d been slaughtered. 26It’s where they put Mosoch and Tubal, Along with all of their strength.‘The slain are standing next to his tomb Along with the uncircumcised, All of those who had been killed with the sword… Those who had once brought great fear To the land of the living.27‘But, now they sleep with the giants That throughout the ages, have fallen… They went to the land of the dead With all their weapons of war.‘Their swords were placed under their heads, And their lawless deeds fell on their bones; For, they were just frightened giants Back when they were alive. 28But along with the uncircumcised, They have all been destroyed, And they sleep with the rest of those slain by the sword.29‘And there is Edem with all her kings, Along with Assyria’s rulers… Those who gave up their strength, And then, were run through by swords. They too now sleep with the slain That have gone down to the pit.30‘There are also the rulers from the far north – All of these, with Assyria’s generals – That have gone down with the slain And have also shared in their fear.’‘Yes, because their strength has been shamed, They will sleep with the uncircumcised. And along with the rest of those slain by the sword, They’ll carry their torment into the pit.31‘For the Lord Jehovah declared: This is where they’ll see Egypt’s King and Great House, And they will find comfort in this. For, PharaOh and his armies will also be slain.32‘For to his land, I am now sending fear; And he too will sleep with the uncircumcised And those that were slain by the sword… This will happen to PharaOh and all of his crowd,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Speak to the sons of your people And this is what you should tell them:‘To whichever land that I bring the sword; The people of that country should then choose a man And assign him to act as their watchman. 3Then, when he sees the sword coming, He should blow his trumpet to warn them.4‘And after they hear the sound of the horn; If they should refuse to prepare And the broadsword then overtakes them, Their blood will be upon their own heads.5‘So when they hear the sound of the trumpet, They should [quickly] prepare, Or their blood will be upon their own heads, While the one who kept watch on their souls will be saved.6‘But, if the watchman should see the sword coming And fail to trumpet the signal So the people are caught unprepared; This watchman must then be taken away Because of the lawless [thing that he did]… And I’ll require his blood by their hands.’7‘And you, O son of man,‘You’re the watchman whom I have appointed Over the house of IsraEl. So whenever you hear a word from my mouth, You must announce it on my behalf.8‘Then, should I say that a sinner will die, And you fail to speak out and warn him; For this lawless deed, you will die… I’ll require his blood from your hands.9‘But, if you should warn an irreverent man And tell him to turn from [his bad] ways… If he refuses to make any change; For the bad things he’s done, he will die… But, you will have saved your own life.10‘Now, O son of man,‘Say this to the house of IsraEl… Tell them that they have been asking:‘Since we are the ones who’re to blame For our delusions and our lawless ways; If we should turn from them now, Can our lives still be spared?’11‘You should speak to them and give this reply… Tell them that Jehovah said this:‘As I live… I don’t want the death of the godless, [I just want them] to turn from their evil ways So that they can continue to live! But first, you must turn away From all the bad things that you’re doing… O house of IsraEl, why must you die?’12‘And you, O son of man,‘Say this to the sons of your people:‘The good things that the righteous have done Won’t save them in the day that they turn away. And the blame that the lawless are due Won’t come to them in the day That they turn from their godless ways. And no way will the righteous be saved In the day that they are found sinning.13‘So, when I say that the righteous will live, And they come to rely upon this… But thereafter, they [do what is] evil; Their righteous ways will be forgotten… For the sins they commit, they will die!14‘And when I say that the godless will die, And then they turn from their sins And start being righteous and fair… 15If they give back the collateral they’ve taken, And return all the things that they’ve seized… If they’ll travel an orderly life And no longer [follow] wrong [paths]; They will continue to live…‘No way will they have to die… 16Their sins will all be forgotten… For making their ways righteous and fair, Their lives will thereafter be spared!17‘But if the sons of your people should say, ‘The ways of Jehovah aren’t right,’ When it’s really their ways that aren’t right; This is what you should tell them:18‘If the righteous should turn from right ways And start doing things that are lawless, They will die [for their sins]. 19But, if you turn back a sinner, And he becomes fair and righteous, he’ll live!’20‘So, although the House of IsraEl is saying That the ways of Jehovah aren’t straight, I will judge each man by the things that he does!’21It was in the 12th year (on the 5th day of the 10th month from our captivity) that someone who had escaped from JeruSalem came and told me that the city had been taken. 22Then the hand of Jehovah came over me that evening.However, before that [escapee came with the news], earlier in the morning, [the Word] came and opened my mouth so that my mouth couldn’t stay closed any longer. 23For the Word of Jehovah came to me and said this:24‘O son of man,‘Those who live in the places that are being destroyed In the land of IsraEl, are saying:‘Back in AbraHam’s time, He was given this land; And now that we’ve become many, We’ve also been given this land as our own!’25‘Because of this, tell them that thus says Jehovah, their Lord:‘Since you eat blood in your food, And to disgusting things, lift your eyes, And you shed [innocent] blood; Why do you think you’ll inherit this land?26‘For, there you stand with your broadswords As you’re doing things that are loathsome! If you profane the souls of your neighbors’ wives… Do you think that you will inherit this land?27‘So, tell them that the Lord Jehovah says this:As I live; Those who live in the places that are being destroyed Will all be cut down by the broadsword. And those who run out to the plains Will be given as food to wild beasts. While those who hide behind walls and in caves Will thereafter die from a plague!28‘Then I’ll turn their land into a desert, And the strength of their insolence will perish. I’ll devastate IsraEl’s mountains So that none will pass through them again.29‘Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah When I turn their land into a desert For the disgusting things that they’ve done.30‘O son of man,‘The sons of your people are talking about you Along the walls and in the gatehouses, As well as inside of their homes. Each one is saying this to his brother:‘We should all gather and listen To what Jehovah has planned!’31‘So, after they all come to see you And they sit down before you To hear the things that you’ll say; There’s no way that they’ll do [what you tell them]! For the lie is still in their mouths, And they follow the disgusting ways of their hearts.32‘So, if you should be the sound of a harp, A sound that is sweet and well-tuned, They’ll listen to your words, but not do them! 33But after it’s done, they’ll admit: ‘Look… It has all come to pass!’ ‘And they’ll know that there’s been a Prophet among them.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Against the ‘shepherds’ of IsraEl You must now prophesy! Tell them that thus says Jehovah, the Lord:‘O ‘shepherds’ of IsraEl! You have been feeding yourselves When you should have been feeding My ‘sheep!’3‘{Look!} You have drunk all their ‘milk,’ And you’ve wrapped yourselves in their ‘wool’… You have slaughtered the best of My ‘sheep’ And you’ve failed to ‘graze’ [all the rest].4‘You haven’t strengthened the weak, And those that are ill, you’ve not treated; Those with broken [bones], you’ve not wrapped, And the strayed, you have failed to return. No, you haven’t searched for the lost, And for the strong, all you do is make trouble.5‘So now, My ‘sheep’ have been scattered Because they don’t have any shepherds. 6They’re being consumed by wild beasts in the fields, Since they’re scattered upon every mountain and hill… They’re scattered across the face of the land, And no one has searched to make them turn back!7‘Because of this, O you ‘shepherds;’ Hear the Word of Jehovah!8‘As I live,’ says Jehovah, the Lord; Instead of My ‘sheep’ being plundered And being eaten by beasts in the plains… Yes, because there aren’t any shepherds, Shepherds who will search for My sheep... And because the shepherds have grazed on My sheep While they’ve failed to provide them with grass...9‘Because of this, O you ‘shepherds,’ Hear the Word of Jehovah! 10For the Lord Jehovah says this:‘Look, I’m against all the ‘shepherds!’ So I’ll take My ‘sheep’ out of their hands… Yes from tending My ‘sheep,’ they’ll be fired, And the shepherds won’t graze upon them again. I’ll rescue My ‘sheep’ from their mouths… They’ll no longer be something to eat!11‘The Lord Jehovah also said this:‘{Look!} I will search for My ‘sheep,’ And I will come visit with them. 12Like a shepherd that looks for his flocks On dark cloudy days when they’ve strayed… Yes, that’s how I’ll search for My ‘sheep.’‘I’ll drive them back from where they were [lost] On that dark, cloudy day. 13I’ll lead them out of the nations… From many regions, I’ll gather them back And return them to their own land, Where on IsraEl’s mountains, I’ll ‘graze’ them… In the valleys and homes of their country.14‘I’ll provide good pastures for them, And on IsraEl’s mountains, they’ll ‘graze.’ For there, they will find a safe haven… A place where they can sleep and find rest In good and plentiful pastures Upon the mountains of IsraEl.15‘Yes I’ll graze My ‘sheep’ and bring them some rest, Says Jehovah, the Lord. 16‘I’ll search for the lost and the strayed, And I’ll bring back the ones who are broken. I will bind and strengthen those who are weak, And I’ll also watch over the strong… I’ll allow each one to ‘graze’ his fair share.17‘Then, from among you, My ‘sheep,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord, ‘{Look!} I’ll separate the ‘sheep’ from the ‘sheep’ And the ‘rams’ from the ‘goats’.18‘Were the ‘pastures’ you fed from so poor That you trampled on them with your feet? And weren’t there enough places to drink That you stomped and muddied the waters?19‘Yes, My ‘sheep’ have trampled their food with their feet, And muddied the waters they drank from. 20So because of this,’ says Jehovah, the Lord; ‘{Look!} I’ll separate the strong from the weak.21‘For you pushed them away with your shoulders and sides, And the weak, you have gored with your ‘horns’… You squeezed them out and pushed them aside!22‘So, I will rescue My ‘sheep,’ And no more will they serve as [your] plunder; For between ‘ram’ and ‘ram,’ I will judge.23‘I will raise a ‘shepherd’ for them, And My servant ‘David’ will tend them… He’ll be a ‘shepherd’ who cares about them. 24Then, I, Jehovah, will be their God, And My servant ‘David’ will rule in their midst… Yes, I, Jehovah, have spoken.25‘Among them, I’ll make an Agreement of peace, And I’ll wipe the fierce ‘beasts’ from their land. Then, they will dwell in the deserts, And in the forests, they’ll sleep.26‘Around My Mountain, they will be spread, And I’ll give them rain when it’s due… It will be a rain of great blessings.27‘The trees in the plains will then yield their fruit; The ground will yield all her strength; And in the hope of peace, they’ll dwell in their land.‘Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah, When I break the chains of their yoke And save them from those who are making them slaves.28‘By the nations, they’ll not be plundered again, Nor will they be eaten by ‘beasts.’ They will then dwell in hope, And no one will make them afraid!29‘For them, I’ll raise plants of peace, And they won’t be hungry or starving again, Nor will they be scorned by the nations. 30Then they’ll know that I am Jehovah their God, And that I will always be with them.‘For, you are My people, O house of IsraEl,‘ Says Jehovah, the Lord. 31‘You are the sheep of My pasture And I am Jehovah your God,’ Says the Jehovah, the Lord.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Now, turn your face towards [Edom’s] Mount SeIr And against it, you must prophesy! 3Tell them that thus says Jehovah the Lord:‘Look! I’m against you, Mount SeIr! So I’ll stretch My hand out against you And make you a wasteland and desert. 4Your cities will be desolate places; I’ll turn you into a desert; And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.5‘For, throughout the age, you’ve been a resister And an enemy to the house of IsraEl… Then to opponents with swords, you gave them, When they were being unrighteous.6‘So because of this… As I live,’ says Jehovah! ‘For the blood of these men, I’ll pursue you… For the blood you detested, I’ll chase you down!7‘Now Mount SeIr has been appointed by Me To become a desolate desert. Its men and beasts, I’ll destroy… 8Its hills and valleys, I’ll fill with your slain… Yes, those who’ll be killed by the broadsword Will fall into your fields and ravines.9‘I’ll assign you to waste throughout the age, And all your cities, I’ll empty… Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah.10‘For you said:‘His nation is mine, And I will inherit [His land]… Yes, I’ll own the place of Jehovah their God!’11‘So, as I live,’ says Jehovah; ‘I’ll treat you with the hate that you’ve hated! And about what you did because you were jealous, I’ll [remember] when I [come there and] judge you… 12Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah.‘I’ve heard this blasphemous thing that you said:‘The mountains in the deserts of IsraEl Have been given to us as our food.’13‘Then your mouths spoke great words against Me… Yes, against Me, you shouted, And I’ve heard every word that you said!’14‘As a result, Jehovah said this:‘To the great joy of [those in] this land, I’ll turn you into a desert! 15And as you were glad to inherit And wipe the house of IsraEl away; That’s what I’ll be doing to you, O Mount SeIr… I’ll turn you into a desert, And completely destroy Edom’s house… Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah The God!’
1‘O son of man,‘Against the mountains of IsraEl You must now testify. You must tell IsraEl’s mountains To hear the Word of Jehovah… 2For the Lord Jehovah has spoken.‘Since the enemy has said this against you:‘Well done! Because these desolate places Have now become ours throughout the ages!’3About this you must prophesy… Tell them that thus says Jehovah the Lord:‘As you were dishonored and detested By those who lived roundabout you, Those who wanted the nations to take you… Those who said bad things about you... And that made you the butt of their scorn…’4‘Because of this, O IsraEl’s mountains, Hear what Jehovah has said!‘Jehovah says this to your mountains and hills And to your desolate rivers and valleys:Although your cities are all abandoned and gone, Yes, looted and trampled by the nations roundabout… 5Because of this,’ says Jehovah: ‘In the fire of My rage, I have spoken Against all of them who remain… Yes, against all of Edom I’ve spoken, For they happily took My land as their own… They destroyed, dishonored, and looted My people.6‘So concerning IsraEl, you must prophesy; Say to her mountains and valleys, And to her hills and her forests That thus says Jehovah, the Lord:‘{Look!} In My rage and zeal, I have now condemned All of those nations that scorned you. 7And because they did this to you,’ says Jehovah, ‘I will raise My hand against all those nations, Yes, those who live roundabout you, And they will now bear your dishonor.8‘But upon your mountains, O IsraEl, My people will eat the fruit of their vines; For they’ll live in the hope of returning.9‘{Look} And because I’m for you, I’ll watch over you, Then your [land] will be planted and worked once again. 10Among you, I’ll multiply men To the ends of IsraEl’s [borders]; Your cities will all be lived in again, And the places they destroyed will all be rebuilt.11‘Among you, I’ll multiply cattle and men, Yes, they will increase and grow many... I’ll settle you as you were long ago, And do good for you as I’ve done in the past… Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah.12‘And those who’ve stood against IsraEl, My people, Will also have many children, But, they will become your possessions… Yes, they will be owned by you, And they’ll not leave you childless again.13‘And about those nations, Jehovah said this:‘Many men have come and consumed you, So your people no longer have children! 14But you’ll not be consumed by men anymore, And your nation will never be childless again,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.15‘And never again will you hear The gentiles showing dishonor to you… No you won’t bear their scorn anymore, Nor will your nation be childless again,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.’16Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:17‘O son of man,‘Although the house of IsraEl has lived in this land, They’ve defiled it in this bad way: By their uncleanness with women Who were living apart as unclean.‘This is how they’ve acted before me, 18So, upon them, I’ve poured out my rage For all the blood that they’ve spilled, And for the disgusting things that they’ve done.19‘So among the nations, I’ve scattered them all… To many places, I [blew] them away. I judged them each by the things that they did And according to the sins they’ve committed.20‘Then they entered the nations where they had been sent, And there they profaned God’s Holy Name. For the nations that lived there were saying:‘Although these people belong to Jehovah, He has driven them out of their land!’21‘So, for the sake of [God’s] Name, Which the house of IsraEl profaned, I spared them in all the [lands] where they went.22‘And because of this, Tell the house of IsraEl that thus says Jehovah:‘O house of IsraEl,‘I won’t take action for your sakes, But rather, for the sake of My Holy Name, Which you’ve profaned among all the nations Wherever you have been sent.23‘I will make My Name holy again, Which is being profaned among gentiles, The Name that you profaned in their midst… Then those nations will know that I am Jehovah,’ Says Jehovah the Lord, ‘When before their eyes, I’m made holy among you.24‘For I’ll take you away from those nations And gather you back from those [countries], Then bring you back to your land.25‘I’ll pour clean water upon you, And from your filth, you’ll be cleansed. I’ll also cleanse you of idols, 26And then I will give you new hearts.‘Indeed, I will give you new spirits, And remove your hearts made of stone, Then change them into hearts made of flesh.27‘Within you, I will then put My Spirit, Which will cause you to follow My rules. And thereafter, you’ll obey My decisions… Yes, you will observe every one!28‘Then you’ll live on the land that I gave to your fathers… You’ll be My people and I’ll be your God. 29I’ll save you from your uncleanness; I’ll send you much grain… And then even more, And I won’t send famine among you again.30‘I’ll multiply the fruit on your trees, As well as the crops in your fields; So the scorn of famine, you’ll not have to bear Among the nations again.31‘Then you’ll think about all the bad things you’ve done And the wicked ways that you’ve lived, And you’ll loathe those things that you’ve practiced And the disgusting things that you did.32‘But I won’t do this on your behalf,’ Says Jehovah the Lord, ‘But rather, in order to remind you That you should be ashamed and remorseful For the many bad deeds that you practiced!33‘Then the Lord Jehovah said:‘In the day that I cleanse you from your lawless deeds, I’ll resettle you in your own cities And rebuild your desolate places.34‘Your desolate land will be worked once again, And the reasons why it was destroyed Will be forgotten by all that pass by.35‘Then they’ll say that this land, which once was destroyed Has become a luxurious garden. And the towns that were wiped away and destroyed Yes, those that had been razed to the ground, Will again be fortified cities.36‘And then, the nations around you, Yes, those who remain at that time, Will know I’m the One who rebuilt them, Yes, those cities that had once been demolished… I’m the One who replanted those places That I had once wiped away… Yes, when I speak, I’ll take action!’37‘And the Lord Jehovah said:Then the house of IsraEl will seek Me [And ask Me to] deal with them once again. So, just like sheep, yes, holy sheep, I’ll multiply men like JeruSalem’s flocks During her holiday feasts.38‘Then, all of her desolate cities Will be filled with the ‘sheep’ among men… And they’ll know that I am Jehovah.’
1Then the hand of the Lord came upon me and led me by the Breath of Jehovah into a field that was filled with human bones… 2He led me around them in a circle, and look; there were huge numbers [of bones] lying there in the field.3Then he said to me:‘O son of man,‘Will these bones ever come back to life?’And I replied:‘O Lord; only you know the answer to such things!’4Then He told me to prophesy over the bones and say this:‘O dry bones!‘Hear the Word of Jehovah!5‘For the Lord Jehovah says to these bones:‘{Look!} The breath of life, I will [blow] into you, 6Then upon you, I will lay nerves, And over that, I’ll put flesh. Then I will stretch skin over you, And I’ll [breathe] My Breath into you So that you will then come to life… And you’ll know that I am Jehovah.’7Therefore, I started prophesying just as he had instructed me... And at the sound of my prophesying, {Look!} a great shaking occurred that joined those bones, bone against joint!8And as I was watching, I saw nerves and flesh [starting to grow]; and then [I saw] the skin growing over them. However, there still wasn’t any breath in the bodies.9Then he said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now prophesy over the wind… Tell the wind that thus says Jehovah the Lord:From the four winds, send them breath… Blow into these dead ones and make them alive!’10So I prophesied to the extent that he allowed me to do, and the wind entered them and they came to life… They stood up on their feet [and formed] a great crowd!11And the Lord spoke to me and said:‘O son of man,‘These bones are the house of IsraEl; For they say these dry bones are just like their bones, Since their hope was destroyed and they’ve perished.12‘So, you must now prophesy, And tell them that thus says Jehovah their Lord:‘{Look!} I’ll open your tombs and then lead you out… To IsraEl’s land, I’ll return you. 13Then you’ll know that I am Jehovah, When I lead you out of your graves.‘And, O my people… When I bring you up from your graves, 14I’ll Breathe upon you and bring you to life. Then I’ll lead you back to your land, And you’ll know that I am Jehovah… That I spoke and then I took action,’ says Jehovah!’15And the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:16‘And you, O son of man,‘Now, take a stick for yourself, And write upon it, these words:‘Judah and the sons of IsraEl.’‘Do this for those who’ll be sitting before you. Then, take a second stick for yourself, And write this before all those sitting there:‘JoSeph, Ephraim’s rod.’17‘You must then hold these sticks together, And they will be bonded as one. So, carry them out in your hands, 18And ask the sons of your people What they think that this signifies.19‘Then, tell them that thus says Jehovah, [their] God:‘{Look!} Through Ephraim’s hand, I’ll take JoSeph’s tribe And the tribes of IsraEl that are living next door; Then to the tribe of Judah, I’ll give them So that they will become just one stick… In the hands of Judah, they’ll all become one.’20‘Then, take the two sticks upon which you wrote And hold them towards them in your hands, 21And tell them that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} I’ll gather the house of IsraEl From the midst of those nations where they have been sent… I’ll gather them from the nations roundabout And return them to IsraEl’s land.22‘Yes, I will make them one nation again In My land among IsraEl’s hills, With one ruler who’ll be the king over all.‘They’ll be separate nations no longer… They won’t be a kingdom divided, 23And by idols, they won’t be defiled, Nor by their irreverence and failures.‘From their lawless ways, I will save them, Yes, from all those ways in which they have sinned, And thereafter, I will make them holy, So they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.24‘My servant ‘David,’ will rule in their midst, And there’ll be one ‘shepherd’ for all. They will follow My orders… They’ll know My decisions and do them!25‘Then, they will live in the land That I gave to My servant Jacob… In this place where their fathers once settled.‘And throughout the age, both they and their sons Will all be living together, And be ruled by My servant ‘David.’26‘With them, I will make an Agreement of peace… An Agreement [that will last] throughout the ages. I’ll resettle and multiply them, And throughout the ages thereafter, I’ll place My holy things in their midst.27‘I’ll put My shelter among them; Then they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God. 28And the nations will know that I am Jehovah When My holy things are found there again And I have declared them all holy.’
1Then the Word of Jehovah came to me and said:2‘O son of man,‘Against Gog and the land of Magog, The ruler of Mosoch, Tubal, and Ros, You must now set your face, And against him, prophesy this! 3Tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} You ruler of Mosoch, Tubal, and Ros; Because I’m the One whom you have opposed; 4I’ll be putting a bridle into your jaws, And thereafter, I will lead you around.‘I’ll gather you and your army, And all your horses and horsemen… Yes, all [your men] wearing chest plates, And bearing shields, helmets, and swords… 5Persians, Ethiopians, and Libyans, All those people with their helmets and shields… 6Gomer and all those around him… The house of TogarMah from the far north As well as those dwelling around him… Yes, all those nations that partner with you!7‘So [it’s time] for you to prepare… Yes, you should get yourselves read, You and those who have gathered with you; For, you will serve as [their leader].8‘Then, after many days, you’ll be ready; And towards the end of the years, You will come to this land With the swords that you have collected From among all the nations. Then, to the land of IsraEl, you’ll come… To a land that once was demolished.‘For by then, they’ll all have returned, And together, they’ll be living in peace. 9Then upon them, you’ll pour down like rain, And like clouds, you will cover their land. Yes, you’ll arrive with all those around you… The many nations that will join with you then.10‘Then the Lord Jehovah said:‘In that day, [bad] things will enter your heart… You’ll make wicked plans and you’ll say:11‘Against this land, I’ll arise, The land that once was rejected, I’ll come upon those who are resting And who are living in peace… Those in a land without walls And with no locks on their doors, 12In order to plunder and loot… To despoil and to take many spoils, And to turn my hand towards this place... This place, which was once desolation, And is now resettled by a nation That returned from among many nations... For now they have many possessions, And they dwell within the earth’s navel.’13‘Then SheBa, DeDan, and the merchants of Carthage, And those in their towns will be shouting That they have come to plunder and loot, And to take all they own as their spoils. They’ll gather to take all the silver And to carry off all of the gold… To take it all as their loot.’14‘Therefore, O son of man, Now, you must prophesy this… Tell Gog that thus says Jehovah:‘Against IsraEl, My people, you’ll come in that day… Against those who have settled in peace. 15You’ll come from your place in the north And bring along many nations… Horsemen all riding horses… A huge crowd and a great army.16‘Against IsraEl, My people, you’ll come Like a cloud that covers the land… In the last days, this is what you will do.‘Against My land, I will lead you, And then, all the nations will know Me When before them, I am made holy through you.’17‘Then Lord Jehovah said:‘You’re the Gog of whom I spoke long ago By the hands of My servants the Prophets Yes, the Prophets in past days and years, In order to lead you against them.18‘And it will be in that day,’ In whichever day that Gog will attack, Says Jehovah, the Lord, ‘That I will arise in My anger 19And I’ll speak in the fiery zeal of My rage.‘Surely, it’ll be in that day, From IsraEl, a shaking will come, 20And before My face, all will tremble… The fish of the seas, the birds in the skies, All the wild beasts in the fields, As well as the things that crawl on the ground, And all men on the face of the earth; For, mountains will rip into valleys, And all walls on the earth will then fall.21‘All sorts of fear, I will send upon them, And against their own brothers, I’ll turn each man’s sword. 22Then I’ll bring My judgments against them With plague, blood, rain, and great hailstones.‘Fire and sulfur, I’ll rain upon him, And upon all those who’ve come with him… Upon all the nations that joined him.23‘Then, I’ll be made holy and magnified… I’ll be known and glorified among all the nations, And they’ll know that I am Jehovah!’
1‘O son of man,‘Against Gog, you must prophesy this … Tell him that thus says Jehovah the Lord:‘{Look!} I am against you, O Gog, Ruler of Mosoch, Tubal, and Ros! 2I’ll collect you and then lead you down… I’ll haul you down from the far north, And to the mountains of IsraEl, I’ll lead you.3‘Then I’ll break the bow in your left hand, And the arrows that you hold in your right. 4On IsraEl’s hills, I’ll then throw you down… And you and those who come with you will fall.‘Then, all the nations that joined you Will be given to flocks of winged creatures… To all the birds in the skies And to all the wild beasts in the plains… I’ll give you to them as their food.5‘On the face of the plains you will fall… Yes, this is what I’ve declared,’ says Jehovah.6‘I’ll also throw fire down Magog, And the islands will then live in peace. For they’ll know that I am Jehovah… 7And My Holy Name will also be known Among those in IsraEl, My people.‘No more will My Name be profaned. For the nations will know that I am Jehovah… I am IsraEl’s Most Holy One.8‘Look, it’s coming… It will surely take place, Says Jehovah, the Lord! And this is the day that I said it!9‘Then those who live in IsraEl’s cities Will thereafter light fires with their weapons, Yes, all their small shields and spears; All their bows and their arrows; All the lances and sticks in their hands… For the next 7 years, They will be used to light fires.10‘No they won’t cut shrubs in the plains, Nor chop trees in the woods for their fires… They will just be using those weapons. For they’ll loot all those who once looted them And despoil all those who despoiled them,’ says Jehovah.11‘And in that day; I will make Gog a place of renown… A remembrance in IsraEl’s graveyards For those who come here by sea. They’ll bury Gog and his hordes in a valley, And call it, ‘The Graveyard of Gog.’12‘By IsraEl’s house, they’ll be buried… For 7 months, they will clean up the land. 13They’ll be buried by the people who live in the land, And among them, that place will be famous, As will be the day when I’m glorified,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.14‘Then they will give orders to the people To bury [all of the bodies] That are lying upon the face of the ground.‘For 7 months, they will search, 15And when those going there find a man’s bones; Next to them, they’ll put up a sign For those in charge of digging the graves Within the Graveyard of Gog. 16For, Graveyard will be the name of that town, And it will be cleansed from the land.17‘And you, O son of man,’ Said Jehovah, the Lord, ‘Must speak to all the winged creatures, And to the wild beasts of the plains. You must tell them to gather and come… They must gather there from all places [To consume] this great sacrifice That I will offer to them… A great sacrifice on IsraEl’s hills.‘Come eat all the meat and drink all the blood! 18For the meat of giants, you will consume, And you’ll drink the blood of earth’s kings.‘Then all the rams, calves, and goats will grow fat, 19Since they will eat fat ‘til they’re full And they will drink blood ‘til they’re drunk From this sacrifice that I’m giving to them.20‘They will be filled from My table That is covered with horses and horsemen, As well as with warriors and giants,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.21‘Then I’ll put My glory among them, And the nations will see all My judgments… The things that I’ll do with My hand, And the things that I have brought upon them.22‘And then every day after that, The house of IsraEl will learn That I am Jehovah their God. 23Also, all the nations will know That I let them take their houses away Because of IsraEl’s sins… Because they’d annulled their Agreement with Me.‘Yes, this is the reason why I turned My face And gave them into their enemies’ hands… To let them be cut down by swords. 24It’s because of all their uncleanness And because they had broken [My] Laws That I turned My face and did this to them.25‘Yet, after that,’ says Jehovah the Lord, ‘I’ll return all the captives of Jacob, And to the house of IsraEl, I’ll show My mercy… I’ll also show them My zeal for My Name!26‘In peace, I’ll bring them back to their land, And they will accept their dishonor For the unrighteous things that they’ve done.‘Then, no one will make them afraid anymore 27When I bring them back from the nations. And then, before all those nations, I will be holy among them.28‘For then, all the nations will know That I am Jehovah their God… When they see that I am among them.‘Yes, I’ll gather them back to their land And never leave them again… 29From them, I’ll not turn My face, For I will have [ended] My rage,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.’
1It was in the 25th year of our captivity, in the 1st month and on the 10th [day] of the month (14 years after the city had been captured) that the hand of Jehovah came upon me 2and I was led back into the land of IsraEl in a vision from God.There he put me on a very high mountain, where there was a city that was being built right in front of me. 3So He took me [into the city], and I saw a man who looked like shining brass carrying a builder’s string in his hand and a measuring reed.Then he laid them down in front of the city gate, 4and the man said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now, look with your eyes and behold…
Listen with your ears and pay close attention,
Then prepare your heart for the things that you’ll see,
Since this is why you were brought here.‘And all the things that you’ll see
Have to do with the house of IsraEl.’5Well, {Look!} there was this outer wall that went all the way around the city. And in the man’s hand was a reed that measured 6 cubits (the length of each was a forearm and a palm). Then he measured the area around the wall, and he found that its width was the same as its height [as measured] by the reed.6Thereafter, he went to the gate that could be seen in the east and measured it’s [threshold]… Which was about the same depth as the length of the reed.
[Message from the editor: This part of Ezekiel is a vision containing a highly detailed measurements of a new Temple to Jehovah. However, for the time being, we’ve decided against translating 40:7 through to 42:13. Why? Many of the meanings of the descriptions in Alexandrian Greek have been lost. The Hebrew text has much the same problem. The truth is that translators do not completely agree on the meanings of these descriptions, and even the measurements vary between manuscripts.Here’s an example of the problem. Below is a word-for-word rendering of 40:7-10 (from Greek) into English. Can you make sense of it?‘And the breadth of the higher of the sides was according to the appendage protruding out of the wall, to the higher one round about the house, so as to flatten out wider above; so that from out of the parts below they should ascend unto the upper rooms, and from out of the middles unto the 3rd stories. And the thraels(?) of the house height round about was a space of the sides equal to the reed cubits of 6 intervals. And the breadth of the wall of the side from outside cubits 5; and the spaces left over between the sides of the house. And between the inner chambers a breadth cubits of 20, the circumference of the house round about.’Correctly understanding these words and translating them would be difficult at best, and the results would always be questionable. So, although other translations translate it anyway, we would rather write nothing than make wild guesses about the true meanings of entire passages – as the reader could be seriously misled!If you’d like to see the words in an interlinear translation, see the Apostolic Bible. You can read one attempt at translating it in Brenton’s Septuagint. But for the time being, we’re leaving this part out of our translation.]
13And he said to me:‘The inner chambers facing the north
And the inner chambers facing the south,
Those in front of the spaces...
Are the Holy-Place rooms where the Priests will eat…
And it’s where they will come to Jehovah
With the holiest of all holy things.‘There, they must carry the holiest things
– Sin offerings and the holiest things –
As well as their offerings for errors;
For, this is a most holy place.14‘No one may enter [this place] but the Priests,
And from the Holy Place, they can’t leave
To go to the outer courtyard,
So that those who are leading will always be clean.
Nor may people touch the garments they wear,
For they are also most holy.
So when touching the people, they must wear other clothes.’15Now, after he had finished measuring the inside of the Temple, he led me outside along the path to the gate that faces east, where he then measured the area that surrounded the Temple.16• He stood facing the east with his back to the gate, and he measured 500 cubits in reed lengths.17• Then he turned towards the north and measured northward 500 cubits in reed lengths.18• Then he turned towards the west and measured westward 500 cubits in reed lengths.19• And he turned towards the south and measured southward 500 cubits in reed lengths.20So he established the [size of] the perimeter [around the Temple] as being 500 cubits towards the east and 500 cubits roundabout, which is to serve as the separation between the Holy Place and its outer walls.
1Then he took me to the east gate to lead me out. 2But then {Look!} the glory of the God of IsraEl appeared, coming along the road from the east, and around me there were many voices that were chanting, while the ground all around me was bright and glorious.3And after that, I had a vision that was like the vision that I had when I first entered the city to anoint it… I saw a [celestial] chariot like the one that I saw at the Chobar river. So I fell with my face [to the] ground.4Then the glory of Jehovah entered the Temple by way of the east gate, 5and [God’s] Breath picked me up and carried me into the inner courtyard, as {Look!} the glory of Jehovah filled the Temple.6Well, as I was standing there watching, a voice started speaking to me from the Temple… And then I saw a person standing next to me, 7who said:‘O son of man,‘Now you can see the place of His throne As well as the tracks of His feet. This is the place where His Name will encamp In the house of IsraEl throughout the ages.‘But, IsraEl will no longer profane His Name As they did when they and their rulers went whoring And murdered the leaders among them.8‘They won’t build their thresholds next to His threshold Nor set their doors by His doors As they did when they claimed that His wall Was the thing that bound them to Him… Or when they profaned His Most Holy Name By the lawless things that they did. For, this is what brought His rage upon them When He wiped them away in great carnage.9‘Now, they must reject all their whoring And the murders of those who would lead them to Him! Then, throughout the ages, He’ll camp in their midst.10‘And you, O son of man, Must give this description to IsraEl’s house, So they’ll be able to see it And understand its [dimensions]. 11For, they must turn from their sins And accept the punishment [they’re due] For all of the [bad] things that they’ve done.‘You must draw out the plans for this Temple And show them how it must be built… Show them its entrances and exits, As well as how its foundations are set.‘Then, speak of its orders and laws, And explain to them all its rules. You must draw out the plans there before them, Then they must keep [God’s] commandments And they must follow His laws!12‘Describe the Temple on top of the mount, And set limits for the Holy of Holies… For, these are the rules for His Temple.13‘And these are the measurements for the Altar:‘Its width is 2 cubits and a palm… Its recess is to be 2 cubits deep, And the molding that goes ‘round its lip Must be 1 forearm wide.‘The height of the Altar 14from the bottom of its hollow Up to the [top of its edge], Must stand 2 cubits high, And its width is to be just 1 forearm. From the small to the large, is 4 cubits, And it must be 1 forearm wide.15‘The hearth of the Altar is 4 cubits deep, And from the hearth to the horns, is just 1. 16The hearth is to measure 12 cubits [square], And it must [be built with] four corners.17‘Its ledge must be 14 by 14, And the molding around it, half a forearm. Its encircling base is a forearm across, And its steps must face towards the east.’18Then he said to me:‘O son of man,‘Jehovah [your] God now says this:‘These are My orders for the Altar In the day that it will be made To sacrifice whole burnt-offerings, And to pour the blood out upon it.19‘Appoint Levite Priests from the offspring of ZaDok, And only they may approach Me,’ Says Jehovah, [your] God. ‘Then, before they can come before Me to serve, [They must sacrifice] a calf from the oxen As an offering [to cover] their sins.20‘They must then take some of its blood And place it on the Altar’s four horns, Upon the four corners of its ledge, And upon its base roundabout To cleanse it and [to make it holy].21‘They must choose a calf as an offering for sins And burn it in the place that is set apart… Somewhere outside of this [most holy place].22‘And then, on the very next day, They must choose a perfect kid from the goats To serve as an offering for sins, Then [use it to] cleanse the Altar once more, As they had done with the calf.23‘And after [this cleansing] is done, They must choose a perfect calf from the oxen And a perfect ram from the sheep; 24Then, offer them there to Jehovah, And they must add salt when they’re sacrificed As [holy] burnt offerings to the Lord.25‘And for 7 days, they must offer a kid So as to pay for [their] sins, As well as a calf from the oxen each day, Plus a perfect ram from the sheep.26‘[They must offer them] all 7 days To atone for the Altar and cleanse it, And [to empower] the hands [of the Priests].27‘Then, after these days are completed; On the 8th day, the Priests must then place The whole-burnt-offerings on the Altar Along with the offerings for their salvation… And only then may they enter the Temple,’ Says Jehovah, [your] God.’
1Then he took me back to the outer gate of the Holies (the one facing east). However, it was locked.2So the Lord said to me:‘After this gate has been locked It may not be opened and no one may enter… Only IsraEl’s God, Jehovah, may enter, And until He does, it must remain locked.3‘And only those guiding may sit here To eat their bread before God. They must enter by way of the columned-porch gate, And that’s the way they must leave.’4Then he took me in the direction of the north gate, over against the Temple, and I looked and saw that the Temple of Jehovah had become filled with His glory… So I fell to my face!5And the Lord said to me:‘O son of man,‘Now, prepare your heart and your eyes, And ready your ears, so you’ll hear All the things that I will now say Concerning the instructions that I’ll give you For the Temple of Jehovah and all of its laws.‘Arrange your heart [so you’ll understand] The ways they must enter and leave From this Most Holy Place!6‘Then, speak to those who’ve rebelled Yes, to those of the house of IsraEl, And say that the Lord Jehovah said this:‘O house of IsraEl,‘You must bring an end to your lawless ways! 7For, into My Most Holy Place You have brought foreigner’s sons… Those with uncircumcised hearts And flesh that is uncircumcised.‘And you have even profaned Your offerings of bread, fat, and blood. Yes, you’ve broken [your] Sacred Agreement with Me By all the lawless things that you’ve done.8‘You’ve not followed the rules of My Temple, And you’ve put other people in charge. 9So, no more may foreigner’s sons Whose hearts and flesh are uncircumcised Be allowed to enter My Most Holy Place. For, foreign peoples may never become Part of the house of IsraEl… 10And only My faithful Levites may enter!‘Now, IsraEl has strayed far from Me And followed their own [thoughts and] ideas. So, they will now [pay for] their unrighteous ways.11‘But the Levites are [to be treated] as holy, For they serve as the keepers of My [Temple’s] gates, And that is the place where they’ll work. There the whole burnt-offerings will be slaughtered, And they’ll offer the things that the people will bring… For, before the people, they’ll stand.12‘But, because they have served before faces of idols [On behalf of] the house of IsraEl, They’ll be punished for their unrighteous ways… That’s why I’ve raised My hand against them,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.13‘Yes, they’ll bear the blame for their lawless ways, And they can no longer serve as My Priests, Or [touch] the holy things inside of the Holies.‘Indeed, they must bear their dishonor For the delusions in which they have strayed. 14But I’ll order them to be watchmen, And to perform other tasks.15‘The Priests of the Levites, the sons of ZaDok, Were the only ones who truly kept watch As IsraEl was straying from Me. So, only they may approach Me, And only they can serve before Me… Before My face they will stand To offer the blood and the fat,’ Says Jehovah, the Lord.16‘Only these may enter My Most Holy Place Or approach My table to serve Me, And stand guard in My Temple watches.17‘So, when entering the gates of the inner courtyard, They must wear their [official] linen clothes… They may not wear wool when they enter these gates. 18On their heads, they must wear linen turbans, And beltless linen pants on their loins.19‘And when they enter the people’s outer courtyard, They can’t wear the clothes in which they must serve… They must leave them inside the Holy’s inner chambers And wear other clothes when they go there. But no way can they make people holy When they are wearing such clothes.20‘They may not shave the hair from their heads, Nor may they leave their heads bare… All of their heads must be covered. 21And no way may the Priests drink any wine Before entering the [Temple’s] inner courtyard.22‘They may not marry a divorcee or a widow… Only a virgin from the house of IsraEl… However, they may wed the widow of a Priest.23‘Then they must teach all My people The difference between the holy and profane, And the difference between what’s clean and unclean.24‘They must handle the cases of judgments of blood, And attend to decide righteous matters. They must be fair when judging for Me According to My Laws and My orders. They must also observe My holiday feasts, And My Sabbaths, they must always keep holy.25‘They may not approach a dead person So that they will not be unclean. But they may approach their fathers, mothers, or sons, Or their daughters, brothers, sisters, or wives, Without becoming defiled. 26But even then, they must count 7 days Before they’ll be clean once again.27‘On the day that they enter the inner courtyard To serve in My Most Holy Place; They must bring an atonement [for sins],’ Says Jehovah, [your] God.28‘And since I am what they’ll inherit; They will be given no land As their possession among IsraEl’s sons… For, I am to be their posession!29‘The sacrifices are what they’ll eat… The offerings for sins and for errors, And the separation offerings will also be theirs. 30All the first-fruits are theirs, As well as the first-born [of cattle].‘Then, for the Priests, they must set aside Some of the first-fruits [they’re given]. For, if they give part of the first-fruits Of all that is brought, to the Priests, This will bring [God’s] blessings upon all their homes.31‘And the Priests may not eat rotting flesh, Or cattle that are taken by wild beasts or birds.’
1‘Then, as you’re measuring the inheritances of land; A place must be set aside As the first-fruits to Jehovah. 25,000 long, it must be, As well as 10,000 wide… And the area around it is holy.2‘There, the Holy Place’s four corners will be set; It will measure 500 by 500, Plus 50 cubits of space roundabout.3‘And from this place, you must also measure out 25,000, plus 10,000 wide Between it and the Holy of Holies.4‘And since all this land will be holy; A portion must be assigned to the Priests That will serve in My Most Holy Place. And then, for all that approach To serve in front of Jehovah; This will be the place where they’ll live, Since they must be separate and holy.5‘[Then a portion must be set aside] That’s 25,000 in length And 20,000 in width For the Levites who’ll serve at the Temple… To be theirs as the city in which they will dwell.6‘And for this city that they will own, You must set aside 25,000, Plus a width of 5,000, On behalf of the house of IsraEl; And this will serve in the same way As the Holy Place’s first-fruits.7‘Then a portion of this must be set aside As the place [where the Chief Priest will dwell], And as the Holy Place’s first-fruits. It will be his possession in the city Before the Holy Place of the first-fruits, And in front of the part of the city That runs from the east to the west.‘It will be as long as the city, And will run from the east to the west in the land. 8In IsraEl, this will be his possession. For, I will no longer treat harshly Those who are leading My people.’And the rest of the land will then be What the house of IsraEl will inherit According to each of their tribes.’9‘Then Jehovah God said:‘Let this be enough for IsraEl’s guides… Let their misery and unrighteous ways be removed… They must start being righteous and fair, And lift tyranny away from My people,’ Says Jehovah, your God!10‘They must use proper scales and right measures… [Honesty] must be their guide! 11So if one should get a tenth measure, He must also receive a tenth measure. If someone should get a tenth weight, He should receive his tenth weight. 12And if he’s owed the weight of 25 coins, The full weight of the coins is what he should get!‘Your bread must weigh 15 shekels. 13And the first-fruits that you set aside Should be a 1/6 of 10 bushels, Or 1/6 of 62 bushels for wheat, Or 40 quarts [38 litres], if it’s barley.14‘Olive oil is a cup from 10 cups… For 10 cups equals a homer.15‘And 1 sheep must be set aside Out of every 200 Among each of IsraEl’s families, As a whole burnt-offering sacrifice, And as an offering of salvation from sin,’ says Jehovah.16‘Everyone must offer their first-fruits To the man who is IsraEl’s guide. 17And to this one who serves as your guide, Whole-burnt offerings must also be brought, As well as drink offerings and other sacrifices.‘They must bring them on each holiday, As well as on New Moons and Sabbaths. And on each of IsraEl’s holidays, All must bring sacrifices to cover their sins, As well as one whole-burnt offering, And offerings for IsraEl’s salvation.’18‘Then Jehovah God said:‘On the 1st day of the 1st month, A perfect calf from the oxen must be offered To atone for the Most Holy Place.19‘Then the Priest must take some of its blood And put it on the Temple’s four corners, And upon each of its doorposts, As well as on the [horns of] the Altar, And on the posts of the gate to the inner courtyard.20‘And each 7th month, they must do the same thing… They must atone for the Temple On behalf of the senseless and simple On the 1st day of that month.21‘Then the 14th day of the 1st month Will be the [start] of your Passover feasts. Unfermented bread will be eaten For the next 7 days. 22And on that day, the one who’s your guide Must offer a calf for himself, And one for the sins of the people.23‘And during that 7-day feast, They must bring as whole burnt-offerings to God 7 perfect calves, and 7 perfect rams on each day. Then for sins, he must also sacrifice A kid of the goats on each day. 24He must prepare a cake for each calf and each ram, And bring olive oil for each cake.25‘And from the 7th day to the 15th, He must offer the same things each day… Whole burnt-offerings and sin sacrifices, As well as gift offerings and oil.’
1‘Then Jehovah the God said this:‘The gate to the inner courtyard, The one that faces the east, Must stay locked for 6 days each [week]… It’s just to be opened on Sabbaths, As well as on every New Moon.2‘And the one who is guiding will enter Through the columned-porch gate. Then, he will stand at its threshold As whole burnt-offerings are made by the Priests, Along with an offering for him, And one for IsraEl’s salvation. Then he’ll bow as he leaves the gate’s threshold; And the gate won’t be locked until evening.3‘Then, on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons The people of the land must all come, And on that threshold, they’ll bow to Jehovah.4‘Whole burnt-offerings must be brought on the Sabbaths By the one who is IsraEl’s guide, Of 6 perfect lambs and 1 perfect ram, 5As well as a gift of cakes for the ram And a hand-made gift sacrifice for each lamb, Plus a quart of olive oil for each offering of cakes.6‘And on the days of the New Moons, [He must offer] 1 perfect calf, Plus 6 lambs and a ram (All of which must be perfect), 7And an offering of cake for each ram, An offering of cake for each calf, A gift offering for each of the lambs (Whatever your hands might have made), And a quart of olive oil for each cake.8‘Then, whenever the one who is guiding comes in, He must do it through the columned-porch gate; And that’s also the way he must leave.9‘And when, on holidays, the people of the land Come [to bow] to Jehovah... They should enter through the north gate, Then bow and leave through the south gate. But, if they come through the south gate, They must then leave through the north gate… They may not return through the same gate, And they must leave straight away.10‘And the one who serves as the guide in their midst Must enter as they start to arrive, And leave after they are all gone.11‘And during the festivals and holidays, An offering of cake must be brought for each calf, As well as one for each ram, With whatever his hand should provide for the lambs, Plus a quart of olive oil with each cake.12‘And if the one who is guiding should offer A whole burnt-offering of salvation; The gate facing the east must be opened for him. So his whole burnt-offering must be given Along with his things for salvation In the same ways as he does on the Sabbaths. And after he leaves, they must lock all the gates.13‘He must offer a perfect 1-year-old lamb As a whole burnt-offering to Jehovah, Which he must prepare every morning, 14Along with an offering as a gift Of 1/6 of a measure of olive oil, Mixed into 1/3 measure of finest flour As a continuous gift-offering to [God].15‘The lamb, the gift offering, and olive oil, Must be prepared and offered at dawn, As whole-burnt-offerings, each day.16‘Then Jehovah God said:‘If the one who is guiding should choose to leave His inheritance as a gift to his sons, It will become the possession of his sons. 17But if he leaves a gift to his servant, It will only be his ‘til The Year of Release, And then it must be returned To the one who’ll be serving as [IsraEl’s] guide… But the inheritance of his sons, will be theirs.18‘There’s no way that the one who is guiding May leave them an inheritance that he took from the people, So as to tyrannize them. He may only leave the things that he owns As an inheritance to his own sons, So the possessions of My people won’t be scattered.’19Then he took me out the back gate to the inner chamber of the Priests in the Holy Place (the one which faces north), and {Look!} within it I noticed a place that was off to the side, 20and he said to me:‘This is where the Priests are to boil The offerings for all of their errors, As well as sacrifices for their sins. It’s where they’ll bake the gift offerings, So that nothing will be carried through the outer courtyard, And the people may always be holy.’21Then he took me to the outer courtyard and led me around its four quarters. And {Look!} on each side of the courtyard was another courtyard… 22On each of the four sides of the courtyards were smaller courtyards that measured 40 cubits long and 30 cubits wide. 23And there were inner chambers around each of the four courtyards, and cooking pits were located beneath and around the chambers.24And he said to me:‘These are the homes of the cooks, And it’s where the sacrifices will be boiled That the people will bring as their offerings For those who serve at the Temple.’
1Then he brought me to the threshold of the Temple, and look… There was water pouring from an opening that was under its east side (because its front faced the east). And the water poured down to the right side of the Temple towards the south, and then on south past the Altar.2So he led me through the north gate and took me around to the courtyard gate (the one which faces east), and {Look!} the water was flowing down along its right side.3There I saw a man who came out from across that place that was carrying a ruler in his hand. He then went to the source of the water and measured out 1,000 [cubits]… 4He walked into the water and measured out 1,000, and it came up to his knees. Then he measured another 1,000, and the water came up to his hips. 5And after that, he measured out another 1,000, and he wasn’t able to walk through it anymore, because the water was flooding with such force that it became a [river] that couldn’t be crossed.6Then he asked me:‘O son of man,‘What do you see?’7So he led me over to the bank of the river; and when I turned around, I saw that all along the banks of the river there were huge numbers of trees growing on each side.8And he said to me:‘This water flows east towards Galilee, Then to Arabia and on to the sea. And where it exits, the waters bring healing.9‘To all the herds, it brings life, For all that come to this river will live! And huge numbers of fish will also be there, Because they’ll all come to this water That heals and gives life to all things… Yes, all that come to this river will live!10‘Then, fishermen from EnGedi to EnEglaim Will come here to dry out their nets; For there’ll be no other place like it, Because there’ll be so many fish… It’ll be like the fish in the Great Sea.11‘But, where it turns and then flows away, There’s no way that it can heal [anymore]; For [those places] have been given to the salt.12‘And on each side of the banks of that river Will grow fruit-bearing trees that will never grow old And will never fail to bear fruit.‘From the beginning, they’ll start doing this; For these waters have flowed from the Most Holy. And as these waters flow past them, They’ll produce fruit [to be eaten], And their leaves will bring healing to all.13‘Then Jehovah God said:‘These are to be your land’s borders… The inheritance of the sons of IsraEl’s 12 tribes; For they’ll each be given a measured piece of ground, 14And as brothers, they’ll each inherit [their portion], The same as they did when I lifted My hand To divide it among their ancestors… As an inheritance, this land is what they’ll pass on.15‘The northern borders of this land Will run from the Great Sea by HethLon… Then from the gates of 16HaMath, BerOthah, and Sibraim To the limits of HaMath and Damascus, Then on to HatTicon’s courtyards, Which are at the limits of the land of Haran.17‘The borders will run from the sea in the north… From the courtyards of Enan to the limits of Damascus And all places north to the borders of HaMath.18‘They’ll run east between Haran and Damascus, To GileAd, through IsraEl, and on to the JorDan, Where [the JorDan] flows from the east to the sea And through the palm groves in the east.19‘And these are the borders to the south and southwest:‘They run from TeMan and the palm groves To the waters of MaribOth KaDesh; And from there, they flow to the Great Sea… These are the borders to the south and southwest.20‘The Great Sea is the border from the gates of HaMath, And it is the border to the west.21‘Among the tribes of IsraEl This land must be subdivided; 22You must throw lots for yourselves, And for the gentiles who will live in your midst… Those who will bear sons among you. For, they will be yours as native-born sons Among all the sons of IsraEl. Along with you, they will eat, And they’ll receive an inheritance among all your tribes.23‘Among the tribes that they came to, they’ll live, Along with others who’ve also been joined And will inherit [the land],’ Says Jehovah, your God.’
1‘This is what each tribe [will inherit], by name:‘Starting at the top in the north To where it splits at the gates of HaMath And to the courtyard of Enan, Then to the borders of Damascus in the north, Along part of the borders of HaMath, And from there to the east and the west Is the portion of Dan.2‘And from the borders of Dan, From the east to the west, Is the portion of Asher.3‘And from the borders of Asher, From the east to the west, Is NaphTali’s portion.4‘And from NaphTali’s borders, From the east to the west, Is the portion of ManasSeh.5‘And from the borders of ManasSeh, From the east to the west, Is to be Ephraim’s portion.6‘And from Ephraim’s borders, From the east to the west) Is the portion of ReuBen.7‘And from the borders of ReuBen, From the east to the west, Is the portion of Judah.8‘And from the borders of Judah in the east, Is the place where they’ll offer the first-fruits. 25,000 will be its length, And 1 measured portion will be its width From the east to the west… And the Holy Place will be in its midst.9‘There they’ll set first-fruits aside for the Lord… Its width is to be 20,000 And 10,000 long, is its length. 10Within it, they will store all the first-fruits Of the holy things for the Priests. It runs north for 25,000, And towards the west for 10,000, Then towards the east for 10,000, And to the south for 25,000… And the Holy Mountain and Most Holy Place Will be located in its midst.11‘This is to be set aside for the Priests… ZaDok’s sons that have been made holy… Those who’ve kept watch at My Temple And not followed the delusions of IsraEl’s sons, Or strayed in the ways of the Levites.12‘This must be given to them as their first-fruits From all the first-fruits that come from the land… A Holy of Holies from the borders of the Levites.13‘And the Levites will also be given their portions Next to the borders of the Priests. Its length is to be 25,000, And it will be 10,000 wide. The whole length is 25,000, And 10,000 will be its full width.14‘No part [of this land] may be purchased Or measured out to be sold, Nor may its first fruits be taken away; For it is all holy to Jehovah.15‘But, concerning the extra 5,000 Amid that 25,000; There’ll be a place around the city wall Where they will [then build their] homes… And the city will be there in its midst.16‘And this is how it is measured:• From the borders towards the north: 4,500. • From the borders towards the south: 4,500. • From the borders towards the east: 4,500. • From the borders towards the west: 4,500.17‘Then to the north of the city, there also will be:• A space that measures 250, • Then towards the south, 250, • Towards the east, 250, • And towards the west, 250.18‘And there’ll be an additional length Next to the first-fruits of the Holy Place, Which will measure 10,000 towards the east, Plus 10,000 more towards the west. This is for the Holy Place of the first-fruits, Which is where the bread will also be [baked] For those who will work in the city. 19And those who will work in this city Will come from each of IsraEl’s tribes.20‘The first-fruits is 25,000 And squared by 25,000. You must place it next to the city As the first-fruits of the Holy Place.21‘And an extra space must be set aside On behalf of the one who serves as the guide. It must run from this side to that side, Between the Holy Place’s first-fruits.‘The part that is his in the city Will be 25,000 from east to west And 25,000 along the west side… It’s the portion of the one who serves as the guide, And for the Holy-Place’s First Fruits… And the Holy of Holies will be in its midst.22‘And by the borders of the Levites, In the mist of their part of the city... Will be the place for the one who’s the guide… Between Judah and BenJamin’s borders Will belong to the one who’s the guide.23‘And what’s left of that which belongs to the tribes, From the eastern borders to those in the west... Will be BenJamin’s portion.24‘And from BenJamin’s borders, From the east to the west, Will be SimeOn’s portion.25‘And from SimeOn’s borders, From the east to the west, Will be IsSachar’s portion.26‘And from IsSachar’s borders, From the east to the west, Is to be ZebuLun’s portion.27‘And from the ZebuLun’s borders, From the east to the west, Will be the portion of Gad.28‘And from the borders of Gad, The borders southwest will be his From TeMan and the waters of MaribOth KaDesh, And from there, on to the Great Sea… This is what he’ll inherit.29‘These are the lands in which you’ll throw lots For those among IsraEl’s tribes; And these are to be their tribes’ borders,’ Says Jehovah, your God.30‘The northern access to the city Must be 4,500; 31And the city gates must carry the names Of each of IsraEl’s 12 tribes.‘The three gates towards the north will include The Gates of ReuBen, Judah, and Levi.32‘And the three gates towards the east, 4,500, Are the Gates of BenJamin, JoSeph, and Dan.33‘And the three gates towards the south 4,500, Are the Gates of SimeOn, IsSachar, and ZebuLun.34‘And the three gates towards the west 4,500, Are the Gates of Asher, NaphTali, and Gad.35‘The circumference must be 18,000, And whatever the city is named Will be its name from that day.’
1It was during the 3rd year of the reign of JehoiAkim (the king of Judah) that NebuChadnezzar (the king of Babylon) came to JeruSalem and attacked it.2Then the Lord gave JehoiAkim into his hands, along with part of the things that were in the Temple of Jehovah, which thereafter he carried back to the land of Shinar and put into the treasury of the temple of his god.3Then after that, the king told his Chief Eunuch AshPenaz to go get some of the sons of IsraEl that were descended from royalty and nobility, and bring them to him as captives. 4They were to be young, perfectly formed, good looking, wise in all things, knowledgeable, intelligent, and bold enough to stand in the palace of the king. And [when they arrived], he told him to school the young men in the language and writing of the Chaldeans.5The king also arranged for them to eat at his table each day, to share in his banquet wine, and to be given special care for three years, after which they were to be brought before the king. 6Among these sons of Judah were DaniEl, HananiAh, AzariAh, and MishaEl. 7However, the chief eunuch renamed DaniEl to BelTeShazzar, HananiAh to ShadRach, MishaEl to MeShach, and AzariAh to AbedNego.8Now, DaniEl had decided in his heart that there was no way he’d pollute himself at the table of the king, nor would he drink any of his banquet wine. So, he petitioned the chief eunuch not to be forced to pollute himself, 9and God granted DaniEl the chief eunuch’s mercy and compassion.10However, the chief eunuch said to DaniEl:‘I’m afraid of my lord the king, and since he’s the one who’s selecting your food and the things that you are to drink, I don’t want him to see your faces looking sadder than the faces of the other boys that are your peers. For if that happens, the king’ll have my head!’11But DaniEl told MelZar (the man whom the chief eunuch had put in charge of DaniEl, HananiAh, MishaEl, and AzariAh) this:12‘Then test your servants for ten days. Give us just the seeds of the fields to eat and just water to drink. 13Then compare us to the other boys that eat at the king’s table. Whichever looks better is what you should choose for your servants.’14So he did what they asked and tested them for ten days. 15Then at the end of the ten days, he examined them and noticed how they looked… And he found that they were stronger and in better shape than the other boys that were eating at the king’s table!16As a result, MelZar did away with their suppers and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them just seeds to eat. 17Then God gave them understanding and intelligence in all their studies, and He made them wiser. And it was then that DaniEl came to have an understanding of visions and dreams.18Well, the time finally arrived when they were to be brought before the king, so the chief eunuch took them to NebuChadnezzar. 19Then, after the king questioned them, he found that there were no others like these four boys, DaniEl, HananiAh, MishaEl, and AzariAh, and he allowed them to stand before him. 20In every matter of wisdom and knowledge (whatever the king asked them about), he found them ten-times greater than all the other dignitaries and sorcerers throughout his realm.21Well after that, DaniEl went on to live all the way into the 1st year of the reign of King Cyrus.
1It was in the 2nd year of the reign of NebuChadnezzar that the king had a dream that so deeply disturbed his spirit that he couldn’t sleep. 2So he gave the order to call for [all his] officials, priests, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, to have them interpret the dream.Then when they came and stood before the king, 3he said to them:‘I had a dream that bothered me so deeply that I must know what it means!’4Well, the Chaldeans replied to the king in the Syrian language, saying:‘O king,‘May you live throughout the ages! Just tell your servants what you dreamed, and we’ll announce the interpretation to you!’5But the king told the Chaldeans:‘I’ve forgotten what it was about… And if you can’t tell me the dream and give me its interpretation, I’ll have you all destroyed and have your homes torn down!6‘However, if you can tell me the dream and give me its interpretation, I’ll give you many gifts, do many favors for you free of charge, and I’ll honor you greatly… But first you must tell me the dream, and then you must explain what it means to me!’7Well, they answered him a second time, saying:‘May the king tell the dream to his servants, and then we’ll announce its interpretation!’8And at that, the king said to them:‘I know for a fact that you’re just buying time for yourselves, because I told you how every word of the dream has left me. So now, if you can’t tell me the dream, I’ll know that you’re corrupt and lying, and that you’ve agreed to keep speaking before me just to [buy more] time.9‘First tell me my dream, and then I’ll know that I can believe the interpretation that you give to me!’10But the Chaldeans then said the king:‘There’s no man on dry land that can make known what the king is asking, for this is something that no great king or ruler has ever asked of an official, a priest, or a Chaldean. 11What the king is asking is so difficult that no one can tell him such a thing… Other than the gods who don’t live here in the flesh.’12And at that, the king flew into a rage!He was so angry that he ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be destroyed, 13and he sent out a edict for them all to be put to death!Well, when they went looking for DaniEl and his friends to do away with them, 14DaniEl asked this of AriOch, the king’s head-of-the-guards (who had come to execute all the wise men of Babylon). 15He said to him:‘O [servant] of the king!‘Why was such a presumptuous decree put before him?’Then AriOch told DaniEl about all the things that had been said.16Well at that, DaniEl went before the king and petitioned him to give him enough time to find the interpretation so that he could announce it to the king. 17Then DaniEl returned to his house and there he [met with] his friends HananiAh, MishaEl, and AzariAh, and he asked them to help him interpret [the dream]. 18And they then trusted in the compassions of the God of heaven [to help them unlock] this mystery, and to keep DaniEl and his friends from being destroyed along with the rest of Babylon’s wise men.19Then that night, DaniEl had a vision in which the mystery of the dream was revealed to him. So he praised the God of heaven, and said this:20‘May the Name of The Great God be praised
Throughout the age and into the age of the ages.
To Him, understanding and wisdom belong…
21He’s the One who changes the seasons and times.‘He appoints kings and removes them…
To the wise, He’s the One who gives wisdom
As well as intelligence, so they’ll understand…
22He uncovers the things that are hidden and deep.‘He knows all that happens in the darkness,
For, He is the source of all light.
23So I acknowledge and praise You,
O Great God of the ages.‘For You’re the One who gave me the wisdom and power,
And revealed what I petitioned from You,
Regarding this matter of the king.
Yes, You’ve revealed it to me!’24Then DaniEl went to AriOch (the one whom the king had appointed to destroy all the wise men of Babylon) and said to him:‘Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon! I want you to take me before the king so I can announce the interpretation of the dream to him.’25As a result, AriOch quickly took DaniEl before the king and told him:‘I’ve found a man among the captive sons of Judah who can announce to the king the interpretation of his dream!’26And the king asked DaniEl (whom he referred to as BelTeShazzar):‘Are you really able to tell me the dream that I saw and then explain its meaning to me?’27And there in the presence of the king, DaniEl said this:‘The mystery that the king has asked the wise men, sorcerers, officials, and astrologers to announce to him isn’t theirs to explain. 28However, there’s a God in the heavens that can uncover mysteries, and He’s made known to King NebuChadnezzar what’s going to happen in the last days.‘The dream that you saw in your head while you were lying in your bed was this:29‘You, O king, through the thoughts that you had in your bed, were elevated to see what will happen after this… For mysteries have been made known to you about things that will happen [in the future].30‘Now, I’m no wiser than any other living man; but this mystery has been uncovered to me so that the king may understand what it means, and so that you may know the thoughts that are in your own heart.31‘You looked, O king, and you saw a huge idol that was overwhelming in size… It stood right in front of your face and it frightened you!32‘This idol had:• A head of pure gold;
• Its breast, arms, and hands were of silver;
• Its belly and thighs were of brass;
• Its legs were of iron; and
• Its feet were part iron and part baked clay.33‘Well, as you were staring at it, a rock was cut from a mountain without any hands, which thereafter flew and hit the image on its feet of iron and baked clay, which completely shattered them… 34And everything else was shattered at the same time (the baked clay, the iron, the brass, the silver, and the gold). Then it all became like a cloud of dust from a threshing floor during the harvest, 35and thereafter a wind came and blew it all away, leaving nothing at all.‘Then the stone that had struck the image [grew into] a huge mountain that covered the whole earth.36‘So, that was your dream… And now I’ll tell the king what it means.37‘You, O king, are the king of kings to whom the God of heaven has given a strong, fortified, and honorable kingdom. 38And in every place where the sons of men live, as well as in every place where the wild animals of the fields and flying creatures of the skies live, has been given into your hands by Him, for He’s made you the lord over it all. So you, O king, are the head of pure gold.39‘But after you, another kingdom will arise that’s inferior to yours, and then a 3rd kingdom (the one of brass) will come to dominate the whole earth. [It will be followed by] a 4th kingdom that will become as strong as iron… 40For just as iron can crush and tame all things, it will crush and tame everything.41‘Then the feet and the toes that you saw, which were partly of iron and partly of baked clay, will be a divided kingdom.‘However, because you saw the iron mixed with the baked clay; [this means that] some of the roots of the iron will be in it. 42And since the toes of the feet are partly of iron and partly of baked clay, part of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be easily broken. 43For as you saw the iron mixed with the baked clay; [this kingdom] will be mixed with the offspring of mankind… And they won’t stick to each other, just as iron won’t stick to baked clay.44‘Then in the time of those kings, the God of heaven will establish a Kingdom that won’t be corrupted throughout the ages, and His Kingdom won’t be passed on to anyone else.‘[First] it’ll crush and sift all the other kingdoms, and it will stand throughout the ages thereafter.45‘So, now that you’ve seen the stone cut from a mountain without hands, and how it crushed the baked clay, iron, brass, silver, and gold; the great God has revealed to the king what’s going to happen after this.‘This dream is true, and you can trust its interpretation.’46Well at that, King NebuChadnezzar fell to his face and bowed before DaniEl. Then he offered him some very nice cologne as a gift, and he [told his servants] to bring him something to drink.47Then the king said this to DaniEl:‘It’s a fact that your God is the God of gods, Lord of lords, and King of kings. For He alone can uncover mysteries… As you were able to uncover this mystery!’48After that, the king honored DaniEl by giving him many great gifts, and he appointed him over all the [districts] of Babylon as the ruler over all the governors and wise men of Babylon. 49And because he then requested this of the king, ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego were appointed over the construction projects throughout all the regions of Babylon, and DaniEl [thereafter served] within the courtyard of the king.
1It was during his 16th year that King NebuChadnezzar had a gold-[plated] idol made that stood 100 feet (30.5m) tall and 10 feet (3m) wide, which he placed in the plains of Dura, near Babylon.2So he then called for all of his top officials, generals, lieutenants, governors, vassal kings, 3and everyone else of authority throughout all of his districts, and decreed that they should come and [celebrate] a holiday of dedication for the idol that he had erected.So everyone came and stood before the idol that NebuChadnezzar had erected, 4and then the [king’s] herald yelled at the top of his voice:‘O nations, peoples, tribes, and languages,‘You’ve been told that 5when you hear the sound of the trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing the anthem, you must all fall to your faces and bow before the idol of gold that King NebuChadnezzar has erected.6‘And if anyone should choose not to bow before it, he will be immediately taken out and thrown into a blazing-hot furnace!’7So when the people heard the sounds of the trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing the anthem, all the peoples, tribes, and languages bowed low before the gold idol that King NebuChadnezzar had erected.8However, certain Chaldeans then went up and made an accusation against the Jews… 9They went to King NebuChadnezzar and said:‘O king,‘May you live throughout the ages!10‘However, the king gave an order that when we hear the sound of the trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing the anthem, 11any man who doesn’t fall and bow before the gold idol should be thrown into a blazing furnace.12‘Now, there were three Jewish men whom you’ve put over construction in Babylon – ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego – and they didn’t obey your decree, O king!‘For they’ve chosen not to serve your gods or to bow before the gold idol that you’ve erected.’13Well at that, NebuChadnezzar flew into an angry rage and he had them bring ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego before him.14Then NebuChadnezzar said to them:‘ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego, is it true that you won’t serve my gods, and that you won’t bow before the gold idol that I’ve erected?15‘Well now, when you hear the sound of trumpets, woodwinds, harps, stringed instruments, and bagpipes playing the anthem, it would be best for you to fall to your faces before the gold idol that I’ve made. Because, if you don’t bow to your faces before it, you’ll be taken out immediately, and then thrown into a blazing-hot furnace… And then we’ll see which God can rescue you from my hands!’16But ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego said this to King NebuChadnezzar:‘We don’t really have to answer you about this matter, 17for our God in the heavens (whom we serve) can rescue us from the fire in the furnace… And He will rescue us from your hands, O king!18‘Yet, even if He shouldn’t choose to do this, you must know, O king, that we won’t serve your gods, or the gold idol that you’ve set up and told us to bow before.’19Well, NebuChadnezzar was furious! The way that he viewed ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego suddenly started to change. So he gave instructions to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual… Until they couldn’t get it any hotter! 20Then he gave some powerful men instructions to shackle ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego, and then throw them into the blazing-hot furnace.21So the three were shackled and then thrown into the midst of the blazing-hot furnace fully clothed, [wearing their] pants, underclothes, and official turbans. 22And following the instruction of the king, the furnace had in fact been made seven times hotter than usual.23Well, the three men (ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego) fell into the midst of the blazing furnace wearing shackles… But then they started walking around in the midst of the flames, praising God and blessing their lord!24And when NebuChadnezzar heard their praising, he was shocked! So he quickly got up and asked his mighty men this:‘Didn’t you throw three men wearing shackles into the midst of the fire?’And they replied:‘Yes we did, O king.’25But the king said:‘I see four men here that are freely walking around in the midst of the flames, and none of them are being burned! And the vision that I’m having of the fourth one is as that of a son of God!’26Then NebuChadnezzar leaned forward towards the top of the blazing furnace and said this:‘O ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego!‘You servants of the highest God, come here!‘Come out of there!’So ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego came out from the midst of the flames, 27and then all the governors, generals, lieutenants, and king’s officials were called over to see these men, and to [witness the fact] that the fire hadn’t consumed their bodies! For the hair on their heads hadn’t been singed, their [clothes] were still the same, and there wasn’t even the smell of smoke on them!28Then, right there before them all, the king bowed to Jehovah and said:‘Praise the God of ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego who sent His messenger and rescued His servants that put faith in Him. For these men changed the word of the king and then they offered their bodies in fire, because they wouldn’t serve any god other than their God!29So thereafter, the king issued this decree:‘Any people, tribe, or language that speaks blasphemously against the God of ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego will be destroyed and their houses will be pillaged… For there’s no other god who can rescue in such a great way.’30Then the king promoted ShadRach, MeShach, and AbedNego to be over all regions of the [Empire of] Babylon. He also paid them more, and he put them in charge over all the Jews in his realm.Then sometime later, the king [wrote this] about [something else that had happened to him]:
1‘NebuChadnezzar the king,‘To all peoples, tribes, languages, and to all that live in the land:‘May you have an abundance of peace!2‘I’m pleased to announce to you that the highest God has performed signs and miracles to me… 3And His signs are great, His wonders are mighty, His kingdom is throughout the ages, and His authority is through generations.4‘I, NebuChadnezzar, was prospering in my palace and my throne was thriving. 5But then I had a vision in a dream that struck me with fear and left me disturbed in my bed, for the vision that I saw in my mind really bothered me. 6So I decreed that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me so I could have them explain the meaning of the dream. 7Then all the sorcerers, priests, astrologers, and Chaldeans came to me, and I told them of the dream, but they were unable to explain what it meant.8‘However, DaniEl (who is called BelTeShazzar, and who truly has the Breath of God) came in the Name of my God, and I told him my dream. 9[I said to him]:‘O BelTeShazzar, you leader of [my] wise men, and someone whom I know has the Breath of God, and is never powerless when it comes to understanding mysteries. Listen to the vision that I saw in my dream, and then tell me what it means. 10For this is the vision that I saw in my mind while I was in my bed:‘{Look!} There was a huge tree that stood in the center of the earth… It was very tall, 11and the tree kept getting mightier and larger until it reached into the heavens and it spread to the ends of the earth.12‘Its leaves were beautiful and it was filled with enough fruit to feed everyone. So the wild animals of the fields camped under it, the flying creatures of the skies lived in its branches, and all flesh was being fed by it.13‘Then in the vision that I had in my bed that night, I saw a holy observer (a messenger) coming down out of the sky, 14and he shouted and said:‘Now, you must cut down the tree… Yes, cut off its branches and shake off its leaves, Then scatter its fruit [on the ground]. Thereafter, you must chase off all the wild beasts That are living under its branches, And drive the flying creatures away!15‘Leave nothing but its roots in the ground; Then, bind it with iron and brass, So that it will just lie there covered by grass, Surrounded by the wild beasts of the fields, And bathed by dew from the skies, Just like grass on the ground.16‘Then his heart will be changed from that of a man, And the heart of a beast will be given to him… For seven times, this is how he’ll be changed.’17‘Then the observer said:‘This is a [vision] from the Most Holy One, To show to all those who are living That Jehovah is over all kingdoms, And He gives them to whomever He chooses… He can even appoint men who are viewed with contempt To be in charge of it all.’18‘So, this is what I saw in the dream (yes me, King NebuChadnezzar). Therefore, I [said to] BelTeShazzar:‘Now, explain it to me… Tell me what it means! Although none of the other wise men in my kingdom have been able to interpret it for me, I know that you can, O DaniEl, because the Holy Breath of God is within you!’19‘Well, DaniEl was unable to say anything for an hour, because he was so disturbed by his thoughts. Then I asked:‘O BelTeShazzar, why are you taking so long in interpreting the dream?’‘And BelTeShazzar replied:‘O lord, leave the interpretation to those who hate you and to your enemies! 20For the tree that you saw, which became so strong and so tall that it reached into the heavens and covered the whole earth, 21and which grew such great leaves and had such an abundance of fruit that it fed all the wild animals that lived under it, as well as all the flying creatures that lived in its branches is you, O king! 22Because, your fame and greatness has been made to grow so much that it now reaches into the heavens, since you rule to the ends of the lands!23‘And when the king saw a holy observer coming down from the sky who [was told] to [cut down] the tree and destroy it, but to leave its roots in the ground and to band the tree with iron and brass, then to let it lie there among the shoots of grass among the wild animals [where it is to be bathed by] the dew from the skies [and remain that way] for 7 times… 24This is what it means, O king:‘It is the highest form of interpretation, for this is what’s going to happen to you, O my lord the king.25‘You’ll be driven away from mankind, And be forced to live among beasts in the plains, Where they’ll feed you with grass like an ox, And you’ll [be bathed by] dew from the skies.‘For seven times, you’ll be changed, Until you accept that Jehovah is higher Than all the kingdoms of men, And to those He selects, He gives all this [power].26‘But, because they were told To leave the tree’s roots in the ground, Your kingdom will continue to be yours, Until the time that you realize That your power has come to you from the heavens.27‘But because of this, O king (and may my council be pleasing to you); You must pay for your sins by giving to the poor, And you must also pay for your errors By showing compassion to the needy. Then, God may be lenient with you for your sins.’28‘Well, all of these things happened to me (King NebuChadnezzar). 29For just 12 months later, while I was walking in the temple of my kingdom in Babylon 30and I was saying to myself:‘Isn’t this the great Babylon that I’ve built as my royal home through my own power, strength, honor, and glory…’31‘Yes, while those words were still in my mouth, a voice came from the sky that proclaimed:‘To you, it is now being said, O King NebuChadnezzar, That your kingdom has been taken from you.32‘For men will drive you away, And you’ll have to live among the wild beasts, Where they’ll feed you grass like an ox.‘For seven times, you’ll be changed, Until you know that Jehovah Is the One who’s over all kingdoms, And He gives it to whomever He chooses.’33‘Well, that’s what happened to me, King NebuChadnezzar, within that very hour! I was driven away from my people, I ate grass like an ox, I was bathed by the dew from the sky, my hair became as strong as that of a lion, and my fingernails grew long like bird’s claws!34‘Then, after those days had been fulfilled, I, NebuChadnezzar, raised my eyes to the sky, and my senses were returned to me.‘So I praised the Most High who lives throughout the ages… I praised and spoke gloriously of His authority that lasts throughout the ages, and of His kingship [that lasts] through generations of generations.35‘For before Him, those of us who live on the earth are like nothing at all, since He rules the armies of the heavens and those who live on the earth in any way that He wishes! No one can resist His hand, or ask Him why He does the things that He does.36‘Then, after my senses returned, the honor of my kingdom was restored to me. My appearance returned to me, and my rulers and great men looked up to me once again. So thereafter, I went on to strengthen my kingdom, and more greatness was added to me.37‘Now, I, NebuChadnezzar, praise, honor, and glorify the King of the heavens, because everything that He does is righteous, all of His ways are fair, and He humbles those who become too proud.’
1[Well, several years later], BelShazzar [the last Babylonian king] had prepared a feast for 1,000 of his most important men, and they were each served wine. 2Then, while BelShazzar was tasting and drinking the wine, he told [his servants] to bring in the items of gold and silver that his ancestor NebuChadnezzar had taken from the Temple [of Jehovah] in JeruSalem, so that the king, his important men, and his concubines and mistresses could drink from them.3So they brought in the items of gold and silver that had been taken from the Temple of God in JeruSalem. Then the king, his important men, and his concubines and mistresses 4started drinking wine from them, while they praised their gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone.5But within that very hour, the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and started writing on the whitewashed wall near a lamp in the king’s palace!When the king saw the knuckles doing the handwriting, 6his appearance changed… He was so deeply disturbed that he became incontinent and his knees started shaking! So the king called out to have the priests, Chaldeans, and astrologers brought in to him.7Then he said to those wise men of Babylon:‘Whoever can read this writing and interpret it for me will be dressed in purple, a gold necklace will be placed around his neck, and he’ll be appointed as the third ruler in my kingdom!’8So thereafter, all the king’s wise men were brought in to him… But they were unable to read the writing or interpret it for the king. 9Therefore, King BelShazzar was still disturbed and his appearance was still changed. And of course, all of his important guests were also very disturbed.10Then the queen entered the banquet room and said this to the king:‘O king,‘May you live throughout the ages! ‘Don’t allow this to bother your thoughts and change your appearance, 11for there’s a man in your kingdom who’s filled with the Breath of God.‘Back in the days of your ancestors, he was found to be an insightful and understanding man. And it was because of this that your ancestor King NebuChadnezzar put him in charge of all his advisors, Chaldeans, and astrologers.‘12This man has a greater measure of [God’s] Breath, and he’s the most intelligent and understanding when it comes to such things as interpreting dreams, reporting things that are [forgotten], and untying knots. [This man] is DaniEl, whom the king renamed BelTeShazzar.‘You should call for him and he’ll interpret [these words] for you.’13So DaniEl was thereafter brought before the king, and the king asked him:‘Are you DaniEl, the one whom my ancestor the king brought here from among the captives from Judah? 14I’ve heard that the Breath of God is in you and that you’re insightful, understanding, and exceedingly wise.‘15Now, my wise men, priests, and astrologers have come here and they all tried to read this writing and to interpret it for me, but they couldn’t explain what it means!‘16However, I’ve been told that you’re able to interpret such judgments. So, if you can read this writing and interpret it for me, I’ll dress you in purple, I’ll place a gold chain around your neck, and I’ll appoint you to be the 3rd ruler in my kingdom!’17However, DaniEl said to the king:‘You can keep your gifts and you can give the [power] over your house to someone else… But I’ll read the writing and interpret it for you, O king.18‘O king,‘It was the Highest God who gave the kingdom, greatness, honor, and glory to your ancestor, NebuChadnezzar. 19And it was because of this greatness that God put him over all the peoples, tribes, and languages, and made them tremble in fear before him. Therefore, he could destroy anyone he wished, beat anyone he wished, promote anyone he wished, and humble anyone whom he wished to humble.‘20But when his heart became too haughty and his spirit became too proud, he was brought down from the throne of this kingdom and this honor was removed from him. 21Then he was driven away from among mankind and his heart became like that of a wild animal. So he lived among the zebras, he was fed grass like an ox, and his body was bathed and washed by the dew from the skies until he recognized that the Most High God is the One who really rules all the kingdoms of mankind, and He can give [the power] to whomever He chooses.22‘Now you, O BelShazzar, have not humbled your heart before God, which is something that you knew you should do, 23and you’ve acted haughtily before Jehovah the God of the heavens by having the items from His Temple brought before you, where you, your important men, and your concubines and mistresses drank wine from them as you were praising your gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone, who can’t see, hear, or know anything at all… Yes, you failed to glorify the God who holds your breath and everything you are in His hands.24‘So it’s because of this that the knuckles of a hand were sent from His presence… Yes, He’s the One who sent this writing to you.25‘This is what the writing says:‘Mene, Tekel, Peres.’26‘And this is what it means:‘Mene means that God has measured your kingdom and brought it to an end.27‘Tekel means that He’s weighed you on a scale and found you to be lacking.28‘Peres means that your kingdom will now be divided among the Medes and Persians.’29Well after that, BelShazzar gave the order to dress DaniEl in purple, to put a gold chain around his neck, and he proclaimed him to be the third ruler in his kingdom.30However, that very night, BelShazzar (the king of the Chaldeans) was killed 31and Darius the Mede took the kingdom as his own at the age of 62.
1Darius thereafter appointed 120 governors to be in charge of his kingdom. 2Then he appointed three ministers to be over them (to whom the governors had to report), because the king didn’t want to be bothered… And DaniEl was one of these ministers. 3And because he had an extra portion of [God’s] Breath, DaniEl was placed over the other two ministers, so that he was in fact in charge of the whole kingdom.4Of course, the other two ministers and the governors [weren’t pleased with this], so they kept looking to find some wrongdoing that they could use as an accusation against DaniEl. However, they couldn’t find any excuse, sin, or error against him, because DaniEl was always faithful.5Well, the other two ministers soon came to realize that the only thing they could use against DaniEl was the Law of his God. 6So they and the governors went before the king and said this:‘O King Darius,‘May you live throughout the ages!7‘We, the generals, governors, and supreme leaders whom you’ve appointed over your kingdom – those whom you’ve appointed to royal positions – have met together, and we want you to enact [this law] to strengthen [your rule]:‘Anyone who makes a request of any man or god other than you for the next 30 days, O king, must be thrown into the lion’s pit.’8‘Please, O king, enact this law and write it for public display, since the decrees of the Medes and Persians can’t be changed.’9As a result, King Darius gave orders for the decree to be written.10However, when DaniEl found out about the decree, he just went home, and there in an upper room before open windows that faced JeruSalem, he bent down on his knees to praise and pray before his God. [He did this] three times, the same as he’d always done.11Well, those men had been watching him closely. So when they saw DaniEl petitioning and begging before his God, 12they went to the king and said:‘O king!‘Didn’t you enact an order saying that anyone who makes a request of a god or a man other than from you for the next 30 days should be thrown into the lion’s pit?’And the king replied:‘What you say is true, and the decrees of the Medes and Persians may not be changed!’13So they said to the king:‘We wish to report to you that DaniEl – one of those who was brought as a captive from Judah – hasn’t followed your decree, for today he still prayed before his God three times!’14Well, this really disturbed the king, and although he wanted to do something to save DaniEl, 15those men said to the king:‘You must know, O king, that any decree of the Medes and Persians may not be altered once the king has enacted it, no matter what the circumstances or what position [the person] may hold!’16So the king gave the order, and they took DaniEl out to throw him into the pit of lions. [But before they threw him in], the king asked DaniEl:‘Will your God, whom you’ve served so faithfully, rescue you?’17[Well after that, they threw him in], and they took a stone slab and placed it over the top of the pit. They then sealed it with the king’s ring, and with the rings of his top men, so that nothing could be changed for DaniEl. 18And thereafter, the king returned to his palace and went to bed without eating any supper… He had no food brought him, and he wasn’t able to sleep.19Then, when the king got up the next morning (at daybreak), he went out to the lion’s pit. And as he was approaching it, he called out to DaniEl, shouting loudly:20‘O DaniEl… O servant of the Living God… Has your God whom you’ve served so faithfully been able to rescue you from the mouths of the lions?’21And DaniEl replied:‘O king,‘May you live throughout the ages!22‘Yes, my God sent His messenger who blocked the mouths of the lions. They haven’t been able to destroy me, because [my God] has found me to be righteous… And I haven’t done anything against you either, O king.’23Well, the king was overjoyed by this, and he gave the order that DaniEl was to be taken out of the pit. And when they lifted him out, they found that DaniEl hadn’t been harmed in any way, because he had trusted in his God.24Then the king gave orders and they took the men who had accused DaniEl and threw them, their sons, and their wives into the lion’s pit… And they hadn’t even reached the floor before the lions had them! They even chewed up their bones, so all that remained of them was just dust!25And after that, King Darius wrote a letter to all the peoples, tribes, and languages throughout the whole earth that said this:‘May you have peace!26‘From my presence, I’ve sent this decree to all states throughout my realm:‘Before the face of DaniEl’s God
All should tremble and fear.
For, He’s the one Living God
And He exists throughout the ages.‘His Kingdom won’t be destroyed
And it will last throughout the ages…
He alone will rule ‘til the end.27‘He snatches away and He rescues;
He sends us miracles and signs
Both in the heavens and on the earth…
For, this is the One who saved DaniEl
From the mouths of the lions.’28So DaniEl continued to prosper during the reign of Darius, and on into the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
1It was during the 1st year of the reign of BelShazzar (the king of the Chaldeans) that DaniEl saw a vision in his head as he was lying in his bed, and this is what he wrote about the things that he saw:2‘In my vision during the night, I, DaniEl, saw the four winds blowing hard and stirring up the Great Sea. 3And four large animals came up out of the sea that were different from each other.4‘The first one looked like a female lion, and she had the wings of an eagle. But as I watched, her wings were plucked off and she was lifted away from the earth… Then she stood on feet that were like those of a man, and the heart of a man was given to her.5‘I also saw a second wild animal that looked like a bear. It was lying on one side and there were three ribs sticking out of its mouth from between its teeth. Then it was told to get up and devour much flesh.6‘{Look!} I also saw another wild animal that looked like a leopard, but it had four wings [like those of] of a bird on its back, and it had four heads. It was also given great power.7‘And as I was watching, I saw a fourth wild animal that was astonishing, frightening, and huge. It had teeth of iron that were mighty for eating and crushing, and it trampled the others with its feet. It was very different from the wild animals that had come before it, and this one had ten horns.8‘Then as I was looking at its horns, another small horn came up in the midst of them, which pushed out the three horns that were in front of it. {Look!} This horn had the eyes of a man, and it started saying grandiose things.9‘Well, as I kept on watching, a throne appeared upon which the Most Ancient One seated Himself. His clothes were as white as snow, the hair on His head was like pure wool, His throne was like flames of fire, and it had wheels that looked like flames. 10Also, a river of fire shot out from before Him, and there were millions that were serving Him and tens of millions more that were standing before Him.‘Then a judgment seat was brought forward and scrolls were opened. 11And as I was watching, I heard a voice coming from the [animal’s] horn that was speaking those grandiose words.‘However, after that, the wild animal was condemned and put to death, then its body was thrown into a blazing fire. 12And after that happened, the rulership of the other wild animals was returned to them, and their lives were extended for a time and a season.13‘Then as I was watching the things in the vision that night, {Look!} someone like a Son of Man arrived riding upon the clouds of the skies, and he went up in front of the Most Ancient One, 14who then gave him rulership, honor, and a Kingdom, so that from then on, all the peoples, tribes, and languages were to serve him. And [he was told that] the authority he was given was to last throughout the ages… It would never pass away or be destroyed.15‘Well at that, the spirit within me, DaniEl, shuddered (as often happens to me), because the visions that I saw in my head were so disturbing. 16So I went up to the one who was standing there, because I wanted him to explain the meanings of all these things… And he spoke to me plainly, making the interpretation very clear.17[‘He said]:‘These four great beasts are four kingdoms, Which will arise on the earth… 18But thereafter, they’ll be taken away.‘Then this [Son of Man] will take over the kingdom Of the holy ones of the Most High… Throughout the age and throughout ages of ages, He will be the one who’ll rule.’19‘Then I wanted to find out more about the fourth wild animal, because it was so different from the other wild animals and it was so frightening because of its iron teeth and brass claws that it used to eat, crush, and trample.20‘I also wanted to learn more about the ten horns that were on its head, and about the [horn] that arose and shook off three of the [horns]… The one who had eyes and a mouth that spoke grandiose things, because it was the most disturbing of all the things that I saw. 21For as I was watching, that horn attacked the holy ones and conquered them.22‘But then the Most Ancient One came and gave these Holy Ones His most favorable judgment, and they were able to take over their Kingdom.23‘Then he told me this:‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom That will also rule over the earth. It will be greater than all other kingdoms. For, it’ll devour all of the lands… It’ll trample upon them and cut them to bits.24‘His ten horns are ten kings who’ll come, And after them, another will arise That will conquer the previous kings… And three of them will be humbled.25‘Then, he will speak grandiose words And mislead the Holy Ones of the Most High. He’ll choose to change times and laws For 3-1/2 times.26‘But thereafter, the judgment seat will arrive, And his position of rule will be changed… He’ll be removed from view and destroyed Until the end has arrived.27‘Then the Kingdom, the authority, and the greatness Of all the kings under the heavens Will be given to the Holy One of the Most High, Whose Kingdom will last throughout the ages… Then these kings will serve and obey Him.’28‘Well, that’s when [the dream] ended. But these thoughts disturbed me so much that they even changed my appearance. Therefore, I (DaniEl) remembered them and kept them in my heart.’
1It was in the 3rd year of the reign of King BelShazzar that I, DaniEl, had a vision that was like the previous one. 2In the vision, I found myself at the palace in Sushan (in the region of ElAm), and I was standing by the Ulai River.3Then, when I looked up, I saw a ram standing at the river bank that had two long horns. One horn was taller than the other and it grew from behind it.4Then I saw the ram butting towards the west, north, and south, so that none of the other wild animals could stand before him and none could be saved from his hands. So, he did whatever he wished and he became very powerful.5Well, as I was watching, {Look!} a male goat came across the land from the southwest and [his feet] weren’t touching the ground!This goat’s horn was very conspicuous, because it grew out from between his eyes. 6Then he rushed towards the ram that I saw (the one with the two horns), and butted him as hard as he could! 7Because he was furious with him, he ran as fast as possible and he hit the ram and broke off both of his horns, which left [the ram] weak and unable to oppose him. Then [the male goat] threw the ram to the ground and trampled him, and no one came to his aid.8Thereafter, the male goat became extremely famous for his strength. But then, his large horn was broken and four horns grew up from beneath it. Each pointed towards one of the four winds of the skies.9However, one of them became extremely powerful… It grew rapidly towards the south and east 10until it reached to the powers of the heavens! Then he threw [the other three horns] to the ground, and he also started trampling on the stars.11For he became more powerful towards the commander-in-chief, so that through him, the sacrifices were to be disturbed and the Holy Place was to be destroyed. 12Yes, he was prepared as a sin-offering sacrifice that resulted in righteousness being tossed to the ground. And after he did that, he prospered.13Then I heard the Holy One speaking. He asked:‘How long will this vision stand…
When the sacrifices are taken away,
And the sin of destruction is allowed,
As the Holy Place and its power,
Will thereafter be trampled upon?’14And he said:‘After 2,300 mornings and evenings,
The Holy Place will be cleansed.’15Well, as I was seeing this vision, I (DaniEl) wanted to understand more. Then I saw what looked like a man standing before me, 16and I heard a man’s voice speaking from the midst of the Ulai [River].He called out and said:‘GabriEl! Let him understand the vision!’17So he came over to where I was standing. As he was approaching, I became very disturbed and fell to my face. Then he said to me:‘Pay attention, O son of man.‘For this vision is of the time of the end!’18Well, as he was speaking to me, I stayed there with my face to the ground. But then, he touched me, and stood me up on my feet.19And he said:‘{Look!} I’ll explain what will bring the end to [God’s] rage.
For, these are the things that will happen
In the time of the end:20‘The ram that you saw with [two] horns,
Is the kingdom of the Medes and the Persians,
21And the male goat is the king of the Greeks.‘The great horn that stands between its [two] eyes
Will be their greatest of kings.
22And after he’s broken, the four horns that arise
Will be four kings who succeed him;
But, none will be as mighty as he.23‘Now, in the last days of their kingdom,
They’ll be filled with sins.
Then a king will arise that has a proud face…
One who understands riddles.24‘Even though he’ll have great power, the strength won’t be his.
Then he will prosper and corrupt in wondrous ways…
He’ll take action and he will bring ruin
To a people who are mighty and holy.25‘He will prosper by putting [others in] yokes,
And in his hands, there’ll be treachery;
For in his heart, he’ll think himself great.‘His treachery will bring ruin to many,
And he will destroy many to establish himself…
He’ll break them like eggs in his hands.26‘As for the vision of the evenings and mornings...
The things that you saw are all true!
But, you must now seal up this vision,
For it’ll all happen in some future time!’27Then I (DaniEl) went to bed and I was sick for several days after that. But I [finally] got up and did my work for the king, and I wondered about the vision… But I was the only one who knew about it.
1Well, it was during the 1st year of Darius of Xerxes (a Mede who ruled the Chaldean kingdom), 2that I, DaniEl, came to understand that the number of years (from Jehovah’s words given to the Prophet JeremiAh) for fulfilling Jerusalem’s desolation [would be] 70 years [referring to Jeremiah 25:11-12].3So I turned my face towards Jehovah God to ask Him about this through prayers, supplications, and by fasting in sackcloth and ashes. 4I prayed to my God Jehovah, acknowledging Him and saying this:‘O Lord,‘O great and wonderful God who keeps His Sacred Agreements and is merciful to those who love Him and keep His commandments...5‘We’ve sinned, done wrong, and been godless, For from Your commandments and ways, we have turned. 6We’ve not listened to Your servants the Prophets (Those who spoke in Your Name), Or to our kings, rulers, ancestors, and kin.7‘Although You, O Jehovah, are just. The people of IsraEl and Judah, As well as those in JeruSalem, Have been covered with shame to this day… Yes, all the people who [lived there] And those who’ve been been [carried away] To all places, wherever You sent them, Because they had been in rebellion By annulling their Sacred Agreement with You.8‘The faces of our fathers, rulers, and kings Who’ve sinned against You are shamed. 9But from You, O Jehovah our God, Has come forgiveness and tender compassion, Despite our sin of withdrawing from You.10‘To Your voice, we’ve not paid attention, O Jehovah our God, Nor have we obeyed the Laws that you gave Through the hands of Your servants, the Prophets.11‘IsraEl has broken Your laws, And turned aside from hearing Your voice. So the curses and oaths that were written In the Law of Moses (the servant of God) Have now fallen upon us Because of our sins against You.12‘So the words that were spoken against us And against the judges that judged us Have now all come to pass… They’ve brought such evil upon us As has never been seen in JeruSalem’s skies.13‘In the Law that You gave to Moses, It was written that these bad things would happen If we failed to search for the face of our Lord, And turn away from our sins.14‘Since this was the concern of Jehovah our God, He sent upon us, our own evil ways. It was right for Jehovah to do all these things, For we’ve not paid attention to His voice!15‘Now, O Jehovah our God… You who led Your people from Egypt With Your great, mighty hand And established a Name for Yourself to this day... We’ve broken Your Laws… We’ve fallen into errors and sins!16‘Yet Lord, In your great loving care, Please turn away Your anger and rage From Your [holy] city, JeruSalem, And from Your most holy Mountain!‘It was because we walked in the sins of our fathers That JeruSalem and Your people Have become an object of such ridicule By those who are living around us.17‘O Jehovah, our God, Hear the prayer of Your servant, And listen to the things that I’m begging!‘May Your Face be seen in Your Most Holy Place Before those whom You’ve deserted… Do this for the sake [of Your Name]!18‘O my God, Lean Your ear and listen to me! Please open Your eyes and notice How we and the city where You’ve put Your Name Have now been brought to destruction!‘So, we can no longer approach You And throw our worries before You Because of our unrighteous ways, O Jehovah… Yet we have many things that concern us.19‘Please listen, O Lord, and cover our sins… Do it quickly, because our city and its people Are the ones who are called by Your Name!’20Well, it was just as I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sins and the sins of my people (throwing my desire for mercy before my God Jehovah concerning His Holy Mountain), 21that GabriEl (the person whom I saw flying in my first vision) touched me!It was about the time for the evening sacrifice, 22and then he helped me to understand. He spoke to me, and said this:‘O DaniEl,‘I’ve come here to teach you So that you can now understand. 23I’ve been coming since you started your prayer To tell you that you’ve been found to be A very desirable man.‘So, you must now reflect on the things That you’ll see in this vision. 2470 periods of 7 have been set On behalf of you and your people And for the Holy City on Zion‘So as to bring an end to your sins, To set a seal on your errors, To wipe away all of your lawless deeds, And to atone for the [bad things you’ve done]…‘To restore righteous ways throughout the ages, To set a seal on the prophecies and visions, And to anoint the holiest of the holy.25‘So, know this, and now understand:‘From the delivery of the word and its response For JeruSalem to be built once again Until the Anointed (Greek: Christou) Leader arrives, Will be 7 periods of 7, Plus 62 periods of 7. They’ll rebuild the walls and the squares, But they’ll do it through difficult times.26‘And after the 62 periods of 7, The Anointed One will then be destroyed… For in that place, there’ll no longer be justice.‘Then the Holy Place and the city Will be corrupted by a leader that will come And cut them off by a downpour… He’ll order an extinction upon them Until the end of his war.27‘He’ll strengthen the Sacred Agreement with many During one period of 7; But in half of that period of 7, Sacrifices and drink offerings will be lifted away.‘Then, to the Temple will come the disgusting destroyer, And until that time is fulfilled, There’ll just be complete desolation.’
1Well, it was during the 3rd year of the reign of Cyrus, the king of Persia that these true words were uncovered to me DaniEl (who was also called BelTeShazzar), and I was able to gain a great understanding from this vision.2At the time, I (DaniEl) had been in mourning for three weeks… 3I hadn’t eaten any meat or bread, nor drunk any wine. I also hadn’t rubbed myself with any oil during those three weeks.4Then, (on the 24th day of the 1st month) as I was standing on the banks of the great Tigris River, 5I raised my eyes and I saw a man wearing linen clothes.His hips were wrapped in the gold of Ophir, 6his body looked like stone, and his face looked like lightning, his eyes looked like burning lamps, his arms and legs looked like shining brass! When he spoke it was like the sound of a large crowd!7I was the only one who saw this vision. The men who were with me at the time didn’t see anything. However, something came over them that frightened them, so they all ran away – 8leaving me alone.Well, when I had this great vision, it left me weak… It took all my glory and corrupted it, leaving me without any strength. 9Then I heard a voice speaking words. When I heard what was being said, I was confused. So I fell with my face to the ground.10Then, {Look!} a hand reached out and touched me and lifted me up on my knees and onto the palms of my hands.11And this is what he said to me:‘O DaniEl, you very desirable man... Understand the words I’m speaking to you. Get up and stand on your feet, For I’ve been sent here to help you!’Well when he said that, I stood up, but I was still shaking.12And he said to me:‘Don’t be afraid, O DaniEl. For from the first day that you opened your heart So as to understand [all these things], And you started [your fast] to Jehovah your God, All of your words have been heard! And I’ve come here because of the things that you’ve prayed.13‘But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia Stood and opposed me for 21 days, Until MichaEl (one of the foremost rulers) [Finally] came to my aid.‘So, that’s where I’d left him… With the ruler of the kingdom of Persia, 14And I’ve come here so as to explain What will happen to your people in the last days. For, this is a vision of things that will be.’15Well as he was saying that, I fell with my face to the ground once again, because I was so confused.16Then {Look!} someone who looked like one of the sons of men came and touched my lips, and I was able to open my mouth and speak.So, to the one standing in front of me I said:‘O lord, seeing this vision of you has twisted my insides and left me weak. 17So, O Lord, how will your servant be able to speak to you, since I’m weak, I can’t stand up, and I can hardly breathe!’18Then [somebody who] looked like a human came and touched me, and gave me strength.19And he said:‘Don’t be afraid, you most desirable man…‘May you have peace!‘But now you must be manly and strong!’Well, as he was speaking to me, I did become stronger, so I said:‘Now speak, O my lord, because you’ve given me the strength [I need]!’20Then he asked:‘Do you know why I’ve come here to you? Although I must now go back and fight a war Against the ruler of the kingdom of Persia, Before the ruler of the Greeks will arrive, 21I’ve come here to help you write words of truth. And no one is with me when it comes to these things Other than MichaEl, your ruler.’
[Editor note: For a verse-by-verse commentary of the meaning of this prophecy, see A Comparison Chart of the Prophecy of DaniEl 11 with the History of the Greek World.]1‘Since the 1st year of Cyrus, I’ve been standing nearby in power and might… 2And now, I’ll tell you the truth:‘{Look!} In Persia, three kings will arise, Then a fourth will come who’ll be richer. And after he gains all his wealth, He will attack the kingdoms of Greece.3‘Then [from Greece], a mighty king will arise Who’ll gain a vast kingdom And he’ll do whatever he wishes.4‘But, after his kingdom has been established, It’ll be divided and broken Towards the four winds of the skies… And it won’t be as strong as during his rule. For his kingdom will then be plucked up And divided among the outsiders.5‘Then the king in the south will grow mighty, But another one will grow stronger And he’ll use the authority he’s given To rule a kingdom that’s vast.6‘However, after his time, They’ll all become allies; And the daughter of Egypt’s king Will go to the king in the north And she’ll make treaties with him. But his arm won’t be strong, and his offspring won’t survive.‘Then, she’ll be handed over, Along with all those who brought her, As well as with her young women, And the one who made her strong in her time.7‘Then someone will arise from the root of her flower, And when he’s ready, he’ll attack The army of the king of the north And overrun his supporters… He will conquer and then win the war.8‘He’ll carry away all of their molded gods And all of their most desirable things (Including their silver and gold). Then, back to Egypt, he’ll take it… For he’ll dominate the king of the north.9‘Thereafter, [the king] of the north Will come and enter the kingdom Of the king of the south… But then, he will return to his land.10‘So his sons will gather an army, Which will quickly overrun and pass through. [In that land], they’ll thereafter settle, And they’ll fight all the way to his stronghold.11‘This will enrage the king of the south And he will raise a large army To fight against the king of the north, And he’ll take many captives.12‘Then his heart will become very proud, And thousands, he will cut to the ground… But the war that he will fight won’t be won.13‘Thereafter, the king of the north Will gather an army that’s larger, And towards the end of [his rule], He’ll attack and enter with power, Along with many [weapons of war].14‘But, during that time, there’ll be a rebellion Against the king of the south, As the rabble among your people grow many, So this vision will be proven true… But then, they’ll also get weaker.15‘Then the king of the north will attack, And he will build many siege mounds To capture their fortified cities.‘And the chosen ones of the south will arise; Yet, they won’t be quite as strong. 16So the one who enters will do what he wants, And none will be able to stop him.‘Then he’ll stand in the glorious land, And with his own hands, he will destroy it.17‘Thereafter, he will set his face To march against their whole kingdom With those who have been proven upright, And this is what he will do:‘They’ll give him the daughter of a woman, So that he can thereafter corrupt her, But she won’t stay and she’ll never be his.18‘So he’ll turn his attention to the islands, And many will be captured there. This will stop the ridicule of their kings… But, only for a short time.19‘At that time, he will turn his attention To making his land much stronger again; But then, he’ll get weaker and fall, And never be [heard from] again.20‘Yet, from out of his roots, will arise The shoot of a kingdom to oppose him, And demand all the glory of his kingdom.‘Yet, in those days, he’ll be broken… But, not by rebellion or war. 21There’ll be someone who’ll stand in his place Whom he once treated with great contempt And not given any glory in his kingdom. But, in prosperity, he will return, And through treachery, he’ll then take the kingdom.22‘So the strength of the one who was bringing the flood Will be broken and washed away from his face… The one who’s in charge of the Sacred Agreement.23‘For, after he’s made an alliance, He will then act in deceitful ways.‘Through a nation that’s small, he’ll gain power, 24And he will go to a prosperous place To do what his fathers and even their fathers Had been unable to do… He’ll plunder and divide up the loot.‘Then, he will plot against Egypt, 25And when he’s strong, he will set his heart Against the king of the south, And attack him with a great army.‘But the king of the south will gather an army And beat him with their new weapons of war… 26He’ll devour everything that he wanted to take, And then, he will destroy their whole army… He’ll break them and he will kill many.27‘So, both kings will have wicked hearts, And when they sit down at a table, They’ll lie and settle nothing at all Until the end has arrived.28‘Then, when he goes back to his country, He will do so with things that he’s plundered And with his heart set firmly against The Holy Sacred Agreement.‘But, after he returns to [his] land, 29He’ll invade the south once again… Yet it won’t be the same as he did at the first.30‘Then, [ships] of Cyprus will attack him And [teach him] that he must be humble; So he’ll return and show his rage once again Against the Holy Sacred Agreement.‘He will launch an attack against those who supported The Holy Sacred Agreement, 31Then [they’ll come] and profane the great Holy Place… And bring an end to the daily sacrifices.Yes he will bring the disgusting destroyer 32Against all those who are breaking the Law And disregarding the Sacred Agreement.‘But those who know God will grow stronger And they’ll do whatever needs to be done… 33For they’ll come to know many things.‘Yet, they’ll be weakened by swords and by fire, And as captives, they’ll be carried away… They’ll be ravaged for a very long time.34‘Then, after they’ve become weakest, They’ll be given some help; For, many will be added to them… But, they won’t have the same zeal.35‘They’ll drag down those who do understand And purify them as through fire Until the time of the end, Which will still be a long time away.36‘Thereafter, the king will grow in his might And put himself higher than all of the gods… Including the God of all gods.37‘He will forget the Gods of his fathers, And not notice the desires of women… He will ignore all the gods, And put himself higher than all.38‘A god of war from his country, He will then glorify (A god whom his fathers never knew) With silver, gold, and most precious gems, And many desirable things.39‘Within a fortress of refuge, He will act with a strange god (Whichever one he chooses)… He’ll make it grow in its glory, And cause many to bow down before it, And then, he’ll divide the land up as gifts.40‘Then, in the time of the end, He’ll lock horns with the king of the south… And the king of the north will gather to him Many chariots, horsemen, and ships. So, he will then enter their land… He will break it and he will pass through it.41‘And then, he will enter the glorious land, And many there, will be weakened. But these ones will be saved from his hands: Edom, MoAb, and the sovereignty of AmMon’s sons.42‘Then he’ll stretch his hand out over the land, And the land of Egypt won’t be saved. 43He’ll dominate all with the hidden reserves Of their silver and gold, And the best things of Libya, Ethiopia, and Egypt… [Things that he’ll find in] their forts.44‘Then, out of the north and the east, He will hear things that disturb him. So he’ll leave in a rage, bringing many along, To wipe away and destroy.45‘His royal tent, he will then set up Between the sea and the Holy Mountain of Glory Until he comes to his end… When no one will be able save him.’
1‘And in that very same hour, The Highest Messenger, MichaEl, will come (The one who keeps watch on the sons of your people), And a difficult time will arrive Such as has never happened before, And will never happen again.‘At that time, your people will be saved (Those whose [names] have been written in the scroll), 2And many that are sleeping in graves will arise, Some to life throughout the ages, And others to disgrace and ages of shame.3‘Then, those who understand what I’m saying Will shine like lights in the firmament. And the many that prove themselves righteous Will shine like stars throughout the ages.4‘And you, O DaniEl,‘Cover these words and seal up the scroll Until the time of the end. [It’s a time when] many will be taught And knowledge will be multiplied.’5Then I, DaniEl, looked and I saw two others that were also standing there, one on this side of the river, and the other on the opposite bank. 6One of them asked the man in the linen clothes that was standing over the water in the river:‘When will all these wonders of which you spoke reach their conclusion?’7And the man in the linen clothes who was standing over the river raised both his right and left hands high towards the heavens, and he swore an oath to The God who lives throughout ages, saying:‘The holy ones will be scattered For 3-1/2 times, Before these things reach their end.’8Well, I heard it, but I didn’t understand it.So I said:‘O lord, when will these things that you’ve spoke about start to happen? And when will your judgment arrive?’9And he said:‘Go, O DaniEl,‘Cover and seal up these words!10‘For, there’ll be many who are chosen And they’ll be [dressed] in white robes.‘By fire, they’ll be purified… And thereafter, they’ll all be made holy.‘But the sinners will continue to sin, And they won’t be seeking knowledge.11‘From the time the disgusting destroyer arrives And the sacrificing comes to an end Is 1,290 days.12‘And all of those will be blest Who endure all the way to the end, Of 1,335 days.13‘Now, [you’ll] go to your rest Until that day and hour arrives. For then, you’ll be resurrected, And you’ll receive your inheritance After those days reach their end.’
1The Word of Jehovah came to Hosea (son of BeEri) in the days of UzziAh, JoTham Ahaz, and HezekiAh the kings of Judah, and in the days of JeroBoam (son of JoAsh) the king of IsraEl.2This is the beginning of the Word of Jehovah by Hosea.The [messenger of the] Lord spoke to Hosea and said this:‘Take a woman for yourself from the whores So that children [can be born] from her whoring; Because, by chasing after immoral sex, The land has strayed from Jehovah.’3So [Hosea] went and took Gomer, the daughter of DiBlaim and she got pregnant and bore a son to him.4Then [the messenger of] the Lord said to him:‘Call his name JezreEl; For, in a short while, I’ll bring vengeance On the house of Judah for [the city of] JezreEl’s blood, And to the Kingdom of IsraEl, I’m also bringing an end. 5In that day, I’ll break IsraEl’s bow There in the valley of JezreEl.’6Then she got pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter. And [the messenger of the Lord] said to him:‘Call her name, Show No Mercy; For on IsraEl’s house, I’ll show no mercy… Yes I’ll stand against and oppose them.7‘Yet, by the power of Jehovah their God, I’ll show mercy upon Judah’s sons And I’ll bring them salvation. But, I’ll not save by the bow or the sword, Nor by battles of horses and horsemen.’8Well, after she weaned Show No Mercy, she got pregnant again and bore another son to him. 9And [the messenger of the Lord] said:‘Call his name, Not My People; For, you’re no longer my people, And I’m no part of you.10‘Yet the number of IsraEl’s sons Will become as great as the sands of the seas, So that no one can measure or count them.‘And it’ll be in that place Where I told them that they’re no longer my people; They’ll be called, The Living God’s Sons.11‘Then they’ll gather the sons of IsraEl and Judah And appoint someone to rule over them. But, from this land, They’ll [now be taken away]; For, [the city of] JezreEl’s day [of reckoning] will be great!’
1[‘And God said:]‘Now the brother, Not My People, should speak, As should his sister, Show No Mercy. 2They should plead with their mother, Although she’s not really My woman And I’m not really her man.‘For I’ll bring an end to her whoring And the adultery she commits between her two breasts. 3Then I’ll strip her down ‘til she’s naked And make her like the day she was born.‘To be wiped away, I’ll appoint her, And I’ll make her a waterless land… Then I’ll destroy her with thirst.4‘And on her children, I won’t show mercy, For, they’re the result of her whoring… 5Because their mother was immoral, The one who bore them, disgraced them.‘For she said:‘I’ll follow my lovers… Those who provided my water and bread, As well as my clothes and fine linen robes, Along with my olive oil, And the rest of the things that I truly deserve.’6‘For this, {Look!} with barbs, I’ll close up her way… I’ll block her ways and her roads So she’ll not be easily found.7‘Then, when she chases her lovers, She’ll not be able catch them… She’ll search for them, but not find them.‘Then she’ll say:‘I’ll return to my man, For with him, things had always been better.’8‘But she doesn’t know that I’m the one Who provided her grain and her wine, As well as her oil and her silver.‘But then she took My silver and gold And used it to make things for BaAl. 9And for doing this, I’ll return And remove my grain in its season, As well as my wine in its time.‘Then I’ll take away all of her clothes, As well as My linen robes, And leave her with nothing to cover her shame.10‘I’ll expose her filth to her lovers, And from My hand, she won’t be saved. 11I’ll remove the joy of her feasts, And her holidays, New Moons, and Sabbaths. 12I’ll also take all the grapes and the figs That she thought were the pay from her lovers.‘Then I’ll appoint [those men] to witness [against her], And she’ll be eaten by the beasts in the fields, As well as by the birds in the skies And the things that crawl on the ground.13‘Yes, I’ll take vengeance upon her For each day that she offered to BaAl… When she put on her necklace and earrings And forgot Me to chase after lovers,’ said Jehovah.14‘And for this, {Look!} I’ll cause her to wander, And I’ll order desolation upon her. But then, I’ll speak to her heart, And I’ll give back her things… I’ll turn that troublesome valley Into a valley of hope. 15I’ll make her as humble as she was in her youth… Like the day that she came up from Egypt.16‘And in that day, says Jehovah, She will call Me her Husband… No more will she call out to a BaAl! 17For the name of a BaAl, I’ll lift from her mouth, And she won’t remember his name.18‘And in that day, I’ll conclude An agreement with the beasts of the fields, As well as with the birds in the skies, And with the things that crawl on the ground.‘I’ll also break all the broadswords and bows… Yes, I’ll bring an end to the wars, And I’ll send hope to the land.19‘I’ll take her as My woman throughout the ages… I’ll take her rightly and fairly… In mercy and compassion, [I’ll welcome her back]. 20I’ll take her to Myself in full trust, And she’ll think of Me as her Lord.21‘And in that day, says Jehovah, To the skies, I’ll turn My attention. Then, they’ll tend to the land, 22And the land will tend to the grain As well as to the wine and the oil… To [the city of] JezreEl they’ll pay attention once more.23‘I’ll plant her in the ground for Myself, And I’ll love the one who’s unloved. Then I’ll say:‘You’re My people!’‘To those who weren’t really Mine; And she will say:‘Jehovah is My God!’
1And the [messenger of the] Lord said to me:‘Go again and love an adulteress Who wishes to do what’s evil! For, even though Jehovah loved IsraEl’s sons, They’ve looked to strange gods, And of raisin cakes, they’ve been fond!’2So I hired [such a woman] for myself for 15 silver coins, 200 quarts (190l) of barley, and a skin flask of wine. 3And I said to her:‘You must now sit next to me and you may not be immoral or be with [another man] for many days… You must be mine alone! 4For this is how the sons of IsraEl will sit for some time… Without a king or a ruler, and with no altar, sacrifices, priesthood, or anything else to give them direction.5‘But after these things are completed, IsraEl’s sons will return to search for their God Jehovah and for David to serve as their king. So at the end of the days, they’ll find joy in Jehovah and with the good things that He provides.’
1[Hosea now says:]‘O sons of IsraEl, hear the Word of Jehovah!‘For He has a case against all of you… Those who now live in this land, Because you have no mercy or truth, Or any knowledge of God:2‘Cursing, lying, murder, and fraud, As well as adultery, cover your land. You’ve also mingled blood with your blood… And for this, your land will now mourn.3‘So those living here will be fewer… And all the game in the fields, All the birds in the skies, And all the fish in the seas will now fail.4‘Then there’ll be no priests or judges to scold you; 5For each day, I’ll be making them weaker. And I’ll do the same to your prophets… So your mother will then be [the darkness of] night.6‘For, from my people, they’ve taken the knowledge… And because they’ve pushed higher knowledge away, I’ll push them away… They won’t be My priests anymore!‘And because you’ve forgotten the laws of your God, I’ll be forgetting your children. 7So because of your sins against Me, Their glory, I’ll appoint to dishonor. 8Then My people will have to eat their own sins, As their lives will be claimed by their unrighteous ways.9‘And these things that will happen to the people Will also happen to the priests… Yes I’ll bring my vengeance upon them For all of their evil ways, And I’ll pay them back for their [unrighteous] thoughts.10‘Then they’ll eat and never be filled; For, they’ve become whores who can’t straighten their ways. They no longer look [to their God] anymore; Yes, they’ve abandoned Jehovah! 11For whoring, wine, and strong drink Have captured the hearts of My people.12‘They now look to omens for answers, And [wave magic] wands for replies. In a spirit of whoring, they’ve wandered, And to their God, they’re unfaithful.13‘They offer sacrifices upon the hill tops And beneath the oaks and white poplars, As well under the rest of the trees, [To ask] for good and protection.‘For this, your daughters will all become whores And your brides will be filled with adultery. 14Then, I’ll not visit your daughters When they’re found guilty of whoring! Nor [will I visit] your daughters-in-law When they’re committing adultery!‘Among prostitutes, they’ll all be mixed (Among those [that offer their bodies]). And since the men won’t understand, They’ll just treat them like whores.’15‘So IsraEl... Stop being stupid! And Judah... Stop going to GilGal And to the temple at BethEl!‘Nor should you say, ‘As Jehovah is living,’ When you’re swearing your oaths! 16For since IsraEl is now like a heifer in heat, She’ll be fattened like a lamb in a feedlot.17‘And because Ephraim has partnered with idols, He’s set his own snares. 18For with CanaAnite whores he’s had sex, And he’s loved the dishonor of their neighing. 19So a mighty wind will now sweep him away, And his altars will bring him disgrace.’
1[And Hosea continues:]‘Hear these things, O you priests… And house of IsraEl, you should pay close attention. O house of the king, you must listen too; For there’s a judgment that’s coming against you![‘For God says:]‘Despite your important positions, You’ve become your own snares. So I’m stretching a net on [Mount] Tabor 2(The type that they use to catch game), And I’ll be the One who corrects you.3‘I remember Ephraim and IsraEl Before they had strayed far from Me. But, Ephraim has since been immoral, And IsraEl is also defiled… 4Neither has remembered to turn to their God.’‘Now the spirit of whoring is in them, And they’ve [forgotten] Jehovah. 5So because of her insolent ways, IsraEl’s face will be humbled. And for Ephraim’s unrighteous ways, I’ll bring weakness upon him… And I’ll also bring weakness on Judah.’6‘Although they bring before Him their sheep and their calves, There’s no way that they’ll follow Jehovah. So now, they can no longer find Him, Because they’ve all turned away.7‘Yes, they’ve abandoned Jehovah, And to children of strangers, they’re now giving birth. So, they and all that they’d hope to inherit Will soon be eaten by blight.8[‘For God says:]‘So, blow the trumpets on the hill tops… Sound it from all the high places! In the house of On, you should proclaim it, So that BenJamin will also be shaken. 9For, Ephraim will soon be destroyed In the day of correction!‘Although IsraEl’s tribes once put faith in Me, 10The rulers of Judah then joined with the rest That moved the property markers… So I’ll pour My rage upon them like water!11‘Yes, Ephraim [will be oppressed] Because he’s trampled on justice, And because he’s chased worthless things. 12So to Ephraim, I’m sending disturbance, And to the house of Judah, I’ll now be a spur.13‘Although Ephraim saw his disease, And although Judah understood his reasons for grief; Ephraim looked to Assyria And asked their king for his aid… But [that king] won’t be able to save them, And he won’t bring an end to their grief.14‘So to Ephraim, I’ll now be a panther, And to the house of Judah, a lion… For I’ll snatch them away and I’ll go… I’ll grab them and no one will save them. 15Then I’ll go back to My place, And I won’t be seen again ‘til the time That they turn and search for My face.’
1‘But, when they’re oppressed, they’ll rise early; And then, about Jehovah, they’ll say:‘We should return to our God; For He’ll snatch us away and then heal us. He’ll attack them and then dress our wounds… 2Yes, after two days, He’ll restore us; Then, by the third day, we’ll be alive And we’ll be standing before Him!3‘Knowledge of Him, we’ll know and pursue… We’ll find Him at the first crack of dawn. Then like morning rain, He will arrive… Yes, like evening rain on the ground.’4‘[But right now God says:]‘O Ephraim, what must I do? And Judah, what must I do? For your mercy is like morning fog, Which like the dew, fades away.5‘So, by the Prophets, I’ve mowed you down, And I’ve killed you with words from My mouth… My judgments upon you have gone forth like light.6‘What I want is mercy, not sacrifice… Higher knowledge instead of burnt-offerings! 7But you’ve broken your Sacred Agreement with Me, And you’ve shown Me your hatred.8‘GileAd is a city of wasted deeds… One which muddies the water. 9For her strength now comes from her thieves, And her priests also murder from ambush.‘So, SheChem has committed unrighteous acts Against the house of IsraEl, 10And causes for shuddering, I’ve seen there; So because of Ephraim’s whoring, Both IsraEl and Judah have now been defiled. 11Thus they’ll reap [from the vine] of rebellion Until I bring back My people.’
1[‘And God continues:]‘When I brought healing to IsraEl, It exposed the injustice of Ephraim, As well as Samaria’s evils. For at first, they all just told lies; Then, from among them, came thieves, And robbers led them out to the highways.2‘They sang together of the evil in their hearts, Remembering all the [bad things] they’d done. And now, they’re covered by the things that they chose… What they did in front of My face!3‘And all the bad things that they’ve done Have gladdened [the hearts] of their kings… Their lying ways delighted their rulers!4‘Now, all those who are committing adultery Are in an ‘oven’ that’s heated for baking by flames… They’ve been ‘kneaded’ and allowed to grow fat And the [whole ball] has ‘fermented.’5‘For, in the days of their kings, Their rulers became enraged by their wine, And they held out their [arms] towards vile men… 6Those whose hearts were burning like kilns.‘Then, Ephraim’s sleep became filled With [thoughts of destroying] all night… And in the morning, they burst into flames. 7They all became heated like ovens, And then they devoured their judges. So, although all their kings have now fallen, No one has called out to Me.8‘Now, Ephraim’s people are all intermixed… They’re like a cake that’s been baked in hot ashes, Which [no one has bothered] to turn.9‘So, strangers have eaten his strength While he wasn’t paying attention… And after that, his hair all turned grey; Yet, he was still unaware.’10[Hosea says:]‘Now, IsraEl’s insolent ways Will bring humility to their faces; For, they haven’t turned towards Jehovah their God… No, after these things have all happened, They haven’t gone looking for Him.11‘So Ephraim has become like a dove That has no mind and no heart. First, he called out to Egypt, And then, to Assyria, he [turned].12[‘And God says:]‘But, when they go there, I’ll throw out My net And I’ll catch them like birds… I’ll drag them down and correct them, And listen as they’re tormented.13‘Yes, woe to them, for they’ve leaped away… O how wretched their lives have become In their irreverence towards Me.‘Although I’m the One who once paid their ransom, They spoke against Me and lied… 14In their hearts, they failed to call out… They just laid there and shrieked in their beds, As they sold themselves for wine and for bread.15‘When they were corrected by Me, I also strengthened their arms! But then, against Me, they hatched wicked plots.16‘So when they return, they’ll have nothing… They’ll be like a bow that’s stretched tight, And their rulers will fall by the sword, Because they’ve said stupid things; Then in the land of Egypt, they’ll all be defiled.’
1‘Yes their land is in [Egypt’s hands], And against them, an eagle now flies, Because they’ve broken [God’s] Sacred Agreement, And they’ve disregarded His Laws.2‘However, before Him, they cry out:‘O God, Aren’t we the same ones who’ve known You?’3‘But they threw away the good things He sent And turned to His enemies for aid.’4[‘For God said:]‘By themselves, they chose their own rulers (No, they didn’t ask Me), And when these men started to rule, They saw no reason to tell Me. Then with silver and gold they made idols… So now, they must be wiped away!5‘O Samaria; get rid of your calves, Because they provoke Me to rage… How much longer will IsraEl stay dirty? 6For [your calves] are just things that you’ve made [with your hands]… No, they aren’t really gods! And Samaria; you’ve strayed because of your calves!7‘Yes, the seeds of destruction, you’ve sown to the wind, And now your end is searching for you. You’re a stalk of grain too weak to give flour, And if you could give just a little, It would be eaten by strangers.8‘So IsraEl will be swallowed down, And they won’t be a power among other nations. 9For, up to Assyria she traveled, And as Ephraim so loves to do, She offered them bribes [for their aid].10‘So among the nations, they’ll be scattered And there, they’ll just be too weak To again anoint rulers and kings for themselves.11‘Ephraim has built many altars, And these alters that she loves are the [roots] of her sins. 12So for them, I’ll write extra laws, Because she loves those strange altars.’13[And Hosea comments:]‘But if they place their sacrifices on them, And if they thereafter eat all the meat; [God] still won’t receive them in favor.‘For, their unrighteous ways are what He’ll recall… And for their sins, He’ll send vengeance upon them. Yes, they’ve turned back to Egypt, 14And forgotten the One by whom they were made.[‘For God says:]‘Sacred precincts have also been established Within the walls of the cities of Judah. So, I’ll send fire to their cities And burn them to their foundations.’
1‘Therefore, IsraEl; don’t rejoice, For your people don’t have any reasons for joy. Since against Jehovah, you’ve been a whore.‘You’ve loved the gifts of the grain From the threshing floors where they laid you. 2But your threshing-floor grain [won’t feed you], And the wine in your vats will [soon fail].3‘For you chose not to dwell in the land of Jehovah… Yes, life in Egypt is what you preferred, And with the Assyrians, you ate what’s unclean.4‘You offered Jehovah no wine, And set nothing delicious before Him. So your sacrifices became like the bread That’s offered in mourning… It defiles all those who would eat it.‘So, since you can’t bring your bread to [His Temple] For [the purpose of saving] your lives; 5What will you do on your feasts to Jehovah And on His festival days? 6{Look!} For, because you’ve done all of these wicked things, To the misery of Egypt, I’ll send you!‘Then, Memphis will watch over you, And in Machmas, you’ll be buried. So then ruin will inherit your silver, And thorns will grow in your tents. 7For the days of His vengeance will have arrived… The time when you’ll receive what you’re due!‘As a prophet without inspiration, Is how IsraEl will view her affliction… Like a man blown away by the wind. And because you’ve been so unrighteous, The pressures [in your lives] will increase.8‘Even though Ephraim’s watchmen once [walked] with God; Their prophets have become crooked snares, And madness [now reigns] in their temples.9‘Yes, they’ve been corrupt since the days of the hills; So He won’t forget their unrighteous ways, And He’ll punish them for all their sins.10[‘And God says:]‘O IsraEl,‘Back when I had first found you, It was like finding grapes in the desert Or early figs on a tree. But thereafter, as I was still watching, Your fathers [chose to bow to] BaAl Peor… And that’s when you left [Me] in shame To become something disgusting… Something that’s no longer loved.11‘Now, Ephraim’s like a bird that flew [from its nest], For they’ve lost the glory of [the place of] their birth As well as their pangs of conception. 12So, although they still nourish their children, They’ll soon be childless along with the rest.‘O woe, when I tear away all their flesh! 13For Ephraim’s young will be treated like game… Their children will be led out and stabbed!’14[And Hosea says:]‘Yes, give it to them, O Jehovah… Yes, please give it to them! Give them a womb that’s childless, As well as breasts that are dry!15[‘For God says:]‘In GilGal their evil deeds are now done, And that’s where [they’ve gained] all My hatred. Because of the evils they’ve done there, I’ll throw them away and love them no more, For none of their rulers [will listen].16‘Although Ephraim was [like a vine] I tended and hoed, His roots have still become dry, And this is why he no longer bears fruit. Thus, when they give birth, I’ll destroy Those whom they love from their bellies.17‘Yes, I’ll push them away, Because they’re refusing to listen to Me… Then, among the gentiles, they’ll wander.’
1‘IsraEl was a vine with many good branches, And her fruit was [once] straight and true. But the more of her fruit [I provided], The more they built altars to others. And the more prosperity [I brought to] the land, The more they built [shrines to other gods].2‘Yes they gave their hearts to such things, So now, they’ll be wiped away. For I’ll cut their altars down to the ground And empty out all of their shrines.3‘They say:‘We don’t have a king anymore… Someone we feared [more than God]; For, what was Jehovah able to do?’4‘So they give excuses and lie; But because I had an agreement with them, My judgments will soon rise against them Like weeds in an untended field.5‘To the calf in the [temple] at BethEl The people of Samaria now go. And there, My people have wailed… Which has embittered My soul. For when they should have rejoiced in My glory, They chose to move far away.6‘So Assyrians will chain them and lead them away As gifts and tributes to their king. And then it’ll be by His decree That Ephraim and IsraEl will be shamed.7‘Samaria threw away her [true] King, As though throwing a stick across water. 8So the shrines at BethEl (IsraEl’s sin) Will soon be lifted away.‘Then upon all of their altars Thorns and thistles will grow. So, they’ll say to the mountains:‘Come and cover us over!’‘And they’ll say to the hills:‘Fall upon us!’9‘But for as long as the hills have existed, IsraEl has stood in her sins. So no way will her hills [then come to her aid] When war arrives on her unrighteous young 10To correct them and bind them together… For, it’ll take [war] to straighten their ways.11‘Ephraim is [like] a heifer who’s learned to love fights; But, I’ll [grab hold] of her neck And lead Ephraim off as [a captive]. I [will also force] Judah [to plow], And Jacob [to break the hard ground].’12‘So, you should sow what’s righteous, And gather the vintage of life! On yourselves, you should shine light of knowledge, And keep on seeking Jehovah Until your [hearts] become righteous!13‘Why prefer to overlook the bad things you do And gather the vintage [wine] of the unrighteous? For you’re eating fruit that’s false, And in [war] chariots, you’re putting your faith… You’re trusting in your own power. 14But destruction will come to your people, And all your walled [cities] will fall!‘O house of IsraEl,‘As ShalMan once treated the house of JeroBoam In the day of their war, And dashed the mothers on top of their young… 15That’s how I’ll treat you for your wicked ways!’
1[And God continues:]‘It was early on when they were disowned, And IsraEl’s kings were also disowned. But as an infant, IsraEl was so deeply loved, So I called his children from Egypt. 2But, as I was calling them back, They started turning from Me… To BaAl Im they brought sacrifices, And burned incense before the idols they carved.3‘I once held Ephraim [tight] in my arms… And when he didn’t know Me, I healed him. 4While he was in the corrupt state of men, I wrapped him in the bonds of My love.‘To him, I became like a [father]… One who disciplines him… So I’ll watch over him and I’ll win!5‘But to the land of Egypt, he won’t return, For Assyria’s king will now rule him Because he refused to turn from [bad ways].6‘So, swords will rage in their cities And they’ll consume the bars on their gates… For their bad decisions, they’ll be destroyed!7‘Their people have clung to the things in their homes, And I’m enraged by the things they hold dear. So as a result, I won’t bless them.8‘How should I treat you, O Ephraim… How can I shield you, O IsraEl? Should I treat you the same as I’ve treated AdMah? Will I appoint you as I did to Zeboim?‘Will My heart be changed in such matters… Shouldn’t such things upset Me… Yes, shouldn’t such deeds make Me sad?9‘But no way will I send all My rage upon you… No way will I wipe Ephraim away. For, I am your God (not a man)… I’m the Holy One in your midst, So I won’t enter your cities!’10[And Hosea pleads:]‘But now, you must [return to] Jehovah; Or He will roar like a lion And startle your young by the sea in the west.[‘For God says:]11‘They’ll be startled like a bird out of Egypt, And like Assyrian doves; Then I’ll bring them back to their homes,’ says Jehovah. 12‘By Ephraim, I was circled with lies… By the irreverence of the houses of IsraEl and Judah.’‘But Jehovah will know them once more And call them The Holy People of God.’
1‘Like an evil wind, Ephraim’s become… One who pursues burning winds all day long And does many things that are empty and vain. With Assyria, he’s made treaties of peace, And he’s traded olive oil down in Egypt.2‘And Jehovah has a case against Judah, So He’ll punish Jacob according to his ways, Then pay him back for the bad things he’s done.3‘For, while he was still in the womb, He caught the heel of his brother And grew in strength with his God. 4With an angel, he wrestled and won; Then he wept and begged [for a blessing].’[‘And God said:]‘So, there in [BethEl], he found Me. 5And it was also there where I said From now on, I must be remembered As Jehovah, the Almighty.’6‘So, you should return to your God… Show mercy and learn to be fair… Yes, always [stay close] to Jehovah![‘Yet God says:]7‘Yet, in [your land], you have unrighteous scales, And you love to tyrannize others. 8So, Ephraim is saying:‘I’ve become rich, And I’ve found many ways to relax.’‘But he’ll never see the fruits of his work, Because of the evil he’s doing.9‘I am Jehovah, your God… I’m the One who led you from Egypt. And I’ll settle you in your tents once again As I did in the days of My holiday feasts.10‘Once more, I’ll speak by My Prophets, And many visions, I’ll send them; For it’s through the hands of the Prophets That I’m being described.’11[And Hosea says:]‘GilGal no longer exists Because their kings offered things that were false. So their altars are heaps of turtle manure… The type that’s found in unplanted fields.12‘To the plains of Syria, Jacob had gone, As IsraEl’s servant searched for a wife; Then, for a woman, he watched over sheep.13‘And it was by [JoSeph], a Prophet of God, That IsraEl was led down to Egypt. Then, by that very same Prophet, IsraEl’s people were saved.14‘But now that Ephraim’s provoked [God] to rage; His blood will be poured out upon him… For Jehovah will pay him back for his scorn.’
1‘According to what Ephraim said; IsraEl’s righteous laws came from Him… Then he turned to a BaAl and he died.2‘Yet, they’ve continued to sin, And cast images of idols with their silver, Which are thereafter finished by craftsmen Who say:‘Now we must sacrifice men, Because there aren’t enough calves anymore!’3‘So, they’re like morning fog, Which like the dew, fades away… As chaff on the floors, they’ll just blow away, And like tears, they’ll dry.4‘[God says:]‘I am Jehovah your God… I’m the One who led you from Egypt, And no other God, should you know, For there are no saviors other than Me!5‘I shepherded you in the desert, And in barren lands, made pastures for you. 6But then, your hearts became haughty, And because of this, you forgot Me.7‘So I’ll be like a panther or a leopard to you… Like the ways of the Assyrian people. 8Then like an angry bear, I’ll attack you! Yes, I’ll rip you to pieces, Then feed you to my cubs in the woods… Wild beasts of the fields will rip you apart!’9‘O IsraEl,‘Because you’re now so corrupt, Who will come to your aid?10‘And what has happened to your king… Why isn’t he saving your cities… Why doesn’t he come and serve as your judge?‘A long time ago you had asked Me To give you a king as your ruler! 11So I gave you a king in My anger, And My rage was then satisfied.12‘But from Ephraim, then came much injustice, And he tried to cover his sins. 13So the pangs of birth are now coming to him. And even his smartest of sons Won’t stop the destruction of his young.14‘Will I save them from the hands of the grave? Will I [pay] their ransom from death? Where is your punishment, O death, And where is your sting, O place of the dead? For, consoling them is far from My eyes!15‘This is why I’ll separate brothers And send burning winds from the desert to them, Which will dry up their veins And wipe away all their springs… Their land and good things will wither and dry.16‘Samaria will be wiped away Because she resisted her God. So her people will fall by the sword… Then those by her breasts will be dashed [to the ground] And those in the womb will be shredded!’
1[And Hosea continues:]‘O IsraEl,‘Return to Jehovah, your God! For because of your sins, you’ve become weak. 2Follow your own [good advice] And then turn back to Jehovah!‘Just ask Him to please overlook All of your unrighteous ways So that you can receive what’s good And be repaid for the fruit of your lips.3[‘For God says:]‘Assyria won’t be your savior, And upon their war horses, you’ll never ride. So stop calling those hand-made things gods, And start showing mercy to orphans! 4Then I’ll repair all your homes; I’ll turn back my rage; And I’ll confess that I love you!5‘To IsraEl, once more, I’ll become Like dew that arrives in the morning; Then, like a lily, he’ll blossom again And grow roots like Lebanon’s [trees].’6‘Yes his branches will grow very full; And like olive trees, he’ll bear so much fruit That to Lebanon, its scent will be carried.7‘Then, they’ll all be returned, And in His protection, they’ll sit. They’ll live amidst plenty of grain, And like grapevines, they’ll blossom… They’ll be remembered like Lebanon’s wines.8[‘For God says:]‘O Ephraim,‘What good are all of your idols? Am I not the One who is humbling you And the One who can make you strong once again? For I’m a dense juniper tree, And it’s only by Me that you can bear fruit!’9‘So, who among you is wise, And who understands all these things… Who among you can recognize them? For the ways of Jehovah are straight, And the righteous will live by these ways While the irreverent will stumble and fall.’
1These are words of Jehovah that came to JoEl (son of BathuEl).2[Joel says:]‘Listen to these things, O you elders… Give ear, all you who live in the land! Have you seen such things in your [lives]? Were they seen in the days of your fathers?3‘Describe these things to your children, And to all the generations that follow![‘For God says:]4‘For, caterpillars ate all that there was, And locusts devoured what they didn’t eat; Then, grasshoppers ate what remained from the locusts, And what the grasshoppers didn’t consume, Was thereafter destroyed by the blight.5‘Now, sober up and start crying, All you who are drunk from your wine; For, joy and gladness are gone from your mouths, 6Since a powerful and populous nation, Has now arrived in your land.‘They have teeth that are like those of lions, And molars like those of young bears. 7They’ve appointed your grapevines to extinction, And condemned your fig-trees to splinters. They’re searching for you and cutting you down, So now, all of your branches are white.8‘Therefore, wail like woman wearing sackcloth, [Who mourns] for the man of her virgin years. 9For the drink offerings and other sacrifices, Have been removed from [His Temple]. Yes mourn, O you Priests who serve at the Altar, 10For all of the fields now lie bare!‘And mourn, O land, for the grain is now gone, Also, the wine has all dried, And the oil is in short supply, 11Because the farmers have withered away.‘Therefore, wail for all that you own, Since the wheat and barley are gone from the fields!12‘The grapes [have shriveled and] dried; Very few fig-trees remain; The pomegranates, palms, and the melons, And all the trees in the plains are now dry… Yes, all that brings joy to sons of men, Has been taken away!13‘So Priests, tie your [hands] and beat on your chests… Yes wail, you who serve at the Altar! Go to bed wearing sackcloth, You who are serving before Me, Since there’s nothing left to be sacrificed, And nothing to bring as drink offerings, To the House of Jehovah!’14[And Joel says:]‘Call for a period of fasting… Proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all of the people, To the House of Jehovah your God, Where all must fervently call to the Lord!15‘Woe, woe, woe for this time! For the Day of the Lord has arrived, And misery upon misery has reached you! 16Before your eyes, all the food was destroyed, With the rest that brings joy to your people.17‘In the stables, the cows are now restless, Since all that they treasure is gone. The wine vats have all been cut down, And all of your grain is now parched… 18So you’re left with nothing at all.’‘The herds of oxen are bawling, Because they don’t have any pasture, And your flocks of sheep have all been destroyed. 19So, you should call out to Jehovah, For your beautiful fields have been burned, And the flames have consumed all your trees.[‘For God says:]20‘Now, even the beasts in the plains, Have all started looking to Me, Because their springs have gone dry, And the desert’s beauty has vanished.’
1[‘For God says:]‘So, sound the trumpets in Zion, And on the Holy Mountain, you must proclaim, That all should bow to their faces, For the Day of the Lord is at hand (it’s near)!2‘It’s a day that’s gloomy and dark… It’s a day that’s cloudy with fog. And as dawn peaks over the mountains, [You can see] a vast, mighty people.‘Throughout the ages, such a thing hasn’t happened, And through coming years, it won’t happen again… From one generation to another.3‘A consuming fire is raging before you, And all that’s behind you is burning. A paradise of delights lies before you, But all that’s behind is extinction and desert, From which no man can escape.4‘The sight of them is like horses… Like cavalry in hot pursuit. 5Theirs is the sound of chariot wheels Leaping across tops of mountains… Like the sounds of flames burning stubble, And of a vast mighty hoard of warriors.6‘Before them, the people will all be destroyed, And their faces will be like burnt pots. 7For as soldiers, they’ll attack you; And as men of war, they’ll then scale your walls.‘Each of their men will go their own ways, And they’ll not be turned from their paths… 8But, none will stray far from their brothers.‘They’ll arrive here with shields, And by their arrows, the people will fall… For no way will they tire [of killing].9‘They’ll thereafter capture the city, And along its walls, they’ll run. Then, into your homes, they’ll descend And climb through your windows like thieves.10‘Before their faces, there’ll be just confusion, And even the skies will be shaken. Then the sun and the moon will grow dark, And the brightness of the stars will decrease.11‘Before his armies, the Lord will call out; For he’s leading a great mighty hoard. His power will be seen in the things that he does, For great is the Day of the Lord, Since none can stand and oppose him.12‘Now run,’ says Jehovah your God! ‘Flee to Me whole-heartedly… Come fasting, weeping, and beating your chests!’13[Joel then says:]‘So, tear at your hearts, not your clothes, And turn to Jehovah your God! For, He shows mercy and pity… He’s gentle and He’s forgiving, [So He’ll overlook] the bad things you’ve done.14‘Who knows if He’ll stop and consider, Then change His plans and bless you instead. So, bring sacrifices and drink offerings, To Jehovah your God!15‘Now, blow the trumpets in Zion… Proclaim a [day] of holy fasts… A day of sacred service must be declared!16‘Yes, gather all of the people, And proclaim a holy assembly! Choose your elders, then gather your young… Even those who are nursing at breasts! Call the grooms from their bedrooms And the brides from their wedding chambers!’17‘Now, Priests, you should all start to weep… Yes, you who serve before God, At the base of the Altar. Then pray:‘Spare Your people, O Lord! Don’t hand them over for scorning And to be ruled by the gentiles! Then the nations will never have reason to ask, What has become of your God?’18‘O Jehovah, ‘Show zeal for Your land, And please show mercy to Your people!19‘O Jehovah,‘Reply to Your people and say:‘{Look!} I’ll send enough grain that you’ll be full, Along with much wine and olive oil… And you’ll be scorned by the nations no more!20‘Then I’ll drive away those who have come from the north And push them into a waterless land… I’ll remove their faces to the farthest of seas, And their rears to the opposite end, Where they [will lie] rotting and groaning, And where nothing that they’ve done can be seen.’21‘So, be courageous O land… Yes, you should rejoice and be glad, For Jehovah will be moved to take action!22‘Also take courage, you cattle; For, pastures will burst from the desert, And all the trees will bear fruit… The fig-trees and grapevines will then yield their strength!23‘And be glad, O children of Zion… Find joy in Jehovah your God. For to the righteousness, He will send food, And He’ll bring the rains (both the early and late) Just like He’s done in the past.24‘Then your threshing-floors will be covered with grain, As your vats of wine and oil overflow. 25He will repay you for all of those years When your things were devoured by blight… By grasshoppers, caterpillars, and locusts, And by the great army that He sent against you.26‘Then you’ll all eat and be filled, And you’ll praise the Name of your God… The One who sent you great wonders. And thereafter, His people won’t meet with disgrace Throughout the ages that follow.27[Now God says:]‘O IsraEl,‘At that time, you’ll come here and know That I’m here in your midst… Yes Me, Jehovah your God! For there are no Gods other than Me, And I’ll not leave My people disgraced throughout the age!28‘Then, in the last days, I’ll pour out My Breath, And your sons and daughters will all prophesy, Your aged men will dream dreams, And young men in your midst will see visions.29‘In those days, I’ll pour out My Breath Upon My male and female attendants. 30Miracles, I’ll bring to the skies, And fire, smoke and blood to the land.31‘For the sun will then become dark, And the moon [will be changed] into blood, Before the great and apparent arrival, Of the Day of the Lord.32‘Then, all who call on the name of the Lord Will be the ones who are saved,’ said Jehovah.‘For, to Mount Zion and JeruSalem, Will come a person who saves, Announcing good news to all those Who’ve been called by the Lord.’
1[And God continues to say:]‘For, {Look!} in those days and at that time, I’ll return all those who were taken away From Judah and JeruSalem.2‘Then I’ll gather all of those nations To the Valley of JehoShaphat; And on behalf of My people, I’ll judge them… On behalf IsraEl (My inheritance)… Those whom I’d scattered among all the nations… Those among whom I’ve divided My land… My people, over whom I’ve cast lots… 3Those who once gave their boys to the whores And sold their young women for wine (which they drank).4‘What are you to Me, O Sidon and Tyre, Or Galilee of the Philistines? Shouldn’t I repay you for the things that you’ve done… What reasons did I give you to hate Me?‘So I’ll swiftly bring what’s due on your heads; 5For you’ve taken My silver and gold, As well as the things that I’ve chosen, Then carried it back to your temples! 6And the sons of Judah and JeruSalem, You’ve given to the sons of the Greeks… You pushed them away from your borders.7‘But Look!‘In every place where you’ve sent them, I’ll make them stand once again, And I’ll lay the payment for them on your heads.8‘Then, after that, I’ll give Your sons and daughters to the sons of the Jews. And many will be taken as captives To nations that live far away; For, I Jehovah, have spoken.9‘So, proclaim these things to the nations! Declare a holy war against them… Yes, awaken the soldiers and shout:‘[Attack and conquer], O men of war! 10Cut your plows into broadswords, And beat your scythes into spears! Let the weak among you say they’re strong, 11And attack the nations that live roundabout! Come and assemble [your armies], And let your meek become warriors!’12‘Yes, awaken the gentiles and send them To the Valley of JehoShaphat; For there, I’ll separate nations (Those who live round-about you), 13And then, I’ll send for the scythes… For the crops are now ready for harvest! Climb in and tread, for the wine vat is full… The vats overflow with their badness!14‘Then throughout the valley, [you’ll hear] the cries Of those who are about to be punished; For the Day of the Lord is at hand!15‘Then the sun and the moon will grow dark, And the stars will start to grow dim. 16And from Zion, the Lord will then shout… From JeruSalem, his voice will be heard.‘At that time, the lands and skies will be shaken… But the Lord will spare all his people. For I’ll make the sons of IsraEl strong, 17And you’ll know that I am Jehovah your God!‘On Zion, My Holy Mountain, I’ll camp, And JeruSalem will be holy once more… The nations won’t overrun her again.18‘And in that day, The mountains will trickle down sweetness, Milk will flow from the hills, And from the springs of Judah, water will flow.‘Then a spring will flow from My [Temple], And its waters will become a great river! [Ezekiel 47:3]19‘Egypt will no longer be, And Edom’s land in the plains will be gone; For to the sons of Judah, they were unfair, And in their lands, they shed righteous blood.20‘Throughout the ages, they’ll be living in Judah again… Throughout generations of generations in JeruSalem. 21Then I’ll avenge all the blood that I’ve not avenged, And the Lord will be camping on Zion.’
1These are the words of Amos [which tell] of things that took place [while he was at] KiriAth JaiRim in Tekoa and of the things that he saw concerning JeruSalem in the days of UzziAh the king of Judah, and in the days of JeroBoam (son of JoAsh) the king of IsraEl, two years before the earthquake.[He said:]2‘From Zion, Jehovah spoke out… From JeruSalem, He spoke and said this:‘Over their pastures, the shepherds will mourn About the drought on [Mount] CarMel.’3‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of these three godless deeds of Damascus (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention away from them. For they used iron saws to saw open Those in GileAd with [babies] in their wombs.4‘So, to the house of HazaEl, I’ll send fire And burn the foundations of the sons of Hadad. Damascus and those in On’s plains, I’ll destroy; I’ll cut the men of Edem to bits; And Assyria’s best men will be captured,’ says Jehovah.6‘Then Jehovah said:‘For Gaza’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For they captured Solomon’s captives, And handed them over to Edom.7‘So, to Gaza’s walls, I’ll send fire, Which will eat her to her foundations. 8I’ll also destroy those in AshDod; And from AshKelon I’ll remove a whole tribe. Then I’ll bring My hand against EkRon And destroy the remaining Philistines,’ says Jehovah.9‘And then Jehovah said:‘Because of Tyre’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For they handed captives to Edom… Forgetting their treaty of brothers. 10So, to the walls of Tyre, I’ll send fire, Which will eat her to her foundations.’11‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of Edom’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For they chased their brothers with swords, And [cut down] the mothers throughout the land… They seized [the mothers] by force As proof of their awesome terror, And they continued to do this until they’d won. 12So, I’ll send fire against TeMan Which will eat her to her foundations.’13‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of the three godless deeds Of the sons of AmMon (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For in GileAd they went and ripped open [Women] with [babies] in their wombs, Just to widen their borders.14‘So I’ll light a fire upon RabBah’s walls, Which will eat her to her foundations. Then I’ll raise cries of war in that day… And they’ll shake in the day she’s consumed. 15Into captivity, I’ll then send her king, Along with her rulers and priests,’ says Jehovah.
1‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of MoAb’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For, the king of Edom’s bones, they burned into dust.2‘So, I’ll send fire upon MoAb, And it’ll devour their cities’ foundations. Then MoAb will be left without strength… She’ll hear cries and the blowing of trumpets. 3I’ll destroy all her judges and rulers… Yes, I’ll kill them all,’ says Jehovah.4‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of the three [lawless] deeds Of the sons of Judah (and even four), I won’t turn [my] attention from them. For they pushed [aside all My] Laws, And refused to follow My orders.‘So, I’ll cause them to wander And follow the foolish idols they’ve made, Which they’ve followed [since the time of] their fathers. 5Then, I’ll send fire upon Judah, And wipe JeruSalem to her foundations.’6‘And Jehovah said:‘Because of IsraEl’s three godless deeds (and even four), I won’t turn [My] attention from them. For, from the righteous and needy They demanded silver for sandals… 7[Things they need] to walk on the dust of the ground.‘They also trampled the heads of the poor, And turned the humble away. Then, with the very same slaves, Fathers and sons both had sex, So that they could profane the Name of their God.8‘Then, with their old clothes and rough cords, They erected booths next to My Altar, Where they drank the wine that they’d extorted There at the [Temple] of God!9‘Yet for them, I had wiped out the Amorites, Even though they’d become as strong as the oaks And as tall as the cedars… I removed all the fruit from their boughs, As well as the roots underneath them.10‘Then from the land of Egypt, I took them, And through the desert I led them During the next 40 years, So they could inherit the Amorites’ land.11‘I also took their sons as [My] Prophets, And their young men to serve as My [Nazarites]. O Sons of IsraEl; Aren’t these the things that I did,’ asks Jehovah?12‘But to those [Nazarites], you then offered wine, And you told the Prophets not to foretell! 13So, because of this, I’ll roll over you Like a wagon loaded with stubble.14‘Then all hope of flight into exile By those who can run, will be lost; For the strong won’t be able to maintain their strength, And no way will the soldiers save their own lives.15‘Then you’ll find your bowmen unable to stand; Those fleet of foot won’t escape; Horseman won’t save their own lives; 16The strong won’t have mighty hearts; And in that day, they’ll flee naked,’ says Jehovah.
1‘O house of IsraEl,‘Listen to these words of Jehovah That He’s pronouncing against you… To those tribes that He led out of Egypt. For, this is what He’s declared:2‘I’ve known only you Among all the tribes of earth; And because of this (because of your sins), I’ll take vengeance upon you!’3‘Can two walk together unless they’ve agreed? No!4‘Will a lion roar from the woods If he hasn’t [caught] any game? No!‘Will a cub call out from his lair If he hasn’t captured his prey? No!5‘Will a bird fall to the ground If it hasn’t [been shot by] a hunter? No!‘Will a snare snap shut without catching? No!6‘Will the sound of the trumpet be heard in a town Without terrorizing its people? No!‘Will harm ever come to a city Unless it’s been sent by Jehovah? No!7‘There’s nothing that God Jehovah will do, Unless it’s revealed to His servants, the Prophets. 8So as when a lion lets out a roar And all that hear it are fearful; When Jehovah God has something to say, What [Prophet] won’t prophesy?9‘So, you must make this pronouncement To Assyria and those down in Egypt! Tell them to gather on Samaria’s hills, And as they gaze at her wonders, They should notice the tyranny within her. 10Then, those who so treasure misery and injustice Will never see what’s coming,’ said Jehovah.11‘So Jehovah, The God, sends them this message:‘Tyre and all that’s around it Will soon become desolation. For, I’ll remove all their strength, And then rip their regions to pieces!12‘Jehovah says:‘As a shepherd will pull from the mouth of a lion Two legs or part of an ear; That’s how IsraEl’s sons will be ripped (Those dwelling in Samaria and Damascus) By a tribe that they haven’t known.13‘And listen to this, O you Priests… Then to the house of Jacob, you must proclaim it,’ Says Jehovah, the Almighty God!14‘In the day of My vengeance upon IsraEl, I’ll destroy your altar at BethEl. And because of the godless things that you’ve done, They’ll cut off the horns of your altar Then knock it down to the ground!15‘I’ll also send you confusion, And I’ll strike the bins in your barns Where [the fruits of] your harvests are stored. Your ivory houses, I’ll also destroy, As well as the homes roundabout them,’ says Jehovah.
1‘So, hear these words, O heifers of BaShan… Yes, you in Samaria’s mountains… You who are tyrants to the needy, And you who trample the poor... Those poor that must now beg their masters To give them something to drink!2‘For by all that He deems to be holy, Against them, God swore this oath:‘Look, the days will soon come When they’ll gather you and your families And throw you into hot cauldrons. 3You’ll be led away naked in lines, And they’ll scatter [your bones] on Mount HerMon,’ says Jehovah.4‘For, when you went up to BethEl You went there to do irreverent things. And at GilGal you did even worse… Although you brought sacrifices in the mornings, And on the third day, you brought in your tithes; 5Thereafter, you read outside of the Law, And demanded [special] offerings for confessions.‘So against you, I’ve made this pronouncement, Because IsraEl’s sons have loved all these things: 6To your cities, I now will send toothaches, And I’ll send famines of bread… For you left Me and never returned,’ says Jehovah.7‘I’ll hold back the rain on your crops for three months; Then, I’ll [send] rain to one town, But I’ll not send rain on another… Yes, I’ll send rain to one portion, And not send rain to another, So some places will become very dry.8‘Then, those from two or three cities Will go to one city to drink… But no way will they be satisfied, Because they won’t turn back to Me,’ says Jehovah.9‘Then I’ll strike you with jaundice and fire; And the vineyards and gardens you’ve gained, As well as your groves of olives and figs, Will all be eaten by bugs… But you still won’t turn back [to Me],’ says Jehovah.10‘Then from Egypt, I’ll send you a plague, And your young men, I’ll kill by the sword. Thereafter, I’ll take all your horses… And because this will just make you angry, Into your camps, I’ll send fire… Yet to Me, you still won’t return,’ says Jehovah.11‘Like Sodom and GomorRah, I’ll wipe you away… I’ll make you like coals that are pulled from the flames… Yet to Me, you still won’t return,’ says Jehovah.12‘Because of such things, O IsraEl; Both this and that, I’ll then do to you Until you’re ready to call to your God!13‘Look! I’m the One who sends thunder… I’m also the One who created the wind And the One who tells men about His concerns.‘I’m the One who sends both the dawn and the fog, And I ride across the heights of the earth… Yes, I am Jehovah, the Almighty God!’
1‘So, hear the word of Jehovah; For against you, He sang this lament:‘The house of IsraEl will fall, And thereafter, she won’t be raised. 2IsraEl (the virgin) will trip in her land, And there’ll be no one to lift her.’3‘And thus says Jehovah, [her] God:‘From a city that 1,000 had left, Only 100 will return; And from a town that 100 had left, Only 10 from IsraEl’s house will return.’4‘For, thus says Jehovah to the house of IsraEl:5‘Inquire of Me and you’ll live… Don’t [go to] BethEl And into GilGal don’t enter, Nor should you go to the Well of the Oath! For those going to GilGal will be captured, And BethEl will be wiped away.’6‘So inquire of Jehovah and live, As the house of JoSeph has done… And then you won’t have to be burned! For, [fire] will come and consume, And no one will quench IsraEl’s flames.7‘From the heights, it’s Jehovah who says what’s right And who sets the earth’s righteous [standards], 8For He’s the One who created it all, And who made everything different!‘He’s the One who turns shadows into morning And the day into the darkness of night; He’s the One who calls the water from the seas And pours it back on the face of the ground… He is Jehovah the Almighty God.9‘He’s the One who divides the conflicts and strengths And sends misery into the strongholds 10Of those who shout at His Prophets When they arrive at their gates… Because they hate those who speak holy words. 11They’re the ones who strike the poor with their fists, And steal their choicest of treasures.‘Yes, I can see the paneled houses you’ve built… Homes in which you won’t live. I can also see the vineyards you’ve planted… From which you won’t drink the wine.12‘For I know all the [bad] things you’re doing And of how you’ve trampled the righteous… How you’ve inflated your prices, And turned the needy away from your gates. 13For during that time, I silently watched As [you were becoming] more evil.’14‘Now, ask for the good (not the bad) So that you can continue to live. If you’ll ask the Almighty to stay among you, He will provide the things that you need Whenever you’re willing to say, 15‘We hate what’s bad and love what’s good!’‘If you’ll return justice to your [city] gates; Jehovah the Almighty God Will show mercy on the remnants of JoSeph.16‘For, it’s because of such things,’‘...says Jehovah, the Almighty God,‘That you’ll beat your chests in your squares, And cry, ‘Woe [is me],’ in your streets!‘Then the farmers will be called to do mourning… They’ll be wailing and beating their chests. 17Yes they’ll know all the ways to beat on their chests, Because I’ll go through their midst,’ says Jehovah.18‘Woe to those who wish for the Day of the Lord; For, after they ask what the Lord’s Day will bring, They’ll find that it only brings darkness, not light!19‘It’s like when a man is fleeing a lion Or being attacked by a bear, And he rushes to his house and grabs hold of its walls… Just to be bitten by snakes. 20For the Day of the Lord will bring darkness, not light… It’ll bring dimness, not brightness!21‘So, I’ve detested and I’ve pushed away All of your holiday feasts… For, in such things, I [find no delight]. 22Therefore, should you bring whole burnt-offerings to Me Along with other sacrifices; I won’t receive them in favor Or approve of your gifts for salvation.23‘So remove the sounds of your hymns… No I don’t want to hear the tunes of your psalms! 24For the waters of judgment will pour down on you, And the river of righteousness, you won’t cross.25‘O house of IsraEl; You brought [animal] victims to Me to be sacrificed During the 40 years in the desert. 26But then, you chose Moloch’s tent And the star of Raiphan to serve as your gods… You molded idols of them for yourselves! 27So beyond Damascus, I’ll move you...’‘...says Jehovah, the Almighty God.’
1[‘And God continued, saying:]‘Woe to those who are treating Zion with contempt, And those putting trust in Samaria’s hills… Those who’ve harvested heads from the nations, And to whom the house of IsraEl has turned.2‘Now, pass through them all and take a good look; Travel to HaMath of RabBah And to Gath of the Philistines. Is yours any better than these kingdoms? Are your borders any larger than theirs?3‘So an evil day will soon come, To those hanging onto false Sabbaths… 4Those who sleep in ivory beds And waste their lives on divans.‘They eat the kids of the flocks And the suckling young calves from the midst of the herds. 5They clap along as [music] is played, And think of themselves as [eternal] (Not as something that’s passing away).6‘They drink [the best] filtered wine; They wear the best of colognes; And about the destruction of JoSeph, They still remain unconcerned. 7But soon, they’ll be led into exile, And their feasting and lounging will end.’8‘Then Jehovah swore this oath by Himself:‘Because I abhor the insults of Jacob And detest their fortified cities; I’ll now lift them away Along with all those who live there.9‘So if 10 should survive in a house, They’ll all die after that. 10Yes, they’ll walk away from their [loved ones], And not retrieve their bones from their homes.‘They’ll just ask those in charge of their homes If any are still left within them; And these will answer, ‘No longer.’ Then another will say:‘Just be quiet… Don’t mention the Name of the Lord. 11For, {Look!) He’s the One who gave them the order To strike our mansions with fractures, And to shred our small homes!’12‘Will horses run in the rocks? No! Will stallions stay silent near mares? No! But, you’ve replaced true justice with rage And turned righteous fruit into bitter. 13You’re also glad to hear bad reports, And you say:‘We’re so mighty that we’ve grown horns!’14‘So, O house of IsraEl, Be careful! For I’m arousing a nation against you That will [surround you] and then hem you in To keep you from running to HamAth And to the western ravine.’
1Then {Look!} the [messenger of the] Lord showed me [a vision of] a breed of locusts that arrived early in the morning, being led by Gog the grasshopper king. 2These [locusts] came to devour all the grass in the land [of IsraEl].So I shouted:‘O Lord, please be kind; for, who’ll raise Jacob again, since so few now remain? 3O Lord, please change Your mind about this thing that You’re doing!’But the [messenger of the] Lord replied:‘That won’t happen.’4Then {Look!} the [messenger of the] Lord took me and showed me that he’d also called fire down upon them as their punishment… And [this fire] devoured everything to the depths [of the great sea], as well as a portion [of the land].5And I said:‘O Lord God, please stop! Who’ll raise Jacob again now that so few are left? O Lord, please change your mind about doing this!6But the Lord replied:‘That won’t happen.’7Then the Lord [took me] and showed me something… {Look!} he was standing on a straight wall with a plumb line in His hand. 8And the [messenger of the] Lord asked me:‘What do you see, Amos?’And I replied:‘A plumb line.’Then the [messenger of the] Lord said to me:‘{Look!} In the midst of IsraEl, my people, I’ve now set a plumb line, And beyond it, I’ll no longer pass.9‘I’ll wipe their shrines to laughter away, And their sites of mystic rites will lie ruined; For against the house of [King] JeroBoam, I’m now sending the broadsword.’10Well after that, AmaziAh (the priest of BethEl) sent [a message] to JeroBoam (the king of IsraEl) that said:‘Amos is hatching a plot against you there in the midst of the house of IsraEl, and there’s no way that the land will be able to endure the things that he’s saying. 11For Amos is [telling the people] that JeroBoam will be destroyed by the broadsword, and that IsraEl will be led away from this land as captives.’12And later, AmaziAh said this to Amos (there in front of everyone):‘Get out of here and go to the land of Judah!‘Spend the rest of your life there and do all your prophesying there! 13You may no longer prophesy here in BethEl, for this is the sanctuary of the king and the place of his royal palace!’14But I (Amos) replied to AmaziAh:‘I wasn’t a prophet or a prophet’s son; I was just a herder of sheep and someone who picked the fruit of mulberry trees. 15But then Jehovah took me away from my sheep and said to me:‘Go and prophesy over My people IsraEl!’16‘So now, listen to what the Lord told me! Because you’ve warned me not to prophesy over IsraEl, and you’ve said:‘There’s no way that armies will be led against the house of Jacob...’17‘...this is what was said by Jehovah:‘Your wife will become a city prostitute, And your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Then they’ll measure your land with a plumb line, And you’ll come to your end in a place that’s unclean. For, IsraEl will in fact be led from this land… They’ll be carried away as captives.’
1Then {Look!} the [messenger of the] Lord came and showed me the cage of a bird hunter, 2and he asked:‘What do you see, Amos?’And I replied:‘A bird cage.’Then the [messenger of the] Lord said:‘These things were said by Jehovah:‘My people, IsraEl, have now reached their end, For I’ll overlook what they’re doing no longer.3‘So in that day... There’ll be screams from their temples and stock pens… For there’ll be many [people] that fall there, As I bring silence to this place.’4‘So listen, O you who are destroying the needy, And those tyrannizing the poor… 5Yes, all of you who keep asking When the [New Moons] will be over So that you can go back to your trading… And you who look for the Sabbaths to end So that you can open your [cash drawers], Then measure out small and [unfairly] By adding weights to the things that you weigh, And by using unbalanced scales. 6Then, from the needy and poor, You take all of their silver In return for sandals and [clothes].’7And after that, Jehovah swore this oath against Jacob’s pride:‘Do you think that I’ll forget about this And that I’ll let you win? Well, I won’t!’8Then [He said]:‘Won’t this bring disturbance to the land, And won’t all who live there start mourning? For destruction will rise like a river, And in its deep waters they’ll sink.’9Jehovah said:‘Then the sun will set at midday, And the land will get dark in the daytime. 10So their holiday feasts will turn into mourning, And all of their songs into wailing.‘Then, upon every loin, I’ll bring sackcloth, And baldness, I’ll bring upon every head. I’ll appoint them as those who mourn loved ones, And their happy days, I’ll turn into grief.11‘Look, the days are coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘When to this land, I’ll send famine… But it won’t be a famine of bread Nor a famine of water, But a famine of hearing the Word of Jehovah.12‘Then from sea to sea, the waters will shake, And [people] will run from the north to the east Seeking the Word of Jehovah. But then, no way will they find it.13‘In that day, all of your pretty virgins And all of your [handsome] young men Will be wilting from thirst.14‘And those who swear oaths by Samaria’s Redeemer, And say, O Dan, as your god lives, Or, As your god lives, O BeerSheba… These will fall and not rise again.’
1Well after that, I saw the [messenger of the] Lord standing at the Altar, and he said:‘Strike the Lid [of the Chest] and shake all its [Temple] gates, Then cut off all of their heads, And kill the rest with the broadsword! There’s no way that they can escape, And no way that they’ll be saved!2‘So if they should [hide] in the place of the dead; My hand will [reach down and] grab them. And if they should [fly] into the sky; From there, I’ll drag them back down.3‘If they should hide on [Mount] CarMel, I’ll search for them there and I’ll grab them. And if they hide from my eyes in the depths of the seas, I’ll send a wild beast to bite them.4‘If their enemies should take them as captives, I’ll instruct their broadswords to kill them… Yes, it’s for the bad, not for the good That I’ve set my eyes on them.5‘For Jehovah, the Lord God Almighty Has grabbed the land and ordered a shaking. Then, all who dwell there will mourn… It’ll rise and fall like the Nile.6‘And the One who built His [home] in the skies… The One who founded the earth… The One who calls water out of the seas And pours it back on the land… The One whose Name is Jehovah, says this:7‘O sons of IsraEl,‘To Me, you aren’t like the descendents of Kush, For I’m the One who led you from Egypt, And from the Cappadocian Philistines, Then from the Syrians of Kir.8‘{Look!} For My eyes watch the kingdoms of sinners Whom I then remove from the face of the earth. But the one whom I won’t completely remove Is the house of [My servant] Jacob, says Jehovah.9‘But, {Look!} I’ll issue My orders And cause IsraEl’s house to be threshed [Along with] the rest of the nations In the same way that you’d winnow with a shovel… And no broken pieces will [be overlooked].10‘Then, it’ll be by the broadsword That the sinners among My people will end… Yes, all of those who now say:‘Such bad things will never approach us… These things won’t happen to us!’11‘And in that day, the tent of David that has fallen Will thereafter stand once again And its [broken] things, I’ll rebuild… The things I cut down, I’ll raise… I’ll rebuild it as it had been before.12‘Then, those who are left of the nations May inquire of those who’ve called on My Name,’‘...says Jehovah, the One who’ll do all these things.’13‘For the days are coming, says Jehovah, When the harvests will last to the threshing And grapes will stay ripe until planting. The mountains will trickle down sweetness, And [there’ll be] crops upon all the hills.14‘Then, I’ll bring back My people (Those who were carried away… The IsraElites that had been captured) And they’ll rebuild their cities (Yes, they’ll live in them again). Then, they’ll plant vineyards and drink their own wine… They’ll plant gardens and eat their own fruit!15‘Upon their own ground, I’ll plant them, And from this land that I gave them, They’ll no longer be uprooted.’‘...says Jehovah, The God.’
1This is the vision of ObadiAh.Jehovah God spoke this against Edom.I heard this report from Jehovah, and it’s a summary of what He sent to the nations:‘{Look!} Arise against her in battle!2‘Among the nations, I’ve left you just few, And upon you, I’ve brought much disgrace. 3For, you’ve made your hearts proud By camping in cracks in high rocks; And you’ve said in your hearts:‘From here, who can drag us down to the ground?’4‘But if you could fly as high as an eagle And put your nest up in the stars... From there, I’d lead you back down,’ says Jehovah.5‘Now if thieves were to enter among you, Or robbers were to come during the night; [How many things] would you lose? Wouldn’t they take just the things [that they want]? And if those who [steal] grapes came among you, Wouldn’t they leave you a gleaning?6‘But, there’ll come those who’ll search Esau through And take even the things that you’ve hidden away. 7Then, to your borders, they’ll drive you, Where your allies will fight against you and win… Yes, men you’re at peace with Will then rise up against you, And they won’t understand why they did this.8‘So, in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘I’ll destroy all of Edom’s wise men. And thereafter, in the mountains of Esau, Understanding will be gone from the land.9‘For they’ll frighten your Temanite warriors; And then, from the mountains of Esau, Every man will be carried away.10‘Because you’ve been so defiant And brought slaughter to Jacob, your brother; With shame, you’ll be covered, And throughout ages thereafter, you’ll be gone.11‘For, from the day that you faced and opposed them To the day that strangers captured their army And foreigners entered their gates, Who then cast lots for JeruSalem’s spoils, You were considered to be one of them.12‘So you shouldn’t have [sneered at] your brothers On the day that those strangers arrived… You shouldn’t have rejoiced at their downfall, And [approved of the killing] of Judah’s sons.‘You shouldn’t have [laughed] in the day of their pain, 13And you shouldn’t have entered their gates On that day of their misery!‘Especially so, you should never have looked Upon them in joy at their ruin. Nor should you have joined to attack them In the day that they were destroyed.14‘In their mountain passes, you shouldn’t have stood To destroy those who tried to escape… No, you shouldn’t have locked up those fleeing In their day of affliction.15‘But now, the Day of the Lord has arrived Upon all those nations [that did this]. So, all of the [bad] that you did to them Is what they’ll now do to you… What you did will come upon your own heads!16‘So, as you drank wine on My Holy Mountain, The nations will drink wine from you… Yes, they’ll swallow you down, And it’ll be like you never existed.17‘But salvation will come to Mount Zion, And My Holy Place will stand there again. Then the house of Jacob will inherit All those who’ve inherited them!18‘Like the fire that came upon Jacob’s house And the flames that came upon JoSeph… Like stubble, they’ll burn the house of Esau, Yes among them, the fire will burn and consume, And there’ll be no wheat harvest in Esau! For I, Jehovah, have spoken.19‘At that time, the Mountains of Esau Will be owned by those in the Negev. And those who live in the Philistine ShepheLa Will inherit Ephraim’s mountains, Along with Samaria and BenJamin’s plains, And all of GileAd’s land.20‘For the sons of IsraEl who’ll then return Will inherit all of your land From CanaAn, all the way to ZarEphath. And those who return to JeruSalem Will inherit the Negev to EphRatha.21‘So the survivors [who return to] Mount Zion Will take vengeance on the mountains of Esau, And then your kingdom will belong to Jehovah!’
1The Word of Jehovah came to Jonah (son of AmaThi), and said:2‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh and make this proclamation against it; for, cries of their evil have reached up to Me.’3However, Jonah got up and decided to flee from the face of Jehovah [all the way] to Tharsis! For he went down to JopPa and there he found a boat that was sailing to Tharsis, then he paid his fare, boarded, and preceded to sail away from the face of Jehovah.4But then Jehovah raised a wind over the sea that created huge swells, and [soon] the boat was in danger of breaking up. 5Of course, this made the sailors so frightened that they each started yelling out to their own gods, and they started throwing things into the sea to lighten the load.Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the ship’s hold and fallen asleep, and then he started snoring. 6So the ship’s captain went down to him and said:‘Why are you [just lying there] snoring? Get up and call to your God so He will save us and we won’t be destroyed!’7Well at that, each man started saying to his companion:‘Come, let’s throw lots to find out why this evil has fallen on us!’So they threw lots, and the lot fell to Jonah. 8And they asked him if he knew the reason why this evil had come down upon them. They also asked what he did for a living and where he came from (what kind of place and what kind of people).9Then he told them:‘I’m a servant of Jehovah, the God of the heavens… I worship the One who made the seas and the dry land.’10Well at that, the men became very frightened and they asked him what he’d done, because they realized that he was running away. So he explained [to them all that had happened].11Then they asked him:‘So, what must we do to you in order to calm the sea?’And just as they asked this, the sea rose in a great swell.12So Jonah told them:‘Just pick me up and throw me into the sea… Then it’ll become calm for you. I know that that these great swells have come upon you because of me.’13Nevertheless, the men pressed on and they tried to reach land… But they couldn’t – the sea [kept pushing] against them.14So they called out to Jehovah and said:‘Please don’t destroy us over the life of this man, because we don’t want the blood of the righteous held against us! But for You, O Lord, we’ll do whatever You want.’15So then they took Jonah and threw him into the sea… And suddenly the sea became still and stopped tossing about! 16As a result, the men became very frightened of Jehovah, and they made vows to Him and offered sacrifices to Him.17Then Jehovah ordered a great sea creature to swallow Jonah, and he stayed in its belly for three days and three nights.
1Well, from from the belly of the sea creature, Jonah prayed to Jehovah his God, 2saying this:‘In my affliction, I called out to You,
O Jehovah, my God,
And You paid attention to me.
I’ve called from the belly of the place of the dead,
And from there, You listened to my voice!3‘You threw me into the heart of the sea…
Into the depths of its waters,
And by the sea, I was covered.‘Then I asked, as their waves and crests poured upon me:4‘Have I been pushed away from Your eyes…
Won’t I see Your Holy Temple again?5‘But the waters were rolling around me,
And then, they entered my soul…
By the deep, I was encircled,
And my head went under the water.6‘I went down between mountain fissures…
Through the earth and its bars of the ages.
And I said:‘O Jehovah, my God;
Let my soul rise above this corruption!’7‘Then, as my life was reaching [its end],
You noticed [my bad situation];
For my prayers had ascended to You…
Yes, to You in Your Holy Temple!8‘Some pay attention to things that are foolish,
While others will listen to lies…
For they’ve given up on Your mercy.
9But, with my voice, I’ll praise You,
And I’m offering [this song] as my sacrifice.
For I’ll do everything that I’ve promised
If you’ll just save me, Jehovah!’10And at that, the Lord gave orders to the large sea creature, and it vomited Jonah out on dry land.
1Well thereafter, The Word of Jehovah came to Jonah a second time and said:2‘Now, you must get up and travel to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim My words over it, just as I told you before!’3So Jonah got up, and for the next three days he traveled to Nineveh, just as the Lord had told him (for God considered Nineveh to be a great city).4Then when Jonah arrived at the city, he spent [a full] day traveling through it proclaiming:‘In just three days, Nineveh will be wiped away!’5Well, because the men of Nineveh believed in God, they called for a fast and for everyone (from the least to the greatest) to wear sackcloth. 6And when [Jonah’s] words reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, removed all of his clothes and put on sackcloth, and then he sat in ashes. 7The king and his great men also sent a proclamation throughout Nineveh, that said:‘The people may not eat anything, [nor may they feed] their cattle, oxen, or sheep… They may not eat or drink anything at all!8‘They must each wrap themselves and their cattle in sackcloth as they all fervently call out to God! Also, every man must turn from his wicked ways and from the sins of his hands and say:9‘Who knows if God will change His mind and turn from the anger of His rage, so that we’ll not perish?’10Well, when God saw what they were doing and that they’d turned from their wicked ways, He changed His mind over the evil things that He said He’d do to them, and He didn’t do anything.
1However, Jonah was very upset and confused by this...2So he prayed to Jehovah and said:‘O Lord,‘Wasn’t this what I said [would happen] when I was back in my own land?‘It was because of something like this that I thought about fleeing to Tharsis! For I knew that because You’re kind, sympathetic, lenient, and full of mercy, You’d change Your mind about doing such evil!3‘So now, O Master and Lord, please kill me… For it’d be better for me to die than to go on living!’4And the Lord asked:‘Has this [really] grieved you that much?’5Well thereafter, Jonah left the city and sat down in front of it… He built a shelter and just sat there, staring at it.6Then Jehovah God provided a gourd [plant] that grew up over Jonah’s head to shade him during this bad [time]. And Jonah became very happy and joyful over the gourd [plant].7But then, early the next morning, God sent a worm which killed the [plant] and dried it up. 8And just as the sun was rising, God also sent a burning wind, which (along with the sun) burned Jonah’s head. So he became discouraged to the point where he wanted to just resign from life.For he said:‘It’s better for me to die than to live!’9Then God asked Jonah:‘Are you [really] that grieved over the gourd [plant]?’And he replied:‘Yes, I’m grieved to the point of death!’10And the Lord said:‘You treated that plant so tenderly… You nourished it and worked hard over it, even though it grew up in a single night and was gone before the next evening! 11So, shouldn’t I spare this great city where 120,000 people now live who don’t know their right hands from their left… Along with all of their cattle?’
1The Word of Jehovah came to MicAh the Morasthite in the days of JoTham, Ahaz, and HezekiAh (kings of Judah) and said this about the things he saw going on in Samaria and in JeruSalem.2‘Hear these words, O you peoples; Also pay attention, you lands And those who are dwelling within you! For, from His Most Holy [Place], Jehovah will now testify.3‘{Look!} Jehovah will come from His place And go down upon your high places, Then seat Himself in the heights.4‘The mountains will shake underneath Him, And like beeswax in fire, the valleys will melt, Then flow like water that rolls down a slope.5‘Yes, He will do all these things Because of Jacob’s irreverent ways And because of the sins of the house of IsraEl.[‘For God says:]‘Isn’t Samaria the irreverence of Jacob And isn’t Judah’s sin, JeruSalem?6‘So I’ll turn Samaria into a barn Where the fruits of the fields can be stored Along with the [grapes] of the vineyards. I’ll tear down her stones in great chaos, And her foundations, I’ll expose.7‘I’ll cut her carved idols to pieces; Her temple whores, I’ll burn in a fire; And I’ll appoint her idols to extinction. For she hired whores and gathered them there… So the wages of whores are what I’ll destroy.8‘For this, she’ll wail and beat on her breasts… She will go barefoot and naked… She’ll beat on her chest like a dragon, And mourn like chained demon’s daughters.9‘This calamity upon her will surely arrive; For she went to Judah and JeruSalem And touched the gates of my people.’10‘Now, those in Gath shouldn’t feel special, Nor should those who are living in BakaIm… And don’t laugh as you try to rebuild your homes, For the land will be strewn with your laughter, 11And nothing good will come to your towns.‘Then, those in ZaAnan will beat on their breasts On behalf of the houses next door… They’ll be grieved by the things that will happen to you.12‘For then, who’ll console her when she is sad Over the bad things Jehovah will send, Which will reach all the way to JeruSalem’s gates?13‘They’ll hear the sounds of chariots and riders [Attacking the City] of LachIsh. For, they’re the ones who’ve been taking the lead In the sins of the daughters of Zion… All of IsraEl’s godless deeds can be found there!14‘Because of this, they’ll be carried away And become the inheritance of Gath… Yes, even their poorest of homes.15‘There, IsraEl’s kings won’t be valued… The inheritance of Gath, they’ll become. The people of LachIsh will then be their [slaves]. And off to AdulLam, they’ll carry The glory of IsraEl’s daughters.16‘So, shave [the heads of] your beloved young… Make them as bald as the vultures; For, they’ll all be carried away!’
1‘When they came here, they were looking for trouble And doing what’s bad in their beds. They did it all during the daytime, And they wouldn’t raise a hand to Jehovah.2‘Then, because they desired more fields, They plundered orphans and tyrannized homes… They plundered the people along with their homes… Both the men and the things they’d inherit.3‘It’s because of this, that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} Against their tribe, I’m bringing what’s bad, And thereafter, they won’t lift their necks Or in any way walk erect… Yes for them, it’ll be a very bad time!4‘In that day, they’ll be saying these words… They’ll raise this lament in a song:‘In our miserable condition, we knew misery; For our people were [led off in] lines, And no one [came here] to stop it Or to bargain for their return; So their fields were thereafter divided [as loot].’5‘Now, no one will measure allotments For those in the Lord’s congregation. 6You’ll weep and cry for these things; But I won’t remove all your scorn.7‘Then, this is what they’ll say about you:‘Because the house of Jacob provoked Jehovah’s Spirit to rage, These are the things that He did; For His words and His ways are all straight and good!’8‘[Throughout the years], my people have shown A hatred and resistance to peace. So they’ve flayed the skin [of those passing by], [And brought upon themselves] the conflict of war.9‘Now the leaders of my people will be driven from their homes… They’ll be pushed away, because they’re so bad! So, flee to the mountains of the ages, 10Since for you, there’ll be no rest, Because you’re corrupt and unclean!11‘So you’ll run when no one is chasing, Because of your lying spirit, Which trickles upon you like the wine and strong drink That you’ve gained from the sweat of your people.12‘But, after some time, they’ll return… I’ll gather Jacob along with the rest, And I’ll search for IsraEl’s remnants… I’ll collect them and I’ll return them Like sheep that have gone through hard times… They’ll jump away from those people, And in their own pastures, they’ll live as one flock.13‘They’ll [run] through the breach that’s before them, For the gate will be cut so they can escape. And before them, will travel their king… Yes, they’ll be led by their Lord!’
1[‘And God continues:]‘So listen, you head ones of Jacob, And the rest that are left of IsraEl’s house!‘When will you learn to do what’s fair? 2Since you’ve hated what’s good and searched for what’s bad; They’ll reach out for you and tear off your skin, Then rip the flesh from your bones, 3The same as you’ve eaten the flesh of my people And flayed off all of their skin… Then you broke their bones as flesh for the pot, And as meat for the cauldron!’4[Micah now explains:]‘So, you’ll cry out to Jehovah, But He won’t listen to you… He’ll just turn His face at that time, Because of the wicked things that you’ve done.5‘So, to the prophets, Jehovah declares (To those misleading His people… Those clenching their teeth as they proclaim peace When [God hasn’t put] any [words] in their mouths):‘A holy war, I’ll be sending to you 6Because [you’ve told them] such things.‘Then you’ll see no more visions during the nights… You’ll just see darkness (not light). For the sun won’t rise upon you prophets, And the days will darken before you.7‘Disgrace will then come to those who dream dreams, And those telling the future will be ridiculed. About them, all will speak badly, And no one will listen to the things that they say.’8[Yet Micah says:]‘However, I’ll be filled With the strength and the Breath of Jehovah, As well as with His justice and might, So I can report the irreverence of Jacob And speak to IsraEl about all their sins!9‘Therefore, listen to this, O leaders of Jacob, And you remnants of the house of IsraEl… You who hate what’s fair and twist what’s straight… 10You who’ve built Zion on blood And filled JeruSalem with injustice!11‘For your leaders take bribes when they judge; Your priests require a wage for replies; And your prophets ask for silver when they prophesy. Yet they still rest upon Jehovah and say:‘Isn’t Jehovah among us? No way will He bring bad things on us!’12‘And it’s for all of these reasons That Zion will be plowed like a field... JeruSalem will become empty barns; And the Temple Mount, just a place in the woods!’
1‘But, in the last days, They will see the Mountain of Jehovah Sitting above the rest of the mountains, Raised higher than all of the hills, And to it, all the peoples will run.2‘Many nations will go there and say:‘Let’s ascend the Mountain of Jehovah And enter the [Temple] of Jacob’s God. For there, He will show us His ways, And we’ll thereafter walk in His paths!’‘For, Laws will come out of Zion… And from JeruSalem, the Word of Jehovah 3Will serve as judge between peoples, And make decisions among distant tribes.‘Then they’ll cut their swords into plows, And [they’ll beat] their spears into sickles. Nation won’t rise against nation again, Nor will they learn war anymore.4‘Under their own grapevines, each person will sit, And they’ll rest beneath their own fig trees… For, none will make them afraid anymore.’‘This was said by the mouth of Jehovah the Almighty:5‘And although other people may go their own way; You’ll walk in the Name of your God From the present and into the ages.6‘And in that day, says Jehovah, I’ll regather all those who were broken (The ones whom I had once discarded), And I’ll welcome back those whom I’ve pushed away.7‘Yes, those who are broken, I’ll welcome, And I’ll make a great nation of them once again… Of those whom I once pushed away! And thereafter, and into the ages, Their Lord will rule from Mount Zion.’8[Micah then says:]‘But now, upon you, O tower of the flock… Yes you, O JeruSalem’s daughter (You austere offspring of Zion); The foremost of Babylon’s kings Will come here and enter your [gates]!9‘For, why did you learn to do such bad things… Wasn’t there a king here among you, And has all good council now perished?‘So, pangs are what you’ll have to endure Like a woman who’s about to give birth. 10But hang on and take courage, O daughter of Zion, As [a woman] who’s giving birth!‘For what’s coming to you is a city That will set up its camps in your plains… And then, to Babylon, they’ll take you. But your God, Jehovah, will save you from there, And ransom you from your enemies’ hands.11‘Now, many nations have come against you, And this is what they’re saying:‘Our eyes will rejoice as we gaze on Zion!’12‘But they don’t know the ways of Jehovah, And His council, they don’t comprehend. For like sheaves [of grain], they’ll be gathered, And on a threshing floor, they’ll be piled, 13So that you can thresh them, O daughter of Zion!‘For I’ll turn your horns into iron, And I’ll turn your hoofs into brass. Then, I’ll dissolve many peoples, And you’ll carry all their abundance As well as their strength to the Lord of the earth.’
1[Micah continues:]‘Now the daughter of Zion has a reason to fear, For upon her, He’s decreed war, And they’ll strike IsraEl’s tribes on the jaw!2‘Then from you, O BethLehem of EphRatha (The few among the thousands of Judah), Will come a man who’ll be IsraEl’s king… One whose [roots] are from the most ancient times And from the days of the ages.3‘And because of this, he’ll appoint her A time that will be [like the giving] of birth. For thereafter, she’ll [really] give birth To the remnant of those who are brothers, And to the sons of IsraEl, they’ll return.4‘Yes, by the strength of Jehovah, A shepherd will rise to [watch over] them, And they’ll bask in the glory of the Name of their God, Which will then become known to the ends of the earth.5‘And this is [the sign that there’ll be] peace: When the Assyrians arrive in your land And they climb onto your place. But seven shepherds will then rise against them [And whip them] with the eight strokes of men.6‘They’ll shepherd Assyria with a broadsword, And the land of NimRod [will serve as] her grave. For, from the Assyrians, He’ll save you, When against your land, they’ve ascended, And when they’ve crossed over your borders.7‘Thereafter, the few of Jacob that remain Will [be scattered] among many peoples. But, like the dew that falls from the Lord, And like the lambs [that are fed] on wild grass; They’ll be gathered by no one, Nor before sons of men, will they stand.8‘And although the remnant of Jacob Will be [scattered] among all the nations And dwell among many peoples; They’ll be like lions among cattle … As bear cubs among flocks of sheep.‘Then they’ll go through and scatter their prey… None of which will be saved. 9Then they’ll lift their hands against their opponents, And their enemies will all be destroyed!10‘But [before] that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘I’ll destroy all your horses and chariots… 11All the cities in your land will wiped away, And I’ll remove all your forts.12‘From your hands, I’ll wipe out your potions, And there’ll be no fortune tellers among you. 13I’ll also destroy all the idols you’ve carved And remove the sacred stones from your midst… You’ll [no longer] bow to the works of your hands.14‘I’ll cut down all of your sacred poles And wipe away all of your cities. 15Then, in My anger and rage, I’ll send My vengeance to the rest of the nations, Because they too failed to listen!’
1‘So, hear indeed, what Jehovah has said! Arise and plead with the mountains… Let all the hills hear what He’s said!2‘Yes, listen, O mountains, to the judgments of God… You foundations of the earth and its valleys! For between Jehovah and His people There’s a case to be tried… And with IsraEl, He’s going to war!3[‘For God asks:]‘O My people, what did I do? Tell Me what trouble I’ve caused you! 4From the land of Egypt, I led you… From the house of slaves, I ransomed you back, And before your face, I had sent you MiriAm, Aaron, and Moses!5‘Remember the plans that MoAb’s King Balak Had once made against you, And the answers that BalaAm (son of BeOr) Was given from Shittim to GilGal, So he’d know the righteous ways of the Lord.6[And Micah comments:]‘Yes, how can you conquer Jehovah? Can you snatch Him down from the heights? With your whole burnt-offerings, can you beat Him, Or with [the blood of] 1-year-old calves? No!7‘Will Jehovah [be swayed] by 1,000 male sheep Or 10,000 one-year-old calves? No! For your sins, can you offer your first-born? No! Can you offer the first fruits that come from your bellies To cover [the sins] in your lives? No!8‘To you, He’s explained it, O man… All the things that are righteous. And all that Jehovah requires Is for you to be fair and love mercy, And to be ready to walk with your God!9‘So the voice of Jehovah is calling to you, And those fearing His Name will be saved. So, listen to this, O you tribes, [For God says:]‘Who will be the adornment of your cities? 10Won’t the homes of Law breakers be burned Along with [the houses] of those loving crimes… All the insolent and the unrighteous?11‘Will I overlook all of your wicked scales And your bags of deceptive weights? 12Will your irreverent ways be covered by wealth? And all you liars that live there; Will your [wicked] tongues [bring praise] from your mouths? No!13‘For your sins, I’ll torment you to extinction, 14Then you’ll eat and never be filled. I’ll banish you, and you’ll be lost (No way will you be preserved); And the survivors, I’ll hand to the broadsword.15‘Then, although you may plant, you won’t reap; And although you’ll press olives, you won’t anoint, Nor will you drink any wine… Since the Laws of My people will be wiped away.16‘For the rules of [IsraElite King] OmRi, are what you’ve chosen, As well as the deeds of the house of [IsraElite King] Ahab. Yes, you’ve chosen their plans So you wouldn’t be laughed at by others… Thus, I’m bringing extinction upon you!’
1‘I’m like a man who gleans stubble in the harvest, Or one who gleans grapes after they’re gone… Those ripe ones for which my soul craves (woe is me)!2‘For the upright have all been wiped from the land… Those who walk straight, no longer exist, And all righteous blood has been squeezed By the oppression of their neighbors, 3Whose hands are doing whatever is bad.‘Your rulers now ask you for gifts And your judges [give rulings] for bribes… Yet, this is what your souls have wanted!4‘So He’ll take away all your good things Like a moth chewing through woolen clothes [On behalf of those] found walking straight lines In the day that they’re being inspected.‘Yes, woe to you, for your punishment is due, And soon you all will be weeping!5‘So, don’t confide in your friends, And put no hope in your leaders! Watch out for the one who sleeps in your bed… To her, show nothing at all!6‘For, sons will dishonor their fathers, And daughters will oppose their own mothers… It is daughters-in-law against mothers-in-law, And your enemies will be those in your own homes.’7‘But, I’ll look to my Lord… On my Savior, Jehovah, I’ll wait, And my God will listen to me.8‘So, enemies of mine, don’t rejoice, For although I’ve fallen, I’ll rise again. And if I must sit in the darkness, Jehovah will provide me with light.9‘Yes, I’ll endure the rage of Jehovah; For against Him, I’m also a sinner. But I’ll wait until He sends justice… Until He shows me His judgments And leads me into the light, Where I’ll look to His righteous ways.10‘Then, upon my enemies, I’ll gaze, For then, they must bear all their shame; Since they’re the ones who once asked me:‘So, where is Jehovah, your God?’[‘But God says]:‘My eyes have noticed these things, So I’ll trample on her like mud in the streets… 11Like mortar on bricks, she’ll be wiped away, And her rules will be gone in that day.12‘Your cities will then all be leveled And by the Assyrians, they’ll be subdivided. Yes your fortified cities will be given away From Tyre down to the [Nile] river… From mountain to mountain and sea to sea!13‘For the land will all be destroyed, Along with [the people] who live there… It’s the fruitage of what they’ve done!’14[‘O God,]‘Tend Your people with Your mighty rod; For, they’re Your inherited sheep… May they camp all alone in the woods And [on the sides] of [Mount] CarMel!‘In BaShan and GileAd, please feed them As You did for them back in that age 15When [You led] them from Egypt.16[‘And God replies:]‘Yes, wonderful things, I’ll show them, Which the nations will see in disgrace. For [the nations will lose] all their strength… They’ll place their hands over their mouths And they’ll cover their ears. 17Then they’ll lick the dust just like snakes That slither along on the ground. And because of this, they’ll then be confused.’‘Yes by God, they’ll be amazed… But, they must learn how to fear Him! 18For, to what other god can He be compared?[‘O God,]‘As You remove the unrighteous, [Please overlook] the irreverence Of Your inherited ones who are left… Hold back Your rage for the things that You’ve seen, And please show mercy upon us!19‘Please turn around and show pity on us, But, sink our unrighteous ways… Cast our sins into the depths of the seas.20‘Then to Jacob, please send what’s true, And on AbraHam’s [offspring], please show mercy, As You swore in Your oath to our fathers.’
1The concern over Nineveh.This is the scroll of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:2‘Because He’s very zealous, Jehovah won’t fail to punish. In His rage, Jehovah will punish All those who are standing against Him… He will destroy all those who oppose Him.3‘Jehovah is patient and mighty, And the [guilty], [He] won’t acquit. For His ways are rumbling and final.4‘There are clouds of dust under His feet, And He can squeeze the seas and cause them to dry. He also desolates rivers, Which is how He weakened BaShan and CarMel, And it’s why Lebanon’s blossoms have failed.5‘Before Him, the mountains have shaken, And [before Him], the hills have all trembled. They rise at His presence throughout the whole earth, As do all [the peoples] who dwell there.6‘Before His rage, who can stand… Yes, who can withstand His anger? For, sovereign rulers melt at His rage, And even the rocks split apart.7‘Yet He’s kind to those who [put faith] in Him In their day of affliction… And He knows all those who respect Him.8‘Like a downpour, He wipes away and consumes All those who’ve been roused [to oppose Him], And He chases His enemies into the dark.9‘So against Jehovah, what plans can you make, For He can wipe you away. But He won’t punish you twice, Or punish you for the same [errors].10‘His enemy’s [cities], He will lay bare To their very foundations. Like twisted yews, they’ll be burned… As though they’re very dry stubble.11‘Yet, against Jehovah, you’ve made plans… Against Him, you’ve made wicked plans. 12So Jehovah (who rules all the waters) says this:‘I’ll send them away And they’ll not be heard from again. 13For I’ll lift their whips from [your backs], And I’ll remove all their shackles.’14‘It was concerning [the Assyrians], that Jehovah said this:‘Your name won’t be mentioned again; For, I’ll destroy all your idols (Those which you molded and carved), Then a time will be set for your funeral, Which will arrive very soon!15‘Look! Upon the mountains, he’s coming… The feet of the one announcing good news And the one with reports about peace!‘So in Judah, declare a holiday [feast], And you must get ready to pay all your vows, So that never again will they enter [your gates], Nor again, should they see your corruption.’
1‘Now He’s finished [His work] and He’s consumed… This One who came and breathed in your face… This One who [brought] you affliction!‘So, watch the roads and [wrap up] your loins… Be very manly and strong! 2For Jehovah has taken away The haughtiness of Jacob’s [tribes], As well as IsraEl’s insolent ways.‘And now, He’s ready to shake off Those who’ve been shaking you, And He’ll bring their branches to ruin. 3For under Him, there are men who have weapons, And laugh at fire, because of their might.‘Their chariots have now been prepared, And their horsemen will make many wail. 4Their chariots will wreak havoc along all the roads, And thereafter, they’ll meet in [Assyria’s] squares.‘The sight of them is like burning lamps, And lightning [is found in their wake].5‘So all of [Assyria’s] mighty men Should stop and think about this… For in the daytime, they’ll flee. And as they leave, they’ll be feeble, Then between their walls, they’ll run From the troops in the lead that arrive.6‘Then their city gates will be opened wide, And all their great homes will be ruined… 7Yes, all their supports will lie bare.‘Then their [women] will appear with their servants, And as meek as doves, they’ll be led away To the flutter of their own beating hearts.8‘For, Nineveh is a pool amidst waters, And her men won’t resist, they’ll just flee When no one is paying attention.9‘So their silver and gold will be looted… There are no limits to all that they’ll take. And those looters will then be weighed down With [the city’s] most desirable things.10‘There’ll be thrusting, shaking, and tumult… Hearts will be breaking and knees will be weak… Loins will all become loose, And their faces will look like burned pots!11‘So, where is this great lion’s den… Yes, where is the pasture [where she hides] her cubs… Where has the [great] lion gone? She’s gone away to be with her cubs Who ran when there was nothing to fear.12‘She is the same lion that once snatched away All that her cubs had required. And for her, the cubs strangled their prey, Until their den became filled with game… Their home was filled with the things she’d seized.13[‘And God says:]‘But look! I’m the One who’s coming against you,’‘...says Jehovah, the Almighty,‘And all of your army, I’ll burn into smoke.‘I’ll devour your lions with the broadsword, And I’ll take all the game from your land, So that none of the things you’ve accomplished Will ever be mentioned again.’
1‘O you city of blood And of all that’s false and unrighteous:‘You’ll no longer be in charge of your game. 2For the sounds of whips, [you’ll hear], Along with the rumble of [chariot] wheels… The hot pursuits upon horses, And the dust that they’ll raise with their wheels… 3The attacks of men riding steeds… The shine of their swords and the flashing of shields.‘Great multitudes will be slaughtered; For a downfall is coming to you. Unnumbered nations will come there, And from [looting and rape], they’ll tire.4‘You’re a whore who once satisfied men, And in the making of potions, you took the lead. Then you sold your whoring to the nations, And your potions, you sold to their tribes.5‘So look… I’m the One who’s against you,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty!‘I’ll uncover your backside, And show all the nations your shame… Other kingdoms will see your dishonor!6‘Because of all your uncleanness, I’ll bring what’s disgusting upon you… I’ll use you as an example.7‘Then, all who see you will leave you and say:‘O Nineveh, you great wretched one; Who’ll now mourn over you? And where can they search to send comfort?’8‘So, tune up the strings of your lyres, And prepare your potions for Amun ([Your god] who inhabits the rivers); For your walls are surrounded by water, From which you’ve ruled all the way to the sea.9‘Although Ethiopia and Egypt have served as your strength, They’ll [be no help] when you’re taken away… There’ll just be Libya and the Sudan That will come to your aid.10‘Your [people] will be captured and taken to exile, And your infant’s [heads] will be dashed on the walls. For your honorable things, they’ll cast lots, As your great men are tethered and bound.11‘So, you’ll be provoked and get drunk, As from your enemies, you seek shelter. 12But what will happen to those in your forts, Is the same as what will happen to you.‘For, you’ll then be the fruit… And when they start shaking the [tree], You’ll fall into the mouths Of those who’ve come to consume you.13‘{Look!} Your enemies will view you as women, So they’ll burn the bars off your gates And open all doors throughout your land!14‘Then you’ll have to draw water from your rivers To rescue all of your burning forts! So, you should tread mortar and mix it with straw… Then make it stronger with bricks! 15For fire and the sword will destroy you… They’ll consume you like locusts, And by grasshoppers, you’ll be oppressed.16‘Although you once grew your trade higher Than all the stars in the skies; Grasshoppers are coming to spread [over you]… 17Small locusts will leap and consume, And cover your fences like frost. Then, as the sun rises, they’ll just hop away… And woe, because you won’t know where they’ve gone!18‘And you, O Assyria’s king; All of your shepherds have fallen asleep And all of your mighty are resting. Your people [have fled] to the mountains, And no one is searching for them. 19Thus there’ll be no one to heal your destruction, And your wounds will soon be inflamed.‘Yet, those hearing this message about you Are all now clapping their hands… For to them, you’ve done evil things.’
1These are the things that Prophet HabakKuk saw: 2‘How long, O Lord, must I cry out As You don’t listen [to me]? How long should I yell to You over wrong As You don’t bring us salvation?3‘Why have You shown toil and trouble to me, As you look upon misery and irreverence? Right opposite me, there’s judging going on… But it’s the judge that carries away!4‘Because of this, the Law has been shaken, And in the end, there’s no justice; For the godless are tyrannizing the righteous, And the justice they receive is perverted!’5[Then the Lord replied]:‘Look, O you who’s speaking such words… Gaze and wonder at wonders, And thereafter, just pass away! For I’ll do a work in your day, Which you won’t believe and none can describe!6‘{Look!} I’ll awaken the Chaldean people, And they’ll travel across the breadth of the earth To inherit tents not their own.7‘[Their king] is known to be fearsome, And he [creates] his own kind of justice, For his only concern is himself.8‘His horses leap higher than leopards, And [their teeth] are like those of Arabian wolves.‘His horsemen will make great advances… They’ll spread [their wings] out like eagles That are eager for something to eat.9‘Then, upon those who don’t show him respect, He will bring a consumption… It’ll come upon all who oppose him, And he’ll gather captives like sand.10‘Then among all their kings, he will revel… Their sovereignty will be things he plays with, And he will mock every fortress… He’ll build siege mounds around them and win!11‘But thereafter, his spirit will change; For, he will repent and then say, This power has come from my God!’12[And Habakkuk replied:]‘O Jehovah, my God and most Holy One; You’re from the beginning! But, although there’s no reason for us to die, You’ve ordered up justice… For discipline and correction, You’ve shaped us.13‘If Your eyes are too pure to look at the bad, And You’ll not view any evil; Why do You endure those who hate You?‘And why do You remain silent and watch As the impious are consuming the righteous? 14Will You let us be like the fish in the sea Or like things that crawl [on the ground] Where no one is taking the lead?15‘You’ve let [Babylon’s king] catch destruction… Yes, he pulled it up with a hook And lifted it up with his net… Then he brought it all in with his dragnet, And this is why he’s so joyful.16‘So to his dragnet, he’ll offer sacrifices, And to it, he will also burn incense. For by it, he’s fattened his portion, And provided himself the choicest of food. 17So he’ll keep on casting his net To destroy many nations, not spare them!’
1‘[Now I’ve told You] that during my watch, I’ll be the one who stands guard… I’ll climb on the rocks and observe, Then listen to all that You’ll tell me, So I’ll know what I must say in reply When I’m receiving correction.’2Then the [messenger of the] Lord told me this… He clearly said:‘Now, you must write down this vision To elevate those who’ll read it. 3It’s a vision of a time in the future… It’s what will happen in the time of the end.‘Be patient if it seems to be late; For it’ll surely arrive… No way will its coming be tardy.4‘To the depths of My core, I don’t find favor In one who would hold back [these words]. Yet, by their faith, the righteous will live!5‘But, those who are arrogant and filled with hate, And any man who’s a braggart Will receive no [blessings] at all.‘Now he’s widening his soul like the grave, And like death, he never gets filled. 6So, if he should assemble all nations And gather their peoples [under his rule]; Wouldn’t they say this against him… Wouldn’t they speak this riddle and say:‘Woe to the one who takes what’s not his… How long [can he stand] all the pressure? 7For suddenly, there’ll come those who’ll bite him… Yes, those plotting against him will awaken And then they’ll saw him in two!8‘For, many nations, he’s ravaged. But those who remain, will soon ravage him Because of all the blood that he’s shed, And the things that he did to their cities and lands… What he did to all those who lived there.’9‘O you who’ve desired all their wealth; These same things will come upon you and your house… Yes, on you who’ve arranged your ‘nest’ in the heights, And whose hands have brought evil [to others].10‘For, you’ve shamed your own house! Since, throughout your life, you’ve sinned, And you’ve ended [the lives] of [many great] men.11‘Therefore, from your stone walls, I’ll yell, And the beetles in the woods will repeat it:12‘Woe to those who build their cities on blood, And [grow] their countries by doing what’s wrong!’13‘Yet, it’s by Jehovah the Almighty That so many have been tested by fire, And the nations have proven faint-hearted!14‘So, like the waters that cover the seas, The earth will soon become filled With the knowledge about all His glory.15‘But, you’ve forced your neighbors to drink Something intoxicating and cloudy In order to gaze on their private parts.16‘So drink deeply to the glory of your dishonor And get extremely excited! For thereafter, you’ll be completely surrounded Within the cup in Jehovah’s right hand, Where your glory will meet with dishonor.17‘By Lebanon’s irreverence, you’ll also be covered, And the misery of wild beasts will terrify you, Because of the blood of men that you’ve shed, And the badness within [your] cities and lands, Along with the [evil] of your people.18‘So, what good are the idols that they’ve carved, Or the molded castings they’ve shaped… The false things that they can see with their eyes? For your people rely on things that they’ve shaped… On idols that they’ve made, which can’t speak!19‘So, woe to those who say to the wood [idols]:‘[It’s time for you to] awaken and rise!’‘And who say to things made of stone:‘Become great!’‘For, they’re only things you can look at… Things that you’ve hammered from silver and gold, Which are still unable to breathe.20‘But, in His Temple, Jehovah is [alive]! So in every land, they should bow before Him!’
1The prayer of Prophet HabakKuk, in a song:2‘O Lord,‘I heard Your report and I was afraid.‘O Jehovah,‘I thought of your works and I trembled.‘You stand between the two cherubs, And in coming years, all will know You… Yes, when that time arrives, You’ll be seen.‘And when disturbance comes into my life, You’ll think of [me] and show mercy. 3For, God will come out of TeMan… Yes, from the shadow of Mount Paran, The Most Holy one will arrive.’PAUSE‘His virtues cover the skies And His praises fill the [whole] earth… 4Like all kinds of light is His brightness.‘In His hands, He carries a trumpet; And by His might, He sends us His love.5‘So, from His face, a word will go forth, Which will travel from there to the plains; 6And where His feet stand, the [whole] earth will shake.‘When He looks upon them, the nations dissolve… By [His] might, the mountains will break And the hills of the ages will melt.7‘On the tents of Ethiopian peoples, I saw distress about to arrive, And the tents of Media were also disturbed.8‘Were You provoked by their rivers, O Lord… Did their rivers make You so angry That against their sea, You took action?‘O you who’re arriving on horses; As you ride, are you bringing salvation? 9No, Jehovah has told you to stretch out… Against their tents, you must stretch tight your bows!’PAUSE‘You’ll divide up their lands by their rivers, 10And when they see you, they’ll start having birth pangs; For they’ll know that the rivers will be their new borders.‘Then the abyss will shout to the heights When it sees that you’re arriving. 11For the sun won’t rise in the sky, And the moon will fail and stand still. But, by the flash of your arrows And sparks from your weapons, they’ll move.12‘When [God] threatens, He’ll leave just few in their lands; For in His rage, He wipes nations away. 13But to His people, He’s bringing salvation, And He will save His anointed.‘But to the heads of the lawless, He will send death… First, He’ll put chains on their necks, Which will shake and astonish the mighty, And then He will chop off their heads!’PAUSE14‘Yes, He’ll split the heads of the mighty, After He makes them all shiver. So then they’ll put down their reins And look for places to hide… Where they’ll be fed like the poor.15‘For He’ll lead their horses into the sea, And there they’ll muddy its waters… Which will bring fear to all, when they see it.16‘On my lips, there was the sound of a prayer… Trembling entered my backside and bones… Yes, all of my ways were disturbed. But I’ll find rest in that day of distress… When I leave the people to whom I was sent.17‘For their fig trees won’t bear fruit anymore, And there’ll be no grapes on their vines. Their olives will also be gone, And there’ll be no crops in their fields.‘At that time, there’ll be no more sheep, And there’ll be no oxen left in their barns.18‘But I’ll shout in joy to Jehovah… I’ll rejoice over my Savior, God! 19For Jehovah God is my strength, And He’s provided straight paths for my feet… Upon a high place, He’s set me, And by His song, I’ll win!’
1The Word of Jehovah came to ZephaniAh (son of Cushi, grandson of GedaliAh, and great-grandson of AmariAh, son of HezekiAh) in the days of JosiAh (son of Amon) the king of Judah, and said:2‘When it comes to being in want, Let all on the face of the earth be in want,’ said the [messenger of the] Lord! 3‘Let men and their cattle all be in want; Let things that fly in the sky be in want, As well as the fish in the seas.‘May the irreverent all become ill Because of their lawless deeds; For, from the land, I’ll remove them,’ said the [messenger of the] Lord.4‘Then over Judah and JeruSalem I’ll stretch out my hand, And the name of the BaAl, I’ll remove from this place, Along with the names of his priests And the things dedicated [to him].5‘[I’ll remove] all those who bow on their roofs Before the [stars] in the skies, As well as those who bow low And swear their oaths by their masters, Or those who swear oaths by their king. 6For, they’ve all turned from Jehovah, And they’re not seeking their Lord… [To Him], they haven’t stuck closely.7‘So be cautious before Jehovah [your] God, For the Day of the Lord is at hand! Jehovah has readied His [great] sacrifice, And made His Chosen One holy.8‘For the day of sacrifice will arrive When I’ll take vengeance upon all their rulers, As well as on the house of their king, And on those who wear foreign clothes.9‘When I take vengeance, you’ll see it; For, it’ll come to the gates in that day Of those filling the House of Jehovah With their treacherous, ungodly ways.10‘And in that day,’ said the [messenger of the] Lord, ‘There’ll come the sounds of cries from the gates… [The sounds] of people who are being stabbed through. And from the second quarter, the screams of the women, As the battles rage on in the hills.11‘So wail, all you who dwell in this place That soon will be cut to pieces. For [as happened] to the people of CanaAn; Those who carry silver will be slaughtered!12‘And in that day; I’ll search JeruSalem through with a lamp And take vengeance upon all the people Who’ve paid no attention to my orders, And on those who’ve said in their hearts:‘Jehovah will do neither evil nor good!’13‘Then I’ll give them the power to ravage And ruin all of your houses. So, you’ll build homes in which you won’t live, And plant vineyards, from which you won’t drink the wine.14‘For the Day of the Lord has approached… Yes, it’ll come very soon! And the sounds of the Day of the Lord Are ordered to be bitter and harsh.15‘It’ll be a day of His rage; A day of distress and affliction; A day of misery and extinction; A day of dimness and darkness; A day of clouds and [thick] fog.16‘It’ll be a day when the trumpets are blown, And cries will arise from all your walled cities, As well as from your high towers. 17For, I’ll squeeze out the people, And then they’ll walk like the blind Because of their sins against [God].‘I’ll pour their blood out in the dust, And I’ll [pour] their flesh out like dung. 18Then their silver and gold won’t save them In the Day of the Rage of Jehovah. For the fire of His zeal will consume the whole land.‘In a diligent way, He will bring it Upon all those who dwell in this land.’
1‘So, gather and be bound together, You nation that can’t be taught, 2Before this day passes by like a blossom… Before [God’s] wrath has come upon you… Before the day of His anger and rage.3‘So, seek Jehovah, you meek of the earth… Seek what’s righteous and fair! Give truthful answers to all, And tell them to hide in the Day of God’s wrath.4‘For, it’ll bring plundering to Gaza, And AshKelon will be wiped away. AshDod will fall at mid-day, And EkRon will soon be uprooted.5‘Woe to you in the lands by the sea… All you who’ve [moved there] from Crete. For the Word of Jehovah is coming against you (You Philistines within CanaAn’s land), And I’ll destroy all the places where you dwell.6‘[Your lands] will become pastures for flocks… They’ll be safe havens for sheep. 7And the lands of those who dwell by the sea Will be given to the remnants of Judah.‘AshKelon’s homes will then become [pens] Where sheep will rest [in the heat of the day]. Then the sons of Judah, Jehovah will visit, And from captivity, return them.8[‘For God says:]‘For I’ve heard the scorning of MoAb And of their mistreatment by AmMon’s sons When they berated My people, And forced themselves over My borders.9‘Because of this, as I live;‘...says IsraEl’s God, Jehovah of Armies,‘MoAb will soon be like Sodom, And the sons of AmMon, like GomorRah.‘Damascus will also come to its end And be heaps of salt throughout the age! They’ll be plundered by what remain of My people… They’ll be inherited by the remnant of My nation.’10‘This will happen because of their insolent ways… Because they berated [God’s people], And because they put themselves higher Than Jehovah, the Almighty God.11‘Then before them, the Lord will appear To destroy the gods of those nations and countries, And thereafter, they’ll all bow before him… Each man within his own land And the gentiles that live in the islands.12‘Then, the Ethiopian peoples; I’ll put to death with my broadsword! 13And I’ll stretch out my hand towards the north, Then the Assyrians too, will be wiped away… I’ll turn Nineveh into a desert!14‘Flocks will then feed in her midst Beside the wild beasts of the land. Chameleons and hedgehogs will live in her fretwork, Wild beasts will roar in her ditches, And crows will nest in her gates.‘But because she has been a tall cedar, 15This city that has paid no attention Will still have hope that she can survive.‘For, she has said in her heart:‘[Here] I am, and after me, there’ll be no others!’‘But soon, she won’t be anymore… She’ll be a place where wild beasts will dwell, And all that thereafter go through her Will whistle and just wring their hands.’
1‘And you, O great city of [JeruSalem]… O my dove, whom I’ve repurchased; 2To His voice, you just wouldn’t listen, And you chose not to follow His orders… Upon Jehovah, you wouldn’t rely… You refused to turn back to your God.3‘So your rulers are like roaring lions, And your judges are like Arabian wolves That leave nothing over ‘til morning.4‘Your prophets are all wanton liars [Whose words] are blown by the winds. And [God’s] Holy Things are profaned by your priests Who have no respect for His Laws.5‘But among you, Jehovah’s been righteous… No way has He been unjust… Each morning, He sends you justice and light. But, nothing is hidden from Him, And He doesn’t put up with injustice.‘So the wicked will all come to shame, 6And He will tear down your proud, Then destroy all the places where they hide.‘He’ll also wipe away all your roads, So that no one will pass through your cities. Then all of your towns will be wiped away… No one will dwell there, because they’ll be gone!7[‘For God says:]‘I told you to fear Me and do as I say, So I wouldn’t have to destroy you. But now, prepare for the vengeance That I’ll be bringing upon you. For, I’ll rise early and reap, And even your gleanings, I’ll ruin, said Jehovah.8‘Then, upon the gathering of nations, I’ll thereafter pass judgment, And I’ll pour out My rage on their kings… Yes, all of My anger and rage And the fire of My zeal will consume them.9‘Then, to that generation, I’ll bring just one language So that all can call on the name of the Lord And serve him under one yoke.10‘From the ends of Ethiopia’s rivers I’ll welcome back those who were scattered, And to Me, they’ll bring sacrifices.11‘In that Day, you won’t be disgraced By the disrespect that you’ve shown Me. For I’ll remove your insolent ways And the careless attitudes that you’ve shown… Then about My Holy Mountain, you’ll boast once again.12‘But among you, I’ll leave the humble and meek (Those who respect the name of the Lord). 13And this remnant of IsraEl won’t be unrighteous… Of vain things, they’ll not speak, And no way will their tongues then deceive. Then they’ll eat as they lie in their beds, And no one will make them afraid.’14[And the messenger of the Lord continues:]‘So rejoice, O daughter of Zion… O JeruSalem’s daughter, shout loudly… Whole-heartedly [cry out in] joy… JeruSalem’s daughter, yell in delight! 15For Jehovah has removed your offenses And ransomed you from your enemy’s hands. For IsraEl’s King, Jehovah, is with you, So you’ll no longer see any evil!16‘To JeruSalem, I’ll say at that time:‘Be courageous, O Zion, And don’t let your hands become weak! 17For Jehovah your God is among you… The Almighty has brought you salvation!’‘Then, He will spread gladness among you, And because He cares, He’ll revive you. He will be as glad and delighted with you As He was in the days of your holiday feasts.18‘Then I’ll gather back those who are broken, And bring woe upon any that scorn you! 19{Look!} In that time, I’ll act on your behalf… I’ll save all those who were pressured, And I’ll welcome back those whom I once pushed away. Then I’ll make them [a people] of boasting and fame In every place throughout the whole earth.20‘At that time, your enemies will all be disgraced And I’ll do whatever you think to be good; Because, in that time, I’ll accept you… I’ll make you famous and reasons to boast Before the rest of the nations on earth. For in front of their eyes, I’ll return you From the places where they once held you captive,’‘...said Jehovah.’
1In the 2nd year [of the reign] of King Darius, in the 6th month and on the 1st day of the month, The Word of Jehovah came by the hand of HagGai the prophet and said:‘Speak to ZerubBabel son of ShealtiEl from the tribe of Judah and to JoShua (son of JoZadek) the High Priest, and tell them 2that Jehovah the Almighty says this:‘These people say that the time isn’t right
To rebuild the Temple of Jehovah.’3Then the Word of Jehovah went on to say this through the hands of HagGai the prophet:4[‘For God says:]‘Is it, indeed, the right time
For you men to live in nice houses,
While this Temple is lying in ruins?5‘And now,‘ says Jehovah the Almighty,
‘Arrange your hearts for the ways you must go!
6For you plant a lot, but you don’t harvest much;
You eat, but not ‘til you’re full;
You drink, but not ‘til you’re drunk;
You wear clothes that don’t keep you warm;
And those to whom you’ve paid wages
Keep them in bags full of holes.’7‘So, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Get your hearts ready to travel,
8And go to the mountains to cut the wood
With which you’ll rebuild My Temple.
For, if you choose to do this,
I’ll think well of you,
Because that would glorify Me,’ says Jehovah.9‘Now you look for much [but find] little,
And after you carry it home,
I just blow it away.
This happens, says Jehovah the Almighty,
Because you’ve abandoned My Temple
While you each [repair] your own homes.
10So the sky is withholding its dew,
And the ground is withholding its blessings. 11‘Therefore, to your land and its mountains;
Also, to your oil and your grain,
And to the ground that brings wine to men,
I will be sending the sword!
I’ll also send the sword to your cattle,
And [to the things that you make with] your hands.’12Well, ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) from the tribe of Judah, and JoShua (son of JoZadek) the High Priest (as well as all the rest of the people) listened to the voice of Jehovah their God and to the words of HagGai the prophet – to all [the words] that Jehovah their God had sent to them – and the people became fearful before Jehovah.13Then HagGai, one of the messengers of Jehovah, told the people this:‘Jehovah says:‘I am with you!’14So after that, Jehovah awakened the spirit of ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) from the tribe of Judah, the spirit of JoShua (son of JoZadek) the High Priest, and the spirits of the rest of the people, and they went to work on the Temple of their God Jehovah the Almighty!15They started [the project] on the 24th day of the 6th month in the 2nd year [of the reign] of King Darius.
1Then on the 21st day of the 7th month, the Word of Jehovah came again by the hand of HagGai the prophet.He said:2‘Speak to ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) of the tribe of Judah, and to JoShua the High Priest (son of JoZadek), and to all the rest who are left there, and ask them this [from Jehovah]:3‘Who among you had seen this Temple In [the days of] its glory? Do you see what it has become… It no longer exists here before you!4‘So ZerubBabel, you must be strong,’ says Jehovah; And High Priest JoShua, you must be strong… And you people of the land must also be strong; For, if you choose to [obey Me], I’ll be there with you,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.5‘This is the same thing that I said to [your fathers] When they were fleeing from Egypt… And then, I sent them My Breath. So now, you must also show courage!’6‘For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Once again, I’ll shake the lands and the skies, As well as the seas and dry ground. 7I’ll also shake all the nations, And My chosen ones will return… Then I’ll fill this Temple with glory!’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.8‘For, all the silver is Mine, And all the gold is Mine also...’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.9‘So the glory of this Temple will be greater… The last will be greater than the first!’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.‘And to this place, I’ll bring peace...’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty…‘Peace that will save all the lives Of those who rebuild this Temple.’10Then it was on the 24th day of the 9th month in the 2nd year of Darius that these words came from the [messenger of the] Lord to HagGai the prophet.He told them that 11Jehovah the Almighty said this:‘Ask the Priests [this question] concerning the Law:12‘If a man should touch holy meat With just the edge of his clothes, And the edge of his clothes should thereafter touch Bread, stew, wine, or olive oil (Or any other such food); Would it make those things holy?’And all the Priests replied:‘No!’13Then HagGai asked:‘But, if they should touch a dead person, Would any of these things still be clean?’And the Priests replied:‘[No, they’d] be defiled!’14Then HagGai told them that this is what Jehovah said:‘So it will be of these people (Of this nation that stands here before Me And of the works of their hands)… Those who come here will all be defiled If they’re more concerned about their own [homes]!‘Such ones should rather be grieving About the wicked things that they’ve done; For they’ve hated [the prophets] That scolded them at their gates.15‘So, take [these words] to your hearts from this day Before laying stone upon stone To [rebuild] the Temple of Jehovah: 16‘Remember when you went to your stores To get 20 measures of barley And found there were only 10 measures? Or, when you went to the wine vat To draw 50 measures [of wine] And found there were just 20 measures?17‘Well, I’m the One who had struck you With this lack of production… [I’m the One who struck] the works of your hands And sent hail and strong wind upon you, Because you refused to turn back to Me, says Jehovah.18‘So, keep this in your hearts from this day… From the 24th day and 9th month… From the day the Temple’s foundation was laid… Yes, store it deep in your hearts! 19‘Will the threshing-floor still [be empty]? No! And will the grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, or olives Fail to put out their fruit? No! Because, from this day, I’ll bless them!’20Then the Word of the Jehovah came to HagGai the prophet a second time [that day] (on the 24th day of the month), and he said:21‘Speak to ZerubBabel (son of ShealtiEl) of the tribe of Judah, and this is what you must tell him:‘I’ll shake the ground and the sky, As well as the sea and dry land. 22Then I’ll wipe away the thrones of the kings And I’ll destroy all the power Of the nations [that are living around you]! ‘Their chariots and horsemen will be wiped away… Their horses and horsemen will fall, And they’ll each turn their swords on their brothers.23‘O ZerubBabel,‘On this day, I’ve chosen you as My servant,’‘...says the Almighty Jehovah.‘I’ve established you as a seal, For you’re the one whom I’ve chosen.’‘...says the Almighty Jehovah.’
1It was in the 8th month in the 2nd year [of the reign] of Darius that the Word of Jehovah came to ZechariAh (son of BarachiAh and grandson of IdDo) the prophet and said:2‘Jehovah was provoked by your fathers And [driven] into great rage; 3So, tell them that Jehovah of Armies now says:‘Return to Me’, says Jehovah of Armies, ‘And then, I’ll turn back to you!4‘Don’t be like your fathers Whom the prophets accused. For they came beforehand and warned them… They said that Jehovah of Armies Had warned them to turn from their wicked ways And from the bad things they were doing. But they just paid no attention, And chose not to listen to Me,’ says Jehovah.5‘Now, where are your fathers and where are those prophets… Have they lived into this age?6‘You have My words and My Laws; Yes, all that I sent by My Breath Through My servants the prophets… Those whom were seized by your fathers.‘For [your fathers] gave this reply to [the prophets]:‘Whatever Jehovah of Armies had planned Because of our sins and our evil ways Has already been fulfilled upon us!’7Well, it was on the 24th day of the 11th month (the month of Shebat), in the 2nd year [of the reign] of Darius, that the Word of Jehovah came to me (ZechariAh the prophet, son of BarachiAh and grandson of IdDo).8For during the night, I looked up and saw a man who was riding a red horse. He was standing in the shade between the mountains, and behind him were red horses with white spots.9So I asked:‘What is this, O Lord?’And [God’s] messenger (the person who was speaking to me) replied:‘I’ll show you what all these things mean.’10Then the man who was standing between the mountains spoke to me and said:‘These [men] were sent by Jehovah To travel throughout the whole land.’11And thereafter, the men who were standing between the mountains said to the messenger of Jehovah:‘We’ve finished our travels throughout the whole land, And Look! It’s all tranquil and filled.’12So the messenger of Jehovah said this:‘O Jehovah of Armies,‘How long will you fail to show mercy On JeruSalem and the cities of Judah? For, this is the 70th year of Your rage.’13And Jehovah replied to the messenger:‘You, the one who’s speaking for Me, Must send him good words that bring comfort.’14So then the messenger spoke to me and told me that I should start shouting [in joy], because Jehovah the Almighty had said this:‘I have a great zeal for JeruSalem… Over Zion, I’m very zealous! 15And I’ve been provoked by the nations, Because they had joined to attack you.‘But, although you people provoked Me, They planned their attack for bad [reasons]. 16And because of this,’ said Jehovah, ‘On JeruSalem, I’ll show mercy, And My Temple will soon be rebuilt there.’Then Jehovah added:‘So, I’m stretching a line over JeruSalem.’17‘[And the messenger said]:‘Therefore, shout aloud [in joy] once again! For Jehovah of Armies said this:‘To your cities, I’ll be sending good things; For, I’ll show mercy on Zion, Since JeruSalem is the place that I chose!’18Then, when I raised my eyes and looked, I saw four trumpets... 19So I asked the messenger (the one who was speaking to me):‘What are these, O Lord?’And he replied:‘These are the trumpets… The ones who brought scattering to Judah, As well as to IsraEl and JeruSalem.’20Then the Lord [messenger] showed me four workers. 21So I asked him:‘What have these come to do?’And he replied to Me, saying:‘They’ve come to cut down the trumpets That brought scattering [to the people of] Judah, And so much destruction upon IsraEl That those who lived there could not raise their heads… They’re the horns that the nations had raised To scatter the land of Jehovah.’
1Then I raised My eyes and I saw a man... And in his hand was the string of a surveyor. 2So I asked him:‘Where are you going?’And he said:‘I’m going to measure JeruSalem… To determine its length and its width.’3Well at that, {Look!} the messenger who was speaking to me stopped, and another of [God’s] messengers came to meet him, 4and said:‘Tell him that JeruSalem Will be lived in again… Within her, there’ll be crowds of cattle and men.5‘And [tell him] that Jehovah says this:‘I’ll be a wall of fire to surround her As well as the glory within her.6‘So now, flee from the land in the north, says Jehovah; For I’ll gather you from the four winds, 7And those who dwell among Babylon’s daughters Must get up and run back to Zion.’8Then [the messenger said]:‘I was sent to the nations by Jehovah, In order to establish your glory Among the people who sacked you.‘For, those who have dared to touch you Have touched the pupil of my eye. 9So {Look!} against them, I’ll now raise my hand, And they will then be the spoils Of those who had once been their slaves… And then you’ll know I was sent By Jehovah the Almighty.10‘So be glad and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; For I’ll return and camp in your midst. 11Then, many nations will come seeking refuge Among Jehovah and His people… For, I’ll be there in your midst, And you’ll know that Jehovah the Almighty Was the [One] who sent me to you.12‘Yes, Judah will be His inheritance again (His portion in His holy land), And JeruSalem is His chosen city, once more. 13So to Jehovah, all flesh must now bow; For, from His holy cloud, He’s awakened.’
1Then the Lord [messenger] showed me JoShua [Greek: Ιησούν, Jesus] the High Priest. And standing before him was the messenger of Jehovah… But the Slanderer was also there, standing to his right in order to serve as his opponent.2Then [the messenger] of Jehovah said to the Slanderer:‘O Slanderer,‘May Jehovah send His reproach upon you… May the Lord who chose JeruSalem Speak condemnation against you! For, doesn’t [JoShua now look like] an ember That has been snatched from the fire?’3Well, [I noticed that] JoShua was wearing filthy clothes as he was standing there in front of [God’s] messenger. 4So the messenger said to those who were standing before him:‘Now, remove all of his filthy clothes!’Then he said:‘{Look!} And after you’ve removed all of these dirty things; In a full-length robe, you must dress him!’5Then he said:‘Dress him in the [robes of a Priest], And on his head, you must place a clean turban!’So they dressed him in the official [garments], placed a clean turban on his head, and wrapped the [official] robe around him.6And thereafter, the messenger of Jehovah stood there and testified to JoShua saying:7‘Thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘If you will walk in My ways And keep strict watch on My orders, I’ll [assign you to be over] My [Temple] And to keep watch on My courtyard. Then I’ll give you [guards] that will pace Between other [guards] that stand still.8‘O High Priest JoShua, listen to this… Yes, you and your neighbors that are sitting before you! For these men [will serve as] observers of signs… They’ll be witnesses that I gave to My servant Something that will raise his position! 9For I’ll place a stone before JoShua’s face, And on this stone, there’ll be seven eyes.‘{Look!} Then upon it, I’ll engrave an inscription,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty,‘It will say that I’ll [wipe out] injustice… In a day, I’ll wipe injustice away In all places throughout the whole land.10‘And then, in that day, says Jehovah; They will each call to their neighbors and brothers From under their own grapevines and fig trees.’
1Then the messenger who was speaking to me returned and woke me up in the same way that you’d wake up a man who was sleeping.2Then he asked me:‘Now, what do you see?’Well when I looked, I saw a gold lampstand and a bowl of oil… There were seven lamps on [the stand] and seven oil funnels for the seven lamps. 3There were also two olive trees… One was on the right of its bowl, and the other was on its left side. 4So I asked the messenger that was speaking to me:‘What are these things, O Lord?’5And the messenger that had been speaking to me replied:‘Don’t you know what all these things mean?’And I answered:‘No, O my Lord.’6Then he told me this:‘They’re the words of Jehovah to ZerubBabel; For, you must say this to him:‘Not by strength or great power, But just by My Breath,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.7‘So, who are you, O great mountain, To stand before ZerubBabel’s face? For, you’ll become just a plain Before My inherited rock Upon whom I’ll show My favor and care.’8Then the Word of Jehovah [His messenger] came to Me and said:9‘ZerubBabel’s hands that laid the foundation Will also be the hands that complete it. Then you’ll know that Jehovah the Almighty Is the One who sent Me to you.10‘For, those who’ve despised the days of small things Will rejoice when they see the stone plumb bob Held in ZerubBabel’s hands… The stone with the eyes of Jehovah That look upon the whole earth.’11Then I asked him:‘But what do the two olive trees signify… The ones on the right and left sides of the lampstand?’12And I asked him again:‘What [is the meaning of] the two branches of the trees that are around the gold handles that are used to do pouring… And the gold funnels?’13So he spoke again and asked me:‘Don’t you know what all these things mean?’And I replied:‘No, O Lord.’14And he said:‘These are two sons of the oil [or ‘fat,’ possibly meaning ones anointed with oil], Who’ll stand beside the Lord of the earth.’
1Then I turned and raised my eyes and saw what looked like a flying sickle.2And he asked me:‘What do you see now?’And I replied:‘I see a flying sickle… It’s 20 forearms long and 10 forearms wide!’3Then he said:‘This is the curse… The one that will go ‘cross the face of the earth. One side brings death to all thieves, And the other, to those who would lie in a trial.4‘For Jehovah the Almighty says this:‘I will [soon] send it forth… I’ll send it to the thieves who would enter My House And to those who swear false oaths in My Name. It will come and enter their houses, And then it will wipe them away, Along with their woodwork and stones.’5Then the messenger who was speaking to me came up and said:‘Now, raise your eyes and see what’s coming!’6And I asked him:‘What is it?’And he said:‘What’s coming is the measuring basket That will measure the land’s unrighteous ways. 7Look… I have a measure of lead. And look… There’s a woman inside of [that basket]!’8Then he said:‘This [lead] is their lawless ways!’And at that, he threw [the lead] at the basket, and it fell into the woman’s mouth.9Then I raised my eyes and I saw two more women coming. Both had wings that were like those of a hoopoe bird, and [their wings] thereafter became filled with the wind. Then they picked up the basket and lifted it between the land and the sky.10So I asked the messenger that was speaking to me:‘Where are they taking the basket?’11And he replied:‘To the land of Babylon, they’ll take it, In which there [will be] a house, That they’ve prepared for it there.’
1Then I turned and raised my eyes and I saw four chariots coming from between two mountains… Mountains that were made out of brass!2• The 1st chariot [that I saw] was pulled by red horses, • The 2nd was pulled by black horses, 3• The 3rd was pulled by white horses, and • The 4th was pulled by horses that were spotted dapple gray.4So I spoke to the messenger and asked him (this one who was speaking to me):‘What are these, O my Lord?’5And the messenger that was speaking to me replied:‘These are the four winds of the heavens, And they’ll stand next to the Lord of the earth...6‘The black ones will go to the land of the north; The white ones will follow behind them; And the spotted are going to the land of the south.’7Then the dapple-gray ones left, and they traveled around the whole earth. For he told them:‘Go and travel around the whole earth!’So then they went and traveled throughout all the lands [of the earth].8Then he yelled out to me and said:‘Look! The ones that are going to the land of the north Have brought rest to My rage in the north.’9Then the Word [messenger] of Jehovah came to me and said:10‘Take [silver and gold] from the rulers, As well as from those who are wealthy, And from those who have greater knowledge! [You’ll find them] in the house of JosiAh (son of ZephaniAh), Who’s just returned from Babylon.11‘Then, with the silver and gold, make a crown, And place it upon JoShua’s head (The son of JoZadek, the High Priest). 12And tell him that thus says Jehovah:‘{Look!} There’s a male whose name is The Sprout, And he will grow from below To rebuild the Temple of Jehovah.13‘Then, he will receive all the greatness he needs To sit and rule from his throne. For there’ll be a Priest on [God’s throne], And there’ll be peace and purpose between [those two roles].’14‘This crown will remain [in the Temple] As a reminder to those who showed recognition And favor to the son of ZephaniAh… This will serve as a psalm in the Temple of Jehovah.15‘And thereafter, from far-away places, will come Those who’ll rebuild the Temple of [God]. Then you’ll know that I had been sent By Jehovah the Almighty. And all who hear this will [wish] That they’d paid closer attention To the voice of Jehovah their God.’
1It was in the 4th year of [the reign] of King Darius, on the 4th day of the 9th month (which is Chislev) that the Word of Jehovah [His messenger] came to ZechariAh...2For the king had sent SherEzar (as well as Regem and his men) to BethEl to atone [for their sins] before Jehovah. 3Then they said to the Priests at the Temple of Jehovah the Almighty and to the prophets:‘The holy offering has been brought here again in this 5th month, as we’ve been doing for a good number of years now.’4And thereafter, the Word of Jehovah of Armies came to me and said:5‘Speak to the people throughout the land And to all of the Priests, Then tell them [that thus says Jehovah]:‘In the 5th and 7th months, you’ve fasted And you’ve beat on your chests for 70 years; But, during all of this fasting, Were you really fasting to Me? 6For, when you’re eating and drinking, Aren’t you eating and drinking just for yourselves?’7‘Now, aren’t these the same words that Jehovah once spoke By the [mouths] of the prophets When He was blessing JeruSalem As well as those in the cities [of Judah], And those in her mountains and plains?’8And thereafter, the Word of Jehovah came to ZechariAh and said:9‘Jehovah the Almighty said this:‘I told them to make righteous judgments… To show mercy and compassion to their brothers… 10Not to tyrannize orphans or widows, Or the needy, or people from foreign lands. And no matter what harm their brothers may do; In their hearts, they shouldn’t hold grudges. 11But, they resisted and paid no attention… They turned their backs and just ranted, Covering their ears, so they couldn’t hear.12‘They set their hearts to resist My persuasion, And to My Laws, they chose not to listen, Or to the words that came from their Lord By My Breath through the hands of the prophets (Those whom I’d sent to give them a warning)… So thereafter, I poured My rage upon them.13‘It’s the same as I’ve told them before; When they refuse to listen to Me, I’ll not listen to them when they call out to Me,’‘...said Jehovah the Almighty...14‘So among the gentiles, I tossed them (Among nations that they didn’t know). And from their land, they were wiped away And they weren’t allowed to return… For they’d brought extinction upon their choice land.’
1Then The Word of Jehovah the Almighty[, His Messenger,] came to me and said:2[‘God said:]‘I’ve shown zeal for Zion and JeruSalem… In My rage, I’ve been jealous on their behalf, 3said Jehovah. So to Zion, I’ll now return, And in JeruSalem’s midst, I’ll camp; Then, it will be called The City of Truth… The Holy Mountain of Jehovah the Almighty.’4‘And after that, Jehovah the Almighty told me to say this:‘Old men and women will once again sit In JeruSalem’s squares, Each with their canes in their hands… For they’ll have lived many days. 5And the city will also be filled With boys and girls that will play in her squares.’6‘Then Jehovah the Almighty said this:‘Couldn’t this have happened to those who remained… To those who were left back in those days? No! But, is this something that I can’t do? Asks Jehovah the Almighty... No!’7‘For thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘{Look!} I’ll [return] My people from the lands in the east And from the lands in the west. 8Yes, I’ll bring them all back, And in JeruSalem, they’ll camp. Then, they’ll be My people again, And in truth and righteousness, I’ll be their God.’9‘For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘O you who listened during these days; Strengthen your hands [to follow] the words That have come from the mouths of the prophets Since the Temple’s foundation was laid And in the day that they built it… 10Back when their wages bought nothing, And nothing was paid for in cattle.‘For those who entered and those who went out, There was only affliction, not peace; And against their neighbors, I turned every man.11‘But, I won’t treat the few [that remain] The same as I did in the past,‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...12‘Rather, I’ll send peaceful times; The grapevines will then produce fruit; The land will yield its abundance; And the sky will bring forth its dew… Yes, I’ll bring this to those who remain.13‘And as for you, house of Judah; Although you were a curse among nations, I’ll now send salvation to you, And you’ll be a blessing once more. But, [you must now] be courageous, And you must strengthen your hands!’14‘Thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Although I once thought to bring evil on you Because your fathers provoked Me to rage (And until now, I hadn’t relented),‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...15‘I’ve reconsidered and I’m now ready To do good for those living in Judah And for those who are living in JeruSalem… So, you must now be courageous!16‘And these are the things you must do: You must each speak truth to your neighbors; You must make decisions that bring about peace; And justice must be returned to your gates!17‘Against your neighbors, you must not consider Doing evil things in your hearts… And don’t love lying oaths! For, I detest all such things,‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.’18Then the Word of Jehovah[, that is, his messenger] came to me and said:19‘You must fast in the 4th and 5th months, And fast in the 7th and 10th. Then to Judah, I’ll bring joy and gladness, And you’ll carry good things to your holiday feasts. You’ll all be glad, for then there’ll be truth… There’ll be peace and love [throughout the whole land].20‘For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Many peoples will then come among you, And there’ll be many cities in which they can dwell. 21Then, in those cities, they’ll gather and say:‘Let’s go beg before the face of the Lord… Let’s seek the face of Jehovah… Yes, all should go there with me!’22‘Then, to JeruSalem, they’ll come Seeking the face of Jehovah In order to bow down before Him.’23‘Thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘In those days, ten men from all nations and tongues Will come to grab hold of the hem of each Jew, And this is what they’ll say:‘We wish to come [and live] among you, Because we’ve heard God is with you!’
1This is a proclamation… It’s the [message from the] Word of Jehovah against the land of HadRach, and against [the city of] Damascus where they offer sacrifices [to him]. For Jehovah examines all men (not just the tribes of IsraEl). 2[This proclamation is also] for HamAth, as well as Sidon and Tyre, since all their people have the same mindset.3‘Tyre has made a fortress of herself… She’s treasured up silver like dust, And gathered gold like mud in the streets. 4So, by Jehovah, she will be owned. He’ll strike down her power over the seas, And she will be burned in a fire.5‘Then, AshKelon will see this and fear, And Gaza will be very grieved. In EkRon, her errors will bring her much shame, And the kings of Gaza will perish.‘In AshKelon, no one will live, 6And in AshDod, foreign peoples will dwell; For, I’ll soon wipe away The insolence of the Philistines… 7I’ll remove all the blood from their mouths, And the disgusting things from their teeth.‘Then they’ll leave their things to your God And submit to a general from Judah. And what happened to the Jebusi, Is the same that will happen to EkRon.8‘[For God said:]‘Then, I’ll stand in My [Temple] there in the heights And I won’t leave it again. No way, will [armies] march on it; For upon it, My eyes will keep watch.9‘So rejoice, O daughter of Zion; Shout aloud, you daughters of JeruSalem; For {Look!} your king will be coming to you… The righteous one who’s your Savior.‘He will be [a person who’s] gentle, And on a beast of burden, he will arrive… Yes, even upon a young foal!10‘Ephraim’s chariots, he will destroy, As well as JeruSalem’s horses. He’ll destroy [all the weapons] of warfare, And send you peace with the nations roundabout. Then he’ll rule from the waters of the [great] sea To the rivers and passes throughout your land.11‘Then by his blood of My Sacred Agreement, From dry pits, he will ransom your captives. 12Those who were captives, he’ll settle in forts, And for each day that they’ve [been there], He will repay them with double.13‘O Judah; I’ve held you tight to Myself… [As tight] as I’d hold a bow.‘So, Ephraim will be [free] once again, And I’ll awaken your children, O Zion, Against the sons of the Greeks… Like a warrior’s sword, I’ll use them.’14‘Then the Lord will be seen as your leader, And he’ll [shoot] his arrows like lightning. Then, from the Lord Jehovah, a trumpet will sound, Which will send intimidation on them.15‘For Jehovah the Almighty will serve as your shield As you bring them [destruction]. Upon them, your [sons] will be heaping sling stones, And drink their blood as though it were wine… Like basins for the Altar, their bowls will be filled.16‘In that day, Jehovah will be known as your God, And He’ll save the sheep of His people… They’ll be like [gems] in His land.17‘Then for all that are found to be good, And for all that are found to be fair; The young men will be given their grain, And there’ll be fragrant wine for the virgins.’
1‘Then you can ask Jehovah for rain in each season
(Both the early and late rains),
And Jehovah will do what’s fantastic…
To all their pastures and fields,
He will send winter rains.2‘But [right] now, there are those declaring big things…
Things that will only bring trouble.
And there are those who are having false visions…
False dreams that offer no comfort.
So [my people now wander] like sheep…
They’re ill and they haven’t been healed!3‘So, since those shepherds have provoked [God] to rage,
He will come and visit His lambs.
Yes, Jehovah God the Almighty
Will visit the house of Judah (His flock).‘And as He will do to His handsome horse,
He will order up war [on those prophets]…
4In His rage, He will look [down] upon them,
And [arrows will be shot] against them.‘Yes, He’ll send [His armies] against them
5And His warriors will tread mud in battle.
For Jehovah will [bless] the attack,
And to their cavalry, He’ll bring disgrace.6[‘And God says:]‘But the house of Judah, I’ll strengthen,
And house of JoSeph, I’ll save…
Because I love them, I’ll save them,
And they’ll be as before I disowned them.
Yes, because I am Jehovah their God,
I’ll pay attention to them once again!7‘Then they’ll be like Ephraim’s soldiers…
They’ll rejoice in their hearts as though drinking wine.
They’ll look at their children in joy,
And rejoice in their hearts over their Lord.8‘I’ll give them a sign that I’ll accept them…
I’ll pay their ransom and then they’ll grow
To be as many as they’d been before.9‘Then I’ll plant them among all the peoples,
And I’ll be remembered by those far away.10‘They’ll return and nourish their children…
From the land of Egypt, I’ll bring them back,
And from Assyria also.
Then to GileAd and Lebanon, I’ll send them,
And none will be left behind (no, not one)!11‘Through the narrows of the sea, they’ll march;
For, they’ll strike the waves of the sea
And before them, the rivers will dry to their depths.‘Then the insolence of Assyria will vanish,
And Egypt’s scepter will no longer be.’12‘[Yes I swear] by Jehovah their God,
That I’ll then make them mighty…
And about His Name, they’ll boast.’...said the Lord.
1‘O Lebanon; open your doors And let fire devour all your cedars! 2Then, all the pine trees will shriek Because the cedars have fallen… Yes, misery will come to your great ones.‘And oaks of BaShan, you should now howl, For the groves that you’re planted will all be cut down!3‘There’s the sound of the wailing of shepherds, Because their greatness is gone. And there’s the sound of the roaring of lions, For no one’s keeping watch at the JorDan.4‘So, thus says Jehovah the Almighty:‘Tend the sheep’ for the slaughter… 5Those who were bought by the butcher, And those who haven’t repented. For those who sold them have said:‘Praise the Lord, because we’ve gained wealth! And their shepherds have suffered no loss.’6‘So, I’ll not spare those who live here,’ said the Lord.‘{Look!} To his neighbor, I’ll hand every man, And into the hands of their king. Then, they’ll divide up their land, And from their hands, I’ll not save them. 7So in CanaAn’s land, I’ll tend them… All of these sheep for the slaughter.‘Then I’ll take two sticks for myself; The first one, I’ll call Beauty, And the other, I’ll call Measured Land… And then, I’ll tend all those sheep.8‘In the 1st month, I’ll take the three shepherds, And my soul will be heavy against them, For their souls have roared out against me!9‘So I told them that I won’t tend them… I’ll let the ones who are dying just die, And the ones who are failing just fail… And let the rest eat the flesh of their neighbors!10‘Then I’ll take my stick (the one [I called] Beauty) And I’ll throw it away To erase [God’s] Agreement with them. 11It’ll be erased in that day, And those in CanaAn who have guarded my sheep Will know that I am The Word of Jehovah.12‘And then, I’ll tell them to do Whatever they find to be good… Yes, pay my wage or forbid it! So, they established my wage… It was 30 pieces of silver.’13Then the Lord [messenger] said to me:‘Now, throw them into the Temple… But check to make sure that the [coins] are all pure; For, this is my [value] before them. So [he’ll] take the 30 pieces of silver And throw them into the Temple.14‘That’s when my second stick will be thrown (The one that I called Measured Land), For I’ll wipe IsraEl and Judah away From [the land] that they’ve owned.’15And the Lord said to Me:‘Now, gather a shepherd’s tools for yourself… The tools of one who’s unqualified. 16For {Look!} against the land, I’m sending a ‘shepherd’… One who won’t visit the [weak], And one who won’t search for the scattered. Those who are broken, he won’t heal, And those who are well, he won’t lead. He will just [break] all their necks And devour their choicest of meats.17‘So, you who are tending to vain things And leaving behind all my ‘sheep;’ A sword will come against your right arms As well as against your right eyes. For your arms will then become withered, And your right eyes will be blinded.’
1The matter of the Word of Jehovah over IsraEl:‘Thus says Jehovah, The One who stretched out the skies, Who laid the foundations of the earth, And from Himself, shaped the breath of mankind:2‘{Look!} I’ve appointed JeruSalem’s thresholds To be shaken by the people roundabout them. So, into Judea, they’ll come, And they’ll surround JeruSalem.3‘In that day, I’ll appoint JeruSalem To be a stone that’s trampled by the nations. For, all nations of the earth will [attack] her; And those who trample upon her Will mock and poke fun at her.4‘And in that day,’ says Jehovah the Almighty; ‘I will strike [Judah’s] horses with wonder And drive their riders to ranting.‘On the house of Judah, I’ll then raise My eyes, And I’ll strike all their horses with blindness. 5But the generals of Judah will say in their hearts:‘JeruSalem’s [people will always be safe] Under Jehovah, their Almighty God.’6‘But then, I’ll make Judah’s generals Like burning coals amidst wood And as flaming torches in stubble. For they’ll devour everyone who’s around them (Both those on their right and those on their left).‘Yet, JeruSalem will be lived in again As it had been before. 7Then the Lord will save Judah’s tents As he did back in the beginning. But they won’t have any reason to boast Over the house of [King] David, Or to think themselves better than Judah.8‘So the Lord will be the shield in that day For those who live in JeruSalem. And in that day, even the least Will be like David among them.‘And the house of David will then come to be Like the Temple of God… As the angel that’s standing before them.9‘And in that day, I’ll lift away all the nations That marched against JeruSalem. 10Then, upon the house of King David, And on JeruSalem’s people, I’ll pour the spirit of mercy and care.‘So they’ll turn to Me and beat on their chests Like those who beat on their chests Over the death of a loved one, Because they’ve been disrespectful to Me. And they’ll mourn with the grief Of someone who’s lost his first-born.11‘Yes, on that day in JeruSalem, They’ll all be beating their chests As though they’d lost groves [of fruit trees]. 12And the land will beat on its chest For each of the tribes [by its name]… The house of the tribe of David As well as all of its women… The house of the tribe of Nathan As well as all of its women… 13The house of the tribe of Levi As well as all of its women… The house of SimeOn’s tribe As well as all of its women… 14And the houses of the rest of the tribes As well as all of their women.’
1‘In that Day, the [springs] will all open For the rinsing and cleansing of David’s house And to cleanse [the people] of JeruSalem.2‘In that Day,’ says Jehovah of Armies, ‘The names of their idols, I’ll wipe from the land So they’ll be remembered no more. And false prophets that have unclean spirits, I’ll also remove from the land.’3‘So, if there’s a man who still prophesies; His father and the mother who bore him Must tell him that he can no longer live Because he’s told lies in the Name of the Lord. Then his father and the mother who bore him Must bind him, because of his prophecies.’4‘And in that Day, their visions will bring them disgrace, As will the things that they prophesied. They’ll cover their heads with animal hides, Because all will know that they’ve lied.5‘And [such a man] will say:‘No, I’m not a prophet; I’m just a man who works the ground… This is all that I’ve done since my youth!’6‘But when asked:‘Then what are these wounds in your hands [from being bound]?’‘He will say:‘I got these in a friend’s house.’7‘O broadsword, rise up against my shepherds, And against my own countryman...’ Says Jehovah the Almighty, ‘Strike the shepherds, and the sheep scatter…’ [Matthew 26:31] ‘For against the shepherds, I’m raising My hand.8‘And in that day,’ says Jehovah, ‘Two-thirds will be wiped away, But one-third will be allowed to remain.9‘Then, like trying gold, I’ll try all the rest. I’ll speak to those who have called on My Name, And tell them:‘You are My people,’‘And they’ll reply:‘Jehovah is my God.’
1‘{Look} The Day of the Lord has approached When they’ll divide up the loot. 2For, to JeruSalem, I’m gathering nations, And the city will thereafter be taken.‘All of its homes will be looted, And all the women defiled. Then, half of the city will be led away, And the rest (those who are My people) Won’t be destroyed from the [land].3‘But then the Lord will return And he will attack all those nations In his battle, on the day of the war.4‘And in that Day, his feet will then stand On the Mount of Olives (to JeruSalem’s east). Then in chaos, the Mount of Olives will split In halves to the east and the west. Half of the mount will lean towards the north, And half will then lean towards the south.5‘So, flee to the valley of My Mountain, Which [runs] to the [Wadi] AzaEl. You must flee as in the day of the earthquake [That happened] in the days of UzziAh.‘For then, [your Lord] will arrive, And bring all his Holy Ones with him. 6There’ll be no light in that Day… There’ll be just coldness and ice.’7[And the Word continues:]‘But, this will all last just one day, Which is only known by Jehovah. There’ll be no daytime or night, But light will arrive towards the evening.8‘In that day, from JeruSalem, Life-giving waters will flow… Half will flow to the [Dead] Sea, And the rest, in other direction… This will happen in the springtime and summer.9‘Then Jehovah will be the King of the earth; And in that Day, there’ll be just one Lord, And he will have just one name.10‘Then around the land, there’ll be deserts… From JeruSalem south to RemMon and Geba (although RamAh will still remain in its place); From the BenJamin Gate to the First Gate, And the Corner Gate to the Tower of HananeEl, To where the king’s wine vats are stored.11‘Then JeruSalem will be a safe place, And there won’t be any more danger.12‘But, there’ll be a great downfall When Jehovah strikes down the peoples That against JeruSalem, marched. Their flesh will melt as they stand on their feet; Their eyes will flow from their sockets; And their tongues will melt in their mouths.13‘And in that Day, there’ll come Astonishing things from Jehovah. Each man will grab hold of his neighbor’s hand (Yes they’ll join hand-to-hand with their neighbors), 14And there within JeruSalem, Judah’s people will ready themselves To collect the might of those living roundabout… All of their silver and gold, As well as huge numbers of clothing.15‘I’ll bring the downfall of their horses and mules, As well as their camels and burros. Yes, to all the cattle that’s found in their camps, It’ll be a day of great downfall.16‘Then, all that remain from the nations That marched against JeruSalem Will ascend each year to bow to the King, To the Almighty Jehovah, And observe the feast of the Pitching of Tents.17‘Then to all who won’t come [in that Day] To bow before the Almighty From all the tribes of the earth; Bad things will then come upon them, And they won’t receive any rain.18‘So, if the tribe of Egypt won’t come; The same downfall will happen to them That the Lord will bring to the nations… To those who wouldn’t observe The feast of the Pitching of Tents.19‘For, this will be Egypt’s sin, As well as the sin of all nations When they refuse to ascend To observe the feast of the Pitching of Tents.20‘In that Day, this is what will be [written] Upon the bridles of their horses:‘Holy to Jehovah the Almighty.’‘And then the stew pots of Jehovah Will be like the bowls in front of the Altar. 21And throughout Judah and JeruSalem, They’ll treat the stew pots as holy To the Almighty Jehovah. And that’s where those who bring sacrifices Will take them to cook all the meat.‘And in that Day, there’ll be no CanaAnites To oppose Jehovah of Armies.’
1This is the matter of the word of Jehovah concerning IsraEl [that came] by the hand of His messenger.[‘For God says:]2‘I have loved you,’ says Jehovah... ‘But you’ve asked:‘How have You loved us?’‘Wasn’t Esau the brother of Jacob?’ asked Jehovah, ‘Yet, although I loved Jacob, 3I disliked [his brother]; So I ordered an end to his borders And I gave him a home in the desert.4‘And because Edom will say, Although we’ve been cut down, We’ll return and rebuild our [homes]… For this,’ says Jehovah the Almighty; ‘If they rebuild them, I’ll still knock them down; For the ‘Lawless Borders,’ is what they’ll be called, And a ‘People Opposed to Jehovah.’5‘And when your eyes see this, you’ll say:‘Jehovah has been magnified Far beyond IsraEl’s borders.’6‘Fathers are glorified by their sons And servants bring glory to their masters. But if I’m your father, where is My glory? And if I’m your Master, where is [your] fear?’‘...asks Jehovah the Almighty.‘You Priests treat My Name with contempt, Then ask how you’ve shown it dishonor… 7By bringing unclean bread to My Altar!‘Then you ask how you’ve made it unclean… You do it when you say that My table’s unclean, And you treat it with contempt by the things that you bring!8‘For, when you offer [a lamb] who’s blind; Isn’t this something that’s evil? And when you bring Me the lame and the ill; Isn’t this [something that’s] wrong?‘Carry it instead to [your king] (The man who [rules over] you)… Will this gift bring you his favor? Yes, when you present it to him, Will he bestow honor upon you?’‘...asks Jehovah the Almighty...‘No!’9‘Now, repent before the face of your God… Yes, come before Me and beg! With all the bad being done by your hands, Should I accept such things from your souls?’‘...asks Jehovah the Almighty...‘No!’10‘Thus to you, the doors will be closed… So don’t come and ask for My favor By igniting a fire on My Altar.‘There’s nothing at all that I need from you,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...‘So I won’t accept any [gifts] from your hands.11‘Among the rest of the nations (All from the sunrise to the sunset) My Name has been glorified. For, to My Name, they burn incense, And what they offer before Me is pure!‘Yes My Name is great among even the gentiles,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...12‘But, you still profane it whenever you say:‘The table of Jehovah is unclean!’‘And you treat the food that’s set before Me As something that’s worthy of contempt.13‘For you say:‘It’s just too much trouble...’‘And then, you [sniff in distain],’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...‘As you bring Me game and the lame and the ill.‘Yes you’ve offered such things up to Me. But, when I receive these things from your hands, Do you think that I’ll show you favor?’‘...asks Jehovah the Almighty...‘No!’14‘Cursed is the powerful man Who has a male [sheep] in his flock And whose vow [to Me] is now due… But he offers Me something imperfect instead! For, no one is greater than I,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty…‘My Name is known among even the gentiles!’
1‘O Priests,‘This is what I’m saying:2‘If you won’t listen and take it to heart That My Name must be glorified,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...‘I’ll send curses upon you… I’ll curse all the things that you want me to bless… I’ll curse them and not let them happen If you don’t take this message to heart.3‘{Look!} Although I’ve given the [lamb’s] shoulders to you; I can throw their dung in your faces… Their manure, I’ll send to your holiday feasts, And after that, I’ll remove you! 4Then you’ll know that I am the One Who sent these instructions to you.‘This is what I promised to Levi,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty God...5‘For I made an agreement with him… An agreement that brings life and peace. I also [taught him to] fear Me, As I prepared him to glorify My Name.6‘The law of truth, [I put] into his mouth, And unrighteous words weren’t found on his lips. Straightforward in peace, he traveled with Me, And many, he turned from injustice.7‘So the Priests must safeguard the knowledge That used to come from his lips, And seek the laws that came from his mouth; For, he’d served as a messenger Of Jehovah the Almighty God.8‘But, you’ve turned from his ways, And many, you’ve turned from the Law… You’ve corrupted My sacred agreement with Levi...’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...9‘So I’ve now handed you over To those whom you view with contempt… To those whom even the gentiles Fail to view with respect. For, you haven’t guarded My ways, And My people, you’ve turned from My Laws.10‘Don’t you each have one father, And weren’t you formed by one God? So, why have you each let your brothers Profane My Agreement with your fathers?11‘For this, I’m abandoning Judah… Because in IsraEl and JeruSalem, Disgusting things are now being done!‘Judah has profaned [My] most holy things (Things that I [dearly] loved) When they [turned] to alien gods.12‘So the Lord will destroy those who’ve done this, And Jacob’s tents will be humbled… Those who carry sacrifices [before Me].13‘Yes, you’re the ones who’ve done all these things, And that’s why I’ve come to hate you… For you’ve covered My Altar with tears!‘You’ve brought weeping and groaning upon it, Because of the troubles you’ve caused. For you thought I’d accept whatever you bring As though it was truly worthy!14‘So the time has arrived when you’ll ask Me:‘Why have You done this [to us]?’‘It’s because the Lord has served as a witness Between you and the wives of your youth… Those whom you’ve sent away… Those who’ve [long] been your partners… Those to whom [you’ve sworn oaths]!15‘Because you’re doing such things, Don’t expect Me to send anything good With even small portions of My Holy Breath!‘Then you asked:‘What more than offspring does God want?’‘[I want you to] safeguard your spirits, And not to abandon the wives of your youth!16‘No, don’t detest them and send them away, Then cover it up in your minds,’‘...says Jehovah, IsraEl’s God.‘For, thus says Jehovah the Almighty God:‘Keep a close watch on your spirits, And don’t abandon [your women]!17‘You also provoke [Me] with things that you say… And then you ask how you’ve done this. You do it by saying before Him That even the wicked are good… That He really thinks [kindly] of them, And that God doesn’t truly want justice.’
1‘So, {Look!} I’ll be sending My messenger to you, To prepare the way for the face of the Lord (The one for whom you’ve been searching), And he’ll suddenly arrive at My Temple… This messenger of [My] Sacred Agreement.‘Look, he’s coming,’ says Jehovah the Almighty, 2‘And who can endure the Day he arrives… Yes, when he appears, who will stand? For he’ll enter like the fire of a furnace And like bleach that’s used to do washing.3‘He’ll put his melting pot into a furnace As they do when they refine silver; Then the sons of Levi, he will refine, And he’ll pour them out like silver or gold.‘Then they’ll finally be found worthy to serve [Before Jehovah, the Almighty]… And they’ll offer sacrifices that are righteous. 4Then once again, I’ll be as pleased With the offerings of Judah and JeruSalem As I was in the days of the ages, And in the years of long ago.5‘Then I’ll come against you in judgment, And against all those who make potions. I’ll also be a swift witness Against those who’re committing adultery And swearing false oaths by My Name… Those who don’t pay their employees… Those who tyrannize orphans and widows, And to foreigners, won’t give any justice.‘Yes, these are the ones who don’t fear Me,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty…6‘I’m Jehovah, your God, and I never change!7‘For you sons of Jacob just won’t turn away From the sins of your fathers… You’ve not turned from them or guarded My Laws!‘[All I ask] is for you to turn back to Me, And then I’ll turn back to you.’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...‘Yet you ask:‘From what do you want us to turn?’8‘Will a man be stomped on by God? No! Yet, you [are guilty] of stomping on Me! Then you ask:‘How have we been stomping on You?’‘By holding back your first-fruits! 9For you’ve turned from Me and stashed them away… This is how you’re stomping on Me!10‘This year has now come to an end, And you’ve harvested produce and stored it in barns… But your homes will soon all be ravaged!‘If you’ll just offer to Me what [is due],’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty...‘See if I don’t open to you An outpouring of rain from the skies!‘Yes I’ll pour My blessings upon you Until you’ve received [more than] enough. 11For you, I’ll set aside food, And I’ll not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor will I weaken your grapevines,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.12‘Then, all the nations will say that you’re blest, And your land will be one which is desired,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.13‘But, you’ve put Me down with your words,’ says Jehovah. ‘And then you dare to [come here and] ask:‘How have we spoken against You?’14‘By your saying:‘Our service to God is in vain!’‘And:‘Although we’ve kept His instructions; Before Him, we still must come begging! 15Therefore, we’ll bless foreign peoples, As well as those who are breaking the Law… And say that those who oppose God will live!’16‘Yet, there are some who still council their neighbors And speak of their fear of Jehovah. So the Lord will take notice and listen to this, Then write [their names] in the scroll Of those who show honor and still fear My Name.17‘And in that Day, they’ll be Mine,’‘...says the Almighty Jehovah...‘I’ll prepare a procurement and set them aside As a man [shows favor] to the son who [obeys].18‘Then you’ll turn to look and you’ll see The things that’ll happen to the sinners… Yes, you’ll see what happens to those who serve God And to those who prefer not to serve Him.’
1‘Look! The Day is about to arrive When they’ll be consumed in an oven… I’ll blaze against their arrogance and evil… In that day, they’ll be burned up like stubble,’‘...says Jehovah of Armies…‘No way will a branch or a root still remain!2‘But upon those who still fear My Name, The sun of righteousness will shine, And healing [will follow on] its wings. Then you’ll come here and leap like young calves That have been spared from the stock pens.3‘And on the lawless, you’ll trample… They’ll be like ashes under your feet In the Day that I’ve prepared,’‘...says Jehovah the Almighty.4‘Remember the Laws of My servant Moses… Those that I gave him in that dry place, As well as the orders and decisions That I gave to IsraEl through him!5‘{Look!} I’ll send EliJah, the Prophet Before the Great Day of the Lord. 6He’ll restore the hearts of fathers to sons, And the hearts of men to their neighbors… So I won’t have to strike the whole land.’
1This is the scroll of the origins of Jesus the Anointed, the Son of David, the Son of AbraHam:2AbraHam fathered IsaAc. IsaAc fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. 3Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez fathered HezRon. HezRon fathered Ram. 4Ram fathered AmiNadab. AmiNadab fathered NaShon. NaShon fathered SalMon. 5SalMon fathered BoAz by RaHab. BoAz fathered Obed by Ruth. Obed fathered JesSe. 6JesSe fathered David, the king.David fathered Solomon by the wife of UriAh. 7Solomon fathered RehoBoam. RehoBoam fathered AbiJah. AbiJah fathered Asa. 8Asa fathered JehoShaphat. JehoShaphat fathered JehoRam. JehoRam fathered UzZiAh. 9UzZiAh fathered JoTham. JoTham fathered Ahaz. Ahaz fathered HezekiAh. 10HezekiAh fathered ManasSeh. ManasSeh fathered Amon. Amon fathered JosiAh. 11JosiAh fathered JeconiAh and his brothers before the deportation to Babylon.12After the deportation to Babylon: JeconiAh fathered ShalathiEl. ShalathiEl fathered ZerubBabel. 13ZerubBabel fathered AbiUd. AbiUd fathered EliAkim. EliAkim fathered Azor. 14Azor fathered ZaDok. ZaDok fathered Achim. Achim fathered EliUd. 15EliUd fathered EliAzar. EliAzar fathered MatThan. MatThan fathered Jacob. 16Jacob fathered JoSeph [the father of Mary] from whom Jesus (who’s called the Anointed One) was born.17So there were:• 14 generations from AbraHam to David, • 14 generations from David until the deportation to Babylon, and • 14 generations from the deportation to Babylon until [the coming of] the Anointed One.18This is the way that Jesus the Anointed One started out:While his mother Mary was promised in marriage to JoSeph, she was found to be pregnant by [God’s] Holy Breath before the marriage was consummated. 19However, because JoSeph (her man) was righteous and didn’t want to make [Mary] a public spectacle, he planned to release her secretly.20But after he decided to do that, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him in a dream, saying:‘JoSeph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been fathered in her is from [God’s] Holy Breath. 21She’ll give birth to a son and you must call his name Jesus [meaning, Jehovah Saves], because he will save his people from their sins.’22This whole thing happened so that what was spoken by Jehovah through the Prophet would be fulfilled:23‘{Look!} A virgin will get pregnant and then bear a son Whose name you must call, ImManuEl.’ [Meaning, With Us is God.] [Isaiah 7:14]24Well, after JoSeph woke up, he did what Jehovah’s messenger told him to do, and he took the woman. 25However, [JoSeph] didn’t have sexual relations with her until after she’d given birth to a son, whom he called by the name Jesus.
1Then, after Jesus was born (in BethLehem of Judea during the days of King Herod), {Look!} Magi from the east came to JeruSalem, 2asking:‘Where is this one who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and we came to bow low before him.’3Well, when he heard about this, King Herod was very disturbed (as was everyone else in JeruSalem). 4So he gathered all the Chief Priests and the peoples’ Scribes and asked them where this Anointed One was to be born. 5And they replied:‘In BethLehem of Judea… Because, this is what was written through the Prophet:6‘And you, O BethLehem in the land of Judea
Will no way be the least among rulers of Judah.
For from you, will come forth a leader,
Who will shepherd IsraEl, My people.’
[Micah 5:2]7Then Herod secretly called for those Magi and carefully determined from them when the star had appeared. 8And before he sent them on to BethLehem, he said:‘Search carefully for the young child... And when you find him, report back to me, so I can go and bow before him also.’9Then, after listening to what the king had to say, they traveled on… For {Look!} the star that they saw in the east went ahead of them until it stood directly over [the place] where the young child was! 10Well, when they saw the star [do this], they were beside themselves with joy!11And after they entered the house, they saw the little boy with Mary (his mother), and they fell down and bowed before him. Then they opened their treasures and gave the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.12However, because they’d been given a divine warning in a dream that they weren’t to return to Herod, they went back home via another route.13Well, after they left, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared to JoSeph in a dream and said:‘Get up! Take the boy and his mother, then hurry to Egypt and stay there until I tell you otherwise, because Herod is going to search for the boy to destroy him!’14So he got up during the night and took the child and his mother, and they left for Egypt, 15where they stayed until after Herod died… So the thing that was said by Jehovah through the Prophet would be fulfilled:‘I called My son out of Egypt.’ [Hosea 11:1]16Well, when Herod saw that the Magi had outwitted him, he was furious. So he sent [a proclamation] throughout BethLehem and its districts to have all the boys that were two-years-old and younger to be gathered [for destruction], since that was the period he’d determined so carefully from the Magi.17And that’s also when the thing that was spoken through the Prophet JeremiAh was fulfilled, which said:18‘A voice was heard crying from RamAh…
The sounds of weeping, wailing, and grief.
It was the voice of RachEl, crying for her sons,
And she refused to accept any comfort,
Because they’re no longer [alive].’
[Jeremiah 31:15]19Well, after Herod died, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared in a dream to JoSeph while he was in Egypt, 20and he said:‘Now, get up and take the child and his mother back to the land of IsraEl, because those who wanted to take the child’s life are dead!’21So [JoSeph] got up and took the child and his mother back to the land of IsraEl. 22However, when he heard that ArcheLaus had become the ruler in Judah in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, because of a divine warning that he had received in a dream.As a result, he traveled to the territory of Galilee, 23and they went to live in a city named Nazareth.So the thing that was spoken through the prophet[Syr] was fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene, [meaning, contemptible].
1It was back in those days that John the Immerser came preaching in the desert around Judea, 2saying:‘Repent, for the Kingdom [of God] has drawn near.’3He’s the one about whom the Prophet IsaiAh spoke, saying:‘A voice is calling out in the desert:‘Prepare the way for the Lord… Before him, straighten the roads!’ [Isaiah 40:3]4John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, he had a thick leather belt around his waist, and what he ate was locusts and wild honey.5Then, [people from] JeruSalem (as well as from the rest of Judea and the area all around the JorDan) came to him 6to be immersed in the JorDan River, as they openly admitted their sins.7And when he saw many of the Pharisees and SadDucees coming to be immersed, he said to them:‘Children of vipers!‘Who has shown you the need to flee from the coming rage? 8You should first produce the [type of] fruit that proves you’re worthy of repentance!9‘And don’t be so bold as to say, Our father is AbraHam; for I tell you that God can make children of AbraHam from these stones!10‘Now the ax is already lying at the roots of the trees and every tree that isn’t producing good fruit is going to be cut down and thrown into the fire!11‘Indeed, I dip you in water [as a sign of your] repentance. But the one who is coming behind me is greater than me… In fact, I’m unfit to remove his sandals!‘[When he arrives], he will immerse you in fire and Breath… 12Yes, he’ll [take] his shovel into his hands and completely clean up his threshing floor, then he will gather the ‘wheat’ into his storehouse and burn all the ‘chaff’ with a fire that can’t be extinguished!’13Then sometime later, Jesus came from Galilee to see John at the JorDan River in order to be immersed by him. 14But [John] tried to prevent him, saying:‘Since I’m the one who should be immersed by you; why are you coming to me?’15But Jesus told him:‘Let it be like this for now… This is the right thing for us to do, so we can fulfill all that’s righteous.’And at that, [John] no longer tried to stop him.16Well, after Jesus was immersed, immediately after he came up out of the water, {Look!} the heavens opened up before him, and [John] saw God’s Breath descending upon him [in the form of] a dove.17And {Look!} there was also a voice that came out of the sky that said:‘This is My dearly-loved Son, with whom I’m well pleased.’
1Then [God’s] Breath led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Slanderer. 2And after he’d fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he became very hungry. 3So the Tempter came to him and said:‘If you’re [really] the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread!’4And [Jesus] replied:‘It is written:‘Man doesn’t live by just bread alone,
But by every word that comes from God’s mouth.’
[Deuteronomy 8:3]5Then the Slanderer took him to the Holy City and put him up on one of the Temple’s high battle towers. 6And he said:‘If you’re [really] a son of God, jump down! For it is written:‘He’ll assign [His] messengers around you,
And on their hands, they’ll lift you,
So you’ll not hit your foot on a stone.’
[Psalm 91:12]7But Jesus told him:‘Once again, it is written:‘Don’t put Jehovah your God to the test.’ [Deuteronomy 6:16]8Then the Slanderer took him to an unusually high mountain where he showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And he said:‘I’ll give all of these to you if you’ll just bow before me with your face to the ground.’10But Jesus replied:‘Go away Slanderer, because it is written:‘Indeed; you must worship Jehovah, your God,
And Him alone should you serve.’
[Deuteronomy 6:13]11Well after that, the Slanderer left him, and {Look!} [God’s] messengers came and started serving [Jesus’ needs].12Then, it was after he heard that John had been arrested that [Jesus] returned to Galilee… 13He moved out of Nazareth and started living in CapharNaum (which is by the sea in the districts of ZebuLun and NaphTali). 14This was done so [the prophecy] that was spoken through the Prophet IsaiAh could be fulfilled:15‘O lands of ZebuLun and NaphTali…
You coasts and those on the JorDan’s east shore,
And you, O Galilee of the gentiles;
16The people who were traveling in darkness
Then saw a [very] bright light.
For a light will shine upon those
That live in the place of the shadow of death.’
[Isaiah 9:1-2]17Well, from that time on, Jesus started preaching and saying:‘Repent, for the Kingdom of [God] has drawn near!’18Then, it was while he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee that he saw two brothers, Simon (the one called Peter) and his brother Andrew… Fishermen who were casting their nets on the sea. 19And he said to them:‘Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men!’20Well they immediately dropped their nets and started following him.21And as he traveled on from there, he saw two more brothers, James [the son] of ZebediOu, and his brother John. They were in the boat with ZebediOu their father repairing their nets, when he called them… 22And right away, they left the boat and their father and they also started following him.23Thereafter, [Jesus] traveled throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all the peoples’ diseases and infirmities.24As a result, people heard about him all the way to the land of Syria, and they also brought their sick (those with various diseases and ailments, the demon-possessed, as well as epileptics and paralyzed persons), and he cured them all.25So huge crowds from Galilee, the DecaPolis, JeruSalem and the rest of Judea, as well as those from the other side of the JorDan, started following him.
1Well, when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up a mountain and sat down, and his disciples came to him. 2Then he opened his mouth and started teaching them, saying:3‘Blest are the humble; For theirs is the Kingdom of [God].4‘Blest are those who are sad; For they’ll be given comfort.5‘Blest are also the meek; For they’ll inherit the land.6‘Those hungering and thirsting for righteousness are blest; For they’ll find satisfaction.7‘Blest are those who show mercy; For mercy is what they’ll receive.8‘Blest are those with pure hearts; For they’ll [come to] see God.9‘Blest are those who make peace; For they’ll be called Sons of God.10‘Blest are those who receive persecution For doing [things that are] righteous, Since theirs is the Kingdom of [God].11‘You’re blest when they [shout] insults at you, And when they persecute you, Then say many bad things about you And lie about you for my sake.12‘For this, you should [cry out in] joy; Since your reward in the heavens is great, For that’s how they treated the Prophets before you.13‘You’re the salt of the earth; But if salt becomes weak, is it still salt? No, when it no longer has strength, It’s thrown outside to be walked on.14‘You’re the light of this world… And a city on a hill can’t be hidden!15‘You don’t light a lamp And then put it under a basket… You put it on a lampstand instead, Where it can shine throughout the whole house!16‘So let your light shine before all, Then they can speak of the good things you’ve done And give glory to your Father in the heavens.17‘Don’t think that I came to destroy The Law or the [words of the] Prophets… For I came to fulfill, not to destroy.18‘I’m telling you the truth when I say that it’s more likely that the land and skies would pass away, than for an iota or a small point on a letter of the Law to pass away before it’s all fulfilled.19‘So, whoever breaks the least of the commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the Kingdom of [God], while those who teach and follow them will be called great in the Kingdom.20‘I also say this to you:‘If you aren’t more righteous than the Scribes and Pharisees, you won’t enter the Kingdom of [God].21‘You’ve heard that the ancients were told:‘You must not commit murder, for those who murder will be judged.’22‘However, I tell you this:‘Anyone who stays angry with his brother will have to be judged, and anyone who calls his brother empty-headed must stand before the religious court. Also, anyone who [calls his brother] a moron will be [condemned] to the garbage-dump fires.23‘And if you bring a gift to [God’s] Altar, but while you’re on the way you remember that your brother holds something against you; 24leave your gift at the Altar and go [to him].‘First make peace with your brother, and then return to offer your gift.25‘Also, while you’re on your way [to a court], you should quickly work out an agreement with your adversary, so you won’t have to leave the matter in the hands of the judge... Who may hand you over to the bailiff... Who’ll then lock you in jail.26‘If that happens, I tell you this for a fact:‘You won’t be released ‘til you’ve paid the last penny!27‘You’ve all heard that it’s said:‘You must not commit adultery.’28‘But I tell you that any man who stares at a woman and develops a desire [to have] her, has committed adultery [with her] in his heart.29‘So if your right eye becomes a trap to you, pull it out and throw it away! For it’s better to lose a piece of yourself than to lose your whole body in the garbage dump. 30Or if your right hand becomes a trap to you, cut it off and throw it away! For it’s better to lose a piece of yourself than to lose your whole body in the garbage dump.31‘It is also said that [any man] who releases his woman should give her a certificate of rejection. 32But I say:‘[Any man] who releases his woman except on account of sexual immorality, leads her into adultery. And [any man] who marries a woman who’s been released is committing adultery.33‘Again, you heard it was said long ago:‘You must not swear a false oath; rather, you must do as you vow to Jehovah.’ [paraphrase of Numbers 30:2]34‘However, I tell you this: Swear oaths by nothing at all!‘Don’t swear by heaven, For that’s God’s throne;35‘Nor should you swear oaths by the earth, Because that’s also [God’s] footstool;‘And don’t swear by JeruSalem, For that’s the city of the great king.36‘Don’t swear oaths by the hairs on your head, For you can’t turn a hair black or white!37‘Let your yes just mean yes, And let your no just mean no, For it’s things like this that lead you towards evil.38‘You’ve also heard it was said:‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’39‘But I’m telling you this: Don’t oppose evil men.‘So if someone slaps your right cheek, Turn the other to him also.40‘And if someone wants to take you to court And sue for your underwear, Give him the rest of your clothes!41‘Or if someone makes you to serve him for a mile, Go with him for two miles!42‘Yes, give freely to all those who ask, And don’t turn away those wishing to borrow.43‘You’ve heard the saying that goes:‘You must love all your neighbors And dislike [all of] your enemies.’44‘But I say:‘Show love for your enemies And pray for those who persecute you;45‘For by doing this, you’ll prove yourselves The sons of your Father in the heavens Who lets the sun arise on the wicked and the good, And sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous.46‘For if you only love those who love you; What reward are you really due… Don’t tax collectors do the same thing?47‘And if you greet only your brothers; What are you doing that’s special… Don’t the gentiles do the same thing?48‘So, just be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect!’
1‘Be careful not to practice your righteousness before other men so that they can see what you’re doing; for if you do, you won’t receive a reward from your Father in the heavens.2‘And when you’re giving gifts to the needy, don’t blow a trumpet in the synagogue or out in the streets like the hypocrites do so they can be praised by the people. I tell you the truth: when they do this, that’s the only reward they’ll receive!3‘Rather, when you give gifts to the needy, don’t [tell] your left hand what your right hand is doing. 4Give your gifts to the needy in secret, and then your Father who watches in secret will be [the One] that repays you.5‘And don’t pray like the hypocrites do, for they [like to] pray as they’re standing in their synagogues and on the corners of the main streets, so that people will notice what they’re doing. I tell you the truth: that’s their full reward.6‘Instead, when you pray, go into your room and after shutting the door, pray to your Father in secret. Then you’ll be repaid by your Father who’s watching in secret.7‘Also, when praying, don’t babble the same words like the gentiles do. For they think that they may only be heard through the use of many words. 8No, don’t act like them, for your God and Father already knows everything that you need before you ask Him.9‘Now, this is how you should pray:‘Our Father who’s in the heavens,
May Your Name be treated as Holy,
10And may Your Kingdom arrive…
May Your Will take place on the earth,
As it has in the heavens.11‘Give us our bread for this day,
12And please forgive all our debts,
As we’ve forgiven our debtors.
13Into temptation, may we not be led,
And from the wicked [one], save us.’For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen. [spurious]14‘For if you’re willing to forgive other people’s errors, your Father in the heavens will overlook yours. 15However, if you aren’t willing to forgive their errors, your Father won’t forgive yours either.16‘Also, when you fast, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites do, because they contort their faces to make sure that everyone knows they’re fasting. I tell you the truth: this is all the reward they’ll receive.17‘But whenever you fast, wash your face and rub your head with oil, 18so that no one will know that you’re fasting other than your Father who’s watching in secret… And then your Father who’s watching in secret will be [the One] that repays you.19‘Stop storing up treasures here on the earth that can be eaten by rust and by moths, or which thieves can break in and steal. 20Rather, store your treasures in the heavens where they can’t be consumed by moths or by rust, and where thieves can’t break in and steal them.21‘For your hearts will be wherever your treasures are!22‘Your eyes are the lamps of your bodies, and if [you keep] your eyes simple, they’ll make your whole body bright. 23But if your eyes are just wicked, they’ll make your whole body dark. And when the only light within you is darkness... How great that darkness will be!24‘No one can slave for two masters. For you’ll [find that] you won’t care for one, but love the other… Yes, you’ll be devoted to one, but you’ll despise the other…‘And this is why you can’t slave for God and for wealth!25‘I’m also telling you that you shouldn’t worry about your lives, or what you’ll eat, or what you’ll drink [spurious] or your bodies and what you’ll wear. The person you are inside is more important than food; your body is more important than clothes.26‘Rather, notice the birds in the skies… They don’t plant seeds, or harvest, or put things in storage sheds, because your Father in the heavens provides their food… And aren’t you [greater than] they are?27‘Which of you can, through worry, add even a smidgen of length to your lifespan?28‘Also, when it comes to clothes, why should you worry? Rather, pay attention to the way that lilies grow in the fields. For even though they don’t work or spin cloth, 29not even Solomon in all of his glory was as well-dressed as them.30‘So, if God so well-dresses the plants in the fields (that are here today and thrown into the oven tomorrow), wouldn’t He rather clothe you… You with so little faith?31‘Therefore, never be worried and ask, What are we going to eat or drink, or, What are we going to wear?32‘For these are the types of things that the gentiles are concerned with… And your Father in the heavens already knows that you need these things! 33Rather, put the Kingdom and righteousness first, and then all these other things will be given to you.34‘No, don’t worry about what tomorrow will bring,
For tomorrow will have its own problems,
And each day will have its own badness.’
1‘Don’t judge others, so you won’t be judged…2‘For the [rules] by which you judge others
Are the rules they’ll use to judge you.
And the standards you’re setting for them
Are the standards that they’ll set for you.3‘Why look for the chaff in your brother’s eye,
When you can’t see the rafter in yours?
4For, how can you say to your brother,
Let me remove this chaff from your eye,
When {Look!} there’s a rafter in yours?5‘Hypocrites!
Remove first the rafters from your own eyes,
And then you’ll be able to see
How to take chaff from the eye of your brother.6‘And don’t lay your holy things before dogs
Nor throw your pearls before pigs,
So they can’t trample them under their feet
And then turn around and gore you.7‘Keep asking and you’ll receive…
Keep searching and you’ll find…
Keep knocking and [the door] will be opened.
8For all will receive that keep asking…
All that keep searching, will find…
And [the door] will be opened to all those who knock.9‘For about which man, isn’t this true:
If his son should ask him for bread,
He won’t hand him a stone.
10Or if he should ask for a fish,
He won’t hand him a snake.11‘So if you, in your wicked condition,
Will provide good gifts to your children;
How much more will your Father in heaven
Give good things to those who keep asking?12‘Also, as you would like to be treated,
Is the way that you should treat others.
For, that’s [the whole point] of the Law and the Prophets!13‘You should enter through the gate that’s narrow;
For the road to destruction is both broad and wide,
And that’s the way most people are going.
14But the gateway to life is narrow and tight,
And few are those who can find it.15‘Beware of false prophets that come dressed as sheep,
But on the inside, are just hungry wolves.
16You’ll recognize them by the fruit that they bear…
For you don’t pick grapes from the briers,
And you don’t pick figs among thistles.17‘A good tree will bear fruit that’s good,
While the rotten ones bear fruit that’s bad.
18So a good tree won’t bear fruit that’s bad,
And a rotten tree won’t bear fruit that’s good.
19Then the trees that don’t bear good fruit
Will be cut down and thrown in a fire…
20So you’ll recognize them by the fruit that they bear!21‘Not all that shout Lord, Lord, to me
Will enter the Kingdom of [God]…
Just those who are doing the will
Of my Father in the heavens.22‘Yet, many will say, O Lord!
In your name, didn’t I prophesy?
And in your name, didn’t I cast out demons?
Yes, haven’t we done great deeds in your name?
23But I’ll tell them: I never knew you…
Get away from me, you lawbreakers!24‘Now, those who listen and do as I say
Are like the very wise man
That founded his home upon rock.
25So because of its solid foundation,
It’ll be able to stand
When winds, floods, and rains beat on his house.26‘Yet, those who hear and don’t do as I say
Are like fools that build their houses on sand.
27For, when they face winds, rains, and floods,
Their houses will fall in a mighty collapse.’28Well after Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were awe-struck by his way of teaching. 29Because unlike their Scribes, he taught with authority.
1Then, as he was coming down the mountain (along with a large crowd that was following him), 2{Look!} a man with leprosy came up and bowed low before him, and said:‘Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean!’3So [Jesus] stuck out his hand and touched him, and said:‘I want to… Be clean.’And [the man] was immediately wiped clean of his leprosy.4Then Jesus said to him:‘Don’t tell anyone [about this]… Just go and show yourself to the Priests, then offer the gift that Moses specified, so they can testify to what happened.’5And as he was entering CapharNaum, a [Roman] Centurion came up to him and said:6‘Lord,‘My [house]boy is so paralyzed that he can’t leave my home, and he’s in a lot of pain!’7So [Jesus] told him:‘I’ll cure him when I get there.’8However, the Centurion said:‘Sir, I’m unfit to have you enter my house… Just say the word and I know that he will be healed. 9For I’m also a man who’s been given a lot of authority, because I have many soldiers under me. So if I tell this one, Be on your way, he’s on his way; if I say to another, Come, he comes. So, whatever I tell my slave to do, he does.’10Well, Jesus was amazed at this, and he said this to those who were following him:‘I tell you the truth: I haven’t found anyone in IsraEl with this much faith!11‘So I’m saying this:‘Many will be coming from the sunrise to the sunset, and they’ll recline [at the table] along with AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob in the Kingdom of [God], 12while the Sons of the Kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where they’ll cry and grind their teeth.’13Then Jesus said to the Centurion:‘Just go on… Let it be just as you’ve believed!’And the man’s [house]boy was healed in that very hour.14Well, when he finally arrived at Peter’s house, Jesus saw [Peter’s] mother-in-law lying down, because she had a fever. 15So he touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then, she got up and started serving him.16Then later that evening, people started bringing him many of the demon-possessed. So he cast out the spirits with [just] a word, and he cured all of those who were ill, 17so that the words that were spoken through the Prophet IsaiAh could be fulfilled:‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’ [Isaiah 53:4]18However, when Jesus saw that a huge crowd had started to form, he said to [his disciples]:‘Let’s go over to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee].’19But [as they were leaving], a scribe came up to him and said:‘Teacher, I’ll follow you wherever you go!’20And Jesus said to him:‘Although foxes have burrows and birds in the skies have their nests,
The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’21Then another disciple came up to him and said:‘Lord, please allow me to go and bury my father first.’22But Jesus said to him:‘Just keep on following me and let the dead bury their own dead.’23Well after that, Jesus and his disciples stepped into a boat and left. 24But soon, {Look!} the sea became agitated and waves started crashing over the boat… Yet, [Jesus] was just lying there sleeping. 25So [the disciples] went over and woke him up, and said:‘Lord, please save us, for we’re about to be destroyed!’26But [Jesus] asked:‘Why are you so afraid… You with so little faith?’Then he got up and scolded the winds and the sea, and a great calm set in, 27which caused the [disciples] to start wondering and asking each other:‘What kind of person is this? For even the winds and the seas obey him!’28Well, when they got to the other side [of the sea], into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men came out from among the tombs to meet him. They were so unusually fierce that no one else had the courage to even pass that way.29Then {Look!} they started shouting:‘What do you want with us, O Son of God? Did you come here before the appointed time to torment us?’30Well, it so happened that at the time, there happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding [in a field] some distance away. 31So the demons started begging [Jesus], saying:‘If you’re going to cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs!’32And [Jesus] said to them:‘Then go!’So they came out and went into the pigs, and {Look!} the entire herd ran down a steep cliff into the sea, where they [drowned] in the water.33Well after that happened, the people who’d been keeping watch over the pigs in the field ran away. And when they got to the city, they told everyone about the things that they saw… Including what [Jesus had done] to the demon-possessed men.34So {Look!} all the people in the city then came out to meet Jesus. However, when they saw him, they begged him to just cross back [over the sea] and leave their district.
1So then he stepped back into the boat, and they traveled back to the town where he’d been staying. 2And when he got there, {Look!} some people brought him a paralyzed man who was lying on a cot.Then when he saw that the man had a lot of faith, Jesus said to him:‘Take courage child; your sins are forgiven.’3However, {Look!} some Scribes [who heard him say this] were thinking to themselves:‘He’s blaspheming!’4But Jesus (who knew what they were thinking) asked them:‘Why are you thinking such wicked things in your hearts? 5Is it easier to say, your sins are forgiven, or just, get up and walk? 6However, I want you to know that the Son of Man has the power to forgive sins here on the earth.’So at that, he said to the paralyzed man:‘Now, get up, pick up your cot, and go home.’7And the man just got up and went home!8Well when the crowds saw this, they were all frightened and they started praising The God who gives such powers to men. 9So thereafter, he left that place.As he was traveling on, Jesus noticed a man named Matthew sitting in a tax office, and he said to him:‘Be my follower.’And immediately, [Matthew] got up and started following him.10Then later, while [Jesus] was reclining at a table in [Matthew’s] home, {Look!} many tax collectors and sinners started coming in and reclining next to Jesus and his disciples. 11But on seeing this, the Pharisees asked [Jesus’] disciples:‘Why is your teacher eating with these tax collectors and sinners?’12Well, [Jesus] overheard them saying this, so he told them:‘Healthy people don’t need doctors… Only the sick do.13Now, go and learn the meaning of the words, I want mercy, not sacrifice. For I didn’t come here to call the righteous, just the sinners.’14Then some of John’s disciples came to [Jesus] and said to him:‘We and the Pharisees always fast… So, why don’t your disciples fast?’15And Jesus answered:‘The bridegroom’s friends don’t have any reason to be sad when he’s with them, do they? However, the day is coming when the bridegroom will be taken away from them… And then they’ll fast.’16‘Understand that nobody sews a patch of un-shrunk cloth onto old clothes, because its [shrinking] strength will pull the clothes and make the tear worse.17‘And people don’t put new wine into old wineskins; for if they do, the old wineskins will burst, spilling the wine and ruining the skins… This is why people put new wine into new wineskins, so that both things are preserved.’18Well, as he was saying this, {Look!} a certain ruler came up and bowed low before him, saying:‘By now my daughter may have died… So please come and lay your hands on her to bring her back to life!’19Therefore, Jesus got up and followed the man (as did his disciples).20However, [as he was on the way], {Look!} a woman who had suffered from a blood flow for some 12 years came up behind him and touched the fringes on his robe. 21[She did this] because she kept saying:‘If I can just touch his clothes, I’ll be saved [from this illness].’22Then when Jesus turned around and saw her, he said to her:‘Take courage daughter; your faith has saved you.’And from that time on, the woman was healed.23Thereafter, when he got to the house of the ruler and saw flute players and a wailing crowd, 24Jesus said:‘You should all leave now, because the little girl isn’t really dead, she’s just sleeping!’Well, everyone started laughing and making fun of him because of this. 25But after the crowd had been ushered outside, [Jesus] went in and took hold of her hand, and the little girl stood up!26So, word of what happened there was quickly spread throughout that whole area.27Then, just as Jesus was leaving that place, two blind men came up and started following him, hoarsely shouting:‘Have pity on us, O Son of David!’28And when he entered the house [where he was staying], these blind men followed him inside. So Jesus asked them:‘Do you really believe that I can do this thing?’And they answered:‘Yes, Lord!’29So he touched their eyes and said:‘As you believed, may it happen to you!’30And at that, their eyes were opened.Then Jesus warned them sternly:‘Now, don’t tell anyone about this!’31But after they left, they started spreading the news [about what he’d done] throughout that whole area.32And then, before he could leave, {Look!} some more people brought him a man who couldn’t speak, because he was demon possessed. 33And after Jesus cast out the demon, the man was able to speak, which amazed the crowds. So they were saying:‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in IsraEl.’34However, the Pharisees were saying:‘He’s casting out demons by the ruler of the demons!’35Well, from there, Jesus traveled throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and curing every sort of disease and infirmity.36For when he looked at the crowds, he felt pity, because they were scraped and knocked about like sheep without a shepherd.37Then he said to his disciples:‘There is, in fact, a huge harvest... But there aren’t enough workers. 38So, beg the Master of the harvest to send more workers into the field to do His harvesting.’
1Well after that, he called twelve of his disciples to him and he gave them the power to dominate and throw out unclean spirits and to cure every sort of disease and infirmity.2These are the names of those twelve Apostles:First there was Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew.And there was James (son of ZebediOu) and his brother John.3There was also:• Philip,
• BarTholomew ([NathaniEl]),
• Thomas,
• Matthew (the tax collector),
• James (son of Alpheus),
• ThadDeus ([Judas]),
4• Simon (the CanaNaean), and
• Judas IsCariot (who [later] betrayed him).5Jesus thereafter sent these twelve out, giving them the orders:‘Don’t go to the gentiles or to any of the Samaritan cities… 6Just go to the lost sheep of the house of IsraEl.7‘[You should each] go your own way; and as you go, you should proclaim that the Kingdom of [God] has drawn near.8‘Cure sick people, raise the dead, [spurious] make lepers clean, and throw out demons… You received it freely, so give it freely!9‘You won’t have to carry along any gold, silver, or copper [coins] in your waist sashes 10or a food pouch for the trip; nor should you carry two pairs of underwear, or extra sandals, or walking sticks, because the worker has earned his provisions.11‘Then, whenever you enter a city or village, you should search for those who are deserving and stay with them until you must travel on. 12And when you enter any house, offer the household a greeting of peace… 13And if the house is worthy, let peace come into it. But if it isn’t worthy, let the peace return to you.14‘Wherever the people don’t take you in and listen to your words; when you leave that house or that city, just shake the dust off your feet. 15For I tell you the truth: On the Judgment Day, it will be more bearable for the lands of Sodom and GomorRah than for that city!16‘Look! I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves. So, prove yourselves to be as cautious as snakes while remaining as innocent as doves.17‘Now, be careful, because men will carry you before religious courts and they’ll whip you in their synagogues. 18Yes, you’ll be taken before governors and kings for my sake as a witness to them and to the gentiles. 19But when they bring you up [for trial], don’t worry about what you should say or how you should say it, because right then, you’ll be given what you have to say... 20You won’t be the one doing the talking, the Breath of your Father will be speaking through you.21‘For, brothers will hand their own brothers over for death, and fathers will do the same to their children.‘Yes, even children will rise against their own parents and hand them over for death.‘22Everyone will hate you because of my name… But those who endure to the end will be saved.23‘So when they chase you out of one city, just run to another. For I tell you the truth: You may not get to all of IsraEl’s cities before the Son of Man arrives.24‘Understand that a disciple can’t be greater than his teacher and a slave can’t be greater than his master. 25However, a disciple may become like his teacher and a slave may become like his master.‘But if they’re calling the master BeElZebub, then how much more [will they say this] of those in his home?26‘So [expect this] to happen to you, and don’t be afraid!‘For there’s nothing that’s covered which won’t be shown
And there are no secrets that won’t be known.
27What I say in darkness, you must say in the light;
And whatever is whispered to you in your ear
Must be proclaimed from the rooftops!28‘Don’t fear those who can kill the body,
But can’t kill the person within.
Rather, fear the One who can fully destroy
The person and his body in the garbage.29‘Don’t two sparrows cost very little?
Yet whenever one falls to the ground,
Your Father’s aware of what happened…
30For He’s even counted the hairs on your head!
31So you have no reason to fear;
For, more than many sparrows, is your value to Him!32‘If you’ll admit that you’re with me to others,
I’ll also admit that I’m with you
Before my Father in the heavens.33‘But if you deny that you know me to men,
I’ll also deny knowing you
Before my Father in the heavens.34‘Don’t think that I came to bring peace to the earth;
For I’m not bringing peace… Just the sword!
35I came to divide fathers from sons,
As well as daughters from mothers
And brides from their mothers-in-law.36‘Your enemies will be those in your own homes;
37But those who care less for me
Than for their fathers or mothers,
[Will never] be worthy of me.‘And the one who cares less for me
Than for his sons or his daughters,
Isn’t worthy of me.38‘Those who won’t lift their own torture poles
And follow behind me, aren’t worthy.39‘For those who seek first their own lives
Are really the ones who’ll lose them;
But they’ll find them, if they lose their lives for my sake.40‘Those who invite you into [their homes]
Are also inviting me in.
And those who are inviting me in,
Are inviting the One by whom I was sent.41‘Those who welcome a Prophet because he’s a Prophet,
Will receive a Prophet’s reward.
And those who welcome the righteous because they’re righteous,
Will receive the reward of the righteous.42‘For whoever gives one of these least ones
So much as a cold cup of water
Because he’s my disciple…
I swear that he won’t lose his reward.’
1Now, after Jesus had finished giving his twelve disciples these instructions, he went out to preach and teach in their cities.2However, because John [the Immerser] (who was in jail) heard about the things that the Anointed One was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him 3whether he was really the one who was to come, or if they should expect someone else.4And this is what Jesus told them:‘Go back and report to John all that you’re seeing and hearing!5‘Tell him that the blind are seeing, the lame are walking, the lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are being taught the good news.6‘So, anyone who doesn’t stumble over me will be blest.’7Then after [John’s disciples] had left, Jesus asked the crowd this about John:‘What did you go to the desert to see… Reeds being blown in the wind? 8Yes, what did you go out to see… A man who’s dressed in soft clothes?‘Those wearing soft clothes live in mansions! 9So, why did you really go out there? Did [you go there] to [visit] a Prophet? Yes, and one who’s more than a Prophet!10‘For, this is the one of whom it was written:‘{Look!} I’ll send My messenger ahead To prepare the road that’s before him!’ [Malachi 3:1]11‘I tell you the truth: Of those born to women, none have been raised that are greater than John. But the least in the Kingdom of [God] will be greater than him.12‘For from the time of John [until now], the Kingdom of [God] has been taken by force… And the forceful are the ones who’ve seized it. 13Indeed, this was all prophesied in the Law and the Prophets. 14And if you’re willing to accept it; he’s the EliJah that was to come [first]… 15Let those who have ears pay attention!16‘To whom can I liken this people? They’re like children playing in the markets that shout at their mates:17‘We played the flute, but you didn’t dance… We wailed, but you didn’t beat on your chests!’18‘When John came along; because he didn’t eat fine food or drink any [wine], they said that he had a demon! 19But because the Son of Man loves fine foods and wine, they call him an alcoholic and glutton… A friend of tax collectors and sinners!‘Yet, wisdom is proven righteous by its results.’20And then he started to berate the cities where he’d done most of his powerful deeds, because they hadn’t repented.He said:21‘Woe to you, O ChoraZin, and woe to you, O BethSaida; for if the powerful deeds that had happened in you had also happened in Tyre and Sidon, then they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes.22‘But I tell you: It’ll be easier for Tyre and Sidon on Judgment Day than for you!23‘And you, O CapharNaum, will you be raised to the heavens? No, you’ll go down to the place of the dead!‘For if the powerful deeds that happened in you had also happened in Sodom, [that city] would still be here today.24‘So I tell you that it’ll be better for the land of Sodom on Judgment Day than it will be for you!’25Then it was concerning this that Jesus prayed:‘I publicly praise you O Father, Lord of the heavens and earth; For You’ve hidden these things from the smart and the wise, While You revealed them to infants.26‘Yes Father; this is the thing that You have approved.27‘All that I have, came from my Father; For no one knows the Father as well as His son, And no one knows the son as well as his Father… Or those to whom he’s revealed Him.28‘So, come to me, you who’ve worked hard, And you who’ve born heavy loads, Because I’ll bring you refreshment.29‘Yes, learn from me and put on my yoke. For I’m meek and I have a kind heart, So your souls will find refreshment in me. 30This yoke of mine is very gentle And the load [I give you] is light!’
1Well, as Jesus was traveling through some grain fields on a Sabbath, his disciples got hungry and they started plucking some of the grain and eating it. 2But when the Pharisees saw this, they said:‘Look! Your disciples are doing what’s illegal on the Sabbath!’3And [Jesus] said to them:‘Haven’t you read what David did when he and his men got hungry… 4How they entered God’s House and ate the show bread on Jehovah’s table, which wasn’t legal for them to eat, since it was only for the Priests?5‘Or haven’t you read in the Law that the Priests in the Temple can break the Sabbath rules [by offering sacrifices] and not be found guilty?6‘So I’m telling you that something greater than the Temple is here now! 7And if you understood what the words mean, ‘I want mercy, not sacrifices,’ you probably wouldn’t be condemning these innocent ones.8‘For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath!’9Then from there, Jesus entered their synagogue, 10where {Look!} he found a man who had a withered hand. So [those Pharisees] then asked him:‘Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?’(They said this so they could find something that they could accuse him of doing wrong).11And he asked them:‘If any of you had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath; which one of you wouldn’t go there to lift it out?12‘So, since a man is worth much more than a sheep… Yes, it is legal to do good things for him on the Sabbath!’13And at that, he said to the man:‘Now, stretch out your hand.’And when he stretched it out, it became healthy just like the other hand!14Well, thereafter, the Pharisees then went out and assembled a counsel to destroy [Jesus]. 15However, Jesus knew what they were planning, so he left that place.There were many [people who traveled] with him at that time, and he cured them all. 16But he sternly warned them not to expose him, 17so that the words spoken through the Prophet IsaiAh might be fulfilled:18‘{Look} My servant, whom I have chosen… My loved one who’s approved by My Soul! In him, I’ll now put My Breath, And he’ll tell the nations about My decisions.19‘Yet, he won’t argue or shout, Nor in the main streets, will they hear his voice. 20He won’t crush a bruised reed, Nor will he extinguish a smoking flax wick Until he brings triumph to justice 21And the nations put hope in his name.’ [Isaiah 42:1]22Well after that, they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and couldn’t speak, and he cured him so that he could both speak and see. 23This amazed the crowds and they all started asking:‘Isn’t this the Son of David?’24However, when the Pharisees heard them saying this, they said:‘He’s throwing out demons by [the power of]BeElZebub the ruler of the demons!’25Of course, [Jesus] knew what they were thinking, so he said this to them:‘A kingdom that’s divided will fall, And a city or house that’s divided won’t stand. 26So if the Opposer casts out the Opposer, He’s fighting himself and his kingdom won’t stand.27‘Now, if I’m really using BeElZebub’s [power] to cast out demons, then whose [power] are your sons using when they cast them out?‘You see; it’s things like this that condemn you!28‘For if I’m really casting out demons by means of God’s Breath, then God’s Kingdom has rolled over you! 29After all, no one can break into the house of a powerful person and steal his things unless they first tie him up… Only then can they loot his house.30‘So now; those who aren’t with me are against me, and those who aren’t on my side will be scattered.31‘And I’m telling you this: All sins and blasphemies can be forgiven… But not blasphemy against [God’s Holy] Breath. That won’t be forgiven!32‘If someone speaks badly against the Son of Man, this is something that can be forgiven. But if someone blasphemes [God’s] Holy Breath, he won’t be forgiven… No, not in this age or in that to come.33‘So, either declare the tree and its fruit to be good or declare it [all] to be rotten. For you’ll recognize the trees by the fruit that they bear.34‘O you offspring of vipers! How can evil people like you speak of good things, since what you’re saying is coming from your hearts? 35A good man will bring what’s good from the good [that’s in his heart], while the evil just bring bad things from what’s stored there.36‘So I’m telling you now that when the Judgment Day arrives, you’ll each answer for the things that you’ve said to mislead…37‘You’ll either be found righteous, or you’ll be condemned by the things that you’re saying.’38Then some of the Scribes and Pharisees came up to him and said:‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you!’39And [Jesus] replied:‘A wicked and adulterous people [is always] looking for signs. However, they won’t receive one other than the sign of Jonah the Prophet. 40For as Jonah was in the sea creature’s belly for three days and three nights; the Son of Man will be in the heart of the ground for three days and three nights.41‘Then the men of Nineveh will stand in the Judgment along with this people and they’ll condemn it; for they repented at what Jonah preached…‘But look; something greater than Jonah is here!42‘The Queen of the South will also arise in the judgment and she will condemn this people; for she came from the ends of the land to listen to Solomon’s wisdom…‘But look; something greater than Solomon is here!43‘When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it travels through [many] dry places searching for a [good] place to rest.‘But if it can’t find one, it says:44‘I’ll just go back to the house that I left.’‘And then, upon his return, if he finds [the house] empty, furnished, and swept, 45he’ll move back in, bringing along seven more spirits that are even more wicked than himself. So then, after [he] gets inside [of the man], the others will dwell in him also, making things worse for him than they were before… Yet, that’s how this people will be.’46Well, while he was still talking to the crowds, {Look!} his mother and brothers showed up and they were standing outside waiting to speak to him. 47So someone said to [Jesus]:‘Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside and waiting to speak to you.’48But he said:‘Just who’s my mother, and who are my brothers?’49Then he held out his hand towards his disciples and said:‘Look… My mother and my brothers! 50For all those who are doing the will of my Father in the heavens are my brothers, sisters, and mother.’
1Then one day, Jesus came out of the house and he was sitting by the sea, 2when a huge crowd came and gathered around him. So, he stepped into a boat and [started teaching] those who were standing there on the beach, 3and he did so using parables… For he said:‘{Look!} A farmer went out to do planting,
4And some of his seeds fell by the road,
Where birds quickly came there and ate them.5‘Others fell among rocks where there wasn’t much soil,
Yet, they quickly started to sprout.
6But when the sun rose, they were scorched,
And they withered, because they couldn’t spread roots.7‘Still others fell among briers,
Which [quickly] grew and choked them all out.8‘Yet the rest fell upon the good soil,
And there they started producing [much] fruit…
This one 60, that one 100,
And just 30 for another…9‘Let those who have ears, pay attention!’10Well later, the disciples came up to him and asked him why he was speaking to the crowd in parables.11And he replied:‘Although you’ve been allowed to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of [God], they haven’t.12‘So, those who have will be given more,
And they’ll have more than enough.
But, as for those who don’t have…
Even what they own will be taken from them.13‘Therefore, this is why I’m speaking to them in parables; because when they look they can’t see, and when they listen they don’t hear or understand the meaning of it.14‘And in this, the prophecy of IsaiAh is being fulfilled in them that says:‘By listening, you’ll hear, but not understand,
And by looking, you’ll look, but not see.
15For the hearts of these people have grown thick;
So their ears now listen very slowly,
And all their eye lids are closed.
So they’re unable to see with their eyes,
And they can’t hear with their ears,
Nor can they understand in their hearts,
Then turn back, so that I can heal them.’
[Isaiah 6:9]16‘However, your eyes are blest because they can see, as are your ears, because they can hear.17‘I tell you the truth: many of the Prophets and righteous men wished to see the things that you’re seeing today… But they didn’t see them. And [they wished] to hear the things that you’re hearing… But they didn’t hear them.18‘So now, listen to the [meaning of the] parable of the farmer that planted:19‘Whenever someone hears about the Kingdom but doesn’t understand it, the wicked one comes and snatches away whatever has been planted in his heart. This is the one who grew alongside the road.20‘As for the one who grew among the rocks; he hears the word and quickly accepts it with joy. 21But because he has no roots, he just lasts a short time… When hard times or persecution come along because of the word, he’s immediately trapped.22‘As for the one who grew among the thistles: This one hears the word, but the concerns of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke out the word, so he doesn’t produce any fruit.23‘But as for the one who’s planted on good soil: He hears the word, understands it, and actually puts out fruit… This 100, that one 60, and the other 30.’24Well after that, he gave them another parable. He said:‘The Kingdom of the heavens is much like a man
Who planted good seeds in his field.
25But while all his people were sleeping,
An enemy scattered weed seeds over his wheat.
26So when the blades started sprouting with fruit,
The weeds also appeared.27‘Then the master’s slaves came and asked him:‘Lord, weren’t those good seeds [that you gave us] to plant?
And if so, then, why are there so many weeds?’28‘And he replied:‘It was an enemy of mine that did this.’‘So they asked him:‘Then, should we go and pull up [the weeds]?’29‘And he told them:‘No, for as you’re pulling up weeds,
You may also uproot the wheat!
30Let them grow together ‘til the harvest arrives.
Then I’ll tell the reapers to collect the weeds first,
And put them in bundles and burn them;
Then, gather the wheat into my barn.’31Thereafter, he told them another parable, saying:‘The Kingdom of the heavens is like mustard seeds
That a man had planted in his field.
32Even though it’s [one of] the smallest of seeds;
It can grow to become the largest of plants…
[It can grow as large as] a tree
In whose branches, the birds in the skies can then roost.’33And he told them another parable:‘The Kingdom of the heavens is like a bit of [yeast]
That a woman hid within in three scoops of flour…
So it soon became filled with [the yeast].’34Jesus said all these things to the crowds in parables. And it’s a fact that if he wasn’t using parables, he wasn’t talking to them. 35This was done so as to fulfill what was spoken through the Prophet, who said:‘With parables, I’ll open my mouth.
And I’ll talk about things that have been hidden
Since the founding of the world.’
[Psalm 78:2]36Then, after dismissing the crowds, he went back into the house. And there his disciples came to him and asked him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. 37So [Jesus] told them this:‘The one who planted the good seeds is the Son of Man, 38and the field is this system of things.‘The good seeds are the sons of the Kingdom, the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, 39and the enemy who planted them is the Slanderer.‘The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are [God’s] messengers.40‘So, just as the weeds are collected and burned in a fire; that’s what will happen at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his messengers to collect all the snares and all the lawless people out of his Kingdom, 42and they’ll be thrown into a flaming furnace, where they’ll cry and grind [their] teeth.43‘But after that, the righteous will shine as brightly as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father…‘Let those who have ears pay attention to this!44‘For the Kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure that a man found and hid in a field. Then to [get that treasure], he went and sold everything that he had to buy that field.45‘The Kingdom of the heavens is also like a traveling merchant who was searching for good pearls; 46And when he found one very valuable pearl, he went away and quickly sold everything that he had to buy it.47‘Again, the Kingdom of the heavens [God] is like a net that’s dropped into the sea and collects all sorts [of sea creatures]. 48Then, when it’s full, they haul it onto the beach and sit down to collect the good things, which they throw into baskets, while they toss all the bad things away.49‘Yes, that’s how it’ll be at the end of the age… [God’s] messengers will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous, 50and they’ll throw [the wicked] into a flaming furnace, where they’ll cry and grind their teeth.’51[Then Jesus asked them]:‘Do you understand all these things?’And they replied:‘We do.’52So Jesus said:‘Well, this is how all the disciples of the Kingdom of the Heavens will teach… They’ll be like a man –a master of his house– who brings both old and new things out of his stores.’53Well, after Jesus had finished explaining these parables, he left that area 54and traveled to the place where he was raised, and there he started teaching in their synagogue.This dumbfounded the people, for they asked:‘Where did this man get such wisdom and powers?’55‘Isn’t he the carpenter’s son?’‘Isn’t his mother called Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, JoSeph, Simon, and Judas? 56And his sisters… Aren’t they all with us?’‘Where did he get all these things?’57So they were stumbled over him.But Jesus said:‘A Prophet is never treated with dishonor except in the place where he was raised and within his own home.’58Therefore, he didn’t do many powerful deeds there, because of their lack of faith.
1It was around this time that Herod (the ruler over that area) heard about Jesus.2And he said to his boys:‘This is really John the Immerser. He’s been raised from the dead, and this is why he can do such powerful things!’3He said this because Herod had arrested John and thrown him in prison due to things that [John had said about] his brother’s (Philip’s) wife.4For, because John had told him that he had broken the Law by taking her, 5[Herod] wanted to kill him. [Yet, he couldn’t], because he was afraid of the people, since they considered [John] to be a Prophet.6However, at Herod’s birthday party, the daughter of Herodias [came out and] danced before him, and this pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her anything that she asked.8So, (with her mother’s coaching) she said:‘Then, give me the head of John the Immerser on a platter!’9Well, the king was really saddened by this, but because he had given his word (and because of those who were eating at the table with him), [Herod] gave the command 10to have John beheaded in prison. 11Then, when his head was brought in on a platter, he gave it to the young girl, who took it to her mother.12Well, afterwards, [John’s] disciples went to get his body and buried it, then they reported everything that had happened, to Jesus. 13And when Jesus heard about this, he got into a boat to find a quiet place where he could be alone.However, the crowds noticed [where he was going] and they followed him on foot from the towns. 14So when he got to that place, he saw a huge crowd of people. And because he felt sorry for them, he went on to heal their sick.15Then later that evening, [Jesus’] disciples came to him and said:‘This is a very remote place and it’s getting late, so we should send the crowds off into the villages around here so they can buy something to eat!’16But Jesus said to them:‘They don’t have to go… Why don’t you give them something to eat?’17And [the disciples] answered:‘But all we have is just five loaves [of bread] and two fish!’18So Jesus told them:‘Bring them to me.’19Then he told the crowd to lie down on the grass, and he took the five loaves and two fish, and after looking into the sky, he spoke a blessing, and he started breaking the bread and handing it to the disciples, who then passed it out to the crowd…20And everyone ate until they were full!Well, when they picked up the scraps, they found that there were 12 baskets full of leftovers. 21Yet there were about 5,000 men (as well as many women and children) that ate.22Then [Jesus] dismissed the crowd and he told his disciples to take the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side [of the sea]. 23And after most of the people had left, he went up the mountain to a private spot where he could pray. So, although it was getting dark, he stayed there all alone.24Meanwhile, the boat [that the Apostles were rowing] had gotten a long way from land. But they’d been fighting the waves, because there was [a strong] wind blowing against them. 25And then, sometime just before sunrise, [Jesus] came to them, walking across the sea.26Well when they saw him walking on the water, the disciples were terrified and they shouted:‘It’s a vision!’And they started screaming out of fear.27But right away, Jesus told them:‘Be brave… Don’t be afraid, it’s me!’28Then Peter said:‘Lord! If it’s you, then command me to come out to you on top of the water!’29So [Jesus] said:‘Then come on!’Well, Peter got out of the boat and started walking across the water towards Jesus. 30But then he got distracted by the windstorm and got frightened… And he started to sink, so he shouted:‘Lord, please save me!’31Then Jesus immediately reached out his hand and grabbed him, and he said:‘O you with so little faith! Why did you start to doubt?’32Well, after they both got into the boat, the windstorm subsided, 33and the others in the boat all bowed low before him and said:‘You truly are the Son of The God!’34Then, after they had finished the crossing, they docked their boat at GenNesaret. 35And there, the people recognized him and sent word throughout the surrounding countryside, so they started bringing all those who weren’t doing well to him… 36They were all begging to just touch the fringes on his clothes.And all that touched them were made completely well.
1It was sometime later that some Pharisees and Scribes came from JeruSalem to see Jesus, and they asked him:2‘Why are you allowing your disciples to overstep the traditions of the elders?‘For example, they don’t wash their hands before they eat bread!’3But [Jesus] said to them:‘Then, why do you overstep the Commands of God with your traditions? 4For God told you to honor your fathers and mothers, and to have those who speak badly to their fathers or mothers put to death!5‘Yet you're telling your fathers and mothers that all you might have to give to them is already [dedicated] as a gift [to God]. 6So [what you’re really saying], is that you don’t have to honor your parents at all. And when you do this, you’re voiding the word of God with your traditions.7‘You hypocrites! How well IsaiAh prophesied about you, when he said:8‘Although they offer Me praise with their lips,
They’re far away from Me in their hearts!
9So it’s in vain that they come to bow before Me,
Since they’re teaching the ideas and instructions of men.’
[Isaiah 29:13]10Then he called the crowds closer and said to them:‘Listen and understand… 11It isn’t the things that go into a man’s mouth that dirty him, it’s the things that come out of his mouth that pollute him!’12Well later, the disciples came up to him and said:‘Don’t you know that the Pharisees were stumbled by what you said?’13But he replied:‘Anything that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14So just let them go, for they’re blind guides! And if a blind man leads a blind man, they’ll both fall into a pit.’15Then Peter said:‘Well then; please explain the meaning of that parable to us.’16And [Jesus] asked:‘Don’t you get the point? 17Don’t you realize that whatever you put into your mouth just goes into your belly and then into the sewer?18‘However, the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart… These are the things that dirty a man. 19For out of the heart comes wicked thinking, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, thievery, false testimonies, and blasphemy. 20These are the things that pollute a man! But eating with unwashed hands doesn’t make him dirty.’21Well, after he left that place, Jesus traveled up into areas of Tyre and Sidon. 22And there {Look!} a Phoenician woman who lived nearby came to him and started shouting:‘Have mercy on me O Lord, son of David; for my daughter is badly demon possessed!’23Now, [Jesus] didn’t pay any attention to her. But his disciples begged him to [do something], because she kept following them and shouting at them.
24So he said to them:‘I wasn’t sent here to [help] anyone other than just the lost sheep of the house of IsraEl.’25But then, the woman came up to [Jesus]. She bowed low and said:‘Lord, please help me!’26And he said to her:‘It isn’t right to take bread from the children and throw it to the puppies.’27But she replied:‘Yes Lord; but aren’t puppies allowed to eat the crumbs that fall from the tables of their masters?’28Well at that, Jesus said to her:‘O woman; you have a lot of faith… May it be as you wish.’And her daughter was healed from that moment on.29Then, going cross-country from that place, Jesus traveled along the Sea of Galilee. And finally, he climbed a mountain and sat down… 30And large crowds started coming to him, bringing people who were lame, injured, blind, and those who were unable to speak (along with many others).They almost threw them at his feet, and he cured them all.31So the crowds were amazed when they saw the speechless talking, the lame walking, and the blind seeing… And they praised the God of IsraEl.32Well later, Jesus called his disciples to him and said:‘I’m concerned for the crowds, because they’ve stayed with me for three days and they don’t have anything to eat. I certainly don’t want to send them away hungry, because they might give out on the road!’33However, the disciples asked:‘Where could we get enough bread to satisfy this large a crowd in such a remote location?’34So Jesus asked them:‘How many loaves do you have?’And they replied:‘Seven, plus a few little fish.’35So he told the crowd to recline on the ground. 36Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after offering thanks, he broke them up and gave them to the disciples, who [distributed them] among the crowd… 37And everyone ate until they were satisfied.And after they picked up the scraps, they found that they had seven provision baskets full, 38even though there were some 4,000 men, plus women and children, who ate!39Well, finally, after dismissing the crowd, he got into the boat and they traveled to the area of MagaDan.
1This is where the Pharisees and SadDucees came to [Jesus] and tried to tempt him by asking for a sign from heaven.2He answered and said to them:‘When it’s evening, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red.’ 3Then in the morning, ‘It will be bad weather, because the sky is red and overcast.’‘Hypocrites! You know how to read the sky, but you can’t read the signs of the times.’ [spurious text]But he said:4‘A wicked and adulterous people is always looking for signs.‘However, no sign will be given other than the sign of Jonah [the Prophet].’Then he just walked away and left them.5Well, after Jesus and his disciples got to the other side [of the sea], they [realized that they] had forgotten to bring along any bread. 6And when Jesus told them to keep their eyes open and watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and SadDucees, 7the disciples started saying to each other:‘Why [did he say this]? Is it because we didn’t bring any bread along?’8Well, because Jesus knew [what they were thinking], he said:‘You with so little faith! Why are you talking about not having any bread?9‘Don’t you get the point… Don’t you remember how many baskets you picked up after [we fed] five thousand [men with just] five loaves; 10or how many provision baskets you picked up after we fed four thousand [men] with just seven loaves?11‘Why don’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread… [I’m telling you to] watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and SadDucees!’12Well with that, they [finally] realized that he wasn’t telling them to watch out for fermentation in bread, but for the teachings of the Pharisees and SadDucees.13Thereafter, he traveled on to Caesarea Philippi, and there Jesus asked his disciples:‘Who are people saying that the Son of Man is?’14So they told him:‘Some say you’re John the Immerser, others EliJah, and still others are saying that you’re JeremiAh or one of the Prophets.’15Then he asked them:‘But, whom do you say that I am?’16And Simon Peter answered:‘You’re the Anointed One, the Son of the Living God.’17So Jesus said to him:‘You are blest, Simon son of Jonah, because this wasn’t shown to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in the heavens.18‘I also tell you this:‘Just as you’re Peter [meaning, Rock], I’ll build my congregation on this bedrock so that the gates of the place of the dead won’t overpower it.19‘I’ll also give you the keys to the Kingdom of the heavens, so that whatever you bind on earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you set free on the earth will be set free in the heavens.’20Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Anointed One. 21And that’s when Jesus (the Anointed) started showing his disciples that he would have to go to JeruSalem and suffer many things at [the hands of] the elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes… And although he would be killed, [he would thereafter be] raised on the 3rd day.22But at that, Peter took him aside and started scolding him, saying:‘Be kind to yourself Lord; this isn’t going to happen to you!’23However [Jesus] turned to Peter and said:‘Get behind me opposer! You’re a trap to me, because you aren’t thinking God’s thoughts, but those of men.’24Then Jesus said this to his disciples:‘If anyone wants to follow me, he’ll have to deny his own needs, then pick up his impaling pole and travel behind me.25‘For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.26‘So, what good would it do for a man to gain the whole world, if he just loses his life? And what will a man give [to save] his own life?27‘Well, the Son of Man is about to come into the glory of his Father and of His messengers, and then he’ll repay each person for the things that he’s done. 28Yet, I tell you the truth when I say that some of you standing here won’t taste death at all until you see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.’
1Well, it was just six days later that Jesus took Peter, James, and John (the brother of James) to a private spot on a high mountain, 2where he changed form in front of them! His face became as bright as the sun, and his clothes became as white as light! 3And {Look!} they saw Moses and EliJah speaking to [Jesus]!4So Peter said to Jesus:‘Lord, it’s good for us to be here… And if you want, I’ll put up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah.’5But just as he said this, {Look!} a bright cloud covered them and {Look!} a voice came out of the cloud that said:‘This is my beloved Son whom I have approved… Listen to him!’6Well when they heard that, the disciples were frightened and they fell to their faces. 7But Jesus went over to them and touched them, and said:‘Get up; don’t be afraid.’8Then when they looked up, they saw just Jesus all by himself.9Well, as they were walking down the mountain, Jesus gave them this warning, he said:‘Don’t tell anyone what you saw here until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’10Then sometime later, the disciples asked him:‘Why do the Scribes say that EliJah must come first?’11And Jesus told them:‘EliJah does indeed come and he restores everything. 12However, I tell you that EliJah has already come and they didn’t recognize him. So they did whatever they wanted to him… And this is the same way that the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands!’13Well, it was then that the disciples finally realized that he was talking to them about John the Immerser.14And as they were approaching a crowd, a man came up to Jesus, then he kneeled down, and said:15‘Lord, please show mercy on my son! He gets loony and he often falls into the fire or into the water. 16Even though I brought him to your disciples, they haven’t been able to cure him!’17It was then that Jesus said:‘O [what a] faithless and twisted people! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer will I have to put up with you?‘Bring him here to me!’18So Jesus thereafter scolded the demon and it came out, and the boy was cured from that moment on.19Then the disciples came to Jesus while he was alone and asked:‘Why couldn’t we cast it out?’20And he replied:‘Because of your lack of faith!‘I tell you the truth: If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it would go… Nothing would be impossible for you!’21‘However, this kind won’t go out except by prayer and fasting.’ [spurious words]22Then, while they were all gathered in Galilee, Jesus said to them:‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men 23who will kill him… But he will be raised on the 3rd day.’And this made them all very sad.24Well, after they arrived in CapharNaum, the men who collected the double-silver [tax] came up to Peter and asked:‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the double-silver [tax]?’25And he replied:‘Yes he does.’Then, after he went back into the house, Jesus was already ahead of him and he asked [Peter]:‘What do you think, Simon; from whom do the kings of the earth get their duties and head taxes… From their sons, or from strangers?’26And [Peter] answered:‘From strangers.’Then Jesus said:‘So, the sons are really tax-free, aren’t they?27‘But because we don’t want to stumble them, go over to the sea and cast out a hook, then take the first fish that you catch. And when you open its mouth, you’ll find a coin.‘Take [the coin] and give it to them for both you and me.’
1It was less than an hour later that the disciples came up to Jesus and asked:‘Which [of us] will be the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens (or, of God)?’2So [Jesus] called a little boy over and stood him in their midst, and said:3‘I tell you the truth: Unless you change your ways and become like this little boy, you won’t get into the Kingdom of the heavens!4‘But the one who humbles himself like this little boy will be the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens. 5And whoever welcomes someone like this little boy in my name, welcomes me.6‘But if anyone sets a snare before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have the type of millstone that’s turned by a burro hung around his neck, and then to be dropped into the open sea!7‘Woe to this system of things because of its snares!‘Of course, there’ll always be snares… But woe to the man who sets them!8‘So if your hand or foot is a snare to you, cut it off and throw it away. For it’s better to enter life maimed or lame than to be thrown into the age-long fire with two hands or two feet.9‘Also, if your eye is a snare to you, rip it out and throw it away. For it’s better to enter life with one eye than to be thrown with two eyes into the fires of the garbage dump.10‘This is why you should never disregard any of these little ones!‘For I tell you: Their messengers in the heavens gaze upon the face of my Father in the heavens!’11‘For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost. [spurious text, copied from Luke 19:10]12‘What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, but one of them strays, won’t he leave the 99 and search in the mountains for the one who’s strayed?13‘Then, if he happens to find it, I tell you, he’ll be happier over that one than over the 99 that didn’t stray!14‘So it is with my Father in the heavens… He doesn’t want even one of these little ones to perish. 15Therefore, if your brother should fail in some way, take him aside and discuss it between you and him alone; then if he listens to you, you’ll have won over your brother.16‘But if he doesn’t listen, you should bring along one or two others, so that whatever is said [by him] can be proven by the mouths of two or three witnesses. 17However, if he refuses to listen even to them, you should speak to the congregation. And if he refuses to listen to even the congregation, let him become as a gentile or as a tax collector among you.18‘I tell you the truth: everything that you bind on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and everything that you set free on the earth will be set free in the heavens.19‘Again, I truthfully say: If two of you agree to anything on this earth that you must request, it’ll happen because of my Father in heaven. 20For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I’ll be there among them.’21Then Peter came up to him and asked:‘Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother when he sins against me… Up to seven times?’22But Jesus replied:‘I tell you; not up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times!23‘To illustrate:‘The Kingdom of [God] is like a man, a king, who wanted to settle some accounts with his slaves. 24So he started by bringing in a man who owed him 10,000 large silver coins. 25And because he couldn’t repay it, the master ordered that he, his wife, his children, and everything that he owned was to be sold to make the payment.26‘However, the slave fell down with his face to the ground before [the master] and begged:‘Be patient with me and I’ll pay back everything that I owe you!’27‘Well, [the king] was moved to pity at this, so he forgave him and freed him from his entire debt.28‘But shortly thereafter, the slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves that owed him just 100 small coins, and he grabbed him and started choking him, saying:‘Pay back everything that you owe me!’29‘Then his fellow slave fell down and started begging him, saying:‘Be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back!’30‘However, [the first slave] had the man locked up until he could pay everything that he was owed.31‘Well, when all the other slaves saw this they became very upset, so they went and told their master what had happened. 32Then the master summoned him and said this:‘Wicked slave! I canceled all that debt for you because you begged me. 33So, why didn’t you see the need to show the same type of mercy for your fellow slave that I had shown to you?’34‘And the master became so furious that he had him taken off to jail until he could repay all that he owed.35‘Now, this is how my heavenly Father will deal with you if you don’t forgive your brothers from your hearts.’
1Well after Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and traveled to the Judean border across the JorDan River, 2and because huge crowds followed along, he cured them there.3However, the Pharisees came to test him, asking:‘Is it legal for a man to divorce his woman on any grounds?’4And [Jesus] replied:‘You’ve read that the One who created them long ago made them male and female 5and said:‘This is why a man will leave his father and mother and join to his woman, making the two one flesh.’ [Genesis 2:24]6‘So they’re no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, no man should split apart what The God has yoked together!’7And they said:‘Then, why did Moses say that we could give them divorce certificates and dismiss them?’8And he replied:‘Moses realized how hardhearted you would be, so he allowed you to release your women… But that hasn’t always been the way!9‘I tell you that whoever divorces his woman except on the grounds of sexual immorality and marries another, is an adulterer!‘And whoever marries a released woman is an adulterer.’10Then [one of] his disciples said:‘If this is true of a man and his woman, then it’s probably best not to marry at all!’11And Jesus said:‘Yes, but this is something that not every man can do… Just those who have the gift. 12For there are eunuchs that were born that way, eunuchs that were made that way by men, and those who have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of [God].‘So let those who can make room for it, make room for it!’13Well after that, [people] started bringing their young children to him so that he could lay his hands on them and offer a prayer, but the disciples started scolding them.14However, Jesus told them:‘Leave the children alone and don’t stop them from coming to me, because the Kingdom of [God] is for people just like this!’ [frequently mistranslated]15And after he laid his hands on them, he traveled on.16Then later, {Look!} someone came up to [Jesus] and asked:‘Teacher, what sort of good things must I do in order to receive age-long life?’17And [Jesus] replied:‘Why are you asking me about doing what’s good? There’s just One who is truly good… But if you want to enter into the life, just follow the Commandments!’18Then [the man] asked:‘Which ones?’And Jesus replied:‘You must not murder, you must not commit adultery, you must not steal, you must not testify falsely, 19you must honor [your] father and mother, and you must love your neighbor as yourself.’20And the young man said to him:‘Well, I’ve kept all these things… So what else am I lacking?’21And Jesus said to him:‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your belongings and give to the poor, then come follow me and you’ll have treasures in the heavens.’22However, after the young man heard this, he left very sad, because he owned many things.23So then Jesus said to his disciples:‘I tell you the truth: It’ll be difficult for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of [God]. 24Let me put it this way… It would be easier [to thread] a rope through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.’25Well, the disciples were very surprised at hearing this, and they asked:‘Then, who can really be saved?’26And looking them straight in their faces, Jesus said:‘With men, this is an impossibility. However, all things are possible with God.’27But then Peter said to him:‘{Look} Since we’ve left everything to follow you, what will we really get?’28And Jesus replied:‘I tell you the truth: In the rebirth – when the Son of Man sits down on his glorious throne – you who’ve followed me will sit on 12 thrones and you’ll judge the 12 tribes of IsraEl.29‘Also, anyone who has left a house, or his brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or land for the sake of my name will receive many times more, and he will inherit age-long life.30‘Yet, many that are the first will be the last, and the last will be the first.’
1‘For the Kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of his house, who went out very early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2And when they agreed on a payment of one silver coin per day, he sent them out to work in his field.3‘However, he thereafter went out again (about the 3rd hour [9am]) and noticed others that were standing in the marketplace looking for work, 4and he said:‘You go into the vineyard also, and I’ll pay you whatever is fair.’5‘So off they went.‘Then he went out again about the 6th and the 9th hours [12 noon and 3pm] and he did the same thing.‘6Finally, about the 11th hour [5pm], he went out and found more workers standing around, and he asked them:‘Why have you been standing here all day long unemployed?’7‘And they said:‘Because nobody has hired us!’‘So, he said to them:‘Then you go into my vineyard too.’8‘Well, later that evening, the master of the vineyard told the man in charge to call in all the workers and pay them their wages… And he told him to pay the last ones first.9‘So [after] the 11th hour [5pm], the men came in and he started paying each of them a silver coin. 10However, when it came time [to pay] the first, these figured that they’d be getting more… Yet they were also paid a [single] silver coin.11‘And as they were receiving it, they started complaining about the master, saying:12‘Even though these last ones just put in only one hour’s work, he paid them the same as those of us that worked all day long in the burning heat!’13‘But in reply to one of them, [the master] said:‘Man, I haven’t done you any wrong! Didn’t we agree on one silver coin? 14Take what is yours and go. I paid the last ones the same as you, because I want to! 15And isn’t it legal for me to do whatever I wish with my own things? Are you viewing me as wicked because I’ve done something good?’16‘So understand this:‘The last will be the first and the first will be the last.’ For many are called, but few chosen. [spurious words, copied from Matthew 22:14]17Then, as they were starting down the road to JeruSalem, Jesus took the 12 disciples off privately and explained this to them… He said:18‘{Look!} We’re heading up to JeruSalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the Chief Priests and Scribes, and they’ll condemn him to death. 19Then they’ll hand him over to the gentiles, who will make fun of him, whip him, and impale him… But on the third day he will be raised!’20Well sometime later, the mother of the sons of ZebediOu came up to him with her [two] sons, and she bowed low as if to request something.21So he asked her:‘What is it that you want?’And she said:‘[Promise me] that my two sons will sit, one at your right hand and one on your left, in your Kingdom.’22But Jesus replied:‘You don’t really know what you’re asking… Can they drink from the same cup that I’ll be drinking?’And [her sons] answered:‘Yes we can!’23So he said to them:‘You will indeed drink from my same cup! But sitting on my right and left isn’t mine to give… It belongs to those for whom my Father has prepared it.’24Well when the 10 other [disciples] heard what the brothers had done, they became very angry with them. 25However, Jesus called them all to him and said this:‘You know how the rulers of the nations like to be masters over [the people] and keep them under their feet… 26But you shouldn’t be like that! Rather, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.28‘For this is how the Son of Man came… Not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’29Then, as they were leaving JeriCho with a large crowd following them, 30{Look!} there were two blind men sitting alongside the road who heard that Jesus was passing by.So they shouted:‘Lord… Have mercy on us, Son of David!’31But even though the crowd told them to be quiet, they shouted even louder:‘Lord… Have mercy on us, Son of David!’32So Jesus stopped and called them over, and asked:‘What do you want me to do for you?’33And they replied:‘Lord, we want you to open our eyes!’34Then, moved with pity, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they were able to see… And they started following him.
1Well, when they got close to JeruSalem and arrived at BethPhage (on the Mount of Olives), Jesus sent two disciples ahead, 2telling them:‘Go into the village that’s across from us, and you’ll immediately find a burro that’s tied next to its colt. Untie them and bring them here to me.3‘If anyone asks you about it, just tell him that the Lord needs them, and he’ll send them with you.’4Of course, the reason why this happened is so that the thing spoken through the Prophet might be fulfilled:5‘Say this to the daughter of Zion:
Look! Your King is coming to you!
[He’s] gentle and comes riding the colt of a burro…
The foal of a creature that bears heavy loads.’
[Zechariah 9:9]6So the disciples went and did just as Jesus told them. 7They brought the burro and its colt to him, then they put their robes [over its back] for him to sit on. 8Also, many in the crowd spread their robes out on the road ahead of him, while others cut branches from trees and spread them out on the road.9So, part of the crowd walked ahead of him, while the rest followed behind him shouting:‘[God] save the Son of David!
Praise the one who comes in the Name of Jehovah…
Save, we pray, from the heights!’10Well, as he was entering JeruSalem, this caused quite a stir throughout the city, [for people were asking]:‘Who is this?’11And the crowd [that was with Jesus] replied:‘This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee!’12Well from there, Jesus entered the Temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling. He also overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those who were selling doves, 13saying to them:‘It is written:‘My house will be called a house of prayer...’‘But, you’re turning it into a den of thieves!’14And after that, people who were blind and lame started coming to him in the Temple, and he cured them.15But when the Chief Priests and Scribes saw the wonderful things that he was doing and they heard all the children shouting in the Temple, ‘[God] save the Son of David,’ they became very upset.16So they said to him:‘Don’t you hear what they’re shouting?’And Jesus replied:‘Yes… Haven’t you ever read this:‘From the mouths of infants and babies
You have ordered up praises.’
[Psalm 8:2]17And with that, he left them… He walked out of the city and went to BethAny, where he spent the night.18Well, while he was on the way back to the city early the next morning, he was hungry. 19So he walked over to a fig tree that was growing alongside the road, but found nothing on it but leaves, so he said:‘Let no fruit come from you anymore throughout the rest of the age.’And the fig tree withered instantly.20Then when the disciples saw this, they wondered:‘How can a fig tree wither instantly?’21And Jesus said:‘I tell you the truth: If you have faith (and you must not doubt), not only will you be able to do what I did to this fig tree, but you could say to this mountain, Lift up and be thrown into the sea, and it’ll happen… 22You’ll receive anything you ask for in prayer if you have faith.’23Then after he’d entered the Temple and started teaching, the Chief Priests and the peoples’ elders came up to him and asked:‘Who authorized you to do these things… Who said that you could do this?’24In reply, Jesus said:‘Let me ask you something, and if you answer me, I’ll tell you who authorized me to do these things...25‘What was the source of John’s immersing? Did it come from heaven or from men?’So they started reasoning among themselves and saying to each other:‘If we say from heaven, he will ask us, Then why didn’t you believe him? 26But if we say from men, we’ll have to deal with the crowd, because they think John was a Prophet.’
27So they told Jesus:‘We don’t know.’And he told them:‘Then I’m not going to tell you where I got the authority to do the things that I’m doing.28‘What do you think?‘There was once a man who had two children. He went to the first one and said:‘Son, I want you to work in the vineyard today.’29‘This one answered:‘Yes sir!’‘But he didn’t [do it].30‘Then [the man] went to the second son and said the same thing. And he replied:‘I don’t want to…’‘But later, he felt sorry and he did go [to work in the vineyard].31‘So, which of the two did what their father wanted?’And they replied:‘The second one.’Then Jesus said to them:‘I tell you the truth; tax collectors and whores will go ahead of you into the Kingdom of God, 32because John came to you [preaching] the ways of righteousness, but you didn’t believe him.‘However, tax collectors and whores believed him! And although you saw this, you didn’t feel sorry later and put faith in what he was saying.33‘Listen to another parable:‘There was a man – the master of his house – who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, built a tower [to protect it], and hired [people to] cultivate it before he traveled abroad.34‘Then when the [harvest] season arrived, he sent his servants to the farm hands to collect the fruit.35‘However, those farm hands took his slaves and beat the first one up, threw stones at the second, and killed the third one.36‘So he then sent other slaves to them (more than the first)… But they did the same things to these.37‘Finally, he sent his son to them, saying:‘They’ll show respect for my son!’38‘But when they saw the son, the farmers said:‘This is the heir! Let’s kill him and get his inheritance!’ 39‘So they grabbed him and threw him out of the vineyard, then they killed him.’40‘Now, when the owner of the vineyard returns, what do you think he will do to those farm hands?’41And they replied:‘Because they’re so bad, he will destroy them in a painful way, then he’ll hire others who’ll cultivate the vineyard and give him the fruit when it’s due.’42And Jesus said to them:‘Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures:‘The stone that the builders rejected
Has become the foundation cornerstone…
By Jehovah this was done,
And this is a wonderful thing in our eyes?’
[Psalm 118:22]43‘This is why I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that produces its fruit. 44For the person who falls on this ‘stone’ will be shattered, and anyone it falls on will be smashed into dust!’45Well, after the Chief Priests and the Pharisees heard these parables, they realized that he was talking about them. 46Yet, although they were looking to grab him, they didn’t, because they were afraid of the crowds, since [the people] viewed him as a Prophet.
1Then Jesus gave them another parable. He said:2‘The Kingdom of the heavens [or, of God] is like a man… A king, that arranged a wedding banquet for his son. 3And thereafter, he sent his slaves out to call all those whom he wished to invite.‘However, none of the people wanted to come.4‘So then he sent other slaves, giving them these instructions:‘Tell those whom I invited that {Look!} the banquet is ready… Bulls and fattened animals have been slaughtered, and everything is prepared, so they should come to the feast!’5‘However, none of them paid any attention. One went out to his field, another to his business, 6and the rest grabbed his slaves, abused them, and then killed them.7‘Of course, this sent the king into a rage!‘So he sent his army to destroy those murderers and to burn their city.8‘And after he did that, he said to his slaves:‘The marriage feast is indeed ready, but those whom I invited were unworthy. 9So, go out to the roads that lead into the city and invite everyone you can find to my wedding banquet!’10‘Therefore, the slaves went out to the roads and they gathered everyone they could find (both the wicked and the good), and the banquet hall was soon filled with people reclining at the tables.11‘But then, when the king came in to inspect the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t properly dressed for a wedding celebration.12‘So he asked him:‘How did you get in here [dressed like that]?’‘Well, the man was speechless.13‘Then the king said to his servants:‘Tie him hand and foot and throw him into the darkness outside, where he can cry and grind his teeth!’14‘For, many are called, but few are chosen.’15Well, after he said that, the Pharisees all went off and held a meeting [to discuss ways to] catch [Jesus] in something that he might say. 16So they sent some of their disciples along with some of the followers of Herod to ask him this:‘Teacher, we know that you tell the truth and what you teach about the way of God is right.‘We also know that you aren’t overly impressed by anyone, because you don’t look at what a person seems to be on the outside. 17So, tell us what you think:‘Is it right for us to pay Caesar’s head tax, or not?’18But Jesus (knowing their wickedness) said to them:‘Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin that you use to pay the head tax.’So they brought him a silver coin, 20and he asked them:‘Whose image and inscription is on this?’21And they replied:‘Caesar’s.’Then he said to them:‘Pay Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.’22Well when they heard that, they were bewildered. So they left him and went away.23Then on that same day, the SadDucees (who don’t believe in the resurrection) approached [Jesus] and asked him this:24‘Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies without having children, his brother must take his woman and sire [children] for his brother.25‘So now, let’s say there were seven brothers.‘The first one married and died without having [children], leaving his woman to his brother.26‘Then the same thing happened to the second and to the third, until [she had gone] through all seven.27‘Finally the woman died.28‘So, to which of the seven will she be married in the resurrection, since they all had her?’29And Jesus replied:‘This is why you’re headed in the wrong direction… For you don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God.30‘In the resurrection, they won’t marry or be given in marriage, for they’ll be like the angels in the heavens.31‘Also, haven’t you read what God told you about the resurrection of the dead [when he said]:32‘I am the God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob?’‘He isn’t the God of the dead, but of the living!’33Well when the crowds heard that, they were amazed by his [way of] teaching.34Then after the Pharisees heard how he had muzzled the SadDucees, they all came up to him as a group. 35And one of them that was well-versed in the Law asked (to test him):36‘Teacher, which is the greatest Commandment of the Law?’37And Jesus replied:‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, soul, and mind.’38‘This is the first and the greatest Commandment.39‘The second, which is like it, is this:‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’40‘These two commandments are the basis of the whole Law and all the [words of the] Prophets.’41Then as all the Pharisees were still there in front of him, Jesus asked them:42‘What do you believe about the Anointed One… Whose son is he to be?’And they replied:‘David’s.’43So he said:‘Then why did David, through the Breath [of God], call him his Lord, when he said:44‘Jehovah said this to my lord:‘Sit here at my right hand,
‘Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet?’
[Psalm 110:1]45‘So if David called him ‘Lord,’ how could he be his son?’46Well, nobody was able to say even a word in reply, nor did anyone dare to ask him any more questions from that day on.
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowd and to his disciples, and said this:2‘Since the Scribes and Pharisees have put themselves in the seat of Moses, 3you should do whatever they tell you to do… Yes, do and pay attention! But don’t do as they do, because they like to talk, but they don’t [practice what they preach].4‘Rather, they bundle heavy loads to lay on men’s shoulders, which they’re personally unwilling to try to lift with even a finger, 5since everything that they do is done just to be seen by men.‘They broaden the [scripture-carrying] cases they wear, they make the fringes [on their clothes] a bit longer, 6they like the first places at meals and the front seats in the synagogues, 7and they enjoy being greeted in the markets and having people call them Rabbi.8‘But not you!‘Don’t [have people] call you rabbi, for you only have one teacher, while you’re all just brothers.9‘Nor should you address anyone on this earth as Father, because there’s just One who’s your Father, the Heavenly One.10‘Don’t even be called leaders, because you only have one Leader, the Anointed One.11‘Rather, the greatest among you must be your servant. 12For those who promote themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be promoted.13‘Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – you hypocrites – for you’re blocking the way into the Kingdom of the heavens.‘You don’t enter it, and you don’t allow the rest that are on their way to enter it!14‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer. Therefore, you shall receive the greater damnation. [spurious words, copied from Luke 20:47]15‘So, woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – you hypocrites – because you travel land and sea to make a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of the garbage dump as yourselves!16‘And woe to you blind guides that say:‘If someone swears an oath by the Temple, it doesn’t mean anything.
But if he swears by the gold in the Temple, the oath is binding.’17‘Morons and blind men!‘Which is really greater… The gold, or the Temple that makes the gold holy?18‘You also say:‘If someone swears an oath by the Altar, it doesn’t mean anything; but if anyone swears by the gift on [the Altar], the oath is binding.’19‘Blind men!‘Which is really greater… The gift, or the Altar that makes the gift holy? 20Those who swear an oath by the Altar are not only swearing by it, but also by everything that’s on it.21‘Also, those who swear an oath by the Temple are swearing by the One who dwells there, 22and those who swear an oath by heaven are swearing by the throne of God and by the One who’s sitting upon it!23‘Yes, woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – for even though you contribute even 1/10th of your mint, dill, and cumin, you ignore the deeper things of the Law, like justice, mercy, and faith!‘Yes, you should do those things also… In addition to the rest. 24[However, you’re just] blind guides that strain out weevils as you gulp down camels!25‘Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you wash the outsides of cups and dishes that are still filled with theft and excesses on the insides.26‘Blind Pharisees: first clean the insides of the cups and dishes, so that the outsides can also be clean!27‘Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you’re like whitewashed graves that look beautiful on the outside, but you’re full of dead men’s bones and every sort of filth on the inside…28‘You look like righteous men on the outside, but on the inside, you’re full of hypocrisy and lawlessness!29‘Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites – because you build tombs to dead Prophets… Yes, you decorate the tombs of the righteous and say:30‘If we had lived back in the days of our forefathers, we wouldn’t have shared in [spilling] the blood of the Prophets!’31‘But when you say this, you’re testifying against yourselves that you’re the sons of those who murdered the Prophets! 32And now [it’s time] for you to fully measure up to [the badness of] your ancestors!33‘Yes, you snakes and children of vipers! How can you escape the judgment of the garbage dump?34‘Look! I’ll be sending you Prophets, wise men, and writers, whom you’ll kill… You’ll hang some on poles, and you’ll whip others in your synagogues and chase them down in one city after another.35‘And that’s when you’ll become responsible for all the righteous blood that has been spilled on the earth from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of ZechariAh (son of BarachiAh), whom you murdered between the Holy Place and the Altar.36‘Yes, I’m telling the truth when I say that all of this [guilt] will be laid upon this people!37‘O JeruSalem, JeruSalem…‘You killer of Prophets and stoner of those who were sent to you!‘How often I’ve wanted to gather your children the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings… But you didn’t want that!38‘So look… Your house has been taken from you!39‘I tell you the truth: You won’t see me again until you say:‘Praise the one who comes in Jehovah’s Name!’
1Well, after Jesus had left the Temple, his disciples came up to him and were pointing admiringly towards its buildings.2So he said to them:‘Do you see all these things?‘I tell you the truth: there won’t be a stone left on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down.’3Then, as he was sitting in a quiet spot on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came up to him and asked:‘Tell us when these things will happen. What will be the sign?’ of your coming and the end of the world? [Possibly spurious words]4And Jesus replied:‘Watch out so that no one misleads you; 5for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Anointed’, and they’ll mislead many.6‘You’ll also hear of wars and reports of wars, but don’t let that frighten you, for these things must happen too… But that isn't the end. 7Yes, nations will be rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms, and there’ll be famines and great shakings in many places… 8Yet, these will just be the beginnings of the birth pangs.9‘Then people will hand you over to be persecuted and killed… You’ll be hated by all the nations on account of my name. 10And because many will be stumbled, they’ll dislike each other and they’ll even betray each other!11‘There’ll also be false prophets that will arise and mislead many; 12and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the majority will grow cold.13‘However, those who endure to the end will be saved.14‘For this good news of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole habitation of mankind as a testimony to all the nations before the end arrives.15‘So when you see the disgusting destroyer that was spoken of through the Prophet DaniEl standing in the Holy Place (let the reader pay attention to this), 16those [living] in Judea should flee to the mountains!17‘The man who’s standing on his roof shouldn’t go down to remove things from his house, 18and the man who’s standing in his field shouldn’t [go back home] to get his clothes.19‘Also, woe to those who are pregnant and those who are nursing babies in those days… 20They should keep praying that their time to run doesn’t arrive in the winter or on a Sabbath!21‘For a difficult time will then arrive that will be unlike anything that has happened since the beginning of this arrangement until now, nor should ever happen again!22‘And if those days weren’t going to be shortened, no flesh could be saved… But for the sake of the elected, those days will be shortened.23‘Then if anyone should say:‘Look! [He’s] here!’‘Or:‘There! It’s the Anointed One!’‘Don’t believe it! 24Because, false anointed [ones] and false prophets will arise. They’ll perform such great omens and signs that they could possibly mislead even the elected!25‘Now, I’ve warned you!26‘So if people should say:‘Look! He’s in the desert!’‘...you shouldn’t go there. Or [if they say]:‘Look, He’s in that barn!’‘...you shouldn’t believe it [either].27‘For as lightning flashes across the skies from the east to the west, that’s how you’ll know that the Son of Man is nearby… 28[Just] like when vultures gather at a carcass.29‘Then immediately after that difficult time:‘The sun will grow dark,
The moon won’t give out its light,
The stars will fall from the skies,
And the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
[Isaiah 13:10]30‘Thereafter, the Son of Man’s sign will appear in the skies, and all the tribes of the land will beat themselves in grief as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds in the sky with great power and glory.31‘For He will send his messengers [blowing] loud trumpets that will then collect his elected from the four winds… From one end of the skies to the other.32‘Now, learn this from the story of the fig tree:‘When its young branches grow tender
And it starts putting out leaves,
You know that summer is near.’33‘So when you see these [things start to happen], know that it’s near… At the doors!34‘I tell you the truth: This people won’t pass away until these things have all been fulfilled. 35Although the skies and the lands may all pass away, my words won’t pass away!36‘Yet, no one knows the date and time, not the angels in the heavens or the Son… Just the Father. 37For as it was in the days of Noah is how it’ll be at the arrival of the Son of Man.38‘Back in the days that led up to the Downpour, the people were all eating and drinking, getting married and being taken in marriage, right up to the very day that Noah entered the Chest. 39Yes, they were unaware until the Downpour came and swept them all away!‘And that’s how it’ll be when the Son of Man arrives.40‘Then, where there are two men in a field, one will be taken along while the other is abandoned. 41Also, where two women are grinding [grain] at one mill; one will be taken along, while the other will be abandoned.42‘So [you should all] stay awake, since you don’t know the day that your Lord will arrive.43‘I want you to recognize this:‘If the master of the house had known in which watch the thief would be coming, he would have stayed awake and not allowed his house to be [broken into].‘44So always prove yourselves ready; for the Son of Man will arrive at a time that he isn’t expected.45‘Who is the faithful and sensible slave that the master has put in charge of his household to provide them their food at the right times? 46That slave will be blest if he’s found doing this when his master arrives… 47I tell you the truth; he’ll put him in charge of everything that he owns!48‘However, if that bad slave should ever say in his heart:‘My master is late in arriving...’49‘...and then he starts beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the drunks... 50That slave’s master will arrive on a date and time that he isn’t expected, 51and he will cut him down and assign him among hypocrites, where he’ll weep and grind his teeth.’
1‘For the Kingdom of the heavens is like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the groom and his bride. 2Five of them were wise, but [the other] five just didn’t care. 3For although they brought their lamps, they didn’t bring any oil, 4while the wise brought jars of oil for their lamps.5‘Well, as the bridegroom was taking his time, they all nodded off and went to sleep. 6But in the middle of the night, someone shouted:‘Look, it’s the groom [and his bride]… Let’s go out and meet them!’7‘So thereafter, all the [wise] virgins got up and started preparing their lamps.8‘However, those who didn’t care then said to the wise:‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are about to go out!’9‘But the wise replied:‘There probably isn’t enough for us all, so you’d best go to the store to buy your own.’10‘Well, the [bride and] groom happened to arrive just as these ones were leaving. So those who were ready entered the wedding banquet along with him… And then the door was closed.11‘Well later on, the other virgins finally showed up and they shouted:‘Lord! Lord! Open to us!’12‘But he said to them:‘I tell you the truth: I don’t know you!’13‘So, this is why you must stay awake… For you don’t know the date and time!14‘It’s [the same] as when a man who was about to travel abroad called for his slaves to entrust his belongings to them.15‘To one he gave five [silver] coins, to another he gave two, and to another he gave just one (each according to their abilities). And thereafter, he left on his trip.16‘Well, the one who got the five went right out and put [his five coins] to work, gaining five more coins.17‘The same was true of the slave who’d received two; he gained two more.18‘But [the slave] that received just one went and dug a hole in the ground, where he buried his master’s silver.19‘Then after some time, the master of those slaves [finally] returned and he called them in for an accounting.20‘So the one who received the five coins came forward carrying the five more and said:‘Lord, you gave me five coins, and look… I’ve gained you five more!’21‘And his master said:‘Well done, good and faithful slave! Since you’ve been faithful in a few things, I’ll appoint you over many… Enjoy the favor of your Lord!’22‘Next, the one who received the two coins came forward and said to his master:‘Lord, you gave me two coins, and look… I’ve gained you two more!’23‘So his master said to him:‘You’ve done well, my good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things, so I’ll appoint you over many… Share in the joy of your Lord!’24‘Finally, the [slave] that was given the one coin came up to his master and said:‘Lord, I know that you’re a hard man who reaps where he doesn’t sow and harvests where he doesn’t plant. 25So because I was afraid, I hid your coin in the ground. Now see; I give you what’s yours!’26‘In reply, his master then said to him:‘O you wicked and lazy slave!‘So you know that I reap where I don’t sow and I harvest where I don’t plant, do you? 27Then you should have deposited my silver with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received what’s mine with interest!28‘So now; take the coin away from him and give it to the one who has 10 coins. 29Because, more will be given to those who have, and they’ll have plenty. But it’ll all be taken from those who don’t have.30‘Now, throw this useless slave into the darkness outside, where he will weep and grind his teeth!’31‘Likewise, this is what’s going to happen when the Son of Man arrives in his glory along with all of the messengers:‘He’s going to sit down on his glorious throne, 32and all nations will be led before him. Then he’ll separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.33‘He will put the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left.34‘And at that, the king will say to those on his right:‘Come, you who’ve been praised by my Father; inherit the Kingdom that has been prepared for you since the founding of the arrangement.35‘For when I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you took me in. 36When I was naked, you clothed me. When I was sick, you looked after me. And when I was in prison, you came to me.’37‘Then the righteous will ask:‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? 39Yes, when did we see you sick or in prison and come to your [aid]?’40‘And the king will say:‘I tell you the truth: when you did it for the least of my brothers, you also did it for me.’41‘Then he will say to those on his left:‘Leave me, you who’ve been cursed into the age-long fire that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers!42‘For when I was hungry, you didn’t feed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me nothing to drink. 43When I was a stranger, you didn’t take me in. When I was naked, you didn’t clothe me. And when I was sick and in prison, you didn’t come to my aid.’44‘Then they’ll also ask:‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and not serve your needs?’45‘And he will answer:‘I tell you the truth; when you didn’t do it for one of these least ones, you didn’t do it for me.’46‘Then these will go into an age-long lopping off, as the righteous go into age-long life.’
1Well, after Jesus had finished saying all these things, he told his disciples this:2‘You know that the Passover will be here in just two days, and the Son of Man is going to be betrayed and hung on a pole.’3Meanwhile, the Chief Priests and the peoples’ elders had all gathered in the courtyard of the High Priest (who was called CaiAphas) 4to discuss sneaky ways to grab Jesus and kill him.5However, they decided not [to do it] at the festival, because that would have created a commotion among the people.6Then, while Jesus was in BethAny at the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman arrived carrying an expensive alabaster case of perfumed oil. She came to him as he was lying down and started pouring it over his head. 8When the disciples saw what she was doing, they were bothered by it and they asked her:‘Why are you wasting this? 9We could have sold this for a lot [of money] and given it to the poor!’10But Jesus asked:‘Why are you bothering this woman? She just did a nice thing for me! 11You’ll always have the poor, but you won’t always have me.12‘When this woman poured the oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for my burial. 13And I tell you the truth: wherever this good news is preached throughout the entire world, what this woman did for me will be told in memory of her!’14Well after that, one of the 12 (the one called Judas IsCariot) went to the Chief Priests 15and asked them:‘What will you give me if I betray [Jesus] to you?’And they told him that they’d pay him 30 silver coins [which is about a month’s wage]. 16So from that point on, [Judas] started looking for a good opportunity to betray [Jesus].17Now, since it was [just before] the first day of [Passover], Jesus’ disciples came up to him and asked:‘Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?’18And he told them:‘Go into the city to (a certain person), and tell him that the Teacher says:‘My appointed time is near, so I’ll celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your home.’19Therefore, the disciples went and did just as Jesus told them and they got everything ready for the Passover.20Then later that evening, while [Jesus] was reclining at the table 21eating with the 12 disciples, he said to them:‘I tell you the truth; one of you will betray me.’22Well, they were all deeply saddened by this, and they each asked him:‘Lord, it isn’t me, is it?’23Then he said:‘One [of you] who has dipped his hand into this bowl with me will betray me.24‘It’s a fact that the Son of Man must leave… Just as it was written about him. But woe to the one through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him had he never been born!’25Then Judas (the one who was about to betray him) asked:‘That isn’t what I am, is it Rabbi?’And [Jesus] replied:‘You said it yourself.’26Well thereafter, as they were eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after giving thanks, he broke it and distributed it among the disciples and said:‘Take some of this and eat it, because this is my body.’27He also took a cup [of wine], and after giving thanks, he passed it among them and said:‘All of you should drink from this; 28for indeed, this is my blood of the Sacred Agreement with the many, which is being poured out for the forgiveness of their sins.29‘However, I’m telling you now that I definitely won’t be drinking the product of the vine anymore until the day that I drink it with you as it has never been drunk before, in the Kingdom of my Father.’30And finally, after singing songs of praise, they walked out to the Mount of Olives.31[There] Jesus said to them:‘All of you will be stumbled [by what will happen to] me tonight, because it’s written:‘When the shepherd is struck, the sheep will be scattered.’ [Zechariah 13:7; see note]32‘But after I wake up, I’ll go ahead of you into Galilee.’33However, Peter said to him:‘Although the others may be trapped, I’ll never stumble!’34And Jesus said:‘I tell you the truth: Before a rooster crows tonight, you’ll have denied knowing me three times.’35Yet, Peter just kept on talking. He said:‘Even if I have to die with you, I’ll never deny knowing you!’And all the other disciples were saying the same thing.36Then Jesus took his disciples to the spot called GethSemane (the Oil Press), and he said to them:‘Now, sit here while I go over there to pray.’37Well, he took Peter and the two sons of ZebediOu with him… And then he became very sad and deeply disturbed, 38and he said to them:‘My soul has been saddened to the point of death. So, please wait here and stay awake with me.’39Then, going a little way forward, he fell to his face and started praying, saying:‘My Father; if it’s possible, let this cup pass from me. However, not my will, but Yours.’40However, when he returned to the disciples, he found them sleeping.
So he asked Peter:‘Aren’t you strong enough to stay awake with me for just an hour? 41You should stay awake and pray that you won’t be put to the test! But indeed… Although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.’42So he went off and prayed a second time, saying:‘My Father; if this can’t pass and I have to drink it, may Your Will be done.’43And when he got back, he found them sleeping again, because their eyes were heavy. 44So then he left them and went to pray a third time, and he said the same things once more. 45And when he got back to his disciples, he said to them:‘Here you’re resting and sleeping… And look! The time has arrived when the Son of Man will be handed over to sinners. 46Get up… Let’s go! Look! Here comes my betrayer!’47And while he was still speaking, {Look!} Judas (one of the 12) arrived with a large mob of Priests and elders, each of whom was carrying a sword or a club!48Now, the betrayer had given them a sign to watch for. He said:‘Whomever I kiss is the one… Grab him!’49And going straight up to Jesus, [Judas] greeted him with the words, ‘Rejoice, Rabbi!’ as he tenderly kissed him.50But Jesus said to him:‘Man, just why are you here?’Then [some of the mob] came up and grabbed Jesus, and they tied him up. 51However, {Look!} one of those who was with Jesus reached down and unsheathed his sword, and he struck the Chief Priest’s slave, taking off his ear.52But then Jesus said to him:‘Put your sword away! For all who take up the sword will perish by the sword!53‘Don’t you realize that I can ask my Father to immediately send more than 12 battalions of angels? 54But if [I did] that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?’55Then Jesus spoke to the mob and said:‘Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like some robber? I used to sit and teach in the Temple every day, and you didn’t choose to grab me then! 56However, all of this has happened so that the writings of the Prophets can be fulfilled.’Well at that, all the disciples ran away and left him.57So then, those who had arrested Jesus carried him off to [the house of] CaiAphas the High Priest, where the Scribes and the elders had already assembled.58Meanwhile, Peter followed the group some distance behind all the way to the courtyard of the High Priest. Then he went inside and sat among the building supervisory staff, to see what would happen.59At the time, the Chief Priests and those of the Judean High Court had been trying to find [someone who would] lie about Jesus, so they could condemn him [to death]. 60However, of all those who came forward, none were willing to perjure themselves.Yet later on, two did come forward that said:61‘This man told us that he could tear down the temple sanctuary of The God and rebuild it in just three days.’62And after they heard that, the High Priest stood up and asked Jesus:‘Don’t you have a reply? What are these people accusing you of?’63However, Jesus just remained silent.So the High Priest said to him:‘By the living God, I put you under oath to tell us whether you’re the Anointed One… The Son of The God!’64And Jesus replied:‘You’re saying it yourself!‘Now, let me tell you something: from this point on, you’ll see the Son of Man sitting at [His] powerful right hand and coming on the clouds in the sky!’65Well at that, the High Priest ripped his clothes and he shouted:‘He has blasphemed!‘Why do we need any more witnesses? See… Now you’ve actually heard the blasphemy! 66Therefore, what’s your opinion?’And everyone shouted:‘Hold him for death!’67Then after that, some of them started spitting in his face and hitting him with their fists, as others were slapping him 68and saying:‘Prophesy to us, O Anointed One… Which of us hit you?’69Meanwhile, as Peter was still sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came up to him and said:‘You were also with this Jesus the Galilean!’70However, he denied it in front of everyone, and said:‘I don’t know what she’s talking about!’71Then as he [was walking out towards] the gatehouse, another girl noticed him and said to everyone there:‘This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!’72And once again he denied it with an oath, saying:‘I never knew the man!’73But then all those who were standing around came up and said to him:‘Sure, you’re one of them! Why, your accent gives you away!’74So Peter started cursing at them and swore:‘I don’t know the man!’And immediately, a rooster crowed.75It was then that Peter remembered Jesus’ words:‘Before a rooster crows you will have denied that you know me three times.’So he went outside and cried bitterly.
1Then the next morning, all the Chief Priests and peoples’ elders held a meeting to discuss ways to have Jesus put to death. 2So they bound him and took him to be handed over to Governor Pilate.3It was then that Judas (who had betrayed [Jesus]) realized that he was condemned. So, feeling deeply regretful about what he’d done, he tried to return the 30 silver [coins] to the Chief Priests and elders, 4saying:‘I sinned when I betrayed righteous blood.’But they replied:‘What’s that to us? That’s your problem!’5So at that, he threw the silver into the Temple and left… And then he went out and hung himself.6Well, the chief priest then [picked up] the silver coins and said:‘It isn’t legal for us to put these [coins] in the sacred treasury, because they’re the price of blood.’7So after discussing it further, they decided to use them to purchase the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. 8And to this day, that field has been called, ‘The Field of Blood.’9It was then that the words of the Prophet were fulfilled that he would take the 30 pieces of silver (which was the price that was put on a man, as was set by the sons of IsraEl) 10and use them to pay for the field of the potters, as Jehovah had said. [Zechariah 11:12-13]11Next, they brought Jesus and stood him before the governor, who asked him:‘Are you the king of the Jews?’And Jesus replied:‘You’re saying it yourself.’12However, when the Chief Priests and elders were accusing him, he didn’t say anything.13Then Pilate asked:‘Don’t you hear all the things that they’re saying against you?’14But [Jesus] wouldn’t answer him – he didn’t say a word – and that really got the governor wondering.15Now, it was the governor’s custom to release whichever prisoner the crowd wanted during these festivals. 16And at that time, they were holding a particularly notorious criminal called BarAbbas.
17So when the people gathered before him, Pilate asked:‘Which do you want me to release to you, BarAbbas or Jesus… The so-called Anointed One?’18Well, [Pilate] knew that the only reason they had bound [Jesus] over, was because they were jealous of him. 19Also, while he was sitting on his judgment seat, [Pilate’s] wife had sent [a message] to him, saying:‘Don’t have anything to do with that righteous man, because I suffered a lot in a dream today over him.’20However, the Chief Priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for BarAbbas, and to demand to have Jesus destroyed. 21So when the governor asked which of the two they wanted released, everyone shouted:‘BarAbbas!’22And when Pilate asked:‘Then, what should I do with this Jesus, the so-called Anointed One?’They all shouted:‘Hang him up on a pole!’23But he asked:‘Why? What crime has he committed?’And they all kept shouting louder and louder:‘Hang him up on a pole!’24Well, when he saw that he wasn’t doing any good and he was just inciting a riot, Pilate got some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying:‘I’m innocent of this man’s blood… You take the responsibility for this on yourselves!’25And all the people said:‘May we and our children be responsible for his blood!’26So he then released BarAbbas to them, and he had Jesus whipped and bound over for impaling.27Thereafter, the governor’s soldiers took Jesus inside the palace and they brought in the whole Battalion. 28There they removed [Jesus’] clothes, wrapped a scarlet cape around him, 29braided a crown of thorns and slipped it over his head, and they put a piece of cane in his right hand.Then, kneeling down, they made fun of him by shouting the greeting:‘Rejoice, O you King of the Jews!’30They also spit on him and they took the cane and started hitting him on the head with it.31Finally, after they had tired of their fun, they took off the cape, put his clothes back on, and took him out to be impaled.32Well, as they were leading him out, they found a man from Cyrene [Libya] whose name was Simon, and they made him carry the pole.33Then when they got to the place called GolGotha (Skull Place), 34they offered [Jesus] some wine mixed with gall to drink. But after he tasted it, he wouldn’t drink it.35It was after [they had nailed] him on the pole that [the soldiers] then divided his clothes by throwing lots. 36And thereafter, they all just sat around and watched him.37They also put a sign over his head that showed the charge against him:‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’38Two robbers were also hung on poles beside him… One on his right and the other on his left.39Then those who were passing by started shouting terrible things at [Jesus], shaking their heads 40and saying:‘O you who would tear down the Most Holy and rebuild it in three days! Save yourself! If you’re a son of The God, come down off the pole!’41That’s the way the Chief Priests, Scribes, and elders also made fun of him.They were saying:42‘He saved others, but he can’t save himself! If he’s the King of IsraEl, let him come down from the pole and we’ll believe him. 43He’s put his trust in God, so let [God] rescue him if He wants him. After all, he says, I’m God’s Son!’44In fact, even the robbers that were hung on poles with him started saying cruel things to him.45Then from the 6th to the 9th hours [12 noon to 3pm], darkness fell over the whole land.46And at about the 9th hour [3pm], Jesus called out in a loud voice:‘Eli, Eli;
Lama sabachthani?’That is:‘My God, my God;
Why have you abandoned me?’47Well when some of those who were standing around heard this, they thought he was calling for EliJah. 48And immediately, one of them ran and took a sponge, soaked it in vinegar, then lifted it on a reed to give him something to drink.49But the rest of them said:‘Leave him alone! Let’s see if EliJah comes to save him!’Finally, a man took a spear and jabbed it into his side, and blood mixed with water poured out. 50Then Jesus cried out loudly and gave up his breath.51And at that, {Look!} the Temple’s [inner] curtain ripped in two from the top to the bottom, as the ground shook and rocks split! 52and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised 53and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. [spurious text]54But the army officer and those with him that were watching over Jesus (after they saw the earthquake and the other things that had happened) were really frightened and said:‘This truly was God’s Son!’55Well during this entire time, many women were standing around and watching from a distance. These women had traveled with Jesus from Galilee in order to serve him. 56They included Mary from Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of ZebediOu.57Then later that afternoon, a rich man from HariMathea named JoSeph (who was also a disciple of Jesus) 58went to Pilate and asked for his body. So Pilate commanded that it should be given to him.59Therefore, JoSeph took the body, wrapped it up in fine clean linen, 60and laid it in a new tomb that had just been quarried in the bedrock. And after rolling a large rock against the tomb entrance, he left.61Meanwhile, Mary from Magdala and the other Mary just sat there across from the tomb.62Then the next day (after the Preparation), the Chief Priests and Pharisees gathered and they went before Pilate to say:63‘Lord,‘We remember that while he was alive, that impostor said:‘In three days, I’ll be raised.’64‘Therefore, order the grave to be made secure until the third day, so his disciples don’t go there and steal him, then tell the people that he was raised from the dead.‘For that would make this last deceit even worse than the first!’65But Pilate replied:‘You have watchmen; go make it as secure as you know how.’66So they went and made the grave secure by sealing the stone and posting guards [at the end of the Sabbath, that is, Saturday evening].
1At the end the Sabbath, [see note] But at dawn on the first day of the week, [that is, Sunday,] Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to see the tomb.2But {Look!} something tumultuous had [previously] occurred… Jehovah’s messenger had come down from heaven and rolled away the stone, and [now] there he was – sitting on top of it!3He looked like lightning and his clothes were as white as snow… 4Which made the watchmen shake in fear and become as dead men.5Then the messenger said to the women:‘Don’t be afraid, for I know that you’re looking for Jesus who was impaled. 6He isn’t here, because he was raised, just as he said [would happen]. Come and see the place where he was lying, 7then hurry and tell his disciples that he was raised from the dead.‘Why look… He’s gone ahead of you into Galilee! Look! You’ll see him there, just as I said.’8So they quickly left the tomb (both in fear and great joy), and they ran to report [what they’d seen] to his disciples. 9However, {Look!} Jesus then [appeared] to them, greeting them with the word:‘Rejoice!’So they both went up to him and bowed low at his feet.10And Jesus said:‘Don’t be afraid! Go and report [what you’ve seen] to my brothers. [Tell them to] go back to Galilee… They’ll see me there.’11Meanwhile, while [the women] were on their way back, {Look!} some of the guards had returned to the city to report all that had happened to the Chief Priests. 12And after holding a conference and meeting with the elders to ask for advice, they all [bribed] the soldiers with enough silver, 13and said:‘Tell the people that his disciples came during the night and stole [his body] while you were sleeping. 14And if the governor hears about this, don’t worry. We’ll persuade [him] to release you.’15So [the guards] took the silver and did as they were told.And the story that they made up has been spread among Judeans everywhere down to this day.16However, the 11 disciples then went back to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged [to meet] them. 17And when they saw him, they all bowed low before him (although there were some that doubted).18Then coming towards them, Jesus spoke and said:‘All the power in the heavens and on the earth has now been given to me.
19So now, go make disciples in all the nations in my name, immersing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit [spurious words], 20and teach them to obey all the things that I’ve commanded.‘Look… I’ll be with you every day until the end of the age!’
1This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Anointed.2This was written by the Prophet IsaiAh:‘Look!
I’m sending My messenger ahead
To prepare the road that’s before you.3‘Listen!
Someone calls out in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord;
Straighten out all of his roads!’
[Isaiah 40:3]4So, this is why John came… To do immersing in the desert and to preach an immersion of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And throughout Judea and JeruSalem, people were going there to be immersed by him in the JorDan River, as they openly confessed their sins.6John wore clothes that were made of camel’s hair and he wore a wide leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey, 7and this is what he preached:‘Someone greater is coming behind me
Whose sandals, I’m unworthy to bend and untie.
8And while I immerse in water,
He will immerse you in Holy Breath.’9Well back then, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee to be immersed in the JorDan by John also. 10And immediately after coming up out of the water, [John] saw the sky split open and the Breath [of God] descending upon [Jesus in the form of] a dove.11Then a voice came from the sky that said:‘You’re My Son whom I love, and with whom I’m well pleased.’12Then [God’s] Breath immediately forced [Jesus] into the desert, 13where he spent 40 days among the wild animals, as he was being tempted by the Opposer. However, the messengers [of God] [thereafter came and] served him.14Well, it was after John had been arrested that Jesus went into Galilee and started preaching the good news of God.15For he was saying:‘This period has reached its fulfillment,
And the Kingdom of God is at hand.
So, believe the good news and repent!’16Then, as he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] noticed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets on the sea (because they were fishermen).17So Jesus said to them:‘Come follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.’18And right away, they released their nets and started following him.19Then as he traveled on a little farther, he saw James son of ZebediOu and his brother John sitting in their boat mending their nets. 20So he called to them, and they immediately left their father ZebediOu and his crew in the boat, and they started following [Jesus].21From there, they all traveled on to CapharNaum, where on the Sabbath, [Jesus] entered their synagogue and started teaching… 22Which amazed everyone, because (unlike the Scribes) he taught with great authority.23Well at the time, there was a man in the synagogue that was under the influence of an unclean spirit, which caused him to shout:24‘What dealings do I have with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come here to destroy me? I know who you are! You’re The Holy One of God!’25But Jesus scolded [the spirit], saying:‘Put a muzzle on it and come out of him!’26So the unclean spirit (after throwing the man into convulsions and causing him to yell loudly) came out. 27This shocked the people, and they started asking each other:‘What’s this, some new teaching? For he has the power to give orders to unclean spirits and they obey him!’28So after that, the story about him was spread throughout all the country around Galilee.29Well from there, [Jesus] left the synagogue along with James and John, and they went directly to the home of Simon and Andrew, 30where they found Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law lying down and burning up with a fever, which they immediately pointed out to [Jesus].31So he took her by the hand to help her up, then the fever left her and she started serving them.32Well that evening, after sunset, people started bringing all those who were ill and the demon-possessed to him… 33Virtually the whole city had gathered at their door! 34So he cured their various illnesses and expelled many demons. However, he wouldn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew that he was the Anointed One.35Then early the next morning, while it was still dark, he got up and went outside to a remote place where he started praying. 36However, Simon (and those who were with him) searched 37for him, and when they found him they said:‘Everyone has been looking for you!’38But he said to them:‘Let’s go into the nearby villages, so I can preach there too. For, that’s why I came outside.’39And [after that], he traveled throughout all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.40It was while he was there that a leper came to him, who got down on his knees and said:‘If you just want to, you can make me clean!’41And moved with pity, [Jesus] stuck out his hand and touched him, saying:‘I want to… Be clean.’42Then the leprosy immediately left him and he became clean!43But [Jesus] sent him away and gave him strict orders 44not to tell anyone what he’d done. He only told him to go and show himself to the Priests and to bring along the offering of cleansing that was specified by Moses, as a witness to them.45However, after the man left, he started telling everyone and spreading the word around, so that Jesus wasn’t able to enter the cities openly, and he had to camp out in lonely places…Yet [the people] still kept coming to him from all directions.
1Well after several days, [Jesus] returned to CapharNaum, and when word got out that he was back home, 2so many people came to him that there wasn’t any room around the door. Then he started preaching the word to them.3Thereafter, four people came to him carrying a man who was paralyzed. 4But because the crowd was so large, they couldn’t get him to [Jesus]. So, they dug an opening through the part of the roof where [Jesus] was standing, and lowered down the cot on which the [man] was lying.5Then when Jesus saw how much faith they’d shown, he said to the paralyzed man:‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’6Well, when they heard him say that, some of the Scribes that were sitting there started reasoning in their hearts:7‘Why is he talking in such a way, for this is blasphemy!‘Who is able to forgive sins other than the one God?’8And through the spirit, Jesus immediately realized that they were reasoning in this way inside themselves, so he asked them:‘Why are [such bad] thoughts entering your hearts? 9Which is easier, to tell the paralyzed man, Your sins are forgiven, or, Get up, pick up your cot, and walk?10‘Well, so that you men will know that the Son of Man has been authorized to forgive sins on the earth...’11[He said to the man]:‘Get up, pick up your cot, and go home.’12And immediately, the man got right up, picked up his cot, and walked out in front of everyone!Well, all those who were there were beside themselves and they started glorifying God, saying:‘We’ve never seen anything like this!’13Then later, he went outside to the seashore, where huge crowds came to him and he taught them.14It was as he was passing the tax office that he noticed Levi (son of AlphaEus), sitting there.So [he] said to him:‘Follow me.’And [Levi] got right up and went with him.15Then later, as Jesus was reclining at the table in [Levi’s] home, several tax collectors and sinners started coming and reclining with him and his disciples (many of whom became Jesus’ followers). 16But when the Scribes and Pharisees saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples:‘Why is he eating with the tax collectors and sinners?’17And because Jesus overheard this, he said:‘Those who are well don’t need a doctor, only the ill do.‘So I didn’t come to call the righteous, just the sinners.’18Well, back then, John’s disciples (who practiced fasting, as did the Pharisees) came to [Jesus] and asked:‘Why is it that while the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, your disciples don’t fast?’19And Jesus replied:‘The sons of the bride chamber can’t fast while the bridegroom is among them, because as long as he’s with them, there’s [no reason to] fast.20‘But the days are coming when the groom will be taken away… And then they’ll fast.21‘Understand that no one sews patches of new cloth onto old clothes, for if they do, the new [cloth] will shrink and stretch the old cloth, which will make the tear worse.22‘Also, if you put young wine into old wineskins, the [new] wine will burst the skins and both the wine and the skins will be lost. So it’s best for people to use new wineskins for new wine.’23Then on another day, as [Jesus] was walking through the grain fields on the Sabbath, his disciples started plucking heads of grain [to eat] as they were traveling along.24And the Pharisees asked him:‘{Look!} Why are they doing something that’s illegal on the Sabbath?’25But he replied:‘Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, and he and the men who were with him got hungry (in the account about AbiAthar, the High Priest)… 26How he entered the House of God and ate the Presentation Bread, which isn’t legal for anyone to eat other than the Priests, and how he also gave some of it to the men who were with him?’27Then [Jesus] said this:‘The Sabbath came into existence for the sake of mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath.28‘But you should also know that the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.’
1On another occasion, he entered a synagogue where there happened to be a man with a withered hand 2Well, [the Pharisees] were watching [Jesus] closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath, because they were trying to find something that they could accuse him of doing wrong.3However, [Jesus] said to the man with the withered hand:‘Get up and come into the center [of the room].’4Then he asked everyone there:‘Is it legal to do something good or bad, or to save a life or destroy it on the Sabbath?’But no one would answer.5Then, after looking around at them angrily (because he was saddened by the dullness of their hearts), he said to the man:‘Now, stretch out your hand.’So he stretched it out... And his hand was restored!6Well, right away the Pharisees went outside and met with the followers of Herod, and they started talking about ways to destroy him.7Meanwhile, Jesus and his disciples got up and walked out to the sea, followed by a huge crowd that had come from all around Galilee and Judea. 8For people were coming to him from as far away as JeruSalem, Idumea, the other side of the JorDan, and the area around Tyre and Sidon. Huge numbers came to him when they heard of the things that he was doing.9Well, to keep the crowds at bay, [Jesus] had instructed his disciples to always have a little boat available for him. 10For because he cured so many that had terrible diseases, people were literally falling on him just to touch him!11And when unclean spirits saw him, they’d bow low before him and shout:‘You’re the Son of The God!’12However, he scolded them and warned them not to expose him.13Then [Jesus] walked up a mountain, where he called for those whom he’d chosen, 14and he formed a [special] group from these 12 that he started calling Apostles (Sent Ones), that were to stay with him. Thereafter, he also sent them out to preach, 15and he gave them the power to cast out demons.16The names of those in the group of 12 that he formed were:• Simon (Peter), 17• James (son of ZebediOu), and • his brother John (he called them BoanErges, which means Sons of Thunder), 18• Andrew, • Philip, • BarTholomew ([NathaniEl]), • Matthew, • Thomas, • James (son of AlphaEus), • ThadDaeus (Judas), • Simon the CanaNaean, and 19• Judas IsCariot (who later betrayed him).Well, whenever he went into a house after that, 20so many people would show up, that they couldn’t even eat a meal! 21And when [Jesus’] relatives heard what was happening, they tried to take him away, because they said that he’d lost his mind!22There were also some scribes that had come down from JeruSalem who were telling people he was [under the influence of] BeElZebub, and that he was using ‘the ruler of the demons to cast out the demons.’23So he called [the scribes] to him and he reasoned with them using [these] parables:‘How can the Opposer throw out the Opposer? 24For a kingdom divided cannot stand. 25Nor can a house that’s divided. 26So, if the Opposer is divided, He cannot stand and he’s reaching his end.27‘Also, no one can enter a mighty man’s house And rob him of all his things Unless he first ties him up… Only then can he loot his house.28‘So I tell you this as the truth:‘Sons of men can be forgiven for all, No matter what sins that they might commit Or whatever blasphemies they speak. 29But whoever blasphemes [God’s] Holy Breath Won’t be forgiven throughout the age, And it remains a sin throughout the ages.’30Of course, [Jesus] was saying this to them because they’d accused him of having an unclean spirit.31Meanwhile, [Jesus’] mother and brothers had arrived and were standing outside, so they asked [someone] to call for him, 32because there was a crowd sitting around him at the time.Therefore, someone went up to him and said:‘Look! Your mother and brothers are outside and they’re looking for you!’33But he said to them all:‘Just who are my mother and brothers?’34Then he looked at those who were sitting around him in a circle and said:‘Look… My mother and brothers! 35For, all that do the will of our God Are truly my brothers, sisters, and mother.’
1Well on another occasion, as he was teaching by the seashore, such a huge crowd came to him there that he had to step into a boat and sit out on the sea, as the crowd stood on the shore.2Then he taught them many things through parables, saying:3‘Now, pay close attention!‘{Look!} A farmer went out to do planting.
4And as he was scattering seeds,
A few fell alongside the road,
Which were thereafter eaten by birds.5‘Other seeds fell among rocks,
And they sprouted where there wasn’t much ground.
But because there was too little soil,
6When the sun arose, they were scorched…
They withered, because they didn’t have roots.7‘Other seeds fell among briers,
Which grew and choked out those seeds,
So they couldn’t produce any fruit.8‘But others fell upon good soil,
Where they flourished and grew, producing much fruit,
Some 30, some 60, or 100 times more.’9Then he added:‘Let those who have ears pay attention!’10Well later, the 12 (as well as the rest that were around him) asked [Jesus] what the parable meant.11And he told them this:‘The mystery of the Kingdom of God has just been given to you. For those on the outside only hear the stories 12so when they can look, they can’t see, and when they hear, they don’t really listen and understand, so they can ever turn back and be forgiven.13‘However, if you don’t understand the meanings of these parables, how will you be able to understand all the rest?14‘The one who is scattering the seeds is planting the word, 15and where it falls beside the road, the Opposer immediately comes and snatches away all that was dropped there.16‘The same is true of those that fall among the rocks. These are the ones who joyfully accept the word as soon as they hear it, 17but because they don’t have roots, they only last a little while. For when some difficulty or persecution comes along over the word, they’re stumbled.18‘Likewise, those who are planted among the thorns are the ones who hear the word, 19but let it get choked out by the concerns of this life, the allure of wealth, and desires for other things, so they become unfruitful.20‘However, those that are planted on the fine soil are the ones who listen to the word and accept it…‘Then they bear fruit 30, 60, and 100 times more.’21So Jesus went on to tell them this:‘You don’t put a lamp under a basket,
Nor do you put it under a bed…
You it put on a table, instead.
22So there’s no secret that won’t be made known,
Or anything hidden that won’t be shown…
23Let those who have ears pay attention!’24He continued:‘Pay attention to the things that I’m saying!
Whatever amount that you measure for others
Is the amount that you’ll receive…
And more will be added to that.
25For those who have will be given more,
While all will be taken from those who don’t have.’26Then he went on to say:‘The Kingdom of God is much like a man
Who scatters his seeds on the ground,
27And goes to sleep through the night.
Then, when he wakes up the next morning,
He finds that the seeds have sprouted and grown,
And he doesn’t really know how it happened!28‘For the ground produces fruit by itself…
First the blades, then the stalks,
And finally, the full heads of grain.
29Then as soon as it has all ripened,
The man arrives with his sickle…
For the time to harvest has arrived.’30And he asked:‘To what [else] can the Kingdom of God be compared…
What parables can we use to describe it?31‘It’s much like the small mustard seed,
Which, before it’s planted under the ground
Is one of the smallest seeds on the earth.
32Yet, after it’s planted, it grows
To be larger than all vegetation…
It grows branches that can be so great
That birds in the skies can dwell in its shadow.’33Yes, this is the way he taught the word to them, speaking in parables for as long as they were able to pay attention. 34It’s a fact that if he wasn’t speaking in parables, he wasn’t talking to them. However, when they were all alone, he thereafter explained everything to his disciples.35Well, later that evening, he said to them:‘Now, let’s cross over to the other shore.’36So after they dismissed the crowd, they left in the same boat that he had been teaching from (along with some other boats that came with them). 37However, a gale-force wind then arose and waves were pouring into the boats... until it was nearly full [spurious words] 38But meanwhile, [Jesus] was peacefully sleeping on a pillow in the stern.So they woke him up and said:‘Teacher, aren’t you worried that we’re about to die?’39So he got up and scolded the wind, then he said to the sea:‘Be quiet! Hush!’And at that, the wind died down and a great calm set in.40And he asked them:‘Why are you so cowardly? Don’t you have any faith?’41Well, this really frightened them and they started asking each other:‘Who really is this? For even the wind and the sea obeys him!’
1Then when they got to the other side of the sea to the country of the Garasenes, 2[Jesus] got out of the boat and was immediately confronted by a man with an unclean spirit, who had come from the tombs.3For he lived among the tombs and no one had been able to restrain him, even with chains. 4In fact, he’d often been bound using leg irons and chains, but he broke the chains and smashed the leg irons. Nothing was strong enough to hold him! 5So all day and night long, he’d go around the tombs and the mountains yelling crazily, while hitting himself with rocks.6Then, when he saw Jesus coming in the distance, he ran up to him and bowed low, 7screaming:‘What dealings do I have with you, Jesus, the Son of the Most High God?‘I put you under oath by God not to torment me!’8[He said this] because [Jesus] had told the unclean spirit to come out of the man.9Then [Jesus] asked [the spirit]:‘What’s your name?’And it replied:‘My name is Legion, because there are many of us!’10And [the spirits] repeatedly begged [Jesus] not to drive them out of those fields. 11Well at the time, there was a large group of pigs feeding on the mountain. 12So [the demons] begged Jesus to send them into the pigs, 13and he gave them permission.So the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs, then they all ran down a steep drop-off and fell into the sea, drowning about 2,000 of them.14Well thereafter, the herdsmen ran off and reported this to the people in the cities and the fields roundabout, and then all the people went there to see [what had happened]. 15And when they got to Jesus, they could see that the man who’d once been possessed by the legion [of demons] was just sitting there, wearing clothes, and in his right mind… And this frightened them.16Then after [the herdsmen] who had been there explained everything that had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs, 17the people begged [Jesus] to leave their district!18Well, as [Jesus] got back into the boat, the man who was once demonized started begging to let him come with them. 19However, [Jesus] wouldn’t allow this, for he said:‘Go back to your home and family and tell them all the things that Jehovah has done for you, and about the great mercy He has shown to you.’20So [the man] went back to the DecaPolis and started telling everyone about what Jesus had done for him, and it amazed everyone.21Well, after they had crossed back to the other side [of the sea] in the boat, a huge crowd started to gather as Jesus arrived. 22Then, one of the [local] synagogue’s head people (a man named JaiRus) came and fell at his feet.23And he kept begging [Jesus], saying:‘My little daughter is [about to breathe her] last. Please come and lay your hands on her so she can recover and live!’24So [Jesus] went off with him, and a huge number followed along, all crowded against him...25Well, among [these people] was a woman who had [endured] a blood flow for about 12 years… 26She’d suffered a lot at the hands of the healers, and she’d spent everything she had to no avail (she only got worse). 27So when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind [him] in the crowd and touched his clothes; 28for she kept saying:‘If I can just touch his clothes I’ll be saved [from this condition].’29And right away, her fountain of blood dried up, and she knew in her body that she had been healed of this plague!30However Jesus also recognized in himself that some power had left him when this happened. So he turned around in the crowd and asked:‘Who touched my clothes?’31And his disciples replied:‘You see all these people crowded around you, and you ask, Who touched me?’32But he kept on looking around to see who did this.33Then the woman (who was frightened and trembling because she knew what had happened to her) came and fell down before him and told him the truth.34And he said to her:‘Daughter, your faith has saved you! Go in peace… And may this be the last of the plague.’35Meanwhile, as he was still speaking, a messenger came from the home of the synagogue chief, who told him:‘Your daughter has died, so don’t bother the teacher.’36But when Jesus overheard this, he told the chief of the synagogue:‘Don’t be afraid, just have faith.’37Well, [when he reached the home], he didn’t allow anyone to go with him other than Peter, James, and John (James’ brother). 38And when he got inside the synagogue-chief’s house and saw all the confusion, crying, and wailing, 39he asked:‘Why are you creating such an uproar and crying? The little girl isn’t dead, she’s just sleeping!’40Well at that, they all started laughing at him. But after he ushered them outside, he took the father, mother, and those who were with him into [the room] where the child was.41Then he took [the little girl] by the hand and said:‘Talitha, cumi!’ (which translates as, ‘Little girl, wake up!’).42And the 12-year-old girl got up right away and started walking around!Well, [the parents] were beside themselves [with joy].43Then he told them to give her something to eat, and he repeatedly ordered them not to tell anyone what had really happened.
1Thereafter, he left that place and went with his disciples to the town where he’d grown up. 2And when the Sabbath arrived, he entered their synagogue and started teaching.Well, most of those who heard him were shocked, and asked:‘Where did he get all these things? Why has such wisdom been given to this man, and why are such powerful deeds being performed through his hands?3‘For isn’t this the carpenter, Mary’s son, and the brother of James, JoSeph, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here among us?’So they were stumbled over him.4And Jesus told them:‘A Prophet doesn’t go without honor anywhere – other than in his own home, among his relatives, and in the area where he grew up.’5So because of this, he wasn’t able to preform any powerful deeds there, apart from laying his hands on a few [sick ones], whom he cured. 6For he was amazed by their lack of faith.Well from there, he traveled around to the local villages in a circuit, teaching.7Then he called the 12 and started sending them out by twos, and he gave them power over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them not to carry anything with them other than a walking stick… [yes,] no bread, no food pouch, nor copper money in their sashes. 9And he told them not to tie on their sandals or to [carry extra] underclothes.10For he said:‘Wherever you enter a house, stay in that place until you get ready to leave. 11But in those places where they don’t invite you in or listen to you, shake the dirt off your feet as you leave, as a witness against them.’‘Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgement, than for that city.’ [spurious words, copied from Matthew 10:15]12So they all went out and preached, calling for people to repent, 13as they were casting out many demons and greasing sick people with oil to cure them.14Meanwhile, King Herod had heard about how famous [Jesus] was becoming.For some people were saying:‘John, the man who did the immersing [in water], has been raised from the dead! And now there are great powers working through him.’15However, others were saying that he was EliJah, and some were saying that he was a Prophet like one of the Prophets [of old].16But after he’d listened to all of this, Herod concluded:‘The John whom I beheaded has been raised!’17For it was Herod himself that had [ordered] John arrested and locked in prison over the matter of his taking Herodias (his brother’s woman), 18since John kept telling Herod that he’d broken the Law by taking her. 19That’s why Herodias hated him and wanted him killed… However [until then], she’d been unable to do so.20Herod was actually afraid of John, because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man. As a result, he kept him safely [locked away]. For after he’d listened to him for a while, Herod had no idea what to do with him. So, he gladly just kept on listening to him.21However, there came a day that turned out to be convenient for Herod… It was when he was holding a banquet to celebrate his [own] birthday. He had invited several high-ranking men, military commanders, and the foremost people of Galilee.22There, Herod and Herodias’ daughter entered and danced before them. This pleased Herod and those at the table so much, that the king said to the little girl:‘Ask for whatever you wish and, I’ll give it to you!’23Yes, he swore to her:‘Whatever you ask of me I’ll give you, up to half of my kingdom!’24So she went out and asked her mother:‘What should I ask for?’And [her mother] replied:‘Ask for the head of John, the one who does the immersing!’25So she ran back to the king and said:‘I want you to give me the head of John the Immerser on a platter… Right now.’26And although this deeply disturbed the king, he didn’t want to ignore her because of the oaths, and because of those who were reclining at the table.27So the king immediately sent his bodyguard and commanded him to bring back [John’s] head. And that’s when [the guard] went off and beheaded John in prison, 28after which he brought in his head on a platter and gave it to the young girl, who gave it to her mother.29Well when [John’s] disciples heard about this, they came and took his corpse and laid it in a tomb.30Meanwhile, all of the Apostles had assembled with Jesus, and they were reporting to him about everything that they’d been teaching and doing.31So he told them:‘I want you to come with me to a private place where you can rest up for a while.’Of course, he said this because there were always so many people coming and going that they didn’t have enough free time to even eat a meal. 32So they all traveled by boat to a remote place where they thought they could be by themselves.33However, some people noticed them leaving, and they started telling many others, who all ran from the cities on foot and got ahead of them. 34So when [Jesus and his Apostles] got out of the boat, they saw an enormous crowd!Yet, he felt sorry for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and so he started teaching them many things.35Well, it was getting quite late, so the disciples came up to Jesus and said:‘This is the middle of nowhere, and it’s getting late. 36We should send the people off into the countryside and villages around here so that they can buy themselves some food.’37But [Jesus] said to them:‘Why don’t you give them something to eat?’And they said:‘Should we really go and buy 200 silver coin’s worth of bread just to feed them?’38Then [Jesus] asked them:‘How many loaves do you have? Go see!’And after checking, they said:‘Five [loaves], plus two fish.’39So he told all the people to lie down on the green grass in rows, 40and they reclined in rows of 50s and 100s.41Then [Jesus] took the five loaves [of bread] and two fish, and he looked up towards the heavens and spoke a blessing, then he broke up the bread and divided the two fish and started giving it to the disciples so they could set it in front of the people…42And thereafter, everyone ate until they were full!43Well, when they went to pick up the scraps, they found they had 12 baskets full, which didn’t even include the fish!44Yet, there were about 5,000 men who had eaten the bread.45Then right after that, [Jesus] instructed his disciples to get into their boat and travel ahead of him towards BethSaida, which was across [the lake] on the opposite shore, and he also dismissed the crowd. 46And after excusing himself, he went up the mountain to pray.47But then, later that evening (as the boat was well out to sea and [Jesus] was there by himself on the land), 48Jesus could see [from a distance] that they were still out there rowing with all their might, since they had a strong headwind blowing against them.So the next morning (while it was still dark), he walked out towards them on top of the sea… In fact, he started to walk right past them!49Well, when they saw him walking on top of the sea, they thought they were seeing a vision, and they started screaming in fright! 50For they all saw him and everyone was deeply disturbed.But right away, he spoke to them and said:‘Be brave… It’s me! Don’t be afraid.’51Then he got into the boat with them and the wind died down.However, all of these events left them stunned, 52because they didn’t really understand the meaning of the bread, since their hearts had been dulled.53Well, soon thereafter, they reached land, arriving at GenNesaret, where they docked.54However, as soon as they got out of the boat, some people recognized [Jesus], 55and they ran [to tell others] throughout all that area. So, many people came to the place where they’d heard Jesus was, carrying their ill to him on cots.56And thereafter, wherever he entered any village or city (or fields or markets), they’d all bring their sick people, and beg him just to let them touch the fringes of his clothes.And everyone who touched them were healed.
1Now, some Pharisees and Scribes had come from JeruSalem and surrounded him, 2because they’d noticed some of his disciples eating bread with unwashed hands. 3For none of the Pharisees (or any of the Judeans for that matter) would eat [anything] unless they vigorously washed their hands first, since they followed the traditions of the elders… 4Nor did they eat anything that they brought [home] from the market until after they had carefully rinsed it. They observed many other traditions like this that had been passed down, such as soaking their cups, pitchers, and copper pots in water.5So these Pharisees and Scribes asked him:‘Why don’t your disciples follow the traditions of the elders?‘Look, they eat bread without washing their hands first!’6But [Jesus] replied:‘IsaiAh prophesied well about you hypocrites when he wrote:‘With their mouths, these people approach Me,
And with their lips, they offer Me praise.
But because they’re far from Me in their hearts,
7They bow before Me in vain,
Since they teach the ideas and instructions of men!’ [Isaiah 29:13]8‘You’re really ignoring the commandments of God with all these traditions of men… 9Yes you zealously push aside the commandments of God so you can observe your own traditions!10‘[For example], although Moses told you to honor your father and mother, and that anyone who says bad things to his father or mother should be put to death... 11You say that a man should tell his father and mother that everything he owns –that he could use to help them– has already been reserved to be a holy gift! 12So you don’t allow [people] to do anything at all [to help] their parents!13‘And by these traditions that you’re passing on, you’re nullifying the Word of God… Yes, you’re doing lots of things like that!’14Then he called the crowd to him again and said to them:‘I want all of you to pay close attention and be sure that you understand:15‘There’s nothing on the outside that goes into a man, which can make him unclean. Rather, it’s the things that come out of a man that dirty him!’16‘If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’ [spurious words, probably copied from Mark 4:9 and 4:23]17Then, after he left the crowd and went back inside the house, his disciples asked him what he meant by these things that he said.18And he said:‘Don’t you understand either?‘Nothing from the outside that enters a man can make him unclean, 19for [such things] don’t go into his heart, but into his belly and then into the sewer.‘Therefore, everything that you eat is really clean.20‘Rather, it’s the things that come out of a man that make him unclean. 21It’s things that come from the inside – from the heart – that bad thoughts come… Things such as sexual immorality, thievery, murder, 22adulteries, selfish desires, wicked actions, deceitfulness, lack of restraint, eyes that are wicked, blasphemy, arrogance, and unreasonableness.23‘It’s all these wicked things that come from inside of a man that make him unclean.’24And at that, he got up and left.Well from there, he traveled [north] into the area of Tyre and Sidon, where he entered a house. And although he didn’t want anyone to know where he was, he couldn’t escape being noticed.25So when a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard where he was, she came to him and bowed low at his feet 26(she was a Greek woman of Syrian-Phoenician descent). And she kept asking [Jesus] to cast the demon out of her daughter.27But he told her:‘The children should be satisfied first… It isn’t right to take bread from the children and throw it to the puppies.’28But she replied:‘Yes Lord, but don’t the puppies under the table eat the crumbs [that fall from] the little children?’29So he said to her:‘Because you said this, go! The demon has left your daughter.’30Then when she got back home, she found the child lying on her bed, and the demon was gone!31Thereafter, he left the area of Tyre and traveled on through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, and then through the middle of the region called the Ten Cities.32There, they brought him a man who was deaf and dumb, and they begged [Jesus] to lay his hands on him. 33So [Jesus] led him away from the crowd to a private spot, and he put his fingers in the man’s ears. And after that, he spit and touched the man’s tongue.34Then he looked up into the sky and groaned and said:‘Eph phatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’)35Well, the man was thereafter able to hear, and the thing that held his tongue was loosened, so he started speaking normally! 36However, Jesus commanded everyone present not to tell anyone about this… But the more he commanded them, the more they talked about it!37For everyone was amazed beyond belief, and they were saying:‘He does everything well… He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!’
1Back in those days, there was another huge crowd [listening to him] that had nothing to eat. So [Jesus] called his disciples and said to them:2‘I feel sorry for the crowd, because they’ve stayed here with me for the past three days, and now they”ve got nothing to eat.3‘If I just send them home hungry, they may faint on the road! For some of them have actually come a long way.’4But his disciples asked:‘Where could anyone find enough loaves [of bread] here in this isolated place to satisfy that many people?’5So he asked them:‘How many loaves do you have?’And they replied:‘Seven.’6Then he told the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, gave thanks, broke them, and handed them to his disciples to serve… And they passed them out to the crowd. 7They also had a few little fish. And after offering a blessing over them, Jesus told [the disciples] to serve these also.8Well, everyone ate until they were satisfied, and when the disciples picked up the leftovers, [they filled] seven provision baskets with them, 9although [there were] about 4,000 who were fed!Then after that, he sent the crowd away, 10and he immediately got into the boat with his disciples and traveled into parts of DalmaNutha.11It was there that the Pharisees came up and started arguing with him, demanding that he give them a sign from heaven (so as to test him). 12But he breathed a deep sigh and asked them:‘Why is this people always looking for signs?‘I tell you the truth: this people won’t be given a sign!’13And with that, he walked over and got back into the boat, and traveled on to the opposite shore!14Meanwhile, it so happened that [the Apostles] had forgotten to bring along any [bread] for the trip. So, except for one small loaf, they had nothing to eat in the boat.15As a result, when [Jesus] started warning them saying, ‘Keep your eyes open and watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees and the fermentation of Herod,’ 16they started quarreling with each other over the fact that they didn’t have any bread.17When [Jesus] recognized this, he asked them:‘Why are you arguing about not having any bread? Don’t you understand yet, and don’t you get the meaning? Are your hearts so dull when it comes to understanding?18‘You have eyes; can’t you see?‘You have ears, can’t you hear?‘Do you remember when 19I broke five loaves [to feed] 5,000, and how many baskets full of leftovers were you able to pick up?’And they replied:‘Yes, twelve.’20‘And when I broke the seven loaves [to serve] 4,000 men... [do you remember] how many provision baskets full of leftovers you picked up then?’And they said:‘Seven.’21So he asked them:‘Don’t you understand all of this yet?’22Well from there, they traveled on to BethSaida, where the people brought him a man who was blind, and they begged [Jesus] to just touch him. 23So he took the blind man by the hand and led him outside of the village, then he spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him and asked:‘Do you see anything yet?’24And the man looked up and said:‘Yes, I see men… They look a little like trees, but they’re walking around.’25So [Jesus] laid his hands on the man’s eyes a second time, and after that, the man started seeing better. And before long, [his eyesight] was completely restored and he was able to see everything clearly!26So [Jesus] sent him home with the warning:‘Don’t go back into that village.’27Well from there, Jesus and his disciples traveled on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi.And as they were on the way, he asked his disciples:‘Who are the people saying that I am?’28And they replied:‘[Some say you’re] John the Immerser, others say you’re EliJah, and yet others say you’re one of the Prophets.’29Then he asked:‘But whom are you saying that I am?’And Peter answered:‘You’re the Anointed One.’30Then he ordered them not to say this to anyone.31And that’s when he started teaching them that the Son of Man would have to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes, and then be killed… But after three days, he would arise. 32Yes, he told them plainly [what was about to happen to him].But at that, Peter took him aside and started scolding him. 33Then [Jesus] turned and looked at his disciples, and he started scolding Peter, saying:‘Get behind me opposer, because you aren’t thinking God’s thoughts, but those of men!’34Well after that, he called the crowd and his disciples to him and he said this:‘If any of you wish to be my disciples, [you’ll have to] deny your own desires, then pick up your impaling poles and keep on following me!35‘For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever is willing to lose his life for my sake –and for the [sake of the] good news– will save it.36‘What good would it do for a man to gain the whole world and still lose his life… 37And what would a man give in exchange for his life?38‘Well, if anyone is ashamed of me and my words before this adulterous and sinful people, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he arrives in the glory of his Father with his holy messengers.’
1Then he went on to say this to them:‘I tell you the truth; some of you who are standing here won’t taste death before you see the Kingdom of God coming in power.’2And just six days later, Jesus took just Peter, James, and John along to a private spot on a high mountain, where he changed form in front of them! 3His clothes started to glow much whiter than anyone on earth who washes and bleaches clothes could whiten them… 4And then EliJah and Moses appeared, and started talking to Jesus!5Well in reaction, Peter said to Jesus:‘Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. So, let us erect three temporary structures… One for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah.’6However, he really didn’t know what he was saying, because they were all so frightened.7Then right away, a cloud formed that covered them all, and a voice came from the cloud that said:‘This is My Beloved Son; listen to him!’8And when they looked around, they suddenly saw just Jesus standing by himself.9Well, as they were coming back down the mountain, [Jesus] ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man has been resurrected from the dead.10So, they took these words to heart.However, shortly afterwards, they started talking among themselves about what [Jesus meant] when he spoke of being resurrected from the dead.11Then later, they asked him:‘Why do the Scribes say that EliJah must come first?’12And [Jesus] replied:‘EliJah does indeed come first and he restores everything.‘But, why do you suppose it was written about the Son of Man that he will be tried, suffer greatly, and be treated as a no-account?13‘I tell you this: EliJah has in fact already come and they did whatever they wanted to him, just as it was written about him.’14Then when they got back to the rest of the disciples, they found that a large crowd had gathered around them, and there were some Scribes that were arguing with them. 15But when the crowd saw [Jesus], they were all stunned and everyone ran up to him and started greeting him.16So he asked [the disciples]:‘What have you been arguing about?’17And someone in the crowd replied:‘Teacher, I was bringing my son to you, because he has a spirit that won’t allow him talk.18‘Whenever it takes control of him, it throws him on the ground, he foams [at the mouth] and grinds his teeth, and then he just goes limp!‘I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn’t do it.’19And Jesus said:‘O you faithless people! How much longer do I have to be with you? How much longer must I put up with you?‘Bring him to me!’20So they brought [the boy] to him, and at the sight [of Jesus], the spirit immediately threw [the child] into convulsions… He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming [at the mouth].21Then [Jesus] asked the father:‘How long has this been happening to him?’And he replied:‘Ever since he was a child, 22it has thrown him into the fire and into the water repeatedly, trying to destroy him.‘So if you can do anything, [please] feel pity and help him!’23And Jesus replied:‘You said, If you can! Don’t you know that everything is possible for those who have faith?’24Then the father of the young boy immediately shouted:‘I do have faith… But help me to have more faith!’25Well at the time, Jesus could see that more people were running towards [them]; so he scolded the unclean spirit and said:‘I order you to come out of him, you spirit of speechlessness and deafness, and don’t go back into him anymore!’26Then, after shouting and going through several convulsions, [the spirit] came out. However, [the boy] then looked like he was dead. So most of the crowd started shouting:‘He’s dead!’27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.28Well after that, [Jesus] went back into the house, and his disciples went in with him. But they asked him in private why they couldn’t cast it out. 29And [Jesus] told them:‘This is the kind that will only come out through prayer.’30Then from there, they traveled on through Galilee, but [Jesus] didn’t want anyone to know [where they were going], 31because he wanted to spend what little time he had left teaching his disciples.And that’s when he went on to explain to them that he (the Son of Man) was going to be betrayed into the hands of men who would kill him… But after being dead for three days, he would stand again.32Nevertheless, they still couldn’t grasp the meaning of what he was saying, and they were all afraid to ask him any more questions.33Well, they finally got back to CapharNaum (which is where [Jesus was staying]).And when they got there, he asked them:‘What were you arguing about along the road?’34However, none of them wanted to answer, because they’d been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35So he sat down and called the 12 over.Then he said this to them:‘Whoever wants to be first must be the last and the servant of the rest.’36Then he took a little boy and stood him in their midst, and he put his arms around him and said:37‘Whoever welcomes anyone like this little boy in my name, also welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me, is welcoming the One who sent me.’38[Then later], John said to him:‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he isn’t following us!’39But Jesus told him:‘Don’t try to stop him, because those who do powerful deeds in my name won’t be too quick to say bad things about me… 40For those who aren’t against us are for us.41‘I tell you the truth: Anyone who gives you so much as a cup of water to drink because you’re walking in the name of the Anointed One… That person won’t lose his reward.42‘But as for anyone who becomes a snare to one of these little believers… It would be better if the type of millstone that’s turned by a burro was hung around his neck and he was cast into the open sea!43‘Therefore, if your hand traps you, cut it off! For it is better to enter life physically handicapped than to have both hands and go into the garbage dump… Into the fire that can’t be put out. 44Where the worm doesn’t die, and the fire isn’t quenched. [spurious, copied from verse 48]45‘And if your foot is a trap to you, cut it off; for it’s better to enter life lame than to have both feet and end up in the garbage dump. 46Where the worm doesn’t die, and the fire isn’t quenched. [spurious, copied from verse 48]47‘Also, if your eye is a trap to you, pluck it out and throw it away; for it is better to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye than to have both eyes and be thrown into the garbage dump...48‘Where the worms won’t come to an end,
And the fire is never extinguished.’
[Isaiah 66:24]49‘For you’ll all be salted with fire in the same way that a sacrifice is [offered with] salt. 50And although salt is good, if it loses its salty flavor, how can it be used for seasoning? So, you should each keep salt in yourselves by staying at peace with each other.’
1Well from there, he traveled on to the border of Judea and he crossed the JorDan, where great crowds came [to see] him. So, as was his custom, he started teaching them.2However, the Pharisees also came there, and to test him they asked him whether it was legal for a man to divorce his wife.3So [Jesus] asked them:‘What Commandment did Moses give you?’4And they replied:‘Moses allowed [us to] write out a certificate of dismissal and let her go.’5Then Jesus said:‘He wrote this commandment for you because you’re so hardhearted!6‘However, back in the earliest [days] of their creation, [God] made them male and female. [For it’s written:]7‘This is why a man will leave his father and mother, 8and the two will become one flesh.’ [Genesis 2:24]‘So they’re no longer two, but one flesh.9‘Therefore, what God has put together under the same yoke shouldn’t be separated by any man.’10Well when they got back home again, the disciples asked him about this. 11And he told them:‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is committing adultery against her.12‘And if a woman leaves her husband and marries another, she’s committing adultery.’13Then after that, people started bringing their young children to [Jesus] so that he could just touch them… But the disciples started scolding them! 14And when Jesus saw this, he was irritated and said to them:‘Let the young children come to me… Don’t try to stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to people like this.15‘I tell you the truth; anyone who doesn’t welcome the Kingdom of God like a young child won’t ever get into it.’16Then he took the children in his arms and started blessing them, laying his hands on them.17Well, as Jesus was leaving, someone ran up and fell to his knees before him and asked:‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit age-long life?’18And he said to him:‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God.19‘You know the Commandments: Don’t murder; don’t commit adultery; don’t steal; don’t give false testimony; don’t defraud; honor your father and mother.’20But the man said:‘Teacher, I’ve kept all of these things since my youth.’21Well, because Jesus saw what the man was on the inside, he felt love for him and he said:‘Then there’s just one thing that’s missing:‘Go and sell everything you have, and give [the money] to the poor, and you”ll have treasures in the heavens… Then, come and be my follower.’22But at that, [the young man] grew very sad and went off grieving, because he owned so many things.23Then Jesus looked around and said this to his disciples:‘It is a difficult thing for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God!’24And because the disciples were surprised at those words, he added:‘Children, it will be difficult to enter the Kingdom of God. 25In fact, it would be easier [to thread a rope] through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.’26Well when they heard this, they were even more shocked and they asked:‘Then, who can actually be saved?’27And looking straight at them, Jesus said:‘With men, this is impossible… But that isn’t true of God, for all things are possible with [Him].’28Then Peter said to him:‘Look! We’ve left everything to follow you!’29And Jesus told him:‘I tell you the truth: All who are willing to leave their homes, or their fields, or their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, or children for my sake, and for the sake of the good news, 30will get 100 times more houses and brethren and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions [spurious words] along with age-long life in the era that’s coming.31‘However, many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.’32Well, as they were traveling up to JeruSalem, Jesus started walking out in front of them, which amazed everyone (and it worried his followers). So he took the 12 aside and told them everything that was about to happen to him, saying:33‘{Look!} We’re heading towards JeruSalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the Chief Priests and Scribes, who’ll then condemn him to death and hand him over to the gentiles.34‘They in turn will make fun of him, spit on him, whip him, and finally kill him… But after three days, he will stand again.’35Then [sometime later], James and John (the two sons of ZebediOu) came up to him and said:‘Teacher, we want to ask you to do something for us.’36And he asked:‘What do you want?’37So they said:‘Allow us to sit, one at your right hand and the other on your left, in your glory.’38But Jesus replied:‘You don’t know what you’re asking. Can you drink from the same cup that I’ll be drinking? And can you be immersed in the same type of immersion that I’ll be immersed in?’39And they replied:‘We can.’Then Jesus told them:‘You’ll indeed drink from the same cup that I’ll be drinking, and be immersed in the immersion that I’ll be immersed in.40‘However, sitting at my right or left isn’t mine to give. That belongs to those for whom it’s been prepared.’41Well, when the 10 others heard what the [two men] had asked, they became very irritated with James and John. 42But Jesus called [them all over] to him and said:‘You know that those who appear to be ruling the nations act like masters over [their subjects]… And [you know] how the greatest among them like to use their power.43‘This isn’t the way it should be among you. For whoever wants to become great among you must become your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must become everyone’s slave.45‘[Remember that] the Son of Man didn’t come here to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’46Well, before long, they finally arrived at JeriCho.Then as [Jesus] was leaving JeriCho (along with his disciples and quite a crowd), there happened to be a man called BarTimaeus (a blind beggar) who was sitting alongside the road. 47And when he heard that Jesus the Nazarene [was passing], he started shouting:‘Jesus… Son of David… Have mercy on me!’48Then when many [in the crowd] told him to be quiet, he started shouting even louder:‘Son of David… Have mercy on me!’49So Jesus stopped and said:‘Call him over.’And they called the blind man over and told him:‘Cheer up and come here, because he’s calling for you!’50Well at that, the man threw off his robe, jumped to his feet, and went over to Jesus.51And Jesus asked him:‘What do you want me to do for you?’And the blind man replied:‘My Teacher; let me see again!’52Then Jesus said to him:‘Go on, for your faith has made you well.’And immediately, he was able to see! So he too started following Jesus.
1Now, as they were getting close to JeruSalem (they were near BethPhage and BethAny on the Mount of Olives), he sent two of his disciples ahead 2and told them:‘Go into the village across from us, and as soon as you enter you’ll find a colt that’s tied, which no man has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3And if anyone asks why you’re doing this, just tell him that the Lord needs it, and he will immediately let you take it.’4So they went and found the colt tied outside of a door on a side street, and they untied it. 5Then when some of those who were standing there asked why they were untying the colt, 6[the disciples] told them what Jesus had said, and they let them take it.7Thereafter, they brought the colt to Jesus, so they put a robe over it and he mounted it.8Then many [of his disciples] started spreading their robes out over the road, while others were laying down palm fronds that they’d cut from trees in the fields. 9And those who walked in front of him and behind him started shouting:‘May [God] save him! Praise the one who comes in the Name of Jehovah!
10Praise the Kingdom of our Father David that’s about to arrive!
Save him, we pray, from the heights!’11Well from there, [Jesus] rode into JeruSalem. [And when he got there], he went into the Temple and looked around. But because it was late, he just [went back] to BethAny with the 12.12Then the next morning (as he was leaving BethAny), because he noticed some leaves on a fig tree, 13and because he was hungry, he went over to see if he could find some [fruit]. But when he got there, he found nothing but leaves, because it was [a little early in the year] for figs.14So [Jesus] said to [the tree] (and his disciples heard [him say] this):‘May nobody eat fruit from you for the rest of the age!’15Well, from there, they traveled on into JeruSalem.Then [Jesus] entered the Temple... And started throwing out those who were buying and selling! He also pushed over the money-changer’s tables and the seats of those who sold doves… 16And he wouldn’t allow anyone to carry things through the Temple!17He kept instructing them and saying:‘Although it is written:‘My house will be called a House of Prayer for all nations...’‘...you’ve turned it into a den of thieves!’18And when the Chief Priests and Scribes heard about this, they started looking for ways to destroy him. However, they were afraid of him, because his teaching always amazed the crowds.19Then (since it was late), they left the city.20And as they were returning early the [next] morning, [the disciples] noticed that the fig tree had become all withered up from its roots. 21So, because he remembered what Jesus had said to it, Peter pointed this out and said to him:‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered!’22And Jesus said:‘You must have faith in God. 23For I tell you the truth: If you’d say to this mountain, Rise and be thrown into the sea… And if you did it without any doubts in your heart but had total faith, whatever you say will happen, will in fact happen!24‘This is why I’ve told you that if you believe that you’ll receive anything you ask for in prayer, you’ll receive it.25‘However, as you stand there praying, you must [also remember to] forgive anything that others may have done to you, so that your Father in the heavens will forgive your errors.’ 26But if you don’t forgive others, your Father in heaven won’t forgive your sins. [spurious, copied from Matthew 6:15]27Well, after they got back to JeruSalem, and as Jesus was walking around in the Temple, the Chief Priests, Scribes, and elders all came up to him 28and asked:‘Who told you that you could do these things… Who gave you the authority?’29And Jesus replied:‘I’m going to ask you a question, and if you answer me, I’ll tell you where I got the authority to do these things!30‘Did John’s immersion come from heaven or from men? Tell me!’31So they started reasoning among themselves and saying:‘If we say it was from heaven, he’ll ask: Then why didn’t you believe him? 32But if we say it was from men…!’[You see,] they were afraid of the crowd, since everyone [around] really believed that John was a Prophet.33So they told Jesus:‘We don’t know.’And Jesus said:‘Then I won’t tell you where I got the authority to do these things.’
1Well after that, Jesus used this parable to teach them.He said:‘There was once a man who planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a vat for a wine press, built a lookout tower [to protect it], and then he rented it out to some tenant farmers before he traveled abroad.2‘Then, when the [harvest] season arrived, he sent a slave to the farmers to get some of the vineyard’s fruit.3‘However, they grabbed [the slave], beat him up, and sent him away with nothing.4‘So then he sent another slave to them. This one they hit on the head and treated dishonorably.5‘Then he sent another, whom they killed… And [he sent] many others, some of whom they flayed with whips and others whom they murdered!6‘Well, [the master] had one last [person whom he could send]: a dearly-loved son! So he sent his son to them, saying:‘Surely they’ll respect him!’7‘But those farmers said to each other:‘This is the heir! Let’s kill him, and then his [land] will be ours!’8‘So they grabbed him and killed him, then they threw [his body] outside of the vineyard.9‘Now, what do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Surely he would go there and destroy those tenant farmers, and then entrust the vineyard to others, wouldn’t he?10‘Have you ever read the scripture that says:‘The stone that the builders rejected Has become the foundation cornerstone… 11It’s by Jehovah that this came to pass, And it’s a wonderful thing in our eyes.?’ [Psalm 118:22]12Well [when he said] this, they started to realize that he was applying the parable to them. So after that, they started looking for ways to arrest him. However, because they were afraid of the crowds, they just released him and left.13Thereafter, they sent some of the Pharisees and some of the followers of Herod to him to try to get [Jesus] to say something [that they could use against him].14So these people came up to him and said:‘Teacher, we know that you tell the truth and that you aren’t impressed by anyone, for you don’t look at what men are on the outside, but you truly teach the ways of God.‘So tell us: Does the Law require us to pay the head tax to Caesar or not… 15Should we pay, or shouldn’t we pay?’But noting their hypocrisy, he said:‘Why are you testing me? Bring me a silver coin.’16So they brought him [a coin].Then he asked:‘Whose image and inscription is on this?’And they replied:‘Caesar’s.’17Then Jesus said:‘Pay Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.’And that left them bewildered.18Now, the SadDucees (who say there’s no such thing as a resurrection) then came to [Jesus] and said:19‘Teacher, Moses wrote that a brother of any man who dies and leaves his woman without a child should take his woman and sire offspring for him.20‘So, let’s say that there were seven brothers. The first one took a woman [as his wife], but he died without offspring. 21Then the second took her, but he also died without offspring, as did the third, and so on… 22Therefore, none of the seven left her with any offspring.‘And finally, she also died.23‘So... Whose wife will she be in the resurrection, since all seven of them had her as theirs?’24Then Jesus replied:‘This is why you’re so misled, because you don’t understand the Scriptures or the power of God!25‘When the dead are resurrected, they won’t marry or be married, because they’ll be like [God’s] messengers in the heavens.26‘And when it comes to the dead that will be raised – haven’t you read in the book about Moses (in the story about the thorn bush) that God said to him:‘I am the God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob?’27‘Notice that He isn’t the God of the dead, but of the living!‘Yes, you’re very misled!’28Well, one of the scribes that had just arrived and overheard the things that were being said knew that [Jesus] had given a good answer.So he asked:‘Then, which is the primary Commandment?’29And Jesus answered:‘The primary one is this:‘Hear, O IsraEl: Jehovah your God is your only Lord.30‘So, you must love your God Jehovah with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ [Deuteronomy 6:4]31‘The second one is this:‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Leviticus 19:18]‘No Commandments are greater than these.’32Then the scribe said:‘That’s good… You’re speaking the truth, teacher, when you say that He is One and that there’s no other, 33and that loving Him with our whole heart, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves is worth much more than all of our whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.’34And when Jesus recognized that [the scribe] had responded intelligently, he said to him:‘You aren’t far from the Kingdom of God.’Well, from then on, no one else had enough courage to ask him any more questions.35So in reply to a question that had been raised while Jesus was teaching in the Temple, Jesus went on to ask [the Scribes] this:‘Why do you say that the Anointed One is to be a son of David? 36For through the Holy Breath [of God], David said:‘Jehovah said to my Lord; Sit here at my right hand ‘Til I put your enemies under your feet.’37‘So if David called him Lord; how could he be his son?’[Well, all the while], the huge crowd was listening to him with a lot of pleasure. 38So as he was teaching, he gave them this warning:‘Watch out for the Scribes who like to walk around in robes, who wish to be greeted in the markets, 39and who want the front seats in the synagogues and the first positions at the meals. 40For despite the fact that they devour the homes of widows, they like to put on great pretenses and deliver very long prayers.‘So, this is why they’re going to receive a heavier judgment.’41Then, as he was sitting across from the [Temple] Treasury, he noticed the crowd dropping money into the box, and he could see that the rich people were dropping in many coins.42But then he also noticed a poor widow that went up and dropped in just two small copper coins (they weren’t worth very much).43So, [Jesus] called his disciples over and said to them:‘I tell you the truth: this poor widow put in more than all the rest that were dropping their money into the Treasury chest, 44because they’re throwing in something of which they have plenty.‘However, this needy woman dropped in everything that she had… Her whole [means of] living!’
1Then as he was leaving the Temple, one of his disciples said:‘Teacher, just look at these stones and these buildings!’2And Jesus said to him:‘Do you see these great buildings?‘There won’t be a stone left on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down!’3Then, as he was sitting in a quiet spot on the Mount of Olives (across from the Temple), Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him and asked:4‘When will these things happen… What will be the sign that all these things are about to end?’5So Jesus said to them:‘Be careful so that no one misleads you. 6For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am [the one]’, and they’ll mislead many.7‘And when you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t worry, because [these things] must happen… That isn’t the end.8‘For there’ll be wars between nations and nations, and kingdoms and kingdoms, and there’ll also be famines and rumblings in one place after another.‘Yet, these things will be just the beginning of the birth pangs.9‘At that time, watch out for yourselves, because you’ll be led before religious courts, you’ll be whipped in the synagogues, and you’ll have to stand before governors and kings for my sake, as a witness to them…10‘But before that, the good news must be preached to all the gentiles.11‘Now... When these things happen to you, and they’re leading you off to face your accusers, don’t worry about what you should say! Just say whatever will be given to you right then, since [God’s] Holy Breath will be doing the speaking, not you.12‘At that time, brothers will hand over their brothers for death, fathers [will hand over] their children, and children will oppose their parents and have them put to death! 13For everyone will hate you because of my name.‘However, those who endure to the end will be saved.14‘Now, when you see the disgusting destroyer standing where it shouldn’t (the readers should pay attention to this), those in Judea should flee to the mountains!15‘The man who’s standing on his rooftop shouldn’t go down to take anything out of his house, 16and the person who’s out in a field shouldn’t go back home to pick up his clothes.17‘Also, woe to those who are pregnant and those who are nursing babies in those days… 18Keep praying that this doesn’t happen during the winter!19‘For a difficult time will arrive in those days that won’t be like anything that has happened since the earliest creation by God until now – nor should ever happen again!20‘And if Jehovah hadn’t shortened those days, it’s likely that no flesh would be saved… But for the sake of the elected ones whom He’s chosen, He shortened those days.21‘Then if anyone says to you:‘Look! Here’s the Anointed One!’‘Or:‘Look! There he is!’‘Don’t believe it!22‘For false anointed and false prophets will arise bringing signs and omens that could possibly mislead even the elected!23‘Now, you must be careful, because I’ve warned you!24‘Then in the days that follow this difficult time:‘The sun will grow dark and the moon won’t shine [Joel 2:31], 25The stars will be falling out of the skies, And the powers in the heavens will be shaken.26‘For they’ll see the Son of Man arriving in the clouds With great power and glory. 27Then he’ll send his messengers to collect his elected From the four winds [of the earth]… From the ends of the lands to the ends of the skies!28‘Now, you should learn this from the parable of the fig tree:‘When its branches grow tender And it starts putting out leaves, You know that summer is near. 29So, when you see these things start to happen, Know that he’s near… At the doors.30‘I tell you the truth: this people won’t pass away until all of these things have happened! 31For even if the lands and skies should pass away, my words won’t pass away!32‘However, no one knows that date or time – not the messengers in the heavens nor the Son, just the Father.33‘Therefore, you should stay awake and keep watching, because you don’t know when he will arrive!34‘It’s like a man, who before leaving his house and traveling abroad, instructed each of his slaves to just go on doing their jobs… But he commanded his doorkeeper to stay awake.35‘This is why you must stay awake, because you don’t know when the Master of the house will return… Whether it’s in the evening, at midnight, at rooster crowing, or early in the morning.36‘Just be sure that when he suddenly arrives, he doesn’t find you sleeping!37‘So, what I’m saying to you, I’m saying to everyone:‘Stay awake!’
1Now, it was just two days before Passover and the Festival of No Fermentation, and the Chief Priests and the Scribes were trying to come up with devious ways to grab [Jesus] and kill him.2But they said:‘Not at the festival… Not whenever it’ll create a commotion!’3Well, as [Jesus] was reclining at a meal in the house of Simon the leper (in BethAny), a woman arrived that was carrying a very expensive alabaster jar of perfumed oil (genuine nard). And after breaking open the alabaster, she poured it over Jesus’ head.4But when she did that, some [of his Apostles] started grumbling among themselves and asking each other:‘Why [is she] wasting this perfume? 5We could have sold the ointment for as much as 300 silver coins and given it to the poor!’So they were very displeased with her.6But Jesus told them:‘Leave her alone… Why are you making trouble for her? She just did a good thing for me!7‘You’ll always have the poor with you, and you can do good things for them whenever you wish; however, you won’t always have me! 8For when she poured the perfumed ointment over me, she was doing everything that she could to prepare my body for its burial.9‘And I tell you the truth:‘Wherever the Good News is preached anywhere in the world, what this woman did for me will be told in memory of her!’10[Well, after that happened], Judas IsCariot (one of the 12) went to see the Chief Priests so as to betray him. 11And when they heard [his offer], they were delighted and they promised to pay him in silver.So, that’s when he started looking for an opportunity to betray [Jesus].12Well, it was just before the 1st day of No Fermentation (the day when the Passover sacrifices are offered) that [Jesus’] disciples asked him:‘Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?’13So he sent two of his disciples off, giving them these instructions:‘Go into the city, and there you’ll meet a man who’s carrying a large clay jar of water… Follow him, 14and wherever he goes inside, tell the master of the house that the Teacher wants to know where the guest room is that he can use to eat the Passover with his disciples.15‘He’ll then show you a large upper room that’s already furnished… Make your preparations there.’16Therefore, the disciples left and went into the city, where they found everything just as he said, so they prepared for the Passover.17Then that evening, [Jesus] went there with the 12, 18and as they were reclining and eating at the table, Jesus said:‘I tell you the truth: One of you who’s eating with me here will betray me!’19Of course, they were all deeply saddened by this, and each one asked whether he was the one.20But he told them:‘It’s one of the 12 that’s dipping into the common bowl with me.21‘It’s a fact that the Son of Man is going to be taken away, just as it was written about him… But woe to the one who betrays the Son of Man, for it’d be better if he’d never been born!’22Well, as they were eating, [Jesus] then took a loaf, and before breaking it, he offered a blessing over it.Then he passed it among [his Apostles] saying:‘Take it, for this is my body.’23And after that, he took a cup, and after offering thanks for it, he handed it to them and they all drank from it.24Then he said to them:‘This is my blood of the Sacred Agreement that’s being poured out [on behalf of] many.25‘I tell you the truth: I definitely won’t drink from the fruit of the vine again until the Day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of The God.’26And finally, after singing songs of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27It was there that Jesus said to them:‘All of you’ll be stumbled over me tonight, because it is written:‘I will strike down the shepherd,
And all the sheep will be scattered.’28‘But after I wake up, I’ll go ahead of you into Galilee.’29Well at that, Peter said to him:‘Even if all the others are stumbled, I won’t be!’30And Jesus said to him:‘I tell you the truth: today… Tonight… Before a rooster crows twice, you’ll deny knowing me three times!’31Yet [Peter] kept insisting, saying:‘Even if I have to die with you, I definitely won’t deny you.’And all the others were saying the same thing.32Then later, when they got to a place called GethSemane (the Olive Press), he said to his disciples:‘Now sit here, while I [go over there] to pray.’33So he took Peter, James, and John along with him, and then he became deeply upset and bothered. 34For he said to them:‘My soul is grieved to the point of death… So wait here and stay awake!’35Then he went a little way forward and fell to the ground, praying that if it was possible, he could be freed from that hour.36And he said:‘Papa! Father! Everything is possible for You, so remove this cup from me!‘Yet, not as I wish, but as You wish.’37Well, when he returned, he found them all sleeping. And he said to Peter:‘Simon, are you sleeping? Didn’t you have enough strength to stay awake for just an hour?38‘Now, stay awake and keep praying that you won’t be put to the test!‘But indeed; although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.’39Then he went off and prayed once more, saying the same things. 40However when he came back, he found them all sleeping again, because their eyes were heavy… And they just didn’t know what to say to him.41[And finally], after he returned a third time, and said to them:‘Here you are, resting and sleeping. That’s enough! The time has arrived!‘Look! The Son of Man has now been betrayed into the hands of sinners!42‘Get up, let’s go!‘Look… My betrayer is nearby!’43Well immediately (while he was still talking), Judas (one of the 12) arrived with a mob, which included the Chief Priests, Scribes, and elders, all of whom were carrying swords and clubs.44Then the betrayer gave the sign that they’d agreed on, for he’d said:‘The one whom I kiss is him… Grab him and arrest him!’45Therefore, he went straight up [to Jesus] and said:‘Rabbi!’And then he kissed him tenderly.46Well at that, the men grabbed [Jesus] and bound him!47However, one of those who was standing nearby drew his sword and struck the Chief Priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.48But then Jesus said to [the mob]:‘Did you come here with swords and clubs to arrest me like some robber? 49I was with you in the Temple where I taught for days, but you didn’t grab me then!‘However, this has happened so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.’50Then [the Apostles] all abandoned [Jesus] and ran away.51However, a certain young man (who had slipped a linen nightgown over his naked body) started following close behind them… And [the mob] tried to grab him too, 52so he ran away naked, leaving behind his covering.53Well from there, they led Jesus to the [house of the] High Priest, where all the Chief Priests, elders, and Scribes had already assembled. 54Then Peter (who’d been following at some distance) went into the courtyard of the High Priest, and sat there among the building supervisors who were warming themselves in front of the fire.55Meanwhile, the Chief Priests and those of the Jewish religious court were trying to find witnesses against Jesus so that they could hand him over for execution. However, they couldn’t find any.56Many did come forward to give false testimony against him, but their stories just didn’t agree. 57Then some stood up and perjured themselves with the words:58‘We heard him say that he will tear down this Most Holy Place that was made with hands and build another that isn’t made with hands in just three days.’59Yet, even these witnesses couldn’t agree.60So finally, the High Priest stood up in their midst and questioned Jesus, asking:‘Don’t you have an answer… What is it that they’re accusing you of?’61But [Jesus] remained silent and he didn’t reply to anything that he asked.Then the High Priest questioned him again, and when he asked:‘Are you the Anointed One, the Son of the Praised One?’62Jesus spoke up and said:‘I am… And you’ll see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of the skies!’63Well at that, the High Priest ripped his clothes and said:‘Why do we need any more witnesses?64‘You’ve heard the blasphemy! What’s your opinion?’So they all [voted to] condemn him and hold him for execution.65Then some started spitting on him, and they covered his face and started hitting him with their fists, shouting:‘Prophesy!’[And finally], the building supervisors (after slapping him in the face) took him into their custody.66Meanwhile, Peter was still in the courtyard below, and there, one of the High Priest’s servant girls 67noticed him [standing there and] warming himself. She looked at him very hard, and then she said:‘You were also with the Nazarene… This Jesus!’68But he denied it, saying:‘I don’t know him and I don’t know what you’re talking about!’Then when he went outside to the courtyard entrance, 69the servant girl saw him again and said to those who were around her:‘He’s one of them!’70But once more, he denied it.However, some that were standing around him said to Peter:‘Sure you’re one of them, because you’re also a Galilean!’71But Peter started cursing and swore:‘I don’t know the man you’re talking about!’72Well right away, a rooster crowed a second time, and that’s when Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him:‘Before a rooster crows twice you’ll have disowned me three times.’And at that, he broke down and cried.
1First thing in the morning, the Chief Priests, elders, Scribes, and the complete Jewish religious court was appointed as a council. They bound Jesus and handed him over to Pilate.2So Pilate asked him:‘Are you the King of the Jews?’And he replied:‘You’re saying it yourself!’3Then the Chief Priests started accusing him of many other things.4So Pilate questioned him again and asked:‘Don’t you have any reply? Look at all the charges they’re bringing against you!’5But Jesus wouldn’t say anything more, which amazed Pilate.6Well, it was [Pilate’s] custom to release any prisoner that they asked for at the festivals. 7And at the time, there was one man in jail called BarAbbas that was with a group of rebels who had committed murder during a rebellion.8So when the crowd came [to Pilate] to petition him to release a prisoner (as it was their custom), 9Pilate asked:‘Do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?’10([This was] because he knew that the Chief Priests had only handed him over because they were jealous of him).11But the Chief Priests stirred up the crowd and had them call for the release of BarAbbas instead.12So Pilate asked:‘Then, what shall I do with this one whom you call, the King of the Jews?’13And once again, they shouted:‘Impale him!’14But Pilate asked:‘Why? What crime did he commit?’However, they just kept shouting louder and louder:‘Impale him!’15So, to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released BarAbbas to them. Then, after having Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be impaled.16Well from there, the soldiers took him out into the courtyard of the Governor’s Palace and assembled all the troops. 17There, they covered him with purple [cloth] and braided a crown of thorns, which they slipped over [his head], 18and they started greeting him, saying:‘Rejoice, O you King of the Jews!’19[Saying this] as they were hitting him on the head with a measuring rod and spitting on him.Then they got down on their knees and [sarcastically] bowed to their faces before him.20Finally, after they’d had their fun, they stripped him of the purple [cloth], put his clothes back on, and took him out to be hung on the pole.21So they drafted a man named Simon (a Cyrenian who was coming in from the fields; the father of Alexander and Rufus) to carry the pole. 22And from there, they took him to GolGotha (which translates as ‘Skull Place’).23Then, when they tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, he wouldn’t take it. 24So finally, they hung him on the pole and they threw dice to see which ones would get his clothes.25It was during the 3rd hour [9am] that they hung him on the pole, 26and they put a sign over him that showed the charge against him:‘The King of the Jews.’27There were also two robbers that were hung on poles along with him, one on his right and the other on his left. 28And the scripture was fulfilled, which says, ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ [spurious, copied from Luke 22:37]29Then, those who were passing by started saying terrible things to him, shaking their heads and shouting:‘Bah! O you who would tear down the Temple and rebuild it in three days… 30Save yourself! Come down from the pole!’31And that’s also the way that the Chief Priests and Scribes were joking about him, saying:‘He saved others, but now he can’t save himself!’[And:]32‘Let the Anointed One who is the ‘King of IsraEl’ come down from his pole so we can witness it and believe in him!’And even those who were hanging with him mocked him.33Thereafter, [a great] darkness came over the whole land from the 6th to the 9th hours [12 noon to 3pm].34And at the 9th hour [3pm], Jesus shouted in a loud voice:‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ (which translates as, ‘My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?’).35And when some of those standing there heard it, they said:‘Look! He’s calling for EliJah!’36So, someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine and held it up on a reed to give him something to drink. But the rest said:‘Leave him alone… Let’s see if EliJah comes to take him down.’37But then Jesus let out a loud groan and died.38Well at that, the curtain [that separated] the Most Holy ripped in two from the top to the bottom!39And when the centurion who was standing across from him saw all the things that happened when he died, he said:‘This man truly was God’s Son!’40Meanwhile, there were some women who had been watching from a distance. Among them was Mary of Magdala, Mary (the mother of Little James and Joses), Salome, 41and many others that had traveled with Jesus to JeruSalem and that used to serve him back in Galilee.42Well, since it was already late in the afternoon, and because it was Preparation (the day before the Sabbath), 43JoSeph of HariMathea (a well-known member of the Council that was also awaiting God’s Kingdom) got up enough courage to go before Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus. 44However, Pilate didn’t know if he was dead yet, so he called the centurion to ask if he’d died. 45Then, after checking with the centurion, he released the body to JoSeph.46So JoSeph then went out and bought some fine linen. And after taking Jesus down, he wrapped him in the cloth and laid him in a tomb that had been cut into the bedrock, then he rolled up a stone over the tomb’s entrance.47Meanwhile, Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joses [just sat there] looking at the place where he’d been laid.
1Then, after the Sabbath, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spiced ointments that, once they arrive, they’ll use to grease his body. 2Then, very early in the morning on the first day of the week[, that is, Sunday], they arrived at the tomb at sunrise.3One asked the other:‘Who’ll roll the stone away from the tomb entrance for us?’4But when they looked up, they saw that the extremely large stone had already been rolled away!5So when they entered the tomb, they saw a young man who was sitting on the right side wearing a white robe, and they were shocked!6But he said to them:‘Don’t be surprised.‘You’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was impaled… But he isn’t here, he’s risen!‘Look, here’s the place where they laid him!7‘Now, go tell his disciples and Peter that he’s going ahead of them into Galilee… They’ll see him there, just as he said.’8Well when they came out, they ran from the tomb, because they were shaking with excitement. But then they didn’t say anything to anyone, being too afraid because ...[Editor note: The Gospel text ends here, perhaps even in mid-sentence. Why? Perhaps the Gospel was never finished. Maybe the author, Mark, was martyred before he could complete it. If so, this would be a powerful ending! Alternatively, the Gospel may have been written in a codex (an early form of book), and the last page was lost before copies could be made.The truth is, we don’t know.At some later time, someone tried to fix the abrupt ending by adding a long conclusion – probably taken from another, now lost, book about Jesus. These verses appear in other Bibles as verses 9 to 20. However, this new ending contradicts some earlier statements in the same chapter, and is written in a different style.Much later, somebody created a shorter conclusion which doesn’t contradict the rest of the chapter – perhaps to replace the longer conclusion with something better.Almost all Bible scholars believe that these two endings are inauthentic later additions. However, the long ending is accepted by the Roman Catholic Church. See our page on spurious texts if you’d like to read the shorter and longer conclusions and see why we agree that they’re both inauthentic.To read what happened next, see the parallel accounts starting at:• Matthew 28:9 • Luke 24:10 • John 20:19]
1Since many others have already taken on the job of putting together a statement of the facts regarding the things we believe 2(as they were given to us by those who were eyewitnesses from the earliest [times], and by caretakers of the message)... 3It seemed good for me to trace everything accurately from the start, then write it down for you in the order that it happened, O mighty TheoPhilus, 4so that you can have confidence in the things you’ve been taught by word of mouth.5In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a Priest named ZechariAh who was of the division of AbiJah. He had a wife named EliZabeth [meaning, My God has Sworn], who was a descendant of Aaron. 6Both of them were found righteous by God, because they obeyed all the commandments and requirements of Jehovah.7However, they never had children and they were both advanced in years, so EliZabeth was [beyond child-bearing age].8Then it was while [ZechariAh] was assigned as the Priest before God (in his division of Priests, 9following the custom of the Priesthood), that he had been chosen by lot to enter the temple sanctuary of Jehovah to burn incense there. 10Since it was the scheduled time for offering incense, a large crowd of people had also gathered outside to pray.11Well, Jehovah’s messenger then appeared to [ZechariAh], standing on the right-hand side of the incense altar! 12Well, upon seeing him, ZechariAh was very frightened!13However, the messenger said to him:‘Don’t be afraid ZechariAh, because your prayers have been heard! Your wife EliZabeth will give birth to a son for you, and you must call his name John [Greek: YoHanain, meaning Jehovah Is Merciful].14‘He’ll be a great joy for you, and a delight… In fact, many people will rejoice at his birth, 15because he’ll be great in the eyes of Jehovah.‘[This son] won’t drink any wine or liquor at all, and he will be filled with Holy Breath while he’s still in his mother’s womb!16‘Thereafter, he will turn many sons of IsraEl back to their God Jehovah, 17and he’ll travel before him with the power and spirit of EliJah as he prepares a people for the Lord – by turning the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the [hearts] of those who don’t obey to righteous good sense.’18But ZechariAh asked the messenger:‘How can I be sure of this? After all, I’m quite old and my woman is advanced in years.’19Then the messenger replied:‘I’m GabriEl – someone who stands before God – and I was sent to bring this good news to you!20‘But because you don’t believe these words (which will come true right on time), {Look!} you’ll be silent and won’t able to talk until the day that these things happen!’21Meanwhile, the people who were waiting [outside] for ZechariAh started wondering why he was taking so long in the temple sanctuary. 22So when he [finally] came out [of the sanctuary] and couldn’t speak, they realized that he’d just seen a supernatural vision… He gestured to them with his head, but he couldn’t talk.23Well, when his service time [in the Temple] was finished, he went back home, 24and that’s when his wife EliZabeth became pregnant.However, she hid herself for five months, saying:25‘It’s Jehovah’s will that I do this, so that people won’t laugh at me.’26Well, it was in her 6th month that the Messenger GabriEl was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin who was engaged to a man named JoSeph who was from the house of [King] David. This virgin’s name was Mary [Greek: Mariam].28And when he came to her, he said:‘Rejoice, you most beloved person, because Jehovah is with you!’29Well, these words bothered her, because she wondered just what type of greeting that was.30Then the messenger said:‘Don’t be afraid Mary, because you’ve found God’s favor.31‘Look! You’ll conceive in your belly and give birth to a son whom you are to name Jesus [Aramaic: IShoah, Hebrew: YeShuah, meaning Jehovah’s Salvation]. 32He will be great and he’ll be called the Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.33‘He will then rule over the house of Jacob throughout the ages, and there’ll be no end to his Kingdom.’34But Mary asked the messenger:‘How can this be possible, since I haven’t been with a man?’35And the messenger replied:‘God’s Holy Breath will come over you and the Power of the Most High will overshadow you, so that what will be born will be called Holy… God’s Son.36‘Look! Your relative EliZabeth is also pregnant with a son, even in her old age! And this is the 6th month for this so-called sterile woman, 37because nothing is impossible when God says it’ll happen.’38Then Mary said:‘Look! I’m Jehovah’s slave girl! May this thing that you told me about, happen to me!’And at that, the messenger left her.39So after that, Mary got up and quickly traveled to a Judean city located in the hill country, where she 40entered the home of ZechariAh to speak to EliZabeth.41And just as EliZabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb jumped, and EliZabeth was filled with Holy Breath, 42for she shouted aloud:‘You’re a blest woman, and the fruit of your womb is blest! 43So, how is it that the mother of my Lord has come to me? 44Look! When I heard the sound of your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy! 45The woman who has faith will be blest, and everything that Jehovah said to her will come true.’46Then Mary said:‘I give glory to Jehovah with my whole soul,
47And over my God and my Savior,
My body will cry out in joy,
48For He’s looked down on His lowly slave girl.‘{Look!} By all peoples, I’ll be called blest,
49For the Almighty One did great things for me…
The One whose Name is Most Holy.50‘For generations, He has shown mercy
To those who show that they fear Him.
51But, with His strong arm, He will scatter
Those who think in their hearts that they’re better.52‘He removes kings from their thrones,
And He puts the humble in charge.
53He fills the hungry with good things,
And He sends the rich off as starved.54‘He sent help to IsraEl, His child,
And He remembered His mercy
55As He promised to AbraHam, our father,
And to his offspring, throughout the ages.’56So, Mary stayed there with EliZabeth for about three months before she returned home.57Well, it soon came time for EliZabeth to deliver her baby, and she had a son. 58So when her neighbors and relatives heard how Jehovah had shown such magnificent mercy towards her, they were all overjoyed. 59But when they went to circumcise the boy on the 8th day, they expected that he would be named after his father, ZechariAh.60However, his mother said:‘Absolutely not! He will be called John.’61But [the neighbors] said:‘That isn’t the name of any of your relatives!’62So they nodded to the father, to ask what he wanted to call it. 63And after asking for a tablet, he wrote:‘His name is John.’And this really caused them to wonder.64Well at that, [ZechariAh] was suddenly able to speak… His tongue came loose, and he started talking and praising God 65(which frightened all the neighbors). And thereafter, these things were talked about throughout the hills of Judea.66Also, everyone who heard about it made a note of it in their hearts, for they were all wondering what this little boy would [grow up to] be, since the hand of Jehovah was upon him.67Then ZechariAh ([the boy’s] father) became filled with Holy Breath and he spoke this prophecy:68‘Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God,
For He looked down and set free His people.69‘He raised the horn of salvation for us
In the house of his servant David,
70Just as He promised through the mouths of the holy
Back in the age of the Prophets,
71To save us from our enemy’s hands,
And from the hands of all those who hate us,
72To fulfill [His] mercy to our fathers
By remembering His Holy Sacred Agreement,
73And His oath to AbraHam, our father,
74That we don’t have to fear our enemy’s hands;
For because we’re His servants, He’ll save us,
75And we’ll loyally stand here before Him
As righteous, throughout [the rest of] our days.76‘But, as for you, little boy;
You’ll be called a Prophet of the Most High,
And you’ll travel ahead of Jehovah,
To prepare the road that’s before him.77‘You’ll tell his people how [they can] be saved
By seeking forgiveness of their sins,
78Through the tender mercies of God,
Who looks down on us from above
As though it were a new day,
79Which is shining on those in the darkness,
And on those who are sitting in the shadow of death.
For he’ll straighten [the paths for] our feet,
And guide us in the ways that are leading to peace.’80Well, after that the little boy grew and he kept getting stronger in the Breath [of God]. Then he went and lived in the desert until the day that he presented himself to IsraEl.
1Back in those days, Caesar Augustus had decreed that everyone in the land had to be registered, 2and this first registration took place when QuiRinius was the governor of Syria. 3So, everyone had to return to his hometown to be registered.4As a result, JoSeph had to travel from Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city of BethLehem in Judea (because he was from the house and family of David) 5to be registered with Mary (who was pregnant), whom he married like he’d promised.6Well, while they were there, the time came for her to have her baby. 7So she gave birth to her first son and wrapped him tightly in a cloth, then laid him in a feed trough, because there wasn’t any room for them in the lodge.8At the time, there were some shepherds who had been staying outdoors in the surrounding countryside, keeping watch over their flocks throughout the night. 9Then a messenger of Jehovah [appeared] to them – and the glory of the Lord started shining around them, which frightened them.10But the messenger told them:‘Don’t be afraid. Look! I’m bringing you good news of great joy for everyone, 11because a Savior – the chosen Lord – has been born to you today in David’s city! 12This is the sign to look for: You’ll find an infant wrapped tightly in a cloth and lying in a feed trough.’13And after that, a large heavenly army suddenly appeared along with the messenger, praising God and saying:14‘Glory in the highest to God, And on the earth, [may there be] peace Among the people with whom He is pleased.’15So after the messengers [of God] went back up into the sky, the shepherds said to each other:‘Let’s go to BethLehem and see this thing that the Lord’s revealed to us.’16Therefore, they went and quickly found Mary and JoSeph, along with the infant, who was lying in the feed trough. 17So when they saw this, they explained to them what they’d been told about the little boy.18Well, all those who heard about this were amazed by the things that the shepherds were saying, 19and Mary started preserving all these words, drawing conclusions about them in her heart.20Meanwhile, the shepherds kept on glorifying and praising God for all the things that they saw and all the things that they’d heard… Just as it had been spoken to them.21Eight days later, when the time came to circumcise the boy, he was given the name Jesus [Greek: YaySous, Hebrew: YeShua] (the name that [God’s] messenger had said he should be called before he was conceived in Mary’s womb).22Well, it was at the end of the [seven] days of purification (required by the Law of Moses) that they took him to JeruSalem to present him to Jehovah, 23exactly as it was written in His Law, which said:‘Every male who opens a womb must be called holy to Jehovah.’ [Exodus 13:2]24So they offered the sacrifice that was specified in the Law – a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.25{Look!} [At this time] there was a man in JeruSalem named SimeOn; he was a righteous and devout person who had been waiting for IsraEl’s comforter, and [God’s] Holy Breath was in him. 26You see, it had been divinely shown to him by the Holy Breath that he wouldn’t die before he saw Jehovah’s Anointed, 27and he came to be in the Temple that day because [God’s] Breath led him [there].So, as the parents were carrying the boy (Jesus) in to do what the Law customarily required, 28[SimeOn] took him in his arms and praised God saying:29‘Now, O Sovereign Lord, You can set Your slave free in peace, as You said, 30For my eyes have now seen this one who’ll save… 31The one You provided for all men to see… 32The revealing light to all nations, And a glory to IsraEl, Your people.’33Well, Joseph and his mother were amazed by all the things that he said about him, 34and SimeOn also blest them.However, he said this to [Jesus’] mother Mary:‘Look… This young one has been appointed To elevate and debase many in IsraEl. He will serve as a sign that’s spoken against, 35So your soul will be run through, as by a sword, For [he will] reveal what many have thought in their hearts.’36There was also the Prophetess AnNa (a daughter of the tribe of Asher). This woman was well up in years and had only been married for seven years after her virginity. 37She was [now] an 84-year-old widow who was always at the Temple, serving there day and night, fasting, and praying. 38Right then, she stood up and gave thanks to the Lord as she talked about [the child] to all those who were awaiting JeruSalem’s release by ransom.39Then, after [JoSeph and Mary] did everything that Jehovah’s Law required, they went back to their home in Nazareth of Galilee. 40So the little boy grew and became strong in spirit and filled with wisdom, as God’s favor continued upon him.41Well, every year his parents would travel to JeruSalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42And when he was 12 years old, they again followed the custom of going to the festival. 43But after the festival days were over and as they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in JeruSalem… And Joseph and his mother didn’t notice it.44So, assuming that he was somewhere in the company of all the people who were traveling with them, they were a day’s journey away before they finally started searching for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they couldn’t find him, they returned to look for him in JeruSalem.46It took them three days, but they finally found him in the Temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking questions… 47And his understanding and answers amazed everyone who heard him.48Well, since they’d been in such a panic as they searched for him, his mother said:‘Child! Why did you treat us this way? Your father and I have been worried to death searching for you!’49But he replied:‘Why’d you need to search for me? Don’t you know that I need to be around the [things] of my Father?’50However, they really didn’t grasp the meaning of all that he was saying.51Then, after he returned home to Nazareth with them, he always obeyed them, and his mother carefully kept all these things that were said in her heart. 52So Jesus continued to progress in wisdom, physical growth, and in the favor of God and men.
1It was in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea and Herod was district ruler of Galilee (but Philip his brother was district ruler of the countries of Ituraea and Trachonitis), and Lysanias was district ruler of Abilene, 2in the days of High Priests AnNas and CaiAphas, that God’s words came to John (son of ZechariAh) [while he was] in the desert.3So he traveled throughout the country around the JorDan preaching an immersion of repentance for forgiveness of sins, 4just as it was written about him in the book of the Prophet IsaiAh:‘Listen!‘Someone calls out in the desert:‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Straighten out all of his roads; 5Fill the gullies and level the mountains and hills; Straighten the curves and smooth-out the ruts, 6So all flesh will be able to see What God has provided to save them.’ [Isaiah 40:3]7And as he saw the crowds coming out to be immersed by him, he said to them:‘Offspring of vipers!‘Who’s frightened you into fleeing the rage that’s about to arrive?8‘For you must first produce the type of fruitage that shows you’re ready for repentance! And you shouldn’t say of yourselves, We have AbraHam as our father, because I tell you that God has the power to raise children of AbraHam from these stones!9‘Why, the ax is now lying at the roots of the trees – and every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire!’10So the crowds started asking him:‘Then, what we must do?’11And he replied:‘Those who have two suits of clothes should share them with those who have none, and those who have something to eat should do the same thing.’12Then even the tax collectors came to be immersed. And when they asked, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ 13He told them:‘Just collect a fair tax!’14Also, when those in the military came and asked him what they should do, he told them that they shouldn’t harass or falsely accuse anyone, and to be satisfied with just their provisions.15Well, since the people had been looking for [the coming of the Messiah] at that time, everyone was wondering in their hearts whether John was the Anointed One.16But John told them this:‘My part is just to dip [you] in water. However, someone greater is coming behind me, Whose sandals I’m unfit to untie, And he’ll immerse you people with fire and [Holy] Breath.17‘His shovel is already in his hand, And he’s going to sweep his threshing floor clean. Then he will carry the wheat to his barn, But he’ll burn the chaff with an unquenchable fire.’18[John] also said many other encouraging things as he was preaching the good news to the people.19However, Herod (the district ruler) had been scolded [by John] because of Herodias (his brother’s wife), and because of all the other bad things that he was doing. 20And [eventually], Herod added to this [badness] by locking John in jail.21Well, it was after all the [other] people had been immersed that [John] also immersed Jesus. And as [Jesus] was praying, the sky opened up 22and the Holy Breath came down upon him in the shape of a dove.Then a voice came out of the sky [that said]:‘You’re My Beloved Son and I approve of you.’23Well, Jesus came into his power when he was about 30 years old, being the son (as the opinion was):• of JoSeph, • of Heli, 24• of MatThat, • of Levi, • of Melchi, • of JanNai, • of JoSeph, 25• of MatTathias, • of Amos, • of Nahum, • of Esli, • of NagGai, 26• of MaAth, • of MatTathias, • of Semein, • of JoSech, • of Joda, 27• of JoAnan, • of Rhesa, • of ZerubBabel, • of ShealthiEl, • of Neri, 28• of Melchi, • of Addi, • of Cosam, • of ElMadam, • of Er, 29• of JoShua, • of EliEzer, • of JoRim, • of MatThat, • of Levi, 30• of SymeOn, • of Judas, • of JoSeph, • of JoNam, • of EliAkim, 31• of Melea, • of MenNa, • of MatTatha, • of Nathan, • of David, 32• of JesSe, • of Obed, • of BoAz, • of SalMon, • of NahShon, 33• of AmiNadab, • of Arni, • of HezRon, • of Perez, • of Judah, 34• of Jacob, • of IsaAc, • of AbraHam, • of Terah, • of NaHor, 35• of Serug, • of Reu, • of Peleg, • of Heber, • of SheLah, 36• of Kainan, • of ArPachShad, • of Shem, • of Noah, • of Lamech, 37• of MethuSelah, • of Enoch, • of JaRed, • of MaHalaleEl, • of Kainan, 38• of Enosh, • of Seth, • of Adam, • of God.
1[Well after this happened], Jesus became filled with the Holy Breath. Then he left the JorDan, and [Holy] Breath led him into the desert, 2where he was tempted by the Slanderer for 40 days. But because he hadn’t eaten anything during that entire period, he became very hungry. 3So the Slanderer came to him and said:‘If you’re a son of The God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread!’4But Jesus told him:‘It’s written that people can’t just live on bread… They also need the Word of God.’ [Deuteronomy 8:3]5So [the Slanderer] took him up on a mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the earth in an instant of time, 6and he said:‘I will give you glory and power over all of these. For they’ve all been given to me, and I can give them to whomever I wish. 7They’ll all be yours if you’ll just bow to your face before me.’8But Jesus replied:‘Get behind me Satan, for [spurious, copied from Mark 8:33]‘It’s written:‘You should only bow to Jehovah your God,
And Him alone, should you serve.’
[Deuteronomy 6:13]9Then [the Slanderer] took him into JeruSalem and put him on one of the Temple’s highest towers, and said:‘If you’re a son of The God, jump down from here; 10for it’s written:‘He will order His messengers to protect you;
11So they’ll lift you up on their hands,
And you won’t bump your foot on a stone.’
[Psalm 91:12]12But Jesus replied:‘It’s also said:‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’ [Deuteronomy 6:16]13So after the Slanderer finished his tempting, he left him until the appointed time.14Then the Power of [God’s] Breath moved Jesus to return to Galilee, and his fame spread throughout all that area. 15He also started teaching in the synagogues, where he was honored by everyone.16Well, when he got to Nazareth (where he was brought up), as was his custom on the Sabbaths, he went into the synagogue and stood up to read.17Then someone handed him the scroll of the Prophet IsaiAh to read, so he opened it and found the place where it said:18‘The Breath of Jehovah is upon me,
And I’ve been anointed by Him
To teach good news to the poor.‘He sent me to heal broken hearts;
To proclaim a release to the captives;
A regaining of sight to the blind;
Deliverance to those who’ve been oppressed;
19And to announce the year of Jehovah’s favor.’
[Isaiah 61:1-2]20Thereafter, he rolled up the scroll and handed it back to the attendant, and he sat back down... While everyone in the synagogue was staring at him.21Then he said:‘Today this scripture that you just heard, has been fulfilled!’22Well after that, everyone started praising him as they marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. But they were also asking:‘Isn’t this JoSeph’s son?’23So he told them:‘You would undoubtedly like to apply the words to me:‘Heal yourself, doctor!’‘And:‘Do all the things that we heard you did in CapharNaum here in your own hometown!’24Then he said to them:‘I tell you the truth when I say that no Prophet is ever accepted in his own hometown. 25Therefore, although it’s a fact that there were many widows in IsraEl back in the days of EliJah (back when the skies were closed up for 3-1/2 years, causing a terrible famine in the land) 26EliJah wasn’t sent to any of them. Rather, he was just sent to a widow in the land of Sidon.27‘And although there were many lepers in IsraEl during the time of the Prophet EliSha, the only one who was cleansed was NaAman – a Syrian.’28Well, this made everyone who heard him say this in the synagogue very angry, 29so they got up and pushed him outside to the edge of the mountain upon which the city was built, and they wanted to throw him down headfirst!30But he just walked through their midst and continued on his way.31From there, he went on to CapharNaum (a city in Galilee), where he again taught on the Sabbath. 32And those [people] were amazed by his way of teaching, because he spoke with such great authority.33There he found a man in that synagogue [who was possessed by] an unclean demon.And [the demon] shouted at him:34‘Ah! What dealings do we have with you, Jesus… You Nazarene? Did you come here to destroy us?‘I know exactly who you are; [You’re] the Holy One of God!’35But Jesus scolded it saying:‘Put a muzzle on it and come out of him!’So the demon threw the man down in their midst, then it came out without hurting him.36Well, everyone was astonished and they all started speaking to each other and asking:‘What kind of talk is this? He gives orders to unclean spirits with authority and power, and out they come!’37So the news about him was echoed everywhere throughout that entire region.38Then, after he left that synagogue, he went to Simon’s house. And there, Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, so they asked him to help her. 39Therefore, he stood over her and scolded the fever, and it left her... Then she got right up and started serving him!40Well after sunset, all those who had people who were sick with various infirmities brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each one and cured them all.41Demons also came out of many of them, shouting:‘You’re the Son of The God!’But because they knew that he was the Anointed One, he scolded them and he wouldn’t allow them to speak.42Then the next day, he walked out by himself to an isolated place. So the crowds started searching for him, and when they finally found him, they tried to keep him from leaving.43But he told them:‘I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities… That’s why I was sent here.’44So thereafter, he preached in the synagogues throughout all of Galilee.
1Well, there was an occasion when people were crowded very close to [Jesus] as they listened to the word of God. And at that time, he happened to be standing beside Lake GenNesaret.2So, noticing two boats that were docked at the lakeside where the fishermen had gotten out and were washing off their nets, 3[Jesus] got into one of the boats that belonged to Simon, and he asked him to pull out a short distance from the land.Then he sat down and he started teaching the crowds from the boat. 4And when he finished speaking, he said to Simon:‘Now, pull out to where it’s deep and let down your nets for a catch.’5But Simon replied:‘Lord, we worked all night long and we didn’t catch anything.‘However, because you asked, I’ll lower the nets.’6Well when they did this, they netted a huge number of fish. In fact, their nets started to rip! 7So they waved to their partners in another boat to come and help. And when they got there, they filled both boats to the point where they were about to sink!8Well upon seeing this, Simon (Peter) fell down at Jesus’ knees and said:‘Get away from me, because I’m a sinful man, O Lord!’9[He said this] because when they’d brought in so many fish, Simon and those who were with him were amazed and overwhelmed… 10As were his partners James and John (the sons of Zebedaiou).But Jesus said to Simon:‘Stop being afraid! For from now on, you’re going to be catching men!’11So then they rowed their boats back to land and they just walked away from everything to follow him.12On another occasion, while he was in one of the cities, {Look!} there was a man who was full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell to his face and begged:‘Lord; if you just want to, you can make me clean!’13So [Jesus] stuck out his hand and touched him, saying:‘I want to… Be clean!’And immediately, the leprosy left the man!14Thereafter, he ordered the man not to tell anyone about this. He just said:‘Go and show yourself to the Priests and give an offering for your cleansing as a witness to them, just as Moses commanded.’15However, word about him kept spreading, and huge crowds would assemble – both to listen, and to be cured of their illnesses. 16As a result, [Jesus] had to go out into the desert to even pray.17Well, several days later, while he was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the Law were there [sitting among a crowd] of people who had come from every village of Galilee, Judea, and from JeruSalem, because [Jesus] was healing by the power of Jehovah.18Then {Look!} some men arrived that were carrying a paralyzed man who was lying on a cot, and they were trying to find a way to bring the man to [Jesus]. 19But because they couldn’t get through the crowd, they climbed up on the roof and lowered the little cot through the tiles, down in front of Jesus.20And when he saw their faith, he said:‘Man – your sins are forgiven!’21Well at that, the Scribes and Pharisees started asking each other:‘Just who is this who talks so blasphemously?‘Who can forgive sins other than The God?’22But Jesus recognized what they were thinking and he asked them:‘What are you concluding in your hearts? 23Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?24‘But, just so you’ll know that the Son of Man has the authority to forgive sins on the earth...’He then said to the paralyzed man:‘I tell you: Get up, pick up your little cot, and go home!’25And at that, the man stood right up before them all, then he picked up the [cot] that he’d been lying on and went home, glorifying The God.26Well, everyone was delighted and they all started glorifying The God. But they were also frightened and said:‘We’ve seen some very strange things today!’27Then sometime later, [Jesus] went out and happened to notice a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and he said to him:‘Come be my follower!’28Well, [Levi] got right up, and leaving everything behind, he started following him.29Then that evening, Levi held a big reception feast for [Jesus] in his home, where a large crowd of tax collectors and others were reclining with him at the meal. 30So the Pharisees and their Scribes started complaining to the disciples, asking:‘Why is he eating and drinking with the tax collectors and sinners?’31But Jesus told them:‘Those who are healthy don’t need a doctor, only the sick do. 32So I came to call sinners to repentance, not righteous people.’33Then later on, they said this to him:‘Why is it that, although John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees fast frequently in order to make requests [of God], your [disciples] just go on eating and drinking?’34And Jesus told them:‘Friends of the bridegroom can’t be expected to fast while the groom is with them, can they? 35But the days will surely come when the groom will be taken away; and that’s when they’ll fast.’36Then he gave them this illustration:‘No one cuts a patch from new cloth, To repair a rip in old clothes. For if they do, the patch will rip out… And the new patch won’t match the old anyhow.37‘And they don’t put new wine in old wineskins. For new wine will burst the old skins, Breaking the skins and spilling the wine… 38So, new wine is put in new wineskins. 39And anyone who’s tasted the old wine, Doesn’t want the new anyway... For they say that the old [wine] is better!’
1Now, [Jesus] happened to be walking through some grain fields on a Sabbath and his disciples had been picking the grain, rubbing it in their hands, and eating it.2So some of the Pharisees asked him:‘Why are they doing something that isn’t legal on the Sabbath?’3And Jesus replied:‘Haven’t you ever read how David did the same thing when he and his men got hungry… 4How he went into the Temple of God and ate the presentation bread, sharing some with his men… Something that isn’t legal for anyone to eat other than the Priests?’5Then he added:‘The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath!’6And on another Sabbath, he again went into the synagogue and started teaching.Well, there he found a man whose right hand was withered, 7and the Scribes and Pharisees were watching [Jesus] closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him of some wrongdoing.8However, because [Jesus] knew what they were thinking, he said to the man with the withered hand:‘Get up and go stand in the center [of the room].’So [the man went over there] and stood. 9Then Jesus asked them all:‘Is it legal to do good or bad, or to save a life or destroy it on the Sabbath?’10And after looking around at everyone, he said to the man:‘Now, stretch out your hand.’And when he did, his hand was healed!11Nevertheless, [the Scribes and Pharisees] went into a rage and they started talking to each other about what they could do to Jesus.12It was also about this time that Jesus went up a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there in prayer to God. 13Then the next day, he called his disciples to him and chose 12 of them whom he started calling Apostles [meaning, Sent Ones].14There was:• Simon (whom he also named Peter) and, • his brother Andrew, as well as... • James, • John, • Philip, • BarTholomew [or, NathaniEl], 15• Matthew, • Thomas, • James, [the son] of AlphaEus, • Simon (who’s called the zealous one), 16• Judas [ThadDaeus, the son] of James, and • Judas IsCariot (who turned traitor).17Well, after they came down [the mountain], he found a level spot where a large group of his disciples, as well as a huge crowd of people from Judea, JeruSalem, and the seaside areas of Tyre and Sidon came to listen to him and to be healed of their illnesses.18And there, as many people who were bothered by unclean spirits were being healed, 19everyone else in the crowd was trying to touch him. So power flowed from him, and he healed them all.20Then he looked at his disciples and he said this to them:‘Blest are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God; 21Blest are the hungry, for they’ll be filled; And blest are those who are crying, For they’ll find reasons to laugh.22‘You’re blest whenever men hate you And don’t wish to be among you; Or when they say bad things about you And call you wicked for the Son of Man’s sake.23‘In that day, be happy and jump for joy, For {Look!} your reward in the heavens is great, Since these are the very same things That their fathers used to say of the Prophets.24‘But, woe to those who are rich, For they won’t receive any comfort. 25And woe to those with full [stomachs], For they’ll be the ones going hungry.‘Also, woe to those who are laughing, Because they’ll be crying and mourning. 26And woe when people say nice things about you, For that’s what their fathers said of false prophets.27‘I say this to all that will listen:‘Show love for those who oppose you, And do good to all those who hate you. 28Yes, praise the ones who would curse you, And pray for those who insult you.29‘If someone should slap you on [the right] cheek, Turn [your left] to him also. And if someone should take all your clothes, Offer your underwear too.30‘Yes, to each one who asks, you should give, And don’t tell them that they must repay… 31Treat others as you wish to be treated!32‘And if you love just those who love you, What kind of good are you doing? Even sinners love those who love them.33‘Also, if you’re just good to those who do good for you, What kind of kindness are you showing? Even sinners will do that same thing.34‘And if you choose to lend without interest To those whom you know will repay you, What kind of good deed are you doing? For, sinners lend to sinners without interest When they know that they’ll be paid back.35‘So love those [that hate you] and do what’s good, And lend without hope of return; Then you’ll receive a better reward… You’ll be the sons of the Most High, Who is kind to even the ungrateful… 36Yes, show mercy as your Father shows mercy.37‘Don’t judge [others], so you won’t be judged… Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned… Set free, and you’ll be set free.38‘Give to others and you’ll receive… They’ll give you a generous portion, Overflowing and tightly packed down. For the amount that you measure [to others] Is the amount that they’ll measure to you.’39Then he spoke these parables to them:‘If a blind man leads another who’s blind, Won’t both fall into a pit?40‘A disciple isn’t over his teacher, But those who learn [from their teachers] Will then become like their teachers.41‘Why look for chaff in your brother’s eye, When you can’t see the rafter in yours? 42For, how can you say to your brother:‘Let me remove that [chaff] from your eye...’‘When you can’t see the rafter in yours?‘Hypocrite!‘First remove the rafter from your own eye, And then you’ll be able to see clearly How to take the [chaff] from your brother’s eye.43‘A good tree doesn’t produce rotten fruit And a rotten tree doesn’t give good fruit… 44So all trees are known by their fruit. As you don’t pick figs from the briers, And you don’t cut grapes from thorn bushes.45‘So a good man brings good from the good in his heart, While the wicked bring bad things from theirs; For their mouths speak from all the badness That they’ve treasured within their hearts.46‘And why cry out to me, ‘O Lord, O Lord,’ If you don’t do the things that I say? 47Those who come here to listen and do as I say 48Are like the man who dug down to rock To lay the foundation for his house. So when floods and the river washed on it, It stood, because it was built upon rock.49‘But those who don’t listen and do as I say Are like the man who built his house on the sand. So when the river washed on it, It collapsed, resulting in damage.’
1Well, after he’d finished saying all these things within earshot of the people, he traveled on to CapharNaum. 2And there, a [Roman] centurion who had a trusted servant that was sick and near death 3sent some Judean elders to ask him to come and save his slave’s life (for he’d heard about Jesus).4So they quickly went to Jesus and begged him, saying:‘[The centurion] is worthy of your doing this for him, 5because he loves our nation and he built a synagogue for us!’6So Jesus went off with them. But he wasn’t very far from the house when the centurion sent his friends to say:‘Sir, don’t bother [coming here], because I’m unfit to have you under my roof. 7It’s only because I consider myself so unworthy that I didn’t come to you personally.‘Just say the word and [I know that] my servant will be healed. 8For I’m also a man who is given authority, since I have soldiers under me. So if I tell this one to leave, he leaves, and if I tell that one to come, he comes… Whatever I tell my servants to do, they do.’9Well when Jesus heard this, he was amazed, and he turned to the crowd that was following him and said:‘I tell you – I haven’t found this much faith anywhere in IsraEl!’10And then, after the friends that he sent returned to the man’s house, they found his slave to be in good health.11Well from there, Jesus traveled with his disciples and quite a crowd to a city called Nain. 12And as he was approaching the city gate, {Look!} he saw that they were carrying out [the body] of a man who’d just died… The only son of a woman who was a widow, and she was being followed by a large crowd [of mourners].13So when the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity and he said to her:‘Stop crying.’14Then he went over and touched the open casket; and at that, the pallbearers stopped. And Jesus said:‘Young man – I tell you to get up!’15Well, the man who had been dead then sat up and started talking… And so [Jesus] gave him to his mother.16Of course, everyone was startled by this, and they all started glorifying God, saying:‘A great Prophet has been raised among us,’and,‘God has started paying attention to His people!’17So thereafter, the news about him was spread throughout all of Judea and all the lands roundabout.18Meanwhile, John’s disciples had been reporting back to him about the things that were happening. 19So John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask:‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’20And when they got to [Jesus], the men told him:‘John the Immerser sent us to ask if you’re the Anointed One, or if we’re to expect someone else?’21Well, during that same hour, Jesus cured many people who were ill or in great pain or had wicked spirits, and he granted many blind people the gift of vision. 22And after that, he said this [to John’s disciples]:‘Now, go back and report what you’ve seen and heard to John. [Tell him that] the blind are seeing, the lame are walking, lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are hearing the good news…23‘So, the one who isn’t stumbled by me will be blest.’24Well, after John’s messengers left, he asked the crowd this about John:‘What did you go to the desert to see… Reeds being blown in the wind? 25Yes, what did you go out to see… A man who’s dressed in soft clothes? Those who dress and live well, Are the ones who are living in mansions.26‘So, what did you go out to see… A Prophet? Yes, and I say, much more than a Prophet, 27For, he’s the one of whom it was written:‘{Look!} I will send My messenger before him, To prepare the road that he’ll travel.’ [Malachi 3:1]28‘So I tell you this:‘Of all those born of a woman, None have been greater than John. Yet the least in the Kingdom of God Will be greater than him.’29Well, when all the common people and the tax collectors heard this, they praised God’s righteousness, because they’d all been immersed with John’s immersion. 30But the Pharisees and those who were trained in the Law disregarded this counsel from God, and they didn’t go out to be immersed by John.31[So, Jesus said this to them]:‘To what can I compare this people… Yes, what are they really like? 32They’re like children that play in the markets And shout at each other and say: We played the flute, but you didn’t dance… We wailed, but you didn’t cry.33‘For when John the Immerser arrived, He didn’t feast or drink any wine… Yet you said that he had a demon!34‘But when the Son of Man arrived here, Eating well and drinking the wine, You called him an alcoholic and glutton… A friend to tax collectors and sinners!35‘But wisdom is proven righteous by its results.’36Thereafter, one of the Pharisees invited [Jesus] to dine with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at his table.37But {Look!} a woman of the city (a known sinner), who had learned that [Jesus] was going to recline for a meal in the house of the Pharisee, brought in an alabaster jar of perfumed ointment... 38And she reclined behind him at his feet and started weeping and wetting his feet with her tears, then wiping them dry with her hair, as she tenderly kissed his feet and greased them with the perfumed ointment.39Well, when the Pharisee that invited him saw this, he thought to himself:‘If this man was truly a Prophet, he’d know who it is and just what kind of woman is touching him… She’s a sinner!’40Then Jesus said to him:‘Simon, I have something to tell you.’And [Simon] replied:‘Go ahead and tell it, Teacher!’[And Jesus said:]41‘There were two men who each owed money to a certain lender... One was in debt for 500 silver coins, and the other for 50. 42Well, when neither one could pay him back, he freely forgave them both.‘So, which one will love him more?’43Then Simon answered:‘I guess it’s the one he forgave the most.’And [Jesus] said:‘You judged correctly.’44Then Jesus turned and looked at the woman, and he said to Simon:‘Do you see this woman?‘When I entered your house, you didn’t give me any water for my feet… Yet this woman wet my feet with her tears, and she wiped them dry with her hair!45‘And you didn’t greet me with a kiss… Yet from the time that I entered, this woman has been tenderly kissing my feet.46‘You didn’t grease my head with oil either… Yet this woman greased my feet with perfumed ointment.47‘So I tell you: Although she has many sins, they are forgiven because she showed a lot of love. However, those who haven’t been forgiven for much, don’t love as much.’48Then he told her:‘Your sins are forgiven.’49Well at that, those who were reclining at the table with him started wondering within themselves:‘Just who is this man who [thinks he can] even forgive sins?’50But he said to the woman:‘Your faith has saved you. Go your own way in peace.’
1Well after that, [Jesus] started traveling from city to city and village to village with the twelve [disciples], preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.2Also [traveling with him] were some women whom [he’d] cured of wicked spirits and illnesses. There was Mary (whom is called the Magdalean) from whom 7 demons had come out, 3Joanna the wife of Chuza (Herod’s top aid), as well as Susanna and many others that were serving his needs from their possessions.4Well when a large crowd had gathered along with those who were traveling with him from city to city, he spoke to them using this parable:5‘A farmer went out to plant seeds.‘And as he was planting, some fell by the road, Which were walked on, and birds came to eat them.6‘Others fell among rocks, Where they dried up after they sprouted, Because there was too little water.7‘Still others fell among thorns, Which grew and then choked them out.8‘But some fell on the good soil and grew, Producing fruit 100 times more.’And after he said this, he shouted:‘Let those who have ears to hear, listen to me!’9Well, his disciples later asked him what this parable meant. 10So he said:‘While you’ve been allowed to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, the rest of these people just hear the stories. So when they look, they look in vain, and when they hear, they don’t understand.11‘Now, the illustration means this:‘The seeds are the word of God.12‘Those [that fall] by the road are people who listen, but then the Slanderer comes and snatches the word from their hearts, so they don’t believe and come to salvation.13‘Those which fall on the rocks are the ones who hear and welcome the word with joy... But because they don’t have any roots, they only believe for a season. So, when a time of testing comes along, they fall away.14‘As for those which fall among the thorns... These are the ones who’ve heard, but because of their daily concerns such as [seeking] wealth and the pleasures of living, they’re choked out and fail to produce any fruit.15‘However, [those which fall] on the good soil have good and pure hearts. And after hearing the Word, they remember it and keep on bearing fruit.16‘Understand that nobody lights a lamp and then covers it with a pot, or hides it under a bed… They put it on a lampstand so that those who step in can see by the light.17‘So there’s nothing hidden that won’t be shown, Or nothing covered that won’t be known, And then brought out in the light.18‘So pay attention to the way that you listen... For those who have will be given more. But as for those who have nothing, What they think they have will be taken away from them.’19It was then that [Jesus’] mother and brothers came to see him, but they were unable to reach him because of the crowd.20So someone came up to him and said:‘Your mother and brothers are waiting outside and [they] want to see you.’21But he replied:‘My mother and brothers are these that hear the word of God and obey it.’22Well, some days later, [Jesus] and his disciples got into a boat, and he said to them:‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.’So they set off... 23And as they were sailing along, he fell asleep.But then a violent windstorm came down on the lake, and the boat started taking on water, putting them in a dangerous situation.24So [the disciples] went over and woke Jesus up and said:‘Lord… Lord… We’re about to drown!’Then when he awoke, he scolded the wind and the raging water, which made things suddenly become very calm and peaceful.25And then he asked them:‘Where is your faith?’Well, they were frightened and awestruck [by what had happened], and they started asking each other:‘Who really is this? For he even orders the wind and waves and they obey him!’26Then from there, they sailed on to the country of the GeraSenes, which is on the shore directly across from Galilee.27And when he stepped out on land, a demonized man came from the city to meet him. This man hadn’t worn clothing for some time, and he didn’t live in a house, for he stayed among the tombs.28And when he saw Jesus, he screamed and fell down in front of him, shouting:‘What dealings do I have with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you… Don’t torment me!’29([He said this, because Jesus] had ordered the unclean spirit to come out of the man).[This man had been] arrested repeatedly, then bound with chains and leg irons and put under guard... But he would break the chains, and the demons forced him to [live in] such isolated places.30So Jesus asked him:‘What’s your name?’And they replied:‘Legion’ (because many demons had entered him).31And they kept begging him not to order them to go away into the abyss.32Well at the time, a large herd of pigs happened to be feeding there on the mountain; so they begged [Jesus] to allow them to go into [the pigs]… And he gave them permission.33Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the whole herd ran down a steep drop-off into the lake and drowned!34Well, when the herders saw this, they ran and reported what had happened throughout the whole city and countryside. 35As a result, the people all came to see this. When they got to Jesus, they found the man whom the demons had left now wearing clothes and in his right mind – [sitting] there at Jesus’ feet… And this frightened them.36Then those who had witnessed what had happened explained to the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37And the huge number [of people] who had come from the surrounding area started begging [Jesus] to leave them, because they were so frightened!So, he stepped back into the boat to return [to the other side of the lake].38However, the man whom the demons had left started begging [Jesus] to let him go back with him. But he sent the man away, saying:39‘Just go home and tell everyone about all the things that God has done for you.’So the man went back and spread the word about what Jesus had done throughout the whole city.40Meanwhile, a crowd was waiting for Jesus when he got back [to the other side], because they were all expecting him.41And {Look!} a man named JaiRus (who was a presiding officer of the [local] synagogue) came to him and fell at Jesus’ feet, begging him to come to his home, 42because his only daughter (who was about 12 years old) was dying.Well, as he was on his way [to the man’s house], the people were all crowded closely around him, 43and a woman who had [been experiencing] a blood flow for some 12 years (which no one had been able to cure) 44came up behind him and touched the fringe of his robe… And her flow of blood stopped instantly!45So Jesus asked:‘Who touched me?’Well, everyone denied it. And Peter said:‘Master, there’s a whole crowd of people around you [and they’re all] touching you!’46But Jesus said:‘Someone else touched me, because I felt the power flowing out of me.’47So, seeing that [what she did] didn’t go unnoticed, the woman came up and fell down in front of Jesus trembling, then she told everyone why she touched him and of how she’d been healed instantly.48So [Jesus] said to her:‘Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go your own way in peace.’49Then as he was still talking, someone came up beside the presiding officer of the synagogue and said:‘Your daughter has died, so don’t bother the teacher anymore.’50But when he heard this, Jesus said to the man:‘Don’t be afraid; just have faith and she’ll be saved.’51Well when he got to the man’s house, he wouldn’t let anyone go inside with him other than Peter, John, James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52Meanwhile, [outside] the people were all crying and beating themselves in grief over her. So he said to them:‘Stop crying! The girl isn’t dead, she’s just sleeping.’53Then they all started laughing at him, because they all knew that she’d died. 54But thereafter, he went inside and took her by the hand and called her, saying:‘Child, get up!’55And at that, she started breathing and she stood up! Then he ordered that she be given something to eat.56Well, they were beside themselves [with joy]… But he warned them not to tell anyone what happened.
1Sometime later, he brought the 12 [disciples] to him and gave them power and authority over the demons and [the power] to cure illnesses! 2Then he sent them off to preach about the Kingdom of God and to do healing.3He told them:‘Don’t carry anything with you… Not a staff, or a food pouch, or bread, or silver, or even two pairs of underwear! 4But, wherever you enter a home, lodge there and go out [to preach].5‘And wherever people fail to welcome you, just shake the dust off your feet as you’re leaving that city, as a witness against them.’6So they left and traveled throughout all the villages, declaring the good news and curing people everywhere.7Meanwhile, Herod (the district ruler) had heard about everything that was happening, and he was bothered by doubts. You see, some people were saying that [Jesus] was actually John raised from the dead, 8while others were saying that EliJah had appeared, and still others were saying that he was one of the ancient Prophets that had risen.9But Herod was wondering:‘Since I beheaded John, who’s this man whom I’m hearing all this about?’So he looked for an opportunity to see [Jesus].10Well, after the Apostles had returned [from their preaching], they told [Jesus] about all that they’d done. Then he took them along with him to a place where they could be alone, close to a city called BethSaida.11However, when the crowds learned where he was going, they followed him… But he kindly welcomed them and started speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, as he healed those who needed a cure.12Well, as the day was drawing to a close, the 12 came to him and said:‘You should dismiss the crowd so they can go into the villages and surrounding countryside to find provisions and a place to rest, because this is a very desolate place.’13But he said:‘Why don’t you give them something to eat?’But they replied:‘We don’t have anything… Other than five loaves [of bread] and two fish. Should we go out and buy food for all these people? 14There are about 5,000 of them!’But he told his disciples:‘Have them recline as they do at meals in rows of about 50 each.’15So [the Apostles] did this, and everyone reclined on the ground.16Then he took the five [loaves of] bread and the two fish, and after looking up to the heavens, he spoke a blessing over them, broke them up, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.17Then everyone ate until they were satisfied… And [afterward], they picked up 12 baskets of leftovers!18Well later, as he was praying in a quiet spot, his disciples came to him and he asked them:‘Who are the crowds saying that I am?’19And they replied:‘Some are saying that you’re John the Immerser, others are saying that you’re EliJah, while others are saying that you’re one of the ancient Prophets who’s been raised [from the dead].’20Then he asked:‘You though... Who do you say I am?’And Peter replied:‘[You’re] God’s Anointed One.’21And at that, he firmly instructed them not to say this to anyone. 22Then he told them this:‘The Son of Man must suffer many things… He will be rejected by the elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes, and he will be killed.‘But on the third day, he will wake up.’23And after that, he said this [to all of his followers]:‘If you wish to follow me, you must set aside everything else that you want, then pick up your own execution pole every day and walk behind me.24‘For those who wish to save their lives will lose them,
While those who lose their lives for my sake will save them.25‘Indeed, what profit is there for a man who gains the whole world, just to lose it or to be destroyed?26‘Yet if anyone is ashamed of me and what I’m saying, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he arrives in his glory and in the glory of the Father and His holy messengers.27‘And I tell you the truth: some [of you who are] standing here won’t even taste death before you’ve seen the Kingdom of God!’28Well, just as he said, this is what happened about eight days later:He’d taken Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray... 29And as he was praying, his face changed and his clothes started to glow!30Then {Look!} two men appeared and started talking to him… It was Moses and EliJah! 31(They could recognize them.) And these men started talking [with Jesus] about his departure that was about to be fulfilled in JeruSalem.32Until then, Peter and the others had been very sleepy. But when they saw his glory and the two men standing with him, they were suddenly wide-awake! 33And through the separation between them, Peter said to Jesus:‘Master, it’s good for us to be here, so let us erect three temporary structures… One for you, one for Moses, and one for EliJah!’But he really didn’t know what he was saying. 34And just as he said that, a cloud formed and started to cover them... Then [Moses and EliJah] disappeared into the cloud, which frightened [the Apostles].35And a voice came from the cloud that said:‘This is My Son… The one whom I’ve chosen. Listen to him!’36Well, after they heard the voice, they suddenly saw Jesus standing all by himself! But back then, they didn’t say anything or tell anyone about the things that they saw.37Then the next day, as they were descending the mountain, they were met by a huge crowd.38And {Look!} a man shouted from the crowd:‘Teacher! I beg you to take a look at my son, for he’s the only one I have!39‘Look! A spirit comes over him and he screams... Then it throws him into convulsions and he foams [at the mouth]. And although it stops after that, it leaves him all bruised!40‘I begged your disciples to throw it out, but they couldn’t do it!’41So Jesus said:‘O faithless and twisted people! How much longer must I stay among you and put up with you?‘Bring your son over here!’42However, just as [the son] was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and forced him into a violent convulsion. But Jesus scolded the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father… And everyone was astonished by the majestic power of God.43Well, his disciples were stunned by all the things that [Jesus] was doing, but then he said to them:44‘Let these words live in your ears:‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men!’45However, they still didn’t understand what he was saying. In fact, it was hidden from them so they couldn’t understand, and they were afraid to ask him anything more.46But then later, [the Apostles] started wondering which of them would be the greatest. 47And because Jesus knew what they were thinking in their hearts, he took a little boy and sat him down next to him, 48then he said:‘Whoever welcomes this young child in my name, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.‘Therefore, the one who acts as the least one among you will be the greatest.’49In reply, John said:‘Master, we saw a man casting out demons by using your name and we tried to stop him, because he isn’t one of us!’50But Jesus said to him:‘Don’t try to stop him, because those who aren’t against you, are for you!’51Now, since the number of days before he was going to be lifted up were about to run out, Jesus became firm in his resolve to go up to JeruSalem. 52So he sent messengers ahead of him, and they entered a Samaritan village in order to prepare [for his arrival].53However, [the people there told them] that he wasn’t welcome if he was headed towards JeruSalem! 54And when the Disciples James and John [heard about] this, they asked Jesus:‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from the sky to wipe them out?’55But he turned and scolded them, and said, You don’t know what kind of spirit you are. 56For the Son of man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. [spurious words] and they traveled on to another village.57Well, as they were traveling along the road, someone said to [Jesus]:‘Lord, I’ll follow you wherever you go!’58And Jesus told him:‘Foxes have burrows, and [birds] in the skies have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’59Well after that, he invited someone else to become his follower. But the man replied:‘First let me go and bury my father.’60And [Jesus] told him:‘Let the dead bury their own dead! You should go out and preach about the Kingdom of God!’61Then another one came up and said:‘I’ll follow you Lord… But first let me say goodbye to those in my home.’62However, Jesus told him:‘No one who looks back after he puts his hands to a plow is well suited for the Kingdom of God.’
1Well after that, the Lord appointed 70 others that he sent out ahead of him in pairs into every city and place that he was going to go.2And he told them:‘There’s a huge harvest, but there aren’t enough workers. So, beg the Master of the harvest to force more workers to do the harvesting.3‘Now, get going!‘Look; I’m sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4Therefore, don’t carry a bag of money or a food pouch or sandals, and don’t [stop to] greet people along the road.5‘Then as you enter each house you should say:‘May this house have peace.’6‘And if a son of peace lives there, your peace will rest upon him… But if not, it’ll return to you. 7So, stay in that house and eat and drink the things that they provide, because a worker deserves his wages… Don’t keep moving from one house to another.8‘Also, whenever you enter a city and they welcome you, eat whatever they set before you, 9then cure their sick and tell them that the Kingdom of God is near! 10‘But whenever you enter a city and they fail to welcome you, go into its main streets and say:11‘We’re wiping off the dust that got stuck on our feet in this city – and giving it all back to you!’‘Remember this: The Kingdom of God is really near!12‘And I tell you – it’ll be easier for Sodom to endure [the Judgment] day than for such a city to do so!13‘So, woe to you ChoraZin! And woe to you BethSaida! For if the powerful deeds that happened in you had also happened in Tyre and Sidon, they’d have repented in sackcloth and ashes a long time ago. 14This is why it’ll be easier for Tyre and Sidon to endure the Judgment Day than for you.15‘And you, O CapharNaum; will you be lifted into the heavens? [No,] you’ll go down to the place of the dead!16‘Understand that those who listen to you’re also listening to me, and those who ignore you are also ignoring me… And those who ignore me are ignoring the One who sent me.’17Well, when the 70 whom Jesus had sent out in pairs finally returned, they joyfully said to him:‘Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!’18And he replied:‘I was watching the Opposer falling like lightning from the sky! 19For I’ve given you the authority to walk on serpents, scorpions, and on the power of the enemy… And nothing will harm you!20‘However, don’t be joyful because [evil] spirits obeyed you; be joyful that your names have now been written in the heavens!’21Then the Holy Breath caused him to shout out joyfully:‘I publicly praise You Father, Lord of the heavens and the earth, because You’ve hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and You’ve uncovered them to infants.‘Yes Father; this is why such clear reasoning was approved by You.22‘Now my Father has given me everything! For nobody knows the Son as well as the Father, [and nobody knows] the Father as well as the Son… And to whoever the Son wants to reveal Him.’23Then with that, he turned to his disciples and spoke to them privately, saying:‘The eyes that are seeing the things that you’re seeing, are blest; 24for I tell you that many prophets and kings wished to see the things that you’re seeing, but didn’t see them, and to hear the things that you’re hearing, but didn’t hear them.’25{Look!} Then a man who knew the Law very well stood up [in the crowd], and to test [Jesus], he asked:‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit age-long life?’26And [Jesus] replied:‘What’s written in the Law… What have you read there?’27Then the man said:‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, soul, strength, and mind, and you must love your neighbor as yourself.’ [combination of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and 34]28And [Jesus] replied:‘That’s the right answer. Keep on doing that and you’ll live.’29But [because the man] wanted to show how righteous he was, he asked Jesus:‘Well then, just who really is my neighbor?’30And this is how Jesus replied:‘A man was traveling from JeruSalem to JeriCho when he was jumped by some robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and left him for dead.31‘Well, it so happened that a Priest was traveling along the same road. But when he saw [the injured man], he passed on the opposite side.32‘In the same way, when a Levite reached that place and saw him, he too passed on the opposite side.33‘However, when a Samaritan came along and saw him, he felt pity for him. 34So he got down and poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he mounted the man on his own animal and carried him to an inn, where he cared for him.35‘And the next day, he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, and told him:‘Attend to this man, and I’ll repay you for all that you spend beyond this when I return.’36‘Now, which of the three men seems to have made himself a neighbor to the person who had been jumped by the robbers?’37And the [young man] answered:‘The one who showed mercy to him.’Then Jesus said:‘Go your way and do the same thing.’38Now, as they were traveling along, they entered a certain village where there was a woman named Martha, who welcomed him into her home. 39This woman had a sister named Mary, who then sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to all that he was saying. 40But at the time, Martha was distracted, because she was busy preparing [a meal].So she came to him and said:‘Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the preparing by myself? Tell her to give me a hand!’41But the Lord replied:‘Martha, Martha,‘You’re worried and upset about [preparing] many things, 42when all we need is just a few things… Or just one.‘Mary has chosen the best part… Something that they can’t take away from her.’
1Well, Jesus happened to be in a certain place praying; and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him:‘Lord, teach us how to pray, as John taught his disciples.’2Then he told them:‘When you pray, you should say:‘Our Father who’s in the heavens,‘May Your Name be treated as Holy, And may Your Kingdom arrive.‘May Your Will be done on the earth, As it is done in the heavens.3‘Give us the bread that we need for each day, 4And [please] forgive all our sins, As we forgive those [who’ve sinned against] us.‘Into temptation, don’t let us be led, And from the evil one, save us.’5Then he asked:‘Which of you has a friend to whom you could go at midnight and say:‘Friend, loan me three loaves [of bread] 6because another friend of mine has arrived after a long journey, and I don’t have anything [to feed him]?’7‘Wouldn’t he call to you from inside [his house] and say:‘Don’t give me any trouble! My door is already locked and my kids are here in bed with me, so I can’t get up and give you anything!’8‘But I tell you the truth – although he won’t get up to give you anything because he’s your friend, he will get up and give you what you need if you keep on bothering him!9‘Therefore:‘If you keep asking, you’ll receive, If you keep searching, you’ll find, And if you keep knocking, it’ll be opened.10‘For, those who keep asking, will [get what they ask], Those who keep searching will find [what they want], And for all that keep knocking, the door will be opened.11‘Now, which father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12Or if he asks for an egg, who would hand him a scorpion?13‘Therefore, if you – in your wicked condition – know to give good gifts to your children... How much more will your Father in heaven give Holy Breath to those who keep asking Him?’14Well, [Jesus] had once cast out a demon that was causing a man to be unable to talk. And after the demon came out, the man spoke, which amazed the crowds.15But some of [the Pharisees] said:‘He’s throwing out the demons with the help of BeElZebub, the ruler of the demons!’16And at this same time, others were trying to tempt him by asking him to give them a sign from heaven. 17But knowing what they were thinking, Jesus said this:‘A kingdom that’s divided can be conquered, And a house that’s [divided] can fall.18‘So if the Opposer is opposing himself, How can his kingdom survive?‘Now, you say that I’m casting out demons by the power of BeElZebub; 19but if I’m casting out demons by BeElZebub, whose [power] are your sons using when they do the same thing?‘It’s over things such as this that you’re going to be condemned!20‘For if I’m really casting out demons by the finger of God, then you’ve been overrun by His Kingdom!21‘When a strong, well-armed man guards his mansion, All of his things will be safe.22‘But if someone who’s stronger should come there, And take the weapons in which he put trust... He will divide up the loot.23‘Now, those who aren’t with me are against me, And those not with me are scattering!24‘When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, It travels through [many] dry places In search of a [good] place to rest. And when it doesn’t find one, it says: ‘I’ll go back to the house that I moved from.’25‘Then, when he sees it swept and arranged, 26He goes back with seven more spirits That are even more wicked than him!‘And after they get back inside, They’ll all continue to live there. And so, the end result for that man, Is worse than it was at the start.’27Now, as he was saying these things, a certain woman in the crowd shouted:‘Blest is the womb that carried you – and the breasts that you fed from!’28But he replied:‘No, blest are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’29Well, a crowd was starting to form, so he said:‘This is a wicked people that’s always looking for signs. But no sign will be given to it other than the sign of Jonah… 30For just as Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this people.31‘Why, the Queen of the South will be raised in the Judgment, Along with this people, And she will speak in judgment against it.‘For she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. But look! Something more than Solomon is here!32‘The people of Nineveh will be raised in the Judgment, Along with this people, And they’ll also condemn it.‘For they repented at what Jonah preached. But look! Something more than Jonah is here!33‘No one lights a lamp and then hides it, And they don’t put it under a basket. They set it on a lampstand instead, So people can see where they’re going.34‘Now, the body’s lamps are your eyes. And when you keep your eyes simple, They’ll make your whole body bright; But, if you have eyes that are wicked, They’ll make your whole body dark.35‘So be sure that your light isn’t darkness. 36For if your whole body is bright, It’ll serve a lamp to shine on your way.’37Well after he said this, a Pharisee asked [Jesus] to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at his table. 38However, the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus hadn’t washed before dinner.39But the Lord said to him:‘You Pharisees like to wash the outsides of dishes and cups, but your insides are filled with wickedness and robbery!40‘Unreasonable people! Didn’t the One who made the insides also make the outsides?41‘However, if you’ll be charitable to those who are in need, {Look!} not just your outsides, but everything about you will be clean!42‘But, woe to you Pharisees... For although you offer even your mint and your rue when you tithe, you keep overlooking justice and the love of God!‘Yes, you do all that [the Law] requires of you… But then you bypass all the rest.43‘Yes, woe to you Pharisees... For you love [to sit in the] front seats in the synagogues and [to receive] all the greetings in the markets! 44Yes, woe to you, for you’re like the hidden graves that men unwittingly walk on.’45Well in reply, someone who was trained in the Law said to him:‘Teacher, you know, when you say things like this, you’re insulting us!’46But [Jesus] replied:‘Woe to you who are trained in the Law, for you pile loads upon men so high that they can’t be carried and which you wouldn’t touch with even a finger!47‘Yes, woe to you! For you build tombs for the Prophets that were murdered by your fathers! 48And in so doing, you’re testifying against yourselves, since you’re approving of the very same things that your fathers did when they murdered those Prophets… Those whose tombs you’re now building.49‘It was concerning such things that the Wisdom of God said this:‘I’m sending Apostles and Prophets to you Whom you’ll persecute and you’ll kill.’50‘And this is why the blood of all of the Prophets That’s been spilled since this system was founded Will be laid upon this people…51‘From the blood of Abel to that of ZechariAh, Who [was murdered] between the [Temple] and Altar… It’ll all be laid upon this people!52‘So, woe to you who are trained in the Law, For although you accept the key to [great] knowledge, You fail to come through [the door], While blocking the way for everyone else trying to enter!’53So after he said these things, he got up and walked out.For the Scribes and Pharisees were just trying to pin him down... Constantly asking him questions about things 54as they were lying in wait, trying to trap him in anything that he might say.
1Well, a huge crowd had gathered… There were so many thousands that they were literally stepping on each other. Then [Jesus gave this warning to] his disciples. He said:‘Watch out for the fermentation of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2‘For there’s nothing hidden that won’t be exposed, And no secret that won’t be known. 3So the things that you say in the darkness, Will be all heard in the light. And whatever is whispered within private rooms, Will be shouted aloud from the rooftops!4‘I tell you this, my friends:‘Fear not those who can kill the body, But can do no more than that.5‘Let me show you whom you must fear:‘Fear the One, who after killing [your body], Can throw [your life] into the garbage… Yes, He’s the One you must fear!6‘Although you can buy 5 sparrows with just 2 small coins, In the eyes of God, they’re not overlooked… 7And He’s even numbered the hairs on your head. So you have no reason for fear, Since, more than many sparrows, is your value!8‘I tell you this:‘For those who’ll admit before others, That they’re united with me. The Son of Man will also admit That they’re one with him before angels. 9But for those who deny me to others, I’ll deny knowing them before angels.10‘Now, those who speak against the Son of Man can be forgiven; but those who blaspheme [God’s] Holy Breath won’t be forgiven! 11So when they drag you up before synagogues, or authorities, or government officials, don’t worry about what you must do or what you must say in your defense. 12For you’ll be taught what to say by [God’s] Holy Breath at that time.’13Then someone in the crowd shouted:‘Teacher, tell my brother to share his inheritance with me!’14And [Jesus] said:‘Man, who appointed me as judge or arbitrator between you two?’15Then he [went on] to say this:‘Keep your eyes open and guard against greed... For the things that you own won’t buy you life.’16And then he gave them this parable:‘A rich man’s fields produced well, 17so he thought about this and then asked himself:‘What should I do, since there’s not enough room In which to store all my crops?’18‘Then he said:‘Ah, I’ll do this – I’ll tear down my barns and build larger, And that’s where I’ll put all my wheat As well as my other good things.19‘Then I’ll say to myself: You now have many good things Saved away [to last] many years. So, you can just take it easy… Yes, eat, drink, and enjoy it!’20‘But God said:‘O foolish man! Tonight, they’re demanding your life! So, who will now own all these things?’21‘Yes, this is what will happen to a man Who lays away treasures for himself, But fails to gain wealth with God.’22Then he said to his disciples:‘This is why I’ve told you not to worry about your lives and about what you’ll eat, or about your bodies and what you’ll wear.23‘For your lives are worth so much more than food, and your bodies are worth [so much more] than clothes.24‘Notice the ravens; they don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have barns or storage sheds, since they’re fed by God… So [think about] how much more you’re worth than those birds!25‘And which of you can add even a smidgen to your lives by worrying?26‘So if [worry] is unable fix little things, why be concerned about all these other things?27‘Also notice how the lilies grow; although they don’t work or spin cloth – I tell you that even Solomon in all of his glory wasn’t as well-dressed as they are! 28So if God so well clothes the plants in the fields – that are here today and thrown into an oven tomorrow – how much more would He rather clothe you… You with so little faith?29‘Therefore, stop searching for things to eat and drink, and don’t worry about how you’re going to get them! 30For these are the kinds of things that all the ethnics are pursuing.‘However, your Father already knows that you need all these things. 31And if you’ll keep on seeking His Kingdom first, you’ll receive all the rest.32‘Don’t be afraid, little flock... For it’s the delight of your Father to give you the Kingdom!33‘Therefore, sell everything that you own and give it to those who really need it. Make purses for yourselves that won’t wear out… The unfailing treasures in the heavens, which can’t be consumed by thieves or by moths.34‘For where your treasures are is where your hearts will be.35‘Therefore, wrap on your sashes and light up your lamps, 36then act like men who are awaiting their master’s return from his wedding, so that when he arrives and starts knocking, you can open [the door] to him right away.37‘Blest are those slaves who are watching When their master arrives! For I tell you this as the truth: He will then put on his apron, And make them recline at his table; Then, he will come there and serve them!38‘If it’s in the 2nd watch that he should arrive, Or even if it’s during the 3rd... You’ll be blest if he finds you doing these things!39‘Recognize this:‘If the master of the house would’ve known The time when the thieves would arrive, He would have been keeping watch And not let them enter his house.40‘Likewise, you must also be ready!‘For the Son of Man will arrive At a time that you consider unlikely.’41Then Peter asked:‘Lord, are you giving this parable to just us, or to everyone?’42And the Lord said:‘Who is the faithful house steward… The sensible one, assigned by his lord To be in charge over his faithful friends, And to provide their meals at the right times?43‘Such a slave will be blest If he’s found doing that when his master arrives. 44I tell you the truth… He will put him in charge of everything he owns!45‘But if that slave should say in his heart: ‘My master’s return is delayed!’ And then he starts beating [the Lord’s] boys and girls, And he feasts, drinks, and gets drunk… 46His master will arrive on an time and date That he’s not been expected, And he’ll whip him and count him among the unfaithful.47‘So the slave that knows what his master expects And doesn’t prepare or do what he wants Will be lashed with a whip many times. 48But the one who doesn’t understand And does things for which he deserves to be whipped, Will be beaten with [just a] few [strokes].‘For from those to whom much is given, Much is also expected. And from those who’ve been put in charge over much, Much is also required.49‘I came here to start a fire on the earth; so, what more could I possibly wish than to see it already lit? 50But there’s also an immersion coming that I must endure, and I’m under great pressure until it arrives.51‘Do you think that I came to bring peace on earth? No, I’ve come to create divisions! 52So, if there are five in a house, They’ll be divided three against two, Or two against three.53‘Fathers will be against their own sons, And sons [will be] against their own fathers… Mothers will be against their own daughters, And daughters will be against their own mothers. It will be mothers-in-law against daughters-in-law, And daughters-in-law against mothers-in-law!’54Then he said this to the crowd:‘When you see a cloud arise in the west, You say that a storm is approaching… And it happens. 55And when you see the wind blow in from the south, You say that a heat wave is coming… And it happens.56‘Hypocrites! Since you know how to read the land and the sky, Why can’t you read the [signs of the] times?57‘It’s best to decide the right thing to do 58Than to [argue] your case before rulers.‘So, try to resolve things before you take it to them, So you won’t be brought in front of a judge, Who may hand you over to the bailiff, Who will thereafter throw you into a jail.59‘I tell you:‘If that happens, you won’t get out Until you’ve paid your last cent.’
1Well at the time, some people there were talking to Jesus about certain Galileans whose blood had been mixed with their sacrifices by [Pontius] Pilate.2So [Jesus] asked them:‘Do you think those Galileans suffered such things because they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?3‘No! For I tell you this: If you don’t repent, you’ll be destroyed that same way!4‘And what about those 18 people upon whom the tower at SiloAm fell and killed? Do you think they were worse sinners than all the others that live in JeruSalem?5‘No! I tell you this: If you don’t repent, you’ll all be destroyed that same way!’6Then he gave them this parable:‘There was a man who had a fig tree in his vineyard, And when he went there looking for fruit, He wasn’t able to find any.7‘So he said to the man who cared for the vineyard:‘For the past three years, I’ve come looking for fruit from this tree, But so far, I haven’t found any. So, you should just cut it down, For it is just wasting space.’8‘But [the vinedresser] gave this reply:‘Master, Leave it alone for just one more year, While I’ll cultivate and fertilize it, 9Then, it may bear fruit in the future… But if not, I’ll just cut it down.’10Well, [on another occasion], he happened to be teaching in one of the synagogues on a Sabbath 11where {Look!} there was a woman who’d endured a spirit of weakness for some 18 years… She was bent over and unable to straighten herself.12And when Jesus saw this, he called to her and said:‘Woman, you’re now free from this weakness.’13Then he laid his hands on her and she straightened up instantly and started glorifying God.14However, the chief of the synagogue resented this because Jesus had performed the cure on the Sabbath.So he said to the crowd:‘There are six days when work should be done. Come to be cured on those days, not on the Sabbath!’15But the Lord replied:‘Hypocrite! Don’t you untie your bulls and burros from their stalls and lead them out to drink on the Sabbath?16‘Yet, this is a daughter of AbraHam, whom the Opposer has held tied {Look!} for some 18 years! So, isn’t it appropriate for her to be untied from this type of bondage on the Sabbath?’17Well after he said that, all those who opposed him were ashamed; and the crowd started rejoicing over all the glorious things that he was doing.18Then he went on to say:‘To what can the Kingdom of God be compared? To what can it really be likened?19‘It’s like the seed of the mustard That a man had planted in his garden. For it grew and became as tall as a tree, In whose branches, the birds of the skies came to roost.’20And once again, he said:‘To what can the Kingdom of God be compared? 21It’s like a little fermentation That a woman hid in three scoops of flour, Until the mass rose and was filled with [the yeast].’22Well, he did all of this as he was teaching in city after city and village after village on his way to JeruSalem.23Then someone asked:‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’And he said to him:24‘You must strive to enter through the gate that’s narrow, For I tell you that many will try to get in, But they’ll not have enough strength.25‘So when the master gets up and latches the door; If you find yourself on the outside, Knocking and shouting:‘Lord, open to us!’‘He will say:‘I don’t know where you’re from!’26‘And if you should say:‘But before you, we ate and we drank, And you taught us along our main streets!‘Yet, he will then give this reply:27‘No I don’t know where you’re from… Get away from me, you unrighteous people!’‘Then, you’ll be crying and grinding your teeth When you see AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob With all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, As you are left on the outside.29‘For they’ll come from the east, west, north, and the south To recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. 30But {Look!} those who are last will be first, And those who are first will be last.’31Well within that very same hour, some Pharisees came to him and said:‘You’d better get out of here and go, because Herod is looking to kill you!’32But he replied:‘Go tell the old fox that I’ll keep on casting out demons and healing today and tomorrow, and I’ll be finished on the third day.33‘However, I’ll also keep moving [on towards JeruSalem] today, tomorrow, and the next day, since it wouldn’t be fitting for a Prophet to be destroyed outside of [that city].34‘O JeruSalem, JeruSalem… You murderer of the Prophets and stoner of those being sent to you. How often I’ve wanted to gather your young like a hen brings her chicks under her wings! But you didn’t want it...35‘So look! Your house has now been taken from you!‘And I’m telling you that you won’t see me again until [you’re ready to] proclaim:‘Praised is the one coming in Jehovah’s Name!’ [paraphrase of Psalm 118:26]
1Well, there was a time when [Jesus] went to eat a meal at the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath… And everyone there was watching him closely. 2Then {Look!} suffering from edema came to him.3So Jesus asked those students of the Law and the Pharisees this:‘Is it legal to cure on the Sabbath or not?’4However, they wouldn’t answer.So he touched [the man] and healed him, and then he sent him away. 5And Jesus asked them:‘If your burro or bull fell into a well on the Sabbath, who of you wouldn’t immediately go and pull him out?’6Well, they were unable to come up with a reply.7Then, after noticing how the guests were choosing the best spots at the table, he gave them this parable:8‘If you’re invited to a wedding reception, Don’t go and recline in the very best place. For if someone more honored arrives, 9The host will have to come there and say:‘Let this man have that spot.’‘And you’ll be shamed when you’re sent to the least honored place.10‘So whenever you’re invited [to a banquet], Go and recline in the very last spot. Then, when the host arrives, he’ll say:‘Friend, take a better position!’‘And you’ll be honored before all his guests. 11For the self-exalting will be humbled, And the humble will be lifted high.’12Then Jesus said to the man who invited him:‘When you spread a dinner or a supper, Don’t call your friends and your brothers, Nor your kin or your rich neighbors; For, you’ll then get your reward When they invite you [for a meal].13‘But whenever you’re planning a banquet, Invite the crippled and poor, As well as the lame and the blind… 14Those who can’t repay you; For then you’ll receive your reward When the righteous are standing again.’15Well, when one of the guests heard this, he shouted:‘Aren’t those who [are invited to] dine in the Kingdom of God those who’ll be blest?’16And [Jesus] said:‘There was a man who prepared a large supper, And he invited many [friends] to come there and dine. 17So, after the meal was prepared, He sent his slave out to tell them:‘Come on, for [the banquet] is ready!’18‘But each thereafter gave an excuse. Said the first:‘I must look at a field that I’ve bought; So, please let me be excused.’19‘And then another said this:‘I’ve purchased five pairs of oxen, And I must now go to inspect them; So, please let me be excused.’20‘Still another replied:‘Because I’m about to get married, I’m unable to come at this time.’21‘Well when the slave returned and reported these things, The master of the house became angry, And this is what he said to his slave:‘Go quickly to the main streets and alleys, And bring the crippled and poor, As well as the blind and the lame.’22‘And when he returned, the slave told him:‘Although I did everything you told me to do, There’s still plenty of room!’23‘So the master then gave these instructions:‘Go out to the roads and backyards, And make people come, so my house will be filled! 24For I tell you that nobody I invited Will get even a taste of my supper!’25Well, since a large crowd had come there with him, he turned to them and said:26‘Unless those who come to me care less for their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, and sisters – yes, even for their own lives – they can’t become my disciples...27‘Nor can anyone follow me who’s unwilling to carry his own impaling pole!28‘For, which of you who might choose to build a tower for himself wouldn’t first sit down to calculate the costs, so you’d be sure that you have enough [funds] to complete it?29‘Because, if you laid the foundation and then found out that you couldn’t finish the project, everyone who sees it would make fun of you and say:30‘This man started the job, but then he couldn’t complete it!’31‘Or, what king, when he’s marching [to battle], doesn’t first sit down and ask his advisors if his 10,000 troops can possibly beat the one coming with 20,000?32‘Because if he’s unable to do that, while [his enemy] is still far away, he’ll send his ambassadors to sue for peace.33‘So, you must be sure too!‘For anyone who’s unwilling to give up everything they own, isn’t capable of being my disciple!34‘Yes, salt is good... But if it loses all its strength, What good will it be for seasoning your food? 35So if it isn’t any good to use on soil or manure, People will just throw it away!‘Now, let those who have ears pay attention to this!’
1Well, tax collectors and sinners kept coming to [Jesus] to listen to the things that he was saying. 2And because of this, the Pharisees and Scribes started murmuring:‘This man welcomes sinners… And look, he even eats with them!’3So he then told them this parable:4‘Which of you who owns 100 sheep, And then should lose just one, Wouldn’t leave the 99 out in the fields, To search for the lost until it is found?5‘Then when you find it, you will rejoice, And [carry it home] on your shoulders. 6And when you get home, You’ll call your friends and neighbors and say:‘Come and with me, rejoice, For I’ve found my sheep that was lost!’7‘So in the same way, I tell you this:‘There is more rejoicing in heaven Over just one sinner that turns from bad ways, Than over 99 of the righteous Who have no need of repentance.8‘Or when a woman with 10 silver coins Finds that she has lost one, She’ll light [all her] lamps and sweep her whole house To search until she has found it. 9And when she finds it, she’ll call her neighbors and friends, and say:‘Come and with me rejoice, For I’ve found the silver coin that I lost!’10‘So I tell you:‘There is joy among the angels of God Over each sinner that repents.’11Then he said:‘There once was a man who had two sons. 12And the youngest went to his father and said:‘Please give me my share of what I’ll inherit!’‘So he gave him the portion that was his.13‘Well just a few days after that, This younger son gathered his things And traveled to a far-away land, Where he quickly squandered all that he had.14‘Then after he’d spent [all his money], A famine came to that land, Which left him in a very bad spot.15‘So he went to work for a man in that place That sent him to watch over his pigs. 16And soon he even started longing For the carob pods he was feeding the pigs, For the man gave him nothing [to eat].17‘Then when he came to his senses, He thereafter asked of himself:‘Since my father’s hired-hands have plenty of bread, Why am I here, dying from hunger?18‘So I’ll get up and return to my father! And since I’ve sinned against heaven and him, 19I’ll admit that I am unworthy To be called his son anymore, And I’ll tell him that I just want to work As one of his hired hands.’20‘So then he got up and returned to his father.‘However, while he was still far way, His father recognized him in the distance, And in pity, he ran and fell on his neck And then he tenderly kissed him.21‘But the son said:‘Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you, So I’m unworthy to be called your son anymore… Just let me be one of your hired hands.’22‘But the father said this to his slaves:‘Quickly bring him a robe… Bring the very best one, Then put a ring on his finger And put some shoes on his feet.23‘Also, slaughter the calf that we’ve fattened with wheat, Then let’s hold [a feast] and have a good time! 24For my son who was dead is alive… He was lost, but now he’s been found!’‘So thereafter, they held a banquet for him.25‘Meanwhile, the older son had been out in the fields. And as he returned and got close to his home, He could hear [the sounds] of music and dancing. 26So he called to one of the servants and asked,‘What is happening here?’27‘And in reply, [the servant] said this:‘Your brother has just returned, So your father had us slaughter the calf that was fattened, Because [your brother] returned in good health!’28‘Well at that, [the son] became very angry And he refused go back inside. So his father came and begged him to come on in. 29But this is what he said to his father:‘Even though I’ve slaved for you all these years And I’ve never broken your rules, You’ve not given me even a single kid goat That I could enjoy with my friends.30‘Yet, when this son returns home Who spent all his money on whores, For him, you slaughtered the wheat-fattened calf!’31‘But this is what his father then said:‘Child, you’ve always been with me, And everything I have is yours also. 32However, we had to celebrate and rejoice, Because your brother, who was as one of the dead, Has now been brought back to life… The one who was lost, has been found!’
1Then [Jesus] went on to say this to his disciples:‘There was a rich man who had a house manager that was accused of mishandling his belongings. 2So [the rich man] called him in and asked:‘What’s this that I’m hearing about you? Turn in your things! You’re not managing [my] house anymore!’3‘Then the [house manager] thought to himself:‘What should I do now that my master is taking away my position? I’m not strong enough to dig and I’d be too ashamed to beg.4‘Ah! I know what I’ll do when I lose my job… I’ll do something to make people welcome me into their homes!’5‘So he called in everyone who owed debts to his master, and he asked the first one:‘How much do you owe my master?’6‘He replied:‘900 gallons (3,400l) of olive oil.’‘Then he told him:‘Here, take your contract, then sit down and quickly write 450.’7‘Then asked the next:‘How much do you owe?’‘And he replied:‘36,000 quarts (34,000l) of wheat.’‘So he told him:‘Take your contract and write 29,000.’8‘Well, although [what he’d done] was unrighteous, his master praised him, because he showed very good sense.‘As you can see, the sons of this age are better at understanding how to deal with this people than the sons of light.9‘Therefore, I’m telling you to befriend unrighteous wealth, so that when everything else fails, they’ll welcome you into their tents throughout the ages.10‘For the one who’s faithful in little things Will also be faithful in much. But the one who’s unrighteous in little things Will also be unrighteous in much!11‘So if you fail to prove that you’re faithful With the unrighteous wealth [of this world]... Who will trust you with things that are true? 12And if you fail to prove that you’re faithful With things belonging to others... Who of us will trust you with our things?13‘You can’t slave for two [different] masters; For you’ll dislike one and you’ll love the other, And you’ll stick to one while despising the other… So you can’t slave for both God and wealth.’14Now, the Pharisees (who loved silver) were listening to him as he was saying these things, and they were looking at him with contempt.15So he said to them:‘You claim to be righteous before men, but God knows what’s really in your hearts; and things that are important to men are disgusting in God’s eyes.16‘Until John [came along], we had the Law and the Prophets. However, since then, what’s been preached is the Kingdom of God – and everyone has been trying to force their way into it.17‘Yet, it’d be easier for the land and sky to pass away than for a single stroke on one of the Law’s letters to fail!18‘Therefore, whoever releases his wife and takes some other [woman] has committed adultery. And whoever marries a released woman has also committed adultery.19‘Now, there once was a very rich man who dressed himself in purple and linen, and he enjoyed the very best things each day.20‘There was also a poor man named Lazarus who used to sit just outside of [the rich man’s] porch. This [poor] man was covered with sores, 21and all he wanted was to eat some of the things that fell from the rich man’s table. Also, even dogs would come and lick his sores.22‘Well, the poor man [eventually] died, and [God’s] messengers carried him off to the most-favored position of AbraHam.‘Then the rich man also died and was buried.23‘But from the place of the dead he raised his eyes, and he was tormented when he saw AbraHam off in the distance with Lazarus lying before him.24‘So [the rich man] called out and said:‘Father AbraHam, have mercy on me!‘Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue, for I’m suffering in these flames!25‘But AbraHam replied:‘Child, remember that you had all the good things in life, while Lazarus [had just] the bad. So now he’s here [receiving my] comfort, while you are there suffering. 26Also, an abyss has been placed between us, so that those who are here can’t go there, and those who are there can’t come here.27‘Well at that, [the rich man] said:‘Then I beg you… Please father, send him to the house of my father, 28for I have five brothers… Get him to warn them what happened, so they don’t end up in this place of torment!29‘But AbraHam replied:‘They’ve already got the Prophets and Moses, [so your brothers] should listen to them!30‘Then [the rich man] said:‘No indeed, Father AbraHam; for they’d surely repent if someone were to come to them from the dead!31‘But [AbraHam] said:‘No! If they won’t listen to the Prophets or Moses, then they wouldn’t be persuaded even if someone rose from the dead!’
1Well after that, [Jesus] said this to his disciples:‘It’s unavoidable that there’ll be snares.
However, woe to those who set them!
2For it would be better if a millstone was hung on his neck
And he was thrown into the sea,
Than to stumble one of these least ones.
3So, pay attention to yourselves!‘If your brother should sin [against you],
You should go to him and discuss it.
And if he repents, forgive him!4‘If he sins against you seven times in a day,
And comes back seven times to tell you that he’s sorry,
You should forgive him all seven times!’5Then the Apostles said:‘Lord, give us more faith!’6And he told them:‘If you had faith [the size of] a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree:‘Pull out of the ground and plant yourself in the sea!’‘...and it would likely obey you.7‘Which of you has a slave who, after he’s been plowing or tending a flock, would say to him when he returns:‘Come over here and recline at my table?’8‘No, it’s more likely that you’d tell him:‘Put on an apron and prepare my supper, then serve it to me. [You can wait] until I’m done eating and drinking, and thereafter you can get yourself something to eat and drink.’9‘You won’t be grateful to that slave because he did what he was assigned, will you? 10So you too… After you’ve done all that you’ve been assigned, you should say:‘We are just worthless slaves, and we’re just doing what we’re expected to do.’11Well, as [Jesus] was on his way to JeruSalem, he traveled through the midst of Samaria and then into Galilee. 12And as he entered a certain village, ten men who had leprosy who stood at a distance [spurious words] 13started shouting:‘Jesus! Lord! Have mercy on us!’14So when [Jesus] saw them, he said:‘Go and present yourselves to the Priests.’Then as they were leaving, each one was made clean.15Well, one of them, when he realized that he had been healed, came back [to Jesus] glorifying God in a loud voice, 16and he fell to his face at Jesus’ feet to thank him (this one was a Samaritan).17So Jesus asked:‘Weren’t there ten that were cleansed? So, where are the other nine? 18Was this man of another race the only one who returned to glorify God?’19Then he said to him:‘Get up and go, for your faith has saved you!’20Well [later], there was a Pharisee that asked [Jesus] when the Kingdom of God was coming. And this is the reply that he gave:‘The coming of the Kingdom of God won’t be easily noticed, 21so people won’t be saying, Look, it’s here, or, It’s there! Rather, the Kingdom of God is within you!’22Then he went on to say to his disciples:‘The time is coming when you’ll wish that you could see just one of these days of the Son of Man… But you’ll no longer be able to see them. 23And although people will be saying, Look he’s here, or, He’s there don’t follow them. 24For when the Son of Man arrives, it’ll be like lightning that flashes across the whole sky.25‘But before that, he will have to endure many things and be rejected by this people. 26For just like it was back in the days of Noah is how it’ll be in the day of the Son of Man. 27Back then they were eating and drinking, getting married and being taken in marriage right up to the day that Noah entered the chest… And that’s when the Downpour arrived, destroying them all.28‘The same thing happened in Lot’s day. They were also eating and drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building 29right up until the day that Lot [fled from] Sodom. Then fire and sulfur rained down from the sky, destroying them all. 30Yes, this is how it’ll be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.31‘So in that day, the man [who’s] on his roof shouldn’t go back down into his house to retrieve his things, and the person out in a field shouldn’t go back for things he’s left behind. 32Rather, remember [what happened to] Lot’s woman!33‘For those who try to save their lives will lose them, while those who lose them will live.34‘I tell you this:‘In that night, there’ll be two in one bed,
One will be taken along,
And the other will be left behind.35‘Two will be grinding at [the same] mill;
One will be taken along,
And the other will be left behind.’36‘Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.’ [spurious words, probably copied from Matthew 24:40]37So they asked him:‘When [is this going to happen], Lord?’And he replied:‘When [you see] the vultures gather at the carcass.’
1Then he gave them an illustration to show them why they should keep praying and never give up.2He said:‘There was a judge in a city who didn’t fear God
And couldn’t be shamed by other men.
3But a widow in that city kept coming and saying:‘I want justice from the man whom I [sued].’4‘Well at first, [the judge] did nothing at all,
But then he started to reason:‘Although I don’t fear God,
And there aren’t men who can shame me...
5Since this widow keeps coming and making more work,
I’ll see that she receives justice
So she doesn’t just nag me to death!’6Then the Lord asked:‘Now, did you hear what this unrighteous judge said?7‘So won’t God, who is patient,
Also give justice to His chosen ones
That call out to Him day and night?
8Yes, I tell you...
He’ll bring speedy justice for you!‘Yet, when the Son of Man arrives, will he really find the faith on earth?’9Then he gave this illustration to some there that were putting more trust in themselves and thinking that they were righteous, while everyone else was just nothing.He said:10‘Two men went up to the Temple to pray…
A tax collector and a Pharisee.11‘Now, the Pharisee stood up and said this
Concerning himself in his prayer:‘I thank You O God, that I’m not like the rest,
Who are robbers, the unrighteous, and adulterers…
Or like that tax collector [over there].
12For I fast two times every week,
And contribute 1/10th of all I receive.’13‘Yet the tax collector, who stood at some distance,
Wouldn’t raise his eyes towards the sky.
He just beat on himself as he said:‘O God,‘Please don’t be angry with this sinner!’14‘Well, I tell you that this man went back home more righteous than the other, because the self-promoters will be humbled, while the humble will be promoted.’15Thereafter, people started bringing their young children for [Jesus] to have him just touch them. However, when the disciples saw this, they started scolding them.16Then Jesus called [the disciples] to him and said:‘Let the young children come to me… Don’t try to stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to people like this.17‘I tell you the truth; those who don’t welcome the Kingdom of God like a little child, won’t enter it at all.’18Then a certain ruler asked him:‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit age-long life?’19But Jesus asked him:‘Why are you calling me good? Nobody’s good except One… The God!20‘You know the Commandments... Don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t provide false testimony, honor your father and mother… ’21Then [the ruler] replied:‘Well, I’ve guarded all these [things] since my youth!’22And Jesus said:‘But there’s still one thing that you’re lacking… Go and sell all that you have, then give to the poor, and come be my follower. That’s when you’ll have treasures in the heavens!’23Well when he heard this, [the ruler] became very sad, because he was extremely rich.24So Jesus looked at him and said:‘It’ll be very difficult for those who are rich
To find their way into the Kingdom!
25It’s easier to thread a rope through a needle
Than for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!’26Well at that, those who heard him say this, asked:‘Then, who can possibly be saved?’27And he replied:‘Things that are impossible for men are still possible with God.’28But Peter said:‘Look, we’ve left everything to follow you!’29And [Jesus] said to him:‘I tell you the truth;
There’s no one who loses a house or a wife,
Or brothers, parents, or children
For the sake of the Kingdom of God,
30Who won’t receive much more in this age,
And life in the age that’s coming.’31Then he took the 12 aside and said this to them:‘Look! We’re on our way up to JeruSalem, where everything that the Prophets wrote about the Son of Man is now going to be fulfilled. 32He’ll be handed over to the gentiles and made fun of; he’ll be treated shamefully and spat on; 33and then after flaying him with a whip, they’ll kill him…‘But on the third day, he’ll stand again.’34However, they just didn’t grasp the meaning of any of these things, because what he said was hidden from them and they couldn’t understand it.35Well later, as he was approaching JeriCho, there happened to be a blind man who was sitting alongside the road begging. 36Then as he heard the crowd moving past, he asked what was happening, 37and he was told:‘Jesus the Nazarene is coming!’38So he started shouting:‘Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!’39Well, those who were walking in front [of Jesus] told him to be quiet. However, he shouted even louder:‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’40So Jesus stopped and gave orders to have him brought over. And when [the blind man] got to him, [Jesus] asked:41‘What is it that you want me to do for you?’And he answered:‘Lord, let me see again!’42So Jesus said:‘Then, see again… For your faith has saved you!’43And instantly, his sight returned! Then he started following [Jesus], glorifying God, and the people were also praising God after they saw this.
1Well after that, as [Jesus] was continuing on through JeriCho, 2{Look!} there was a rich man called ZacChaeUs (he was the chief tax collector) 3and he wanted to see just who this Jesus was, but he couldn’t because of the crowd, since he was too short.4So he ran ahead and climbed a fig-sycamore tree along the street where [Jesus] was walking, so he could see him.5Then when Jesus reached that spot, he looked up and said:‘ZacChaeUs, hurry and get down from there, because I’ll be staying at your house today.’6So the man quickly got down and started rejoicing that he could welcome him as his guest. 7But when [the crowds] saw this, they all started grumbling:‘Is he going to spend the night at the home of a man who’s a sinner?’8But then ZacChaeUs stood up and said this to [Jesus]:‘Lord, I’ll give half of my belongings to the poor, and whatever I got from anyone by extortion and false accusations, I’ll repay four times over!’9So Jesus said:‘Salvation has come to this house today, for he’s also a son of AbraHam! 10This is the reason why the Son of Man came… To search for and save those who are lost.’11Well, as they were listening to him say these things, Jesus gave them this parable (because he was getting close to JeruSalem and they all thought that the Kingdom of God was coming right away).12So he said:‘A certain man of noble birth
Traveled to a far-away land
To be appointed as king.13‘So he called for ten of his slaves,
And he gave them each a large silver coin,
Saying:‘Do business [with this], until I return.’14‘But, he was hated by some of his subjects,
Who sent envoys ahead to say this about him:‘We don’t want this man as our ruler!’15‘Well, when he returned, appointed as king,
He summoned all [ten] of those slaves
To whom he’d entrusted his silver,
To find out how much they’d gained.16‘So the first one came up and told him:‘With your coins, I’ve earned ten silver coins!’17‘And [the king] said this in reply:‘Well-done, my good [faithful] slave!
Since you’ve proved yourself faithful in small things,
I’ll appoint you over ten cities.’18‘Then the second [slave] came up and said:‘With your coins, I’ve earned five silver coins!’19‘So [the king] said:‘I’ll appoint you over five cities.‘20‘But the last came up and said:‘Lord, here’s the coin you gave me,
Which I wrapped up in a bandanna.
21I did this because I’m afraid,
For I know that you’re a very harsh man…
One who picks up what he hasn’t put down
And harvests where he hasn’t planted.’22‘Then [the master] said:‘O wicked slave!
From the words of your mouth, I’ve judged you…
So you know that I’m a very harsh man,
Who picks up what he hasn’t put down,
And harvests what he hasn’t planted?
23Then you should have put my coin in a bank,
Where it likely would have gained interest!’24‘Then he said this to those who were standing nearby:‘Take away the coin that I gave him,
And give it to the one who has ten!’25‘But when they said:‘O Lord, he already has ten.’26‘He said:‘More will be given to those who have much,
While all will be taken from those who have none.27‘Now, bring all my enemies here…
Those who didn’t want me to serve as their king,
And before me, slaughter them all!’28Then after he said all these things, he got up and started leading the way to JeruSalem.29And when he got close to BethPhage and BethAny (near the hill called the Mount of Olives), he sent two of his disciples ahead, 30telling them:‘Go into that village opposite us, and as you’re entering it, you’ll find a colt that’s tied up, which no one has ridden before. Untie it and bring it here.‘31And if anyone asks why you’re untying it, just tell him that the Lord needs it.’32Well, those who were sent ahead found things exactly as he said they’d be. 33So when the owners asked why they were untying the colt, 34they replied:‘The Lord needs it.’35So they thereafter led it to Jesus, and they threw a robe over the colt and set Jesus on [top of it]. 36Then, as he was traveling along, they were all spreading their robes over the road in front of him.37Well, as soon as he got close to the road that leads down the Mount of Olives [into JeruSalem], huge crowds of his disciples started rejoicing and praising God, shouting about all the powerful things that they had seen, 38and saying:‘Praise this one who comes as King in the Name of Jehovah!‘Peace in the heavens and glory in the highest places!’39However, some of the Pharisees among the crowd went up [to Jesus] and said:‘Teacher! Scold your disciples!’40But Jesus replied:‘I tell you this: If they were to remain silent, these stones would be doing the shouting!’41Well, as he was approaching the city, he looked at it and shed tears over it, saying:42‘If you just knew this today… The things that [would have led you] to peace… But now they’ve been hidden from your eyes.43‘For the days are coming when your enemies will come here and build a fort of pointed stakes around you. Yes, they’ll completely surround you and come at you in force from all sides! 44Then they’ll toss you and your young to the ground, and they won’t leave a stone on top of a stone here, because you failed to recognize the time of your being inspected.’45Then from there he entered the Temple and started throwing out the vendors, 46saying to them:‘Despite it being written, My house will be a house of prayer, you’ve made it a den of thieves!’47So he taught in the Temple every day after that.And although the Chief Priests, Scribes, and prominent people were looking to destroy him, 48they couldn’t come up with a just reason to do it, since all the people were gathering around and listening to him.
1Then one day, while he was teaching the people in the Temple and preaching the Good News, the Chief Priests, Scribes, and elders came up 2to him and said:‘Tell us where you got the authority to do these things!‘Who told you that you could this?’3So he replied:‘Let me ask you a question… Tell me:4‘Did John’s immersion come from heaven or from men?’5Then they got together and reasoned among themselves, saying:‘If we say, From heaven, he’ll ask, Then, why didn’t you believe him?6‘But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us, because they believe that John was a Prophet.’7So they came back and told him that they didn’t know where it came from.8And Jesus said:‘Then I’m not telling you where I got the authority to do these things.’9Well after that, he gave the people this parable:‘A man once planted a vineyard And contracted it out to some farmers; Then he traveled abroad for a very long time.10‘So, when it came time for the harvest, He sent a slave to the farmers To ask for some fruit from his vineyard. But the farmers then had [that slave] whipped, And sent him away empty-handed.11‘Thereafter, [the man] did the same thing again, But sending a different slave. This one, they whipped and dishonored, And they sent him away empty-handed.12‘Thereafter, he sent them a 3rd slave, Whom they wounded and then threw him out.13‘So the owner asked himself what else he could do... Then he said:‘I’ll send my dearly-loved son, For I’m sure that they’ll respect him!’14‘But when those farmers saw him arriving, They discussed it, and then they said this:‘This is the heir, so let us kill him, And then his inheritance will be ours!’15‘So they threw him out of the vineyard, And thereafter, they put him to death.‘So now, what do you think the owner will do? 16Won’t he come and destroy those [bad] farmers, Then entrust his vineyard to others?’Well when they heard this, the [Pharisees] said:‘Nothing like that is ever going to happen!’17But he looked at them and said:‘Then, what’s the meaning of what was written, which says:‘The stone that the builders rejected Has become the foundation cornerstone? [Psalm 118:22]18‘I tell you; all who fall on this stone will be broken, and it’ll smash everyone it falls on.’19Well after that, the Scribes and Chief Priests started looking for ways to arrest him, for they realized that his parable was about them. However, they were still afraid of the people, 20so they just kept on watching him closely.Then they sent men who pretended to be righteous so they could trick him into saying something that would give them a reason to hand him over to the government and to the power of its governor.21So they came up to him and said:‘Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is right, and that you aren’t swayed by a man’s appearance… For you truthfully teach the ways of God.22‘So now, tell us... Should we pay the taxes to Caesar or shouldn’t we?’23Well, recognizing what they were up to, he said:24‘Show me a coin… Whose image and inscription is on it?’And they replied:‘Caesar’s.’25Then he said:‘You should pay Caesar’s things to Caesar, and God’s things to God.’26Well as a result, they weren’t able to catch him in anything that he said there in front of the people, and they were amazed by his answers. So they didn’t say anything more to him after that.27However, some of the SadDucees (who say there’s no resurrection) went up to him and asked him this:28‘Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man dies leaving his woman childless, his brother should take the brother’s woman and sire offspring for him.29‘Now, let’s say there were seven brothers... The first took a woman, and then he died childless.30‘So, the second one and then 31the third took her, and the same thing happened to all seven… They all died before siring children.32‘Finally, the woman also died.33‘So... Whose woman will she be in the resurrection, since all seven had her as theirs?’34And Jesus replied:‘Although the sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35those who’ve been found worthy of that age and the resurrection from the dead won’t marry or be given in marriage, 36nor will they die anymore.‘For they’ll have the power of the angels, since, as sons of the resurrection, they [will also be] sons of God.37‘Even Moses showed that the dead will be raised! For when [he was] at the [burning] bush, he called Jehovah the God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob.38‘So He isn’t a God of the dead, but of the living, since they’re all living to Him!’39Then some of the Scribes came up and said:‘Teacher, that was a fine answer.’40And they didn’t have the courage to ask him anything more after that.41So [Jesus] then asked them:‘Why do they say that the Anointed One is David’s son? 42For David himself said in the scroll of the Psalms:‘Jehovah said this to my lord: Sit here at My right hand, 43‘Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet.’ [Psalm 110]44‘So if David called him Lord, how could he be his son?’45Well at the time, all the people were there listening to this. So then he turned and said this to his disciples:46‘Watch out for the Scribes who like to walk around in robes, to be greeted in the markets, to have the front seats in the synagogues, and to have the most prominent places at the suppers. 47For they swallow down the homes of widows and then cover up their wrong-doing by saying long prayers.‘This is why they’ll receive a heavier judgment!’
[Editor note: This chapter division appears to be in the wrong place – perhaps placed here deliberately to change the meaning. The account below is a continuation of the one at the end of chapter 20.]
1Well, as he looked up, he noticed the rich dropping their gifts into the [Temple] treasury chests. 2And then he saw a poor widow drop in just two small copper coins, 3and he said:‘I tell you the truth, although this widow is very poor, she dropped in more than they all did, 4since they dropped in gifts from their surplus, while this needy person dropped in her whole means of living!’5Then, as certain ones were discussing the Temple (how fine its stonework was and how nicely it was adorned), 6he said:‘When it comes to these things that you see... The days are coming when there won’t be a stone left on top of a stone here that won’t be thrown down!’7So they asked him:‘Teacher, when will these things take place… What will be the signs that they’re about to happen?’8And he replied:‘Be careful that no one misleads you, for many will come in my name and say, I’m the one, and, The time has arrived…‘But don’t follow them!9‘You’ll also hear about wars and disorders, but don’t be frightened by this, for all those things must happen first.‘However, the end doesn’t come right away.’10And he told them:‘Then nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, 11there’ll be many great rumblings, and there’ll be famines and plagues everywhere, as well as fearful sights and signs in the skies.12‘However, before all these things happen, they’re going to persecute you and arrest you, then lead you up before religious courts and have you locked up. Yes, because of my name they’ll drag you before governors and kings… 13And that’ll be your sign!14‘[But when this happens], don’t bother to plan your defense. 15For I’ll give you a mouth and enough wisdom so that anyone who lies about you will be unable to resist or contradict you.16‘However, your own brothers and parents… Yes, even your own families and friends will betray you and kill some of you! 17And although everyone will dislike you because of my name, 18not a hair on your heads will be harmed.19‘So by your endurance, you’ll have gained your own lives!20‘Now, when you see armies camped around JeruSalem, know that her destruction is near. 21Then those in Judea should run to the mountains… Yes, everyone in her midst should flee, and those who are in [fields] must not come back into her! 22For those will be days of avenging and for accomplishing all that’s been written about her.23‘Woe to those who are pregnant and nursing babies in those days, for there’ll be great distress in the land as [God’s] wrath is brought upon these people. 24They’ll either be cut down by swords or be carried off to the nations as captives.‘Then JeruSalem will be trampled by the gentiles until the times of the nations are filled.25‘At that time there’ll be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And on the earth, the nations will all be in distress, for they’ll be confused by the roaring and the rolling surges of the seas.26‘Then men’s hearts will become weak with fear in expectation of the things that will be coming upon the habitation of mankind, as [they see] the powers in the heavens being shaken. 27And that’s when they’ll see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory!28‘But as [you see] these things start to happen, you should stand erect and raise your heads high... For you’ll know that the time of your deliverance has drawn near!’29Then he gave them this parable:‘Consider the figs and all other trees;
30For, when they start putting out buds,
You know that summer is near.31‘Thus, when you see these things start to happen,
You should know that the Kingdom of God has drawn near.32‘I tell you the truth...
This people won’t pass away
Until all these things are fulfilled…
33Although the lands and the skies may all pass away,
My words won’t pass away!34‘So pay attention to yourselves,
And don’t let your hearts become overburdened…
Don’t allow the worries of life
To make your hearts reel, and let you get drunk,
So that day doesn’t sneak up upon you.
35For, it’ll arrive like a snare
Upon all that sit on the face of the earth.36‘Therefore, you must keep watch in every season
And keep praying that you’ll have the strength
To escape all these things that will happen,
And before the Son of Man, be able to stand.’37Well, [Jesus] taught in the Temple during the daytime, and every night he would go and camp on the hill called The Mount of Olives.38So, all the people would come to the Temple early each morning to listen to him.
1Now, as the Festival of Passover was drawing near, 2the Chief Priests and Scribes were looking for ways to get rid of Jesus. However, they were still afraid of the people. 3But then the Opposer entered Judas (the one called IsCariot, who was one of the 12), 4and he went off and talked to the Chief Priests and [Temple] captains about ways that he could betray [Jesus] to them.5Well, they were delighted by this, and they agreed to pay him in silver coins, 6which he accepted. So then he started looking for opportunities to betray [Jesus] when there were no crowds around.7Then, [just before] the Day of No Fermentation (which is when the Passover was to be sacrificed), 8[Jesus] sent Peter and John ahead of him, saying:‘Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover.’9And when they asked him where he wanted them to prepare it, 10he told them:‘{Look!} When you go into the city, you’ll be met by a man who is carrying a clay jar of water. Follow him into the house that he enters.11‘Then tell the master of the house that the Teacher wants to know where the guest room is where he can eat the Passover with his disciples. 12And he’ll show you a large furnished upstairs room.‘Prepare for it there.’13So they left and found things just as he said; and they prepared for the Passover.14Then when it was time, he reclined at the table with his Apostles, 15and he said to them:‘I really wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you that I won’t eat it again until it’s fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’17And at that, he took a cup, gave thanks for it, and said:‘Take this and pass it among yourselves...18‘I tell you that from this point on, I definitely won’t be drinking the fruit of the vine again until after the Kingdom of God has arrived.’19Then he took a loaf [of bread], gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying:‘This is my body, which is being handed over for you. Continue to do this in memory of me.’20He also did the same thing with the cup after supper. He said:‘This cup is the New Sacred Agreement of my blood which is being poured out on your behalf.21‘But look… The hand of my betrayer is with me here at this table! 22So the Son – who indeed is from among mankind – will be going the way that has been marked out for him… Yet, woe to that man through whom he’s being betrayed!’23Well at that, they started discussing among themselves which one would possibly do such a thing. 24But then, a friendly dispute also arose between them as to which one of them seemed to be the greatest.25So [Jesus] said to them:‘The kings of the gentiles like to dominate them, and those with power like to be called their benefactors. 26However, you shouldn’t be like that. Rather, the greatest among you should act like the youngest, and the one taking the lead should be the servant of the others.27‘For, which one is truly the greatest… The one who reclines at the table, or the one who does the serving? Isn’t it the one who reclines at the table? Yet, here among you, I’m the one who’s been serving!28‘Now, because you’re the ones who stuck with me during my trials, 29I’m giving this appointment to you, as my Father has given the appointment to me, for a Kingdom:30‘In my Kingdom, you’ll eat and drink at my table, and you’ll sit on thrones, from which you’ll judge the 12 tribes of IsraEl.31‘But Simon, O Simon... Look! The Opposer has demanded to have you so [he can] sift you like wheat! 32However, I’ve pleaded with [God] on your behalf so that your faith doesn’t give out… And then after you return, you can strengthen your brothers.’33But [Peter] said to him:‘Lord, I’m ready to go with you to prison and even into death!’34However, [Jesus] said:‘I tell you this Peter; a rooster won’t crow today until you’ve denied knowing me three times!’35Then [Jesus] went on to say this to them:‘When I sent you out before without a money bag, or a food pouch, or extra sandals, you didn’t really need anything else, did you?’And they all replied:‘No!’36But then he gave them this warning… He said:‘But now; if you have a money bag, you must carry it along, as well as a pouch for your food. And if you don’t have a sword, you should go sell your coat and buy one.37‘For I’m telling you that the thing that was written about me must now be fulfilled:‘He was counted among the law breakers.’ [Isaiah 53:12]‘Yes, this scripture is now going to be fulfilled in me.’38Then [the Apostles] said:‘Look, Lord… Here are two swords!’And He said to them:‘That’s enough.’39Then he left, and as was his custom, he went to the Mount of Olives… And the disciples followed along. 40And when he got there, he told them this:‘Now, pray that you won’t be tested!’41And at that, he walked away from them about a stone’s throw, and he bent down and started to pray, saying:42‘Father, if it’s Your Will, please take this cup away from me… But only if it’s Your will, not mine.’43Then a messenger from the heavens appeared to him, and this gave him strength. 44Yet, because he was still in agony, he prayed even harder, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.45Well, after he’d finished praying, he got up and returned to the disciples and found them sleeping (because they were all very grieved).46So he asked them:‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you won’t be tested!’47But while he was still talking, {Look!} a mob approached with one of the 12 (the one called Judas) in the lead, and he walked right up to Jesus and kissed him!48Well at that, Jesus said:‘Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’49And when those who were around [Jesus] saw what was about to happen, they asked him:‘Lord, shall we fight them off with the swords?’50Then that’s when one of them struck the High Priest’s slave, taking off his right ear. 51And after that happened, Jesus said:‘It has gone far enough!’Then he touched the [man’s] ear and healed him.52And thereafter, Jesus asked the Chief Priests, Temple captains, and elders that had come for him:‘Are you coming here with swords and clubs [as though I were] some thief?53‘I was with you in the Temple every day, and you didn’t try to grab me then… However, this is your hour and the power of darkness!’54So they arrested him and led him off to the house of the High Priest, as Peter followed behind at some distance. 55There they lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard, where they all sat down together, and Peter went and sat down among them.56But then a servant girl noticed [Peter] sitting there in the light of the fire… She looked at him very hard and said:‘[This man] was with him also!’57But [Peter] denied it, saying:‘I don’t know him, woman!’58And a little while later, someone else saw him and said:‘You’re also one of them!’But Peter said:‘Man, I am not!’59Then, after standing around for another hour, someone started insisting, saying:‘It’s true; this man was with him, because he’s also a Galilean!’60But Peter said:‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’And just as he was speaking, a rooster crowed.61Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the words that the Lord had said to him:‘Before the rooster crows today, you’ll deny knowing me three times.’62And at that, [Peter] went outside and wept bitterly.63Well, the men who had taken [Jesus] into custody then started making fun of him, and they [slapped] him 64as they were covering [his head] and shouting:‘Now prophesy… Tell us who’s disciplining you!’65They were also saying all sorts of slanderous things about him.66Well, as the day was dawning, the people’s body of elders assembled with the Chief Priests and Scribes, and then they brought [Jesus] before the Jewish High Court, where they said to him:67‘If you really are the Anointed One, then say so!’And he replied:‘If I told you, you wouldn’t even start to believe it!68‘Also, if I asked you any questions, you wouldn’t answer at all!69‘But from now on, the Son of Man will be sitting at the powerful right hand of The God!’70Well at that, they all asked:‘So, are you the Son of The God?’And he replied:‘You’re the ones who are saying I am!’71And then they said:‘So, why do we need any more witnesses, for now we’ve heard it from his own mouth!’
1Well thereafter, the whole assembly got up and took [Jesus] before Pilate. 2And there they accused him, saying:‘We found this man trying to undermine the principles of our nation by forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar, and by saying that he’s the Anointed One… A king!’3So Pilate asked him:‘Are you the king of the Jews?’And he replied:‘You’re the one saying this.’4Then Pilate said to the Chief Priests and the crowds:‘I can’t find anything wrong with this man.’5But they insisted, saying:‘He’s been stirring up the people teaching throughout all of Judea… That’s why he came here from Galilee!’6Well on hearing that, Pilate asked whether [Jesus] was in fact a Galilean.7Then, after learning that he was from Herod’s realm, he sent him over to Herod (who also happened to be in JeruSalem at the time [for the Passover]).8Well, when Herod saw Jesus, he was overjoyed, because he’d been wanting to see him for quite some time, since he’d heard so much about him and he hoped to see Jesus perform some sign. 9So he asked many questions, but [Jesus] wouldn’t answer him.10[And all the while], the Chief Priests and Scribes kept standing up and accusing him.11But then, not knowing what to make of him, Herod and his troops made fun of Jesus by dressing him in bright clothes, and thereafter they sent him back to Pilate. 12This is also why Herod and Pilate became friends that day, for they really hadn’t liked each other before that.13So Pilate then assembled the Chief Priests, rulers, and all the people, 14and he said to them:‘You brought this man to me as someone who was inciting the people to revolt. And look! I’ve examined him before you and I can’t find any basis for the charges that you’re bringing against him.15‘In fact, Herod didn’t either, because he returned him to us.‘So, since he’s done nothing deserving of death, 16I’m just going to discipline him and then release him.’17For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast. [spurious words]18But with that, the entire crowd started shouting:‘Impale him and release BarAbbas to us!’19([BarAbbas] was in prison at the time because of [his involvement in] a revolt in the city, and for murder).20Well, Pilate shouted to them once again, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21But they started yelling:‘Impale him! Impale him!’22So he asked them a third time:‘Why? What crime has he committed?‘I haven’t found anything that he’s done to deserve death, so I’m just going to discipline him and then set him free!’23But they started shouting impatiently, demanding to have [Jesus] hung on a pole… And their voices started to win out. 24So Pilate gave in 25and he released [BarAbbas] (who was in prison for rebellion and murder) to meet their demands, then he did what they wanted [him to do] to Jesus.26Well, as they were leading him away, they grabbed Simon (a Cyrenian who happened to be coming in from the fields) and laid the pole [to be used to execute Jesus] on him, so that he could carry it behind Jesus [on his behalf].27Meanwhile, a huge crowd of people (including many women) followed behind [Jesus], beating themselves in grief and wailing over him.28But then Jesus turned to the women and said:‘Daughters of JeruSalem, stop crying for me… Cry instead for yourselves and for your children!29‘Because, {Look!} the days are coming when people will say:‘Those without any children,
And those whose wombs have not given birth,
Or whose breasts haven’t nursed, are the blest!’30‘For they’ll then call to the mountains and say:‘Come and fall over us!
And to the hills they’ll shout,
[Fall down] and cover us over!31‘For if [the Romans] have been willing to do such bad things
While the tree is still moist,
What will they do after it’s withered?’32Well, two criminals were also being led out to be impaled along with [Jesus]. 33And when they got to the place that was referred to as ‘The Skull,’ they hung him and the criminals on poles there (one on his right and the other on his left).34Then said Jesus:‘Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.’ [possible spurious words]Then [the soldiers] threw dice for [Jesus’] clothes, 35as the people just stood there watching. However, their rulers were looking on angrily and saying:‘He saved others, so let him save himself if he’s truly the Anointed of God… His chosen one!’36Even the soldiers made fun of him, coming up to him and offering him soured wine 37and saying:‘If you’re the king of the Jews, save yourself!’38There was also a sign that had been placed above him [that said]:‘This is the king of the Jews.’39Then one of the criminals that was hanging there started speaking badly to him, saying:‘If you’re the Anointed One, save yourself… And save us too!’40But the other one scolded him, saying:‘Aren’t you at all afraid of God, since you’ve received the same judgment… 41Which is only right, because we’re getting what we deserve in full measure for the bad things we’ve done.‘However, he hasn’t done anything wrong at all!’42Then the man said to Jesus:‘Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’43And [Jesus] replied:‘Truly I tell you today you’ll be with me in the Paradise.’44Well, it was already about 12 noon… And then the whole land became covered by a darkness [that lasted] until 3pm, 45for the sunlight had failed.Then, the Temple curtain split down the middle, 46and Jesus called out in a loud voice, saying:‘Father, I leave my breath in Your hands.’And after saying that, he died.47Well when the centurion saw [all of this] happening, he glorified God and said:‘This truly was a righteous man!’48And all the crowds that had come to watch this spectacle (after seeing all these things) started beating themselves [in grief] once again.49Meanwhile, those who knew him (such as the women who had followed him from Galilee) were standing at some distance and paying attention to all that was going on.50Then {Look!} JoSeph (a man from HariMathea, a city in Judea), who was a good and righteous man and one of the Council members 51(one who didn’t go along with what the [others] said or did, and who was also awaiting the Kingdom of God) 52went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.53So he took it down, then he wrapped it in fine linen and laid it in a tomb that had been cut into the rock where no one had ever been placed before.54Well, since it was [the day of] Preparation and the Sabbath was about to arrive, 55the women who’d come with him from Galilee and who followed along to look at the tomb to see how his body was laid out, 56went back to prepare spices and perfumed ointments [for his body] (but they followed the Commandments by resting on the Sabbath).
1It was on [Sunday,] the first day of the week, at early dawn, that [the women] went back to the tomb carrying the spices that they’d prepared. 2But when they got there, they found that the stone [that covered the tomb’s entrance] had been rolled away; 3and when they went inside, they couldn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body.4Well, as they were standing there confused, {Look!} two men in glowing clothes appeared beside them, 5which frightened them, and they hung their heads to the ground.Then [the men] asked:‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?6‘[Jesus] isn’t here, he has risen!‘Don’t you remember? When he spoke to you in Galilee, 7he said that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, then he would be hung on a pole, and [he would be] resurrected on the third day!’8Well, that’s when they remembered what he had told them, 9and they left the tomb to report these things to the 11 [disciples] and all the others.10It was Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Mary (the [mother] of James) and the rest of the women who reported these things to the Apostles. 11However, what they said sounded like nonsense, so nobody believed them.12But then Peter got up and ran to the tomb... And when he leaned in, all he found was the wrappings. So he left, wondering what had happened.13{Look!} Meanwhile, on that very same day, two of [Jesus’ disciples] had been traveling to a village named EmMaus (which is about 7 miles / 11km from JeruSalem), 14and as they [were walking along], they were discussing everything that had happened.15Then, as they were talking and reasoning, Jesus himself came up and started walking along with them… 16However, their eyes refused to recognize him.17So he asked them:‘What’s this subject that you’re debating while you’ve been walking along?’And at that, they stopped and looked very sad.18Then the one named CleoPas said:‘Have you been living as a hermit in JeruSalem so you don’t know what’s happened over the past few days?’19And [Jesus] asked:‘What things?’Then they said:‘The things [that happened to] Jesus the Nazarene… A Prophet that came before all the people with powerful words and deeds!20‘But our Chief Priests and rulers then handed him over to be sentenced to death and hung on a pole.21‘Yet, we were hoping that he’d be the one who’d set IsraEl free… It’s only been three days since these things happened!22‘Then some women among us really shocked us; they went to the tomb early [this morning] 23and said that they couldn’t find his body. And when they came back, they told us that they had a vision of messengers [from God] who told them that he’s still alive!24‘So, some of us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said… They didn’t see him.’25Well at that, [Jesus] said to them:‘O senseless ones, whose hearts are slow when it comes to believing all the things that the Prophets said!26‘Wasn’t it necessary for the Anointed One to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’27So, starting from Moses and the Prophets, he explained all the scriptures that talked about him. 28Well when they reached the village where they were headed, he acted as though he was going to travel on.29But they pressured him, saying:‘Stay with us, because it’s getting late and most of the day is already gone!’So he stayed with them.30Then, as he was reclining with them for a meal, he took a loaf, spoke a blessing over it, broke it, and started handing it to them… 31And that’s when their eyes were fully opened and they recognized him… But then he vanished!32And they said to each other:‘Weren’t our hearts burning as he talked to us along the road, completely explaining the Scriptures to us?’33So they got up right away and went back to JeruSalem.And there they found the 11 gathered with the rest, 34who told them:‘The Lord was in fact raised, because he appeared to Simon!’35Then these [two men] also told [the group] what had happened [to them] on the road and of how he became recognizable when he broke the loaf.36Well, while they were still talking about these things, [they suddenly saw] Jesus standing there in their midst!And he said:‘May you have peace.’37However, this frightened and terrified them, because they thought they were seeing a spirit.38So he asked them:‘Why are you so worried, and what sort of conclusions are you reaching in your hearts?39‘Look… My hands and my feet… It’s me! Touch me and see, because a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones as you see that I have!’40And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.41But because they still didn’t believe (due to both joy and confusion), he asked them:‘Do you have something to eat?’42So they handed him a piece of broiled fish; 43and he took it and ate it in front of them.44Then he said to them:‘These are the things I talked to you about while I was still with you; for everything that was written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, had to be fulfilled.’45Then he opened their minds to fully understand the meanings of the Scriptures.46Thereafter, he said to them:‘It was written that the Anointed One would suffer this way and then rise from the dead on the third day. 47Then in his name, [the message of] repentance for the forgiveness of sins is to be preached among all the ethnics, starting from JeruSalem… 48And you [are the ones] that are to serve as the witnesses to these things!49‘So look! I’ll [soon] be sending you [something] that was promised by my Father. Therefore, you must stay in this city until after you’ve become clothed with the power from above.’50And with that, he led them out along the road to BethAny… Then he raised his hands and blest them. 51And as he was blessing them, he was taken away from them into the sky.52Then, after bowing to their faces before him, they all returned to JeruSalem filled with joy. 53And after that, they were found in the Temple praising God every day.
1In the beginning, there was the Word, The Word was with The God [Greek: ton theon], And [a] god [Greek: theos] was the Word.2This one was with The God in the beginning, 3Everything, by his hand, was made, Without him, not a single thing was made.4Life was in him, And the life was the light of mankind.5This light shines in the darkness, And the darkness has not overpowered it.6Then a man named John arrived who had been sent by God. 7He came as a witness to testify about the light so that everyone might believe through him.8He wasn’t the light, but he was to testify about the light; 9for the true light that enlightens all mankind had come into the world. 10He was in the world, and although the world came to be through him, it didn’t recognize him. 11For even when he went to [those who were] his own, he wasn’t welcomed by them. 12Yet, he gave all those who did welcome him (all those who put faith in his name) the authority to become the children of God.13So they will not be born from blood, from the will of the flesh, or from man’s will, but from God.14Thus, the Word became flesh and tented among us as we gazed upon his glory, which was the glory of the one-and-only next to the Father… And he was filled with kindness and truth.15Concerning him, John gave this testimony:‘This is the one about whom I said:‘Although he is coming behind me, he preceded me and he came before me!’16So, we have received loving-kindness after loving-kindness from his great wealth. 17For although Moses gave us the Law, loving-kindness and truth come to us through Jesus the Anointed One.18And, although nobody’s ever seen God, this ‘only generated god’ (the one in the favored position of the Father) has explained Him.19Now, this is what John testified to when the Judeans sent Priests and Levites from JeruSalem to ask him who he was. 20[John] admitted it… He didn’t deny it, he admitted it, saying:‘I’m not the Anointed One!’21Then when they asked:‘Then who [are you]… Are you EliJah?’He told them:‘No, I’m not.’[And when they asked]:‘Are you the Prophet?’He answered:‘No!’22So they said:‘Then, tell us who you are, so we can give an answer to those who sent us… What are you saying about yourself?’23And he told them:‘I’m just the voice of someone who’s calling out in the desert, as the Prophet IsaiAh said:‘I have come to straighten the way for the Lord.’ [Isaiah 40:3]24Now, those who’d come were sent by the Pharisees, 25so they asked him:‘Then, why are you immersing if you aren’t the Anointed One, or EliJah, or the Prophet?26And John told them:‘I immerse in water; but there’s someone standing in your midst whom you don’t know. 27He’s the one who’s coming behind me, and I’m not worthy even to untie his sandals’ laces!28Well, all of these things happened in BethAny-Behind-the-JorDan, which is where John was doing his immersing.29Then the next day, as [John] saw Jesus coming towards him, he said:‘Look! The Lamb of God... Who lifts away the sins of the world!30‘This is the one about whom I said:‘There’s a man coming behind me who preceded me and came before me!’31‘Yet, even I didn’t recognize him... Although the reason that I came immersing [people] in water was so that I might reveal him to IsraEl.32Then John gave this testimony:‘I saw the Breath [of God] coming down from the sky like a dove and settle upon him! 33And although I didn’t know who he was, the One who sent me to dip in water told me this:‘Whoever you see [Holy] Breath come down and rest upon is the one who immerses in Holy Breath...’‘34And this is what I saw – so I can now testify to the fact that this is the Son of The God!35Then the next day, as John was standing there with two of his disciples, 36he noticed Jesus walking by, and he again said:‘Look, the Lamb of God!’37So the two disciples that heard him say this started following Jesus. 38And when Jesus turned around and saw them following him, he asked them:‘What are you looking for?’And they replied:‘Where are you staying?’[Syr]39Then he said:‘Come with me and see.’So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent the rest of the day with him (until about 4pm).40Well after that, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (one of the two that heard what John said and who followed [Jesus]) 41went and found his brother Simon and told him:‘I’ve found the the Anointed One!’[Syr]42Then he led him to Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, he said:‘You’re Simon, son of Jonah… You’ll be called Cephas [meaning, ‘a stone’; Greek: Petros; English: Peter].43Then the next day, as Jesus was preparing to leave for Galilee, he found Philip and said to him:‘Be my follower’.44(Philip was from BethSaida, the same city as Andrew and Peter).45Then after that, Philip [went and] found NathaniEl (BarTholomew) and told him:‘We’ve found the one about whom Moses wrote in the Law and the Prophets… He is Jesus, son of JoSeph, from Nazareth!’46But when NathaniEl asked:‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’Philip told him:‘Well, come and see!’47Then when Jesus saw NathaniEl coming, he said to him:‘Look… An IsraElite who really speaks his mind!’48So NathaniEl asked him:‘How is it that you know me?’And Jesus replied:‘Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’49Then NathaniEl said:‘Rabbi, you’re the Son of God… You’re the King of IsraEl!’50And Jesus asked:‘Do you [only] believe this because I said that I saw you under the fig tree? You’ll see even greater things than that!’51Then he said:‘I tell you men the truth; you’ll see the heavens opening up and the messengers [of God] ascending and descending upon the Son of Man!’
1Well, three days later, there was a wedding banquet in Cana of Galilee. And because Jesus’ mother was there, 2Jesus and his disciples were also invited. 3Then when the wine started to run out, Jesus’ mother said to him:‘They don’t have any more wine.’4But Jesus said to her:‘Lady, why is this any of my business? My hour hasn’t come yet.’5But then his mother told the waiters:‘Do whatever he tells you to do.’6Well, there were six stone water jars sitting there that the Judeans required for washing, each of which held about 15 gallons (56 liters).7Then, Jesus told them to fill the jars to the brim with water.8And then he said:‘Now, dip some out and take it to the banquet director.’So they did this and they took it to the banquet director...9And when he tasted the water that had been turned into wine (he didn’t know where it came from, but the waiters that drew the water knew), the director called the bridegroom 10and said to him:‘Everyone else puts out the finest wine first, then once people are intoxicated, the inferior. However, you’ve kept the best wine for now!11So it was, there in Cana of Galilee, that Jesus first showed the signs that revealed his glory, and it’s where his disciples [first started believing] in him.12Well after that, [Jesus] went down to CapharNaum with his mother, brothers, and disciples. However, they didn’t stay there long, 13because it was getting close to the Jewish Passover.So then Jesus traveled up to JeruSalem, 14where he found [people] in the Temple selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as some currency changers that were sitting there. 15Then, after making a whip out of ropes, he drove all those with the sheep and cattle out of the Temple, and he poured out the currency changers’ coins, turning their tables over!16And after that, he said to those who were selling the doves:‘Get these things out of here!‘Quit turning my Father’s House into a marketplace!’17So that’s when his disciples remembered that it was written:‘Zeal for Your House will consume me.’ [Psalm 69:9]18Well after he did that, the Judeans asked him:‘What sign can you show us [to prove] that you should be doing these things?’19And Jesus replied:‘When you tear down this temple sanctuary, I will rebuild it in three days.’20Then the Judeans said:‘It took 46 years to build this Holy Place! And you’ll rebuild it just in three days?!’21But of course, Jesus was talking about his body as a [figurative] temple sanctuary. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered how he used to say this, so they believed the Scriptures and the things that Jesus said.23It was there (while he was in JeruSalem for the Passover festival) that many people started believing in his name… That is, after they saw the signs that he was performing.24But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew them… 25He didn’t need anyone to tell him about people, because he knew what they were like on the inside.
1Now, there was a man named NicoDemos (he was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Judeans) 2who came to him one night and said:‘Rabbi, we know that you came as a teacher from God, because nobody can perform signs like you’re doing unless God is with him.’3Then Jesus said:‘I tell you the truth; unless a person is born from above, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.’4So NicoDemos asked:‘How can a man be born again after he’s old… He can’t go back into his mother’s womb a second time to be born, can he?’5And Jesus replied:‘I tell you the truth; unless a person is born from water and [God’s] Breath, he can’t enter the Kingdom of God. 6Because, things that have been born from the flesh are fleshly... While things that have been born from the Breath are spiritual.’7‘However, don’t be surprised because I told you that people have to be born again… 8For the wind blows wherever it wishes, and although you can hear the noise, you don’t know where it’s coming from or where it’s going… And that’s how it’ll be for everyone who’s been born from the Breath.9Then NicoDemos asked:‘How can things like this happen?’10And Jesus replied:‘You’re a teacher of IsraEl, and you don’t know?11‘I tell you the truth; we talk about things we know, and we testify to things we’ve seen… Yet you haven’t accepted our testimony. 12So if you don’t believe the earthly things that I’m telling you, how will you believe the heavenly things?13‘No one has gone to heaven other than the one who came down from heaven: the Son of Man who’s [now] in heaven. 14And as Moses raised the [sign of the] snake in the desert – that’s how the Son of Man must also be raised... 15So that everyone who believes in him might have age-long life.16‘This is how [much] God loved the world:‘He gave His one-and-only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not be destroyed but have age-long life.17‘God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it, but rather, so that the world might be saved through him!18‘Therefore, those who believe in [the Son] won’t be condemned, while those who don’t believe have already been condemned... Because they haven’t put faith in the name of God’s one-and-only Son. 19Indeed, this [is the basis] for their judgment!‘Although the light has now entered the world, these men have loved darkness more than the light, because the things that they’re doing are evil.20‘For people who do what’s foul hate the light. They don’t come into the light so [that they won’t] be disciplined for the [bad] things they’re doing. 21However, those who do what’s true will come towards the light, so the things they’re doing can be exposed as having been done in God.’22Well after that, Jesus and his disciples traveled into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time with them, immersing [them].23Meanwhile, John was also immersing [people] in Aenon near Salim (because there was a lot of water there), and people kept going out to be immersed [by him], 24since John hadn’t been thrown in prison yet.25Well, John’s disciples had been arguing about purification with [a certain] Judean.26And then they went to John and said:‘Rabbi, the man who was with you across the JorDan (the one whom you testified about) is also immersing [people], and now everyone is going to him!’27And John told them:‘A man can’t have anything unless he receives it [first] from heaven… 28And you’re witnesses that I said I’m not the Anointed One, but that I’ve been sent ahead of him.29‘So the one who has the bride is the bridegroom. But his friend, when he stands and listens to him, gains much joy from the voice of the bridegroom.‘Therefore, my joy is now complete! 30For as he increases, I must decrease.31‘[Understand that] the one who comes from above is over everything. And while the one who comes from the ground is earthly and talks about earthly things... The one who comes from heaven is over all... 32And he speaks of things that he’s actually seen and heard! Yet, they aren’t accepting his testimony. 33However, those who do welcome his testimony are proving God to be true.34‘And since the one who was sent by God speaks God’s words, he doesn’t just measure out [small] portions of [God’s] Breath, 35because the Father loves the Son, and He’s entrusted everything into his hands.36‘So those who believe in the Son will have age-long life, while those who disobey him won’t see life at all, because God’s wrath remains upon them.’
1Well, when the Lord realized that the Pharisees knew he was making and immersing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus didn’t really do any immersing, his disciples did), 3he left Judea and returned to Galilee.4However, on the way back, he had to travel through Samaria. 5So he stopped at a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was close to the field that Jacob had given to his son JoSeph, 6and it’s where Jacob’s [well] was located.Since Jesus was tired from the journey, he sat down at the edge of the [well] (at about 12 noon), 7and at the time, there was a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water.So, Jesus said to her:‘Give me a drink.’8(at the time, his disciples had gone into the city to buy some food.)9But the Samaritan woman asked him:‘So, why are you, a Jew, asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?’ For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans [spurious words]10And Jesus told her:‘If you knew about the gift of God, and who it is that’s asking you for a drink, you might have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’11Then she said:‘Lord, you don’t have anything to draw water with… And it’s a deep well! So, where will you get this ‘living water?’ 12You aren’t greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well and who drank from it with his sons and cattle, are you?’13And Jesus replied:‘Whoever drinks this water will just get thirsty again...14‘But whoever drinks the water that I give him won’t be thirsty again in this age! For the water that I give will become a fountain inside him that bubbles up age-long life.’15Then the woman said:‘Lord, give me this water so I won’t be thirsty again and have to keep coming to this place to draw water!’16And he said to her:‘Go call your husband [and tell him] to come here.’17But the woman replied:‘I don’t have a husband.’And Jesus said:‘It’s good that you say you don’t have a husband, 18because you’ve had five husbands... And the one you’ve got now isn’t your husband… You’ve spoken the truth.’19So the woman said:‘Lord, I see that you’re a Prophet!20‘Our ancestors worshiped here on this mountain, but you people say that JeruSalem is where we should worship.’21Then Jesus said to her:‘Believe me, lady; the time is coming when you won’t worship the Father on this mountain or in JeruSalem [either]!22‘Yet, you worship what you haven’t known, while we worship what we have known… For salvation comes from the Jews.23‘But the time is coming (and it’s now) when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, because, the Father is searching for such people to worship Him. 24And since God is spirit, those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.’25Then the woman said:‘I know that the Messiah, who is called the Anointed One, is coming... And when he gets here, he’ll explain everything to us.’26And Jesus said:‘I, this person who’s speaking to you, am that one!’27Well, his disciples arrived just then, and they were puzzled because he was talking to a woman. And of course, no one asked what she was looking for or why he was talking to her.28However, the woman just left her water jar and walked back into the city. And there she said to the people:29‘Come and see a man who told me everything that I did… This couldn’t be the Anointed One could it?’30As a result, everyone came from the city to see him.31Meanwhile, the disciples had been urging him, saying:‘Rabbi, eat!’32But he told them:‘I’ve got food to eat that you don’t know about.’33So the disciples started asking each other:‘No one has brought him anything to eat, have they?’34Then Jesus said:‘Doing the will of the One who sent me and finishing His work is my food!35‘For although you say that there’s still four more months until the harvest... I say to you, look up and notice the fields! Because they’re already white and ready for harvesting!36‘Yes, the harvesters are already getting their pay and they’re gathering in the fruit of age-long life… So the planters and the harvesters can now rejoice together.37‘For the saying is true:‘One person plants, another harvests.’38‘I’m now sending you out to harvest what you didn’t [plant]. Yes, although others have done the work, you’re now benefiting from their efforts!’39Well at the time, many of the Samaritans in that city started believing in [Jesus] because of what the woman had testified to when she said:‘He told me everything that I did.’40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay there with them… And he spent a couple of days in that place. 41However, many more started believing in him after that, because of the things he was saying.42So they told the woman:‘We don’t believe just because of what you said, but because of what we’ve heard for ourselves… And now we know that this man is truly the Savior of the world!’43Well, two days later, he finally left [Samaria] and arrived in Galilee. 44And there Jesus himself witnessed the fact that a Prophet receives no honor in his hometown. 45However, when he [first] arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him because they’d seen all the things that he did at the festival in JeruSalem (since they’d also been there).46Thereafter, he traveled on towards Cana of Galilee (where he’d turned the water into wine). Now, at the time, there happened to be a man of noble birth in CapharNaum, and he had a son who was ill.47So when the man heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went and asked him to heal his son (who was about to die).48However, Jesus said to him:‘You [people] just refuse to believe unless you see signs and omens!’49But the man urged him, saying:‘Lord, please come on, before my little boy dies!’50And Jesus told him:‘Be on your way! Your son is alive.’So the man believed what Jesus said and he went away.51Then, as he was traveling back, his slaves met him on the way and told him that his boy was alive. 52And when he asked them exactly what time he got better, they told him:‘The fever left him yesterday at the 7th hour [that is, 7am in the Roman Time system, 1pm in the Jewish system].’53And at that, the father recognized that this was the same time that Jesus had told him his son was alive. So thereafter, he and his whole household became believers. 54This was the second sign that Jesus had performed when he came out of Judea into Galilee.
1Well later, because there was a Jewish festival, Jesus [once again] went up to JeruSalem.2And in JeruSalem, at the Sheep-gate Pool (it’s called BethZatha in Hebrew) where there are five stone columns, 3he found many people who were sick, blind, lame, and otherwise physically handicapped, and they were all lying down. waiting for the moving of the water. 4For at a certain time, an Angel would go into the pool and disturb the water; whoever was first to step in the water after its disturbance was cured of whatever disease he had. [spurious text] 5Among them was a man who’d been extremely weak for some 38 years.6So when Jesus saw this man lying there (being aware of the long time he had this condition), he asked him:‘Would you like to get well?’7And the sick man answered:‘Lord, I don’t have anyone to put me into the pool when the water is shaking. And while I’m trying to get in, somebody else steps in ahead of me!’8Then Jesus said:‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk around.’9And with that, the man immediately became healthy… He picked up his cot and started walking around!Now, it so happened that this was a Sabbath day; 10so the Judeans started saying to the cured man:‘It’s the Sabbath, so it’s illegal for you to carry you cot!’11But he said to them:‘The one who cured me told me to pick up my cot and walk around!’12And they asked:‘Which man told you to pick it up and walk around?’13But the healed man didn’t know who he was, because Jesus had faded into the crowd.14Then later on, Jesus found the man in the Temple and said to him:‘See… Now you’re healthy!‘Don’t sin anymore, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.’15Well after that, the man went off and told the Judeans that it was Jesus who had cured him. 16So, this is why the Judeans started persecuting Jesus… Because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.17But he told them:‘My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.’18As a result, the Judeans started looking [for ways to] kill him. For, not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God.19Then Jesus said to them:‘I tell you the truth; the Son can’t do anything other than what he sees the Father doing… Whatever [the Father] does, is what the Son does.20‘And because the Father cares about the Son, He shows him everything that He’s doing… And [God] will show him greater works than these, just to amaze you!21‘For just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, the Son can also give life to whomever he wishes.22‘And the Father doesn’t judge anyone, for He’s left all the judging to the Son, 23so that everyone may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.‘Therefore, whoever doesn’t honor the Son, doesn’t honor the Father who sent him!24‘I tell you the truth; those who hear what I say and believe in the One who sent me will have age-long life… They won’t have to be judged, for they’ve come out of ‘death’ and into ‘life!’25‘I also truthfully say that the time’s coming and it is now [probably spurious] when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen to him will live.26‘For just as the Father has life in Himself, He’s given the Son life in himself 27and authorized him to do judging… Because he’s the son of man.28‘Don’t be surprised at this, because the time is coming when everybody in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out… Those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced what’s foul to a resurrection of judgment.30‘[Understand that] I won’t do something just because I want to… I judge by what [evidence] I hear, and my judgments are righteous, because I’m not looking to do what I want, but to do the Will of the One who sent me!31‘Now, if I were to testify about myself, that testimony wouldn’t be true. 32But someone else has already testified about me, and I know that the testimony he gave about me is true. 33For you sent [people] to John and he testified to the truth.34‘Nevertheless, I don’t really need the testimony of men… I’m just telling you these things to save you!35‘[John] was a burning, shining lamp... And you all wished to rejoice in that light during his hour. 36But now I have a testimony that’s even greater than John’s, because I’m doing the work that my Father assigned me to finish. And these things will testify about me [and prove] that I was sent by the Father.37‘For even the Father who sent me has testified about me… Yet, you’ve never heard His voice or seen His shape, 38and His words don’t stick with you, because you don’t believe in the one who He sent.39‘Rather, you keep searching the Scriptures, thinking they’ll give you age-long life. And although they actually do testify about me, 40you still refuse to come to me so you can live!41‘I don’t [need] glory from people, 42and I know that you don’t have God’s love in you. 43Even though I’ve come in the Name of my Father, you haven’t welcomed me... Yet if someone else came in his own name, you’d welcome him!44‘So how can you believe, when you receive your glory from each other, and you don’t glorify the one who’s come here from the One God?45‘Now, don’t think that I’m going to accuse you before the Father, because the one who accuses you is Moses… The very person you’re putting all your hope in! 46For if you believed Moses, you’d also believe me, since he wrote about me!47‘However, if you don’t even believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I have to say?’
1Well, [sometime] after this Jesus had crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius), 2and a large crowd followed along just to see the signs he was performing upon those who were sick.3And there, Jesus went up a mountain and sat down with his disciples.4It was close to the time of the Jewish Passover festival, 5so when Jesus looked up and noticed the huge crowd coming, he asked Philip:‘Where should we buy bread for them all to eat?’6However, he just said this to test him, because he already knew what he was going to do.7Then Philip answered:‘200 silver coins worth of loaves wouldn’t be enough to provide even a little for this many [to eat]!’8And one of his disciples (Andrew the brother of Simon Peter) said to him:9‘Here’s a little boy with 5 loaves of barley bread and 2 small fish… But then, what good is this when there’s so many?10Then Jesus said:‘Have the people recline as they would at a meal.’Well, there was a lot of grass there, so they all (about 5,000 men) got down on the ground. 11Then Jesus took the bread, and after giving thanks, distributed it to those who were lying there. [He also did the same with] the small fish, [giving them as much] as they wanted.12And after everyone was filled, he told his disciples to pick up the leftovers so that nothing was wasted. 13And when they picked them up, they filled 12 baskets with the leftovers of the 5 loaves of barley that those who’d eaten had left behind.14So when the people saw the signs that he was performing, they started saying:‘This really is the Prophet that was to come into the world!’15And then Jesus (because he knew that they were about to come and take him to make him their king) went away again… [he walked] up on the mountain [to be] by himself.16Well, later that evening, [Jesus’ disciples] went down to the water 17and got into their boat, then left for the other side of the Sea to CapharNaum, because it had grown dark and Jesus hadn’t returned yet.18However, a strong wind arose and the sea started becoming very rough.19Well, after they’d rowed for about 3 or 4 miles (5 or 6km), they saw Jesus walking across the sea towards the boat! This frightened them.20But he said to them:‘Don’t be afraid… It’s me!’21And at that, they were finally willing to let him into the boat. Then, shortly thereafter, they reached shore at their destination.22However, the next morning, the crowd that was still on the opposite shore could see that there was just the single little boat and that the other was gone… And they knew that Jesus hadn’t gotten into the boat with his disciples, and that [the disciples] had left by themselves.23Then some boats arrived from Tiberias and they docked close to the place where everyone had eaten the bread after the Lord gave thanks, 24and that’s when the crowd started to realize that Jesus and his disciples were no longer there.So they got into their little boats and traveled to CapharNaum to look for Jesus. 25And when they found him across the sea, they asked him:‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’26So Jesus said to them:‘I tell you the truth; you aren’t looking for me because you saw signs, but because you had enough bread to eat.27‘Don’t work for food that can spoil. Rather, [work for] for the bread of life that lasts throughout the ages, which the Son of Man –who was sealed by our Father The God– will give to you.’28Then they asked:‘So, what must we do to perform the works of God?’29And Jesus replied:‘All that God requires, is that you believe in the one He sent.’30So they asked:‘Then, what sign will you perform for us, so we can see and believe… What [miracles] can you show us?31‘Didn’t Moses give our ancestors manna as bread from heaven when they were in the desert?’32Then Jesus replied:‘I tell you the truth; the bread that Moses gave them didn’t [really] come from heaven. However, my Father will give you bread that truly does come from heaven. 33For God’s bread is the one who came from heaven so as to give life to the world.’34Then they said:‘Lord, always give us this bread!’35And Jesus went on to say:‘I am that bread of life. And those who come to me won’t ever be hungry again, nor will those who believe in me ever be thirsty again.36‘However, I tell you this:‘Although you’ve seen me, you still don’t believe… 37And only those whom the Father has given to me will come to me.‘However, I won’t throw away anyone who comes to me, 38because I didn’t come here from heaven to do my will, but [to do] the Will of the One who sent me.39‘And this is what His Will is:‘That I shouldn’t lose any of those He’s given to me, and that I should resurrect them [on] the Last Day.40‘Yes, it’s the Will of my Father that everyone who pays close attention to the Son and believes in him should have age-long life. For I will resurrect him… [yes] me, on the Last Day!’41Well at that, the Judeans started grumbling about him, because he’d said:‘I am the bread that has come down out of the heavens.’42And they started asking each other:‘Isn’t this Jesus, son of JoSeph? Don’t we know his mom and dad? So, how is it that he’s saying:‘I came down out of the heavens?’43Then Jesus said to them:‘Stop your grumbling!44‘Nobody can come to me unless he’s drawn by the Father who sent me… And then I’ll resurrect him on the last day.’45‘It’s written in the Prophets:‘They’ll all be taught by God.’‘So, all who listen to the Father and learn, will come to me.46‘However, nobody’s seen the Father other than the one who was with The God… Yes, he’s seen the Father. 47And I tell you the truth; those who believe this will have age-long life, 48because I am the bread of life!’49‘Even though your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, they [still] died… 50But those who eat this bread which came from heaven will not die!51‘I am the living bread that came from heaven, and all that eat this bread will have age-long life. Yes, the bread that I’m offering up is my flesh, and I’m giving it away so that I can bring life into the world!’52Well at that, the Judeans started arguing with each other, asking:‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’53So Jesus said:‘I tell you the truth; if you don’t eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you won’t have life in yourselves.54‘For those who eat my flesh and drink my blood will have age-long life… Because I will resurrect them on the Last Day. 55Since my flesh is truly food, and my blood is truly drink... 56Those who eat on my flesh and drink my blood will remain in me, and I in them.57‘I was sent here by the living Father and I became alive through the Father. So, those who eat me will live because of me!58‘Yes, this is the bread that came down from heaven. It’s not the same as the bread that your fathers ate and then died; for those who eat this bread will live throughout the ages.’59Well, he said all these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at CapharNaum. 60But after they heard him say these things, many of his disciples said:‘These are tough words… Who can listen to them?’61Well, because Jesus knew what his disciples were grumbling about, he asked them:‘Has this become a trap for you?62‘[If so], what’ll happen when you see the Son of Man going back up to the place he came from?63‘[Understand that your] breath is what makes you alive, for [without it], the flesh is useless.‘Likewise, these things that I’m telling you are your life and your breath…64Yet, some of you still don’t believe.’Well, Jesus knew from the start who wouldn’t believe and who would betray him, 65so he went on to say:‘This is why I told you that none of you can come to me unless you’ve been given to me by the Father.’66However, because of [the things he said], many of his disciples went back to what they’d left behind and wouldn’t walk with him anymore.67Then Jesus asked the 12 [disciples]:‘Don’t you want to turn back also?’68And Simon (Peter) replied:‘Lord, who should we turn to?‘You’re the one who speaks the words leading to age-long life… 69For we’ve known and believed that you’re the Holy One of God!’70Then Jesus said:‘I chose you 12, didn’t I? Yet, one of you is a slanderer.’71Of course, he was talking about Judas, [the son] of Simon IsCariot; because, although he was one of the 12, he was about to betray [Jesus].
1Well after all these things had happened, Jesus limited his travels to [the area around] Galilee… He no longer cared to travel through Judea, because the Judeans were looking to kill him.2However, the Jewish Festival of Temporary Structures was coming up, 3so his brothers said to him:‘You should leave here and go to Judea, so your disciples there can also see the things that you’re doing. 4‘For nobody does things in secret when they want everyone to know what they’re saying.’5(Yes, it’s a fact that his brothers didn’t believe in him).6So Jesus told them:‘My time hasn’t arrived yet… But it’s always your time, 7because the world has no reason to hate you. It hates me, because I testify to the fact that its ways are wicked.8‘So, you go on up to the festival… I won’t be going to this festival yet, because my time hasn’t arrived.’9Well, he remained in Galilee [for a while] after telling them this. 10However, after his brothers had left for the festival, Jesus also went (not openly, but in secret).11Meanwhile, the Judeans were all looking for him at the festival, for they were asking:‘Where is that [man]?’12And there was a lot of discussion about him among the crowds. Some were saying:‘He’s a good man.’But others were saying:‘No he isn’t… He’s misleading them all!’13Of course, nobody would talk about him publicly, because they were all afraid of the Judeans.14Well, by the time that Jesus arrived, the festival was half over. But then he went into the Temple and started teaching, 15which caused the Judeans to wonder and ask:‘How is it that this man understands the scriptures, since he hasn’t studied them?’16So Jesus told them:‘What I’m teaching you isn’t mine… It belongs to the One who sent me.17‘And everyone who wants to do His Will already know whether the things I’m teaching come from God, or if I’m speaking on my own. 18For those who speak on behalf of themselves are just trying to glorify themselves.‘But this one’s only wish is to glorify that One who sent him, and [he] is telling the truth, and there isn’t any unrighteousness in him.19‘However, although Moses give you the Law, none of you are trying to do what the Law says... For why are you looking to kill me?’20Well at that, the crowd started shouting:‘You’re demonized! Who’s looking to kill you?’21And Jesus said:‘I’ve only done this one thing that really bothers you.22‘Moses gave you the circumcision (although it’s not really from Moses but from your forefathers), so you circumcise men on the Sabbath.23‘And if a man can be circumcised on a Sabbath without breaking the Law of Moses, then why are you so angry with me because I made a man healthy on a Sabbath?24‘Stop judging from the way things look on the surface… Judge righteously!’25Well at that, some who lived in JeruSalem started asking:‘Isn’t this the man they’re actually seeking to kill?26‘Yet, look… Here he is speaking in public, and they haven’t said anything to him! Have the rulers come to believe that he really is the Anointed One?27‘However, we all know where this man came from. But [surely] when the [real] Anointed One arrives, nobody will know where he’s from!’28Then (as he was standing in the Temple, teaching) Jesus shouted aloud:‘Yes, you know me, and you know where I’m from! But, coming here wasn’t my idea; for the One who sent me here is real, and you don’t know Him. 29I know Him, because I came from Him and He sent me here!’30Well after that, they started looking for ways to arrest him, but no one was able to lay a hand on him because his time hadn’t come yet.31But meanwhile, many in the crowd started believing in him and they were saying:‘When the Anointed One arrives, he surely won’t perform more signs than this man has, will he?’32And because the Pharisees could hear what the crowd was saying about him, the Chief Priests and Pharisees did send officers to arrest him.33It was then that Jesus said:‘I’ll be here with you just a little while longer before I return to the One who sent me… 34And then you’ll look for me, but not find me; for where I’m [going], you can’t go.’35So the Judeans started asking each other:‘Where does he plan to go that we won’t be able to find him? He doesn’t intend to go to those scattered among the Greeks and start teaching the Greeks, does he? 36What does he mean when he says:‘You’ll look for me but not find me,’‘And,‘Where I’m going you can’t go?’37Well, it was on the last day (the climax) of the festival, that Jesus stood up and shouted:‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!38‘For the scriptures say that those who’ll put faith in me will have rivers of living water flowing from them.’39Of course when he said this, [he was talking] about The [Holy] Breath that those putting faith in him were about to receive. However, the Spirit hadn’t arrived yet, because Jesus hadn’t been glorified.40Then some in the crowd who’d heard these words started saying:‘This is surely the Prophet!’41While others were saying:‘This is the Anointed One!’However, some also said:‘The Anointed One won’t really come from Galilee., will he?42‘Didn’t the Scriptures say the Anointed One is from the line of David and from BethLehem, the village of David?’ [Micah 5:2]43So the crowd became divided over him.44And although some of them were actually there to arrest him, nobody laid a hand on him!45Then after the officers returned to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, and were asked why they hadn’t brought him in, 46they replied:‘No man has ever spoken like this!’47So the Pharisees said to them:‘You haven’t been misled also, have you?48‘Why, none of the rulers or Pharisees believe in him, do they?49‘Yet this crowd that doesn’t know the Law is cursed!’50Then NicoDemos (the man who had come to him previously and was truly one of [Jesus’ followers]) said to them:51‘Your Law doesn’t allow you to judge a man before you’ve heard what he has to say and understand what he’s up to, does it?’52But they said to him:‘Are you also a Galilean? Search [the Scriptures] and you’ll see that no Prophet is to come from Galilee!’53And every man went to his own home. [spurious]
1Jesus went to the mount of Olives.2And early in the morning, he again went into the temple, and all the people came to him. He then sat down and taught them.3Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman who was found committing adultery. After they’d presented her to everyone, 4they say to him:‘Master, this woman was found committing adultery, caught in act! 5Now, in the Law, Moses commanded us that such a person should be stoned [to death]; but what do you say?’6They asked this to trap him, so they might get [something] to accuse him with. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as if he hadn’t heard them.7So when they continued asking him, he lifted himself up, and said to them:‘Whoever among you who has no sin, let him be the first one throw a stone at her!’8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9And those who heard him, being convicted by their own conscience, went away, one by one, first the oldest, right up to the last one.Then Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there. 10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw nobody except the woman, he said to her:‘Woman, where are your accusers? Has anyone condemned you?’11She said:‘No one, Lord.’And Jesus said unto her:‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and don’t sin anymore.’ [spurious text, even if a true story]12So Jesus continued to speak [to the people], saying:‘I am the light of the world, and whoever follows me won’t ever walk in darkness, because he’ll have the light of life.’13Then the Pharisees said to him:‘You’re just testifying about yourself, and what you’re testifying to isn’t true!’14But Jesus said:‘Even if I am testifying about myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’ll return!‘However, you don’t know where I came from, or where I’ll be going, 15since your judgment is fleshly.‘Now, I’m not really judging anyone!16‘But if I should judge, my judgment would be true, because I’m not alone… For with me is the Father who sent me!17‘And isn’t it written in your Law that whatever two people testify about is true? 18So although I’m testifying about myself, the Father who sent me has also testified about me.’19Then they asked:‘So, where is your Father?’And Jesus replied:‘You don’t know me or my Father; for if you knew me, you’d also know my Father.’20And, although [Jesus] was saying these things right there inside [the Temple] treasury, during this entire time that he was teaching in there, nobody arrested him, because his time hadn’t come yet.21Then He told them again:‘I’m about to go away and then you’ll look for me.‘However, you’ll just die in your sins, because I’m going to a place where you can’t go.’22So the Judeans started asking:‘Is he saying that he’s going to kill himself? For he says:‘I’m going to a place where you can’t go.’23But he went on to tell them this:‘You came from the things below, and I came from the things above… You’re from this world, but I’m not from this world.24‘So just like I told you before, you’ll die in your sins… Indeed, if you don’t believe that I’m the one, you’ll die in your sins!’25Then they asked:‘So, who are you?’And Jesus said to them:‘Why am I even talking to you?26‘Yet, I have so many things to tell you and to judge about you... For the One who sent me is true, and I’m telling the world whatever I heard from Him.’27Well, because they really didn’t understand that he was talking to them about the Father, 28Jesus said:‘After you hang the Son of Man up, you’ll know who I am and that I haven’t been doing anything on my own… I’ve just been telling you what I was taught by the Father.29‘For the One who sent me is with me, and He didn’t send me off alone, because I always do the things that please Him.’30Well, as he was saying these things, many started to believe in him.31So Jesus then addressed those Judeans that believed in him, and he said this to them:‘If you hang onto these things that I’m telling you, then you are really my disciples…32‘You’ll know the truth, and the truth will set you free!’33But some [in the crowd] shouted:‘We’re the offspring of AbraHam and we’ve never been slaves to anyone!‘So, why are you saying that we’ll be set free?’34And Jesus said to them:‘I tell you the truth; everyone who sins is really a slave to sin. 35And a slave doesn’t always live in the house… Only the son lives there throughout the age.36‘Yet if the Son sets you free, you’ll really be free!37‘I know that you’re AbraHam’s offspring… However, you’re looking to kill me, because what I’m saying isn’t getting through to you. 38Although I’m telling you the things I saw [while I was] with my Father, you’re still doing the things that you heard from your father.’39Then they said:‘Well, our father is AbraHam!’And Jesus said:‘If you really are AbraHam’s children, then do what AbraHam did!40‘However, you still want to kill me, a man who’s just telling you the truth that I heard from God… AbraHam wouldn’t do that!41‘So you’re doing the things that your father wants.’Then they said:‘We weren’t fathered through some immoral relationship… We have one Father, God!’42And Jesus said to them:‘If God were your Father, you’d love me, because I came here from God. I didn’t come here on my own, He sent me here!43‘Do you know why you don’t understand what I’m saying?‘Because you aren’t listening!44‘You’re from your father the Slanderer! And you’re wanting to do the will of your father, who’s been a murderer from the beginning…‘He didn’t stick with the truth, because there isn’t any truth in him. So when he tells a lie, he’s saying something that’s his, since he’s a liar and the father of the lie.45‘This is why, although I’m telling you the truth, you don’t believe me.46‘Who among you can accuse me of sinning? And if I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?47‘Those who come from God listen to what He says… And that’s why you aren’t listening… Because you aren’t from The God!’48Well at that, the Judeans said:‘Aren’t we telling the truth when we say that you’re just a demonized Samaritan?’49And Jesus answered:‘I don’t have a demon. I’m honoring my Father, and you’re dishonoring me… 50I’m not trying to glorify myself!‘However, there’s someone who is watching and judging! 51And I truthfully say that those of you who obey my words won’t see death throughout the age.’52Then the Judeans said to him:‘Now we know that you’re demonized! For although even AbraHam and the Prophets died, you’re saying:‘If anyone obeys my words, he won’t see death throughout the age.’53‘You aren’t greater than our father AbraHam or the Prophets that all died, are you? Who are you claiming to be?’54And Jesus told them:‘If I were just glorifying myself, my glory would mean nothing. However, my Father is the One who’s glorifying me… The One you claim to be your God, 55although you’ve never really known Him!‘I know Him, and if I ever say that I don’t know Him, I’d be a liar like you!‘However, I do know Him and I’m doing what He told me to do.’56[Then Jesus went on to tell them:]‘Your father AbraHam shouted in joy over the hope of seeing my day…‘Yes he saw it, and he rejoiced!’57But the Judeans said:‘You aren’t 50 years old yet, yet you’ve seen AbraHam?!’58And Jesus replied:‘I tell you the truth; I existed before AbraHam was born!’59Well at that, they picked up rocks to stone him! But Jesus hid himself, left the temple, slipped through them, and went away.
1Well, as they were walking along, [Jesus’ disciples] noticed a man who had been blind since birth.2So they asked [Jesus]:‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?’3And Jesus said:‘It wasn’t because of the sins of this man or his parents… This happened so that the works of God could be demonstrated through him.4‘For I must do the work of the One who sent me while it is still day, since the night is coming when no one can work.5‘And as long as I’m in the world, I’m its light.’6Well after he said that, he spat on the ground and made a paste with his saliva, then he put it over the man’s eyes 7and told him:‘Now, go wash in the Pool of SiloAm’ (which translates as The Sent Place).So the man went off and washed, and he came back seeing!8Then when his neighbors (those who knew that he’d been a beggar) saw this, they asked:‘Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?’9And some agreed, saying:‘That’s him!’However others were saying:‘No, it’s just someone who looks like him.’But the man said:‘I am him!’10So they asked:‘Then, how were your eyes opened?’11And he replied:‘The man called Jesus made a paste and smeared it on my eyes, then he told to me to go to SiloAm and wash. So I went and washed, and I started seeing!’12And they asked him:‘Where is that man?’But he said:‘I don’t know.’13So they took the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees 14(for the day that Jesus made the paste and opened his eyes happened to be a Sabbath).15Then the Pharisees asked him again how he had gained his sight, and he answered:‘He put a paste on my eyes, then I washed it off and I started seeing.’16And some of the Pharisees said:‘Well, the man [that did this] isn’t from God, because he doesn’t observe the Sabbath!’But then, others asked:‘But if the man is a sinner, how could he perform such signs?’So as a result, they were divided.17Then they asked the blind man once more:‘Since he opened your eyes, what do you have to say about him?’And the man said:‘He’s a Prophet!’18However, the Judeans still didn’t believe that he had once been blind and started seeing, so they called his parents in 19and asked them:‘Is this your son whom you say was born blind? And if so, how is he able to see now?’20And his parents replied:‘We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21However, we don’t know how he started seeing or who opened his eyes… Ask him, he’s old enough. Let him speak for himself!’22Of course, his parents said this because they were afraid of the Judeans, who had agreed that if anyone would admit that [Jesus] is the Anointed One, he would be expelled from the synagogue. 23So that’s why his parents said:‘He’s old enough, ask him.’24Then they spoke to the man who used to be blind again, saying:‘Glorify God… For we know that man is a sinner!’25But he told them:‘Whether he’s a sinner or not, I don’t know. The only thing I do know is that I was blind and now I can see!’26So they asked him once more:‘What did he do to you… How did he open your eyes?’27And he replied:‘I already told you, but you aren’t listening!‘Why do you want to hear me say it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’28Well at that, they spoke very rudely to him; they said:‘You’re one of that man’s disciples! However, we’re the disciples of Moses!29‘We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t know where this man is from!’30And the man said:‘It’s truly marvelous that you don’t know where he’s from… Yet he opened my eyes! 31We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, He only listens to those who are God-fearing and wish to do His Will.32‘Yet, throughout the ages, nobody’s ever heard of anyone who could open the eyes of a person who was born blind!33‘If this man wasn’t from God, he couldn’t do such a thing!’34Then they said:‘You were born a complete sinner… And now you’re teaching us?’So at that, they threw him out!35Well, Jesus heard that they’d thrown him out, and when he found him, he asked:‘Have you started to put faith in the Son of Man?’36And the man answered:‘Just who is he Lord, so that I can believe in him?’37And Jesus said:‘You’ve already seen him, for this one who’s speaking to you is him.’38Then the man said:‘I do believe in him, Lord’… At that, he bowed with his face to the ground.39Then Jesus said:‘The judgments that I’m bringing into this world are helping those who don’t see, [start] to see, and makes those who can see, blind!’40But when some of the Pharisees that were walking with him heard this, they asked:‘We aren’t blind also, are we?’41And Jesus told them:‘If you were blind you wouldn’t have any sin.‘But because you claim to see, your sins remain.’
1‘I tell you the truth; those who don’t enter the sheep pen through the gate, but climb in at some other place, are thieves and robbers.2‘Only the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of those sheep. 3He’s the gatekeeper that opens to them, and the sheep listen to his voice.‘So he calls his sheep by their names and then he leads them out. 4And after he has them all out, he leads the sheep and they follow, because they recognize his voice. 5They won’t follow a stranger… They’ll run from him, since they don’t recognize the voice of a stranger.’6Then, because they didn’t understand what he meant when Jesus gave them this parable, 7Jesus again said:‘I tell you the truth; I’m the gateway to the sheep, 8and all those who came ahead of me were thieves and robbers… So the sheep didn’t listen to them.9‘I’m the gateway, and whoever enters through me will be saved… He can come in or he can go out and find a place to graze. 10So while thieves only enter to steal, kill, and destroy, I came here so they can have life… And plenty of it!11‘I’m the good shepherd… And a good shepherd will give his life for his sheep. 12A hired hand (someone who isn’t a shepherd and who doesn’t own the sheep) will leave them and run away whenever he sees a wolf coming, so the wolf can scatter them and snatch some away. 13For since he’s just a hired hand, he doesn’t really care about the sheep.14‘However, I’m the fine shepherd, and I know my sheep and they know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.‘Therefore, I’ll lay down my life for my sheep!16‘I also have other sheep that aren’t in this pen, and I must lead them too.‘They’ll listen to my voice and they’ll all become one flock under one shepherd.17‘This is why I’m so loved by the Father… Because I’m willing to lay down my life and then take it back again. 18Nobody’s going to take it from me, I’m giving it away! For I’m authorized to lay it down, and I’m authorized to receive it again.‘Yes, this is the rule that I received from my Father!’19Well, the Judeans once again became divided over these words. 20For many were saying:‘He’s demonized and crazy… So, why are you listening to him?’21But others were saying:‘These aren’t the words of a demonized man, for a demon can’t open the eyes of a blind man, can it?’22Well at the time, the Festival of Rededication [or Hanukkah] was going on in JeruSalem (it was winter). 23And as Jesus was walking along in the temple among the Columns of Solomon, 24some Judeans gathered around him and asked:‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense?‘Just tell us if you’re the Anointed One!’25And Jesus replied:‘I [already] told you, but you don’t want to believe it!‘Even though the things I’m doing in my Father’s Name all testify about me, 26you still don’t believe it, because you aren’t my sheep.27‘My sheep listen to my voice… I know them all and they follow me, 28so I’m giving them age-long life!‘No, none of them will be lost in this age, because no one can snatch them out of my hands. 29For my Father who gave them to me is greater than everyone, and no one can snatch them from His hands… 30And my Father and I are one!’31Then once again, the Judeans picked up rocks to stone him.32So Jesus said:‘I’ve shown you all these good things that I did, which came from the Father… So, which of these good deeds are you getting ready to stone me for?’33And the Judeans replied:‘We won’t be stoning you for doing good things, but for your blasphemy!‘Although you’re just a man, you’re making yourself [a] god!’34Then Jesus asked:‘Isn’t it written in your Law:‘I say that you are gods?’ [Psalm 82:6]35‘So if God called those whom His Word spoke against, ‘gods,’... And you can’t void the Scriptures... 36How can you tell me, one who was made holy and sent into the world by the Father, that I’m blaspheming because I say that I’m God’s Son?37‘Now, if what I’m doing isn’t my Father’s Will, then don’t believe me! 38But if what I’m [doing really is His Will], then believe in what I’m doing, even if you don’t believe in me!‘For then you’ll come to know, and keep on knowing, that the Father’s in me, and I’m in the Father.’39So at that point, they tried to grab him again. However, he slipped out of their reach.40Then he went off and crossed the JorDan [River], and he stayed at the place where John had started his immersing. 41Many people came to him there, and they were saying:‘John didn’t perform a single sign, but everything that John said about this man is true!’42So, many started believing in him there.
1Now, there was a man who was very ill, Lazarus of BethAny (he came from the same village as Mary and her sister Martha). 2This is the Mary who greased the Lord with perfumed ointment and wiped his feet dry with her hair. So Lazarus (who was her brother), was very sick, 3so his sisters sent word [to Jesus], saying:‘Lord, {Look!} the that you care about is very ill!’4But when Jesus heard this, he said:‘This sickness isn’t for death, it’s for the glory of God…‘So that the Son of God will be glorified by it!’5And although Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus, 6when he heard that [Lazarus] was ill, he actually stayed where he was for two more days.7And after that, he told the disciples:‘Let’s go to Judea again.’8But the disciples reminded him, saying:‘Rabbi, the Judeans just tried to stone you, so are you going there again?’9And Jesus replied:‘Aren’t there 12 hours of daylight? If a person walks in the daylight he doesn’t bump into things, because he sees the light of this world. 10But if someone walks around during the night he’ll bump into things, because there isn’t any light in him.’11Then after he said this, he told them:‘Our friend Lazarus is lying down and I’m going there to wake him up.’12So the disciples said to him:‘Lord, if he’s just lying down, he’ll survive.’13However, Jesus had been talking about his death, while they thought he was talking about lying down to sleep. 14So then, Jesus told them plainly:‘Lazarus has died… 15And I’m happy for your sakes that I wasn’t there, so you can believe.‘Now, let’s go to him!’16Then Thomas (who was called the Twin) said to the other disciples:‘Let’s go along too, so that we can also die with [Jesus].’17Well when Jesus arrived, he found [that Lazarus] had already been in the tomb for four days. 18And since BethAny was just about 2 miles (3km) from JeruSalem, 19many people had come there from Judah to see Martha and Mary in order to console them over [the death of] their brother.20Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, while Mary stayed at home. 21And Martha said to Jesus:‘Lord, if you’d just been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22But I know that whatever you ask of God, He will give to you.’23Then Jesus told her:‘Your brother will stand again!’24And Martha said:‘I know that he’ll stand again in the resurrection on the last day.’25But Jesus said to her:‘I am the resurrection and the life; so, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.26‘And all the living that believe in me won’t see death into the age.‘Do you believe this?’27And she answered:‘Yes, Lord; I’ve believed that you’re the Anointed One, the Son of The God, who was to come into the world.’28Then after saying this, she went off to call her sister Mary, and she told her secretly:‘The Teacher is here and he’s asking for you.’29So when [Mary] heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.30Actually, Jesus hadn’t gone into the village yet, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31And when the Judeans who’d come to the house to console Mary saw her get up quickly and leave, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to cry there.32Then when Mary got to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying:‘Lord, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!’33Well, when Jesus saw her and all the Judeans that came with her crying, he groaned a deep sigh and was visibly upset.34Then he asked her:‘Where have you laid him?’And she replied:‘Lord, come here and see.’35Then Jesus broke into tears, 36and the Judean [women] said:‘Look at how much he cared for him!’37But some of them also asked:‘Couldn’t this man, who opened the eyes of that blind man, able to keep him from dying?’38Well, after groaning deeply again, Jesus went to the tomb (it was actually a cave with a [large] rock placed over it).39And Jesus said:‘Lift the stone.’But Martha (the dead man’s sister) said:‘Lord, he must smell by now, as it’s been 4 days!’40However Jesus said:‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you’d see the glory of God?’41So they lifted the stone.Then Jesus raised his eyes towards heaven and said:‘Father; thank You for listening to me!42‘I know that You always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd that’s standing around… So they can believe that You sent me.’43And after he said that, he shouted loudly:‘Lazarus, come on out!’44Then the man who’d been dead came out... With his hands and feet still bound with wrappings, and his face still wrapped in a cloth!And Jesus said:‘Now, untie and unwrap him!’45Well, that’s when many of the Judeans who came with Mary and saw what he’d done started to believe in him. 46However, others went off to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus was doing.47So the Chief Priests and Pharisees assembled the Jewish Court and said to them:‘What should we to do… For this man is performing so many signs?48‘If we just let him keep doing this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and take our land and our people!’49Then one of those in the group, CaiAphas (who was the High Priest that year), said to them:‘You don’t know anything 50and you haven’t figured it out yet… That it’s better for one man to die for the people so that the whole nation isn’t destroyed!’51However, he didn’t come up with this by himself; it was because he was the High Priest that year that he spoke this prophesy about Jesus having to die for the nation… 52And not just for the nation, but so that he could also bring the scattered children of God together as one.53Well, because these men continued meeting and discussing ways to kill him, 54Jesus no longer traveled openly among the Judeans.So he left there and traveled through the countryside next to the desert to a city called Ephraim, where he remained with his disciples.55But then, because the Judean Passover was coming, many of the people left the countryside for JeruSalem to undergo ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.56Meanwhile, the people were looking for Jesus in the Temple, and they were asking each other:‘What do you think? Won’t he come to the Festival at all?57‘For the Chief Priests and Pharisees have given orders that if anyone knows where he is, they should report it, so they can arrest him.’
1Well, 6 days before the Passover, Jesus finally arrived at BethAny (the place where he raised Lazarus from the dead), 2and they prepared a supper for him there.Martha was doing the serving, and Lazarus was reclining at the table with the others. 3Then Mary took a pound of perfumed ointment (it was very expensive… Genuine nard) and greased Jesus’ feet, wiping them dry with her hair and filling the whole house with the scent of the perfume.4But Judas IsCariot (one of his disciples who was about to betray him) asked:5‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for 300 silver coins and given to the poor?’6However, he didn’t say this because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief! He kept the money box, and he used to [steal some of] the money that was put into it.7But Jesus said:‘Leave her alone… Let her keep this observance of the day of my burial. 8For you’ll always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me.’9Well, a large crowd of Judeans had learned that he was there, and they didn’t just come to see Jesus, but they also came to see Lazarus whom he’d raised from the dead. 10As a result, the Chief Priests then met in counsel to kill Lazarus also, 11since many Judeans were going there and believing in Jesus because of what had happened to him.12Then the next day, a huge crowd of people who had come to the festival (when they heard that Jesus was coming to JeruSalem) 13took palm fronds and went out to meet him, shouting:‘[God] save the Praised One who comes in Jehovah’s Name as the King of IsraEl!’14And when Jesus found a young burro, he mounted it, just as it was written:15‘Don’t be afraid, O daughter of Zion; For look… Your king has arrived Sitting upon the colt of a burro.’ [Zechariah 9:9]16And although his disciples didn’t understand this at first, after Jesus was glorified, [that’s when] they realized that it had all been written about him [in advance], and that they [actually] did these things to him.17Also, the crowd that was with him when he’d called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, started testifying about him. 18So, many among the throngs [of people who were there] came to meet him, because they’d heard about his performing this sign.19And as a result, the Pharisees started talking among themselves, saying:‘Look, we’re getting nowhere! See, the whole world is following him!’20Well, there were some Greeks among those who had come to worship at the Festival, 21and they went up to Philip (who was from BethSaida of Galilee) and said:‘Lord, we’d like to see this Jesus.’22So Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23But Jesus told them no, because he said:‘The time has now arrived for the Son of Man to be glorified.24‘I tell you the truth; unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a kernel. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25So, those who care for their lives will lose them, while those who don’t care about their lives in this system of things are grabbing hold of age-long life.26‘Therefore, if anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, so that my servants will be wherever I am… For the Father will honor all those who wish to serve me.27‘Now, I’m deeply disturbed, so what should I say…‘Father, save me from this hour?’‘No, for this is why I came to this hour!28‘So Father; glorify Your Name!’Then a voice came out of the sky that said:‘I glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again!’29Well, [many in] the crowd that were standing there heard [the sound] and they said it was thunder, but others said:‘An angel has spoken to him!’30Then Jesus said:‘This voice didn’t happen for my sake, but for yours, 31since this system of things is now going to be judged, and the ruler of this arrangement will be cast out!32‘For when I’m hung high off the ground, I’ll draw all men towards me.’33He was really saying this to show what type of death he was about to die.34And the crowd started saying:‘Since the Law tells us that the Anointed One will be here throughout the age, why do you say that the Son of Man must be hung up? Exactly who is this Son of Man?’35And Jesus replied:‘The light will be among you for just a little while longer.‘Therefore, walk while you have the light, so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. For those who walk in darkness don’t know where they’re going.36‘But as long as you have the light, you have to put faith in that light, so you can become Sons of the Light.’Then after Jesus said these things, he went and hid from them.37For although he’d performed so many signs before them, they still didn’t believe in him. 38Yet, all of this happened so that the words of the Prophet IsaiAh could be fulfilled, which said:‘O Lord,‘Who has believed in the things that we’ve heard, And who’s shown us the arm of Jehovah?’ [Isaiah 53:1]39Now, the reason why they couldn’t believe is, as IsaiAh once said:40‘For the hearts of these people have hardened, So that with their ears, They now listen slowly, And all their eyelids are closed;‘Thus, they’ll not hear with their ears, Nor will they see with their eyes, And their hearts just won’t comprehend To make them turn back so I’d heal them.’ [Isaiah 6:9-10]41Yes, IsaiAh said this, because he saw and talked about the glory [of Jesus].42Why, even many of the rulers believed in him… But they wouldn’t admit it because of the Pharisees, so they wouldn’t be expelled from the synagogues. 43For they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God!44Then Jesus shouted [to the crowd]:‘Those who believe in me aren’t just believing in me alone, but in the One who sent me.45‘And whoever sees me also sees the One who sent me!46‘For I came as a light to this world so that all those who believe in me won’t remain in the darkness.47‘Now, if anyone hears the things that I’m saying and doesn’t obey them, I’m not going to judge that person. For I didn’t come into the world to judge it, but to save it!48‘However... Those who ignore me and don’t welcome what I say already have someone who’s judging them! The things that I’ve said are what will judge them on the last day, 49since the things that I’ve said didn’t come from me.‘Rather, it was the Father who sent me who commanded me and told me what to say. 50And since I know that His Commandments mean age-long life, I’ve just told you whatever the Father told me… Yes, these are the things that I’ve been saying to you!’
1Well, even before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to transfer from this world to the Father. Yet, he loved those who were his own in this world all the way to the end.2So while they were eating supper (since the Slanderer had already put it into the heart of Judas IsCariot, son of Simon, to betray him, 3and because he knew that the Father had put everything into his hands and that he came from God and was returning to God...) 4[Jesus] got up from the meal and laid his outer clothing aside.Then he took a towel and wrapped it around himself, 5put water in a bowl, and started washing his disciples’ feet, then drying them with the towel that he’d wrapped around him.6However, when he got to Simon Peter, [Peter] asked:‘Lord, why are you washing my feet?’7And Jesus replied:‘You won’t understand what I’m doing right now, but you’ll understand later.’8Then Peter said:‘Well, you aren’t going to wash my feet any time in this age!’And Jesus told him:‘If I don’t wash you, you’ll never have a share with me.’9And at that, Simon Peter said:‘Lord, then not just my feet, but my hands and head also!’10But Jesus told him:‘Someone who’s taken a bath is already completely clean and he doesn’t need to have anything more than his feet washed… And you men are clean…‘But not all.’11He knew, of course, which man would betray him. That’s why he said:‘Not all of you are clean.’12Well, after he’d finished washing their feet, he put his outer clothing back on and reclined at the table again.Then he asked:‘Do you know what I’ve done for you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and there’s nothing wrong with that, because that’s what I am. 14But, if I as your Lord and Teacher washed your feet, you should also wash the feet of each other!15‘Now, I’ve set the pattern for you, so you must do just as I’ve done to you.16‘I tell you the truth; a slave isn’t greater than his master, nor is the one who’s sent greater than the one who sent him!17‘So if you understand these things and do them, you’ll be blest.18‘However, I’m not talking about all of you, for I know those whom I chose. And the scripture must be fulfilled that says:‘The one who used to chew on my bread Has lifted his heel against me.’ [Psalm 41:9]19So, from now on I’ll be telling you things before they happen.‘That way, when they do happen, you’ll believe that I am the one.’20‘I tell you the truth; those who welcome anyone who I send are welcoming me. And those who welcome me, are also welcoming the One who sent me.’21Well, after he said all these things, Jesus became deeply disturbed and he testified to this:‘I tell you the truth:‘One of you will betray me!’22So the disciples started looking at each other and they were all at a loss as to which one he was saying this about. 23And because the disciple whom Jesus particularly loved was reclining right next to Jesus, 24Simon Peter nodded to him and said:‘Tell [us] who he’s talking about.’25So, this one leaned back against Jesus’ chest and asked him [quietly]:‘Lord, who [is it]?’26And Jesus [discreetly] replied:‘This piece of bread that I’m dipping – it’s the one I’m going to give it to.’So he dipped the piece of bread, then he took and gave it to Judas, son of Simon IsCariot!27Well, after [Judas ate] the bread, the Opposer entered him. And Jesus said to him:‘Now, hurry and do all that you’ve planned to do!’28Meanwhile, none of the others who were reclining at the table knew why he said this to him. 29In fact, some thought that since Judas was in charge of the money box, Jesus was telling him to go and buy whatever was needed for the Festival, or that he should give something to the poor.30So [Judas] left immediately after he’d received the piece of bread late that evening.31Then Jesus said:‘Now the Son of Man is being glorified, and through him, God will also be glorified!32‘For God Himself will glorify him, and he’ll be glorified right away!33‘Little children; I’ll only be with you a little while longer. Then you’ll look for me, and as I told the Judeans:‘Where I’m going you can’t come...’‘And I’m saying the same thing to you right now.34‘Therefore, I’m giving you a new commandment… To love each other!‘Yes, love each other just as I’ve loved you!35‘For they’ll recognize you as my disciples by the love that you have for each other’.36Then Simon Peter asked:‘Where are you going, Lord?’And Jesus told him:‘You can’t follow me to the place where I’m going now… But you’ll follow later.’37Then Peter said:‘Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I’m [willing to] give my life for you!’38But Jesus said:‘Will you give your life for me?‘I tell you the truth; a rooster won’t crow before you’ve denied knowing me three times!’
1‘Now, don’t let your hearts be troubled… Just have faith in God and have faith in me.2‘Understand that there are many rooms in my Father’s house. If this weren’t so, I wouldn’t have told you that I’m going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I’m going to prepare a place for you, I’ll also return and take you back with me, so you’ll then be wherever I am…4‘And you’ll know the way to the place where I’m going.’5But Thomas said:‘Lord, since we don’t know where you’re going, how can we know the way?’6And Jesus told him:‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.‘So nobody can come to the Father unless [he comes] through me.7‘If you men had [truly] known me, you would have recognized my Father also… And from now on, you’ve known Him and you’ve seen Him.’8Then Philip said:‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us!’9And Jesus asked:‘Have I spent so much time with you and you haven’t come to know me yet, Philip?‘Since those who’ve seen me have also seen the Father, why are you saying:‘Show us the Father’?10‘Don’t you believe that I’m in the Father and the Father is in me?‘I’m not coming up with the things that I’m saying to you all on my own… It’s the Father who’s in me who’s doing His work. 11Yes, believe me when I say that I’m in the Father and the Father is in me… Or just believe because of the things that I’m doing!12‘I tell you the truth; whoever believes in me will do the same things that I’m doing. In fact, he’ll do even greater things than these, because I’m going to the Father now.… 13And thereafter, I’ll do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son can glorify the Father.14‘Yes, whatever you ask of me in my name, I’ll do… 15And if you truly love me, you’ll follow my commandments!16‘Now, I’m going to ask the Father and He’ll provide another advocate for you that will be with you throughout the age: 17The Spirit of Truth.‘The world won’t receive it, because they can’t see it or understand it. However, you will recognize it, for it’ll stay with you and in you.18‘Yet, I’m not leaving you as orphans, because I’ll be coming [back] to you.19‘Nevertheless, in just a little while, the world won’t see me anymore. However, you will see me again, because I’ll be alive and you’ll be alive. 20And in that day, you’ll come to know that I am in my Father, just as you’ll be in me and I’ll be in you.21‘Those who know my commandments and obey them are the ones who truly love me.‘And because they love me, they’ll be loved by my Father… And I’ll love them and reveal myself to them.’22Then Judas (not IsCariot [but ThadDaeus]) asked:‘Lord, what [is about to] happen so that you’ll be showing yourself to us, but not to the world?’23And Jesus replied:‘If anyone loves me, he’ll obey my words. Then my Father will love him and we’ll come to him and dwell in him.24‘However, those who don’t love me won’t obey my words. And the words that you’re hearing aren’t mine… They belong to the Father who sent me.25‘Now, I’ve told you these things while I was with you, 26but the Advocate – the Holy Breath that the Father will send in my name – will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I’ve told you.27‘So now, I leave you peace… I’m giving you my peace.‘I’m not giving it to you in the same way as this system of things offers it; I’m giving it to you so that your hearts won’t be troubled or fearful.28‘For although you heard me say that I’m going away… Believe that I’ll also return!‘And if you love me, you’ll cry out in joy that I’m going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am!29‘Now, I’ve told you all of these things before they happen, so that when they do happen, you can believe. 30‘I won’t be saying many more things to you, because the ruler of this system of things is coming… Yet, he has no hold on me.31‘Then the world will know that I love the Father, and that I’ve [fulfilled] all the commandments that the Father gave to me.‘Now, get up! Let’s leave this place!’
1[He then said:]‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator.2‘So He’ll remove any branch in me that doesn’t produce fruit, and He’ll clean up all those who do produce, so that they can bear more fruit.3‘Now you’ve already been cleaned by the things that I’ve told you… 4So stick with me, and I’ll stick with you!‘For just as a branch can’t produce fruit unless it remains on the vine, you can’t either, unless you remain in me.5‘Yes, I’m the vine and you’re my branches. So those who are in me (and I in them) will produce much fruit. But apart from me, you can’t do anything.6‘For when someone doesn’t remain in me, his branch will be removed and wither. Then men will gather up such branches and throw them into the fire, where they’ll be burned.7‘However, if you remain in me, and if the things that I tell you remain in you, then you can ask for anything you want and it’ll happen!8‘My Father is glorified when you keep on producing much fruit and you continue to prove that you’re my disciples. 9So in the same way that the Father has loved me and I’ve loved you, remain in my love.10‘Yes, if you’ll obey my commandments, you’ll remain in my love, just as I’ve obeyed the commandments of the Father and I’ve remained in His love.11‘Now, I’m telling you these things so that you can share in the joy that I have, and so that your joy can grow.12‘And this is what I’m commanding you:‘Love each other just as I’ve loved you!13‘No one has greater love than a man who will lay down his life for his friends, 14and you’re my friends – as long as you keep on doing what I’m commanding you!15‘I’m not calling you slaves, because a slave doesn’t really know what his master is doing. Rather, I’m calling you friends, because I’ve told you everything that I heard from my Father.16‘Understand that you didn’t choose me, I chose you… Yes, I appointed you! So, you must now go and produce fruit… Fruit that will last, so that whatever you might ask from the Father in my name, He’ll give to you!17‘Yes, this is what I’m commanding you:‘Love each other!18‘And know that if this world dislikes you, it disliked me first! 19If you’re from this world, the world will be fond of what is its own. But because you’re no part of this world – since I chose you out of the world – it won’t care much for you.20‘Remember what I told you:‘A slave isn’t greater than his master!’‘So if they’ve hunted me down, they’ll also hunt you down… But if they’ve obeyed my words, they’ll also obey yours.21‘So, they’re going to do all these things against you because of my name, since they don’t know the One who sent me. 22And if I hadn’t come and spoken to them, they wouldn’t be guilty of sin… But now they won’t have any excuse for their sins!23‘Understand that those who dislike me, dislike my Father also.24‘And if I hadn’t done things that no one else has ever done among them, they wouldn’t be guilty of sin. However, they have [in fact witnessed these things], and they’ve shown that they don’t care for my Father or for me.25‘Yet, all of these things have happened so that the words written in [the Psalms] would be fulfilled:‘They disliked me for no reason.’ [Psalm 109:1]26‘Now, when the Advocate that I’m going to send to you from the Father arrives – [that is,] the Spirit of Truth which comes from the Father – that [one] will testify about me.27‘And you’re also going to testify [about me], because you’ve been with me from the start.’
1‘Now, I’m telling you these things so you won’t be stumbled, 2for they’re going to expel you from their synagogues… In fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing a service to God!3‘However, they’ll be doing these things because they don’t know me or the Father. 4I’ve told you this so that when their hour arrives, you might remember how I [warned] you about these things.‘I didn’t say anything about this at first, because I was with you. 5But now I’m going to the One who sent me… And yet, none of you have asked me where I’m going.6‘I know that because I’ve told you these things, your hearts are now filled with grief. 7But, believe me when I say that my going away is for your own good… Because, if I didn’t go away, the Advocate wouldn’t come to you. However, after I go, I’ll send it to you.8‘And when that one arrives, it’ll condemn this arrangement over its sins, its righteousness, and its judgments.9‘About sin: Because they have no faith in me.10‘About righteousness: Because I’m going to the Father and you won’t see me anymore.11‘About judgments: Because the Ruler of this world has been judged.12‘I still have so many things to tell you... But you won’t be able to handle them all right now. 13However, when that one (the Spirit of Truth) arrives, it’ll lead you to all truth… And it won’t be speaking for itself; it’ll tell you what he hears and then it’ll announce the things that will be coming.14‘That one will also glorify me, because it’ll receive things from me and then announce them to you. 15For everything that the Father has is now mine, and that’s why I say that it’ll receive things from me and then announce them to you!16‘Because, in just a little while, you won’t be able to see me anymore… But then after a little while, you’ll also see me again.’17Well at this, some of his disciples started asking each other:‘What does he mean when he says:‘After a little while you won’t see me, but after a little while you will see me again.’‘And,‘Because I’m going to the Father?’18They also asked:‘What does he mean by ‘a little while?’‘We don’t know what he’s talking about!’19Well, Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him [about this], so he said:‘Are you asking each other questions because I said, ‘After a little while you won’t see me; and after a while you’ll see me again?’20‘I tell you the truth; you’ll cry and bawl while the world rejoices… Yes, you’ll be very sad, but then your grief will be turned into joy!21‘Whenever a woman is about to give birth, she’s in pain because her time has arrived. But after the child is born, she forgets about the difficult time that she had because of her joy in knowing that a human has been born into the world.22‘So, although you’re now feeling grief, I’ll see you again… And then your hearts will rejoice and no one will ever be able to take away that joy! 23Also, you won’t have to ask me any more questions then!‘I tell you the truth; if you ask the Father for anything thereafter, He’ll give it to you in my name.24‘Until now, you haven’t asked for anything in my name; but then you’ll ask and receive, and your joy will be complete. 25For up to now, I’ve been explaining all these things to you through parables. But the time is coming when I’ll no longer have to speak to you in parables, for I’ll talk to you openly and bring back reports to you about the Father.26‘And in that day, you’ll ask in my name and I’ll no longer [have to] tell you that I’ll ask the Father for you.27‘Understand that the Father cares for you, because you cared for me… And because you believed that I came here from the Father! 28So, since I came into the world from the Father, I’ll also be leaving the world and returning to the Father.’29Well at this, his disciples said:‘{Look!} Now you’re talking openly without the use of parables… 30Yes, now we’re aware that you know everything and that you don’t need anyone to be questioning you.‘And this is why we believe that you came from The God!’31But Jesus asked:‘Do you believe right now?32‘{Look!} The time is coming (in fact it’s already arrived) when you’ll each be scattered to your own homes and you’ll abandon me!‘Yet I won’t be alone, because the Father is [always] with me.33‘I’ve told you these things so you can find peace in me… For in this world, you’ll only find hard times.‘But take courage, because I’ve conquered the world!’
1Well after Jesus said these things, he raised his eyes towards the heavens and said:‘Father, the time has arrived!‘Now, glorify your son so your son can glorify You.2‘You’ve put him over all flesh so that he can give age-long life to all those whom You’ve given to him. 3And knowing You –the only true God– and the one whom You sent –Jesus the Anointed– means age-long life.4‘Father, I’ve glorified You on the earth and perfectly completed the work that You’ve assigned to me. 5So now, glorify me alongside You with the same glory that I had beside You before there was this arrangement.6‘For I’ve made Your Name shine among these men whom You gave me from the world. They were Yours, but You gave them to me, and they’ve obeyed everything that You told them to do.7‘They also realize that everything that You gave to me came from You; 8for I’ve passed along to [these men] everything You told me, and they’ve welcomed it…‘And they know for a fact that I came here from You. Yes, they believe that You’re the One who sent me!9‘So, this is why I’m asking on their behalf… I’m not asking on behalf of the whole world, just for these whom You’ve given to me, because they’re Yours.10‘For all that’s Yours is mine, and all that’s mine is Yours… And now I’ve been glorified among them!11‘However, because I’m no longer in this world (although they are), and I’m coming to You, Holy Father... Watch over these whom You’ve given to me because of Your Name, and so that they may be in [each other], as we are in [each other].12‘I’ve watched over these while I was with them (these whom You’ve given to me because of Your Name)… Yes, I’ve watched over them so that none [of them] would be destroyed apart from the son of destruction, and so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.13‘But now I’m coming to You and I’m saying these things in the world so that they may all experience the joy that I have in themselves.14‘I’ve also given them Your Word. So the world hasn’t cared much for them, because they’re no part of this arrangement, just as I’m no part of this arrangement. 15I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, just to protect them from the Wicked One, 16since they’re no part of this arrangement, just as I’m no part of this arrangement.17‘Please, make them holy with the truth… For Your Word is the truth!18‘And as You sent me into the world, I’m now sending them into the world... 19For I’m making myself holy on their behalf, so that they may be made holy through the truth.20‘Now, I’m not just asking for just these... [I’m asking that] all those who say that they believe 21may become one, just as You, Father, are in me, and I’m in You…‘Yes, may they become one in us, so that the world may believe that You sent me.22‘I’ve also given them the glory that You gave to me, so that they can be one with [each other], just as we’re one with [each other]… 23I in them, and You in me!‘May they be perfected into one, so the whole world may know that You sent me, and that You love them, as You love me.24‘Father, as for these that You’ve given to me... I want them to be where I am, so they can see the glory that You’re giving to me – because You’ve loved me since before the founding of the cosmos!25‘Righteous Father,‘The world never knew You… But I know You, and these whom You’ve sent to me have come to know [You]. 26I’ve made Your Name known to them, and I’ll [continue to] make it known, so that Your love for me can be in them, and that I [can be] in them also.’
1Well, after he said this, Jesus and his disciples crossed the Cedar (Kidron) Wadi, where they entered a garden.2Now, Judas (his betrayer) also knew of this place, because Jesus often met with his disciples there. 3So Judas brought along a contingent of soldiers and some officers from the Priests and Pharisees, who all arrived carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons.4And since Jesus knew everything that was about to happen, he asked them:‘Who are you looking for?’5And they replied:‘Jesus the Nazarene!’So he said:‘That’s me!’Well, Judas (his betrayer) was also standing among them. 6And when he said, ‘That’s me,’ they all backed up and fell to the ground.7So he asked them once more:‘For whom are you looking?’And they again said:‘Jesus the Nazarene!’8Then Jesus said:‘I told you, that’s me! And if I’m the only one you’re looking for, then let the rest of them go.’9He said this so that the words he spoke [previously] could be fulfilled:‘I haven’t lost even a single one of those You’ve given to me.’10And at that, Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the Chief Priest’s slave — cutting off his right ear (the slave’s name was Malchus)!11However, Jesus told Peter:‘Put the sword away… Shouldn’t I drink from the cup that the Father has given me to drink?’12Then the officer, his soldiers, and the Judean officials grabbed Jesus and tied him up.13Well, first they took him to AnNas, the father-in-law of CaiAphas (who was the High Priest that year). 14This was the same CaiAphas who had advised the Judeans that it was better for one man to die on behalf of the people.15Meanwhile, Simon Peter and another disciple followed behind Jesus. And since the Chief Priest was familiar with that disciple, he went into the Chief Priest’s courtyard along with Jesus, 16as Peter stood outside by the gate.Then the disciple that knew the Chief Priest went outside and spoke to the gatekeeper, and he brought Peter into [the courtyard].17But the servant girl who served as the gatekeeper said to Peter:‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples also, are you?’And Peter said:‘No, I’m not!’18Meanwhile, all the servants and the officers were standing around warming themselves by a charcoal fire that they’d lit, because it was cold… And Peter was standing there with them, warming himself.19Well, the Chief Priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teachings.20And Jesus told him:‘I’ve spoken publicly before the whole world, and I’ve taught in the synagogues and in the Temple where all the Judeans meet. So, since I haven’t said anything in secret, 21why are you questioning me?‘Question those who heard what I said. See… They all know what I said!’22Well at that, one of the officers who was standing nearby slapped Jesus in the face and said:‘Is that any way to answer the Chief Priest?’23And Jesus replied:‘If I spoke in error, then testify that what I said was wrong.‘But if [what I said was] right, then why did you hit me?’24Well after that, while still tied up, AnNas sent [Jesus] away to CaiAphas, the High Priest.25Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing outside and warming himself, someone else asked him:‘Aren’t you one of his disciples?’But he denied it, saying:‘I’m not!’26Then, one of the Chief Priest’s servants (a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off) said:‘I saw you in the garden with him, didn’t I?’27But Peter denied it again, and immediately... A rooster crowed!28Well, early the next morning, they led Jesus from CaiAphas’ [home] to the Governor’s Palace. However, they didn’t go inside because they didn’t want to make themselves unclean, so they could eat the Passover.29As a result, Pilate came outside to them and asked:‘What’s your accusation against this man?’30And they replied:‘If this man hadn’t done anything wrong, we wouldn’t be handing him over to you!’31But Pilate said:‘Then take him yourselves and judge him by your own laws.’And the Judeans said:‘It isn’t legal for us to execute anyone!’32(This was said so that Jesus’ words would be fulfilled when he showed what sort of death he would die).33So then, Pilate went back inside the governor’s palace, where he called for Jesus and asked him:‘Are you the King of the Jews?’34And Jesus replied:‘Is it your idea to ask this, or did others tell you about me?’35So Pilate said:‘I’m not a Jew am I?‘Your own people and Priests handed you over to me… So what did you do?’36And Jesus said:‘My Kingdom isn’t from this world.‘If my Kingdom was from this world, my followers would likely have fought [for me] so I wouldn’t be handed over to the Judeans… But my Kingdom isn’t from here.’37And Pilate said:‘Then, are you a king?’And Jesus replied:‘You’re the one who’s saying that I’m a king.‘The reason why I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth, and everyone who’s on the side of truth listens to my voice.’38Then Pilate asked:‘What is the truth?’And after he said this, he went back outside to the Judeans and told them:‘I haven’t found any reason [to hold this man].39‘So, since you usually ask me to release someone to you on the Passover, do you want me to release the King of the Jews?’40But they shouted repeatedly:‘Not him, but BarAbbas!’Now, BarAbbas was a robber.
1So then, Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged with a whip. 2And thereafter, the soldiers braided a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. They then wrapped him in a purple cape 3and started coming up to him and saying:‘Rejoice, O you king of the Jews!’And all the while they were slapping him in the face.4Finally, Pilate went outside once more and said:‘Look, I’m bringing him outside to you so you’ll know that I find no fault in this man!’5Then he brought out Jesus wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cape, and [Pilate] said:‘Look: The man!’6However, when the Chief Priests and the Temple officers saw him, they shouted:‘Hang him on a pole! Hang him on a pole!’And Pilate said to them:‘Then take him and impale him yourselves! I don’t find any fault in him!’7But the Judeans shouted back:‘We have a Law; and according to that Law he must die, because he made himself God’s Son.’8Well when Pilate heard them say this, it frightened him. 9So he went back inside the Governor’s Palace and asked Jesus:‘Where are you from?’However, Jesus wouldn’t answer him.10So Pilate said to him:‘Why aren’t you talking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you and the power to impale you?’11And Jesus said to him:‘You wouldn’t have any power at all over me unless it had been given to you from above…‘And that’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.’12Well, because of that, Pilate kept on looking for ways to release Jesus. But the Judeans started shouting:‘If you release this man, you’re no friend of Caesar.‘For every man who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!’13So after Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus back outside. Then he seated himself in the public-court area called the Stone Pavement (GabBatha in Hebrew). 14It was about the 6th hour [6am in the Roman time system, or 12 noon in the Jewish time system] on the day before Passover [which would begin that evening].And [Pilate] said to the Judeans:‘See, your King!’15However, they just kept on shouting:‘Hang him up! Hang him up! Impale him!’Then Pilate asked:‘Should I hang your king on a pole?’And the Chief Priests answered:‘We have no king but Caesar!’16So at that, he handed Jesus over to them to be impaled, and they took him away, 17bearing his own pole, out to the spot called Skull Place [that is, GolGotha in Hebrew].18There they impaled him along with two other men, one on this side and one on the other, with Jesus in the middle.19Pilate also wrote a sign that he put on the pole, which said:‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’20And as a result, many of the Judeans read this title (because the place where Jesus was impaled was close to the city); for it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.21However, the Judean Chief Priests told Pilate:‘Don’t write that he’s the King of the Jews, but that he said that he’s the King of the Jews!’22However Pilate told them:‘I wrote what I wrote.’23Well, when the soldiers impaled Jesus, they took his robe and tore it into four sections so that each soldier could have a piece. But his long inner shirt was woven without a seam from top to bottom.24So they said to each other:‘Let’s not tear it; we’ll throw dice to see who gets it.’This happened so that the scripture might be fulfilled:‘They’ve divided my garments among them
And thrown dice for the clothes that I wear.’
[Psalm 22:18]And the soldiers really did these things.25Well, standing there by the impaling pole of Jesus was his mother, his mother’s sister Mary (the wife of CleoPas), and Mary of Magdala. 26So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother:‘Look, woman — your son!’27Then he said to the disciple:‘Look — your mother!’And from that day on, the disciple took her into his own home.28Then later, when Jesus realized that everything had been completed (so the Scriptures could be fulfilled), he said:‘I’m thirsty.’29Well, they had a full jar of vinegar, so they put a sponge filled with the vinegar on a stalk and held it up to his mouth.30And when he received the vinegar, Jesus said:‘It is finished!’Then he hung his head and stopped breathing.31Thereafter, since it was Preparation and so that the bodies wouldn’t hang on a pole over the Sabbath (because that was a Great Sabbath), the Judeans asked Pilate to have the men’s legs broken and their bodies taken away.32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of both men who’d been impaled with Jesus.33But when they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs.34However, one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, at which blood and water poured out.35Now, the one who saw this is a witness to the facts, and he’s offering this as a true testimony. He knows that he’s telling the truth and that you can believe it!36For it’s a fact that these things happened so that the scripture could be fulfilled:‘Not a bone of his will be crushed.’ [Psalm 34:20]37And another scripture says:‘They’ll look to the one whom they pierced.’ [Zechariah 12:10]38Well after that, JoSeph from HariMathea (who was a secret disciple of Jesus… Because he was afraid of the Judeans) asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body away, and Pilate gave him permission.So he went and took the body down.39Then NicoDemos (the man who had come to him at night the first time) arrived with a roll of myrrh and about 100 pounds (45kg) of aloes. 40So they took Jesus’ body and bound it up with wrappings and spices (that’s how the Judeans customarily prepared bodies for burial).41Then, because it was close to the place where he was impaled, they laid Jesus in an unused new tomb that was in a garden, 42since this tomb was nearby, and it was the Jewish day of Preparation.
1Well, on [Sunday,] the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early (while it was still dark), and she noticed that the stone had already been moved away. 2So she ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple (the one whom Jesus cared for) and told them:‘They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they’ve put him!’3Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb… 4The two started running together, but the other disciple out-ran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5And bending over, he saw the wrappings lying there… However, he didn’t go inside.6Then Simon Peter came following him, and he went inside the tomb, and he saw the wrappings just lying there. 7However, the cloth that had been placed [Jesus’] head wasn’t with the wrappings… It was rolled up and laid in another spot.8Then the other disciple (the one who had reached the tomb first) also went in… And he saw… And he believed.9But since they still didn’t understand the scripture that spoke of how [Jesus] was to be resurrected from the dead, 10they just returned to the [place where they’d been staying].11Meanwhile, Mary [of Magdala] was standing outside the tomb crying.Then as she was crying, she stooped over to look inside the tomb, 12and she saw two [of God’s] messengers dressed in white… One was sitting at the head and the other at the feet of where the body of Jesus had been lying.13And they asked her:‘Woman, why are you crying?’And she replied:‘They’ve taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him.’14Then when she turned around, she saw Jesus standing there (but she didn’t recognize [him]).15And Jesus asked:‘Woman, why are you crying… Who are you looking for?’And she (thinking that he was the caretaker) said:‘Lord, if you’ve carried him off, tell me where you’ve laid him and I’ll take him away.’16Then Jesus said:‘Mary!’And when she turned around, she said to him in Hebrew:‘Rabboni!’ [Which means,] ‘My Teacher!’17Then Jesus said to her:‘Don’t cling to me, because I haven’t ascended to the Father yet.‘However, go to my brothers and tell them that I’m ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’18So then Mary of Magdala went and carried the news to the disciples saying:‘I’ve seen the Lord!’And [then she told them] what he said.19So late that evening, although the doors were locked at the place where the disciples were (for fear of the Judeans), Jesus came and stood in their midst and said:‘May you have peace.’20Then after he said this, he showed them his hands and his side, and the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord.21And once again Jesus said:‘May you have peace.’Then he told them:‘In the same way that the Father sent me, I’m now sending you.’22And after he said this, he blew on them, and said:‘Receive Holy Breath.23‘For from now on, if you forgive anyone’s sins, they’ll remain forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they won’t be forgiven.’24However, Thomas (one of the twelve, who was called the Twin) wasn’t with them when Jesus came. 25So when the other disciples told him that they’d seen the Lord, he said:‘I won’t believe it unless I see the print of the nails in his hands and stick my finger in them, and stick my hand into his side!’26Well, 8 days later, his disciples were once again gathered inside… And this time Thomas was with them. Then Jesus came again and stood in their midst (although the doors were locked) and he said:‘May you have peace.’27Then he said to Thomas:‘Now, put your finger here… Look at my hands!‘Then take your hand and stick it into my side… Stop doubting and start believing!’28Well at that, Thomas said:‘My Lord and my God!’29And Jesus said:‘Do you believe because you’ve seen me?‘It’s those who haven’t seen and still believe that are blest.’30Well, it’s a fact that Jesus performed many other signs before his disciples, which I haven’t written about in this scroll. 31However, I’ve written these things so you can believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of The God…And that by believing, you may also gain life through his name.
1Well after that, Jesus showed himself to the disciples again at the Sea of Tiberius, and this is how he did it:2There was:• Simon (Peter),
• Thomas (The Twin),
• NathaniEl ([BarTholomew]) from Cana of Galilee,
• The [two] sons of ZebediOu, and
• Two other disciples.3You see, Simon Peter had told them that he was going fishing, and they said that they wanted to come along. So they all went out and got into the boat. However, they didn’t catch anything all night long.4Then, just as it was starting to get light, there was Jesus standing on the beach; but the disciples didn’t recognize him.5And Jesus shouted:‘Children! You don’t have anything to eat yet, do you?’And they answered:‘No!’6So he said:‘Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you’ll find some!’So they threw the net out, but then they weren’t able to bring it back in, because there were too many fish.7And at that, the disciple that Jesus used to love said to Peter:‘It’s the Lord!’And when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he slipped off his robe (leaving him naked) and dove into the sea.8However, the rest of the disciples followed him in on the boat, dragging along their net full of fish, because they weren’t very far from land – only about 300 feet (90 meters).9Well, when they reached the shore, they noticed that there was a charcoal fire with fish and bread already lying over it.10Then Jesus said:‘Bring me some of those fish that you just caught.’11So Simon Peter then pulled the net to land, and he found that it was filled with 153 large fish. However, despite the fact that there were so many, the net didn’t rip.12Then Jesus said:‘Now, come and get your breakfast!’Well, none of the disciples had enough courage to ask him who he was, because they knew it was the Lord.13So thereafter, Jesus went over and handed each of them some bread and some fish. 14This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he’d been raised from the dead.15Then, following breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter:‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these [fish]?’And he replied:‘Yes Lord; you know how much I care for you!’Then [Jesus] said:‘Feed my lambs!’16And he asked [Peter] a second time:‘Simon, son of Jonah; do you love me?’And he said:‘Yes Lord, you know how much I care for you!’Then [Jesus] said:‘Shepherd my sheep!’17And he asked a third time:‘Simon, son of Jonah; do you care for me?’Well, Peter was hurt when he asked whether he cared for him a third time, so he said:‘Lord, you know everything… So you know how much I care for you!’And Jesus said to him:‘Feed my sheep!18‘I tell you the truth... When you were young, you used to wrap your clothes around you and walk wherever you wished.‘But when you grow old, you’ll stretch out your hands and someone else will wrap you up and take you where you don’t wish to go.’19He said this to show [Peter] the type of death he would [have, to] glorify God.And after that, he said:‘Keep on following me!’20Well, when Peter turned around, he noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved following them... Yes, the one who had leaned back on [Jesus’] chest after supper and asked him, ‘Lord, who will betray you?’21And upon seeing him, Peter asked Jesus:‘Lord, what about him?’22And Jesus answered:‘If I want him to remain until I return, what’s that to you?‘You just keep on following me!’23However, because of that, word was spread among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say that he wouldn’t die, he just said:‘If I want him to remain until I return, what’s that to you?’24This is the same disciple who’s now testifying and writing about these things, and you should know that the testimony he’s providing is the truth.25And there are many other things that Jesus did, and if they were all written down, I suppose that even the world itself couldn’t contain the books that would be written.Amen. [spurious words]
1O TheoPhilus,This is the first account I’ve assembled about all the things that Jesus did and taught 2[that begins] from the day he gave his instructions to the Apostles (whom he chose by Holy Breath) after he’d been raised [from the dead], 3[that is,] those he showed himself to after his suffering, and to those whom he provided many proofs during the 40 days that they saw him, while he spoke to them about things regarding the Kingdom of God.4Well, after they’d all assembled together [with him], he gave them this order:‘Don’t leave JeruSalem. Stay there and wait for the promise that the Father spoke of, and about which you [also] heard from me.5‘Indeed, John immersed you with water, but in just a few days you‘ll be immersed in Holy Breath!’6And when he met with them all again, they asked him this:‘Lord, are you going to restore the Kingdom to IsraEl now?’7But he said:‘It’s none of your business to know the times and periods that the Father has is in charge!8‘However, you’ll receive power when the Holy Breath comes over you... And you’ll be witnesses of me in JeruSalem, throughout all of Judea, in Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.’9Well, right after he said these things, while they were looking at him, a cloud hid him from their eyes. 10Then as they were staring into the sky, watching him go, {Look!} two men in white clothes stood beside them and said:11‘Men of Galilee,‘Why are you standing there looking up into the sky?‘This Jesus, who was taken from you into the sky, will return in the same way that you saw him going into the sky.’12And after this, they returned to JeruSalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, which is close to JeruSalem (the [maximum] legal distance for travel on a Sabbath).13When they entered [the city], they all went to the upper room where [the Apostles] (Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, BarTholomew, Matthew, James [the son] of AlphaEus, Simon the zealous one, and Judas [the son] of James) were staying. 14And they were all in one mind and purpose as they continued praying, along with some women who had come there with Jesus’ mother Mary and his brothers.15It was at this time that Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (about 120 people in all) and said:16‘Men! Brothers!‘The scripture had to be fulfilled, which [spoken] through [God’s] Holy Breath, was a prophecy that [King] David spoke about Judas. This [Judas] was the man who guided those who arrested Jesus, 17although he used to be one of us in sharing in this service.18‘Yes, he was the one whose wicked wages were paid to purchase the field into the middle of which he then fell head first and burst, causing his guts to pour out... 19And which field has become known to everyone living in JeruSalem today as Akel Dama (The Field of Blood).20‘For this is what was written about him in the scroll of the Psalms:‘Let his estate just lie empty
And may no one else ever live there;
Then let another take his position.’
[Psalm 109:6]21‘Therefore, we have this obligation:‘One of the men who’s been with us from when the Lord Jesus entered among us until he left us 22(starting with his immersion by John until the day that he was taken up from us), and someone who witnessed his resurrection, should become one of us.’23So they asked two men to stand up, JoSeph (who’s called BarSabbas and was surnamed Justus) and MatThias.24Then they prayed, saying:‘O Jehovah,‘The One who knows the hearts of all men,‘Show us which of these two You’ve chosen 25to receive the position of Apostleship that Judas abandoned so that he could go his own way.’26And at that, they were both handed lots, and the selected lot fell to MatThias. As a result, he was considered as being among the other 11 Apostles.
1Now, towards the end of the day known as Pentecost, while they were all observing that celebration, 2a noise suddenly came out of the sky! It sounded like a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.3Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which were distributed so that one [tongue] sat over each of them... 4And they all became filled with Holy Breath and started speaking different languages, saying whatever the Breath was telling them to say!5Now at the time, there were reverent Jews from every nation under the sky who were staying in JeruSalem. 6So when this sound occurred, a huge crowd gathered there and everyone was bewildered, because each person heard one of [the disciples] speaking his own language.7They were astonished and started to wonder and say:‘These people who are talking are all Galileans, aren’t they? 8So how is it that we’re each hearing our own native tongue being spoken?’9[Well, there were] Parthinians, Medes, Elamites, MesoPotamians, Judeans, CappaDokians, [and people from] Pontus, [the province of] Asia, 10Phrygia, PamPhylia, Egypt, parts of Libya Cyrene, travelers from Rome (Jews and proselytes), 11Cretans, and Arabians.[They said]:‘We hear them talking about the wonderful things of God in our own language!’12Yes, they were all astonished and confused, and they were asking each other:‘What’s this all about?’13However, others joked about them saying:‘They’re full of sweet wine!’14But Peter then stood up beside the 11, and raising his voice, he said this:‘Men of Judea and all you who live in JeruSalem, ‘I want you to know something… Listen to what I’m saying to you!15‘These [men] really aren’t drunk as you think, because it’s only the 3rd hour of the day [that is, 9am in the Jewish time system, 12noon in the Roman system].... 16What’s happening is the thing that was said through the Prophet JoEl!17‘For through him, God said:‘In the last days, says The God,
I will pour out My Breath on all flesh,
And your sons and daughters will then prophesy;
Your young men will also have visions,
And the old among you will [see things in] dreams.18‘Yes, even upon My male servants
And on those who are My handmaidens,
I will pour out My Breath in those days,
And all will then prophesy.19‘From the skies above, I’ll send omens and signs
With blood, fire, and smoke to the earth down below,
20Before the great, shining day of the Lord.‘For the sun will be changed into darkness
And the moon will be changed into blood.
21Then, all of those will be saved
That have called on the name of the Lord.’
[paraphrase of Joel 2:28-31]22‘Men of IsraEl; listen to these words!‘Jesus the Nazarene was a man who was shown to you by The God with power, omens, and signs that He performed through him in your midst, as you already know. 23Yet you handed this man (who had received his advice and his ability to see the future from God) over to men who don’t have the Law, and who then nailed him up!24‘But thereafter, God resurrected him, freeing him from the cords of death, because it wasn’t possible for [death] to hold him down.25‘So, notice that David said this about him:‘I’ve always put Jehovah before me;
And since He’s at my right hand,
I’ll never be shaken.26‘Therefore, in my heart, I’m cheerful,
And with my tongue, I’ll rejoice;
For my body finds rest in the hope
27That in the grave, You’ll not leave me,
And Your loyal one won’t see decay.28‘For the ways of life, You’ve shown me,
And You’ll fill me with joy from Your face.’
[older version of Psalm 16:8-11, agreeing with the Dead Sea Scrolls of Psalm 16 in 4Q85]29‘Men! Brothers!‘It’s good to speak to you openly about the patriarch David; for he died, was buried, and his tomb is still with us to this day. 30For he was a Prophet, and he knew that The God had sworn an oath to him that He’d put someone on his throne who was the fruit of his loins.31‘So [David] looked into the future and spoke about the resurrection of the Anointed One… That he wouldn’t be abandoned in the grave and that his flesh wouldn’t see decay.32‘So this [one] Jesus has now been resurrected by The God (we’ve all been witnesses to this fact) 33and he’s been elevated to God’s right hand, where he’s received the Holy Breath that the Father promised.‘Therefore, he’s the one who poured out everything you’ve been seeing and hearing today!34‘And although David didn’t go to heaven, he said:‘Jehovah said this to my Lord:‘Sit here at My right hand,
35‘Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet.’
[Psalm 110:1]36‘So let the entire House of IsraEl know for sure that God appointed this Jesus whom you impaled to be the Lord and His Anointed One!’37Well when they heard this, they were all stabbed to the heart! So they asked Peter and the other Apostles:‘Men, Brothers, what must we do?’38Then Peter told them:‘Repent!‘And each of you should get immersed in the name of Jesus the Anointed One, so your sins can be forgiven… And then you’ll receive the gift of the Holy Breath.39‘That’s a promise to you, to your children, and to all those who are far away… To all those who’ll be called by our God, Jehovah!’40Well thereafter, he went on and testified to them a lot more, giving them this advice:‘Get saved from this crooked people!’41Then those who welcomed his words were immersed… And about 3,000 people were added that day! 42These continued to attend, listening to the Apostles as they were teaching, and everyone participated as they were sharing in meals and in prayers. 43For they were all in awe over the many signs and omens that started happening through the Apostles.44And all who became believers started sharing everything that they had; 45they even sold their belongings and properties and distributed the proceeds to anyone who was in need.46They also agreed to go to the Temple every day, after which they’d eat their meals in private homes… Eating the food happily and with sincere hearts, 47praising The God and finding favor with everyone.And all the while, the Lord kept adding more newly-saved ones to them each day.
1Now, Peter and John had gone to the Temple for the scheduled time of prayer (at the 9th hour [that is, 3pm]), 2and a man was there who had been lame from birth; [he] had to be carried and placed near the Temple gate (the one called Beautiful) every day, to beg from those entering the Temple.
3And when he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he started begging from them. 4But Peter and John stared at him and said:‘Look at us!’5So he looked at them, expecting to get something.6Then Peter said:‘I don’t have any silver or gold, but I’ll give you what I do have… In the name of Jesus the Nazarene, the Anointed One, walk!’7Then he took him by the right hand and lifted him; and instantly, the soles of his feet and his anklebones were made well! 8So he jumped up and stood… And then he started walking!So he entered the Temple with them, walking, jumping, and praising God.9Well, everyone noticed him walking around and praising God, 10and they started to realize that this was the man who used to sit and beg at the Temple’s Beautiful Gate. This astonished them and they were all delighted by what had happened to him.11So, as the man was holding onto Peter and John near what was called The Columns of Solomon, all the people came running to them, shocked out of their wits.12And when Peter saw this, he said:‘Men of IsraEl,‘Why are you surprised at this? And why are you staring at us as though we made him walk by our own power or by our own devotion?13‘It was the God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob – the God of our ancestors – who glorified His servant Jesus, whom you then betrayed and disowned before the face of Pilate after he’d actually decided to release him.14‘Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous man, and you asked [Pilate] to [instead] release a man who was a murderer! 15So you killed the Prince of Life! However, God thereafter raised him from the dead, which we had all witnessed!16‘It’s because of [our] faith in his name that this man here –whom you see and know– was made well. Yes, it’s because of faith that everything you see here has happened!17‘And now brothers, I know that what you did was done in ignorance… And this was true of your rulers. 18But, just as it was foretold by the mouths of all the Prophets, it was God who caused His Anointed One to endure all these things, so that it could be fulfilled this way.19‘So now, repent and turn around to get your sins erased, so that you might come to see a period of refreshment from Jehovah! 20Then He will send this one [who was] proclaimed [or appointed] to you… The Anointed Jesus.21‘However, he will remain in the heavens until the time when everything that God told us through the mouths of the holy [ones] in His age of the Prophets is restored.22‘In fact, it was Moses who said:‘Jehovah God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers, and you must listen to everything that he tells you. 23Then if the people don’t listen to that Prophet, they’ll all be destroyed!’ [Deuteronomy 18:18-19]24‘Why, all the Prophets from SamuEl onwards – everyone who spoke – clearly talked about these days... 25And you are the sons of the Prophets! And [you’re also sons] of the Sacred Agreement that God made with your ancestors, when he told AbraHam:‘All the families of the earth will be blest by your offspring!’ [Genesis 28:14]26‘Therefore, God then raised this servant and sent him to you first as a blessing to you, so that each of you might turn away from the bad things that you’re doing.’
1Well, as Peter and John were talking to the people, the Chief Priests, the Temple captains, and the SadDucees came up to them, 2and were very annoyed by the fact that [Peter and John] were teaching the people and telling them how Jesus had been resurrected from the dead... 3So they had them arrested and held until the next day (since it was already evening).4However, many of those who listened to them started believing, and their numbers grew until there were about 5,000 men.5Then the next day, a meeting was held in JeruSalem that included the rulers, elders, and scribes, 6along with AnNas the Chief Priest, CaiAphas, John, Alexander, and all the rest of the Chief Priest’s relatives.7They stood [Peter and John] in their midst and asked them:‘Who authorized you? And who told you that you could do these things?’8Then Peter (who became filled with Holy Breath) spoke to them, saying:‘Rulers of the people and elders,9‘If we’re being questioned here today because [we] did a good deed for a handicapped person, and if we’re being asked who made him well... 10Then you and all the people of IsraEl should know that it was done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One… Whom you hung on a pole!‘For God raised him from the dead, and he actually stood next to this man whom you now see here, completely healthy!11‘Yes, this is ‘the stone that was rejected’ by you builders, but which has now ‘become the foundation cornerstone’! [reference to Psalm 118:22]12‘So, salvation isn’t going to come from anyone else, because there isn’t another name that’s been given to any other man under the sky who can save us!’13Well, when they saw the confidence of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and common, everyone was amazed… And they started to recognize them, remembering that these men used to be with Jesus.14However, as they looked at the man who was standing next to them who’d been cured, nobody could come up with anything to say in rebuttal.15So then they sent them outside of the Jewish High-Court hall as they discussed the matter between themselves.16And they were saying:‘What will we do with them? For it’s a fact that a sign has come through them!‘And because everyone in JeruSalem saw it, we can’t deny it!17‘So, to keep the news about this from being spread among all the people, let’s just threaten them and tell them not to speak to anyone about this name ever again!’18So then they called them back in and warned them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus anywhere.19However, Peter and John replied:‘Whether it’s righteous in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves... 20But we can’t stop talking about the things that we’ve actually seen and heard!’21So then, after they threatened them a little more, they let them go, because they couldn’t find any reason to punish them.[Of course, they also chose not to do anything] on account of the people, since they were all praising God over what had happened… 22For the man who was healed was more than 40 years old.23Well, after they’d been released, [Peter and John] returned to their [brothers] and reported what the Chief Priests and elders had told them. 24And on hearing this, they all raised their voices to God together and said:‘O our only King… You who made the lands, the skies, the seas, and everything in them... 25Through Your Breath, You had asked through the mouth of our father David (Your servant):‘Why do the nations and all of the peoples
Think about things that are worthless?
26For, the rulers of their lands and their kings
Are against Jehovah and His anointed.’
[Psalm 2:1-2]27‘Even Herod and Pontius Pilate (these gentiles) have joined with the IsraElites in this city against Your Holy servant Jesus, whom You chose 28to do all the things that Your hands and directions commanded.29‘So, O Jehovah,‘Pay attention to their threats, and allow Your slaves to keep on speaking Your Word in full confidence, 30while You stretch out Your hand to do healing and continue to bring signs and omens in the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.’31Well, as they were asking God for this, the place where they were meeting started to shake! Then everyone was filled with the Holy Breath and they started speaking the word of God confidently.32As a result, a huge crowd became believers, and they started sharing everything that they had with a single heart and soul. None of them claimed that anything they owned was their own, for they shared everything… 33And all the while, the Apostles continued to give a powerful testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.So a great manifestation of loving-kindness came over all of them. 34In fact, nobody could be described as being needy among them, because everyone who owned fields or houses sold them and brought back the money from the things that they sold, 35laying it at the feet of the Apostles. Then everything was distributed among them according to each one’s needs.36For example, JoSeph, whom the Apostles called BarNabas (which translates as Son of Comfort), a Levite and a native of Cyprus, 37sold a piece of land that he owned and then he brought in the money, laying it at the feet of the Apostles.
1However, a man named AnaNias (along with his wife SapPhira) also sold some property that they owned, 2but he secretly kept part of the money… And his wife knew about this.Then he brought in part of it and laid it at the feet of the Apostles.3But Peter asked:‘AnaNias,‘Why has the Opposer made you so bold as to try to fool the Holy Breath and to secretly hold back some of the money for the field?4‘As long you owned it, it was yours. And after you sold it, wasn’t the money still yours? So, why did you plan to do such a thing in your heart?‘You should understand that you weren’t lying to men, but to God!’5Well, just as he heard those words, AnaNias fell to the ground and died – which really frightened everyone who heard about it! 6Then some of the younger men got up and wrapped him in a cloth, and they carried him outside to be buried.7It was about three hours later that his wife arrived… And she didn’t know what had happened.8So Peter asked her:‘Tell me, did you sell the field for such-and-such amount?’And she answered:‘Yes, for such-and-such.’9Then Peter said:‘Why did you two agree to test the Spirit of Jehovah?‘Look! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they’ll carry you out also.’10And at that, she instantly dropped dead at his feet!So when the young men returned, they also found her dead and they carried her out to be buried next to her husband.11Well, when the whole gathering (and everyone else) heard about this, they were all frightened by the things that were happening.12Yet thereafter, many signs and omens continued to be performed among the people at the hands of the Apostles, who used to meet among the Columns of Solomon. 13It’s true that nobody else had enough courage to join them there, but the people continued to speak well of them, 14and large numbers of men and women kept on being added to those who believed in the Lord.15[So after that], people started bringing their sick out into the main streets lying on little beds and cots, so that when Peter passed by, his shadow could fall on some of them.16Also, throngs from the cities around JeruSalem kept coming, carrying sick people and those who were bothered by unclean spirits… And everyone was cured!17However, the High Priest and everyone with him (particularly the members of the SadDucees’ sect) became very jealous of this. 18So they attacked the Apostles and arrested them, then they locked them up in a public jail. 19But during the night, Jehovah’s messenger opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying:20‘Now go! Keep on standing in the Temple and telling the people everything about The Life.’21So after they were told this, they went back to the Temple at daybreak and started teaching again.Then when the High Priest and those who were with him finally arrived, they assembled the Jewish High Court, along with all the elders of the sons of IsraEl, and they sent [officers] to the jail to have [the Apostles] brought in.22But when the officers got there, they couldn’t find them in the lockup! So they reported back, 23saying:‘We found the jail locked and guards posted at the doors. But when we went in, we couldn’t find anyone inside!’24Well when the Temple captain and the Chief Priests were told this, they were confused and they wondered what had really happened.25But then someone came and reported:‘Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple teaching the people!’26So the captain took his officers and brought them back peacefully (because they were afraid of being stoned by the people). 27Then they led them in and stood them in the Jewish High Court hall, where the High Priest questioned them and said:28‘Although we ordered you not to teach about this name, {Look!} you’ve filled JeruSalem with your teachings, and you’re determined to bring the blood of this man down upon us!’29However, Peter and the rest of the Apostles replied:‘We must obey God as ruler rather than men!30‘For it was the God of our fathers who raised this Jesus, whom you arrested and had hung on a tree. 31And after that, God raised him to His right hand to serve as the Primary Leader and Savior in order to cause IsraEl to repent so that He could forgive their sins!32‘We’re witnesses to these things, as is the Holy Breath which God gave to those who are obeying Him as their ruler.’33Well, when [the leaders] heard this, they were really cut to heart and they wanted to murder [the Apostles]! 34But then a certain man stood up in the Jewish High Court hall (a Pharisee named GamaliEl, who was a highly-regarded teacher of the Law) and he commanded that the men be taken outside for a little while.35Then he said:‘Men of IsraEl,‘Be very careful about what you plan to do to these men.36‘Do you remember when TheuDas came along saying that he was somebody important, and quite a few people (about 400 of them) followed him? But then he was done away with, and all those who listened to him were scattered and came to nothing.37‘And after him, Judas the Galilean arose during the registration, and he drew people after him. But then he died, and all those who listened to him were scattered.38‘So in this situation, I tell you not to mess with these men… Leave them alone! Because, if this thing that they’re doing is from men, it’ll be overthrown. 39But if it’s from God, you won’t be able to overthrow them and you’ll actually be fighting against God!’40Well [after he said that], they all agreed with him.So then they called the Apostles back in and had them whipped, and they ordered them to stop talking about the name of Jesus… And then they released them.41But as they were leaving the Jewish High Court, [the Apostles] were actually rejoicing because they’d been found worthy of being dishonored for [Jesus’] name!42So they didn’t stop after that… They kept on teaching and announcing the good news about Jesus the Anointed One every day, both in the Temple and in [private] homes.
1Now, back in those days when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews started grumbling about the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.2As a result, the 12 called all the disciples to them and said:‘The thought of our having to abandon the word of God to serve tables is displeasing to us.3‘So brothers, find seven qualified males among you who are filled with wisdom and the Breath [of God], and we’ll appoint them to handle these needs, 4so we can continue in our prayers and in serving the word.’5Well, what they suggested sounded good to the whole group, so they selected Stephen (a man who was filled with faith and Holy Breath), as well as Philip, ProChorus, NiCanor, Timon, ParMenas, and NicoLaus (a proselyte from AntiOch). 6Then they took them before the Apostles, who prayed over them and laid their hands on them.7Thereafter, the word of God kept spreading and the number of disciples in JeruSalem kept on multiplying. For even a large number of Priests started obeying the faith!8Stephen was especially filled with joy and power, and he was performing great omens and signs among the people. 9But then certain men came from the so-called Synagogue of Freed Men (along with some Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Kilikians, and [people from the province of] Asia) and started arguing with him.10Well, because their arguments couldn’t stand up against the wisdom and Breath [of God] that he was speaking with, 11they persuaded some men to say that they’d heard him say blasphemous things against Moses and God, 12which riled up the people.So, some of the elders and scribes came and arrested him, then they dragged him up before the Jewish High Court, 13where they produced some false witnesses who said:‘This man is speaking against this Holy Place and against the Law! 14For we heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene will tear this place down and change the customs that were given to us by Moses!’15Then as everyone who was sitting in the Jewish High Court was looking at him, they saw his face become like that of a messenger [of God].
1So the High Priest asked him:‘Is all of this true?’2And [Stephen] said:‘Men… Brothers… Fathers… Listen!‘Our father AbraHam saw the Glorious God while he was in MesoPotamia, before he moved to Haran.3‘And [God] said to him:‘Leave your land and your relatives and go to the land that I’m going to show you.’ [Genesis 12:1]4‘So he went to the land of the Chaldeans and started living in Haran. Then after his father died, [God] caused him to move to the land where you now live.5‘However, He didn’t give him any land as his inheritance… Not a foot’s width! Yet [God] did promise him a land that he could own and pass on to his descendants, even though at the time when he didn’t have any children.6‘Moreover, God spoke to him and told him that his descendants would also have to live in a foreign land where they’d be oppressed and serve as slaves for 400 years.7‘But God said that thereafter, He would pass judgment on the nation [that makes them] slaves… And then [his descendants] would come here and serve Him. 8So he made a Sacred Agreement with [AbraHam] [that required] circumcision.‘And after that, [AbraHam] went on to father IsaAc, whom he circumcised on the 8th day… As IsaAc did to Jacob, and Jacob did to the 12 family heads.9‘However, these family heads soon became jealous of [their brother] JoSeph, and they sold him into Egypt. 10But God was with him and He carried him through all of his problems. Then He made him likeable and wise in the eyes of PharaOh, the king of Egypt. So [PharaOh] appointed [JoSeph] to govern Egypt, as well as [to be over] his entire house.11‘Then a famine came upon Egypt and CanaAn, which created such a difficult time that our ancestors couldn’t find any food. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors down there for the first time. 13And it was on their second visit that JoSeph made himself known to his brothers… Which was when JoSeph’s ethnic background first became known to PharaOh.14‘Thereafter, JoSeph sent for his father Jacob and all of his relatives (some 75 people); 15and Jacob went down to Egypt, where he died, as did the rest of our ancestors…16‘And their bodies were taken to SheChem, where they were laid in the tomb that AbraHam had bought with silver from Hamor’s sons in SheChem. [spurious text]17‘Well, by the time that God’s promise to AbraHam had reached its fulfillment, the people had grown and multiplied in Egypt. 18And soon another king had arisen to rule over Egypt that was unfamiliar with JoSeph. 19So he treated our people treacherously and he forced our fathers to give up their young children to be killed… 20And that’s when Moses was born.‘Well, [Moses] was beautiful to God, and he was nursed for three months in [his] father’s home. 21But when he was discovered, the daughter of PharaOh picked him up and raised him as her own son.22‘So, this is how Moses came to be trained in the wisdom of the Egyptians… And he grew up to become mighty in everything that he said and did.23‘Then when he turned 40 years old, [Moses] decided to pay more attention to his brothers, the sons of IsraEl. 24So when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he came to [the man’s] defense and took vengeance on behalf of the one who was being abused, by beating an Egyptian to death!25‘Well, he assumed that his brothers would understand that God was going to use him to save them… However, they didn’t understand. 26So when he came to [his people] the next day and found [two of them] fighting, he tried to bring them together peacefully by saying:‘Men… You are brothers! Why are you treating each other so badly?’ [paraphrase of Exodus 2:13]27‘And at that, the one who was mistreating his neighbor just pushed him away and asked:‘Who appointed you as the ruler and judge over us?
28Do you want to kill me the same as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’
[Exodus 2:14]29‘And when Moses heard him say this, he ran away and lived in the land of MidiAn, where he fathered two sons.30‘Well, after 40 more years, Jehovah’s messenger appeared to him in the flames of a burning thorn bush while he was in the desert near Mount SinAi. 31And when Moses saw it, he was dazzled by the sight!‘But as he came closer to investigate, the voice of the Lord said to him:32‘I am the God of your fathers… The God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.’ [paraphrase of Exodus 3:6]‘And at that, Moses started to shake so hard that he didn’t want to investigate any further.33‘And the Lord said to him:‘Remove your sandals; for the place where you’re standing is holy ground!’ [Exodus 3:5][‘And:]34‘Now, I’ve seen the bad treatment of my people in Egypt and I’ve heard their groaning; therefore, I’ve come down here to take them... So come on, for I’m going to send you to Egypt!’ [paraphrase of Exodus 3:7-10]35‘And although this was the same Moses whom [the IsraElites] had previously disowned, asking, ‘Who appointed you as our ruler and judge?’… He was the one whom God sent off as both a ruler and savior by the hand of the messenger who had appeared to him in the thorn bush.36‘And then, after he’d performed many omens and signs, he’s also the man who led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and into the desert for the next 40 years.37‘Yes, this was the [man] who told the sons of IsraEl:‘God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers.’ [Deuteronomy 18:15]38‘And he was the one who was with the congregation [when they lived] in the desert, who talked to [God’s] messenger on Mount SinAi, and who received life-giving signs for our ancestors, so that we might receive them!39‘But then our ancestors refused to obey him… They just pushed him aside, and in their hearts they were back in Egypt! 40For then they told Aaron:‘Make gods to lead us, because we don’t know what has happened to this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt!’ [Exodus 32:1]41‘As a result, [Aaron] made [an image of] a calf, and then they offered sacrifices to the idol… For they were very happy with this thing that they’d made with their hands!42‘So thereafter, God handed them over to bow before the [stars] in the skies, just as it’s written in the Book of the Prophets:‘It wasn’t to Me that you offered victims and sacrifices for 40 years in the desert, was it, O house of IsraEl?43‘Rather, you took up with the images that you made for worship in the tent of Moloch, and with the star of the god Rephan. This is why I’m going to send you into exile beyond Babylon!’ [paraphrase of Amos 5:25-26]44‘However, back when our ancestors lived in the desert, they had the Tent of Proofs that [God] had ordered Moses to build using the pattern that he was shown.45‘And our ancestors who received it then brought it into this land that was once owned by the nations that God had pushed out ahead of them as they were coming here with JoShua… And it remained here until the time of David!46‘Then [David] found God’s favor, and he asked that [he might be allowed] to build a Temple for the God of Jacob… 47Although it was really Solomon who built the House for him. 48However, the Most High doesn’t really live in houses that are made by [human] hands, just as the Prophet foretold.49‘For Jehovah said:‘Since the heavens are My throne and the earth is My footstool;
What kind of House can you build for Me...
And in what sort of place should I rest,
50Since all of these things were made by My hands?’
[Isaiah 66:1-2a]51‘So now – you with the hardened necks and uncircumcised hearts and ears – you’ve become just like your ancestors, for you’re always resisting [God’s] Holy Breath!52‘Which of the Prophets weren’t persecuted by your ancestors?‘Yes, they even killed the Prophets who foretold the coming of the Righteous One… And now you’ve become the betrayers and murderers of him also!53‘So although you were the ones who received the Law that was brought to us by the messengers [of God], you haven’t kept it!’54Well when they heard this, they were really cut down and they were grinding their teeth at him! 55But as he was being filled with Holy Breath, he stared into the sky and saw the Glory of God with Jesus standing at His right hand!56So he said:‘Look! I see the sky opening up!‘And there’s the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’57Then when he said this, they all started shouting as loudly as they could and putting their hands over their ears. Then they ran up to him and grabbed him, 58and they dragged him outside of the city, where they started stoning him!(Well at the time, those who came to watch started laying their coats at the feet of a young man called Saul.)59Then Stephen said this as they were stoning him:‘Lord Jesus,‘Take my breath.’60And he fell to his knees and shouted loudly:‘Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!’And with that, he fell asleep [in death].
1Well at the time, Saul actually approved of murdering him.On that same day, a tremendous amount of persecution started to be directed towards the congregation in JeruSalem; so everyone (except the Apostles) was scattered throughout the area of Judea and Samaria. 2However, some devoted men [took the time to] carry Stephen’s [body] out to be buried, and they wept bitterly over him.3[It was then that] Saul started wiping out the congregation [in JeruSalem]. He invaded one house after another, dragging out both the men and the women and sending them to jail.4Meanwhile, those who’d been scattered around just kept on preaching the good news of the word wherever they went.5[For example,] Philip had gone to a city in Samaria, where he preached to the people about the Anointed One, 6and large crowds were paying attention to the things that he was saying… They listened to him closely and watched the signs that he performed. 7Many who were present had been bothered by unclean spirits who shouted loudly as they came out, and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured.8As a result, there was a lot of joy in that city.9There was also a man there named Simon, who used to practice magic. He had amazed the people of Samaria and he called himself ‘[Simon] the Great.’ 10Why, everyone from the common people to the most powerful paid attention to him and said:‘This man who calls himself ‘The Great’ has the Power of God!’11So they followed him for a long time, because they were dazzled by his magic.12However, when Philip came preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God and about the name of Jesus the Anointed One, they started believing him; and as a result, many men and women got immersed. 13In fact, even Simon became a believer!Then after he was immersed, he stayed close to Philip and was amazed as he watched the signs and great powers.14Well, after the Apostles in JeruSalem heard that Samaria was starting to accept the word of God, they sent Peter and John there, 15and they prayed for [the believers] to receive Holy Breath, 16since it hadn’t come to any of them yet – even though they’d been immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus.17But when [Peter and John] laid their hands on them, they each started receiving Holy Breath. 18And when Simon saw that the Apostles could give the Breath by just touching people, he offered them money, saying:19‘Give me the power so that anyone I lay my hands on can receive Holy Breath!’20But Peter said:‘May your silver be destroyed along with you!‘Since you think that you can buy the gift that God gives freely, 21you aren’t going to have any part in this, nor will you share in it… For God sees that your heart is crooked!22‘So now, turn away from your badness and beg the Lord to forgive you for these thoughts that you have in your heart, 23because I see bitterness, hatred, and an unrighteous alliance in you.’24Then Simon said:‘Please beg the Lord on my behalf, so that none of the things that you said will happen to me!’25Well, after they’d given everyone who was there a thorough testimony, and spoke to them about the things that the Lord had told them, [the Apostles] returned to JeruSalem. But because of what they’d done, many other Samaritan villages also heard of the good news.26Then Jehovah’s messenger spoke to Philip and told him:‘Now, get up and go south to the road that runs through the desert from JeruSalem to Gaza.’27And when he got there, {Look!} he found an Ethiopian man who held the office of Eunuch of the Treasury under the Kandake, the Queen of the Ethiopians [possibly Amanitore], who had gone to JeruSalem to worship.28While the man was [on his way back home], he was sitting in his chariot reading aloud from the Prophet IsaiAh.29So the Breath [of God] then told Philip:‘Go and catch up with his chariot.’30So Philip started running alongside him.Then when he heard the man reading from the Prophet IsaiAh aloud, he asked him:‘Do you really understand what you’re reading?’31But [the eunuch] replied:‘How could I, unless I had someone to explain it to me?’So at that, he begged Philip to climb aboard and sit with him.32Well, the particular scripture he was reading at the time was this:‘He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb that is quiet before shearers,
He didn’t open his mouth…
33Then he was shamed and his justice was denied.
So who’ll tell the details to his generation
After his life is removed from the land?’
[a differently translated version of Isaiah 53:7-8a]34Then the Eunuch asked Philip:‘Just who was the Prophet saying this about? Was he talking about himself or someone else?’35So Philip proceeded to explain this scripture, telling him the good news about Jesus.36Now, as they were traveling along the road, they happened to be passing by some water. So the eunuch said to him:‘Look… Here’s some water! What’s to prevent me from getting immersed?’37And Philip said: ‘If you believe it with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said: ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ [spurious text]38So he commanded the chariot [driver] to stop, and then Philip took the eunuch down to the water and immersed him.39Well, after they came up out of the water, the Spirit of Jehovah then sent Philip quickly away, so the eunuch didn’t see him anymore… However he continued on his way rejoicing.40Meanwhile, Philip found that he was in AshDod. So he traveled on throughout that area, preaching the good news in all the cities, until he got to Caesarea.
1Well at the time, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the Lord’s disciples.So he went to the High Priest 2and asked him to write letters that he could carry to the synagogues in Damascus that would empower him to arrest anyone he found who belonged to The Way (both men and women) and to bring them back to JeruSalem in chains.3But as he was getting close to Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed all around him 4and he fell to the ground!Then he heard a voice say:‘Saul, Saul... Why are you persecuting me?’5And he asked:‘Who are you Lord?’Then he heard:‘I’m Jesus, the one you’re persecuting.’‘It’s hard for you to kick against the cattle prods.’6And he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what would you have me do?’ And the Lord said to him: [spurious, copied from Acts 22:10 and Acts 26:14]‘Now, get up and enter the city, and there you’ll be told what to do.’7Well, as this was happening, the men who were traveling with him were speechless, because they heard the sound of a voice, but they couldn’t see anyone!8And when Saul got up off the ground, although his eyes were open, he couldn’t see. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus, 9where he remained blind for the next three days… And he wouldn’t eat or drink anything at all.10Meanwhile, there was a disciple named AnaNias in Damascus; and in a vision, the Lord called out to him saying:‘AnaNias!’And he replied:‘Here I am Lord!’11Then the Lord said:‘Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street, and ask for a man called Saul of Tarsus. Look… He’s praying [right now]!12For in a vision he’s seen a man named AnaNias who will come and lay his hands on him so he can start seeing again.’13However, AnaNias [objected], saying:‘Lord, I’ve heard about this man from many people, and they’ve told me about all the bad things that he did to your Holy Ones in JeruSalem!14‘He’s even been empowered by the Chief Priests to lock up everyone who calls on your name!’15But the Lord said to him:‘Go on, because this man is the one I’ve chosen to carry my name before nations, kings, and the sons of IsraEl. 16I’ll also make sure that he understands all the things that he’ll have to suffer on account of my name.’17So AnaNias went over to the house and went inside, and then he laid his hands on him and said:‘Saul, Brother,‘The Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me to restore your sight and to fill you with Holy Breath.’18Well at that, what looked like scales immediately fell from [Paul’s] eyes and he started to see!Then he got up and was immersed [in water], 19after which he started eating again and regaining his strength.So after that, he spent several days there in Damascus with the disciples. 20And he immediately started preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of The God.21However, all those who heard him were shocked, and asked:‘Isn’t this the man who once ravaged those calling on this name in JeruSalem? And didn’t he come here for that same reason, to carry them back in chains to the Chief Priests?’22But Saul’s powers kept on growing and he really confused the Jews who lived in Damascus, because he gave them logical proofs that [Jesus] is the Anointed One. 23So after several days, the Jews finally met to discuss ways to get rid of him.24However, Saul learned about their plot against him, and because they were watching the city gates closely both day and night in order to arrest him, 25his disciples came to him one night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.26Well, when he got back to JeruSalem, he then tried to join with the rest of the disciples. However they were all afraid of him, because they didn’t really believe that he was a disciple!27But BarNabas finally came to his aid… He took [Saul] to the Apostles and explained to them what had happened to him on the road… Of how he’d seen the Lord and spoken to him, and of how he’d been boldly teaching in the name of Jesus while he was in Damascus.28So thereafter, [Saul] stayed with [the brothers], as he entered and left JeruSalem, preaching in the name of the Lord.29He also talked and argued a lot with the Greek-speaking Jews – but then they also attempted to do away with him. 30So when the brothers learned about their [plot], they took Paul to Caesarea and sent him on from there to Tarsus.31Well for some time thereafter, there was a period of peace for the congregations in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. So [the brothers] kept on walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Breath, as they were growing [in numbers].32Meanwhile, as Peter was traveling around, he finally reached the Holy Ones who lived in LydDa.33And there he found a man named AiNean who had spent 8 years lying flat on his back on a cot, paralyzed. 34So Peter said to him:‘AiNean,‘Jesus the Anointed One heals you.‘So now, get up and make your bed!’And at that he immediately got up!35Then when those who lived in LydDa and the area of ShaRon saw [what had happened to] this man, many started turning to the Lord.36Well in JopPa, there happened to be a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas [in Greek]), who was well-known for the good things she was doing and for helping others when they were in need.37However, one day she got sick and died. So they washed her body and laid her in an upstairs room.38Now, LydDa was fairly close to JopPa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him to beg him to please hurry up and come to them.39Therefore, Peter got up and went with them.Well when he got [to JopPa], they took him upstairs to the room [where she was laid]. And there, all the widows came to him crying and showing him the many pieces of clothing that Dorcas had made for them while she was with them.40So after sending everyone outside, Peter got down on his knees and prayed.Then he turned towards the body and said:‘Tabitha,‘Stand again!’And at that, she opened her eyes… And when she saw Peter, she sat up!41So he gave her his hand and stood her [on her feet]... Then he called the Holy Ones and widows in and presented her to them alive. 42And before long, this event became so well known throughout JopPa that many started believing in the Lord.43And thereafter, [Peter] stayed in JopPa for several days, [in the home of] Simon the Tanner.
1In Caesarea there happened to be a man named Cornelius (he was a centurion of the Italian Division) 2who was a devout man. He and his family feared God, praying to Him often, and they regularly helped those who were in need.3Well, it was about the 9th hour of the day [9am in the Roman time system, or 3pm in the Jewish] when he clearly saw a messenger from God who came to him in a vision and called out:‘Cornelius!’4So he stared at [the messenger] in fright and asked:‘What do you want, Lord?’And he answered:‘Your prayers and kind gifts have arisen and have been remembered before God.5‘So now, send some men to JopPa and call for a man named Simon, who’s also known as Peter. 6He’s a guest of Simon the Tanner, who has a house by the sea.’7Well, as soon as the messenger [from God] who spoke to him left, he called two of his house servants and a devout soldier who was staying with him, 8and he told them everything that had happened, then he sent them to JopPa.9And the next day (as they were on their way and getting close to the city), Peter had gone up on the roof (at about the 6th hour [6am in the Roman time system, or 12 noon in the Jewish]) to pray. 10He was also very hungry and he wanted to eat… But then he fell into a trance. 11And in [vision] he saw the sky opening and some sort of container (it looked like a huge linen sheet that was being held at its four corners) coming down to the ground. 12Well, inside of it there were all kinds of four-footed animals, things that crawl on the ground, and birds of the sky...13Then a voice came to him that said:‘Get up, Peter… Slaughter [the animals] and eat them!’14But Peter said:‘Not me Lord, because I’ve never eaten anything that’s dirty or unclean!’15And the voice [spoke] to him a second time, saying:‘Stop calling the things that God has made clean, dirty!’16Then he heard it say this two more times, and the container was then immediately taken back into the sky.17Now, Peter was confused about the meaning of this vision. However, the men who Cornelius had sent were already at Simon’s house, standing at the gate and asking for him… 18They were calling out and asking whether Simon (who’s also called Peter) was a guest there.19Now, as Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Breath [of God] said:‘Look! Three men are searching for you… 20So go downstairs and get ready to travel with them.‘Don’t worry, because I sent them.’21So then Peter went downstairs to the men and said:‘{Look!} I’m the one you’re searching for… Why are you here?’22And they replied:‘Cornelius, an army officer who’s a righteous and God-fearing man of whom the whole nation of the Jews speak well, was given Divine instructions by a holy messenger to ask you to come to his house, so he can hear what you have to say.’23Then [Peter] invited them in and offered them some hospitality.Then, the next day, he got up and went with them (along with some of the brothers from JopPa), 24arriving at Caesarea on the following day.Of course, Cornelius had been expecting them, and he’d called for all his relatives and closest friends. 25Then as Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet, bowing low.26But Peter lifted him up, saying:‘Get up! I’m just a man!’27Well, as they were talking, Paul walked inside... And there he found many people already assembled.28So he said to them:‘You know very well how illegal it is for a Jew to associate with or to even approach people of another race.‘Yet, God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man dirty or unclean.29‘Therefore, when I was called for, I came without any objections. But now, let me ask: Why have you sent for me?’30Then Cornelius told him:‘Exactly 4 days ago, I was praying here in my house during the 9th hour [9am in the Roman time system, 3pm in the Jewish], when {Look!} a man in bright clothes came and stood in front of me and said:31‘Cornelius,‘Your prayers have been heard and your kind gifts have been remembered before God.32‘So, send to JopPa and ask for Simon, who’s also called Peter. He’s staying by the sea in the house of Simon the Tanner.’33‘Well, I then sent for you right away… And it’s good that you came. For now we’re all assembled here before God to listen to everything that the Lord has commanded you to say.’34And Peter said:‘I can see for a fact that God is impartial! 35For He accepts any man who fears Him and does righteous things, no matter what nation he’s from!36‘So He’s sending word to the Sons of IsraEl that they must announce the good news of peace through Jesus the Anointed One to [the gentiles] also, for he’s really the Lord over all!37‘I can also see that you’ve already come to know about this thing that’s being proclaimed throughout all of Judea, which started in Galilee after John came preaching about [the need] to get immersed.38‘For after that, God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with Holy Breath and power, and he traveled throughout the land doing good things and healing all those who were oppressed by the Slanderer.‘Yes, God was with him… 39And we’re eye-witnesses to everything that he did in the region of Judea and in JeruSalem!‘But then they murdered him by hanging him on a tree. 40Yet God raised this one on the third day and allowed him to be seen… 41But not by everyone, just to witnesses whom God had selected ahead of time [from among] us. For he appeared to us, and we ate and drank with him after he was resurrected from the dead.42‘Then he ordered us to preach to the people and to testify that he’s the one who was chosen by The God to judge the living and the dead, 43and that he’s the one all the Prophets had testified about, [where they foretold] that everyone who put faith in him will have their sins forgiven through this name!’44Well, as Peter was still talking about this, the Holy Breath came over everyone who was listening to what he said! 45And the faithful ones who were there with Peter (all of whom were circumcised) were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Breath was now being poured out on gentiles… 46For they heard them speaking and glorifying God in different languages!Then Peter asked:47‘Can anyone forbid water to immerse these who have received the Holy Breath the same as we have?’48So he commanded that they should be immersed in the name of Jesus the Anointed One.And afterward, they asked him to stay with them for several days.
1Soon thereafter, the Apostles and other brothers in Judea heard that gentiles were also accepting the word of God. 2So when Peter returned to JeruSalem, the circumcised started arguing with him, 3complaining that he’d gone into the house of uncircumcised men and had eaten with them.4So Peter explained it this way:5‘While I was in the city of JopPa, I was praying. And in a trance, I saw a vision of some sort of container coming down from the sky that looked like a huge linen sheet being held by its four corners… It was very clear to me!6‘And as I stared at it, I saw four-footed creatures of the ground, wild animals, things that crawl, and birds of the sky.7‘Then I heard a voice say to me:‘Get up Peter; slaughter [the animals] and eat them!’8‘But I said:‘Not me Lord, because I’ve never eaten anything that’s dirty and unclean.’9‘Then the voice came from the sky a second time, and it told me:‘Stop calling things that God has made clean, dirty.’10‘Well, this happened a third time, and thereafter, everything was pulled back up into the sky.11‘Then {Look!} at that very moment, there were three men standing outside of the house who had been sent from Caesarea to find me. 12And the Spirit told me to go with them and not to doubt.‘So, these six brothers here also went with me, and we all entered the man’s house together!13‘[Well, when we got there, the man] told us how he’d seen a messenger [from God] standing in his house, who told him this:‘Send your men to JopPa and ask for Simon who’s called Peter. 14He will tell you what you must do, so that you and your household can get saved.’15‘But after I started speaking to them, the Holy Breath fell upon all of them, the same as it did upon us long ago. 16And then I remembered that the Lord used to say:‘John immersed in water, but you’ll be immersed in Holy Breath.’17‘So if God gave them the same gifts that he gave to those of us who have believed in the Lord Jesus the Anointed; who am I that I should be strong enough to resist God?’18Well after they heard this, they all quieted down and started glorifying God, saying:‘So then, God has also given gentiles the opportunity for repentance into life!’19Now, those who had been scattered because of the problems that arose over Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and AntiOch; and until then, they’d only been spreading the word among the Jews.20However, some Cypriots and Cyrenians that went to AntiOch started talking to the Greek-speaking [Gentile] peoples, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus to them. 21Jehovah’s hand was certainly with them, because many started believing and turned to the Lord.22So when news about this reached the ears of the congregation in JeruSalem, they sent BarNabas to AntiOch, 23and when he got there and saw the loving-care that God had shown for these people, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to whole-heartedly stick with the Lord!24([BarNabas] is a good man who’s filled with Holy Spirit and faith).So, many were thereafter added to the Lord.25Well from there, [BarNabas] went on to Tarsus to find Saul.26And when he found him, he brought him back to AntiOch, where they stayed with that congregation for a year and taught many people (it was in AntiOch that the disciples were by Divine providence, first called Christians).27At the time, [brothers with the gift of] prophesying had traveled to AntiOch from JeruSalem. 28And one of them named Agabus stood up and told them (through the Breath [of God]) that a great famine was about to come upon the whole habitation [of mankind] – which did in fact happen during the time of [the Roman Emperor] Claudius [c. 45 CE].29So the disciples there decided that each of them would collect relief supplies for the brothers who lived in Judea (as each one could afford to) 30and send them back to the elders there through BarNabas and Saul.
1This all happened about the same time that King Herod had started persecuting many of those in the congregation [at JeruSalem]; 2for he did away with James (John’s brother) with a sword.3And when he saw how much this pleased the Jews, during the celebration of No Fermentation, he also arrested Peter 4and threw him in jail, assigning four shifts of four soldiers to guard him, because he planned to put him on [trial] before the people after the Passover.5Well while Peter was in jail, the congregation prayed to God intensely on his behalf.6And on the night before Herod planned to produce him, he had Peter bound with two chains, he forced him to sleep between two soldiers, and guards were posted at all the doors.7But then, {Look!} Jehovah’s messenger appeared and he lit up the whole cell!Then he tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying:‘Get up… Now!’And at that, the chains just fell off his hands!8Then the messenger said to him:‘Get dressed and tie on your sandals.’...which Peter did.Then [the messenger] told him:‘Now, wrap yourself up in your robe and follow me!’9So [Peter] left, following [the messenger]...However, he wasn’t really sure of what was happening, because, although [he knew that] the messenger was real, he also thought that he was just seeing a vision.10Well, they walked past the first guard, then the second, and when they got to the iron gate that leads into the city, it opened by itself!Then, after they got out and started down a street, the messenger suddenly left him. 11And at that, Peter finally came to his senses and he said:‘Now I really know that Jehovah sent his messenger and saved me from the hands of Herod and from everything that the Jews had planned to do [to me].’12Then, after [taking a moment] to collect himself, from there he went to the house of Mary the mother of John (who was called Mark), where several had gathered to pray. 13Now, when he knocked at the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came. 14Then when she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so excited that she failed to open the gate… She just ran inside and told everyone that Peter was standing outside.15Well, everyone there said that she had to be crazy, but she kept insisting.So they said:‘Perhaps it’s [just] his messenger.’16Meanwhile, Peter was still just standing outside [the gate] and knocking.Then when they opened [the gate] and saw that it really was [Peter], everyone was astonished! 17But he motioned with his hand for them to be quiet, and he told them exactly how the Lord had freed him from the jail.Then he said:‘Tell James and the other brothers what has happened.’And with that, he left and traveled on to another place.18Needless to say, the next day there was quite a stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter! 19Herod had them search for him, and when they couldn’t find him, he interrogated the guards and gave orders to have them arrested.However, [Peter] had left Judea and traveled to Caesarea, where he spent quite a bit of time after that.20Well, back then, [Herod] had become extremely angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. And as a result, [people from there] went to the Royal Eunuch Blastus to convince him to ask [Herod] for peace, since [Herod] had been supplying their country with food [during the famine, c. 45 CE].21Then there came a day when Herod dressed himself up in his royal clothes and he sat down on his judgment seat to give a public lecture. 22But at that, the crowd that was assembled started shouting:‘It’s a god’s voice, not a man’s!’23And instantly, a messenger of Jehovah struck him, because he didn’t give glory to God; so he became eaten up with worms and stopped breathing.24Meanwhile, during this entire period, the word of the Lord kept on growing and spreading.25As for BarNabas and Saul, after they’d finished delivering relief supplies to JeruSalem, they returned [to AntiOch]. And this time they took John (the one called Mark) along with them.
1There were several Prophets and teachers in the congregation at AntiOch. These included BarNabas, SymeOn (who was called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Mnaen (who had gone to school with Herod, the district ruler) and Saul.2And it was while they were serving the Lord and fasting that the Holy Breath said to them:‘You must appoint BarNabas and Saul to do the work I’ve called them for.’3So thereafter, [the brothers] fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them and sent them on. 4Well, the Holy Breath first sent these men to Seleucia, then they sailed to Cyprus.5And when they arrived at the city of Salamis [in Cyprus], they started preaching the word of God in the Jewish synagogues there, along with John (Mark) who had come along to help them.6Then from there, they traveled across the whole island to Paphos, where they met up with a Jew named BarJesus, who was a sorcerer and a false prophet.7He happened to be with the Island’s governor at the time (an intelligent man named Sergius Paulus), who had summoned BarNabas and Saul, because he really wanted to hear the word of God. 8But the sorcerer ElyMas (that’s how his name is pronounced [in Aramaic]) opposed them and tried to keep the governor from becoming interested in the faith.9Then Saul (who’s also called Paul) became filled with Holy Breath, and he looked at the man very hard and said:10‘O you unethical and deceitful person!‘You son of the Slanderer and enemy of everything that’s righteous!‘When will you stop twisting the straight ways of the Lord?11‘Now look! Jehovah’s hand has touched you so that you’ll be blind and unable to even see the sun for a while!’And at that, [the man’s eyes] started to cloud over and grow dim, so he had to search for someone to lead him by the hand.12Well, when the governor saw this, he was shocked and he started believing in the Lord’s teachings.13From there, Paul and the men who were with him sailed from Paphos to [the mainland city of] Perga in PamPhylia. However, John [Mark] left them at this point and he returned to JeruSalem.14Then from Perga, they traveled on to AntiOch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath, they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15Then, after a reading of the Law and the Prophets, the presiding officers of the synagogue called them forward saying:‘Men… Brothers… If you have anything encouraging to tell the people, say it!’16So Paul got up, and with a sweeping gesture, he said:‘Men, IsraElites, and all of you who fear God, listen!17‘The God of the people of IsraEl chose our ancestors, and when they were visitors in the land of Egypt, He elevated them… He raised His arm and brought them out of there.18‘But after that, He [had to] put up with their bad manners in the desert for 40 years. 19Then, after destroying seven nations in the land of CanaAn, He gave them each an inheritance of land… 20And all of this happened in a period of 450 years.‘Thereafter, He gave them the judges until the time of the Prophet SamuEl… 21For that’s when they asked for a king.‘So then God gave them Saul, son of Kish (a man from the tribe of BenJamin), who ruled over them for the next 40 years.22‘Then after He removed him, He promoted David to be their king; for God gave this testimony about him:‘I’ve found David...’ [Psalm 89:20] (son of JesSe),‘A man after My own heart, who’ll do as I wish.’ [paraphrasing 1 Samuel 13:14]23‘And it was from [this man’s] offspring, according to the promise, that God brought a Savior to IsraEl named Jesus.24‘Now, John [the Immerser] preached publicly about an immersion of repentance to all the people of IsraEl before [Jesus] arrived. 25And as John was finishing the ‘race’ that he was to run, he asked [the people]:‘Whom do you think that I am? I’m not really the one!‘Rather, {Look!} someone is coming behind me whose shoelaces I’m unworthy to untie!’26‘So, men… Brothers… You sons of the race of AbraHam and all among you who fear God: These words of salvation were sent to us! 27However, the people who lived in JeruSalem and their rulers didn’t recognize this man [about whom John spoke].‘And when they were acting as his judges, they fulfilled the things that the Prophets said… The things that are read aloud [here] on each Sabbath! 28For although Pilate couldn’t find any reason for putting this man to death, the people demanded that he should have him executed!29‘Well, after they’d finished doing everything that was written would happen to [this man], they took his body down from the tree and laid it in a tomb.30‘However, God then raised him from the dead!31‘And for several days thereafter, those [of us] who’d traveled with him from Galilee to JeruSalem, saw him again!‘So we’re now his witnesses to the people. 32And here we are, announcing the good news to you about the promise that God made to our forefathers, 33and which He’s now completely fulfilled upon their children… Upon us!‘For He resurrected this Jesus, just as it was written in the second Psalm:‘You are My son,
And today I am your Father!’
[Psalm 2:7]34‘Yes, He resurrected him from the dead so that [his body] wouldn’t see corruption.‘For He had said to him:‘I’ll give you the sacred, trusted things of [King] David.’ [last line of Isaiah 55:3]35‘And He said in another place:‘You won’t allow your Holy one to see corruption.’ [paraphrase or different translation of Psalm 49:9]36‘Yet when David, who served his people well and followed God’s instructions, fell asleep [in death], he was buried with his ancestors, and [his body] did see corruption.37‘However, this one who was raised by God didn’t see corruption!38‘Understand this, men and brothers:‘We’re declaring to you that your sins can now be forgiven through him. 39Yes, all the wrong things that the Law of Moses couldn’t excuse you from, can now be excused for you by this one – if you’ll believe [in him]!40‘Just make sure that [this thing] which was said by the Prophet doesn’t happen to you, when he said:41‘Behold, O you who show scorn;
Yes, be amazed, and then perish!
For there’s a work that I’ll do in your days,
Which you could never believe
Should someone declare it to you!’
[slightly paraphrased Habakkuk 1:5]42Well, while the Jews everyone was leaving the Synagogue, the Gentiles [spurious words], many of the people begged them to explain more about this on the next Sabbath.43And after the meeting at the synagogue was concluded, several of the Jews and proselytes started following Paul and BarNabas, who urged them to stick closely to God’s favor.44Then on the next Sabbath, most of the city had assembled there to hear the word of God. 45And when the Judeans saw all these people, they became extremely jealous and started contradicting the things that Paul was saying in blasphemous ways.46However, Paul and BarNabas just kept on speaking out boldly. And they told them:‘We were told that we had to speak the word of God to you first. But since you’re just pushing it away and you don’t judge yourselves to be worthy of age-long life, {Look!} we’ll now be turning to the gentiles!47‘In fact, Jehovah commanded us to do this when He said:‘I’ll make you a light to the nations…
To bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’
[last two lines of Isaiah 49:6]48Well, when the gentiles in the crowd heard this, they started rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord!And at that, everyone who was inclined to accept age-long life became believers, 49and the word of the Lord was thereafter spread throughout that whole country.50However, the Judeans who were there incited many of the city’s elite (the devout women and the leading men), and they sent people against Paul and BarNabas who threw them out of the city.51So they just shook the dust off their feet against them, and traveled on to Iconium.52However, the disciples [back in AntiOch] continued to be filled with joy and Holy Breath.
1Then the same thing happened in Iconium.[Paul and BarNabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together to speak, and a large number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.2However, the Jews who wouldn’t accept what they said riled up the gentiles and influenced them to act badly towards the brothers. 3Nevertheless, [Paul, and BarNabas] spent a lot of time boldly telling them about the Lord. And [the Lord] himself testified to the fact that his favor was being shown by allowing these men to perform many signs and omens.4Well, the whole city was thereafter split… Some were for the Jews and others for the Apostles. 5Then some of the Jews and gentiles met with the local rulers, who arranged to finish them off by having them stoned!6And when [Paul and BarNabas] learned about this plot, they got out of there and traveled to the cities and countryside around Lystra and Derbe in LycaOnias, 7where they continued to preach the good news.8Well in Lystra, they noticed a man who was sitting there because he had something wrong with his feet. In fact, he hadn’t walked at all since he was born.9This man was listening to Paul at the time; and when [Paul] looked at him and realized that he had enough faith to be healed, 10he shouted:‘Stand up on your feet!’And at this, [the man] jumped up and started walking around!11Well when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted (in the LycaOnian language):‘The gods have turned themselves into men and come down to us!’12Then they started calling BarNabas, ‘Zeus,’ and Paul, ‘Hermes’ (since he was the one who took the lead in speaking), 13and the city’s Priest of Zeus brought bulls and garlands up to the gates so that he and the crowd could offer sacrifices [to them].14However, when the Apostles BarNabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and jumped into the crowd, shouting and asking:15‘Why are you doing this?‘We’re just humans who have the same problems as you; and the reason why we’re here preaching the good news to you is to turn you away from this foolishness and towards the living God who made the skies, the lands, the seas, and everything in them!16‘For although He’s allowed the gentiles to go their own way for generations, 17He didn’t leave Himself without witnesses.‘And He did good things for you by giving you rain from the sky and good harvests, and He filled your hearts with food and happiness!’18Yet despite everything they said, they had a hard time keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.19But then some Jews arrived from AntiOch and Iconium, and they convinced the crowd that they should stone Paul. So after they did that, they dragged him outside of the city and left him for dead.20However, after the disciples gathered around him, he got up and walked back into the city.Then the next day, he and BarNabas left for Derbe, 21where they preached the good news in that city, making quite a few disciples.After that, they returned to Lystra in Iconium and to AntiOch 22so as to strengthen the disciples there.They encouraged them to remain strong in the faith, saying:‘We’ll all have to endure many trials if we wish to enter the Kingdom of God.’23They also appointed elders in each of the congregations. Then, with prayer and fasting, they entrusted them into the hands of [the God in whom] they’d come to believe.24Well from there, they traveled through Pisidia to PamPhylia. 25And after teaching the word in Perga, they went on to AtTalia.26Thereafter, they sailed back to AntiOch, where by God’s kindness they’d first been entrusted with the work that they were performing so well.27And when they arrived, they gathered the congregation and told them everything that God had done through them, and of how He’d opened the door of faith to the gentiles. 28Then they spent quite some time there in AntiOch with the disciples.
1However, some men then came down from Judea and started teaching the brothers that if they didn’t get circumcised following the custom of Moses, they couldn’t be saved. 2However, Paul and BarNabas opposed them and argued with them.So they arranged for Paul, BarNabas, and some others who were there to go to the Apostles and elders in JeruSalem to ask [their opinion] on the matter. 3And at that, the congregation sent them off.Well, as they were traveling through Phoenicia and Samaria, they stopped and spoke [to the congregations] along the way about the conversion of gentiles, which brought great joy among all the brothers.4Then when they got to JeruSalem, they were welcomed by the congregation (which included the Apostles and the elders), and they told them about all the things that God had been accomplishing through them.5However, some of those who were believers from the sect of the Pharisees then stood up and said:‘We must circumcise those people and order them to obey the Laws of Moses!’6So thereafter, the Apostles and the elders held a meeting to discuss this matter.7And after a lot of wrangling, Peter then stood up and said:‘Men… Brothers… You know how long it’s been since God chose to have gentiles hear the word of the Good News and believe through my mouth, 8and of how God (who knows the heart) testified about them by giving them the Holy Breath – just as He did to us.9‘So as you can see, He didn’t create a difference between us. And since He’s also purified their hearts in the faith... 10Why are you testing God by putting this yoke on the neck of the disciples? [The same one] that we and our fathers couldn’t carry?11‘For we believe that they’ve been saved just the same as we have – through the loving care of our Lord Jesus!’12Well at that, the group became silent, and they listened to BarNabas and Paul tell about the many signs and omens that God had used them to perform among the gentiles.13Then after they’d finished speaking, James said:‘Men… Brothers… Hear me!14‘It was Simon who explained to us how for the first time, God has [chosen] to take a people for His Name from among the gentiles.15‘And the words of the Prophet [Amos] agree with this, for it is written:16‘In that day,
I’ll rebuild the tent of David that has fallen…
I’ll rebuild it and make it stand once again.17‘Then those who remain of the gentiles
May inquire of those who have called on My Name.’
[Amos 9:11-12]‘Jehovah, the one doing all these things, said this 18because He’s known about these things throughout the ages!19‘Therefore, I’ve decided not to create problems for the gentiles who are turning to God. 20Rather, I’ll send word to them to stay free from things polluted by idols, from immorality, from whatever is strangled, and from blood... 21Because [these Laws of] Moses are preached in every city, and read in the synagogues on every Sabbath, and have been for generations!’22Well after that, the Apostles, elders, and the whole congregation was unanimously in favor of sending men whom they’d selected from among themselves back to AntiOch.So among those who traveled there with Paul and BarNabas were Judas (who was called BarSabbas) and Silas… Leading men from among the brothers.23And this is what was written by their hands:‘[From] the Apostles and the older brothers, to those gentile brothers in AntiOch, Syria, and Kilikia:‘Rejoice!24‘We’ve heard that there were some, who came from us, who’ve been stirring things up there with speeches... And they’ve urged you to make changes in your lives (although we really didn’t tell them to do this).25‘Therefore, we’ve unanimously decided to choose men to send to you along with our beloved BarNabas and Paul… 26These men who’ve been willing to give their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One. 27And now Judas and Silas can further explain these things to you.28‘For through the Holy Breath, it’s become clear to us that we shouldn’t put any burdens on you other than these necessary things:29‘Stay away from:• Things that are sacrificed to idols,
• From blood,
• From the strangled,
• And from sexual immorality.‘If you stay away from these things, you’ll do well. Good health to you!’30So when these men whom they’d sent arrived in AntiOch, they assembled the congregation and presented them with the letter. 31And after reading it, [the brothers in AntiOch] were very happy over the encouragement that the letter conveyed.32Then Judas and Silas (since they were also Prophets) gave instructions to the brothers with many speeches to strengthen them.33And after some time had passed, [the congregation] allowed them to return to those who’d sent them with that message of peace. 34However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. [spurious text] 35However, Paul and BarNabas stayed on in AntiOch for a while (along with many others), teaching and preaching the good news of the word of the Lord.36Then after many days, Paul said to BarNabas:‘Now that these matters have been settled, let’s go back and visit the brothers in all those cities where we’ve preached the word, to see how they’re doing.’37However, BarNabas wanted to bring John (who was called Mark) along with them. 38But because Paul didn’t think he was worthy, he didn’t want to take him, since he’d departed from them at PamPhylia and he hadn’t continued in the work.39So there was quite an argument over this, which resulted in each man going his own way. Therefore, BarNabas took Mark and they sailed off to Cyprus, 40while Paul chose Silas.Then after sharing the joy of the Lord with the brothers there, [Paul] traveled on, 41going through Syria and Kilikia, strengthening the congregations in those places.
1Well, [Paul] got as far as Derbe, and then he continued on to Lystra.{Look!} There he found a disciple named Timothy, who was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.2The brothers in Lystra and Iconium had many good things to say about him, 3and Paul wanted to take this man along with him. So he went and circumcised him… He did this because of the many Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was Greek.4Well, as they traveled through the cities, they taught the decisions of the Apostles and elders in JeruSalem, and urged the brothers to obey them. 5So the congregations kept getting stronger in the faith and growing day after day.6From there they traveled through Phrygia and the country of Galatia.However, the Holy Breath [of God] wouldn’t allow them to teach the word in [the province of] Asia. 7And when they got down to Mysia, they tried to go on to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t allow them to do so. 8As a result, they passed Mysia and went on to Troas.9And there, during the night, Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man who was standing and begging him:‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’10Well, as soon as he saw this vision, we started out for Macedonia, assuming that God had called us to preach the good news to them.11So having been led from Troas, we set a straight course for Samothrace. Then the next day we traveled to NeaPolis, 12and from there on to Philippi (a [Roman] colony that’s one of the main cities in that part of Macedonia), where we spent several days.13And on the Sabbath we went to the riverbank outside of the city gate where we thought that we would find a place to pray, then we sat down and started talking to the women who’d assembled there.14Well, a woman named Lydia from ThyaTira (an importer of purple [cloth]) who was a worshiper of The God, was listening... And the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to the things that Paul was saying.15Then as she and her household were being immersed, she begged:‘If you men have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my house!’And she kept urging us to come.16Then sometime later, as we were going somewhere to pray, a servant girl with a divining spirit came and met us. Her masters used her to make predictions, which earned a tidy profit for them.17She kept following Paul and the rest of us, shouting:‘These men are slaves of the Most High God and they’re preaching to you about the way of salvation!’18Well, after she’d done this for several days, Paul finally got tired of it... So he turned and said to the spirit:‘I order you to come out of her in the name of Jesus the Anointed One!’...And it came right out.19But when her masters saw that they’d just lost their hope of any income [from her], they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the rulers in the marketplace.20They brought them before the judges and said:‘These men are Jews who are creating a disturbance in our city; 21and they’re preaching customs that are illegal for us as Romans to either accept or to practice!’22Well, the entire crowd arose against them.So the judges, having [ordered that] their clothes be stripped off, commanded that they should be beaten with rods.23Then after they’d received many blows, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them safe. 24And since [the jailer] had received such an order, he took them into the innermost dungeon and put their feet in stocks.25However, during the middle of the night, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing sacred hymns (within earshot of the rest of the prisoners there), 26a great earthquake occurred that shook the jail to its foundation… And this immediately opened all the doors and loosened all the chains!27Then when the jailer woke up and saw the cell doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought the prisoners had escaped.28But Paul called out loudly:‘Don’t harm yourself… We’re all still here!’29So [the jailer] asked for lamps to be brought in... And shaking in fear, he jumped in and fell down before Paul and Silas.30Then he brought them outside and asked:‘Lords,‘What must I do so that I might get saved?’31And they replied:‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and all in your house will be saved.’32Then they spoke to him and all those in his house about the word of the Lord.33So at that hour of the night, he went and washed their whip wounds; then he and his family were immediately immersed. 34And thereafter, he brought them into his home, sat them at the table, and he and his entire household started rejoicing over their coming to believe in The God.35Well the next morning, the magistrates sent officers who told him to release them.36And the jailer said to Paul:‘The magistrates have sent men to release you.‘So now that you’re free, you may go your own way in peace.’37But Paul said to him:‘Although we weren’t found guilty [of doing anything wrong], they had us publicly flogged and thrown in jail… And we are Romans!‘Are they now going to try to throw us out secretly?‘No, let them come down here and bring us out themselves!’38Well at that, the officers went back and reported what he had said to the judges, and they were frightened when they heard that the men were Romans! 39So they called for them and released them, then they asked them to leave their city.40So after they were released, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them before traveling on.
1From there they traveled through AmphiPolis and Apollonia to ThesSalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2And as it was Paul’s custom, he went inside and reasoned with [the Jews] from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths.3He opened [the scriptures] and proved that the Anointed One had to suffer and be resurrected from the dead.Then he said:‘This Jesus whom I’m preaching to you is that Anointed One!’4And as a result, some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a large number of devout Greeks, many women, and quite a few of the [city’s] leaders.5However, this made some of the Judeans very jealous, so they formed a mob… They assembled a group of wicked men who’d been hanging around in the market, and these created quite an uproar in the city. So they all went to Jason’s house and demanded to have [Paul and Silas] brought out. 6But when they didn’t find them there, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city council, shouting:‘Those men who are creating confusion throughout the whole world are here also… 7And Jason has even welcomed them into his home!‘Yet these people oppose the decrees of Caesar by saying that there’s another king… Someone called Jesus!’8Well when the councilmen heard the crowd saying this, they became quite agitated 9and they demanded a large bail from Jason and the others, before they’d release them.10Then that night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Berea.Well [upon arriving in Berea], they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11And there they found the people to be more noble-minded than those in ThesSalonica, because they eagerly welcomed the word and studied the Scriptures each day to make sure that the things [they were being told] were true.12So, many of them became believers, as did a number of the prominent Greek women and quite a few of the men.13However, when the Jews in ThesSalonica learned that Paul was also preaching the word of God in Berea, they traveled there to incite and agitate the crowds. 14As a result, the brothers immediately sent Paul off all the way to the sea…However, Silas and Timothy stayed behind. 15Then those who were taking Paul, brought him to Athens. And before they returned, he instructed them to send Silas and Timothy to him as soon as possible.16Well, while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he became disgusted to the core when he saw that the city was filled with idols. 17So he started reasoning with the Jews and other worshipers in the synagogue, as well as with anyone that happened to be in the markets each day.18Then some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers came to hear him, and they started asking each other:‘What’s this seed-picker trying to say?’And someone told them:‘He seems to be preaching a foreign demon.’[This was] because he was telling them the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.19So they grabbed him and took him up to the AeroPagus, where they asked him:‘Tell us; what’s this new thing that you’re preaching? 20For we’ve heard that you’ve brought some strange new ideas, and we want to know what they are!’21(It’s a fact that all Athenians and even foreigners that traveled there had nothing to do other than spend their leisure time telling something new or listening to something new).22So Paul stood up in the middle of the AeroPagus and said:‘Men of Athens,‘I see that you have a greater fear of the demons than do others.23‘And as I was going along and noticing all the things that you worship, I found an altar with the inscription: To an unknown God.‘So I’m here to preach to you about something that you don’t know, but already worship!24‘For this is the [same] God who made the cosmos and everything in it; and this Lord of the sky and the earth doesn’t live in handmade Temples, 25nor does He need human hands to take care of Him – or anything at all [for that matter] – because He gives life, breath, and everything else to each of us.26‘He’s the One who made all the nations of mankind that dwell on the face of the earth from just one man, and He’s the One who determines the times and the boundaries of [when and] where they’d live, 27so that we would each search for God and grope around to find Him… Although He really isn’t very far from any of us.28‘For it’s through Him that we have life, and move, and exist… Even as some of your own poets have said:‘We’re His offspring!’29‘Therefore, since we’re the offspring of God, we shouldn’t think of this Divine One as being like gold, silver, stone… Or like anything else that some man may have artistically sculpted!30‘Yet, God has overlooked such periods of ignorance, and now He’s telling all men everywhere to repent, 31because He’s set a day when He’s going to judge the entire habitation of mankind righteously by a man whom He’s appointed. And He’s also given each of us a reason to believe in this man by resurrecting him from the dead!’32Well when they heard [him mention] a resurrection of the dead, some started joking about it.But others said:‘We’ll listen to more about this at some other time!’33So at that, Paul left them.34However, some of the men started following him and became believers. This included Dionysius (a judge of the AeroPagus Supreme Court), a woman named Damaris, and several others.
1After that, he left Athens and traveled on to Corinth.2There he found a Judean from Pontus named Aquila who’d recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Emperor Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. So he went to see them, 3and because they shared the same trade (they all worked as tent makers), he stayed at their house.4He also spoke in the synagogue on every Sabbath and he kept reasoning with both the Jews and the Greeks.5Then after Silas and Timothy finally arrived from Macedonia, Paul really intensified his work of witnessing to the Jews and proving to them that Jesus is the Anointed One.6However, they just kept on opposing him and blaspheming... So he shook out his clothes and said:‘Your blood is now on your own heads… I’m clean of it!‘From now on, I’ll just be going to the gentiles.’7Then he left them and entered the home of a man named Titius Justus (a worshiper of God), whose house adjoined the synagogue. 8And later, Crispus (the synagogue’s presiding officer) became a believer in the Lord, as did his whole household… And many Corinthians that heard about it also became believers and were immersed.9Then one night, the Lord said this to Paul in a vision:‘Don’t be afraid; keep on preaching here and don’t stop, 10because I’m with you!‘Nobody will attack you or try to hurt you, since I have many people in this city.’11And as a result, Paul stayed there for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among them.12Well, it was while Gallio was governor of Achaea that the Jews got together and came against Paul. They took him to court and charged him, 13saying:‘This man is violating the Law by trying to convert people of other faiths to worshiping [his] God.’14But just as Paul was about to answer, Gallio said to them:‘O Jews,‘I’d be patient and put up with this if you were talking about [his doing] something wrong or committing some foul act...15‘But if all you want to do is complain about words, names, and your Law – take care of it yourselves! I don’t wish to be the judge of such matters!’16And with that, he threw them out of his court.17So then they dragged [Paul] before Sosthenes, the presiding officer of the synagogue. And right there in front of the Judgment Seat, they started beating him up!However, Gallio didn’t pay any attention to this.18Well, after staying there for several more days, Paul said goodbye to the brothers and sailed off for Syria, along with Priscilla and Aquila.Then [Paul] had his hair sheared while he was at Kenchrea, because of a vow that he’d made.19And when they arrived at Ephesus, he left [Priscilla and Aquila] and went into the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20But despite asking him to stay there for a while, he wouldn’t do it. 21He just said goodbye and told them:‘If it’s God’s will, I’ll be back.’So then he traveled from Ephesus 22to Caesarea, where he went up and greeted the congregation, and from there he traveled on to AntiOch.23And after staying [in AntiOch] for some time, he left and traveled throughout the areas of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples in those places.24Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos (a native of Alexandria) who was an excellent speaker and who knew the Scriptures very well, arrived at Ephesus.25He’d been taught the ways of the Lord, and he was aglow with the Breath [of God], so what he said and taught about Jesus was correct. However, he only knew about the immersion [practiced by] John.26Well, Priscilla and Aquila had been listening to him as he was boldly speaking in the synagogue, and then they took him under their wing and explained the ways of God to him more completely.27Then, since he was planning to travel to Achaea, the brothers wrote to the disciples there, telling them to welcome him. And when he got there, he provided assistance to all those who (through [God’s] loving care) became believers, 28as he publicly and very enthusiastically showed that the Jews were absolutely wrong by using the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Anointed One.
1From there, Paul traveled inland while Apollos stayed in Corinth. And when he got to Ephesus, he found some disciples 2and he asked them:‘Did you receive Holy Breath when you became believers?’And they answered:‘We’ve never even heard that there is Holy Breath.’3So he asked:‘Then, into what were you immersed?’And they replied:‘Into John’s [form of] immersion.’4So Paul told them this:‘When John immersed [people], it was an immersion [in symbol] of repentance. However, he told the people to believe in the one who was coming behind him… In Jesus.’5And after they heard this, they were all immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus.6Then after Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Breath came over them and they each started speaking in different languages and prophesying 7(there were about 12 men).8So after that, [Paul] went into the synagogue, where he spoke boldly… For the next three months he reasoned and talked persuasively about the Kingdom of God.9But when [he noted] that some were just becoming more difficult, refusing to believe and saying bad things about The Way in front of the crowds, he left them… He separated the [true] disciples from among them and started giving lectures in the School of Tyrannus each day, 10which went on for the next two years.So, everyone who lived in [the province of] Asia (both the Jews and the Greeks) eventually heard the word of the Lord Jesus. 11And [all the while], God kept demonstrating unusual powers through the hands of Paul.12For even the bandannas and aprons that he wore were carried to sick people, which caused their diseases to leave and wicked spirits to come out!13However, there were some traveling Judean exorcists that also started using the name of the Lord Jesus against wicked spirits, saying:‘I order you in the name of Jesus, the one whom Paul preaches …’14Well, Sceva (a Judean Chief Priest) had 7 sons that were doing this. 15However, one of the wicked spirits said to them:‘I know Jesus, and I’m familiar with Paul, but just who are you?’16And with that, the man who was possessed by a wicked spirit jumped on them, overpowered each one, and beat them up – so they had to run from the house naked and injured!17Well before long, everyone in Ephesus (both the Jews and the Greeks) came to know about this, and it frightened them. As a result, the name of the Lord Jesus kept growing in praise, 18and many who became believers would come and openly confess, telling of [the bad] things that they’d done.19In fact, several that used to practice magic brought their books together and burned them up in front of everyone! And when they calculated how much they’d paid for them, they found that they [were worth] some 50,000 silver coins.20So the power of the word of the Lord kept growing and getting stronger there.21Then after all these things had happened, Paul resolved that he would travel to Macedonia and Achaea, and from there on to JeruSalem.And he told them:‘After I get there, I want to see Rome!’22So he sent two of those who served him (Timothy and Erastus) on to Macedonia, as he spent more time in [the province of] Asia.23However, a big disturbance thereafter arose [in Asia] because of The Way. 24For there was a man named DeMetrius who was a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis (it was a very profitable business for him and his employees).25So he gathered them all, along with others in his trade, and he said:‘Men,‘You know that we all make a very good living from this business.26‘But now you’re seeing and hearing how this Paul is persuading large numbers of people and making converts of them, not only in Ephesus but in almost all [the province of] Asia, saying that our hand-made gods really aren’t gods!27‘[Such teachings] not only endanger our business by damaging its reputation, but [soon] it’ll make the temple of the great goddess Artemis unimportant, and her magnificence (which the whole [province of] Asia and the entire land worships) is about to be brought to nothing!’28Well when they heard this, they all became very angry and started shouting:‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’29...And the whole city became filled with confusion.So at that, they rushed into the theater and grabbed GaiUs and AristArchus (the Macedonians who traveled with Paul). 30And although Paul wanted to go to visit them in public, the disciples wouldn’t allow it. 31For even some of the public game commissioners (who were friends of Paul) sent word to him, begging him not to enter the theater.32In the meantime, some [in the theater] were shouting one thing, and others were shouting something else... For the whole group was confused and most of them didn’t even know why they were there!33So they located Alexander in the midst of the crowd, and the Judeans pushed him up to the front. Then Alexander started waving his hands to defend himself before the people. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they started a shout that lasted for two hours:‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’35Well when the City Recorder finally quieted the crowd, he said:‘Men! Ephesians! Who in the world doesn’t know that the City of Ephesus is the place where the temple of the Great Artemis and the image that fell from the sky is kept?36‘So, since these things are undeniable, it would be better if you’d just calm down and not act so foolishly!37‘Now, you’ve grabbed hold of these men, who aren’t guilty of robbing Temples or blaspheming our goddess. 38But if DeMetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against them… [remember that] there are court days and there are governors! So let them bring charges there!39‘If you’re looking for anything beyond that, it has to be decided in a legal hearing!40‘Recognize that you’re really in danger of being charged with rioting today – and you don’t have a good reason for doing this!‘Who can explain this disorderly mob?’41And after he said that, he sent them all home.
1Well, after all the rioting was over, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged them before he said goodbye and left for Macedonia.2Then, after traveling around there encouraging the people with many speeches, he went on to Greece, 3where he spent the next three months… But then the Jews [in Greece] started plotting against him.And although he’d first decided to leave for Syria, he later changed his mind and returned through Macedonia.4Those who were with him at the time were:• Sopater (son of PyrRhus of Berea),
• AristArchus,
• Secundus (of the Thessalonians),
• GaiUs (of Derbe),
• Timothy,
• Tychicus, and
• Trophimus (from [the province of] Asia).5These traveled ahead of us and waited for us in Troas.6Then, after the period of No Fermentation, we sailed from Philippi to Troas where they were, which took five days, and we spent seven more days there.7Then on Sunday, when we met to have a meal, Paul gave a public speech (because he was going to leave the next day). This went on until midnight, 8so many lamps were lit in the upstairs room where we met.9However, there was a young man named EuTychus who had been sitting in a window and fell fast asleep while Paul was talking… Then he slumped over and fell out of the 3rd-story window!And when they went to pick him up, they found that he was dead.10But then Paul then went downstairs and threw himself on top of the man and hugged him… And finally he announced:‘Don’t worry! He’s still alive!’11So after that, he went back upstairs and started the meal, and they all ate and talked until daybreak, before [Paul] had to leave.12Meanwhile, they took the boy [home] alive, and everyone was extremely encouraged.13From there, we went on ahead of Paul by boat and sailed to Assos, where we waited for him, because that’s what he told us to do, since he was going to travel there on foot.14So when he caught up with us in Assos, we took him aboard and we went on to Mitylene.15Then we sailed from there the next day, coming ashore across from Chios, and on the following day we stopped at Samos, then we finally got to Miletus the day after that.16Now, Paul had planned to sail past Ephesus so he wouldn’t have to spend any time in [the province of] Asia, because he was in a hurry to get to JeruSalem before Pentecost, if he could.17However, [while he was] in Miletus, he sent word to Ephesus to call the elders of the congregation to him. 18And when they arrived, he told them:‘You know very well that from the first day I stepped foot into [the province of] Asia, I was with you all the time, 19humbly slaving for the Lord, and [you know] of all the tears and trials that I endured because of the plots of the Jews...20‘Yet I didn’t fail to remind you and teach you both in public and in [your] homes! 21For I thoroughly testified to both Jews and Greeks about [their need to] repent before God and to put faith in our Lord Jesus.22‘But now {Look!} I’ll be traveling to JeruSalem as though I were already in chains, for I don’t know what’s going to happen to me there... 23[All I know is that] in city after city, the Holy Breath keeps testifying to me, telling me that chains and difficulties are awaiting me there.24‘However, I refuse to say anything that would make my life more valuable to me, so I can faithfully finish my course and fulfill the service assignment that I received from the Lord Jesus… To give a complete testimony about the good news of God’s loving care.25‘Now, {Look!} because I know that all of you whom I preached the Kingdom [message] to won’t see my face any more;26‘I’m testifying to you today that I’m clean from the blood of all men, 27for I haven’t held back from telling any of you what God has purposed to do!28‘Therefore, you need to pay close attention to yourselves and to the whole flock over which the Holy Breath has appointed you overseers… Feed the Lord’s congregation, which he purchased with his own blood.29‘For I know that after I leave, oppressive wolves will enter among you who won’t spare the flock, 30and that men from among you will arise and speak twisted things to attract some of the disciples to following them!31‘So you must stay awake… And keep those three years in mind during which I didn’t stop counseling each of you tearfully, both night and day.32‘Now, I’m leaving you the loving care of our Lord who can build you up and give you an inheritance among all the Holy Ones.33‘[You know that] I haven’t longed for anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. 34For you’re aware of how I’ve used my own hands to take care of my own needs and [for the needs] of those who were with me.35‘I’ve demonstrated to you how important it is for us to work like this, so we can help those who are weak. Therefore, remember the words that were said by our Lord Jesus:‘There’s more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’36And after he said this, he kneeled down with them all and prayed.37Well, many tears flowed as they hugged Paul’s neck and tenderly kissed him. 38For when he said that they wouldn’t see his face again, they were deeply saddened. And from there, they all accompanied him out to the ship.
1Well, when we finally tore ourselves away from them and put out to sea, we ran straight over to Cos, then to Rhodes the next day, and from there to Patara.2And when we found a boat that was going to Phoenicia, we went aboard and sailed off.3From there we came in sight of the Island of Cyprus, passing it on our left, and we sailed on to Syria, landing at Tyre (because that’s where the boat was to unload its cargo). 4And while we were there, we searched for and found the disciples, and we stayed with them for seven days.However, by the Breath [of God], they repeatedly warned Paul not to set foot in JeruSalem.5[Then a week later], we got ready to continue our journey, and everyone (including the women and children) followed us outside of the city. And after kneeling down on the beach, we had a prayer 6before saying goodbye to each other. Then we boarded the ship, as they returned to their homes.7Well, after we left Tyre, we finally arrived at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and spent the day with them.8Then on the next day, we traveled to Caesarea, where we went to the house of Philip the Evangelizer (one of the seven men), and stayed with him. 9This man had four virgin daughters who all prophesied.10But after we’d stayed there for several days, a Prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11He walked right up to us and removed Paul’s sash, then he used it to tie up his own hands and feet, and said:‘This is what the Holy Breath has declared:‘The Judeans will bind the man who owns this sash and then hand him over to the gentiles.’12Well when we heard this, we all (everyone there) started begging [Paul] not to go to JeruSalem.13But Paul replied:‘Why are you crying and crushing my heart? I’m not only ready to be bound, but also to die in JeruSalem for the name of our Lord Jesus!’14And when we couldn’t change his mind, we gave in, saying:‘May [God’s] Will be done.’15So after several days, we prepared for the journey and headed towards JeruSalem.16Meanwhile, some of the disciples from Caesarea traveled with us and led us to the home of a man who showed us some hospitality… Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple.17Well, when we arrived in JeruSalem, the brothers were all happy to see us. 18And the next [day], we went with Paul to see James and the rest of the elders.19So [Paul] greeted them and started giving a detailed account of the things that God had done among the nations through his ministry. 20And after hearing about it, they glorified God.Then they said to him:‘Our brother,‘You know how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they all zealously obey the Law. 21But they’ve heard the rumor that you’re teaching Jews who live among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to follow our traditions.22‘So, what do you suppose we can do about this?‘Since they’re going to hear that you’ve arrived, 23this is what we’re telling you to do:‘We have four men who’ve taken a sacred vow… 24Take them with you, and all of you should cleanse yourselves ceremonially, then pay to have your heads shaved. That way, everyone will know that there’s no truth to the rumors we’ve heard about you, and that you’re personally following the rules and obeying the Law.25‘As for the gentiles who’ve become believers... We’ve already sent them our decision to stay free from things that are sacrificed to idols, from blood, from whatever is strangled, and from sexual immorality.’26So the next day, Paul took the [four] men along and they cleansed themselves ceremonially. Then they entered the Temple to give their notice of their ceremonial cleansing (to start counting the days until an offering should be made for each of them).27But when the seven days were about up, some Judeans from [the province of] Asia saw him in the Temple and started a riot among the crowd… They grabbed him, 28shouting:‘Men of IsraEl! Help!‘This is the man who’s teaching against our people, against the Law, and this place... To everyone, everywhere!‘He’s even defiled this Holy Place by bringing Greeks into the Temple!’29([They said this], because they’d seen him in the city earlier with Trophimus the Ephesian, and they [mistakenly] thought that Paul had also brought him into the Temple).30Well, the whole city was in an uproar, and many people started running there.So they grabbed Paul and dragged him out of the Temple, then they closed the [Temple] doors 31and tried to kill him! But when the commander of the [Roman] garrison heard the uproar there in JeruSalem, 32he immediately took a contingent of officers and soldiers, and ran down to them.So when [the mob] saw the commander coming with his soldiers, they stopped beating up Paul. 33However, the commander then arrested [Paul] and ordered him to be bound with two chains.Thereafter, he asked [the mob] who he was and what he’d done.34However, some in the crowd started shouting one thing, and others were shouting something else. So because he couldn’t be sure of anything (due to all the confusion), he commanded [that Paul] should be taken back to their garrison.35Well, when they reached the [garrison] stairs, the situation got even worse. For the mob became so violent that the soldiers had to literally carry [Paul] along 36while the people followed them shouting:‘Take him away!’37Then, as he was being carried into the garrison, Paul asked the commander:‘Am I allowed to say something to you?’And he replied:‘Can you speak Greek?38‘Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a rebellion and led 4,000 dagger men into the desert some time ago?’39But Paul said:‘No... I’m really a Jew from Tarsus in Kilikia – I’m a citizen of a well-known city. So I beg you, allow me to speak to the people!’40Well at that, he gave Paul permission.So [Paul] stood on the stairs and waved his arms [to quiet] the crowd. And when everything quieted down, he spoke to them in Hebrew, saying:
1‘Men, brothers, and fathers!‘Allow me to say something in my own defense now.’2Well when they heard him addressing them in Hebrew [possibly meaning the common the language of the Hebrews, which was Aramaic], things did get quieter.And he said:3‘I’m a Jew who was born in Tarsus of Kilikia. I went to school right here in this city, and I received my instruction at the feet of GamaliEl, who taught me to obey the Law of our fathers strictly and to show the same zeal for God that you’re showing today.4‘I personally persecuted this ‘Way,’ by arresting and delivering their men and women to prisons for execution.5‘The High Priest and the entire assembly of elders can corroborate this, because I obtained letters from them to our brothers in Damascus, where I went to bring everybody they had in prison back to JeruSalem for punishment.6‘But as I was on my way and getting close to Damascus, at about noon, a bright light in the sky flashed all around me!7‘Then I fell to the ground and I heard a voice say to me:‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’8‘So I asked:‘Who are you, Lord?’‘And he replied:‘I’m Jesus the Nazarene, the one you’re persecuting!’9‘Well, the men who were with me also saw the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the person speaking to me.10‘Then I asked:‘What must I do, Lord?’‘And the Lord said to me:‘Get up and go to Damascus. There you’ll be told all about what you’ve been assigned to do.’11‘However, since I couldn’t see anymore because of the brilliance of that light, those who were [traveling] with me had to lead me into Damascus by the hand.12‘Now, AnaNias (a man who devoutly obeyed the Law and that was well spoken of by all the Judeans that live there) 13came and stood next to me.‘Then he said:‘Saul… Brother… See again!’‘And I could immediately see him!14‘Then he said:‘The God of our fathers has selected you to learn about His Will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the voice from his mouth, 15because you are to be his witness to everything that you’ve seen and heard.16‘So now, why are you wasting time? Get up, get immersed [in water], and ‘wash your sins away’ by calling on his name!’17‘Then after I got back to JeruSalem... And while I was praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance where I saw [Jesus]!18‘And he said to me:‘Hurry! You must leave JeruSalem right away, because the [people here] don’t want to listen to your testimony about me!’19‘But I said:‘Lord, they all know very well that in one synagogue after another I once had everyone who believes in you arrested and whipped!20‘And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being spilled, I stood there and approved of it… In fact, I guarded the robes of those who killed him!’21‘Well at that, he just told me:‘Leave, because I’m sending you to far-away nations.’22Now, they had been listening to him until he said that, but then they started shouting:‘Kill this man, for he isn’t fit to live!’23And because they were shouting, throwing their clothes around and tossing dirt in the air, 24the commander ordered that Paul should be taken inside their garrison. There he gave orders to scourge him with a whip so as to force him to explain why everyone was shouting about him that way.25But when they stretched him out to be whipped, Paul asked the centurion who was standing there:‘Is it legal for you to whip a man who’s a Roman and hasn’t been charged with a crime?’26Well when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and said:‘Just look at what you were about to do! This man is a Roman!’27So the commander came to [Paul] and asked:‘Tell me, are you a Roman?’And he answered:‘Yes.’28Then the commander said:‘I paid a lot to obtain my citizenship.’And Paul said:‘Well, I was born [a citizen]!’29Well at that, the men who were about to torture him left immediately. And on learning that he’d arrested a Roman [citizen], the military commander was frightened.30So the next day, because he wanted to know for sure just what the Jews were accusing him of, he [unshackled] him and commanded the Chief Priests and the entire Jewish Court to assemble.Then he brought Paul down and stood him before them.
1Well, Paul just glared at the [judges of the] Jewish Court, and said:‘Men… Brothers… I have a perfectly clear conscience about the way I behave before God down to this day.’2And at that, the High Priest AnaNias ordered those who were standing by him to hit him in the mouth.3So Paul said:‘God is going to hit you – you whitewashed wall!‘Do you sit there judging me by the Law, and at the same time break the Law by telling them to hit me?’4Then those who were standing by him asked:‘Are you speaking against the High Priest of God?’5And Paul answered:‘Brothers, I didn’t know he was the High Priest. For it’s written:‘You must not speak badly of the one who rules your people.’6Then when Paul noticed that part of the group were SadDucees and the rest were Pharisees, he called out in the High Court:‘Men… Brothers… It’s because I’m a Pharisee, and the son of a Pharisee, that I’m being judged over my hope in the resurrection of the dead!’7And after he said this, quite an argument broke out between the Pharisees and SadDucees, which divided the crowd, 8since the SadDucees say that there’s no such thing as a resurrection, or [divine] messengers, or the Breath [of God] – yet the Pharisees publicly preach all such things.9So there was lots of shouting, and some of the Pharisees’ scribes stood up and started heatedly arguing, saying:‘We don’t find anything wrong with this man!‘For if the Breath [of God] or [one of His] messengers spoke to him, [what of it?]’ Let us not fight against God. [spurious words, copied from Acts 5:39]10Well, the argument became so heated that the commander feared that they’d pull Paul to pieces!So he ordered the soldiers to go down and take him from their midst and bring him back to their garrison.11Then on the following night, the Lord stood next to [Paul] and said:‘Be strong!‘So far, you’ve thoroughly testified to things about me in JeruSalem… But now you must also testify about me in Rome!’12Well the next morning, the Judeans formed an alliance – they all swore with a curse that they wouldn’t eat or drink until after they’d killed Paul 13(there were more than 40 men who formed this oath-bound conspiracy).14So they went to the Chief Priests and elders and said:‘We’ve taken a solemn oath with a curse not to take a bite of food until after we’ve killed Paul!15‘Therefore, we want you and the High Court to explain to the military commander that he should bring [Paul] to you so you can learn more about the charges against him… And we’ll be ready to kill him before he gets there!’16However, Paul’s nephew heard that they’d be waiting for him, so he went to the garrison and reported it to Paul.17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said:‘Take this young man to the commander, because he’s got something to report.’18So [the soldier] took [Paul’s nephew] to the commander and told him:‘The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.’19Well, the commander took him by the hand and led him in, then he asked him privately:‘What do you want to report to me?’20And he answered:‘The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Jewish Court tomorrow, pretending to want to learn more about the charges against him.21‘But whatever you do, don’t let them convince you to do this, because they have more than 40 men waiting to ambush him. These men have sworn an oath with a curse not to eat or drink anything until after they’ve killed him. And all they’re waiting for is a promise from you.’22So at that, the commander sent the young man away, giving him the order:‘Don’t tell anyone that you’ve explained this to me.’23Then he called in two of his centurions and said:‘I want you to get 200 soldiers ready, plus 70 cavalrymen and 200 spearmen… Have them prepared to march all the way to Caesarea at the third hour of the night [3am in the Roman system, 9pm in the Jewish]. 24Also, provide an animal for Paul to ride, for I want you to carry him safely to Governor Felix.’25Then he wrote a letter [to Felix] that read like this:26‘Claudius Lysias to the mighty Governor Felix:‘Rejoice!27‘This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him. However, I came there quickly with a contingent of soldiers and rescued him, because I learned that he was a Roman.28‘And because I wanted to know their accusation against him, I had him taken down to their High Court. 29There I found that they were just accusing him over questions that have to do with their Law… But he hadn’t been charged with anything that deserves death or being sent to jail.30‘However, because I learned of a plot against this man, I’m sending him to you right away, and I’m ordering his accusers to speak against him before you.’31So these soldiers followed their orders and they took Paul to AntiPatris that night.32Then the next day, they sent him on with the cavalry (which later returned to the garrison).33And when they got to Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor along with Paul.34Well, after he read the letter, [Felix] asked [Paul] which province he was from. And when he heard that he was from Kilikia, he said:35‘I’ll give you a thorough hearing after your accusers get here.’So thereafter, he gave orders that [Paul] should be kept under guard in the Praetorian Palace of Herod.
1Well five days later, High Priest AnaNias arrived with some elders and an orator named Tertullus, and they explained their accusations against Paul to the governor.2Then when he was called forward, Tertullus said this:‘You’ve brought about so much peace, and we welcome the well-thought-out reforms that you’ve brought to our nation 3in every way and everywhere with the greatest thankfulness, O mighty Felix.4‘But, so that I don’t waste any of your time, I beg you to hear us briefly, in your kindness...5‘We found this man –this plague– stirring up rebellions among the Judeans throughout the whole inhabited earth, for he’s the leader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6And when he tried to profane our Temple, we arrested him. and would have judged according to our law. 7But the chief captain, Lysias, came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come to you, [spurious words] You can examine him yourself to learn more about all these things that we’re saying against him.’9And at that, the Judeans also joined in the attack, affirming that the things [Tertullus] was saying were true.10Thereafter, the governor nodded for Paul to speak.And Paul said:‘I know very well that you’ve been the judge of our nation for many years.‘So I’m happy to speak in my own defense about these things that I’ve been accused of, 11since you’re in a good position to understand them.‘It hasn’t been more than 12 days since I went to worship in JeruSalem, 12and they didn’t find me in the Temple arguing with anyone, nor did they find me inciting a riot in the synagogues… Or anywhere else in the city for that matter!13‘So right now, they can’t prove any of the things they’re accusing me of before you.14‘But I do admit to this:‘That which they’re calling a sect, is nothing more than the way that I’ve always worshipped the God of my fathers.‘For I believe everything that’s written in the Law and in the Prophets, 15and I have this hope in God – which they also share – that there’s going to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.16‘This is why I’m constantly on the alert so that I don’t offend my conscience by doing anything against God or men. 17And this is also why, after [being gone for] several years, I returned [to JeruSalem]… To bring gifts to the poor in my nation and to present my offerings [before God].18‘But it was while I was doing this that they found me in the Temple
– ceremonially cleansed, by the way – and I wasn’t there with a mob, nor did I start a riot!‘Actually, some Jews from the [province of] Asia 19should be here before you to accuse me… That is, if they could actually find anything against me.20‘Just ask these who are here to tell you what bad things they found me doing as I stood before their High Court… 21There was only what I shouted while I was standing among them, when I said:‘I’m being judged before you today over the resurrection of the dead!’22Well, although Felix knew a lot about things that have to do with the ‘Way,’ he just put them all off, saying:‘When Commander Lysias gets here, I’ll make a decision on this matter that you’re so concerned about.’23And thereafter, [Felix] ordered the centurion not to kill [Paul], but to allow him some liberty, and not to prevent his people from serving his needs.24It was several days later that Felix arrived with his woman Drousille. And since she was a Jew, he sent for Paul and they listened to him talk about his belief in the Anointed Jesus.25However, Felix became frightened when Paul started talking about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment! So he said:‘That’s enough for now!‘Go on back, and when I have more time, I’ll send for you again.’26However, he was actually hoping that Paul would try to bribe him... So, he sent for him and talked to him frequently!27Well after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to be liked by the Jews, he also kept Paul locked up.
1It was just three days after Festus had been appointed the provincial governor that he traveled from Caesarea to JeruSalem – 2and there the Chief Priests and Judean leaders talked to him about Paul.3They begged him (asking it as a favor) to send [Paul] to JeruSalem… Since they planned to ambush and kill him along the road.4However, Festus replied that he would just keep Paul in Caesarea. But, because he would be leaving [JeruSalem] shortly, he said to them:5‘Those of you who have been empowered to do so should come back with me, and if he’s committed some crime, you can make your accusations against him there.’6Well, after he’d spent about 8 to 10 days [in JeruSalem], Festus returned to Caesarea. And the next day, he sat on the Judgment Seat and ordered to have Paul brought in.7And when [Paul] arrived, the Jews that had come from JeruSalem stood all around him and charged him with several serious offenses… However, they couldn’t prove anything.8Then Paul stood up and spoke in his own defense, saying:‘I haven’t committed any sins against the Law of the Jews, against the Temple, or against Caesar!’9However, Festus (in an attempt to gain favor with the Jews) asked Paul:‘Do you want to go back to JeruSalem and be judged over these things before me there?’10But Paul said:‘I’m standing before the Judgment Seat of Caesar, and this is where I ought to be judged!‘I’ve done nothing wrong to the Judeans, as you’re finding out for yourself.11‘However, if I’m really a criminal and have done something that I should die for, I’m not begging off from dying.‘On the other hand, if nothing they’re accusing me of is true, then nobody can just hand me over to them as a favor!‘Therefore, I appeal to Caesar!’12Well after discussing it with his counselors, Festus replied:‘You have appealed to Caesar, so to Caesar you’ll go!’13Then after several days had passed, Agrippa (the king) and Bernice [the king’s sister] arrived in Caesarea to pay a courtesy visit on Festus.14So, since they were to spend several days there, Festus laid the matter of Paul before the king, saying:‘There’s a man here who was left as a prisoner by Felix.15‘When I was in JeruSalem, the Chief Priests and Judean elders brought me some information about him and asked me to condemn him to death.16‘But I told them that it isn’t the Roman way to just hand a man over as a favor before he meets his accusers face-to-face and gets a chance to speak in his own defense.17‘So when they got here, I didn’t delay the matter… The next day I sat down on the Judgment Seat and ordered the man to be brought in. 18And when they came [before me], his accusers didn’t really produce any serious charges as I thought they would... 19They simply complained about some dispute that they had with him over questions about their religion and about some ‘Jesus’ who was dead, but whom Paul kept claiming was alive!20‘Well, I became so confused over the matter that I finally asked if he’d like to go to JeruSalem to be judged there over these matters. 21But then Paul appealed to be bound over for a decision by the August One, so I ordered him to be held until I can send him to Caesar.’22So Agrippa told Festus:‘I’d also like to hear from this man.’And he said:‘You’ll hear him tomorrow!’23Then the next day, Agrippa and Bernice arrived with a lot of pomp and ceremony and went into the hearing room along with some military commanders and prominent men from the city.And when Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in.24So Festus said:‘O King Agrippa, and all who are here with us,‘Now you can see this man about whom all the Judeans both here and in JeruSalem are shouting that he shouldn’t be allowed to live any longer.25‘However, I haven’t found anything that he’s done to deserve death; so when he appealed to the August One, I decided to send him there… 26But I really don’t have anything to write to [my] lord about.‘Therefore, I brought him here before you… And especially before you, King Agrippa, so that you can examine him and judge something that I can write to him about.27‘For it seems unreasonable to send a prisoner [to Rome] and not be able to specify the charges against him.’
1So at that, Agrippa said to Paul:‘You may now speak on your own behalf.’Well, Paul stretched his hands out and said this in his defense:2‘King Agrippa,‘I’m happy to be here so as to defend myself before you today over all these things that I’ve been accused of by the Jews, 3because you’re an expert on all Judean customs and controversies.‘Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.4‘This is the way that I’ve lived since I was a boy:‘From long ago, everyone in my nation –all in JeruSalem and all the Jews 5who used to know me– can testify to the fact that I was raised in the strictest sect of our type of worship… I was a Pharisee.6‘And now, it’s over the hope of a promise that was made by The God to our ancestors that I’m standing here being judged, 7since it’s concerning the hope of attaining this, that our twelve tribes have been so earnestly serving [God] night and day.‘And it’s over this same hope that I’m being accused by these Judeans, O king... 8For, why is it that they all find it so unbelievable that God can raise the dead?9‘For a fact, I once thought that it was right to do whatever I could to oppose the name of Jesus the Nazarene… 10And I did this in JeruSalem.‘Back then, I locked up many of the Holy Ones and threw them in jail, because I was authorized to do this by the Chief Priests. And as they were being brought up for execution, I voted against them!11‘I often punished them in synagogues and tried to make them commit blasphemy... And since I was so crazy [in my hatred] against them, I even traveled to other cities to persecute them.12‘Well, it was while I was doing this that I traveled to Damascus with an authorization and a commission from the Chief Priests...13‘Then at noon, as I was [walking along] the road, O king, I saw a light that was brighter than the sun, which flashed from the sky around me and those who were traveling with me! 14Then we all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew [possibly meaning Aramaic]:‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?‘And why are you trying so hard to keep kicking against the cattle prod?’15‘Then I asked:‘Who are you, Lord?’‘And the Lord replied:‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.16‘Now, get up and stand on your feet. I’ve made myself visible to you so as to take you ahead of time to be my servant, and you can testify to the fact that you saw me and all the things that I’m going to make you see.17‘For I’m selecting you out of the people and out of the nations where I’m going to send you, 18to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and to lead them from the power of the Opposer towards God.‘I’m doing this so that their sins can be forgiven and they can receive an inheritance among those who’ve been made holy by [their] faith in me.’19‘As a result, O King Agrippa, I didn’t disobey this vision from the heavens.20‘First I went to those in Damascus, then to those in JeruSalem and the entire countryside around Judea… And finally to the gentiles, to whom I carried the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing things that prove their repentance.21‘And this is why the Judeans grabbed me in the Temple and tried to beat me to death!22‘However, through the help of God, I’ve kept witnessing to both the least and the greatest down to this day. I haven’t been saying anything other that what the Prophets and Moses told us would happen… 23That the Anointed One was to going to suffer... And then, as the first to be resurrected from the dead, he was going to proclaim light to these gentiles.’24Now, while he was saying these things in his defense, Festus shouted:‘You’re crazy, Paul!‘All of the writings are driving you mad!’25But Paul said:‘I’m not going crazy, O mighty Festus... I’m telling you things that are true and make good sense!26‘For a fact; the king whom I’m speaking to openly already knows a lot about these things!‘I believe that none of this has escaped his notice, because none of it was done off in some corner!27‘King Agrippa,‘Do you believe the Prophets?‘I know that you believe!’28But Agrippa said to Paul:‘It wouldn’t take long for you to convince me to become a Christian also!’29And at this, Paul said:‘I wish to God – whether it takes a short time or a long time – that not only you, but also everyone who hears me today would become men just like me… Except for these chains.’30Then the king got up, as did the governor, Bernice, and the rest of the men who were sitting with them. 31And as they were walking out, they were talking to each other, saying:‘This man hasn’t done anything deserving of death, or even for which he should be locked up!’32Then Agrippa said to Festus:‘This man could have been released if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.’
1Well, since it had been decided that we had to sail away to Italy, they handed Paul (along with some other prisoners) over to a centurion named Julius, who was [a soldier] of the Augustus Division.2So we boarded a ship along with AristArchus (a Macedonian from ThesSalonica).Now, the ship had come from AdraMyttium, and it was sailing to places along the coast of the [province of] Asia. 3So the next day, when we landed at Sidon, Julius treated Paul very kindly by allowing him to visit friends that cared for his needs.4From there we sailed around Cyprus, because the winds were against us.5Then we got into the open sea [south of] Kilikia and PamPhylia, and we put into port at Myra in Lukias. 6There the centurion found a ship that was coming from Alexandria and sailing for Italy, which he made us board.7Then, after sailing slowly (and with a lot of difficulty) for several days, we stopped at Knidos. And because the winds wouldn’t let us go on, we sailed [south of] Salmone, Crete.8Then following the coastline carefully, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.9Well, since we’d lost so much time (it was already past [Yom Kippur]) and the sea was hazardous to navigate, Paul made a recommendation.10He said:‘Men, I see that any further navigation is going to result in damage and huge losses not only to the cargo and ship, but to our lives!’11However, the army officer preferred to listened to the pilot and the ship’s owner, rather than to what Paul was saying.12Now, since this harbor was a poor place to winter, the majority recommended that they set sail and go on, in an attempt to make it to Phoenix, where they could spend the winter (a harbor in Crete that has openings to the northeast and southeast).13Well, when the south wind started blowing gently, they thought that this would meet their needs... So they weighed anchor and coasted along the shore next to Crete. 14But after a little while, a typhoon wind they call the Euro Clydon bore down on us!15And because the ship was being tossed so violently that it couldn’t maintain its heading, we just gave up and [allowed ourselves to be] carried along by the wind.16Then when we passed south of a small island called Cauda, we used all our strength to get hold of the rowboat that was tied at the rear of the ship.17And after we hoisted it aboard, they started wrapping the ship with [ropes and chains]. Also, since they were afraid of running aground on the shoals, they lowered the masts and we were just carried along.18Then on the next day (because we were still being violently tossed by the storm), they started to lighten the ship. 19And by the third [day], they’d tossed all of the boat’s furnishings overboard with their own hands!20Now, since we hadn’t seen the sun or stars for several days and a storm was still over us, we’d lost any hope of being saved… 21And considerable time had elapsed since anyone had been able to eat.But then Paul stood up in the midst of them and said:‘Men, you certainly should have taken my advice and not put out to sea from Crete, just to suffer this kind of damage and loss. 22But now I’m telling you to be happy, because not a single life will be lost… Although the ship will [be lost]... 23Because a messenger from the God whom I serve and belong to, came to me this evening and said:24‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You’ll stand before Caesar.‘And {Look!} God has favored you by also giving you [the lives of] those who are sailing with you.’25‘So be happy, men! Because, I believe that God will do exactly as He told me! 26However, we’ll be cast ashore on an island.’27Well thereafter (on the evening starting the 14th day), as we were being carried along in the Adriatic Sea (at about midnight), the sailors thought that we might be getting close to land...28So they did a depth sounding and found it at 120 feet (37m).Then after we’d traveled on a little farther, they took another depth sounding, and this time it was 91 feet (27.8m).29So, because they were afraid that we might soon run aground on the rocks, they threw out four anchors at the stern and we waited for daylight.30Meanwhile, the crew tried to escape from the ship by lowering the rowboat into the sea as they were pretending to drop the anchors from the prow. 31But Paul then told the centurion and his soldiers:‘Unless those men stay on this ship, you can’t be saved.’32So the soldiers cut away the ropes that held the rowboat and let it drop.33Well, very close to dawn, Paul encouraged everyone to eat something, saying:‘Today makes the 14th day that you’ve been on watch, and during all that time you’ve gone without food or taking anything else into you.34‘So I encourage you to eat something, since that will help you to survive. Then, not so much as a hair on any of your heads will be destroyed!’35And after he said this, he took a loaf [of bread], gave thanks to God before them all, broke it, and started eating. 36So they all became more cheerful and started eating some food.37At the time, there were 276 people on the ship. 38And after they’d eaten enough food, they lightened the boat some more by throwing all of the wheat into the sea.39However, when it finally became light, they didn’t recognize where they were… There was just a bay with a beach, and they decided to try to get to the beach in the ship.40So they cut away the anchors, letting them drop into the sea; then they untied the ropes that held the rudder, hoisted the foresail to the wind, and headed for the beach… 41But then they hit a shoal out in the water, where the ship ran aground (the prow was stuck and it couldn’t be moved), and the stern started falling apart in the crashing waves.42Well at that, the soldiers decided to kill the prisoners to keep them from swimming away and escaping. 43But because the centurion wanted Paul to make it, he prevented them from doing that.He just told everyone who could swim to dive into the sea and get to the shore first, 44then the rest could [float in] on planks and other things from the ship… And that’s how everyone got to land safely.
1Well, after we made it to safety, we recognized that this was the island of Malta! 2There the native people found us and showed us uncommon hospitality, building a fire and welcoming all of us, there in the cold and the rain.3Then when Paul went and collected a bundle of sticks and laid it on the fire, a viper was driven out by the heat, which bit into his hand! 4And when the native people saw this dangerous animal hanging from his hand, they said to each other:‘This man must be a murderer! Because even though he made it safely from the sea, justice isn’t going to let him live!’5But [Paul] just shook the animal off into the fire, and he didn’t suffer any ill effects… 6Even though they thought that he was going to swell up and suddenly drop dead.However, after they’d waited a long time and saw that nothing bad had happened to him, they started saying that he was [a] god!7Fortunately, there was some property located nearby that belonged to the island’s leader ([a man] named Publius). He also welcomed us and treated us kindly and hospitably for the next three days.8Then, when Publius’ father became very sick with a fever and dysentery, Paul went into his room and prayed, then he laid his hands on him and healed him.9Well after that, the rest of the sick people on the island also started coming to him to be cured, 10honoring us with many gifts, and several brought us provisions that we’d need.11It was three months later that a boat from Alexandria called The Sons of Zeus (which had been wintering on the island) finally took us aboard 12and carried us to Syracuse, where we stayed for three days.13Then from there, we traveled around [Sicily] and arrived at Rheggium. And a day after that, we caught a south wind and made it to Puteoli in just two days, 14where we found some of our brothers who begged us to stay with them for the next seven days.Then from there, we traveled on to Rome.
15Well, when the brothers [in Rome] got the news about us, they came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Shops to meet us.And when Paul saw them, he thanked God, because he was very encouraged!16Then when we finally entered Rome, they allowed Paul to live on his own, with just a soldier to guard him.17Then three days later, he called a meeting of the local Jewish leaders. And after they’d assembled, he said this to them:‘Men… Brothers… Although I haven’t done anything against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was taken prisoner in JeruSalem and handed over to the Romans.18‘But after [the Romans] examined me, they wanted to release me, because they couldn’t find any reason to put me to death.19‘However, when the Judeans kept opposing [my release], I was forced to appeal to Caesar… Although I didn’t do this to accuse my nation.20‘Well, this is why I begged to see you and to talk to you… For it’s because of the hopes of IsraEl that I have this chain around me!’21Then they told [Paul]:‘We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers who’ve arrived from there reported or said anything bad against you. 22So we think it’s worthwhile for us to listen to what you’ve got to say, because we know for a fact that this sect is being spoken against everywhere.’23Well after that, they arranged for a day when many more could come to hear him at the place where he was staying. And there he laid things out for them by completely testifying about the Kingdom of God.Paul also reasoned with them about Jesus from morning until evening, citing both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24But although some started to believe what he was saying, the rest didn’t. 25And since they couldn’t reach a consensus, they all got ready to leave.So Paul said this:‘The Holy Breath [of God] spoke very accurately to your ancestors through IsaiAh the Prophet, when he said:26‘You must go to these people and say:‘When you listen, you’ll hear,
But not understand.
And when you look, you’ll look,
But not see.’27‘For these peoples’ hearts are all closed.
So, although they can hear with their ears,
They just won’t respond,
And they’ll have eyes that are closed.‘Thus, although they have eyes, they can’t see,
Nor can they hear with their ears
Or understand with their hearts and return,
So I can bring healing to them.’[paraphrase or different version of Isaiah 6:9-10]28‘Therefore, I’m warning you that God is now giving this hope of salvation to the gentiles… And they’ll listen to it!’ 29And when he’d said these words, the Jews left, and greatly arguing among themselves. [spurious text]30Well, he stayed in that rented house for two whole years, welcoming everyone who came to visit him, 31telling them about the Kingdom of God and teaching them things about the Lord Jesus the Anointed One openly and without any interference.
1Paul, a slave of Jesus the Anointed One, who’s called an Apostle and was set aside for the good news of God 2that He promised through His Prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3which tell about His Son who came in the flesh from the offspring of David, 4and who proved to be God’s Son in a powerful way when he (by Holy Breath) was resurrected from the dead… Yes, Jesus the Anointed One and our Lord, 5through whom we’ve received loving care and a commission that we’ve obeyed so that the gentiles might also believe in his name 6and be called, [that they too might] belong to the Anointed Jesus.7To all those in Rome that are loved by God and have a holy calling:May you have favor and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus, the Anointed!8First, I thank my God for all of you through the Anointed Jesus, because your faith is being announced throughout the whole world!9For my God (who appointed me to use my breath in service to the good news about His Son) is my Witness that I never fail to mention you in my prayers.10I keep begging that I might find a way (as it is God’s Will) to come to you sometime... 11For I long to see you so that I might be able to give you some spiritual gift that would make you unshakable… 12Or perhaps we could encourage each other through our faith (both yours and mine).13I don’t want you to fail to recognize this, brothers:I planned to come to you many times, but I’ve been prevented from doing so until now... So that I could find the same type of fruitage that I have in you among the rest of the gentiles 14(the Greeks and the barbarians, the wise and the ignorant… All those to whom I’m indebted).15Yet I’m also still eager to preach the good news to you there in Rome.16I’m not ashamed of the good news, because it’s the power that God uses to save everyone who has faith… First the Jews, and then the Greeks.17For God’s righteous ways are revealed in the faith of the faithful.Notice that it is written:‘It’s by their faith that the righteous will live.’ [Habakkuk 2:4]18However, God’s rage is also being displayed from the heavens against all the ungodly and bad people who unrighteously try to resist the truth.19For everything that can be known about God already shines among them, because God made it shine among them!20Indeed, His invisible qualities can be seen in everything that He’s made since the creation of the cosmos... And when they understand these things that clearly demonstrate His eternal power and might, it leaves them without any excuse!21But even though they already know God, they don’t glorify Him as God or give thanks to Him.Therefore, their thoughts are wasted and their foolish hearts are darkened.22And while they claim to be wise, they’ve become morons... 23Since they’ve turned the glory of the incorruptible God into images of corruptible men, or of flying creatures, or of four-footed creatures, or of things that slither... 24So God is allowing them the uncleanness that their hearts have desired so as to dishonor their bodies.25Yes, they’ve exchanged the truth of God for a lie – and they’ve started worshiping and serving things that were created, rather than the One who created them… The One who’s to be praised throughout the ages!Amen!26Therefore, this is why God has abandoned them to their dishonorable passions; for their females have changed the natural use of themselves into something that’s unnatural, 27and the same is true of their males…They’ve left the natural use of females and started burning in their lust towards each other – males with males – doing what’s indecent and receiving the ‘reward’ that they deserve for such wrongdoing.28Yes, because they don’t approve of coming to an accurate knowledge of The God, He’s given them depraved minds, which make them do these wrong things.29So they’ve become filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greediness, badness, envy, murder, arguing, deceitfulness, rudeness, and gossip.30[They’re] slanderers, God haters, insolent, proud, braggarts, inventors of badness, disobedient to parents, 31without any understanding, and agreement-breakers that are without any natural love or mercy!32So even though they know the righteous judgments of God very well (that those who do such things deserve death); they not only keep on doing them, but they also approve of others who do such things!
1Therefore, you’re defenseless, O man, if you’re someone who judges others!For when you judge others you’re condemning yourselves, since you’re doing the very same things that you judge [to be wrong in them]… 2And we know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is righteous.3So when you judge those who do the things that you’re also doing, do you think that you’ll somehow escape God’s judgment? 4Or are you taking the loving care, the patience, and the tolerance that He’s shown towards you for granted?What you should really understand is that these [fine] qualities of God are just trying to lead you towards repentance!5But now, because of your hard and unrepentant hearts, you’re storing away a treasure of rage upon yourselves that [will come] in the day of fury – when the righteous decisions of God will be seen 6and He...‘...pays everyone back for the things they’ve been doing.’ [Psalm 62:12]7Now, those who do good things are searching for age-long life, as well as glory, honor, and incorruption.8But for the ones who like to argue and disobey the truth by being unrighteous, there’ll just be wrath, anger, 9and some very hard times!Yes, this is what’ll come into the lives of all those who work at doing what’s bad (to the Jews first and then to the Greeks).10However, there’ll be glory, honor, and peace for all those who are working at doing what’s good (for the Jews first and then for the Greeks), 11because God makes no distinction between them!12Indeed, all people who are without the [Jewish] Law [of Moses] and are sinning, will perish without the Law... While those who are under the Law, and still sin, are condemned by the Law!13For God doesn’t consider anyone righteous who just listens to the Law… Only those who obey the Law will be found righteous.14However, when people of the nations who don’t have the [Jewish] Law naturally obey things in the Law, they not only have the Law, they are the Law!15For when they’re obeying the Laws, they show that it’s written in their hearts and it’s working with their consciences, which examine their thoughts.So it’s [their own hearts] that will either accuse them or defend them 16in the Day that God judges the hidden things of men (by this good news that I’m preaching through the Anointed Jesus).17So if you’re called ‘a Jew’ and you’re resting on the Law and taking pride in your God... 18And if you understand His Will and all the excellent instructions of the Law... 19And you consider yourself to be a guide to the blind and a light to those in darkness 20(that you’re someone who can instruct the unreasonable and teach babies)... And if you fully grasp all the knowledge and truth in the Law…21Well then, do you, who are teaching others, also teach yourselves?Do you who preach, Don’t steal, steal?
22Do you who teach, Don’t commit adultery, commit adultery?
Do you who teach others to be disgusted with idols, rob temples?
23Do you who teach others pride in [God’s] Laws, dishonor God by breaking the Law?24For it’s written:‘God’s Name is being blasphemed among the nations because of you people!’ [Isaiah 52:5, LXX]25Of course, circumcision is good… That is, as long as you’re obeying the Law.But if you’re a person who breaks the Law, then your circumcision has really become uncircumcision.26However, if an uncircumcised person obeys the righteous requirements of the Law... Won’t his uncircumcision be considered circumcision?27Therefore, if those who are uncircumcised obey the Law naturally (except for what it says about being circumcised), they’re really judging those of you who break the Law!28As you can see, being a Jew isn’t something that’s visible, for [true] circumcision isn’t something that can be seen in the flesh.29Rather, being a Jew is something that’s inside of you, since circumcision comes from the spirit of the heart, not from something that’s written…It’s not there to be praised by men, but by God!
1So in what way is a Jew superior, or of what benefit is circumcision?2It’s really a huge benefit in every way!For God entrusted His Word to the hands [of the circumcised]. 3And if some [of them] don’t believe; does their lack of faith prove that faith in God is worthless?4May that never happen! Rather, let God be proven true even if that makes every man a liar!As it is written:‘So, Your decisions are righteous,
And in Your judgments, You’ve proven just.’
[Psalm 51:4, LXX]5However, if our unrighteousness [is exposed by] God’s righteousness... What can we say?Then God won’t be wrong when He brings His wrath, will He?So I’m saying this to everyone:6May that never happen! Otherwise, how could God judge the world?7But if I should tell a lie, and that makes the truth of God more abundant, to His glory... Then why am I still judged as a sinner?8Well, it’s [because you’re doing such things] that people aren’t only slandering us, they’re proving that some of us are saying:‘Let’s do bad things so that good things can happen.’And this is why such a condemnation is so well deserved!9Is there anything that makes us [Jews] better than [gentiles]?No, not at all... For we’ve proven to you that both Jews and Greeks are sinners!10As it’s written:‘No one is righteous… No not one!’ [Psalm 14:1, LXX]11‘For there’s no one who truly understands
And no one is searching for God,
12Since all have strayed and are useless.
Also, no one is kind… No not one!’
[paraphrase of Psalm 51:2-3, LXX]13‘For their throats are like open graves;
With their tongues, they practice deceit.’
[Psalm 5:9]‘And the poison of asps is under their lips.’ [Psalm 140:3]14‘With cursing and shouting,
Their mouths have been filled.’
[Psalm 10:7, LXX]15‘And their feet are ready to go and spill blood.
16In their swath, is misery and destruction;
17The road to peace, they’ve not known.’
[Isaiah 59:7-8, LXX]18‘For, in their eyes, there’s no fear of God.’ [Psalm 36:1]19Now, we know that everything that was said in the Law was meant for just those who are under the Law… For it stopped every mouth and proved the whole world to be deserving of God’s punishment.20But nobody’s going to be righteous before Him just by obeying the [Jewish] Law... Since all the Law did was help us to understand what sin is.21Therefore, even the absence of the Law is revealing the righteousness of God… Yes, the Law and the Prophets all testified to this!22So this is why the righteousness of God is now coming to all those who believe and are showing their faith in Jesus the Anointed One!And it’s why there’s no longer any difference between us, 23since we’ve all sinned and failed to live up to God’s glory.24Understand that being called ‘righteous’ is just a gift that [God] kindly gives to us through the ransom that was paid by the Anointed Jesus.25For God sent him here as a sin offering — so that when we have faith in his blood, the sins that we committed 26(back when God was just tolerating us) can be forgiven.[Syr]And this is what allows us to look into His righteous ways today… For He proves Himself righteous by calling [all] those who have faith in Jesus, ‘righteous!’27So, where is our reason [as Jews] for boasting?It’s gone!Does it come from obeying the [Jewish] Law?No! It comes through the Law of Faith... 28Since we believe that a man is called ‘righteous’ because of his faith, not by following the works of the [Jewish] Law!29[Therefore, do you think that our God is] only the God of the Jews? And that He’s not also [the God of] the gentiles?[Yes, He’s the God] of the gentiles also!30So God is really the One who calls both the circumcised and the uncircumcised ‘righteous’ because of their faith.31Then, can we say that our faith overrides the Law?Never may that happen! Rather, [our faith] makes the Law stronger!
1For example:Consider our fleshly ancestor AbraHam.2If [God] had called AbraHam ‘righteous’ because of the things that he did, [AbraHam] might have had a reason to boast [about himself]… And not to God.3What do the Scriptures say?‘AbraHam was counted as righteous... Because he believed in The God.’ [Genesis 15:6]4Remember that when a man works [for a living], his getting paid isn’t thought of as a kindness… It’s something that he’s owed!5However, those who don’t actually do anything –other than just believe in the One who calls the ungodly ones ‘righteous’— are still counted as righteous because of their faith!6Notice that David also spoke of how blest a man is if God has counted him as righteous despite [all the bad things] he’s done.[For he wrote]:7‘Blest are those forgiven for their lawless ways
And those whose sins He’s covered…
8Blest are those in whom
He has found no sin!’
[Psalm 32:1-2, LXX]9So, doesn’t this ‘blessing’ apply to both the circumcised and the uncircumcised?Indeed, we’ve been saying that AbraHam was counted as righteous because of his faith... 10And just what was [AbraHam’s] situation when [God] thought of him that way?Was this before he was circumcised or after he was circumcised?It wasn’t after he was circumcised! It was while he was uncircumcised!11For the sign that he received (circumcision) was a seal of the righteousness that he demonstrated before he was circumcised!Yes, He became the Father of those who have faith while they’re still uncircumcised, so that they too can be counted as righteous.12He’s also the Father of the circumcised who aren’t just circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the same faith that our father AbraHam had prior to circumcision.13Indeed, AbraHam and his descendants weren’t given the promise of inheriting the world because of the [Jewish] Law, but because of their righteous faith!14For if [you could] become heirs through [obeying] the [Jewish] Law, then faith really has no value... And the promise [given to AbraHam] is worthless!15For the Law brings wrath... And where there’s no law, there’s nothing to break.16So, because we believe in [God’s] loving care, we must also believe that the promise applies to all who are [AbraHam’s] descendants... And not just those who are under the [Jewish] Law… But all those who have the same faith as AbraHam, and he’s the father of us all!17Just as it’s written:‘I’ve appointed you to be the father of many nations.’ [Genesis 17:5]He’s our father, standing before The God in whom he believed… The One who makes the dead alive and calls the things that aren’t and makes them exist.18So although [AbraHam] really didn’t have any reason for hope, he started to believe that he’d become the father of many nations – for he was told:‘They’ll be your offspring.’ [Genesis 15:5]19Even though his body was almost dead (since he was 100 years old), and the womb of SarAh was dead, this failed to weaken his faith – 20because it was promised to him by The God he trusted in!So his faith was strengthened by something that was unbelievable, and he glorified God!21For [AbraHam] was completely convinced that [God] could do whatever He promised. 22And this is why...‘It was counted to him as righteousness.’ [Genesis 15:6]23Now the words, ‘it was counted to him’ weren’t just written for his sake, 24but for the sake of everybody whom [God] thinks of in the same way today… Those who believe in the One who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead!25For after he’d been offered up for our errors, he was then raised... All so we can be counted as righteous too!
1So, now that we’ve been declared righteous because of our faith, let’s enjoy the peace that we have with God through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One!2For it’s through him that we have this faith and are able to bask in his loving care.Therefore, let’s boast about this hope [that we have] to the Glory of God.3And let’s also boast about the difficulties that we’re suffering, because we know that these difficulties are giving us endurance…
4The endurance to pass the tests…
And passing the tests gives us a hope 5that’ll never embarrass us, because it pours God’s love into our hearts via [this] Holy Breath that He’s giving to us.6For a fact, the Anointed One came right on time – and he died for ungodly men back when we were still weak!7Although few would be willing to die for the righteous, and even fewer would be willing to die for the good... 8God showed His love for us through the Anointed One, who died for us while we were still sinners!9Now, since we’ve been called righteous by [Jesus’] blood... Isn’t it even more likely that he will save us from [God’s] wrath?10Because, if we found God’s favor through the death of His Son while we were still His enemies... How much more will we be saved by His [Son’s] life now that He [has shown how much He] cares for us!11And not only that – but now, through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, we’re also glorifying The God who’s granted us this privilege.12Understand that sin entered the world through one man, and that sin resulted in death.So by this [one] sin, death was passed on to all men and they’ve all sinned.13Therefore, even before the [Jewish] Law arrived [in the time of Moses], there was sin in the world… However, sin isn’t counted [against us] when there’s no law to break. 14But despite that, death still reigned from [the time of] Adam down to Moses – even over those who hadn’t sinned in the same wrong way that Adam had sinned…But he[, that is, Adam] was a prototype of the one who was to come.15Now, the sin [of Adam] can’t be compared to the gift [from God].For if death came to many because of the wrongdoing of one man... How much more has the loving-care of God and His gift (the loving care of one man, Jesus the Anointed One) come in abundance to so many!16This true gift didn’t come from the one who’d sinned[, that is, Adam]… Indeed, his judgment was just condemnation. However, [God’s] gift is [making] many errors become righteousness.17So, if death did in fact come to rule through that one error... How much greater is the abundance of the gift of righteousness, and the receiving of life, that will come to rule through the loving care of that one – Jesus the Anointed.18Also, since the result of one error was to condemn all mankind... Then through this one righteous act, everyone can be counted righteous so they can live!19And as the disobedience of one man caused many to become sinners... Through the obedience of this one [man], many will also be counted as righteous!20Understand that the Law came along so as to show up many errors.However, where there are many sins, there’s a superabundance of loving-care that can be shown.21Therefore, just as sin has reigned and brought death, [God’s] loving care will bring a righteous rule and age-long life through our Lord Jesus the Anointed.
1So, what can we say… Should we remain sinners so there can be more [of His] loving care?2May that never happen!For if we’ve died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?3Don’t you know that all who were immersed into the Anointed Jesus were also immersed into his death?4Therefore, since we were buried with the Anointed One by our immersion into his death... Just as he was raised from among the dead by the glory of the Father, we should be walking in a new way of life!5Also, if we’ve been buried with him into the same type of death, then, [just like him], we too will be resurrected.6However, we must recognize that the person we used to be was executed with [him] to bring an end to our sinful bodies… Which means that we shouldn’t be slaves to sin anymore!7For anyone who’s dead is free from sin!8And if we believe that we’ve already ‘died’ with the Anointed One, then we’ll be alive with him also.9For we know that the Anointed One has been raised from the dead and that he won’t die again. Therefore, death isn’t his master anymore.10So when he died, he died for sins once and for all time… And now he’s alive and he’s living to The God!11And in the same way, you should also consider yourselves ‘dead’ when it comes to sin, but alive to The God through the Anointed Jesus.12This is why you shouldn’t allow sin to rule your mortal bodies anymore, and why you shouldn’t obey its desires…13You should no longer offer your body parts to serve as unrighteous weapons of sin!Rather, you should offer yourselves to God as people who’ve been brought ‘back to life’ from ‘the dead,’ and [you should offer] your body parts to God as weapons of righteousness!14Indeed, sin must not be your master… For you aren’t under the [Jewish] Law, you’re under [God’s] loving care.15So if we’re no longer under the [Jewish] Law, but under [God’s] loving care, does this mean that we can just keep on sinning?May that never be so!16Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to obey someone as a slave, you’ve become that person’s slave?[So you’re] either [a slave] to sin, which results in death, or [a slave] to obedience, which results in righteousness.17Thank God that, although you used to be slaves to sin, your hearts have started to obey this teaching that you were given, 18which has set you free from sin and made you slaves to righteousness!19I’m going to put this in simple terms because of your fleshly weaknesses...Just as you once offered your body parts as unclean slaves to immorality and Law-breaking, you must now offer your body parts as slaves to righteousness and holiness!20For back when you were slaves to sin, you were free from any righteousness. 21And what was the result of the things [you did] back then?Aren’t these the very things that you’re so ashamed of now?And these are the things that lead to death!22But now that you’ve been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, you can receive holiness and age-long life.23For the wage [paid by] sin is death, while God’s gift is age-long life through the Anointed Jesus, our Lord.
1Are you ignorant, brothers?I’m telling those of you who know the [Jewish] Law that the [Jewish] Law is a man’s master for as long as he’s alive!2This is the same situation as with a wife that’s bound to the law of her husband for as long as he’s alive. However, after he dies, she’s no longer under his law.3So, although she’d be condemned as an adulteress if she ever became another man’s wife while her husband is still alive... After he dies, she’s free from his law – and she isn’t an adulteress if she marries someone else.4So my brothers:You died to the Law through the body of the Anointed One, and now you belong to someone else!You’ve been ‘raised from the dead’ so that you can now produce fruitage for God!5Because, while you were fleshly, what the Law labels as sinful passions were working within you, and the fruitage they produced was death.6But now that you’ve been set free from the Law (because you’ve died to the thing that held you down), you can become slaves to something new…To a newness of spirit, and not to some old writings anymore!7So what should we say… That the Law is sinful?May that never be true!For I’d never have known what sin was, were it not for the Law.For example, I wouldn’t have known what envy was – if it weren’t the Law that said:‘You must not envy.’ [Exodus 20:17]8However, when I learned about this sin from the Commandment, it created every sort of envy [in me]. Yet before the Law arrived, [this wasn’t] a sin.9Actually, I once lived without the Law... But after I came under its Commandments, sin came to life and I ‘died.’10Therefore, I found that the Commandments that were supposed to lead me to life, led me to death… 11For the sins that I learned about in the Commandments seduced me and killed me.12Nevertheless, the Law and the Commandments are still holy, righteous, and good.13So what was it that killed me?Was it the thing that was good for me?May that never be true!Rather, it is the sin –when it was exposed as sin by what’s good for me– that [led me to] death… For the Commandments abundantly show that sin is condemned![Syr]14And this is because the Law is spiritual, while I’m fleshly and sold into sin.15So I really didn’t understand what I was doing… For I didn’t do the things that I wanted to do, and I didn’t like the things I was doing.16And despite the fact that I still do what I don’t want to do, I say that the [Jewish] Law is good.17Even though I’m no longer under [the Jewish Law], sin is still dwelling within me.18Now I know that nothing that’s dwelling within me (in this flesh) is any good... For even though I want to do what’s right, I don’t always have the will to do it!19So I don’t do the good things that I want to do... I still do bad things.20Therefore, if I’m doing things that I don’t want to do, I’m really not in charge [of my body]… The sin that dwells there is!21So although I want to obey the [Jewish] Law and do good things, badness is always here with me.22And even though the man who I am on the inside really enjoys the Law of God... 23My body parts are obeying a different law – and they’re at war with the law of my mind! They drag me into the laws of sin that are there in my body parts.24O what a miserable person I am!Who’ll save me from this dying body?25But thanks to God (through our Lord Jesus the Anointed), even though I’m a slave to sin’s law in my flesh, I’m still a slave to God’s Law in my mind!
1Understand that there’s nothing that can condemn those who are in the Anointed Jesus (those who are walking in the ways of the Spirit, not [in the ways of] the flesh), 2because the law of the Spirit of Life that’s in the Anointed Jesus didn’t come from the Law of sin and death.3So the weakness of the [Jewish] Law is just the weakness of the flesh... And by sending His Son over this matter of sin (in what appeared to be sinful flesh), God condemned the sins of the flesh 4so that the righteous requirements of the [Jewish] Law could be fulfilled in those of us who aren’t obeying the flesh, but the Spirit.5For fleshly people just think about fleshly things, while spiritual people [think about] spiritual things.6Indeed, the thoughts of the flesh bring death, while the thoughts of the Spirit bring life and peace. 7And obeying the flesh brings God’s rejection, because [the flesh] isn’t under God’s Law, nor can it ever be!8Therefore, those who follow fleshly ways can never be pleasing to God.9However, if God’s Breath is living in us, we’re no longer fleshly, but spiritual… And those who don’t have the spirit of the Anointed One don’t belong to him.10So if the Anointed One is truly within you, your body is indeed ‘dead’ to sin – and his spirit is making you ‘alive’ through righteousness.11As a result, if the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the One who raised the Anointed Jesus from the dead will also make your dying bodies alive through His Breath that’s in you.12So brothers... Since we don’t owe anything to the flesh, we shouldn’t be following fleshly [ways]!13For if you’re living according to the flesh, you’re intending to die – but if, through [God’s] Breath, you’re willing to destroy the deeds of the body, you’ll live!14Indeed, all who are led by God’s Breath are Sons of God!15[And because of this,] you didn’t receive a spirit of bondage to fear again; rather, you received a spirit of adoption, through which you can now call out, ‘Papa! Father!’16This is the same Spirit that testifies to the spirit within us that we’re God’s children…17And if we’re [His] children, then we’re also [His] heirs…Yes, heirs of God, and heirs along with the Anointed One!However, we’ll all have to suffer together so we can all be glorified together.18And I don’t believe that the sufferings we’re currently enduring amount to much when they’re compared to the glory that’s going to be revealed in us.19Indeed, [all] creation is awaiting and earnestly expecting the revealing of the sons of God. 20For His creations were never willingly subjected to futility. Rather, they were subjected to it by the Will of the One who gave us the hope that 21all creation will soon be set free from bondage to decay, and then [we can] enter the glorious freedom of the children of God!22For we know that all creation has been groaning and in birth pains until now.23And it isn’t alone... Since even those of us who’ve received the first fruitage of [God’s] Breath groan within ourselves as we await the adoption and the [payment of] the ransom that will free our bodies.24Yes, this is the hope that’s saving us!Now, when you hope for something that you can see, that really isn’t hope… Because people don’t hope for something that they can already see.25However, if we keep on hoping for something that we haven’t seen, we’ll continue to patiently wait for it.26And now we have the [Holy] Breath that’s helping us with our weaknesses, because we don’t always know what we should even be praying for!Yet the Spirit is always there, groaning the words [that we] haven’t spoken.27And the One who searches hearts knows the thoughts of the Spirit; because it’s praying on behalf of the holy ones, according to God’s will.28We know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him (those who’ve been called to do His will).29For He recognized them ahead of time and chose them to become like His Son, who was the firstborn of many brothers!30So He calls all He chooses,
He makes all He chooses righteous,
And He glorifies all He makes righteous!31Therefore, what can we say about all of this?If God is over us, who can come down on us?32And since He didn’t even spare His Son but handed him over for all of our sakes... Then why shouldn’t [we believe that] He will also give us everything else?33For who can accuse those who’ve been chosen by God?Yes, if God has declared us to be righteous, 34who can condemn us?So, since we now have the Anointed Jesus, who died, was raised from the dead, and is at God’s right hand pleading our case... 35What can ever take us away from the love of the Anointed One?Not hard times, nor difficulties, nor distress, nor persecution, nor hunger, nor nakedness, nor danger or even swords!36It was written:‘We’re being killed all day long for Your sake,
We’re thought of as sheep to be slaughtered!’
[Psalm 44:22]37However, through this One who loves us, we’ve conquered everything else!38For I’m convinced that neither death, nor life, nor [spirit] messengers, nor governments, nor things that are happening or will happen, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to take us away from God’s love that’s in the Anointed Jesus, our Lord!
1In the name of the Anointed One, I’m telling you this as the truth (no, I’m not lying).For my conscience testifies with me in Holy Breath 2that I’m extremely sad and constantly sick at heart, 3because I wish that I could be the one who’s cursed by being separated from the Anointed One – instead of my brothers and fleshly relatives, the IsraElites.4For the adoption as sons, the glory, the Sacred Agreement, the Law, the worship, and the promises all belong to these ones. 5They’re the ones [who descended] from the forefathers, and the ones the Anointed One [came] through, in the flesh…Yes, praise God who’s over it all throughout the ages!May it be so!6However, God’s Word hasn’t failed in this, because not all who came from [the man] IsraEl are really [sons of] IsraEl, 7nor are AbraHam’s descendants his only children.Even though [it’s written],‘That which will be called your descendant will come through IsaAc...’ [Genesis 21:12]8[IsaAc’s] fleshly children aren’t all of the children of God… For the children of the promise are that descendant.9Notice the promise that [AbraHam] was given:‘I’ll return at this time and SarAh will have a son.’ [Genesis 18:14]10And this isn’t the only occasion. For when Rebecca was pregnant with twins from our forefather IsaAc, 11and before they were born or did anything good or bad (just to show that God’s purposes don’t depend on the things we do, but on the One who does the choosing), 12she was told:‘The older will be the younger [one’s] slave.’ [Genesis 25:23]13And it was written:‘I loved Jacob, but I didn’t care for Esau.’ [Malachi 1:2-3]14So what can we say?Is God unjust?May that never be true!15But he told Moses:‘I’ll show mercy upon whomever I choose to show mercy, and pity upon whomever I choose to feel pity.’ [Exodus 33:19]16So it doesn’t depend on the one who does the wishing, nor upon the one who does the running, but on the mercy of God!17For the Scriptures say that He told the PharaOh:‘The reason why I raised you is so that I can show My powers through you, and to have My Name announced throughout the whole earth!’ [Exodus 9:16, LXX]18So the [point is this]:He shows mercy on whomever He wishes to show mercy, And He hardens [the hearts] of whomever He wishes.19Therefore, you might ask:‘Then why does [God] find fault with anyone who resists His plans?’20O man, who are you to question God?Will the thing that’s made ask its maker,‘Why did you make me like this?’ [possible quote from Isaiah 29:16]21For isn’t the potter in charge of his clay? And can’t he make one pot for an honorable use, and another for a dishonorable use? [And all] from the same lump [of clay]?22Therefore, God can choose to show His rage and make His power known through whatever pottery He’s had to endure.And if He made it for His rage, then it’s only fit to be destroyed!23But He can also show the richness of His glory upon the pots of mercy that He’s prepared ahead of time for glory… 24Those among us whom He’s called, not just from among the Jews, but also from among the gentiles!25It’s just like He said in Hosea:‘I’ll call those who aren’t My people, My people, And the one I didn’t love, My loved one.’ [Hosea 2:23]26And:‘In those places where they were told, ‘You’re not My people,’ They’ll be called, The Living God’s sons!’ [Hosea 1:10]27Yet, IsaiAh shouted this about IsraEl:‘The people of IsraEl will then grow to be as many as the sands of the seas from the few that survive.’ [Isaiah 10:22-23, LXX]28For whatever Jehovah has established and decided regarding this land he will carry out![Syr]29IsaiAh also prophesied:‘If Jehovah of armies hadn’t left us an offspring, We would’ve become just like Sodom And the same as GomorRah.’ [Isaiah 1:9, LXX]30So this is why we can say that gentiles became righteous (although they weren’t trying to be righteous) with the [kind of] righteousness that comes from faith, 31while IsraEl, which was following a righteous Law, just didn’t make it!32And why was that so?Because [IsraEl] didn’t look for it in faith, but in the things that they were doing… They tripped over the ‘stumbling stone.’33As it’s written:‘{Look!} I’m laying in Zion, A stone... (of stumbling, and a rock of offense [Isaiah 8:14 MS/DSS]) And those trusting in him, Will never be shamed.’ [Isaiah 28:16, LXX; see note]
1Therefore brothers,The goodwill that I feel in my heart for [the Jews], and what I beg God for, is for them to be saved!2For I can swear to the fact that, although they have a zeal for God, they still don’t know [Him]... 3And since they don’t understand God’s righteous ways, and they’re always trying to prove their own ways to be righteous, they’re unwilling to submit to God’s righteousness.4However, the Anointed One fulfilled the Law so that he could bring righteousness to those who have faith.5Notice that Moses wrote:‘You must follow all My rules and all My decisions… Yes, follow them in such a way [that you learn to] live by them.’ [Leviticus 18:5]6Yet, righteousness that’s based on faith says that you shouldn’t ask yourself, ‘Who could ascend into the heavens (to bring the Anointed One down)?’ 7or, ‘Who could descend into the abyss (to bring the Anointed One up from the dead)?’ [a reference to Deuteronomy 30:11-13]8No, what does it say? That the words are close to you; they’re in your mouths and in your hearts. [a reference to Deuteronomy 30:14]And these are the words of faith that we’re preaching!9So if you confess and say the words in your mouths that Jesus is Lord, and if you truly believe in your hearts that God raised him from the dead, you’ll be saved!10For heart-felt faith [moves you to] righteousness, and your mouth’s confession of this [leads you to] salvation.11And the Scriptures tell us:‘Those who believe in him will never be shamed.’ [Isaiah 28:16, LXX]12Therefore, there’s really no difference between Jews or Greeks, because we all have the same Lord, and he provides abundantly for all those who call on him.13Therefore:‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!’ [Joel 2:32]14However, how will they call on someone in whom they don’t believe?How will they believe in someone of whom they’ve never heard?How will they hear without someone to preach?15And how will they preach if they aren’t sent?This is why it was written:‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news about good things!’ [Isaiah 52:7]16Yet, not everyone will obey the good news; for notice that IsaiAh asked:‘Who has trusted our report of the Lord?’ [Isaiah 53:1]17So, faith comes from hearing… That is, by hearing the things that the Anointed [One] said!18So now I ask, didn’t they hear? Yes, they did!‘The call has gone throughout the whole earth… In fact, the words have reached to the ends of the earth!’ [Psalm 19:4, LXX]19So, I’m asking why doesn’t IsraEl already know? Well, Moses first told them:‘I’ll provoke you to jealousy with those who are not [of your] nation, and anger you with those who don’t understand.’ [Deuteronomy 32:21, LXX]20Then IsaiAh dared [to write]:‘I was seen by those not searching for Me, And found by those not asking for Me. I said, ‘Here I am,’ to a nation, That has never called on My Name.’ [Isaiah 65:1]21And he went on to say this regarding IsraEl:‘I’ve held out My hands all day long, To a people who will just not listen, And to those who prefer to talk back.’ [Isaiah 65:2, LXX]
1So let me ask: Has God pushed His people away?May that never be so!I’m also an IsraElite…I’m the descendant of AbraHam, of the tribe of BenJamin, 2and God hasn’t rejected these people whom He knew first!Don’t you remember what the scriptures tell us about what EliJah said as he was pleading with God about IsraEl?3[He said]:‘O Jehovah; they’ve killed Your prophets, they’ve dug up Your Altars, and I’m the only one left… And now they’re seeking my life!’ [paraphrase of 1 Kings 19:10, 14]4And what was [God’s] reply?He said:‘I’ve kept 7,000 people for Myself that haven’t bent a knee to BaAl.’ [1 Kings 19:18]5So the same thing is true today, for there are still some left over, who through [His] loving care, are being chosen.6However, [receiving] His loving care doesn’t come to them just because they’re [obeying the Law]! For if it did, His loving care wouldn’t really be loving care. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work. [spurious words]7So what happened to IsraEl?Well, not all of them received the things that they were seeking…Just the ones who’d been chosen from among them received it, while the rest just became more obstinate, yes, 8just as it’s written, God gave them a spirit to slumber so that their eyes haven’t seen, and that their ears haven’t heard – down to this very day! [a reference to places like Deuteronomy 29:4 or Isaiah 29:10]9David also said:‘Let their table be a snare, trip lever, and trap
As retribution upon them.
10Let their eyes grow dim, so they can’t see,
And their backs forever bent double.’
[Psalm 69:22-23, LXX]11So I ask:Did they stumble so [badly that] they couldn’t be raised [again]?May that never be so!However, they’ve been missing out as the gentiles were being saved, in order to make them jealous.12But if their missing out has enriched the world, and if their failures have enriched the gentiles... How much more will result when they’re included?13Now I want to address those of you who are gentiles:Since I’m really an Apostle to the gentiles, I can make my service even more glorious 14if I can somehow make those who are my own flesh[, that is, the Jews] jealous and bring some of them to salvation.15Because, if throwing them away will restore the world’s relationship [with God], then what will receiving them back again mean, other than life for those who are ‘dead?’16For if the first fruits [can be made] holy, [then the rest of the crop will also be holy]… And if the roots are holy, so are the branches!17Therefore, if some of the branches were broken off so that you ‘wild olives’ could be grafted in, you’ve become sharers in the fatness of that olive [tree’s] roots.18So, don’t start cheering because those branches [were removed]... For if you find yourselves doing that, remember that you aren’t supporting the roots, they’re supporting you!19Yes, you could, in fact, say, ‘The branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in’… 20And that’s a fact!They were broken off because they lacked faith, and you’ve taken their places because you have faith. But don’t think too much of yourselves… Be afraid!21For if God didn’t spare the natural branches, He doesn’t have to spare you either!22Therefore, recognize God’s loving kindness as well as [His] willingness to remove.So, although those who’ve fallen have been cut off and you’re now receiving God’s loving care... It’s only yours for as long as you stay in that [good relationship], because you can be pruned off too!23And then, if [the Jews] don’t continue in their disbelief, they’ll be grafted back in, since God can graft them back in again!24For if you were cut from an olive tree that’s wild by nature, and then, contrary to nature, grafted into the garden olive tree... Recognize how much easier it’ll be for those who are natural branches to be grafted back into their own olive tree once again!25Brothers, I don’t want you to ignore this mystery, so you don’t become too wise in your own eyes:IsraEl was allowed to become calloused until the full number of gentiles came in.26Yet, this is how all IsraEl is going to be saved!For it’s written:‘A Savior will come out of Zion,
And remove from Jacob, his godless ways.
27Yes, this is My promise to them,
After I’ve removed all their sins.’
[Isaiah 59:20-21, LXX]28Therefore, from the standpoint of the good news, they’e become His enemies for your sakes!But from the standpoint of the choosing... They’re the ones who are loved because of their ancestors, 29since the loving gifts of God and His calling are irrevocable!30So, just as you were once disobedient to God, but have now been shown mercy [despite your] disobedience... 31They’re now being disobedient.Yet, because you were shown mercy, they may also be shown mercy... 32Yes, God has locked them up together in disobedience, so that He might show mercy to all of us.33‘O the depths of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge,
And the mysteries of all His decisions;
For His ways can’t be figured out!34‘Who’s come to know the mind of Jehovah,
And who can give Him advice,
35Or give Him something that He must repay?’
[Isaiah 40:13, LXX][And:]36‘Since all is from Him, by Him, and for Him,
To glorify Him throughout the ages.
May it be so.’
[Job 41:11]
1So I beg you by the compassion of God, brothers, to offer your bodies as living, holy sacrifices that are pleasing to God, and to serve Him in sensible ways.2Don’t [allow yourselves] to be molded by this system of things... Instead, be transformed by renewing your minds, so that you come to think well of the good, pleasing, and perfect Will of The God.3Yes, through the loving care that was shown to me, I’m telling all of you not to think too much of yourselves. Rather, you must think clearly, as God has given each of you your own share of faith.4[Remember that] our bodies have many parts, and none of [these parts] have the same function...5So although there are many of us, we’re really just one body in the Anointed One, and starting from him, we are each parts of that body… Therefore, we all belong to each other.6Likewise, each of us have different gifts that were kindly given to us, whether it’s prophesying (according to our portion of faith), 7serving in some service, teaching some point, 8offering some encouragement, simply sharing, earnestly taking the lead, or cheerfully showing mercy.9Therefore, we should love [each other] without being judgmental… We should hate what’s wicked and stick with the things that are good!10So, let your brotherly love make you more tender and caring to each other, and take the lead when it comes to showing honor to each other.11Do your best… Don’t be lazy… Slave for the Lord, and bubble over with his Spirit… 12Let your hope fill you with joy as you endure the difficulties and persecutions… And keep on praying.13Also, share whatever you have with the Holy Ones and be hospitable! 14Learn to say nice things to those who persecute [you]… Don’t curse them, praise them!15Rejoice with people who are rejoicing, and cry with those who are crying… 16Be aware of each other’s needs… Don’t spend too much time thinking about high ideas, but deal with each other humbly… Don’t think too much of yourselves!17Don’t be rude to people who treat you poorly, but plan to do good things in the eyes of everyone.18And if possible (as much as you can), be peaceable with everyone…19Don’t get even, loved ones; put anger away, because it’s written that if you don’t pass judgment yourself[Syr], then Jehovah says....‘I’ll pay them back!’ [Deuteronomy 32:35, LXX]20And:‘If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat;
And if he’s thirsty, give him something to drink;
For whenever you do this, you’re piling burning coals on their heads.’
[Proverbs 25:21, LXX]21So, don’t allow evil to beat you; instead, keep conquering evil with goodness.
1Everyone should submit to the authorities that are over them. Indeed, there are no offices of authority that don’t come from God, or any that weren’t instituted by God.2So those who resist the authorities, whose laws have come from God, are really opposing and condemning themselves!3For there’s no reason to fear the rulers when we’re behaving… Only when we’re misbehaving!Do you wish that you didn’t have to fear the authorities?Then do good things, and they’ll praise you, 4because they’re God’s servants for your own good!But if you’re doing something that’s wrong, you’ve got good reason to fear them. For that’s why they bear the sword of God… They’re God’s servants and His avengers to show His rage upon those who are doing what’s wrong!5So it’s important for us to obey them… And not just for [fear of] angering them, but because of [our] consciences!6This is why we pay our taxes; because, as public servants, they’re serving God’s purposes!7Therefore, pay everyone whatever they’re owed…To the tax collector [pay] the property tax; to the toll collectors, [pay] the tolls; respect [those who should be] respected; show honor to those [who should be] honored.8Don’t owe anything to anyone, except your love for each other, because those who love others have fulfilled [the] Law.9For [the Laws]...‘You must not murder,
You must not commit adultery,
You must not steal,
You must not envy,’
[Exodus 20:13-15, 17]...and any other Commandment, are all summed up in the phrase:‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Leviticus 19:18]10Yes, those who love won’t do anything bad to their neighbors, since the Law is fulfilled through love.11As for those of you who aren’t aware of the season, it’s time for you to wake up! Because our salvation is now closer than it was when we first became believers!12Yes, since the night is almost over, and that Day is near, we should be getting rid of the things that belong to darkness and start putting on the weapons of light.13Then we should all behave as we would in the daytime… Not in wild partying and drunkenness; not in immoral sex and the lacking of principles; not in arguing and jealousy.14Instead, we should be putting on the Lord Jesus the Anointed One – and no longer planning [to satisfy] the cravings of the flesh.
1Therefore, welcome those who are weak in the faith – and don’t try to judge their motives!2For one person who has [a strong Christian] faith will eat anything [they wish, even what’s forbidden to Jews], but someone else, who’s [spiritually] weak, would [rather] only eat vegetables.3Those who will eat anything shouldn’t look down on those who won’t, and those who won’t eat anything shouldn’t judge those who do, since God has accepted them both.4For who are you to judge the house servant of another, since we each stand or fall before our own master?And we can stand, because the Lord can make us stand!5Also, some consider one day as more important than others, while others consider each day to be the same as all the rest... However, each of us should be sure of this in our own minds!6Then those who observe a certain day [as holy] should observe it to the Lord.Also, those who will eat [anything they wish] should eat it to the Lord, because they’ve thanked God for it.Likewise, those who won’t eat [anything they wish] should abstain to the Lord, since they too have thanked God [for their food].7So, none of us should be living just for ourselves, and none of us should be dying just for ourselves.8For when we live, we live for the Lord, and when we die, we die for the Lord… Because whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord!9And the reason why the Anointed One died and came to life again was so that he could be the Lord of both the ‘living’ and the ‘dead.’10So, why are you judging your brothers? Why are you looking down on them? We’ll all stand before the judgment seat of God of the Anointed One![Syr]11Notice that it is written:‘As I live,’ says Jehovah...
‘Every knee shall bow before Me,
‘And to Me, every tongue will give praise.’
[paraphrase of Isaiah 45:23-24, LXX]12So since each of us must answer for ourselves before God, 13we should stop judging each other, and we shouldn’t be setting anything before our brothers that might cause them to stumble and fall.14Now, I know (and I’ve been persuaded by the Lord Jesus) that no [food] is unclean… It’s only when a man considers something [edible] to be unclean that it’s unclean to him.15Yet if what you’re eating upsets your brother, you aren’t following the path of love yet!For you shouldn’t want anyone –for whom the Anointed One died– to be lost over the food that you’re eating… 16Nor should they speak badly of the good things that you’re doing.17Because, the God’s Kingdom has nothing to do with eating or drinking… Just with righteousness, peace, and the joy of Holy Breath.18So, those of you who choose to make yourselves slaves in such matters [for the sake of] the Anointed One will be approved both by God and by men.19And what we should all be doing is trying to do the things that promote peace and to build each other up… 20[We must] stop tearing down the work of God over food!So although, yes, it’s true that all [food] is clean, it can still be bad for someone who stumbles over what we’re [choosing to] eat!21Therefore, it isn’t [necessarily] good to eat meat [forbidden to Jews], or to drink wine, or to do anything else that could be a snare to our brothers, 22because we should be sure that the things we believe [to be right] also look good in the eyes of God!As for someone who doesn’t condem himself over specific things – good for him![Syr]23However, if he’s unsure about something he’s eating... His lack of faith is condemning him for eating it; because everything that’s not from faith, is sin.
1So, those of us who are strong [in the faith] must handle the [spiritual] weaknesses of those who aren’t strong, and not just be pleasing ourselves. 2Rather, we should each be trying to please our neighbors by doing good things that build them up.3For even the Anointed One didn’t just please himself.Notice that it’s written:‘The insults of those insulting you, have fallen upon me.’ [Psalm 69:9]4Understand that everything that was written until now has been written to teach us, so that through our endurance, and through the comfort that comes from the Scriptures, we might have hope.5Therefore, may the endurance and comfort that comes from God supply this to you, so that you may pay close attention to each other’s needs – in the same ways that the Anointed Jesus did!6Then together, as with one ‘mind’ and one ‘mouth,’ we can all bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One.7So, welcome each other as the Anointed One welcomed us (to the glory of God)!8For [he] became a servant to those who are circumcised for the sake of the truth of God, and he verified the promises that were made to their ancestors, 9while he allowed the gentiles to glorify God for His mercies.As it’s written:‘That’s why I’ll praise You to the nations,
And that’s why I’ll sing to Your Name.’
[Psalm 18:49]10And again it says:‘Rejoice you gentiles, along with His people!’ [Deuteronomy 32:43]11And again:‘Praise Jehovah, you gentiles…
Let everyone give praise to Him.’
[Psalm 117:1]12Also, IsaiAh wrote:‘In that day, the root of JesSe [will sprout]…
He’ll arise to rule [all] the nations.
Yes in him, the gentiles will trust,
And upon him, honor will rest.’
[Isaiah 11:10, LXX]13So may the God who provides hope fill you with all joy and peace – in the belief that you’ll have more than enough faith through the power of Holy Breath.14I’m sure of this about you, my brothers:You are filled with goodness, because you’ve been filled with all the knowledge that you need to strengthen each other!15Now, I’m writing to you in plain words to remind you of this:Because of a gift that God kindly gave to me, 16I was appointed a [temple] official to the gentiles by Jesus the Anointed One, and to serve as their Priest of the good news of God... In order that their offerings can be found worthy and clean through Holy Breath.17And the Anointed Jesus has given me many good reasons to be cheerful when it comes to these things of God.18Therefore, I wouldn’t dare to speak about anything that the Anointed One might have failed to accomplish on behalf of the gentiles through me, because I’ve obediently followed his instructions in everything that I’ve been saying and doing... 19through the power of signs, omens, and by the might of the Holy Breath.I’ve thoroughly preached the good news about the Anointed One in a circuit – from JeruSalem, all the way to IlLyricum.20And I’ve made it my goal not to preach the good news in places where they’ve already heard about the Anointed One, so that I wouldn’t be building on another man’s foundation.21As it’s written:‘He’ll be seen by those to whom he didn’t preach,
And those who haven’t heard him will learn.’
[Isaiah 52:15, LXX]22That’s why I’ve not been allowed to come to you on several previous occasions; 23but now that I don’t have have a place in those regions any more, and because I’ve been wanting to come to you for several years, 24it’s my hope to see you along the way as I travel to Spain.[And if so], perhaps you can come to the place where I’ll be staying?25However, right now I have to travel on to JeruSalem to serve the needs of the Holy Ones, 26because those in Macedonia and Achaea have been so happy to share their things by contributing to the poor among the Holy Ones in JeruSalem.27Yet, while it’s true that they were happy to do so, they were also indebted to them... For if they’ve shared their spiritual things with the gentiles, the [gentiles] are now indebted to them as part of a public service, to share things for the fleshly body.28So after I finish doing that, and deliver these things to them safely, I’ll visit you while I’m on my way to Spain.29And I know that when I do get to you, I’ll come with a full measure of blessings from the Anointed One!30Now I beg you brothers, through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One and through the love of the Breath [of God], to share in praying to God on my behalf, 31that I might be saved from the unbelievers in Judea…And also that my service in JeruSalem may prove to be what the Holy Ones need, 32so that when I have the joy of getting back to you (if that’s God’s Will), I can spend some time resting up with you there.33May the God who gives peace be with all of you.May it be so!
[P.S.]1I want to especially recommend our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant in the congregation at Kenchreae.2Welcome her in the Lord as you would [welcome] the Holy Ones, and help her in any matter where she may have needs, because she has protected me many times… Yes, me personally!3Give my greetings to Priska and Aquila, my fellow workers in the Anointed Jesus 4who’ve risked their necks for my life... And not just for mine, but offer them thanks on behalf of all the called ones who are gentiles, 5and [send my greetings] to the called ones in their home.Also send my greetings to my beloved EpaiNeton, who is one of the first fruits of the Anointed One in [the province of] Asia.6And send my greetings to Mary, who’s done so many things for you.7Give my greetings to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and fellow captives, who are notable ones among the Apostles, and who’ve been in the Anointed One longer than I have.8Give my greetings to Ampliatus, my loved one in the Lord.9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in the Anointed One, as well as my beloved Stachys.10Greet Apelles, the one who’s approved in the Anointed One.Also greet those from the household of AristoBoulou.11Send my greetings to my relative Herodion, as well as to those in the Lord from the household of Narcissus.12Greet TryPhaina and TryPhosa, [women] who are working hard in the Lord. And send my greetings to our beloved Persida, because she’s done so many good things in the Lord.13Greet Rufus, the Lord’s chosen one, as well as his mother and mine.14Greet AsynCritus, Phlegonta, Hermes, PatroBas, Herman, and the brothers who are with them.15Send my greetings to PhiloLogus and Julian, Nereus and his sister Olympas, and all the Holy Ones with them.16Also greet each other with a holy kiss.For all the congregations of the Anointed One send you their greetings.[P.P.S.]17Now, I beg you brothers to keep an eye on those who are creating divisions and setting traps by going against the teachings that you’ve learned…Avoid them, 18because such men aren’t slaving for our Lord the Anointed One, but for their own bellies.They’re seducing the hearts of people who aren’t really bad through kind words and praises.19Meanwhile, because everyone has noticed your obedience, I’m rejoicing over you.I just want you to be wise when it comes to doing what’s good and not to be getting mixed up in doing bad things, 20since the God of peace will crush the Opposer under your feet shortly.So may the loving care of our Lord Jesus be with you.[P.P.P.S.]21Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and SosiPater, my relatives.22I, Tertius, the one who wrote this letter, greet you in [the] Lord.23GaiUs, our host, and everyone in his congregation send their greeting to you.Erastus (the city public works manager) sends his greetings, as does KouArtos his brother.24May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with you all. Amen. [copied from verse 20]25Now, to the One who can make you strong in the good news whom I declare through my preaching about Jesus the Anointed One and about the revelation of the mystery (that has remained a secret throughout the ages), 26but which has now been made known through the prophetic scriptures and which is being seen among all the nations by the command of the God of ageless time to promote obedience by faith...27Yes, to God who’s the only truly wise One, be the glory through Jesus (the Anointed) throughout the ages. May it be so. [spurious words]
1Paul, who by the Will of God is a called Apostle of the Anointed Jesus, and [your] brother Sosthenes, 2to the congregation of God in Corinth; to you who’ve been made holy in the Anointed Jesus and who are called to be Holy Ones along with all those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed everywhere (their Lord and ours):3May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed.4I always thank God for you, because in His loving care (through the Anointed Jesus), God has given you 5everything that you need to make you rich in Him. [He’s given you] all the words and a complete knowledge, 6while the testimony about the Anointed One is being made firm in you.7Therefore, you haven’t lagged behind in any gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, 8who’ll make you strong to the end and keep you free from any accusations to the Day of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. 9For God, who called you to have a share with His Son (our Lord Jesus the Anointed), is faithful.10Now, through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, I want to encourage you brothers to all be united in purpose. There shouldn’t be any divisions among you. Rather, you must all be completely united in mind and will.11For those of the house of Chloe have told me that you do a lot of arguing, my brothers. 12What I mean is, some of you are saying, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow the Anointed One.’ 13And by this, the Anointed One is being divided. Paul wasn’t hung on a pole for you, was he? Or were you immersed in the name of Paul?14I’m thankful that I didn’t immerse any of you (other than Crispus and GaiUs), 15so that no one can say that they were immersed in my name. 16Oh yes, I also immersed the household of Stephanas... But as for the rest, I don’t think that I immersed anyone else, 17because the Anointed One didn’t send me to immerse [people], but to preach the good news.[And I wasn’t sent] with many wise words, because that would make the Anointed One’s impaling pole less important. 18For the message about the impaling pole is just foolishness to those who are dying… But to those of us that are being saved, it’s the power of God.19As it’s written:‘I’ll destroy the wisdom of their wise, And the understanding of their discerning, I’ll hide.’ [Isaiah 29:14]20So, where are all the wise men? Where are all the writers? Where are all the great debaters of this age?Didn’t God make the world’s wisdom foolish?21And since the world doesn’t understand the wisdom of God, He saw that it was good for us to preach foolishness in order to save those who would believe! 22So while the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks search for wisdom, 23we preach the Anointed One as having been hung on a pole.[Of course], this is a trap to the Jews and a lot of foolishness to the gentiles. 24But to those who are called (both Jews and Greeks), the Anointed One is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25Because [even] a foolish thing from God is wiser than men, and [even] a weak thing from God is mightier than men.26Now, notice this about your calling, my brothers:Not many were called who were wise in a fleshly way, Not many were called who had power, And not many were called from important families.27Rather, God chose the foolish things of the world to put its wise men to shame; He chose the weak things of the world to put the mighty to shame; 28And He chose the common things of the world and the things that are looked down on; The things that aren’t [prominent] – in order to make the things that are [prominent], worthless.29The reason why He did this was so that no flesh can boast before God. 30And, since you’re in the Anointed Jesus, he’s become God’s wisdom to us, as well as His righteousness, His holiness, and our ransom.31As it’s written:‘Whoever boasts; let him boast about Jehovah!’ [paraphrase of Jeremiah 9:23]
1So when I came to you, brothers, I didn’t bring you the mysteries of God with high-sounding words of wisdom. 2In fact, I decided not to teach you about anything other than Jesus the Anointed, and about how he was hung on a pole. 3I came to you as weak, afraid, and trembling.4And what I said and preached wasn’t done with persuasive wise words, but with Spirit and power, 5so you wouldn’t believe because of the wisdom of men, but because of the power of God.6Yes, we do use wisdom when we’re speaking to those who aren’t mature… But not the wisdom of this age or that of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. 7Rather, we speak God’s wisdom as a mystery (hidden wisdom), when it comes to the things that God planned for our glory long before this age arrived.8This is the type of wisdom that none of the rulers of this age understand; because if they understood it, they wouldn’t have lifted up our glorious Lord [to be executed].9As it is written:‘Eyes haven’t seen and ears haven’t heard,
Nor have the hearts of men even thought of the things
That God has prepared for those who love Him.’
[Isaiah 64:4]10Yes, these are the types of things that have been revealed to us by God’s Spirit, because His Spirit searches through all things… Even through the deep things of God.11For just as no man really understands another man better than the spirit within him; nobody understands the things of God better than the Spirit of God.12And this is why we don’t really have the spirit of this world… Because we’ve received the Spirit that comes from The God, through which we can understand the things that He’s so kindly given to us. 13Therefore, we don’t speak with words that come from human wisdom. Rather, we’re taught by the Spirit in spiritual ways that communicate spiritual things to us.14For physical men don’t recognize the Spirit of The God, because these are just foolishness to them and they can’t understand them, since such things can only be understood spiritually. 15However, because a spiritual man can judge everything, no one can pass judgment on him.[As the scripture says:]16‘Who can know the mind of Jehovah
And who’s become His advisor?’
[Isaiah 40:13]And we now have the mind of the Anointed One.
1However, brothers, I can’t talk to you as I would to spiritual men. Rather, [I must speak to you] as I would to fleshly men (as babies in the Anointed One).2For I’ve had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you weren’t strong enough… And you’re still not strong enough, 3since you’re still men of the flesh! For whenever you’re jealous and arguing, aren’t you fleshly… Aren’t you acting like men of the flesh?4So when one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another says, ‘I follow Apollos,’ aren’t you [proving yourselves] to be men of the flesh? 5For, what is Apollos and what is Paul?[We’re just] servants through whom you became believers, since you were each given to us by the Lord!6Yes, although I planted and Apollos watered, it’s God who makes it grow. 7So the one who plants is nothing and the one who waters is nothing, for it’s God who makes it all grow!8However, those who plant and those who water will each be rewarded for the work that they’re doing. 9Understand that we’re just God’s field hands, while you’re God’s field and God’s house! 10It was only through the loving care of God that I was assigned to be a wise chief craftsman.
So although I laid the foundation, someone else is actually doing the building… And he must keep an eye on how he’s doing his building, 11because no one can lay a foundation other than the one which has already been laid, Jesus the Anointed.12Now, whether someone builds on that foundation using gold, silver, and precious stones, or with wood, hay, and stalks, 13[the quality of] his work will show up and be seen in the daytime, since it’ll be exposed by fire… And that fire will prove what kind of work each one has done.14Then, if his construction remains, he’ll be rewarded. 15But if his construction burns down, he’ll be damaged by the loss… Although he will still be saved. However, it will be as if he came through fire.16Don’t you know that you’re God’s temple sanctuary? For God’s Breath is dwelling within you! 17And if someone should destroy God’s Most Holy, God will destroy him… Yes, you’re God’s Holiest of Holies!18Therefore, don’t try to fool yourselves, for if you’re thought of as being wise in this age, then you should become morons in order to be [truly] wise.19Recognize that the wisdom of this system of things is just silliness to God.As it’s written:‘He catches the wise in their cunning deeds.’20And again:‘Jehovah knows what wise men think,
[and their thoughts] are useless.’
[Psalm 94:11]21Therefore, nobody should boast about [being followers of] men, since everything already belongs to you, 22whether [it came from] Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or from this system of things, or from life, or from death, or from what’s here or what’s about to come…All of this already belongs to you!23Rather, you belong to the Anointed One, and the Anointed One belongs to God.
1Therefore, you should think [of us] as just the Anointed One’s assistants [or in Greek, galley rowers], and as housekeepers of God’s mysteries. 2And when it comes to housekeepers, all that’s required of them is just to be found faithful!3Now, it really isn’t too important to me if I’m being judged by you, or by some human court… For I don’t even judge myself, 4since I’m unaware of anything against myself.However, this doesn’t mean that I’m righteous, because Jehovah is my true judge.5So, recognize that we shouldn’t be judging anything before its time.
For when the Lord’s Day arrives, the secret things that are done in darkness [will be brought] into the light and the secret thoughts of hearts will be put on public display… Then each ones’ commendations will come from God.6Now brothers, if I’ve overstated these things about Apollos and me, I’ve done it for your own good so that you’d learn the rule:Don’t go beyond the things that are written!And don’t get all puffed up by showing more favor for the one than for the other!7[After all,] who really knows us… And what do we have that wasn’t given to us? So since these things were just given to us, why should you be boasting over things that you received as gifts?8Are you already satisfied?Are you already rich?Have you started ruling without us?Oh, I wish that you had already started ruling so that we could be ruling along with you! 9For I think that God has put us (the Apostles) last on display as men who are condemned to death…Yes, we’ve become theatrical spectacles in this world to both men and angels!10Yet, while we’re viewed as fools because of the Anointed One, you’re wise in the Anointed One… We’re weak, but you’re strong… We’re dishonorable, but you’re the glorious ones.11Why, down to this very moment, we’ve been hungry, thirsty, almost naked, beaten up, homeless… 12and we’ve had to work for a living.But when we’re being shouted at, we praise; when we’re being persecuted, we bear it; 13and when we’re being slandered, we offer encouragement.Yet until now, we’ve been considered the world’s refuse and scum!14Understand that I’m not writing this way to shame you, but to teach you as my beloved children. 15For although you could have thousands of tutors in the Anointed One, you don’t have many fathers… And since I [am the one who] became your father in the good news through the Anointed One, 16I beg you to start imitating me!17This is why I’m sending Timothy to you.He’s my loved son, and faithful in Jehovah. He will remind you of my ways that I’m teaching in all the congregations everywhere, through the Anointed Jesus.18Now, I know that some [of you’ve become] all puffed up as though I weren’t coming to you. 19But I’ll be there shortly (if Jehovah desires it), and I won’t pay any attention to what those who are puffed up have to say. Rather, [I’ll pay attention] to their power, 20because the Kingdom of God doesn’t have anything to do with words, but with power.21So... Which would you prefer?Should I come to you with a stick, or with a loving and mild spirit?
1However, I’ve actually heard that there’s sexual immorality among you, and it’s a type of immorality that isn’t even [heard of] among the gentiles… That someone has taken his father’s woman!2Are you proud of this?Shouldn’t you mourn instead, and shouldn’t the man who committed this act be removed from your midst?3Although I’m not there physically, I am there in spirit, and I’ve already judged the man who’s done this thing as though I were there.4My spirit and the power of our Lord Jesus agree that 5in the name of our Lord Jesus, you should hand such a man over to the Opposer for the destruction of his flesh, so that the spirit within him may be saved in the Day of the Lord.6There’s nothing for you to boast about here!Don’t you know that a little [yeast] ferments the whole ball [of dough]?7So, you must clean out the old fermentation in order to become something that’s new and unfermented! For since the Anointed One (who is our Passover) has already been sacrificed, 8we shouldn’t be observing this Festival with old fermentation or with the fermentation of badness and wickedness, but with the unfermented bread of sincerity and truth!9Didn’t I write you in my [last] letter and say that you must stop associating with those who are sexually immoral? 10[Of course, I wasn’t telling you to] completely avoid the immoral [people] of this system of things, or the greedy, or the extortionists, or the idol worshipers… Otherwise, you’d actually have to get out of the world.11But I’m writing to you now to tell you this:Stop associating with anyone called a ‘brother’ who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idol worshiper, or shouts insults, or is a drunk, or an extortionist… Don’t even eat with people like that!12Indeed, how much can the judgment of outsiders mean to us when you aren’t judging those who are in your midst? 13For God is going to judge those on the outside… But you should expel any among you who are wicked!
1Would any of you who think you’ve been [wronged] by another dare to take it to court [to be tried by] unrighteous men, rather than by the Holy Ones? 2Don’t you know that the Holy Ones will judge the world? So if you’re going to judge the whole world, aren’t you qualified to judge small matters?3Also, don’t you know that we’re going to judge the angels? And if so, then how much more the things of this life!4Or would you rather bring them before those whom the congregation views with little regard?5I’m saying this to shame you!For isn’t there at least one wise man among you who can [serve as] judge between his brothers? 6Or must a brother take a brother to court to be judged by unbelievers?7Really, if you’re bringing lawsuits against each other, you’ve already lost the battle! Why wouldn’t you rather allow yourselves to be mistreated or defrauded? 8Yet, some of you are in fact mistreating and cheating others… Including your own brothers!9Don’t you know that the unrighteous won’t inherit the Kingdom of God?Don’t make any mistakes about this:• Sexually immoral people,
• Idol worshipers,
• Adulterers,
• The perverted,
• Men who have sex with men,
10• Greedy people,
• Thieves,
• Drunks,
• Insulters, and
• Exploiters[Syr]...won’t inherit God’s Kingdom.11And that’s what some of you once were! However, you’ve been washed clean, you’ve been made holy, and you’ve been found righteous through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed and by the Breath of our God.12Yes, everything is legal for me, although not everything is good for me... And even though everything is in fact legal for me, I won’t allow anything to become my master.13For example: Food is for the belly and the belly is for food. However, God is going to bring [both] to nothing.The same is true of the body… The body isn’t for sexual immorality, it’s for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 14Therefore, just as God raised our Lord, He will use His powers to raise us.15Don’t you know that your bodies are all a part of the Anointed One? [And if this is so,] should I take one of the Anointed One’s body parts and give it to a whore?Never!16For anyone who joins himself to a whore becomes one with her body, since [God] said:‘The two will become one flesh.’ [Genesis 2:24]17Understand that those who share his Spirit are really in the Lord, 18and this is why you should flee from sexual immorality!Now, every other sin that a man commits is outside of his body; but when he has immoral sex, he’s sinning against his own body! 19And don’t you realize that your bodies are the temple sanctuary of the Holy Breath within you which you received from God?So you no longer belong to yourselves, 20since you were bought and paid for.So you must use your bodies to glorify God!
1Now, concerning those things that you wrote to me about [when you said]:‘It’s best for a husband to not touch [his] wife.’2However, [I say,] because of all the immorality, each man should be allowed to have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3Then every man should give his wife what she’s due, and every woman should do the same for her husband.4Wives don’t have authority over their own bodies, their husbands do, and men don’t have authority over their own bodies, their wives do. 5So you shouldn’t deprive each other, except for set periods that you may agree on to devote time to prayer… Then you may come together again. No – don’t allow the Opposer to tempt you by your lack of self control.6However, this is just my opinion, not a command.7I wish that all of you were just like me! However, everyone has his own gift from God, and each in a different way. 8So I’m telling unmarried people and widows that it’s best for them to be like me. 9But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry, because it’s better to marry than to burn with passion.10To married people I give this warning (not really me, but the Lord):A woman shouldn’t leave her husband.11But if she does, she must either remain unmarried or make up with him… And the men shouldn’t leave their wives.12To the rest I say this (yes me, not the Lord):If any brother has an unbelieving wife that agrees to live with him, he should never leave her. 13And if a woman has an unbelieving husband that agrees to live with her, she shouldn’t leave him, 14because the woman makes [her] unbelieving husband holy, and the brother makes [his] unbelieving wife holy. Otherwise, their children would be unclean… But now they’re holy.15However, if the unbelieving one wants to leave, let him go, because a brother or a sister isn’t a slave to such matters, since God has called us to peace.16But woman:How do you know that you won’t save your husband?Man:How do you know that you won’t save your wife?17Except, go on in the same way that God gave to you when Jehovah called you. That’s the command I give in all the congregations.18Has a circumcised man been called? Then he shouldn’t act like someone who’s uncircumcised.Has an uncircumcised man been called? Then he shouldn’t be circumcised.19For being circumcised doesn’t mean anything, and being uncircumcised doesn’t mean anything either – [what’s important] is obeying God’s commandments! 20So it doesn’t matter what state you were in when you were called… Just stay that way!21Were you called when you were a slave?Don’t let that bother you… But if you can become free, seize the opportunity, 22because anyone in the Lord who was called [when he was] a slave has already become a free man in the Lord.And anyone who was free when he was called has become a slave of the Anointed One. 23So, since you’ve already been bought and paid for, stop becoming slaves to men!24Therefore, brothers, it doesn’t matter what condition each [of you] were in when you were called… Just stay that way, living to God.25Now, when it comes to virgins, I don’t have any commands from the Lord. However, I’ll give you my own opinion (as one who by the Lord’s mercy, has been faithful):26I think that it’s best for anyone who’s had a reason to stay one way, to continue as he [or she] is. 27[For example], are you tied to a wife? Stop trying to get free! Are you free from a wife? Stop searching for a wife! 28However, even if you marry, you aren’t sinning. And if a virgin marries, she hasn’t sinned.Remember that those who [marry] will have fleshly problems, and I’m just trying to save you [from this].29Let me say this, brothers… The season has been shortened! Therefore:Let those who have women act as though they have none;
30Let those who are crying act like those who don’t cry;
Let those who are rejoicing act like those who don’t rejoice;
Let those who are buying act like those who own nothing;
31And let those who are using this system of things act like those who don’t use it…
Because the ways of this world are about to change.32[You see], I don’t want you to worry about anything. A single man worries about the things of the Lord and winning His approval, 33while a married man worries about worldly things and winning his woman’s approval… So he’s divided.34Also, single women and virgins just worry about the things of the Lord… About how they can be holy in their bodies and the type of people who they are on the inside. However, a married woman must worry about worldly things and winning the approval of her man.35Now, I’m just describing the best situation… I’m not trying to ‘hang’ you, I’m just trying to move you to do things that work out well and sit well with the Lord, and which won’t distract you.36But if anyone thinks his virginity isn’t working out and he’s past the bloom of youth, this is what should happen:Allow him to do whatever he wishes, for he isn’t sinning if he marries! 37However, if someone is settled in heart, doesn’t have any [sexual] needs, has self-control, and has decided in his heart to keep his virginity, he’ll do better.38Yes, although the one who gives up his [or her] virginity and marries does well, the one who doesn’t marry does better. 39For a woman is tied down as long as her man’s alive. But if her man falls asleep [in death], she can marry whomever she wants (but only in the Lord).40However, in my opinion she’ll be happier if she stays [single]… And I consider myself as having God’s Spirit.
1Now, regarding things that have been sacrificed to idols:We realize that everyone knows something [about this]… However, knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. 2So if anyone thinks he already knows everything about this, he doesn’t really understand it as well as he should yet… 3And God knows those who truly love Him.4Yes, when it comes to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know that this world’s idols aren’t real; there’s no God but the [true] One... 5And although there are some who are called ‘gods’ (whether heavenly or earthly, for there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’), 6we only have one God –the Father– from whom everything came, and we’re in Him.There’s also just one Lord, Jesus the Anointed; everything is in his hand, and we are in his hand too.[Syr] [see translator note]7However, not everyone fully understands this yet. For up until now, some [Christians] have followed the practice of [buying and] eating food that’s been [previously] sacrificed to idols… And this has damaged their consciences and made them [spiritually] weak. 8But understand that what we eat doesn’t really affect our standing with God; so if we choose not to eat [food that was previously sacrificed to idols], we aren’t sinning… Nor will we be blest if we eat it.9But be careful that this power of yours doesn’t become a trap to those who are [spiritually] weak!10Because, if anyone sees you (the one who knows) dining in an idol’s temple... {Look!} Won’t the [spiritually] weak one’s conscience be emboldened to eat what’s sacrificed [to idols]? 11And then, because of your knowledge, this [spiritually] weak man –your brother, for whom the Anointed One died– may be lost [back to idol worship]! 12If you sin against your brother in this way and assault his weak conscience, you are [in fact] sinning against the Anointed One.13Therefore, if food is a trap to my brother, I’ll won’t eat [such] meat throughout [the rest of] the age, so that I won’t turn myself into a snare for my brother!
1Am I not free?Am I not an Apostle?Haven’t I seen our Lord Jesus, and aren’t you my works in the Lord?2If I weren’t an Apostle to all the rest, I certainly am to you, because you’re the seal that confirms my Apostleship in the Lord!3So I say this in my defense before those who would judge me:4I can eat or drink whatever I wish, 5and I could also take a sister as my wife [if I wished], as did the other Apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas (Peter).6And are BarNabas and I [the only Apostles] that should have to work for a living? 7For, who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and doesn’t eat its fruit? And who shepherds a flock and doesn’t drink some of the [sheep’s] milk?8Is this just human reasoning, or doesn’t the Law tell us the same thing? 9For it’s written in the Law of Moses:‘You must not muzzle a bull when it’s threshing the grain.’ [Deuteronomy 25:4]So does God just care about bulls, 10or didn’t he say that for all of our sakes? Really, it was written for all of us, because the man who plows ought to plow in hope, and the man who threshes ought to do so in hope of eating [the grain].11Therefore, if we’ve planted things of the Spirit within you, is it such a big thing for us to harvest things of the flesh from you? 12And if the people you work for are benefiting from your efforts, shouldn’t we [benefit] from them even more?Yet, we haven’t really used the [full] authority that we have, for we’ve been taking care of ourselves so that we don’t get in the way of the good news about the Anointed One.13Don’t you know that those who serve in the Temple also eat the things that are [contributed], and that those who serve at the Altar also share in the things that are sacrificed there? 14So the Lord meant for those who preach the good news to be provided for by means of this good news.15However, I haven’t used any of these provisions, and I’m not writing this so that will to happen to me… For I’d rather die than allow someone to take away my reason for boasting!16Now, there’s no reason for me to boast when it comes to preaching the good news, because it’s something that I must to do… In fact, woe to me if I don’t preach the good news!17For if I do this willingly, I’ll receive my wages. However, if I don’t do it willingly, it’s still my assignment.18Therefore, what’s my reward?It’s my ability to preach the good news free of charge.And by doing this, I’m not abusing the authority that I have in the good news, 19which leaves me free from being indebted to anyone. Yes, I’ve made myself a slave to everyone so that I can gain more.20I became a Jew to Jews, so I could gain Jews;I became as under the Law to those who are under the Law (although I’m not under the Law), so I could gain those who are under the Law;21I became like someone who’s without the Law to those who aren’t under the Law (although I’m not without law towards God, and I’m under the law of the Anointed One), so I could gain those who are without the Law;22And I became weak to those who are weak, so I could gain the weak.Yes, I’ve become everything to everyone and used every means to save some of them, 23doing it all for the sake of the good news, so that I might share it with others!24Don’t you know that even though everyone who [enters a] race in the stadium must run, only one gets the prize?So, run to win!25Also, every fighter has to maintain full control of himself just to win a garland that rots away… But we’ll receive something that doesn’t rot.26As a result, I’m not running timidly nor am I just swinging my arms; I’m boxing! 27I beat my body and treat it like a slave, so that after I’ve preached to others, I won’t be rejected!
1Now, I don’t want you to miss this point, brothers:Our ancestors were under the cloud and they all passed through the sea, 2so they were all ‘immersed’ into Moses because of the cloud and the sea.3Also, they all ate the same food from [God’s] Spirit, 4and they all drank the same spiritual drink, because they drank from the spirit of the rock… And that rock was the Anointed One.5However, because God wasn’t pleased with most of them, He left [their bodies] spread across the desert.6Now, things like this should serve as examples to us, so we won’t become people who desire bad things as they did… 7We don’t want to become idol worshipers, as some of them did!Notice that it’s written:‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up to play.’ [Exodus 32:6]8So we shouldn’t commit sexual immorality as some of them did, because 23,000 of them fell in just one day! 9Also, we don’t want to put Jehovah to the test as some of them did, because they were destroyed by snakes. 10Nor do we want to complain as some of them did, because they were killed by the destroyer!11Recognize that the things that happened to them [should serve as] examples to us, for they were written as warnings to us upon whom the end of the age has arrived.12So let those who think they’re standing be careful that they don’t fall! 13For none of you have faced any temptations yet, other than the things that are common to all men.And since God is faithful, He won’t allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear… For with every temptation, He provides a way out, so you can hang on.14However, my loved ones, flee from idol worship!15And since I’m talking as I would to people with good sense; figure out for yourselves whether the things that I’m saying here are the truth.16Now when we [say a] blessing over the cup of blessings, aren’t we sharing in the blood of the Anointed One? And when we break the loaf, aren’t we sharing in the body of the Anointed One?17So although there are many [of us], there’s just one ‘loaf’… therefore, we’re all one ‘body’, since we all eat from that same ‘loaf.’ 18And like in fleshly IsraEl, don’t those who eat the sacrifices also share some of it with the Altar?19So, what am I saying? That idols are anything? Or that things sacrificed to idols are anything?20No, I’m telling you that whatever the nations offer as sacrifices are really being offered to the demons, not to God… And I don’t want you to become sharers with the demons! 21For you can’t drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, nor can you eat at the table of the Lord and at the table of the demons.22We aren’t trying to make the Lord jealous, are we?We aren’t mightier than he is, are we?23Recognize that although everything is legal [to eat], not everything is good for us [to eat]… Yes, everything is legal, but not everything makes us stronger. 24So let’s not just be watching out for our own interests, but [for the best interests] of others.25The fact is, you can eat whatever’s sold at the meat markets without it bothering your consciences, 26for the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. 27And if an unbeliever invites you [for a meal] and you wish to accept, you can eat whatever is set before you and not let it bother your consciences.28But if someone should say, ‘This was offered as a sacrifice,’ then don’t eat it.You should do this for the sake of the one who said that, because of conscience… 29Not your conscience, but that of the other person.But [you might ask], ‘Why should I let anyone else judge my freedom? 30If I’m eating thankfully, why should I be slandered over something for which I’ve given thanks?’31Well, whether you’re eating, drinking, or doing anything else, you should be doing everything for God’s glory!32So you shouldn’t want to do anything that would stumble Jews, Greeks, or the Called Ones of God. 33And this is why I’m trying to please everybody in everything and not just doing what’s best for myself… I’m [trying to do] what’s best for others... So I can save them!
1I’m asking you to imitate me as I’m [imitating] the Anointed One.2I also want to praise you for remembering me and all the things that I’ve given to you, as well as for holding onto the things that I taught you.3However, I want you to recognize this:• The head and origin of the woman is the man,
• The head and origin of every man is the Anointed One, and
• The head and origin of the Anointed One is God.4So, every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head shames his head and origin. 5And every woman who prays or prophesies without something on her head shames her head and origin, for it’s the same as if her head was shaved.6Indeed, if a woman doesn’t wish to cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if cutting her hair short or shaving her head would shame a woman, then she should cover her head.7However, a man shouldn’t cover his head, since he [was created in] the image and glory of God, while a woman is the glory of man. 8For the man didn’t come from the woman, the woman came from the man. 9Also, the man wasn’t created for the woman, the woman [was created] for the man.10So, that’s why the woman should have [a sign of] authority on her head… As well as [for the sake of God’s] messengers.11Yet there really isn’t any difference between males and females in the Lord. 12For as the female came through the male, the male came through the female… Although everything really comes from God. 13So, judge it for yourselves.Is it appropriate for a woman to pray before God with no covering?14Doesn’t physical nature teach us that if a man has long hair it dishonors him, 15but if a woman has long hair it glorifies her? Yes, that’s why women were given longer hair. 16However if anyone wants to argue about this, we don’t have any other custom, nor do the congregations of God.17But when it comes to your meetings, I’m not praising anyone, for they seem to be doing more harm than good!18First of all, I hear that when you meet as a congregation, there are divisions among you… And I believe that’s partly true, 19because there has to be strife among you in order to clearly identify those who are approved.20Therefore, when you meet up on the Lord’s day, you don’t eat and drink in a fitting way. 21[I hear that] some of you [bring your own meals] and eat before others do, while others go hungry – and some are drunk!22Don’t you have homes where you can eat and drink? Or are you condemning the congregation of God by shaming those who don’t have anything?What should I say to you? Should I praise you for this?No, I don’t praise you!23Let me tell you something that I received from the Lord, and which I want to share with you:The Lord Jesus (on the very night that he was going to be handed over) took a loaf, 24and after giving thanks he broke it and said:‘This is my body that I’m giving for you.
Keep on doing this in remembrance of me.’25And after the meal he did the same thing with the cup, saying:‘In this cup is the blood of my New Sacred Agreement.
Keep on doing this… And as often as you drink it, think of me.’26Therefore, as often as you eat from the loaf and drink from the cup, you’ll keep proclaiming the death of the Lord until he arrives.27But recognize that anyone who eats the loaf and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy condition will also be judged by the Lord’s body and blood. 28So each person should examine himself before eating from the loaf or drinking from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink unworthily are eating and drinking condemnation upon themselves if they don’t recognize that this is [not ordinary food and drink, but] the Lord’s body!30This is why so many of you are [spiritually] weak and unhealthy… And quite a few have ‘fallen asleep!’31Understand that if you would judge yourselves, you wouldn’t have to be judged. 32But [if you leave that] judgment to the Lord, you’ll have to be disciplined so that you aren’t condemned along with this system of things!33Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34And if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so you don’t meet for judgment.As for the rest of the matters, I’ll straighten them out when I get there.
1Now brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant when it comes to spiritual things. 2For you know that when you were impious, you were led to be followers of dumb idols.3But I want you to understand that nobody speaking through the power of Jehovah’s Breath can say that Jesus is cursed; likewise, nobody can say that Jesus is Lord, except by Holy Spirit.4For no matter how many types of gifts there are, they all come from the same Breath. 5And no matter how many types of services there are, [they all come from] the same Lord. 6So, although there are many way in which it manifests [itself], they all come from the same God who provides the outworking of everything for each person, 7so that each man has the Breath revealed and given [to him] in order to help him.8Therefore, via the same Breath, one person is given words of wisdom, while someone else is given words of knowledge. 9It gives words of faith to some, while others get the gift of healing, 10or the ability to perform powerful deeds, or of prophesying, or of distinguishing different spirits, or of speaking different languages, or of interpreting the languages…11Yet, they all come from the same Spirit, which works in many ways (as it wishes) through each person.12So, just as the body is a single thing that has many members, and all the members (while being many) make up that one body… This is how the Anointed One is. 13For through the same Spirit we were all immersed into that one body, whether we’re Jews or Greeks, slaves or free men… And we were all made to drink from this same Spirit.14Therefore, you should understand that this body isn’t just one part, but many. 15So if the foot should say, ‘Because I’m not a hand, I’m no part of the body,’ that doesn’t mean it’s no part of the body.16And if the ear should say, ‘Because I’m not an eye, I’m no part of the body,’ that doesn’t mean it’s no part of the body either.17For if the whole body were just an eye, how would it hear? And if it could just hear, where would the sense of smell be?18Therefore, God has placed each part in the body as He pleases. 19For if all parts were the same, how could there be a body?20So understand that although there are many body parts, there’s just one body. 21The eye can’t say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you,’ nor can the head say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’22And notice that the weaker each body part seems to be, the more it is needed.23For the body parts that we consider the least honorable are those which we surround with the most honor. And our unattractive parts were made more attractive 24because our attractive parts don’t need any help.When God assembled the body, He gave more honor to the parts that have less 25so that there would be no divisions in the body, and all the parts would show the same loving care for each other.26As a result, if one body part suffers, all the other body parts suffer along with it. Or if a body part is glorified, all the other body parts rejoice along with it.27Therefore, you should realize that you’re all the Anointed One’s ‘body’ and ‘body parts,’ 28and that God has designated each of your places in the congregation… First the Apostles, second the Prophets, and third the teachers. Then come [those with] powerful works, or the gifts of healing, or performing helpful services, or the ability to direct, or speaking different languages.29Not all are Apostles, are they?
Not all are Prophets, are they?
Not all are teachers, are they?
Not all can perform powerful works, can they?
30And not all have the gift of healing, or can speak different languages, or can serve as translators.31However, zealously keep seeking the greater gifts.But now I’m going to show you something that’s even better.
1If I could speak the languages of both men and angels but didn’t have love, I’d be the sound of [clanging] brass or of a clashing cymbal.2If I could prophesy, understand all the mysteries, had all knowledge and enough faith to move mountains, but didn’t have love, I’d be nothing at all.3And if I were to give everything that I own to feed the poor, or hand over my body so that I could boast... But didn’t have love, none of this would have any value.4However, love is patient and kind. It isn’t envious, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t conceited, 5it doesn’t act shamefully, it doesn’t watch out for just itself, it isn’t easily provoked to anger, it doesn’t like evil, 6and it doesn’t rejoice over unrighteous things, rather, it rejoices in truth.7It endures everything, believes everything, hopes everything, and carries everything…8Love never fails!But the [gift of] prophesying will be done away with,
The [gift of] speaking [in foreign] languages will end,
And the [gift of miraculous] knowledge will pass away...9Because we now have just a partial knowledge and we can only prophesy partially. 10However, when the perfect thing arrives, the partial thing will be done away with.11Back when I was a baby, I talked like a baby, thought like a baby, and reasoned like a baby. But now that I’ve become a [grown] man, I’m finished with baby’s things.12So the things we see here today are like looking into a metal mirror… However, then it’ll be face to face! And although I can only understand partially now… Then I’ll have a complete understanding and I’ll be completely understood!13And at that time, only these three things will remain: faith, hope, and love.And the greatest of them is love.
1Therefore, we should [all be] pursuing love, as we also zealously seek the [gifts] of the Spirit… And I prefer that you prophesy.2For those who speak in tongues aren’t talking to men but to God, since nobody else is listening… So by the Spirit they’re speaking mysteries. 3On the other hand, those who prophesy are building up, encouraging, and bringing comfort to others.4So while the one who speaks in tongues builds himself up, the one who prophesies builds up [the whole] congregation.5While I would like all of you to [be able to] speak in tongues, I’d prefer that you prophesy, because the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues… Unless he can also translate, so the whole congregation can be built up.6Brothers, if I were to come to you right now and speak to you in a foreign tongue... What good would it do if I didn’t also speak to you with a revelation? Or with knowledge? Or with a prophecy? Or with something that I can teach you?7It’s the same as with inanimate things that make sounds, like flutes or harps. If you can’t distinguish the difference between the notes, how can you tell what’s being played? 8If a trumpet blows an unrecognizable signal, who’ll prepare for war?9So unless you use your tongues to say things that are easily understood, how will anyone know what you’re saying?You will, for a fact, just be speaking into the air!10There are many kinds of vocalizations in the world, and they all mean something. 11However, if I don’t understand the meaning of the sound, I’m a foreigner to the one who’s speaking, and the one who’s speaking will be a foreigner to me.12Therefore, if you have a zeal for the Spirit, use it in ways to build up the congregation, so that everyone can prosper… 13Let the one who speaks in tongues pray that he can also translate! 14For when I pray in a foreign language, although my spirit may be praying, my mind isn’t receiving any benefit.15Then, what should we do?If I pray by the Spirit, I’ll also pray in my mind. And if I sing praises by the Spirit, I’ll sing praises in my mind.16For if we’re only offering praise by the Spirit, how will any ordinary man who’s there and doesn’t understand us say, ‘May it be so,’ when we’re giving thanks? 17For even though it may be true that we’re giving thanks in a fine way, this person isn’t being built up.18I thank God that I can speak more languages than all of you.19However, I’d rather speak 5 words using my mind so that I can teach others when I’m in a congregation, than 10,000 words in a foreign language.20Brothers, don’t be like children when it comes to [using] the power of your minds… Be babies when it comes to badness, as you perfect your abilities to reason!21For it’s written in the Law:‘‘Even though I speak to these people in other tongues and with other lips... They still won’t listen to me,’ says Jehovah.’ [Isaiah 28:11-12]22Understand that speaking in a foreign tongue isn’t a sign to unbelievers, but to believers, while prophesying isn’t for believers, it’s for unbelievers. [see translator note]23[For example:] If the whole congregation is speaking in tongues when some ordinary person or unbeliever comes into your meeting place, won’t he just think you’re crazy?24However, if everyone is prophesying when an unbeliever or ordinary person enters, he’s corrected and judged by them all. 25Then, as the secrets in his heart are revealed, he will fall to his face before God and say:‘God is truly among you!’26Therefore, what should happen, brothers?When you’re meeting, one should have a psalm, another should have a teaching, another should have a revelation, and another should speak in a foreign language… That is, as long as someone else interprets it. Because, everything that’s done there should be for [the purpose of] building up!27So if some are speaking in tongues, limit it to two or three at the most, and do it in turns, and then have someone do the translating.28However, if no one can translate it, such people should be silent in the congregation, speaking just to themselves and to God.29Let two or three prophets speak instead, and allow the rest to judge the meaning of what they’re saying.30Then if someone else has a revelation while he’s sitting there, the first one should [yield to him]. 31This way, when each of them prophesy in turns, everyone can learn and be encouraged.32For the breaths of the prophets should be controlled by the prophets [themselves], 33because God doesn’t send us confusion, [He sends] peace, as in all the congregations of Holy Ones.34The women should remain silent in the congregation… They shouldn’t be allowed to speak out. Rather (as the Law says), they should be submissive. 35And if they wish to know something, let them ask their men [when they get] home; for it’s disgraceful for a woman to speak out in a congregation. [likely spurious]36Or [do you think that] the Word of God is coming from just you, and that you’re the only one who understands it?37Well, if someone thinks he’s a prophet and that he’s under the influence of [God’s] Spirit, then he should agree with these things that I’m writing to you, because these are the Lord’s commandments!38However, if there are those who choose to be ignorant, let them remain ignorant.39My brothers, keep on zealously seeking the [gift of] prophesying, but don’t forbid the speaking in tongues. 40Just make sure that everything is conducted in a tasteful and orderly way.
1Now brothers, I want you to understand this about the good news that I preached to you (which you received, in which you’re standing, 2and through which you’re being saved):If you’re still holding onto this good news that I preached to you, your faith hasn’t been wasted. 3Because what I passed along to you was the first thing that I learned, that the Anointed One died for our sins (just as the Scriptures foretold), 4and he was buried and then raised on the third day 5when he appeared first to Cephas (Peter), then to the rest of the twelve.6After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive today (although some have ‘fallen asleep’), 7and he appeared to James and to all the Apostles.8But lastly – like some miscarriage – he appeared to me… 9For I’m the least of the Apostles, and I’m unfit to even be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Called Ones of God.10Yet, through the loving care of God, I am what I am. And the loving-care that He showed me hasn’t been wasted, because I’ve worked harder than all the rest… And not just for my own benefit, but because of God’s loving care that’s now in me.11However, whether it was from me or from some other source, we’ve all preached and you’ve believed.12Now, if we’re preaching that the Anointed One was raised from the dead, then, why are some of you saying that there’s no resurrection of the dead?13For if there was no resurrection of the dead, then the Anointed One couldn’t have been raised either!14And if the Anointed One hasn’t been raised, our preaching and our faith is all in vain!15Yes, we’ve proven to be false witnesses of God, because we’ve testified concerning God that He raised the Anointed One… Who couldn’t really have been raised at all, if the dead won’t be raised!16Indeed, if the dead won’t be raised, the Anointed One hasn’t been raised either!17And if the Anointed One hasn’t been raised, our faith is useless and we’re all still sinners.18Also, all those who’ve fallen asleep in the Anointed One are just gone!19Then if we’ve been putting our hope in the Anointed One when this life is all that there is, we’re the most pitiable of all men!20However, the Anointed One has been raised from the dead, and he’s the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep [in death].21For even though death came through a man, resurrection from the dead has also come through a man. 22And as all are dying because of Adam, all will be made alive in the Anointed One… 23But each one in his own order, [starting with] the first fruits of the Anointed One, followed by those who belong to the Anointed One when he arrives.24Then, in the end, after he’s brought all governments, authorities, and powers to nothing, he will hand over the Kingdom to his God and Father. 25For he must rule [as king] until he’s put all his enemies under his feet 26and the final enemy, the death, has been brought to an end.27Yes, he will indeed put everything under his feet!However, when it says that everything will be put under his feet, it’s evident that the exception is the One who put everything under him.28For after everything has been put under him, the Son will submit to the One who put everything under him, so that God can be everything to everyone.29Also, if none of the dead will be raised, then what will those who are immersed for the dead do? Yes, why are they immersed for the dead? [possible spurious text] 30why are we in danger all the time?31For I’m [close to] dying every day just to prove that you’re worthy of all my boasting about you… You whom I [call] my brothers through the Anointed Jesus our Lord.32And if the dead aren’t going to be raised, and if it was just as a man that I fought wild animals at Ephesus, what good did it do me?Why not rather say, ‘Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we’ll die’?33So, don’t allow [anyone] to mislead you about this… Remember:‘Evil communications corrupt good morals!’34Brothers, become more serious about your righteousness and stop sinning! For some [of you actually] know nothing at all about God… Yes, I’m saying this to embarrass you!35Because, some have been asking:‘Just how will the dead be raised… In what sort of bodies will they return?’36You foolish people! Those who plant seeds know that they can’t live unless they ‘die’ first. 37For whatever is planted isn’t the body that it’s going to become… It’s just a naked grain of wheat, or whatever.38So understand that God will give us any [type of] body that He wishes, just as He gives each seed its own body.39Realize that not all flesh is the same.There’s one type of flesh of men, another of cattle, another of birds, and another of fish. 40There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies… And the glory of heavenly bodies is different from that of earthly bodies. 41The glory of the sun is one type, the glory of the moon is another, and the glory of the stars is yet another.In fact, stars differ from other stars in their glory.42So, that’s how it’ll be with the resurrection of the dead:It’s planted in decay and then raised as clean.
43It’s planted without honor, and then raised in glory.
It’s planted as weak, and then raised in power.44Therefore, what’s planted as the body of something that breathes will be raised as a spiritual body… As there’s a breather’s body, there’s also a spiritual [one].45It’s written that the first man (Adam) became a living soul.
However, the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46Thus the first [body] is human, not spiritual, for the spiritual one comes later.47Likewise, as the first man came from the dust of the ground and the second man came from the Lord of heaven, 48those who come from the dust are like the one who came from the dust, while those who are heavenly are like the heavenly one.49Therefore, as we’ve worn the shape of the one who was made from the dust of the ground, we’ll also wear the image of the Celestial One.50Let me tell you this, brothers:Flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom, nor can [something] that’s corruptible inherit something that’s incorruptible.51Look, I’m going to explain a mystery to you:Not all of us will be laid to rest. Rather, we’ll be changed 52in a moment – in the twinkling of an eye – during the last trumpet! For the trumpet will be blown and the dead will be raised incorruptible… Yes, we’ll be changed.53Then that which is corruptible will put on incorruptibility, and that which is dying will put on immortality. 54But when that which is dying puts on immortality, the words that were written will be fulfilled:‘Death, which prevails, will be swallowed.’ [Isaiah 25:8]55So, where is your victory, O death… Yes, where is your sting, O death?56The sting that brings death is sin, and the power for sin comes from the Law. 57But thanks to God that each of us will see victory through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One!58Therefore, my beloved brothers:Become settled, immovable, and always have an abundance of the Lord’s work to do, knowing that with Jehovah, your hard work is never in vain.
1Now, regarding the collection for the Holy Ones:I want you to do the same thing that I told the congregations in Galatia. 2On each Sabbath day, you should set something aside in your savings, since you’re prospering, so we won’t have to take up a collection after I arrive.3Then, when I get there, I'll send whichever men you choose to carry your kind gift to JeruSalem along with a letter. 4And if I’m found worthy to go myself, they can travel with me.5I’ll come to [visit] you after I go to Macedonia, because I have to travel through Macedonia. 6And if things turn out well, perhaps I can stay [with you] for a while, or even spend the winter with you. Then you can escort me part of the way to wherever I’ll be going [next].7I don’t want to see you as I’m passing through right now, because I hope to spend more time with you, if my Lord allows it. 8I’ll be staying in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a large door of opportunity has opened to me there. However, there are also many opposers.10When Timothy gets there, make sure that he has nothing to fear while he’s with you, because he’s doing the Lord’s work the same as I am.11Don’t allow anyone to treat him disrespectfully!Then escort him part of the way in peace so that he can come here to me, because I’m waiting for him with the brothers.12Now, regarding our brother Apollos:I begged him to come to you with the brothers, but he doesn’t want to do that right now. However, he’ll come when he has the opportunity.13So, stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on as men, and grow mighty. 14And may everything that you do be accomplished in love.15Now, I want to encourage you to do this, brothers:You know that the household of Stephanas is the first fruit of Achaia, and that they’ve been serving the needs of the Holy Ones. 16Follow the instructions of such people, and all of you should labor and work hard together.17I’m very grateful that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and AchaiKus are here, because they’ve made up for your not being here. 18Since they’re a breath of fresh air in my life and in yours, give special recognition to such men.19The congregations of [the Province of] Asia send you their greetings.Aquila, Priska, and the called ones in their home send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20In fact, all the brothers send their greetings!So, greet each other with a holy kiss.21[Here are] my (Paul’s) greetings, written in my own hand.22May all those who don’t care for the Lord be cursed!Come, O Lord!23May the loving care of the Lord Jesus be with you, 24and may my love be with all of you, in the Anointed Jesus.
1Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus (by God’s Will), and our brother Timothy, to God’s congregation in Corinth (and to all the Holy Ones throughout Achaia):2May loving care and peace from God (our Father) and from our Lord Jesus (the Anointed One), be with you!3May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be praised! Yes, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort!4[Yes, He] comforts us during all our troubles, so we, in turn, can use that same comfort from God to comfort others.5For just as we [experience] plenty of suffering [because] of the Anointed One, we also [experience] plenty of comfort through the Anointed One.6But if we’re suffering, then [it just means that] we’re suffering for your [eventual] comfort and salvation.[Syr] And if we’re comforted, it’s so you’re comforted too – so you can have the endurance [needed] to put up with the same trials that we suffer.7So we have great confidence in you, because we know that if you share in the suffering, you’ll also share in the comfort.8Brothers, I want to tell you about the trouble we experienced[Syr] in [the province of] Asia. We were under enormous pressure, far beyond our ability to cope, to the point where we actually thought that we were going to die. 9In fact, we [decided that] our lives were over, so we [resolved] not to trust in ourselves, but rather in The God who raises the dead, 10who, [in the end] did rescue us from certain death[Syr]... And we hope, will rescue us again [in the future]!11You can help us out [in this matter] by praying for us – [because then,] His gift to us can be a kindness performed for many people, and [also] many people will thank Him for us.12We can take pride in what our consciences testify – that thanks to God’s loving care, we’ve conducted ourselves in this system of things decently and with sincerity (especially towards you) and not with human wisdom.13Now, we’re not writing to you about anything that you don’t already know about and understand... And I hope that you’ll keep on recognizing right up until the end 14that, just as you’ve (partially) acknowledged that we’re something you can boast about – well, [you’ll be something to boast about] for us too, in the Day of our Lord Jesus.15So it’s with this confidence that I wanted to come to you… Doubling the benefit that you’d receive. 16[The plan was] to go past you on my way to Macedonia, and then to visit you on my way back from Macedonia – then have you escort me to Judea.17So, when I considered doing this, was I being rash? On the contrary, I’m considering these fleshly things because it’s [right and] proper[Syr] – so that ‘yes’ [means] ‘yes,’ and ‘no’ [means] ‘no!’ 18Yes, you can trust God that we don’t say ‘yes’ and [then say] ‘no.’19After all, the Son of The God, the Anointed Jesus, about whom we (Silvanus, Timothy, and I) preached to you, wasn’t a ‘yes but no’ person – his ‘yes’ [always] meant ‘yes!’20Indeed, all of God’s promises regarding him, the Anointed One,[Syr] are ‘yes!’ That’s why we give our ‘May it be so’ through him – to God’s praise.21But it’s God Himself who establishes us (and you also) in the Anointed One, and who anointed us, 22sealed us, and gave the guarantee [that we’d receive His] Spirit in our hearts.23But I swear on my life to God, that [the reason] I haven’t come to [you in] Corinth yet is to spare you [the experience]... 24Not that we’re the masters of your faith – rather, we’re [just] your cheerful helpers[Syr]. Indeed, you stand upon [your own] faith.
1I’ve decided not to come to you again as long as I’m feeling sad [about you]. 2For if I’ve made you sad, then who’ll [be there to] cheer me up, other than those I’ve saddened?3As a result, I’m writing this [letter], so that when I do come [to visit you], those who should be making me happy won’t sadden me [instead]; but I’m confident in all of you – you’re all my joy!4[The previous time] I wrote you was with great difficulty, pain of heart, and with tears. It wasn’t to make you sad, but rather to let you know what great love I have for you.5But if any man has saddened [others], then he hasn’t [just] saddened me, but more-or-less all of you! Therefore, the message [I have] won’t be too harsh. 6Yes, the rebuke [he’s had] from most of you is enough. 7Therefore, it’s now proper for you to instead forgive him and comfort him, so that such a man won’t be swallowed up by his deep sadness…8Yes, I’m telling you to let him know that you love him!9This is also why I’ve written to you, to test and find out whether you’d listen[Syr] to everything. 10But whomever you forgive, I’ll do too!For when I forgive someone on your behalf before the Anointed One (that is, if I should ever have anything to forgive), 11it’s so that the Opposer won’t take advantage of us, since we know his schemes.12[Anyway, I wish to tell you that] when I arrived in Troas to preach the good news about the Anointed One, Jehovah had opened a door [of opportunity] for me there. 13However, I was deeply disturbed by the fact that I couldn’t find my brother Titus, so I left the others and traveled on to Macedonia.14But, thanks to God, He makes us a [public] spectacle the entire time, so, through us, the Anointed One can reveal the [pleasant] perfume of the knowledge of Him everywhere!15Indeed, to God, we’re a pleasant perfume in the Anointed One. As for those being saved and those who are dying, 16to these [latter ones], we’re the smell of death [leading] to death, while to those [former ones], the smell of life [leading] to life!Who else is qualified to do this [work]?17Well, we aren’t like the rest who dilute and weaken[Syr] God’s words[Syr] [like a dishonest merchant does to wine]. No, instead we speak the plain truth[Syr] from God in God’s sight (through the Anointed One).
1So, do we now have to introduce ourselves to you again, or do we (like some men do) need letters of recommendation written to you, or [perhaps] you could write [a letter of] recommendation for us?2But you are our letters – written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone, 3since you’ve proven to be a ‘letter’ [from] the Anointed One whom we serve. And it’s not written in ink – but in the Living God’s Breath. [Further], it’s not [written] on tablets of stone, but rather on ‘tablets’ of human hearts!4Indeed, that’s how much confidence we have – thanks to the Anointed One and to God.5No, we should never think that we’re so good that any of this comes from ourselves! Rather, our ability is from God – 6who made us equal [to the challenge] of being ministers of the New Sacred Agreement which isn’t [made] in writing, but is [made] in [God’s] Breath... Indeed, the writing [of the Jewish Law] kills, while the [God’s] Breath saves!7So if the ‘ministry of death’ ([which is dedicated] to the writing [of the Jewish Law] engraved in stone), was so glorious that the IsraElites couldn’t even look at Moses because of [God’s] glory [shining] on his face (which stopped)... 8Then how could the ‘ministry of [God’s] Breath’ not be exceptionally glorious?9Yes, if the ‘ministry of condemnation’ [founded by Moses] was glorious, then how much more should the ‘ministry of righteousness’ excel in glory? 10Since what was glorified [back in Moses’ day] isn’t even [particularly] glorious [when] compared to this exceptional glory.11So if the thing that’s now abolished was glorious, then what’s still here will be exceptionally glorious!12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we can go around with exceptional confidence,[Syr] 13and not like Moses who had a veil over his face so the IsraElites couldn’t take a good look at what would [only] be abolished in the end. 14Instead, they were blinded in their understanding.And right up until today, whenever the Old Sacred Agreement is read [in the scriptures], that same veil rises up over them – and [the fact that] the Anointed One abolished it isn’t revealed to them. 15Yes, whenever Moses is read today, a veil rises up over their hearts, 16but whenever one of them turns to Jehovah, the veil is taken away...17But Jehovah is spirit, and wherever Jehovah’s spirit is, there’s freedom...18Therefore, with uncovered faces, we see Jehovah’s glory like it’s in a mirror, in order to thoroughly transform into [reflecting] his likeness – yes, [transforming] from [a human] glory, to a glory like [the glory coming] from Jehovah’s Breath.
1So, because of this ministry (that we’ve been so mercifully assigned to), we haven’t given up. 2Instead, we’ve given up the things that lead to shame!No, we aren’t sneaking around, twisting God’s Word! Rather, we’re making the truth known! And in God’s sight, we’re proving ourselves worthy to the minds of all men.3So, if the Good News that we bring is hidden in any way, it’s only hidden to those who are dying – 4to the unbelievers – whose minds have been blinded by the god of this age, so that the light of the glorious Good News about the Anointed One (who is the image of The God) is unable to shine through.5And we aren’t preaching about ourselves, but about the Anointed Jesus our Lord, but as for us, we’ve become your slaves for Jesus’ sake... 6Because God (who commanded the light to appear out of the darkness), caused this light of knowledge about the glory of God to shine into our hearts, via the person of Jesus the Anointed.7Therefore, we have this treasure stored in ‘clay pottery,’ so that exceptional power may be [shown to come] from God, and not from us.8Therefore:Although we’re under pressure in every way, we’re not suffocated.[Syr]Although we’re beaten up, we’re not conquered.[Syr]9Although we’re persecuted, we’re not abandoned.Although we’re knocked down, we don’t die!10For we always bear the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies. 11So if we, the living, are handed over to death for Jesus’ sake… Then the life of Jesus can be seen in our dying flesh too!12As a result, death is at work in us, while life [is at work] in you.13Nevertheless, we share the same spirit of faith.For it’s written:‘Because I had faith, I spoke.’ [Psalm 116:10, LXX]Well, we also believe, so we’re speaking too!14Indeed, we know that the One who raised our[Syr] Lord Jesus [from death], will also, through Jesus, raise us [from death]... And [when that happens], we’ll be standing there beside you with him![Syr]15Yes, everything is [being done] for you... And when [God’s] loving care grows enormously, by means of many [persons] there’ll be an even greater praise to God’s glory.16That’s why we haven’t worn out!Even if the man [you see] on the outside is wasting away, the man on the inside is renewed day-by-day. 17While our troubles [during] this time are pretty minor and short,[Syr] a great and unending glory is ready for us – [from] age to ages!18So, we shouldn’t enjoy the visible things, but rather, the invisible things! Indeed, you would only see them for a time, but things you can’t see are eternal!
1[Here’s one thing] we know [for sure]:If our earthly ‘home’ (this body[Syr]) would be destroyed, we’d still have a ‘house’ from God (not made by hands) that lasts throughout the ages…2Also, we sigh over this because we yearn to be clothed in that ‘house’ from heaven 3(besides, even when clothed, we exist ‘naked’).[Syr] 4While we’re [still] in this ‘house’,[Syr] we sigh from the weight of it... Yet we don’t really want to take it off, instead, we keep wearing it, swallowing down its death in [one’s] life.5Now, God has prepared us for this, and He’s given us a down payment… His Breath... 6So thanks to this, we know and are convinced[Syr] that as long as we’re at home in the body, we aren’t with our[Syr] Lord.7Yes, we walk by faith, not by what we can see... 8So because of this we’re trusting[Syr] and are happy to leave this body and be with[Syr] our[Syr] Lord. 9And we love the fact that whether we’re in this home or we leave it, we still please him!10For we’ll all stand before the Anointed One’s judgment seat, and a man is rewarded in the body [based on] whatever he did, whether good or foul.11So, since we know the fear of our[Syr] Lord, we’re persuading people [to turn to him]. We’re then revealing to God, I think,[Syr] [what sort of people we are] and also to you, too, 12so we won’t have to prove ourselves to you [again]… And then you’ll have reasons to boast about us, and [you’ll also have something to offer] those who are more influenced by what we look like, and not by [what’s really in the] heart.13So we’ll either be crazy for God, or sensible for you.14The Anointed One’s love urges us to consider this: that one person died on everyone else’s behalf, therefore, all of us have ‘died’ 15and he died for all of us. So the living shouldn’t live for themselves [anymore],[Syr] but for him – yes, [the one] who died for them and stood up [again].16So from now on, we don’t recognize anybody in a human way (even if we knew the Anointed One in a human way, we certainly don’t know him that way anymore) 17because, whoever is in the Anointed One is a new creation! Yes, the old things have passed away, and they’ve all been renewed 18by God, who’s restored us to a good relationship with Himself through the Anointed One.So now, [God] has assigned us to a ministry [dedicated to] this restored relationship with Him!19Yes – God, through the Anointed One, has brought[Syr] the world back into a good relationship with Himself and his majesty,[Syr] by no longer holding their sins against them, and He’s put the message of this reconciliation within us.20We are, therefore, ambassadors for the Anointed One – yes, as if God was calling [people] through us. Yes, we’re begging them to come back to a [good] relationship with God on the Anointed One’s behalf. 21He made the one who didn’t know sin [to become] ‘sin,’ so that we can become God’s ‘righteousness’ along with him.
1Moreover, since we’re your helpers,[Syr] we urge you not to waste the loving care of God that you’ve received. 2For He says:‘In an acceptable time, I heard you, And in a day of salvation, I came to your aid.’ [Isaiah 49:8]So look! This is the acceptable time!And look! This is the day of salvation!3Therefore, we aren’t doing anything that might offend anyone, so that our ministry might remain spotless. 4And we’re taking our stand as God’s servants in everything… By enduring many difficulties, by shortages of necessities, 5by beatings, by imprisonment, by mobs, by hard work, by sleepless nights, by hunger, 6by holiness, by knowledge, by patience, by loving care (through Holy Breath), and by love that isn’t judgmental.7We’re also doing this by telling the truth (through the power of God) by [using] the weapons of righteousness (the right-handed ones and the left-handed ones)… 8Through glory and dishonor, through bad reputations and good reputations, as ‘deceivers’ who tell the truth, 9as unknown but recognized among the dying (and yet, look… We’re alive!), as those who were disciplined but not yet condemned to death, 10as sad but always rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, and as having nothing while owning it all!11Therefore, our mouths and our hearts have been spread wide open to you Corinthians!12So, you aren’t having a hard time finding room in us; you’re having a hard time making room [for us] in yourselves!13Just be fair with us!I’m telling you this as [my] children:Make room for us!14You must stop joining yourselves unevenly with unbelievers like different types of animals under the same yoke... For what connection is there between righteousness and law-breaking?Or what does light have in common with darkness?15Yes, what harmony is there between the Anointed One and [the demon] BeliEl?Or what can a faithful person share with an unbeliever?16And how can a holy dwelling of God [make room for] idols?Recognize this as a fact:We are the living and holy dwellings of God!As God Himself said:‘I’ll live and walk among them… I’ll be their God and they’ll be My people.’ [Leviticus 26:12]17[And:]‘‘Come out from among them and separate yourselves… Stop touching unclean things, and I’ll take you in,’ says Jehovah.’ [Isaiah 52:11]18And:‘‘Then I’ll be your Father, And you’ll be My sons and My daughters’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.’ [unknown quote, or a combination of 2 Samuel 7:8, 2 Samuel 7:14, and Isaiah 43:6]
1So since we’ve been given these promises, loved ones; let’s wash off all the filth of the flesh and the person we’ve been on the inside, and become perfectly holy in our fear of The God.2Also, make room for us, because we haven’t wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or taken advantage of anyone!3I’m not saying this to condemn you, because, as I told you before, you’re in our hearts… So we’ll live together and die together!4And this is why I feel so perfectly free to speak to you... Yes, I’m very comfortable [with you], and I have many reasons to boast about you. In fact, I overflow with joy over you because of all the difficulties that we’ve shared together!5[I want you to understand that] since we’ve arrived here in Macedonia, our bodies haven’t had any relief, for there have been problems over everything. On the outside there are conflicts, and on the inside there are fears.6However, The God who gives comfort to the lowly has provided comfort to us through the presence of Titus. 7And it wasn’t just his presence alone that brought us comfort… It was also because of the comfort that he felt over you, since he again brought us word of your longing, mourning, and zeal for me.And that made me very happy.8So if what I wrote in my [first] letter made you sad, I don’t regret it!And even if I did regret it [at first], I see that my letter only saddened you for a little while. 9Therefore, I’m rejoicing now… Not because you were saddened, but because you were saddened into repenting!And because you were saddened in a Godly way, we know that we didn’t damage you.10For being sad in a Godly way brings a repentance that results in salvation (and there’s nothing to regret about that), while the sadness of this world brings death.11And look at what this sadness in a Godly way has accomplished… See how it speeded things up and gave us answers… How it caused indignation, fear, desire, zeal, and vengeance!Because after that, you proved yourselves to be pure in every way in this matter!12Now, I didn’t write [that letter to] you because of the one who was acting unrighteously or because of the one who was being treated unrighteously. Rather, [I wrote it] to prove how earnestly you obey us in the sight of God, 13and this is what’s brought us so much comfort!For we now have even more reasons to be joyful, because of the joy that this has brought to Titus, since the man he is within has been refreshed by all of you.14Therefore, if I’ve boasted to him about you, I’ve had no reason to be ashamed of it, because everything that I said about you is true…Yes, after we bragged about you to Titus, it has all proven to be true!15And he cares for you even more deeply now, as he remembers how well you’ve obeyed, and how all of you received him with fear and trembling. 16So I’m rejoicing and I’m encouraged in every way because of you!
1Brothers, we want to tell you about how God’s loving care has been shown towards the congregations in Macedonia. 2Although they’re undergoing many trials and difficulties, their great joy and deep poverty brought out the richness of their generosity.3For as they were able (and I testify that it was more than they were able to do) 4and of their own accord, they kept begging us to [allow them to] share in donating to the fund for the Holy Ones. 5And it wasn’t just as we had hoped they would do; first they gave to the Lord, and then they gave to us (as it was God’s Will).6So this led us to encourage Titus (since he was the one who initiated it) to complete the collection among you also.7Therefore, because you’re prospering in everything – in your faith, words, knowledge, eagerness, and in our love for you – may you share your prosperity through similar [acts of] loving kindness.8I’m not saying this to pressure you; [I’m saying this] because these others have been so eager, and because I want to prove the genuineness of your love.9Of course, you know of the loving care that was shown by our Lord Jesus the Anointed One... Even though he was ‘rich,’ he became poor for your sakes in order to make you ‘rich’ through his poverty.10This is my opinion on the best way to handle it:Last year, you were the first ones who wanted to give, and you even started contributing. 11So now, finish what you started, and bring all of that eagerness and willingness to a climax. Just give from whatever you have on hand; 12for when [people] are already willing, it’s best to accept what they have rather than what they don’t have.13Understand that I’m not trying to make it harder on you than for the others, 14because everything balances out. If you can give more right now, it’ll make up for those who can give less. And if others can give more than you, it’ll make up for those who can give less.So, everything balances out.15As it’s written:‘Those who gathered more didn’t have too much, and the rest that gathered little didn’t lack.’ [Exodus 16:18]16Now, thanks to God that He’s put the same earnestness [that I have] for you into the heart of Titus, 17for he’s responded to your encouragement and he’s decided to return to you quickly.18We’re also sending a brother along with him whose praise in the good news has spread throughout all the congregations. 19He’s the one who was appointed by the congregations to be our traveling companion, and who’ll actually distribute the gifts that are so willingly being donated for the glory of the Lord.20That way, we can avoid having anyone complain about us over the generous contributions that are being handled by us. 21For we’re planning ahead to do good things – not just in the sight of the Lord, but also from the viewpoint of men.22And of course:We’re sending along our brother who’s proven to be zealous so many times and in so many ways, but who’s now even more eager because of his greater confidence in you. 23Now, if there are any questions about Titus, [let me say that] he’s my partner and co-worker for your interests.Or if [there are any questions] about [the rest of] our brothers, [let me say that] they’re apostles to the congregations and a glory to the Anointed One. 24So now, prove your love for them – [the love] that we’ve been boasting about to the congregations.
1Regarding the collections for the Holy Ones:I really don’t have to write anything about this to you, 2for I know how eager you’ve been. I’ve even bragged to the Macedonians about you, telling them that Achaia has been ready for a year now, and your zeal has been an incentive to most of them.3So at this time, I’m sending the brothers [to you] to prove that our boasting about you hasn’t been in vain… And I hope that you’re ready, as I said you’d be. 4Otherwise, if the Macedonians should come with me and find that you aren’t ready, we’d be shamed by the assurances we gave them.5So, I thought it’d be best to encourage the brothers to come to you ahead of time in order for you to start collecting the generous gift that you promised. That way, what’s given will, in fact, be a generous gift and not something that we’ve extorted from you!6Remember that those who plant little will harvest little, while those who plant much will harvest much. 7So, may each of you do whatever you’ve resolved in your hearts… But not grudgingly or because you feel pressured, since...‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ [Proverbs 22:8, LXX]8Moreover, God is able to show all of His loving kindness towards you, so that you can have more than enough of everything and an abundance of good deeds!9As it is written:‘They contribute to those who are needy,
And throughout the ages, they prove themselves just.’
[Psalm 112:9]10Therefore, may the One who supplies an abundance of seeds to the farmers and plenty of bread to the hungry, supply (and even multiply) the seeds that you need for planting, and may He increase your harvests because of your righteousness, 11so that you’ll be made rich because of your generosity…Yes, thank God for that!12For the purpose of this community service isn’t just to supply the [physical] needs of the Holy Ones abundantly, but also to [make you] rich through their many words of thanks to God.13Realize that the proof of the value of the service [you’re performing] is when others glorify God because of your generous contributions to them and to everyone else, as you continue to obey and preach the good news about the Anointed One.14And this is why they’re praying for you and are longing [to see] you… Because of the tremendous loving care that God has shown to them through you.15Yes, thanks to God for His indescribable gifts!
1Now, I Paul (whose appearance is considered lowly among you) am pleading with you [in the same] mild and obedient ways as did the Anointed One. And although I’m not there, I hope that I can be so bold as to say this to you:2Please don’t be upset by what I intend to do when I arrive. For I’m going to say what I really think about those ones who reckon that we’re [just] walking in the flesh.3Yes, even though we are, in fact, only flesh, we don’t fight in fleshly ways 4because our weapons aren’t fleshly… They’re from the power of God and we can [use them to] tear down mighty fortifications!5So, this is what we’ll use to tear down their ideas and all the high-minded things that they’re raising against the knowledge of God... Yes, we can capture all of their thoughts and then force them to obey the Anointed One!6We’re also ready to avenge any disobedience (whenever there’s disobedience) 7of those who are just looking at our faces!Therefore, let those who are trusting that they belong to the Anointed One remember this:As they belong to the Anointed One, so do we!8And even if I do boast a little too much about the power that the Lord gave me to build you up (not to tear you down), 9I won’t be ashamed if I also give you the impression that I want to terrify you with my letters.10For it’s a fact that some of you are saying:‘His letters are heavy and forceful, but when he’s here, he looks weak and what he says has little value!’11So, may they be reminded that what we write about in letters when we’re away, is what we’re going to do when we get there!12Notice that we don’t dare to make any comparisons…We aren’t comparing ourselves with those who think too much of themselves, because when they measure themselves (when they compare themselves against themselves), they aren’t reaching the right conclusions.13However, we don’t have to brag about how we measure up, for we gauge everything by the yard stick that God gave us… And that stick reaches as far as you!14Therefore, we aren’t just stretching ourselves out far enough that we can’t reach you, because we were the first to come all the way to you [when we] preached the good news to you about the Anointed One. 15And those braggarts can’t really measure [themselves against] the efforts of others.What we’re hoping is that as your faith grows, we’ll be recognized as great among you when you measure us by this same ruler; for then we’ll [see more results] 16as we go out preaching the good news to regions that are far beyond you, and there’ll be no more boasting over how we measure up by someone else’s stick.17‘Let those who boast, boast in Jehovah.’ [Jeremiah 9:23]18So understand that those who think of themselves as being important aren’t necessarily the ones who’ll be approved…Just those who are recommended by our Lord!
1I wish that you’d bear with me in my foolishness… But then, you are bearing with me. 2For I’m jealous over you with a Godly zeal, since I personally promised you in marriage as ‘chaste virgins’ to a ‘husband’…Yes, to stand beside the Anointed One!3However, I’m afraid that somehow, in the same way that the snake cunningly seduced Eve, your minds might be corrupted away from the simplicity concerning the Anointed One.4For [I know that] if [someone] should come preaching about a Jesus other than the one whom we preached to you, or if you should receive a spirit other than the one you’ve already received, or if [you should hear] good news other than what you’ve [already] accepted, you’d likely tolerate it too well.5Now, I don’t think that I’ve done anything to prove myself inferior to your super-fine ‘apostles.’ 6And even if I’m an unskilled speaker, I’m certainly not [inferior] when it comes to knowledge, for I’ve shown this to you in everything and in every way!7Did I commit some sin by humbling myself so as to make you greater when I gladly preached the good news of God to you free of charge?8[Oh well, then... I guess] I must have robbed other congregations by accepting their provisions in order to serve you! 9For when I was with you and I needed something, I didn’t make myself a burden to anyone. And then the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed more than adequately.Yes, I’ve kept myself from being a burden to you in every way, and I’ll keep on doing so! 10As the truth of Anointed One is in me, nobody will stop me boasting about this in the regions of Achaia.11Why not? Is it because I don’t love you?God knows [that I do].12So what I’m doing is what I’ll continue to do in order to cut off the attacks from those who wish to attack me… Those who want to be proclaimed our equals in this thing they’re bragging about.13For they’re false apostles… Deceivers who are trying to turn themselves into the Apostles of the Anointed One. 14And this shouldn’t come as [a great] surprise to you, since the Opposer keeps turning himself into a messenger of light.15Therefore, it should be expected that those who serve him would also turn themselves into servants of righteousness. However, their end will show up what they’re doing.16Allow me to say this once again:Don’t let anyone think that I’m foolish!But even if you should choose to accept me while you believe that I’m foolish, that gives me a bit more reason to boast.17Now, I’m not saying this to follow the Lord’s example, but foolishly as a braggart… 18Yes, since many [of you] are bragging as humans do, I’ll boast also.19It seems that you’re just too happy to put up with foolish people, because you’re all so ‘reasonable.’ 20In fact, you obey[Syr] anyone who ‘enslaves’ you, or ‘eats’ you, or takes from you, or who elevates himself over you, or [even] slaps you in the face!21It’s so shameful to say this... It’s like we’re stupid weaklings.[Syr][Well then], whatever other men dare to do, I will do too!22Are they Hebrews?Well I’m one too!Are they IsraElites?Me too!Are they a descendant of AbraHam?Well so am I!23Are they servants of the Anointed One?(I reply like a crazy man…) I’m even more so!For [I’ve] worked harder, been in prison more times, been beaten more that anyone else, and have often been near death!24Why, five times I received 40 strokes less one from the Judeans, 25I was beaten with rods three times, I was stoned once, I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and I’ve spent a night and a day in the sea!26In my travels, I’ve often been in danger from rivers, from robbers, from those of [my own] race, and from gentiles. [I’ve been] in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea… And I’ve been in danger from false brothers!27[Yet through all of this, I’ve continued to] work and labor hard!I’ve often been sleepless, hungry, thirsty, and starving… And many times [I’ve even been] cold and naked!28Then in addition to all of these external things, there are the anxieties [that I feel] for the congregations that flood over me each day. 29For who is weak who doesn’t make me ‘weak?’ And who stumbles into a trap who doesn’t set me ‘on fire?’30So if there has to be bragging, well then – I’ll boast about the things that show how ‘weak’ I am!31Before the God and Father of the Lord Jesus (the One who is to be praised throughout the ages), [I can swear that] I’m not lying about these things.32For in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas posted guards around the city to arrest me. 33And as a result, [the brothers] had to lower me on a wicker basket through a window in the [city] wall to help me escape from his hands!
1Yes, although it isn’t good, I have to brag…Please allow me to pass along some supernatural visions and revelations from [the] Lord:2I know of a man in the Anointed One who was caught away some 14 years ago (whether [it happened] in the body or out of the body – only God knows) into the third heaven. 3Yes, I know such a man (whether [it happened] in the body or apart from the body – only God knows) 4that was caught away into a paradise where he heard unspeakable things that are illegal for a man to discuss.5Yes, I’ll boast about a man like that, but I won’t boast about myself, other than about my own weaknesses.6Also, as I’m boasting, I won’t do it foolishly… I’ll just tell the truth.I’ll hold myself back lest anyone should give me more credit than what they see in me or what they hear anyone say about me 7when it comes to the surpassing types of revelations that I’ve shown to you.And so that I wouldn’t become too conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh… A ‘messenger from the Opposer’ who keeps ‘slapping’ me so I don’t get too impressed with myself!8I’ve begged the Lord three times to remove it from me, 9and he really answered me and said:‘My loving kindness is enough for you, since [your] strength is being perfected [by your] weaknesses!’Therefore, I’ll gladly boast of my weaknesses so that the power of the Anointed One will cover me like a tent!10Yes, I [actually] appreciate the weaknesses, the insults, the [times] that I’ve done without, and the persecutions and difficulties that I’ve experienced on behalf of the Anointed One... Because, when I’m weak, that’s when I’m [the most] powerful!11So now I’ve become foolish… And you’re the ones who’ve made me that way, because I should have been recommended by you! But even if I [really] were nothing, I [still] wouldn’t be less than those super-fine ‘apostles’ in any way.12Indeed, it was the proofs of [my Apostleship] that produced endurance in you by means of signs, omens, and powerful works. 13So, in what way have you received less than the rest of the congregations… Other than the fact that I wasn’t a burden to you?Kindly forgive me for this ‘wrong!’14{Look!} This is the third time that I’ve gotten ready to come to you, and [once again], I won’t be coming as a burden to you, because I’m not looking for the things you have, but for you!For the children shouldn’t be setting things aside for their parents; parents [should be setting things aside] for their children!15And as for me, I’ll happily spend and be spent for your lives!Therefore, if I love you the most, why am I the one who’s loved the least? 16May that be as it is… But I’ve never been a burden to you.Was I sneaky and did I try to capture you through trickery? 17Or did I try to take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?18When I urged Titus [to come to you] and I sent a brother along with him... Did Titus take advantage of you in any way? Don’t we in fact both act the same way and follow in the same footsteps?19[I hope that] you’ve been thinking about all of this as we’ve been defending ourselves to you, for we’re speaking [to you] before God [and] the Anointed One.Loved ones, everything [we’ve done is] to build you up!20Yet I’m afraid that when I arrive, I might not find you to be as I wish… For then I might not be something that you’d wish for either.I don’t want to find divisions, jealousy, anger, arguing, backbiting, whispering, pride, or disorder.21For if that happens, perhaps the next time that I come, I’ll be humiliated by my God over you; and then I’ll have to mourn for the many who’ve sinned and not repented their uncleanness, immorality, and the dirty things that they’re doing.
1Now, this is the third time that I’ll be coming to you.And since from the mouths of two or three witnesses everything is proven 2(as I told you before in my second visit), although I’m not there now, I’m giving this warning once again to those of you whom [I found] sinning the last time (and to all the rest of you):When I come there the next time, I won’t put up with it!3Yet, here you are, searching for the proofs that the Anointed One is speaking through me!Realize that [Jesus] isn’t weak towards you… [in fact], he’s very powerful among you!4For although he was lifted up [to execution][Syr] in weakness, he’s now alive through the power of God! And likewise, although we’re weak in him, we are alive in him through the power of The God who’s within you.5So, keep testing yourselves to make sure that you’re really in the faith… Yes, prove what you are! For you must understand that Jesus the Anointed One is within you… That is, as long as you have his approval. 6And I truly hope you know that we haven’t been disapproved!7Now, we keep praying to God that you don’t do anything wrong.And we aren’t doing this to make ourselves look like we’re approved, but so that you may be doing what’s better even if that makes us look disapproved.8For we’re unable to do anything against the truth – only for the truth.9Therefore, we rejoice whenever we’re weak and you’re strong, because that’s what we’re praying for… For you to be restored! 10This is why I’m writing these things while I’m away… So that when I get there, I won’t have to cut anyone off.And then [I can] use the authority I’ve received from the Lord to build you up, not to tear you down!11Finally, brothers:Keep on rejoicing, growing to perfection, and being courageous.Also, be of the same mind and live peaceably, so that the God of love and peace will always be with you.12Keep on greeting each other with a holy kiss.13All the Holy Ones send you their greetings.14May the loving care of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, the love of God, and a sharing in the Holy Breath be with all of you.May it be so!
1From Paul, who was appointed an Apostle not by a man nor through a man, but through Jesus the Anointed One and by God the Father who raised [Jesus] from the dead, 2as well as from all the brothers that are with me, to the congregations of Galatia:3May you receive loving care and peace from God (our Father), and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One!4The one who gave himself for our sins to save us from this wicked age because it was the will of our God and Father, 5to whom all glory belongs throughout the ages of ages…May it be so!6I’m amazed that you’re so quickly making the change from the One who called you (by the loving care of the Anointed One) to a different type of good news.7It really isn’t another [good news], it’s just that certain ones among you are causing problems, and have made changes to the good news about the Anointed One.8However, if we –or even a messenger from heaven– were to come preaching something to you as good news other than the good news that we’ve already preached to you... Let him be cursed!9Let me say that again:Whoever preaches good news to you other than what you’ve already believed – let him be cursed!10Indeed, whose approval do you think I’m seeking now?Do I wish to please God or men?Well, if [I was trying to please] men, I’d wouldn’t be a servant of the Anointed One! 11So I want you to understand this, brothers:The good news that I preached as good news, didn’t come from men – 12because I didn’t get it from men; nor did any man teach it [to me].[It came] through a revelation [directly] from Jesus the Anointed One!13You’ve heard about how I used to behave [while I was involved] in Judaism; I fanatically persecuted the congregation of God and I was destroying it.14[I did this because] I was more advanced in Judaism than many others of my own age and race, and I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.15But when The God who took me from my mother’s womb called [me] through His loving care, 16to reveal His Son through me – so that I could preach the good news about him to the gentiles...I didn’t seek advice from flesh and blood. 17Nor did I go to JeruSalem to visit those who’d become Apostles before I had.Instead, I went off to Arabia – and after that, I returned to Damascus.18In fact, I didn’t go up to JeruSalem until some three years later! [I only did] when I went to visit Cephas (Peter) and stayed with him for fifteen days, 19but I didn’t see any of the other Apostles (other than the Lord’s brother James).20Look! I’m not lying to you about anything I’m writing in the sight of God!21Then after that, I traveled to the provinces of Syria and Kilikia…22So those who were called by the Anointed One in Judea wouldn’t have even known what I looked like!23All they heard about me was:‘That man who used to persecute us – {look!} he’s now preaching the same good news that he once tried to destroy!’24So they ended up glorifying God because of me.
1Then after 14 years, I finally went to JeruSalem again, taking BarNabas and Titus along with me. 2And the [only] reason why I went there then, was because of a [divine] revelation [that I’d received]!And while I was there, I explained to the prominent ones about how I’d been preaching to the gentiles… However I did this privately, for fear that somehow I’d been doing it all for nothing.3Yet, even though Titus (who was with me) was a Greek, they didn’t force him to get circumcised then.4However, they did bring in some false brothers who looked down on the freedom we have in the Anointed Jesus, and who wanted to make us their slaves.5But we didn’t give in to them, not even for an instant, so that the truth of the good news might continue among you!6And when it came to those who seemed to be important (whatever they used to be makes no difference to me, because God doesn’t go by what a man appears to be on the outside), they didn’t show me anything new.7In fact, it was just the opposite! When they saw that I’d been entrusted with the good news to the uncircumcised, as Peter was to those who are circumcised 8(since the one who gave Peter the powers of an Apostleship to the circumcised also gave me such powers for the gentiles)… 9Yes, when they came to know of the loving care that had been shown to me... James, Cephas, and John (the ones who seemed to be the pillars) gave BarNabas and I their approval to go to the nations, while they would [instead] go to the circumcised.10They just told me to remember the poor, and I’ve tried hard to do that.11Then when Cephas (Peter) came to AntiOch, I opposed him to his face, since I knew that he was in the wrong.12Because, before certain men who came from James arrived, he used to eat with the gentiles... But after they arrived, he stopped associating [with them] and [started acting like a Jew] in fear of those who were circumcised!13And because of this, all the rest of the Jews also joined in this ‘performance,’ even influencing BarNabas to join in with this hypocrisy!14So when I saw that they weren’t following the path of the truth of the good news, I said to Cephas there in front of everyone:‘If you’re a Jew who lives as the gentiles do, not as Jews do... Why are you forcing gentiles to act like Jews?15‘For those of us who are natural Jews (not sinners from the nations) 16know that a man isn’t called righteous because of following the [Jewish] Law, but because of his faith in the Anointed Jesus!‘Even we had to put faith in the Anointed Jesus so we could be called righteous by our faith in him… But not by following the [Jewish] Law, for no flesh will be declared righteous by following the [Jewish] Law!17‘Now, if we’re seeking to be called righteous through the Anointed One, and we’re still found to be sinners [under the Jewish Law]... Is the Anointed One just a servant to sin?‘May that never be so!18‘But if I’m found rebuilding the things that I once tore down[, that is, the Jewish Law], this proves that I’m still a sinner!19‘As for me, I ‘died’ to the [Jewish] Law so that I could become alive to God!‘20Yes, I was executed along with the Anointed One!‘Therefore, I’m no longer the one who’s alive… It’s the Anointed One who’s living within me. So the life that I’m now living in the flesh is being lived for the Son of God – [the one] who loved me and handed himself over for me.21‘As a result, I’m not about to push aside the loving care of God!‘For if righteousness came through the [Jewish] Law, then the Anointed One died for nothing!’
1O you foolish Galatians… Yes, you whose eyes have seen what was written about Jesus the Anointed One being impaled!Who has cast this evil spell over you?2I just want to ask you this one thing:Did you receive [God’s] Spirit because you were obeying the [Jewish] Law, or because you believed in the things that [you] heard?3Are you really so foolish?Did you start out in the Spirit just to end up in the flesh?4And did you go through so much suffering for no reason?Well, if there really wasn’t any reason for your doing that, 5then, did the One who gave you His Spirit, and performs powerful works through you, do this because you’re obeying the [Jewish] Law, or because you put faith in the things that you heard?6Remember that:‘AbraHam was considered righteous because he put his faith in God.’ [Genesis 15:6]7So, don’t you know that all who have such faith are the sons of AbraHam?8Now, the reason why God gave the good news to AbraHam was because He saw ahead of time that He’d be calling gentiles ‘righteous’ due to their faith.For He said:‘All the nations will be blest because of you.’ [Genesis 18:18]9Therefore, those who have such faith are being blest along with faithful AbraHam!10Now, everyone who’s under the [Jewish] Law is under a curse, because it’s written:‘Any man who doesn’t observe and obey all the words of this Law is cursed!’ [Deuteronomy 27:26, LXX]11So it’s obvious that nobody is called ‘righteous’ before God because of obeying the [Jewish] Law.‘For it’s by their faith that the righteous will live.’ [Habakkuk 2:4]12However, the Law really doesn’t have anything to do with faith; rather:‘The man doing these things will live by them.’ [Leviticus 18:5]13And the Anointed One bought our freedom from the [Jewish] Law’s curse by becoming a curse on our behalf.For it’s written:‘Anyone who’s hung on timber is cursed before God.’ [Deuteronomy 21:23, LXX]14Therefore, the reason why this happened to him was so that the blessing of AbraHam could come through Jesus the Anointed One, and so that the other races could receive the promised Spirit… Which [we’ve received] because of our faith!15Brothers, allow me to explain this in human terms:Nobody can change or destroy a valid agreement between men.16And notice that the promise was given to ‘AbraHam and his descendant.’ It doesn’t say, ‘to his descendants,’ like there were many of them, but only to one, ‘his descendant’ – who is the Anointed One! [Genesis 12:7 or Genesis 13:15]17Moreover, I tell you that the Sacred Agreement which was confirmed by The God some 430 years earlier, which the [Jewish] Law came from, didn’t overwrite the promise that He gave [to AbraHam].18So if we could only receive the inheritance by [following] the [Jewish] Law, it couldn’t have come from the promise [to AbraHam]![Yet, notice how] God granted this favor to AbraHam as a promise.19So, why [do we have] the [Jewish] Law?It was added to show us what sin was before the descendant (the one about whom the promise was given) would arrive!And this was entrusted to the hands of a mediator by [angelic] messengers.20However, there’s no need for a mediator when only one person is involved… And God is just one.[Therefore, it was just a promise].21Then did the [Jewish] Law override God’s promise [to AbraHam]?May that never be so!For if the [Jewish] Law had been provided to give [people] life, then the result of following the [Jewish] Law would be righteousness.22However, following these scriptures just locked everyone up in sin, so that the promise might be given to those who believe through their faith in Jesus the Anointed One.23Yes, before faith arrived, we were all locked up and prisoners to the [Jewish] Law until the things about faith were revealed.24So the Law was just the guide that led us to the Anointed One and [to the promise] that we could be counted as righteous by our faith... 25And now that the faith has arrived, we don’t need the guide anymore!26The fact is, you’ve all become sons of God through your faith in the Anointed Jesus.27Indeed, everyone who’s immersed into the Anointed One has put on the Anointed One.28So there’s no [difference] between Jew and Syrian, nor slave and freeman, nor male and female... Because you’re all in the Anointed Jesus!29And if you belong to the Anointed One –as the promise told us– you’re AbraHam’s descendant and his heirs!
1Now, let me say this:As long as the heir is [still just] a baby, he isn’t any different from a slave. Yes, even though he’s [technically] the master of everything, 2he’s still under guides and house managers – until a day arrives set by his father.3Well, that’s how it used to be with us!Back when we were [spiritual] babies, we were slaves to the simple things of this world.4But when the time arrived, God sent his Son (who was under the [Jewish] Law and born from a woman) 5so he could buy those who were under the [Jewish] Law and adopt them as His sons.6And now that you’re [His] sons, God has sent the spirit of His Son into our hearts, where it calls out, ‘Papa… Father!’7So – you’re no longer slaves, but sons. And as sons, you’re also heirs of God via the Anointed One!8Therefore, back when you didn’t know God, you were slaves to those who really aren’t gods. 9But now that you’ve come to know God (or rather, now that God has come to know you), why are you turning back to those weak and sorry [Jewish] rules… Why do you want to become slaves to them once again?10For you’ve [gone back to] the observance of days, months, seasons, and years… 11So I’m afraid that all the work I’ve done on your behalf has been wasted!12Brothers, I beg you to become like me, because I used to be just like you!You’ve never done me any wrong, 13and you surely recognized that I had a severe fleshly weakness when I preached the good news to you the first time.14But even though this problem must have created difficulties for you, you didn’t treat it with contempt or spit on it in disgust.Rather, you received me like an [angelic] messenger from God… Like the Anointed Jesus.15So where is all the joy that you [once] had?I swear that if it were possible, you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me! 16But am I now your enemy because I’m telling you the truth?17However, [there are those who are now] zealously chasing after you for the wrong reasons… For they want to snip you off and make you their own zealous followers!18And it’s good for you to always be zealously chased after (and not just when I’m with you), as long as it’s for a good purpose.19O my little children,I’m enduring ‘childbirth pains’ again until the Anointed One becomes strong in you. 20I wish that I could be there with you right now and talk to you in a different tone of voice… But I just don’t know how to help you!21So tell me this, O you who wants to be under the Law:Don’t you hear what the Law says?22It was written that AbraHam had two sons, one by the slave girl and the other by the free woman... 23The one [born] through the slave girl was born in the flesh, but the other ([born] through the free woman) [arrived] through a promise.24So, understand that this story is symbolic. For the two [women] symbolize two sacred agreements.[The first] one (Hagar) came from Mount SinAi and bore children into slavery. 25So this Hagar means SinAi (a mountain in Arabia), and she symbolizes JeruSalem today, which is in slavery with her children.26But the JeruSalem above is free, and she is our mother.27For it is written:‘So be glad, all you who are sterile,
And yell, O you who didn’t give birth…
O you, the one without birth pains!
For the children of the barren will be many…
Yes, more than those who have [their own] husband!’
[Isaiah 54:1]28Therefore, brothers, we’re now children of the promise in the same way IsaAc was!29And just as the one who was born in the flesh started persecuting the one who was born through the Spirit… That’s what’s happening now!30What do the Scriptures say?‘Drive out the slave girl and her son, because the slave girl’s son will never be an heir with the free woman’s son!’ [Genesis 21:10]31So brothers:We aren’t the children of a slave girl, but of the free woman!
1Understand that the Anointed One set us free so we can truly be free!Therefore, we should be standing up straight, and not allowing ourselves to be put under the yoke of slavery [to the Jewish Law] again!2Look! I (Paul) am telling you that if you get circumcised, the Anointed One won’t be of any use to you!3And I again testify to every man who gets circumcised, that he’s thereafter obligated to obey the whole [Jewish] Law!4So those of you who are trying to be called ‘righteous’ by the [Jewish] Law have voided the Anointed One, and have fallen away from his loving care.5Indeed, it’s by the spirit of faith that we’re eagerly awaiting the hope of [being counted as] righteous!6As a result, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision have any value to the Anointed Jesus… Just faith that’s motivated by love!7Now, since you’ve been running ‘so well,’ who is it that’s trying to keep you from obeying the truth?8Ideas like this aren’t coming from the One who’s calling you! 9Rather, it’s coming from a little bit of ‘yeast’ that’s started fermenting the whole ‘ball [of dough]!’10For I’m confident that you who are in the Lord wouldn’t have even thought of such a thing. So the one who’s causing all this agitation will have to face judgment, no matter who he may be!11Brothers – if I were preaching circumcision, why am I being persecuted? [In that case], the upright [execution stake] wouldn’t be a snare [to the Jews] anymore!12Oh, I wish that those who are stirring you up would get lost!13You were called to be free, brothers!So don’t use this freedom to serve your flesh; rather, use it to slave for each other in love!14Understand that the entire [Jewish] Law is fulfilled in the words:‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Leviticus 19:18]15However, if you keep on snapping at each other, and chewing each other up... Be careful that you don’t swallow each other down!16I tell you this:If you’re walking by Spirit, you won’t do any of the things that your flesh desires!17For what the flesh wants is at odds with what the Spirit wants, and the Spirit is at odds with the flesh… They’re in opposition to each other, keeping you from doing the things that you may wish to do.18And if you’re being led by Spirit, you aren’t under the [Jewish] Law!19Now, we know what the flesh does...They include:• Sexual immorality,
• Uncleanness,
• Lewdness,
20• Idol worshiping,
• Involvement in the occult,
• Hatreds,
• Quarreling,
• Jealousy,
• Anger,
• Selfishness,
• Divisions,
• Sects,
21• Envying,
• Getting drunk,
• Wild partying,...and things like that.I’m warning you now (as I’ve warned you before), that those who do such things won’t inherit God’s Kingdom.22On the other hand, the fruitage of the Spirit is:• Love,
• Joy,
• Peace,
• Patience,
• Being caring,
• Goodness,
• Faith,
23• Reasonableness, and
• Self-control,...and there are no laws against such things!24So those who belong to the Anointed Jesus have hung their flesh on the elevated [execution stake] along with its passions and desires.25And if we’re living by Spirit, we need to walk in [the ways of the] Spirit… 26We shouldn’t be conceited, or challenging or envying each other!
1Brothers, if someone ever gets caught up in doing bad things, those of you who are spiritual should try to restore the person in a reasonable way – as you keep an eye on yourselves, so that you aren’t tempted too.2And if you’ll carry each other’s burdens, you’ll fulfill the law of the Anointed One.3However, if anyone thinks he’s something when he’s nothing, he’s just fooling himself.4Therefore, let us each prove [the value] of what we’re doing to ourselves first, and perhaps this will give us grounds for boasting to ourselves… But not to other people.5For each of us has to carry our own load.6Also, may those who are being taught the Word share the good things they have with those who are teaching [them].7Now, don’t make any mistake when it comes to this, for you can’t mock God!Whatever a person is planting is what he’s going to harvest.8So if he’s planting [the desires] of his own flesh, he will harvest decay from the flesh... But if he’s planting things of [God’s] Breath, he will harvest age-long life.9Therefore, let’s not misbehave… Let’s keep on doing what’s right until that time arrives, because we’ll harvest what we deserve if we don’t tire out. 10And until then, we should be doing good things for everyone – but especially for those who are related to us in the Faith!11Look at these large letters that I’ve written with my own hand!12Now, those who are urging you to get circumcised are appealing to your fleshly nature. [And the reason they’re doing this] is so that they won’t be persecuted over the elevated [execution stake] of the Anointed Jesus!13So while they fail to obey the [Jewish] Law themselves, they want you to get circumcised so they can have reasons to boast over your flesh!14However, may I never find myself boasting over anything other than the upright [execution stake] of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One! For to me, the whole world has been lifted up [to be executed] through him… As I’ve been to this world.15Understand that circumcision isn’t anything, nor is uncircumcision.
Rather, [what matters is becoming] a new creation!16May peace and mercy be on all those who walk in line with this rule, and upon the IsraEl of God.17Finally, don’t let anybody undermine my work — because I’ve got the brand of Jesus on my body!18May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with you, my brothers.May it be so!
1Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus (by the will of God), to the Holy Ones in Ephesus… Those faithful ones in the Anointed Jesus:2May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed!3Yes, may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be praised!For He’s blest us with every blessing of his Breath in the heavens through the Anointed One. 4Also, He chose us to be in him – before the foundation of the age, so we could become holy and unblemished before Him in love.5For He’s pre-designated us[Syr] to be adopted sons through Jesus the Anointed One, as it pleases His will, 6in praise of the glory of the loving care that [is shown by] the one through whom He shows His favor upon us… This one whom He loves[, that is, Jesus].7It’s through this one, and his blood, that our ransom has been paid; and it’s through the richness of his loving care that our sins could be forgiven. 8[Also, we’ve received] such an abundance of wisdom and good sense [through him].9For He’s allowed us to understand the mystery of His will, according to His pleasure. He decided [all] this within Himself 10for [the purpose of arranging] an administration, at the appointed time, to renew everything both in heaven and earth via the Anointed One.[Syr]11So, it’s through [Jesus] that we’ve obtained the inheritance that was predetermined by [God’s] purpose for him… Yes, this one, through whom all things are accomplished according to [God’s] council and will!12So those who were the first to put faith in the Anointed One might give praise to his glory. 13[For, he’s the one] through whom you heard the words of truth (the good news about your salvation), [the one] in whom you put faith, and [the one] who’s sealed you with the promised Holy Breath... 14Which is the guarantee that he inherited us through the ransom that he paid to purchase us for his glory and praise.15This is why, when I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus (and of your love for all the Holy Ones), 16I haven’t stopped giving thanks for you!Yes, I keep mentioning you in my prayers, and 17asking the God of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One (the glorious Father) to give you the spirit of wisdom, and to reveal to you an accurate knowledge about Him, 18so that the eyes of your hearts will be enlightened – and you can know the glorious richness of the hope that He’s called you for, and which He holds as an inheritance for the Holy Ones.19O how great His power is towards those of us who are believers – while it operates through the mightiness 20that He demonstrated in the case of the Anointed One, when He raised him from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavens! 21Yes, far above every government, authority, power, lordship, and above every name that’s been given... Not only in this age, but also in the one that’s coming, 22when He’ll put everything under his feet, and make him the ‘head’ of everything to the called ones, 23those who are his ‘body,’ his fullness, and his completeness.
1For you have ‘died’ to the ways of sin and error – 2in which you once walked (the ways of this world) when you used to follow the ruler of the power of the air… The spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience, 3which is the way we were all once headed as we followed our human desires and did whatever our bodies wanted.Yes, because of the cravings that we once had, we were like everyone else… The natural children of [God’s] wrath!4But due to the love that He has for us, God (who’s so rich in mercy) 5made us alive in the Anointed One while we were still ‘dead’ in our failings.So it’s by His loving kindness that we’ve been saved 6and raised [to life] together, then seated together in the heavens in the Anointed Jesus, 7so that, in ages to come, [God] can show the tremendous richness of His loving care by the kindness that He’s shown towards us through the Anointed Jesus.8Yes, it’s because of [His] loving care that you’ve been saved, through a faith that didn’t come from within yourselves, but as a gift from God!9No, it didn’t come from anything that you’ve done, so you could boast.10Instead, we’re His workmanship… We were created through the Anointed Jesus to do the good things that God previously prepared as the ways we should walk in.11Remember:Although you were once other races in the flesh, and were called ‘the uncircumcised’ by those who were circumcised by hand in the flesh, 12and you were without the Anointed One (you were aliens to the citizens of IsraEl and strangers to the Sacred Agreement of the promise…
Godless and without any hope in this world)... It was 13through the Anointed Jesus, you who were once far away, have now come to be near to him – via his blood.14So he’s our peace [between us]. For he made the two ([Jews and Gentiles]) one by breaking down the wall that fenced them off from each other.15Through his flesh, he destroyed the hatred [that was brought about by] the Law of Commandments and rules, so that through himself he could take the two, and create a new man – in order to bring about this peace.16Therefore, he brought both [types of] people back to God, [united] as one ‘body’ through the upright [execution stake][Syr] – using himself to destroy the hatred between them!17For when he came, he proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away, and to those who were nearby... 18So that through him, we can all gain access to the Father in [the same] spirit.19As a result, you’re not strangers or aliens anymore! You’re fellow citizens among the Holy Ones, and family members of God’s household!20You’re being built upon the foundation of the Apostles and the Prophets, and the cornerstone is the Anointed Jesus himself!21And through him, the whole building is being fitted together, growing into a Most Holy Place for Jehovah. 22Through the Spirit, you’re being built into a place for The God to dwell!
1I give thanks that I (Paul) am a slave of the Anointed Jesus on your behalf… Yes for you – the people among the other races!2Perhaps you’ve heard about the responsibility that I was given (by the loving care of God) concerning you, 3and of how this mystery, that I wrote to you about briefly in the past, was revealed to me.4So as you read on, hopefully you can grasp [how well] I understand the mystery of the Anointed One.5[Although this mystery] wasn’t revealed to past generations of the sons of men, it’s now been revealed through his holy Apostles and Prophets via [God’s] Breath…6[The mystery is this:] That other races will also be fellow heirs, fellow members of the ‘body,’ and fellow partakers of the promise (in the Anointed Jesus), through the Good News.7And I became a servant of this [Good News] through the gift given to me by the loving care of God, and in harmony with His Power.8This loving care was revealed to me (a man who’s less than the least of all the Holy Ones) so that I should preach the good news about the unimaginable richness of the Anointed One to the other races, 9and to shine a light on how this mystery –which was hidden throughout the ages in The God who created all things– shall work out! 10Yes, so that governments and heavenly powers might now learn about the vast wisdom of The God via His called ones. 11[This] has been His age-long purpose through the Anointed Jesus our Lord.12And it’s through our confidence and faith in him that we’ve been given this direction and this freedom to speak out.13It’s also because of this that I’m asking you not to tire of the concern I have for you, because it glorifies you.14For it’s over this that I thankfully bend my knees to the Father 15(out of whom all lines in heaven and on earth get their paternal names) 16to [ask Him to] grant you (by the richness of His glory) the power to become strong in His Spirit, and to make the persons you are on the inside 17alive in the Anointed One, through the faith in your hearts, along with love... And to give you sufficient roots and foundation 18to be able to understand (along with the rest of the Holy Ones) the width, the length, the height, and the depth…19Yes, to recognize the love of the Anointed One (which is more than you can comprehend), and to fill you with all the fullness that can only come from The God!20Now, to the One who, through His power that operates in us, can do far more than anything we can ask or even conceive:21May He be glorified by the called ones and by the Anointed Jesus throughout all generations and into ages of ages…May it be so!
1So as a prisoner in the Lord, I’m urging you to be sure that you’re worthy of the calling you’ve received – 2in all humility, gentleness, and patience, while you lovingly put up with each other.3Try hard to recognize the unifying force of [God’s] Breath, and its power to bring you together in peace. 4For there’s just one ‘body’ and one Spirit, according to the one hope you were called towards (when you were called)…5There’s just one Lord, one faith, one immersion, 6and one God and Father of everyone, who’s over all, through all, and in all.7Now, the amount of loving care that was shown to each of us depends upon how much of the Gift the Anointed One measured out to us.8For he says:‘To the highest places, he’s stepped up,
And he’s taken captives into captivity;
Then, he gave gifts to the people.’
[Psalm 68:18]9So when it says ‘he stepped up,’ this also means that he first had to step down to the lower places… [that is,] to the earth.10So the one who stepped down, also stepped back up – high above the skies – so he could bring everything to a completion.11Then he assigned some to be Apostles, some to be Prophets, some to be messengers of the Good News, and some to be shepherds and teachers, 12in order to prepare the Holy Ones for the work of serving and strengthening the body of the Anointed One, 13until we all become one in the faith and in knowledge of the Son of The God – to the point where we’re a complete man who fully measures up to the stature of the Anointed One.14Yes, so we won’t be [spiritual] ‘babies’ anymore, being troubled and confused by every breeze of deceitful teachings from people who’ll use any cunning scheme to seduce you.[Syr]15Therefore, while holding onto the truth (and in love), let’s develop in every way into this one who’s the ‘head’ [of the ‘body’] – the Anointed One.16For he brings the whole ‘body’ firmly together at its joints, and supplies enough of the gift to each part according to its needs, so the ‘body’ will grow itself in love.[Syr]17I say and advise this from the Lord:Don’t continue in the same path that the nations are following, because their thoughts are worthless, 18their minds have been darkened to any understanding, and they’re aliens to a god-fearing life because they’re ignorant [of God] and blind in their hearts!19For since they’re cut off from any hope,[Syr] they’ve surrendered themselves to debauchery, and greedily doing filthy things.20However, that isn’t what you’ve learned to be true of the Anointed One 21(if you for a fact heard and were taught about him), because truth comes through Jesus.22Therefore, you must get rid of the former man (who’s corrupted by sinful desires) 23and create a new personality.24Then put on this new person… Yes, [someone] created by God in righteousness and true purity.[Syr]25Also, get rid of lying… You must always tell your neighbors the truth, because we’re all fellow ‘body parts’ of each other!26[Yes, you can] get irritated, but don’t sin… For the sun will never set on reasons to be irritated!27Nor should you allow any room for the Slanderer [to act].28So if you’ve been a thief, you shouldn’t steal anymore. Instead, you should work hard and do good things with your hands, so you’ll have something to share with the needy.29Nor should you allow any foul words to come out of your mouths. Instead, use good words that are upbuilding (as needed) to show that you care about everyone who listens to you.30Don’t impede the Holy Breath of The God, with which you’re sealed for the day of salvation.31Yes, get rid of all the bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and slandering, and everything bad, 32and be kind to each other… Be sympathetic and graciously forgive each other, as God (through the Anointed One) has graciously forgiven you.
1Become imitators of God as His beloved children, 2and keep on walking in love – in the same way that the Anointed One loved you and gave himself up for you, as an offering and a sweet-smelling sacrifice to The God.3Don’t allow sexual immorality or any type of uncleanness or greediness to be even mentioned among you – as would be expected of holy people.4Nor [should you share in] shameful conduct, foolishness, or dirty jokes (which are all unbecoming), but instead, [share] in the giving of thanks.5[For it’s easy] to recognize those who are immoral, unclean, and greedy (which really amounts to being idol worshipers); and you know that such ones won’t receive an inheritance in the Kingdom of the Anointed One and of The God.6So don’t allow anyone to seduce you with empty words; for the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient sons [of mankind] because of things like that!7Therefore, don’t go along with them... 8Because, although you were once dark, you’ve now become light in the Lord!So instead, keep on walking as children of the light!9For the fruitage of light is every sort of goodness, righteousness, and truth… 10Things that prove to be pleasing to the Lord.11So don’t share in the unproductive deeds of darkness. Rather, speak out against them!12It’s shameful to speak about things that are only done in private, 13because everything that the light speaks against is being exposed, since the light illuminates everything.14That’s why it’s said:‘Wake up, sleepy!
Rise from the house of the ‘dead’…
Then the Anointed One will shine upon you.’
[possibly a quote from a popular hymn]15So you must pay close attention to the ways that you’re walking… That it’s not like foolish ones, but like wise ones. 16Buy the time [to do this], because these are wicked days.17Yes, don’t be foolish, but start learning what the Lord’s will for us is.18And don’t be getting drunk on wine, which leads down an unsavory path. Instead, fill yourselves with the Breath [of God], 19and speak to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs… Sing and create music in your hearts to Jehovah 20in the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One.Yes, always give thanks to our God and Father for everything!21You should also submit to each other in the same way that you show reverential fear for the Anointed One.22Wives should submit to their husbands like they would to the Lord, 23because a husband is the head and origin of his wife, just as the Anointed One is the head and origin of the congregation, that is, the savior of that ‘body.’24So, just as the congregation submits to the Anointed One, that’s how wives should [submit] to their husbands in everything.25Men:Love your wives as the Anointed One loved the congregation and gave himself up to make it holy.26He washed it in a bath of water (so to speak), 27in order to present a glorious gathering to himself that doesn’t have any spots, wrinkles, or any such things, but which is holy and without any blemishes.28Yes, that’s how the men should love their wives… As their own bodies.So, the man who loves his wife is really showing love for himself… 29And nobody ever hates his own flesh. Rather, he feeds it and takes pride in it, just as the Anointed One does the congregation.30And we’ve become parts of [Jesus’] ‘body’… Of his very flesh and his bones!31[So as the scripture says]:‘A man will leave his father and mother and stick with his woman, and the two will become one flesh.’ [Genesis 2:24]32Now, this is a great mystery, because I’m comparing [the relationship between husbands and wives] to the Anointed One and [his love for] the congregation.33But this is how each man should love his wife… As he does himself.And women should have a reverential fear of their husbands.
1Children:Obey your parents in our Lord, because this is righteous. 2Honor your father and mother, for this is the first Commandment that came with a promise:3‘...that things would go well for you, and that you may live a long time on the land.’ [Exodus 20:12 or Deuteronomy 5:16]4Fathers:Don’t frustrate your children, but bring them up in the discipline and council of our Lord.5Slaves:Be obedient to those who are your fleshly masters with reverential fear and sincere hearts, like you would to the Anointed One.6Don’t just put on a good show to please men, but as slaves of the Anointed One, do the will of God whole-souled.7Be willing slaves as to the Lord (not of men), 8because you know that whatever good you do will be rewarded by the Lord, whether you’re a slave or a free man.9Masters:Keep on doing the same for [your slaves]… And don’t be threatening them, because you know that there’s a Master who’s over both them and you in the heavens, and He doesn’t recognize any difference [between you].10[To all:]Finally, become powerful in the mightiness and strength of the Lord. 11Put on the complete suit of God’s armor, so that you can resist the methods of the Slanderer.12For our fight isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the governments, the authorities, the mighty ones of this worldly darkness, and against the unseen wicked powers in the heavens.13So because of this, take up the complete suit [that comes from] God, so you can fight in that wicked day and still be found standing.14Yes, stand firm with your hips wrapped in the truth and wearing the breastplate of righteousness!15Wrap your feet and prepare them with the good news of peace.16And above all else, pick up the large shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one!17Also, accept the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which are the things that God has said).18Keep on praying and begging [God] about everything in Spirit throughout each season. Be aware of this, and never stop petitioning [God] on behalf of all the Holy Ones.19Also [pray] for me… That the words may be given to me to open my mouth and speak freely so I can make the mystery of the good news known [to others].20Indeed, that’s why I’m now an ambassador in chains… So that I can speak boldly about these things and to say the things that I’m supposed to say.21Now, so you can know how I’m getting along and what I’m doing, TychiKos (a beloved brother and faithful servant of the Lord) will explain everything to you.22This is why I’m sending him to you… To let you know what’s happening to us and to bring comfort to your hearts.23Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.24May all those who have an uncorrupted love for our Lord Jesus the Anointed One receive [His] loving care.May it be so!
1Paul and Timothy, slaves of the Anointed Jesus, to all the Holy Ones in the Anointed Jesus [who are] in Philippi, along with the overseers and servants:2May you have kindness and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed!3I thank my God every time you’re mentioned, 4and I’m constantly begging [God] on your behalf… Yes, begging with joy, 5because of your partnership in [sharing] the good news from the first day until now.6I’m confident that the one who started this good work among you will continue to perfect it until the Day of Jesus the Anointed One.7It’s a righteous thing for me to think this way about all of you, and I keep you in my heart – both when I'm in chains, and when I'm defending and confirming the good news, for you’re all sharers in my loving care.8God is my witness as to how much I long for all of you with the same tender affection that the Anointed Jesus has.9And this is what I keep praying:That your love will continue to grow more and more, along with your higher knowledge and understanding; 10and that you’ll keep on proving the most excellent things, so that you might be found pure and blameless until the day of the Anointed One… 11Yes, being filled with righteous fruit (through the Anointed Jesus) to God’s glory and praise.12Now, I want you to know this, brothers:I’m seeing results from what I’m doing for the Good News’s advancement.13For my imprisonment because of the Anointed One has become public knowledge among the entire Praetorian Guard and everyone else [here].14Also, because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord are now more confident and they’re showing more courage and fearlessness when teaching the word of God.15Unfortunately, it’s true that some are preaching the Anointed One out of [a spirit of] envy and rivalry.However, many others are doing it for good motives… 16Out of love, because they know that [the reason why] I’m lying here is to defend the good news.17Yet, none of the rest are doing it for good reasons; for they’re preaching the Anointed One by arguing – and they think that this will create more problems for me while I’m in prison.18But it doesn’t make any difference, for whether they’re just pretending or they’re being sincere, the Anointed One is being made known... And I rejoice over this.In fact, I’ll keep on rejoicing, 19because I know that through your earnest prayers and a [generous] supply of the spirit of Jesus the Anointed One, I’ll be saved [from this imprisonment]. 20Yes, I eagerly hope (and don’t expect to be disappointed) that soon I’ll be able to speak freely about the Anointed One just as before, and even more so, whether my body is dead or alive!21To me, life is the Anointed One and my reward is death... 22However, if I can keep on living in the flesh, I consider this to be the fruitage of my work.Which do I prefer?I won’t say, 23for I’m obsessed by the two.What I really want is to be released [from this body] and to be with the Anointed One, since that’s surely the best.24However, for your sakes, it’s better for me to remain in the flesh. 25And because I’m confident of this, I know that I’ll survive and still be with all of you, so I can help you to grow in the joy of the faith…26And then your reasons for pride in the Anointed Jesus will grow because of me, due to the fact that I’ll be coming to you again.27Just behave in a way that’s worthy of the good news about the Anointed One, so that regardless of whether I’m coming to visit or I’m far away, I can hear [good] things about you…For example, [I want to hear] that you’re all standing firm with the same motivations, and that you’re serving the faith of the good news side-by-side as a single ‘person,’ 28not being frightened by those who oppose you.[This fine conduct on your part] will be evidence of both their [spiritual] ruin, and our salvation.[Syr]29God has given you the privilege of not only really believing in the Anointed One, but also of suffering for him,[Syr] 30and of struggling with the same things you saw me [struggle with], which you’re now hearing are happening to me again.
1Therefore, if there’s any encouragement [to be found] in the Anointed One, any consoling love, any fellowship of the [Holy] Breath, any depth of heart or compassion 2– anything that would make my joy in you complete – [it would be to hear that] you’ve been:• Of one mind,
• Of one love,
• Of one spirit,[Syr] and
• Of one will.3And that you aren’t doing anything out of spite or pride but humbly, believing all the others to be better than you. 4Also that you’re not just watching out for yourselves, but for the best interests of each other!5Yes, just as the Anointed One did, have this feeling inside of you: 6That, even though he’s in the same form as God, he never considered exploiting this to make himself equal to God. 7Instead, he emptied himself into the shape of a slave and became a human!8And when he found himself shaped as a human, he humbled himself and became obedient to death… Yes, to death on an upright [stake].9This is why God promoted him to a superior position and granted him a reputation that’s far above every other name, 10so that in the name of Jesus every knee in heaven, on earth, and under the ground should bend, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus the Anointed One is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.12So, my loved ones:In the same way that you’ve always obeyed (not just when I’m there but also while I’m away), keep on working towards your own salvation in fear and trembling. 13For God is encouraging and motivating you to do the good things you want to do.[Syr]14Therefore, do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you can be found blameless and innocent children of God – free from the accusations of this crooked and twisted generation [reference to Deuteronomy 32:5], among whom you’re shining as lights to the world!16Also, hang on to the life-giving words, so that I can boast in the Day of the Anointed One who I didn’t run without reason or labor in vain.17And then, even if I’m being poured out as a drink offering sacrifice (over the welfare of your faith), I can be thankful and rejoice with all of you…18As I want you to be glad and rejoice along with me!19I hope (in the Lord Jesus) to send Timothy to you soon, so I can be encouraged by hearing about how you’re getting along.20For I’ve got nobody else here who has the same spirit as me, who genuinely cares about your needs... 21All the rest are just watching out for their own interests, not those of the Anointed Jesus.22So recognize how well [Timothy] has proven himself; for he has slaved with me as a child does with his father when it comes to promoting the good news.23Yes, this is the man I hope to send to you, just as soon as I see where I really stand in this situation that I [find myself] in.24However, I’m confident in the Lord that I'll soon be able to come and see you myself!25I also considered it necessary to return EpaPhraditus (my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, but your envoy and social worker for my assistance) to you, 26because he’s been longing to see all of you, and he’s been concerned over the fact that you learned about his illness.27Yes, he was indeed ill, almost to the point of death! However, The God had mercy on him… And not just on him, but on me too, so I wouldn’t be grieved with sadness!28Therefore, I’m sending him to you immediately, so that you can rejoice once again when you see him… And I can be less anxious too!29Give him your customary welcome in the Lord with all joy… And remember his reputation!30For he came very close to being killed while doing the Anointed One’s work, and he’s exposed his life to great danger in order to make up for your not being here to provide for my welfare.
1Finally, my brothers:Keep on rejoicing in the Lord!The fact that I’m writing these same things to you once again is no trouble for me, and it’s for your own safety. 2Just watch out for the ‘dogs,’ those who are doing wicked things, and those who cut the flesh[, that is, circumcise]!3Indeed, we are the [real] circumcision – those serving in the Breath of God and finding glory in the Anointed Jesus, and not putting their trust in the flesh.4Realize that I’m someone who has every reason for confidence in the flesh… And if anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have even more reasons!5[For I was]:• Circumcised on the 8th day,
• [I’m] of the race of IsraEl,
• Of the tribe of BenJamin,
• And a Hebrew from among Hebrews.[Also:]• When it comes to the Law, [I was] a Pharisee;
6• When it comes to zeal, [I was] a persecutor of the called ones;
• When it comes to righteousness by following the Law, [I was] one who’s proven himself blameless!7Yet, the things that I [once] considered my assets are what I now consider my shortcomings because of the Anointed One!8For now I consider everything a detriment compared to the superiority of the knowledge of the Anointed Jesus, my Lord.And because of him, I’ve accepted the loss of everything and consider it all like garbage, so I can gain the Anointed One 9and to be found in him.But this isn’t because of my own righteousness due to following the Law; rather, it comes from my faith that he’s the Anointed of God!For my righteousness [is now based on my] faith, 10that I know Jesus,[Syr] and in the power of his resurrection.Therefore, I've been willing to share in his sufferings and resign myself to a death like his, 11so I can be found worthy of a resurrection from the place of the dead.12[No, I’m not saying] that I’ve made it yet or that I’m already perfect, just that I’m chasing after it so that I might take it – because Jesus has taken me.13Brothers, I don’t think of myself as having achieved it yet, but I’m doing this one thing:[I’m] forgetting the things in the past and stretching out to reach for the things that are ahead… 14I’m running towards the goal, the prize of the higher calling from God – through the Anointed Jesus.15And may all of us who are mature start thinking this way; and if you think differently, God will [soon] reveal it to you.16Nevertheless, let’s all walk together with one accord so we can achieve this!17So be like me, brothers, and contemplate those who are following the example that you see in us.18However, there are many who walk differently, people I used to talk to you about... But now I say with tears that they’ve become enemies of the Anointed One’s upright [stake]!19They'll end up in ruin, because their bellies have become their gods – and the things they’re proud of are things that shame them, since all they think about is earthly things... 20While our concerns are in heaven,[Syr] to which we look for our Savior, the Lord Jesus the Anointed.21He will transform our humiliated bodies and mold them into the likeness of his own glorious body, in the same way that he’s able to make all things subject to himself.
1So my brothers who are loved and longed for (my joy and my victory garland):Keep standing just as you are in the Lord, my loved ones!2I encourage EuOdia and SynTyche to think the same way in the Lord. 3And I’m asking [the rest of] you (who’ve truly shared under my same yoke) to stick by these women who’ve worked so hard side-by-side with me in the good news…Along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are [written] in the Scroll of Life.4Always rejoice in the Lord!I’ll say it again:Rejoice… 5And let everyone know how reasonable you can be!Since the Lord is close [to you], 6don’t be anxious about anything! But through prayers and heart-felt petitions along with the giving of thanks, make your requests known to God…7And then the peace of God –which is beyond all understanding– will guard your hearts and your reasoning, through the Anointed Jesus.8Finally, brothers:Keep on thinking about whatever things are true, serious, righteous, chaste, lovable, well spoken of, virtuous, and praiseworthy.9And if you continue to do the things that you learned, accepted, heard, and saw through me, the God of peace will be with you.10I’m so joyful in the Lord that you’ve finally started thinking about my needs once again. It’s not that you’ve forgotten me, it’s just that you haven’t had much opportunity...11I’m not saying this because I’m in need, for I’ve learned to be very self-sufficient… 12I know how to be poor and I know how to have plenty.For in everything and in every way, I’ve learned the secrets of how to have enough to eat and how to go hungry, how to have plenty and how to do without. 13Yes, I have the strength for everything by the One who gives me power.14However, you’ve acted well by sharing with me during my difficulties. 15In fact, you Philippians may remember how, back in the early [days] of the good news (after I left Macedonia), not a single congregation was willing to share with me in the matter of giving and receiving – other than you!16For even [when I was] in ThesSalonica, you sent something to help with my needs… Not just once, but twice!17I’m not saying this because I want a gift – I want you to have an increase of [good] fruits!18Indeed, I’ve received everything that I need from you, which is more than enough!I’ve been filled with the sweet-smelling odor of a sacrifice that’s acceptable and very pleasing to God, now that I’ve received these things from you through EpaPhraditus.19So be assured that my God will in turn fully supply all of your needs from His great wealth – through the glory of the Anointed Jesus.20Now, may our God and Father be glorified throughout ages of ages...May it be so![P.S]21Give my greetings to all the Holy Ones in the Anointed Jesus. The brothers who are with me also send you their greetings... 22Yes, all the Holy Ones – and especially those of the house of Caesar – send you their greetings.23May the kindness of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with you all.May it be so!
1Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus by the Will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2to the holy and faithful brothers in the Anointed One at Colossae:May you have loving care and peace from our Father, God.3We always thank the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus the Anointed One, when we’re praying for you... 4Since we’ve heard about your faith in the Anointed Jesus, and of the love you have for all the Holy Ones – 5through the hope that’s been reserved for you in the heavens.This is the same hope that you were taught when the truth of the good news 6was first brought to you.[And today] it’s producing fruit and increasing throughout the entire world – the same as it’s been doing among you since the day you first heard of it, and came to an accurate understanding about the truth of God’s loving care.7[You first heard through] EpaPhras our beloved fellow slave, who’s a faithful servant of the Anointed One on our behalf... 8And he’s the one who told us about the love that you have through the Breath [of God].9As a result, from the very day that we heard [this about you], we haven’t stopped praying for you, and asking for you to be filled with a complete knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.10For we want you to walk in a way that’s worthy of the Lord – and to be completely pleasing [to him] while you keep on producing the fruitage of all sorts of good deeds... Growing in a full knowledge of The God 11and getting stronger in the power of His Glorious Might, so that you’ll be able to endure everything joyfully and patiently, 12while you thank the Father who qualified you to receive a portion of the inheritance among the Holy Ones in the light.13For He’s drawing us to Himself from out of the power of darkness, and transferring us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son 14(into which we’ve been delivered through his blood [spurious words] by the forgiving of our sins), 15who is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation.16It was through him that everything in the heavens and on the earth was created, both the things that are visible and the things that are invisible…It was all created through him and for him, regardless of whether it’s thrones, rulerships, governments, or powers... 17Since he was before everything and everything came into existence through him.18And now he’s the ‘head’ and origin of the body of the congregation, the beginning, and the first to be born from the dead so that he would be first in everything.19Yes, [God] saw that it was good for him to be the completion of everything, 20and He’s using [Jesus] to bring it all back into a peaceful, good relationship with Himself (through his blood [that was shed] on the upright [stake])[Syr]... Whether these things are heavenly or earthly.21So although you were once just aliens and enemies (since all you thought about then was doing wicked things) 22[Jesus] has restored your relationship with [God] by means of the death of [his] fleshly body.[This was done so that] you could be presented to Him as holy, without any blemishes, and free from all accusations… 23That is, as long as you stay firmly founded and deeply rooted in the faith – and aren’t diverted from the hope of the good news that you were taught, and which is being preached in all creation under the sky (of which I, Paul, am a servant).24So, even as I’m here suffering, I’m rejoicing over you!Yes, right now my flesh is finishing whatever may have been lacking during the difficult time that the Anointed One endured... And I’m doing this on behalf of his body, the congregation, 25which is what I’m serving.This is the obligation God’s assigned to me for your sakes – to fulfill His Word 26about the mystery that was hidden from past ages and peoples, but which has now been made clear to His Holy Ones.27Yes, it was God’s Will to allow you other races to understand the glorious richness of this mystery. So the Anointed One can be in you too, [yes, the one] who is the hope of our glory 28whom we’ve been advertising.[We did this] while admonishing you and teaching you in wisdom... So that we can present every person as complete in the Anointed One.29I’m working hard and struggling to do this – but helped by the power he gives me.
1I want you to realize what a great struggle I’m undergoing on your behalf, as well as for those in LaoDikea and for all those who haven’t met me face to face yet...2And I want your hearts to be comforted over this, so that you can meet together in love, and be provided with a rich and sure understanding as well as an accurate knowledge of that great mystery of God the Father,[Syr] and of the Anointed One.3For the treasures of all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him!4I’m saying this so that nobody will mislead you with strong arguments [to the contrary], 5for although I’m not there in the flesh, I’m still with you in spirit!I’m also very happy to see how well you’re doing in orderliness, and how firm your faith in the Anointed One has become.6Therefore, since you’ve accepted the Anointed Jesus (our Lord), [you must] keep on walking with him… 7Becoming rooted and built up in him, and growing firmer in your belief in the things that you were taught.[Yes, I want you to] overflow with these things whenever you’re giving thanks!8But watch out so that nobody carries you off as a ‘captive’ into the philosophies and empty hopes of human traditions! Because these base things of the world don’t come from the Anointed One.9Rather, the divinity fully lives within him bodily, 10and you’re [also] fully within him, [the one] who’s the head and source of all government and power!11For you were ‘circumcised’ into him with a ‘circumcision’ that was done without hands... [it happened] when you stripped away your fleshly bodies though the circumcision of the Anointed One.12Then you were all buried with him when [you went] under the water, and you were all raised together by your faith in what God (who raised him from the dead) has done in you!13For that’s when you ‘died’ to your errors and the uncircumcised state of your flesh and became ‘alive’ with him... And then he kindly forgave all your errors 14by wiping away the handwritten [Jewish] Laws that held you down and oppressed you…He lifted them out of the way and nailed them on to the upright [stake], 15which stripped away the governments and powers, and openly displayed that this is how he’d conquered them.16So, don’t allow anyone to judge you over [what you] eat or drink, or over your views of festivals such as the New Moons or Sabbaths... 17For these were just shadows of things to come, while the realities belong to the Anointed One.18And don’t allow anyone to steal your prize by suggesting some lowly form of angel worship and by making strong claims of things that [someone says] he’s seen.For [this man has become] overly impressed with something he just imagined in the flesh, 19and he’s no longer hanging onto the ‘head’… The one who holds the whole ‘body’ together with its joints and ligaments so that it keeps growing with the [type of] growth that comes from The God.20However, since you’ve already ‘died’ [when it comes] to the base things of this world (along with the Anointed One), why is it that you (as if you’re still living in this world) are putting yourselves under such laws as 21‘don’t feel it,’ ‘don’t taste it,’ or ‘don’t touch it,’ 22when it comes to things that are just going to be consumed?For these are the commands and teachings of men!23Look, it might sound wise (with all its humility, fear of God, and mistreatment of the body), but it’s got no real value... It’s just concerned with [desires of the] flesh.[Syr]
1Rather, since you’ve been raised with the Anointed One, you should now be searching for the things that come from above, from the right hand of God, where the Anointed One is sitting…2Yes, think about the things above, not the things on the earth!3So, since you’ve already ‘died,’ and your life has been hidden away in the Anointed One and in God... 4When the Anointed One (who is our life) reveals himself, you’ll also be seen with him in his glory!5Therefore, deaden your earthly [body parts] when it comes to sexual immorality, unclean passions, desires for bad things, and greediness (which is idolatry)...6For the wrath of God is coming because of such things.7And although that may have been how you acted back when you used to live for such things, 8you must now remove all the wrath, anger, badness, slander, and obscenities from your mouths… 9And don’t lie to each other!Yes, you must now take off the old person (and the things that he did) 10and put on the new person who’s being remade with a complete knowledge in the image of the One who’s creating it.11So there’s no [distinction between] Jews and Syrians, nor circumcised and uncircumcised, nor Greek and barbarian, and nor slave and freeman!There’s just the Anointed One, who is everything and within all of you![Syr]12Then, as God’s chosen people who are holy and loved, you must put on the caring traits of empathy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.13Also, keep on putting up with each other and forgiving each other kindly, whenever anyone has a reason to complain. Yes, just as the Lord kindly forgave you, you must do the same…14And add love to all of that, because it’s the perfect unifying force.15Let the peace of the Anointed One serve as the judge in your hearts, because it’s calling [all of] you into one ‘body.’So be thankful and 16allow the words of the Anointed One to live in you richly and in all wisdom, as you kindly teach and remind each other through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.Yes, sing to God from your hearts!17And no matter what you’re saying or doing, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, continuously thanking God (the Father) through him.18Wives:Obey your husbands – because this is proper [for those] in the Lord.19Husbands:Love your wives – and don’t be nasty to them.20Children:Obey your parents in everything – because this is beautiful before our Lord.[Syr]21Fathers:Don’t demand too much from your children, so they don’t get discouraged.22Slaves:Obey your fleshly masters in everything… Not just by putting on a good show to please men, but sincerely, from the heart – and in the fear of Jehovah.23Yes, whatever you’re doing, work at it wholeheartedly as if it’s for the Lord and not for men... 24Remember that from our Lord you’ll get rewarded with an inheritance from Jehovah – because you serve the Anointed One.25For the wrongdoer will be ‘rewarded’ exactly according to what he’s done – no matter who it is!
1Masters:Act righteously and fairly with your slaves, remember that you too have a Master – in heaven!2[And to all:]Keep in constant prayer, stay alert, and give thanks.3Also, keep praying for us… That God may open doors for us to speak and tell others about the mystery of the Anointed One...This is why I’m [here in] shackles… 4To display whatever it is that I’m supposed to say.5Keep on walking wisely when it comes to those on the outside, and keep an eye out for opportunities.6Be respectful in everything that you say… Season everything with salt, and know how to answer everyone appropriately.7TychiKos (my dear brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord) will explain to you everything that’s happening to me. 8That’s why I’m sending him to you… To keep you abreast of what’s going on and to comfort your hearts.9[I’m also sending] OneSimus, my faithful and loved brother who came from you, who’ll tell you all the rest.10AristArchus (my fellow prisoner) sends you his greetings, as does Mark (BarNabas’ cousin).He’s the one who you were told to welcome if he ever comes to [visit] you… 11And so does Jesus (who’s also called Justus).All of them are circumcised, but they’re also my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they’ve done so much to comfort me!12EpaPhras (who came from you), a slave of the Anointed Jesus, sends you his greetings.He always puts a lot of effort into his prayers for you, asking that you might become perfect in the stand that you’re taking, and [that you’ll] completely carry out the will of God.13I can testify to the fact that he goes to a lot of effort on your behalf, as well as for those at LaoDikea and HierApolis.14Luke (the beloved physician) sends you his greetings, and so does Demas.15Give my greetings to the brothers at LaoDikea, as well as to Nympha and the called ones in her home.16After this letter has been read among you, also arrange for it to be read in the LaoDikean congregation… And you read the one from LaoDikea.17Also, tell ArcHippus to keep an eye on the service assignment that he accepted in the Lord and to make sure that he fulfills it.18Here is my greeting (Paul’s) in my own hand!Remember me in prison.May [God’s] loving care be with you.
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the called ones among the Thessalonians who are in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus the Anointed:May you have peace and [God’s] loving care!2We always thank God when we mention you in our prayers, 3because we never forget your faithful work, loving labors, and endurance... That [all] comes from [your] confidence in our Lord Jesus the Anointed, [who stands] before our God and Father.4We know that He chose you, our brothers who are loved by God, 5because the good news that we’re preaching didn’t become just words to you, but power, Holy Breath, and a strong conviction, since you recognized what sort of men we became to you for your sakes.6Then you started acting like us, and like the Lord, because you accepted the word in the joy of [God’s] Holy Breath despite many difficulties, 7and you became [good] examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.8For you’ve preached the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has been spread everywhere!So we don’t have to say anything more, 9since everyone is talking about the way we first came to you and of how you turned away from idols, then [turned towards] The God…Yes, to slave for a God who is living and true!10And [they also speak about how you’re] awaiting His Son from the heavens that He raised from the dead… This Jesus, who’s drawn us to himself and away from the coming wrath.
1Brothers, you know that our visit with you hasn’t been without results. 2For although we’d just suffered and been mistreated in Philippi (as you well know), our God gave us the boldness to speak to you about the good news of our God (although with a lot of difficulty) 3because the encouragement we give doesn’t come from errors, uncleanness, or deceit.4And since God has inspected us [and found us] fit to be entrusted with the good news, we don’t speak just to please men, but [to please] God, who inspects what’s in our hearts.5So, with God as Witness (and as you well know), we didn’t come to you with flattering words or pretending to be in need of anything, 6nor have we sought glory from men… No, neither from you, nor from anyone else (although as Apostles of the Anointed One, we could have been [justified in being] such a burden).7Instead, we came to you as gently as a mother who feeds and cares for her children!8And because we cared for you so much, we were not only happy to share the good news of God with you, but also our lives, since you’ve become so dear to us.9Brothers, surely you remember how we toiled and labored… How we worked hard night and day so we wouldn’t put an expensive burden on anyone, as we preached the good news about The God to you.10And both you and God are our witnesses as to how loyal, righteous, and free from blame we became to you believers.11For each of you must recognize how we kept on encouraging you, consoling you, and testifying to you, just as a father does to his own children!12[We did this] so you’d keep on walking in a way that’s worthy of The God who’s calling you to His Kingdom and glory.13And we keep on thanking God, because, when you accepted the word of The God that you heard from us, you didn’t accept it as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is… The word of God – which is at work in you believers!14Yes, you became our imitators and our brothers – in the same way as those who were called by The God in Judea and are in the Anointed Jesus, because you started suffering at the hands of your own countrymen, just as the [Called Ones] did at the hands of the Judeans 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the Prophets, and who persecuted us.These men aren’t pleasing to God, for they’re [really] opposing all humanity 16by trying to keep us from speaking to the gentiles so that we can save them.As a result, they’re always filled to the brim with their sins, and they’ll receive His full wrath.17As for us, brothers:We’re forced to be separated from you for a short while… In body, but not in our hearts, and we anxiously desire to see your faces.18That’s why I wanted to come to you (yes me, Paul) on two different occasions. However, the Opposer kept on cutting us off.19When our Lord Jesus arrives and we’re standing before him, why would we have any hope, or joy, or a winner’s garland to boast over, if not for you?20Because you… Yes, you are our glory and joy!
1So when we couldn’t bear it any longer, we arranged to be sent to Athens alone. 2Then we sent Timothy – our brother and God’s servant in the good news about the Anointed One – to strengthen and comfort you in your faith, 3so that none of you would become discouraged by all these difficulties.However, you know that we were all appointed [to endure] things such as this!4Yes, when we were there with you, we warned you that we were about to suffer persecution (as you well know is now happening).5And it’s because I just couldn’t stand [not knowing how you were faring] that I sent [Timothy] to see how your faith [is bearing up], and whether the Tempter has put you to the test and brought all of our hard work to nothing.6But now that Timothy has returned from you, he’s brought us the good news about your faithfulness and love; and [he’s told us] how you keep us in your fond memories and of how you’re always longing to see us, just as we’re [longing to see] you.7That’s why, brothers, despite all our own needs and difficulties, we find comfort in you and in the faith that you’re showing.8Because, if you’re standing firm in the Lord, then we’re living [happily]!9So, what sort of thanks can we offer to God for you in return for all the joy we now have because of you before our God?10Therefore, we’ll keep on begging night and day to see your faces and to correct anything that may be lacking in your faith.11Now, may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus straighten our road to you.12May the Lord cause you to grow and to have more than enough love for each other and for all, just as we have for you.13And may he make your hearts firm in holiness, without any blame before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus appears with all of his Holy Ones…May it be so!
1Finally brothers:We ask and urge you by the Lord Jesus to follow the path of what you learned from us, and to keep on pleasing God.Although you’re already doing this, you must do it even more so!2For you’re aware of these orders that we gave to you through the Lord Jesus:3‘It is God’s Will [for you] to be holy and to stay free from sexual immorality.’4So you must each learn how to take control of yourselves in holiness and honor… 5Not in passionate desires like those of the nations who don’t know God!6Nobody should overstep the limits or take advantage of his brother in this matter, for the Lord is the avenger in all of such things, just as we warned you before and explained completely…7God didn’t call us to uncleanness, but to holiness!8So, those of you who [may choose to] disregard this [warning] aren’t disregarding a man, but The God who put His Holy Breath in you.9Yet, when it comes to the matter of brotherly love, there’s no need for us to write you, because God has taught you to love each other, 10and you’re showing this to all the brothers throughout Macedonia...Nevertheless, we’re now urging you brothers to become even better at it!11Also:Pledge yourselves to living quietly, to minding your own business, and to working for a living (just as we’ve instructed you to do), 12so that you’ll always be acting in an appropriate way towards those on the outside, and so that you won’t ever be in need of anything.13Brothers, we want you to understand the situation of those who are sleeping [in death], so you aren’t saddened like those who don’t have any hope.14For if we believe that Jesus died and was resurrected, we must also believe that The God will (through Jesus) lead back those who’ve fallen asleep.15Understand that what we’re saying to you is the word of the Lord… That those who are still living at the appearance of the Lord will definitely not go ahead of those who’ve fallen asleep.16Because the Lord himself will come down from the sky and give the command in the voice of the highest messenger [of God] and with God’s trumpet...Then those who’ve died in the Anointed One will be the first to be resurrected.17And after that, the living (those of us who are still left at that time) will be snatched into the clouds along with them for a meeting with the Lord in the air…And thereafter, we’ll always be with the Lord.18Keep comforting each other with these words!
1Now, when it comes to the times and seasons brothers, nothing needs to be written to you, 2because you know very well that the Lord’s Day is coming [unexpectedly] like a thief does at night... 3while they’re speaking of well-being and tranquility.[Syr]And then ruin will come upon them – like [the inevitability of] labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they won’t escape.4Therefore brothers; since you aren’t in the dark, don’t let that Day [sneak up] on you like a thief.5For you’re all sons of light and sons of the day… You don’t belong to the night or to darkness!6As a result, we shouldn’t be ‘falling asleep’ like all the rest. Instead, we should be staying awake and remaining sober!7For those who are sleeping, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.8But may those of us who belong to the day stay ‘sober,’ while we put on the breastplate of faith and love, and wear our hope of salvation like a helmet.9Because, The God didn’t destine us for His wrath, but for us to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus the Anointed One 10who died for us, so that whether we remain alert or we ‘fall asleep’ [in death], we’ll all live together with him.11Keep on comforting each other with these words and continue to build each other up, just as you’re already doing!12Now, brothers:We’re asking you to give [special] recognition to those who are working so hard among you by taking the lead over you in the Lord and in counseling you.13Give them extraordinary loving consideration because of what they’re doing, and be at peace with each other!14We also urge you brothers to reprimand the disorderly, to comfort the depressed, to support the weak, and to be patient with everyone.15Also, make sure that no one is trying to get even with anyone else over bad things... Keep on searching for the best interests of each other and for all the rest.16Keep on rejoicing!17Pray constantly!18And give thanks for everything, because this is God’s will for you in the Anointed Jesus!19Also, don’t put out the fire of [God’s] Breath 20or ignore the prophecies, 21and prove everything…
Then hang onto whatever is good 22and avoid anything that appears to be wicked!23May the God of peace make you completely holy and sound in every way – preserve your breath, inner person, and body as blameless, [ready] for when our Lord Jesus the Anointed One arrives.24For the One who’s calling you is faithful, and He’ll make it happen!25Brothers,Continue to pray for us, 26and keep on greeting all the brothers with a holy kiss.27Now, I’m putting you under oath in the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers.28May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with all of you.May it be so.
1[From] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the called ones among the Thessalonians who are in God our Father, and in our Lord Jesus the Anointed:[Syr]2May you have loving care and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus the Anointed![Syr]3We’re always obligated to give thanks to God for you, our brothers, which is appropriate because of the super growth of your faith, and [because of] the love that you have for each other, which keeps on growing.4We also take special pride in you among all the called ones of God because of the endurance and faith that you’ve shown throughout all the persecutions and difficulties that you’ve been enduring.5It’s an example of the righteous judgment of God that you’re being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you’re suffering.6And, if it’s righteous before God, he will repay those who are persecuting you by crushing them. 7And you who are suffering [this persecution] he will make alive, with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed in the sky with his powerful [angelic] messengers... 8when he’ll execute punishment, with flaming fire, upon all those who don’t know God and upon those who aren’t obeying the good news about our Lord Jesus.9Yes, in justice, they’ll be repaid with age-long ruin away from the face of the Lord and the glory of his might 10when he arrives to be glorified among his Holy Ones and to be marveled at by all of you who are found to be believers in that day…Because you’ve put faith in the testimony we gave.11We’re always asking for this in our prayers for you:That our God may count you worthy of the calling, and that He might fulfill in you all [His] good intentions through powerful deeds of faith, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you (and you in him), through the loving care of our God, and of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
1However, brothers, regarding the appearance of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One and our being gathered to him:We urge you 2not to quickly lose hope or to be disturbed by [something from the] spirit, or by words, or [by things written] in a letter that may have come through us, indicating that the Lord’s Day has arrived.3No, don’t allow anyone to mislead you in any way, because [that day] won’t arrive before there’s a rebellion[Syr] and the person of sin (a son of ruin) is revealed... 4[a person] who opposes and puts himself above everyone who’s called a god and revered – and even seats himself in the Most Holy Place of The God, where he publicly displays himself like he is God! [or, ‘like he is a god’]5Don’t you remember how I used to warn you about such things while I was still with you?6And you know what’s stopping him from being revealed during his time [of activity]... 7Indeed, this sinner has started operating in secret, but only until the one who’s holding him back is no longer among us – 8for that’s when that sinner will be revealed. [He’s the one] our Lord Jesus will consume with the breath from his mouth and will eliminate by the appearance of his arrival.[Syr]9This one will come with the works of the Opposer, using great powers, lying signs, false wonders, 10and with every sort of deceit of the unrighteous (those who are ruined because they didn’t have any love for the truth that they received – which would’ve saved them)!11Because of this, The God will send them active delusions so that they’ll believe a lie, 12and they’ll prefer unrighteousness to believing the truth…Which is what will condemn them.13However, we’re obliged to always thank God for you brothers who are loved by the Lord, since God chose you for salvation right from the start (through the holiness of the Spirit) [because of] your belief of the truth.14This is why He called you through the good news that we brought to you… So that you might also receive the glory of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One.15Therefore, brothers:Stand firm and hang onto the commands[Syr] you were taught, either by word [of mouth], or in the letters that we sent to you.16May our Lord Jesus the Anointed One himself and God (our Father who loves us and kindly gave us comfort and good hope in this age) 17comfort your hearts and make you firm in all good words and good deeds!
1Finally brothers… Pray for us!Pray that the word of the Lord may be glorified and spread rapidly, just as it is currently being done among you.2And [pray] that we might be delivered from unruly and wicked men, because not everybody has faith.3However, you can trust that Jehovah will watch over you and rescue you from evil.[Syr]4We also have confidence in the Lord about you, that you’re following (and will continue to follow) the commandments that we’ve given to you.5So may our Lord direct your hearts towards the love of The God, as well as towards the Anointed One’s patient endurance.6Also brothers:We’re ordering you – in the name of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One – to withdraw from any brother who’s leading a wicked life... [someone] not following the commands that you’ve received from us. 7You know how important it is for you to imitate us, and we weren’t leading a wicked life when we were among you!8Indeed, we didn’t even ask anyone to provide us with food... Instead, we worked hard day and night so we wouldn’t be a burden on any of you. 9This isn’t because we aren’t authorized to [ask for such things], but because we wanted to set an example for you to imitate.10So when we were there with you, we told you:‘If anyone isn’t willing to work, then he shouldn’t even chew [a bite of food].’11However, we’re now hearing that some wicked men among you aren’t working, but are idle instead.[Syr]12So we’re warning them and commanding them – through the Lord Jesus the Anointed One – to cease this and [begin] working so they’ll be able to eat their own bread.[Syr]13Brothers, don’t give up when it comes to doing what’s good!14But if there’s anyone who isn’t willing to obey the things we’re writing about in this letter, stay away from him, don’t mingle with him, so he’ll be shamed... 15But don’t consider him an enemy, instead council him as a brother.16Now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace in every way throughout all time.Yes, may the Lord be with all of you.17[Here’s] my greeting in my own (Paul’s) hand. Every letter proves it, because this is the way that I write.18May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with all of you.May it be so!
1Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus by the authorization of God (our Savior) and of the Anointed Jesus (our hope), 2to Timothy (a genuine child in the faith):May you find loving care, mercy, and peace from God our Father,[Syr] and [from] the Anointed Jesus, our Lord!3[Timothy, please] stay in Ephesus like I’d encouraged you to do, while I travel on to Macedonia, because I want you to give orders to some who are there not to be teaching anything different 4or paying attention to myths and genealogies... Because there’s no end to these things, they only cause disputes, and they don’t build up Faith in God either!5Instead, what I want you to [encourage them to do] is to love [each other] with a clean heart and a good conscience, and to develop a faith that isn’t judgmental.6Since, because of what they’re teaching, some are being misled into foolish discussions. 7And even though they want to be teachers of the [Jewish] Law, they don’t have any idea what they’re talking about, and they don’t understand the effects that all of this will have.8Now, we know that the [Jewish] Law is good… As long as it’s used for legal purposes...9But recognize that the [Jewish] Law wasn’t laid out for the righteous, but for the lawless and undisciplined, the godless and sinners, the disloyal and unclean, those who’d slap their fathers and mothers, the murderers, 10those who hire prostitutes, the men who have sex with men, the presumptuous, the liars and promise breakers, and all the rest who go against the wholesome teachings 11that come from the glorious good news that our Blest God has entrusted to us.12I feel so grateful to the Anointed Jesus (our Lord) who’s considered me faithful, given me this authority, and made me his servant 13[despite the fact that] I used to be a slanderer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.However, I was just ignorant and I acted [that way] because I didn’t believe… And then I was shown mercy 14by the loving-kindness of our Lord, through the faith and love of the Anointed Jesus.15Therefore, when we say that the Anointed Jesus came into the world to save sinners... These words are faithful and deserve to be believed, because I was the foremost of them!16And the reason why I was shown mercy was so that the Anointed Jesus might demonstrate all of his patience and use me as a prime example of someone who can still put faith in him and receive age-long life.17So, to the King of the Ages [who’s] incorruptible and invisible (the only God), may there be honor and glory into the ages of ages…May it be so!18Now, this is the responsibility that I’m laying upon you, my son Timothy:As those earlier prophecies about you foretold (that you would fight in a good war), 19hang onto your faith and good conscience… Because some have pushed theirs aside and experienced [spiritual] shipwreck.20This includes Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I’ve handed over to the Opposer so they can be taught not to blaspheme.
1[Timothy,] first I’m encouraging you to beg for, to pray for, to ask on behalf of, and to give thanks for all sorts of men 2(for kings and for all those in high offices) so that we can just go on living a calm and quiet life, devoutly and seriously... 3For this is something that’s good and acceptable in the eyes of our Savior, God – 4because He wants all men to be saved and to come to a complete knowledge of the truth.5Understand that there’s just one God, and there’s just one mediator between God and men… A man, the Anointed Jesus. 6For he offered himself as the ransom price on behalf of everyone at just the right time, in proof of this [fact].7Yes, this is the reason why I was made a preacher, an Apostle (I’m not lying, I’m telling the truth), and a teacher to the other races about the Faith and the Truth!8So, I’m praying that all men everywhere might raise their hands in holiness and set aside their anger and their arguments.9Likewise, the women’s clothing should be modest, respectable, and sensible; not with fancy hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. 10But instead, [their fancy clothing] should be good works – something befitting women who say that they fear God.11Let a woman [or, wife] learn quietly and obediently. 12Indeed, I don’t argue[Syr] that a woman [should] teach – nor [that she should] domineer[Syr] a man; rather, stop it. 13For Adam was created first, then Eve. 14Also, Adam wasn’t seduced, but the woman was seduced and then broke the commandment.15However, she’ll be sustained by her children – as long as they[, that is, her children] remain in the Faith in love, holiness, and sensibleness. [see translator note]
1You can believe that whenever anyone desires eldership,[Syr] he’s seeking a good work.2However, an elder[Syr] must be [someone who] hasn’t been charged [with misconduct]… He must be a one-woman man who’s moderate in his habits, sensible, orderly, friendly to strangers, and a teacher.3He shouldn’t be someone who drinks lots of wine or is quarrelsome, but [someone who’s] gentle and peaceable, and not a lover of money.4He should also be a good manager of his own family and have children who obey him in all dignity... 5Because if any man doesn’t know how to manage his own house, how can he care for the congregation of God?6He can’t be a newly-converted man, in case he gets too proud and falls into the [same] judgment as the Slanderer.7Also, those outside [the congregation] should speak well of him, so he doesn’t fall into the Slanderer’s reproach and snares.8Likewise, servants should be serious, not deceitful or excessive drinkers, and not looking for easy money.9Instead, they should hold onto the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience. 10Let them prove themselves first, and if they do well, you may allow them to serve.11Women should likewise be serious and not slanderous, but moderate in their habits and faithful in everything.12Servants should be one-woman men who are managing their own households and their children well. 13Indeed, those who serve well will gain [both] confidence and a good standing in the faith that’s in the Anointed Jesus.14I’m writing these things to you (although I’m hoping to come to you shortly), 15so that if I’m delayed, you’ll know how you should conduct yourself in God’s household (the Congregation of the living God) – as a pillar and supporter of the truth.16Admittedly, our sacred devotion is a great mystery...For he was shown in the flesh, He was found righteous in spirit, He was seen by [God’s] messengers, He was preached about among the nations, He was believed in the world, And then he was taken up in glory!
1However, the Spirit definitely says that some will leave the faith in the future and pay attention to wicked spirits and the teachings of demons, 2as well as to hypocritical men who are liars and whose consciences are seared as with branding irons.3These will forbid marrying and the eating of food that God created to be eaten appreciatively by everyone who has faith and understands the truth 4(for everything that God created is good, and nothing should be thrown away). So if we thank Him for it, 5it becomes holy by what we say to God in our prayers.6So if you’ll explain these things to the brothers, you’ll prove yourself a fine servant of the Anointed Jesus, and [you’ll] grow strong on the words of the Faith and the fine teachings that you’ve been following so closely.7You must avoid worldly fables and old-wives’ tales, and train yourself to be a truly reverent person... 8For even though physical exercise does some good, learning reverence [for God] is good for all things! It holds the promise of life – both now, and into that which is coming.9Yes, what I’m saying is trustworthy and deserves [your special] attention, 10for this is why we’ve been struggling and working so hard as we’ve continued to put faith in a living God who is the Savior of all men – but mostly of the faithful.11So, instruct and teach…12And don’t allow anyone to look down on you because you’re young! Instead, become an example to the faithful in what you say, in what you do, in your love, in your faith, and in your purity!13Until I get there, work at public reading, at giving council, and on your teaching abilities.14Don’t be careless with the gift in you, which was given through a prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you.15Think deeply about these things… Get wrapped up in them, so that everyone can see the progress that you’re making.16Yes, pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching, and stick with it! For if you do that, you’ll save both yourself and those who are listening to you!
1Don’t be too harsh with older men… Speak to them as you would to fathers, to younger men as brothers, 2to older women as mothers, and to younger women as sisters, with all purity.3Show honor to the widows who are really living as widows.4However, if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn the lesson of how to show deep respect inside their own families – by paying what they owe to their parents and grandparents… For in God’s sight, that’s the right thing to do.5Now, a [truly-worthy] widow is one who’s been left on her own, and because she puts her hope in God, she keeps begging Him in her prayers both night and day.6However, [a widow] who lives alone for pleasure is already ‘dead’ while she’s still alive.7So you must always teach them this, so they’ll be found blameless:8‘If you don’t provide for [those who are] your own (especially for those in your own households), you’ve denied the faith and you’re worse than an unbeliever!’9However, put a widow on the list if:• She’s more than 60 years old,
• She’s had just one husband,
10• She’s done good things that can be attested to,
• She’s raised children,
• She’s been hospitable,
• She’s washed the feet of the Holy Ones,
• She’s provided for those in difficulty,
• She’s followed the course of doing all sorts of good deeds.11On the other hand, turn down younger widows...For when they feel the need, they leave the Anointed One because they want to marry! 12And they’re judged for doing this, because they set aside the faith that they had at first, 13while learning wasteful habits such as going around and doing a lot of visiting.They not only waste time, they also gossip, meddle in other people’s affairs, and talk about things that they shouldn’t.14I prefer to see younger widows marry, have children, and manage a home. That way, the Opposer isn’t given something over which he can gleefully gloat... 15Yet, some of them have already turned to following the Slanderer.16So if any believing woman has a widow [in her family], she should take care of this herself, so that the congregation won’t have to handle the burden and can then help those [truly in need].17Also, let the elders who take the lead in a fine way be considered as worthy of a double honor… Especially those who work hard at speaking and teaching!18For the Scriptures tell us:‘You shouldn’t muzzle a bull when it’s threshing grain.’ [Deuteronomy 25:4]And that a worker deserves his pay! [reference to Deuteronomy 24:15]19[Also, don’t] accept an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses. 20However, you should expose those whom you find guilty of sins before all onlookers, so the rest will be afraid [of doing such things].21Before God, the Anointed Jesus, and the chosen messengers, I solemnly charge you to follow these instructions!However, don’t reach any conclusions before you’ve heard all the evidence, and never decide because you’re biased one way or the other.22Also, don’t be too quick to [appoint] any man [to a responsibility], so you aren’t found to be a sharer in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure!23And don’t just drink water, instead you might take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and for your frequent illnesses.24[Remember that] the sins of some people are done in the open and lead directly to judgment. However, the [sins] of the rest will eventually become known... 25For just as many good deeds become widely known, [sins] can’t be kept hidden either.
1Now, those who are in bondage as slaves should treat their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the Name of God and our teachings won’t be slandered.2And those who have believing owners shouldn’t think less of them because they’re brothers. Rather, they should zealously serve them as slaves, because those who work hard are considered faithful and are loved in return.Keep on teaching these things and giving them this encouragement!3Now, if anyone is teaching something different and doesn’t follow these life-giving words (which are those of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One), or doesn’t teach deep respect for God... 4He’s just blowing smoke, he doesn’t understand anything, and he’s ill with arguing and debating over words… It results in envy, arguing, slandering, wicked suspicions, 5and conflict between men with corrupt minds who’ve let themselves be robbed of the truth… And they’re the same ones who say that we should earn a profit from this worship! But you, keep yourself away from them!6Of course, we do gain much ‘profit’ from this worship… That is, if we pay our own way. 7For none of us brought anything into the world and we can’t carry anything out!8So if we have enough to eat and enough to wear, we should be satisfied with that.9However, those who want to be rich fall into temptation, snares, and many foolish and damaging desires, which drag people down into destruction and ruin…10For the love of money is the root of everything that’s bad.And because some have reached out for it, they’ve been led away from the faith and into error, stabbing themselves all over and causing themselves a lot of pain.11But you, O man of God – flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, reverence, faith, love, endurance, and humility.12Yes, fight this fine contest of the faith. Also, seize this age-long life to which you were called – about which you offered such a fine confession before so many witnesses!13I’m ordering you in the sight of The God (who’s saving all), and of the Anointed Jesus (who gave such a fine testimony before Pontius Pilate), 14to obey these instructions flawlessly and blamelessly until the appearance of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One 15whom God[Syr] will reveal at his time.Yes, the only praised and only sovereign,
The King of kings and Lord of lords.16The only one who can’t perish,
And who lives in unapproachable light.The one whom no man has seen or can see,
May he have honor, and age-long power.May it be so!17Also, give orders to those who are rich in this age not to think too much of themselves, and not to trust in their wealth (which is fickle), but in God who brings [the type of] wealth to us that we can truly enjoy.18[Yes, teach them to] work at being good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share... 19while they safely store away for themselves the treasures of a fine foundation in that which is coming, so they can put on the real life.20O Timothy,Guard this hope and turn away from all the worldly babbling, as well as everything falsely called ‘knowledge.’ 21Because it’s through [such things] that some who once showed much promise in the faith have been turned aside.May [God’s] loving care be with you.May it be so!
1Paul, an Apostle of the Anointed Jesus by the will of The God and by the promise of life in the Anointed Jesus, 2to my loved child Timothy:May you find loving care, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from the Anointed Jesus, our Lord!3I’m thankful to The God whom I’m worshiping with a clean conscience (as did my forefathers) that I never forget you in my prayers, which I offer [on your behalf] night and day.4For I remember you with tears and I long to see you, so that I can be filled with joy.5I fondly remember the unhypocritical faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had first, and I’m confident that you have this also. 6So, this is the reason why I’m reminding you to rekindle the gift of God that you received when I first laid my hands on you.7Since God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (but of power, love, and good sense), 8don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me – a prisoner for his sake!So, come and share with us in suffering evil for the good news with the power of God.9For He didn’t save us or call us to holiness because of anything that we’ve done, but because it’s been His will throughout the ages to show us His loving kindness, through Jesus the Anointed One.10And all of this has now appeared via the arrival of our Savior, the Anointed Jesus, who’s done away with death – and is shining a light on life and freedom from corruption through this good news 11(of which I was appointed a preacher, an Apostle, and a teacher).12Yes, this is the reason why I’ve been suffering these things and why I’m unashamed… Because I really know this one in whom I’ve put my faith, and I’m confident that he’ll guard everything I’ve entrusted to him until that Day.13Likewise, you should be hanging onto the healthy words that you heard from me and which I laid out for you (through the love that’s in the Anointed Jesus). 14You should be guarding these things that you’ve been given through [this] Holy Breath that dwells within us!15I’m sure that you’re aware of the fact that everyone in the [province of] Asia have turned their backs on me, and especially PhyGelus and HermoGenes... 16But may the Lord’s mercy rest upon the household of OnesiPhorus, because he’s often brought me refreshment and he’s never been ashamed of my chains. 17For when he came to Rome, he diligently started searching for me and quickly found me! 18So, may he find mercy with the Lord on that Day. And you know very well how much he served me in Ephesus, too.
1However, as for you my child,Keep growing stronger in the loving care of the Anointed Jesus, 2and keep on teaching the things that you heard from so many witnesses while you were with me, to faithful men who are qualified to teach others.3Then, as a fine soldier of the Anointed Jesus, [be prepared to] endure hardships!4For no soldier can just go on living his life as he once did, since he wants to please the one who enlisted him. 5And the same is true of an athlete… He can’t win the prize unless he plays by the rules! 6Yet, the hardworking field-hand must also be the first one to taste the fruit.7If you’ll visualize what I’m saying, the Lord will truly give you insight into everything.8Remember that the good news I’ve been preaching teaches us that Jesus the Anointed (the offspring of David) was raised from the dead… 9And it’s over this that I’m being persecuted and imprisoned like a criminal.However, the word of God hasn’t been locked up with me!10I’m putting up with all of this for the sake of the elected ones… So they can gain the salvation that comes from being in the Anointed Jesus and receiving age-long glory.11For you can believe the saying:‘If we die together,
We’ll also live together;
12And if we hang on together,
We’ll also rule as kings together!’However, if we deny this, he’ll also deny us.13Even if we stop believing in him, he’ll still believe, [won’t he?] Because he can [hardly] deny his own existence![Syr]14I want you to keep on reminding [the brothers] about these things, and I want you to instruct them –in the sight of God– not to be arguing over words, for this is just a waste of time and it’s a snare to those who listen to it.15As for you:Keep on seeking God’s approval zealously, so you’re accepted by Him as a workman who’s got nothing to be ashamed of, and who lays out the truth straightforwardly.16Therefore, you should avoid speaking about worldly and foolish topics, because this leads [people] away from pure worship, 17and whatever is said [spreads like] a field of gangrene!That’s what happened to Hymenaeus and PhileTos – 18they got away from the truth and started teaching that the resurrection has already happened, which misdirected the faith of some.19However, you have a solid foundation in God, and it has this seal [of approval], that Jehovah...‘...knows who are His.’ [Numbers 16:5, LXX or Nahum 1:7]And:‘Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be rescued.’ [paraphrase of Joel 2:32, see note]20Now, in a large house there aren’t just containers made of gold and silver, but also those [made] of wood and pottery… Because some were made for honorable purposes, while others were made for dishonorable purposes.21So if anyone chooses to be clean, he must remove [everything that’s dishonorable] from himself so that he can become a container for an honorable purpose – holy and useful to his master. And from then on, he must be ready to do every sort of good work.22So, flee from the desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace... Along with everyone else who’s calling on the Lord with a clean heart.23However, avoid foolish and ignorant questions, because you know that they just create arguments… 24and a slave of the Lord shouldn’t be arguing.Instead, we should be gentle with everyone, we should be good teachers, and we should know how to keep our composure in bad [situations] 25so we can teach those who disagree calmly.[After all,] perhaps God may lead them to repentance and to an accurate knowledge of the truth, 26so that they may escape the Slanderer’s snares and return to their good senses – once they realize how they’ve been lured into his cage!
1Understand that hard times will come in the last days, 2and people will just love themselves and money... [They’ll be] braggarts, loud blasphemers, argumentative ([even] with their own people)[Syr], unthankful, wicked[Syr]. 3They won’t have any natural (family) love.[Syr][They’ll be] false accusers, addicted to lust, fierce, hating what’s good, 4betrayers, impetuous[Syr], and proud of [themselves] – yes, lovers of many pleasures, away from the love of God.5Even though they might have some form of Godly fear, they’ll be far away from its power [to change them].[Syr]You should reject people like this, 6because it’s from among such ones that certain men will arise... Ones who’ll work their way into homes and seduce weak women who are loaded down with sins (because they have so many desires), 7and who’ll always just be students who can never come to a higher knowledge of the truth.8So, whenever you must deal with men who are resisting the truth and corrupting their own minds (making themselves worthless when it comes to the faith), follow the example of Moses when he opposed JanNes and JamBres, 9so they can’t make any more inroads.Then (as happened [to JanNes and JamBres]) their unreasonableness will become clear for everyone [to see]!10Now... You’ve closely followed my teachings, my directions, my purposes, my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11[However, you’ve also had to share in] my persecution and my sufferings (such as the things that happened to me in AntiOch, Iconium, and Lystra), and you’ve endured the same types of opposition that I’ve had to endure (but from which the Lord has delivered me).12For everybody who wants to worship The God through the Anointed Jesus is going to be persecuted... 13Because wicked and deceitful men will just get worse and worse, misleading and being misled!14As for you:Stick with the things that you’ve learned and were convinced to believe… And remember from whom you learned them!15For you’ve been familiar with the Holy Writings since you were a child, and they can make you wise for salvation through your faith in the Anointed Jesus. 16[Remember that] all the Holy Writings were inspired by God and they’re good for teaching, for correcting, for setting things straight, and for providing righteous discipline…17They qualify a man of God by providing him with whatever he needs to do all sorts of good work.
1So I solemnly charge you in the sight of God and the Anointed Jesus (who’s going to judge the living and the dead when he manifests himself in his Kingdom) 2to keep on preaching the word!Keep on doing it through both good times and bad!Then, as you consider [what you see], you must offer criticism and encouragement. However, you should do this patiently and with all of your teaching skills.3Yet, the time is coming when they won’t put up with life-giving teachings anymore. Rather (because they’ll prefer to follow their own desires), they’ll gather teachers for themselves who’ll tell them whatever they want to hear!4They won’t listen to the truth, but they’ll all show up when it comes to listening to fables.5But as for you:Be serious about everything, endure all the bad, preach the good news, and completely carry out your ministry!6As for me:Even though I’ll soon be poured out as a sacrifice, and the time for my undoing[Syr] is almost here, 7I can say that I’ve wrestled the fine match, I’ve finished the race, and I’ve obeyed the faith!8From now he keeps for me a righteous crown he compensated him for me, my lord in day that. ergo, the righteous judge, but not only for me but also those who loved his appearance.8So now he’s keeping a righteous crown for me, which the Lord (the righteous judge) will give me on that day (but not just to me, but to everyone who eagerly looks forward to his appearance).8So, all that’s left for me now is to lay down my golden crown, which the Lord (who isn’t over just me but is over everyone who loves the way in which he showed himself) will return to me in that Day.9So hurry… Come to me quickly – 10because Demas has let me down and gone to ThesSalonica (since he still loves this age), Kreskes has gone to Galatia, Titus has gone to Dalmatia, 11and Luke is the only one who’s here with me!So, go find Mark and bring him with you, because his services are very useful to me.12Oh yes, I also sent Tychikus off to Ephesus.13And when you come here, bring along the robe that I left with Carpus in Troas… And the scrolls, especially the parchments.14Alexander the coppersmith has testified and said many bad things against me. But the Lord will repay him for what he’s done.15So watch out for him!Because he really opposes everything that we say.16Unfortunately, nobody stayed with me during my first court hearing… But despite the fact they all left me, I don’t want this to be held against them, 17because the Lord stood by me.Yes, he gave me strength so that the preaching might be completed through me, and that all the gentiles might hear it. As a result, I was saved from the lion’s mouth!18And the Lord will continue to save me from every sort of wickedness until he brings me into his heavenly Kingdom.May he be glorified throughout the ages of ages…May it be so!19Give my greetings to Priska and Aquila, and to the household of OnesiPhorus.20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus at Miletus, because he was sick.21Hurry and get here before the winter arrives!EuBoulos sends you his greetings, as do Poudes, Linos, Klaudia, and all the brothers.22May the Lord bless the spirit you’re showing, and may his loving care be with all of you.May it be so.
1From Paul – a slave of God, an Apostle of Jesus the Anointed One and a follower of the faith of God’s elected who have a complete knowledge of truth and whose worship 2is based on the hope of age-long life, which The God (who doesn’t lie) promised ages ago 3and who, in His own due time, made His Word known through an important message that was entrusted to me by the command of our God and Savior.4To Titus – a true child in the faith that we hold in common.May you have loving care and peace from God the Father, and from the Anointed Jesus our Savior!5The reason why I left you in Crete is so that you could straighten out some of the problems there, and for you to appoint elders in each city, as I instructed you.6[So, choose those who] haven’t been charged with misconduct… one-woman men who have believing children who aren’t rebellious or accused of being beyond hope.7Because, as a manager of the household of God, an overseer must be blameless.[He can’t be] selfish, quick tempered, a heavy drinker, a fighter, or a greedy person.8Rather, [he must be] hospitable, a faithful friend, levelheaded, righteous, devout, self-controlled, 9[and a person who] lives by the word of truth, so he can teach and encourage those who are strong as he exposes the wrongs of those who contradict.10For there are lots of rebellious and deceitful windbags (most of whom are circumcised) 11and whose mouths need to be sealed.They’re the ones who are dishonestly making money by teaching things that they shouldn’t, and they’re misleading entire households!12It was one of their own prophets who said:‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons.’ [quote from Cretan philosopher Epimenides]13And that’s a fact!This is why you’ll have to be tough when it comes to exposing their wrong ways, so they can become healthy in the faith, and stop 14paying attention to Jewish myths and the rules of men, which are turning them away from the truth.15For although everything is clean to those who are clean, nothing is clean for those who are dirty and faithless, because both their minds and their consciences are dirty!16And while they all claim to know God, everything they do disproves it, because they’re disgusting, disobedient, and unqualified to do anything worthwhile.
1You however, keep on talking about the correct, healthy teachings.2Encourage the older men to be free from excesses and to be serious, levelheaded, and healthy in their faith, love, and endurance.3[Also encourage] the older women to behave as though they’d just entered a holy place… Not to be slanderers or alcoholics, but to become teachers of good things.4Teach the younger women to love their husbands and their children… 5To be level headed, pure, homemakers, and good people who are willing to obey their husbands so that God’s Word won’t be spoken of shamefully.6And you must give younger men the same encouragement… To be level-headed.7[Teach them to] become good examples in all sorts of good deeds, to be serious and blameless in their teaching, 8and to speak in wholesome ways so that no one can condemn them, and nobody who opposes us will have anything bad to say about us.9Also, teach those who are slaves to obey their masters in everything… To please them well, not to talk back, 10and not to steal things!They should prove that they’re faithful in doing whatever is right, so they can adorn the teachings of our God and Savior in everything.11For the reason why God’s loving care is being displayed [through us] is so that we all might be saved!12And once they’ve rejected the godlessness and worldly desires, they must then be taught how to live sensibly, righteously, and devoutly in this age 13while they wait for the blest hope and the manifestations of the glory of the great God, and our Savior, the Anointed Jesus... 14[the one] who handed himself over in order to free us by ransom from lawlessness, and to bring out a clean people for himself who are all zealous in doing whatever is good.15Yes, I’m authorizing you to talk about such things, as well as to encourage and correct…And don’t let anyone ignore you!
1Keep on reminding them that they must be obedient and that they must submit to the rulers and the authorities…That they must always be ready and willing to do good things!2They shouldn’t be slanderous to anyone or want to fight with them. [Rather, they should all] be willing to give in to [the wishes of] others and to be humble before everyone.3Realise that we were all once senseless, disobedient sinners... Slaves to our own desires in badness and envy (disgusting [people] who hated each other), 4but when God’s kindness and compassion, our Savior, came here 5(not because we were righteous, but because of His mercy), He saved us through the cleansing [water] that re-created us – by means of the renewing [power] of Holy Breath.6Yes, He poured plenty of it over us, through Jesus, our Anointed Savior, 7so that afterwards we’re counted as righteous (through His loving care), that we might become heirs who have the hope of age-long life.8You can believe these things…And these are the instructions that I want you to keep on giving to them, so that those who’ve come to believe in The God will stand firm in doing all that’s right!Yes, these are good and helpful things that you must teach them.9[For they must learn to] avoid foolish questions, genealogies, arguments, and fights over the [Jewish] Law, since such things don’t really do any good – and they’re just a waste of time.10After you’ve reasoned with an heretical man once, and then a second time, [but he still refuses to change,] avoid him!11[Do this] because you know that those who turn from The Way are self-condemned sinners!12After I send Artemas or TychiKos to you, try to come to me here in NikoPolis, since I’ve decided to spend the winter here.13Hurry and send Zenas (the lawyer) and Apollos [to me]… And make sure they won’t lack anything they need for their journey.14Yes – let our [brothers] learn how to do good things in times of need, so their efforts won’t be wasted.15Everybody who’s with me sends you their greetings.Give my greetings to everyone in the faith who truly care about us.May [God’s] loving care be with all of you.
1Paul, a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed Jesus, and your brother Timothy, to our beloved fellow worker PhileMon, 2our sister ApPhia, our fellow soldier ArcHippus, and to the called ones in your homes:3May you receive loving care and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.4I always give thanks to my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5because I keep hearing about the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus, and of the love that you have for all the Holy Ones.6[And I pray that] we can have a share in the faith that’s in you by telling you more about the good things that we’re doing through the Anointed One.7For I’ve felt so much joy and comfort, our brother, over the loving things that you’ve been doing to refresh the hearts of the holy ones! 8And this is the reason why I feel free in the Anointed One to obligate you to do something that would be very becoming…9Or should I say that I’m encouraging you because of your love, seeing that I am who I am, Paul, an old man — and now a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed Jesus!10The encouragement I wish to offer is regarding my child (someone I’ve become a father to while I’ve been in prison): OneSimon.11For although he was once useless to you, he’s now become useful to both you and me… 12So, I’m returning this one (for whom I care so deeply), to you.13Actually, I’d rather keep him here for myself instead of sending him to you, so he can continue to serve my needs while I’m in the shackles that I’m wearing for the sake of the good news!14However, I don’t wish to do anything without your consent, because I don’t want any good deed that you may wish to do only happen because you were forced into it…I’d rather it was something that you really wanted to do!15Perhaps that’s the reason why he was able to break away from you for a little while? So that you could have him back in this age 16as no longer a slave, but more than a slave... As a beloved brother!He’s especially that to me, and now much more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.17So if you consider me a worthy associate, welcome him kindly as you would welcome me. 18And if he did you any wrong, or if he owes you anything, charge it to my account!19I (Paul) am writing this in my own hand, and telling you that I’ll pay you back… Of course, let me remind you that you already owe me! 20Yes, my brother; may I request some profit from you in the Lord… Please offer me this refreshment in the tender mercies of the Anointed One!21Now, I’m writing you in full confidence that you’ll go along with my request. And I’m sure that you’ll do even more than what I’ve suggested.22In addition, prepare a place for me to stay, since I’m hoping that, because of all your prayers, I’ll soon be free for your sakes.23EpaPhras (my fellow captive in the Anointed One) sends you his greetings, as do 24Mark, AristArchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.25May the loving kindness of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One be upon the spirit that you show.
1A long time ago, God spoke to our fathers through the Prophets in many places and in many ways. 2And in the last part of these days, He spoke to us through a Son whom He’s made the heir to everything – the one He used to create the ages... And 3who shines with the same glory... Is the exact image of His being... And is responsible for everything that’s said through His power!Then, after he cleansed us of our sins, this one sat down at the right hand of the Great One in the highest places, 4and has now become so much greater than the messengers [of God], and so different, that he’s inherited a [special] name among them.5For example, to which of His angels did He ever say:‘You’re my son; today I’ve fathered you.’ [Psalm 2:7]Or:‘I’ll become his Father and he will become My son.’ [an allusion to 2 Samuel 7:14]6But again, regarding bringing His firstborn into the world, [Moses] says:‘Let all the [angelic] messengers bow low before him.’ [Deuteronomy 32:43]7[Also notice that] when [David] speaks of those [angelic] messengers, he said that He made his messengers like breath, and His ministers like burning fire! [reference to Psalm 104:4]8But, about the Son, [the Psalmist] said:‘Your throne, O god, is throughout ages of ages,
And the scepter of your kingship is the scepter of righteousness.
9So, because you loved righteousness and hated wickedness,
The God – your God – has [anointed] you
With the oil of great joy among those who are your companions.’
[Psalm 45:6-7]10And also:‘In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
And [you] made the heavens with your hands.
11But although they’ll pass away, you’ll still remain;
For like clothes, they’ll grow old.12‘Then, as [you would do to] a robe, you’ll wrap them up and repair them.
Yes, you’re the one and your years will never expire.’[Psalm 102:25-27]13Also, to which one of His angels did [God] ever say...‘Sit here at My right until I set your enemies as a stool for your feet?’ [Psalm 110:1]14Aren’t all these others just spirits who serve – sent to serve those who’ll inherit life?
1This is why it’s so important for us to pay extraordinary attention to the things that we’ve heard, so we don’t drift away!2Because, if these words that have been spoken through [God’s] messengers is actually true, then the ‘reward’ for all errors and disobedient acts is going to be strictly enforced! 3How could we get away with it, if we’ve neglected these things which mean our life? [Things that] began with our Lord, and were confirmed to us by those who heard it directly from him?4Notice how even God joined in this witness-testimony by providing signs, omens, many powerful deeds, and by distributing His Holy Breath as He wished!5However, He didn’t entrust the home that’s coming (the one I’m talking about) to the hands of [His angelic] messengers!6For somewhere, someone testified to this fact when he asked:‘Just what is man that You should remember him,
Or the Son of Man that You should watch over him?
7Although You made him just a little lower than [Your angelic] messengers,
You then crowned him with glory and honor,
And put him over everything that You had made with Your hands…
8You put everything under his feet!’
[Psalm 8:4-6, LXX]So notice that when [God] put everything under [Jesus’ feet], He didn’t leave anything out... There’s nothing that he isn’t in charge of.Nevertheless, we don’t see everything [and everyone] obeying him... Yet.9Even though he was made lower than [God’s angelic] messengers for a little while [as a man], we can see that after Jesus suffered and died, he was crowned with glory and honor so that, because of God’s loving care, he might taste death for us all!10Yes, it was fitting that this one (through whom and for whom everything exists), this primary leader [who’s responsible for] our salvation, should bring many sons to glory, and make them perfect through his sufferings.11Both the holy one, and those made holy, are from one [God]... So he’s not ashamed to call them his brothers.12For [the Psalmist] says:‘I’ll declare Your Name to my brothers,
And among the congregation, I’ll praise You.’
[Psalm 22:22, LXX]13And again:‘In Him, I’ll put all my trust.’ [Isaiah 8:17]And again:‘{Look!} It is I, and the children God gave me.’ [Isaiah 8:18]14Therefore, since his ‘children’ share in his blood and flesh, he shares [with them] in the same way, so that through his death he can finish off the one who has the power [to bring] death, the Slanderer... 15and to set free all of those who’ve spent their lives as slaves to the fear of death.16So [when he came], he really didn’t take on [the shape] of one of [God’s] messengers somewhere. Instead, he took on [the shape of] AbraHam’s descendant…17For he was obliged to become like his brothers in every way – so he could become a merciful and faithful High Priest before God, and to offer a sacrifice that would cover their sins.18And because he suffered and was tempted, he’s also able to help those who are still being tempted.
1Therefore, holy brothers (who are partakers of the celestial calling), consider this Apostle and High Priest for our confessions: Jesus the Anointed One!2He was faithful to the One who made him, just like Moses – the man whom [God appointed over] His whole House.3However, [Jesus] was considered to be worthy of an even greater glory than Moses, because the one who actually builds the house receives more honor there 4(of course, every house is built by someone, but the One who built everything is God).5Now, Moses was a faithful servant within His whole House (which was evidence of what would be said [about him] later)... 6But, the Anointed One is the Son who’s in charge of [God’s] House – and we are that House! That is, provided that we keep on boasting about our hope and hanging on to it until the end.7That’s why it was said through [God’s] Holy Breath:‘If you should hear His voice today, 8don’t harden your hearts like they did in the bitter day of testing in the desert.9‘For that’s when your fathers put Me to the test to prove [My power], although they had already witnessed all that I had done during [the previous] 40 years!10‘And this is the reason why I became so disgusted with that generation and said:‘Their hearts are always wandering and they’ve never understood My ways.’11‘So in My rage, I swore:‘They will not enter My rest!’[Psalm 95:8-11]12Therefore brothers, watch out… Yes, be careful that none of your hearts should ever become so wicked and unbelieving that they cause you to pull away from the Living God!13Rather, you must encourage each other every day –including today– so that none of you’ll ever become hardened [in your hearts] and be tempted to sin.14For if we can hang onto this position from the time that we start believing until the end, we’ll remain sharers in the Anointed One.15And that’s why it was said:‘If you should hear His voice today, don’t harden your hearts like they did in the bitter day of testing in the desert.’ [Psalm 95:8]16So then, who, exactly, heard [God’s voice] and brought Him this bitterness?Wasn’t it everybody who left Egypt under Moses?17So then, who did He became disgusted with for the next 40 years? Wasn’t it those who’d sinned and whose carcasses fell in the desert?18And who [was He talking about] when He said they wouldn’t enter His rest?Wasn’t it those who disobeyed?19As you can see, they didn’t enter [His rest] because they didn’t have enough faith!
1Therefore, we should all be afraid that some of us might actually be left behind [like they were in the desert] when it comes to the promise of entering His Rest.2For we’ve been preached to, just as they were – but what they heard didn’t benefit them, because those who heard it didn’t combine it with faith.[Syr] 3But we, who actually have believed [what we heard], yes – we do enter into [God’s] Rest.Yet... As He said, ‘So in My rage, I swore: They will not enter My rest’... [So what does that mean?]Well, note [how during] God’s works [back] at the founding of the world,[Syr] 4he said this about the seventh day:‘God rested from all His of works on the seventh day.’ [Genesis 2:2]5Hence, once again, [when] He said, ‘They will not enter My rest,’ 6[it means that] they all had the opportunity to enter it – but those who were first preached to didn’t enter it, because they weren’t reconciled [to God].7Furthermore, notice how He appointed another day, much later, mentioned in the same [psalm of] David quoted above.For He went on to say:‘If you should hear His voice today, don’t harden your hearts.’ [Psalm 95:8]8So if they’d already been led to this place of [God’s] Rest by JoShua, then [God] wouldn’t have spoken of another day in the future. 9So it’s well-established that God’s people will [enter God’s] Rest 10(for whoever has entered into His Rest will rest from their own works, just as God is [resting] from His own).11Therefore, we should be doing everything we can to enter that Rest, and not to fall into being like those who weren’t reconciled [to God]!12Understand that God’s word is living – it’s at work, and it’s sharper than any double-edged sword! It cuts so fine that it can separate the breath from the breather, as well as his joints from his marrow!It can even judge our thoughts and the desires of [our] hearts! 13For nothing in creation is invisible to His eyes… Everything is naked and open before the One we [all] have to answer to.14So in view of the fact that we have such a great High Priest who went up [into] the sky – Jesus the Anointed One,[Syr] the Son of The God – let’s keep talking about him!15For we don’t have a High Priest who can’t sympathize with our weakness; rather, we have one who’s been tested in every way just like us – except he didn’t sin!16Therefore, let’s approach his throne of loving kindness confidently, so that we can receive his mercy, and find loving care and help when we need it.
1Now, all High Priests are selected from among mankind, and then they’re appointed over other men and assigned to do the things of God, such as offering the gifts and the sacrifices for sins... 2Yes, ones who can humble themselves and empathize with those who don’t know [what’s right] and err – since they’re also enveloped by their own weakness!3That’s why they have to make offerings for themselves too, and not just for the people’s sins!4However, nobody can take this honor for himself; he can only be called to [the Priesthood] by God (like Aaron was). 5Likewise, the Anointed One didn’t glorify himself to the position of High Priest! No, that was done by the One who said to him:‘You’re My Son… Today I have fathered you!’ [Psalm 2:7]6And He said in another place:‘You’re a Priest throughout the ages in the order of MelchiZedek.’ [Psalm 110:4]7Then, while he was here in the flesh, [Jesus] begged and pleaded with the One who was able to save him from death, calling out with tears… And he was drawn close and listened to, because he was faithful.8But thereafter, although he was the Son, he learned obedience from the things that he suffered.9Then when his [training] was finished, he became the source of age-long salvation for everybody who’d obey him – 10which is when God made him a High Priest in the line of MelchiZedek.11Now, we have so much to say about him that will be hard to explain to you, since you’ve become so slow in your hearing.12Yes, even though you should be teachers (in view of the time), you now need someone to go back and teach you the basics of God’s word again!You’re now people who need milk, not solid food!13Yes, those who are unfamiliar with righteous teachings are [in fact] ‘babies’ who need milk to survive... 14while those who’ve trained their senses to recognize the difference between right and wrong have become adults who can eat solid food.
1Therefore, let’s go beyond the basics of the Anointed One and move on towards maturity!Why do we have to –yet again– lay the foundation on subjects like repentance of past sins and having faith in God? 2Or the teaching of immersion, of making appointments [in the congregation], of the resurrection from the place of the dead, or the age-long judgment?3Of course, we’ll do this [for you] – if Jehovah allows us.4However, it’s impossible for those who’ve already gone down [into the water] for immersion, who’ve tasted the heavenly gift, who’ve received Holy Breath, 5who’ve tasted God’s good word (and the power of the coming age), 6who again start sinning... To all over again experience the renewal to repentance, or to once again raise up God’s Son [to execution] and subject him to shame.7The ground that’s soaked up much rain will produce useful plants for those who cultivated it – yes, it gets God’s blessing. 8But what if it [instead] just produces thorns and thistles? It’ll be rejected, and almost cursed – and in the end, it’ll just be burned!9But when it comes to you, my loved brothers:We’re convinced that you’ll receive good things connected to salvation (even though we speak like this), 10because God isn’t unrighteous, and He won’t forget all the good things that you’ve done, or the love that you’ve shown for His Name, or the ways that you’ve served the needs of the Holy Ones and [of how you] keep on doing so.11So what we want is for each of you to show a real zeal when it comes to holding onto these things that you’ve been hoping for all the way to the end…12Don’t be discouraged![Syr]Instead, copy those who, thanks to their faith and endurance, are going to inherit what they’ve been promised!13[After all], when God gave his promise to AbraHam, because He couldn’t swear by anyone greater, He swore by Himself!14He said:‘When it comes to blessings, I’ll bless you;
And when it comes to growth, I’ll make you grow.’
[Genesis 22:17]15Then because he was patient, [AbraHam] finally received what he was promised.16Now, men always swear by a greater one [when they make agreements] – and in every dispute they have, they’ll finally settle it by means of oaths.17So, when God wanted to show those who’d inherit what was promised how unchangeable His promise was, He sealed the deal with an oath. 18So we can find refuge within these two unchangeable things[, that is, the promise and the oath], neither of which God could lie about, by holding on to this hope that He’s promised.19This is like an anchor that holds our lives [in place] and can’t be moved. It even goes through the ‘inner curtain’ [into the Most Holy of the Temple] – 20yes, where Jesus previously entered as the age-long High Priest, in the order of MelchiZedek.
1Now, this MelchiZedek (who was the King of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God) is the one who met AbraHam as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings, and the one who blest him. 2Then AbraHam shared a tithe[, that is, one-tenth] of everything that he [was carrying] with him.Now, notice how his name[, that is, MelchiZedek] translates to mean ‘King of Righteousness.’ Also, ‘King of Salem’ means ‘King of Peace.’3Further, notice how there are no genealogical records of him... So he was [virtually] without a father or mother, because there’s no [record] of his birth or death.So, just like the Son of God – his Priesthood is unending.4Also, do you see how great this man [MelchiZedek] was? [Our] family head AbraHam gave him both a tithe and first-fruits!5So while it’s true that the sons of Levi were [also] made Priests, commanded by the Law, to collect a tithe from the people (who were their brothers, because they all came from the loins of AbraHam), 6this man [MelchiZedek] –whose genealogy isn’t even recorded– took a tithe from AbraHam himself!Then he blest him, yes, [the one] who’d received [God’s] promise.7And you can’t argue with the fact that the lesser one is always blest by the greater one!8Now, today, [ordinary] men who die receive the tithes [in the Temple], but the scripture testifies that he[, that is, MelchiZedek] is still ‘alive’ [because it doesn’t record his death]!9We could also say that via AbraHam, Levi, a man who takes tithes, also had to give a tithe [to MelchiZedek] himself – 10because he was within the loins of his forefather when he met with MelchiZedek.11Also, if we could have achieved perfection by means of Levi’s Priesthood and the [Jewish] Law, then we wouldn’t have needed another Priest like MelchiZedek. Indeed, [the scripture] would instead have said, ‘He will be like Aaron.’12However, just like there’s been a change in the Priesthood, there’s also been a change in the [Jewish] Law, 13because this man whom we’re talking about[, that is, Jesus] was born into a different tribe… One that’s never had anybody serve at the Altar... 14Yes, it’s clear that our Lord came out of Judah – a tribe that Moses never mentioned in connection to the Priesthood.15Therefore, it’s even more obvious why He said that a new Priest will arise like MelchiZedek – 16a man who didn’t become [a Priest] by the Law of fleshly commandments, but by the power of a life that can’t end!17So He testified about him:‘You are a Priest throughout the age – just like MelchiZedek.’ [Psalm 110:4]18Therefore, this former rule [to only allow Priests from Levi] was changed because it was weak and it didn’t do any good, 19as the Law never made anybody perfect. Instead, there’s now a better hope which is drawing us closer to God, 20and he established it with a sworn oath.21For [the Levitical] Priests were appointed without a sworn oath... But [Jesus] was [appointed] with an oath![Again,] just like David said about him:‘Jehovah has sworn (and He won’t change His mind):‘You are a Priest throughout the age – just like MelchiZedek.’[Psalm 110:4]22Therefore, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better Sacred Agreement, 23since there always had to be lots of Priests because they were mortal – their deaths prevented them from continuing [to serve].24However, because [Jesus exists] eternally, his Priesthood is permanent!25And [this is why] he’s able to save those who approach The God through him, because he will always be alive to plead for them! 26Yes, he’s truly become a High Priest for us – pure, without evil, without blemish, separate from sins,[Syr] and exalted higher than the heavens!27And unlike the [Levitical] High Priests who have to offer daily sacrifices for their own sins first, and then for the people, he only had to do this once – when he offered himself!28Yes – the [Jewish] Law appoints men with weaknesses as High Priests... But the promise that came with a sworn oath (which supersedes the [Jewish] Law) [has appointed] the Son – [someone] who remains perfect eternally!
1But the main point of everything is this:We have a High Priest who’s sitting on the right-hand side of the throne of Majesty in the heavens. 2He’s become a servant of the Most Holy, but in the real Tent built by God[Syr], not man.3And since every appointed High Priest must bring gifts and sacrifices, [Jesus] must have something to offer too.4However, if he was [still] here upon the Earth, he wouldn’t be a Priest, because there are [already] Priests who are [appointed] by the Law to offer gifts. 5Now, when they handle these duties, they’re following a pattern that’s a shadow of [how it’s done] in the heavens... Yes, just like it was said to Moses (when he was about to finish the [Sacred] Tent):‘Be sure to assemble everything by the pattern you were shown on the mountain.’ [Exodus 25:40]6But now Jesus the Anointed One has received a much better assignment, in the same way as he’s become the mediator of a better Sacred Agreement – which is given with better promises too!7Of course, if the first [Agreement] had been without problems, then there wouldn’t have been any need for a second one. 8But [notice that God] had a problem with the people, for He said:‘{Look!} The time is coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘when I’ll make a new Sacred Agreement with the Houses of IsraEl and Judah 9that’s unlike the Agreement that I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt.‘But because they didn’t keep their [side of] the agreement, I stopped caring for them,’ says Jehovah.10‘So, this is the Agreement that I’m going to make with the House of IsraEl at that time,’ says Jehovah.‘I will put My laws in their minds and write them in their hearts. Then, they’ll be My people and I’ll be their God.11‘So at that time, no one who lives in the land will have to teach their neighbors and brothers and tell them to know of Jehovah.‘For from their least to their greatest, they’ll all know Me. 12Then I’ll be merciful towards their unrighteous ways, and I’ll forget all their sins.’[Jeremiah 31:31-34, LXX]13So when he called it ‘new,’[Syr] He [automatically] made the former one, ‘old’... And whatever’s grown old and obsolete is soon destroyed.
1Now, under the first [Agreement], there were regulations for worship and a worldly Holy Place:2They prepared this first Tent, which contained both the [sacred] lampstand and the table for the showbread, and this was called ‘the Holy.’3Then behind the curtain was a second Tent called ‘the Most Holy.’ 4It contained a gold incense holder, plus the Chest of the Sacred Agreement (which was completely overlaid with gold).It contained:• The gold jar of manna, [Exodus 16:33]
• Aaron’s staff that grew buds [Numbers 17:10], and
• The Tablets of the [Sacred] Agreement. [Leviticus 16:13]5Then, on top of it, there’s the glorious cherubs that cast a shadow over its cover (we don’t have time to talk about how these things were made).6Now, the Priests regularly entered the outer Tent to perform their sacred duties.[Syr] 7But only the High Priest entered the inner Tent once per year, along with the blood that he had to offer for both himself and for the peoples’ sins.8Now, the Breath of Holiness makes it clear that the path to ‘the Holy’ couldn’t be seen while the first Tent was standing… Well, 9this well illustrates that era – when they’d offer gifts and sacrifices that could never make them a perfect character! 10No, this whole thing was only about food, drink, and various types of [ritual] washing. These are fleshly, legal requirements [that would only last] until a time of correction.11But when the Anointed One came as the High Priest of the good things he accomplished, and entered the greater and more perfect Tent (that wasn’t made by [human] hands, nor was part of creation)... 12he didn’t enter with the blood of goats and young bulls. Rather, he entered the Holy Place just once, with his own blood, to get us age-long salvation!13Now, if the blood of goats and calves, or the ashes of a young cow, could be sprinkled on an unclean people and make their flesh holy and clean... 14How much more will [this be true of] the blood of the Anointed One? [The one] who, by the age-long spirit, offered himself spotlessly to God? Yes, he cleans our character from our former deeds, so we can keep serving the living God!15This is why he was made the mediator of the New Sacred Agreement – that through his death, he can become the ransom for those who sinned against the first Sacred Agreement... So that those who are called to the age-long inheritance can get what was promised!16[Understand that] whenever an agreement is made, [it’s strength] is only proved after the person who made it dies, 17because an agreement is really only valid if it manages to stay in place after they’re dead. It’s pretty pointless while the one who made it is still alive.18That’s why even the first [Sacred Agreement] had to be established with blood.19For after Moses had explained all the Commandments of the Law to the people, he took the blood of a young cow and mixed it with water, then with scarlet wool and hyssop, [he] sprinkled it over the scrolls and over all the people.20And he said to them:[Syr]‘This is the blood of the Sacred Agreement that God has made with you.’ [Exodus 24:8]21Next he sprinkled that blood on the Tent and over all the things that were used for ministering.22Yes, according to the Law, everything is cleansed by blood. So there’s no forgiveness unless blood is spilled!23It’s necessary that these things, which are symbols of heavenly things, should be cleaned that way. However, heavenly things require better sacrifices... 24So the Anointed One didn’t enter a Most Holy that was made with hands (which is just a symbol of the real thing), but rather, he actually entered heaven itself to stand before The God on our behalf!25Now, he doesn’t have to offer himself many times, like the High Priest does when entering the Most Holy every year (with blood that isn’t his own). 26Otherwise, [Jesus] would have to suffer many times since the start of the age! But now, at the end of the age, he’s offered himself only once... To abolish sin by means of his sacrifice.27And just like how men must die once (and after their death there’s a judgment), 28the Anointed One was also offered just once to carry the sins of many...But the second time [he appears], it’ll be without our sins – and those who are expecting him will see their salvation.
1You see, within the [Jewish] Law there was the shadow of the good things that would come [in the future]; it wasn’t the real thing.Even though they’d offer sacrifices every year, it could never make them perfect. 2Since, if they’d become perfect, they would have stopped offering them ages ago! Yes, because once purified, their minds wouldn’t be urging them to sin anymore!3No, instead, the sacrifices would just remind us of our sins, year after year... 4because it’s just not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to purify us from our sins.5Thus, when he came to the world, he said:‘Sacrifices and offerings, You didn’t want...
Yet, You prepared a body for me,
6Because You found no delight,
In burnt offerings and sin offerings.‘Then I said:‘Look! In the chapter of the scroll it was written about me: ‘I’ve come to do Your Will, O God.’’[Psalm 40:7-8]8So as above, when he said that He didn’t want ‘sacrifices and offerings’ or ‘burnt offerings and sin offerings’ (which are being offered in observance of the Law), 9he went on to say:‘Look, I’ve come to do Your Will.’Thus, he’s abolished the first [Sacred Agreement] so he can establish the second!10So yes, because of this ‘Will,’ we’ve been made holy through this single offering of Jesus the Anointed One’s body!11Now, all the High Priests who took their stations in daily Temple service offered the same sacrifices over and over… Which can never take sins away completely. 12But [Jesus] offered just one sacrifice for sins, and then he sat down at the right-hand side of God for all the age,[Syr] 13where he now waits until [the time when] his enemies are put under his feet like a stool!14Indeed, by this single offering he’s made the holy ones ‘perfect,’ forever!15The Holy Breath testifies to us about this, for it said:16‘This is the Sacred Agreement that I’ll make with them in those days, says Jehovah.‘I’ll put My Laws in their hearts, and I’ll write them in their minds.’[Jeremiah 31:33]17And:‘I will be merciful towards their lawless acts, and I’ll forget all their sins.’ [Jeremiah 31:34]18Now, where there’s a cancellation of sins[Syr], the sin offerings aren’t required anymore!19Therefore, brothers:We can confidently enter into the Most Holy Place thanks to Jesus’ blood, 20as well as a new, living pathway through the curtain that he’s now made for us – yes, his flesh.21And since we now have such a great High Priest over God’s House, 22let’s approach him with honest hearts and complete faith – since we’ve ‘sprinkled’ and cleaned our hearts from its wrong character, and washed our bodies in clean ‘water.’23Yes, let’s hang onto the confession of our hope and not be unsteady on our feet... Because the One who gave us this promise is faithful.24And let’s keep looking out for each other [so we can] incite love and good deeds.25Also, don’t stop meeting together as some have made it their custom... Rather, let’s keep on encouraging each other! And [do this] even more as you’re seeing that Day approaching.26However, if someone deliberately chooses to sin after coming to know the truth, then there’s no longer any sacrifice to offer for [these] sins! 27Instead, he’s ready for a frightening judgment, and the zealous fire that consumes [God’s] enemies!28[Remember how] if anyone violated the Law of Moses, they’d die without compassion – just on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29Well, how much more punishment do you think they’ll get if they’ve walked all over The God’s Son... And regarded the blood of the Sacred Agreement (which had made the person holy) as being just like anybody’s [blood][Syr]... And has treated the loving care of [God’s] Breath with contempt?30For we know who said:‘Vengeance is Mine… I will repay!’ [Deuteronomy 32:35, LXX]And again:‘Jehovah will judge His people.’ [Deuteronomy 32:36]31It’s very frightening to fall into the Living God’s hands!32I want you all to think back to those days when you’d just been immersed,[Syr] and endured so much suffering, reproach, and oppression! 33You were a spectacle,[Syr] along with [many] others who endured [these things].34[Back then,] you were so sympathetic towards those who were in prison. And even when everything you owned was being confiscated, you were still joyful... Because you know that you’ve gained something much better in the heavens – and not something temporary!35So, don’t throw away your confidence to speak out, because it’ll pay you a great reward!36Yes, you need to hang on in there, so that after you’ve done God’s will, you can take [the prize] you were promised!37Because:‘In just a short while...’ [Isaiah 26:20]...(and it is short), the one who’s coming will be here, and:‘He won’t be late!’ [Habakkuk 2:3]38But:‘My righteous one will live by faith.’ [Habakkuk 2:4b, LXX][And:]‘But if he withdraws, My soul finds no pleasure in him.’ [Habakkuk 2:4a, LXX]39But we’re not those who withdraw and are led to ruin. Rather, [we’re] people of faith, which gains us life.[Syr]
1Now, faith is the belief in whatever things you hope for, as if they’re already happening... Without seeing it with your eyes.2This [kind of faith] was the [only] ‘evidence’ that [many] ancient ones had. 3Likewise, our faith teaches us that the ages were set in place by the Word of God, and the visible things came from the invisible things.[Syr]4Thanks to faith:Abel offered God a sacrifice more preferred than Cain’s.Because of this, he received evidence that he was righteous, and God testified about his offering.[Syr] So because of this, despite being dead, he’s still ‘speaks!’5Thanks to faith:Enoch was transported and didn’t experience death:‘No, he couldn’t be found, because God transported him.’ [Genesis 5:24, LXX]However, before being transported, there was a testimonial [given] that he’d pleased God.6Therefore, it’s not possible to please God[Syr] without faith – because the one who comes near to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who look for Him.[Syr]7Thanks to faith:Noah, when he was warned about things that he hadn’t seen, became fearful, and built a [giant] chest to save his family. Yes, by [doing] that, he condemned that age and became an heir [who received] righteousness – [all] thanks to [his] faith.8Thanks to faith:AbraHam obeyed when he was called, departing [Ur] to a place that he’d inherit in the future… Yet when he left, he didn’t even know where he was going!9Then, thanks to faith, he settled like an alien in a foreign country (in the land that was already promised to him), and lived in tents with IsaAc and Jacob (who were also heirs of the same promise). 10For he was [really] looking for an established [spiritual] ‘city,’ whose designer and builder is God.11Thanks to faith:SarAh received the power to become pregnant when she was [both] barren and too old. Yes, she gave birth – because she considered the One who’d give her the promise to be trustworthy.12So, a huge number [of people] were born from just one man[, that is, AbraHam] who’d couldn’t reproduce in old age! [Indeed, they became] like the stars of the heavens, or the countless grains of sand on the seashore!13And, even though all these faithful people died without getting what they were promised, they ‘saw’ it from far away and rejoiced – while admitting that they were [still] strangers and aliens in the land.14Now, [normally] when people talk like that, they’re indicating that they’re looking for a city[Syr] [to settle in], 15because if they were looking for [the place] they came from, well, they could just go back there. 16But now we understand that they were reaching out for something better… Something that’s in the heavens.[Syr]As a result, God isn’t ashamed to be called their God. In fact, He [really] has prepared a ‘city’ for them!17Thanks to faith:AbraHam offered up IsaAc when he was being tested – and he did this [despite the fact that IsaAc] was his one-and-only son who was [supposed] to receive the promises… 18Yes, about whom [God] had said:‘What will be called your descendant will come through IsaAc!’ [Genesis 21:12]19But [nevertheless], inside himself, [AbraHam] thought that God would [simply] also raise him from the dead. So because of this, [IsaAc] was sacrificed to [God] in a figurative way.[Syr]20Thanks to faith in future events:IsaAc blest Jacob and Esau.21Thanks to faith:Jacob blest each of JoSeph’s sons while he was dying, leaning on the top of his cane.22Thanks to faith:JoSeph, while dying, remembered [the future promised] departure of the sons of IsraEl [from Egypt], and gave them instructions regarding his bones.23Thanks to faith:Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful baby, and they weren’t afraid of the king’s order.24Thanks to faith:Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of PharaOh’s daughter, 25[instead] he chose to be treated badly with the people of God, and not spend his time enjoying sinful pleasures.26[He did this] because he considered the [same] reproach of the Anointed One as being far more valuable than all of the treasures of Egypt!Yes, he was ‘looking at’ the [future] reward payment.27Thanks to faith:He[, that is, Moses] left Egypt without any fear of the king’s anger... And endured as if he’d seen the invisible God Himself![Syr]28Thanks to faith:They[, that is, the Israelites] performed[Syr] the Passover and the sprinkling of [the lamb’s] blood, so that the [angelic] destroyer of the firstborn wouldn’t touch them.29Thanks to faith:They[, that is, the Israelites] crossed the Sea of Reeds as if it was dry land... But when the Egyptians dared [to do the same thing], they drowned!30Thanks to faith:The walls of JeriCho fell down after they’d been circled for seven days [by the Israelites].31Thanks to faith:The prostitute RaHab didn’t die along with the others who didn’t obey – because she peacefully welcomed the spies [into her home].32What more can I say?I don’t have enough time to tell the stories[Syr] about GideOn, BarAk, Sampson, JephThah, or David… Or about SamuEl and the Prophets... 33Who, thanks to faith:• Defeated kingdoms [in war],
• Did righteous things,
• Received promises,
• Shut lion’s mouths,
34• Extinguished the power of fire,
• Escaped the edge of the sword,
• Were cured of disease,[Syr]
• Became mighty in battles,
• Defeated enemy camps[Syr]
35• Gave women their sons from a resurrection of the dead.Further, while some others died under torture, they didn’t hope to be rescued,[Syr] no, they were [hoping] for an excellent resurrection!36Yes, and others were:• Mocked and whipped,
• Put in chains and prisons,
37• Stoned [to death],
• Sawed [in half], and
• Killed with swords.Some [were so] poor [that they] went around dressed in sheepskins and goatskins, being oppressed and mistreated... 38Yes, these ones –whom the world didn’t deserve– became vagrants in the deserts, mountains, caves, and crevices[Syr] of the land.39All these [people], whose faith speaks [so well] about them, never received the promise 40because God had already planned [how] to help[Syr] us... So they won’t be made perfect separately from us.
1Therefore, let us also (since these witnesses surround us like a cloud) throw off whatever weighs us down – and sin too (which is always ready for us). Let’s keep on running the difficult race that’s ahead of us with endurance... 2And keep looking towards the source[Syr] and perfecter of our faith, Jesus.[Yes, he] who, instead of the joy that he could have had,[Syr] endured the [execution] stake, was condemned to shame,[Syr] and is now sat at the right-hand side of God’s throne!3Therefore, look at how much he endured from sinners (who [really] just acted against themselves), so we don’t tire out and give up on life! 4[After all,] you haven’t had to fight sin to the point of bleeding – [at least] not yet.5And don’t forget the encouragement that was said to you like children:‘My son, never treat Jehovah’s instructions lightly,
Or give up when He disciplines you.6‘For Jehovah disciplines those He Loves,
And He spanks the sons He’s pleased with.’[Syr][different version of Proverbs 3:11-12, LXX]7So endure [His] discipline, because [it proves] that God is treating you as His children! After all, which son isn’t disciplined by his father? 8So if you haven’t been corrected with the telling-off that everyone normally gets, then you’re not His sons – you’re just strangers!9Now, if our fleshly fathers disciplined us, and we respected them – then shouldn’t we be even more willing to obey the Father of the breaths [of life], [so we can] live?10Yes, for a brief period [in our lives], [our fathers] used to discipline us however they saw fit. However, [now] God [disciplines us] for our advantage,[Syr] so we can share with His Holiness!11And while it’s true that discipline doesn’t feel good at the time (rather, it makes us sad)... Later on, those who learn from it harvest the fruit of peace and righteousness.12So – firm up up those ‘drooping arms’ and those ‘shaky knees!’ 13And make sure that the tracks you’re making with your ‘feet’ are straight… So the ‘limp leg’ can get better rather than just stumble about!14Chase after [the way of] peace with everyone; and chase after [the way of] holiness too – for without that, no one can see our[Syr] Lord!15Therefore, make sure that none of you are lacking God’s loving care... Otherwise some ‘poisonous plant’ might grow to harm and defile many of you... 16Or we might find a sexually immoral person among you, or someone [spiritually] weak[Syr] like Esau – who gave away his birthright for a single meal! 17Do you remember how [he changed his mind] later and wanted to inherit the blessing? But he couldn't get it back – even though he begged for it with tears!18Now, [unlike the ancient Israelites] you haven’t come near to a burning fire,[Syr] nor even dark gloom or a thunderstorm... 19Nor [have you heard] the sound of trumpets being blown, nor the voice [of God] speaking… Yes, a voice that they asked not to have to listen to 20since they couldn’t stand it when it commanded:‘If so much as a wild animal touches this mountain, it must be stoned!’ [Exodus 19:12-13]21Yes, it was such a frightening scene that even Moses admitted:‘I’m terrified and shaking!’ [Deuteronomy 9:19]22But you’ve approached [near] to ‘Mount Zion,’ and to the ‘City’ of the Living God! Yes, to the Heavenly ‘JeruSalem,’ and to gatherings of millions of [God’s] messengers, 23and to the congregation of the firstborn (whose names have been written in the heavens), and to God – the judge of them all.[Yes, you’ve approached near to] the breaths of those who are righteous and who’ve been made perfect… 24And [you’ve approached near to] Jesus, the mediator of the New Sacred Agreement, and to the sprinkling of his blood [in sacrifice], which speaks out better than Abel’s!25Therefore, beware in case you [also] ask [to get away] from He who speaks to you [just like the Israelites did]!Because if they didn’t get away with it, who asked to not [have to listen] to Him when he spoke with them on the earth… How much more will we not get away with it, if we ask [not to listen to] He who’s spoken with us from the heavens? 26Yes, He whose voice rattled the ground!But now He’s promised:‘Next time, I’ll not only shake the ground, [I’ll also shake] the sky!’ [Haggai 2:6]27So when He said ‘next time’, He implied that the things He’ll shake then will be transformed, because they’re creations [of mankind]… But things that won’t be shaken will remain [unchanged].28So in view of the fact that we’ve received a Kingdom that won’t be shaken, let’s grab hold of the loving-kindness [of God] that allows us to serve and please God with reverence and fear. 29Indeed, our God is a ‘consuming fire!’
1Love for the brothers should live within you, 2and don’t forget [to show] love for strangers [too] – since some people were privileged to show hospitality to [God’s] messengers – without realizing it!3And remember those who are in prison… Act as if you’re locked up with them!Also, remember[Syr] those who are being persecuted… Because you’re only human too!4Marriage is honorable for all [people], and [marriage] beds are clean – but God will judge sexually immoral ones and adulterers.5Don’t be the sort who loves wealth… Instead just be satisfied with what you have, because Jehovah promised:‘I won’t forget you and I’ll never leave you.’ [Joshua 1:5]6Yes, let’s confidently say:‘Jehovah is my helper, so I will not fear; For what can man do to me?’ [Psalm 118:6]7Remember your shepherds[Syr] who teach you God’s word. Then, as you see the results of their conduct, copy their faithfulness.8[Remember that] Jesus the Anointed One was the same yesterday as he is today, and [the same] as he will be throughout the ages... 9So, don’t allow yourselves to be misled by various strange teachings.[Speaking of which], it’s better for [your] hearts to be strengthened by [God’s] loving care than by anything that you might eat (for it didn’t help those who went that way). 10Instead, we have an ‘Altar’ [we may eat from] that even those who serve in the Tent can’t eat from!11Also, just like how the High Priest [in the Temple] carries the blood of [sacrificial] animals into the Holy Place to serve as sin offerings, and the bodies are then burned up outside the camp afterwards, 12Jesus suffered outside of the [city] gate to make people holy with his blood...13Therefore, let’s all go to him outside of the camp, bearing all the bad things that were said about him 14(for we don’t have a permanent city here – instead, we expect the one prepared for us).15Then, through him, continuously offer God the ‘sacrifice’ of praise – that is, the ‘fruit’ from our lips, praising His Name!16And don’t forget [to practice] compassion and association with the poor,[Syr] because a man can please God[Syr] through such ‘sacrifices.’17Also, have confidence in your shepherds,[Syr] and listen to them – because they’re watching over your lives like a man who has to give an explanation [to his superior]! May they do this with joy, and not with groaning, because that wouldn’t be better for you.18Pray for us! For we’re confident that we have good character, since we want to act properly in everything. 19And I especially want to ask you to do this, so I can return to you soon!20Now, may the God of peace who raised the great Shepherd from the house of the dead (our Lord Jesus), thanks to the blood of the age-long Sacred Agreement, 21make you accomplish every good work, do His will, and among you all, do something good [in his sight].Through Jesus the Anointed One, praised into the ages of ages…May it be so![P.S.]22Now, I ask you, my brothers, ponder over my message of encouragement, because I really haven’t written very much.[P.P.S.]23O yes... I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released, and if he gets here soon, I’ll come to see you with him.24Give [my] greetings to all your shepherds and to all the Holy Ones.All the [believers in] Italy [also] send you their greetings.25May [God’s] loving kindness be with you all!May it be so!
1[From] James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, to the tweleve tribes that are scattered about:Rejoice!2Consider it all a joyful experience, my brothers, when you have to endure various types of trials, 3because you know that this proving of your faith helps you to endure.4So, may your endurance reach its goal of making you perfect and complete in every way, lacking in nothing.5If any of you are lacking in wisdom, you should continue to ask God, and He will give it to you… He provides it easily and without any scolding!6However, you must believe [that you’ll receive it] and not have any doubts, for those who doubt are like waves of the sea that are driven and blown about by the wind. 7Such a person shouldn’t expect to receive anything at all from Jehovah, 8due to his unsureness and lack of faith.9Therefore, let the lowly brother boast of his high standing, 10and the rich one boast of his lowliness, because he too will pass away like a flower in a field... 11For when the sun comes up and puts out all its heat, the plant withers, the flower drops off, and its beauty fades… And this is how the rich man will fade away in his journey through life!12However, the man who endures his trials is blest, because after he’s been approved, he’ll receive the garland of life that the Lord promised to all those who love him.13So may no one who’s being tried ever say:‘I’m being tried by God!’...because God doesn’t send bad things to try us. In fact, He doesn’t try anyone!14Rather, we’re each being tried by our own desires, which bait us and lead us on. 15Then when our desires become pregnant, they give birth to sin... And once the sin is committed, it ends in death.16Don’t allow anyone to mislead you, my beloved brothers...17Every good deed and every perfect gift comes to us from above. It comes down from the Father of all light, who doesn’t change any more than a shadow when it turns. 18And because it was His Will, He gave birth to us through the message of truth, so that we could be some of the first fruitage of His creation.19Recognize this, my beloved brothers:Every man must be eager to listen... Slow to speak... And slow to get angry!20For a man’s anger doesn’t make him righteous with God.21So, once you’ve gotten rid of all the filth and badness, humbly allow the Word to grow within you… Because it can save your lives!22Yes, become a person who does what the Word [directs him to do]. Don’t [be someone who just] listens to it, [for people like that] are fooling themselves.23Because if anyone is a hearer but not a doer, he’s like the man who looks into a mirror at the face he was born with 24and carefully considers himself, then leaves and immediately forgets what sort of person he really is.25However, the one who gazes into the perfect Law that belongs to a free people – and then keeps on looking into it – isn’t someone who listens and forgets, but someone who takes action!This man will be blest in whatever he does!26Now, if any of you think of yourselves as devout, but you’re misleading your hearts by not putting a bridle on your tongues, your worship is worthless...27For what our God and Father views as clean, pure worship is this:[Providing aid] to orphans and widows when they’re in need, and keeping ourselves free from the stains of this system of things.
1My brothers,Don’t show favoritism when it comes to the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One!2Because if a man who’s wearing a gold ring and fine clothes enters your synagogue, and then somebody whose clothes are filthy also enters... 3do you favor the one who’s wearing the fine clothes and say:‘Here’s a good place to sit?’And do you then say to the poor one:‘Stand [over there]!’Or:‘Sit here under my footstool?’4If so, aren’t you showing favoritism among yourselves and judging from evil thoughts?5Listen, my beloved brothers!Didn’t God choose the poor of this system of things to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him?6Yet, you [tend to] dishonor the poor!Aren’t rich people the ones who are oppressing you and dragging you into courts?7And aren’t they the ones who speak badly of the good name you’re called by?8Now, if you’re obeying the royal law of the Scriptures that says, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself,’ you’re doing well... 9But if you’re showing favoritism, then you’re sinning and the Law convicts you of being its violator!10Because if someone who’s trying to obey the Law fails in just one little part of it, then he’s broken the whole thing.11Because the One who said:‘You must not commit adultery,’ [Exodus 20:14]...also said:‘You must not murder.’ [Exodus 20:13]So if you aren’t committing adultery, but you murder someone, you’ve broken the whole Law.12Therefore, speak and behave as though you’re about to be judged by the law of a free people… 13And [remember that] the merciless will be judged without mercy, since mercy is an important part of justice.14So what good does it do, my brothers, if someone says that he has faith, but isn’t moved to do anything about it? Can his faith save him?15[For example], if a brother or sister doesn’t have clothing or enough food for each day, 16and you tell him:‘Go in peace; be warm and well fed.’...if you don’t give him what he needs to survive, what good have you done?17So, faith without good deeds is dead!18Now, someone can say:‘Even though you may do good things, I have [more] faith!’Well, you show me your faith without good deeds, and I’ll show you my faith by the good things that I do.19And do you say that you believe there’s just one God?That’s good… But the demons believe that too!Yes, they believe and it frightens them!20I want you to know, O empty man, that faith apart from [good] deeds is dead!21For wasn’t our father AbraHam called righteous because of the things that he did… Such as when he offered up his son IsaAc on the altar?22Yes, you can see how his faith worked along with his deeds, and that it was his deeds that perfected his faith. 23So the scripture was fulfilled that says AbraHam...‘...believed in The God, and for this he was considered to be righteous...’ [Genesis 15:6]...and he was called God’s friend.24So you see, a man is pronounced righteous by the things that he does, not just by the things he believes!25The same was true of the prostitute, RaHab. For she was called righteous because she took the messengers in and then sent them out by another way. 26So, just as a body that isn’t breathing is dead, faith without good deeds is dead.
1Brothers, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that [teachers] will be held more accountable… 2and we all make a lot of mistakes!So if there’s any man who doesn’t stumble in his words, he’s perfect and he can lead his whole body as if with a bridle... 3Because if we put a bridle in the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, we can control its whole body.4{Look!} Even large boats that are driven by strong winds are steered wherever the pilot wishes by very small rudders… 5and that’s just like it is with the tongue! Even though it’s just a little body part, it can boast about big things… And just a little flame can set a whole forest on fire!6That’s how the tongue is… It’s a flame in a world of unrighteousness.It sits among our body members as the corrupter of the whole body, which sets our very origins on fire… And what sets them ablaze is the garbage dump!7Even though every sort of wild animal, flying creature, slithering thing, and sea creature can be tamed (and has been tamed) by men, 8no man can tame the tongue… For it won’t stop saying bad things, and it’s full of deadly poison.9With it we can praise the highest Lord and the Father, or curse men who came into existence in God’s image… 10So out of the same mouth comes both blessings and curses.There’s no need for things like this to keep happening, my brothers!11Are there any fountains that bubble up both sweet and bitter [water]?12Fig trees can’t produce olives.Grapevines can’t produce figs.And you can’t get sweet water from salt water, can you my brothers?13So, who among you is wise and understanding?Let him show that he has the inner strength that comes from wisdom through the ways that he acts and the things that he does.14But if you’re bitterly jealous, and in your hearts you just want to argue... Don’t be too proud of this and don’t lie about the facts. 15This isn’t wisdom that comes from above! It’s earthly, animalistic, and demonic!16For where you find jealousy and arguing, you’ll also find disorder and everything that’s foul.17But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, and full of mercy and good fruitage. It isn’t hypocritical or prejudiced, 18because the seeds of the fruit of righteousness are planted in peace by the peacemakers!
1So, where are all these fights and wars among you coming from?Aren’t they the result of battles that are being fought in your body parts over [sensual] pleasures?2You want, but you can’t have!You’re jealous... And murderous... But that doesn’t get you anything!You’re fighting and waging war, but you haven’t received because you haven’t asked.3Then when you do ask, you don’t receive, because you’re asking for the wrong reasons, since all that you’re really interested in is pleasure!4Adulteresses, don’t you know that if you’re a friend of the world you’re an enemy of God?So, whoever wants to be a friend of this world is putting himself down as God’s enemy!5Does the scripture say that the spirit within us...‘...lusts with envy...’ [perhaps referencing Proverbs 27:4]...for no reason?6Now, the loving care that He sends to us is greater than of all that, for we were told:‘Jehovah opposes the proud,
But shows loving-care to the humble.’
[Proverbs 3:34, LXX]7So, let’s do what God says… Resist the Opposer and he’ll run from you!8But draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you!So, wash your hands, you sinners! And those of you who are undecided should purify your hearts!9Otherwise you’ll be crying, groaning, and miserable… Your laughter will be turned into groaning and your joy will be turned into sadness!10Yes, humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah and He will lift you higher!11Brothers, stop complaining about each other, because those who speak against or judge their brothers are speaking against and judging the Law.And if you’re judging the Law, you aren’t someone who’s under it, you’re its judge… 12And there’s just one Lawgiver and Judge who can either save or destroy.So, who [do you think] you are to be judging your neighbors?13And those of you who say:‘Today or tomorrow I’m going to travel to this city or that, and I’ll spend a year there doing business and making profits...’14You don’t even know what’s going to happen in your life tomorrow! For you’re just a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears!15Shouldn’t you rather be saying...‘If it’s Jehovah’s will, I’ll live and do this or that?’16But now you’re taking pride in things that you just assume to be true, and being proud over such things is wickedness. 17Because, whenever you know what’s right and you don’t do it, that’s a sin to you!
1So go on, you who are rich... Cry and bawl over the miseries that you’ll have to endure!2For your wealth will rot away. Your clothes will be moth-eaten. 3Your gold and silver will corrode. And whatever remains will testify against you and eat your flesh – just like the fire that you’ve treasured away for yourselves in the last days.4Look! The wages that you refused to pay the workers that harvested your fields are crying out, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of Jehovah of Armies!5For you’ve lived on the earth merrily and have been greedy… Yes, you fattened-up your own bodies[Syr] to be ready for the day of slaughter! 6You’ve condemned and murdered a righteous one, [even though] he didn’t stand against you.7Brothers, let’s be patient until the Lord arrives.{Look!} For just as the farmer harvests the precious fruitage of the ground after patiently waiting for both the early and late rains, 8we must also be patient… But with determined hearts; because the appearance of the Lord is drawing near.9Brothers, stop groaning about each other, so you won’t be judged. For look… The judge is now standing at the door!10Brothers, you should learn from the examples of the Prophets who spoke in the Name of Jehovah about how to suffer bad things and how to be patient, 11for we call those who endured, ‘the blest!’You’ve all heard of the endurance of Job and you saw how Jehovah ended it…And this proves that Jehovah is very kind and merciful.12But above all, my brothers... Stop swearing oaths by heaven, or by the earth, or by anything else.Just let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no, so that you don’t fail when you’re being judged!13Are there any among you who are being persecuted?Let them keep on praying!Are there any among you who are cheerful?Let them sing psalms!14Are there any among you who are ill?Let them call the elders and ask them to pray over them, as they rub them with oil in the name of the Lord!15Then their faithful prayers will rescue the ill and the Lord will lift them and forgive any sins that they’ve committed.16So, admit your errors to each other and pray that each one of you’ll be healed, because prayer has a lot of power when it’s working through righteous people.17Remember that EliJah was just a man with passions like ours; but when he prayed and asked for it not to rain, it didn’t rain in the land for 3-1/2 years! 18Then when he prayed again, the skies poured with rain, causing the ground to produce its fruitage!19My brothers,Whenever someone is led astray from the truth and someone else leads him back... 20Recognize that the one who turns the sinner from the error of his ways will save his own life from death… And it’ll cover many of his own sins as well.
1Peter, an Apostle of Jesus the Anointed One, to the elected ones among the scattered [Jews] living in Pontus, Galatia, CappaDokia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia... 2who, by the foreknowledge of The God and Father, and by the holiness of the Breath, are obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus the Anointed One...May loving care and peace be multiplied among you!3Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who according to His great mercy fathered within us the hope of life by resurrecting Jesus the Anointed One from the dead, 4so that an undying, incorruptible, and enduring inheritance will be reserved for you in the heavens.5Yes, you who are being guarded by faith through the power of God for a salvation that’s ready to be revealed in this final season, 6and in which you’re rejoicing.So, although you’re currently being grieved by various trials, 7understand that these things are happening to you in order to prove your faith, which is something that’s much more valuable than gold that’s refined and proven by fire, and so that you’ll be found to be a reason for praise, honor, and glory at the revealing of Jesus the Anointed One.8For even though you’ve never seen him, you’ve loved him..
And even though you can’t see him, you’ve believed in him and are rejoicing with an unspeakable and glorified joy.9For it’s by this that you’re carrying off for yourselves the reward of the hope that’s bringing salvation to your lives!10And when it comes to this salvation, understand that the Prophets (those who prophesied that this loving-kindness would be shown to you) used to seek and search, 11trying (through the spirit of the anointing that was in them) to determine the exact time and circumstances of the sufferings of the Anointed One, and of his being glorified…Yes, they knew about this even back then!12However, it wasn’t revealed to them as it has been to you, for they were just servants of the things that have now been revealed to you by those who proclaimed the good news to you through Holy Breath sent from heaven.Yes [at that time], even the messengers [of God] wanted to see these things!13As a result, prepare your minds to understand, and become perfectly sober when it comes to your hope of the loving kindness that’ll be manifested in you at the revelation of Jesus the Anointed One.14And as obedient children, don’t go back to being what you used to be by desiring ignorant things. 15Rather, like the Holy One who called you, become holy in all of your ways.16For it’s written:‘You must be holy, because I’m holy!’ [Leviticus 11:45, one of many places saying this]17So, if you’re calling this One your Father (someone who doesn’t discriminate, but judges each person by the things that they do), you should be living your lives in fear!18For you’ve got to recognize that the ransom, which was paid to release you from the worthless way of life that you learned from your fathers, wasn’t paid for with things that waste away like silver or gold.19Rather, it was paid for with the precious blood of a spotless and perfect lamb, the Anointed One! 20And even though he was appointed[Syr] before the founding of the cosmos, he’s been finally revealed during this period for your sakes... 21so that, through him, you could come to believe in The God who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so that you could put all your faith and hope in that God.22Then, after you’ve purified your lives by [learning how to] obey the truth, you must also learn to love each other intensely…Yes – develop a sincere brotherly love for each other out of a pure heart!23For you weren’t born again as seeds which are planted [in the ground] and will perish, but as something that, through the enduring Word of the living God, is now imperishable!24[As it is written]:‘All flesh is like grass
And its glory is like the flowers in a field.
But although grass dries up and its flowers will drop,
25God’s Word lasts throughout the ages.’
[Isaiah 40:8]Yes, these are the words that we’ve preached to you as good news.
1Therefore, you must now get rid of all of your badness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slandering!2Then, like newborn babies, develop a taste for the pure milk of the Word, which will help you to grow to salvation… 3That is, if you have indeed tasted that the Lord is good.4Yes, you must approach him as though he’s a living block of stone that was for a fact rejected by men, but has been chosen as something precious by God.5Because, it’s upon him that you’re being built as living blocks into a Spiritual Temple and as a Holy Priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God, through Jesus the Anointed One.6For the Scripture says:‘{Look!} I am laying in Zion a select and precious cornerstone, and all that put faith in it will never be shamed.’ [Isaiah 28:16, LXX]7Therefore, you’ve put faith in this precious thing that others don’t believe in…‘The block that the builders rejected, but which has become the foundation cornerstone.’ [Psalm 118:22]8And,‘A stumbling block ... and snare’ [Isaiah 8:14 MS, DSS; see note]...to those who stumble over the words because of the disobedient ways they’ve been appointed to.9And now you’ve become a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people who were specially selected to announce the virtues of the One who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light.10So, although you haven’t always been a nation, you’re now a nation of God!And although you once knew no mercy, you’re the ones who are now being shown mercy!11My loved ones,I want to encourage you [Jews] who are [living as] foreigners and exiles not to indulge in the things that your bodies might crave and which fight a battle against the person who you are on the inside.12Yes, while you’re [living] among the other races, behave yourselves, so that when they condemn you and say bad things about you, they can see the good things that you’re doing and then glorify The God in the Day that He arrives for His inspection.13Also, you must obey every office that men have created through the Lord, regardless of whether the one who’s over you is a king, 14or [just] a governor who’s been sent [by the king] to punish criminals and to praise those who are doing good things.15Because, it’s God’s Will for you to do good things, so that you can put a muzzle on the ignorant accusations of unreasonable men.16And even though you’re a free people, as slaves of God, don’t use your freedom as a cover-up for doing bad things!17Rather, be respectful to everyone, love your brothers, fear God, and show special respect for the king.18Those of you who are household servants should obey and fear your masters… And not just those who are good and reasonable, but also those who are hard to please.19For if a person with a Godly conscience has to put up with the grief of having to suffer for something he didn’t do, it shows a lot of inner strength.20So if you’re being slapped for something wrong that you didn’t do, and you [choose to] put up with suffering when you’ve only done good things, this shows your inner strength to God.21And for a fact, this is the [course] you were called to... Because, the Anointed One suffered on your behalf as an example, so that you’d follow in his tracks.22‘He wasn’t guilty of any sin,
‘And his mouth didn’t speak any lies.’
[Isaiah 53:9]23When they shouted bad things at him, he didn’t shout back. When he was suffering, he didn’t threaten anyone. He just left himself [in the hands of] the One who judges righteously.24Then he...‘carried our sins’ [Isaiah 53:4, LXX]...on his body when he was hung on the tree. That’s when the sins died so that we could, thereafter, be counted as righteous.For,‘by his wounds, you were healed.’ [Isaiah 53:5]25Yes,‘you were like sheep who had strayed’ [Isaiah 53:6]...but you’ve now returned to the shepherd who’s watching over your lives.
1Also, you women should obey your [husbands], so that those who aren’t obeying the Word can be won over without words through your fine conduct – 2when they see the fear that you’re showing by being pure.3Don’t let your beauty come from fancy hairstyles, gold jewelry, or the way you arrange your clothes, 4but from what’s hidden in your hearts…Let it be the type of clean, quiet, and mild personality that’s valuable in the eyes of God!5Indeed, this is how holy women in the past who put their hope in God have been beautifying themselves… By obeying their husbands. 6So, just as SarAh used to obey AbraHam, calling him ‘Lord;’ you should become her children in doing good things, so you’ll have nothing to fear.7And you men should be wise when it comes to living with [your wives]… Treat them as you would a delicate vase, and show them the type of honor that should be shown to women who are fellow heirs of the gift of life, so it doesn’t affect your prayers.8And finally, you should all share the same attitude when it comes to being sympathetic, loving your brothers, caring for each other, being humble, 9and by not trying to get even or by trading insults. Rather, you should bestow blessings, since you were called to the Way so as to inherit blessings.10For,‘May those of you who love life,
And want to see good days,‘Keep your tongues from saying bad things,
And your lips from telling lies…11‘Turn away from what’s bad and do what’s good,
As you search for and chase after peace!12‘Jehovah watches out for the righteous,
And He listens when they’re crying to Him…
But Jehovah opposes those who are doing what’s bad.’
[Psalm 34:12-16a, LXX]13Therefore, who’ll treat you badly if you’re zealously doing what’s righteous?14And even if you should have to suffer for doing something righteous, you’ll be blest!So, don’t be afraid or even be bothered by such things!15Rather, make the Lord Anointed One holy in your hearts, and always be ready to make a defense before anyone who demands to know why you’ve got this hope.However, do it calmly... And with [Godly] fear.16Yes, keep a clean conscience so that anyone who may accuse you and speak out against you will be shamed by your fine conduct.17And remember that it’s better for you to suffer for doing something good (if that’s God’s will) than for doing something that’s bad.18For even the Anointed One died (once and for all time) over sins as someone who’s righteous on behalf of those who are unrighteous, so as to lead you to God.He was dead in the flesh, but alive in spirit, 19and he preached to the spirits who had been imprisoned 20because of their disobedience during the time that God was patiently waiting for Noah to build the chest in which a few people (just 8 souls) were saved through the water.21And this is the same type of thing that’s saving you now: immersion. The purpose of which isn’t to get rid of the filth of the flesh, but to ask God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus the Anointed One, 22who’s currently at God’s right hand in the heavens, where all of [God’s] messengers and all the authorities and powers must now obey him.
1So, since the Anointed One had to suffer in the flesh, you should start thinking about fighting that same battle!For somebody who’s suffered in the flesh has stopped sinning 2and doesn’t live for human desires anymore... But [instead] to do the will of The God for the rest of his life in the flesh.3For a fact... Enough time has elapsed for you to have resolved the types of things that the gentiles desire, as they go their own immoral ways, following their desires, drinking too much wine, partying, getting drunk, and worshiping disgusting idols.4Then, because you don’t go along with them and follow them into the same deadly course down into the sewer, they slander you!5However, they’ll have to answer to the One who’s ready to judge both the living and the dead!6Indeed, this is why we’re preaching the good news to those who are the ‘dead’… So that, although they may be judged in the flesh, they can now start living to God in the spirit.7Therefore, since the end of everything has drawn closer, you should become more sensible and sober-minded when it comes to prayer.8And more than anything else, you should be reaching out to each other in love, because love covers a multitude of sins.9Yes, be hospitable to each other without grumbling! 10And, as each of you has received a gift, use [that gift] to serve each other as good managers of the abundant loving kindnesses of God, 11so that whenever anyone speaks the Word of God, or whenever anyone serves through the strength that’s supplied by The God, He may be glorified by it all through Jesus the Anointed One…May He have glory and power throughout ages of ages!May it be so!12Loved ones,You shouldn’t think that it’s strange that there’s a ‘fire’ blazing among you and testing you, as if what’s happening to you is something that’s very unusual.13Rather, as you [find yourselves] sharing in the sufferings of the Anointed One, rejoice!Because, when his glory is revealed, you’ll once again be happy and cry out in joy!14For if you’re being slandered over the name of the Anointed One, you are truly blest, because [this proves that] God’s glory and Breath has come to rest upon you.15So, although none of you should ever have to suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or for not minding your own business... 16if you’re suffering because of being a Christian, you should never be ashamed of it!Rather, you should keep on glorifying God in that name.17For the time of judgment has arrived… And it’s starting with the House of God!So if it’s starting with us first... How will those who don’t obey the good news of God end up?18‘For if the righteous are just barely being saved,
Where will those who are godless and the sinners make a showing?’
[Proverbs 11:31, LXX]19Therefore, let those who are (by God’s will) suffering, gladly entrust their lives to the faithful Creator by doing whatever is good.
1I encourage the elders among you (my fellow elders and witnesses of the sufferings of the Anointed One who’ll share in the glory that’s soon to be revealed) 2to shepherd the flock of God which has been entrusted to you.Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to!No, don’t do it to make a lot of money, but because you want to help!3And don’t [set yourselves up as] rulers over those who’ve been entrusted to your care; rather, become examples to the flock.4Then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you’ll walk away with the enduring garland of glory!5And the same [is true] for you younger men – obey the elders!All of you should be humble before each other. In fact, tie humility around yourselves with knots!‘For God opposes those who think too much of themselves,
While He’s kind to those who are humble.’
[Proverbs 3:34, LXX]6Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He can eventually raise you to a higher position. 7Yes, throw all your worries upon Him, because He really cares about you!8Also, be serious and stay alert, because your accuser the Slanderer is roaming about like a roaring lion that’s looking for someone to swallow down.9Oppose him by taking a solid stand for the faith, and realize that the things you’re suffering in this system of things are also happening throughout the entire brotherhood…10And that the God of all loving kindness will call you to age-long glory in the Anointed Jesus.For after you’ve suffered a little while, on His behalf, He will prepare you, establish you, strengthen you, and firmly set your foundation!11Yes, to Him be the power throughout the ages… May it be so!12I’m sending what I consider these few words that I wrote through Silvanus (a faithful brother) to encourage you and to testify to the fact that you’re standing in the true loving-care of The God.13The elected congregation in Babylon greets you, as does Mark (my son).14Greet each other with a kiss of love!Peace to all of you in the Anointed One.May it be so!
1Simon Peter, a slave and Apostle of Jesus the Anointed One, to all those who are precious to us and have received their share of faith by the righteousness of our Lord[Syr] and Savior, Jesus the Anointed One:2May you grow in loving care and peace by coming to a higher knowledge of The God, and of our Lord Jesus.3For He’s granted us all of His Divine Power when it comes to [clean] living and godliness, through the knowledge of the one who called us to his own glory and virtue... 4and through whom He’s given us the most precious and greatest promises, so that through these things you might become sharers in the divine nature – now that you’ve left the corrupt desires of this system of things!5And then, after you’ve zealously done all of this...Add virtue to your faith,
Knowledge to [your] virtue,
6Self-control to [your] knowledge,
Endurance to [your] self-control,
Piety to [your] endurance,
7Brotherly-love to [your] piety,
And pure love to [your] brotherly love.8For if you’re filled and overflowing with these things, they’ll keep you from being lazy or from failing to produce fruitage when it comes to gaining a higher knowledge of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.9However, there are those who don’t have these qualities; they’ve proven to be short-sighted and they’ve forgotten how they’d once been purified, so they’ve returned to their old sinful ways!10Therefore, brothers... Be zealous when it comes to making your calling and electing a sure thing!For if you can do that, you’ll never stumble, 11and you’ll be richly supplied with entry into the age-long Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed.12This is why I always want to remind you of these things, despite the fact that you already know [them] and are firmly rooted in the truth.13However, as long as I must live in this temporary dwelling, I’ll consider it righteous to shake you and remind you, 14since I realize that this ‘tent’ will soon be set aside – as our Lord Jesus the Anointed One has indicated to me.15Therefore, I’m going to do everything I can, whenever I can, so that you’ll keep on reminding each other of these things after I’m gone.16Now, what we’ve told you about the power and appearance of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One wasn’t some myth that we just made up... Rather, we were eyewitnesses to his magnificence!17For he was honored and glorified by God, the Father, through a voice that came to him, which glorified him in an appropriate way when it said:‘This is My Son whom I love and of whom I have approved.’ [Matthew 17:5]18Yes, we heard these words from heaven itself as we were there with him on the Holy Mountain, 19and by this, we had the prophetic words made surer to us.So... You’ll do well to pay attention to them!For [these words] are like a lamp that will illuminate the dark places until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.20Understand this:None of the prophecies in the Scriptures came from [anyone’s own] ideas, 21nor [were they spoken] just because some men wanted to prophesy.Rather, holy men spoke from God as they were being lead by [His] Holy Breath.
1However, just as there were false prophets in the world, there’ll be false teachers among you! They’ll introduce ruinous heresies and deny the master who bought them, which will bring swift ruin upon themselves.2Yet, many will follow them into their disgusting ways. And because of this, the way of the truth will be slandered. 3Also, because they’ll desire whatever you have, they’ll worm their way [in among you] with carefully-planned words.However, the ancient judgment upon them won’t be delayed, and their destruction hasn’t fallen asleep.4Notice that God didn’t spare the [spirit] messengers who sinned, for He threw them into the dark pits of ‘Tartarus’ where they’re still awaiting His justice.5Nor did He spare the first system of things… Although He guarded Noah (who was a preacher of righteousness) along with seven others, when He brought a downpour upon that world of godless people.6Also, after He condemned the cities Sodom and GomorRah, He reduced them to ashes.And all of these things are examples of what’s going to happen to such godless people!7Yet, remember that [God] protected righteous Lot, who was deeply disturbed by the lewd actions of those lawless individuals. 8For the wicked things that this man saw and heard each day while he was living among them tortured his righteous soul.9So, [understand that] Jehovah knows how to rescue devout people from trials, while he keeps the unrighteous for a day of judgment when they’ll be punished.10This is especially true of those who chase after flesh in filthy acts of lust and who despise divine appointments… The self-willed who don’t tremble when they speak ill of the glorious ones.11Even the messengers [of God] (who are much stronger and more powerful than they are) wouldn’t commit such blasphemy before Jehovah!12So, people like that are like unreasoning animals that were born to be caught and killed. And because they speak badly of things that they don’t understand, they’ll rot in their filth.13Yes, the payback for their unrighteousness is the mistreatment of themselves!For what brings pleasure to these people is just spending their days in luxury… They’re spots and flaws that enjoy doing anything that they feel tempted to do, as they feast among you!14Such ones have eyes that are always full of adultery and sins, as they try to tempt those who are weak.Yes, their hearts have been trained to want things that aren’t theirs, and they [give birth to] children who are cursed. 15For they’ve been led away from the straight path and are directed onto the course of BalaAm [the son] of BeOr, who loved the reward for doing what was wrong, 16but was scolded for going beyond the limits by a farm animal which couldn’t speak… Yet it did speak in a man’s voice – and it stopped that crazy prophet!17Such people are like springs without any water, and like clouds being blown by storms that are reserved for the gloom of darkness.18Yet they talk in big ways about stupid things, as they try to tempt [people] into following human desires and loose lifestyles… Yes, they turn the little ones who are fleeing [this system of things] back into doing things that are wrong.19They keep promising them freedom, while they’re personally slaves to filth… For whoever is conquered by another, becomes his slave.20Understand that anyone who’s escaped from the filth of this system of things by coming to an accurate knowledge of our Lord and Savior (Jesus the Anointed) and then turns back to it, is conquered by it again and is worse off than he was before [he became a Christian]!21Therefore, it would be better for such ones if they’d never learned about the ways of righteousness than to have turned from it after they’ve been taught the ways of Holiness!22So what happens to them is just as the proverb truthfully says, that the dog...‘returned to its vomit’ [Proverbs 26:11]... and the washed pig [returns] to wallowing in the filth!
1My loved ones:This is now the second letter that I’ve written to you.In the first letter, I tried to shake you into thinking clearly and remind you to 2never forget what the holy prophets used to say, or any of the commandments that our Lord and Savior gave to us through [his] Apostles.3Recognize this:In the last days there’ll be those who’ll ridicule… They’ll go their own way and do whatever they want, 4then they’ll mock you by asking:‘So, where is his appearance that they’ve been promising since our ancestors fell asleep?‘For everything is still the same as it’s been since the beginning of creation!’5However, what’s hidden from them is this:Even though the ancient skies and lands were out of the water, by the Word of God, they still stood between the waters. 6And it was through this that the world back then was flooded and destroyed by water.7Likewise, it’s by this same Word that what’s in store for the skies and the lands today is the fire of the Judgment Day, when those godless men will be ruined!8But loved ones:Don’t overlook the fact that one day to Jehovah is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day [paraphrase of Psalm 90:4].9For Jehovah isn’t slow when it comes to His promises, as some people think. Rather, He’s being patient with you, because He doesn’t want anyone to be lost… He’s allowing enough time for everyone to repent!10However, the Day of the Lord will come [unexpectedly] just like a thief! And then the skies will become extremely hot, their basic parts will melt, and they’ll all pass away with a hissing noise…Then the earth and everything that’s being done on it’ll be exposed!11So, since all of this is about to be dissolved, what sort of people should you be when it comes to holy conduct and godliness?12Yes, we’re awaiting and anticipating the appearance of the Day of the Lord, during which...‘...the skies will burn and dissolve and their basic parts will melt...’...due to the intense heat. [paraphrase of Isaiah 34:4]13But we’re also awaiting the new skies and lands that He’s promised in which righteousness will dwell!14Therefore, loved ones:Since we’re [truly] expecting these things, we should be swift about making ourselves flawless and spotless, so we’ll be found to be at peace with him!15You should think about the patience that our Lord is showing when it comes to our salvation… Which is something that our beloved brother Paul wrote to you about through the [special] wisdom that he’s been given 16and which he speaks about in all of his letters.Yes, some of [what he writes] is hard to understand, so it’s being twisted by the ignorant and unstable, the same as they’re doing to the rest of the Scriptures, to their own ruin.17So to you, my loved ones:Since you’ve been warned, be careful that you aren’t led astray by the bad things that these lawless people are doing and then lose your grip on your firm convictions!18Rather, keep growing in the loving care and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed One.May he be glorified now and into that age-long Day.May it be so!
1The message of life has been here since the beginning.We’ve heard about it, seen it with our eyes, stared at it, and felt it with our hands.2Yes, the life was on display… We’ve seen it, we’ve testified about it, and now we’re reporting to you that there’s age-long life with the Father, because He’s shown it to us.3As a result, we’re reporting back to you about these things that we’ve seen and heard, so that we can share in it with you.Yes, we’ve shared in this with the Father and His Son Jesus the Anointed One, 4and now we’re writing these things down to complete our joy!5The message that we heard from Him (which we want to announce to you) is this:‘God is light and there isn’t any darkness in Him!’6Now, if we say that we’re sharing with Him, but we just keep on walking in the darkness, then we’re lying and we aren’t being truthful. 7But if we’re walking in the light (since He’s in the light), we’re also sharing what we have with each other, and the blood of His Son Jesus is cleansing us of all our sins.8However, if we claim that we don’t have any sins, then we’re misleading ourselves. There’s no truth in us.9But if we’ll admit to our sins, He will forgive us and wash away all our unrighteousness, because He’s faithful and righteous. 10For when we say that we haven’t sinned, we’re saying that He’s a liar, and His words aren’t in us!
1My little children,I’m writing these things to you so as to keep you from committing any sins.However, if anyone does commit a sin, we have someone righteous who’s our advocate with the Father: Jesus the Anointed One. 2For he’s the sacrifice that begs forgiveness for our sins… And not just for ours, but also for those of the whole world!3This is how we can be sure that we’ve come to know him:If we keep on obeying his commandments!4So anyone who says, ‘Now I know him,’ but doesn’t obey his commandments, [he] is a liar and the truth isn’t in him.5However, God’s love has been made perfect in all those who really do as they’ve been told. And that’s how we know whether we’re really in him. 6For whoever says that he’s in [Jesus] is obligated to keep on walking in the same path that [Jesus] walked.7Loved ones,What I’m writing to you about here isn’t a new commandment, it’s an old commandment that you’ve had since the beginning. This old commandment is all the instructions that you’ve heard so far.8However, now I’m also writing a new commandment for you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9It’s that those who say they’re already in the light, but dislike their brothers, are still in the dark!10Only those who love their brothers are in the light, so they don’t go stumbling about. 11Meanwhile, those who dislike their brothers are still in darkness. They’re walking around in the dark without any idea of where they’re going, because the darkness has left them blind.12• I’m writing to those of you who are still boys, because your sins have been forgiven through his name.13• I’m writing to those of you who are fathers, because you’ve come to know the one who’s from long ago.• I’m writing to those of you who are young men, because you’ve conquered the wicked one.• I’ve written to you who are boys, because you’ve come to know the Father.14• I’ve written to you who are fathers, because you’ve come to know the one who’s from long ago.• I’ve written to you who are young men, because you’re strong, God’s word is in you, and you’ve conquered the wicked one.15Don’t love the world or anything in [it]. For if anyone loves the world, there’s no love of the Father in him!16Because, nothing in this world – its fleshly desires, its lusting after the things we can see, its trusting that we can each provide for ourselves – [none of it] comes from the Father. Rather all of this comes from the world…17And the world is passing away with all of its desires!However, those who do God’s Will remain throughout the age.18Young children,It’s the last hour.And as you’ve heard, the fake anointed one is coming, for there are already many fake anointed ones… And that’s how we know it’s the last hour. 19They left us because they weren’t like us; for if they’d been like us, they’d still be with us… And this is what proves that they aren’t like us.20However, the Holy One has chosen you (but then, you already know that). 21So I’m not writing to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it.Remember that there are no lies in the truth!22And who are the liars?They’re the ones who deny that Jesus is the Anointed One!Yes, these are the fake anointed ones: they’re the ones who deny both the Father and the Son. 23For whoever denies the Son [also denies] the Father. But those who have the Son also have the Father.24As for you, hang onto the things that you heard long ago!For if the things that you heard long ago stick with you, you’ll remain in the Son and in the Father… 25and what they’ve promised us is age-long life!26Now, I’m writing this to you [so as to warn you] about those who are trying to lead you astray.27I realize that you don’t need anyone to be teaching you, since the anointing that you received from him is still in you, and his anointing is teaching you about everything… It is true and it doesn’t lie. So, just as it is teaching you, you must remain in him.28Little children,You must stay in him, so that when he’s revealed, we can then speak freely and not be shamed at his appearance. 29For if you recognize the fact that he’s righteous, you’ll also recognize that all who do what’s righteous have been fathered by him.
1Look at the type of love that the Father has given us… To be called the children of God (which is what we really are). And that’s the reason why the world doesn’t understand us… Because they don’t understand Him!2But loved ones, although we’re the children of The God, we really haven’t been shown what we’ll be yet. All we do know is that when [Jesus] is revealed, we’ll be like him, and then we’ll see him just as he is.3Therefore, all those who’ve been given this hope will purify themselves [so that they can be like him]. 4However, those who just keep on sinning are lawbreakers… For lawlessness is sin.5You already know that the reason why he showed himself [in the flesh] was to take away our sins, since there are no sins in him. 6Therefore, no one who’s in him will keep on sinning. However, those who continue to sin haven’t seen him or come to know him yet.7Little children,Don’t allow anyone to mislead you. Only those who do righteous things can be righteous in the same way that he’s righteous. 8For sinners come from the Slanderer, because the Slanderer has been sinning since ancient times. And the reason why the Son of God was shown [in the flesh] was to wipe away the deeds of the Slanderer.9Therefore, no one who’s been fathered by The God can remain a sinner, because His [life] is within him… He can’t keep on sinning, because God has become his Father!10Now, it’s easy to tell the children of God from the children of the Slanderer, for God doesn’t become a father to the unrighteous and to those who don’t love their brothers.11Indeed, from the earliest [days] you’ve heard the message that we must love each other! 12[We don’t want to be] like Cain who came from the wicked one and slaughtered his brother.And why did he slaughter him? Because what his brother did was righteous, while what he did was wicked. 13Therefore brothers, don’t be surprised that the world hates you!14We know that we’ve crossed over from ‘death’ to ‘life’ when we truly love our brothers. However, those who don’t love them just stay ‘dead.’ 15For whoever dislikes his brother is [just like] a murderer… And we all know that murderers won’t receive age-long life.16But we know that we’ve been loved, because [Jesus] gave his life for us… And this is why we should also be willing to lay down our lives for our brothers!17However, how can God’s love be in a person who may have the worldly means to give aid, but doesn’t feel any pity for his brother when he sees that he’s in need?18Little children,Don’t just love with your tongues and with words, but in reality, by doing [whatever is needed].19And this is how we can prove whether we’re really being truthful with ourselves and that our hearts can be confident when we stand before Him. 20But if our hearts are still condemning us, God is greater than our hearts and He knows all that’s going on in there!21Loved ones,If our hearts don’t condemn us, we can have full confidence in God 22and trust that we’ll receive whatever we ask of Him, because we’re obeying His commandments and doing the things that are pleasing in His eyes.23And this is what He’s commanded:We must believe in the name of His Son Jesus the Anointed One, and [we must] love each other… Just as He told us.24For those who keep His commandments are in Him, and He’s in them! Yes, this is how we can know that He’s in us:By the Spirit that He’s given us.
1But loved ones,Don’t believe every breath… You must test the breaths to prove whether they actually come from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.2You can tell whether a breath is from The God by this:Every breath that speaks of Jesus the Anointed One as having come in the flesh, comes from God.3But any breath not speaking of Jesus doesn’t come from God, but from the fake anointed, whom you heard would come into the world… And who’s already here.4Little children,Since you were fathered by God, you’ve already conquered them all… For [the One] who’s in you is greater than the whole world!5Now, those who are fathered by this world talk about worldly things, and the world listens to them. 6But because we’ve been fathered by The God, only those who know Him will listen to us, while those who aren’t from Him won’t listen to us… And this is how you can tell the true breaths from the false breaths.7Loved ones,Keep on loving each other, because love comes from God… So those who love, know God, because love comes from God!8However, those who don’t love haven’t known God, because God is love!9He showed His love for us when He sent His one-and-only Son into this world so that we could gain life through him. 10And this is true love! Because, [back when] we didn’t love God, He still loved us, and He sent His Son as a sacrifice to cover our sins.11Loved ones,If this is how much God loves us, then we’re also obliged to love each other!12Indeed, no one has ever seen The God, but as long as we love each other, He’s in us and He’s perfecting His love in us.13Therefore, we can know that we’re in Him and He’s in us, because He’s given us His Breath… 14And we’ve also seen and testified to the fact that the Father sent His Son as the Savior of the world. 15For whenever anyone admits that Jesus the Anointed One is God’s Son, God is in [this person] and he’s in God.16So, this is how we’ve come to know and believe in the love that The God has for us… Because God is love, and whoever keeps on loving is in God, and God is in him.17This love is also being made perfect in us, so we’ll be able to speak freely in the Judgment Day. And by this, we can be just like Him while we’re still in this world!18Understand that there isn’t any fear in love, because perfect love casts out all our fears. However, those who are still afraid are being tormented by it, because they still haven’t perfected their love.19But, as for us, we love because He loved us first!20Therefore, if anyone says ‘I love God,’ and he still dislikes his brother, then he’s a liar! For if he doesn’t love his brother whom he can see, how can he love God whom he can’t see?21So we have this commandment from Him:‘All who would love God must also love their brothers!’
1Now, those who believe that Jesus is the Anointed One have been fathered by The God. And those who love the One who fathered [them], must also love those [others] whom He fathered.2And this is how we know that we love God’s children:When we love God and we’re obeying His commandments.3Yes, this is love for God: obeying His commandments and not [feeling that] His commandments are hard to follow, 4because everyone fathered by God has conquered the world. And the victor who conquers the world is our faith.5So, who’s conquered the world other than those who have faith that Jesus is the Son of The God? 6For he’s the one who came through water and blood… Jesus the Anointed!No, not just through water, but through water and blood! And the Breath testifies to this, because the Breath is true.7So there are these three witnesses: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Breath, and these three are one. 8And there are three that bear witness on the earth: [spurious text] the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three are one.9Understand that if we can believe the testimony that men provide, the testimony that God gives is even greater… And God has personally testified about His Son! 10So, all those who put faith in the Son of God now have this testimony within themselves!Yet, those who don’t believe God’s own testimony are making Him out to be a liar, because they haven’t trusted what God personally said about His Son. 11And this is what He testified to:He will give us age-long life, and this life is in His Son!12Therefore, those who have the Son also have the life. But those who don’t have the Son don’t have the life.13I’m writing all of this to you, so you’ll know that those who have faith in the name of the Son of God have age-long life. 14And as a result, we can trust that no matter what we may ask for ourselves (as long as it’s His Will), He hears us.15So, if we know that He hears whatever we ask Him for... We also know that we’ll have the things we asked for, just because we asked Him.16Now, if you should see your brother committing a sin that isn’t deadly, you can ask that he might be given life, not death. However, there are sins that do bring death, and when it comes to such sins, I’m telling you not to ask for anything. 17Of course, everything that’s unrighteous is a sin… But there are sins that aren’t deadly.18We know that none of those who’ve been fathered by God will continue to sin. For having The God as their Father protects them so that the Wicked One can’t touch them.19And we know that, while we come from The God, the whole world is still under the influence of the evil one.20We also know that the Son of God has come here and he’s given us the understanding so that we might know this One who’s true, and that we’re living in this True One through His Son Jesus the Anointed.For He’s the God of Truth and of age-long life!21My children, stay away from following idols!
1The older man, to the chosen lady and to her children whom I truly love… And not just from me, but from all those who’ve come to know the truth 2through the truth that exists in us and will continue to be with us throughout the age,3For the kindness, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus the Anointed One (the Son of the Father) [comes to] us through this truth and love.4I’m so very happy, now that I’ve found out that your children are still walking in the truth and following the commandments that we received from the Father. 5So I’m begging you lady (I’m not giving you a new commandment, just one who we’ve had since the beginning) to love each other.6And this is [how we prove our] love: By following His commandments!Yes, that’s the commandment! It’s the same thing that you’ve heard since the beginning… Just keep on following it. 7Because, many have strayed [back] into the world and will no longer admit that Jesus the Anointed One came in the flesh… This [one] is a deceiver and a fake anointed one.8So watch out for yourselves!Be careful not to destroy the things we’ve worked [so hard] on, so that you can receive the full reward!9For those who are running ahead and not remaining in the teaching of the Anointed One don’t really have God. However, those who stick with this teaching have both the Father and the Son.10Therefore, if anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching [anymore], don’t let him into your home, nor rejoice with him,[Syr] 11for anyone who rejoices with him shares in his bad actions.12Although I have many [other] things to write to you, I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. Rather, I’m hoping to come and speak to you face to face, so your joy can be realized.13The children of your chosen sister send you their greetings.
1The older man, to my beloved GaiUs, whom I truly love.2My loved one,I pray that you’re doing well in everything, and that you continue in good health as the man within you prospers.3I was so happy when the brothers came and testified to the fact that you’re continuing to walk in the truth. 4For nothing brings me greater joy than hearing that my children keep on walking in the truth!5Loved one,You’re doing a faithful work by helping the brothers… And even those who are strangers, 6for they’ve testified about your love for the called ones.So it would be a fine thing if you’d also send them off in a way that’s worthy of The God, 7because they’ve been going to the gentiles in [His] name, and they haven’t asked for anything from them. 8As a result, we’re obliged to welcome such ones hospitably, so we can be fellow workers for the truth.9I wrote something to the congregation, but DioTrephes (who likes to be the most prominent) refused to welcome us. 10That’s why, if I go there, I won’t forget the way that he acted, nor any of the wicked rumors that he spread about us. Yet even these things weren’t enough for him, because not only does he fail to welcome the brothers, but he also prevents the rest from doing so… Even expelling them from the congregation!11Loved one,Don’t imitate his bad ways, just do what’s good. Because, those who do what’s good come from God, while those who do what’s bad haven’t seen God.12Yes, everyone has testified about this matter to DeMetrius, so he knows the truth. And now we’re warning you about this… And you know that what we’re saying is true.13I have many other things to write about, but I don’t want to write them with pen and paper. 14I hope to see you soon, and then we can talk face to face.May you have peace.The friends send you their greetings.Give my greetings to the friends by name.
1Jude, a slave of Jesus the Anointed One and a brother of James, to those who are in God the Father (and are loved) as they are in Jesus the Anointed; yes, those who’ve been called and who are being watched over...2May you grow in mercy, peace, and love.3Loved ones,Although I really wanted to write to you about the salvation that we hold in common, I found it necessary to write instead so as to encourage you to keep on struggling for the faith that the Holy Ones have passed on to you, 4because some men have slipped in among you whose judgment was written about long ago.These are godless men who are turning the loving care of our God into something that’s immoral, and they’re denying our only owner and Lord, Jesus the Anointed One.5Now, despite the fact that you already know everything, I want to remind you of this:Although Jehovah once delivered our people from the land of Egypt, He later destroyed the ones who didn’t show enough faith.6He also locked up those [heavenly] messengers that didn’t keep the position they’d [been assigned to] long ago, and left the place where they lived. So He’s now keeping them in perpetual darkness where they’re awaiting their judgment on the Great Day. 7For, just as as [the people] once did in Sodom, GomorRah, and in the cities round about them; these [angels] also started chasing after strange flesh and for things that are sexually immoral.Yes, this is why such examples have been set before us:To show us that [those who do such things] will undergo the penalty of age-long fire.8Yet, this is how some among you who are day-dreamers have also started polluting the flesh! And you aren't showing proper respect for those who’ve been put over you, for you’re even speaking disrespectfully of the Glorious Ones.9Indeed, when MichaEl (the Highest Messenger [of God]) had an argument with the Slanderer over the body of Moses, he didn’t dare to bring a blasphemous judgment against him by speaking disrespectfully. All he said was:‘May Jehovah give you what you deserve!’10However, these men continue to speak disrespectfully about many things that they really don’t understand. And like senseless animals that everyone knows [dirty themselves] naturally, [these men] are really messing on themselves [when they’re doing] things like this.11So, woe to them, because they’re going the way of Cain, they’ve rushed into the wrongs of BalaAm for a reward, and they’re bringing destruction upon themselves with rebellious words like those of KorAh!12[Yet, these men are still] feasting among you at your loving [congregational] meals. [They’re] like rocks that are hidden [below water]. They’re fearless shepherds over just themselves, or dry clouds that are blown in every direction by the winds, or fruitless trees in late autumn that have died twice and been uprooted. 13[They’re also] like wild waves of the sea that foam shameful things on themselves, or like wandering stars that have been reserved for the gloom of age-long darkness.14Remember that the 7th man from Adam, Enoch, prophesied about them when he said:‘{Look!} Jehovah will arrive with tens of millions of His holy ones 15to condemn them and to give all those godless ones what they deserve for the irreverent things that they’re doing in their worldly ways, as well as for all the shocking things that these godless sinners have said against Him.’16For these men continue to grumble and complain about how things work out, as they keep on doing whatever they wish. Their mouths also do a lot of bragging, and they feign admiration of people in order to serve their own [evil] purposes.17But as for you, loved ones, remember what you were once told by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus the Anointed! 18Yes, remember that they used to say this to you:‘In the last days, there’ll be those who speak disrespectfully as they go their own way and do godless things. 19These are the ones who’ll create divisions, for they’re carnal and they don’t have the Breath [of God]!’20However, as for you, loved ones:Keep on building the Holy Faith within yourselves, continue to pray through Holy Breath 21and keep yourselves in God’s love, as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One and age-long life.22Also, be merciful to those who are unsure… 23Save [them] by snatching [them] from the fire! However, as you’re showing them mercy, do this in fear, because you must hate any dirty underwear that has been spotted by the flesh.24Now, to the One who’s able to protect you against stumbling and that can make you free from any defects... May you continue to joyfully shout aloud within the sight of His glory!25Yes, to our only God (our Savior) and to Jesus the Anointed One (our Lord), may there be glory, majesty, might, and authority throughout all time, both now and throughout the ages…May it be so!
1A revelation that The God gave to Jesus the Anointed One to show his slaves the things that must happen very quickly.He sent it by his messenger to his slave John in signs. 2And [John] testifies that everything he saw was the Word of The God and the testimony of Jesus the Anointed.3Those who read it aloud, as well as those who listen to the words of this prophecy and obey the things that are written in it are blest, because the appointed time is near.4From John, to the seven congregations in Asia [Minor]:May you find loving care and peace from The One who is, who was, and who’s coming, as well as from the seven spirits that are in front of His throne, 5and from Jesus the Anointed One, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth, who loves us, who freed us from our sins by his own blood, 6and who made us to be a Kingdom of Priests to his God and Father.May he have glory and might throughout ages of ages.May it be so!7Look! He’s coming in the clouds and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him, and all the nations of the earth will wail because of him.Yes, may it be so!8‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End...’...said Jehovah The God...‘The One who is, that was, and is coming… The Almighty!’9I, John, am your brother who shares in your difficulties over the Kingdom, and in your endurance in Jesus. I’m now on this island called Patmos because of the Word of God and because of my testimony about Jesus.10Now, on the Sabbath day,[Syr] I came to be in The Breath [of God]... For I heard a voice from behind me, and it was as loud as a trumpet!11It said:‘Write the things that you’re about to see on a scroll and send it to these seven congregations:• Ephesus, • Smyrna, • PergaMom, • ThyaTira, • Sardis, • PhilaDelphia, and • LaoDikia.’12Then I turned around to see who was speaking to me. But when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13And between the lampstands, [I saw] someone [that looked] like a son of man... He was dressed in a robe that came down to his feet, and his chest was wrapped in gold.14His head and hair were as bright as white wool or snow, and his eyes were as flames of fire. 15His feet looked like the finest copper as it is being poured from a smelter.His voice sounded like the noise that’s made by large bodies of water.16In his right hand [he held] seven stars, a long, sharp, two-edged sword was protruding from his mouth, and his face glowed as brightly as the sun.17Well when I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.Then he laid his right hand on me and said:‘Don’t be afraid! I’m the first, the last, 18and the living one. And although I died, {Look!} I am living throughout ages of ages. I also hold the keys to death and the place of the dead.19‘You must now write down the things that you’re about to see… For they are things that are now and things that will soon be.20‘As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands:‘The seven stars signify the messengers of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands signify the seven congregations.’
1‘Write this to the messenger of the congregation in Ephesus. Tell him that the one holding the seven stars in his right hand, and who walks among the seven gold lampstands, said this:2‘I know what you’re doing… That you’ve worked hard and endured, that you don’t tolerate evil men, and that you’ve put to the test those who say they’re Apostles (but really aren’t), showing them to be liars. 3‘You’ve also been patient, because you’ve been bearing my name and you haven’t given up.4‘However, you’ve lost the love that you had at first, and I hold this against you. 5So you must recognize how far you’ve fallen and turn around… Go back to doing what you did at the first!‘For if you don’t (and unless you repent), I’ll be coming to you, and I’ll remove your lampstand from its place.6‘However, I can say this on your behalf, that you hate what the Nicolaitans are doing, and I also hate what they’re doing.’7‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!‘I’ll allow those who conquer to eat from the Tree of Life that’s in the Paradise of The God.’8‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in Smyrna. Tell him that this is what the one who is the first, the last, and that died and came to life, has to say:9‘I know of your problems and your poverty (although you’re really rich), and about the blasphemy of those who say they’re Jews (although they really aren’t, they’re just a synagogue of the Slanderer).10‘Don’t be afraid of the things that you’re about to suffer, for {Look!} the Slanderer is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you’ll be persecuted for 10 days.‘But if you’ll be faithful to death, I’ll give you the garland of life.’11‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!‘The ones who conquer won’t be harmed by the second death!’12‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in PergaMom. Tell him that the one who has the long, sharp, two-edged sword said this:13‘I know that the place where you’re living is the very throne of the Slanderer, and yet you keep hanging onto my name. For you didn’t deny your faith in me even in the days of my faithful witness AntiPas, who was killed among you there where the Slanderer lives.14‘However, I still hold a few things against you, for there are some among you who are following the teachings of BalaAm – the one who taught Balak how to set a trap before the Sons of IsraEl [by getting them] to eat sacrifices to idols and to be sexually immoral.15‘You also have those following the teachings of the Nicolaitans. 16So turn around! For if you don’t, I’ll be there soon, and [I’ll] fight a war against you with the long sword from my mouth!’17‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!‘To those who conquer, I’ll give some of the hidden manna and a white pebble. This pebble has a new name written on it that no one will know other than those who receive it.’18‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in ThyaTira. Tell him that the Son of The God (the one who has eyes like flames of fire and whose feet are like fine copper) said this:19‘I know what you’re doing, and I know of your love, your faith, your service, and your endurance. [I also know that] what you’ve been doing recently is even more than what you’ve done in the past!20‘However, I do hold this one thing against you:‘You’re still putting up with that woman JezeBel… The one who calls herself a prophet but teaches and misleads my slaves into immoral sexual acts and into eating things that are sacrificed to idols. 21And although I’ve given her enough time to turn around, she doesn’t wish to repent her immorality.22‘So {Look!} I will be throwing her into a stretcher for carrying the dead, and I will bring a time of great difficulty upon those who are enjoying sex with her... Unless they repent over what they’re doing with her. 23I’m also going to put her children to death, so that all the congregations will know I’m the one who searches their kidneys and hearts, and that repays each one according to his deeds.24‘But, to the rest of you in ThyaTira (those of you who are unaware of such teachings and that haven’t come to know about what they call the deep things of the Slanderer), I’m saying that I won’t lay any more loads on you. 25Just hang on until I get there.26‘For then, I’ll give those who conquer and who’ve obeyed everything that I’ve told them to do down to the end, authority over the nations… 27they’ll shepherd them with an iron rod – with the same [authority] that I received from my Father – and they’ll shatter them like clay pots!28‘I’ll also give them the morning star.’29‘Yes, let those who have ears listen to what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!’
1‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in Sardis. Tell him that the one who has the seven Breaths of God and the seven stars says this:‘I know what you’re doing, and although you have the reputation of being alive, you’re really dead!2‘So, you must wake up and revive the things that aren’t quite dead yet, because I don’t see where you’ve accomplished any of the tasks [that you’ve been assigned] in the sight of my God!3‘You must start remembering [all the things] that you’ve received and heard, then hang onto them and repent! For if you don’t stay awake, I’ll come like a thief… And you won’t be aware of it until I’m right there on you!4‘However, there are a few names in Sardis that haven’t dirtied their robes. These will walk with me and they’ll wear white [robes], because that’s what they truly deserve. 5Yes, all those who conquer will be dressed like that… In white robes. I’ll never erase their names from the Scroll of Life, and then I’ll admit to knowing their names before my Father and His messengers.’6‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!’7‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in PhilaDelphia. Tell him that the one who’s holy and true, and has the key of David that opens what no one can close, and closes what no one can open, said this:8‘I know what you’re doing, and {Look!} I’ve put an open door before you that no one can close!‘I also know that although you don’t have much strength, you’ve kept my word and you haven’t denied knowing my name. 9So, look at what I’m going to do to those from the synagogue of the Opposer who say they’re Jews (but who really aren’t and are just lying)… {Look!} I’m going to make them come and bow at your feet, and I’ll make sure that they know how much I love you.10‘Also, since you’ve obeyed my instructions to be patient, I’m going to protect you from the hour of trial that’s coming upon the whole habitation of mankind, which will try everyone who lives on the face of the earth.11‘I’m coming soon, so hang on, and don’t let anyone steal your garland! 12For I’ll make those who conquer pillars in the temple sanctuary of my God, and they’ll never leave it. I’ll also write the Name of my God upon them, as well as the name of the city of my God, New JeruSalem, which will come down out of the sky from my God, along with my new name.’13‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!’14‘And write this to the messenger of the congregation in LaoDikia. Tell him that the Amen (the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by The God) said this:15‘I know what you’re doing, and that you’re neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16But, since you’re neither hot nor cold (but lukewarm), I’m going to vomit you out of my mouth!17‘For you’re saying:‘I’m rich, and because I’m rich, I don’t need anything!’‘However, what you don’t realize is that you’re really miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked!18‘Therefore, I advise you to buy gold that has been refined by fire from me, so that you can become truly rich and wear white robes; and then nobody will see the shame of your nakedness.‘Also, buy some salve to rub in your eyes so you can see, 19because, I correct and discipline all those whom I really care for. Yes, [you should] repent and become zealous!20‘Look, I’m standing at your door and knocking! And if anyone hears my voice and opens that door, I’ll come in and we’ll dine together. 21Then I’ll allow the ones who conquer to sit down with me on my throne, just as my Father has allowed me to sit on His throne, because I have conquered.’22‘Let those who have ears hear what [God’s] Breath says to the congregations!’
1Well, after I saw those things, I saw a door that opened up in the sky. And the first voice that I heard speaking to me (which sounded like a trumpet) said:‘Now, come on up here, and I’ll show you what must happen next.’2And at that, I immediately [became like] the wind! And look… There was a throne in the sky, and someone was sitting on the throne.3The One who was sitting on it looked like jasper and sardius gems, and all around his throne was a rainbow which looked like an emerald.4Then, surrounding this throne, there were 24 more thrones, upon which sat 24 elders who were each dressed in white robes and had gold garlands on their heads. 5And at the time, there was lightning, thunder, and voices coming from the throne.In front of the throne there were seven flaming lamps, which were the Seven Spirits of The God.6Also in front of the throne was a transparent sea that looked like crystal.And on each of the four sides of the throne there was a creature that had many eyes on its front and back.7• The first creature looked like a lion. • The second looked like a young bull. • The third had the face of a man. • And the fourth looked like a flying eagle.8Also, each of the four creatures had six wings that were wrapped around them, and the inner parts of their wings were full of eyes. These didn’t rest night or day, and they were saying:‘Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah God the Almighty… The One who was, who is, and is coming.’9Then, as the creatures were giving glory, honor, and thanks to the One who was sitting on the throne (the One who lives throughout the ages of ages), 10the 24 elders fell down before Him and bowed to their faces.Then they threw their garlands in front of His throne, and said:11‘You, the Lord and our God, deserve all the glory, honor, and power, because You created everything… Yes, everything was created and exists because You willed it to be!’
1Then I saw a scroll that had writing on both sides in the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. However, it had been sealed tightly with seven seals.2And at that, I saw a mighty messenger that called out in a loud voice:‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’3However, there wasn’t anyone in the heavens or on the earth that was able to open the scroll to examine it. 4So I started crying, because nobody could be found that was worthy to open and examine the scroll.5But then, one of the elders said to me:‘Stop crying.‘Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah and of the root of David has conquered, so he will be able to open the scroll and its seven seals!’6And that’s when I saw a lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered standing between the throne and before the four cherubs and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which symbolize the seven Spirits of The God that have been sent throughout the entire earth.7Then [the lamb] went right up and took [the scroll] from the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. 8And when he took the scroll, the four cherubs and the 24 elders (each of whom held harps and gold bowls that were filled with the incense that symbolizes the prayers of the Holy Ones) fell down in front of him, 9and they sang a new song, which went [like this]:‘You’re the only one who’s worthy,
To receive the scroll and open it’s seals.‘For, you’re the one who was slaughtered,
To buy a people for God with your blood.‘From every tribe, language, country, and race,
10That will serve as Kings and Priests of our God,
And to rule as Kings on the earth.’11Then I looked around, because I heard the voices of many messengers (along with the cherubs and the elders) who were all around the throne and who numbered into the millions and tens of millions!12And they were all shouting in a loud voice:‘This Lamb who was slaughtered deserves to receive the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength, the honor, the glory, and the blessings!’13And after that, I heard all the creatures in the skies, on the ground, under the ground, in the seas, and everything else in those places say:‘May the One who’s sitting on the throne and His Lamb be praised, honored, glorified, and allowed to retain the power throughout ages of ages.’14And during all of that, the four cherubs kept saying ‘May it be so,’ as the elders fell down and bowed to their faces.
1It was then that I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four cherubs say in a thundering voice:‘Come on out!’2And suddenly, {Look!} I saw a white horse. The one who was sitting on it had a bow. Then he was given a garland, and he went out to conquer and to finish his victory.3And after that, he opened the 2nd seal, and I heard the 2nd cherub say:‘Come on out!’4So another horse came out, which was fiery red. The one who was sitting on it was authorized to remove peace from the earth, so that [people] would slaughter each other… And a large sword was given to him.5Then he opened the 3rd seal, and I heard the 3rd cherub say:‘Come on out!’And at that, I saw {Look!} a black horse. The one who was sitting on it had a balance scale in his hand. 6I also heard a voice that sounded like it came from the midst of the four cherubs, which said:‘A quart of wheat for a silver coin and 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of barley for a silver coin… And don’t use any olive oil or wine.’7Then when he opened the 4th seal, I heard the voice of the 4th cherub say:‘Come on out!’8And I saw {Look!} a greenish-yellow horse. The one who was sitting on it was named Death… And the Place of the Dead was following closely behind him.These [four horsemen] were given authority over a quarter of the earth to kill with the sword, with famines, with plagues, and with the wild animals of the earth.9Next he opened the 5th seal.And underneath the Altar, I could see the lives of those who had been slaughtered because of the Word of God and because of the things to which they’d testified. 10They were crying out in loud voices and asking:‘How much longer, O Sovereign Lord who is holy and true, will You keep holding back Your judgments and from bringing vengeance for our blood upon those who live on the earth?’11Well at that, they were each given white robes and they were told to rest just a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow slaves and brothers was to be filled (who were going to be killed as they’d been).12Then I saw him open the 6th seal.There was a great shaking that caused the sun to become as black as haircloth and the entire moon to become like blood. 13And at that, the stars in the skies fell to the earth like a fig tree drops its figs when it’s shaken by a strong wind.14Thereafter, I saw what looked like the sky being rolled up like a scroll, and all the mountains and islands were removed from their places.15Well when that happened, all the kings of the earth, all the important people, all the military commanders, all the rich and powerful, as well as all the slaves and free people went and hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains.16For they were saying to the mountains and rocks:‘Fall over us and hide us from the face of the One who is sitting on the throne and from the rage of the Lamb… 17For the Great Day of their rage has arrived and who’ll be able to survive?’
1Then I saw four messengers who were standing on each of the four corners of the earth. These were holding onto the four winds of the earth so they couldn’t blow on the lands, on the seas, or on the trees.2And after that, I saw another messenger arising from the sunrise, and he was carrying the seal of the living God.Then he shouted loudly to the four messengers who were allowed to harm the lands and the seas, saying:3‘Don’t harm the lands, the seas, or the trees until after we’ve sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.’4Well, that’s when I heard the number of those sealed… 144,000 out of all the tribes of the sons of IsraEl.5• 12,000 were sealed out of the tribe of Judah, • 12,000 out of the tribe of ReuBen, • 12,000 out of the tribe of Gad, 6• 12,000 out of the tribe of Asher, • 12,000 out of the tribe of NaphTali, • 12,000 out of the tribe of ManasSeh, 7• 12,000 out of the tribe of SimeOn, • 12,000 out of the tribe of Levi, • 12,000 out of the tribe of IsSachar, 8• 12,000 out of the tribe of ZebuLun, • 12,000 out of the tribe of JoSeph, and • 12,000 sealed out of the tribe of BenJamin.9And after that, I saw {Look!} a crowd so large that no one could count them. They came from all countries, nationalities, ethnic groups, and languages, and they were all standing within view of the Lamb and the throne. They were each wearing white robes and carrying palm branches in their hands, 10and they were shouting:‘We owe our salvation to our God who’s sitting on the throne and to the Lamb!’11Well, when that happened, all the messengers who were standing in a circle around the throne (as well as all the elders and the four cherubs) started falling to their faces in front of the throne and bowing low before God 12and saying:‘May it be so! May our God have all the praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength throughout ages of ages… May it be so!’13Then one of the elders asked me:‘Just who are these [people] dressed in the white robes? And where did they come from?’14And I replied:‘My lord, [surely] you’re the one who knows!’So he told me:‘They’re the ones who’ve come out of the great time of difficulty and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15‘This is why they’re under the gaze of the throne of The God, serving Him day and night in His temple sanctuary. For the One who’s sitting on the throne will spread His tent over them, 16then they won’t be hungry or thirsty anymore, nor will the sun beat down on them with blistering heat.17‘For the Lamb that’s in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and guide them to the springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe all the tears from their eyes.’
1Well, after he opened the 7th seal, the skies went silent for about a half hour.2Then I saw seven trumpets that were being distributed among seven of the messengers that were standing before God.3And at that, another messenger arrived that was carrying a gold incense bowl. So he stopped in front of the Altar and he was given a large quantity of incense that was to be offered on the gold Altar that was in front of the throne, along with the prayers of all the Holy Ones.4The smoke from the incense that was being offered by the messenger thereafter kept arising before God along with the prayers of the Holy Ones.5Well after that, the messenger then took the incense bowl and filled it with some of the fire [that was burning on] the Altar, and he threw it down to the earth, which caused thunder, voices, lightning, and a great shaking.6And that’s when the seven messengers prepared to blow the seven trumpets:7So the first one blew his trumpet, and hail and fire that was mixed with blood was thrown down to the earth, which caused 1/3 of the lands, 1/3 of the trees, and 1/3 of all of the green plants to be burned.8Then the 2nd messenger blew his trumpet, and something that looked like a huge burning mountain was thrown down into the sea, which caused 1/3 of the sea to turn into blood, 9and this killed 1/3 of the creatures that live in the seas and it destroyed 1/3 of the ships [that were traveling there].10Then the 3rd messenger blew his trumpet, and a huge star that was burning like a lamp fell out of the sky onto 1/3 of the rivers and onto 1/3 of the springs of water.11I was told that the name of this star was Wormwood.So, 1/3 of the water turned into wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had become so bitter.12Well when the 4th messenger blew his trumpet, 1/3 of the sun was then struck, as was 1/3 of the moon and 1/3 of the stars, which brought darkness upon 1/3 [of the earth], so that the day didn’t appear over 1/3 of [the earth], nor did the night.13It was then that I saw an eagle that was flying high in the sky, and I heard it shout:‘Woe, woe, woe to those who are living on the earth, for there are three more trumpet blasts that the three messengers are getting ready to blow!’
1Then the 5th messenger blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fall out of the sky onto the earth, and this one had been given the key to the abyss.2So it opened the abyss, and smoke poured out of it as though it was coming from a huge furnace. The smoke from the abyss thereafter darkened the sun and all of the air.3Well at that, locusts started dropping to the earth out of the smoke, and they were given the same power as earthly scorpions.4However, they’d been told not to damage any of the earth’s vegetation or trees, only those men who didn’t have God’s seal on their foreheads… 5They weren’t allowed to kill them, just to sting them for 5 months.However, the pain that they’d bring would be like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6So during that time, men will look for ways to die, but they won’t find any.Yes, although they’ll wish to die, death will escape them.7These locusts looked like horses that are prepared for battle.On their heads were what appeared to be gold garlands, and their faces looked like the faces of humans. 8They had women’s hair, they had teeth like lions, 9and they wore breastplates that looked like they were made of iron.Also, [the flapping] of their wings sounded like the attack of many chariots in a war, 10and they had tails with stingers like scorpions. The tails [of these locusts] were to be allowed to sting the people for 5 months.11And they also had a king who led them… The messenger of the abyss. In Hebrew [meaning, Aramaic], his name is AbadDon, but he’s called ApolLyon (the Destroyer) in Greek.12Well, after this first woe passed, {Look!} there were two more woes that were getting ready to follow!13So then the 6th messenger blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice that came from the gold horned edges on the Altar that are in front of The God.14And they said to the 6th messenger who held a trumpet:‘Now, release the four messengers who have been tied down at the great EuPhrates River!’15Well at that, four messengers who were prepared to kill 1/3 of all mankind on [a specific] hour, day, month, and year were untied, 16and they led an army that I was told numbered 200 million horsemen.17This is what the horses and their riders looked like in the vision:They wore fire-red, hyacinth-blue, and sulfur-yellow breastplates.Their horses had heads like lions, and fire, smoke, and sulfur came out of their mouths.18It was these three plagues (the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came out of their mouths) that killed 1/3 of all mankind. 19Also, the power of their horses was all in their mouths and their tails, and their tails were like snakes that had heads… Which is what they used to do all the damage.20However, the rest of the people who hadn’t been killed by these plagues still refused to repent over the things that they were doing… They refused to stop bowing before the demons, or before their idols of gold, silver, copper, stone, and wood (things that can’t see, hear, or walk).21Nor did they repent their murders, their occult practices, their sexual immorality, or their thievery.
1Well after that, I saw another very powerful messenger coming down out of the sky who was wrapped in a cloud and he was wearing a rainbow on his head. His face was [as bright] as the sun, his feet were like columns of fire, 2and he held a small opened scroll in his hand.Then he put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the ground, 3and he shouted in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of a lion! And as he was shouting, there were seven rumbles of thunder that each spoke in its own voice.4Well I was getting ready to write down the things that the seven thunders were saying, but then I heard a voice from the heavens that said:‘Don’t write what the seven thunders said… Seal up [those words]!’5Then the messenger whom I saw standing on the sea and on the ground raised his right hand towards heaven, 6and he swore this by the One who lives throughout ages of ages, the One who created the heavens and everything in them and all the lands and everything in them and the sea, and the things which are therein [spurious words].[And he shouted]:‘The time has finally arrived! 7For when the 7th messenger blows his trumpet (which is about to happen), God’s mystery that has been revealed through the good news that He sent through His slaves the Prophets will then be fulfilled.’8And at that, I heard the voice from the sky speaking to me again.It said:‘Now, go and take that little open scroll out of the hands of the messenger that’s standing on the sea and on the ground!’9As a result, I went over to the messenger and I told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me:‘Yes, you must take it and then eat it! It’ll be as sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will be very bitter in your stomach.’10So I took the little scroll out of the hand of the messenger, and I ate it! It was, in fact, as sweet as honey. However, after I ate it, my stomach became very bitter.11Then I was told:‘Now you must prophesy to peoples, nations, languages, and many kings a further time!’
1Next [he] handed [me] a cane that was like a large walking stick.And he said:‘Now, go measure God’s Most Holy, the Altar, and those who are bowing low there. 2Pay no attention to the courtyard outside of the Most Holy… Don’t measure it, because it has been given to the nations and they’re going to trample the Holy City under their feet for 42 months.3‘But after that, I’m going to have my two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days wearing sackcloth.4‘These [two witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that have been standing on the earth before the Lord.5‘If any of their enemies should wish to harm them, fire will come out of their mouths and consume them. So if anyone wants to persecute them, that’s how they’re going to die, 6because these have been authorized to close up the skies so that no rain will fall during the period of their prophesying!‘They’re also authorized to turn water into blood and to bring every sort of plague onto the earth whenever they wish!7‘Then after they’ve finished their testimony, the wild animal will come out of the abyss to fight them, conquer them, and kill them, 8and their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city, which [God’s] Breath refers to as Sodom and Egypt… Because it’s where their Lord was hung on a pole.9‘There the peoples, nationalities, tongues, and ethnic groups will then look at their corpses for 3-1/2 days, during which time they won’t allow them to be buried.10‘And all the while, those who live on the earth will be happy and approve of what happened to them, even sending gifts to each other, because these two prophets will have brought so much pain to those who live on the earth.’11However, after the 3-1/2 days, The God then sent His breath of life into them and they stood up on their feet, which frightened everyone who saw them.12Then [the two witnesses] heard a loud voice from heaven that said to them:‘Come on up here.’And their enemies saw them ascend into the sky in a cloud.13This was followed by a tremendous shaking, and a 10th of the city toppled, destroying the names of 7,000 people.Of course, this frightened all those who were left, and they gave glory to The God of the heavens.14Well, this ended the 2nd woe.But look, a 3rd woe was on its way!15Then the 7th messenger blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in the heavens that were shouting:‘The kingdom of this world now belongs to our God and to His Anointed One, and He will be its ruler throughout ages of ages!’16Well, at that, the 24 elders that were sitting on their thrones fell to their faces before The God and bowed low before Him, 17saying:‘We thank You, O Jehovah God the Almighty (the One who is and that was), because You’ve finally assumed Your great power and started ruling as King.18‘Yes, this made the nations angry, but [the time for] Your rage has arrived when the dead will be judged, when Your slaves (the Prophets, the Holy Ones, and those who fear Your Name – the small and the great) will be rewarded, and when those who are corrupting the earth will be thoroughly corrupted.’19Then the heavenly Most Holy Place of God became visible to me. And inside of His Most Holy Place I could see the Chest of His Sacred Agreement.This was all followed by lightning, voices, thundering, shaking, and a great hailstorm.
1And thereafter, a great sign appeared in the sky… There was a woman that had the sun wrapped around her, the moon was under her feet, and there was a garland of 12 stars on her head.2She was also pregnant and screaming in labor and agony to give birth!3Then another sign appeared in the sky:{Look!} There was a huge fire-red Dragon that had seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads there were seven royal turbans. 4It was dragging 1/3 of the stars of the sky with its tail, and then it threw them down on the ground!This Dragon then went and stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth he could swallow [her child] down!5Well, she then did give birth… To a son, a male, who is to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod.And thereafter, her child was snatched away to God and to His throne, 6as the woman escaped into the desert to a place that God had prepared for her, where she was to be fed for 1,260 days.7Next, a war broke out in heaven.MichaEl and his messengers battled with the Dragon, and the Dragon and his messengers fought back!8However, [the Dragon] lost [the battle] and he could no longer stay in the heavens. 9So the huge Dragon (the original snake who’s called the Slanderer and Opposer) who is misleading the whole habitation [of mankind] was thrown down! He was thrown down to the earth along with [all of] his messengers.10And at that, I heard a loud voice in heaven say:‘Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of God has arrived;
For His Anointed has now been empowered,
And the accuser of our brothers has been cast down,
Who blames them before God both day and night!11‘By the blood of the Lamb, he was conquered,
And by the things to which they’ve testified.
For they didn’t value their lives,
As they stared death in the face!12‘So, rejoice you heavens and all those who live there!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
For the Slanderer has come down to you in great rage,
Knowing that he has little time.’13Then, when the Dragon saw that he’d been thrown down to the earth, he started persecuting the woman who gave birth to the male [child]. 14However, the woman was given the two wings of a huge eagle so she could fly away to her place in the desert where she was to be fed for 3-1/2 times, and where the snake couldn’t reach her.15Then this snake shot a river of water out of its mouth after the woman in an attempt to drown her!16But the ground came to the woman’s aid… It opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the Dragon shot out of its mouth.17This made the Dragon so angry with the woman that he went off to wage war with the rest of her offspring… Those who are obeying God’s instructions and carrying the testimony of Jesus.18And I stood on the seashore. [Note: these words should be at the start of the next chapter]
1I stood on the seashore and {look!}, I saw a wild animal that had seven heads and ten horns come up out of the sea!On its horns, there were ten royal turbans, and on its heads were blasphemous names.2This wild animal that I saw looked like a leopard, but it had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion.Then the Dragon gave [this beast] power, a throne, and great authority.3One of [the animal’s] heads looked like it had been mortally wounded, but this deathblow had been healed and the whole earth started following it admiringly.4They also bowed to the ground before the Dragon, because it is what gave the wild animal its authority!And they bowed before the wild animal too, saying:‘Who else is like this wild animal and who can stand against it?’5Then [the animal] was given a mouth to speak great things and blasphemies, and it was given the authority to act for 42 months. 6So it opened its mouth and spoke blasphemous things against The God… It blasphemed His Name, His Tent, and all those who are encamped in the heavens.7Thereafter, he was allowed to go to war with the Holy Ones and conquer them, and he was given power over every nation, people, language, and ethnic group, 8so that all those on the earth whose names aren’t written in the Lamb’s Scroll of Life would have to bow low before him… This one who’d been slaughtered since the founding of the system of things.9Now, all who have ears should listen to this:10If anyone is a jailer, he’ll be thrown in jail.If anyone kills with the sword, he’ll be killed with a sword!For this is where the Holy Ones will need faith and endurance.11Then I saw another wild animal coming up out of the ground!It had two horns like a lamb, but it started speaking like the Dragon. 12It had all the authority of the first wild animal, which it used in its presence to force all the lands and all those who dwell in them to bow low before the first wild animal whose deathblow had been healed.13It also performed great signs, even making fire come down from the skies onto the earth before everyone, 14so as to mislead those who live on the earth with the signs that it is allowed to perform in front of the wild animal.It also told those who live on the earth to make an image to the wild animal that had survived the sword stroke.15Then it was allowed to give breath to the image of the wild animal so that the image could speak and cause everyone who doesn’t bow low before the image of the wild animal to be killed.16Thereafter, it forced everyone (the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves) to receive a branding on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17so that no one would be able to buy or sell other than those who have the branding, which is the name of the wild animal or the number of its name.18This is where wisdom is required.Let those who can reason calculate the number of the wild animal; it’s a human number: 666.
1Then, {Look!} I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. With him there were 144,000 that had his name and his Father’s Name written on their foreheads.2I also heard a noise coming from the sky that sounded like a lot of water and loud thunder.Well, the sound that I heard was of people who were all playing harps and singing. 3They were singing a new song before the throne and before the four cherubs and the elders, and no one was able to master that song but the 144,000 that had been purchased from the earth.4These hadn’t defiled themselves with women. In fact, they’re virgins who kept following the Lamb no matter where he went. They were bought from among mankind as first fruitage to God and to the Lamb, 5for no lies were found in their mouths and they didn’t have any defects.6Then I saw another messenger flying high in the middle of the sky, and he had age-long good news to proclaim to those who live on the earth… To every ethnic group, nation, language, and people.7He was shouting aloud:‘Fear God and glorify Him, because His hour of judgment has arrived!‘So bow low before this One who made the skies, the lands, the seas, and the springs of water!’8Then another (a second) messenger followed him, saying:‘She has fallen… the Great Babylon has fallen!‘She’s the one who made all the nations drink the wine of her sexually-immoral rampage!’9He was followed by a third messenger who was shouting aloud:‘If anyone bows low before the wild animal and its image and receives its brand on his forehead or on his hand, 10he will have to drink the pure wine of Jehovah’s anger that’s being mixed in the cup of His rage, and he will be examined through torture by fire and with burning rocks in front of the holy messengers and in front of the Lamb.11‘The smoke from this torture of those who bow low before the wild animal and its image and all those who receive the branding of its name will ascend throughout ages of ages, and they won’t have any rest either day or night.12‘Yes, this is where the Holy Ones (those who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus) must really hang on!’13Then I heard a voice coming from the sky that said:‘Write this:‘From now on, the dead that die in the Lord are blest!‘Yes, [God’s] Breath said: let them rest from their hard labor… And may their [good] deeds follow them!’14Well after that, I saw {Look!} a white cloud, and someone was sitting on top of the cloud that looked like a son of man. He had a gold garland on his head and he held a sharp sickle in his hand.15Then another messenger came out of the Most Holy and he shouted this at the one who was sitting on the cloud:‘Now, take that sickle and start harvesting, because it’s time for the harvest… And the harvest is absolutely ripe!’16So at that, the one who was sitting on the cloud lowered his sickle to the ground and started harvesting.17Then another messenger came out of the Most Holy in the heavens who also carried a sharp sickle. 18[He was followed by] a messenger who arose from the Altar, whose responsibility was to burn. And this one shouted to the messenger who held the sharp sickle:‘Now, take that sharp sickle and harvest the clumps of grapes from the vine of the earth… For its grapes are now ripe!’19So the messenger lowered his sickle to the ground and harvested the grapes of the earth. Then he threw them into the great winepress of God’s rage, 20where they were trampled by foot outside of the city.What came out of this winepress was blood that flowed in a stream that was as deep as a horse’s bridle for 1,600 stadia [200 miles / 320km].
1Well after that, I saw another great and wonderful sign in the sky…There were seven messengers [who were bringing] seven plagues.These were the last ones, because they would bring an end to God’s rage.2Then I saw what looked like a sea of crystal and fire.Standing beside the crystal sea were those who had conquered the wild animal, its image, and the number of its name. They were each holding harps of God, 3and they were singing the song of God’s slave Moses and the song of the Lamb.It went:‘Everything that You may do,
O Jehovah the Almighty God,
Is wonderful and great, King of ages.‘For Your ways are all righteous and true,
4And who doesn’t fear You, Jehovah?
[Yes, who won’t] honor Your Name?‘And because You’re the One we can trust,
All the nations will come and bow before You;
For Your righteous deeds have now been revealed.’5Well, at that, I looked and I saw that the heavenly Most Holy (which is [inside] the Tent of Proofs) had been opened up. 6And at that, seven messengers that had the seven plagues came out of the Most Holy wearing clean, bright linen, and they had gold braids around their chests.7Then one of the four cherubs gave [each of] the seven messengers one of the seven golden bowls that were full of the wrath of The God who lives throughout ages of ages.8And then the Most Holy became so filled with smoke because of the glory of God and His power that no one could enter it until after the seven plagues that were being brought by the seven messengers had been delivered.
1Well, after that, I heard a loud voice coming from the Most Holy that told the seven messengers to go and pour the seven bowls of the wrath of God onto the earth.2So the first one went and poured his bowl out on the ground.And with that, the men who had the brand of the wild animal and who were bowing low before its image broke out in very bad malignant sores.3Then the 2nd one poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of dead men. So everything in the sea – every living creature – died.4And after that, the 3rd one poured his bowl into the rivers and springs, and they turned into blood.5Then I heard the messenger that was over the waters say:‘O Holy One who is and that was,
You are righteous, because You’ve passed judgment on these things.
6Since they’ve shed the blood of Your Holy Ones and Prophets, You’ve given them blood to drink… And that’s what they deserve!’7And after that, I heard the Altar speak. It said:‘Yes, O Jehovah God the Almighty, Your judgments are righteous and true.’8Then the 4th [messenger] poured his bowl out on the sun, which caused it to sear men with fire.9Although the tremendous heat seared the men, they just blasphemed the Name of The God who has the power over these plagues, and they didn’t turn back and glorify Him.10Thereafter, the 5th one poured his bowl out on the throne of the wild animal, which made its whole kingdom become dark and its [people] were biting their tongues in pain.11However, they just blasphemed the God of the heavens for all of their pain and their sores, and they didn’t repent of their deeds.12So then the 6th one poured out his bowl into the great EuPhrates River, and this dried up all of its water. [He did this] to prepare the way for the kings from the sunrise.13And then I saw three unclean spirits that looked like frogs come out of the mouths of the Dragon, the wild animal, and the false prophet.14These were the unseen powers of demons that were to serve as signs.
They were sent to all the kings of the habitation of mankind in order to assemble them for the battle of the Great Day of the Almighty God.15‘Look, I’m coming as a thief!‘So, whoever stays awake and keeps his clothes on will be blest… He won’t have to walk around naked and have people see his shame.’16They then assembled [all the earth’s kings] at the place that’s called in Hebrew, Har-Mageddon.17And at that, the 7th [messenger] poured his bowl out into the air.Then a loud voice from the throne inside the Most Holy proclaimed:‘It is now finished!’18This was followed by thunder, lightning, voices, and a shaking that was so great and covered so large an area that nothing has been seen like it since men have lived on the earth.19For it split the great city into three parts, and all the cities of the nations fell into ruin!It was then that God looked at The Great Babylon and He remembered to also give her the cup of the wine of His anger and rage.20For by then, all the islands were gone and there weren’t any more mountains. 21Also, a great hailstorm like [the weight of] talents [100 pounds / 45kg] fell out of the sky upon the people.However, the people just blasphemed God over the plague of hail, although it was an unusually bad plague.
1Then one of the seven messengers that had the seven bowls came over and spoke to me. He said:‘Come here and I’ll show you the judgment on the great whore that sits over many waters. 2[She’s the one] with whom the earth’s kings have had sex, and who made the people of the earth drunk from the wine of her sexual immorality.’3So he carried me on the wind into the desert, and there I saw a woman who was sitting on a scarlet-colored wild animal that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.4This woman was wearing purple and scarlet clothes that were covered with gold, precious gems, and pearls. In her hand [she held] a gold cup that was full of disgusting things and the filth of her immoral sexual acts.5She also had a mysterious name written on her forehead:‘The Great Babylon, the Mother of Whores and of [all] the Disgusting Things of the Earth.’6It was then that I realized that this woman had been getting drunk on the blood of the Holy Ones, as well as on the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.Well when I saw her, I was both confused and amazed.7So the messenger asked me:‘Why are you so confused? I’ll tell you the mystery of the woman and of the wild animal with the seven heads and ten horns that she’s riding.8‘The wild animal that you see had once been, but then it was not. ‘However, it’s about to come out of the abyss again, and then it’ll go off into destruction.‘Yet when they see the return of the wild animal that once was but is no longer, those who live on the earth will marvel at it… But their names haven’t been written in the Scroll of Life since the founding of the world.9‘Here’s where intelligence and wisdom are required:‘The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman is sitting.10‘And there are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, and the other hasn’t arrived yet. But when he gets here, he will only be allowed to stay for a little while.11‘However, the wild animal that was, but isn’t, is an 8th king that comes from the seven, and it’ll go off into destruction.12‘Now, the ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who haven’t received a kingdom yet. However, they’ll be authorized to be kings for one hour with the wild animal. 13And they’ll all have the same idea in mind… To give their power and authority to the wild animal.14‘Then they’ll go and fight against the Lamb. But because he’s the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb and those who are with him (the called, elected, and faithful) will conquer them.’15And then he said this:‘The waters over which you saw the whore sitting mean peoples, crowds, ethnic groups, and languages.16‘Because the ten horns and the wild animal that you saw will hate the whore, they’re going to take away everything that she has and leave her naked…‘Then they’ll eat her flesh and burn [what’s left] in a fire!17‘For God will put [the thought] into their hearts to do what He knows she deserves, and He’s also the One who’ll give them the idea to hand their kingdoms over to the wild animal, so that whatever God says will be fulfilled.18‘Now, the woman whom you saw means the great city that dominates the kings of the earth.’
1Well after all that, I saw another messenger coming down out of the sky. This one was so very powerful that the earth glowed with his glory!2Then he shouted in a mighty voice, saying:‘She has fallen… the Great Babylon has fallen and she has become a home for demons, a prison for unclean spirits, and a cage for scavenger birds!3‘Because, all the nations have fallen [victim] to the wine of the rage of her sexual immorality, all the kings of the earth have had immoral sex with her, and the earth’s businessmen have become rich through the power of her shameless luxury.’4And at that, I heard another voice coming from the sky that said:‘Come out of her my people!‘Come on out, so you don’t share in her sins and receive part of her plagues!5‘For her sins have piled all the way to the heavens, and God has remembered all the unjust things that she has done. 6So, now she must be paid back for all of those [bad] things that she’s done!‘In fact, pay her back with twice as much… Double the payback for the things that she did! If she poured [poison] into a cup, then pour in twice as much for her!7‘Also, as she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, pay her back that much more in pain and sorrow!‘Because she keeps saying in her heart:‘I’m sitting as a queen. I’m nobody’s widow, and I’ll never have to mourn!’8‘So, that’s why her plagues will come upon her in a single day – death, mourning, and famine – and she’ll be consumed by fire, because the Almighty God Jehovah is passing judgment on her!9‘Then those kings of the earth who had sex and lived in shameless luxury with her will bawl and beat themselves in grief over her, as they stand and watch the smoke from her fire.‘10However they’ll stand at a distance, because they’ll be afraid of her torture.‘And they’ll say:‘Woe, woe, you great city… O Babylon you mighty city; for your judgment has arrived in a single hour!’11‘The earth’s businessmen will also bawl and mourn over her, because there won’t be anyone to buy their complete stock of goods anymore… 12any of the gold and silver, the precious stones and pearls, the fine linen, the purple, the silk, the scarlet, any of the scented wood, or any of the things made of ivory, precious wood, copper, or iron… Or the marble, 13the cinnamon, the Indian spice, the incense, the perfumed oil, the frankincense, the wine, the olive oil, the fine flour and wheat… Or the cattle, sheep, horses, coaches, slaves, or human lives.14‘Yes, all the juicy fruit that she so deeply desired has been taken from her, as have all the fatty foods and the bright colors. They’re no longer available to her, and she’ll never have them again.15‘Then the men who sold these things and became rich from her will cry and mourn at some distance from her, because they’ll [also] be afraid of her torture.16‘They’ll say:‘O woe, woe, you great city that wore all the fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and that was so richly covered in gold, precious stones, and pearls; 17because all of that great wealth has been taken away in a single hour!’‘And this was also true of the ship captains, all those who sail, the sailors, and everyone who makes a living at sea. They too stood some distance away 18and called out as they watched the smoke of her burning, saying:‘What other city was like this great city?’19‘Then they threw dust on their heads, bawled, and mourned, shouting:‘O woe, woe, for this great city that made so many shipping companies rich with her wealth, because everything has been taken away from her in a single hour!’20‘O heavens, you Holy Ones, and you Apostles and Prophets!‘Rejoice over this, because God’s judgment has brought vengeance upon her for your sakes!’21Then a mighty messenger picked up a stone that looked like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea, shouting:‘This is how fast that city (the Great Babylon) will be thrown down, and she’ll never be found again!22‘Then the sounds of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpet players will no longer be found in her, nor will craftsman of whatsoever craft he be and tradesman be found there anymore and the stone of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee. [spurious words]23‘No lamplight will ever shine in her again, and the voices of brides and grooms won’t be heard in her thereafter.‘For although her traveling merchants were once the most important men on the earth, and she misled all the nations with her sorcery... 24the blood of the Prophets, the Holy Ones, and of all those who’ve been slaughtered throughout the whole earth... Have been found within her!’
1Well after all that, I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd proclaiming from the skies:‘Praise Jah! [Yes, praise] the salvation, the glory, and the power of our God, 2for His judgments are righteous and true!‘Now He’s finally passed judgment on the great whore that made the whole earth filthy with her immoral sex, and He’s avenged the blood of His slaves [that died] at her hands!’3Then they shouted a second time:‘Praise Jah! Because, the smoke from her will keep ascending throughout ages of ages!’4And at that, the 24 elders and the four cherubs fell down and bowed low before The God as He sat on His throne, saying:‘May it be so! Praise Jah!’5Then a voice came out of the throne that said:‘Praise our God, all of you who are His slaves… Yes – you, the great and the small who fear Him!’6Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, along with the noise of a lot of water and heavy thunder.They were shouting:‘Praise Jah! For Jehovah our God the Almighty has started ruling as king! 7Let’s rejoice, shout in joy, and glorify Him, since it’s time for the Lamb’s wedding!‘Yes, his bride has now prepared herself, 8and she’s been found worthy to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen… For the fine linen represents the righteousness of the Holy Ones.’9Then he said to me:‘Write this down:‘Those who are invited to the Lamb’s wedding banquet are blest!’And he added:‘God really said this.’10Well, when that happened, I fell down in front of his feet to bow low before him. But he warned me, saying:‘Be careful… Don’t do that!‘For I’m just a fellow slave of you and your brothers that are witnesses of Jesus. And testifying for Jesus is the spirit behind this prophecy.‘You should just bow low before God!’11Then I saw the sky opening up, and Look…There was a white horse, and the one who was sitting on it was called Faithful and True, because he judges and he fights his wars for righteousness!12His eyes were like flames of fire and he wore many royal turbans on his head.He also had a name that was written, which nobody knew but him, 13and he was wrapped in a robe that was splattered with blood.This name that he was called is, The Word of The God.14Then following behind him were all the armies of the heavens, [riding] on white horses and wearing white, clean, fine linen.15He also had a long sharp sword protruding from his mouth that he could use to strike the nations. For he will shepherd them with an iron rod.[It was then that I realized that this is the same one who I saw] crushing the grapes with his feet in the winepress of the Almighty God’s anger and rage.16For on his robe and on his thigh he had the name written:‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’17And I also saw a messenger that was standing on the sun and shouting in a loud voice.He was saying to all the creatures that fly high in the skies:‘You should all come and gather for God’s great supper.
18For here you can eat the flesh of kings, generals, mighty men, horses, and riders, as well as the flesh of all the freemen and slaves…
Yes, both the small and the great!’19Then I noticed the wild animal, along with the kings of the earth and their armies, all gathering to wage war against the one who was sitting on the [white] horse and his army.20However, the wild animal was thereafter captured, along with the false prophet that performed the signs in front of it that he’d used to mislead those who received the branding of the wild animal, as well as those who bowed low before its image.Then, while they were all still alive, they were tossed into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21And after that, the long sword that was in the mouth of the one who was riding the [white] horse killed off all the rest…Then the birds came and ate their fill of flesh.
1Well, after that, I saw a messenger coming down out of the sky who had a long chain in his hand [that held] the key to the abyss. 2Then he grabbed the Dragon – the original snake, the Slanderer and Opposer – and chained him up for 1,000 years. 3And then he threw him into the abyss… He closed it up and locked it up over him, so he couldn’t mislead the nations anymore until after the 1,000 years had ended.However, he will be set free for a little while after that.4Next I saw thrones, and those who sat down on them were the ones who had been executed with axes for testifying about Jesus, for telling about God, and those who hadn’t worshiped the wild animal or its image, nor had they received its branding on their foreheads or on their hands.For they were appointed to be judges.Yes, they came to life and ruled as kings with the Anointed One for 1,000 years… 5The rest of the dead didn’t come to life until the end of the thousand years [spurious text]This is the first resurrection. 6Those who have a part in the first resurrection are blest and holy, because the second death won’t have any power over them... For they’ll be Priests of God and of the Anointed One and they’ll rule for 1,000 years.7However, after the 1,000 years have ended, the Slanderer will be set free from his prison 8and he’ll go out to mislead people – Gog and Magog – in all four corners of the earth.Then he will assemble them all for a war…There’ll be as many [of them] as [there are grains of] sand in the seas!9These will thereafter march across the whole earth and they’ll surround the camp of the Holy Ones and the loved city… But then fire will come from the sky and consume them!10And the Opposer who misled them will then be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the wild animal and the false prophet will already have been, and they’ll be tortured there day and night throughout ages of ages.11Then after that, I saw someone sitting on a huge white throne… And before him the land and the sky just vanished and couldn’t be found.12I also saw the dead – the great and the small – standing before the throne, and several scrolls were opened.Then another scroll was opened, which was the Scroll of Life. And the dead were judged by the things that were written in the scrolls, according to the things that they’d done.13Then the sea gave up its dead, and death and the place of the dead gave up the dead in them, and they were all judged by the things that they had done.14And finally, death and the place of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire (the lake of fire symbolizes the second death), 15and anyone whose name wasn’t found written in the Scroll of Life was also thrown into the lake of fire.
1Well at that, I saw new skies and new lands, because the previous skies and lands had disappeared, as had the seas.2I also saw the Holy City, New JeruSalem, stepping down out of the sky from God, prepared like a bride that had been adorned for her man.3Then I heard a loud voice from the throne say:‘Look! The Tent of God is with mankind! He’s going to put up His Tent among them, then they’ll be His people and He’ll be their god.4‘He’s going to wipe all the tears from their eyes and there won’t be any more death, mourning, wailing, or pain, because all that once was will be gone!’5And the One who was sitting on the throne said:‘Look! I’m making everything new!’And he added:‘Write this down, because these words are faithful and true.’6Then He said to me:‘It has all been accomplished!‘I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end – and I’m going to give everyone who is thirsty a free drink from the Spring of the Water of Life!7‘Yes, those who conquer will inherit these things…‘Then I’ll be their God and they’ll be My sons!8‘But as for the cowards, the unbelievers, the nasty, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who cast spells, the idol worshipers, and all the liars... Their inheritance is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur… The second death!’9Well at that, one of the seven messengers with the seven bowls that were full of the seven last plagues came and spoke to me, and said:‘Come here and I’ll show you the bride… The Lamb’s woman!’10So he carried me off on the wind to an enormously high mountain, and there he showed me JeruSalem, the Holy City, as it was coming down out of the sky from God. 11It had all the glory of God, it sparkled like the most precious of gems, and it gleamed like crystal-clear jasper stones.12It had high, thick walls and 12 gates.There was also a messenger standing at each of the 12 gates, and each gate was inscribed with the name of one of the 12 tribes of the sons of IsraEl.13There were three gates on the east side, three gates on the north side, three gates on the south side, and three gates on the west side.14The city wall also had 12 foundation stones upon which the names of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb were written.15Now, the one who was talking to me held up a ruler (a gold reed) that he used to measure the city, along with its gates and its walls. 16The city was square… As long as it was wide. For he then measured the entire city with the reed. Its length, width, and height (which were all equal) measured 12,000 stadions [1,170 miles, / 1,900 km].17Then he measured [the thickness of] its walls.These were the length of a man’s forearm (which is about the same as for a messenger [of God]), times 144.18The walls were made of jasper, and the entire city was made of gold that was as pure as clear crystal. 19The foundation stones for its walls were also decorated with all sorts of precious gems.• The first one was decorated with jasper,
• The 2nd with sapphires,
• The 3rd with chalcedony,
• The 4th with emeralds,
20• The 5th with rubies,
• The 6th with sardius,
• The 7th with peridots,
• The 8th with beryls,
• The 9th with topaz,
• The 10th with chrysoprase,
• The 11th with hyacinth,
• And the 12th with amethysts.21Also, the 12 gates were 12 pearls (each of the gates was made of a single pearl), and the city’s main street was paved with gold that was as pure as clear crystal!22I didn’t see a temple sanctuary within [the city], because Jehovah God the Almighty and the Lamb are its Most Holy. 23Nor did the city need the sun or moon to shine upon it, because it was lit by the glory of God… And the Lamb was its lamp.24So, all the nations were able to walk in its light, and the earth’s kings were bringing their glorious things into it.25Its gates won’t ever be closed during the day, and night won’t exist there. 26For this is where they’ll carry the glory and honor of the nations.27And nothing that’s dirty, nor anyone who does disgusting things or tells lies will ever enter it… Only those [whose names] are written in the Lamb’s Scroll of Life.
1Well after that, he showed me the River of the Water of Life…It was crystal clear and it flowed out [from under] the Throne of The God and of the Lamb, 2down the middle of the street.And along both of its banks were the Trees of Life, which bore 12 [crops of] fruit, putting out the fruit every month! And the Trees’ leaves were used to heal the nations.3Then, everything that might cause people to sin will thereafter be gone. For the Throne of The God and of the Lamb will always be there, where His slaves can come to bow low before Him 4and see His face, and they’ll wear His Name on their foreheads.5Also, since there won’t be any night, they won’t need lamps or sunlight, because Jehovah (The God) will be shining upon them…
And they’ll rule as kings throughout ages of ages.6Then he said to me:‘These words are faithful and true.‘Yes, Jehovah, The God who gave His Breath to the Prophets, sent His messenger to show His slaves the things that will happen very quickly.7‘And look… I’m coming quickly!‘Blest is the one who obeys the things that are prophesied in this scroll.’8Well, I, John, was the one who saw and heard these things. And after I saw and heard it all, I fell down to bow at the feet of the messenger who had shown me these things.9But he warned me again, saying:‘Be careful… Don’t do that!‘For I’m just a fellow slave of you and your brothers who are Prophets and are obeying [the things that] are spoken of in this scroll.‘Rather, bow low before The God!’10He also warned me:‘Now, don’t seal up the things that are said in the prophecy of this scroll, because the season is near. 11So may those who are acting unrighteously stay unrighteous, and may the filthy stay filthy.‘However, may those who are righteous remain righteous, and those who are holy remain holy.12‘Look, I’m coming quickly!‘And the reward that I’m bringing is the repayment to each one for what he’s done.13‘I’m the Alpha and the Omega;
The first and the last;
The beginning and the end.14‘Blest are those who wash their robes, for they’ll be allowed access to the trees of life and they’ll be able to enter these city gates.15‘But the dogs, those who cast spells, those who are immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and everyone who enjoys lying will be left on the outside.16‘I am Jesus, and I sent my messenger to testify to you about these things that will be [coming] to the congregations.‘I am the root and the descendant of David… The bright morning star.17‘Now the Spirit and the bride are saying to you, Come! And let all those who hear this also say, Come!‘Yes, let all that are thirsty come; for anyone who wishes to do so may partake of the water of life freely!18‘I’m also testifying to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll, that if anyone adds anything to it, God will add the plagues to him that are written about in this scroll.19‘And if anyone removes any of the words of this scroll of prophecy, God will remove his share from the Tree of life and from the things that are written in this scroll concerning the Holy City.20‘So, the one who’s testifying to you about these things has said:‘Yes, I’m coming quickly!’May it be so!Come Lord Jesus!21May the loving care of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with all of the Holy Ones.